Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
  • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
  • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
  • G06F3/04886—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H19/00—Massage for the genitals; Devices for improving sexual intercourse
  • A61H19/30—Devices for external stimulation of the genitals
  • A61H19/32—Devices for external stimulation of the genitals for inserting the genitals therein, e.g. vibrating rings for males or breast stimulating devices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H19/00—Massage for the genitals; Devices for improving sexual intercourse
  • A61H19/40—Devices insertable in the genitals
  • A61H19/44—Having substantially cylindrical shape, e.g. dildos
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/011—Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5007—Control means thereof computer controlled
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5007—Control means thereof computer controlled
  • A61H2201/501—Control means thereof computer controlled connected to external computer devices or networks
  • A61H2201/5012—Control means thereof computer controlled connected to external computer devices or networks using the internet
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
  • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
  • A61H2201/5092—Optical sensor
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
  • G06F2203/048—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/048
  • G06F2203/04809—Textured surface identifying touch areas, e.g. overlay structure for a virtual keyboard

Definitions

• TMs invention relates to interactive display and manipulation of computer images.
• U.S. Patent No. 5,844,547 discloses an apparatus and a method of operation for manipulating the display of an object on a display device in accordance with sensing a touching contact on a touch pane, superimposed on a display surface of the display device. Movement of the displayed object is simulated in accordance with characteristics of the touching contact on the touch panel adjacent to the displayed object image.
• object data defining the display of the object image for each of a plurality of different states of the object, display information specifying the shape and physical properties of the object and the current display position thereof and file information relating to the stored data are stored and accessed for interpreting the simulated manipulation of the object by the characteristics of the touching contact therewith, for correspondingly manipulating and displaying the thus manipulated object image.
• U.S. Patent No. 5,739,811 discloses a method and apparatus for controlling human-computer interface systems providing force feedback using an interface device manipulated by a user.
• a microprocessor is provided local to the interface device and reads sensor data from sensors that describes the position and/or other information about an object grasped and moved by the user, such as a joystick.
• the microprocessor provides the sensor data to a host computer that is coupled to the interface device by a communication bus that preferably includes a serial interface.
• the host computer calculates force values using the sensor data and other parameters of a host application program and sends the force values to the local microprocessor, which directly provides the force values to actuators to apply forces to the user object.
• the host computer sends high level supervisory commands to the local microprocessor, and the microprocessor independently implements a local process based on the high level command for reading sensor data and providing force values to the actuators using sensor data and other parameters.
• U.S. Patent No. 4,954,697 shows a vending apparatus for a self-service store comprising a memory for storing product data associated with a plurality of different stored items, the product data including multiple displays of more precise product information on successive screen images for display on a display panel.
• An input means includes a touch sensing input device on the display panel and allows selection and designation data to be received from a user indicative of selected products.
• US 5,844,547 discloses a touch screen that is used to control the display of images stored on disk so as to allow the object to be manipulated.
• the touch screen is a transparent panel that is mounted in front of the display and the operator's finger provides touch screen information representing the motion of the body and conveys a touch report to a controller for adjusting the display of the object image.
• the touch screen is associated with the image in that movement of the image is accomplished via the touch screen. But the touch screen neither depicts nor is suggestive of a sexual theme.
• US 5,845,263 (Camaisa et al) teaches a portable, interactive restaurant visual ordering system using photo-realistic images that may be displayed using a portable computer having a data input device.
• a video monitor is electronically connected to the computer, and a set of photo-realistic images are digitally accessible to the computer.
• a computer readable code is digitally accessible to the computer for displaying one or more of the images and one or more of the characteristics associated with the image or images on the monitor in response to manipulation of the data input device. Again, the data input device neither depicts nor is suggestive of a sexual theme.
• US 5,174,759 (Preston et al) teaches a video system that enables an operator to repeatedly touch a study object to change the action according to dramatics or game on a video display.
• An educational embodiment enables that student to touch the page of a printed book and effect multiple types of video response, selected on page by a student, educating the student of the meaning of the point in the printed text or graphics touched.
• a similar embodiment provides a solid object the student touches to effect multiple animations.
• lines 28$ the student has the ability to operate the system by touching keys of a keyboard printed on the book page. In so doing the system enters a response to a question posed on the display.
• a student working at a workbook may utilize a pen indicator to either respond to monitor stimuli or to effect video monitor response to the student's indicated book position stimuli.
