Tactile stimulation providing device

Abstract

A tactile stimulation providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a glove-shaped tactile stimulation providing device, comprising: a first glove-shaped fabric; a second fabric having a shape that covers the back of the hand and upper fingers of the first fabric, extending from the upper fingers of the first fabric to cover the fingerprint portions; fixed patches, each covering the fingerprint portions of the second fabric and having an actuator opening; and actuators, each inserted into the actuator opening and fixed between the fixed patches and the second fabric.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for providing tactile stimulation. Background Technology

[0002] A tactile stimulation device includes actuators and can provide tactile stimulation to a user by selectively vibrating the actuators. The tactile stimulation device can be provided to various parts of the target user's body.

[0003] Recently, technology that recognizes the movement of a user's fingers using external cameras is being introduced. However, when a user wears a glove-shaped tactile stimulation device, it is difficult to recognize the movement of the fingers due to the thickness of the glove, which is filled with electronic components. Furthermore, as the glove becomes thicker, finger movement becomes more uncomfortable. Prior art literature

[0004] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015-0123774 (May 7, 2015) The problem to be solved

[0005] The technical problem to be solved is to provide a glove-shaped tactile stimulation device that can be closely fitted to the user's finger, thereby minimizing discomfort in finger movement and increasing the finger motion recognition rate using an external camera. means of solving the problem

[0006] A tactile stimulation providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a glove-shaped tactile stimulation providing device, comprising: a first glove-shaped fabric; a second fabric having a shape that covers the back of the hand and upper fingers of the first fabric, extending from the upper fingers of the first fabric to cover the fingerprint portions; fixed patches that cover the fingerprint portions of the second fabric and have first openings; and actuators inserted into the first openings and fixed between the fixed patches and the second fabric.

[0007] The above tactile stimulation providing device may further include: first overlapping patches that overlap with the fixed patches and a part of the second fabric; and second overlapping patches that overlap with the fixed patches, another part of the second fabric, and the first overlapping patches.

[0008] The above tactile stimulation providing device may further include a third fabric that covers the back of the hand portion of the second fabric and includes a second opening.

[0009] The above tactile stimulation providing device may further include a first circuit portion inserted into the second opening and located between the third fabric and the second fabric; and driving lines electrically connecting the first circuit portion and the actuators.

[0010] The above drive lines can pass between the third fabric and the second fabric, pass between the second fabric and the first overlapping patches and the second overlapping patches, and pass through the first openings.

[0011] The third fabric further includes a third opening, and the tactile stimulation providing device may further include a bottom case inserted into the third opening and positioned between the third fabric and the first fabric; and a second circuit part supported by the bottom case and electrically connected to the first circuit part.

[0012] The first fabric further includes a fourth opening, and a portion of the edge of the fourth opening is positioned between a portion of the bottom case and a portion of the second circuit part, and the tactile stimulation providing device may further include a top case that presses the first fabric and is coupled to the bottom case.

[0013] The above tactile stimulation providing device may further include a battery located between the second circuit part and the bottom case.

[0014] The above tactile stimulation providing device may further include a battery inserted into the third opening and located between the third fabric and the first fabric; and a power line electrically connecting the battery and the second circuit.

[0015] The above tactile stimulation providing device may further include elastic sensors positioned overlapping the upper finger portions of the second fabric.

[0016] The above tactile stimulation providing device may further include an elastic sensor positioned overlapping the back of the hand, upper fingers, and fingerprint portions of the second fabric. Effects of the invention

[0017] The tactile stimulation providing device according to the present invention can be closely attached to the user's finger, so there is less discomfort in finger movement and the finger motion recognition rate using an external camera can be increased. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the back of the hand portion of a tactile stimulation providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the palm portion of a tactile stimulation providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings for explaining a method of manufacturing a tactile stimulation providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5 to 7 are drawings for explaining a controller case of a tactile stimulation providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a stretchable sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are drawings for illustrating a stretchable sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11 to 13 are drawings for explaining a tactile stimulation providing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0020] To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and the same reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components throughout the specification. Accordingly, the reference numerals described above may also be used in other drawings.

