U.S. patent application number 16/190526 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-01 for interactive animate luggage.
The applicant listed for this patent is Aili Jian. Invention is credited to Aili Jian.
Application Number | 20190231045 16/190526 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67392986 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190231045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jian; Aili |
August 1, 2019 |
INTERACTIVE ANIMATE LUGGAGE
Abstract
A suitcase that, in certain embodiments, allow for animate and
interactive zoolocomotion and zoomimicry of luggage. Importantly,
such output may occur without the need for a user to press buttons;
instead, such output may be triggered by natural interactions with
embodiments described herein, such as when a child strokes a cat
causing the cat to purr in enjoyment.
Inventors: |
Jian; Aili; (Alameda,
CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jian; Aili |
Alameda |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
67392986 |
Appl. No.: |
16/190526 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29617217 |
Sep 12, 2017 |
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16190526 |
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29578325 |
Sep 20, 2016 |
D824676 |
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29617217 |
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62587211 |
Nov 16, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/001 20130101;
A45C 5/14 20130101; A45C 2009/005 20130101; A45C 7/0018 20130101;
A45C 5/03 20130101; A45C 2200/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 7/00 20060101
A45C007/00; A45C 13/00 20060101 A45C013/00 |
Claims
1. A container including: a plurality of wheels, an extendable
handle, coupled to said container; a processor coupled to the
container said processor coupled to a memory device, a motion
detector and an actuator; said memory device operable to hold
program instructions directing the processor to perform a method
including: detecting motion and moving an appendage in response to
the motion.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the moving the appendage
includes zoolocomotion.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein the appendage is substantially
in the form of cat ears.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein the container is a
suitcase.
5. The container of claim 4 further including: a wireless
communication system, said wireless communications system coupled
to the processor; wherein the processor and wireless communications
system are operable to send and receive information to alter the
program instructions.
6. The container of claim 5 wherein the wireless communications
system is either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
7. The container of claim 1 further including a tactile sensor,
said tactile sensor coupled to the processor.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein the motion detector is an
accelerometer.
9. A suitcase including: at least one wheel, said wheel including a
rotation sensor; a processor coupled to the suitcase said processor
coupled to a memory device, a tactile sensor, a motion detector,
and actuator and the rotation sensor; said memory device operable
to hold program instructions directing the processor to perform a
method including one or more of the following: detecting motion and
moving an appendage in response to the motion, detecting rotation
and moving an appendage in response to the rotation, detecting
touch and moving an appendage in response to the touch; wherein
said appendage substantially represents an animal ear; wherein the
moving the appendage includes movement of the animal ear in a
substantially zoomical motion.
10. The suitcase of claim 9 further including: a second appendage,
wherein said moving the appendage includes moving both
appendages.
11. A suitcase including: at least one wheel, said wheel including
a rotation sensor; a substantially transparent handle, said handle
dispose on a first surface of the suitcase; a light source, said
light source disposed to illuminate at least a portion of the
handle; a processor coupled to the suitcase said processor coupled
to a memory device, a tactile sensor, a motion detector, the light
source and the rotation sensor; said memory device operable to hold
program instructions directing the processor to perform a method
including one or more of the following: detecting motion and
illuminating the light source in response to the motion, detecting
rotation and illuminating the light source in response to the
rotation, or detecting touch and illuminating the light source in
response to the touch.
12. The suitcase of claim 11 wherein the light source includes
multi-colored LEDs.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S.
provisional application 62/587,211 filed Nov. 16, 2017 by the same
inventors which is included by reference as if fully set forth
herein. This application is also a continuation-in-part of
co-pending application Ser. No. 29/617,217 filed Sep. 9, 2017,
which in turn is a continuation of U.S. Pat. D824,676 issued Aug.
7, 2018.
BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to
luggage, and more specifically, to an animal-like, rolling suitcase
with sensory input and audiovisual, physical and tactile
output.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Currently, luggage is inanimate and lacks interactivity with
owners. Thus owners are unlikely to be emotionally attached to
their luggage. This is especially true with children. Because of
this dearth, luggage is merely borne by tired, disinterested users,
dragged and bumped along through hotels and airports all over the
world. Clearly there is a need for interactive, animate and
entertaining luggage.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments described herein allow for animate and
interactive zoolocomotion and zoomimicry of luggage. Importantly,
such output may occur without the need for a user to press buttons;
instead, such output may be triggered by natural interactions with
embodiments described herein, such as when a child strokes a cat
causing the cat to purr in enjoyment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit block diagram, according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an interactive and animate suitcase,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for driving audiovisual,
physical and/or tactile output based on sensory input, according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Generality of Invention
[0008] This application should be read in the most general possible
form. This includes, without limitation, the following:
[0009] References to specific techniques include alternative and
more general techniques, especially when discussing aspects of
embodiments described herein, or how the embodiment might be made
or used.
[0010] References to "preferred" techniques generally mean that the
inventor contemplates using those techniques, and thinks those
techniques are best for the intended application. This does not
exclude other techniques for embodiments described herein, and does
not mean that those techniques are necessarily essential or would
be preferred in all circumstances.
[0011] References to contemplated causes and effects for some
implementations do not preclude other causes or effects that might
occur in other implementations.
[0012] References to reasons for using particular techniques do not
preclude other reasons or techniques, even if completely contrary,
where circumstances would indicate that the stated reasons or
techniques are not as applicable.
[0013] Furthermore, embodiments described herein are in no way
limited to the specifics of any particular embodiments and examples
disclosed herein. Many other variations are possible which remain
within the content, scope and spirit of embodiments described
herein, and these variations would become cl to those skilled in
the art after perusal of this application.
[0014] More detail may be found in the attached appendix, which is
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
Glossary
[0015] As used herein, "coapproach" (noun) may refer to the process
of movement of one or more objects towards the other objects and/or
towards a common center before collision. As used herein,
"coapproaching" (verb) refers to locomotion during coapproach.
[0016] As used herein, "zoolocomotion" (noun), "zoolocomote"
(verb), and zoolocomotory (adjective) may refer to any animal-like
movement of a member or part of a member of the animal kingdom.
[0017] As used herein, "zoomimicry" (noun), "zoomimical"
(adjective), and "zoomimic/zoomimicking" (verb) may refer to
non-living objects taking the appearance and/or behavior of a
member or part of a member of the animal kingdom.
FIG. 1
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit block diagram, according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. Circuit 100 employs bus 102
to electrically connect (1) data processing 105 with (1) sensory
input 120 with (3) audiovisual, physical and tactile output 155
with (4) power system 180. Data processing 105 includes processor
110, memory 115. Sensory input 120 includes accelerometer 125,
tactile sensor 130, microphone 135, camera 140, rotation sensor
145, handle sensor 150. Audiovisual, physical and tactile output
155 includes vibratory driver 160, speaker 165, display 170,
actuator 175. Power system 180 includes motor/dynamo 185,
power/data cable 190 and battery 195. The inventors contemplate the
connection of elements of circuit 100 in any and all conceivable
fashion.
[0019] Data Processing 105
[0020] Data processing 105 includes processor 110 and memory 115.
In one embodiment, processor 110 may execute commands related to
sensory input data from sensory input 120 (described herein). In
another embodiment, processor 110 may execute instructions that may
trigger actions by output 155 (described herein).
[0021] Memory 115 may store, by way of example and not limitation,
inputs, commands, outputs or other data. By way of example and not
limitation, memory 115 may be short-term memory (e.g., random
access memory) or long-term data storage (e.g., EEPROM or solid
state memory). In one embodiment, memory 115 may store sensory
input data from sensory input 120 (described herein). In another
embodiment, memory 115 may store command instructions (e.g.,
software or firmware) that, when executed by processor 110, may
trigger actions by output 155 (described herein). In an additional
embodiment, memory 115 may be used as backup/auxillary data storage
for smart devices, laptops and the like.
[0022] Certain embodiments may include wireless communications
circuitry (not shown) to effectuate programmability. This may
include Bluetooth, near field communications (NFC), and Wi-Fi
circuitry. Moreover, certain embodiment may include location
sensing such as GPS coupled to the processor.
[0023] Sensory Input 120
[0024] Sensory input 120 includes accelerometer 125, tactile sensor
130, microphone 135, camera 140, rotational sensor 145, handle
sensor 150. Accelerometer 125 may be a 3-axis (i.e., X-, Y- and
Z-axis) accelerometer capable of detecting motion of circuit 100
and/or embodiments described herein connected to circuit 100. In
this manner, accelerometer 125 may detect when embodiments
described herein undergo motion, and may send telemetry to
processor 110.
