Abstract:
A vibrator sex toy is provided with touch-based sensors for an ergonomic in-situ method of controlling the operation and intensity of the vibrator. The vibrator sex toy has an internal end, an external end and a middle staging section. The staging section includes a control circuit and batteries. The internal end includes electric vibrator motors connected to the control circuit by wires. The external end includes ergonomically placed touch sensors that behave like variable resistors. The touch sensors respond to natural human gestures such as grasping, stretching, compressing and bending the external end of the sex toy with changes in resistance. The touch sensors are connected to the control circuit by wires and act as potentiometers in the control path of the vibrator motors. The user is able to vary the sensations from the motors intuitively and in-situ by manipulating the external end or applying it to a partner.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/310,687, by Stout, “Cybernetic Vibrator With Sensors For Natural Gesture Controls”, filed Mar. 4, 2010, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to sex toys. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sex toy with in-situ hands-free controls. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0003]    Vibrating sex toys, also known as “vibrators”, are typically equipped with fader-style controls that allow a user to vary the intensity of an electric vibrator motor, thereby altering the sensations produced by the toy. Unfortunately, fader-type controls in a vibrator sex toy are not optimal because they are distractions from the very sensations they control. A more natural and ergonomic method of controlling a vibrator sex toy in-situ is sought. 
         [0004]    Additionally, a sex toy is often employed by a user in conjunction with a partner. The user may apply the sex toy with a phallic or other shape to the partner. One form of such a sex toy that is employed with a partner is the “double-ended dildo”, which allows a female user to mimic having a phallus to apply to a partner. Such a double-ended dildo may include vibrating motors, but, again, a fader-type control is often not useable with this form of sex toy. A fader-type control in a double-ended dildo form of sex toy is awkward and distracts from the ability to mimic having a phallus. A method of controlling this form of vibrator sex toy that simultaneously employs input by both the user and the user&#39;s partner by a user is sought. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A vibrator sex toy is provided with touch-based sensors for an ergonomic method of controlling the operation and intensity of the vibrator using natural gestures. The vibrator sex toy has an internal end, an external end and a middle staging section. The staging section includes a control circuit and batteries. The internal end includes electric vibrator motors connected to the control circuit by wires. The external end includes ergonomically placed touch sensors that behave like variable resistors. 
         [0006]    The described internal end, external end and staging section are portions of a silicone housing, with electrical components deployed between layers of silicone. Alternatively, the electrical components may be deployed in the interior of a hollow silicone housing. The housing may also be constructed of materials other than silicone. 
         [0007]    The touch sensors may be of known types, such as pressure sensors, bend sensors, stretch sensors, compression sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, galvanic skin sensors, photoresistors, accelerometers or other types of sensors. Because they are deployed just at or under the surface of the silicone housing, natural human gestures such as grasping, stretching, squeezing and bending the external end of the sex toy activate the embedded sensors. The embedded sensors respond to activation with a change in resistance to current flowing through the sensors via electrical leads. This change in resistance allows the sensors to function as variable resistors in the control path of the one or more vibrator motors. 
         [0008]    The touch sensors are connected to the control circuit in the staging section by electrical leads. One or more sensors may be connected in series or in parallel in the control path of a motor such that input from one or more sensors changes the frequency or rhythm of a vibrator motor. Thus, touch and movement by the user and the user&#39;s partner dynamically varies the behavior of the vibrator motors in the course of manipulating the external end of the toy or applying it to a partner. Interrupting the use of the toy in order to employ a fader-style control is made unnecessary. Touches and movements that obviate the need to employ traditional fader, dial or button controls will be referred to herein as in-situ gestures. 
         [0009]    Other methods and structures are described in the detailed description below. This summary does not purport to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of a cybernetic vibrator device with ergonomic sensor-based controls, in accordance with one novel aspect. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a second embodiment of a cybernetic vibrator device with reversed ergonomic sensor-based controls, in accordance with another novel aspect. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an example circuit diagram showing a force sensor  13  in the control path of a DC vibrator motor  5 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a graph showing the voltage curve through a touch sensor as touch pressure is changed. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing the changes in actuated motor operation in accordance with natural gestures by the user and user&#39;s partner. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an example cybernetic vibrator device  1  with ergonomic sensor-based controls, in accordance with one novel aspect. The device  1  is made of silicone or other material such as “Cyberskin”. The material of the device  1  is flexible, such that bend and stretch sensors embedded in the materials can be flexed or stretched or compressed. The material of the device  1  also ideally allows embedding of compression sensors near the surface of the material. 
