Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
  • G04G13/00—Producing acoustic time signals
  • G04G13/02—Producing acoustic time signals at preselected times, e.g. alarm clocks
  • G04G13/021—Details
  • G04G13/023—Adjusting the duration or amplitude of signals
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G08—SIGNALLING
  • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
  • G08B6/00—Tactile signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for producing at least one sensory stimulus to generate a silent alarm. It applies in particular but not exclusively, to a device for generating a sensory stimulus at any zone of a foot, preferably at the level of the sole of a foot, to allow to silently awaken a sleeping person .
• alarm clocks In order to "individualize” the awakening of the hearing-impaired person, alarm clocks have been specifically designed to produce vibratory movements applied directly to the bed in which people with impaired hearing sleep.
• these devices are generally heavy and bulky, which does not allow, for example, to use them in travel or when traveling, this type of device is not transportable in a toilet bag.
• devices such as wrist-worn wrist watches or vibrating devices for use under or in a pillow have been designed.
• the vibrating watch must be tightly tightened to ensure permanent contact with the wrist to ensure the effectiveness of the alarm clock, this tightening of the wrist all night is particularly unpleasant and compromises the comfort and quality of sleep; moreover, the skin of the wrist is not particularly sensitive and the vibratory stimulus must be intense on a small surface, which proves brutal and expensive in electrical energy; • vibrating devices placed under or in a pillow, which can be for example mobile phones configured vibrating position without ringing, can during sleep of the hearing-impaired person: o fall as a result of an uncontrolled movement of the sleeper; o be accidentally crushed and thus be damaged; o be inoperative because of the position of the person with hearing loss during sleep: the latter can thus place his or her head next to the pillow while sleeping.
• patent application GB 2 386 207 relates to a silent alarm system which comprises a wireless base and a wireless unit in contact with the soles of a user.
• This wireless unit can generate an electrical current on the skin of the foot sole for receiving a warning signal transmitted by the wireless base, this electric current constituting an electrical stimulus.
• the device object of this patent application generates an electrical stimulus and not a vibratory or rotatory stimulus or, an electrical stimulus is often perceived as being very unpleasant by many people.
• the perception of such a stimulus is brutal and uncomfortable instead of being pleasant as can be the caress of the skin which generates a slight stimulus constituted by touches similar to "tickling".
• the electric discharges act on the motricity by contractions muscles that can be assimilated to many small cramps while vibration or other sensory means stimulate the sensory and non-motor system.
• this device does not allow adjustment of the characteristics of the stimulus, which does not allow to adapt in particular the duration, periodicity and sensory intensity of the stimulus according to particular anatomy and depth of sleep of the user.
• the object of the invention is therefore more particularly to eliminate these disadvantages.
• a device for generating a tactile stimulus in order to emit a silent alarm characterized in that it comprises:
• a module making it possible to produce at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus which comprises: feeding means; o a processing unit; o memory means such as permanent memory
• ROM read only memory
• RAM random access memory
• a submodule for generating at least one mechanical vibratory or rotary stimulus that includes at least one surface comprising means for generating stimuli; a fixing means consisting of an elastically deformable means which makes it possible to fix said module to the foot and to position said surface comprising stimulus generating means facing any zone of the foot which is preferably the sole of the foot and more particularly the part of the sole which has substantially the shape of a triangle and which delimits the anatomical part called the arch of the foot, the module is connected to this fixing means so removable ; in addition, this means of attachment as well as the conformation of the surface comprising means for generating stimuli allow only a small portion of this surface to be in direct contact with the sole of the foot when at least one stimulus is generated.
• the device according to the invention makes it possible to generate at least one mechanical stimulus constituting an alarm whose parameters are defined by means of said selector, the stimulus being applied preferentially to the sole of a foot which is an extremely sensitive.
