JP2002517842A - Electric information transmission device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The present invention provides a new electrical information transmission device that transmits information by low-level electric shock. The electric information transmission device has a low-level current source and a signal controller electrically connected to the low-level current source. The user-contactable electrode is brought into electrical contact with the signal controller to contact the user. The signal controller outputs a non-aversion current output signal indicating information desired to be transmitted to the user. A non-disgusting current output signal is provided to the user through the electrodes as a low level electric shock to convey information to the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an electric information transmission system that transmits information by a touch sensation (a touch sensation). In particular, the present invention relates to a new electrical information transmission device that uses a low level current to transmit information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art

Information transmission is absolutely essential in today's and future modern society. The transmission of information occurs in many different ways, generally using one of the five senses: see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. Visual, auditory, and tactile sensations are the most commonly used sensations for transmitting information. Thus, many existing devices utilize visual, auditory, and tactile sensations for transmission.

[0003] Devices such as televisions, computer screens, lights and codes and other visual displays convey information visually. Visual communication devices have limitations. Visually transmitted information may not reach the intended recipient. For example, the recipient's line of sight may be blocked or completely blocked, and the recipient may be looking in another direction.
Visual information transmitters have high directivity and are affected by the amount of light emitted by the device and the predominant light around the device and the recipient. The visual information device cannot select a person who can receive information. Unscheduled recipients may also receive the visual transmission information, in which case the visual transmission system is not desirable for private, or secret, communication.

[0004] Information transfer devices may rely on sound to convey information. For example, audio speakers, alarms, bells, buzzers, and ringing wireless communications such as cellular phones and pagers use information transmission via sound. There is also a limit to voice information transmission. The audio broadcast signal may be received by an unscheduled recipient and is interrupted (in that case) by the unscheduled recipient (what is originally received). Ringing a noisy cellular phone in another quiet environment is quite annoying. Private, or confidential, information transmission by voice signals is also weakened.

[0005] Existing devices also utilize haptics to convey information. For example, a pager has a transducer that informs the user of the pager that the user is paging. A handheld game controller for a Nintendo 64 (trade name) video game also has a vibrator felt by the game player. Mechanical vibrators have the disadvantage that the components wear out. The vibrator also requires a relatively large space to make the vibrating element unnecessarily large due to the internal motor, and the motor generates noise. Electric circuits are also quite sensitive to vibration,
It may be damaged by the vibrating element. Also, the vibrating pager must have sufficiently strong vibration to pass through the wearer's clothing to be transmitted to the wearer.

[0006] Existing electric shock devices also utilize tactile sensation by using disgusting electric shock.
Existing electric shock devices provide relatively high levels of electric shock to the recipient, which is undesirable for the recipient. For example, an electric shock device has a safety device and a behavior control device. From the recipient's point of view, high-level electric shock devices are undesirable,
Hateful and even harmful. These devices are mainly used to control or prevent unwanted behavior. Train the animal using a similar high-level electric shock device or house the animal within a confined area. Invisible electric fences for dogs are animal controls. High-level electric shock devices can cause pain and alter the behavior of the recipient by providing the recipient with a relatively high voltage and / or relatively large current.

[0007] Existing medical devices deliver a low level electric shock to a patient. Such a medical device is shown in FIG. The medical device provides electrical stimulation and therapy to the patient. However, the medical device does not convey information to the patient. The low level current used in the medical device is generally not painful for the patient, but the patient does not receive information or communications from the medical treatment device.

[0008] Therefore, it is advantageous to have a new electrical information transmission device that conveys information to the recipient. It would be advantageous to have a new electrical information transmission device that conveys information to the recipient by providing the recipient with a low level current.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

The present invention provides a new electrical information transmission device for transmitting information to a recipient. The new electrical communication device provides a low level current signal to the recipient. The low level current signal indicates information that is desired to be transmitted to the recipient. The receiver receives the low-level current signal as a friendly non-aversion signal. For example, the receiver perceives this signal as a pain in the receiver's skin.

[0010] The electrical information transmission device of the present invention utilizes tactile sensation (tactile sensation) for information transmission. Since the haptics are rather individual and personal, electrical communication devices can transmit information in many situations where other modes of information transmission are not desired. The information conveyed by the present invention using low current is communicated directly to the recipient without being disorderly broadcast to other unscheduled recipients. The electrical communication device is quiet and therefore uninterrupted for the recipient, that is, the unscheduled recipient (the information that the unscheduled recipient should originally receive).

[0011] The electrical information transmission device of the present invention transmits information to a recipient in a highly secret manner. Since this information is transmitted to the recipient by the tactile sense of the recipient, an unexpected recipient cannot receive the transmitted information. Also, only the recipient of the low level current signal will notice the information transmission. Others are unaware that communication to the recipient is taking place.

[0012] An electrical information transmission device according to the present invention has a low-level current source and a signal controller connected to the low-level current source. The signal controller has a non-aversion current output signal that indicates the desired information to be transmitted. The user accessible electrode is electrically connected to the signal controller by a non-disgusting current output signal. A non-disgusting current output signal is provided to the user, i.e., the recipient, in a friendly manner so that the user receives information comfortably without disturbing electric shock.

