1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vibrating jewelry, and more specifically, to vibrating, body-piercing jewelry, powered by a battery and operated by a small vibrating motor unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, it has been known to incorporate a vibration mechanism to an item of body piercing jewelry.
The history of body piercing jewelry goes back for centuries and has its roots in tradition and culture. There is a growing popularity among younger people to pierce areas of their body parts normally not visible to others. Such body parts include the navel, nipples, penis, scrotum, clitoris, genital labia, and other genital areas. Examples of references related to the present invention, but not teaching alone or in combination the present invention are described below, and the supported teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,907, issued Mar. 15, 2005 to Andrews, et al., entitled VIBRATING, BODY-PIERCING JEWELRY discloses a vibrating, body-piercing jewelry item having a vibrating motor unit, a housing for the vibrating motor unit, a post, a keeper, retainer or clamping device for holding the item on a wearer's body, a power source for operating the vibrating motor unit, and an actuator for the vibrating motor unit. The vibrating, body-piercing jewelry may be worn on a part of the body that is either unpierced or pierced.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,943, issued Sep. 7, 1999 to Hanson, entitled BODY PIERCING JEWELRY discloses jewelry for insertion through the bore of a body part piercing. The jewelry comprises a crescent-shaped body of a memory resilient material having terminal ends adapted to be inserted within a piercing. A concave depression is defined on an inner side of one of the terminal ends. A second body such as a ball bearing is insertable between the terminal ends and is firmly seated within the concave depression to clasp the jewelry within the piercing. The ball bearing has a diameter slightly greater than a distance between the terminal ends of the crescent-shaped body to first force the terminal ends apart and then create an inwardly directed biasing force against the second body when the ball bearing is inserted therebetween, thus firmly holding the ball bearing within the concave depression and between the terminal ends.
U.S. Publication No. 20100147025, filed Jun. 17, 2010 to Simpson; Jennifer M. et al., entitled discloses a methods and devices for attaching an ornamental feature to flesh plugs, flesh tubes, flesh piecing posts and rings, and other piecing jewelry.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,018, issued Sep. 16, 2003 to Erekson, Entitled PORTABLE DEVICE CONTROL CONSOLE WITH WIRELESS CONNECTION, discloses a system and method for controlling a remote device over a wireless connection. In one embodiment, a hand-held computer system having a Bluetooth enabled transceiver is used to control other Bluetooth-enabled devices. A wireless connection between a transceiver and a remote device is established. A position where a stylus makes contact with a surface of an input device of the hand-held computer system is registered. The particular position where the stylus element makes contact with the input device is translated into a particular command for controlling the remote device. The command is then transmitted to the remote device over the wireless connection.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,643,795, issued Jan. 5, 2010 to Friedrichs, et al., entitled REMOTE-CONTROL VIBRATOR, discloses a remotely controllable vibrator, which comprises a receiver interface, a microcontroller connected with the receiver interface and a resonator device controlled by the microcontroller. The receiver interface is a Bluetooth interface which is provided for a bidirectional wire-free signal transmission between the vibrator and an external Bluetooth apparatus. The vibrator is remotely controllable and remotely programmable by way of its Bluetooth interface. In addition, the invention relates to a device for remote control of a vibrator, comprising a vibrator, which is provided with a Bluetooth interface, and a second Bluetooth apparatus, wherein the second Bluetooth apparatus is provided for generating remote control signals and/or remote programming signals for the vibrator.
U.S. Publication No. 20080120448, published May 22, 2008 to Shi Yan et al., entitled REMOTE MOUSE AND KEYBOARD USING BLUETOOTH discloses a remote pointing device and keyboard system and method for remotely mimicking the pointing device and keyboard of a personal computing device (such as a laptop or desktop computer) using a handheld computing device (such as Pocket PC or smartphone). Remote control is achieved using Bluetooth wireless technology. A user inputs commands on a touch panel of the handheld device to remotely control the pointing device on the personal computing device. Similarly, the user input data on a keypad of the handheld device to remotely enter keystrokes to the personal computing device, thereby bypassing the keyboard. This allows the user to remotely access the pointing device and keyboard of the personal computing device through the touch panel and keypad of the handheld device.