[0021] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated. Thickness may be exaggerated in the drawings to clearly represent various layers and regions.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the back of the hand portion of a tactile stimulation providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the palm portion of a tactile stimulation providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a tactile stimulation providing device (GLV) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a glove-shaped tactile stimulation providing device (GLV), a first fabric (FBR1), driving lines (DRL), a first circuit section (CB1), actuators (ACT), a top case of a controller case (tp_CTC), a power line (PWL), and a battery (BATT).

[0024] FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a tactile stimulation device (GLV) worn on the left hand when viewed from the back of the hand, and FIG. 2 shows the appearance of a tactile stimulation device (GLV) worn on the left hand when viewed from the palm. Since the following description can be equally applied to a tactile stimulation device worn on the right hand, a redundant description is omitted.

[0025] The first fabric (FBR1) may have a glove shape. The first fabric (FBR1) may be the fabric located at the outermost part of the tactile stimulation providing device (GLV). In the following description of a specific fabric, the fabric is not necessarily limited to being composed of only a single piece of fabric, and may be composed of two or more pieces of fabric to facilitate the manufacturing process or to improve functionality. Furthermore, the two or more pieces of fabric do not always need to be made of the same material.

[0026] The palm portion of the first fabric (FBR1) may have a mesh material. Since the user's palm is a body part that sweats a lot, adopting the first fabric (FBR1) with a mesh material facilitates ventilation. Additionally, the back of the hand portion of the first fabric (FBR1) may have the same material as the palm portion (e.g., mesh material). This is because it is desirable for the exterior of the tactile stimulation providing device (GLV) to be seamless in order to recognize the user's hand with an external camera. Compared to the back of the hand and palm portions, the wrist portion of the first fabric (FBR1) may be composed of a relatively rigid material (e.g., leather material). It is desirable for the wrist portion of the first fabric (FBR1) to be composed of a rigid material because it contributes relatively little to camera recognition, supports relatively heavy electronic components (e.g., battery (BATT)), and is water-resistant. The upper wrist portion of the first fabric (FBR1) may include a fourth opening (OPN4). The fourth opening (OPN4) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6a, FIGS. 6b, and FIGS. 7.

[0027] The top case (tp_CTC) may be positioned on the upper wrist of the first fabric (FBR1). The top case (tp_CTC) serves as a controller case and can be assembled together with the bottom case (bt_CTC) to support and protect the internal second circuit unit (CB2) (see FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 7). The top case (tp_CTC) and the bottom case (bt_CTC) may be made of a rigid material (e.g., plastic). The second circuit unit (CB2) may be implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB) as a main controller. The second circuit unit (CB2) can control actuators (ACT) through wired or wireless communication with the outside. Additionally, if elasticity sensors (SS1, SS2) are added, the second circuit unit (CB2) may be configured to read data from the elasticity sensors (SS1, SS2) and transmit it externally (see FIGS. 8 to 10).

[0028] The battery (BATT) can be electrically connected to the second circuit unit (CB2) through the power line (PWL). The battery (BATT) can supply the necessary power to the second circuit unit (CB2) through the power line (PWL). The battery (BATT) can be located on the inner surface of the lower wrist of the first fabric (FBR1). Since the wrist is a body part with relatively little movement, and considering ease of operation, it is desirable to position the center of gravity of the tactile stimulation device (GLV) at the lower wrist. The battery (BATT) may be a standard rigid battery or a battery made of a flexible material (e.g., a flexible battery). If a flexible battery is adopted, the battery (BATT) can naturally bend according to the shape of the wrist, thereby further enhancing the user's wearing comfort.

[0029] The first circuit (CB1) can be electrically connected to actuators (ACT) through drive lines (DRL). The first circuit (CB1) can be composed of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Directly connecting the drive lines (DRL) to the second circuit (CB2) is undesirable because it requires a large volume connection area. Therefore, the first circuit (CB1) functions as a connection medium between the drive lines (DRL) and the second circuit (CB2) and is located on the back of the hand, which is a part of the glove with a low frequency of twisting. Since the user's fingers must be guaranteed free movement, the first circuit (CB1) does not extend to the finger area. The tactile stimulation providing device (GLV) may further include Velcro on one side of the first circuit part (CB1), and by fixing the first circuit part (CB1) to a fabric (e.g., a second fabric (FBR2) or a third fabric (FBR3)) through the Velcro, the first circuit part (CB1) may be prevented from moving out of position (see FIG. 4).

