GB2415486A

GB2415486A - Control device wearable on an ear or cap

Info

Publication number: GB2415486A
Application number: GB0509659A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Heath; Richard J Huxley
Original assignee: Staffordshire University
Current assignee: Staffordshire University
Priority date: 2004-06-21
Filing date: 2005-05-11
Publication date: 2005-12-28
Also published as: GB0509659D0; GB0413877D0

Abstract

A wearable control device has movement sensors (30, fig 4) for sensing movement of the wearer, a processor (36, fig 5) for receiving sensor outputs and converting them to output instructions for a device (e.g. a computer cursor, or a remote control vehicle) to be controlled by the control device, and a wireless transmitter (38, fig 5) for transmitting the output instructions to the device. One embodiment (figs 1-9) has an ear loop 14, speaker (24, fig 2), microphone 56, eye movement sensor 58, and recognises or forwards voice commands. Other embodiments can be incorporated inside a cap (figs 10-13), or clipped to a cap (figs 14 & 15) worn on a users head. The sensors may optically sense an eccentrically weighted slotted disc (fig 5), or use gyroscopes, accelerometers or tilt switches.

Description

Head/Body Mounted Control Device The present invention relates to a head

or body mounted control device and in particular to a control device which converts movement of the body of the wearer into control inputs for an electronic device.

There exist various control input devices which enable a user, via their hands, to provide control inputs to computer including, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball or track pad and a joystick. Each of these input devices requires the user to have a certain degree of manual dexterity and hand to eye co-ordination. Similar dexterity and coordination criteria need to be met in other situations where a hand operable device is utilised to give control inputs to a separate device. Such situations include, for example, the remote operation of a device such as a television, music system or toy vehicle.

There exist situations where a user may not be able to utilise a given hand operable control device. This may be due to the user not having the required manual dexterity or hand to eye co-ordination. Alternatively, the user may already be using one or more hand operable control devices and hence is not able to utilise a further control device.

According to the present invention there is provided a wearable control device having a movement sensor operable to sense movement of the wearer of the control device, a processor arranged to receive outputs from said sensor representative of said movement of the wearer and convert said inputs to control output instructions for a device arranged to be controlled by the control device, and a wireless transmitter means operable to transmit said control output instructions to said device.

The present invention allows a user to translate body movements into control inputs.

In one embodiment of the present invention the device is preferably contained within or mounted to a body which can be attached to an article of clothing worn by a user of the device. In a preferred embodiment the device is attachable to an article of clothing worn on the head of a user of the device. The body may be provided with an attachment portion which permits the body to be attached to the clothing article. In such an embodiment the attachment portion may comprise a resilient arm which opposes a portion of the body. The arm may be moved away from the body so as to define a gap therebetween into which a portion of the clothing article, such as a portion of the brim, peak or visor of the article, can be inserted. The arm can subsequently be released whereupon the clothing portion is gripped between the arm and the body. The arm preferably opposes a lower portion or underside of the body. The arm may be formed integrally with the body.

The body may comprises upper and lower portions which are connectable to one other.

The portions, when connected, define a cavity within the body within which the movement sensor, processor and wireless transmitter means are contained. The cavity may be subdivided so as to define a portion of the cavity into which one or more batteries or power cells may be inserted. The cavity battery portion may be provided with an openable closure so as to enable batteries to be inserted and removed without the need to split the upper and lower body portions.

In an alternative embodiment the device may be fitted within an article of clothing which can be worn on the head of a user. In such an embodiment the device is provided with a body which is shaped to fit within an interior space of the clothing article. The body is preferably provided with one or more attachment means which enable the body to retained within the clothing article. The body may be releasbly retained or, alternatively, may be permanently retained. The attachment means may comprise one or more fastener members which engage with complementarily shaped fastener members of the clothing article. The fastener members may, for example, comprise press stud fasteners, hook and loop material portions or the like. Alternatively, the attachment means may be defined by an adhesive. The body preferably comprises upper and lower portions which are connectable to one other. The portions, when connected, define a cavity within the body within which the movement sensor, processor and wireless transmitter means are contained. The cavity may be subdivided l so as to define a portion of the cavity into which one or more batteries or power cells may be inserted. The cavity battery portion may be provided with an openable closure so as to enable batteries to be inserted and removed without the need to split the upper and lower body portions. s

In a preferred embodiment the body is shaped to fit into the crown of a hat which can be worn by a user of the device. In such an embodiment a portion of the body is shaped so as to conform closely to the shape of the crown. The upper portion of the body may shaped so as to conform to the crown of the hat.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention the device may be configured so as to attach to a portion of the body of the user. In such an embodiment the device may include a body having an attachment member extending therefrom, the attachment member being shaped so as to engage with a portion of the body of the user. The body may also be shaped so as to engage with a portion of the body of the user. In such an embodiment it will be understood that the device may be retained in association with the portion of the body of the user by both the attachment member and shaped portion of the body.