One special example of an electrical communication device according to the present invention is a wristwatch having electrical contacts behind a watch and in contact with the wearer's skin. Watches provide a low level electric shock to the wearer when certain events occur, such as an alarm indicating the time of a particular day.

The present invention also provides a new information transmission method. This new method of transmitting information relates to transmitting information to the recipient by utilizing low level current shock. One method of transmitting information according to the present invention comprises the steps of: converting a signal representing information transmitted to a recipient to a low-level current signal; supplying the low-level current signal to a conductive electrode in contact with the recipient. Providing a low level electric shock of the current signal from the electrode to the recipient. The method of transmitting information includes generating a signal indicating the information to be transmitted, for example, an alarm for a wristwatch. This method of transmitting information is a signal indicating information transmitted by transmission from a wireless information signal producer, such as an incoming call received by a device worn by the recipient and transmitted to the recipient by a low level electric shock. Receiving the signal generated by the cellular phone to indicate that the cellular phone has

The present invention provides a new electrical information transmission device and method for transmitting information to a recipient by means of a low level electric shock. This new electrical information transmission device is a convenient and cost effective method of transmitting information information. It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a new electrical information transmission device and method that overcomes the shortcomings of existing information transmission devices and methods.

[0016] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an electrical communication device for transmitting information to a recipient by means of a low level electric shock. Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an electrical information transmission device that performs transmission using tactile sensation. Another advantage of the present invention is to improve the privacy and security of information transmission. Another advantage of the present invention is to provide new devices and methods for communicating information. Another advantage of the present invention is that it reduces interference with unscheduled recipients by transmitted information,
Or remove it. Another advantage of the present invention is that the amount of space, components, and
The goal is to reduce complexity and improve reliability. Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a relatively lightweight information transmission device. Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an electrical information transmission device that conveys information so as to receive a non-disgusting electric shock signal that is easy for a recipient to receive. Another advantage of the present invention is that it improves the efficiency of information transmission to recipients and enhances information communication.

[0017] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading this disclosure, including the appended claims and with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the above and other advantages are desired,
It is not required by the invention.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

While the invention may be embodied in many different forms, a presently preferred embodiment is described in this disclosure and in the accompanying drawings. This disclosure demonstrates the principles of the invention and does not limit the broad scope of the invention to only the illustrated embodiments.

The new electrical information transmission device according to the present invention is embodied in a wristwatch 10 as shown in FIG. This wristwatch 10 has a band 14 for wearing the wristwatch and a front display surface 14. The wristwatch 10 has a partially cut back 16 to show the battery 20 and the electronic control circuit 22. An electrode 24 is provided on the back surface 16 of the wristwatch 10. The electrodes 24 are spaced apart and have a pair of electrical contacts 26 surrounded by an electrically resistive material 28.

Information is transmitted from the wristwatch 10 to the wearer by the electronic information transmission device as follows. An event conveyed to the wearer occurs within watch 10. For example, the wearer sets an alarm using the clock controller 27 to notify the wearer of a specific time of the day. The wristwatch 10 is controlled by an electronic control circuit 22 and is driven by a battery 20. The electronic control circuit 22 also applies a low level current from the battery 20 to the electrical contacts 26 of the electrodes 24.
Is controlled. When the alarm is set off, the electronic control circuit 22 provides a low level electric shock to the wearer through electrical contacts 26 that contact the wearer's skin. As described above, the alarm indicating the specific time of the day is transmitted to the wearer via the electric information transmission device of the present invention.

An electrical resistance material 28 separates the electrical contacts 26 of the electrodes 24. This ensures that the low level electric shock passes through the wearer of the watch 10 rather than through the watch material. Rubber is an example of a suitable electrical resistance material 28.

It is expected that the electrical information transmission device of the present invention performs information transmission using alternating current.
However, the present invention also contemplates using DC. It is believed that the low level AC current shock gives the receiver a more pronounced feeling than the low level DC shock. If the electrical communication device uses an AC electric shock, one of the electrical contacts 26 of the electrode 24 is a warm lead and the other electrical contact is a neutral lead.
When an alternating current is used and the power supply produces a direct current (for example, a battery), a DC-AC converter is provided in the electrical information transmission device. Of course, if DC is to be used, one of the electrical contacts 26 is a positive (+) contact and the other is a negative (-) contact.

The low level electric shock of the electrical communication device is limited by the electrical boundaries so that the shocked recipient does not become uncomfortable by the shock. For example, the voltage, current, and waveform of the electric shock are controlled by the electronic control circuit 22 and the battery 20 so that the recipient does not feel disgust. The recipient feels a pleasant sore caused by the low-level electric shock indicating that the alarm has been activated. The low-level electric shock provided by the electrical communication device must be sufficiently low so that the electric shock is medically acceptable. One low level electric shock according to the present invention has a maximum of about 20 mA.

