High fidelity haptic mnemonic linear assembly of beads

Abstract

Herein is presented a linear assembly of beads comprising: (a) at least one bead each having a rigid body and two sides; (b) a plurality of non-elastic mechanical connectors each connecting two beads together configured at said two sides of each bead; (c) at least one sprung linear microswitch assembly each contained within a bead and in mechanical communication with the plurality of non-elastic mechanical connectors; (d) optionally a multi-core electrical conductor in communication with each of the sprung linear microswitch assemblies and contained within the plurality of non-elastic mechanical connectors; and (e) at least one control bead configured to respond to state changes in the plurality of sprung linear microswitch assemblies, wherein tension above a certain threshold between two beads of the linear assembly of beads operates the spring microswitch assembly of one of the beads and the signal therefrom is communicated to the control bead.

Description

[0001] HIGH FIDELITY HAPTIC MNEMONIC LINEAR ASSEMBLY OF BEADS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to mnemonic devices in general, and more specifically to haptic mnemonic accessories, jewellery, or artefacts.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The utilization of a physical object such as prayer beads as a mnemonic device to facilitate focused contemplation, repetition of sacred phrases, and reflection during spiritual practice appears across many religious traditions.

[0006] In the Islamic tradition, practitioners employ a string of beads known as the Misbaha, also referred to as Tasbih, as an aid to perform the Zikr (remembrance prayer). Atypical Misbahah consists of three groups of beads, separated by two distinct beads (called imams) along with one larger piece (called the yad) to serve as the handle. The conventional Zikr prayer consists of 33 Tasbeeh (subhana-llah) following by 33 Tahmeed (’al-hamdu li-llah) and following by 33 Takbeer (’Allahu’akbar), and as such Misbahas usually consist of 99. Smaller misbahas consist of 33 beads, in which case one cycles through them three times to complete 99. In some instances, misbahas may also consist of 100 or 200 count beads to assist in the Zikr duties of certain Sufi orders. Despite the undoubted benefits of this tangible system of keeping count during these invocations, practitioners are not always immune to instances of forgetfulness or disruption, which can in some instances lead to a loss of their position in the sequence of supplications. Adherents of the Baha’i faith maintain a related tradition with an assembly of 95 prayer beads with an additional 5 beads below. The Druze ethno-religious community, which shares many similarities with that of Islam and Baha’i, also maintain a spiritual practice aided with similar mnemonic devices to those used in Zikr spiritual practice. Similarly, in the Catholic tradition, prayer beads - both as the various forms of the ‘Chaplet’ or the more common ‘Rosary’ - are used for the counting of a prescribed sequence of prayers. A Rosary may contain 59 beads, and are used to count sequential prayers: 'Our Father'; 'Hail Mary'; and 'Glory Be’, whilst Chaplets can be more variably structured and used to count a broad array of sequential prays, commemorating various and more arcane traditions, often highly specific to sub-denomination within Catholicism or geographical regions. The various Orthodox Christian traditions maintain a similar practice with prayer ropes known variously as ‘Komboskini’, ‘Chotki’, ‘Lestovka’, among others, typically with a specified number of knots and divider beads, which are also employed as an aid to remember the position through particular sequential prayers.

[0007] Religious traditions with roots in the Indian subcontinent, including streams within Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, feature the use of prayer beads known as ‘ Japa Mala’ in their spiritual practice. Typically comprising 108 beads, this string of beads is a physical aid during mantra meditations. The strains of Buddhism present in Japan, which have coexisted and coevolved with the local Shinto spiritual tradition, employ similar prayer beads referred as ‘Juzu’, also used for counting sequential prayers.

[0008] Despite the variations in spiritual tradition and the configuration of prayer beads, such devices share a common purpose: providing a tangible means of ensuring accuracy in prayer repetitions and thereby aiding in the establishment and maintenance of spiritual connection. Just as their function is shared, so too do practitioners share a common obstacle: lapses in memory or focus that produce a loss of position in the prayer sequence - or at least, a loss in confidence in the position held - and thus disrupt the continuity of the spiritual practice. Consequently, a need exists for a solution capable of assisting practitioners in maintaining their place in their prayer sequence and recalling the specific prayers or mantras linked with each bead or bead section. A device or method that effectively addresses these challenges would represent a significant contribution to enhancing the experience of spiritual practice across a multitude of religious traditions.