[0030] Actuators (ACTs) can be located on the inner surface of the fingerprint portions of the first fabric (FBR1). Actuators (ACTs) can provide tactile stimulation according to control signals from the second circuit (CB2) transmitted to the driving lines (DRL). For example, conventional motors such as ERM (Eccentric Rotating Mass), LRA (Linear Resonance Actuator), piezoelectric actuator, and voice-coil can be used as actuators (ACTs). Meanwhile, electric stimulation using an electric stimulation actuator and temperature transfer using a Peltier actuator can be used as tactile stimulation. In addition, various actuators such as tactile stimulation actuators using air and liquid, and tactile stimulation actuators using sound waves can be used as actuators (ACTs).

[0031] FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings for explaining a method of manufacturing a tactile stimulation providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the inside and outside of the tactile stimulation providing device (GLV) in an inverted state. Accordingly, the first fabric (FBR1) is located at the innermost position, and the third fabric (FBR3) is located at the outermost position. Referring to FIG. 3, a method of combining (e.g., sewing) the fabrics (FBR1, FBR2, FBR3, FXP, OVP1, OVP2) is described. Subsequently, referring to FIG. 4, a method of inserting and securing electronic components (CB1, ACT, DRL, BATT, CB2, PWL) to the combined fabrics (FBR1, FBR2, FBR3, FXP, OVP1, OVP2) is described. According to the present embodiment, since the sewing steps of the fabrics (FBR1, FBR2, FBR3, FXP, OVP1, OVP2) and the insertion steps of the electronic components (CB1, ACT, DRL, BATT, CB2, PWL) are separated, the sewing steps can be factory automated, and thus there is an advantage in that manufacturing efficiency is increased. If electronic components must be inserted during the sewing steps, it is difficult to factory automate the sewing steps due to the volume of the electronic components, and problems may occur with the electronic components, such as wires being broken.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the second fabric (FBR2) may have a shape that covers the back of the hand and the upper fingers of the first fabric (FBR1), extending from the upper fingers of the first fabric (FBR1) to the fingerprint portions. As previously mentioned, it is preferable that the front of the first fabric (FBR1), excluding the wrist portion, be made of a mesh material for camera recognition. In this case, the first circuit portion (CB1), driving lines (DRL), and actuators (ACT) may be visible from the outside, which is aesthetically undesirable and may be vulnerable to dust or liquid. Therefore, by attaching the second fabric (FBR2) to the first fabric (FBR1) (S101), the aesthetics and product protection of the tactile stimulation providing device (GLV) can be enhanced. The second fabric (FBR2) may be a fabric with waterproof and dustproof functions, a general solid fabric, or a fabric of the same mesh material as the first fabric (FBR1).

[0034] Next, the fixed patches (FXP) can be combined so as to overlap with the fingerprint portions of the second fabric (FBR2) (S102). According to an embodiment, the fixed patches (FXP) can be combined with the second fabric (FBR2) or the first fabric (FBR1).

[0035] The fixing patches (FXP) cover the fingerprint portions of the second fabric (FBR2) and may have first openings (OPN1). Although only one fixing patch (FXP) is shown in FIG. 3 for convenience of explanation, five fixing patches (FXP) are required per glove, equal to the number of fingers. To prevent the actuator (ACT) from unintentionally slipping out, the diameter of the first opening (OPN1) may be smaller than the diameter of the actuator (ACT). The fixing patches (FXP) may be made of a flexible material.

[0036] Next, the first overlapping patches (OVP1), the second overlapping patches (OVP2), and the third fabric (FBR3) can be combined with the second fabric (FBR2) or the first fabric (FBR1) (S103).

[0037] The first overlapping patches (OVP1) may overlap with the fixed patches (FXP) and a portion of the second fabric (FBR2). The second overlapping patches (OVP2) may overlap with the fixed patches (FXP), another portion of the second fabric (FBR2), and the first overlapping patches (OVP1). The first overlapping patches (OVP1) and the second overlapping patches (OVP2) may be positioned so that a portion of them overlap each other, and may be positioned to cover the fingernail portions and fingerprint portions of the second fabric (FBR2). In this case, the portions of the first overlapping patches (OVP1) and the second overlapping patches (OVP2) that overlap each other are not joined.

