GB2576470A

GB2576470A - An enhanced prayer mat

Info

Publication number: GB2576470A
Application number: GB1715754.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ali Kamal
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-09-28
Filing date: 2017-09-28
Publication date: 2020-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2037-09-28
Also published as: GB2576470B; GB201715754D0

Abstract

A prayer mat 1 comprises a main body 2. A plurality of touch sensors 3, 4, 5, 6, at least one audio transmitter 12 and a plurality of visual display elements 7 are integrated into the main body. The touch sensors register the placement of body parts on the mat, whilst the audio transmitter(s) play pre-recorded sounds. The visual display elements are configured for illumination. The mat further comprises a control means 10, such as a microprocessor, which receives input from the touch sensors. The control means also controls the audio transmitter(s) and visual display elements. The touch sensors may detect a user’s feet, knees, hands and/or nose. The mat may comprise a plurality of illuminated visual icons arranged around the perimeter of the main body and controllable by the control means. The illuminated visual icons may be touch-sensitive and can be pressed to trigger a spoken word or phrase. In use, the prayer mat is intended to guide a user on the prayer mat through a prayer sequence.

Description

An enhanced prayer mat

FIELD

The present invention relates to an enhanced prayer mat for assisting with educating young or new worshippers in the correct manner of prayer. More particularly, the present invention relates to an enhanced prayer mat that provides audio-visual and touch sensitive cues to a worshipper for assisting with educating them in the correct manner of prayer.

BACKGROUND

In certain religions, and in particular Islam, prayer is a requirement that should be completed in a certain manner. In the Islamic faith, during prayers, the worshipper performs a series of movements, starting in the standing position, bowing, prostrating themselves, and concluding while sitting on the ground. At each stage, the worshiper recites or reads certain verses, phrases and prayers.

Learning this sequence can take time, and can sometimes be frustrating for children or new converts, due to need to learn all of the different prayers, and the different positions to place different parts if the body on the prayer mat.

US2011294100 discloses an elongate prayer mat with tactile sensors and a microprocessor for receiving electrical signals from the tactile sensors and for displaying the progress of prayer steps on a display device.

US2017065114 describes and shows a prayer mat that includes a tactile sensor secured to a lower surface of the prayer mat in proximity to the middle of the prayer mat configured to generate an output signal in response to detecting a pressure from the knees of a user, a bow count indicator configured to generate a visible signal, and processing circuitry configured to determine whether the output signal is valid by comparing the output signal to a predetermined signal level stored in a memory, receive the output signal from the sensor, update a count in response to determining that the output signal is valid, and activate the bow count indicator.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide an enhanced prayer mat which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in an enhanced prayer mat, comprising: a main body, configured to be laid flat on a floor; a plurality of touch sensors integrated into the main body and configured to register the placement of body parts on the mat; at least one audio transmitter integrated into the main body and configured to play pre-recorded sounds; a plurality of visual display elements integrated into the main body and configured for illumination, and; a control means, configured to receive input from the touch sensors and to control the audio transmitters and visual display elements to guide a user on the prayer mat through a prayer sequence. This assists with guiding a user who is unfamiliar with a prayer sequence through the required steps, and assists with teaching them the steps over time.

In an embodiment, the main body is substantially rectangular with a first end and a second end, the touch sensors comprising a pair of foot sensors located each side of the long central axis of the main body towards the first end, the foot sensors configured to register a user standing on the foot sensors, the upper surface of the main body comprising a visual representation of a pair of feet at the location of the foot sensors. This allows a user to quickly and easily see where they are to place their feet, and for the control means to register their weight when they are standing on the visual representation.

In an embodiment, the main body is substantially rectangular with a first end and a second end, the touch sensors further comprising a pair of knee sensors located each side of the long central axis of the main body substantially at the mid-point of the main body along the long axis, the knee sensors configured to register the weight of a user's knees, the upper surface of the main body comprising a visual representation of a pair of kneeling locations at the location of the knee sensors. This allows a user to quickly and easily see where they are to place their knees, and for the control means to register their weight when they are kneeling on the visual representation.

In an embodiment, the main body is substantially rectangular with a first end and a second end, the touch sensors further comprising a pair of hand sensors located each side of the long central axis of the main body substantially towards the second end, the hand sensors configured to register the weight of a user's hands, the upper surface of the main body comprising a visual representation of a pair of hands at the location of the hand sensors. This allows a user to quickly and easily see where they are to place their hands, and for the control means to register their weight when they have placed their hands in the required position.

In an embodiment, the main body is substantially rectangular with a first end and a second end, the touch sensors further comprising a nose sensor located on the central long central axis of the main body substantially towards the second end, the nose sensors configured to register the touch of a user's nose, the upper surface of the main body comprising a visual representation of a nose at the location of the nose sensor. This allows a user to quickly and easily see where they are to place their nose, and for the control means to register their weight when their nose is located in the correct position.