[0009] The common use shared by various spiritual and religious traditions of haptic mnemonic devices demonstrates a potential for user experience that is demonstrably ubiquitous: passing linear assemblies of beads through a user’s hands produces tactile feedback that can be used in conjunction with the sequence of beads themselves to maintain focus and to remember sequences, functions which represent massive potential for various non-religious applications. Users of prayer beads report they often use them without reciting prayers, simply due to the calming effect that the user experience affords.

[0010] Literary mnemonic devices, memorable sentences where the first letter of each word is also the first letter of an item in an otherwise difficult to remember list, are broadly employed in education curricula around the world. Combining this established method with the haptic feedback provided with the action of passing a linear assembly of beads through a user’s hands could enhance the focus of students significantly. Students with the most to gain from such an application would likely be within the autistic or otherwise neurodivergent community, wherein tactile engagement may be highly important and sequential learning very accessible.

[0011] Members of the neurodivergent community, and other users as well, may benefit from the calming nature of using a linear assembly of beads, in much the same way as adherents of religions that use said linear assembly also use them informally. The potential for therapeutic practices, cited often as an important aspect of the various aforementioned religious traditions, is open not only for the calming nature of using such a device, but even in prescribed sequences of therapeutic affirmations, proclamations, and declarations, as is already popular in the field of psychotherapy and related therapeutic fields. One of the reasons for the near ubiquity of prayer beads across religious traditions is that the experience of moving beads through a user’s hand is a very natural movement. Users may use a single hand to hold the prayer beads, where they may either: push a bead through with their thumb revealing a new bead that had been held in their closed fist; or pull a new bead into their hand and release the slack beads held in their fist. Many users in different traditions will use two hands, pulling with the thumb of one hand, and feeling the movement of the prayer beads with the other whilst maintaining tension. In all of these cases, the movement of the bead being counted produces tension between said bead and the bead adjacent thereto, tension which is both transferred to the larger assembly of prayer beads and which is sensed physically by the user. The physical sensation of this tension, and the relationship thereof with the movement of a user’s hands, together produces the haptic feedback essential to the user experience of prayer beads, itself an essential reason for the broad range of use of prayer beads across so many religious traditions.

[0012] SUMMARY OF INVENTION:

