Wearable, tactile pulse-generating strap and method of using such a strap

Abstract

The application relates to a wearable, tactile pulse-generating strap, in particular a wrist strap, for notification of events, wherein the strap can be fastened to a body part in order to transmit the tactile pulses to the body part. The strap comprises a battery and at least four event notification actuators for generating the tactile pulses, wherein at least one event message notification actuator is arranged in each quadrant of the strap. The strap also comprises at least one receiver for wirelessly receiving event data, and a signal processing unit. The application also relates to a method for translating event data into tactile information.

Description

[0001] Portable, tactile impulse generating tape and method for using such a tape

[0002] The present invention relates to a wearable, tactile impulse-generating band, in particular a wristband, for communicating events. The band is designed to be attached to a part of the body in order to transmit tactile impulses to that part of the body in a targeted manner.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to make information more easily accessible. Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a compact, portable device that enables intuitive and immersive information delivery through precise spatial feedback.

[0004] The problem is solved by a portable, tactile impulse-generating band for communicating events according to claim 1. The band is attachable to a part of the body in order to transmit the tactile impulses to that part of the body. The band comprises:

[0005] a) an accumulator,

[0006] b) at least four event-message actuators for generating the tactile impulses, wherein the actuators are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction of the strip,

[0007] wherein a first event notification actor is located in a first quadrant of a plane of the tape,

[0008] wherein a second event notification actor is located in a second quadrant of the plane of the tape,

[0009] wherein a third event notification actor is located in a third quadrant of the plane of the tape, and

[0010] wherein a fourth event notification actor is located in a fourth quadrant of the plane of the tape,

[0011] c) at least one receiver for wireless reception of data on events, such as information from a head-up display in computer games, and d) a signal processing unit designed to process the data on events received during operation and to transmit it to the event notification actuators according to the processing.

[0012] A key concept of the invention is to efficiently convert visual or auditory information into tactile signals and provide them to the user in real time. The quadrant-based arrangement of the actuators enables the transmission of spatial information, for example, "fire from the left".

[0013] The invention opens up new application possibilities in gaming environments as well as in navigation systems and accessible technologies.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments can be found in the description, the dependent claims and the figures.

[0015] According to one embodiment, at least one of the event-message actuators is arranged inside the belt. In other words, the at least one event-message actuator does not form an outer surface of the belt, but is surrounded by other components of the belt. Preferably, each of the event-message actuators is arranged inside the belt. This protects the event-message actuators from external influences.

[0016] At least one of the event notification actuators can be positioned between an overlay and a skin-side underlay. Advantageously, each of the event notification actuators can be positioned between the overlay and the skin-side underlay. The underlay is preferably deformable so that the event notification actuators can reliably send impulses to the user.

[0017] Preferably, at least one of the event notification actuators, or each of the event notification actuators, is arranged in contact with the underlay. This ensures that the impulses from the event notification actuators are transmitted to the user particularly efficiently. The band is preferably designed as a wristband.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the band comprises

[0019] e) a six-axis sensor for real-time analysis of the body part's orientation in space. This allows the band to determine the orientation of the body part equipped with the band relative to space.

[0020] The signal processing unit is preferably designed to adapt the data to be transmitted to the actuators depending on the data acquired by the six-axis sensor. This allows, for example, the actuator on the left to always be controlled, regardless of the arm position and thus regardless of which actuator is on the left when the arm is in that position.

[0021] The integration of a six-axis sensor, combined with an advanced signal processing unit, allows real-time data to be dynamically and individually adapted to the user's movements. This opens up new application possibilities both in gaming environments and in other areas, such as navigation or accessibility technologies.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the tape (f) comprises a transmitter. The transmitter is preferably configured to send data, for example, data for transmitting an address of the tape, to a computer, a mobile phone, or a dongle.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the band comprises

[0024] g) A locking mechanism to connect the free ends of the band. The locking mechanism can be magnetic or mechanical. This allows for easy handling and secure attachment of the band to the user without the need for elasticity in the band.

