U.S. patent application number 11/744320 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-27 for wearable device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kenneth R. Heimann, Steven Moran, Glenn Yu.
Application Number | 20070298893 11/744320 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38170867 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070298893 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yu; Glenn ; et al. |
December 27, 2007 |
Wearable Device
Abstract
An interactive wrist cover for simulating riding a vehicle, such
as a motorcycle, is provided. The interactive wrist cover includes
various components that respond to realistic driving or riding
motions of the user by generating appropriate outputs, such as
increasing engine speed sound in response to wrist flexure to
simulate throttle operation, even if no handlebar is present.
Inventors: |
Yu; Glenn; (San Marino,
CA) ; Moran; Steven; (Woodland Hills, CA) ;
Heimann; Kenneth R.; (Lake Elsinore, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALLEMAN HALL MCCOY RUSSELL & TUTTLE LLP
806 SW BROADWAY
SUITE 600
PORTLAND
OR
97205-3335
US
|
Assignee: |
Mattel, Inc.
333 Continental Blvd.
El Segundo
CA
90245
|
Family ID: |
38170867 |
Appl. No.: |
11/744320 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60798033 |
May 4, 2006 |
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60812213 |
Jun 9, 2006 |
|
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60846210 |
Sep 20, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
472/133 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/245 20140902;
A63F 2300/1012 20130101; A63F 13/54 20140902; A63F 2300/6063
20130101; A63F 2300/8017 20130101; A63F 13/06 20130101; A63F 13/803
20140902; A63F 13/212 20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/133 |
International
Class: |
A63G 31/16 20060101
A63G031/16 |
Claims
1. An article of manufacture worn by a user, comprising: a first
section; a second section coupled to the first section, the second
section and the first section shaped to be worn proximate to a
wrist of the user; a sensor configured to indicate relative motion
between the first and second section corresponding to wrist flexure
of the user; and an output generator coupled to the sensor, the
output generator providing vehicle sounds in response to the
relative motion indicated by the sensor.
2. The article of claim 1, where the first section is shaped to be
worn on a back of hand of the user, and the second section shaped
to be worn on a forearm of a user, and where the first and second
sections are rotatably coupled to one another via a hinge, with the
sensor providing an indication of relative rotation about the
hinge.
3. The article of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of stored
sounds, where the output generator selectively plays the sounds
responsive at least to actuation of the user's wrist as detected by
the sensor, where the sounds include engine speed sounds so as to
simulate a hand throttle actuator of a motorcycle.
4. The article of claim 1 wherein the sensor is a 2-position sensor
that indicates whether or not wrist flexure is detected.
5. The article of claim 1 further comprising a mode selector
coupled to the output generator, where the output generator
provides different output sounds responsive to wrist flexure
depending on a mode indicated by the mode selector.
6. The article of claim 1 wherein the sensor measures a degree of
rotation, and the output generator provides sounds responsive to a
degree of rotation detected by the sensor.
7. The article of claim 1 wherein the vehicle sounds include
transmission and engine sounds.
8. The article of claim 7 wherein an increasing engine speed sound
is provided by the output generator.
9. The article of claim 1 wherein the output generator is
integrally embedded in the second section.
10. A pair of removable interactive wrist covers worn by a user,
comprising: a first wrist covering, comprising: a first hand
covering section; a first forearm covering section rotatably
coupled to the hand covering section; a speaker coupled to an
exterior of the hand covering section, and a first sensor coupled
to the first hand covering section and the first forearm covering;
and first electronics actuating the speaker to generating a
plurality of engine sounds, where the electronics selectively
generate the plurality of engine sounds response to flexure and
non-flexure of a user's first wrist as indicated by the first
sensor; and a second wrist covering, comprising: a second hand
covering section; a second forearm covering section rotatably
coupled to the hand covering section; a speaker coupled to an
exterior of the hand covering section, and a second sensor coupled
to the second hand covering section and the second forearm
covering; and second electronics actuating the speaker to
generating a horn sounds, where the electronics selectively
generate the horn sound response to flexure and non-flexure of a
user's second wrist as indicated by the second sensor.
11. The pair of claim 10 wherein each of the first and second wrist
covering has at least a strap coupled to the hand covering section
to removeably couple the wrist covering to the user.
12. The pair of claim 11, where each of the forearm covering
sections is shaped to cover only a portion of the user's arm, and
each of the hand covering sections is shaped to cover at least a
portion of a back of the user's hand without completely covering a
user's fingers and palm.