         [0016]    Device  1  includes an internal end  2 , and external end  3  and a (middle) staging section  3 . The internal end  2  in the example drawing is shaped to conform to a woman&#39;s genitalia, but may have another shape. In the illustrated example, the internal end  2  includes a first electric vibrator motor  5  connected by a pair of electrical leads  6  to a control circuit  7  housed in the staging section  4 . A second example vibrator motor  9  connected to the control circuit  7  by a pair of electrical leads  10  is also pictured. Note that, in other embodiments, the example motors may perform functions other than vibration, such as altering the shape of the silicone body of the device  1 . Motors in this example are voltage controlled motors. 
         [0017]    A third example vibrator motor  11  is housed in the staging section  4  of the device  1  and connected to the control circuit  7  by a pair of electrical leads  12 . The control circuit  7  in the staging section  4  is powered by one or more batteries  8 . The control circuit  4  supplies power to the example motors  5 ,  9  and  11  and controls the voltages of the power supplied to each motor. 
       Staging Section 
       [0018]    Housed in the staging section  4  near the surface of the silicone material is a first force sensor  13 , such as a force sensing resistor. The first force sensor  13  is connected with the control circuit by a pair of electrical leads  14 . Note that such a sensor may also have a third (ground) lead, which is not illustrated. Via its pair of electrical leads  14 , the first force sensor  13  forms part of the control path of an example vibrating motor. In the illustrated example, the first force sensor  13  is in the control path of the first electric vibrator motor  5 . 
         [0019]    The resistance to current flowing through first force sensor  13  via leads  14  changes when force is applied to the sensor  13 . Thus, when pressure is applied to the surface of the staging section  4  near the sensor  13 , resistance in the control circuit for first electric vibrator motor  5  is altered. The resistance change in the control circuit produces a control signal, such as a change in voltage, that controls the speed of electric vibrator motor  5 . Because the internal end  2  of the device  1  is worn inserted into the vagina with the staging section  4  forward of the pubic bone, pressure can be applied to first force sensor  13  by pressing the hips forward against a partner or hard surface rather than by a hand. 
         [0020]    First electric vibrator motor  5  thus vibrates at varying speeds in response to ergonomic input by the user or user&#39;s partner. Such ergonomic input will be referred to here as in-situ gestures. In-situ gestures include actions taken by the user or by the user&#39;s partner in the course of using the device that can have a purpose beyond or in addition to the purpose of controlling the electrical elements of the device. As examples, users of the device may wish to change the location, shape, camber, angle of attack of the device, or change their grip on the device. In doing so, users will perform in-situ gestures such as bending, grasping, squeezing, moving, and shaking the device, as well as swiping a finger across the surface of the device, stretching the device longitudinally, and compressing the device longitudinally. Thus, natural motions and gestures by users in the course of using the device control the vibrations produced. 
         [0021]    In-situ gestures do not have to be performed by hand. A user could perform an in-situ gesture by applying pressure to the device using, for instance, the pelvis. In-situ gestures here are contrasted with and do not include controlling a device by manipulating a traditional electrical control such as a fader, slider, dial, button or switch. 
       Upper Surface 
       [0022]    Second force sensor  15  is similarly housed in the external end  3  near the upper surface of the silicone material. The second force sensor  15  is connected with the control circuit by a pair of electrical leads  16 . Via its pair of electrical leads  16 , the second force sensor  15  forms part of the control path of an example vibrating motor. 
         [0023]    In the illustrated example, the second force sensor  15  is in the control path of the second electric vibrator motor  9  and pressure on the external end  3  of the device near second force sensor  15  affects the voltage supplied to second electric vibrator motor  9 . Second electric vibrator motor  9  thus vibrates at varying speeds due to varying pressures on the external end  3  of the device caused by sexual activity without the need for manual input by the user or the user&#39;s partner. 
         [0024]    Third force sensor  17  is also housed in the external end  3  near the upper surface of the silicone material. The third force sensor  17  is connected with the control circuit by a pair of electrical leads  18 . Via its pair of electrical leads  18 , the third force sensor  17  forms part of the control path of an example vibrating motor. 