[0013] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, devices and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative and not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other advantages or improvements.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a linear assembly of beads comprises: (a) a plurality of beads each having a rigid body and two sides; (b) a plurality of non-elastic mechanical connectors each connecting two beads together configured at said two sides of each bead; (c) a plurality of sprung linear microswitch assemblies each contained within a bead and in mechanical communication with the plurality of non-elastic mechanical connectors; (d) a multi-core electrical conductor in communication with each of the sprung linear microswitch assemblies and contained within the plurality of non-elastic mechanical connectors; and (e) at least one control bead configured to respond to state changes in the plurality of sprung linear microswitch assemblies, wherein tension above a certain threshold between two beads of the linear assembly of beads operates the spring microswitch assembly of one of the beads and the signal therefrom is communicated to the control bead.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the sprung linear microswitch assembly is in mechanical communication on one side with the non-elastic mechanical connecter and on the other side with the rigid body of the bead.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the certain threshold for the tensions between two beads is between 0.15 and 1.5 N, and typically between 0.4 and 0.7 N. The lower limit of this range reflects the prevention of the weight of the linear assembly of beads itself activating one of the sprung microswitch assemblies. The upper limit of this range reflects the strength of a typical human thumb, which is the appendage in use for the operation of the linear assembly of beads in the one-handed configuration.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one control bead contains a power source and a means of replenishing the electrical power contained therein.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one control bead contains at least one processor and a means of digital storage.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one control bead contains an audio playback device.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one control bead contains a means of wireless communication. According to another aspect of the invention, the means by which the plurality of sprung microswitch assemblies are sprung is provided for by a linear spring. This may be embodied in configurations where the open state of the microswitch in the microswitch assembly is in either the state under user-provided tension or in the state without said tension. Using a simple linear spring confers economic benefits, as said springs are widely available and are mass produced. It is also possible, when the sprung linear microswitch assemblies are configured with a linear spring, to contain the part of the assembly itself within the internal volume of the spring, and thereby to protect the electrical components therein contained.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the linear spring is an extension spring.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, the linear spring is a compression spring.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the means by which the plurality of sprung microswitch assemblies are sprung is provided for by a rotational spring, and wherein a portion of the non-elastic mechanical connector is wound up within the sprung linear microswitch assembly when not under tension. The use of a rotational spring confers a range of benefits, including an increased tunability, greater maintenance of the spring coefficient over long term use, and ease of replacement.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the rotational spring is a spiral spring.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the rotational spring is at least one torsion spring.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the means by which the plurality of sprung microswitch assemblies are sprung is provided for by at least one elastic lever. Unlike springs, the elastic strain placed on an elastic lever is concentrated in much smaller area, which confers benefits relating to how compact each sprung linear microswitch assembly can be. According to another aspect of the invention, the means by which the plurality of sprung microswitch assemblies are sprung is provided for by at least one elastic cordage. Like linear springs, configuring the sprung linear microswitch assembly with elastic cordage confers significant economic benefits, because said cordage is very cheap and broadly available across many regions of the world. Like elastic levers, said cordage confers the benefits of compact and adaptable design. Said elastic cordage may be embodied as a band, or as a linear elastic ligature with mounting points at each end.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the linear assembly of beads further comprises extra ornamental beads in which the multi-core electrical conductor is transmitted therethrough.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, the linear assembly of beads further comprises at least one end bead, wherein said end bead has only one side.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for using a linear assembly of beads as a haptic mnemonic device comprises the steps: (a) configuring a plurality of beads each containing a sprung linear microswitch assembly, wherein each bead is connected to two other beads each by way of a non-elastic mechanical connector, and wherein each microswitch assembly is in electrical communication with a multi -core electrical conductor; (b) configuring at least one control bead in electrical communication with the multi -core electrical conductor; (c) placing tension above a certain threshold on a first bead of the plurality of beads with respect to a second bead and thereby activating the sprung linear microswitch assembly contained in the first bead; and (d) communicating to the control bead an electrical signal through the multicore electrical conductor from the sprung linear microswitch assembly contained in the first bead, whereby tension above a certain threshold activates a sprung linear microswitch assembly contained in a bead and communicates an electrical signal through a multi-core electrical conductor to a control bead.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the method for using a linear assembly of beads as a haptic mnemonic device further comprises the steps: (a) configuring an audio playback device within the at least one control bead; (b) configuring a means of digital storage within the at least one control bead: (c) saving at least one audio file on the means of digital storage and associated with a sequence; (d) playing the at least one audio file with the audio playback device in response to a signal from a particular bead.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the method for using a linear assembly of beads as a haptic mnemonic device further comprises the steps: (a) configuring a means of wireless communication within the at least one control bead; (b) establishing a wireless connection with another wireless device on which an application is installed; (c) selecting the at least one audio files from said application and downloading it to the means of digital storage.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, a linear assembly of beads utilizing a control bead is arranged with a plurality of ornamental beads, wherein the control bead comprises: (a) at least one microswitch assembly configured with a spring mechanism to detect tension applied to ornamental beads on at least one side of the control bead; (b) a control unit comprising an electrical power source, a processor, and a means of storing digital information; (c) an audio output device, wherein a single bead contains at least one sprung microswitch assembly configured to detect tension applied to ornamental beads.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one microswitch assembly is two microswitch assemblies, and wherein the linear assembly is connected at its ends to produce a circular linear assembly containing a single control bead. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0034] Some embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative description and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention.

[0035] In the Figures:

[0036] FIG. 1A constitutes a diagram of a linear assembly of 33 beads with 3 additional decorative beads and an overview of a bead containing a microswitch apparatus, according to some embodiments.

[0037] FIG. IB constitutes an overview of a bead containing a microswitch apparatus, according to some embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 2 constitutes a diagram of a linear assembly of 63 beads, according to some embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 3 constitutes a diagram of a linear assembly of 111 beads with 4 additional decorative beads, according to some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 4A-C constitutes an overview of the control unit, according to some embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 5 constitutes a diagram of a linear assembly of 33 beads with the microswitch apparatuses therein shown.

[0042] FIG. 6 constitutes an overview of the control unit, according to some embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 7A-7H constitute diagrams of parts of the sprung linear microswitch assembly embodied with linear springs, according to some embodiments. FIG. 8A-D constitute diagrams of parts of the sprung linear microswitch assembly embodied with a rotational spring or elastic lever, according to some embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 9 constitutes four embodiments of flip flop circuit fragments contained within a microswitch apparatus.