13. The pair of claim 12 wherein the first electronics generate
engine shifting sounds responsive to the flexure and non-flexure of
the user's wrist as indicated by the first sensor.
14. A method of operation of an article of manufacture, the article
worn by a user, comprising: receiving an input via the article, the
motion generated by action of the user, the action corresponding to
movements used to operate a vehicle; and producing an output in
response to the input, the output simulating a vehicle output that
correlates to the vehicle operation movements.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the movements include wrist
flexure.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the output includes a plurality
of engine sounds, the method further comprising selectively
producing the plurality of engine speed sounds responsive to wrist
flexure indicated by the input.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the input includes an indication
of whether a user's wrist is flexed or not.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the output is responsive to the
indication, and whether the indication has changed.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein output includes an increasing
and decreasing engine sounds and transmission shifting sounds.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein increasing engine speed sounds
are generated upon detection of wrist flexure, and decreasing or
idle speed sounds are generated upon detection of the absence of
wrist flexure.
Description
[0001] The present application claims priority to provisional
application 60/798,033 filed May 4, 2006, titled "Gloves with
integral sensors and electronics to simulate riding a motorcycle,"
claims priority to provisional application 60/812,213, filed Jun.
9, 2006, titled "Gloves with integral sensor and electronics to
simulate riding a motorcycle," and claims priority to provisional
application 60/846,210, filed Sep. 20, 2006, titled "Gloves with
integral sensors and electronics to simulate riding a motorcycle."
The contents of these provisional applications are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various products attempt to give users a realistic and
exciting simulated motorcycle driving experience. For example, one
such product includes full-motion game controllers that may be used
with video games. These devices enable a user to apply realistic
driving motion to control operation of the video game.
[0003] Full-motion game controllers may include motorcycle
handlebars that enable a user to utilize wrist flexure to control
the throttle of a simulated motorcycle in a video game. In turn,
the video game responds with video and sound corresponding to the
user's actions.
[0004] Such prior art toy products may suffer from several
problems. In particular, the play action can be restricted to
operation of the video game. While the full action operation may
include some user activity, the user remains predominantly
sedentary apart from hand/wrist movement. Further, some users may
wish to utilize their imagination and experience to simulate
motorcycle driving outside of the video game environment.
SUMMARY
[0005] An interactive wrist cover for simulating riding a vehicle
is provided. The interactive wrist cover includes various
components that respond to a user's realistic driving motions by
generating appropriate outputs, such as increasing engine speed
sound in response to wrist flexure to simulate throttle operation,
even when no handle bar is present. The components thereby enable a
simulated vehicle operation in virtually any location, including
within and outside the video game environment. For example, a user
may utilize the wrist cover while riding a non-motorized vehicle,
such as a bike, to make it feel as if the vehicle is in fact
powered by an engine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 shows an example pair of wrist covers worn by a
user;
[0007] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show cross-sectional views of a wrist
cover in a plurality of positions; and
[0008] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a high level flowchart of example
operations performed by a wrist cover.
WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a pair of wrist covers 110, including right
wrist cover 120 and left wrist cover 122, being worn by a user on
each of a right hand 112 and a left hand 114. While the wrist
covers are shown with various functional and decorative shapes and
designs, modifications can be made to these elements without
departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the wrist
covers can be designed to simulate motocross racing styles, touring
styles, etc. Furthermore, while FIG. 1 shows a pair of wrist
covers, only a single wrist cover may be provided.
[0010] Right wrist cover 120 is shown having a right finger
covering section 132, a right hand covering section 134, and a
right forearm covering section 136. Section 132 is rotatably
coupled to section 134 via rotary pin joint 140. Similarly, section
134 is rotatably coupled to section 136 via rotary pin joint 142.
The pin joints may form a hinge, such that the different wrist
sections are hinged relative to one another. While in this example
a rotation joint having a single degree of freedom between the
wrist covering sections is provided, various other flexible
couplings may be used. For example, the rotatable couplings may
include a flexible joint that rotates via bending a resilient
coupling member, or may include a flexible fabric or leather
coupling piece. Sections 132, 134, and 136 may be formed from
various materials, such as plastic, rubber, etc.
