WO2009024687A2

WO2009024687A2 - Device for generating a tactile stimulus for emitting a silent alarm

Info

Publication number: WO2009024687A2
Application number: PCT/FR2008/000974
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olivier De Masfrand
Original assignee: Tracimedica
Priority date: 2007-07-06
Filing date: 2008-07-07
Publication date: 2009-02-26
Also published as: EP2176842A2; FR2918468A1; WO2009024687A3; ATE521053T1; EP2176842B1; ES2373623T3; FR2918468B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for generating a tactile stimulus for emitting a silent alarm, characterised in comprising: a module (1) for producing at least one vibratory or rotatory stimulus with: a supply means (2), a processing unit (4), memory means (5) such as non-volatile memory (ROM) and/or volatile memory (RAM), a selection sub-module (6), comprising a display means (7), at least one selector (8) which allows the user to define the alarm parameters, a sub-module (3) for generating at least one vibratory or rotatory mechanical stimulus with at least one surface (9) with stimulus generation means (10), a fixing means (11) made up of an elastically deformable means which allows the fixing of said module (1) to the base and to position said surface (9) with stimulus generating means (10) facing any region of the base, the module (1) being removably connected to said fixing means (11), furthermore, said fixing means (11) and the conformation of the surface (9) with stimulus generating means (10) only allow a small part of said surface (9) to be directly in contact with said base region whilst at least one stimulus is generated.

Description

DEVICE FOR GENERATING A TOUCH STIMULUS TO DELIVER A SILENT ALARM

The present invention relates to a device for producing at least one sensory stimulus to generate a silent alarm. It applies in particular but not exclusively, to a device for generating a sensory stimulus at any zone of a foot, preferably at the level of the sole of a foot, to allow to silently awaken a sleeping person .

We know that hearing-impaired people can not use conventional alarm clocks, ie alarm clocks that produce audible alarms.

Thus, in order to be able to wake up at the desired time, some hearing-impaired persons use alarm clocks that sound at the programmed time, these alarms generally working in conjunction with a programmable electrical outlet. Nevertheless, this type of luminous awakening generally causes an interruption of the sleep of the companion or companion of the hearing-impaired person or, more generally, of any person sleeping near this hearing-impaired person.

In order to "individualize" the awakening of the hearing-impaired person, alarm clocks have been specifically designed to produce vibratory movements applied directly to the bed in which people with impaired hearing sleep. However, these devices are generally heavy and bulky, which does not allow, for example, to use them in travel or when traveling, this type of device is not transportable in a toilet bag.

In addition, these devices are:

• expensive;

• often unreliable, which can lead to repeated lack of awakening which is detrimental to the exercise of a professional activity where it is advisable to be punctual;

• Only usable in the case where the hearing-impaired people sleep in individualized beds failing, they provoke the awakening of the person sleeping at his side.

Moreover, these devices can cause awakenings unpleasant because too brutal.

More specifically, devices such as wrist-worn wrist watches or vibrating devices for use under or in a pillow have been designed.

However, none of these systems offers both a guarantee of efficiency and comfort of use satisfactory. Thus, these systems have the following specific disadvantages:

• the vibrating watch must be tightly tightened to ensure permanent contact with the wrist to ensure the effectiveness of the alarm clock, this tightening of the wrist all night is particularly unpleasant and compromises the comfort and quality of sleep; moreover, the skin of the wrist is not particularly sensitive and the vibratory stimulus must be intense on a small surface, which proves brutal and expensive in electrical energy; • vibrating devices placed under or in a pillow, which can be for example mobile phones configured vibrating position without ringing, can during sleep of the hearing-impaired person: o fall as a result of an uncontrolled movement of the sleeper; o be accidentally crushed and thus be damaged; o be inoperative because of the position of the person with hearing loss during sleep: the latter can thus place his or her head next to the pillow while sleeping.

In order to solve this problem, devices have been proposed for generating vibratory stimuli on the soles of the feet, which notably makes it possible not to disturb the persons sleeping near the person to be awakened while ensuring efficiency and comfort. the awakening of the person with hearing loss.

Thus, patent application GB 2 386 207 relates to a silent alarm system which comprises a wireless base and a wireless unit in contact with the soles of a user. This wireless unit can generate an electrical current on the skin of the foot sole for receiving a warning ^signal transmitted by the wireless base, this electric current constituting an electrical stimulus.