• the meaning of the student performance is determined and evaluated and the response is timed and scored.
• Tactile feedback may also form an essential component of sex therapy. It is known that sexual dysfunction is commonly psychological rather than physiological in origin. To this extent, the cure of sexual dysfunction is usually predicated on the gradual building up of a patient's self-confidence, using various means for inducing sexual stimulation. Short of using surrogate partners, which is an extreme and often unacceptable approach, little has been offered to simulate the sensation of feel, notwithstanding its crucial importance in real life.
• US 6,368,268 (Sandvick et al.) published April 9, 2002 and entitled "Method and device for interactive virtual control of sexual aids using digital computer networks" describes an interactive virtual sexual stimulation system. A person at a first user interface controls a stimulation device(s) located at a second user interface.
• the first and second user interfaces may be connected, for instance, through a web site on the Internet, hi another embodiment, a person at a user interface may interact with a prerecorded video feed such that the prerecorded video feed controls the stimulation device(s).
• US 6,695,770 (Choy et al.) published February 24, 2004 and entitled "Simulated human interaction systems" discloses an apparatus for providing a virtual reality sexual experience.
• the apparatus includes audio reproduction means, visual reproduction means and tactile means for sexual stimulation.
• the apparatus further comprises a control system to correlate the audio means, visual means and tactile means to relate to one another to simulate a sexual experience.
• the apparatus provides a scenario for audio and visual outputs which is selected from a database and advances in a manner corresponding to user movements and engagement with the tactile system.
• the user simulates a sexual encounter with a doll having sensors which provide control signals to the control system to alter the audio and the visual outputs corresponding to physical interaction of the user with the part of the doll.
• the displayed images engage in a sexual activity that mimics the action of the user with the doll thereby providing tactile feedback that further stimulates the user.
• the images are animated computer generated avatars that are software-controlled based on inputs received from the user(s) using limb-tracking devices that allow the software to know exactly what each user is doing and to use motion capture for attaching life-like attributes to the computer-generated avatar.
• Such a system provides an impression of tactile feedback that is an essential component of sexual stimulation.
• the displayed images are computer-generated animations. The degree of stimulation would clearly be enhanced if real movie stars were used.
• a computer- implemented method for giving a user an impression of tactile feedback comprising: using an appliance shaped to resemble a human body part to input tactile- dependent signals to a computer, accessing a plurality of computer-accessible live movie sequences of at least one image relating to a predetermined subject associated with or suggested by the appliance, and displaying on a display device connected to the computer one of said live movie- sequences in accordance with said tactile-dependent signals.
• the tactile-dependent signals are not used to select pre-stored and/or computer animated images on a one-to-one basis but rather allow selection of pre- stored images according to the order, rate and/or pressure with which a sequence of touch sensors are contacted.
• an appliance may be associated with a non-animated image to be displayed such that the appliance allows for the communication of tactile-dependent signals to the computer which processes the image.
• the invention provides tactile feedback that reinforces the actual sensation of feel associated, for example, with a particular texture by displaying live artists engaging in physical encounters that suggest the desired sensation. More particularly, when used as a sex aid, the feedback is achieved using a regular DVD or comparable medium that is pre-processed so as to display different sex acts according to actions performed by the user with one or more sex appliances.
• the term "computer” embraces any device that is adapted to display movie sequences and has a processor that allows connection of an appliance for inputting tactile-dependent signals to the computer.
• the computer can be a mobile telephone having a suitable interface for connecting an appliance thereto.
• Such an interface need not, of course, required direct coupling and may be served by the IR interface now provided as standard on up-market cellular telephones.
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing functionally a system according to the invention
• Fig. 2 is a pictorial representation of an appliance for use with the system shown in Fig. 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention
• Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c are pictorial representations of an alternative data input source for use with the system shown in Fig. 1 ;
• Figs. 4a to 5 are pictorial representations of different appliances for use with the system shown in Fig. 1 according to further embodiments of the invention
• Fig. 6 is a pictorial representation of a penetration sensor for use with the system shown in Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 7 is a pictorial representation showing a plan view of the penetration sensor depicted in Fig. 6;
• Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of the penetration sensor depicted in Fig. 6 showing its mode of operation
• Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of an object intersecting an infrared beam in the penetration sensor depicted in Fig. 6;
• Fig. 10 is a pictorial representation of a different type of penetration sensor for use with the system shown in Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 11 is a flow diagram showing the principal actions associated with a method for providing tactile feedback using the system depicted in Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 12 is a flow diagram showing the principal actions associated with a method for formatting a DVD or other video medium to allow live interaction during replay;
• Fig. 13 is a flow diagram showing the principal actions associated with a method for live interaction with the DVD or other video medium formatted according to Fig. 12.