U.S. Publication No. 20030080874, published May 1, 2003 to Yumoto, Takayuki; et al., entitled REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND PROGRAM, discloses a remote control system is constructed from a simple device configuration in which a device like a relay is not used. A higher degree of flexibility is provided to types of devices to be controlled which can be remotely controlled, and a control device which performs remote control. ABILITY information indicating the ability of an input operation function of the control device is transmitted from the control device to the device to be controlled. The device to be controlled creates conversion-into-remote-controller data on the basis of this ability information and transmits the data to the control device. Then, the control device creates a GUI by using the received conversion into-remote-controller data. As a result, an electronic device serving as a control device can function as a remote controller which remotely controls a specific device to be controlled.
U.S. Publication No. 20080165994, published Jul. 10, 2008 to Caren Barry et al., entitled BLUETOOTH ENABLED HEARING AID, discloses a hearing aid device enabled with a Bluetooth transceiver, allowing the user to communicate with linked, Bluetooth enabled mobile radio or telephone. Mobile phone receives a communication, encodes it in accordance with the Bluetooth protocol and links with the transceiver, which is housed with the hearing aid. The system allows the hearing aid user to engage in a two way conversation through the hearing aid speaker.
U.S. Publication No. 20090017881, published Jan. 15, 2009 to Madrigal; David, entitled STORAGE AND ACTIVATION OF MOBILE PHONE COMPONENTS, discloses mobile phones used in conjunction with wireless earpieces containing a microphone and audio component. The specification discloses a mobile phone comprising an earpiece removeably attached to the mobile phone and a removable protective cover and the earpiece is activated on by removal of the earpiece from the phone. The mobile phone includes a docking component to hold detachably hold the earpiece. The docking component can include electric contacts for charging the battery of the earpiece from the phone battery. The mobile phone can include a storage space dimensioned to hold earpieces of different sizes.
U.S. Publication No. 20110021937, published Jan. 27, 2011 to HUGH, STEVEN ET AL., entitled WATERTIGHT CARDIAC MONITORING SYSTEM, discloses an ECG monitoring system for ambulatory patients includes a small multi-electrode patch that adhesively attaches to the chest of a patient. A reusable battery-powered ECG monitor clips onto the patch and receives patient electrical signals from the electrodes of the patch. A processor continuously processes received ECG signals and stores the signals in memory in the monitor. Processed ECG signals and cardiac event information are sent wirelessly to a cellphone handset for relay to a monitoring center. The ECG monitor is contained in a watertight sealed case with only electrical contacts on the outside of the case. The electrical contacts electrically couple the ECG monitor to the electrodes of the patch during patient monitoring and to a charger during recharge of the battery.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,018, issued Sep. 16, 2003 to Erekson, entitled PORTABLE DEVICE CONTROL CONSOLE WITH WIRELESS CONNECTION, discloses a system and method for controlling a remote device over a wireless connection. In one embodiment, a hand-held computer system having a Bluetooth enabled transceiver is used to control other Bluetooth-enabled devices. A wireless connection between a transceiver and a remote device is established. A position where a stylus makes contact with a surface of an input device of the hand-held computer system is registered. The particular position where the stylus element makes contact with the input device is translated into a particular command for controlling the remote device. The command is then transmitted to the remote device over the wireless connection.
What is needed is a body piercing jewelry item, that has vibrating capability, and that can be remotely activated, controlled, or programmed using a cell phone or computer. Additionally, there is a need for a device that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with the current specification and appended drawings.
Additionally, what is needed is a method or device that allows the user to receive a multiplicity of vibration signals of varying intensity, frequency, length time and type of cycle.
