GB2527760A

GB2527760A - An interactive glove

Info

Publication number: GB2527760A
Application number: GB1411588.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tamsin Brainwood
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-30
Filing date: 2014-06-30
Publication date: 2016-01-06
Also published as: GB201411588D0

Abstract

An interactive glove comprises a glove body and fingers. The glove body has a control unit that may include: an audio outlet 5 for connection to a loudspeaker, a headphone jack 7, a micro-USB charger, activate button 6 and volume control 9. Each finger comprises at least one switch 3 and at least one light source 2 each, the switch and light source configured to interact with the control unit and cooperate with respect to contact of the switch on an independent surface. The light sources, which may be LEDs, and switches may cooperate in freestyle or according to multiple pre-programmed patterns. The glove may also comprise a rechargeable battery and wireless connectivity. The glove may be used as an entertaining gadget or as an interactive aid for the development of memory, motor and cognitive skills.

Description

AN INTERACTIVE GLOVE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an interactive glove, in particular a glove for interaction; more particularly but not exclusively a glove arranged for audio and visual feedback.

Background

Increasingly it is recognised that for many persons or users playing at least one instrument is a beneficial and rewarding skill, However it is often costly and impractical for many users to own or store a musical instrument, given cost and space restrictions.

In particular some users, particularly those users of reduced mental or motor functions, will benefit to a great degree from more percussive instruments.

Such percussive instruments, such as drums, are also highly disruptive to local surroundings, by virtue of excessive noise.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Chinese utility model CN 201 832 351 (XIAOXIAO et al) relates to a music recovery glove and an assorted music box. The music recovery glove and the assorted music box are applied to recovery training of hands and capable of generating music, increasing interest of patients and delighting the patients during training process, and the music recovery glove has a massaging function. The music recovery glove and the assorted music box comprise a glove and a box, each finger sleeve of the glove is provided with a pressure sensor and a signal transmitter inside, an air bag is arranged at the center of the palm, each finger sleeve is provided with a branch, the branch is communicated with the air bag, and a signal receiver and a music player are arranged in the box. The music recovery glove and the assorted music box have the advantages that firstly, the music recovery glove and the assorted music box lead the recovery training process to be more interesting, increase training interest of the patients, delight the patients and accordingly improve training effect; secondarily, the music recovery glove has a massaging function so that recovery training effect is increased; and thirdly, the music recovery glove and the assorted music box are simple in structure and low in manufacturing cost.

Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 262 216 (CHUNG-PIAO) discloses an alarming and entertaining glove includes a plurality of illuminators and buzzers mounted on a glove body electrically connected to an audio and optical driving circuit secured on the glove body, and at least one trigger switch formed on an inside surface portion of the glove preferably formed on an inside surface portion of any finger sheath and electrically connected to the audio and optical driving circuit, whereby upon a grasping of a wearer's hand or closing of the wearer's fingers with the hand, the trigger switch will be actuated to spread a warning sounding and to illuminate the illuminator for both audio and optical alarming purpose or for music sounding for entertaining purpose.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an interactive glove comprising a glove body, with a plurality of digit coverings extending therefrom, the body comprising a control unit, the digit coverings comprising at least one switch and at least one light source each, the switch and light source configured to interact with the control unit and cooperate therewith with respect to contact of the switch on an independent surface; and wherein the control unit comprises an audio output facility.

In preferred embodiments it may be envisaged that a user of the glove is provided with a series of light signals from plural light sources wherein the illumination of a light source on a digit stimulates the user to press the switch on the same digit, resulting in a sound.

In preferred embodiments the control unit provides a series of progressively challenging patterns that allow the user to develop their skills, aiding memory, motor and cognitive skills.

Ideally the glove includes a wireless or wired connectivity for data transfer, for example wherein additional patterns may be downloaded from an application on a tablet, computer or smartphone. Preferably therefore the user is enabled to access pre-programmed patterns or enabled to operate the glove in freestyle, enabling the user to tap rhythms with the music of their choice.

In preferred embodiments the digit coverings and glove body are continuous and formed of a part. The glove body may support or surround an embedded control unit, and in preferred embodiments an elasticated or fastenable wrist band may be provided to maintain the glove in place on a user's hand. Further embodiments may be comprised of separate elements, including partial digit coverings.

Ideally the light source comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED). In this way the light source may be low energy consumption and in addition or the alternative allows multiple colours to be displayed by the light source.

Typically the LEDs are arranged at least at digit ends, ideally uppermost in use.

