DE10148821A1 - Item of clothing has built in information display panel coupled to a camera and DVD player - Google Patents

Abstract

An item of clothing such as a sweater has a flexible display panel (1) built into it .This connects with a miniature camera (11) and a DVD player (3) that is coupled to a controller (2). Power is provided by a flat cell battery (4) and the units are connected by a ribbon cable (5)

Description

The present invention relates to a garment with integrated display unit, programming and Control unit, internal power supply and a data memory.

A device with such components is in Essentially known from information technology, wherein the used for display electronically controlled LCD displays are. In DE 198 22 407 A1 is a device described in which an electronically Controlled, battery-powered LCD display that is in shape and shape Size matches a name tag and like this one at the Clothing is worn, a variable name tag represents. In the known device, the LCD display by manual switching in time intervals or by Show ticker changing information. The Device is with a via a remote control too programming unit to the data to be displayed save and control the display.

They are also LED-mounted garments known. In DE 29 92 1240 U1 is a in a Garment incorporated socket of a battery powered LED indicator shown. This device serves the Transmission of simple short messages.

The present invention is based on the object comfortable garment with a device for Development of text elements in such a way that also Picture elements can be represented and thus in one Wide scope as a visual device Communication is used.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 solved.

An essential point of the invention is to be seen in that a flat image unit, which in one Garment is integrated and separated from each other arranged interconnected by a circuit Function units consists of a drive unit for Reception of multimedia information from a variety different data sources and a display unit for large-scale representation of moving, colored and includes high-resolution images.

The solution according to the invention has a number of essential Advantages over those known from display technology and explained above devices. For one thing is by means of the large-format, high-resolution and flexible Display unit also displaying movies, camera pictures or computer animations from different data sources on the suitably equipped item of clothing, especially outerwear piece possible and the other allows the programming and control unit to receive of multimedia information from a variety different data sources receiving and processing data portable DVD player or one also in the Garment integrated miniature camera. Other data sources are hard drives, smart card readers and others standardized memory chip readers. The programming and Drive unit can also be used in reading devices such as portable DVD Player and the like integrated. In addition, she can with Input and output connections for headphones, microphones and Be equipped speakers.

In the previously known devices, however, is a Application in the field of visual communication only Limited possible, as with a garment connected image unit usually on technically relatively simple Designs based and also the LED used or LCD displays too small a size to display have colored, high-resolution images.

The technical components are with regard to their Weight and their dimension while designed so that they are in the Garment can be integrated without getting the wearing comfort of the garment according to the invention essentially from that of an ordinary piece of clothing different. As a result, the inventive Garment the advantageous feature, not only as suitable platform for extensive multimedia Representations, but also a convenient Display garment.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention (Upper) garment is a remote control for controlling and programming the control unit to provide. This is preferably such programmed that the carrier of the invention Outerwear certain standard features, such as specific image sequences displayed on the display unit should be displayed by pressing a button on the Remote control can call.

A constructive realization of a programming and Control unit, which also certain program routines is that the programming and Control unit has a processor that the performs necessary arithmetic operations.

In a possible embodiment of the invention Garments are in the garment miniature Cameras that are also designed as infrared cameras can, integrated, whose output signals the Control unit are available. These components make an important contribution to the Communication possibility of the wearer of the garment with also networked communication partners to For example, perform a video conference call.

In addition to the mentioned display unit and programming and Drive unit is that of the present invention underlying outer garment in addition to a Data memory, an input unit, a power supply and an audio / video unit consisting of a camera and loudspeaker module in miniaturized version, as well as headphones and microphone. The described Equipment may be advantageous in that it is in this advantageous embodiment Communication tool with a wider scope.

The power supply can be used as a fuel cell, solar cell, Accumulator or a combination of those trained his. As power connections can be arranged integrated conductive plastics or electronic cable connections be used.

A realization of the diversified Communication options is that a speech recognition and Translation software installed in a storage unit which is on the processor of the drive unit running. As a result, for example, via the microphone recorded, spoken word directly on the Display unit can be displayed as lettering and as needed be translated directly into different languages. Especially for long-haul travelers, those in countries where others Characters used to be on the go, that is integrated translator with direct font output from high advantage. For example, in the Asian allows Countries that are increasingly the destination of business travel though are also for tourists, the outerwear with the integrated speech recognition and translation program a fast, easy and extensive communication.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the Garment according to the invention are in the outer garment Sensors integrated, depending on the carrier of the Garment can be selected individually. An athlete will for example, to control his pulse for this purpose choose a suitable sensor while a carrier is under Diabetic is one for his illness important sensor. The recorded by the sensor Measured values are read with the help of the control unit Available processor evaluated and accordingly interpreted. For example, if the sensor signal at the diabetic carrier of the outer garment lie outside a certain tolerance value, so can the display unit a warning message appear and / or An audible signal can be heard through the speakers are issued, etc.

Advantageously, the display unit with a arranged filter whose function is the Distracting the image rays in directions with different angles of emission, thereby allowing for 3D viewing enable.

Furthermore, the outer garment according to the invention is in an advantageous embodiment with a GPS antenna provided, whereby the location of the carrier known is. This information is sent to the drive unit forwarded and according to the individual Performances of the carrier utilized.

For constructive realization of this advantageous Embodiment is the processor in the drive unit with Sensors connected, for example, the heart rate, Respiratory rate, blood sugar levels, etc. of the wearer register continuously. Should the wearer of the Outerwear a so-called "risk patient" represent, d. H. For example, he should be seriously diabetic or under unpredictable asthma attacks or panic attacks etc. suffer, so provides the outer garment of the invention a continuous control of the important disease Parameters and their message safely. Should the patient in a strange environment (shopping in the city, etc.) get a fit, so will the integrated display and the speakers immediately sounded the alarm and passers-by indicated in the environment that this patient needs help and how to help. It would also be conceivable that the Outerwear automatically sends the emergency call to the next Emergency doctor stating the position of the patient over a integrated GPS is forwarded. Further, would be It is also possible that the alerting of the doctor yet via a touchscreen on the integrated display unit must be confirmed to any false alarms to reduce.

A constructive realization of a display unit for large-scale representation of moving, colored and high-resolution images is that an LCD / OLED Display is flexible, lightweight and easy to use is bright. Of course, here are others too constructive measures conceivable. The display unit can with the garment by sewing the same connected become.

The programming and control unit is also so configured to communicate with external computing devices via an IR, Firewire or wireless interface (eg Bluetooth) communicates. This has the advantage that in addition the use and display of SMS, UMTS or Internet Offers and services is possible.

A development of the invention provides that all in the Outer clothing piece on which the invention is based integrated units are designed waterproof. This is on the one hand possible, the invention Wear outer garment in all weather conditions (rain, snow, etc.); Furthermore, the outerwear piece also at Diving be used to communicate underwater to enable. So far, it is only possible under water to agree on hand signals, one according to the invention in a suit adapted for divers outerwear integrated display unit allows even inexperienced Divers to each other clearly and extensively communicate. Due to the robust and impact-resistant design of the the garment integrated technical components, the outerwear piece can also be used, for example, in the Firefighters are deployed, thus in a deployment despite possible respirators the communication of the rescuers is guaranteed with each other.

As possible materials for the outer garment all substances known from the textile industry come into question, this guarantees that the well - known wearing comfort of the garment according to the invention is not of the one normal clothing is significantly different.

In a further embodiment this is Outerwear combined with an active heat unit, which at Need can be switched on and warm the vehicle.

Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of Outerwear piece according to the invention a device for Integrated shielding of electromagnetic fields. This serves for the precautionary safety of the wearer, since nowadays can not be ruled out, whether and how electromagnetic radiation affects the organism makes noticeable.

A constructive realization of a device for Shielding electromagnetic fields for example, therein, in the lining of the invention Outerclothing to incorporate metal threads. Of course, other devices are conceivable.

For the wearer of the outer garment according to the invention new ways of expressing and communicating arise in a variety of areas, such. B. the fashion or the visual communication. The continuous appearance of TV pictures, live recorded scenes or others Screen contents on an outer garment is for today is not part of a common knowledge Viewing habits. Thus, the invention receives a high Attention worth attention and is therefore for example for public relations purposes (eg advertising) predestined. It is also conceivable that companies through the use of Displays smaller format currently the most printed Logos, brands or labels much more attractive and make it more eye-catching and present. That's why one is refrain from commercial use of the solution according to the invention. Created with the garment according to the invention Communication option may be the first time Facilitate contact with other people, because of this Way a direct initial response is unnecessary. Nevertheless, is to contact a self-standing of the Contacting persons necessary, so that the Persons simultaneously with the display of a contact text on the Garment a sense of the appearance of the each other person can do.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The following will be preferred embodiments of the invention Outerwear with integrated multimedia unit based explained in more detail by drawings.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is an illustration of a first embodiment of the garment according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a remote control used to operate the programming and control unit; FIG.

Figure 4a shows the upper part of a longitudinal section through the front side of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4b shows the lower part of a longitudinal section through the front side of the embodiment according to FIG. 1; FIG.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of another embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a representation of a first embodiment of the garment according to the invention in the form of a hooded sweater in front view. Approximately at chest height, a flexible display unit 1 is incorporated. As a result, a correspondingly large section in the surface material of the outer garment reveals the view of the image surface and is adapted to the extent of its flush. Immediately mounted on the inside of the surface material of one of two miniature cameras 11 , the lens is inserted through an annular opening in the upper material of the pullover through the outside.

The components described below are all attached to the front inside of the outer garment and therefore not visible from the outside. A flexible flat battery 4 is connected via a ribbon cable 5 with the other components shown display unit 1 , camera 11 , DVD player 3 and control unit 2 and serves for their power supply. A programming and control unit 2 is integrated in the DVD player 3 and is connected via further channels of the ribbon cable 5 with the display unit 1 and the cameras 11 for data exchange. A Firewire interface 12 , a USB interface 13 , as well as slots for city-dimmed memory chips 14 , 15 guarantee data exchange with external components. Via an IR / radio interface 6 , the control unit 2 can be controlled by a remote control 7 , which is explained in more detail in Fig. 3. The illustrated modules 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 11 are connected to each other by the ribbon cable 5 via a liquid-tight connector and fastened by Velcro fasteners on the surface material 32 of FIG. 4a and thus separable and removable.

In Fig. 2, the embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown in side view and shows the position of the second camera eleventh This is inconspicuously incorporated in the same way as the first camera, but centrally positioned in the upper region of the outer wall 32 of the double-walled hood, between the outer wall 32 and liner 33 so that the lens horizontally points backwards when the hood loosely on the back of the Pullovers rests. Also, the second camera is connected via the ribbon cable 5 with the flat battery 4 and the drive unit 2 , wherein the ribbon cable 5 extends in the region C shown in FIG. 1 over the shoulder to the front.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a remote control 7 used to operate the programming and control unit 2 . The remote control 7 makes contact with the programming / control unit 2 via the IR / radio interface 6 . With their help, the wearer of the outer garment on the color display 1, for example, the live image of the incorporated in the front of the pullover camera 11 can be displayed so that the opposing viewer can see themselves on the screen. If one would now choose the representation captured by the rear-mounted camera 11 , the opposing observer could see through the wearer of the outer garment. The selection of the cameras, as well as the other data sources, such as DVD, hard disk, etc., takes place either via the located in the upper part of the remote control 7 direct selection buttons 21 , 23 , or via the navigation buttons 22 in the middle of the remote control. 7

A similar principle also applies to the selection of individual contents that are located on the different storage media. The respective assignment of the direct selection buttons can be redefined by the wearer of the outer garment at any time. The targeted, direct retrieval of certain contents via the direct selection keys opens up the user interactive possibilities of use. For example, he can instantly display banners, quotes, text sequences, pictures, videos, etc. stored during a conversation. Special keys 24 in the lower part of the remote control 7 preferably offer special functions, such as re-looping and fading in subtitles in pictures. The buttons of the remote control 7 are designed handy. Furthermore, the key shape of the respective operating groups is designed individually, so that a blind orientation, such as is required when operating in a trouser pocket, is easy to learn.

In Fig. 4a, the upper part of a longitudinal section through the front of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown. The illustration is intended to illustrate the fastening device for the display unit 1 and dispenses with the illustration of the cameras 11 for reasons of clarity.

Along the cutout edge B, an approximately 1 cm wide strip of a hook-and-loop fastener tape 31 adjoins flush on the inside of the surface material 32 of the hooded pullover. On this follows the seam of the upper 32 with the lining piece 33rd The area of the inner lining 33 bounded by this seam corresponds approximately to the outer dimensions of the display unit 1 . At this a narrow strip of the counterpart to the Velcro fastener tape 31 is mounted around the display surface. The thus equipped display unit 1 was inserted from behind the cutout from the front of the pullover, so that the hook and loop connection of the display unit 1 with the inside of the surface material is enabled as shown. By a corresponding recess in the inner lining 33 , the plug connection between the ribbon cable 5 and the display unit 1 is made possible.

In Fig. 4b, the lower part of a longitudinal section through the front of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown. The illustration is intended to illustrate the fastening device for the ribbon cable 5 and the DVD player 3 with the drive unit 2 . The latter type of fastening is also representative of the components 4 and 11 , whose fastening device corresponds to the same scheme. The ribbon cable 5 is laid on the inside of the upper 32 and bordered by Velcro strips 31 along the cable side edges flush. Corresponding food piece strips 33 are adapted in width to the outer edges of the two Velcro tapes that surround the ribbon cable 5 . The outer edges of the lining piece 33 are provided on one side with the two counterpart strips to the Velcro strips and joined together.

In this way, the ribbon cable 5 is bordered and held at the side edges of hook and loop fasteners and at the top and bottom of the surface material 32 and the inner lining piece 33, respectively. The DVD player 3 and the drive unit 2 is bordered by velcro strip strips 31 flush along all outer edges. In which, matched in its surface size to the outer edges of the unit 3 and 2 bordering Velcro strip, lining piece 33 are located on one side along the Futterstückaußenkanten counterpart strips to the Velcro strips 31 , which are interconnected. Thus, the functional unit 3 , 2 at the side edges of each Velcro fasteners and at the top or bottom of the surface material 32 , and the inner lining 33 is enclosed and held. By corresponding recesses in the inner lining 33 access to the components 6 , 13 , 14 and 15 , and the connector between the functional unit 3 and 2 and the ribbon cable 5 is made possible.

With the help of in Fig. 4a and 4b embodiment. Shown the fastening device of the comfort of the upper garment described with the conventional outer clothing is comparable, as will be omitted disturbing loops or projections on the outside and inside of the garment. Furthermore, the garment is easily washable, since all technical components are removable due to the Velcro fastening.

In Fig. 5, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in block diagram form. The control unit 2 is the central unit, which manages all contents that are to be displayed on the display unit 1 . For this purpose, the information originating from external sources is output to the drive unit by an interface unit 27 .

The interface unit 27 is connected via a USB interface 13 or Firewire interface 12 to a multimedia recorder 3 , such as a DVD player or video recorder. Furthermore, the interface unit 27 has a mobile radio interface 28 , via which it is possible for the wearer of the outer garment to obtain information from the Internet, for example by means of WAP, or also to send messages in the form of an SMS, for example. In addition, the interface unit 27 has an IR / radio interface 6 , via which preferably the communication with the remote control 7 takes place.

In addition to the supply of the drive unit 2 with external content via the interface unit 27 , it is also possible to resort to already compiled display contents that were stored in a memory chip 14 . In particular, frequently used display contents are present in ready-to-call form, such as text passages which the wearer of the outerwear piece according to the invention has previously defined by means of the remote control 7 in order to display them via the display unit 1 at a suitable moment.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 5, the control of the garment-integrated microphone 9 , the loudspeaker or headphone 10 , the miniature camera 11 and user-specific sensors 8 is regulated by the control unit 2 . For this purpose, the drive unit 2 accesses a processor unit 20 which comprises at least one CPU. The Prozessoreihheit 20 is designed so that it performs all operations that require computational effort. Here you have a database 25 , which has both execution programs and the files required to run these programs stored.

As an example of processes being processed by the processor unit 20 , the control, and in particular the synchronization, of the audio and video sources integrated in the outer garment, such as those of the loudspeaker 10 , the microphone 9 and the camera 11, may be mentioned . Furthermore, the processor unit 20 executes all the calculation routines that occur in connection with the connected sensor / GPS control unit 16 .

The illustrated in Fig. 5 special embodiment of the invention has, in addition to the components already mentioned, in addition to a sensor unit 8 and further via a GPS navigation system 15th Behind the sensor unit 8 are hidden sensors that the wearer of the outer garment can select individually and according to his needs. For example, in athletes via a pulse meter, the pulse recorded, or in asthmatics via a corresponding sensor breathing are controlled. The control of the sensors via a special control unit 16 , which is connected directly to the processor unit 20 . This again performs the compute-intensive steps. In addition to the sensor unit 8 , the embodiment further has a GPS navigation unit 15 , which is likewise controlled by the control unit 16 .

Both the audio / video control unit 17 and the sensor / GPS control unit 16 can each access a memory unit 19 or 18 . These storage units contain the files or programs required for controlling the sensors 8 and the GPS unit 15 or the audio and video components 9 , 10 and 11 .

A battery 4 supplies the multimedia recorder 3 , the control unit 2 , the processor unit 20 and the control units 16 and 17 with the necessary operating voltage.

To illustrate the mode of operation of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the following procedure would be conceivable: The wearer of the outerwear piece according to the invention temporarily suffers from severe asthma attacks, which occur relatively unpredictably and can only be controlled by taking a special medication. In this case, the wearer of the outer garment decides to use as the sensor 8 a suitable sensor which controls the breathing. This sensor 8 continuously supplies to the control unit 16 signals which are evaluated using the processor unit 20 . In this case, the measured values are compared with previously set values that have been stored in the memory unit 19 . If the measured values no longer fall within the specified tolerance range, it is to be assumed that the wearer will soon suffer an asthma attack. The control unit 16 is programmed to respond and send a message to the drive unit 2 via the processor unit 20 . Since the priority of this message is classified as "high", the drive unit 2 reacts directly and forwards this message to the display unit 1 immediately. Here appears a previously defined text that alerts people and requests help.

Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the outer garment automatically notifies an emergency physician in an imminent asthma attack. For this purpose, the processor unit 20 would not only have to evaluate the signals of the sensor 8 and compare them with the tolerance values, but also additionally query the current, local position simultaneously from a GPS antenna 15 . In an asthma attack, the processor unit 20 sends the warning message with a position indication to the drive unit 2 . This outputs the message on the one hand to the display unit 1 and the other to the interface unit 27 , with the command to send the message with the attached position information, for example as SMS to an emergency call center.

The alarm can also be underpinned by acoustic signals. For this purpose, the processor unit 20 with the warning message to the drive unit 2 in addition to a command to the audio / video control unit 17 to load from the memory unit 18, a warning signal and output to the speaker 10 .

The outer garment described in the invention may be cotton, polyester or other commercially available synthetic fibers. In a preferred embodiment, except for the display unit 1 , the lenses of the camera 11 and optionally the remote control 7 all technical components are not visible from the outside. The components can also be buttoned on the lining, sewn or fastened by zippers. Furthermore, an embodiment is conceivable in which particularly heavy components (eg battery 4 ) are carried on another garment closely adjacent to the body of the wearer, such as a belt. In order to protect the wearer of the outer garment according to the invention from electromagnetic radiation, which may originate from certain technical components integrated in the garment, metal threads are integrated in a further embodiment of the invention in the inner lining of the outer garment. LIST OF REFERENCES 1 Display unit
2 activation unit
3 multimedia recorders
4 battery
5 ribbon cable
6 IR / wireless interface
7 remote control
8 sensor
9 microphone
10 speakers / headphones
11 camera
12 Firewire interface
13 USB interface
14 memory chip
15 GPS antenna
16 sensor / GPS control unit
17 audio / video control unit
18 storage unit
19 storage unit
20 processor unit
21 Direct dial key
22 Navigation key
23 One-touch key
24 special key
25 database
26 Internet
27 interface unit
28 mobile interface
31 Velcro tape
32 surface material
33 inner lining

Claims (15)

1. garment with at least one integrated display unit ( 1 ), programming and control unit ( 2 ), internal power supply ( 4 ) and data memory ( 14 ), characterized in that
the display unit ( 1 ) is suitable for the large-area display of moving, colored and high-resolution images;
the drive unit ( 2 ) is designed to receive multimedia information from a plurality of different data sources, and
the wearing comfort and care of the garment is comparable to an ordinary garment. 2. Garment according to claim 1, characterized by a remote control ( 7 ) for non-contact control of the display unit ( 1 ) and image information. 3. Garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the programming and drive unit ( 2 ) includes at least one processor ( 20 ). 4. Garment according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a plurality of miniature cameras ( 11 ) which are integrated at any position in said garment and the output signals of the drive unit ( 2 ) are supplied. 5. Garment according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by miniature speakers ( 10 ), which are integrated in the garment and / or designed as headphones and are used to reproduce acoustic signals. 6. Garment according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by a voice recognition and translation software, which runs on the processor ( 20 ) of the programming and drive unit ( 2 ). 7. Garment according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a sensor unit ( 8 ) and / or a GPS unit ( 15 ) which is integrated in the garment and the programming and control unit ( 2 ) transmits the exact location position of the garment , 8. Garment according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said display unit ( 1 ) is a mechanically flexible, lightweight and bright LCD / OLED display. 9. Garment according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said drive unit ( 2 ) via IR / radio interface ( 6 ), Firewire interface ( 12 ) and / or USB interface with multimedia recorders ( 3 ) can be. 10. Garment according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said driving unit ( 2 ) is designed so that SMS, UMTS and Internet services used and their contents on the display unit ( 1 ) can be displayed and edited. 11. Garment according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the display unit ( 1 ), programming and control unit ( 2 ), internal power supply ( 4 ) and data storage ( 14 ) are impact resistant and waterproof. 12. Garment according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said garment of wool, cotton, Polyester, a synthetic material or a Combination of it is made. 13. Garment according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said garment a device for involves active warming of the wearer. 14. Garment according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said garment a device for Shielding of electromagnetic fields includes. 15. Garment according to claim 14, wherein the Device for shielding electromagnetic fields in the lining of the garment incorporated Metal threads are.