Moreover, what is needed in the art of vibrating jewelry is a method or device that allows an individual or user, to activate the vibrating jewelry by transmitting a signal, mi hijo segundo to the particular vibrating jewelry unit.
The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs and to the features and benefits in the art that have not yet been implemented or fully solved by currently available vibration jewelry systems. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide the user with a programmable vibration jewelry system that can receive and process an electronic signal, which allows the device to be remotely activated and controlled by an electronic transmitter.
While the device and methods described in the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in the area of personal stimulation, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the device and methods can be used in a variety of different applications. More specifically, the device could be used to communicate simple message from the person transmitting the message to the user of the vibration jewelry system. The vibration jewelry system could also be used to heighten the level of personal stimulation by programming the vibration device which would allow for higher or lower levels of vibration in combination with the length of time the device is active or idle.
The present invention is a vibrating, body-piercing jewelry item having one or more vibrating motor units or any device or mechanism that can create a vibration, a housing for each vibrating unit, a power source (e.g., a battery) for operating each vibrating unit, a clasp or clamping device, a post, a flexible barrier or insulator on the battery, and an actuator for each vibrating motor unit. The vibrating, body-piercing jewelry is worn on a chosen part of the person's body.
There are at least three different embodiments of the vibrating, body-piercing jewelry.
The first embodiment of the vibrating, body-piercing jewelry has a post and clasp assembly. The second embodiment of the vibrating, body piercing-jewelry item includes an attachment means for adding chains and other decorative jewelry accessories to the present invention. The third embodiment of the vibrating, body-piercing jewelry item includes a clamping device. Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a vibrating, body-piercing jewelry item that is manufactured in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes for aesthetic, amusement, and/or arousal purposes.
It is another object of the invention to provide a vibrating, body-piercing jewelry item which is easy to operate, and provides for ready battery changing. It is a further object of the invention to provide a vibrating body-piercing jewelry item with a clamp assembly instead of a post and clasp assembly for the attachment to areas of the body that are not pierced.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a vibrating, body-piercing jewelry item that is water-resistant and can be waterproof.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a jewelry item for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.
Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”
The basis of the present invention is built around the idea of vibrating jewelry, that can be programmed and activated remotely.
Embodiments of the present invention take place in association with a body piercing vibrating jewelry.
The vibrating, body-piercing jewelry 10 is worn on a person's pierced or unpierced body part. There are at least three different embodiments 10, 12, and 14 of the vibrating jewelry. The first embodiment 10 of the vibrating, body-piercing jewelry is a post 22 and keeper 24 assembly. An elongated post 22 extends out from the housing 20 and a keeper 24 is located on the free end of the elongated post 22 to hold the jewelry item 10 within the pierced area of the body part. The post 22 and keeper 24 assembly may comprise a one piece body or separate sections.
The second embodiment 12 of the vibrating, body-piercing jewelry item includes a centrally-open retainer 24 for adding chains and other decorative jewelry accessories 26 to the present invention 12. The third embodiment 14 of the vibrating, body-piercing jewelry item includes a clamping device 28. Preferably the clamping device 28 includes two symmetrically shaped jaws. The clamping device 28 includes a movable jaw which mates with a stationary jaw to form the clamp 28.
Two of the embodiments 10 and 12 of the vibrating, body-piercing jewelry items are constructed to be attached to any pierced body part. The third embodiment 14 of the vibrating, body-piercing jewelry which includes the clamp 28, which can be attached to anywhere on the body.
There is illustrated in
The first section 30 of the housing has a male threaded end 46 which is threadingly fitted into female threaded end 48 of the second section 32 of the housing. Any attachment means can be used to removably secure the two sections 30 and 32 of the housing. For example, the two sections 30 and 32 of the housing may be removably attached together by a frictional snapping means which is not shown. A rubber O-ring (not shown) may be used to ensure a water-tight seal to prevent water from leaking into the housing 30 and 32 where the battery 34, CPU 45, radio signal receiver 47, and vibrating motor unit 40 are located.
The second section 32 of the housing includes a threaded recess 50 which is dimensioned and configured to receive the threaded end 42 of the post 26. The post 26 is an elongated member having one end threaded 42 and the other end including the keeper 24 which prevents the pierced body part from sliding off the post 26.
The post 26 functions first as a structure used to insert the jewelry item 10 in place and to prevent the pierce body part from sliding off. Secondly, the post 26 acts as an actuator 42 for activating the vibrating motor unit 40. The flexible cushioned barrier 44 is dimensioned and configured to the shape of the battery 34 and includes a recess (not shown) which receives the positive node 52 point of the vibrating motor unit 40. The post 26 is threaded 42 into the threaded recess 50 in the second section 32 of the housing and acts as the actuator for turning on the vibrating motor unit 40. The post 26 moves the battery 34 against the vibrating motor unit 40 through a recess (not shown) in the barrier 44, thereby allowing battery current to pass to and activate the vibrating motor unit 40 and causing the entire jewelry item 10 to vibrate.
The keeper 24 and two sections 30 and 32 of the housing can be of any shape and size, but would normally be manufactured for aesthetic and amusement purposes. An insulating coat (not shown) might be applied onto the entire area of the battery 34 except the areas that would be exposed to the node 52 of the vibrating motor unit 40 and the threaded end 42 of the post 26.
Also illustrated in this embodiment, each vibrating, body-piercing jewelry item has at least one receiver that is capable of receiving a transmitted message via Blue-Tooth 47 or similar reception device. Connected to the receiver mechanism is a microscopic central processing unit 45 (CPU) that can process the received signal and activate the vibration mechanism.
A feature of the second embodiment 12 is the ring keeper 24, dimensioned and configured to receive a chain, charm, or other ornamental jewelry piece item 12. Preferably the ring keeper 24 is in the shape of a ring, but any shaped clasp 24 will suffice to secure other jewelry accessories to the vibrating, body-piercing jewelry 12.
The clamping device 28 includes two symmetrically shaped jaws (not shown). One is a movable jaw that mates with a stationary jaw to form the clamp device 28. There are many different types of body clamping devices 28 that are used with jewelry items are well known in the art. Anyone of these clamping devices 28 can be used with the third embodiment 14 of the present invention. The clamping device 28 permits a user to clamp the vibrating jewelry item 14 onto an unpierced body part.
The clamping device 28 and clasps 24 could also be interchangeable between all three embodiments 10, 12, and 14. This can be achieved by having the end of the post 26 that is attached to the clamping device 28 or clasp 24 threadingly fit onto one another, thus making them interchangeable. Also illustrated in
The vibrating body-piercing jewelry 10 can be of the disposable type. In this example, the housing of the present invention 10 may be constructed as a one piece body containing the vibrating motor unit 40 and battery 34. Another way to activate the vibrating motor unit includes having the housing itself act as an actuating means whereby tightening the threaded ends of the two section of the housing will move the battery onto the node of the vibrating motor unit.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the claims presented hereafter.
While the methods and processes described in the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in the area of body-piercing vibrating jewelry, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the device and methods can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of areas of manufacture to yield improvements in the device.
Bluetooth Operation
In the present embodiment of the invention, the vibration mechanism that is integral with, or connected to the body-piercing jewelry can be actuated, controlled and/or programmed via a Bluetooth or other such device.
One such Bluetooth device is a cell phone. Where the sender can actuate any or all of the users body-piercing vibrating jewelry with his cell phone. The following section illustrates, discloses and provides an understanding of incorporating a Bluetooth device to operate, program and activate the body-piercing vibrating jewelry.
The present embodiment of the invention provides a system and method that can be used to remotely control the vibration mechanism that is connected to, or integral with, the body-piercing jewelry. The present invention also provides a system and method to access, activate, control and program the vibration mechanism, via a Bluetooth device such as a cell phone, iPad, or computer. The present embodiment of the invention provides a system and method that is portable and that is not limited to line-of-sight applications.
In the present embodiment, the Bluetooth operation pertains to a system and method for remotely controlling body-piercing vibrating jewelry over a wireless connection. The following presentation pertains to Bluetooth, but it is anticipated other embodiments of the present invention could use a variety of wireless connection means to control the vibration mechanism on the body-piercing vibrating jewelry. These wireless connection means include, but are not limited to, infrared, digital and analog devices, RF signal generators, and any other RF radio signal that can be transmitted and received through a wireless connection. In one embodiment, the present invention is controlled and activated, using a cell phone. In yet another embodiment, a portable computer system (e.g., a palmtop or hand-held computer) having a transceiver is used to control the body-piercing jewelry vibration mechanisms. In a preferred embodiment, the transceiver and the remote devices are Bluetooth-enabled devices.
In the present embodiment of the invention, a wireless Bluetooth connection is established between the cell phone, or portable computer system, and one or more remote vibrating jewelry devices. Each of the user's individual vibrating jewelry devices is manifested on the cell phone or computer display, and using a cell phone or computer, the person desiring to activate the vibrating jewelry device can select a specific article of vibrating jewelry and subsequently program it for activation or vibration.
In one embodiment, this connection can be controlled through a touch screen or by use of a stylus. The stylus element can be used to specify commands for controlling the remote vibrating jewelry device. A position where the stylus element makes contact with a surface of the display device of the portable computer system is registered. The particular position where the stylus element makes contact with the display device is translated into a particular command for controlling the remote device. The command is then transmitted to the remote device over the wireless Bluetooth connection.
The present invention thus provides a system (e.g., a Bluetooth-enabled device, specifically a portable computer system, or Bluetooth cell phone) that can be used to remotely control compliant devices (e.g., other Bluetooth-enabled devices) over a wireless (radio) connection. With a radio connection, the system of the present invention is not limited to line-of-sight applications. Remote vibrating jewelry devices can be adapted to receive commands over the wireless connection, making the control system relatively easy to implement. The processing power and other features of the portable computer system enable user-friendly interfaces, and also allow a variety of remote devices to be controlled, including at least one newly acquired vibrating jewelry devices worn by the user of the jewelry.
Reference, will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention with Bluetooth, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments of vibrating jewelry, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure, logic block, process, etc., is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, bytes, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention, discussions utilizing terms such as “establishing,” “registering,” “recognizing,” “broadcasting,” “receiving,” “manifesting,” “transmitting,” “displaying,” or the like, refer to the action and processes (e.g., process 1900
The present invention is discussed primarily in a context in which devices and systems are coupled using wireless links, and specifically with regard to devices and systems compliant with the Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth is the code name for a technology specification for small form factor, low-cost, short-range radio links between personal computers (pes), mobile phones and other devices and appliances. However, it is appreciated that the present invention of body-piercing vibrating jewelry may be utilized with devices and systems compliant with standards different from Bluetooth, such as the IEEE (Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineering) 802.11 standard.
In the present invention, Bluetooth is the preferred method of establishing a link, between a computer, cellular phone and other wireless device with the specific item of vibrating jewelry, worn by the user. The required and nominal range of Bluetooth is thus set to approximately ten (10) meters; however, this range can be augmented to extend up to 100 meters.
The Bluetooth technology is based on a high-performance, yet low-cost, integrated radio transceiver. Bluetooth radio technology can provide: a universal bridge to existing data networks, a peripheral interface, and a mechanism to form small private ad hoc groupings of connected devices such as vibrating jewelry.
A Bluetooth system supports both point-to-point and point-to-multi-point connections, such that it could be used to control several different vibrating jewelry items, worn by the user. Several piconets can be established and linked together in a “scatternet,” where each piconet is identified by a different frequency hopping sequence. All devices participating on the same piconet are synchronized to their respective hopping sequence.
Accordingly, devices 810, 820, 830 and 840 are coupled in piconet 1 using wireless connections 880a-c. Similarly, devices 850, 860 and 870 are coupled in piconet 2 using wireless connections 880e-f. Piconet 1 and piconet 2 are coupled using wireless connection 880d. Devices 810-870 can be vibrating jewelry (as define in this application), equipped with a Bluetooth radio transceiver or adapted to communicate with Bluetooth devices (“Bluetooth-enabled”). The Bluetooth radio transceiver may be integrated into the device, or it may be coupled to the device.
Computer, cell phone of similar system 900 also contains a display device 905 coupled to the bus 910 for displaying information to the computer user. Computer system 900 also includes a cursor control or directing device (on-screen cursor control 907) coupled to bus 910 for communicating user input information and command selections to processor 901. In one implementation, on-screen cursor control device 907 is a touch-screen device incorporated with display device 105. On-screen cursor control device 907 is capable of registering a position on display device 905 where a stylus makes contact.
In accordance with the present invention, a stylus can be used to select a command for controlling a vibrating jewelry item by touching the stylus to display device 905. In one embodiment, a command can be selected from a menu of commands displayed on display device 905 to activate, program or control the selected item of vibrating jewelry. In another embodiment, a rendering of a person and the location of the vibrating jewelry that he/she is wearing is made manifest on display device 905, and a command can be selected by touching the stylus to a prescribed location in the rendering. The position where the stylus contacts display device 905 is registered and fed to processor 901, which translates this information into a command for controlling the vibrating jewelry device. The command is then transmitted to the remote device over a wireless connection using signal transmitter/receiver device (“transceiver”) 908.
In accordance with the present invention, stroke information entered onto input device 906 can correspond to a command that can be used to control a remote device. That is, particular strokes or characters can correspond to a respective command. A stroke or character is recognized by processor 901 and translated by processor 901 into a command for controlling a vibrating jewelry device. The command is then transmitted to the remote device over a wireless connection using transceiver 908.
With reference still to
In the present embodiment, the top-side face 900a contains a display device 905 typically surrounded by a bezel or cover. A removable stylus element 890 is also shown. The display device 905 is a touch screen capable of registering contact between the screen and the tip of the stylus element 890. The top-side face 900a also contains an input device 906 that in one implementation is a stroke or character recognition pad. Input device 906 is a touch screen type of device capable of registering contact with a tip of stylus element 890, and also can register movements of the stylus element. The stylus element 890 can be of any shape and material to make contact with the display device 905 and input device 906.
With reference to both
In the Bluetooth embodiment, RF module 1010 is a Bluetooth radio. Bluetooth radios operate in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) band at 2.4 GHz. A frequency hop transceiver is applied to combat interference and fading. Bluetooth uses a packet-switching protocol based on a frequency hop scheme with 1600 hops/second. Slots can be reserved for synchronous packets. A packet nominally covers a single slot, but can be extended to cover up to five slots. Each packet is transmitted in a different hop frequency. The entire available frequency spectrum is used with 79 hops of one (1) MHz bandwidth, defined analogous to the IEEE 802.11 standard. The frequency hopping scheme is combined with fast ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request), cyclic redundancy check (CRC) and Forward Error Correction (FEC) for data.
In the present embodiment, link controller 1020 is a hardware digital signal processor for performing baseband processing as well as other functions such as Quality-of-Service, asynchronous transfers, synchronous transfers, audio coding, and encryption.
In one embodiment, microcontroller 1030 is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the Bluetooth embodiment, microcontroller 1030 is a separate central processing unit (CPU) core for managing transceiver 908 and for handling some inquiries and requests without having to involve the host device. In the Bluetooth embodiment, microcontroller 1030 runs software that discovers and communicates with other Bluetooth devices via the Link Manager Protocol (LMP). The LMP provides a number of services including sending and receiving of data, inquiring of and reporting a name or identifier of the vibrating jewelry device, making and responding to link address inquiries, connection setup, authentication, and link mode negotiation and setup. The LMP also can be used to place transceiver 908 in “sniff” mode, “hold” mode, “park” mode or “standby” mode (refer to
With reference still to
A connection between the computer or cell phone and the vibrating jewelry devices is made by a “page” message (1306) if the address is already known, or by an “inquiry” message (1304) followed by a subsequent page message if the address is unknown. When connected (1310), data can be transmitted (1308) between devices.
In the present embodiment, when it is necessary to locate and identify compliant vibrating jewelry devices, portable computer system transmits a broadcast message 1440 (e.g., an inquiry 1304) that is received by compliant remote devices 1410-1430. For example, a user with portable computer system 900 enters a room containing remote devices 1410-1430. Portable computer system 900, either automatically or in response to a user input, transmits broadcast message 1440 for the purpose of discovering compliant vibrating jewelry devices in the room.
As compliant vibrating jewelry devices, 1410-1430 respond to broadcast message 1440 via responses 14S0a, 14S0b and 14S0c, respectively. In the present embodiment, responses 14S0a-c include the Medium Access Control (MAC) address for remote devices 1410-1430. Typically, each remote device is assigned a temporary MAC address for the duration of the connection. All communications between portable computer system 900 and a remote vibrating jewelry device carry the MAC address of the remote device. Responses 14S0a-c can also include information characterizing, for example, the type and capabilities of each remote device. This information may include an identifier that can be used by portable computer system 900 to characterize the remote device based on information stored in a database or lookup table.
Portable computer system 900 can then transmit a command 1460 to a selected remote device (e.g., remote device B 1420). Command 1460 is a command for controlling the remote device in some prescribed manner (e.g., turning the device off or on, raising or lowering a level, etc.) based on the type of device and its capabilities. In accordance with the present invention, a second vibrating jewelry device can be selected (e.g., remote device C 1430), and a command 1470 can be transmitted to that device.
In the present embodiment, when a connection between portable computer system 900 and a remote device has already been established, or when the MAC address of the remote device is known, broadcast message 1440 is a page 1306 (
In this embodiment, with reference also to
In the present embodiment, a user can then select one of the remote vibrating jewelry devices by touching stylus element 890 to display device 905. It is appreciated that an element other than stylus element 890 can be used to make a selection, or that another mechanism may be used to make a selection. For example, the user may simply touch the screen, or an on-screen cursor of some type may be used.
In one embodiment, a user can also control the remote device using input device 906. As described above, input device 906 is adapted to recognize movements of stylus 890 on or above the surface of input device 906, and to translate particular movements into particular commands. Thus, for example, a user might turn on the remote vibrating jewelry device by writing the word “on” using input device 906. Alternatively, a user might instead write a character that represents the command “on” in some type of shortened version, or might make a stroke that represents this command. It is appreciated that other mechanisms, styles, and methods can be used to input a command using input device 106 in accordance with the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the level to be controlled is indicated by an indicator 1820 displayed on display device 905. A user touches stylus element 890 to input device 906, and moves the stylus as indicated by stroke 1810. In response to the motion of the stylus across input device 906, indicator 1820 moves in a corresponding manner along the path 1830. That is, motion is imparted to indicator 1820 by moving stylus element 890 on input device 906. It is appreciated that an element other than stylus element 890, or another type of mechanism, can be used with input device 906.
It is appreciated that, in accordance with the present invention, different mechanisms for controlling the remote device can be rendered on display device 905, different types of movement can be used with input device 906, and different types of motion can be imparted to the rendering on display device 905 in response to the movements on input device 906. In accordance with the present embodiment of the present invention, either the motion of the stylus itself or the corresponding motion of the rendering can be translated into a command for controlling the remote vibrating jewelry device.