[0025] Alternatively, the band can have a ring-shaped form that is permanently closed along its circumference. To securely attach such a band to a body part, it is advantageous if the band is flexible in its longitudinal direction, at least in sections. According to one embodiment, the at least four event-communication actuators are arranged essentially equidistant from each other along the longitudinal direction of the band.

[0026] This allows the user to recognize directional information, such as information regarding the direction from which one is being shot in a computer game, with particular precision.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the signal processing unit is designed to compare the event data received during operation with a predefined threshold and only send a signal to the event notification actuators when the threshold is exceeded or fallen below. This makes it possible to notify a player of threshold exceedances or falls below a threshold, such as a critical drop in health in computer games, via the tape.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the event notification actuators, the at least one receiver, and / or the signal processing unit are permanently connected to the tape.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the at least four event notification actuators are designed as vibration motors.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the band includes a charging coil for inductively charging the battery. Alternatively or additionally, the band can have a charging option via USB, in particular USB-C, to enable wired power transfer.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the accumulator is arranged interchangeably in the belt. This allows a damaged or empty accumulator to be replaced with a functioning or fully charged one without causing damage.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the tape includes a magnet for attaching it to a charging station or charging cable. The tape can have at least two charging contacts for energy transfer. Preferably, the tape can be charged via the two charging contacts while it is attached to the charging station or charging cable by means of the magnets.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the signal processing unit is configured to monitor the charge level of the battery. The tape is preferably configured to transmit the charge level to a display. The display is preferably integrated into the tape. Alternatively, the display can, for example, be a screen on a mobile phone or computer.

[0034] The invention further relates to a system comprising a portable, tactile pulse-generating band according to at least one of the preceding or following embodiments and an associated software application, wherein data relating to events can be assigned to specific tactile pulses to be emitted by means of the software application. This allows the band to be configured according to the user's wishes. For example, the band can indicate the direction from which the user is being shot and / or indicate when the ammunition level falls below a threshold.

[0035] The invention further relates to a system comprising a portable, tactile pulse-generating band according to at least one of the preceding or following embodiments and a dongle. The dongle is physically connectable to a computer or a game console. The dongle has at least one transmitter for sending event data to the receiver of the band.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the dongle includes a signal processing unit designed to convert data received during operation into events.

[0037] For example, the dongle's signal processing unit can be designed to convert string data received during operation into integer data representing events.

[0038] To transmit multiple different pieces of information to the user simultaneously, the system can comprise at least two wearable, tactile pulse-generating bands according to one of the embodiments described above or below. The bands are preferably configured to communicate with each other via a wireless or physical connection. The system can be configured to distribute the displayed events across different actuators on different bands. To enable the user to distinguish as clearly as possible between the information transmitted from the band to the body part, it is advantageous for the bands to be designed to be attached to different body parts, e.g., an arm and a leg, or the left arm and the right arm. The modular design of the system allows for its expansion to other body parts.

[0039] The bands can be designed to emit identical tactile impulses. In this case, the bands can be used to transmit synchronized signals to multiple users in collective experiences, such as e-sports events or training simulations.

[0040] The invention also relates to the use of a portable, tactile impulse-generating band according to at least one of the preceding or subsequent embodiments to transmit data relating to events from virtual worlds, in particular from computer games, tactilely, in particular vibrotactilely, to a part of the body.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the invention also relates to the use of a portable, tactile pulse-generating band according to at least one of the preceding or following embodiments for outputting directional information for indoor and / or outdoor navigation. For this purpose, the band can be used with navigation software, such as Google Maps or Apple Maps, to provide tactile guidance for indoor and outdoor environments.

[0042] The tape can be used, for example, to transmit information such as obstacle warnings or changes of direction through specific vibration patterns.

