GB2522866A

GB2522866A - Haptic-guidance wearable accessory

Info

Publication number: GB2522866A
Application number: GB1402023.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Shrive
Original assignee: VUMBL Ltd
Current assignee: VUMBL LTD
Priority date: 2014-02-06
Filing date: 2014-02-06
Publication date: 2015-08-12
Also published as: GB201402023D0

Abstract

A haptic-guidance wearable accessory 10 comprises an accessory body 12 arranged for at least substantially encircling a body part of a user. At least four vibrators 14 are provided to be mounted on the accessory body 12 in spaced relationship and orientable to substantially align with compass points. A receiver 18 is provided for receiving directional signals from a guidance system, a controller 22 for energising the vibrators based on the directional signal received by the receiver to provide a haptic directional prompt to the user, and a power supply 42 for powering the vibrators, receiver and controller. The accessory may be used where it is difficult to, or preferable not to, hear or see audio or visual guidance instructions. The system may also monitor a users physiological activity, e.g. pulse, blood pressure, etc., and provide experiential signals to the user, e.g. to guide a performance or routine.

Description

Haptic-Guidance Wearable Accessory The present invention relates to a haptic-guidance wearable accessory. and particulady hut not necessarfly exclusively to a haptic-guidance wearable accessory for wearing around/about a user's neck.

Thcre are currently on thc market a varicty of navigation dcvices for providing directional guidance to a user travelling from one place to another, he it driving, walking, skiing or hiking. Such guidance is usually visua' andlor audio.

When using a visua' navigation device, the user often has to refer to a visual display of the navigation device, thus taking his or her eyes and attention away from traffic and/or his or her surroundings. This is potentially hazardous, especially if the user is operating a vehicle, particularly a challenging environment, such as when the visibility is low. Furthermore, it is often not clearly displayed. or is difficult to gauge, on screen, as to the distance the user has to travel before having to make a turn, or to change direction.

Similar problems exist with an audio navigation device, where the user has to pay attention to the audio prompts, which is again challenging when in a noisy environment or when the environment the user is in requires his or her full attention.

Devices which provide both audio and visual guidance are similarly distracting, as the user's attention is diverted by the visual and audio navigation prompt. It is not uncommon for a user to unintentionally divert from the route intended by the navigation device, because the user has misinterpreted, or simply missed, the instructions given by the navigation device.

Furthermore, when in use, an audio and/or visual navigation device gives out light and/or sound. Such a device is not suitable when the user must travel inconspicuously.

It is an object of the invention to provide a haptic-guidance wearable accessory, for example, which is wearable round a neck of a user, which reduces or substantially obviates the ahovenientioned problems.

According to a first aspect ol (lie present invention there is provided a haptic-guidance wearable accessory comprising an accessory body having a circumferential extent for at least substantially encircling a body part of a user, at least four vibrators mounted on (he accessory body in spaced relationship and orientable to align or substantially align with compass points, a receiver for receiving directional signals from a guidance system. a controller for energising one or more of the vibrators based on the directional signal received by the receiver to provide a haptic directional prompt to the user, and a power supply for powering the vibrators, receiver and controller.

The haptic-guidance wearable accessory is advantageous because, in use, the accessory directs a user with touch or vibrations only, thus allowing the user to navigate in silence or substantially in silence. As the accessory is designed to be in close or direct contact with the user, as soon as the vibrators are energised to vibrate.

the user can receive the haptic directional prompt instantaneously from the accessory.

Thus the haptic-guidance wearable accessory can provide highly accuratc and precise instructions. Furthermore, thc accessory does not require any map-reading skill and instructions are thus easy and intuitive to follow.

The accessory preferably does not generate any audio or visual directions, thus freeing up the user's hearing and sight. This allows the user to fully concentrate on navigating. Furthermore, the accessory can be used even in a noisy environment or in an environment where sight is obstructed. br example, in fog.

The haptic-guidance wearable accessory is portable and lightweight, making it convenient br the user to carry. The haptic-guidance wearable accessory is unobtrusive and discreet to use, as it is designed to be worn on an appendage of the torso, and thus may be worn beneath clothing.

