Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a stimulation system. In particular, to a stimulation system for allowing a user to operate a sexual stimulation device using gesture control.

Background

[0002] Persons with disabilities may have conditions or impairments that create challenges for them to meet their sexual health needs. This inability to achieve safe and satisfying sexual gratification can negatively affect the person’s self-image and self- esteem.

[0003] Sexual stimulation devices can be considered assistive technology for allowing persons with disabilities to maintain their sexual health and quality of life. However, mainstream stimulation devices require physical dexterity and strength to hold and position these devices for maximum effect. This can be challenging for users with mobility conditions or impairments, leading to an inability to achieve sexual gratification.

[0004] Several sexual stimulation devices have been developed to address the limitations of users with disabilities, which can be broadly separated into devices that are worn on their hands or bulky devices that need to be physically mounted by the user. These devices are more accessible for users with disabilities but still require the user to exert a large amount of physical energy and mental focus or uncomfortably position themselves to effectively use these devices.

[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

Summary

[0006] There is provided a stimulation system and method where a user with disabilities can place a stimulation device and use a contactless controller to control the stimulation device. In particular, the contactless controller uses gestures to control all aspects of the stimulation device. This ensures that the user does not require physical manipulation of the stimulation device or controller, allowing for users with physical conditions or impairments to easily maintain their sexual health.

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a system for stimulation of a user, comprising: a control device comprising a motion sensor and a transmitter, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a control signal when the motion sensor detects a gesture from the user; and a stimulation device comprising a receiver, wherein the stimulation device provides stimulation to the user upon receiving the control signal.

[0008] In an embodiment, the stimulation device comprises a sexual stimulation device configured to provide varying levels of stimulation to the user upon receiving the control signal.

[0009] In an embodiment, the control device further comprising a second motion sensor, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a second control signal when the second motion sensor detects a gesture from the user; and wherein the stimulation device is configured to change operational state upon receiving the second control signal.

[0010] In an embodiment, the stimulation device is configured to power on or power off upon receiving the second control signal. [0011] In an embodiment, the control device further comprising a body configured with a receptacle for receiving and storing the stimulation device.

[0012] In an embodiment, the control device is configured to charge the stimulation device when the stimulation device is stored in the receptacle.

[0013] In an embodiment, the stimulation device is configured to power off when stored in the receptacle and power on when removed from the receptacle.

[0014] According to a second aspect, there is provided a system for stimulation of a user, comprising: a control device comprising a motion sensor, a transmitter, a database of control signals, and a processor; wherein the processor is programmed to: detect, using the motion sensor, a gesture from the user; select, from the database of control signals, a control signal containing an instruction based upon the hand gesture; transmit, using the transmitter, the control signal; and a stimulation device comprising a receiver, wherein the stimulation device is configured according to the instruction upon receiving the control signal.

[0015] In an embodiment, the stimulation device comprises a sexual stimulation device configured to provides varying levels of stimulation to the user upon receiving the control signal.

[0016] In an embodiment, the instruction comprises: a first instruction to configure the stimulation device to alternate a mode of stimulation; a second instruction to configure the stimulation device to alter a delivery speed of the mode of stimulation; and a third instruction to configure the stimulation device to power off or power on. [0017] In an embodiment, the control device further comprising a body configured with a receptacle for receiving and storing the stimulation device.

[0018] In an embodiment, the control device is configured to charge the stimulation device when the stimulation device is stored in the receptacle.

[0019] In an embodiment, the stimulation device is configured to power off when stored in the receptacle and power on when removed from the receptacle.

[0020] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for stimulation of a user, comprising: positioning a stimulation device on the user; positioning a control device proximal to the user; detecting, from the user, a gesture with a motion sensor located on the control device; transmitting, from the control device, a control signal containing an instruction to configure the stimulation device; receiving, with the stimulation device, the control signal; and configuring the stimulation device according to the instruction.

[0021] In an embodiment, the instruction configures the stimulation device to alternate a mode of stimulation.

[0022] In an embodiment, the instruction configures the stimulation device to power off or power on.

[0023] In an embodiment, the control signal is retrieved from a database of control signals, wherein the control signal contains an instruction based upon the gesture.

[0024] In an embodiment, the instruction comprises: a first instruction to configure the stimulation device to alternate a mode of stimulation; a second instruction to configure the stimulation device to alter a delivery speed of the mode of stimulation; and a third instruction to configure the stimulation device to power off or power on.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0025] A non-limiting example will now be described with reference to the following drawings:

[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates a stimulation system.

[0027] Fig.2 illustrates the simulation system with the stimulation device stored within the control device.