[0043] The invention further relates to a method for translating event data into tactile information, comprising the steps of: receiving, in particular wirelessly receiving, event data, in particular data relating to auditory or visual information, on a band worn on a part of the body that generates tactile impulses;

[0044] Processing the received data by means of a signal processing unit, by translating the received data into signals that generate movements, in particular vibrations, of at least four event-message actuators of the belt, transmitting the signals selectively to at least one of the at least four event-message actuators of the belt,

[0045] Output of tactile information, for example tactile impulses in the form of vibrations, via the event-message actuators to the body part connected to the band.

[0046] The tactile information represents the received data about events. Preferably, the tactile information is transmitted in patterns. For example, tactile impulses can be sent to the user in the form of specific vibration patterns to inform the user about spatial or status-related information.

[0047] According to one embodiment, feedback or status information from the tactile pulse-generating band can be sent back to an app or API to make adaptive changes to the event data or control parameters.

[0048] Processing the received data may include identifying relevant events, comparing the data with predefined thresholds, and / or converting the data into control commands for the event notification actuators.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises a

[0050] e) Real-time analysis of the orientation of the body part in space, preferably using a six-axis sensor, and a

[0051] Adaptation of the data to be transmitted to the event notification actuators, depending on the acquired data, e.g., based on the acquired data from the six-axis sensor. This information is used to dynamically adapt control commands to the event notification actuators based on the position of the treadmill and the user's movement. For example, the six-axis sensor can detect when the user rotates their arm by 90° and accordingly change the assignment of event notification actuators to directions by 90°. Alternatively or additionally, the six-axis sensor can detect a change in the user's direction of movement, in a computer game or in the real world, and accordingly change the assignment of event notification actuators to directions of movement.

[0052] This improves the transmission of direction-specific information to the user.

[0053] According to one embodiment, event data is generated by an external source, such as a game engine, a navigation API, or real-time object recognition, and transmitted to a dongle via an SDK or interface. The dongle can filter, analyze, and convert the received event data, transforming it into control commands or data that can be sent to the tape. These control commands or data can then be transmitted from the dongle to the tape via a wireless communication interface. Data streams can be synchronized and prioritized during this process.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the tactile pulse-generating band receives event data independent of the user's posture or position. In this case, the output of tactile information, for example, tactile pulses in the form of vibrations, preferably occurs via the event-message actuators, regardless of the orientation of the body part in space. Examples of event data independent of the user's posture or position include ammunition level and shield status.

[0055] According to another embodiment, the tactile impulse-generating band receives event data dependent on the user's posture or position.

[0056] In this case, the output of tactile information, for example, tactile impulses in the form of vibrations, is determined by the actuators based on the orientation of the body part in space. The orientation of the body part in space can be determined using the aforementioned six-axis sensor. The invention is described below using a purely exemplary embodiment: [Figures shown below are not provided in the original text.]

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a portable, tactile impulse-generating band according to the invention in a partially disassembled state;

[0058] Fig. 2a shows the portable, tactile impulse generating band of Fig. 1 in mounted,

[0059] lying down;

[0060] Fig. 2b a perspective view of the portable, tactile impulse generating band of Fig. 1 in a closed state;

[0061] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the portable, tactile impulse generating band of Fig. 1;

[0062] Fig. 4a several portable, tactile impulse generating bands of Fig. 1 in a non-physically connected state;

[0063] Fig. 4b shows the multiple portable, tactile impulse-generating bands of Fig. 4a in a physically connected, cascaded state;

[0064] Fig. 5 shows the portable, tactile impulse generating band of Fig. 1 in conjunction with a wireless charging station;

[0065] Fig. 6a shows a use of the portable, tactile impulse generating band from Fig.

[0066] 1. When playing computer games with a mouse;

[0067] Fig. 6b shows a use of the portable, tactile impulse generating band from Fig.

[0068] 1. when playing with a gaming controller;

[0069] Fig. 7 shows a use of the portable, tactile impulse generating band from Fig.