Users with sight and/or hearing difficulties can also utilise such the accessory to navigate, which improves their mobility and allows them to travel potentially unaided.

The accessory is also useful for personnel in the field of military or security, where movements are often required to be carried out covertly, and remote from central command.

Preferable options relating to the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 26.

According to a second aspect ol the invention, there is provided a haptic-guidance wearable accessory system comprising a haptic-guidance wearable accessory according to the first aspect of the invention; and a guidance system separate of the accessory body of the haptic-guidance wearable accessory, the receiver having a wireless communication module for receiving direetiona signa's from the guidance system. and/or a user interface separate of the accessory body and in wireless communication with the controller.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of haptic feedback assisted navigation, comprising the steps of: a] locating a haptic-guidance wearable accessory in accordance with the first aspect of the invention on a user's body part such that the four vibrators mounted thereon are in snug contact with the body part of the user; b] a receiver of the haptic-guidance wearable accessory receiving a directional signal from the guidance system; c] a controller of the haptic-guidance wearable accessory determining which vibrator or vibrators is/are most closely aligned with the directional signal; and dl cncrgising the or each said vibrator to provide a vibrational prompt to the user's body part corresponding to the required direction.

Preferably. the method of haptic feedback assisted navigation provides a vibrational prompt without visual or audio aid.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of one embodiment ol a haptic-guidance wearable accessory. in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the haptic-guidance wearable accessory.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, one embodiment of a haptic-guidance wearable accessory 10 comprises an accessory body in the form ol an elongate accessory body strip 12 having a circumlerential extent and adapted to form a necklace for encircling a neck of a user. Eight vibrators 14 are mounted on the accessory body strip 12, and six dastic portions 16 are located between aU bar a front-most vibrator 14a. The elastic portions 16 are therefore bounded at both ends by the vibrators 14.

A receiver 18 is provided on the accessory body strip 12 for receiving directional signals from a guidance system 20, iii the form of a Global Positioning System unit, or a mobile telecommunication device, such as a smartphone. In the embodiment illustrated, the guidance system 20 is separate from the accessory body strip 12, hut the guidance system 20 is typically hi close proximity, or is carried by, the user. A controller 22 is also provided on the accessory body strip 12 and is in communication with the receiver 18 for energising one or more of the vibrators 14 based on the directional signals received by the receiver 18 to provide haptic directional prompts to the user.

The accessory body strip 12 has an inward facing surface 24, outward facing surface 26. and upper and lower peripheral edges 28, 30. The accessory body strip 12 is substantially circular in shape, having an arcuate circumferential extent.

Preferably, the three most. anterior-most vibrators 14a, 14b. 14c, shown in phantom in Figure 1, are housed in an inverted apex shaped anterior housing 32 in a spaced manner, such that when wearing the haptic-guidance wearable accessory 10. the anterior housing 32 is positionable and displayabk anterior'y of the user. A depending apex 33 of the anterior housing 32 extends downwardly, such that the apex locates proximate a suprasternal notch of the user, thus helping to retain the haptie-guidanee wearable accessory 10 at the correct orientation.

The anterior housing 32 also houses electric circuitry for the haptie-guidance wearable accessory 10, including the receiver 18 and the controller 22.

At least an outward facing surface 32a of the anterior housing 32 is preferably formed of brushed black anodised aluminium, or other lightweight material. A remaining portion of the anterior housing 32 is preferably made of non-slip and/or resiliently deformaffle material, such as elastic plastics or dastie rubber material.

Preferaffly, each of the remaining live non-anterior vibrators 14d is housed in a vibrator housing 34 having a rubberised pad 36 against which the vibrator 14d is set.

The vibrator housing 34 is preferably made of non-slip and/or resiliently deformable materia', such as elastic plastics or elastic rubber materiaL or a Hghtweight metal material, such as aluminium. The rubbcrised pad 36 forms an inward facing surface portion 38, forming part of the inward facing surface 24. As such, the rubberised pad 36 is in direct or very close contact with the neck of the user, when in use. The ruhbcriscd pad 36 creates a barrier between the user's skin and each vibrator 14, so that the vibrators 14 do not vibrate directly against the skin of the user, whilst still allowing effective transmission of the vibrational movements of the vibrator 14d to the user.

