FR2900757A1 - INTERACTIVE DEVICE WITH A USER'S WRIST HANDLE AND METHOD OF OPERATION - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an interactive wrist envelope (120, 122) for simulating the driving of a vehicle such as a motorcycle. The interactive wristwrap (120, 122) includes various components (132, 134, 136, 172, 174, 176) that respond to realistic user driving or driving motions through sensors. through loudspeakers appropriate outlets, such as a sound of increasing engine speed, in response to flexing of the wrist, to simulate an accelerator control operation, even if no motorcycle handlebars is present.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally

  an interactive wrist envelope for simulating the driving of a vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various products are known that attempt to provide users with a simulated, realistic and exciting motorcycle riding experience. For example, a product of this type is known which includes "full motion" game controllers that can be used with video games. These devices allow a user to apply a realistic driving movement to control the operation of the video game. Full-motion game controllers may include a motorcycle handlebar that allows a user to use flexion of his wrist to control the accelerator of a simulated motorcycle in a video game. In turn, the video game responds with a video and a sound that correspond to the actions of the user. Such game products of the prior art can suffer from several problems. In particular, the game action may be limited with respect to the operation of the video game. While the operation in action can include several activities of the user, the user remains static predominantly except for the movement of his hand or wrist. In addition, some users may wish to use their imagination and experience to simulate driving a motorcycle outside of the video game environment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An interactive wristwrap is provided for simulating the driving of a vehicle. The interactive wrist wrap includes various components that respond to realistic driving movements by generating appropriate outputs such as accelerating motor speed sound in response to wrist flexion to simulate an acceleration control throttle, even when there is no handlebar. The components can simulate vehicle driving in virtually any location, including both inside and outside the video game environment. For example, a user may use a wrist wrap while driving a non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle, in order to obtain sensations as if the vehicle were actually powered by a motor.

  According to one aspect of the invention, the device carried by a user comprises a first section; a second section coupled to the first section, the second section and the first section being shaped to be worn close to a wrist of the user; a sensor configured to indicate a relative movement between the first and second sections, this movement corresponding to a wrist flexion of the user; and an output generator coupled to said sensor, the output generator producing vehicle sounds in response to the relative movement indicated by said sensor. Advantageously, the device further comprises a plurality of stored sounds, said output generator selectively emitting sounds in response to at least one actuation of the user's wrist, as sensed by said sensor, including sounds of speed sounds. motor to simulate actuation of a throttle grip of a motorcycle. Advantageously, said sensor is a two-position sensor which indicates whether or not wrist flexion is detected. Advantageously, the device further comprises a mode selector coupled to said output generator, said output generator producing different output sounds in response to flexing of the wrist according to the mode indicated by said mode selector. Advantageously, said sensor measures a degree of rotation and said output generator produces sounds in response to the degree of rotation detected by said sensor.

  Advantageously, said output generator is integratedly included in one of said first and second sections. According to a second aspect of the invention, it relates to a set of two removable, user-insertable, interactive wrist envelopes comprising a wrist first envelope, comprising: a first-hand envelope section; a first forearm casing section rotatably coupled to said first-hand casing section; A loudspeaker coupled to an outer portion of said first-hand casing section; a first sensor coupled to said first-handed casing section and said forearm first casing section; and first electronic means actuating said loudspeaker to generate a plurality of engine sounds, said first means selectively generating the plurality of engine sounds in response to a flexion and a non-flexion of the user's first wrist, as indicated by said first sensor; and a second wrist casing, comprising: a second-hand casing section; a second forearm casing section rotatably coupled to said second-hand casing section; a second speaker coupled to an outer portion of said second-hand envelope section; A second sensor coupled to said second-hand envelope section and said second forearm envelope section; and second electronic means actuating said second speaker to generate a buzzer sound, said second means selectively generating buzzer sound in response to flexing and non-flexing of the user's second wrist as indicated by said second sensor.