         [0025]    In the illustrated example, the third force sensor  17  is in the control path of the second electric vibrator motor  9 . Third force sensor  17  may be disposed in series or in parallel with second force sensor  15  in this example. Pressure on the external end  3  of the device  1  near third force sensor  17  affects the voltage supplied to second electric vibrator motor  9 . Second electric vibrator motor  9  thus vibrates at varying speeds due to varying pressures on the external end  3  of the device caused by sexual activity without the need for manual input by the user or the user&#39;s partner. 
       Lower Surface 
       [0026]    Fourth force sensor  19  is housed in the external end  3  near the lower surface of the silicone material. The fourth force sensor  19  is connected with the control circuit by a pair of electrical leads  20 . Via its pair of electrical leads  20 , the fourth force sensor  19  forms part of the control path of an example vibrating motor. 
         [0027]    In the illustrated example, the fourth force sensor  19  is in the control path of the third electric vibrator motor  11  and pressure on the external end  3  of the device near fourth force sensor  19  affects the voltage supplied to third electric vibrator motor  11 . Third electric vibrator motor  11  thus vibrates at varying speeds due to varying pressures on the external end  3  of the device caused by sexual activity without the need for manual input by the user or the user&#39;s partner. 
         [0028]    Fifth force sensor  21  is also housed in the external end  3  near the lower surface of the silicone material. The fifth force sensor  21  is connected with the control circuit by a pair of electrical leads  22 . Via its pair of electrical leads  22 , the fifth force sensor  21  forms part of the control path of an example vibrating motor. 
         [0029]    In the illustrated example, the fifth force sensor  21  is in the control path of the third electric vibrator motor  11 . Fifth force sensor  21  may be disposed in series or in parallel with fourth force sensor  19  in this example. Pressure on the external end  3  of the device  1  near fifth force sensor  21  affects the voltage supplied to second electric vibrator motor  11 . Third electric vibrator motor 
       Bend Sensors 
       [0030]    An example bend sensor  23  is disposed longitudinally within the external end  3 . The bend sensor  23  is connected with the control circuit by a pair of electrical leads  24 . Via its pair of electrical leads  24 , the bend sensor  23  forms part of the control path of an example vibrating motor. In the illustrated example, the first force sensor  13  is in the control path of the first electric vibrator motor  5 . 
         [0031]    The resistance to current flowing through bend sensor  23  via leads  24  changes when force is applied to the bend sensor  23 . Thus, when external end  3  is bent upwards or downwards, resistance in the control circuit for first electric vibrator motor  5  is altered such that the voltage supplied to first electric vibrator motor  5  is also altered. Because the external end  3  of the device  1  is flexible and undergoes constant changes in bend angle due to sexual activity, first electric vibrator motor  5  vibrates at varying speeds in response to the motion of the user or the user&#39;s partner without the need for manual input. 
       Strain Sensor 
       [0032]    An example strain sensor  25  (also known as a stretch sensor) is disposed longitudinally within the external end  3 . the strain sensor  25  is connected with the control circuit by a pair of electrical leads  26  and  27 . Via its pair of electrical leads  26  and  27 , the strain sensor  25  forms part of the control path of an example vibrating motor. In the illustrated example, the strain sensor  25  is in the control path of the third electric vibrator motor  11 . 
         [0033]    The resistance to current flowing through strain sensor  25  via leads  26  and  27  changes when the strain sensor  23  is stretched or compressed longitudinally. Thus, when external end  3  is stretched or compressed longitudinally, resistance in the control circuit for third electric vibrator motor  11  is altered such that the voltage supplied to third electric vibrator motor  11  is also altered. Because the external end  3  of the device  1  is flexible and undergoes stretching and longitudinal compression due to sexual activity, third electric vibrator motor  11  vibrates at varying speeds in response to the in-situ gestures of the user or the user&#39;s partner without the need for manual input. 
       REVERSED EMBODIMENT 
       [0034]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a second embodiment of a cybernetic vibrator device with reversed ergonomic sensor-based controls, in accordance with another novel aspect. In  FIG. 2 , touch sensors and their associated motors are disposed in either end of the device  1 , such that the user and the user&#39;s partner may have simultaneous affects on touch sensors, each effectively controlling a vibrator motor sensed by the other. 
         [0035]    Device  1  includes an internal end  2 , and external end  3  and a (middle) staging section  3 . The internal end  2  in the example drawing is shaped to conform to a woman&#39;s genitalia, but may have another shape. In the illustrated example, the internal end  2  includes a first force sensor  28  connected by a pair of electrical leads  29  to a control circuit  7  housed in the staging section  4 . 