• the securing means and the conformation of said surface comprising means for generating stimuli make it possible to ensure contact of a small part of this surface with the sole of the foot when at least one stimulus is generated, which makes the device according to the invention more hygienic and more comfortable. Indeed, a permanent contact throughout the night, with a relatively large plastic surface, for example, would generate maceration always in the same place that would eventually lead to various skin diseases.
• this surface may be convex so as to conform formally with the concave soles of the feet, and to include vibratory or rotatory studs or points constituting stimulus generating means, only the end of these spikes or points being in contact with the sole of the foot when a stimulus is generated, which ensures the existence of a trickle of air ensuring hygiene and optimization of the feeling of stroking by touch.
• the sensory stimulation of a large surface does not allow a stimulus by touch because it requires a small surface.
• strong or prolonged support does not generate any stimulus by touch.
• spikes or tips thus optimize the feeling of touch and caress, these spikes or points preferably having a tapered shape and preferably consist at least in part of a flexible material such as an elastomer coating.
• the specific shape of the surface stimuli generating means in contact with or facing the foot area where stimuli will be generated allows to perfectly match the shape of the sole of the foot at the level of the arch that is the area preferential constituent of the said foot zone.
• this surface has a strongly convex shape and also has, in a longitudinal section, a triangular appearance to present a conformal shape with the arch.
• the device according to the invention can be placed indifferently to the left foot or the right foot.
• the edge of said triangle-shaped surface located on the inner side of the foot is preferably reinforced and thicker because of the accentuation at this point of the curvature of the sole of the foot.
• the surface opposite to that in contact or facing the arch is flat to allow the user to get up at night and walk without having to remove it.
• the device according to the invention is designed with resistant materials so that the user can take a few steps without risk of damaging it.
• the fastening means and the conformation of the surface comprising stimulation generating means allow this surface to be in direct contact with a zone of the foot only when at least one stimulus is generated.
• the spikes or spikes can be moved in translation so that their ends come into contact with the sole of the foot when a stimulus is generated.
• the module making it possible to produce at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus is connected to said fixing means in a removable manner, which makes it possible in particular to carry out a regular cleaning of said module.
• this module is connected to a fastening means such as a strap, the latter preferably includes micro-perforations to ensure optimal ventilation of the foot on which is fixed said module.
• said selection sub-module may be independent of the submodule for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus.
• the device according to the invention comprises: a base consisting of the selection sub-module, this base taking the form of a conventional alarm clock which displays the time and which makes it possible to program the alarm;
• a receiving unit in non-wired contact with the base this receiving unit being constituted by the sub-module for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus which is fixed to the user's foot by said fixing means which can to be itself constituted for example by an elastic strap or a sock.
• the selection sub-module allows the user to program, in particular by means of the selector:
• the selection sub-module may include means for generating a random intensity and frequency of the stimuli to prevent the user from becoming accustomed to a specific stimulus production sequence.
• this means for generating a random intensity and frequency of the stimuli may be an integrated circuit producing a pseudo-random output signal.
• the surface comprising means for generating stimuli is preferably shaped so that the means Stimulus generators are arranged in relation to points, lines or specific surfaces of the soles of the feet which are particularly sensitive due to a large innervation.
• the device according to the invention has notably the following advantages:
• the module making it possible to produce at least one sensory stimulus is removably attached to said fixing means, which makes it possible to clean it regularly;
• Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the structure of the device according to the invention.
• Figures 2 and 2bis are schematic representations of a submodule of the device according to the invention, this submodule which is attached to the foot for generating stimuli.
• Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the structure according to an alternative embodiment of the invention of a submodule for generating stimuli.
• Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the structure of a mechanism for translating the surface of said submodule when at least one stimulus is generated.
• FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, this device comprising an independent selection sub-module of the submodule for generating at least one mechanical stimulus.
• FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the structure according to an alternative embodiment of the invention of a submodule for generating rotary stimuli.
• the device comprises: a module 1 making it possible to produce at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus which comprises: a feed means 2 supplying the submodule 3 for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus.