In this embodiment, each vibrator 14 may include a vibration moduk that can he controlled individually by control circuitry 37 forming part of the controller 22.

Vibration over a range of amplitudes and/or frequencies can thus be controlled to suit the user's preference.

A small low-power programmable logic device, such as an Actel Igloo Nano Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), may he provided on board the haptic-guidance wearable accessory 10 to supp'y eight parallel links to eight respective Digital to Analog converters. A sct of registers is utilised by the Actel Igloo Nano FPGA. which can then he accessed by the controller 22 on receipt of directional signals when the haptic-guidance wearable accessory 10 is connected to an external data processing unit, such as a computer. or other UPS system.

The elastic portions 16 are preferably foimed of non-slip and/or resiliently deformable material, for example, an elastomer or elastic rubber material, such that the haptic-guidance wearable accessory 10 can he stretched to fit snugly around a range of circumference measurements. The elastic portions 16 also serve as dividers for spacing the vibrators 14 from one another, to help the user to discern which direction the vibrators are indicating in use.

When wearing the haptic-guidance wearable accessory 10, the accessory 10 does not freely rotate on the neck of the user unless it is manually re-adjusted or stretched. The elastic portions 16 space the eight vibrators 14 in such a way that the vibrators 14 can be aligned, or substantially aligned with eight points of the compass, such as North.

North East, East, South East. South. South West, West and North West. Thus each vibrator 14 is preferably equi-angularly spaced apart, in this ease being at or substantially at 45° from each other. The non-slip and/or resillently deformable material used for the rubberised pads 36 of the vibrator housings 34 helps to prevent the accessory body strip 12 from unintentional rotation when in use, which may cause misalignment between the vibrators 14 and the compass points.

A magnetometer 39 may preferably he provided on board the accessory body strip 1 2, and is arranged to monitor and re-calibrate compass points associated with each vibrator 14 at regular intervals, for instance every ten seconds. Therefore, even if the haptic-guidance wearable accessory 10 is rotated unintentionally during use, such that the vihrators are temporarily misaligned with the compass points, the magnetometer regularly recalibrates the vibrators 14 so that the correct compass point is assigned to each vibrator under the new orientation.

At least one of the elastic portions 16, and/or at least one of the vibrator housings 34, may be coated with high visibility material to help alert traffic of the presence of the user, for example in low light or dark conditions.

The receiver 18 includes a wireless communication module 40 for receiving wireless directional signals from the guidance system 20, via a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth (RTM) or WiFi (RTM). A power supply 42 is provided on board the elongate body strip 12 to supply dectricity to the dectrieal components of the accessory 10, for instance, the wireless communication module 40. This may be a battery that can be replaced, or a battery pack that can be recharged.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 further includes a user interface 44 that is accessible directly on the haptic-guidance wearable accessory 10. The user interface 44 is hard wired to the controller 22 which allows the user to input or adjust parameters of the controller 22 and to select certain user preferences. Data storage means 46. such as a data storage module, is provided on board the accessory 10 for storing such preferences. User preferences include parameters such as the preferred amplitude of the vibration, and how far in advance should the vibrators 14 start to provide haptic guidance prompts to the user prior to a guidance output. An adjustment means, such as an adjustment module or a potentiometer. is provided to adjust each parameter, such as the amplitude of the vibration.

The user interface 44 prelerably includes a recall hutton 48 accessiffle through the anterior housing 32. for recalling one or more haptic directional prompts. for example.

if said prompts have been missed. The recall button 48 may further comprise lighting means, preferably a single colour or multi-colour LED element, to light the recall button 48 to aid heating the button 48.

The user interface 44 further preferably comprises an on/off button 50. and for a selection button 52 for selecting a particular user preference stored in the data storage means.

The user interface 44 may also preferably be controllable wirelessly. for example, by a data processing unit, such as a computer, or mobile telecommunication device, such as a sniartphone It will he appreciated that the adjustment means, recall hutton, and/or on/off hutton, may be provided virtually on a user display screen.

In use, the accessory 10 is worn on the neck by the user. The elastic portions 16 ensure that the accessory 10 fits snugly around the neck. The vibrators 14 are arranged round the neck such that each represents a point of the compass. The location of the user is determined by the guidance system 20 and a destination to be reached is inserted into the guidance system 20 by the user. When the user is travelling, the guidance system 20. which may be a personal mohfle computing device for example.

registers the precise location of the user in real time and formulates a route the user should take in order to arrive at the destination.

As the user is approaching a turn, the guidance system 20 sends out a directional signal to the haptic-guidance wearable accessory 10. which is received by the wireless communication module 40 of the receiver 18. The receiver 18 outputs directional data inforniation to the controller 22. The controller 22 analyses the directional data and energises the vibrator or vibrators most closely aligned with the directional signal on the accessory 10. The vihrators 14 vibrate, preferably in a silent or substantially silent manner. to provide a vibrational prompt to the user's body part corresponding to the required direction.

For example, if (lie directional signal indicates that the user should turn in precisely a westerly direction, then only one vibrator 14 aligned in a westerly direction with respect to the user is to be energised. If, for example, the directional signal indicates that the user should turn somewhere between the westerly and north-westerly direction, then the vibrators 14 representing the westerly and north-westerly direction are to be energised simultaneously, thus indicating that the user should turn in a direction between the two compass points.

The haptic directional prompt to the user may be intermittent to begin with, and as the user approaches the turn, the frequency and/or amplitude of vibration as controlled by the control circuitry 37 may increase to indicate to the user that he or she is approaching the turn. When the user has reached the turn and is required to change direction, the vibration may be continuous until the correct turn is made, or until the guidance system recalculates the route if a wrong turn is made.

The haptic-guidance wearable accessory is advantageous due to the accessory directing a user with touch or vibrations only. thus allowing the user to navigate in silence and discreetly. As the accessory is designed to be in close or direct contact with the user's skin, prompts are received instantaneously by the user, thereby reducing thc time it takes for a user to respond. Furthermore, distance information can be conveyed by the change of frequency of the vibrations, thus instructions are more intuitive to follow.

The haptic-guidance wearable accessory allows the user's hearing and sight to be unencumbered, thereby improving concentration when navigating. Furthermore, the accessory can he used in a range of adverse environments, such as in dense fog or in a noisy environment, in which audio or visual navigation means may be unusable.

The haptic-guidance wearable accessory is portable and unobtrusive. It is also particularly suited for users with sight and/or hearing difficulties.

It will he appreciated that although the accessory body is preferably an accessory body strip adapted as a necklace, the strip may be modified to form other strip-like accessories, such as a bracelet, watch, anklet, finger ring, headband or belt. The elastic portions ensure that when worn, the accessory body at least substantially encircles the body part of the user snugly. The accessory body strip may also form a ring on a

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backpack, which when worn, is pushed against the user's back, Furthermore, the accessory body may also be adapted to be worn on the head, such as by being incorporated as part of a band of a cap or hat.

When worn, the accessory body strip ideally forms an endless ring on the neck of the user. However, it will be appreciated that the strip may only suhstantiaUy encircle a body part of the user.

Although the preferred embodiment houses eight vibrators, more or less vibrators may be provided, provided they are orientated in such a way that the user finds discernible, in terms of directional guidance. However, a minimum of four vibrators is required, indicating a minimum of four compass points, namely, North, East, South and West.

The accessory may take on a range of different shapes and appearances other than the shape illustrated in the preferred embodiment. For example, it may have a zig-zag profile round the whole circumferential extent of the accessory body strip, or have a uniform cross section along the whole circumferential extent. Furthermore, the decorative portion may be dispensed with so that the haptic-guidance wearable accessory is even more inconspicuous.