A wristwatch 30 having a modified electrical communication device according to the present invention is shown in FIG.
The wristwatch 30 has a pair of electrode pads 32 extending along the band 12 from the back of the wristwatch 30. The electrode pads 32 on the watch 30 create a larger surface area for transmitting information to the wearer than the electrical contacts 26 of the electrodes 24 in the watch 10 of FIG.

FIG. 4 shows an alternating electrode pattern behind a wristwatch-type device 34. The wristwatch-type device has a plurality of electrical contacts 26 spaced apart by an electrical resistive material 28. A selected group of electrical contacts 26 (by applying a low level current to that group)
Activates and displays specific information passed to the recipient. For example, one group of electrical contacts 26 designated at 36 is activated by an electronic control circuit within wristwatch 34 to indicate a north direction. Other groups of electrical contacts 26 are activated to indicate other directions, ie, other types of information.

FIG. 5 shows another wristwatch-type device 38 having another pattern of electrical contacts 26 spaced by an electrical resistive material 28. The electric contact 26 and the wristwatch 38 of FIG.
Form a matrix and operate to form a particular pattern. For example, FIG. 5 shows the active pattern 40 of the electrode contact 26 forming the number five. FIG. 5 shows a wristwatch 3
The rear view of FIG. 8 is shown, so that the number 5 appears rearward in FIG. In addition to numbers, other patterns, such as letters and various shapes, are activated by electronic control circuitry to convey information to the wearer of watch 38.

FIG. 6 shows an alarm clock 42 having a pair of electric pads 44. When the representative audio alarm of the alarm clock 42 is stopped, an electrical communication device is used instead of displaying the alarm. When the electrode pad 44 is placed on the wearer and the alarm is set off, a low level current signal is transmitted to the wearer through the electrical pad 44.

FIG. 7 shows a one-way wireless electrical information transmission device 46 of the present invention. By pressing the button 50, the transmitter 48 is operated and the wireless signal 52 is transmitted. The wireless signal 52 is transmitted to the receiver 54 by applying a low level electric shock to the wearer of the receiver 54 through the electrical contact 26.
Received by The transmitter 48 is activated by a person who wants to communicate with the wearer of the receiver 54. A wide range of information is transmitted using the electric information transmission device 46 of FIG. For example, the transmitter 48 may be activated to indicate that a particular event has occurred or that the receiver 5
Inform the wearer of the receiver 54 that the wearer of No. 4 will take a specific action. Although the electrical information transmission device 46 of FIG. 7 shows only a pair of electrical contacts 26, various types of information and more detailed information, for example, as shown in FIGS. A contact pattern or matrix can be transmitted. Also, a single transmitter 4
8 can communicate with a plurality of receivers 54 worn by many people.

The wireless electrical communication device 46 has many useful applications. For example, the receiver 54 is worn by a person outside the home and provides a low level electric shock signal to the wearer to inform the wearer that an event inside the home has occurred. Such events include, for example, a call being received, a phone bell ringing, and a person outside the house cannot hear the phone bell ringing.

FIG. 8 shows two embodiments of the electrical communication device 46 of FIG. Cellular phone 5
6 transmits a radio signal 52 indicating that the cellular telephone 56 has an incoming call.
The radio signal 52 is received by the receiver 54 and provides a low level electric shock to the receiver 5.
Give to 4 wearers. Similarly, pager 58 sends a wireless signal 52 to receiver 54 indicating that a page has occurred. Next, the receiver 54 provides a low level electric shock to the wearer informing the wearer that the pager has received the page.

FIG. 9 shows the alternating electrodes on the cellular telephone 56 and pager 58 of FIG. The cellular telephone has an additional electrode pad 60 on the back of the cellular telephone 56. Cellular telephone 56 provides a low level electric shock to the person holding the telephone through electrode pad 60. A low-level electric shock means that a call has been received, that there is a waiting call,
A signal to the owner of the telephone 56 indicating that the voice mail has received a message or other information to be conveyed to the cellular telephone user. Similarly, pager 58 may have electrical contacts 26 on the back of pager 58. The pager 58 provides a low level electric shock to the wearer of the pager from the electrical contacts indicating that a page has occurred.

Various other devices may include the electrical information transmission device according to the present invention to transmit various information to a recipient. For example, FIG. 10 shows some devices that can communicate information to a recipient by way of a wireless signal 52. Fax machine 62 is a receiver 54
Notify the recipient 64 wearing the fax that the fax has been received or that the fax has been sent. The air conditioner 66 displays to the receiver 64 that the air conditioner 66 has been turned on or off, or transmits, for example, information indicating a specific temperature. Refrigerator 68 and door 70
Sends to the recipient 64 information indicating the opening and closing of these devices. Lights 72, alarms 74, and television 76, which indicate the status of those devices, communicate with the recipient 64. The visually impaired will find that electrical communication devices are particularly useful for indicating the status of various devices.