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0046] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components, modules, units and / or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Some features or elements described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with features or elements described with respect to other embodiments. For the sake of clarity, discussion of same or similar features or elements may not be repeated.

[0047] Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently.

[0048] Reference is made to FIG. 1A, which constitutes a diagram of a linear assembly of 33 beads with 3 additional decorative beads, according to some embodiments. An arrangement of a linear assembly of beads 100 is configured as an Electronic Misbaha, for practitioners of the traditional Muslim prayer: Zikr, according to some embodiments. A bead in which a control unit is embedded 101 comprises an on / off switch 104 and is in communication through at least one conductor 102 to a bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 103, which is itself in communication to another conductor 102 in communication with another bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 103, in a pattern that repeats for all 33 beads. A nonconducting thread 110 connects the bead in which the control unit is embedded 101 to decorative beads 111. According to some embodiments, the Electronic Misbaha has 99 beads. According to some embodiments, an Electronic Misbaha has 99 beads wherein decorative beads separate each group of 33 beads. According to some embodiments, the Electronic Misbaha is configured to produce a signal through the audio output device contained within the control unit that corresponds to each step taken of the traditional Muslim sequential prayer. According to some embodiments, the audio output and number of beads is adapted for Baha’i prayer. According to some embodiments, the audio output and number of beads is adapted for Druze prayer.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the 33 beads disposed in the arrangement of a linear assembly of beads 100 includes a a bead in which a control unit is embedded 101, whilst - according to some other embodiments - the control unit is embedded in a bead not counted within the 33 beads. The configuration of 33 beads, including or not including the bead in which a control unit is embedded 101, reflects the embodiment in which the linear assembly of beads 100 is configured as a misbaha / tasbih. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that for other spiritual traditions or other practices in which the specific number of beads are required, similar optionality is taught by the present invention. For example, configurations of the linear assembly of beads 100 taught in Christian traditions may include 56 beads, including or not including the bead containing the control unit, or configurations of the linear assembly of beads 100 taught in traditions emanating from the Indian subcontinent may include 108 beads, including or not including the bead containing the control unit. Additionally, other functional or ornamental beads may be included that can be counted or not be counted among the strict number observed by adherents of said spiritual traditions.

[0050] Reference is made to FIG. IB, which constitutes an overview of a bead containing a microswitch apparatus, according to some embodiments. A bead 103 is embedded with a microswitch apparatus 120, which is configured to be operated by pressing the bead between a user’s fingers. The microswitch apparatus is in communication with at least one conductor in two positions 102 which extend from opposite ends of the bead 103. According to some embodiments, the microswitch apparatus 104 is in communication with an LED 105 which is configured to respond to the microswitch apparatus.

[0051] Reference is made to FIG. 2, which constitutes a diagram of a linear assembly of 63 beads, according to some embodiments. An arrangement of a linear assembly of beads 200 is configured as an Electronic: Rosary; Chaplet; Komboskini; Chotki; or Lestovkam, for practitioners of the traditional Christian prayer, according to some embodiments. A crucifix shaped bead in which a control unit is embedded 210 comprises an on / off switch 104 and is in communication through at least one conductor 102 to a separator bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 201, which is itself in communication to another conductor 102 in communication with another bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 103, in a pattern that repeats for 3 beads and one separator bead until the linear assembly of beads reaches a divider bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 202. At least one conductor 102 connects the divider bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 202 to a bead in a which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 103, in a pattern that repeats for 9 additional beads in which microswitch apparatuses are embedded, then one separator bead, a pattern itself repeated twice more, before a final 10 beads in which microswitch apparatuses are embedded reconnects to the divider bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 202. According to some embodiments, either the divider bead 202 or the separator beads 201 do not have embedded within them microswitch apparatuses. According to some embodiments, the Electronic: Electronic: Rosary; Chaplet; Komboskini; Chotki; or Lestovkam is configured to produce a signal through the audio output device contained within the control unit that corresponds to each step taken of traditional Christian sequential prayer. According to some embodiments, the audio output and number of beads is adapted for other forms of Christian prayer.