[0070] 1 for navigation in conjunction with a mobile phone; Fig. 8 the portable, tactile impulse generating band of Fig. 1 in a closed state in an axial view;

[0071] Fig. 9 shows different body parts to which the portable, tactile impulse generating band from Fig. 1 can be attached;

[0072] Fig. 10 shows data management when using the portable, tactile pulse-generating band of Fig. 1 in a game mode; and

[0073] Fig. 11 shows data management when using the portable, tactile pulse generating band of Fig. 1 in a navigation mode.

[0074] Fig. 1 shows a portable, tactile pulse-generating band 10 according to the invention in a partially disassembled state. The band 10 includes a battery 14, which serves as the central power source. The battery 14 supplies a signal processing unit 15 with electrical energy and is connected via internal lines 45 to the at least four event-notification actuators 16, 18, 20, 22. These actuators 16, 18, 20, 22 are positioned in a quadrant-based arrangement (see Fig. 8) and enable a compass-like orientation for displaying directional information, such as firing directions or navigation instructions. The signal processing unit 15 receives data on events 46, processes it, and transmits it to the event-notification actuators 16, 18, 20, 22.Several charging options are available for the band: A USB charging port 44 enables wired charging, while inductive charging options and charging contacts 39 allow for wireless power supply. The band 10 comprises several structural layers, including an inlay 42 that carries the electronic infrastructure and an overlay 41 that serves as a protective and support element.

[0075] A locking mechanism 37 ensures secure attachment to the body.

[0076] Fig. 2a shows the portable, tactile impulse generating band 10 in a mounted, horizontal state.

[0077] Fig. 2b shows a perspective view of the wearable, tactile impulse-generating band 10 in its closed state. The locking mechanism 37, 38, 39 ensures a secure connection and allows for a secure fit to various body parts 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f. This view illustrates the quadrant-based arrangement of the event-communication actuators 16, 18, 20, 22, which deliver tactile impulses to the respective body parts 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f.

[0078] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the portable, tactile pulse-generating band 10. The different layers of the band 10 are clearly visible: The overlay 41 protects the underlying components, while the inlay 42 forms the supporting structure for the electronic components. The underlay 43 provides stability and should be skin-friendly. Internal lines 45 connect the accumulator 14 to the signal processing unit 15 and the event-message actuators 16, 18, 20, 22 to ensure consistent power and data transmission.

[0079] Fig. 4a shows several portable, tactile pulse-generating bands 10 in a non-physically connected state. These bands are independently functional and can be used independently of each other.

[0080] Fig. 4b shows the bands from Fig. 4a in a physically connected, cascaded state 40. This cascading enables synchronized control of the tactile pulses, allowing for finer adjustment of the pulse transmissions. The connection is established via a data communication interface, while the power supply to each band remains independent. Additionally, software-based cascading allows for the individual assignment of addresses.

[0081] Fig. 5 shows the portable, tactile pulse-generating band 10 in conjunction with a wireless charging station 36. The charging station 36 enables contactless energy transfer by inductively charging the accumulator 14. This simplifies the charging process of the band 10 without physical connectors.

[0082] Fig. 6a shows the use of the wearable, tactile pulse-generating band 10 during computer gaming with a mouse 49. The band 10 is attached to the right arm 12c and receives data on events 46 from a game environment 47. This data is acquired, processed, and transmitted to the band 10 via a game engine 56 and a real-time object recognition system 57. Since the arm rests on a fixed surface during mouse 49 use, no offset calculation 59 (see Fig. 8) is performed based on data from the six-axis sensor 13. The received event data 46 is processed by the signal processing unit 15 and transmitted to the event notification actuators 16, 18, 20, and 22. The output is in the form of tactile pulses, which are transmitted to the body part 12c, in this case, the right arm.