FIG. 11 shows a computer-type device incorporating the electric information transmission device of the present invention.
The portable computer 78 transmits the wireless signal 52 to the receiver 54 having the electrode 80. Similarly, the personal data support device 82, the notebook computer 84, and the personal computer 85 transmit information to the wearer of the receiver 54 via the wireless signal 52. Because the personal computer 85 is connected to the computer network 87, other computer users on this network can communicate with the wearer of the receiver. Examples of information transmitted to the wearer of the receiver 54 include an incoming e-mail and
There are notification of transmission, calendar and schedule information.

FIG. 12 shows a watch-type telephone 86 and a watch-type pager 88 having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention. On the back 90 of the watch-type telephone 86 and the watch-type pager 88 are electrodes 24 that convey information to the recipient. Electrode 24 has a pair of electrical contacts 26 that provide a low level electrical shock to the wearer of telephone 86 or pager 88. The low-level electric shock given to the wearer through the electric contact 26 is, for example, a telephone call or a display of a page.

FIG. 13 shows another watch-type telephone 92 and another watch-type pager 94 having the electric information transmission device of the present invention. The watch-type telephone 92 and the watch-type pager 94 have conductive pads 96 that provide a low level electric shock signal to the wearer of the device. The conductive pads 96 extend along the wristband 98 and create a large surface area that contacts the wearer of the device.

FIG. 14 shows a television camera 100 a using the electric information transmission device of the present invention.
, 100b, 100c and an actor 102. It is common to use multiple television cameras when broadcasting television programs. People who appear in television programs need to know which camera is currently being used at any given moment to broadcast the program on television. Actor 10 using electrical information transmission device
Communicate with 2 to inform the actor which television camera is currently in use. An active television camera, for example camera 100b, transmits a radio signal 52 to a receiver 54 worn by actor 102. The signal receiver 154 provides the actor 102 with a low-level electric shock that indicates to the actor that the television camera 100b is currently capturing the scene. Because the active camera sends the appropriate signals to the actor via the electrical communication device, the actor 102 will be able to quite easily notice which television camera is currently active.

The electric information transmission device of the present invention is used for a bidirectional information transmission device. FIG. 15 shows an example of the bidirectional electrical information transmission device of the present invention. The first transmitting and receiving device 104 is worn by a first person and the second transmitting and receiving device 106 is worn by a second person. The radio signal 52 is transmitted to the second transmitting and receiving device 106 by pressing the button 108 on the first transmitting and receiving device 104. The second transmitting and receiving device 106 is the first transmitting and receiving device 1
A wireless signal 52 is received from the device 04 and a low level electric shock is given to the wearer through the electrode 24. Similarly, a radio signal 52 is transmitted to the first transmitting and receiving device 104 by pressing the button 108 of the second transmitting and receiving device 106, and a low level electric shock is given to the first transmitting and receiving device 104 through the electrode 24. The wearers of the first and second transmitting and receiving devices 104, 106 can communicate with each other via the electrical communication device, and therefore the electrical communication device of FIG. 15 is a two-way communication device. Of course, the first and second transmitting and receiving devices 104, 106 can utilize a button 108, for example, an activation mechanism other than a keypad input mechanism. The electrodes 24 can be replaced by electrodes that can provide more complex patterns and electrical signals to the wearer of the device.

FIG. 16 shows a Nintendo Game Boy (trade name) electronic game device 110 having a new electrical information transmission device. The electronic game device 110 is a hand-held, battery-powered game, and is operated by the control unit 112. Information from the electronic game device 110 is transmitted to a person having the electrode device 114 and having the game device. Another hand-held, battery-powered electronic device 16 is shown in FIG. This electronic device 116 is commercially available as a Tamagotchi (trade name) device. An electrode pad 118 is provided on the electronic device 116 to convey information to the player of the device.

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 show a game controller 120 for an Nintendo 64 (trade name) electronic game having an electric information transmission device. Game controller 120 is cable 1
At 22, a game control unit (not shown) is connected. Game controller 12
Communicate with the player of the game by using low level electric shock with electrode pads 124 at various locations on the zero. A low level power is supplied from a game unit (not shown) to the electrode pad 124 through a cable 122. Various information is transmitted from the electronic game to the game player through the electrode pads 124. For example, if characters in the game are hurt by the opponent, a low level electric shock is provided to the player holding the game controller 120 and contacting the electrode pads 124. The electronic information transmission device can enhance a game to enjoy an experience beyond that provided by existing electronic games.

The game controller 120 has a connection 126 connected to the vibration device. The new electrical communication device has advantages over the vibration device described above. Game enhancement software is provided to allow the player to control which electrode pad 124 is activated and in which state the electrode pad 124 is activated. Game controller 120 is held in a variety of different positions on the player's hand. Thus, the player can program which electrode pad 124 is activated for a particular event and under which event the electrode pad 124 is activated.

The electric information transmission device of the present invention can be used as a game enhancer for various electronic games. FIG. 20 shows a glove-type controller 128 having a new electrical communication device. Various electrode pads 130 are provided at various locations on the glove type controller 128. An existing glove-type controller without a new electrical communication device is a glove-type controller for the Sony PlayStation game unit. U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,362 also shows a glove-type game controller without the electrical communication device of the present invention. Game Controller 1 in FIGS. 18 and 19
A glove-type controller 128 similar to 20 can convey a variety of information from electronic games to game players.