In a preferred embodiment the device is configured so as to attach to an ear of a user. In such an embodiment the attachment member may comprise a curved arm extending from the body. The arm is shaped so as to extend over and around the portion of an ear where it meets the head of a user. The arm may be substantially U-shaped. The arm and body are preferably arranged such that the arm extends over and around the ear of the user, while a portion of the body is arranged to overlie the ear hole. In such an embodiment the portion of the body which, in use overlies the ear hole may be shaped so as to project at least partially into the ear hole. In such an embodiment the shaped portion may be defined by an outward bulge of the body. The shaped portion may advantageously be provided with an aperture. In such an embodiment the device may be provided with means to transmit sound through aperture to the user.

In a preferred embodiment the body is provided with an interface port into which an accessory can be connected. The accessory may comprise an additional sensor which, in use, is arranged to sense an action made by the user of the device. The additional sensor may comprise an audio sensor arranged to detect a sound made by the user of the device. In such an embodiment the audio sensor may be provided with a stalk which extends from the body of the device towards the mouth of the user.

Alternatively, the additional sensor may be arranged to sense movement of the user of the device. The additional sensor may advantageously be arranged to sense the movement of a facial feature of the user. In particular, the additional sensor may sense the movement of an eye of the user, and particularly the blinking of an eye of the user.

In such an embodiment the sensor may be mounted in a frame which extends from the body of the device towards an eye of the user. The frame may comprise upper and lower frame members. The upper and lower frame members may be arranged such that the upper frame member, in use, is positioned above the eye of the user and the lower frame member below the eye of the user.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a second perspective view of the device; Figure 3 shows the device attached to the ear of a user; Figures 4 and 5 show, respectively, plan and perspective views of a motion sensing arrangement of the device; Figures 6 shows a perspective view of the device worn by a user and including a microphone and an eye movement sensor; Figure 7 shows a side view of the device of figure 6; Figure 8 shows a front view of the device; Figure 9 shows side view of the method by which the eye movement sensor is attached; Figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of the internal components of a control device according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 shows an exploded perspective view of the components of figure 10 fitted to a carrier; Figure 12 shows the carrier of figure 11 fitted to a cap; Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a user wearing a cap containing a control device of the type described with reference to figures 10 to 12; Figure 14 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a control device according to the present invention; and Figure 15 shows an exploded perspective view of the device of figure 14.

Referring firstly to figures l to 9 there is shown a control device generally designated 10. The device 10 comprises a rounded body 12 and an ear loop 14. The body and loop 12, 14 are configured such that the device 10 can be fitted to the ear 16 of a user 18 as illustrated in figure 3. The loop 14 fits over and behind the ear, while the a rear face 20 of the body 12 fits over the ear hole. The rear face 20 of the body 12 includes a rounded extension 22 which is shaped to project slightly into the ear hole of the user 18 to assist with the fit of the device 10. The extension 22 includes a curved aperture 24 which, in use is aligned with the ear hole of the user 18. The presence of the aperture 24 permits a speaker to be incorporated into the device 10.

Within the device 10 there is provided a motion sensing arrangement. An example of such an arrangement is shown in figures 4 and 5 and is generally designated 26. The arrangement comprises a base board 28, a pair of motion sensors 30 arranged on a common plane along mutually perpendicular axes 32,34, a processor 36 to which the sensors 30 are connected, a wireless transmitter 38, a speaker 40 and accessory connection interfaces 42. The arrangement 26 includes a power source such as a battery, not shown. Each motion sensor 30 comprises an axle 44 which is rotatably supported between two support members 46. An end 48 of the axle 44 extends beyond the outermost support member 46 and carries a slotted disc 50. An eccentric weight 52 is provided on the axle 44 between the support members 46. Provided on the base board 28 adjacent each disc 50 is a horseshoe shaped optical sensor 54. The optical sensor includes a light source and a light sensitive receiver. The sensor and disc 54,50 are arranged such that the light source is visible to the receiver through the slots of the discs 50 but not through the body of the disc 50.

