Apparatus for providing a sensing experience

Abstract

Apparatus for providing a sensing experience disclosing comprising: a hand‐held device housing a sensor configured to sense an environment and produce a corresponding sensor response; and a transducer configured to produce a corresponding auditory, hap c or visual output based on an input of the sensor response or a deriva ve thereof. The sensor may be an echosounder, a microphone, a capaci ve sensor, a resis ve sensor or some other suitable sensor. The hand‐held device may be elongate with the sensor being located at one end and a transducer such as a speaker or vibra on mechanism at the other.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A SENSING EXPERIENCE to the Invention

[0002] The present invention aims to improve mental health and individual wellbeing though an accessible process that reconnects to nature and plants through the world of sound, vibration and lights.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided apparatus for providing a sensing experience comprising: a hand-held device housing a sensor configured to sense an environment and produce a corresponding sensor response; and a transducer configured to produce a corresponding auditory, haptic or visual output based on an input of the sensor response or a derivative thereof.

[0005] Such a sensor might be a capacitive sensor, an active or passive electrical sensor in the form of a current or voltage detector, a resistive electric sensor, an active sound sensor such as an echosounder, or a microphone.

[0006] The transducer could be housed in the hand-held device whereby the handdevice produces the corresponding auditory, haptic or visual output. Either alternatively or in addition, a second device external to the hand-held device and housing the transducer such that the sensor response or a derivative thereof is transmitted from the hand-held device to the second device to produce the corresponding auditory, haptic or visual output.

[0007] A pair (or more) of such hand-held devices / wands can be employed and, in particular, if transducer is configured to produce the corresponding auditory, haptic or visual output based on input of sensor responses from both hand-held devices. Where multiple devices are used they may work together.

[0008] In respect of the transducer being a speaker producing auditory output, the sound output may be produced by modulating a reference sound or pre-recorded audio with the sensor response. Also, where this is the case and if the hand-held device is elongate with the sensor being located at a first end of the device, the speaker can be located adjacent a second end of the device, opposite the first end so as to direct sound to a holder of the hand-held device.

[0009] In respect of the transducer being a vibration mechanism producing haptic output, a derivative of the sensor output can be produced by modulating a reference vibration pattern. Also, the vibration mechanism can be located in the hand-held device adjacent a hand grip of the hand-held device whereby vibration can be conveyed to a holder of the hand-held device.

[0010] In respect of the transducer being a lighting mechanism producing visual output, a derivative of the sensor output can be produced by modulating a reference lighting pattern. Also, the lighting mechanism can be located in the hand-held device and the housing of the hand-held device made at least partially transparent whereby visual output can pass through that transparent housing.

[0011] Such apparatus can be configured to produce at least two types of auditory, haptic or visual output.

[0012] Sensor signals may be pre-processed / processed / modulated / amplified to drive an output.

[0013] Sensors may measure changes (Al / T). For example sensors may measure changes in conductivity across two electrodes.

[0014] In some embodiments the sensor fills an array with data, the data in the array is then analysed - if the standard deviation above a set threshold, a note is triggered, the pitch of the note is set by integrating that data in the array and mapping to a MIDI pitch byte.

[0015] For auditory output, each sound may be synthesized in real time (with no sampling). Alternatively or additionally prerecorded audio or a reference sound may be modulated.

[0016] Vibration / light may be triggered in the same way as the MIDI events. Vibration / light may be modulated by modulating established vibration or lighting behaviours with the sensor outputs.

[0017] Further provided in accordance with the present invention is a mobile telephone configured to receive a signal indicative of a sensed environment or a derivative thereof from an external device, and to produce corresponding auditory, haptic or visual output based thereon.

[0018] Benefits of embodiments of the present invention include: handheld easy to use devices user curiosity led for sustained engagement

[0019] Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

[0020] Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims. Each aspect can be carried out independently of the other aspects or in combination with one or more of the other aspects.