  The invention also relates to a method of operating a device carried by a user, the method comprising the steps of: receiving an input, via said device, representing a movement caused by the action of the user, said action corresponding to movements used to drive a vehicle; and producing an output in response to said input, said output simulating a vehicle output which is correlated to the driving movements of the vehicle. Advantageously, said movements include a flexion of the wrist.

  Advantageously, said output includes a plurality of engine sounds, the method further comprising selectively producing the plurality of engine speed sounds in response to flexing of the wrist, as indicated by said input. Advantageously, said input includes an indication as to whether or not the user's wrist is flexed. Advantageously, said output responds to said indication and whether said indication has changed, or not. Advantageously, said output includes an increase and a decrease in engine sounds and gearshift sounds. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 represents an assembly presented by way of example of wrist envelopes worn by a user; Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C show sectional views of a wrist casing at a plurality of positions; and FIGS. 3A and 3B show a high level flowchart of exemplary embodiments obtained by a wrist casing according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows an assembly 110 consisting of two wrist wraps, including a right wrist casing 120 and a left wrist casing 122, these shells being worn by a user respectively on his right hand 112 and on his left hand 114. Although the wrist envelopes are shown with various functional and decorative shapes and designs, modifications can be made to these elements without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, wrist wraps can be designed to simulate driving styles in motocross racing, driving styles on the road, and so on. In addition, although Figure 1 shows an assembly consisting of two wrist envelopes, a single wrist envelope may be provided. A right wrist casing 120 is shown as including a right hand claw casing section 132, a right hand claw section 134, and a right forearm casing section 136. Section 132 is coupled rotatingly to section 136 through a rotating hinge 142. The hinges can form a hinge so that the different wrist sections are hinged to each other. Although in this example a rotating joint having a single degree of freedom between the wrist casing sections is provided, various other flexible couplings may be used. For example, the rotational couplings may include a flexible link that causes pivoting through bending of an elastic coupling member, or they may include a fabric or flexible leather coupling piece. Sections 132, 134 and 136 may be formed from various materials such as plastic, rubber, etc. The wrist casing 120 may be detachably attached to the user's right hand 112 via plastic strap members 160, 162 and 164. As shown in FIG. 1, the strap 160 may be attached to a strap side of the right hand envelope section 134 and can be positioned facing the user's thumb so that it surrounds the palm of the user's hand (not shown). In addition, the strap 162 may be positioned on the same side of the right hand envelope section 134 but at the back of the user's thumb. The straps 160 and 162 may further include a Velcro (trademark) loosely and loosely fastenable attachment means, which makes it possible to attach the strap 164 which is coupled to the other side of the section. 134. Such a webbing system makes it possible to adjust the wrist envelope to a wide variety of hand sizes, thus making it easy for the user to place and remove. Although this example illustrates three webbing elements, various other approaches can be used to removably attach the wrist wrap to the user, such as, for example, elastic bands, straps with a buckle, straps, buttons -pressure, classic buttons, etc.

  The right hand envelope section 134 is shown to include an outer housing 150 which may include an integrated speaker cover 152, which cover may include a plurality of holes or perforations overlying the speaker. As described in more detail hereinafter, the right hand envelope section 134 may also include various sensors, a battery, electronic elements and controllers, such as a loudspeaker for generating sounds, lights for generating indications. luminous, IR transmitters and / or receivers, a control circuit and / or various other output generators. In one example, a control circuit can generate an output such as sounds, in response to various sensor inputs. On the other hand, although this is not shown in Figure 1, the right hand envelope section 134 may further include visual reading elements (such as a tachometer, speedometer, etc.). as well as input devices such as buttons, switches, dials, etc.

  The right hand envelope section 134 may also include a mode selection switch (not shown) comprising two, three, or more than three switch options / positions to allow a user to select a mode of operation. As described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3, different operations may be performed in response to various sensor inputs depending on the mode selection. For example, the first mode may be a "deactivated" (or "off") mode, the second mode may be a "only accelerated motor speed" (or "ace") mode, and the third mode may be a mode " acceleration plus cruising speed. "The right hand shroud section 134 may be shaped and / or shaped to fit around the back of the user's right hand 112. In particular, a lower surface of the section 134 may be concave to better fit the user Similarly, sections 132 and 136 may also have shaped lower surfaces to fit the user or they may be substantially planar shapes .

