DE102018131107A1 - Glove for controlling functions, method for controlling functions and an app for a computer - Google Patents

Abstract

A glove (10) for controlling functions comprises a supply switch (12) for switching on a power supply (26) and a scanner (14) on the thumb (16), at least one menu item identifier (17) on a finger (18, 20, 22, 24) or removed to the glove (10), the menu item identifier (17) being readable by the scanner (14) when the menu item identifier (17) is brought into the vicinity of the scanner (14. By a finger (18, 20, 22, 24) ) is brought, and a microprocessor (28) for evaluating the scanner (14). The menu item identifier (17) is electrically isolated from the microprocessor (28). A method for controlling functions using such a glove (10). An app for a computer (32), in particular a smart phone and / or tablet, by means of which the computer (32) sets up a glove (10) for controlling functions.

Description

The invention relates to a glove for controlling functions according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling functions according to claim 10. Furthermore, the invention relates to an app for a computer according to claim 15.

There are gloves for controlling functions that are complex. With these gloves, all controls in the glove are electrically connected to each other. This requires complex wiring with highly flexible cables that become brittle over time and are susceptible to loose contacts due to constant movements.

For example, the WO 2012/054 443 A1 an electronic control glove that includes a control unit, a thumb dial that is located at the tip of the thumb and is operatively connected to the control unit, and one or more finger-guiding sensors that are arranged along the length of finger covers and are operatively connected to the control unit. Contacting a finger-guiding sensor with the thumb selector closes a circuit. The closed circuit and wireless control of one or more electronic devices removed from the glove enables information to be sent and received. A complex and fault-prone circuit is therefore necessary. Furthermore, communication between different gloves is not provided in the proposal from the prior art, so that the possibilities of modern networks and communication systems cannot be exploited.

The invention has for its object to provide a glove of the type mentioned, which is simple and inexpensive and can be networked with other gloves.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by the features of the independent claims.

A glove for controlling functions comprises a supply switch for switching on a power supply and a scanner on the thumb, at least one menu item identifier on a finger or at a distance from the glove, the menu item identifier being readable by the scanner if the menu item identifier is near the scanner by a finger brought. The glove also includes a microprocessor for evaluating the scanner. The menu item identifier is assigned to menu items of a menu to be controlled by the glove. Scanning a menu item identifier selects a menu item. A menu item can be assigned a function that is carried out by an external device or hardware attached to the glove. The function can also consist of logging into a network. It is proposed to galvanically separate the menu item identifier from the microprocessor so that the menu item identifier has no electrical connection to the microprocessor. In particular, the menu item identifier can be electrically separated from all other components of the glove. In this way, a simple and inexpensive glove can be provided, since complicated cabling with highly flexible lines can be avoided. Furthermore, such galvanically separated menu item identifiers can also be attached to a glove of an opposite hand that has no electrical connection. Of course, it is possible to attach a menu item recognition remotely to the glove, for example on a handlebar or steering wheel of a vehicle or a piece of equipment or clothing of a user, and to read the menu item recognition by means of the scanner when the thumb is brought close to the menu item recognition.

The thumb of the glove is a part of the glove covering the thumb of the hand wearing the glove. The thumb of the glove can be made of fabric, leather or a synthetic fabric. The same applies to the other fingers of the glove. The energy supply can be a rechargeable battery. Galvanically connected is understood to mean an electrical connection through conductive substances, such as, for example, metal lines. As a result, the absence of such an electrically conductive connection is galvanically isolated.

A main menu switch, which is used to select the first menu level, can advantageously be arranged in particular on the thumb. By pressing the main menu switch, the control of the glove automatically jumps to the first level of the menu in which the functions to be controlled are stored. This makes it easy to reset the menu.

In an advantageous further development it can be provided that an input switch is arranged on the scanner, so that after reading and / or while reading a menu item identifier, the input switch can be actuated with the corresponding finger in order to confirm the menu item identifier read. If a menu item identifier is scanned by a finger, the input button can be pressed with the same finger. Therefore, during the movement of the finger with the Menu item identification towards the scanner, the input switch can be operated at the same time.