[0021] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The present invention will be now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates, schematically, a pair of sensory hand-held devices according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates a conducting electrode pattern on the sensor of the hand-held devices of figure 1;

[0025] Figure 3 illustrates, schematically, the component architecture of one of the hand-held devices of figure 1; Figure 4 shows a further embodiment and comprising a handheld device together with an associated control box;

[0026] Figure 5 illustrates the components of a control box formed according to a further embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates, schematically, an alternative pair of sensory hand-held devices according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 illustrated, schematically, the emotional connections created by devices formed in accordance with the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 shows side, front and rear views of a handheld sensor device formed according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 shows the device of Figure 8;

[0031] Figures 10 to 12 show the device of Figures 8 and 9 in use; and

[0032] Figure 13 shows a pair of devices formed in accordance with the present invention and in use.

[0033] The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0034] Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0035] In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention.

[0036] Detailed Description

[0037] Referring to figure 1, a pair 10 of sensory hand-held devices (or "wands") is shown, each comprising an elongate body 11, 11' and a moulded handle 15, 15'. On the handle and readily accessible to a holder the devices are control buttons 14, 14', 14". Built into the handles are respective speakers 13, 13'.

[0038] At the other end of the devices, sensors 12, 12' are located which enables the devices to be able to interrogate the environment and environmental elements and output a signal (not shown) which is representative of that environment.

[0039] The sensors are electrical sensors in the form of a current detector which produces a sensor response in the form of an electrical signal which characterises detected electrical current or impulses. Such sensors are commercially available. In particular, such a sensor with a multiple, parallel conducting wire electrode configuration is shown in figure 2 which would receive current impulses as the sensor is interacted with environmental elements. The electrodes are shown - micro-variations in electrical current are measured across two points.

[0040] In this embodiment the sensor used measures changes in conductivity across 2 electrodes. It doesn't measure absolute values - it just measures the changes (Al / T).

[0041] Alternative sensors can be used including:

[0042] ■ A capacitive sensor that can emit an electrical field and produce a sensor response in the form of an electrical signal which characterises disruption of that electrical field. I.e., with which one can detect solid or liquid targets without physical contact. Such sensors are commercially available.

[0043] ■ A passive / resistive electric sensor which produces a sensor response in the form of a electrical signal which characterises the resistance of an environmental element when touched by the sensor (including when force sensitive). Such sensors are commercially available.

[0044] ■ An active sound sensorsuch as an echosounderthat can emit sound and produce a response based on reflected echo, or a simply passive microphone. Again, commercially available.

[0045] The component architecture of one of the hand-held devices of figure 1 is shown in figure 3. There is a sensor, as described, which outputs a signal indicative of the sensed environment to a processor where the signal is pre-processed and conditioned for subsequent application of auditory, haptic or visual output.

[0046] The devices of figure 1 are each capable of providing auditory, haptic or visible output: auditory with a speaker located in the handle, haptic as is conventional by the rotating of an unbalanced motor (not shown) and visual output by a light.

[0047] Table 1 illustrates the wellbeing effect provided by use of the present invention.

[0048] Where auditory, haptic or visible output is rendered by an external device, such as a mobile telephone, a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver (BT RX / TX) is able to stream the sensor response to such an external device. This would facilitate complex visual output such as that which might be rendered on a display.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a device 110 formed according to a further embodiment. The device 110 comprises a handheld sensor unit 111 and a control box 117. In other embodiments all components are provided in a device (i.e. no separate control / function box).

[0050] Figure 5 shows example components / functionality of a control box 217: red circle - measures information from the electrodes and converts it into MIDI data green circle - receives MIDI data and generates sounds from it blue circle - Haptic Vibration Motor

[0051] Figure 6 illustrates, schematically, a sensor system 340 comprising an alternative pair of sensory hand-held devices 311, 311' according to the present invention which are using capacitive sensors with an active field 342 to investigate an environmental, in this case, a flower 341. Speakers 313 produce bespoke music created by modulating prerecorded audio with the output from capacitive sensors. This could be done in a variety of ways including by modulating the tempo, pitch and even the composition of the music. Motors (not shown) provide bespoke haptic output 345 by similarly modulating the tempo and strength of a pre-recorded haptic pattern. An internal light (not shown) provides bespoke lighting haptic output 345 though the device housings 311, 311' by similarly modulating the tempo, colour and brightness of a pre-recorded lighting pattern. Further auditory and visual output is streamed 344 via Bluetooth® to a nearby telephone 343.