• This supply means 2 can be constituted by an electric generator such as an electric battery preferably having reduced dimensions and can, according to a variant embodiment, be recharged by means of a suitable charger 30 which connects to the mains.
• the feed means 2 may be constituted by a crank alternator which makes it possible to optimize the autonomy and the energy independence of the device according to the invention, the crank being preferably removable; a processing unit 4 such as a microprocessor; memory means 5 such as permanent memory (ROM) and / or volatile memory (RAM); o possibly an emulator; a selection sub-module 6 comprising:
• a display means 7 such as a liquid crystal display which can be in particular LCD type (" Liquid Crystal Display ");
• this selector 8 which allows the user to define the parameters of the alarm
• this selector 8 may for example be constituted by a simple button that allows when pressed, to display and navigate in a menu selection means appearing on said display means 7; o a sub-module 3 for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus which comprises at least one surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli; constituted by an elastically deformable means which makes it possible to fix said module 1 to the foot and to position said surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli facing any zone of the foot which is preferably the sole of the foot, the module 1 being connected to this fixing means 11 removably.
• the selector 8 of the selection sub-module 6 allows the user to define in particular:
• the duration, periodicity and sensory intensity of the stimuli can be customized according to the depth of sleep of each user.
• the submodule 3 for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus comprises in particular:
• At least one surface 9 comprising stimulus generation means 10, these stimulus generating means 10 being able to be studs or vibratory or rotary points preferably constituted by a plastics material;
• this vibrator mechanism can conventionally comprise an eccentric mass driven in rotation by an electric micromotor powered by said supply means 2.
• the sub-module 3 for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus is arranged in such a way that the ends of the spikes or spikes 10 are facing the sole of the user's foot. In this way, only these ends are in contact with this sole when a stimulus is generated, which makes the device according to the invention more hygienic and more comfortable.
• the sub-module 3 for generating at least one vibratory mechanical stimulus comprises:
• At least one surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli, this surface 9 being able to be a vibrating membrane 13 having a convex end;
• a mechanism 14 making it possible to generate the vibration of this membrane 13, this vibrating mechanism 14 can conventionally comprise: "an electromagnet coil 15 disposed under said surface 9, this coil 15 being connected to said supply means 2;” a ferromagnetic plate 16 in contact with the lower wall of the surface 9.
• the sub-module 3 for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus is arranged in such a way that only the top of this membrane 13 is in contact with the sole of the foot when a stimulus is generated.
• said surface 9 may be made of a ferromagnetic material, which makes it possible to dispense with said plate 16.
• the sub-module 3 for generating at least one mechanical stimulus comprises a power supply means 40 that can be constituted by an electric generator rotating a shaft whose free end comprises a disk 42 whose outer face is constitutive of said surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli, the latter may then consist of uniformly distributed flexible filament bundles.
• a power supply means 40 that can be constituted by an electric generator rotating a shaft whose free end comprises a disk 42 whose outer face is constitutive of said surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli, the latter may then consist of uniformly distributed flexible filament bundles.
• said surface may in this case comprise at its periphery a ring or a set of preferably spherical pads 45 of a height substantially equal to the end of that of the bundles of flexible filaments to protect them when the device according to the invention. invention is not used. ?
• the sub-module 3 for generating at least one mechanical stimulus comprises a power supply means 40 that can be constituted by an electric generator driving in rotation a shaft of which the free end comprises a disk 42 whose outer face is constitutive of said surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli, the latter can then be constituted by a removable secondary disc velvet.
• the velvet disk will be able to generate a stimulus by touching, this disc being preferably fixed to the disc 42 by means of a system of self-gripping strips comprising a loop fabric included on the upper face of the disc 42 and a fabric provided with hooks included on the underside of the velvet disc (or vice versa).
• the attachment means 1 1 as well as the conformation of the surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli allow this surface 9 to be directly in contact with a zone of the foot only when at least one stimulus is generated.