• Figs. 1 and 2 show a computer-implemented system depicted generally as 10 for giving a user 11 an impression of tactile feedback.
• the system 10 comprises a computer 12 coupled via a communication line 13 through the Internet to a server 14 having a memory 15 storing therein a plurality of computer-accessible movie sequences 16 of at least one image relating to a predetermined subject.
• a clothes manufacturer or supplier wishes to sell his wares over the Internet. To this end, he sets up a site and stores at least one image relating to a specific article of clothing.
• the user in this case a potential customer, is provided with an appliance 20 associated with the image of the article of clothing depicted by the movie sequence.
• the appliance 20 is a card 21 (constituting a substantially planar membrane) bearing a pictorial representation 22 of a corresponding article of clothing or movie-sequence.
• the user 11 acquires a collection of such cards 21 each depicting, for example, a different article of clothing in the manufacturer's or supplier's catalogue.
• a keyboard 23 is coupled to the computer 12 and constitutes a data input source for inputting tactile-dependent signals to the computer 12; and a display device 24 is connected to the computer 12 for displaying one of the movie-sequences in accordance with the tactile-dependent signals.
• the appliance 20 includes at least one flexible area 25 therein for overlapping a predetermined sequence of keys 26 of the keyboard 23 connected to the computer 12. Applying pressure to the appliance 20, for example by the user 11 brushing a finger across an external surface thereof within the flexible area 25, successively depresses the predetermined sequence of keys 26 in an order dependent on the direction in which the user's finger brushes across the external surface of the appliance.
• the computer 12 is adapted to extract one of the movie-sequences responsive to depressing said predetermined sequence of keys and to display successive images so as to give the desired impression of motion.
• the location of the flexible area serves for encoding the respective card and signals to the computer 12 which movie sequence to display. Which images in the selected movie sequence are actually displayed and the order in which they are displayed is determined according to the order in which the keys are depressed and, possibly, also the rate of depression.
• the computer 12 is responsive to discrete points of contact by the user 11 with the card 21 for displaying a respective image of the movie-sequence.
• the computer 12 may be responsive to successive points of contact by the user with the pictorial representation for displaying respective successive images of the selected movie-sequence, and each of the respective successive images may depict contact with the pictorial representation at a respective point of contact.
• the movie-sequence mirrors the user's contact with the pictorial representation.
• the card 21 may bear a pictorial representation of a toy teddy bear. A child strokes the head of the teddy bear depicted in the pictorial representation, thus activating a specific sequence of keys 26.
• the computer 12 responds to the specific sequence of keys 26 thus activated to display a sequence of images of a "virtual" child stroking a teddy bear at the same location, thus mirroring the action of the child.
• a portion of the card 21 within the flexible area 25 may be contoured so as to resemble more closely a feature of the teddy bear (or other image) depicted thereon.
• sound files may be downloaded from the Web site or CD-ROM to the computer 12 for vocalization by a loudspeaker 27 coupled thereto.
• the invention thus provides tactile feedback that reinforces the actual sensation of feel associated, for example, with a particular texture, since the child will gain the impression that he is actually stroking the fur coat of a real teddy bear.
• the pictorial representation and the movie-sequence may depict erotic images.
• the card 21 may depict part of a woman's anatomy which, when stroked by the user 11, results in a movie sequence of images being displayed showing a model performing similar motions on her own body.
• a portion of the card 21 within the flexible area 25 may be contoured so as to resemble more closely the part of the woman's anatomy depicted thereon.
• sound data may be downloaded for vocalization by a loudspeaker 27.
• Strategic areas of the pictorial representation may be covered with fabric having erotic connotations such as chiffon or silk and conjuring up lingerie in the user's mind. The movie sequence thus obtained in consequence to rubbing these areas provides tactile feedback that gives the user the impression that he is actually feeling the lingerie on the displayed model.
• Figs. 3a to 3c show pictorially an alternative data input source that may be used instead of, or in addition to, the keys 26 shown in Fig. 2.
• the data input source comprises a capacitive sensor 30 having a base plate 32 and a non-parallel tablet 33 displaced therefrom, both formed of metal and each being divided into mutually separate sections 34.
• the capacitance between the base plate 32 and the tablet 33 for each section is a function of their mutual separation and thus varies according to the location along the section. The same effect could be achieved by employing parallel plates separated by a non-linear dielectric.
• a user contacting the sensor 30 with his finger 35 applies slight pressure to the tablet 33 thereby slightly displacing one of the sections 34 toward the base plate 32.
• the sensor 30 is connected in one arm of a capacitive meter 36, which thus produces an output signal whose magnitude is a function of the capacitance between the base plate 32 and the tablet 33 of the depressed section 34.
• This is a function of displacement of the user's finger 35 along the tablet 33, and thus of displacement along one axis of the tablet relative to an origin thereof, owing to the approximately linear relationship between the two.
• Knowledge of which section 34 is depressed provides a measure of the displacement along an orthogonal axis of the tablet, thus allowing both coordinates to be determined.
• a picture 37 may be mounted on the tablet 33 such that movement of the user's finger 35 along the picture translates into a varying signal that is fed to the computer 12.
• a barcode 38 that is read by a barcode reader 39, which produces an identification signal identifying the picture 37.
• the computer 12 is responsive to the identification signal for accessing a library of pre-stored images corresponding to the picture 37 and is programmed to display one of the stored images according to the varying sensor signal.
• Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c show pictorially how movement of the user's finger 35 across the picture 37 of a teddy bear translates to the display of different frames of a movie sequence of a walking teddy bear on the display device 24.
• FIG. 3a shows a first situation where a user touches the picture 37 towards the teddy bear's head and there is shown on the display device 24 a first frame showing a hand stroking a teddy bear at the same point.
• Fig. 3b the user's finger 35 has progressed towards the middle of the teddy bear, and there is likewise displayed a subsequent frame on the display device 24 wherein the hand has moved to the same point of the teddy bear.
• Fig. 3 c the user's finger 35 has progressed towards the teddy bear's foot, and there is displayed a subsequent frame on the display device 24 wherein the hand is touching the teddy bear's foot.
• the picture 37 may be a calendar or other promotional material supplied by a company having a Web site.
• a company having a Web site.
• the Web site there is stored a plurality of movie sequences depicting movement of the calendar image.
• the user mounts the calendar image on the tablet 33 and connects to the company's Web site whereupon there is displayed on the display device 24 the same image as shown on the calendar.
• the display image varies giving the impression of a movie-sequence.
• images may be displayed depicting motion of the user's finger at a specific location of the calendar image.
• the calendar image may show a model advertising a hair conditioner.
• a varying signal is fed from the pulsimeter to the computer, which is programmed to display, for example, a pulsating heart whose rate of pulsation mimics the user's heart rate, thereby providing biofeedback to the user.
• the fed-back movie sequence shown on the display device may be specially selected to have a calming effect on the user.
• the capacitive sensor 30 can be replaced with a conventional pad having a matrix of intersecting switches, whereby depressing on any point of the pad closes one of the switches, thus allowing the x- andj- coordinates to be determined.
• a pulsimeter for measuring the user's pulse has been described.
• other sensors may equally well be used to sense other physiological variables such as temperature, skin resistance and so on. These may be used in like manner to provide biofeedback by controlling the image display or sound sequence according to the measured parameters.
• Pictorial representations depicted on the page allow for movie sequences associated therewith to be displayed upon the reader brushing the picture with his or her finger. This allows interactive animation effects to be played with the reader and for the sensation of feel associated with the external fabric of the pictorial representation to be fed back to the reader. The reader thus feels that real contact is being made with the character shown in the movie sequence.
• Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of a card 45 depicting a flower 46 whose petals contain a sealed perfume pod 47 which emits perfume in response to finger pressure.
• Use of the card 45 is similar to that described above with reference to Fig. 3 of the drawings, allowing for display of a video sequence of the flower blooming.
• perfume is emitted.
• the petals are formed of a material giving the sensation to the user that finger contact is being made with a real flower.
• the invention has been described so far inter alia with regard to a card bearing a pictorial representation of an object or person or a feature thereof. It has further been noted that part of the image depicted on such a card may, if required, be shaped to resemble a human body part.