In use, it will be appreciated that the axles 44 will adopt a rest position as a result of the eccentric positioning of the weights thereupon. Movement of the base 28 as a result of movement of the body 12 within which it is installed causes rotation of the axles 44 and the slotted discs 50. Rotation of the discs 50 causes the light sources of the optical sensors 54 to be repeatedly revealed and blocked to the light sensitive receivers. The output from each optical sensor 54 is fed to the processor 36 whereupon the output pattern of each sensor 54 is analysed and from which the movement of the base 28, and hence the body 12 of the device 10, is interpreted. The processor 36 converts the movement experienced by the base 28 into movement control signals which are in turn transmitted via the wireless transmitter 38 to a device which is intended to be controlled by the control device 10.

It will be appreciated that other forms of sensor may be employed by the device 10. For example, the sensors may comprise one or more gyroscopes, accelerometers, tilt switches and the like.

For example, the control device 10 may be arranged to convert movement of the head of a user 18 into the movement instructions for a cursor present upon a computer screen. In such an embodiment the movement of the head of the user 18 is converted to instructions to move the cursor in the two dimensional environment of the screen in a similar manner to that of a compare mouse. In such an embodiment the computer is provided with a wireless receiver means with which the device 10 can correspond. In an alternative embodiment the control device 10 may be arranged to control the movement of a remote control vehicle. In such an embodiment the movement of the head of the user 18 may be converted by the device 10 into steering control inputs and optionally acceleration and braking commands.

The device 10 may be arranged to detect a number of different movements of the head of the user 18 including fore and aft tilting of the head of the user 18, side to side tilting of the head of the user 18, and rotation of the head of the user 18. The processor 36 may be configured to act upon one of the above mentioned motion types or a combination of said motion types.

Figures 6 to 9 show optional accessories which may be fitted to the device. The accessories comprise a microphone 56 and an eye movement sensor 58. The microphone 56 comprises a curved elongate stem 60 having a plug 62 which may be fitted to an appropriately configured port 64 of the body 12. A ball and socket arrangement 66 is provided between the stem 60 and plug 62 to permit the position of the microphone 56 to be varied to meet user requirements. The port 64 of the body 12 is connected to an accessory connection interface 42 of the motion sensing arrangement 26 such that once the microphone 56 is fitted to the body 12 it is connected to the processor 36. The processor 36 may include a voice recognition means which is operable to convert voice commands issued by the user 18 to appropriate command inputs to a device controlled by the device 10.

Taking the example described above relating to the control of remotely controlled vehicle, voice commands such as "Turn Left" and "Turn Right" may be converted by the voice recognition means of the processor 36 into appropriate steering input commands for the vehicle. Alternatively the microphone 56 and processor 36 may be configured such that the microphone 56 may be operable as a switch. In such an embodiment the processor 36 may be sensitive to the volume of the voice of the user to issue an on/off command to the device being controlled.

In an alternative embodiment the processor 36 may be configured to forward voice commands via the wireless transmitter 38 to a remote location. In such an embodiment the remote location may include voice recognition means of the type described above.

In yet a further embodiment the microphone 56 and processor 36 may be configured to operate in the manner of a puffer or suck switch where noise of any type made by the user is recognised as a control input. The noise may for example, be made by a user smacking their lips, inhaling sharply or blowing over the microphone 56.

The eye movement sensor 58 comprises upper and lower curved elongate members 68,70 which extend from the body 12 partially around the head of the user 18 such that upper member 68 is positioned above an eye 74 of the user and the lower member 70 below the eye 72. A connector 72 is provided between the members 68,70 so as to ensure that they are maintained in a predetermined relationship to one another. The sensor 58 fits to the body 12 via a pair of spaced apertures 76 within which are received ends 78 of the members 68,70. The apertures 76 connected to an accessory connection interface 42 of the motion sensing arrangement 26 such that once the eye movement sensor 58 is fitted to the body 12 it is connected to the processor 36.

The eye movement sensor 58 may operate in a known manner. For example, a modulated infra red light source may be provided in one of the members 68, 70 and a light sensor in the other of the members 68,70, with the source being positioned to reflect light off the eyeball of the user 18 to the light sensor. Light is prevented from reaching the sensor when the user 18 closes their eye, for example by blinking. This arrangement may be utilised to enable a switching command dependent upon whether the user's eye is open or closed. Alternatively the sensor 58 may be provided with means to track the movement of a point on the eyeball which in turn may be converted into corresponding movement commands by the processor 36. Optionally a screen 80 may be provided between the members 68,70.