[0052] Reference is made to FIG. 3, which constitutes a diagram of a linear assembly of 111 beads, according to some embodiments. An arrangement of a linear assembly of beads 300 is configured as an Electronic Jaap Mala, for practitioners of the traditional Hindu, Sikh, Jain, or Buddhist prayers, according to some embodiments. Ahead in which a control unit is embedded

[0053] 101 comprises an on / off switch 104 and is in communication through at least one conductor

[0054] 102 to a bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 103, which is itself in communication to another at least one conductor 102 in communication with another bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 103, in a pattern that repeats for all 108 beads wherein each group of 27 beads is separated by a separator bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 201. Two non-conducting threads 110 connects the bead in which the control unit is embedded 101 to decorative four beads 111. According to some embodiments, the Electronic Jaap Mala is configured to produce a signal through the audio output device contained within the control unit that corresponds to each step taken of traditional Hindu, Sikh, Jain, or Buddhist sequential prayer. According to some embodiments, the audio output, number of beads, or arrangement of separator beads is adapted for other forms of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, or Buddhist prayer. Reference is made to FIG. 4A which constitutes an overview of the control unit, according to some embodiments. An arrangement 401 of a bead in which a control unit is embedded 101 contains within: at least one processor 410 in communication with; a non-transitory computer readable medium 411; an electrical power supply 412A in communication with a means of charging electrical power supply 412B; an audio output device 413; and an on / off switch 104; and at least one conductor 102 extending out of the bead in which the control unit is embedded 101. According to some embodiments, the audio output device is capable of playing audio files.

[0055] Reference is made to FIG. 4B which constitutes an overview of the control unit, according to some embodiments. An arrangement 402 of a bead in which a control unit is embedded 101 contains within: at least one processor 410 in communication with; a non-transitory computer readable medium 411; an electrical power supply 412A in communication with a means of charging electrical power supply 412B; an audio output device 413; and an on / off switch 104; at least one conductor 102 extending out of the bead in which the control unit is embedded 101; an increase volume button 415; and a decrease volume button 416. According to some embodiments, the audio output device is capable of playing audio files.

[0056] Reference is made to FIG. 4C which constitutes an overview of the control unit, according to some embodiments. An arrangement 403 of a bead in which a control unit is embedded 101 contains within: at least one processor 410 in communication with; a non-transitory computer readable medium 411; an electrical power supply 412A in communication with a means of charging electrical power supply 412B; an audio output device 413; and an on / off switch 104; at least two conductors 102 extending out of the bead in which the control unit is embedded 101; an increase volume button 415; a decrease volume button 416; a means of wireless communication 417; and a wireless control button 418. According to some embodiments, the audio output device is capable of playing audio files. According to some embodiments, the features of embodiments of the control units displayed in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C may be combined in other arrangements not displayed in said figures. Furthermore, said features of the control unit may be contained within separate beads, according to some embodiments.

[0057] Reference is made to FIG. 5, which constitutes a diagram of a linear assembly of 33 beads with 1 additional decorative bead, according to some embodiments. An arrangement of a linear assembly of beads 500 is configured as an Electronic Misbaha, for practitioners of the traditional Muslim prayer: Zikr, according to some embodiments. A bead in which a control unit is embedded 101 is in communication with an additional bead 502 that comprises an on / off switch 104; an increase volume switch 415; and decrease volume switch 416, and is in communication through at least one conductor 102 to a bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 103, which is itself in communication to another at least one conductor 102 in communication with another bead in which a microswitch apparatus is embedded 103, in a pattern that repeats for all 33 beads. According to some embodiments, the Electronic Misbaha has 99 beads. According to some embodiments, an Electronic Misbaha has 99 beads wherein decorative beads separate each group of 33 beads. According to some embodiments, the Electronic Misbaha is configured to produce a signal through the audio output device contained within the control unit that corresponds to each step taken of the traditional Muslim sequential prayer. According to some embodiments, the audio output and number of beads is adapted for Baha’i prayer. According to some embodiments, the audio output and number of beads is adapted for Druze prayer. According to some embodiments, the bead in which the control unit is embedded 101 is in a shape resembling a Minaret of a Mosque, in keeping with Islamic tradition. According to some embodiments, the additional bead 502 contains an audio output device and is in communication in a wired or wireless fashion with the control unit 501. Reference is made to FIG. 6, which constitutes an overview of the control unit, according to some embodiments. A control unit 120 comprises at least one processor 410 in communication with a non-transitory computer readable medium 411 and a signal output device 413. According to some embodiments, the signal output device 413 is an audio output device, capable of producing an audio signal audible to the user.