FIG. 21 shows a plurality of electrode pads 1 that can be placed at various places on the player's body.
34 shows a game enhancer electrical information transmission device 132 having the same. The game unit 135 creates a low level current and controls the low level current to the electrode pads 134 to convey information to a game player. The game controller 136 is for the player to transmit to the game unit 135. The electrode pads 134 are shown connected to a handheld game controller 136 by wires 138. However, the game-enhanced electrical information transmission device 132 becomes a wireless device by removing the wiring 138, and can communicate with the electrode pad 134 from the game unit 135 by a wireless signal.

An arcade type game machine also includes the electric information transmission device of the present invention. An example of an arcade game having an electric information transmission device is shown in FIGS. Electrode pad 14
Having 0 on the hand-operated game controller 142 allows the gaming machine to provide low level current to the game player. In FIG. 24, the electrode pad 14
4 is attached to the game player and connected to the game unit by the wiring 146. Further, the wiring 146 can be eliminated, and the wireless game enhancing device can be obtained.

An audiovisual device, for example, a home theater device can be advanced using the electric information transmission device of the present invention. In FIG. 25, the electric information transmission device 1 of the present invention
A home theater enhancer with 48 is shown. This home theater device has a large screen television and a plurality of speakers 152 surrounding a viewing position 154.
Television 150 transmits wireless signal 52 to viewer 156 to communicate information from the program to viewer 156. A plurality of signal receivers 158 are worn by viewers 156 at various locations on their body. The signal receiver 158 has an electrode pad 160 that contacts the viewer 156 and provides a low level electric shock to the viewer 156. using this method,
Information from the program played on the home theater device can be communicated to the viewer 156 through the electrical information transmission device 148 by applying a low level electric shock.

FIGS. 26-30 show an example of a transport device that includes a new electrical communication device for communicating with the driver of the vehicle. An automobile handle 162 having electrode pads 164 is shown in FIG. The electrode pads 164 are connected to an electronic control circuit of the vehicle and a vehicle battery (not shown). An automobile can transmit various information to a driver. Such information includes, for example, blinking left and right turn signals, traveling speed, proximity of the vehicle to other objects, fuel oil usage, tire pressure, tachometer readings, incoming calls to the car phone, and other information. There is information of. Various types of electrode pads are used on the handle. For example, FIG. 26b shows a handle 162 with longer electrode pads 163, and FIG.
c shows a handle 162 having a plurality of spaced apart electrodes 165. FIG.
7 is an electrode pad 16 on a gear shift lever 168 for automatic transmission.
6 is shown. Using the electrical communication device of the present invention, a vehicle driver can be provided with an example level electric shock through the electrode pad 166 when the driver's hand is on the gear shift lever 168, so that the vehicle driver can enter any gear. Can tell. Similarly, FIG. 28 shows the electrode pad 170 on the gearshift lever 172 for a manual transmission.

Motorcycles and bicycles also have new electrical information transmission devices. A motorcycle 174 having a handlebar 176 is shown in FIG. Motorcycle driver has handlebar 17
6 is provided with an electrode pad 178 on the handlebar 176 in a normally grasped position. The motorcycle 174 can convey information to the driver by applying a low-level electric shock to the driver through the electrode pads 178. Similarly, FIG. 30 shows a bicycle 180 having a handlebar 182 that includes electrode pads 184. Bicycle 180 has a generator and batteries connected to control circuits and switches that provide low level current to electrode pads 184 to communicate with the rider of the bicycle.

FIG. 31 shows a fishing rod 186 used to enjoy an electronic fishing game having a video screen 187. An electrode pad 188 is provided on the fishing rod 186 for providing a low level electric shock to a game player (fisher). The game information is transmitted to the player (fisher) using the electric information transmission device on the fishing rod 186.

The electrical information transmission device of the present invention can be incorporated in computer hardware. For example, a computer mouse 190 and a keyboard 192 are shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, respectively. Electrode pads 194 are provided at various positions on the mouse 190 and the keyboard 192 (including keys on the keyboard). A touch screen computer input device 196 having electrode pads 198 is shown in FIG. Since the electrode pads 198 are transparent, these pads can be combined with the tactile input screen of the input device 196. Touchpad positioning device 2 commonly used on portable computers
00 is shown in FIG. An electrode pad 202 is provided on the touch pad 200 to communicate with an operator of the touch pad 200. The electrical information transmission device shown in FIGS. 32 to 35 enables communication between a computer and its operator with a low level current.