In an embodiment, the main body of the mat further comprises a plurality of illuminated visual icons arranged in groups substantially around the perimeter of the main body, the icons controlled by the control means to illuminate in sequence. These allow a user to be easily and instinctively guided through the steps of the prayer.

In an embodiment, a first icon group is located along part of one edge of the main body, the first icon group containing touch-sensitive icons that can be pressed to alter the volume of the pre-recorded sounds, the language in which these are spoken, and the number of times that elements are repeated in the sequence or sequences. This allows a user to customise the audiovisual output to their own requirements.

In an embodiment, a second icon group is located substantially at and along the first end, the second icon group containing icons indicative of the overall sequence of steps, which a user must perform. This allows a user to quickly and easily see which particular sequence they are to perform.

In an embodiment, a third icon group is located substantially around the long edges and second end of the main body, the third icon group containing icons indicative of the specific steps which a user must perform. This allows a user to quickly and easily see which particular step they are to perform.

In an embodiment, at least some of the illuminated visual icons are touch-sensitive and can be pressed to trigger a spoken word or phrase. This allows a user to quickly and easily hear and see the required action for a particular step as required.

In an embodiment, the illuminated visual icons indicate steps of the Salah, the control means configured to control the illumination of the icons and the audio signals to guide a user through the steps of the Salah. This allows a new Muslim to be guided through the required steps of prayer.

In an embodiment, the control means comprises a microprocessor. This is a simple and inexpensive control system that can be easily programmed and sourced.

In an embodiment, the main body is further configured to be rolled or folded for storage or transport when not in use. This allows the mat to be quickly and easily stored when not in use.

With respect to the above description then, 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.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which:

Figure 1 shows a view from directly above of a prayer mat according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing visual representations of foot, knee, hand and nose locations to guide a user to stand and kneel on the mat as the prayers require, and a number of visual icons spaced and positioned around the edge of the mat that will illuminate at the relevant points of the prayer cycle to assist with guiding a user through the prayer cycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention, and variations thereof, will now be described in detail with reference to the figures.

An embodiment of the enhanced prayer mat of the present invention is shown in figure 1. The prayer mat 1 in this embodiment is intended to guide a user through the Salah, or Islamic prayer cycle.

The prayer mat 1 has a main mat body 2 that in this embodiment is formed from layers of a hardwearing plastic sheet material. In this embodiment, the main body 2 is substantially rectangular, with a first end and a second end (the shorter sides of the rectangle). The main body 2 can be rolled or folded for storage and laid flat for use. The upper surface of the main body 2 displays a number of icons or visual indications, integrated into the main body. A main icon group 7 is arranged around the perimeter of the mat 1. Groups of body part icons 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 are arranged across the centre of the upper surface of the body 2. A set of control icons 13 towards the lower right-hand edge of the body 2. A set of type icons 9 is arranged towards one end of the body 2.

A central control unit 10 is located at the lower end of the mat, the central control unit 10 contained within a plastic casing that houses a loudspeaker 12, a controller such as for example a microprocessor, and other circuitry as required. An on/off switch 11 on the outside of the casing is connected to the controller, to turn the mat on and off. The central control unit 10 is connected via internal wiring to the other audiovisual elements in the main body 2, so that the control unit 10 can receive inputs from buttons, touch and weight sensors, etc, and send control signals to these elements as required, the wiring sandwiched between the layers of the body 2. The controller of the central control unit 10 is also pre-programmed with a number of pre-recorded spoken/chanted phrases that are used in prayer, which are triggered for playback as required by the controller of the central control unit 10. The controller of the control unit 10 controls the loudspeaker and any other audio elements, and the visual display elements, to guide a user who is on the prayer mat through a prayer sequence.

Weight sensors integrated into the main body 2 are configured to register the placement of body parts on the mat at various locations, and to transmit this information to the control unit 10. The weight sensors comprise the following sensor groups:

A pair of foot sensors 3 are located each side of the long central axis of the main body, towards the first end. The upper surface of the main body shows a visual representation of a pair of feet at the location of the foot sensors 3. When stepped on, the foot sensors 3 register the weight of the user standing on the foot sensors and transmit a signal to the microprocessor indicating that a user is standing on the mat 1.

A pair of knee sensors 4 are located each side of the long central axis of the main body substantially at the mid-point of the main body along the long axis. The upper surface of the main body shows a visual representation of a pair of kneeling locations at the location of the knee sensors 4. When knelt on, the knee sensors 4 register the weight of the user kneeling on the knee sensors 4 and transmit a signal to the microprocessor indicating that a user is kneeling on the mat 1.