  The hinge 142 may include an integral cam member (see Figs. 2A-2C) which allows detection of the degree of relative rotation between the right hand casing section 134 and the forearm casing section. right 136 via a sensor coupled to the right hand envelope section 134. Although in this example a cam and a deflection sensor are used, various other sensor configurations can be used to indicate the flexion between sections 134 and 136 For example, a strain gauge mounted on a bending linkage may be used to measure an angular deflection between sections 134 and 136. As another example, a rotary potentiometer may be used to measure the pivoting of the articulation 142. Still other approaches can be used if desired. In one example, a circuit in the right hand envelope section 134 can generate engine sounds, the amplitude and / or frequency of the engine sounds being correlated to the degree of flexion of the wrist by the user, as measured The degree of flexion of the wrist can thus simulate an increase in throttle control, which in turn produces sounds indicative of an increase in the speed and / or power of the engine. Such an operation can make it possible to obtain the sensation of driving a two-wheeled vehicle or the sensation of another activity according to which the user can claim to drive a motorcycle. In other words, as the right hand simulates the movements required to spin the throttle on a motorcycle, motorcycle engine sounds are emitted from a built-in speaker in the motorcycle's envelope. wrist. These sounds may correspond to the simulated degree of rotation of the imaginary throttle grip, greater rotation causing faster and / or more powerful engine sound. Alternatively, a contact switch may be coupled to the hinge 142 such that upon actuation of a cam member, an accelerating motor speed sound is produced as a result of this contact regardless of the degree of pivoting beyond the point of the initial switch contact.

  FIG. 1 further shows a wrist casing 122 coupled to the left hand 114, with respectively similar sections of left limb finger, hand and wrist casing 172, 174 and 176, and with respective hinges 180 and 182. The left wrist shell 122 may be symmetrical or unsymmetrical with respect to the right wrist shell 120. For example, the left wrist shell 122 may have similar wrist flexion detection and sound generation. similar to the right wrist shell 120 for producing engine sounds or horn, or it may include additional and / or alternative features. According to the example of FIG. 1, a sensor can measure flexion of the fingers of the user's left hand 114 via the degree of rotation between the left hand envelope section 174 and the left finger envelope section. 172 and, in turn, can communicate this information to a circuit included in the left hand envelope section 174. In addition, the left hand envelope section 174 can generate speed change sounds in response to the flexing fingers to further improve the simulation of motorcycle riding. In other words, since the movement of the left hand simulates traction on a motorcycle clutch lever, shift sounds can be generated. In yet another example, the right wrist casing 120 may also include a sensor for measuring flexion of the fingers via the hinge 140 and may further generate sounds in response to sensed flexion of the fingers. Due to the constitution of multiple aspects of the driving of a motorcycle with the assembly constituted by the two wrist envelopes, it is possible to allow an improvement of the driving simulation and to allow a development of the driving experience. such as well-coordinated movements of the right and left hands that can result from the relevant sounds of shifting and acceleration.

  According to some examples, a communication can be provided between the two wrist envelopes. For example, wired or wireless communication from the wrist wrap 120 to and from the wrist wrap 122 may be provided, for example via infrared (IR) communication, visible light communication, sound communication. or ultrasound or radio frequency (RF) communication. For example, wrist wraps can communicate the value of the deviation at the various joints. Such arrangements may allow one or both of the wrist envelopes to generate an output such as a sound in response to the coordinated operations of the left and right wrist envelopes. In this way, it may be possible for a user to develop even more skill when the wrist envelopes 110 generate outputs such as sounds in response to well-coordinated movements of the set of right wrist envelopes and left, while also generating outputs such as mechanical noises and engine sounds associated with poorly executed gear changes in a real motorcycle in response to poorly coordinated movements of the left and right wrist envelopes. As noted above, one or more simulated electrical or electronic indicators can be provided, for example on the right or left hand envelope section 134/174. These indicators may include a tachometer or a simulated speedometer. In one example, a simulated tachometer can be a reading of the simulated engine speed sounds, with corresponding changes that reflect the positions of right wrist flexion "accelerator" and the position of flexion of the fingers of the engine. left hand "clutch".

