Abstract:
We disclose interactive furniture having a solid translucent surface that produces a light or sound output in response to a signal generated from an external stimulus. Preferably, at least a portion of the solid surface lights up when touched, and remains lit as programmed. The device is particularly useful in public spaces, such as restaurants, museums, and waiting rooms and has developmental and entertainment value.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/534,225 by Hayne and Ferreira, filed Sep. 13, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to interactive furniture devices, as well as applications for providing developmental, educational, therapeutic, and entertainment benefits. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Interactive electronic devices in public spaces are generally limited to wall mounted or vertical displays. Generally, they are not intended to be interacted with by more than gentle touching with hands. Their primary function is to be mounted displays, and, as a result, physical interaction with the public is limited. It would be unreasonable to expect that these devices would withstand the abuse of a public space, including being treated as furniture, sat on, kicked, scratched or generally abused. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    We disclose herein interactive furniture for public spaces that engages the attention of children and adults. The furniture reacts to touching and interaction with the people using it, but it can also withstand harsher conditions, such as withstanding weight from sitting, kicking, and scratching from frequent contact with shoes, rings, belt buckles, rings, keys, suitcases, and other objects that can cause damage. Furthermore, the surface of the furniture can be easily fixed or refurbished if it becomes scratched, even by an untrained professional. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    Further advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description of preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the drawings: 
           [0006]      FIGS. 1-4  show embodiments of the interactive furniture device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0007]    The following detailed description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. 
         [0008]    Typical furniture has generally provided a single role: to provide a comfortable place to sit or relax, or to provide support for objects. Most furniture in public spaces does not interact with the person using it, but instead it is intended to be as comfortable as possible without becoming damaged. The disclosed furniture can be used in public spaces, but it also provides the additional benefits of providing interaction with people and engaging children. 
         [0009]    An object of this invention is to fulfill the unmet need for furniture, which also functions as an interactive device that provides developmental, educational, therapeutic, and entertainment benefits. The disclosed device is designed to blend into a commercial setting when not in use, but become an active play device when touched, for example, by a child playing on it. The hybrid nature of this device as a play object disguised as an adult decor item is a novel and unexpected combination. The versatility of the device allows it to be used in many public and private settings, as well as indoors and outdoors. In addition, people of all ages can use and appreciate the device. 
         [0010]    In preferred embodiments, the invention takes the form of seating elements, such as benches, chairs, or stools, as well as tables, such as coffee tables, dining tables, cocktail tables, conference tables, side tables, picnic tables, or outdoor tables. It is also anticipated that other embodiments include stairs, wall tiles and floor tiles, high chairs, cribs, desks, information kiosks, moveable tables, wheel chairs, cabinets, room dividers, play structures, slides, and swings. 
         [0011]    As will be appreciated from  FIGS. 1-4 , the device has at least one interactive region. The interactive region of the invention includes a highly durable external solid surface, which is a translucent and substantially rigid material with a high dielectric constant that provides light diffusion. The solid surface is capable of receiving input data, such as electrical capacitance, and output data such as light to transmit through it. Due to the translucent nature of the surface, the surface allows light to pass through, but not detailed images. It should be appreciated that this allows it to completely hide the interactive interface from view when it is not needed or used. The solid surface is extremely durable due to its composition of materials such as acrylic, polyester resins, pigment, bauxite, or marble dust, or a combination therein. One feature of the solid surface is that it can be cleaned with industrial cleaning agents that would damage most interactive devices. The solid surface can be cleaned with a wide range of commercial cleaners, including solutions of bleach and water, abrasive cleaners, and Virex. The composition of the solid surface is also flame resistant. 
         [0012]    Another feature of the solid surface is that it can be refinished or renewed. It can be scratched, marked on, painted, stained or similarly defaced, and, then, restored to a like new appearance. The refinishing process involves removing a layer or layers of material by scouring the surface with an abrasive cleaning pad, such as a SCOTCH-BRITE brand scouring pad or steel wool. This creates a clean and unblemished surface. Existing interactive devices do not exhibit this level of durability or ease of maintenance. The solid surface finish, combined with the strength of the material, allows the invention to be used in abusive, high-traffic environments, such as airports, shopping centers, amusement parks, and quick serve restaurants, where the invention can be knocked, scuffed, walked on, jumped on, bumped, or otherwise handled in a rough manner. 
         [0013]    The solid surface also provides unexpected sanitary benefits. It has a nonporous finish and can be seamlessly joined, which allows the invention to be easily cleaned and disinfected, and constructed without gaps or spacing, thereby limiting bacterial growth and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Furthermore, by integrating the interactive interface of the invention within the sealed, seamless solid surface, it is not only protected from rough users and able to be used in unmonitored areas, but it is also protected from tampering and theft. 