In order to achieve the simplest possible reading of the menu item identifier, the menu item identifier is designed as an optical code and / or an RFID chip, which is arranged in particular on at least one fingertip of the glove. The optical code can be a barcode and / or a QR code. The RFID chip can be a near field communication system that can be scanned without touching the scanner. The menu item identifier can also be attached to a middle part of the finger at which the menu item identifier is spaced from the fingertip.

The scanner can expediently be an optical, in particular laser-based and / or an electromagnetic, in particular inductive, reading unit. The inductive reading unit can, for example, be designed as a coil which is arranged on the thumb in such a way that a coil winding axis is aligned approximately perpendicular to the surface of the thumb. This enables contactless scanning methods to be provided.

It is particularly preferred to connect a radio antenna for preferably Bluetooth, UMTS, LTE, WLAN and / or other mobile radio standards to the microprocessor, so that the glove can be connected to external devices, the Internet, the telephone network or an emergency call network. This ensures simple and up-to-date communication of the glove.

A plurality of menu item identifiers is preferably provided, each of which is attached to a fingertip and / or in the region of phalanges. Thus, a plurality of menu items in the menu can be selected.

A data and / or power supply socket can be attached, which preferably has a USB format. In this way, the energy supply can be easily replenished or supported using standardized cables and data can be loaded onto or downloaded from the glove.

A simple operation of the glove and the menu can be achieved if an acoustic, optical and / or haptic output device such as a loudspeaker, a display, a lamp or a vibrator is provided. The output device can display a state of the glove to a user, signal a menu item and / or identify incoming and outgoing information from a network. The intensity such as volume, vibration amplitude or light intensity can be set using an output strength switch. Furthermore, the type of output can be set using such a switch. The output strength switch can also be attached to the glove.

In order to use the glove advantageously, the supply switch can be switched on, whereby the energy supply for the glove is provided. Furthermore, the scanner scans at least one menu item identifier, decoupled from the power supply, on one of the fingers, the menu item identifier containing a control command which, when scanned, selects a specific menu item in the menu. To do this, the finger carrying the menu item identifier is guided to the scanner on the thumb. When the menu item identifier is brought close to the scanner by the finger, the control command is read by the scanner. The menu item identifier can be read before mechanical contact is made between the finger and the thumb. The microprocessor evaluates the scanned control command and accordingly selects a menu item created for the function. Such a simple one-handed operation of the glove enables, for example, a vehicle driver to operate various functions of the vehicle.

In particular, the function of the glove can be controlled by means of an app on an external computer, an output device of the glove such as a loudspeaker, a display, a lamp and / or an external device that uses a smart phone, a camera, a tablet, a computer, a vehicle, a multimedia unit, a helmet camera and / or a telephone can be executed. This enables simple and constantly updateable control of the glove to be provided. Different devices and hardware menu items can be assigned using the app.

By means of the app for a computer, which is in particular a smart phone and / or a tablet, a first computer of a first glove can send information to a second computer for a second glove that executes such an app. A user of the first glove can preferably use the app to instruct the first computer to send the information. This can take place, for example, when the user recognizes a danger that he would like to inform the user of the second glove.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and still to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations. The scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 eine Darstellung eines Handschuhs zum Steuern von Funktionen,
• 2 eine weitere Darstellung des Handschuhs mit Menüpunktkennungen,
• 3 ein Menü umfassend mehrere Menüebenen mit Menüpunkten,
• 4 ein schematischer Schaltplan des Handschuhs,
• 5 ein schematischer Schaltplan des Handschuhs und der Hardware sowie dem Netzwerk und
• 6 ein Kommunikationsablauf zwischen zwei Handschuhen und den zugeordneten Computern.

It shows:

• 1 a representation of a glove for controlling functions,
• 2nd another representation of the glove with menu item identifiers,
• 3rd a menu comprising several menu levels with menu items,
• 4th a schematic circuit diagram of the glove,
• 5 a schematic circuit diagram of the glove and the hardware as well as the network and
• 6 a communication flow between two gloves and the assigned computers.

1 shows a glove 10th to control at least one function. The glove 10th is made of fabric, leather or a fabric, especially a plastic fabric, and has a thumb 16 , an index finger 18th , a middle finger 20th , a ring finger 22 and a little finger 24th , into which the corresponding fingers of the user's hand can be inserted.