         [0036]    A first example vibrator motor  30  is housed in the external end  3  of the device  1  and connected to the control circuit  7  by a pair of electrical leads  31 . The control circuit  7  in the staging section  4  is powered by one or more batteries  8 . The control circuit  4  supplies power to the example motors  30  and  34  and controls the voltages of the power supplied to each motor. 
         [0037]    Via its pair of electrical leads  29 , the first force sensor  28  forms part of the control path of first electric vibrator motor  5 . Because the first force sensor  28  is located within the portion of device  1  which is disposed within the vagina of the user, muscular contractions of the vagina can be used to control first electric vibrator motor  5 . Thus, sensations perceived by the user&#39;s partner vary in response to the natural motion of the user without the need for manual input. 
         [0038]    A second force sensor  32  disposed within the external end  3  of the device  1  similarly controls a second example vibrator motor  34 . Second vibrator motor  34  is disposed such that its vibrations are perceived by the user, and second force sensor  32  is disposed such that it is activated by natural gestures by the user&#39;s partner, as is explained above in regard to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0039]    Note that various other arrangements of sensors and sensor-controlled devices can be made. The sensors may be of known types such as pressure sensors, bend sensors, stretch sensors, strain sensors, compression sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, galvanic skin sensors, photoresistors, capacitive touch sensors, resistive touch sensors, accelerometers or other types of sensors. A stretch sensor, bend sensor, or other type of sensor can be disposed in the internal end  2  of the device  1  for activation by muscle contractions. Internal sensors can be connected so as to control internal vibrator motors, and external sensors can be connected so as to control external vibrator motors. Devices other than vibrator motors, such as actuators and LED lights, can also be controlled using the described methods. A microprocessor and memory can be employed to produce motor or device control signals in response to various combinations or patterns of gestures applied to the various sensors. 
       EXAMPLE CIRCUIT 
       [0040]      FIG. 3  is an example circuit diagram showing a force sensor  13  in the control path of a DC vibrator motor  5 . Force sensor  13  is a force sensitive resistor (FSR) with, in this example, a resistance at rest of 10,000 ohms. FSR  13  is disposed in a voltage divider arrangement with a second resistor  41  which also has a resistance of 10,000 ohms. Pressure is applied to the FSR  13  when the user of the device or user&#39;s partner grasps, pulls or squeezes the device  1  housing surface near where the FSR  13  is situated. 
         [0041]    As increasing pressure from the grasping gesture is translated through the flexible surface of the device  1  to the force sensitive portion of the FSR  13  (indicated by the rounded portion of item  13  in  FIG. 3 ), the resistance of FSR  13  decreases from its maximum of 10,000 ohms. This allows an increased level of V IN  to reach the op-amp  42  via the voltage divider formed by FSR  13  and resistor  41 . The output of the op-amp  42  can be output to a microprocessor for voltage polling, or output to a pulse width modulation (PWM) chip for driving the motor  5  via a MOSFET. 
         [0042]    In this example, V IN  is three volts provided by a pair of 1.5 volt batteries  8 . The resistance of example FSR  13  drops to near zero at a force of one kilogram.  FIG. 4  is a graph showing the voltage curve through the voltage divider as pressure is changed. Note that this curve will be affected by the placement of the sensor and the material used for the device  1  housing. Fine tuning of the voltage curve can be done by selecting a different resistance for the second resistor  41 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing the changes in actuated motor operation in accordance some example natural gestures by the user and user&#39;s partner. 
         [0044]    Note that though the touch sensors in the above examples can be thought of as rheostats for controlling the voltage of power supplied to DC motors, other embodiments may employ the touch sensors as motor controls using different methods. Characteristics of the sensors other than changes in resistance, such as instant voltages, may be used. Touch sensors may be in the control path of a DC motor that is controlled via pulse-width modulation (PWM). In another embodiment, the device may employ a microprocessor that polls the electrical characteristics of touch sensors and in response controls DC motors according to programmed responses. Such an embodiment employing a microprocessor may also include a digital interface, such as a USB port, located in the staging section  4 . A user could employ the digital interface to modify the programmed responses of the microprocessor. 
         [0045]    Note also that the depicted shape of the device is not the only possible shape. The device may, for example, take a traditional cylindrical shape. The housing may be made entirely or only partially of flexible material. 
         [0046]    Although the present invention has been described in connection with certain specific embodiments for instructional purposes, the present invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.