[0058] Reference is made to FIG. 7A-7H, which constitute diagrams of parts of the sprung linear microswitch assembly embodied with linear springs, according to some embodiments. Components from the sprung linear microswitch assemblies shown in diagrams shown in FIG. 7A-H are omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0059] In FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, a sprung linear microswitch assembly in a closed state and embodied with an extension spring 701 is shown, wherein FIG. 7A shows a side view and FIG. 7B shows a cross section view. The sprung linear microswitch assembly in a closed state and embodied with an extension spring 701 has two sides 711 and 721, which fit into each other and are both in mechanical communication with an extension spring 731. The resting state of the sprung linear microswitch assembly in a closed state and embodied with an extension spring 701 is the closed state shown, and can be transformed into an open state by placing tension on either side 711 or 712 in a vector parallel to the vector therebetween and in a direction away from the other side. Said tension produces the configuration shown in FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D, wherein a sprung linear microswitch assembly in an open state and embodied with an extension spring 702 is shown, wherein FIG. 7C shows a side view and FIG. 7D shows a cross section view. The sprung linear microswitch assembly in an open state and embodied with an extension spring 702 has two sides 712 and 722, which fit into each other and are both in mechanical communication with an extension spring 732 in an open state. In the context of FIG. 7A-D, the terms “open” and “closed” refer to the positions of the spring, not necessarily the electronic configuration of the microswitch. In FIG. 7E and FIG. 7F, a sprung linear microswitch assembly in an open state and embodied with a compression spring 703 is shown, wherein FIG. 7E shows a side view and FIG. 7F shows a cross section view. The sprung linear microswitch assembly in an open state and embodied with a compression spring 703 has two sides 713 and 723, which fit into each other and are both in mechanical communication with an extension spring 733. The resting state of the sprung linear microswitch assembly is an open state and embodied with a compression spring 703 is the open state shown, and can be transformed into a closed state by placing tension on either side 713 or 713 in a vector parallel to the vector therebetween and in a direction away from the other side. Said tension produces the configuration shown in FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D, wherein a sprung linear microswitch assembly in an open state and embodied with an extension spring 704 is shown, wherein FIG. 7G shows a side view and FIG. 7H shows a cross section view. The sprung linear microswitch assembly in an open state and embodied with a compression spring 704 has two sides 714 and 724, which fit into each other and are both in mechanical communication with an extension spring 734. In the context of FIG. 7E-H, the terms “open ” and “closed” refer to the positions of the spring, not necessarily the electronic configuration of the microswitch.

[0060] According to some embodiments of the invention, the operation of the linear assembly of beads may be performed in either direction, the mechanism taught by the present invention effectively being agnostic to the preference of direction of operation performed by the user. This confers the additional benefit of realism, for the user as users of conventional prayer beads do not specify the direction in which they perform their spiritual practice around the beads.

[0061] Reference is made to FIG.s 8A-D, which constitute diagrams of parts of the sprung linear microswitch assembly embodied with a rotational spring or elastic lever, according to some embodiments. Components from the sprung linear microswitch assemblies shown in diagrams shown in FIG. 8A-D are omitted for the sake of clarity. In FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, a sprung linear microswitch assembly embodied with a spiral spring

[0062] 801 is shown from two angles, and contains a spiral spring 811, a mounting position 821for a non-flexible mechanical connector, a stopping surface 831, a fixed spring mount 841, and an aperture 851 through which a non-flexible mechanical connector is transmitted. The sprung linear microswitch assembly embodied with a spiral spring 801 is shown in both FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B in the resting position, and can be transformed into the non-resting position by pulling the mounting position 821 with a non-flexible mechanical connector (not shown) through the aperture 851, thus rotating the spiral spring 811 and storing therein potential energy.

[0063] In FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D, a sprung linear microswitch assembly embodied with an elastic lever

[0064] 802 is shown from two angles, and contains an elastic lever 812, a mounting position 822 for a non-flexible mechanical connector, a stopping surface 832, a fixed spring mount 842, and an aperture 852 through which a non-flexible mechanical connector is transmitted. The sprung linear microswitch assembly embodied with an elastic lever 802 is shown in both FIG. 8C and FIG. 8D in the resting position, and can be transformed into the non-resting position by pulling the mounting position 822 with a non-flexible mechanical connector (not shown) through the aperture 852, thus rotating (bending) the spiral spring 812 and storing therein potential energy.