[0038] The third fabric (FBR3) covers the back of the hand portion of the second fabric (FBR2) and may include a second opening (OPN2). As shown in FIG. 3, the third fabric (FBR3) may be composed of two fabrics, and the space between the two fabrics may form the second opening (OPN2).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, as a zipper (ZP_FPC) is added, the edges of two fabrics of the third fabric (FBR3) are joined, and a second opening (OPN2) in the shape of a closed loop can be formed. Depending on whether the zipper (ZP_FPC) is locked, the opening or closing of the second opening (OPN2) can be determined. Meanwhile, the third fabric (FBR3) may include a third opening (OPN3) in the wrist portion. A zipper (ZP_BATT) may be added to one side of the third opening (OPN3), and depending on whether the zipper (ZP_BATT) is locked, the opening or closing of the third opening (OPN3) can be determined. The third opening (OPN3) facilitates the insertion and fixation of electronic components, but it is not an essential component. That is, in another embodiment, even without the third opening (OPN3), electronic components can be inserted and secured using only the second opening (OPN2). Meanwhile, in yet another embodiment, even without the second opening (OPN2), actuators (ACT), driving lines (DRL), and the first circuit section (CB1) can be inserted using only the third opening (OPN3).

[0040] In FIG. 4, the end of the third fabric (FBR3) where the battery (BATT) is located is shown unfolded for illustrative purposes and may be positioned to overlap the lower wrist of the first fabric (FBR1) during product implementation (see FIG. 2). Also in FIG. 4, the ends of the first overlapping patch (OVP1), the second overlapping patch (OVP2), and the fixing patch (FXP) are shown unfolded for illustrative purposes and, during product implementation, the corresponding ends are already combined with the first fabric (FBR1) or the second fabric (FBR2) (see step (S103) of FIG. 3).

[0041] First, the first circuit (CB1) and the actuators (ACT) can be connected via drive lines (DRL). For example, one end of the drive lines (DRL) can be soldered to the first circuit (CB1), and the other end of the drive lines (DRL) can be soldered to the actuators (ACT).

[0042] Next, actuators (ACT), drive lines (DRL), and a first circuit section (CB1) can be inserted into a second opening (OPN2). Thus, the first circuit section (CB1) can be located between the third material (FBR3) and the second material (FBR2).

[0043] Next, the manufacturer can pass each actuator (ACT) and drive lines (DRL) through the space between the third fabric (FBR3) and the second fabric (FBR2) of the corresponding finger portion. At this time, the first overlapping patch (OVP1) and the second overlapping patch (OVP2) may be separated from each other. Therefore, the manufacturer can easily pull out the actuator (ACT) through the gap between the first overlapping patch (OVP1) and the second overlapping patch (OVP2) (S201).

[0044] Since the first opening (OPN1) of the fixing patch (FXP) is exposed through the gap between the first overlapping patch (OVP1) and the second overlapping patch (OVP2), the actuator (ACT) can be fixed between the fixing patch (FXP) and the second fabric (e.g., fingerprint portion) by being inserted into the first opening (OPN1) (S202, S203). Since the fixing patch (FXP) is made of a flexible material, the manufacturer can open the first opening (OPN1), which has a relatively small diameter, to insert the actuator (ACT), which has a relatively large diameter. Additionally, when the user's finger is inserted into the tactile stimulation providing device (GLV), the fixing patch (FXP) becomes tight, so the actuator (ACT) can be pressed against the fingerprint portion of the user's finger. Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to implement a tactile stimulation providing device (GLV) that reduces volume and eliminates foreign body sensation by not using a connecting material such as Velcro, and can provide fine tactile stimulation by adhering closely to the user's finger.

[0045] The drive lines (DRL) are arranged to pass between the third fabric (FBR3) and the second fabric (FBR2), pass between the second fabric (FBR2) and the first overlapping patches (OVP1) and the second overlapping patches (OVP2), and pass through the first openings (OPN1).

[0046] Next, the second circuit section (CB2) and the battery (BATT) can be connected via a power line (PWL), and the second circuit section (CB2), the battery (BATT), and the power line (PWL) can be inserted into a third opening (OPN3). The second circuit section (CB2) can be combined with the first circuit section (CB1) and electrically connected.

[0047] Additionally, the bottom case (bt_CTC) can be inserted into the third opening (OPN3) and positioned between the third fabric (FBR3) and the first fabric (FBR1). Subsequently, the bottom case (bt_CTC) can support the second circuit section (CB2) by combining with the top case (tp_CTC). After the insertion of the electronic components is complete, the zippers (ZP_FPC, ZP_BATT) are locked, thereby allowing the electronic components to be tightly secured.

