Haptic and biosensing hand mat

A haptic mat includes a mat surface, a plurality of haptic vibrators, and a computing device. The plurality of haptic vibrators are disposed on the mat surface within a boarder representing at least one human hand. The computing device is electrically coupled to the plurality of haptic vibrators. The computing device includes at least a processor and a memory. The processor controls the activation of each of the plurality of haptic vibrators independently of one another. The processor further controls a level of vibration of each of the plurality of haptic vibrators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to stimulating targeted brain areas and, more particularly, to a haptic mat for stimulating targeted brain areas.

Commercial devices aim to enhance brain functionality through games, tDCS (transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) which applies electrical current to the head area, and other mental concentration methods. However, these mechanisms often have a general effect on the brain and do not target area-specific brain functions. These techniques and devices are also not unilaterally appropriate for general use, particularly with children, elderly or those with specific medical conditions.

Individuals additionally have difficulty complying with purely mental-based cognitive brain development methods, such as visualizations or meditations, especially when they are non-game based due to attentional difficulties of the individual and the absence of objective performance metrics which inspire the individual to continue with the protocol.

As can be seen, there is a need for improved devices for enhancing brain functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a haptic hand mat comprises: a mat surface; a plurality of haptic vibrators disposed on the mat surface within a boarder representing at least one human hand; and a computing device electrically coupled to the plurality of haptic vibrators, the computing device comprising at least a processor and a memory, wherein the processor controls an activation of each of the plurality of haptic vibrations independent of one another and a level of vibration of each of the plurality of haptic vibrators.

In another aspect of the present invention, a haptic hand mat comprises: a mat surface; a plurality of haptic vibrators disposed on the mat surface within a boarder representing at least one human hand; at least one biometric sensor disposed on the mat surface within the boarder; and a computing device electrically coupled to the plurality of haptic vibrators and the at least one biometric sensor, the computing device comprising at least a processor and a memory, wherein the processor controls an activation of each of the plurality of haptic vibrations independent of one another and a level of vibration of each of the plurality of haptic vibrators, and the computing device records biometric readings of the at least one biometric sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a programmable haptic, bio-sensory hand mat for cognitive improvement. Using haptic stimulation in the hands, accompanying an audio guided neuro-cognitive enhancement protocol, the hands mat activates specific targets in the brain and increases fidelity to the accompanying brain development method. Infrared biometric sensors may monitor bodily responses to the protocol.

By using a mat on which the palms of the hands are placed, haptic stimulation in specific sequences is applied to areas of the palms and fingers. Through the desired haptic sequence and the accompanying guided audio and/or visual protocol, the brain more easily shifts into the desired synchronization, brainwave inducement or area-specific activation state. The hands mat activates brain areas while it monitors real-time biometric feedback via infrared sensors without attaching anything to the head area or body. Any discomfort from the user can be addressed by simply lifting the hands from the mat. The mat is easily portable being able to be rolled or folded and kept hygienic with periodic wiping with sanitizing wipes.

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 5, the present invention includes a haptic mat. The haptic mat includes a mat surface48, a plurality of haptic vibrators28, and a computing device16. The plurality of haptic vibrators28are disposed on the mat surface28within a boarder representing at least one human hand. The computing device16is electrically coupled to the plurality of haptic vibrators28. The computing device16includes at least a processor and a memory. The processor controls the activation of each of the plurality of haptic vibrators28independently of one another. The processor further controls a level of vibration of each of the plurality of haptic vibrators28.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of haptic vibrators28include at least one haptic vibrator28corresponding with each finger and thumb of the human hand, and at least one haptic vibrator28corresponding with a palm of the human hand. In further embodiments, the at least one haptic vibrator28corresponding with each finger and thumb of the human hand is at least three haptic vibrators28corresponding with each finger and thumb of the human hand.

The present invention may be used with one hand or both hands. For example, the plurality of haptic vibrators28may include a first set of haptic vibrators28disposed within a boarder representing a right hand and a second set of haptic vibrators28disposed within a boarder representing a left hand. In certain embodiments, the present invention may accommodate different hand sizes. For example, the present invention may include more than three haptic vibrators28per finger and thumb. Based on the hand size selected, only the haptic vibrators28that correspond with the selected hand size are used. A hand size switch32may be used to select different hand sizes (Small, Medium and Large).

The computing device16of the mat may further include a wireless communication interface. For example, the wireless communication interface may include a WIFI adapter, BLUETOOTH™ and the like. In such embodiments, the present invention communicates with a remote computing device64over a wireless connection68. The remote computing device64may include a laptop, desktop, or smart device, such as a smart phone or a tablet. In certain embodiments, a smart device may include an application66loaded on the smart device's memory. The application66may be used to control the haptic mat. For example, a protocol may be selected using the application66. The protocol may include a digital file including a sequence of activation of the haptic vibrators28. The protocol is wirelessly transferred to the computing device16of the haptic mat. The computing device16follows the protocol by initiating two commands for each haptic vibrator28: ON (with accompanying power level) and OFF.

The present invention may further utilize a speaker and/or a display screen. In such embodiments, the protocol may include an audio/video file of a cognitive improvement protocol that uses sounds and visualizations and a sequence of activations each comprising a level of activation for the plurality of haptic vibrators28. The sequence is linked with the audio/video file such that the audio/video file is played on the speaker and displayed simultaneous with the sequence of activations of the plurality of haptic vibrators28.