[0025] Tactile sensor 130 may send touch data to processor 110,
which, in turn, causes processor 110 to execute commands described
herein. In some embodiments, tactile sensor 130 may be located on a
suitcase handle (not pictured) or on a suitcase shell (not
pictured) and may detect when a user touches tactile sensor
130.
[0026] Microphone 135 may record audio and transmit audio data to
processor 110, causing processor 110 to execute commands described
herein. In one embodiment, processor 110 may cause microphone 135
may monitor audio for `key phrases` spoken by a user. In this
example, when a `key phrase` is spoken and detected by microphone
135, microphone 135 may trigger processor 110 to execute output
commands described herein.
[0027] Camera 140 may record video and transmit video data to
processor 110, causing processor 110 to execute commands described
herein. In one embodiment, processor 110 may cause camera 140 may
monitor video for `key gestures` performed by a user. In this
example, when a `key gesture` is performed and detected by camera
140, camera 140 may trigger processor 110 to execute output
commands described herein.
[0028] Rotation sensor 145 may detect rotation of embodiments
described herein and send rotational data (i.e., telemetry) to
processor 110. In one embodiment, a commercially available rotation
sensor 145 may mechanically linked to a wheel (not pictured) and
may detect when a user causes the wheel to roll. In a further
embodiment, telemetry may used to trigger processor 110 to execute
output commands described herein.
[0029] Handle sensor 150 may detect telescopic movement of coaxial
shafts. Such coaxial shafts may be, by way of example and not
limitation, a telescoping, extendable handle shaft such as that
found on a suitcase. In one embodiment, handle sensor 150 may be
located proximate to a handle shaft (not pictured) and may detect
when a user telescopically extends a handle shaft. This detection
may be effectuated using a commercially available proximity sensor
or limit switch. In a further embodiment, movement detected by
handle sensor 150 may cause processor 110 to execute output
commands described herein.
[0030] Audiovisual, Physical and Tactile Output 155 (Output
155)
[0031] Accelerometer 125, tactile sensor 130, microphone 135,
camera 140, rotational sensor 145, handle sensor 150 (together,
sensory input 120), may record sensory input and send sensory input
data to data processing 105. Data processing 105 may send commands
to cause audiovisual, physical and tactile output from output 155
as described herein. More specifically, a user's interactions with
embodiments described herein may cause movements or reactions that
mimic that of animals (i.e., zoolocomotion and zoomimicry,
respectively).
[0032] Vibratory devices such as haptic motion devices and
vibratory drivers 160 may cause vibrations of embodiments described
herein that are detectable by a user. Vibratory driver 160 may be a
solid-state vibratory driver or any known vibratory driver. In one
embodiment, vibratory driver 160 may mimic the vibrations of an
animal's body when "purring" occurs (e.g., a cat's purring can be
felt as vibrations by a user upon being petted). However, the
inventors contemplate embodiments described herein conducting any
and all types of zoolocomotion and zoomimicry.
[0033] Embodiments described herein provide for inputs from sensory
input 120 to trigger outputs from output 155. By way of example and
not limitation tactile sensor 130 may detect a "petting" motion
(e.g., such as when one strokes a pet affectionately) and may
communicate touch data to data processing 105. Said petting motion
may be detected by detecting and tracking contact movement across a
surface. In turn, data processing 105 may trigger vibratory driver
160. In this manner, tactile sensor 130 may trigger vibratory
driver 160 using zoomimicry of embodiments described herein. By way
of example and not limitation, zoomimicry in this example may take
the appearance of "purring" (such as that conducted by a cat in
response to being petted). Thus, embodiments described herein
provide for zoomimicking reactions triggered by user stimuli.
[0034] In an optional embodiment, speaker 165, connected to circuit
100, may be employed to play sounds based on commands generated by
processor 110. Such sounds may include "purring," any zoomimicry or
known audio file. Moreover, these commands may occur in reaction to
one or more of: data from handle sensor 150, tactile sensor 130,
rotation sensor 145 or telemetry from accelerometer 125.
[0035] Continuing with examples provided herein, a user's petting
motion detected by tactile sensor 130 or other sensory input 120
may cause speaker 165 to play a "purring sound" in either isolation
or conducted with other output (i.e., simultaneous with vibrations
caused by vibratory driver 160). In this manner, embodiments
described herein may more realistically zoomimic animal reactions
to user stimuli.
[0036] Display 170 may consist of any known visual display such as,
by way of example and not limitation, one or more LEDs or a LCD
display. In one embodiment, display 170 may take the form of a
collection of LEDs. By way of example and not limitation, display
170 may be a "heart-shaped" formation of multi-colored LEDs capable
of varying illumination levels and color displays.
[0037] While zoomimical and zoolocomotory examples have been given,
the inventors contemplate that embodiments described herein are not
limited to realistic forms and movements. Indeed, fantastical
shapes and actions are contemplated by the inventors. A fantastical
example follows: display 170 may "pulse" in response to commands
output by processor 110 in reaction to movement detected by
accelerometer 125. By way of example and not limitation, such
pulsing may also take the form of changing shapes and/or colors,
occurring at stable or varying frequencies. Moreover, the pulsing
may be fashioned after an animal heartbeat.
[0038] Accordingly, a user may interact with embodiments described
herein in a manner detectable by sensory input 120, causing display
170 to change in response. By way of example and not limitation,
accelerometer 125 or other sensory input 120 may detect movement of
embodiments described herein, causing display 170 to appear as a
"beating heart" in a fantastical representation of life. For
example, a user may "pet," "shake," or roll embodiments described
herein, causing embodiments described herein to appear "awake" or
"alive" to a user.
[0039] In a further example, the "heartbeat" described herein may
change frequency depending on a rolling speed detected by rotation
sensor 145 or other sensory input 120. In an even further example,
rolling embodiments described herein faster may cause a faster
"heartbeat." In this manner, display 170 may cause embodiments
described herein to take on a fantastical appearance of
"excitement."
[0040] Actuator 175 may rotate, oscillate or otherwise actuate in
response to commands output by data processing 105. This actuation
may occur in reaction to data recorded by sensory input 120. In a
further embodiment, appendages as described herein (not pictured)
may be attached to actuator 175 such that the appendages undergo
movement driven by actuator 175 in reaction to telemetry from
accelerometer 125. These appendages may mimic animal shapes;
however, the inventors contemplate that the appendages may take on
any form or shape.
[0041] By way of example and not limitation, appendages may be
attached to one or more actuators 175 to give the appearance of
"cat ears." Further in this example, user stimuli detected by
sensory input 120 may cause actuators 175 and attached appendages
to execute zoolocomotion.
[0042] Continuing with examples provided herein, a user's petting
motion detected by tactile sensor 130 or other sensory input 120
may cause one or more actuators 175 to "wiggle," by way of example
and not limitation, appendages in the form of "cat ears." Thus,
"petting" embodiments described herein may cause a "lifelike"
reaction in the form of "twitching" or "twisting" cat ears in a
"perkily attentive" manner. Said wiggling may be effectuate by
having the "ears" magnetically coupled to a support plate, which in
turn is rotated of re-positioned under programmatic control. More
information on such zoolocomotion is provided herein. Magnetically
coupling appendages allows for changing to different ears or shapes
to provide different effects. Moreover, magnetically coupling
appendages allows the appendages to be removed for storing or
shipping the suitcase.
[0043] The inventors contemplate that such actuation by actuator
175 may occur in either isolation or conducted with other output.
Furthering examples used herein, wiggling appendages caused by
actuation of one or more actuators 175 may occur simultaneously
with vibrations caused by vibratory driver 160 and/or "purring"
sounds played by speaker 165. In this manner, embodiments described
herein may more realistically zoomimic animal reactions to user
stimuli. Again, output possibilities from output 155 are not
limited to lifelike representations. Furthering examples still,
display 170 may play visual output simultaneously with one or more
of the output examples given herein, thus fantastically enhancing
output and/or animations described herein. By way of example and
not limitation, display 170 may display a pulsing heart in response
to a user petting embodiments described herein.
[0044] Power Systems 180
[0045] Power systems 180 include motor/dynamo 185, power/data cable
190 and battery 195. Motor/dynamo 185 may be located in wheels (not
pictured) to cause movement of embodiments described herein, or to
generate electricity by acting as a dynamo when embodiments
described herein are moved. In one embodiment, motor/dynamo 185 may
be mechanically linked to rotation sensor 140. Motor/dynamo 185 may
also cause locomotion of embodiments described herein in response
to sensory input. In one embodiment, motor/dynamo 185 may cause
embodiments described herein to zoolocomote. By way of example and
not limitation, such zoolocomotion may mimic the way a pet follows
a person (e.g., a cat follows an owner).
[0046] Power/data cable 190 may be connected to circuit 100 and may
be employed to power or recharge one or more elements of circuit
100. Power/data cable 190 may be retractable or concealable with a
cover plate as known. Battery 195 may be connected to circuit 100
and may be employed to power one or more elements of circuit 100.
Battery 195 may be any known battery including rechargeable-type
batteries. In one embodiment, battery 195 may be recharged by
embodiments described herein, including but not limited to:
motor/dynamo 185 and power/data cable 190.
[0047] Power/data cable 190 may be of any cable type, including
USB. The inventors contemplate that power/data cable 190 may feed
power into other devices to recharge them or transmit/receive data.
In one embodiment, power/data cable 190 may be compatible with
smart devices for multiple purposes including but limited to:
recharging smart devices and backing up/storing data for smart
devices. In one embodiment, the inventors contemplate the usage of
embodiments described herein (e.g., rolling a suitcase) to charge
battery 195, and in turn, battery 195 may be used to recharge a
user's smart device through power/data cable 190. Any power/data
cables 190, such as a USB cable, has myriad uses in the art and the
inventors contemplate all such uses.
[0048] Data Communications System
[0049] While not pictured, the inventors also contemplate the
addition of a communications system (not pictured), including but
not limited to: wireless or wired communications (e.g., Wi-Fi, 3G,
4G or LTE data communications) as known. Wired or wireless
communications may provide Internet connectivity, data transfer
capability and access to cloud data storage. Data storage
capabilities as described herein (e.g., memory 115) may allow for
wireless backup or wired backup (e.g., through power/data cable
190) for smart devices, laptops and the like.
[0050] Conventional radio modules such as GPS, Bluetooth and the
like may be included in some embodiments to allow for enhanced
operations such as the ability to transmit, to a server, location
information, or to effectuate certain motions in response to
specific location information.
[0051] The inventors also contemplate that any data from
embodiments described herein (e.g., sensory input data, telemetry
and the like, or any data as described herein) may be recorded and
uploaded to cloud-based Internet storage. Furthermore, the
inventors contemplate storing and sharing of this data on the
Internet (e.g., social media websites) with Internet users, e.g.,
social media users and/or other owners of embodiments described
herein, such that these Internet users may be aware of each other's
shared data. By way of example and not limitation, users of
embodiments described herein may share data related to embodiments
described herein with each other, e.g., compare telemetry.
Moreover, users may download certain program instructions to alter
or enhance the operations described herein.
[0052] The above illustration provides many different embodiments
for implementing different features of embodiments described
herein. Specific embodiments of components and processes are
described to help clarify embodiments described herein. These are,
of course, merely embodiments and are not intended to limit
embodiments described herein from that described in the claims.
FIG. 2
[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates an interactive and animate suitcase,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. View 200
shows a front three-quarters profile of suitcase 205. Suitcase 205
includes wheels 210, tactile sensor 215, one or more appendages
220, display 225, casters 230, handle 255, and actuators 275.
[0054] Suitcase 205 may be of impact-resistant or ballistic
material as known. Suitcase 205 may be water resistant or
waterproof (e.g., IP68g or IP69k) as known. Suitcase 205 may
contain multiple, isolated compartments as known. Suitcase 205 may
be a clamshell or foldable design as known. Suitcase 205 may a
hardshell, soft fabric, or hybrid design as known. Suitcase 205 may
have zippers, clasps, buttons, magnetic enclosures and may seal
closed by any known means.
[0055] Some embodiments may include handles 255 made from clear
plastic providing for certain illumination affects. This may be
effectuated by placing a light source, such as one or more LEDs
(not shown), at the base of the handle 255. With the LEDs under
programmatic control, the color, and light intensity may be varied
for certain movements or in response to certain stimuli.
[0056] Optionally, suitcase 205 may include speakers, handle
sensors and/or vibratory drivers (not shown) as described herein.
In some embodiment, casters 230 may be fixed- or spinner-style, as
known. In other embodiments, wheels 210 and/or casters 230 may be
of varying opacity (e.g., transparent). In one embodiment, casters
230 and/or wheels 210 may have be transparent with an opaque
portion to give the appearance of "paws" or "feet."
[0057] Sensory Input
[0058] Tactile sensor 215 may detect physical contact by a user as
described herein. Tactile sensor 215 may transmit sensory data to a
processor. In one embodiment, tactile sensor 215 may detect, by way
of example and not limitation, "petting" of suitcase 205 by a user
in a similar manner that a user may pet an animal. While "petting"
of tactile sensor 215 is provided as an example, the inventors
contemplate any physical interaction with tactile sensor 215 to
cause tactile sensor 215 to transmit sensory data to the
processor.