A pair of hand sensors 5 are located each side of the long central axis of the main body substantially towards the second end. The upper surface of the main body shows a visual representation of a pair of hands at the location of the hand sensors 5. When a user places their hands on the hand sensors 5, the hand sensors 5 register the weight of a user's hands and transmit a signal to the microprocessor indicating that a user has their hands on the sensors 5.

A nose or face sensor 6 is located on the central long central axis of the main body substantially towards the second end. The upper surface of the main body shows a visual representation of a nose at the location of the nose sensor 6. The nose sensor 6 is configured to register the touch of a user's nose and to transmit a signal to the microprocessor indicating that a user has their face on the nose sensor 6.

A forehead sensor 8 is located on the central long central axis of the main body just above (towards the second end) of the face sensor 6. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the main body shows a visual representation of the Ka'bah at the location of the forehead sensor 8. The forehead sensor 8 is configured to register the touch of a user's forehead and to transmit a signal to the microprocessor indicating that a user has their face on the forehead sensor 8.

Visual sequence icons 7 are arranged around three sides of the perimeter of the upper surface of the mat main body 2 (on each of the longer sides, and the first side, as a continuous line). The sequence icons 7 illuminate in sequence as a user goes through a prayer cycle. The sequence icons 7 can be grouped into sub-groups, as will be explained in detail below. There are generally two different types of icons in the sequence icon group 7: action icons, which show an action to be undertaken, and audio icons, which show a phrase of prayer. The action icons illuminate as appropriate to cue a user to take a certain action. The audio icons illuminate when a prayer phrase is used, and the pre-recorded phrase will also be played, either via the loudspeaker 12, or via a built in audio element associated with the particular icon.

Icon group 13 - control group 13 - is located towards the lower right corner, aligned along the lower part of the side edge of the body 2 of the mat 1. This sub-group 13 is the main control group, and contains icons that can be pressed to alter the volume of the audio components, the language in which these are spoken, and other specific items such as the number of Rak'ah.

Another icon group 9 - type group 9 - is located towards the second end, along the edge, inside the perimeter of the main icon line 7. The type group 9 indicates the type of prayer that a user must perform - e.g. the different style and steps depending on the time of day. When a user first activates the mat 1, these will illuminate, and tones will sound, depending on the time of day, etc.

In the description below, it can be assumed that the mat 1 is ready for use, and in the orientation shown in figure 1, with the first end at the bottom and the second end at the top.

To use the mat, a user first turns the mat on using the on/off switch 11.

In use, the icons 7 around the edge of the mat illuminate in sequence to cue a user to follow the next step in the sequence, the processor controlling the illumination of the icons, and receiving input from the weight sensors, indicating the position of a user (e.g. when a user kneels down, the knee sensors 4 will register the weight, and send a signal to the processor indicating that there is weight on the knee sensors 4, indicating that a user is kneeling). Where appropriate, the mat will also give an audio cue, indicating a phrase to be spoken or prompting a user to move to the next step. The icons illuminate generally in sequence around the edge of the main body 2 from the bottom left-hand corner clockwise around the mat 1, indicating to a user what the next step in the sequence is. The illumination of the icons can be accompanied by an audio component as appropriate. In this embodiment, the icons for the spoken components are touch-sensitive, and can be pressed by a user in order to repeat a word or phrase.

Where a phrase of prayer is spoken in the sequence, the phrase is written on the icon. As shown in figure 1, these phrases are written in English in this embodiment, but can be written in Arabic script, or any other language as required.

Depending on the particular prayer, certain sub-sections of the icons 7 may repeat sequences as required.

As an example, a specific sequence for the standard morning prayer is described below:

The first step before the main part of the prayer is to wash. When the mat is first turned on using the switch 11, the 'start' icon 7a will briefly illuminate. A user is then prompted or reminded to wash as a first preparatory step by illumination of the 'wash' icon 7b, located at the bottom-left corner of the mat 1. The wash icon 7b is also touch-sensitive, and pressing the icon sends a signal to the processor to turn off this icon and move to the next step in the sequence.

A user is then prompted to step onto the mat and place their feet on the foot sensors 3, via illumination of the foot sensors 3. Once a user steps onto the foot sensors 3, the associated sensors register the weight of the user and transmit a signal indicating that a user is standing on the mat to the microprocessor. After three seconds of continuous weight on the foot sensors 3, the mat 1 moves to the next step, and a human voice recites the pre-recorded phrase 'Allahu Akbar' via a loudspeaker, illuminating icon 7e at the same time. These first steps are as shown in the icons in group 7c, along the lower left-hand edge of the mat 1.