In certain embodiments, the present invention may include at least one biometric sensor34,36on the mat surface48disposed within the boarder. The computing device16records biometric readings of the at least one biometric sensor34,36. The mat includes at least one biometric sensor34,36and may include a plurality of biometric sensors34,36, such as but not limited to a temperature sensor34and a heart rate sensor36. In certain embodiments, the biometric sensors may also detect galvanic skin responses, thermal imaging, and other near infrared (NIR) detections such as blood oxygenation. The biometric readings may be wirelessly transferred to the remote computing device64. Sensory input readings from the heart rate sensor34and temperature sensor36are queried by the application66at the start and end of the program, as well as at junctures during the programs run when all haptic vibrators28are in the off state.

In certain embodiments, the present invention may include a foam mat44and a cover disposed over the foam mat44. The cover may include the mat surface48. The plurality of haptic vibrators28may be coupled to the foam mat44and protrude through corresponding vibrator openings50of the cover. An additional foam circle46may be mounted to elevate the haptic vibrator28which is placed at the palm of the hand to ensure good contact. The temperature sensor34and the heart rate sensor36may also be coupled to the foam mat44. A temperature sensor opening52is formed through the cover over the temperature sensor34and a heart rate sensor opening54is formed through the cover over the heart rate sensor36.

The present invention may include a mounting board58in which the computing device16is mounted. A battery10is encased in a battery holder12and recharged by a charger14. In certain embodiments, the rechargeable battery10can be charged via a mini solar panel or by kinetic energy by shaking the mat vigorously for 60 seconds. The power switch30connects current circuits from the battery10to a 5V Regulator18and the computing device16which further flows to other components through 5V breakout20and 3V breakout22. Electrical wiring38may electrically connected the breakouts20,22to the pwm servo drivers24. Motor wires40run from the pwm servo drives24to the motor drivers26and haptic vibrators28. The motor drivers26drive the haptic vibrators28. The electronic components may be shielded in an enclosure.

The commands sent to computing device14are of two kinds: ON with a specific power setting for each motor, or OFF. When the command is sent, it flows from the computing device14through the regulator18and the breakouts20,22to the motor drivers26. Additionally, the pwm servo drivers24are powered through the breakouts20,22which is connected to the battery10. In certain embodiment, the present invention includes four pwm servo motor drivers24which drive two motor drivers26each. These four pwm servo motor drivers24are connected to the 5V breakout20, which acts as a hub for commands from the processor. In total there may be eight motor drivers26each having the ability to power eight haptic vibrators28. Fifty-four haptic vibrators28may receive instructions as outlined above to power on and off at specific power levels. The processor also controls a light60that shines through an opening56of the cover. The light60indicates to the user if the remote computer64is properly paired with the mat or if the user has correctly placed the hands on the mat. In certain embodiments, the biometric sensors34,36provide heart rate and temperature indications which are programmatically queried through the processor and the data is sent back to the remote computing device64via the application66.

The computing device16may detect whether the user's hands are properly placed on the mat using an infrared sensor at each haptic vibrators28or by pressure placed on the haptic vibrator28itself. When the correct hand placement is obtained, the light60turns on, indicating to the user to proceed. A signal is also sent back to the mobile application66to indicate on the application66that the hands are in place and the protocol is initiated. Alternatively, the light60indicates to the user that the mat and the remote computing device64are properly paired. The user then sets the mode switch to the appropriate hand size. The user selects the cognitive brain activation protocol that combines a guided audio-visual program with a specification vibration sequence. The user places their hands on the mat. When the user's hands are correctly in place, the application begins running the selected program. The application sends signals to turn the haptic vibrators28off and on at specific power levels in sequence with the guided audio/visual program running on the application. The haptic vibrators28vibrate in frequency, duration and sequence according to the guided cognitive brain activation protocol, enhancing the focus and enjoyment of the audio and/or visual output of the remote computing device64. The infrared monitoring biometric sensors34,36detect skin, pulse and blood flow changes during the practice session, and relay the information back to the remote computing device64. When the program is complete, the haptic vibrators28all turn off and the application displays the metrics obtained by the sensors34,36during the session.

The hand mat of the present invention works in a multi-mat configuration for use in settings such as a classroom. From one controlling program on a mobile app, multiple mats maybe activated. As the PHONEMIC INTELLIGENCE™(PI) cognitive protocol activates specific brain areas associated with learning, a teacher may implement a PI brain exercise, and all of the mats in the classroom may simultaneously activate according to protocol. The PHONEMIC INTELLIGENCE™ (PI) protocol along with the hands mat creates an easy way to stimulate targeted brain areas by correlating the brain's natural nerve routes to the hands and applying haptic vibrations on these pathways. Through applying vibrations to the left and right hands, desired brainwave states can be induced including hemispheric synchronization and brainwave activation of area-specific functions. The external, physical application of stimulation to the hands augments neuro-cognitive development protocols, for example, memory enhancement exercises, by generating conducive brainwaves in specific areas. The mechanical targeted stimulation via the haptic motors overcomes many issues of tDCS (transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) which works primarily on surface neocortex stimulation and without refined capability to activate brain specific areas or internal brain structures.