[0059] As illustrated, tactile sensor 215 is positioned on suitcase
205 near appendages 220, however, the inventors contemplate
positioning one or more tactile sensors 230 on any location on
suitcase 205. Furthermore, tactile sensor 215 may take any shape
and occupy any surface of suitcase 205.
[0060] A rotation sensor (not shown) may be mechanically linked
with one or more wheels 210 in order to detect rotation of wheels
210, and thus locomotion of suitcase 205 by a user. In turn,
rotation sensor may send telemetry to a processor. The rotation
sensor may be mounted coaxially to, or otherwise mechanically
engaged with, one or more wheels 210 such that wheels 210 supply
rotational drive to the rotation sensors by known means.
[0061] An accelerometer (not shown) may be employed in suitcase 205
to detect movement of embodiments described herein, or physical
contact of embodiments described herein by a user. Thus, the
accelerometer may transmit telemetry to a processor. By way of
example and not limitation, the accelerometer may detect rolling of
suitcase 205 by a user, "petting" or shaking of suitcase 205 by a
user.
[0062] Finally, a microphone and/or camera (not shown) may be
located proximate to suitcase 205 to record audiovisual data.
Audiovisual data may be sent to a processor and may in turn cause
audiovisual, physical or tactile output as described herein.
[0063] Handle 255, as shown in rear three-quarters view 250, may
allow a user to drag or push suitcase 205. Handle 255 may be a
fixed- or telescoping-style handle as known. Handle 255 may also
contain a handle sensor (not pictured) that sends information
related to handle movement to a processor. In one embodiment,
handle 255, when deployed or retracted by a user, may trigger
activation/deactivation of embodiments described herein. In further
embodiments, such triggering may reduce charge depletion and
improve battery performance.
[0064] Audiovisual, Physical & Tactile Output
[0065] As illustrated, appendages 220 appear as "cat ears," but
appendages 220 may, by way of example and not limitation, take any
zoomorphic form and the inventors contemplate appendages 220 taking
the form of any known three-dimensional shape. Also as illustrated,
appendages 220 are located, by way of example and not limitation,
on top of suitcase 205. However, the inventors contemplate placing
appendages 200 any location proximate to suitcase 205. In one
embodiment, appendages 220 may be removable and stored in suitcase
205 to allow suitcase 205 to occupy an overall smaller volume
profile. In this manner, such a reduced footprint may allow for
easier storage in airplane overhead compartments and better
compatibility with passenger airline regulations.
[0066] Appendages 220 may be driven by actuators 275, as shown in
top front (cutaway) view 270. Under the power of actuators 275,
appendages 220 may "move," or more specifically, appendages 220 may
coapproach or oscillate. By way of example and not limitation,
appendages 220 may "twitch," "wiggle," or "twist," in a manner
similar to the motion of the ears of a cat. Note, however, that the
inventors contemplate any and all movements physically possible of
appendages 220 by actuators 220. By way of example and not
limitation, such movements may take the form of zoolocomotion.
Movement of appendages 220 may occur in reaction to
accelerometer/rotation sensor telemetry, handle or tactile sensor
215 data being received and processed by a processor.
[0067] Display 225 may be lit by a power source (not shown) in
suitcase 205. As illustrated, Display 225 takes the form of LEDs
deployed in a "heart" formation on suitcase 205, but the inventors
contemplate that display 225 may take any shape or be of any
number, and be located on any position on suitcase 205. LEDs are
illustrated only by way of example and not limitation. Thus,
embodiments described herein provide for any known video displays,
such as LCD screens and the like. Furthermore, the inventors
contemplate the display of any and all visual media on display 225.
Furthermore, the inventors contemplate a processing updating or
otherwise changing this visual media based on sensory input data as
provided herein. In one embodiment, display 225 may illuminate in
reaction to sensory input as described herein.
[0068] In one embodiment, a speaker (not shown) may cause sound in
reaction to accelerometer/rotation sensor telemetry, microphone,
camera, handle sensor or tactile sensor 215 data being received and
processed by a processor as described herein. By way of example and
not limitation, the speaker may play music, animal sounds, however,
the inventors contemplate any and all audio output known.