  While Figure 1 shows as an example wrist wraps that do not completely cover the arm, hand or fingers, various alternative configurations may be used. For example, suitable gloves may be used with corresponding sensors (eg jump-position switches) placed on the wrist, palm and / or back sections of the gloves. Thus, when the user's hand moves in a chosen manner, the switches are closed, or other types of sensors are activated, which causes associated sounds, associated visual effects, or other actions may occur. produce as described here. In addition, while the embodiment described here is directed towards driving a motorcycle, various other vehicle configurations may be used, for example a snowmobile, a jet ski, a construction equipment, etc. In addition, various sounds and / or sound effects may be used in addition to engine and brake sounds, such as buzzer sounds, crash sounds, vibrations, etc. FIGS. 2A-2C show a side sectional view of an exemplary wrist casing 120, in which the components which are identical to those of FIG. 1 have the same references, the wrist casing being represented in three different positions. Further, Figs. 2A-2C show a spring-loaded cam member 220 rotatable about the hinge 142, as well as an internal compartment 210 which can house electronic components, a battery, etc. While the spring-loaded cam is rotated counterclockwise against a pusher (not shown) and thus according to this example the cam 220 is coupled to a sensing sensor internal position (not shown), the sensor indicates an undflipped position.

  Specifically, FIG. 2A shows a wrist casing according to a position before a user has initiated a wrist flexion and before the surface 222 of the forearm section 136 has come into contact with the element. 220 cam.

  FIG. 2B shows the wrist casing after the user has turned it from the position of FIG. 2A, to bring it into a position where the surface 222 is brought into contact with the cam 220, without the move. Again, according to the position of Fig. 2B, the spring loaded cam 220 is rotated counterclockwise against the pusher and the sensor indicates an uninflected position. Fig. 2C shows the wrist casing in a position after the user has turned further from the position of Fig. 2B and has generated sufficient wrist flexion to actuate the cam 220 to the point of activating the sensor. internal position. In this configuration, the sensor indicates that the wrist flexion is detected. Referring now to FIG. 3, a program is described, which program may be executed by circuitry and by a processor integrated in the wrist casing, for example integrated within the wrist casing 120. The process The following may be implemented by a code stored within a computer readable memory or may be executed by electronic circuits, etc. According to the example described in connection with FIG. 3, various modes of operation may be selected by a user to produce various wrist envelope responses / simulations in response to user inputs. Specifically, three distinct modes of operation can be selected, these procedures including: mode 1: this mode represents an inactive state, mode 2: this mode represents a mode at only the motor acceleration, in which mode, following action of a user's movement (eg wrist flexion), only an acceleration (or "acc") motor speed is generated, and - mode 3: this mode represents an accelerating motor speed and / or in deceleration, in association with shifts in this mode, a cruise engine speed is maintained and a transmission sound and / or idle engine sound is / are produced.

  According to this example, various sound recordings and various durations are selectively read through a speaker arranged in a wrist envelope, the various recordings representing one or more components of the sounds produced during the modes presented above. , and the various reading operations are in turn produced according to these different modes. The operation according to FIG. 3 thus makes it possible to obtain numerous game configurations by using a single-position wrist flexion sensor and a three-position mode selector switch. In 310, the program reads a mode selection switch and determines a selected mode such as mode 1, 2 or 3. When mode 1 is selected, the program goes to 312 and no sound or other output is output , this mode 1 can thus be called "stop". When mode 2 is selected, the program goes to 314 and when mode 3 is selected, the program goes to 316.