• this surface 9 can be subject to a translation movement.
• the translation of this surface 9 can be obtained as follows: By a simple mechanism consisting of a means such as a rod (not shown) whose one end is in contact with the lower wall of this surface 9, this rod being able to be the object of a translational movement under the action of an electric micro-motor; or
• FIG. 4 By means of a mechanism shown in FIG. 4, which comprises:
• a ferromagnetic yoke 21 shaped so as to cover at least partially said reinforcement 19 while preserving at least one free internal space, the inner wall of the skirt of this yoke 21 having two pins 22 shaped so as to engage in said throats
• this nipple assembly 22 - grooves 20 constituting guide means
• At least one compression spring 23 extending in said free space and connecting the inner walls of the lower part of the frame 19 and those of the upper part of the yoke 21;
• the electrical excitation of the coil 24 results in the generation of an induced force which causes a rotation of the yoke 21 relative to the armature 19, which makes it possible to generate a rotational movement of the cylinder head 21 and the desired translation movement, the end of the electrical excitation and the action of the springs 23 allowing a rotation in the opposite direction and thus the approximation of the armature 19 and the yoke 21.
• the outer wall of the upper part of the yoke 21 may be constitutive of the surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli or be connected to this surface 9 in order to communicate this movement of rotation and translation.
• the fastening means 11 can be constituted for example by an elastic strap attached to the submodule for generating at least one stimulus.
• the strap 11 may make it possible to connect the device according to the invention to the foot of a user by for example enclosing the ankle and / or tarsus of the foot and / or a toe of the foot, the looping of this strap 11 being able to take place for example by means of:
• Velcro strips (not shown) comprising a loop fabric included at one end of the strap 11 and a fabric provided with hooks included at the other end of the strap 1 1;
• a conventional system (not shown) of the belt type comprising a loop included at one end of the strap January 1, the looping being ensured by engaging the other end of the strap 11 in this loop.
• the fastening means 1 1 may be constituted by a sock, the sub-module 3 for generating at least one stimulus being fixed to this sock preferably by means of self-adhesive strips.
• gripper comprising a loop fabric included on one of the outer walls of this submodule 3 and a fabric with hooks attached to the inner face of the bottom of the sock.
• the module 1 for producing at least one mechanical stimulus is connected to the fixing means 11 removably, which improves the hygiene conditions, the module 1 can be easily cleaned. In this way, after having proceeded:
• the surface 9 comprising stimulus generating means is arranged facing the sole of a foot.
• the sole of the foot is the only part of the body that is both extremely sensitive and ensures no discomfort whatever the position during sleep.
• the sole of the foot is particularly sensitive to any stimulus, including vibration.
• the heel which is a zone of the foot which is not very sensitive to touch
• the fineness of the skin in the substantially triangular zone corresponding to the arch of the foot and against which the device according to the invention is arranged is explained in particular by the fact that that this part of the foot is little exposed to friction. It is a privileged area for applying a touch stimulus.
• the vibration applied to the foot can cause laughter or a smile, which is not the case for a vibration at the wrist applied by means of a vibrating watch for example because the wrist skin is exposed to friction as almost the entire body and therefore not sensitive as the sole of the foot which is protected by soles or shoes, which allows to preserve the great finesse of the skin at this place.
• the necessary energy / sensory efficiency ratio is optimal and the touch stimulus is one of the only ones to be able to generate this unique sensation that is the feeling of "tickling" which produces much more than a banal sensory effect and is particularly exciting .
• the sole of the foot is the only place on the body where placing and fixing the device according to the invention does not interfere with the sleeping person since the sole of the foot is the only place on the body on which this person is never supported if it sleeps lying, which is the norm. Indeed, that this person sleeps on the back or on the stomach, on the side or against a pillow, the device attached to the foot is never subject to crushing and exerts no unpleasant pressure.
• the use of the sole of the foot optimizes the ratio between the intensity of a signal generating an effective stimulus and the energy required to produce this signal.