Nevertheless, the device object of this patent application generates an electrical stimulus and not a vibratory or rotatory stimulus or, an electrical stimulus is often perceived as being very unpleasant by many people. Thus, the perception of such a stimulus is brutal and uncomfortable instead of being pleasant as can be the caress of the skin which generates a slight stimulus constituted by touches similar to "tickling". Indeed, the electric discharges act on the motricity by contractions muscles that can be assimilated to many small cramps while vibration or other sensory means stimulate the sensory and non-motor system. In addition, this device does not allow adjustment of the characteristics of the stimulus, which does not allow to adapt in particular the duration, periodicity and sensory intensity of the stimulus according to particular anatomy and depth of sleep of the user.

The object of the invention is therefore more particularly to eliminate these disadvantages. For this purpose, it proposes a device for generating a tactile stimulus in order to emit a silent alarm characterized in that it comprises:

A module making it possible to produce at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus which comprises: feeding means; o a processing unit; o memory means such as permanent memory

(ROM) and / or volatile (RAM); a selection sub-module comprising:

display means, at least one selector that allows the user to define the parameters of the alarm, a submodule for generating at least one mechanical vibratory or rotary stimulus that includes at least one surface comprising means for generating stimuli; a fixing means consisting of an elastically deformable means which makes it possible to fix said module to the foot and to position said surface comprising stimulus generating means facing any zone of the foot which is preferably the sole of the foot and more particularly the part of the sole which has substantially the shape of a triangle and which delimits the anatomical part called the arch of the foot, the module is connected to this fixing means so removable ; in addition, this means of attachment as well as the conformation of the surface comprising means for generating stimuli allow only a small portion of this surface to be in direct contact with the sole of the foot when at least one stimulus is generated.

In this way, the device according to the invention makes it possible to generate at least one mechanical stimulus constituting an alarm whose parameters are defined by means of said selector, the stimulus being applied preferentially to the sole of a foot which is an extremely sensitive. In addition, the securing means and the conformation of said surface comprising means for generating stimuli make it possible to ensure contact of a small part of this surface with the sole of the foot when at least one stimulus is generated, which makes the device according to the invention more hygienic and more comfortable. Indeed, a permanent contact throughout the night, with a relatively large plastic surface, for example, would generate maceration always in the same place that would eventually lead to various skin diseases.

For this reason and by way of non-limiting example, this surface may be convex so as to conform formally with the concave soles of the feet, and to include vibratory or rotatory studs or points constituting stimulus generating means, only the end of these spikes or points being in contact with the sole of the foot when a stimulus is generated, which ensures the existence of a trickle of air ensuring hygiene and optimization of the feeling of stroking by touch. Indeed, the sensory stimulation of a large surface does not allow a stimulus by touch because it requires a small surface. Similarly, strong or prolonged support does not generate any stimulus by touch.

The spikes or tips thus optimize the feeling of touch and caress, these spikes or points preferably having a tapered shape and preferably consist at least in part of a flexible material such as an elastomer coating.

Thus, the specific shape of the surface stimuli generating means in contact with or facing the foot area where stimuli will be generated allows to perfectly match the shape of the sole of the foot at the level of the arch that is the area preferential constituent of the said foot zone. Preferably, this surface has a strongly convex shape and also has, in a longitudinal section, a triangular appearance to present a conformal shape with the arch. The device according to the invention can be placed indifferently to the left foot or the right foot. In addition, the edge of said triangle-shaped surface located on the inner side of the foot is preferably reinforced and thicker because of the accentuation at this point of the curvature of the sole of the foot. In addition, the surface opposite to that in contact or facing the arch is flat to allow the user to get up at night and walk without having to remove it. The device according to the invention is designed with resistant materials so that the user can take a few steps without risk of damaging it.

In addition, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fastening means and the conformation of the surface comprising stimulation generating means allow this surface to be in direct contact with a zone of the foot only when at least one stimulus is generated. For example, the spikes or spikes can be moved in translation so that their ends come into contact with the sole of the foot when a stimulus is generated.

Advantageously, the module making it possible to produce at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus is connected to said fixing means in a removable manner, which makes it possible in particular to carry out a regular cleaning of said module. In addition, in the event that this module is connected to a fastening means such as a strap, the latter preferably includes micro-perforations to ensure optimal ventilation of the foot on which is fixed said module.

Advantageously, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, said selection sub-module may be independent of the submodule for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus. In this case, the device according to the invention comprises: a base consisting of the selection sub-module, this base taking the form of a conventional alarm clock which displays the time and which makes it possible to program the alarm;

A receiving unit in non-wired contact with the base, this receiving unit being constituted by the sub-module for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus which is fixed to the user's foot by said fixing means which can to be itself constituted for example by an elastic strap or a sock.

Advantageously, the selection sub-module allows the user to program, in particular by means of the selector:

• the time of the alarm; and

• intensity and frequency of vibratory stimuli.

In addition, the selection sub-module may include means for generating a random intensity and frequency of the stimuli to prevent the user from becoming accustomed to a specific stimulus production sequence. By way of example, this means for generating a random intensity and frequency of the stimuli may be an integrated circuit producing a pseudo-random output signal.

Advantageously, the surface comprising means for generating stimuli is preferably shaped so that the means Stimulus generators are arranged in relation to points, lines or specific surfaces of the soles of the feet which are particularly sensitive due to a large innervation.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention has notably the following advantages:

• it is easily transportable unlike mechanisms to vibrate a bed;

• it can be used by people who are hard of hearing but also by all those wishing to be awakened without disturbing those around them, such as being on-call doctors;

It is hygienic: the module making it possible to produce at least one sensory stimulus is removably attached to said fixing means, which makes it possible to clean it regularly;

• it allows to awaken the user pleasantly and effectively without constituting an embarrassment during his sleep.

Embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the structure of the device according to the invention.

Figures 2 and 2bis are schematic representations of a submodule of the device according to the invention, this submodule which is attached to the foot for generating stimuli. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the structure according to an alternative embodiment of the invention of a submodule for generating stimuli.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the structure of a mechanism for translating the surface of said submodule when at least one stimulus is generated.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, this device comprising an independent selection sub-module of the submodule for generating at least one mechanical stimulus.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the structure according to an alternative embodiment of the invention of a submodule for generating rotary stimuli.

By way of example, as shown in FIG. 1, the device according to the invention comprises: a module 1 making it possible to produce at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus which comprises: a feed means 2 supplying the submodule 3 for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus. This supply means 2 can be constituted by an electric generator such as an electric battery preferably having reduced dimensions and can, according to a variant embodiment, be recharged by means of a suitable charger 30 which connects to the mains. According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the feed means 2 may be constituted by a crank alternator which makes it possible to optimize the autonomy and the energy independence of the device according to the invention, the crank being preferably removable; a processing unit 4 such as a microprocessor; memory means 5 such as permanent memory (ROM) and / or volatile memory (RAM); o possibly an emulator; a selection sub-module 6 comprising:

"a display means 7 such as a liquid crystal display which can be in particular LCD type (" Liquid Crystal Display ");

at least one selector 8 which allows the user to define the parameters of the alarm, this selector 8 may for example be constituted by a simple button that allows when pressed, to display and navigate in a menu selection means appearing on said display means 7; o a sub-module 3 for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus which comprises at least one surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli; constituted by an elastically deformable means which makes it possible to fix said module 1 to the foot and to position said surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli facing any zone of the foot which is preferably the sole of the foot, the module 1 being connected to this fixing means 11 removably.

The selector 8 of the selection sub-module 6 allows the user to define in particular:

• the duration, periodicity and sensory intensity of the stimuli according to its desires and specificities; the sensory intensity of the stimuli can be customized according to the depth of sleep of each user; and

• the time of the alarm.

The submodule 3 for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus comprises in particular:

At least one surface 9 comprising stimulus generation means 10, these stimulus generating means 10 being able to be studs or vibratory or rotary points preferably constituted by a plastics material;

• a mechanism (not shown) for generating the vibration of these pins or tips 10, this vibrator mechanism can conventionally comprise an eccentric mass driven in rotation by an electric micromotor powered by said supply means 2.

Thus, in this case, the sub-module 3 for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus is arranged in such a way that the ends of the spikes or spikes 10 are facing the sole of the user's foot. In this way, only these ends are in contact with this sole when a stimulus is generated, which makes the device according to the invention more hygienic and more comfortable.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the sub-module 3 for generating at least one vibratory mechanical stimulus comprises:

At least one surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli, this surface 9 being able to be a vibrating membrane 13 having a convex end;

A mechanism 14 making it possible to generate the vibration of this membrane 13, this vibrating mechanism 14 can conventionally comprise: "an electromagnet coil 15 disposed under said surface 9, this coil 15 being connected to said supply means 2;" a ferromagnetic plate 16 in contact with the lower wall of the surface 9.

Thus, in this case, the sub-module 3 for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus is arranged in such a way that only the top of this membrane 13 is in contact with the sole of the foot when a stimulus is generated. , which makes it possible to benefit from the aforesaid advantages, the electric energy supplied by said supply means 2 being transformed, thanks to the phenomenon of induction, into mechanical energy by said mechanism 14 making it possible to generate the vibration of this membrane 13, which results in the vibration of the latter.

Advantageously, said surface 9 may be made of a ferromagnetic material, which makes it possible to dispense with said plate 16.

According to another variant embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the sub-module 3 for generating at least one mechanical stimulus comprises a power supply means 40 that can be constituted by an electric generator rotating a shaft whose free end comprises a disk 42 whose outer face is constitutive of said surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli, the latter may then consist of uniformly distributed flexible filament bundles. In this way, after having preferentially disposed this submodule 3 in such a way that the means 10 generating stimuli are in contact or facing the arch, thanks to the rotational movement communicated by the average feeding assembly 40 / tree, flexible bundles of filaments will be able to generate a stimulus by touching. Advantageously, said surface may in this case comprise at its periphery a ring or a set of preferably spherical pads 45 of a height substantially equal to the end of that of the bundles of flexible filaments to protect them when the device according to the invention. invention is not used. ?

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the sub-module 3 for generating at least one mechanical stimulus comprises a power supply means 40 that can be constituted by an electric generator driving in rotation a shaft of which the free end comprises a disk 42 whose outer face is constitutive of said surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli, the latter can then be constituted by a removable secondary disc velvet. In this way, after having preferentially disposed this submodule 3 in such a way that the means 10 generating stimuli are in contact or facing the arch, thanks to the rotational movement communicated by the average feeding assembly 40 / shaft, the velvet disk will be able to generate a stimulus by touching, this disc being preferably fixed to the disc 42 by means of a system of self-gripping strips comprising a loop fabric included on the upper face of the disc 42 and a fabric provided with hooks included on the underside of the velvet disc (or vice versa).

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the attachment means 1 1 as well as the conformation of the surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli allow this surface 9 to be directly in contact with a zone of the foot only when at least one stimulus is generated. In this case, this surface 9 can be subject to a translation movement.

Thus, by way of nonlimiting example, the translation of this surface 9 can be obtained as follows: By a simple mechanism consisting of a means such as a rod (not shown) whose one end is in contact with the lower wall of this surface 9, this rod being able to be the object of a translational movement under the action of an electric micro-motor; or

By means of a mechanism shown in FIG. 4, which comprises:

"an armature 19 having in a vertical section substantially in the form of a" E "lying, this frame 19 having on its outer wall two diametrically opposed helical grooves 20;

a ferromagnetic yoke 21 shaped so as to cover at least partially said reinforcement 19 while preserving at least one free internal space, the inner wall of the skirt of this yoke 21 having two pins 22 shaped so as to engage in said throats

20, this nipple assembly 22 - grooves 20 constituting guide means;

at least one compression spring 23 extending in said free space and connecting the inner walls of the lower part of the frame 19 and those of the upper part of the yoke 21;

a coil 24 wound around the central upright of the armature 19, this coil 24 being connected to the supply means 2.

In this way, the electrical excitation of the coil 24 results in the generation of an induced force which causes a rotation of the yoke 21 relative to the armature 19, which makes it possible to generate a rotational movement of the cylinder head 21 and the desired translation movement, the end of the electrical excitation and the action of the springs 23 allowing a rotation in the opposite direction and thus the approximation of the armature 19 and the yoke 21. The outer wall of the upper part of the yoke 21 may be constitutive of the surface 9 comprising means 10 generating stimuli or be connected to this surface 9 in order to communicate this movement of rotation and translation.

The fastening means 11 can be constituted for example by an elastic strap attached to the submodule for generating at least one stimulus.

The strap 11 may make it possible to connect the device according to the invention to the foot of a user by for example enclosing the ankle and / or tarsus of the foot and / or a toe of the foot, the looping of this strap 11 being able to take place for example by means of:

• Velcro strips (not shown) comprising a loop fabric included at one end of the strap 11 and a fabric provided with hooks included at the other end of the strap 1 1;

A conventional system (not shown) of the belt type comprising a loop included at one end of the strap January 1, the looping being ensured by engaging the other end of the strap 11 in this loop.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the fastening means 1 1 may be constituted by a sock, the sub-module 3 for generating at least one stimulus being fixed to this sock preferably by means of self-adhesive strips. gripper comprising a loop fabric included on one of the outer walls of this submodule 3 and a fabric with hooks attached to the inner face of the bottom of the sock.

Thus, the module 1 for producing at least one mechanical stimulus is connected to the fixing means 11 removably, which improves the hygiene conditions, the module 1 can be easily cleaned. In this way, after having proceeded:

• the settings of the alarm parameters by means of said selector 8, the data constituting these settings being processed by the processing unit 4 and stored in the memory means 5; then • fixing the module 1 to produce at least one mechanical stimulus at the foot of the user with the aid of said fixing means 11, the surface 9 comprising stimulus generating means being arranged facing any area foot, namely preferably the sole of the foot; The user can fall asleep without embarrassment being assured of being woken at the desired time without disturbing those around him, and in the greatest comfort.

Preferably, the surface 9 comprising stimulus generating means is arranged facing the sole of a foot. Indeed, the sole of the foot is the only part of the body that is both extremely sensitive and ensures no discomfort whatever the position during sleep.

Indeed, medical research has shown that the sole of the foot is particularly sensitive to any stimulus, including vibration. In contrast to the heel, which is a zone of the foot which is not very sensitive to touch, the fineness of the skin in the substantially triangular zone corresponding to the arch of the foot and against which the device according to the invention is arranged is explained in particular by the fact that that this part of the foot is little exposed to friction. It is a privileged area for applying a touch stimulus. The vibration applied to the foot can cause laughter or a smile, which is not the case for a vibration at the wrist applied by means of a vibrating watch for example because the wrist skin is exposed to friction as almost the entire body and therefore not sensitive as the sole of the foot which is protected by soles or shoes, which allows to preserve the great finesse of the skin at this place. The necessary energy / sensory efficiency ratio is optimal and the touch stimulus is one of the only ones to be able to generate this unique sensation that is the feeling of "tickling" which produces much more than a banal sensory effect and is particularly exciting .

In addition, the sole of the foot is the only place on the body where placing and fixing the device according to the invention does not interfere with the sleeping person since the sole of the foot is the only place on the body on which this person is never supported if it sleeps lying, which is the norm. Indeed, that this person sleeps on the back or on the stomach, on the side or against a pillow, the device attached to the foot is never subject to crushing and exerts no unpleasant pressure.

In addition, the use of the sole of the foot optimizes the ratio between the intensity of a signal generating an effective stimulus and the energy required to produce this signal.

Moreover, the user can, by means of the selector 8 of the submodule 6 of selection, parameterize the generation of tactile stimuli having intermittent vibrations and whose intensity is progressive and the random rhythm so that this user does not become accustomed to stimuli from one alarm clock to another.

Thus, because of these intermittent and non-continuous vibrations, the device according to the invention allows an energy saving which results in an increase in the service life or charge of the electric battery constituting the supply means 2.

Experience shows that vibration transmitted to the foot should be as low as possible due to the propagation in the mattress of these vibrations despite the natural damping constituted by the bedding. A device delivering a strong and continuous vibration could wake up people sleeping in the same bed if the foot on which is fixed this device is in direct contact with this mattress. This is why the device according to the invention can be parameterized to generate progressively increasing vibrations in intensity and duration.

More specifically, the device according to the invention makes it possible to perform a double energy saving which results:

The existence of said intermittent vibrations, which makes it possible to reinforce the perceptibility of the stimuli by rendering them less monotonous; The possibility of setting, by means of said selector 8, the generation of stimuli having a shorter or longer duration and an increasing intensity, which makes it possible to adapt the characteristics of the stimuli to the specificities of each user.

Thus, according to the sensory sensitivity of the wearer, the intensity, frequency and duration of vibratory stimuli will be more or less long.

For carriers with light sleep, the beginning of the vibration will be sufficient, ensuring minimal power consumption and thus preserving the energy of the battery of the device according to the invention.

For heavier sleepers, the device according to the invention may be parameterized to generate more intense stimuli and longer.

Advantageously, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 5, said selection sub-module 6 may be independent of submodule 3 for generating at least one mechanical stimulus. In this case, the device according to the invention comprises:

A base 25 constituted by the sub-module 6 of selection, this base 25 taking the form of a conventional alarm clock which displays the time and which makes it possible to program the alarm; this base 25 also comprises: A supply means nevertheless, it can simply be powered by the mains by means of a conventional electrical cord;

• a processing unit of the aforementioned type; Memory means of the aforementioned type;

Radiofrequency communication means with the receiver unit 28, these means consisting of transmission means as well as receiving means such as an antenna 27;

A receiving unit 28 in non-wired contact with the base 25, this receiving unit 28 being constituted by the sub-module 3 for generating at least one mechanical stimulus which is fixed to the user's foot by said fixing means 11 ; this receiving unit 28 also comprises:

"a feeding means of the aforesaid type;" a processing unit of the aforesaid type;

"optionally memory means of the aforesaid type;" radio frequency communication means with said base 25, these means consisting of transmitting means as well as receiving means such as an antenna.

In this manner, after setting the alarm and stimulus settings by means of the selector 8, the alarm trigger signal is transmitted to the receiver unit 28 to generate the stimuli at the desired time, the data being processed and recorded respectively by the processing units and the respective memory means. Advantageously, this variant allows to fix the foot of the user a less heavy and less bulky device, which increases the comfort of use.

According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the base 25 consisting of the sub-module 6 of selection may itself be included in a monitoring device or in a mobile communication device such as a cellphone. Thus, this mobile phone may include an application allowing the user to define the parameters of the alarm and the stimuli, the alarm triggering signal then being transmitted to the receiving unit 28. In addition, this signal can be transmitted to the receiver unit 28. alarm can be simply constituted by a telephone call. In this case, each call received by the mobile phone will cause the generation of at least one tactile stimulus at the receiving unit 28 which will prevent the caller without disturbing those around him, the phone portable being preferentially itself in vibrate mode. This variant of execution is thus particularly suitable for persons who may be called at night by an emergency, such as doctors, but also for persons supervising other persons, such as parents who have disposed of a device. "monitoring" in the room of their children.

According to an alternative embodiment, the device according to the invention may comprise in addition to the supply means 2 a disposable battery of the conventional lithium button battery type, which makes it possible to keep the time and the parameters of the alarm even in discharge or malfunction of said supply means 2.

In addition, according to another alternative embodiment, the device according to the invention can be connected to the sector by means of an electrical cord having at its end an electrical socket, which makes it possible to dispense with said supply means 2.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the device according to the invention may also comprise means (not shown) for producing an audible and / or visual alarm. Thus, the device according to the invention can be parameterized by means of the selector 8 so that in case of non-perception of the constituent vibrations of the stimuli after a defined time interval, an automatic switch (not shown) included in said device according to the invention allows the activation of said means for producing an audible and / or visual alarm. By way of example, the means making it possible to produce an audible or visual alarm may respectively be a conventional audible alarm that can generate, for example, a succession of beeps or a luminous means that can be constituted for example by powerful LED diodes. According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, said switch can enable the activation of a remotely controlled receptacle on which is connected for example a lamp or a sound device such as a radio.

In this way, the device according to the invention makes it possible to generate:

• at least one vibratory or rotational mechanical stimulus to quietly awaken hearing-impaired persons or persons wishing not to wake those around them; and / or • a classic audible or visual alarm; and or

• an audible or visual alarm triggered by means of a lamp or sound device connected to a remote controlled receptacle.

After the alarm has been triggered, the user can control: • stopping the alarm by pressing a specific button that can be included on the selection sub-module 6 or on the sub-module 3 for generating the alarm. at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus;

• repeating it within a predetermined time by pressing another specific button.

The device according to the invention can be used by people with hearing loss but also by all people wishing to wake up without disturbing those around him. Thus, it can be used by doctors on call who may be called at any time in an emergency at night.

Claims

claims

1. Device for generating a tactile stimulus to emit a silent alarm, characterized in that it comprises:

• a module (1) for producing at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus which comprises: a supply means (2); o a processing unit (4); memory means (5) such as permanent memory

(ROM) and / or volatile (RAM); a selection sub-module (6) comprising:

"display means (7);" at least one selector (8) which allows the user to define the alarm parameters; o a submodule (3) for generating at least one vibratory or rotational mechanical stimulus which comprises at least one surface (9) comprising means (10) generating stimuli; A fixing means (11) consisting of an elastically deformable means which makes it possible to fix said module (1) to the foot and to position said surface (9) comprising means (10) generating stimuli facing any zone of the foot, the module (1) being connected to this fixing means (11) removably; in addition, this fixing means (11) and the conformation of the surface (9) comprising means (10) generating stimuli allow only a small portion of this surface (9) is directly in contact with said foot area when at least one stimulus is generated.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening means (11) and the conformation of the surface (9) comprising means (10) generating stimuli allow this surface (9) to be directly in contact with a zone of the foot only when at least one stimulus is generated.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said zone of the foot opposite which is disposed said surface (9) comprising means (10) generating stimuli, is the sole of the foot and more precisely the part of the sole of the foot which has substantially the shape of a triangle and which delimits the plantar arch.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the supply means (2) is constituted by an electric generator such as an electric battery.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the supply means (2) is rechargeable by means of a charger (30) suitable for connection to the sector.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the supply means (2) is constituted by a crank alternator which is removable.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sub-module (6) of selection comprises:

Display means (7) such as a liquid crystal display;

At least one selector (8) which allows the user to define the parameters of the alarm, this selector (8) being constituted by a simple button which makes it possible, when pressed, to display and navigate a selection menu appearing on said display means (7).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the selector (8) of the submodule (6) selection allows the user to define:

• the duration, periodicity and sensory intensity of the stimuli according to its desires and specificities; and

• the time of the alarm.

9. Device according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the sub-module (6) of selection comprises a means for generating a random intensity and frequency stimuli to prevent the user from being s is accustomed to a specific stimulus production sequence, which means generating a random intensity and frequency of the stimuli being an integrated circuit producing a pseudo - random output signal.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sub-module (3) for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus comprises in particular:

At least one surface (9) comprising means (10) generating stimuli, these means (10) generating stimuli being pikes or vibratory or rotary spikes;

• A mechanism for generating the vibration of these pins or tips, the vibrator mechanism comprising an eccentric mass driven in rotation by an electric micromotor powered by said supply means (2).

1 1. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the sub-module (3) for generating at least one vibratory or rotary mechanical stimulus is arranged in such a way that the ends of the spikes or points are facing the plant from the foot of the user ; in this way, only these ends are in contact with this sole when a stimulus is generated.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sub-module (3) for generating at least one mechanical stimulus comprises:

At least one surface (9) comprising means (10) generating stimuli, this surface (9) being a vibrating membrane (13) having a convex end; A mechanism (14) for generating the vibration of this membrane (13), this vibrating mechanism (14) comprises:

An electromagnet coil (15) disposed under said surface (9), this coil (15) being connected to said supply means (2); a ferromagnetic plate (16) in contact with the lower wall of the surface (9), in which case the submodule (3) for generating at least one mechanical stimulus is arranged in such a way that only the top of the this membrane (13) is in contact with the sole of the foot when a stimulus is generated, the electrical energy supplied by said supply means (2) being transformed, thanks to the phenomenon of induction, into mechanical energy by said mechanism (14) for generating the vibration of the membrane (13), which results in the vibration of the latter.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (11) and the conformation of the surface (9) comprising means (10) generating stimuli allow this surface (9) of be in direct contact with an area of the foot only when at least one stimulus is generated.

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that this surface (9) is subject to a translation movement, the translation of this surface (9) being obtainable in the following manner:

By a simple mechanism consisting of a means such as a rod whose one end is in contact with the lower wall of this surface

(9), this rod being able to be moved in translation under the action of an electric micro-motor; or

• by means of a mechanism comprising:

"An armature (19) having in a vertical section substantially the shape of a" E "lying, this armature (19) having on its outer wall two diametrically opposed helical grooves (20);

A ferromagnetic yoke (21) shaped so as to be able to at least partially cover said armature (19) while preserving at least one free internal space, the inner wall of the skirt of this cylinder head (21) comprising two shaped nipples (22) so as to be able to engage in said grooves (20), this set pins (22) - grooves (20) constituting guide means; "at least one compression spring (23) extending into said free space and connecting the inner walls of the lower and upper part of the frame (19) and the yoke (21);" a coil (24) wound around the central upright of the frame

(19); in this way, the electrical excitation of the coil (24) results in the generation of an induced force which causes a rotation of the yoke (21) relative to the armature (19), thereby generating a rotational movement of the cylinder head (21) as well as the desired translation movement, the end of the electrical excitation and the action of the springs (23) allowing a rotation in the opposite direction and thus the approximation of the armature (19). ) and the cylinder head (21); the outer wall of the upper part of the cylinder head (21) is constitutive of the surface (9) comprising means (10) generating stimuli or is connected to this surface (9) to communicate to it this movement of rotation and translation.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (11) is constituted by an elastic strap connected to the sub-module (3) for generating at least one stimulus.