[0048] FIGS. 5 to 7 are drawings for explaining a controller case of a tactile stimulation providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, the controller case may include a top case (tp_CTC) and a bottom case (bt_CTC). For example, the top case (tp_CTC) may include protrusions (tp_pt), and the bottom case (bt_CTC) may include protrusion receiving holes (bt_hl) corresponding to the protrusions (tp_pt). Meanwhile, the bottom case (bt_CTC) may include protrusions, and the top case (tp_CTC) may include protrusion receiving holes corresponding to the protrusions.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 6a, first, one side of the second circuit section (CB2) can be partially coupled with one side of the bottom case (bt_CTC) (S301).

[0051] Next, the other side of the second circuit section (CB2) can be partially coupled with the other side of the bottom case (bt_CTC). At this time, a part of the edge of the fourth opening (OPN4) (a part of the first material (FBR1)) can be positioned between the other side of the second circuit section (CB2) and the other side of the bottom case (bt_CTC) (S302). Thus, when the second circuit section (CB2) and the bottom case (bt_CTC) are completely coupled, the first material (FBR1) is interposed between them, so that the positions of the second circuit section (CB2) and the bottom case (bt_CTC) can be fixed in the first place.

[0052] Next, the top case (tp_CTC) can be coupled with the bottom case (bt_CTC) while pressing against the first fabric (FBR1) (S303). For example, the protrusions (tp_pt) of the top case (tp_CTC) can be coupled with the protrusion receiving holes (bt_hl) of the bottom case (bt_CTC) while pressing against the first fabric (FBR1). Additionally, through the third opening (OPN3), further coupling using screws is possible from the bottom case (bt_CTC) toward the top case (tp_CTC). Thus, the positions of the controller case and the second circuit unit (CB2) can be stably fixed.

[0053] Referring to another embodiment of FIG. 6b, step (S302) may be omitted. For example, when one side of the second circuit portion (CB2) is coupled to one side of the bottom case (bt_CTC), the other side of the second circuit portion (CB2) may also be coupled to the other side of the bottom case (bt_CTC) (S301'). In this embodiment, a portion of the edge of the fourth opening (OPN4) is not located between the other side of the second circuit portion (CB2) and the other side of the bottom case (bt_CTC).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, in an embodiment different from the battery (BATT) of FIG. 4, the battery (BATT') may be located between the second circuit section (CB2) and the bottom case (bt_CTC). According to the embodiment of FIG. 7, the battery (BATT') can be better protected and the foreign body sensation on the lower wrist can be eliminated.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a stretchable sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 8, the elastic sensors (SS1) may be positioned overlapping the upper finger portions of the second fabric (FBR2). Since the elastic sensors (SS1) also need to be protected from dust or moisture, it is preferable for them to be positioned between the second fabric (FBR2) and the third fabric (FBR3).

[0057] The elasticity sensors (SS1) can generate sensing signals regarding the length increase and decrease. For example, the resistance value of the elasticity sensors (SS1) can change as the length increases or decreases. The second circuit (CB2) can transmit the sensing signals received from the elasticity sensors (SS1) to the outside. Therefore, the tactile stimulation providing device (GLV) of the present embodiment has the advantage of being able to provide tactile stimulation as well as sense the degree of finger bending.

[0058] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are drawings for illustrating a stretchable sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the elasticity sensor (SS2) may be positioned overlapping the back of the hand, upper fingers, and fingerprint portions of the second fabric (FBR2). According to the present embodiment, a higher degree of freedom can be measured than when applied to the fingers.

[0060] Meanwhile, when the aforementioned actuators (ACT) are composed of piezoelectric elements, they can provide tactile stimulation, but when pressure is applied, they can also function as sensors due to the piezoelectric effect.

[0061] Meanwhile, a tracking module may be separately mounted on the upper part of the controller case of the present invention, particularly the top case (tp_CTC), or the tracking module may be embedded inside the controller case. By providing the three-dimensional coordinates (absolute position) of the user's hand in the current space, the position of the user's hand can be recognized by an external fixed sensor. In implementing this tracking module, technologies such as infrared or visible light sensors, electromagnetic positioning sensors, etc., may be used.

[0062] FIGS. 11 to 13 are drawings for explaining a tactile stimulation providing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 11, the tactile stimulation providing device (GLVc) may further include an actuator (ACTc). In this case, the second fabric (FBR2c) may have a shape in which the thumb portion extends to the palm portion. The actuator (ACTc) and the driving line (DRLc) connected to the actuator (ACTc) are covered by the extension (extd) of the second fabric (FBR2c), so they may not be exposed to the outside by the first fabric (FBR1) made of mesh material.

[0064] According to the embodiment of FIG. 11, tactile stimulation can be provided to the thumb and palm portions that are frequently used by the user to pick up and manipulate objects, while minimizing foreign body sensation and ensuring breathability.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 12, the tactile stimulation providing device (GLVc) may further include actuators (ACTd1, ACTd2, ACTd3, ACTd4). In this case, the second fabric (FBR2d) may include a palm portion. The palm portion of the second fabric (FBR2d) may have a shape that extends from each finger portion or extends from the wrist portion. Since the actuators (ACTd1~ACTd4) and the driving lines connected to the actuators (ACTd1~ACTd4) are covered by the palm portion of the second fabric (FBR2d), they may not be exposed to the outside by the first fabric (FBR1) made of mesh material.

[0066] According to the embodiment of FIG. 12, tactile stimulation can be provided to most of the user's palm, thereby delivering a high level of immersion to the user.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 13, the tactile stimulation providing device (GLVe) may further include an actuator (ACTe). The actuator (ACTe) may be attached to a controller case or to a second circuit unit (CB2). According to the present embodiment, since additional or extended fabric is unnecessary, there are no issues regarding breathability or foreign body sensation, and tactile stimulation can be easily transmitted to the user's wrist.

[0068] The drawings and detailed description of the invention referenced so far are merely exemplary of the invention and are used only for the purpose of explaining the invention, not to limit the meaning or the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0069] FBR1: First fabric FBR2: Second fabric FBR3: Third fabric FXP: Fixed Patch OPN1: First opening ACT: Actuator

Claims

Claim 1 A tactile stimulation providing device in the form of a glove, comprising: a first glove-shaped fabric; a second fabric having a shape that covers the back of the hand and upper fingers of the first fabric, extending from the upper fingers of the first fabric to cover the fingerprint portions; fixed patches that cover the fingerprint portions of the second fabric and have first openings; and actuators inserted into the first openings and fixed between the fixed patches and the second fabric. Claim 2 A tactile stimulation providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: first overlapping patches that overlap with the fixed patches and a part of the second fabric; and second overlapping patches that overlap with the fixed patches, another part of the second fabric, and the first overlapping patches. Claim 3 A tactile stimulation providing device according to claim 2, further comprising a third fabric that covers the back of the hand portion of the second fabric and includes a second opening. Claim 4 A tactile stimulation providing device according to claim 3, further comprising: a first circuit portion inserted into the second opening and located between the third fabric and the second fabric; and driving lines electrically connecting the first circuit portion and the actuators. Claim 5 A tactile stimulation providing device according to claim 4, wherein the driving lines pass between the third fabric and the second fabric, pass between the second fabric and the first overlapping patches and the second overlapping patches, and pass through the first openings. Claim 6 A tactile stimulation providing device according to claim 5, wherein the third fabric further comprises a third opening, a bottom case inserted into the third opening and positioned between the third fabric and the first fabric, and a second circuit part supported by the bottom case and electrically connected to the first circuit part. Claim 7 A tactile stimulation providing device according to claim 6, wherein the first fabric further comprises a fourth opening, the edge of the fourth opening is positioned between a part of the bottom case and a part of the second circuit part, and further comprises a top case that presses the first fabric and is coupled to the bottom case. Claim 8 A tactile stimulation providing device according to claim 7, further comprising a battery located between the second circuit section and the bottom case. Claim 9 A tactile stimulation providing device according to claim 6, further comprising: a battery inserted into the third opening and positioned between the third fabric and the first fabric; and a power line electrically connecting the battery and the second circuit. Claim 10 A tactile stimulation providing device according to claim 1, further comprising elastic sensors positioned overlapping the upper finger portions of the second fabric. Claim 11 A tactile stimulation providing device according to claim 1, further comprising a stretchable sensor positioned overlapping the back of the hand portion, upper fingers, and fingerprint portions of the second fabric.

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