• the user can, by means of the selector 8 of the submodule 6 of selection, parameterize the generation of tactile stimuli having intermittent vibrations and whose intensity is progressive and the random rhythm so that this user does not become accustomed to stimuli from one alarm clock to another.
• the device according to the invention allows an energy saving which results in an increase in the service life or charge of the electric battery constituting the supply means 2.
• the device according to the invention makes it possible to perform a double energy saving which results:
• the intensity, frequency and duration of vibratory stimuli will be more or less long.
• the beginning of the vibration will be sufficient, ensuring minimal power consumption and thus preserving the energy of the battery of the device according to the invention.
• the device according to the invention may be parameterized to generate more intense stimuli and longer.
• said selection sub-module 6 may be independent of submodule 3 for generating at least one mechanical stimulus.
• the device according to the invention comprises:
• Radiofrequency communication means with the receiver unit 28 consisting of transmission means as well as receiving means such as an antenna 27;
• a feeding means of the aforesaid type a processing unit of the aforesaid type
• radio frequency communication means with said base 25, these means consisting of transmitting means as well as receiving means such as an antenna.
• this variant allows to fix the foot of the user a less heavy and less bulky device, which increases the comfort of use.
• the base 25 consisting of the sub-module 6 of selection may itself be included in a monitoring device or in a mobile communication device such as a cellphone.
• this mobile phone may include an application allowing the user to define the parameters of the alarm and the stimuli, the alarm triggering signal then being transmitted to the receiving unit 28.
• this signal can be transmitted to the receiver unit 28.
• alarm can be simply constituted by a telephone call.
• each call received by the mobile phone will cause the generation of at least one tactile stimulus at the receiving unit 28 which will prevent the caller without disturbing those around him, the phone portable being preferentially itself in vibrate mode.
• This variant of execution is thus particularly suitable for persons who may be called at night by an emergency, such as doctors, but also for persons supervising other persons, such as parents who have disposed of a device. "monitoring" in the room of their children.
• the device according to the invention may comprise in addition to the supply means 2 a disposable battery of the conventional lithium button battery type, which makes it possible to keep the time and the parameters of the alarm even in discharge or malfunction of said supply means 2.
• the device according to the invention can be connected to the sector by means of an electrical cord having at its end an electrical socket, which makes it possible to dispense with said supply means 2.
• the device according to the invention may also comprise means (not shown) for producing an audible and / or visual alarm.
• the device according to the invention can be parameterized by means of the selector 8 so that in case of non-perception of the constituent vibrations of the stimuli after a defined time interval, an automatic switch (not shown) included in said device according to the invention allows the activation of said means for producing an audible and / or visual alarm.
• the means making it possible to produce an audible or visual alarm may respectively be a conventional audible alarm that can generate, for example, a succession of beeps or a luminous means that can be constituted for example by powerful LED diodes.
• said switch can enable the activation of a remotely controlled receptacle on which is connected for example a lamp or a sound device such as a radio.
• the device according to the invention makes it possible to generate:
• the user can control: • stopping the alarm by pressing a specific button that can be included on the selection sub-module 6 or on the sub-module 3 for generating the alarm. at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus;
• the device according to the invention can be used by people with hearing loss but also by all people wishing to wake up without disturbing those around him. Thus, it can be used by doctors on call who may be called at any time in an emergency at night.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
• Electric Clocks (AREA)
• Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)
• Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
• Telephone Function (AREA)
• Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

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• 2007
  • 2007-07-06 FR FR0704902A patent/FR2918468B1/fr active Active
• 2008
  • 2008-07-07 EP EP08827930A patent/EP2176842B1/de active Active
  • 2008-07-07 WO PCT/FR2008/000974 patent/WO2009024687A2/fr active Application Filing
  • 2008-07-07 ES ES08827930T patent/ES2373623T3/es active Active
  • 2008-07-07 AT AT08827930T patent/ATE521053T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation

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