[0069] A vibratory driver (not shown) may be employed to cause
vibration of suitcase 205 or parts of the suitcase according to
some embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, the vibratory
driver may vibrate suitcase 205 in reaction to
accelerometer/rotation sensor telemetry, handle sensor or tactile
sensor 215 data being received and processed by a processor.
[0070] By way of example and not limitation, output by appendages
220, display 225, a vibratory driver or speaker may occur in
reaction to data from a user "petting" suitcase 205, rolling or
shaking suitcase 205, using (e.g., deploying/retracting) handle
255, or any other stimuli. In other words, a user interfacing with
suitcase 205 may cause output by appendages 220, display 225, a
vibratory driver or speaker to imitate a "reaction" by suitcase
205. While zoolocomotory/zoomimical examples have been provided,
the inventors contemplate any and all possible movements as
reactions by suitcase 205 to user stimuli. Furthermore, the speed
and/or frequency of output by appendages 220, display 225, a
vibratory driver or speaker may vary in reaction to user
stimuli.
[0071] In one embodiment, pulling up on handle 255 (i.e.,
telescoping or deploying) may cause embodiments described herein to
appear to "wake up," e.g., triggering a "heartbeat" on display 225,
movement of appendages 220, or causing audiovisual, physical or
tactical output as described herein.
[0072] Power System
[0073] Suitcase 205 may include one or more of: a power cable (not
pictured) or a battery (not pictured) as described herein. One or
more wheels 210 may include one or more motor/dynamos (not
pictured). Motor/dynamos may recharge a battery (not shown) or
provide locomotion to suitcase 205, as described herein.
Motor/dynamos may also cause suitcase 205 to move in response to
sensory input as described herein. In one embodiment,
motory/dynamos may cause suitcase 205 to zoolocomote (by way of
example and not limitation: "follow" a user in manner similar to a
pet following an owner) based on commands from a processor and/or
sensory input as described herein.
FIG. 3
[0074] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for driving audiovisual,
physical and/or tactile output based on sensory input, according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure. Although the method steps
are described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3, persons skilled in the
art will understand that any system configured to perform the
method steps, in any order, falls within the scope of the present
disclosure. The steps in this method are illustrative only and do
not necessarily need to be performed in the given order they are
presented herein. Some steps may be omitted completely.
[0075] The method begins at a step 305, in which sensory input is
received by a sensor. In some embodiments, sensors may be tactile
sensors, handle sensors, rotational sensors or accelerometers as
described herein. By way of example and not limitation, sensory
input for a tactile sensor may take the form of touch data, such as
if a user were to "pet" the tactile sensor. A handle sensor may
send a handle trigger output when, by way of example and not
limitation, deployment of a telescoping suitcase handle is detected
by a handle sensor. By way of example and not limitation, an
accelerometer or a rotational sensor mechanically linked to a wheel
may send telemetry related to movement of embodiments described
herein.
[0076] At a step 310, sensory input data is transmitted to a
processor. At a step 315, the processor may execute instructions
from software stored in memory in response to and/or dependent on
sensory input data. By way of example and not limitation, software
may take the form of firmware, software loaded in short- or
long-term data storage as described herein, or
Internet/cloud-stored information.
[0077] At a step 320, the processor may send commands based on the
instructions to an audio/visual physical or tactile output system
(output system). In some embodiments, an output system may include
one or more of the following: motor/dynamos, vibratory drivers,
displays and speakers as described herein. By way of example and
not limitation, a command sent by the processor to a motor/dynamo
may cause voltage applied to a motor/dynamo, causing a suitcase to
zoolocomote, as described herein. By way of example and not
limitation, commands to a vibratory driver may cause voltage
applied to a vibratory driver, causing a suitcase to zoomimick a
cat (e.g., "purring"), as described herein. By way of example and
not limitation, commands sent to a speaker may be formed as audio
data signals causing a suitcase to zoommick "purring" sounds from a
speaker, as described herein. By way of example and not limitation,
commands sent to a display may take the form of voltage applied to
an LED or video data sent to a display, causing
pulsation/illumination of a heart formation of LEDs or fantastical
representations of lifelike appearances and animations as described
herein.
[0078] Although embodiments described herein are illustrated and
described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it
is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown,
since various modifications and structural changes may be made
therein without departing from the spirit of embodiments described
herein and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
Moreover, this application includes additional images in the
attached appendix to the specification. Accordingly, it is
appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and, in a
manner, consistent with the scope of embodiments described herein,
as set forth in the following claims.
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