The elastic portion may be replaced with dividers for separating the vibrators, and an adjustment means may be provided on the outward facing surface of the accessory body strip, such as a buckle and straps. This allows adjusting of the circumferential cxtent of the accessory body strip, so that the vibrators mounted there on are hi snug contact with the neck or other part of the user. Alternatively, the elastic portions may be replaced with adjustable dividers, for example, portions that are telescopic or can he concertinaed.

The provision of the rubberised pads is advantageous as it improves comfort for the user when wearing the device, especially when worn next to the skin. However, it will be appreciated that the pads may be dispensed with if the vibrator housing is made of a suitable material to transmit vibration from the vibrators to the user.

It will he appreciated that the Ughting means may be provided separate to the recall button, to provide illumination to the user's surrounding when required. In situations where the user is required to navigate discreedy or covertly, the high visibility portion and/or the lighting means provided on the accessory body may be dispensed with.

Alternatively, or additionally to the magnetometer, it will be appreciated the haptic-guidance wearable accessory may be provided with a gyroscope to detect the orientation of the accessory body strip, and therefore the positioning ci the vibrators on the body strip. The gyroscope may also he used to monitor the route, orientation, and/or attitude of the user's body, when determining the most appropriate directions to take in order to arrive at a destination.

The user interface may be provided remote from the accessory body of the haptic-guidance wearable accessory, for example via a computer-implemented application or programme accessible and controllable by a data processing unit, such as a computer, or mobile telecommunication device, such as a smartphone. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory system if therefore provided. The remote user interface will then communicate with the receiver of the haptic guidance wearable accessory via the wireless communication module of the receiver.

The user interface may further compnse a voice recognition module, for instance a microphone, for receiving audio commands from the user. This allows the user to control the haptic-guidance wearable accessory via the user interface by audio commands alone or in conjunction with manual touch input.

The guidance system may be provided integrally on or in the accessory body, thereby forming a haptic-guidancc wearable accessory system, such that the receiver is hard wired to the guidance system. The wireless communication module of the receiver may therefore he dispensed with, or he used for communicating with other external devices. However, providing the guidance system separate from the accessory body allows the accessory body to remain light and compact for the user to wear.

The guidance system may also be inserted with a floor map of a work place or a building, where items to he retrieved are in communication with wireless beacons, such as Bluetooth (RTM) beacons. To retrieve a particular item, an employee can identify the wireless beacon the item is associated to on the guidance system, thus allowing the employee to navigate to the item using the haptic-guidance wearable accessory.

In addition. (he guidance system may he further provided with a command module br setting a series of pre-planned movement and/or manoeuvre commands. Such commands are relayed to the wireless communication module of the receiver, which are then passed to (he controller for energising one or more vibrators to provide directional or movement commands to the user. This is particulariy useful in an artistic group performance setting where seamless and flawless synchronisation of different performers can be achieved by providing discreet directional prompt to the performers through the haptic-guidance wearable accessory. For example. the vibrators can be re-calibrated such that vibration of one or more vibrators represents which direction and when the user should raise his or her limbs.

Furthermore, last minute moderation of the movements can be achieved by modifying the commands in real time.

The guidance system may be further provided with a pre-settable experiential stimulus input module or component for setting a series of pre-planned or real time haptic prompts, in line with a piece of entertainment work, such as a film, a piece of music, or in gaming. The series of pre-planned haptic prompts and the piece of entertainment work are then executed at the same time, to heighten the user's sensory experience of the entertainment work. For example, an explosion scene in a film can be coupled with vibration of one or more vibrators of the accessory to bring the action to life.

The haptic-guidance wearable accessory may further comprise a user sensing and monitoring means, such as a user sensing and monitoring module for monitoring the user's physiological data, such as heart rate, blood pressure or body temperature. and activity data, such as a speed of travel or timing of movements, in real time. A set of pre-defined parameters, entered and saved in the data storage device, is used to compare with the data collected in real time. If the monitored data is outside the pre-dcfincd parameters, an alert signal is sent to the recciver. The signal is relayed to the controller for energising one or more of the vibrators based on the alert signal received, to provide a haptic prompt to the user that his or her physiological or activity data is outside the pre-defined parameters.