Referring now to figures 10 to 13 there is shown an alternative embodiment of a control device generally designated 100. The device 100 is configured to be incorporated into a garment wearable by a user such as a cap 102. The device 100 comprises a base board 104 to which is fitted a motion sensor and transmitter assembly generally designated 106. The assembly 106 comprises a sensor board 108 and a transmitter board 110. The sensor board 108 is provided with a pair of solid state movement sensors 112 such as, for example, accelerometers. The sensors 112 are connected to the transmitter board via connector wires 114 The transmitter board 110 includes a processor 116 with which the sensors 112 correspond and a wireless transmitter means 118.

The base board 104 comprises a planar base member 120 having a plurality of upstanding pillars 122. The pillars 122 are positioned such that the sensor and base boards 108, 110 may be fitted thereto by appropriate means such as, for example, threaded fasteners or adhesive. The base board 104 further includes a battery compartment 124 to which the sensor/transmitter assembly 106 is connected, in use.

The base board 104 also includes an on/off switch, not shown.

The control device 100 is fittable to a domed cover member 126 which in turn is fittable to the crown portion of a cap 102. The cover member 126 may be releasably retained in the cap 102 by any appropriate means such as, for example, hook and loop material or press stud fasteners. Alternatively the control device 100 as a whole may be incorporated into the cap 102 during the manufacture thereof.

In use, the cap 102 is worn by a user 18. Tilting movement of the head of the user 18, as indicated by arrows 128,130 is detected by the sensors 112. Output signals from the sensors 112 representative of the movement of the user are received by the processor 116 whereupon they are converted into control commands sent by the wireless transmitter means 118 to a device 132 set up to be controlled by the control device 100.

Referring now to figures 14 and 15 there is shown an alternative embodiment of a control device generally designated 150. The device 150 includes a disc-like casing 152 having upper and lower casing portions 154,156. The casing portions 154,156 can be connected to one another by the provision of a snap connection arrangement around the periphery of each casing portion 154, 156 The lower casing portion 156 is provided with a resilient clip 158. As can be seen from figure 15, the clip 158 is formed separately to the lower casing portion 156. The clip 158 is provided with opposed arms each having at their respective distal end a barb 162. The arms 160 are receivable in an aperture 164 present in the lower casing portion 156. In use, the clip 158 may be utilised to attach the control device 150 to a user. The clip 158 is deflected away from the lower casing portion 156 so as to define a gap therbetween. A portion of an article of clothing can then be inserted into the gap, and the resilient nature of the clip 158 grips the clothing portion to the lower casing portion 156. In particular, the device 150 may be attached in this manner to the peak or bill of a cap.

The lower casing portion 156 is further provided with additional apertures comprising a switch aperture 166 and a battery aperture 168. The switch aperture 166 is provided adjacent a switch mount 170 of the lower casing portion 156. The switch mount 170 comprises two opposed slotted switch channels 172 into which a switch member 174 may be inserted. The switch member 174 includes a switch button 176 which extends through the switch aperture 166. The switch button 176 permits a user to move the switch member between the switch channels 172. The switch member 174, in use, may be used to switch the device 150 on and off.

The battery aperture 168 permits access to a battery compartment 178 of the casing 152.

The compartment 178 includes contact members 180 arranged to interface with one or more batteries which may be inserted into the compartment 178 via the aperture 168.

The battery aperture 168 is provided with a closure member 182 having a resilient latch 184.

Within the lower casing portion 156 there are provided four mounting posts 186 to which a circuit board 188 may be located. The circuit board 188 is configured in a similar manner to the transmitter and sensor boards described with reference to the embodiment of the invention described with reference to figures 10 to 13. The circuit board 188 includes motion sensors arranged to detect motion of the device 150 and a wireless transmitter means arranged to transmit information relating to the motion of the device 150 to a remote location. l