After the initial steps have been completed, the next set of icons 7d will illuminate (those along the upper left-hand side of the mat 1). These play a human voice recording of the first phrases used in the Salah - the first Surah - moving along the edge of the mat, with the icons illuminating with a visual cue for body position as appropriate. The sequence will also return to and repeat/use icon 7e as appropriate in the sequence.

The user standing on the mat is then prompted to bow into Ruku by the illumination of icon 7f, and a chime will sound at the same time. Icon 7g illuminates and the phrase 'Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem' is spoken. At the end of Ruku, icon 7h illuminates to signal to a user that they should stand up straight.

A user is then prompted to proceed into the next phase - Sujood - by the illumination of icon 7i. The user kneels, placing their knees on the knee sensors 4, then their hands on the hand sensors 5, then their nose on the nose sensor 6, and finally their forehead on the forehead sensor 8.

The Sujood is repeated twice, with a user returning to a kneeling position, and then back to the position with their hands, nose and forehead on the mat. This is shown by the sequence 7j at the upper right-hand edge of the mat.

The user is then prompted to stand and carry out a second Surah. The icons in group 7d will illuminate as appropriate, and spoken pre-recorded phrases will be transmitted through the central loudspeaker as required.

After the second Surah is completed, a second Ruku is carried out, starting with the illumination of icon 7f, and moving through the sequence as described above.

At the end of the second Ruku, a user is prompted to remain seated by illumination of icon 7k.

Salah is then completed by recitation of the final phrases of prayer as shown in icon group 7I, and the prayer sequence ends with the illumination of the final icon 7m, prompting 'dua', followed after a time interval by illumination of the 'end' icon 7n, accompanied by a chime.

The steps above are for the morning prayer sequence. Prayer sequences for different cycles, such as for example for different times of day, can also be chosen, using the buttons in icon group 9 to choose the appropriate sequence.

A mat 1 as described assists with teaching children and new Muslims Salah. This will allow them to learn more swiftly than and with more success than the use of traditional methods.

Claims

1. An enhanced prayer mat, comprising:

a main body, configured to be laid flat on a floor;

a plurality of touch sensors integrated into the main body and configured to register the placement of body parts on the mat;

at least one audio transmitter integrated into the main body and configured to play pre-recorded sounds;

a plurality of visual display elements integrated into the main body and configured for illumination;

a control means, configured to receive input from the touch sensors and to control the audio transmitters and visual display elements to guide a user on the prayer mat through a prayer sequence.

2. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the main body is substantially rectangular with a first end and a second end, the touch sensors comprising a pair of foot sensors located each side of the long central axis of the main body towards the first end, the foot sensors configured to register a user standing on the foot sensors, the upper surface of the main body comprising a visual representation of a pair of feet at the location of the foot sensors.

3. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the main body is substantially rectangular with a first end and a second end, the touch sensors further comprising a pair of knee sensors located each side of the long central axis of the main body substantially at the mid-point of the main body along the long axis, the knee sensors configured to register the weight of a user's knees, the upper surface of the main body comprising a visual representation of a pair of kneeling locations at the location of the knee sensors.

4. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the main body is substantially rectangular with a first end and a second end, the touch sensors further comprising a pair of hand sensors located each side of the long central axis of the main body substantially towards the second end, the hand sensors configured to register the weight of a user's hands, the upper surface of the main body comprising a visual representation of a pair of hands at the location of the hand sensors.

5. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the main body is substantially rectangular with a first end and a second end, the touch sensors further comprising a nose sensor located on the central long central axis of the main body substantially towards the second end, the nose sensors configured to register the touch of a user's nose, the upper surface of the main body comprising a visual representation of a nose at the location of the nose sensor.

6. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the main body of the mat further comprises a plurality of illuminated visual icons arranged in groups substantially around the perimeter of the main body, the icons controlled by the control means to illuminate in sequence.

7. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in claim 6 wherein a first icon group is located along part of one edge of the main body, the first icon group containing touch-sensitive icons that can be pressed to alter the volume of the pre-recorded sounds, the language in which these are spoken, and the number of times that elements are repeated in the sequence or sequences.

8. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein a second icon group is located substantially at and along the first end, the second icon group containing icons indicative of the overall sequence of steps, which a user must perform.

9. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein a third icon group is located substantially around the long edges and second end of the main body, the third icon group containing icons indicative of the specific steps which a user must perform.

10. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein at least some of the illuminated visual icons are touch-sensitive and can be pressed to trigger a spoken word or phrase.

11. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein the illuminated visual icons indicate steps of the Salah, the control means configured to control the illumination of the icons and the audio signals to guide a user through the steps of the Salah.

12. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the control means comprises a microprocessor.

13. An enhanced prayer mat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the main body is further configured to be rolled or folded for storage or transport when not in use.

14. An enhanced prayer mat substantially as herein described with reference to the 5 figures.