Alternatively, the set of pre-delined parameters are saved on a remote device, and a wireless transmitter is provided on the accessory body to transmit data real time to the remote device.

The ability to monitor user specific data and to alert the user is advantageous as the device can act as a training tool br the user when carrying out exercises, such as cycling. running or canoeing. For example, the pre-defined parameters may he set with the user's previous running speed or desired running speed, and the accessory can alert the user when his or her speed is faster or slower than the pre-dcfined speed.

If the user's speed is below the speed set by the pre-defined parameter, then the posterior-most vibrator relative to the user may be energised. If the user's speed is above the pre-defined speed, then the anterior-most vibrator relative to the user may be energised.

If the user's speed is or is substantially the same as the speed set by the pre-defined parameters, then the one or more vibrators lateral to the user may he energised to indicate to the user that he or she is on track. Alternatively, the vihrators lateral to the user may be used to signal onc or more physiological data, such as the user's heart rate and/or blood pressure. If the user's heart rate is below the rate set by the pre-defined parameter, then the most posterior of the lateral vibrators on the right hand side of the user may be energised. If the user's heart rate is above the rate set by the pre-debined parameter, the most anterior of the ateral vibrators on the right hand side of the user may be energised. The lateral vibrators on the left hand side of the user may then he used to provide signals relating to the user's blood pressure, in a similar manner.

The haptic-guidance wearable accessory may further be communicable with one or more location devices or tracking devices, worn by other users. In this arrangement, a location device sensor is provided on the elongate accessory body strip arid may be pre-settable to recognise certain devices. Alternatively, the wireless communication device of the receiver may be provided with location device sensing means for detecting and communicating with one or more location or tracking devices.

When a location device is in the vicinity of the user wearing the haptie-guidance wearable accessory, this is recognised by the location device sensor, and a signal is sent to the receiver of the haptic-guidance wearable accessory worn by the user. The signal is then relayed to the controller for energising one or more vibrators that most closely reflect the positioning of the location device. A different vibration pattern or frequency can be used for such an alert to distinguish (his from a haptic directional prompt.

It will he appreciated that the location device sensor may also he used to detect the presence of other haptic-guidance wearable accessories. This arrangement allows the user of the haptic-guidance wearable accessory to be alerted to the presence of other persons nearby. This is particularly beneficial in a sports competition scenario, such as cycling or running. or in a group sport or gaming scenario, such as football or paintballing. where it is useful to know where your competitors are positioned. The location device sensor may also be used in other context, such as navigating to friends, or in social or dating settings.

In order to provide the haptic-guidance wearable accessory with the ability to interact with users of other devices, for instance an external data processing unit or a mobile telecommunication device, a communication module such as a microphone and speaker may he provided on board the accessory body strip. The user may thus he able to utilise the haptic-guidance wearable accessory as a hands-free device, using the wireless communication module to send and receive audible voice data.

Additionally or alternatively, the accessory may also he used to play music or other media output via the speaker. Furthermore, whether or not the speaker is provided, an audio output connector, such as a socket for a headphone jack. may also he induded.

The haptic-guidance wearable accessory may further comprise an image capturing and recording module, for instance a camera, for capturing and recording the user's journey and/or performance. It is thus possible to provide a haptic-guidance wearable accessory that pruvides directional instructions to the user in a discreet manner, arid that is portable intuitive to use. It is possible to provide an accessory that further provides instructions relating to a series of pre-planned movement to coordinate movements of multiple persons, and/or further monitors the user's physiological data and activity data to provide relevant alerts to the user.

The haptic-guidance wearable accessory may further he provided with means for communicating with other location devices or other haptic-guidance wearable accessories, thus allowing interaction between different devices. The accessory may also be arranged to provide stimulatory alerts relating to a piece of entertainment work.

The words comprises/comprising' and the words having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. but does not preclude the presence of addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of this invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only. and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departed from the scope of the invention as herein described.