In one embodiment, the characteristics and capabilities of remote vibrating jewelry devices 1410-1430 are identified in the response. In another embodiment, the characteristics and capabilities of various types of vibrating jewelry devices are stored in a database or lookup table in a memory unit of portable computer system 900. In this latter embodiment, the responses from the remote vibrating jewelry devices include an identifier that can be used by portable computer system 900 to retrieve the characteristics and capabilities of remote vibrating jewelry devices 1410-1430 from memory.
In step 1920 of
In step 1930, one of the remote vibrating jewelry devices 14101430 is selected by a user. In one embodiment, the user makes a selection by touching a stylus (e.g., stylus element 890 of
In step 1940 of
In another embodiment, a user can input a command using input device 906 and stylus element 890, by inscribing a command or by using a character or stroke that represents a command. In these cases, input device 906 registers the movement of the stylus and translates the movement into a particular command. In another embodiment, a user can impart motion to the rendering of the remote vibrating jewelry device displayed on display device 905 by moving stylus element 890 on input device 906. The motion of the stylus or the corresponding motion of the rendering can be translated into a command for controlling the remote vibrating jewelry device.
In step 1950 of
In the case in which more than one remote vibrating jewelry device is to be controlled, another remote vibrating jewelry device can be selected as in step 1930, and commands can be input and transmitted to that vibrating jewelry device as described above. Furthermore, portable computer system 900 can be transported to a new location (e.g., another room), and process 1900 can be repeated to locate and identify compliant remote vibrating jewelry devices in the new location, establish connections with those vibrating jewelry devices, and specify and transmit commands for controlling those vibrating jewelry devices. The processing power and intelligence of portable computer system 900 in combination with the processing power and intelligence of each transceiver 908 (in both portable computer system 900 and in the remote vibrating jewelry device; refer to
Thus, the present invention provides a system and method that can be used to remotely control a variety of different vibrating jewelry devices. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system (e.g., a Bluetooth-enabled device, specifically a portable computer system or a Bluetooth cell phone) that can be used to remotely control compliant vibrating jewelry devices over a wireless (radio) connection. With a radio connection, the system of the present invention is not limited to line-of-sight applications. Remote vibrating jewelry devices can be adapted to receive commands over the wireless connection, obviating the need for hardwire connections and making the system relatively easy to implement in almost any location.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention, portable device control console with wireless connection, is thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the following claims.
There are many advantages that are realized by the practice of the illustrated embodiments of the invention that are not taught by the known prior art. One skilled in the art will realize the benefits of coupling vibrating body piercing jewelry with the capability of controlling, programming, activating or deactivating the jewelry item remotely. This activating process is performed via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth, as previously described.
It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
For example, although the specific reference, throughout the specification, has been made to Bluetooth, one skilled in the art will realize after reading the specification that there are other wireless transmission means to control the vibrating body piercing jewelry for the illustrated embodiments ofthe invention.
Additionally, although the figures illustrate only a few select applications and locations of the vibrating jewelry, one skilled in the art will realize that there are an infinite number of locations on the human body that can be used for mounting the vibrating jewelry. For example, as previously mentioned, there are all sorts of applications or locations for the vibrating jewelry that would cause sexual stimulation. There are other locations for the jewelry that can be used for non-verbal communication.
It is also envisioned that the illustrated embodiments for the invention can be used on jewelry that is not attached to the human body via body piercing. These applications include, but are not limited to clip-on style jewelry, necklaces and bracelets.
Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein.
This invention has no claims of priority, under 35 U.S.C. §120, to any U.S. Provisional Patent, which would be incorporated by reference herein. This invention also claims no priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119, to any foreign Patent Application, which would be incorporated by reference herein. This application is not a Divisional Application of, under 35 U.S.C. §121, and claims no priority under 35 U.S.C. §121, to a U.S. Non-Provisional Application.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61530170 | Sep 2011 | US |