[0065] According to some embodiments, two of the spring mechanisms taught in FIG. 8 are disposable within a bead configured within a linear assembly of beads, allowing sensing of movement on both sides of said bead. According to related embodiments, the bead in which the two spring mechanisms are disposed is the only mechanically functional bead in the linear assembly of beads, such that other beads in the linear assembly are traditional ornamental beads, and simply the movement of the user’s hands throughout said beads is configured to activate the spring mechanism thereby providing the control unit a means of counting the number of beads passed through the hands of the user. Reference is made to FIG. 9, which constitutes four embodiments of flip flop circuit fragments contained within a microswitch apparatus.

[0066] In FIG. 9A four NAND gates 911 are combined in a JK flip flop circuit with inputs 901 and 902, and the input from the microswitch 950. In this circuit fragment, which according to some embodiments may be combined with resistors, diodes, capacitors, or other electrical components to ensure stability, if the inputs 901 and 902 are both active, then the microswitch input 950 will produce a toggle effect between 909 and 910. The outputs 909 and 910 may define the inputs for the next microswitch apparatus in the sequence, or provide a feedback to the circuit fragment of FIG. 9A, and may be combined with other circuitry to provide a signal to the control unit that a toggle has been operated, according to some embodiments.

[0067] In FIG. 9B four NAND gates 911 and a NOT gate 912 are combined in a D flip flop circuit with input 903 and the input from the microswitch 950. In this circuit fragment, which according to some embodiments may be combined with resistors, diodes, capacitors, or other electrical components to ensure stability, if the input 903 is active, then the microswitch input 950 will produce a toggle effect between 909 and 910. The outputs 909 and 910 may define the inputs for the next microswitch apparatus in the sequence, or provide a feedback to the circuit fragment of FIG. 9B, and may be combined with other circuitry to provide a signal to the control unit that a toggle has been operated, according to some embodiments.

[0068] According to other embodiments, the means by which the sprung linear microswitch assembly is sprung is provided for by at least one torsion spring, or a by at least one elastic cordage. According to some embodiments, the at least one elastic cordage is a band substantially composed of an elastomer, and is configured in a linear microswitch assembly in such a manner that the extension of said linear microswitch assembly into the “open ” state (as previously defined) places tension on the elastic cordage and stores therein potential energy that is released in returning said assembly to the “closed” state.

[0069] In FIG. 9C two NOR gates 913 and two AND gates 914 are combined in an SR flip flop circuit with inputs 904 and 905 and the input from the microswitch 950. In this circuit fragment, which according to some embodiments may be combined with resistors, diodes, capacitors, or other electrical components to ensure stability, if the inputs 904 and 905 are active, then the microswitch input 950 will produce a toggle effect between 909 and 910. The outputs 909 and 910 may define the inputs for the next microswitch apparatus in the sequence, or provide a feedback to the circuit fragment of FIG. 9C, and may be combined with other circuitry to provide a signal to the control unit that a toggle has been operated, according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, this circuit fragment may be assembled using NAND gates in place of the NOR and AND gates shown.

[0070] In FIG. 9D two AND gates 914 and two NOR gates 912 are combined in a T flip flop circuit with input 906 and the input from the microswitch 950. In this circuit fragment, which according to some embodiments may be combined with resistors, diodes, capacitors, or other electrical components to ensure stability, if the input 906 is active, then the microswitch input 950 will produce a toggle effect between 909 and 910. The outputs 909 and 910 may define the inputs for the next microswitch apparatus in the sequence, or provide a feedback to the circuit fragment of FIG. 9B, and may be combined with other circuitry to provide a signal to the control unit that a toggle has been operated, according to some embodiments.

[0071] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A linear assembly of beads comprises: a. a plurality of beads each having a rigid body and two sides; b. a plurality of non-elastic mechanical connectors each connecting two beads together configured at said two sides of each bead; c. a plurality of sprung linear microswitch assemblies each contained within a bead and in mechanical communication with the plurality of non-elastic mechanical connectors; d. a multi-core electrical conductor in communication with each of the sprung linear microswitch assemblies and contained within the plurality of non-elastic mechanical connectors; and e. at least one control bead configured to respond to state changes in the plurality of sprung linear microswitch assemblies, wherein tension above a certain threshold between two beads of the linear assembly of beads operates the spring microswitch assembly of one of the beads and the signal therefrom is communicated to the control bead.