  Mode 2 provides a unique acceleration or "acc" engine speed sound in response to detection of user input such as wrist flexion. When the flexion of the wrist is not detected, no sound is produced unless an "acceleration" is in progress, in which case the acceleration continues until it stops then no sound is produced. According to this example, the single recording of acceleration engine speed sound is called record 1. While a single record is repeatedly used in this example, the program may alternatively use a plurality of different recordings which may be randomly selected for reading or that can be read in a specified order. Mode 3 provides a more complex game pattern in which a continuous idle engine sound (record 2) is read when no flexing of the wrist is detected. Following the detection of wrist flexion, a motor acceleration and transmission recording (record 4) is read in which the motor increases its speed repeatedly as if it were changing speed repeatedly. Then, it is assumed that the flexion of the wrist is still detected, after which the last gear ratio or the fastest gear ratio is reached, and a recording of cruising speed sound (record 5) is read continuously. In addition, following the detection that the wrist flexion is suppressed or stopped, a decelerating engine record and corresponding transmission (record 3) is read. Then, it is assumed that the wrist flexion is still undetected, after which the deceleration is stopped and the idle motor recording (record 1) is repeatedly read again. Returning to the details of FIG. 3A, at 314, the program determines a user body position such as a wrist position as measured at the hinge 142. According to this example, a single position sensor is used to indicate that either flexion of the wrist is detected (position 2) or a bending position is not detected (position 1); however, a continuously variable position or angle sensor may also be used as noted above. If the position 1 is detected (for example no flexion of the wrist), the program goes to 320 to determine whether or not a reading of the record 1 is in progress. If so, the program goes to 322 to continue playing record 1 otherwise the program goes to 324 and no output or no sound is produced. In other words, if the record 1 has begun to play due to wrist flexion, but wrist flexion is stopped, playback of record 1 continues until the end of the record. the record. Likewise, if the position 2 is detected (for example a flexion of the wrist), the program proceeds to 326 to determine whether or not the recording of the record 1 is in progress. If so, the program goes to 322 to continue reading record 1; otherwise, the program goes to 328 to initiate the reading of the recording 1. In other words, following the detection of a flexion of the wrist, the reading of the recording 1 is initiated unless it is already in being read. In addition, after the end of the playback of the recording 1, no sound is produced even if a flexion of the wrist continues. Thus, a single acceleration engine speed sound is generated. When mode 3 is selected, the program determines the wrist position at 316. When position 1 is detected, the program goes to 330 to determine whether or not the user's previous wrist position was position 2, continued at the last execution of the program. If so, the program proceeds to 332 according to FIG. 3B to initiate the reading of the record 3. Otherwise, the program proceeds to 334 to determine whether or not the reading of the record 3 is completed or if it is still in progress. If playback is in progress, the program goes to 336 to continue playing record 3. If it is not in progress, the program goes to 338 to play record 2, or it continues / repeats the 2. In mode 3, when position 2 is detected, the program proceeds to 340 according to Figure 3A, to determine whether or not the user's previous wrist position was position 1 following the last execution of the program. If so, the program proceeds to 342 in Fig. 3B to initiate playback of record 4. Otherwise, the program proceeds to 344 to determine whether or not playback of record 4 is In progress. If this is not the case, the program proceeds to 346 to initiate playback of the recording 5. If so, the program proceeds to 348 to continue playing the recording 4. This way although a two-position wrist sensor is used, a wide variety of game configurations and a wide variety of targeted motorcycle driving operations can be produced.