[0028] Fig. 3 illustrates a user providing input to the control device being to control the stimulation device.

Description of Embodiments

General Terms

[0029] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0030] It should also be understood that the term “stimulation” refers to the mechanical manipulation of a body surface of a user, and is perceivable by the user. It would be further appreciated that “stimulation” may be achieved by any means including, and not limited to, vibrations, rubbing, tapping, and the application of pressure to the body surface at variable intensity. Overview of a Stimulation System

[0031] The present disclosure is directed to a stimulation system for use by either a male or a female user. The system comprises a control device and a stimulation device. The control device is configured with at least one motion sensor to receive an input from the user via a motion or gesture. The stimulation device is configured to provide stimulation to the user upon receiving a control signal from the control device. The system advantageously enables any users having an impairment that restricts the manual dexterity or physical strength of their hands to easily operate the stimulation device without discomfort or excessive effort

[0032] Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the stimulation system 10. In this embodiment, the control device 12 is configured with a body 14 having a first motion sensor 16 and a second motion sensor 18. The motion sensors 16, 18 are used to receive input from the user. The input may be in the form of movement, such as a wave, from a hand, foot, or another extremity of the user as shown in Fig. 3. This advantageously enables the user, who may have a severe physical handicap such as a disfigured or missing hand, to easily trigger the motion sensors to modify the functionality of the stimulation device 20.

[0033] It would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the body 16 of the control device 12 may be configured in any shape suitable for mounting or integrating one or more motion sensors for receiving inputs from the user.

[0034] In some embodiments, a cover 22 may be operated by the user to cover the motion sensors 16, 18 when the system 10 is not in use. This disallows the accidental activation of the simulation device 14. In this embodiment, the cover 22 is hingedly connected to the body 14. In another embodiment, the cover may be a separate lid for manual mounting to the body 14.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the first motion sensor 16 and the second motion sensor 18 are passive infrared sensors integrated into the surface of the box. However, other active or passive sensors suitable for use as motion sensors may be used such as piezoelectric sensors and video sensors.

[0036] The control device 12 is further configured with a transmitter or transceiver for transmitting a control signal, having a specific instruction or set of instructions, to the stimulation device 20. The instruction or set of instructions may configure the stimulation device 20 to alter its operational status, such as power on/off, or operational characteristics, such as stimulation frequency and intensity. The control signal that is transmitted is dependent upon the input of the user.

[0037] It would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the control device 12 may be configured with more than one motion sensor for receiving input from the user. Additionally, each motion sensor may be configured to transmit a corresponding control signal having a different instruction or set of instructions.

[0038] In this exemplary embodiment, the first motion sensor 16 may be configured to transmit a first control signal that provides instructions to the stimulation device 20 to power on or off. The second motion sensor 18 may be configured to transmit a second control signal that provides instructions to the stimulation device 20 to cycle through a predetermined list of stimulation levels.

[0039] In another embodiment, the control device 12 may further comprise a database of control signals, wherein each control sign contains an instruction for the stimulation device 20, and a processor. The processor may be a microcontroller having memory for storing the database of control signals and program code used to configure the control device 12 to perform certain functions. The processor may be programmed to determine which control signal to transmit to the stimulation device 20 based upon input via the first motion sensor 16 and/or the second motion sensor 18. The processor may be programmed to determine a specific motion or gesture, such as a limb gesture from the user, and associate it with a specific control signal drawn from the database of control signals. In an example, the database of control signals may have three stored control signals associated to three instructions. A first instruction may be used to configure the stimulation device 20 to alternate a mode of stimulation. A second instruction may be used to configure the stimulation device 20 to alter a delivery speed of the mode of stimulation. A third instruction may be used to configure the stimulation device 20 to power off or power on. Each of the instructions may be associated to a unique hand gesture, wherein a first hand gesture may be a chopping motion, a second hand guest may be a circular motion, and a third hand gesture may be a waving motion.

[0040] This advantageously enables a user to selectively control which instructions are sent to the stimulation device 20 from the control device 12, allowing for more functionality to be included in the stimulation device 20. Additionally, it reduces the number of motion sensors required to be located on the control device 12, thereby limiting the chances of accidental activation of other functions of the stimulation device 20 during use. Furthermore, the control device 12 may be configured to communicate with an external source to update the database with further control signals and instructions to provide improved functionality to the stimulation device 20.

[0041] It would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that gestures are not limited to hand gestures and may include arm, leg, feet or even head gestures based upon the detection range, sensitivity, and type of motion sensor used. Additionally, complex gestures or a combination of gestures may be included.

[0042] The body 14 may be configured with a receptacle 24 for receiving the stimulation device 20. The receptacle 24 may be in a form that allows for the storage of the stimulation device 20 within the body 14, and subsequently within the control device 12 itself. In this exemplary embodiment, the receptacle 24 is configured as a surface divot having the same footprint of the stimulation device 20. The receptacle 24 is further configured to have a depth that enables the stimulation device 20, once stored in the receptacle 24, to provide a substantially flush fit in the body 14 as shown in Fig. 2.

[0043] This advantageously allows the user to safely store the stimulation device 20 within the control device 12, thereby reducing the chances of either device being misplaced from each other. Additionally, it allows for the discrete storage of the stimulation device 14 and provides protection of the stimulation device 14 from external environmental hazards or accidental damage when not in use or during transport.

[0044] It would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the receptacle 24 may be in alternative forms based upon the form of the control device 12. In an example, the body 14 may be in the form of a hollow box, wherein the stimulation device 20 may be received into the cavity defined by the external walls of the hollow box.

[0045] In an embodiment, the control device 12 may be configured to transmit a control signal with an instruction to power off the stimulation device 20 when it is stored in the receptacle 24. Subsequently, the control device 12 may be configured to transmit a control signal with an instruction to power on the stimulation device when it is removed from the receptacle 24.

[0046] In an embodiment, the control device 12 may be configured with an internal battery and a charging means for recharging the stimulation device 20 when it is stored in the receptacle 24. The control device 12 may have a port 26 to allow for connection of an external adaptor or other means for delivering charge to the internal battery. Additionally, the control device 12 may have a means of wireless power transfer, such as inductive charging, to charge the internal battery.

[0047] The stimulation device 20 may be in the form of a sexual stimulation device configured with a means for stimulating the user. Fig. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate the stimulation device 20 in the form of a unisex stimulation device, having a stimulation body 28 that may be folded to accommodate a male user’s penis or may be left unfolded for placement on a female user’s pubic mound or inserted into an orifice of the user to enable stimulation of the user.

[0048] The stimulation device 20 may be configured with a positioning aid, such as a loop 30. The positioning aid advantageously enables the user to position the stimulation device 20 on a surface of his/her body, as well as to store and retrieve the stimulation device 20 from the control device 12.

[0049] It would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the stimulation device 14 may be in a form that provides efficient stimulation of either or both genders. For example, a stimulation device 14 for a male user may be in the form of a sleeve, a stimulation device 14 for a female user may be in the form of an insertable digit, and a stimulation device 14 for both the male and female user may be a flexible pad for manual adjustment to suit the gender of the user.

[0050] The stimulation body 28 is configured with one or more means of stimulation and a receiver for receiving transmitted control signals from the control device 12. The one or more means of stimulation may be configured with several modes of stimulation and delivery speeds of stimulation, thereby resulting in varying levels of stimulation that can be appreciated by the user. In an example, several modes of stimulation may comprise delivery of vibration according to variation of stepped waves. In another example, delivery speed of stepped waves may range from 1 - 10 seconds per wave.

[0051] In this exemplary embodiment, the transmitter and the receiver are associated with the Bluetooth wireless technology standard, however other wireless technology standards may be used such as Zigbee and IEEE 802.15.4.

Method of using the Stimulation System

[0052] In any method of using the stimulation system comprises initially positioning the stimulation device 20 at an optimal location on, in, or near the user’s genitals or other erogenous zone. The control device 12 is positioned proximal to the user, such that the user may easily deliver input motions to the one or more motion sensors of the control device 12.

[0053] In an embodiment, a method for stimulation of the user involves the user providing input to the control device 12 via movement of a movable limb, in particular their hand. The user would move his/her hand within the detection range of one of the one or more motion sensors located on the control device 12. The control device 12 upon receiving this input from the user, subsequently transmits a control signal containing an instruction to configure the stimulation device 20. The stimulation device 20 subsequently receives the control signal and is configured in accordance to the instruction provided.

[0054] In another embodiment, the method for stimulation of the user involves detecting a hand gesture, such as a chopping motion, from the user with the one or more motion sensor located on the control device 12. The control device 12, having a processor being configured by stored program code to perform certain function, upon receiving this input from the user, retrieves an associated control signal from a database of control signals, stored in memory of the processor, based upon the hand gesture used as the input. The control signal has an instruction which is subsequently transmitted to the stimulation device 20. The stimulation device 20, upon receiving the control signal, is configured in accordance to the instruction provided.

[0055] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.