         [0014]    The interactive region of the solid surface contains electrical and mechanical components that make up the interactive interface. At a minimum, the interactive interface includes components for sensing input stimuli as data, processing and controlling input and output data, transmitting output data, and providing a power supply. In response to the input data from the sensors, a processor would output a programmed response. Such a response could include lights, sounds, or even moving images. 
         [0015]    A preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention contains a multiplicity of integrated capacitive sensors that measure small changes in electrical capacitance, wherein the sensors are adaptive in nature, continually sampling and tracking ambient conditions, such as human presence, movement or gesture. It contains an integrated adaptive timer, which starts when a capacitive body is detected and then expires after a set amount of time, enabling the sensors to automatically re-calibrate to ignore the sensed objects. It contains an integrated module or modules of full color RGB and/or white LEDs, wherein the LEDs provide sensory feedback that is a dynamic variable and controllable. The input data is processed by a processor which is contained within an external computer or an internal interface that controls all aspects of the behavior of the LEDs. It also contains a well regulated power supply such as AC, battery, or solar. 
         [0016]    With respect to the sensors used to track human presence, movement or gesture, additional embodiments include infrared sensors, CMOS 3D depth sensors, and touch film or touch foil systems laminated on the surface of the solid surface. In addition, the capacitive agent that activates the device sensors can be a person, an animal, a computer, or a liquid with conductive properties. 
         [0017]    With respect to the sensory feedback components, additional embodiments include LCDs, short throw projectors, rear projection films, speakers and amplifiers to provide sensory feedback that is dynamic variable and controllable. In addition, further embodiments of the sensory feedback components include the ability to respond to movements of capacitive bodies with fluidity that smoothly approximates the natural movement of the activating capacitive body; the ability to operate either independently or in conjunction with the sensor, or alternate between the two; and the ability to be individually addressable and display imagery, graphics and video that can be modified when the sensor is triggered. 
         [0018]    Furthermore, other embodiments include custom software for controlling the sensory feedback. In one embodiment, the interactive device can be programmed or controlled using gestures, such as moving hands in a particular pattern in front of an input sensor. In another embodiment, a shifting optical illusion is created through the combination of color sensory feedback components triggered by sensors. In yet another embodiment, a temperature and/or humidity regulator, sufficient for outdoor use, is integrated within the device. 
         [0019]    The following examples illustrate the beneficial aspects of the claimed device. 
       EXAMPLE 1 
     Advancing Developmental Play in Children 
       [0020]    In a first embodiment, the disclosed device is an interactive piece of furniture that encourages developmental play. The value of play is supported by decades of neuroscientific findings, which conclude that play is essential for brain development. Play shapes the brain and makes animals smarter and more adaptable. Additional research establishes that play has a transformative aspect on the brain, which can be seen in young brains, but can also continue throughout the lifespan. Not only is play essential to human development and life, it is a deep need and function. 
         [0021]    Previous generations of children benefited from developmental play apparatuses and teaching methods that were an integral part of kindergartens and elementary schools. In the past, kindergartens and elementary schools focused on play, exploration, use of the body and use of the imagination, however, these have been largely replaced by academic teaching and testing methods focused on acquiring literacy and math skills. 
         [0022]    The restructuring of kindergartens and elementary schools has largely eliminated the primary setting and apparatuses that provide children with opportunities for developmental play. This absence creates a greater need for play places and play products in the public realm, which enable children to discover those lessons formerly learned in school settings. 
         [0023]    In the present example, an embodiment of the invention allows children to engage in free play where they can explore, imagine, and develop physical, mental and emotional strength. Specifically, the device may be programmed to create intriguing or engaging responses to the input stimuli presented by children. To its advantage, the form of this invention does not oblige children to play in a pre-scripted manner, rather the form allows children to freely imagine and create improvisational play. In another embodiment, the invention fulfills an educational role or delivers educational material. 
         [0024]    A disadvantage of many interactive play devices is that they require a degree of mental focus that discourages physical activity. An advantage of this invention, however, is to use pleasing sensory feedback to reward and encourage physical activity. 
         [0025]    Another advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that children are able to play together at the same time in a collaborative way, enabling them to learn how to share and collaborate with others through informal play. 