[0011] The wrist cover 120 may be removeably coupled to the user's
right hand 112 via plastic strap elements 160, 162, and 164. As
shown in FIG. 1, strap 160 may be coupled to one side of right hand
covering section 134 and positioned in front of the user's thumb so
that it wraps around the user's palm (not shown). Further, strap
162 may be positioned on the same side of right hand covering
section 134 but behind the user's thumb. Sections 160 and 162 may
further include Velcro, making it possible for them to connect to
strap 164, which is coupled to the other side of right hand
covering section 134. Such a strap system enables the wrist cover
to fit a variety of hand sizes, thereby facilitating easy
attachment and detachment from the user. While this example
illustrates three strap elements, various other approaches may be
used to removably couple the wrist cover to the user, such as
elastic bands, straps with a buckle, strings, snaps, buttons,
etc.
[0012] Right hand covering section 134 is shown having an exterior
housing 150 that may include an integral speaker cover 152, which,
in turn may include a plurality of perforations or holes covering a
speaker. As described in further detail herein, right hand covering
section 134 may also include various sensors, batteries,
electronics, and controllers, such as a speaker for generating
sounds, lights for generating illumination, IR emitters and/or
receivers, a control circuit and/or various other output
generators. In one example, a control circuit may generate output,
such as sounds, in response to various sensor inputs. Also,
although not shown in FIG. 1, right hand covering section 134 may
further include visual read-outs (such as a tachometer,
speedometer, etc.), as well as input devices, such as buttons,
knobs, dials, etc.
[0013] Right hand covering section 134 may also include a mode
selection switch (not shown), having two, three or more switch
options/positions for enabling a user to select an operation mode.
As described in further detail with regard to FIG. 3, different
operations may be performed in response to various sensor inputs
depending on the mode selection. For example, the first mode may be
a deactivated (or off) mode, the second mode may be a single
increasing engine speed (or "rev") mode, and the third mode may be
an acceleration and cruising mode.
[0014] Right hand covering section 134 may be shaped and/or formed
to fit around the back side of the user's right hand 112.
Specifically, a bottom surface of section 134 may be concave to
more closely fit the user. Likewise, sections 132 and 136 may also
have bottom surfaces shaped to form fit the user, or may be formed
of substantially planar shapes.
[0015] Joint 142 may include an integral cam element (see FIG. 2),
which enables detection of the degree of relative rotation between
right hand covering section 134 and right forearm covering section
136 via a sensor coupled in right hand covering section 134. While
in this example a cam and deflection sensor are used, various other
sensor configurations may be used to indicate flexure between
sections 134 and 136. For example, a strain gauge mounted on a
bending joint member may be used to measure angular deflection
between sections 134 and 136. As another example, a rotary
potentiometer may be used to measure the rotation of a joint 142.
Still, other approaches may be used if desired.
[0016] In one example, a circuit in right hand covering section 134
may generate engine sounds, where the amplitude and/or frequency of
the engine sounds are correlated to the degree of wrist flexure by
the user, as measured via joint 142. The degree of wrist flexure
may thus simulate increasing throttle actuation, which in turn
produces increasing engine speed and/or power sounds. Such
operation may enhance the experience of riding a bike or other
activity in which the user may pretend to ride a motorcycle. In
other words, as the right hand simulates the movements required to
rev a throttle grip of a motorcycle, motorcycle engine sounds are
emitted from a speaker embedded on the wrist cover. These sounds
may correspond to the amount of simulated rotation of the imaginary
throttle, with more rotation resulting in a faster and/or more
powerful sounding engine. Alternatively, a contact switch may be
coupled to joint 142, such that upon actuation of a cam element, a
revving engine speed sound is produced upon contact, irrespective
of the degree of rotation past the point of initial switch
contact.
[0017] FIG. 1 further shows wrist cover 122 coupled to left hand
114, with similar left finger, hand, and wrist covering sections
172, 174, and 176, respectively, and joints 180 and 182. Left wrist
cover 122 may be symmetric, or asymmetric, with respect to wrist
cover 120.
[0018] For example, left wrist cover 122 may have similar wrist
flexure sensing and output generation as right wrist cover 120,
wherein engine or honking horn sounds are produced, or it may
include additional and/or alternative features. In the example of
FIG. 1, a sensor may measure finger deflection of user's left hand
114 via the degree of rotation between left hand covering section
174 and left finger covering section 172, and, in turn, communicate
this information to a circuit in left hand covering section 174.
Further, left hand covering section 174 may generate shifting
sounds in response to the finger flexure to further enhance the
simulation of motorcycle riding. In other words, as the left hand
is moved to simulate pulling a motorcycle clutch lever, shifting
sounds may be generated.
[0019] In still another example, right wrist cover 120 may also
include a sensor to measure finger flexure via joint 140, and
further generate braking sounds in response to the sensed finger
flexure.
[0020] By providing multiple aspects of motorcycle riding between
the pair of wrist covers, it is possible to enable increased riding
simulation and enable skill development, as well-coordinated
movements of the right and left hands may result in smooth shifting
and acceleration sounds.
[0021] In some examples, communication may be provided between two
wrist covers. For example, wired or wireless communication from
wrist cover 120 to and from wrist cover 122 may be provided, such
as via infrared (IR) communication, visible light communication,
ultrasonic or audible sound communication, or radio frequency (RF)
communication. For example, the wrist covers may communicate the
amount of deflection of various joints. Such operations may enable
one or both wrist covers to generate output, such as sound, in
response to the coordinated operation of the left and right wrist
cover.
[0022] In this way, it may be possible to for a user to develop
further skill as the wrist covers 110 generate outputs, such as
sounds, responsive to well-coordinated movements of the right and
left wrist covers together, while also generating output such as
mechanical noises and engine sounds associated with poorly executed
shifting in a real motorcycle in response to poor coordinated
movements of the left and right wrist covers.
[0023] As noted above, a simulated, electric or electronic visual
indicator or indicators may be provided, such as on right or left
hand covering section 164/174. These indicators may include a
simulated tachometer or speedometer. In one example, a simulated
tachometer may provide a readout of the simulated engine speed
sounds, with corresponding changes reflecting the position of the
right "throttle" wrist flexure and the fingers of the left "clutch"
finger flexure.
[0024] While FIG. 1 shows example wrist covers that do not
completely cover the arm, hand, or fingers, various alternative
configurations may be used. For example, form fitting gloves may be
used with corresponding sensors (e.g., position bump switches)
placed on the palm and/or back of the wrist sections of the gloves.
Thus, as the user's hand moves in selected ways, the switches are
closed, or other types of sensors are actuated, causing associated
sounds, visual effects, or other actions to occur as described
herein. Further, while the above described embodiment is directed
to motorcycle riding, various other vehicular configurations may be
used, such as for a snowmobile, jet-ski, construction equipment,
etc. Further, various sounds and or sensor effects may be used in
addition to engine and braking sounds, such as horn sounds,
crashing sounds, vibration, etc.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of an example wrist
cover 120 with like components labeled as in FIG. 1, where the
wrist cover is shown in three different positions. Further FIG. 2
shows spring loaded cam element 220 rotating about joint 142, as
well as internal compartment 210, which may house electronics,
batteries, etc. As the spring loaded cam is rotated
counterclockwise against a stop (not shown), and thus in the
example where cam 220 is coupled to an internal position detection
sensor (not shown), the sensor indicates a non-flexed position.
[0026] Specifically, FIG. 2A shows the wrist cover in a position
before a user has initiated wrist flexure, and before surface 222
of forearm section 136 has contacted cam element 220.
[0027] FIG. 2B shows the wrist cover in a position after the user
has rotated from the position of FIG. 2A, where surface 222 has
just contacted, but not moved, cam 220. Again, in the position of
FIG. 2B, the spring loaded cam 220 is rotated counterclockwise
against the stop, and the sensor indicates a non-flexed
position.
[0028] FIG. 2C shows the wrist cover in a position after the user
has further rotated from the position of FIG. 2B and generated
sufficient wrist flexure to actuate cam 220 to the point of
activating the internal position sensor. As such, the sensor
indicates that wrist flexure is detected.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, a routine is described that may be
performed by circuits or a processor embedded in a wrist cover,
such as embedded within wrist cover 120. The following process may
be performed by code stored within computer readable storage media,
or may performed by electronic circuits, etc. In the example
depicted in FIG. 3, various operating modes may be selected by a
user that produce varying wrist cover performances in response to
user inputs. Specifically, three distinct operating modes may be
selected, including: [0030] mode 1: which represents an inactive
state, [0031] mode 2: which represents a single engine rev mode,
where upon actuation of a user's movement (e.g., wrist flexure), a
single increasing engine speed (or rev) is generated; and [0032]
mode 3: which represents an accelerating and/or decelerating engine
speed, along with shifts, and then a sustained cruising engine
speed and transmission sound and/or idling sound.
[0033] In this example, various sound recordings of various
durations are selectively played back through a speaker in a wrist
cover, where the various recordings represent one or more
components of the sounds produced during the above modes, and
differing playback operations are, in turn, provided in these
different modes. The operation according to FIG. 3 thus enables
numerous play patterns using a single-position wrist flexure sensor
and a three-position mode selector switch.
[0034] In 310, the routine reads a mode selection switch, and
determines a user-selected mode, such as mode 1, 2, or 3. When mode
1 is selected, the routine continues to 312 and no sound or other
output is emitted, where mode 1 may be referred to as "off." When
mode 2 is selected, the routine continues to 314, and when mode 3
is selected, the routine continues to 316.
[0035] Mode 2 provides a single engine increasing engine speed
sound, or "rev," in response to detection of user input, such as
wrist flexure. When wrist flexure is not detected, no sound is
produced, unless a "rev" is in progress, in which case the "rev"
plays to completion, and then no sound is produced. In this
example, the single increasing engine speed sound recording is
referred to a recording 1. While a single recording is repeatedly
used in this example, the routine may alternatively utilize a
plurality of different recordings, which are randomly selected for
playback, or played in a specified order.
[0036] Mode 3 provides a more complex play pattern, in which a
continuous idling sound (recording 2) is played when no wrist
flexure is detected. Upon detection of wrist flexure, an
accelerating engine and transmission recording (recording 4) is
played, where the engine repeatedly increases in speed as if
repeatedly shifting to higher gears. Then, assuming wrist flexure
is still detected, upon reaching the last, or highest gear, a
cruising sound recording (recording 5) is continuously played.
Further, upon detection that wrist flexure is removed or stopped, a
deceleration engine and transmission recording (recording 3) is
played. Then, assuming wrist flexure is still not detected, upon
completion of the deceleration, the idling recording (recording 1)
is again repeatedly played.
[0037] Returning to the details of FIG. 3A, in 314, the routine
determines a user body position, such as a wrist position as
measured at joint 142. In this example, a single position sensor is
used that indicates either wrist flexure is detected (position 2),
or is not detected (position 1); however, a continuously variable
angle or position sensor may also be used as noted herein. If
position 1 is detected (e.g., no wrist flexure), the routine
continues to 320 to determine whether playback of recording 1 is in
process. If so, the routine continues to 322 to continue playback
of recording 1; otherwise, the routine continues to 324 and no
output or sound is produced. In other words, if recording 1 has
begun playing due to wrist flexure, but the wrist flexure is
stopped, playback of recording 1 continues until completion of the
recording.
[0038] Likewise, if position 2 is detected (e.g., wrist flexure),
the routine continues to 326 to determine whether playback of
recording 1 is in process. If so, the routine continues to 322 to
continue playback of recording 1; otherwise, the routine continues
to 328 to initiate playback of recording 1. In other words, upon
detection of wrist flexure, playback of recording 1 is initiated,
unless it is already being played. Further, after the completion of
playback of recording 1, no sound is produced even if wrist flexure
is continued. Thus, a single increasing engine speed sound is
generated.
[0039] When mode 3 is selected, the routine determines wrist
flexure position in 316. When position 1 is detected, the routine
continues to 330 to determine whether the previous position of the
user's wrist was position 2 upon the last execution of the routine.
If so, the routine continues to 332 in FIG. 3B to initiate playback
of recording 3. Otherwise, the routine continues to 334 to
determine whether playback of recording 3 is completed, or still in
progress. If it is in progress, the routine continues to 336 to
continue the playback of recording 3. If not, the routine continues
to 338 to playback recording 2, or continue/repeat playback of
recording 2.
[0040] In mode 3 when position 2 is detected, the routine continues
to 340 in FIG. 3A to determine whether the previous position of the
user's wrist was position 1 upon the last execution of the routine.
If so, the routine continues to 342 in FIG. 3B to initiate playback
of recording 4. Otherwise, the routine continues to 344 to
determine whether playback of recording 4 is in progress. If not,
the routine continues to 346 to initiate playback of recording 5.
If so, the routine continues to 348 to continue playback of
recording 4.
[0041] In this way, even though a 2-position wrist sensor is used,
a wide variety of play patterns and simulated motorcycle riding
operation may be provided. While FIG. 3 represents an example
operation of the right wrist cover 120, similar operations may also
be provided by left wrist cover 122. Alternatively, the left wrist
cover may utilize a 2-mode switch, where during a first mode the
wrist cover is deactivated (or "off") and during a second mode a
horn sound is generated upon detecting wrist flexure.
[0042] While the present invention has been described in terms of
specific embodiments, it should be appreciated that the spirit and
scope of the invention is not limited to those embodiments. For
example, the disclosed wrist covers may communicate with a video
game console and be used to control operation of a vehicle, such as
a motorcycle, in the video game. The scope of the invention is
instead indicated by the appended claims. All subject matter which
comes within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims is
to be embraced within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *