Abstract:
A device that produces patterned tactile sensations discernible to human touch from micro-actuators housed in a fabric, or other pliable material, where such actuated sensations are discernible by a user donning the fabric. The device is configured to convert electronically stored music or audio data into a sequence of patterned tactile outputs in a matrix across the fabric, providing a tactile representation of the music or audio data to the user. The discernible tactile sensations may alternately comprise retractable physical features, electric stimuli, and/or combinations of these.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application derives and claims priority from U.S. provisional application 61/579,416 filed 22 Dec. 2011, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention relates principally to a novel device that produces tactile sensations discernible to human touch, and more particularly produces patterned tactile sensations in a fabric, or other pliable material, that are discernible by a user donning the fabric, and even more particularly to a novel device that converts electronically stored music into patterned tactile outputs in a matrix across a fabric. The discernible tactile sensations may, for example, be alternately created by retractable protrusions, contractible matrix cells, electric or temperature stimuli, and/or combinations of these. 
         [0004]    For many years, there have existed for the purposes of entertainment countless devices that allow an individual or a multitude of individuals to listen to audio renditions of music stored in a variety of electronic formats. By way of example, such devices include speakers of all kinds in association with radios, record players, cassette players, CD players, and MP3 players. However, such devices provide limited tactile sensations for the listener, and then only indirectly or by way of a side-effect. From time to time, there have been forays into the presentation, at least in part, of creating a tactile sensation from music through vibration. However, aside from devices that directly or indirectly create musical vibrations or various braille generators, there currently exist no devices that are designed to convert electronically stored music or other audio or electronic files into tactile outputs that can be sensed or felt for entertainment. 
         [0005]    It is therefore desirable to create a device that is capable of converting electronic files, including but not limited to music files, into patterned tactile outputs that can be sensed or felt through tactile sensations. Such a device may include for example, tactile outputs across a fabric that can be donned by an individual such that the individual is able to sense or feel the tactile outputs when the fabric is in contact with that individual&#39;s body. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
         [0006]    Briefly stated, the present invention sets forth a tactile pattern player comprising a matrix of tactile actuators, with each actuator configured to produce a tactile event in response to an electric impulse applied to the actuator. An electronic data storage unit and a data converter operatively associate with the actuators in the matrix. The data converter is configured to convert electronic data into electrical impulses selectively directed to the actuators in a timed sequential pattern defined by the data converter. With the tactile pattern player disposed or incorporated into the clothing of a user, the actuation of the actuators in response to the electrical impulses produces tactile sensations that are perceived by the user when the clothing is donned by the user. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the electronic data is representative of audio data, and the data converter is configured to control the actuators  26  to produce a tactile representation of the audio data that is perceptible to a user via contact with the user&#39;s body. 
         [0008]    The foregoing features, and advantages set forth in the present disclosure as well as presently preferred embodiments will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram schematic of one embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram schematic of another embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram schematic of yet another embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player configured with the actuation matrix in a fabric headband worn about the head of a user. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a flexible course matrix of an embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player connected to a computer or microprocessor that controls the patterned actuation of the matrix. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a contraction-type tactile actuation cell or unit of a matrix of an embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player in a relaxed state and in an actuated state following application of an electric current to the actuator. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a protrusion-type tactile actuation cell or unit of a matrix of an embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player in a relaxed state and in an actuated state following application of an electric current to the actuator. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a heat emitting type tactile actuation cell or unit of a matrix of an embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player in a non-actuated state and in an actuated state following application of an electric current to the actuator. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an electric discharge type tactile actuation cell or unit of a matrix of an embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player in a non-actuated state and in an actuated state following application of an electric current to the actuator. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a flexible course matrix of an embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player connected to a computer or microprocessor that controls the patterned actuation of the matrix, and where the computer or microprocessor is operatively connected to an external electronic audio file storage device such as, for example, an MP3 player. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram schematic of another embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram schematic of another embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram schematic of another embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram schematic of another embodiment of the novel tactile pattern player. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings are for illustrating the concepts set forth in the present disclosure and are not to scale. 
         [0025]    Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description enables one skilled in the art to make and use the present disclosure, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the present disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the present disclosure. 
         [0027]    Referring to the drawings in general, several embodiments of the novel tactile pattern player  10  of the present disclosure are shown by way of example. As can be seen, the player  10  comprises a computer or microprocessor  12  having an integrated data converter  12   a  and an integrated memory unit  12   b,  that is operatively connected to an electronic data storage unit  14 , a battery or other power source  16 , and a pliant and elastic tactile fabric  18  having an inner surface  20  and an outer surface  22 . The fabric  18  comprises a matrix  24  of small and light-weight electronic tactile actuators  26  carried by the fabric  18 . ( FIGS. 5 ,  10 ), where each of the actuators  26  is configured to produce a tactile event in response to an electric impulse applied to the actuator. Each actuator  26  is controlled by the computer  12  to selectively actuate in response to signals supplied from the computer  12 . Of course, the quantity, size and densities of actuators  26  comprising each matrix  24  may vary substantially from fabrics  18  having very course matrices, as depicted by way of example in  FIGS. 5 and 10 , to fabrics  18  having very small actuators  26  in a very dense matrix  24 . Further, the matrix  24  is not limited to rectangular or square cells, but may be comprised of any variety of shaped cells and cellular alignments, such as for example, a matrix having hexagonal, octagonal or even haphazardly-shaped cells. 
         [0028]    The computer  12  and electronic data storage unit  14  may each be further configured with one or more external connectors for receiving data from external sources. In addition, the player  10  may be configured to receive audio input ( FIG. 10 ) that can be immediately converted to tactile stimuli in the matrix  24  or that can be stored in the memory unit  12   b  of the player  10  for recordation and future use of the input. 
         [0029]    In at least one embodiment, such as for example as shown in  FIG. 4 , the player  10  is configured to be fully portable with an associated portable power source  16 , such as for example a portable battery, set of batteries or solar cell. However, in other configurations the player  10  may be configured to attach to or plug into an external power source  16  such as a power outlet, a power jack in an electronic component or other such external power source. 
         [0030]    It can be seen that each of the actuators  26  is electrically connected through the computer  12  or the data converter  12   a  to the power source  16 . In one embodiment, the actuators  26  are each configured to produce or generate a retractable bump or protrusion  30  ( FIG. 7 ) in a direction opposite the outer surface  22  of the fabric  18  when stimulated by an electric impulse from the battery  16  as controlled by the computer  12 . In this embodiment, the actuator  26  maintains the protrusion  30  so long as the computer applies the electric impulse to the actuator  26 . The protrusion  30  retracts or relaxes when the electrical impulse ceases. Preferably, the protrusions  30 , and by correlation the absence of the protrusions  30 , are sized and shaped such that the actuation and emergence of the protrusion  30  is discernible by human epidermis. Likewise, the retraction and absence of the protrusion  30 , such as when the protrusion  30  relaxes or retracts, is also discernible by human epidermis. 
         [0031]    In this embodiment, the computer  12  comprises an integrated programmable data converter  12   a  and an integrated memory unit  12   b  (see  FIGS. 1-3 ,  11 - 13 ), the data converter  12   a  being operatively associated with each of the actuators  26  in the matrix  24 . Alternatively, the data converter  12   a  can be a separate component operatively associated with the computer  12  and the actuators  26 . Similarly, the memory unit  12   b  can be a separate component operatively associated with the computer  12 . The integrated data converter  12   a  is configured to convert electronic data stored in the memory unit  12   b  into electrical impulses that are then selectively directed to the actuators  26  in the matrix  24  over a period of time and in a pattern defined by the data converter  12   a.  The electrical impulses, as dictated by the data converter  12   a,  control the amplitude and the duration of each actuation of each of the actuators  26 . As can be appreciated, the controlled actuation of the actuators  26  can be patterned to represent specific musical notes, tones and/or volume levels, as well as for vocals. Hence, the player  10  can, for example, replicate a musical song that has been stored in the memory unit  12   b  as an electronic data file by using a preprogrammed data conversion pattern stored in the data converter  12   b,  where the conversion pattern defines which actuators  26  in the matrix  24  to actuate, including the timing and duration of each such actuation so as to provide a patterned tactile sensation across the matrix  24  that mimics or corresponds to each of the notes and vocals in the song being played as a tactile pattern by the player  10 . 
         [0032]    The electric current or impulses that actuate the actuators  26  may be applied in a variety of manners as may be desired. For example, the electric current or impulses may be applied in a serial fashion, in a raster-scan fashion, or via independent isolated cell actuation. The ability to utilize a specific actuation manner will be dictated in part by the configuration of the interconnections between the actuators  26  and the computer  12  or the data converter  12   a.  That is, in order to enable the computer  12  or the data converter  12   a  to actuate specific actuators  26  in a matrix  24  independent of the order of actuating other actuators  26  in the same matrix  24 , each actuator  26  requires its own independent set of wires or other electric current carrying mechanism connected to the computer  12  or the data converter  12   a  so as to allow the actuation of that particular actuator  26  without impacting the actuation of any of the other actuators  26  in the matrix  24 . In contrast, for a raster-scan actuation, the actuators  26  may be connected to the computer  12  or the data converter  12   a  in groups—typically in rows and columns of the matrix  24 —such that a rapid timed actuation of the actuators  26  can be achieved sequentially across each row or column of the matrix  24 , which does not require individualized or isolated electrical connection between the computer  12  or the data converter  12   a  and each actuator  26 . 
         [0033]    The actuators  26  may be connected to the computer  12  or the data converter  12   a  by wires, conductive fibers, conductive polymers, or any other electric current carrying mechanism or device that provides the flexibility and durability as may be desired or required for construction of the various configurations of the player  10 . 
         [0034]    Preferably, the data converter  12   a  comprises an integrated circuit device executing a set of software instructions or a program to convert electronic data retrieved from the storage unit  12   b  into electrical impulses selectively directed to the actuators  26  over a period of time in a pattern defined by the program. In yet another embodiment, the data converter  12   b  can be user-programmable or modifiable such that a user can selectively input variable correlations between the electronic data supplied to the data converter  12   b  and the electric impulses directed to the actuators  26  so as to create or otherwise manipulate the conversion pattern or patterns stored in the data converter  12   b  that convert the electronic data to patterned actuations of the actuators  26  across the matrix  24 . 
         [0035]    Optionally, the data converter  12   a  may be configured with an audio-signal input port, enabling the player  10  to be operatively connected to an external source of audio signals, such as for example a personal music or data storage device, a CD player, an MP3 player, a cell phone, a cassette or other tape player, or a radio. (See, e.g.,  FIGS. 10 ,  12 ). Signals received via the input port may be converted by the data converter  12   a  into electrical impulses directed to the actuators  26 , enabling the user to sense in a tactile fashion (i.e., “feel”) the signals. For example, the data converter  12   a  may be configured to send one or more electric impulses associated with a particular musical note or vocal to an actuator or group of actuators  26  oriented in the matrix  24  such that the actuation of that actuator or group of actuators  26  corresponds to and replicates in a desired tactile sense the pitch, timbre, tone, duration, intensity, amplitude and/or resonance of the musical note or vocal. 
         [0036]    The tactile events produced by the actuators  26  in response to the electrical impulses from the data converter  12   a  or computer  12  may comprise, for example, any one or more of the following: a retractable protrusion ( FIG. 7 ); a retractable contraction ( FIG. 6 ); an electric discharge ( FIG. 8 ); a twisting or turning protrusion (not shown); a suction or pinching (not shown); or a discharge of heat ( FIG. 9 ), depending upon the specific type of tactile actuator  26  utilized in the matrix  24 . For example, the tactile actuators  26  may consist of individual micro-sized units of electro-active polymers (i.e., dielectric electro-active polymers or ionic polymers), which are essentially layered capacitors that change their capacitance when subjected to an electric current by allowing the polymer to compress in thickness and expand in area due to the electrical field. See for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0205803 A1, 2010/0197184 A1, 2009/0293663 A1, 2010/0109486 A1, and 2008/08284277 A1, each of which are herein incorporated by reference. Alternately, by way of example, each tactile actuator  26  may define a cell consisting of a positive electric pole; a negative electric pole; and a coiled or circular dielectric positioned between and operatively associated with the positive and negative poles. 
         [0037]    In order to facilitate improved use of the player  10  as a user-wearable article of clothing, it is preferable that the matrix  24  is pliable, and even more preferable stretchable or elastic, and housed in a fabric  18  with a means to snugly hold the matrix  24  operatively against the body of a user. (See  FIGS. 4-5 ). In one embodiment, the player  10  is configured in the general shape of a headband  100  ( FIG. 4 ) that can be worn about the head. In other embodiments, the player  10  can form or be incorporated into any of a variety of articles of clothing that can be worn about a portion of the user&#39;s body, such as for example, an arm, leg, or torso. Such articles of clothing can comprise for example a jacket, a hat, a glove, a scarf, a wristband, an armband, pants, shorts, socks, a leg bands, or a shirt. Referring to the headband  100  of  FIG. 4  by way of example, the matrix  24  of the headband  100  may be of sufficient elasticity so as to stretch to hold the headband  100  snugly to a person&#39;s head as shown. Alternately, the fabric  18  of the headband  100  may be of sufficient elasticity so as to stretch to hold the headband  100  snugly to a person&#39;s head with the matrix  24  pressed against the user&#39;s skin. Yet, alternatively again, the headband  100  may comprise an adjustment mechanism, such as for example, a set of cords to tie the headband  100  snugly to a person&#39;s head; a set of snaps, or hooks and loops, or buttons and button holes, or other such well-known attachment devices to allow the user to snugly secure the headband  100  to the user&#39;s head. In this way, a substantial portion, if not all, of the matrix  24  is in pressed against the user&#39;s skin to provide the optimum tactile sensation for the user when the actuators  26  are activated by the player  10 . 
         [0038]    The present disclosure can be embodied in-part in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. The present disclosure can also be embodied in-part in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, or another computer readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into, and executed by, an electronic device such as a computer, micro-processor or logic circuit, the device becomes an apparatus for practicing the present disclosure. 
         [0039]    The present disclosure can also be embodied in-part in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the present disclosure. When implemented in a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits. 
         [0040]    As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.