[0052] The wands will detect slight electrical variations in a plant via the wand electrodes placed on the leaves. In some embodiments these variations are graphed as a wave, which is translated into pitch messages that play musical instruments. Other characteristics of the wave change the textural qualities of those sounds. The result may, for example, be a continuous stream of music, vibrations and light generated by the sonic window of plants. Personalised experiences in nature of bio-sonics and haptics can be facilitated.

[0053] The physical and emotional physical connections created by the devices to the environment is illustrated in figure 7, the heart representing the physical stimulation of the haptic output of the devices and the head representing the emotional influence of auditory and lighting stimulation.

[0054] Figures 8 and 9 show a device 411 formed according to a further embodiment and Figures 10 to 12 show the device in use. Figure 13 shows a pair of devices 611, 611'.

[0055] In embodiments where multiple devices are used together, devices may interact with each other.

[0056] Other variations of the present invention and implementation options will suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus for providing a sensing experience comprising: a hand-held device housing a sensor configured to sense an environment and produce a corresponding sensor response; and a transducer configured to produce a corresponding auditory, haptic or visual output based on an input of the sensor response or a derivative thereof.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor that can emit an electrical field and produce a sensor response in the form of a electrical signal which characterises disruption of that electrical field.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is a current or voltage detector which produces a sensor response in the form of an electrical signal which characterises electrical current or impulses, or voltage.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is a resistive sensor which produces a sensor response in the form of an electrical signal which characterises the resistance of an environmental element when touched by the sensor.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the resistive sensor is force sensitive.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is an echosounder that can emit sound and produce a response based on reflected echo.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is a microphone.

8. Apparatus according to any proceeding claim wherein the transducer is housed in the hand-held device whereby the hand-device produces the corresponding auditory, haptic or visual output.

9. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7 further comprising a second device external to the hand-held device and housing the transducer, wherein the sensor response or a derivative thereof is transmitted from the hand-held device to the second device to produce the corresponding auditory, haptic or visual output.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the hand-held device is elongate with the sensor being located at a first end of the device.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the hand-held device has a hand grip at a second end of the device opposite the first end.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising two such hand-held devices.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the transducer is configured to produce the corresponding auditory, haptic or visual output based on input of sensor responses from both hand-held devices.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the transducer is a speaker which produces auditory output.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein a derivative of the sensor output is produced by modulating a reference sound or pre-recorded audio.

16. Apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the hand-held device is elongate with the sensor being located at a first end of the device and the speaker being located adjacent a second end of the device, opposite the first end so as to direct sound to a holder of the hand-held device.

17. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13 wherein the transducer is a vibration mechanism which produces haptic output.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein a derivative of the sensor output is produced by modulating a reference vibration pattern.

19. Apparatus according to claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the vibration mechanism is located in the hand-held device adjacent a hand grip of the hand-held device whereby vibration can be conveyed to a holder of the hand-held device.

20. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13 wherein the transducer is a lighting mechanism which produces visual output.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein a derivative of the sensor output is produced by modulating a reference lighting pattern.

22. Apparatus according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the lighting mechanism is located in the hand-held device and wherein the housing of the hand-held device is at least partially transparent whereby visual output can pass through that transparent housing.

23. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising multiple transducers configured to produce at least two types of auditory, haptic or visual output.

24. A mobile device configured to receive a signal from an external device indicative of a sensed environment or a derivative thereof, and to produce corresponding auditory, haptic or visual output based thereon.25 A mobile device comprising wherein the transducer is either a speaker which produces auditory output, a vibration mechanism which produces haptic output or a lighting mechanism which produces visual output, all by modulating a reference sound or pre-recorded audio, a reference vibration pattern or a reference lighting pattern respectively.

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