  While Fig. 3 shows an exemplary operation of a right hand wrist casing 120, similar operations may also be provided for the left hand wrist casing 122. According to a variant, the casing left hand wrist can use a two-mode switch according to which in a first mode the wrist envelope is deactivated (or "off") and in a second mode a buzzer sound is generated following the detection of flexion of the wrist. Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it should be appreciated that the spirit and scope of the invention are not limited to these embodiments. For example, the described wrist envelopes may communicate with a video game console and may be used to control the operation of a vehicle such as a motorcycle in a video game. The scope of the present invention is of course defined by the appended claims. All features that fall within the interpretation and scope of equivalence of the claims are included in the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims (19)

  1. Device carried by a user, characterized in that it comprises: a first section (134); a second section (136) coupled to the first section, the second section and the first section being shaped to be worn near a wrist of the user; a sensor (220) configured to indicate a relative movement between the first and second sections (134, 136), which movement corresponds to a wrist flexion of the user; and an output generator (152) coupled to said sensor, the output generator producing vehicle sounds in response to the relative motion indicated by said sensor.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first section (134) is shaped so as to be worn on the back of the user's hand and said second section (136) is shaped so as to be worn on the forearm of the user.   3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of stored sounds, said output generator 20 selectively emitting the sounds in response to at least one actuation of the wrist of the user, such as detected by said sensor, the sounds including engine speed sounds so as to simulate actuation of a motorcycle throttle grip. 25   4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said sensor is a two-position sensor (220) which indicates whether or not a wrist flexion is detected.   5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises a mode selector coupled to said output generator, said output generator producing different output sounds in response to flexion of the wrist. according to the mode indicated by said mode selector.   6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said sensor measures a degree of rotation and in that said output generator produces sounds in response to the degree of rotation detected by said sensor.   7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the vehicle sounds include transmission sounds and engine.   8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that a sound of the motor being accelerated is produced by said output generator.   Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said output generator is included integrally in one of said first and second sections (134, 136).   10. A set of two interactive, removable, user-mountable wrist envelopes, the assembly being characterized in that it comprises: a first wrist casing (120), comprising: a casing section; first hand (134); a first forearm casing section (136), rotatably coupled (142) to said first-hand casing section; A loudspeaker (152) coupled to an outer portion of said first-hand casing section; a first sensor (220) coupled to said first-hand casing section and said first-casing casing section; forearm ; and first electronic means actuating said loudspeaker to generate a plurality of engine sounds, said first means selectively generating the plurality of engine sounds in response to bending and non-flexing of the user's first wrist, such as indicated by said first sensor; and a second wrist casing (122), comprising: a second-hand casing section (174); a second forearm casing section (176), rotatably coupled (182) to said second hand casing section; a second speaker coupled to an outer portion of said second-hand envelope section; a second sensor coupled to said second-hand envelope section and said second forearm envelope section; and second electronic means actuating said second speaker to generate a buzzer sound, said second means selectively generating buzzer sound in response to flexing and non-flexing of the user's second wrist, as indicated by said second sensor.   An assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that each of said first and second wrist casings comprises at least one strap (162) coupled to said hand casing section (134) for removably coupling said wrist casing to the user.   The assembly of claim 11, characterized in that each of said forearm envelope sections (136, 176) is shaped to cover only a portion of the user's arm, and each of said sections of The hand wrapper (134, 174) is shaped to cover at least a portion of the back of the user's hand without completely covering the fingers and the palm of the user.   13. An assembly according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that said first electronic means generate engine sounds being shifted in response to the flexion and non-flexion of the wrist of the user, as indicated by said first sensor.   14. A method of operating a device carried by a user, the method comprising the steps of: receiving an input, via said device, representing a movement caused by the action of the user, said action corresponding to movements used to drive a vehicle; and producing an output in response to said input, said output simulating a vehicle output which is correlated to the driving movements of the vehicle. 15   15. The method of claim 14, characterized in that said movements include a flexion of the wrist.   The method of claim 15, characterized in that said output includes a plurality of engine sounds, the method further comprising selectively producing the plurality of engine speed sounds in response to flexing of the wrist as indicated by said entry.   The method of claim 16, characterized in that said input includes an indication as to whether or not the wrist of the user is flexed.   18. The method of claim 17, characterized in that said output responds to said indication and whether said indication has changed or not. 30   The method of claim 17, characterized in that said output includes an increase and decrease in engine sounds and shift sounds.