Claims

Claims 1. A wearable control device having a movement sensor operable to

sense movement of the wearer of the control device, a processor arranged to receive outputs from said sensor representative of said movement of the wearer and convert said inputs to control output instructions for a device arranged to be controlled by the control device, and a wireless transmitter means operable to transmit said control output instructions to said device.
2. A control device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device is mounted to a body which is attachable to an article of clothing worn by a user of the device.
3. A control device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the device is attachable to an article of clothing worn on the head of a user of the device.
4. A control device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the body is provided with an attachment portion which enables the body to be attached to the clothing article.
5. A control device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the attachment Portion comprises a resilient arm which opposes a portion of the body.
6. A control device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the arm opposes a lower portion or underside of the body.
7. A control device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the arm is formed integrally with the body.
8. A control device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 7 wherein the body comprises upper and lower portions which are connectable to one other to define a cavity within the body within which the movement sensor, processor and wireless transmitter means are contained.
9. A control device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the cavity is subdivided so as to define a portion of the cavity into which one or more batteries or power cells are receivable.
10. A control device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the cavity battery portion is provided with an openable closure so as to enable batteries to be inserted and removed without the need to split the upper and lower body portions.
11. A control device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the body which is shaped to fit within an interior space of the clothing article.
12. A control device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the body is provided with one or more attachment means which enable the body to retained within the clothing article.
13. A control device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the attachment means comprise one or more fastener members which engage with complementarily shaped fastener members of the clothing article.
14. A control device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the attachment means are defined by an adhesive.
15. A control device as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14 wherein the body comprises upper and lower portions which are connectable to one other to define a cavity within the body within which the movement sensor, processor and wireless transmitter means are contained.
16. A control device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the cavity is subdivided so as to define a portion of the cavity into which one or more batteries or power cells are receivable.
17. A control device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the cavity battery portion is provided with an openable closure so as to enable batteries to be inserted and removed without the need to split the upper and lower body portions.
18. A control device as claimed in any of claims 11 to 17 wherein the body is shaped to fit into the crown of a hat which can be worn by a user of the device.
19. A control device as claimed in claim 18 wherein a portion of the body is shaped so as to conform closely to the shape of the crown.
20. A control device as claimed in claim 19 wherein the upper portion of the body is shaped so as to conform to the crown of the hat.
21. A control device as claimed in claim I wherein the device is configured so as to attach to a portion of the body of the user.
22. A control device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the device includes a body having an attachment member extending therefrom, the attachment member being shaped so as to engage with a portion of the body of the user.
23. A control device as claimed in claim 22 wherein the body is also be shaped so as to engage with a portion of the body of the user.
24. A control device as claimed in any of claims 21 to 23 wherein the device is configured so as to attach to an ear of a user.
25. A control device as claimed in claim 24 wherein the attachment member comprises a curved arm extending from the body.
26. A control device as claimed in claim 25 wherein the arm is shaped so as to extend over and around the portion of an ear of the user where the ear meets the head of a user.
27. A control device as claimed in claim 25 or 26 wherein the arm is substantially U-shaped.
28. A control device as claimed in any of claims 23 and 25 to 27, and claim 24 when dependent upon claim 23 wherein the attachment member and body are arranged such that the attachment member extends over and around the ear of the user, while a portion of the body is arranged to overlie the ear hole.
29. A control device as claimed in claim 28 wherein the portion of the body which, in use overlies the ear hole is shaped so as to project at least partially into the ear hole.
30. A control device as claimed in claim 29 wherein the shaped portion is defined by an outward bulge of the body.
31. A control device as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30 wherein the shaped portion is provided with an aperture.
32. A control device as claimed in any of claims 21 to 31 wherein the body is provided with an interface port into which an accessory is connectable.
33. A control device as claimed in claim 32 wherein the accessory comprises an additional sensor which, in use, is arranged to sense an action made by the user of the device.
34. A control device as claimed in claim 33 wherein the additional sensor comprises an audio sensor arranged to detect a sound made by the user of the device.
35. A control device as claimed in claim 34 wherein the audio sensor is provided with a stalk which extends from the body of the device towards the mouth of the user.
36. A control device as claimed in 32. wherein the additional sensor is arranged to sense movement of the user of the device.
37. A control device as claimed in claim 36 wherein the additional sensor is S arranged to sense the movement of a facial feature of the user.
38. A control device as claimed in claim 37 wherein the additional sensor is arranged to sense the movement of an eye of the user
39. A control device as claimed in claim 38 wherein the sensor is mounted in a frame which extends from the body of the device towards an eye of the user.
40. A control device as claimed in claim 39 wherein the frame comprises upper and lower frame members.
41. A control device as claimed in claim 41 wherein the upper and lower frame members are arranged such that the upper frame member, in use, is positioned above the eye of the user and the lower frame member below the eye of the user.