There is an energy supply switch in the wrist area 12 who have an energy supply 26 provides so that the glove 10th can be put into operation. The energy supply 26 is also arranged in the area of the wrist and is designed in particular as a rechargeable battery. There is also a microprocessor in the wrist area 28 arranged, which provides the computing unit of the glove control. The energy supply 26 and the microprocessor 28 can also be in another part of the glove 10th to be appropriate. For example, the energy supply 26 and / or the microprocessor 28 on the back of the glove 10th be attached.

On the thumb 16 is a reading coil as a scanner 14 for menu item identifiers 17th arranged on the fingers 18th , 20th , 22 , 24th are attached. The menu item identifiers 17th are RFID chips that can be read contactlessly. The menu item identifiers are attached to the fingertips. It's ever finger 18th , 20th , 22 , 24th a menu item identifier 17th intended. At the tip of the thumb 16 is a main menu switch 15 arranged with which you can create a menu as it is in 3rd is shown, open and a first menu level 41 can select. On the scanner 14 is an input switch 30th attached to confirm a scanned menu item identifier 17th is provided. The switches 12 , 15 , 30th and the scanner 14 are with the microprocessor 28 and energy supply 26 through lines 27th electrically connected. The menu item identifiers 17th are electrically isolated from the switches 12 , 15 , 30th , the scanner 14 and the microprocessor 28 as well as the energy supply 26 . They have no electrical connection to one another. In addition, output devices such as a vibrator can be used 23 and a speaker 21st for example in the area of the edge of the hand. A power switch 25th is used to control the intensity of the speaker output 21st and / or the vibrator 23 intended.

Every menu item identifier 17th stands for a menu item 42 in a menu. A menu item 42 a function can be assigned. The function can be set by an external device and / or an output device on the glove and / or a connection to a network. By selecting a menu item, for example, a smart phone is controlled and / or a connection to the Internet is established.

To a menu item 42 to select one finger 18th , 20th , 22 , 24th with a menu item identifier 17th the menu item identifier becomes curved and with your fingertip 17th to the scanner 14 guided. The scanner 14 can from the menu item identifier 17th Read a control command that controls a function. The control command is the respective finger 18th , 20th , 22 , 24th assigned. After the scanner 14 the menu item identifier 17th can read with your finger 18th , 20th , 22 , 24th the input switch 30th are pressed to confirm the control command read.

In 2nd is a glove 10th with only the menu item IDs 17th represented on the fingertips. The glove 10th does not include any other electrical components. The glove 10th the 1 can be on one hand, such as the right hand, and the glove 10th the 2nd on the other hand, for example the left hand. The menu item identifiers 17th of the glove 10th to 2nd can through the scanner 14 of the glove 10th the 1 to be read.

3rd represents a menu, which consists of three different menu levels 41 , 42 , 43 is constructed. By pressing the main menu switch 15 the menu can be opened and the first menu level 41 can be selected. From the first menu level 41 off by scanning the menu item IDs 17th of the individual fingers 18th , 20th , 22 , 24th corresponding menu items 40 be scanned. Each finger stands for a specific menu item 40 . For example, the Menu item identifier 17th of the index finger 18th contain a control command that opens an SOS menu, which has a second menu level 42 forms. The middle finger 20th can in particular open a music menu, which is also in the second menu level 42 is included. The ring finger 22 can a phone menu and the little finger 24th open a camera menu, which is also in the second menu level 42 are arranged. The SOS menu can be, for example, an external telephone or one in the glove 10th inserted radio antenna are available, which are selected when the menu item 40 of the SOS menu is selected. A music player such as a smartphone or an MP3 player can be assigned to the music menu, which is activated accordingly when the music menu is opened. Furthermore, an external telephone-compatible device is connected to the telephone menu, so that selecting the telephone menu switches the device on. A camera that is attached to a helmet, for example, can be started from the camera menu.

Using an app, the menu items 40 created and assigned to certain external devices, networks and / or hardware of the glove.