The electrical information transmission device of the present invention utilizes a contact point between a person who receives information and an electrode. Therefore, many types of electrodes that come into contact with people are modified to use electrical information transmission devices. For example, a ring 204 having an electrode pad 206 is shown in FIG.
FIG. 37 shows a bracelet 208 having an electrode pad 214, FIG. 38 shows an earring 212 having an electrode pad 214, FIG. 39 shows a necklace 216 having an electrode pad 218, and FIG. 51 shows a pair of glasses 219 having an electrode pad 221. Show. FIG. 40 shows a writing instrument 220 having electrode pads 222. Electrode pad 22 as shown in FIG.
Furniture, such as a chair 224 having a 6 and a desk 228 having an electrode pad 230 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 43, an electrode pad 232 may be placed on the wall 234. In order to supply a low-level current signal to the electrodes, the electrical information transmitting devices shown in these figures have a power supply and a controller (not shown). The control circuit simply connects the low-level current source and the electrode directly so as to continuously supply the low-level current to the electrode. This configuration is useful, for example, for a user to identify a particular location on the device by feeling a low level electric shock when touching the location having the electrodes.

FIG. 44 shows additional locations where the electrode pads 236 can be placed on the human body.
A receiver 238 including a power source is connected to the electrode pads 236 to provide a low level shock to the wearer of the electrical communication device. The electrode pads 236 have an adhesive suitable for contact with the skin and maintain the electrode pads 236 in their proper position, for example, on the shoulders and back of the wearer. The electrical information transmission device is worn around the waist using the belt 240 and the electrical information transmission device is worn around the legs using the band 242.

FIG. 45 shows an electrical information transmission (device) adapted for animals. The dog collar 244 has electrode pads 246 to provide a low level electric shock to the dog. FIG.
The electrical communication device shown in FIG. 5 provides a low level electric shock rather than an aversive shock used in animal training devices. If the visually impaired communicates with, for example, a guide dog, an electrical communication device would be useful.

FIGS. 46 to 49 show one electrode pad 248 in greater detail. FIG.
The front side 250 of the electrode pad 248 facing away from the wearer is shown. The electrode pad 248 is connected to the controller and the power supply 252 by the cable 254. The controller 252 sends a signal 256 to the electrode pad 248 through the cable 254.
Send. Also, the receiver is connected to the electrode pad 248 that receives a wireless signal from the controller 252.

FIG. 47 shows the back surface 258 of the electrode pad 248. The back surface 258 has a matrix of individual electrodes 260 that are selectively actuated to create an output signal applied to the wearer as a low level electric shock. FIG. 48 shows the back surface 2 of the electrode pad 248.
58 shows an enlarged view of 58. The individual electrodes 260 are separated by a rubber-like material 262 that resists or blocks the flow of current. Each electrode 260 is connected to an electrode pad 248
Electrically positive (+) or electrically negative (+) as desired to create a particular pattern above
-) Operates as either contact. For example, FIG. 49 shows the letter "B" formed by selectively activating a particular electrode 260 on electrode pad 248. Since FIG. 49 shows the back surface 258 of the electrode pad 248, the letter "B" appears to be inverted in FIG. The back surface 258 with the electrode 260 is typically in contact with the wearer, ie, the recipient of the information. The electrical information transmission device of the present invention using the electrode pads 248 of FIGS. 46 to 49 enables more complicated information to be transmitted to a recipient. Symbols, letters, words, and even sentences are transmitted to the recipient by low-level electric shock. An entirely new language has even been developed around the electrical communication device of the present invention.

FIG. 50 shows another type of signal transmitted by the electrical information transmission device. Low-level electric shock depends on the length of time to apply a shock and the length of time between shocks, and transmits a signal such as a Morse code. The Morse code signal is shown in FIG.
6 to 49, or the electrodes 26 having a pair of electrical contacts 26 as shown in FIG.

FIGS. 52-55 show embodiments of the present invention in which electrode pads can be removed or replaced. The watch-type electrical communication device 264 has two removable electrode pads 266. By inserting the adapter 288 into the adapter container 290, the electrode pad 2
66 is removably attached to the back of the watch-type device 264. Electrode pad 26
6 is made to have a desired shape that allows for a more aesthetically pleasing, ie, fashionable watch-type device 264.

FIG. 56 shows another timepiece-type electrical information transmission device 292 in which a removable electrode pad 294 is connected to a timepiece by an adapter 296. The portion of the electrode pad 294 is separated by the non-conductive material 298. The back 300 of this timepiece is also made of a non-conductive material.

FIGS. 57-60 show another watch-type electrical communication device 302 having a single adapter container 304. The electrode pad 306 has an adapter 308 that is inserted into the adapter container 304, and attaches the electrode pad 306 to the watch 302. As shown in FIG. 60, the adapter 308 has first and second electrical connections 310 and 312 spaced by a non-conductive material 314. The portion of the electrode pad 306 is connected to the first electrical connector 310, and the other portion of the electrode pad 306 is connected to the second electrical connection 312.

FIGS. 61 and 62 show an adapter pad 3 having an adapter 316 and an electrode 318.
14 is shown. By inserting the adapter 316 into the adapter container, FIG.
The adapter pad 314 is attached to the clock-type electric information transmission device 292 as shown in FIG. Adapter 316 is electrically connected to electrode 318. A conductive paint can be applied to the adapter pad 314 in contact with the electrode 318. As described above, the user of the present apparatus can design the color to be coated on the electrode and the shape of the electrode. An alternative to using conductive paint is to use a conductive clay material. The clay material is formed into a desired shape and applied to the adapter pad 314 in contact with the electrode 318. The electrode pads 314 are formed of a non-conductive material and use electric paint or clay. The paint and clay of each of the electrodes 318 are separated from each other by a non-conductive adapter pad 314.