• Such a penetration sensor 50 may serve as a surrogate vagina allowing a user to insert a body member so as to activate the sensors at variable rate and pressure. Thus, as the user's member penetrates further into the bore 51, successive sensor signals are produced.
• the computer may be programmed to display images having stronger erotic content in response to increased penetration.
• the complete arrangement may be encased within a surrounding housing 56.
• Fig. 7 shows a detail of the penetration sensor 50 in plan view.
• the outer surfaces of the sensor 50 adjacent the infrared light sources 54 and the infrared detectors 55 are flattened either by pre-forming the internal bore 51 with flat sides or by truncating the side-walls or by forming the surrounding housing 56 with flat side walls so that when the internal bore 51 is inserted therein, the material thereof proximate the infrared light sources and detectors is squashed, thereby producing the desired flattening effect.
• Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of the penetration sensor 50 showing its mode of operation.
• light from the infrared light sources 54 is intersected and one of the corresponding pair of detectors 55 stops receiving a signal.
• the second detector in the same pair does not stop receiving a signal until the user's finger for example intercepts the second detector.
• the time taken between the signal to the first detector being at least partially interrupted and the light to the second detector in the same pair being interrupted is a function of the rate at which the user inserts his finger into the penetration sensor 50.
• Fig. 9 shows schematically a beam of infrared light 56 emitted by one of the infrared light sources 54 striking respective detectors 55. It is seen that a cross-section of the light beam 56 is elongated i.e. oval in shape owing to the staggered displacement of the two detectors 55 relative to the corresponding sensor 54. As a result, as an object is inserted into the penetration sensor 50, it cuts the light beam 56 obtusely (i.e. non- normally) and the width of the cross-section of the light beam 56 that must be traversed by the object before light is fully interrupted from reaching the detector 55 is larger than would be the case if a single detector 55 were disposed directly opposite a light source 54.
• the inside surface of the internal bore 51 is formed of an elastic material allowing for radial expansion and contraction depending on the overall width of the body member inserted therein.
• some or all of the sensors pairs 54, 55 may be pressure sensors, which produce a signal when acted upon by the body member.
• a male user suffering from impotence, for example, who inserts his penis into the bore will exert against the inside surface of the bore 51 pressure whose magnitude is a function of his penile width. This, in turn, is clearly correlated with the strength of his erection and thus sensor signals are produced which characterize rate of "pumping" and strength of erection. Since the penis contracts after orgasm, monitoring the depth of penetration allows the moment of orgasm to be determined.
• the sensors 62 may be micro-switches whose states (open or closed) are toggled when depressed by the walls of the vagina. Alternatively, or additionally, they may produce signals whose magnitude is a function of electrical resistance, this in turn varying as a function of moisture in the vagina and decreasing in inverse proportion to the woman's stimulation. Alternatively, they may be pressure sensors that are activated upon the application of pressure between the appliance and the inside wall of the vagina.
• the embodiments described above with particular reference to Figs. 6 to 10 may be supplemented by other sensors such as shown in Fig. 3, in order that the displayed image or the sound track may be varied according to other physiological characteristics. Thus, for example, heart rate as well as body temperature and resistance may be monitored, all of these being indicative of the user's state of arousal: the image or sound track being selected in accordance with a combined function of the measured variables.
• the appliances shown in Figs. 6 to 10 may themselves be provided with actuators responsive to signals which are fed together with the movie sequences according to the erotic content thereof, for example. By such means, tactile sensation can be fed back to the user.
• the side walls of the appliance 50 may be contracted by means of a solenoid which is actuated via a signal when the model closes her legs, thereby squeezing the user's penis.
• the signal may be downloaded from the web site or produced locally by the user's computer in response to data stored in the same computer readable medium as the movie.
• Fig. 11 is a flow diagram showing the principal steps associated with use of the invention for downloading selected pages through the Internet.
• a card or other appliance bearing thereon a pictorial representation is placed on the data entry source and the user connects to the Web site associated with the card or appliance as printed thereon.
• the Web site downloads a JavaTM applet to the user's computer which awaits receipt of a signal from the data entry source. Upon receipt thereof, the signal is decoded and a corresponding file is downloaded to the computer for output.
• the file may be a graphics file for display on the display device; or a sound file for reproduction via the loudspeaker. It will be understood that the flow diagram shown in Fig. 11 is simplified and partial.
• data is pre-fetched to the user's site thus obviating the need for each page of sound or graphics data to be downloaded from the Web site in direct response to its selection if it already exists in the user's cache.