[0083] Fig. 6b shows the use of the wearable, tactile pulse-generating band 10 with a gamepad 50. The band 10 is attached to the right arm 12c. In contrast to Fig. 6a, the arm position changes continuously during use of the gamepad 50. The six-axis sensor 13 detects the changes in movement and position of the body part 12c in real time and generates data for determining the offset 59. The event data 46, acquired by the game engine 56 and the real-time object recognition 57, are processed by the signal processing unit 15 and sent to the event notification actuators 16, 18, 20, 22. The output of the tactile pulses takes into account the calculated offset 59, so that the received event data 46 are always transmitted correctly in relation to the current position of the body part 12c.

[0084] Fig. 7 shows the use of the portable, tactile pulse-generating band 10 for navigation with a mobile application 51. A navigation API 55 transmits the directional instruction to the band 10, which then conveys it tactilely. The band 10 preferably receives the data via Bluetooth. The tilt data from the six-axis sensor 13 enables automatic adjustment of the tactile pulses to the arm position. This allows changes in direction, course corrections, and confirmations to be transmitted without auditory or visual distraction.

[0085] Fig. 8 shows the wearable, tactile impulse-generating band 10 in a closed state in an axial view. The event-message actuators 16, 18, 20, 22 are visible in a quadrant-based arrangement. In other words, each of the event-message actuators 16, 18, 20, 22 is arranged in a quadrant 17, 19, 21, 23. The quadrants 17, 19, 21, 23 are arranged in a 2x2 matrix. An offset 59 is detected by the six-axis sensor 13 to adjust the offset of the haptic signals to the user's hand position. The rotation axis 58 serves as a reference point for calculating the respective offset. Figure 9 shows various ways of wearing the wearable, tactile impulse-generating band 10 on different parts of the body, including head 24, neck 25, chest 26, arms 28, 30 and legs 32, 34. The arrows illustrate that the haptic feedback takes place in a 360° space around the user, enabling comprehensive perception.Furthermore, the positioning of the straps can be individually adjusted depending on the application.

[0086] Fig. 10 shows the data management when using the portable, tactile pulse-generating band 10 in a game mode. A signal processing unit of a dongle 53 receives data from a game engine 56, a real-time object recognition system 57, and / or a game state integration system 56. This data is processed and sent to the band 10.

[0087] Fig. 11 shows the data management when using the portable, tactile pulse-generating band 10 in a navigation mode. A navigation API 55 provides directional instructions, which are processed by a mobile application 60 and transmitted to the band 10. Haptic feedback is provided via the event notification actuators 16, 18, 20, 22 and allows the user to perceive directional instructions or course corrections without visual distraction. The signal processing unit of the band 10 compares the signals with the six-axis sensor 13 to ensure that the orientation remains correct regardless of arm position.

[0088] band

[0089] Body part

[0090] a head

[0091] b rib cage

[0092] c Right arm

[0093] d Left arm

[0094] e Right leg

[0095] f Left leg

[0096] Six-axis sensor, accumulator, signal processing unit, event notification actuator, 0° First quadrant

[0097] Event Notification Actuator 90° Second Quadrant

[0098] Event Notification Actuator 180° Third Quadrant

[0099] Event Notification Actuator 270° Fourth Quadrant

[0100] Headband

[0101] Collar

[0102] Chest band

[0103] Right bracelet

[0104] Left bracelet

[0105] Right ankle

[0106] Left ankle

[0107] Induction charging unit, locking mechanism, magnets

[0108] Charging contacts

[0109] Cascading bus connection overlay

[0110] inlay

[0111] Underlay

[0112] USB charging port

[0113] Line

[0114] Event

[0115] Game / Virtual World

[0116] Keyboard

[0117] Mouse

[0118] Gamepad

[0119] Phone with navigation application, direction of travel dongle

[0120] Head-Up Display Navigation API Game Engine / SDK Real-time Object Recognition Rotation Axis Offset / Tilt App

Images