       EXAMPLE 2 
     Therapeutic Benefits to Individuals 
       [0026]    An embodiment of this invention also offers therapeutic benefits to individuals with pervasive developmental disorders, such as autism or, more broadly, autism spectrum disorders. Approximately one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, and United States government statistics indicate that the incidence rate of autism is increasing from between 10 and 17 percent annually. 
         [0027]    Autism is a neurobiological disorder that affects the ways people use and understand verbal and nonverbal language. The core clinical features of autism include impairment in social interaction, impairments in verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. In most cases, the cause of autism is not known. However, comprehensive intervention, including parental counseling, behavior modification, sensory integration training, special education in a highly structured environment, speech therapy, social skill training, and medication, has demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in many individuals with autism. 
         [0028]    Difficulties with expressive communication frequently lead autistic children to become frustrated. This frustration often leads to expression through excited behavior, screaming, crying, tantrums, acts of aggression, and/or self abuse. It is often very difficult to assuage an autistic child during these fits. However, this device has proven successful in mitigating these fits by helping the child process his or her response to upsetting sensory stimuli. 
         [0029]    An established method for treating autism and other pervasive development disorders is sensory integration therapy. An object of this invention is to provide benefits to individuals with autism when used as sensory integration therapy. Advantages of this invention include providing the individual with sensory information which helps organize the central nervous system, assisting the individual in inhibiting and/or modulating sensory information, and assisting the individual in processing a more organized response to sensory stimuli. 
         [0030]    Public spaces in the United States are designed to offer equal opportunity and access for people with disabilities, and many devices exist for enhancing the social and economic quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities. A wheel chair ramp is one example of a common device used to improve accessibility for people with physical disabilities. While many devices exist to increase accessibility for people with physical disabilities, there is no set of corresponding devices in the public realm which increase accessibility and social participation for individuals with pervasive processing disorders. 
         [0031]    In the present example, the interactive furniture can help individuals with pervasive processing disorders experience, interpret, and respond to overwhelming stimuli, while in public spaces. Without devices offering such therapeutic benefits, many individuals with autism, along with their families and caregivers, regularly retreat from the social and public sphere. The unexpected advantage of this invention is that it aids people with autism and their families to participate more actively in public life and to do so with greater comfort and dignity. 
       EXAMPLE 3 
     Accessible Interaction for Elderly Patients 
       [0032]    The invention further provides increased accessibility to interactive devices by integrating them into furniture. This allows users with limited mobility to interact with them. For example, many interactive devices are expressed as screens attached to walls, which require users to stand next to them while they are interacting with them. Because the invention integrates the interactive device into furniture, such as a chair or table, a user with limited physical abilities is able to still enjoy full participation. This is particularly relevant to the elderly, hospital patients, and the physically handicapped. 
       Other Embodiments 
       [0033]    In another embodiment that is designed particularly for use in a home, school, hospital, or clinical setting, the invention is a free standing form that is light enough to be transported by a therapist, doctor, parent or possibly even a child. The device can provide sensorial pleasure to individuals, as well as relief for hospital patients, visitors, and staff. 
         [0034]    The invention also provides a means for interaction that entertains people while they are waiting. It is a positive distraction from waiting in long lines, as is often required in an airport, amusement park, or dental office. 
         [0035]    The invention is particularly useful in family restaurant environments. Because the solid surface can be cleaned with harsh chemicals, it makes an ideal surface for use as tables and bench seating. Because it interacts with children, they are fascinated by the furniture and are free to play near their parents. Therefore, a restaurant can remove their playground equipment or unsanitary ball pits because children would be excited to play where they are seated. Furthermore, the stress reducing benefits of play persuade people to make healthier food choices. Medical doctors have determined that, when people&#39;s stress levels are reduced, they feel more in control of their life. Clinical studies have also shown that stressed eaters select more sweet, high-fat foods and more calorie-dense meals, while lower-stressed eaters select fewer sweet, high-fat foods and less calorie-dense meals. 
         [0036]    The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” as used in the claims and specification herein, shall be considered as indicating an open group that may include other elements not specified. The terms “a,” “an,” and the singular forms of words shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The term “one” or “single” may be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as “two,” may be used when a specific number of things is intended. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention. 
         [0037]    The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques other than those specifically described herein can be applied to the practice of the invention as broadly disclosed herein without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents of methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques described herein are intended to be encompassed by this invention. Whenever a range is disclosed, all subranges and individual values are intended to be encompassed. This invention is not to be limited by the embodiments disclosed, including any shown in the drawings or exemplified in the specification, which are given by way of example and not of limitation. 
         [0038]    While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims. 
         [0039]    All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent literature documents or other source material, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in the present application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference).