Interactive electronic apparel incorporating a guitar image
AssigneeThinkGeek, Inc.
InventorTyson Liotta
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments are directed to a novel technique used to create electronic apparel that is powered by batteries and generates light, or sound in reaction to various sensors on the garment. The wearer through the use of various options or effects can further modify the output through the use of various options or effects. The electronic apparel includes an image of an instrument and a keypad that allows for user control of sounds generated by electronic circuits incorporated in the garment. Sound generation circuitry and speakers are coupled to the keypad in an electronic assembly that is detachably coupled to the garment in such a way as to allow regular washing of the garment without any damage to the electronic devices.
Claims18
An apparatus comprising:
- a shirt;
- an image of a guitar incorporated onto a front surface of the shirt, the guitar image including a neck portion having a keypad providing an interface to an array of contact switches configured to be activated by a user while the user is wearing the shirt, the neck portion including an image of one or more pickups, the pickup images placed proximate a sensor configured to detect a strumming motion performed by the user, wherein the sensor comprises a capacitive touch sensor that is activated by direct touch by the user;
- a sound generation circuit coupled to the array of contact switches and configured to generate a respective tonal sound for each switch of the array of contact switches, and to generate a sound when at least one switch of the array of contact switches is activated by the user and when the sound generation circuit detects a strumming motion performed by the user touching the capacitive touch sensor;
- and
- a miniature amplifier coupled to the sound generation circuit, the miniature amplifier detachably coupled to the switch matrix through a cable and detachable coupling.
An apparatus comprising:
- a flexible keypad configured to be detachably coupled to a surface of a garment, and configured to represent a fret board;
- a strumming portion of a guitar including a capacitive touch sensor configured to detect a strumming motion performed by the user, and that is activated by direct touch by the user;
- an array of contact switches proximate the keypad structure and including a plurality of switches, each switch contained in a separate respective location of the fret board;
- a sound generation circuit coupled to the array of contact switches and configured to generate a respective tonal sound for each switch of the array of contact switches when at least one switch of the array of contact switches is activated by the user and when the sound generation circuit detects a strumming motion performed by the user touching the capacitive touch sensor;
- and
- a miniature amplifier coupled to the sound generation circuit, the miniature amplifier detachably coupled to the switch matrix through a cable and detachable coupling.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.