In preferred embodiments switches are arranged at the digit ends, lowermost in use.

The LED5 and switch ideally cooperate, for example wherein a light source is activated by a switch, or the user is prompted to activate the switch by the light source.

In this way the user can activate switches and observe illumination as well as hearing audio.

This encourages the user to continue with using the switches, thereby improving their memory, motor and cognitive skills.

In addition or the alternative the LED5 may be caused by the control unit to illuminate, so as to guide use of the switches.

In some embodiments there may be included a larger number of LEDs so as to guide utilisation of the whole digit and/or provide pleasing aesthetics.

Preferably the switch and light source cooperate under conditions whereby the light source may indicate which switch to use.

Preferably the switch and light source cooperate under conditions whereby the light source may indicate which switch has been used.

Preferably the switch and light source cooperate in plural manners dictated or controlled by the control unit, and/or user inputs.

Preferably the control unit includes an audio output.

Preferably the audio output comprises at least one loudspeaker.

Preferably the audio output comprises a headphone jack.

Preferably the switch comprises a contact sensor arranged to register contact with an independent surface, for example wherein two spaced apart terminals may be pressed together under contact so as to form a circuit and activate the light source or control unit.

Preferably the glove includes a plurality of control means to interact with the control unit.

Such control means ideally comprise the switches, wherein the switches may be operable to alter characteristics at the control unit. For example two such switches may be brought into contact to alter characteristics of audio or visual output or select a more advanced pattern, with respect to contacts of the switch(es) on an independent surface or by bringing two switches together.

In this way the switches may serve dual purposes namely output of audio and/or input of function control. In this way the switches may be intuitive and low impact.

Further controls, for example activation control and/or volume control may be dispersed across the glove. Such controls ideally comprise physical switches, buttons or sliders.

In this way the user can quickly and effectively alter key characteristics of the glove, for example sensitivity of the switches.

The glove is ideally formed from a flexible material, for example cloth or an elastic fabric, and the control unit, switches and LED5 are embedded therein.

The control unit is ideally located on the top of the hand in use, allowing easy access and avoiding interference with the switches.

The glove may include a local audio output in order to enable a user to listen to the output on headphones.

Preferably the control unit includes a data transference mechanism.

Such mechanism may comprise wireless connectivity, for example Bluetooth (RTM) or other intermachine operability.

Such connectivity may combine with charging of an internal battery, for example lithium ion.

In this way a universal serial bus may be comprised in the control unit, for charging and/or connectivity purposes, and/or contactless charging may be possible.

Connectivity may further enable alteration of software updates and/or addition of features.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the glove; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a view from above of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a view from below of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the control unit embedded in the embodiment as shown in Figure 1; And Figures 6 show sketches of an embodiment of the glove in use.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the glove comprising a single stretchable outer 1 comprising the body and digit coverings, for covering all of the digits and hand in use, with a palmar portion 10, and an elasticated wrist band 4 comprising the control unit.

The outer is provided in a durable material or fabric with some stretch.

The control unit is embedded in the wrist band, to an uppermost surface thereof in use, leaving the hand largely free to move. The wrist band may be corrugated material so as to provide comfort and stretch in alternate corrugations of material.

The control unit comprises an audio outlet 5, 3.5mm headphone jack 7, and micro-USB charger 8, activation or select button 6 and volume control 9. The charger may be used as a data input or output in addition.

The control unit further comprises an upper housing 12, loudspeaker 15, printed circuit board 14, switches 11 and lower housing 13. A rechargeable battery is also included (not shown).

The digits may have printed guides thereon, labelling for example percussion instruments: Bass Drum, Snare, Tom 1, Tom 2 and High Hat, from thumb onwards respectively. The digits include embedded light emitting diodes 2 and control pads or switches 3.

Thin copper wiring connects the control unit to these lights 2, and switches 3.

In use: The glove is turned on Once on, a play mode is chosen by touching one the four fingers against thumb -wherein each finger represents a different mode The button is then pressed to select the desired mode The volume is adjusted by pressing plus and minus A light sequence is played and the user repeats the pattern by pressing the correct finger in accordance to the flash When a finger is pressed, a distinct drum sound is played Further embodiments may include LEDs or switches distributed elsewhere on or in the glove, for example switches wherein a palm press to a foreign surface will produce a different effect, or LED5 for example to demonstrate different settings.

The glove aids in developing motor, coordination and concentration skills for users who have autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, stroke rehabilitation and learninglbehavioural difficulties, as well as for recreational purposes.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.