From the second menu level 42 starting from menu items 40 in a third menu level 43 can be selected. The menu items 40 are the menu item IDs again 17th of the individual fingers 18th , 20th , 22 , 24th assigned. For example, an advance warning about a danger point for other users of such a glove can start from the SOS menu 10th be issued. An SOS call for help can also be sent with another finger. A warning call can also be put on hold or acknowledged with another finger.

From the music menu of the middle finger 20th a music track can be started or stopped from there. Furthermore, a next music title can be selected with one finger and a previous music title with another finger.

At the ring finger telephone menu 22 you can answer a call with one finger and hang up with another finger.

The camera can be accessed via the camera menu on the third level 43 can be stopped with one finger or switched on for recording. Immediate recording can also be made with one finger.

4th shows a schematic circuit logic of the glove 10th . The glove 10th includes a glove control 200 , at least through the menu item IDs 17th , the scanner 14 , the main menu switch 15 , the microprocessor 28 and the input switch 30th be put. The glove control 200 generates signals by scanning the control commands of the menu item IDs 17th created by an app on an external computer 32 and / or the microprocessor 28 are processed. This software processing 202 the signals in turn speak hardware according to the scanned finger 204 , a sensor 203 and / or network 206 and starts the devices accordingly or sends information to the network. The glove control 200 can hardware information 204 , the sensor 204 and / or the network 206 Respectively. For example, temperature values can be measured by the sensor 203 or traffic information from the Internet as a network 206 can be obtained. The network 206 can also be a telephone network.

In 5 is a more detailed circuit logic of the glove 10th pictured. Here the glove includes 10th the glove control 200 and at least one sensor 203 . The sensor 203 and the glove control 200 are using a first external computer 321 connected. The computer 321 can be a smart phone and / or a tablet. Information from the sensor 203 and the glove control 200 are through an app on the computer 321 processed. The computer 321 is supplemented with hardware 204 connected, which can be, for example, a helmet camera and / or an MP3 player. Data from the first computer 321 can to the external hardware 204 data can be sent from the hardware 204 to the computer 321 be transmitted. Control commands for the menu item IDs 17th the finger 18th , 20th , 22 , 24th can by the glove control 200 to the first computer 321 are sent, which in turn via the first computer 321 to the hardware 204 be transmitted.

Furthermore, the computer 321 with a network 206 , such as the Internet or the telephone network, at the command of a user wearing the glove 10th carries, be connected. Over the network 206 can be the first computer 321 with a second computer 322 connected so that between computers 321 , 322 Data can be exchanged. The second computer 322 can a second glove 102 be assigned. The first computer 321 can with other contacts from a contact network 205 get connected. For example, contacts from a social network can be used to share information with the user of the glove 10th with the first computer 321 is connected to exchange.

The first computer 321 can also use an emergency network 207 be connected and Exchange information. The contact network can also 205 with the emergency network 207 connected so that contacts from the contact network 205 Information to the emergency network 207 can transmit. The emergency network 207 can be connected to an emergency call center.

The emergency network 207 can with a transport network 208 be connected, being from the transport network 208 Traffic information can be used. With the transport network 208 can also the second computer 322 get connected.

6 shows a connection between a first and a second computer 321 , 322 , wherein the computer can be designed as a smartphone with a first or a second glove 101 , 102 can be connected. If a user encounters a hazard that is in 6 is represented by the lightning symbol, he can see the SOS menu in the second menu level 42 according to 3rd open and in the third menu level 43 the menu item 40 Select advance warning. The danger point can also be identified by a sensor 203 can be recognized and / or through the contact network 205 transmitted to the user via a contact and / or via the emergency network 207 transmitted and / or by information from the transport network 208 be shared. The selected menu item 40 can by a vibration signal 23 or other hardware 204 be made known to the user. Furthermore, a voice output or an acoustic signal from a loudspeaker can also be used 21st respectively. The information about the danger point is via an app that is used to set up and operate the glove 10th using the external computer 32 serves to a second computer 322 transmitted so that the user of the second computer 322 an output of the information regarding the danger point by a second glove 102 receives. The output can be through one or more output devices 204 respectively. For example, the output by a vibrator 23 and / or a speaker 21st respectively.