FIG. 63 shows the paint or clay electrode 3 attached to the adapter pad 314.
20 shows one example.

FIGS. 64 to 66 show a navigator 322 having the electrical information transmission device of the present invention. The navigator 322 is a global positioning system for determining a specific direction. The band 32 is provided so that the user of the navigator 322 wears the navigator 322.
4 is provided. It has various electrodes 326 that are activated by a low level electric shock indicating a specific direction. For example, FIG. 66 shows the selection electrode 3 operating in a forward direction.
It has 26. The center inner electrode band 326a and the center outer electrode band 326b operate alternately to enhance the tactile sensation of a signal indicating a forward direction.

Another application of the electrical information transmission device according to the present invention is to determine the degree of proximity between a user of the device and a specific object. For example, a proximity sensor can be connected to the electrical information transmission device to provide a low level electric shock to the user based on the user's proximity to the desired object. The low level electric shock signal is changed to indicate the distance that the user has separated from the specific object.

FIG. 67 shows another watch-type electrical communication device 328, illustrating another electrode pad design. The watch-type device 328 has one electrode pad 330 of the desired design on the back of the watch.
have. Another electrode 332 is provided on the back of the band 334. Thus, various designs of the electrode pad 330 are useful.

Another watch-type electrical information transmission device 336 is shown in FIGS. Clock-type device 33
6 has a front air opening 338, and the rear air opening 34 is provided by an air passage.
Connected to 0. A finger-actuated pump 342 is provided for selectively drawing air into the other side of the watch from either the front or back of the watch-type device 336. Seal 3
42 is provided on the back of the watch-type device 336 and surrounds the electrode pad 344 and the rear air opening 340. The seal 342 contacts the wearer's skin and protects the electrode pad 344 from liquids and moisture outside the watch-type device 336. Front air opening 33
8 by sucking air from the rear air opening 340 outside the seal 3.
Negative pressure is created on the back of the watch inside the area surrounded by 42. The negative pressure on the back of the watch 336 enhances the seal between the wearer's skin and the seal 342 by providing a suction effect. When air is sucked in from the back of the timepiece outside the front air opening 338, moisture such as sweat can be removed from the area of the electrode pad 344. Pump 342 can also draw air into the back of watch-type device 336 from front air opening 338 outside rear air opening 340. The watch-shaped device 336
It is particularly useful in situations where the watch comes into contact with liquids such as water during swimming, and eliminates perspiration by the wearer. A finger-actuated pump 342 is shown in FIG. 68, but other types of air pumps are used in the watch-type device 336.

Many parameters of the electrical communication device according to the present invention can be changed as desired. For example, the size of the electrode, the number of electrodes, the position of the electrode, the color of the electrode, the electrode material and the weight can be changed. The low level electric shock signal provided to the information recipient can also be varied. For example, frequency, waveform, amplitude, time period, voltage and current can be changed. The electrical communication device can be used in place of, or in addition to, existing communication methods, such as audiovisual communication.
Furthermore, the visual information (language, photograph, etc.), sound wave information (language, music, voice, etc.), and tactical information (pressure, heat, etc.) are converted into low-level electric shock tactical information using the electric information transmission device. Next, the low-level electric shock tactics information is given to the recipient to convey the information.

While the presently preferred embodiment has been illustrated and described, many changes and modifications can be made without departing significantly from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the inventor believes that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an existing low-frequency electromedical device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a wristwatch electrical information transmission device according to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another wristwatch electrical information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an electrode pattern on the back of a wristwatch according to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another electrode pattern according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a clock electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a one-way wireless electrical information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is another schematic diagram of wireless information transmission including a cellular telephone and a pager according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates the alternating electrodes on the cellular telephone or pager of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of various devices for transmitting information to a receiver by wireless communication according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of another apparatus for communicating information with a recipient using wireless communication according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a watch-type telephone and a watch-type pager according to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another mobile phone and another pager according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a television camera and an actor using the electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a bidirectional electrical information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a hand-held game having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another hand-held game having the electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a hand-held game controller having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the game controller of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another hand-held game controller having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a game enhancer having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a game machine having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a view showing another game machine having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a view showing another game machine having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a home theater enhancer having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

26A, 26B and 26C are diagrams showing a steering wheel having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a view showing an automobile shift lever having the electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a view showing another automobile shift lever having the electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a view showing a motorcycle handle having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a view showing a bicycle handle having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a view showing a fishing rod for an electronic game having the electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a view showing a computer mouse having the electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a view illustrating a computer keyboard having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a view illustrating a touch screen having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a view illustrating a computer touch pad having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a view showing a ring having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a view showing a bracelet having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an earring having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a view showing a necklace having an electric information transmitting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a writing instrument having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a view showing a chair having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a view showing a desk having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a view showing a wall having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing electrical information transmission devices installed at various places on a human body.