• the data can be fed to the user's computer locally via bulk storage media such as CD-ROM or DVD.
• a demo version of the application may be downloaded through the Internet or through the telephone line via a modem and a commercial version on CD-ROM may then be purchased for continued use.
• Such a commercial version of a movie must be adapted so as to allow the viewer to interact with the movie stars during replay. Specifically, sections that are amenable to such interaction must be marked so that the viewer knows when he is watching a section that allows interaction. Furthermore, the rate at which such sections are replayed must then be adjusted according to the rate of interaction of the user with the appliance.
• Fig. 12 is a flow diagram showing the principal actions associated with one suitable method for formatting a video medium such as a DVD to allow live interaction during replay.
• the DVD contains a plurality of movie frames encoded in a suitable video format such as MPEG.
• An audio sound track is also provided that is synchronized to the movie data.
• time stamp is intended to encompass any measurable characteristic of movie frames that allows their correlation with still pictures in the auxiliary file. These do not need to be times in a literal sense; rather frames can be numbered sequentially and in this case the "time stamp" of a frame is simply its number within the ordered sequence.
• the DVD medium contains two files: one being the original movie sequence containing video and audio data; and the other being an auxiliary file containing sets of still images, each set corresponding to a specific section of the movie allowing live interaction with the user.
• an auxiliary sound track is constructed corresponding to the original sound track associated with each "interactive section" of the movie file and is stored in the auxiliary file.
• data representative of such signals may likewise be stored in the auxiliary file.
• auxiliary sound track may be vocalized at a constant rate regardless of the rate of video display so as to avoid changes in pitch to the resulting sound.
• a predetermined number of still images may be associated with each sensor and displayed whenever the respective sensor is activated.
• the faster an object such as a man's penis is inserted into the bore of the appliance the faster it will actuate the sensors (i.e. the faster will light continuity between successive sensors be interrupted in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8) and the faster the still images will be replayed.
• the processed audio file is played alongside the processed video images so as to recreate the original sound track, which is therefore also indistinguishable from the original movie sequence.
• auxiliary files may be provided as described above and synchronized with a video tape so as to produce a comparable effect, hi such case, of course, the video tape should be played through the computer after loading pre-formatted auxiliary file(s) on the computer.
• auxiliary file may be custom synchronized to the video tape.
• the computer is then able to correlate the time stamps of subsequent frames with the still pictures in the auxiliary file.
• approximate synchronization may also be achieved manually without pre-processing the movie media, hi such case, upon reaching the start of the film, the user may set a "sync" icon on the computer so as to set the origin of the movie, so that the time stamps or frame numbers of subsequent movie frames serve to allow determination of the corresponding still pictures in the auxiliary file, where such exist.
• the ability to synchronize an auxiliary file with the movie or to ensure that a pre-formatted auxiliary file will be properly synchronized to the movie means that movie suppliers or suitable third parties can supply auxiliary files that correlate to predetermined sections of the movie and allow them to be viewed interactively with an appliance according to the invention.
• different auxiliary files can be provided for use with a given movie and can be sold not only independent of the movie but also discretely so as to allow a user to collect a whole series of auxiliary files associated with a movie.
• auxiliary files may conveniently be downloaded over the Internet, although they can be provided on any suitable computer-readable medium such as floppy disk, disk- on-key, CD-ROM and so on.
• suitable computer-readable medium such as floppy disk, disk- on-key, CD-ROM and so on.
• certain embodiments have been described by way of example and without detailed description of interrelationship between different embodiments. However, features of one embodiment may be combined with those of other embodiments in a manner which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the appended claims are intended to cover such combinations.
• the files may be stored locally on a CD-ROM, DVD or other locally accessible media.
• the invention encompasses within its scope a medium containing a movie sequence in addition to computer readable files that contain auxiliary data pertaining to one or more sections of the movie sequence and that allow a viewer to interact with such sections using an appliance according to the invention coupled to a computer.
• any suitable movie format may be downloaded through the Internet and processed so as to create auxiliary files in the manner described above with reference to Fig. 12 so as to allow subsequent interaction with a viewer.
• the processed files may be copied to a computer readable medium such as CD- ROM or DVD. Alternatively, they may be downloaded through the Internet to a user's computer.

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• 2004
  • 2004-09-19 JP JP2007531950A patent/JP2008521070A/ja active Pending
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