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the strap (11) allows to connect the device according to the invention at the foot of a user by gripping the ankle and / or the tarsus of the foot and / or the toe of the foot, the buckling of this strap (11) taking place by:

• Velcro strips comprising a loop fabric included at one end of the strap (11) and a fabric provided with hooks included at the other end of the strap (11);

• A system comprising a loop at one end of the strap (11), the looping being ensured by engaging the other end of the strap (11) in this loop.

17. Device according to one of claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the strap (11) comprises micro-perforations to ensure optimal ventilation of the foot on which is fixed the module (1) for producing at least a mechanical stimulus.

18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the fixing means (11) is constituted by a sock, the sub-module (3) for generating at least one stimulus being attached to this sock. by means of self-gripping strips comprising a loop fabric included on one of the outer walls of the device according to the invention and a fabric provided with hooks attached to the inner face of the bottom of the sock.

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sub-module (6) of selection is independent of the sub-module (3) for generating at least one mechanical stimulus, the device according to the invention comprising so :

A base (25) consisting of the submodule (6) of selection, this base (25) taking the form of a conventional alarm clock which displays the time and which makes it possible to program the alarm;

A receiving unit (28) in non-wired contact with the base (25), this receiving unit (28) being constituted by the sub-module (3) for generating at least one mechanical stimulus which is fixed at the foot of the by said fastening means (11).

20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that this base (25) also comprises:

• a means of feeding;

• a treatment unit; Memory means;

Radiofrequency communication means with the receiver unit (28), these means consisting of transmission means as well as receiving means such as an antenna (27); and in that the receiving unit (28) comprises: • a feeding means;

• a treatment unit;

Memory means;

Radiofrequency communication means with said base (25), these means consisting of transmission means as well as receiving means such as an antenna.

21. Device according to one of claims 19 and 20, characterized in that the base (25) consisting of the sub-module (6) of selection is included in a monitoring device or in a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone that includes an application that allows the user to set the parameters of the alarm and stimuli, the alarm trigger signal being then transmitted to the receiving unit (28).

22. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that the alarm signal can be simply constituted by a telephone call; in this case, each call received by the mobile phone causes the generation of at least one tactile stimulus at the receiving unit (28) which can prevent the caller without disturbing those around him.

23. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a disposable battery type conventional lithium button battery, which keeps the time and alarm parameters even in case of discharge or malfunctioning of said supply means (2).

24. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for producing an audible and / or visual alarm, the device according to the invention comprising an automatic switch enabling the activation of said means for producing an audible and / or visual alarm.

25. Device according to claim 24, characterized in that the switch allows the activation of a remote controlled receptacle on which is connected a lamp or sound device.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface (9) is convex.

27. Device according to one of claims 10 to 26, characterized in that the pins or the tips have a tapered shape and consist at least in part of a flexible material.

28. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sub-module (3) for generating at least one mechanical stimulus comprises a supply means (40) which can be constituted by an electric generator driving in rotation a shaft whose free end comprises a disc (42) whose outer face is constitutive of said surface (9) comprising means (10) generating stimuli, the latter being constituted by uniformly distributed flexible filament bundles.

29. Device according to one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the sub-module (3) for generating at least one mechanical stimulus comprises a supply means (40) which can be constituted by a driving electrical generator. in rotation a shaft whose free end comprises a disc (42) whose outer face is constitutive of said surface (9) comprising means (10) generating stimuli, the latter can then be constituted by a secondary velvet disc removable disc, which disc is attached to the disc (42) by means of a self-gripping tape system comprising a loop fabric included on the upper face of the disc (42) and a cloth provided with hooks included on the underside of the disc velvet, or vice versa.

30. Device according to one of claims 28 and 29, characterized in that the surface (9) comprises at its periphery a ring or a set of preferably spherical pads (45). a height substantially equal to the end of that of the bundles of flexible filaments to protect them when the device according to the invention is not used.