Claims

Claims I. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory comprising an accessory body having a circumferential extcnt for at least substantially encircling a body part of a user, at least four vibrators mounted on the accessory body in spaced relationship and orientable to align or substantially ahgn with compass points, a receiver for receiving directional signals from a guidance system, a controller for energising one or more of the vibrators based on the directional signal received by the receiver to provide a haptic directional prompt to the user, and a power supply for powering the vibrators, receiver and controller.
2. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accessory body is an ethngate strip.
3. A haptie-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the accessory body is adjustable at least along the circumferential extent such that the accessory body and the four vibrators mounted thereon are in snug contact with the body part of the user.
4. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the accessory body is at least in part elastic.
5. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the accessory body is at least in part. made of non-slip and/or resiliently deformaffle material.
6. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the accessory is a necklace, bracelet, watch, anklet, finger ring, headband or belt.
7. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the accessory is a headpiece or hat.
8. A haptie-guidanee wearable accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the accessory body further comprises a high visibility portion.
9. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vibrators are equi-angularly spaced apart.
10. A haptic-guidance wearabic accessory as claimcd in any prcccding claim, wherein each vibrator is set against a rubberised pad on the accessory body, the rubberised pad in direct contact with the hody part of the user.
II. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller further comprises a control circuitry for controlling and adjusting an amplitude andlor frequency of a vibration of each vibrator.
12. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any preceding claim.wherein the haptic-guidance wearable accessory further comprises a guidance system on board the accessory body.
13. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in claim 12, wherein the guidance system is a Global Positioning System.
14. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the guidance system further comprises a command module pre-settable with a series of pre-planned movement and/or manoeuvre commands to send to the receiver for encrgising one or more of the vibrators.
15. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the guidance system further comprises a pre-settable experiential stimulus input component for sending experiential signals to the receiver, one or more of the vibrators are then energisable by the controller lo provide a experiential stiniuh to the user.
16. A haptic-guidancc wearable accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising user sensing and monitoring means for sensing and monitoring the user's physiological data and/or activity data in real time, comparing the physiological data and/or activity data to a set of prc-defincd parameters, and for sending out an alert signal to the receiver if the monitored data is outside the pre-defined parameters, the controller energising one or more of the vibrators based on the alert signal received by the receiver to provide an alert prompt to the user.
17. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in claim 16, wherein the physiological data includes heart rate, body temperature and/or blood pressure.
18. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the activity data inc'udes speed in which the user is traveUing.
19. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed iii any preceding claim, wherein the vibrators are controllable independently by the controller.
20. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a user interface for adjusting parameters of the controller.
21. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed claim 20, further comprising data storage module for storing user preferences selectable by the user interlace.
22. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the user interface is on board the accessory body, the user interface being hard wired to the controller.
23. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in claim 22, wherein the user interface is controllable wirelessy.
24. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the user interface includes adjustment means for adjusting the amplitude of each vibrator.
25. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24. wherein the user interface indudes a recall button for recalling a previous haptic directional prompt.
26. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 25, wherein a user display screen is provided to display the adjustnient means and/or the recall button virtually.
27. A baptic-guidance wearable accessory substantiafly as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
28. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory systeni comprising a haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in claim 1; and a guidance system separate of the accessory body of the haptic-guidance wearable accessory, the receiver having a wireless communication module for receiving directional signals from the guidance system, and/or a user interface separate of the accessory body and in wireless communication with the controller.
29. A haptic-guidance wearable accessory system substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
30. A method of haptic feedback assisted navigation comprising (he steps of: a] locating a haptic-guidance wearable accessory as claimed in any one claims I to 27 on a user's body part such that the four vibrators mounted thereon are in snug contact with the body part of the user; b] a receiver of the haptic-guidance wearable accessory receiving a directional signal from the guidance system; ci a controller of the haptic-guidance wearable accessory determining which vibrator or vibrators is/are most closely aligned with the directional signal: and d] energising the or each said vibrator to provide a vibrational prompt to the user's body part corresponding to the required direction.