FIG. 45 shows another electrical communication device according to the invention for use in animals.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a front view of an electrode pad according to the present invention.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a rear view of the electrode pad of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of a portion behind the electrode pad of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a view showing a character pattern transmitted by the electrode pads of FIGS. 46 to 48;

FIG. 50 is a schematic diagram of a Morse code signal transmitted by the electric information transmission device of the present invention.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing a pair of glasses having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a view showing a watch-type electrical information transmission device having a movable electrode pad.

FIG. 53 is a view showing the timepiece device of FIG. 52 from which the electrode pads are removed.

FIG. 54 is a view showing the adapter side of the electrode pad of FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 shows a side view of the adapter pad of FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a view showing another timepiece-type electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 57 is a view showing another watch-type electric information transmission device having a single adapter container.

58 is a view showing an electrode pad that can be used in the timepiece device of FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is a diagram showing the adapter side of the electrode pad of FIG. 58.

FIG. 60 is a view showing a side view of the electrode pad of FIG. 58;

FIG. 61 is a front view showing an adapter pad coated with a conductive paint.

FIG. 62 is a side view showing an adapter pad coated with a conductive paint.

FIG. 63 shows an adapter pad with a conductive viscous material attached to the pad.

FIG. 64 is a diagram showing a navigator having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 65 is a diagram showing a navigator having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 66 is a diagram showing a navigator having an electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 67 is a view showing another timepiece-type electric information transmission device according to the present invention.

FIG. 68 is a view showing another timepiece-type electric information transmission device according to the present invention having an airflow mechanism.

FIG. 69 is a rear view of the timepiece-type electric information transmission device in FIG. 68.

70 is a cross-sectional view of the timepiece-type electrical information transmission device of FIG. 69.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR , BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS , JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An electrical information transmitting apparatus, comprising: a low-level current source; a signal controller connected to the low-level current source and having a non-disgusting current output signal for displaying information desired to be transmitted; And a user-contactable electrode electrically connected to the signal controller by an output signal. 2. The electrical information transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the non-disgusting current output signal has a low current value that avoids an unpleasant electric shock to a recipient of the non-disgusting current output signal. 3. The electrical information transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the non-disgusting current output signal is an alternating current. 4. The electrical communication device of claim 2, wherein the non-disgusting current output signal provides a sufficiently low medically acceptable electric shock. 5. The electrical information transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the controller includes an information producer having information desired to be transmitted to the recipient. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-disgusting current signal is controlled by a controller and has a variable characteristic selected from a group consisting of voltage, current, waveform, time period, amplitude, frequency, and combinations thereof. Electrical information transmission device. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrodes comprise a plurality of spaced apart electrodes.
An electrical information transmission device according to claim 1. 8. The electrical information transmitting device according to claim 7, wherein the electrodes spaced apart from each other are separated by an electrically insulating material. 9. The electrical communication device of claim 1, wherein the electrode comprises at least one conductive pad having a plurality of user accessible conductive locations. 10. The electrical information transmission device of claim 9, wherein a plurality of user accessible conductive positions form a desired pattern when a selected number of user accessible conductive positions include a non-disgusting current output signal. 11. The electrical communication device according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes are substantially transparent. 12. The electrical information transmitting device according to claim 1, further comprising an information signal receiver connected to the electrode and capable of receiving an information signal from the information signal producer. 13. The electrical information transmission device according to claim 12, wherein the information signal receiver can receive a wireless information signal. 14. The device may be a telephone, pager, game, clock, personal communicator, vehicle, clock, computer, equipment, furniture, wearable accessory, wearable computer, camera, home theater, writing instrument, personal data support device, The electrical information transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical information transmitting device is included in a device selected from a group consisting of a video touch screen and a combination thereof. 15. The electrical information transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the user-contactable electrode is worn by a user. 16. An electrical information transmission device, comprising: an electrical contact that is normally in contact with a user during use; a power supply; and information electrically connected to the power supply and the electrical contact and transmitted to the user; An information signal producer, comprising: an information signal producer that causes an electrical contact to have an electrical output signal given to the user as an electric shock formed by electrical characteristics that do not make the user uncomfortable. 17. The electrical communication device of claim 16, wherein the electrical characteristics of the electric shock are characterized by a medically acceptable current. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical contacts are a single contact, a plurality of spaced apart contacts, at least one conductive pad, at least one conductive pad having a plurality of conductive regions, a selectable conductive region, and combinations thereof. The electrical information transmission device according to claim 17, wherein the electrical information transmission device is selected from the group consisting of: 19. A method for transmitting information, the method comprising: converting a signal representing information to be transmitted to a recipient to a low-level current signal;
A method of transmitting information comprising: providing a low level current signal to a conductive electrode in contact with a recipient; and providing a low level electric shock of the current signal from the electrode to the recipient. 20. A method comprising: a) generating a signal indicative of information to be transmitted; and b) receiving a signal indicative of information transmitted by a transmission from a wireless information signal producer. Item 20. The information transmission method according to Item 19.