2. The linear assembly of beads of claim 1, the sprung linear microswitch assembly is in mechanical communication on one side with the non-elastic mechanical connecter and on the other side with the rigid body of the bead.

3. The linear assembly of beads of claim 1, the certain threshold for the tensions between two beads is between 0.15 and 1.5 N, and typically between 0.4 and 0.7 N.

4. The linear assembly of beads of claim 1, the at least one control bead contains a power source and a means of replenishing the electrical power contained therein.

5. The linear assembly of beads of claim 4, the at least one control bead contains at least one processor and a means of digital storage.

6. The linear assembly of beads of claim 4, the at least one control bead contains an audio playback device.

7. The linear assembly of beads of claim 4, the at least one control bead contains a means of wireless communication.

8. The linear assembly of beads of claim 1, the means by which the plurality of sprung microswitch assemblies are sprung is provided for by a linear spring.

9. The linear assembly of beads of claim 8, the linear spring is an extension spring.

10. The linear assembly of beads of claim 8, the linear spring is a compression spring.

11. The linear assembly of beads of claim 1, the means by which the plurality of sprung microswitch assemblies are sprung is provided for by a rotational spring, and wherein a portion of the non-elastic mechanical connector is wound up within the sprung linear microswitch assembly when not under tension.

12. The linear assembly of beads of claim 11, the rotational spring is a spiral spring.

13. The linear assembly of beads of claim 11, the rotational spring is at least one torsion spring.

14. The linear assembly of beads of claim 13, the means by which the plurality of sprung microswitch assemblies are sprung is provided for by at least one elastic lever.

15. The linear assembly of beads of claim 1, the means by which the plurality of sprung microswitch assemblies are sprung is provided for by at least one elastic cordage.

16. The linear assembly of beads of claim 1, the linear assembly of beads further comprises extra ornamental beads in which the multi-core electrical conductor is transmitted therethrough.

17. The linear assembly of beads of claim 1, the linear assembly of beads further comprises at least one end bead, wherein said end bead has only one side.

18. A method for using a linear assembly of beads as a haptic mnemonic device, comprising the steps: a. configuring a plurality of beads each containing a sprung linear microswitch assembly, wherein each bead is connected to two other beads each by way of a non-elastic mechanical connector, and wherein each microswitch assembly is in electrical communication with a multi-core electrical conductor; b. configuring at least one control bead in electrical communication with the multicore electrical conductor; c. placing tension above a certain threshold on a first bead of the plurality of beads with respect to a second bead and thereby activating the sprung linear microswitch assembly contained in the first bead; and d. communicating to the control bead an electrical signal through the multi-core electrical conductor from the sprung linear microswitch assembly contained in the first bead, whereby tension above a certain threshold activates a sprunglinear microswitch assembly contained in a bead and communicates an electrical signal through a multi -core electrical conductor to a control bead.

19. The method of claim 18, the method for using a linear assembly of beads as a haptic mnemonic device further comprises the steps: a. configuring an audio playback device within the at least one control bead; b. configuring a means of digital storage within the at least one control bead: c. saving at least one audio file on the means of digital storage and associated with a sequence; and d. playing the at least one audio file with the audio playback device in response to a signal from a particular bead.

20. The method of claim 18, the method for using a linear assembly of beads as a haptic mnemonic device further comprises the steps: a. configuring a means of wireless communication within the at least one control bead; b. establishing a wireless connection with another wireless device on which an application is installed; c. selecting the at least one audio files from said application and downloading it to the means of digital storage.

21. Alinear assembly of beads utilizing the control bead of claim 1 arranged with a plurality of ornamental beads, wherein the control bead comprises: a. at least one microswitch assembly configured with a spring mechanism to detect tension applied to ornamental beads on at least one side of the control bead;b. a control unit comprising an electrical power source, a processor, and a means of storing digital information; c. an audio output device, wherein a single bead contains at least one sprung microswitch assembly configured to detect tension applied to ornamental beads.

22. The linear assembly of beads of claim 21, wherein the at least one microswitch assembly is two microswitch assemblies, and wherein the linear assembly is connected at its ends to produce a circular linear assembly containing a single control bead.

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