Reference symbol list

10th

Glove

12

Supply switch

14

scanner

15

Main menu switch

16

thumb

17th

Menu item identifier

18th

index finger

19th

Output device

20th

Middle finger

21st

speaker

22

Ring finger

23

vibrator

24th

pinkie finger

25th

Output switch

26

power supply

27th

cables

28

microprocessor

30th

Input switch

32

computer

40

Menu item

41

first menu level

42

second menu level

43

third menu level

44

fourth menu level

101

first glove

102

second glove

200

Glove control

202

Software processing

203

sensor

204

hardware

205

Contact network

206

network

207

Emergency network

208

Transport network

321

first computer

322

second computer

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• WO 2012/054443 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Glove (10) for controlling functions, comprising a supply switch (12) for switching on a power supply (26) and a scanner (14) on the thumb (16), at least one menu item identifier (17) on a finger (18, 20, 22, 24 ) or removed to the glove (10), the menu item identifier (17) being readable by the scanner (14) when the menu item identifier (17) is brought into the vicinity of the scanner (14) by a finger (18, 20, 22, 24) is brought, and a microprocessor (28) for evaluating the scanner (14), the menu item identifier (17) being galvanically separated from the microprocessor (28). Glove (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that a main menu switch (15) is arranged, which serves to select the first menu level (41). Glove (10) after Claim 1 or 2nd , characterized in that an input switch (30) is arranged on the scanner (14) so that after reading and / or reading a menu item identifier (17) the input switch (30) with the corresponding finger (18, 20, 22, 24) can be actuated to confirm the menu item identifier (17) that has been read. Glove (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the menu item identifier (17) is an optical code and / or an RFID chip which is arranged in at least one fingertip of the glove (10). Glove (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scanner (14) is an optical and / or an electromagnetic reading unit. Glove (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a radio antenna for preferably Bluetooth, UMTS, LTE, WLAN and / or other mobile radio standards is connected to the microprocessor, so that the glove (10) with external devices, the Internet, the Telephone network or an emergency network (207) can be connected. Glove (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of menu item identifiers (17) are provided, each of which is attached to a fingertip and / or in the region of phalanges. Glove (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a data and / or energy supply socket is attached. Glove (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an acoustic, optical and / or haptic output device (19) such as a loudspeaker (21), a display, a lamp or a vibrator (23) is provided, with an output strength switch (25) to adjust the intensity and / or type of output is appropriate. Method for controlling functions by means of a glove (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by : - a supply switch (12) with which an energy supply (26) is switched on, - at least one menu item identifier (17) decoupled from the energy supply (26) a finger (18, 20, 22, 24) or removed from the glove (10), the menu item identifier (17) containing a control command, - a scanner (14) on the thumb (16), the menu item identifier (17) by a finger (18, 20, 22, 24) in the vicinity of the scanner (14) or the scanner (14) is brought to a menu item recognition (17) and the control command is read via the scanner (14), - a microprocessor (28), which evaluates the scanned control command and accordingly selects a menu item (40) created for the function. Procedure according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the menu item identifier (17) is an optical code and / or an RFID chip which is read by the scanner free of electrical contact. Procedure according to Claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that the menu mode is switched on by actuating a main menu switch (15) and the menu is moved to a first menu level (40), from which at least one menu item (40) is selected, which is used for a function of the glove ( 10) stands. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an associated menu item (40) is recognized by scanning a menu item identifier (17), the selected menu item being confirmed by an input switch (30) arranged on the scanner (14), the Actuation takes place in particular during the movement of the finger (18, 20, 22, 24) with the respective menu item identifier (17) towards the scanner (14). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function of the glove (10) by means of an app on an external computer (32) an output device (19) of the glove (10), in particular a loudspeaker, a display, a lamp and / or one external device, in particular a smart phone, a camera, a tablet, a computer, a vehicle, a multimedia unit, a helmet camera and / or a telephone. App for a computer (32), in particular a smart phone and / or tablet, by means of which the computer (32) sets up a glove (10) for controlling functions according to one of the preceding claims, so that its functions are output devices (19) of the glove (10 ) and / or external devices, wherein the app sends a first computer (321) of a first glove (101) information to a second computer (322) with such an app for a second glove (102), preferably when the first Glove (101) is instructed to do so by a user via the app.

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