EP3868233A1 - Item of clothing with signal function when object detected - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an item of clothing, in particular a jacket 1, comprising a plurality of cut parts each cut to size from a fabric, which are sewn to one another, the item of clothing having electronic components. As electronic components, the item of clothing comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting the presence of an external object, a control unit 4 and an electronic signal transmitter unit 2, 6, the control unit 4 being designed to receive measured values from the sensor unit during an operating phase of the item of clothing and depending on them to transmit control signals generated by the read-out measured values to the signal transmitter unit 2, 6, the signal transmitter unit 2, 6 being designed to receive a predefined control signal that is perceptible to a wearer of the item of clothing and / or to an external observer of the item of clothing upon receipt of a predefined control signal Output signal.

Description

The invention relates to an item of clothing with electronic components according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for producing such an item of clothing.

Garments of the generic type comprise, on the one hand, cut parts that are each cut to size from a fabric and are then sewn together, and on the other hand, at least one electronic component. Such garments of the generic type meet an increasing need to add electronic functions to conventional garments. On the one hand, the item of clothing should be able to be produced as cheaply as possible, have unrestricted wear comfort, an attractive design and unrestricted robustness, in particular with regard to normal wear and tear and washes, whereas, on the other hand, the electrical functions should provide a functionality that is beyond the conventional Purpose of clothing, namely the visually appealing covering of body parts, go out. For example, upper parts for running clothing from the company Sensoria are known to which an externally accessible heart rate monitor is sewn, via which the heart rate can be measured during a sporting activity and transmitted to a smartphone. Running pants are also known from Lumo Run, for example, on the waistband of which a motion sensor is detachably attached, via which motion data can be determined while running and, for example, sent to a smartphone so that a runner can evaluate his motion data and improve his running behavior. Articles of clothing are also known, for example, in which heating elements are provided which can be switched on by a user when required.

In particular, however, there is also a desire to add functionalities to clothing items with which improved safety for the wearer of the clothing item can be ensured. For example, jackets are known on which signal lights are provided that can be switched on by a wearer of the jacket so that he is more visible in the dark. Shoes are also known, for example, in which lights are integrated which light up when the shoe is moved in a predefined manner in order to improve the perceptibility of a wearer of the shoe. In the various approaches known in the prior art, however, the electrical components integrated into the item of clothing, which are intended to improve the perceptibility of a wearer of the item of clothing, always consume a lot of energy, which limits the useful life of the items of clothing. In addition, the electrical components known from conventional items of clothing do not adequately provide improved protection for the wearer of the item of clothing.

The present invention is based on the object of providing an item of clothing, in particular a jacket, with which at least one disadvantage of conventional items of clothing is at least partially eliminated.

As a solution, the invention proposes an item of clothing with the features according to claim 1. The item of clothing according to the invention comprises a plurality of cut parts which are each cut to size from a fabric and which are sewn to one another. As electronic components, the item of clothing has at least one sensor unit for detecting the presence of an external object, a control unit and an electronic signal transmitter unit. In general, in the present application, each component of the item of clothing is referred to as an electronic component of the item of clothing through which or to which electrical current flows when the item of clothing is used as intended in an operating phase of the item of clothing, each of the electronic components preferably being connected to the control unit, with In an operating phase of the item of clothing, a predefined current flow is provided between the control unit and the respective other electronic component. For example, an electronic component can be designed as a conductor track, as a sensor or as a light source. According to the invention, one of the electronic components is designed as a sensor unit for detecting the presence of an external object. For this purpose, the sensor unit is designed to output measured values, the sensor unit always outputting a different measured value when it detects the presence of an external object than when it does not detect the presence of an external object. For this purpose, the sensor unit can be designed in various ways. For example, the sensor unit can be designed as an external object to detect a light source. For this purpose, for example, the sensor unit can have a photodiode, the current output by the photodiode being output as the measured value by the sensor unit, the current value changing when a light source is present, which radiates light onto the photodiode. Depending on the application, the sensor unit can be tuned to light of a certain frequency, in particular to the detection of visible light in a frequency range of approx. 400 THz to 750 THz. Instead of or in addition to a photodiode, the control unit can comprise, for example, a CCD chip as a sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor unit can comprise at least one TOF (Time Of Flight) sensor that detects the presence of an external object in that an external object approaches the item of clothing, since the time in which a TOF sensor emitted Light returns to the TOF sensor again, shortened. The sensor unit can, for example, also be designed as a conventional infrared motion detector or ultrasonic sensor. The signal transmitter unit is designed to output a signal that can be perceived by the wearer of the item of clothing and / or to output a signal that is perceptible to an external observer of the item of clothing. For example, the signal transmitter unit can have a light source which emits light and which an external observer can perceive the item of clothing particularly well. For example, the signal generator unit can comprise a tone generation unit which emits a signal tone, for example via a loudspeaker. For example, the signal transmitter unit can comprise a vibration device which outputs vibration signals as a perceptible signal. Such a vibration unit is particularly preferred on the inside of the garment facing the wearer of the garment provided, in particular on sensitive body parts of the wearer, such as the wrist or in the shoulder or neck area, so that the wearer can perceive the vibration signal particularly well. According to the invention, the control unit is designed to receive measured values from the sensor unit during an operating phase of the item of clothing and to transmit control signals generated as a function of the read out measured values to the signal transmitter unit. The signal transmitter unit is designed to output a predefined signal that can be perceived by a wearer of the item of clothing and / or by an external observer of the item of clothing upon receipt of a predefined control signal. In the case of the item of clothing according to the invention, measured values are read out of the sensor unit via the control unit, and control signals are specifically transmitted to the signal transmitter unit via the control unit as a function of the read-out measured values, the signal transmitter unit preferably only when predefined control signals are transmitted to it, predefined signals issues. These signals are then designed to be perceptible to the wearer of the garment or to the external observer.

The item of clothing according to the invention has significant advantages compared to conventional items of clothing. The inventors have recognized that an item of clothing can contribute effectively to the protection of its wearer and at the same time use as little energy as possible if both a control unit and a sensor unit and a signal transmitter unit are integrated into the clothing item, so that the signal transmitter unit then selectively outputs signals when the sensor unit has output measured values that are classified as a hazard.

Accordingly, the signal transmitter unit preferably only outputs predefined signals, which are preferably perceptible to an external observer of the item of clothing and / or the wearer of the item of clothing, if it has received a predefined control signal from the control unit, which is only sent to the signal transmitter unit via the control unit if the measured values read out by the sensor unit have been evaluated in such a way that the presence of a hazard has been assigned to them. The item of clothing according to the invention thus reacts in a targeted manner to a predefined presence of objects that is relevant for the respective area of application of the item of clothing. The energy consumption is reduced as a result, since the signal transmitter unit does not permanently consume energy, as is the case with conventional luminous jackets, for example, in that it also outputs signals when there is no threat of danger. According to the invention, the control unit comprises at least one interface via which both the measured values of the sensor unit are read out and the control signals are transmitted to the signal transmitter unit. In one embodiment, the control unit comprises a computing unit in which the measured values read out by the sensor unit are evaluated and in which the control signals are generated as a function of the measured values and are then output to the signal transmitter unit. In one embodiment, the control unit is designed as an interface, in particular as a standardized interface, for example as a wired interface, in particular as a USB interface, or as a wireless interface, in particular NFC or Bluetooth interface, in particular Bluetooth smart, Bluetooth smart ready or Bluetooth low energy ( BLE) interface, an external processing unit being connected to the control unit during the operating phase and the measured values read out by the sensor unit are transmitted to the external arithmetic unit via the interface, the measured values being evaluated in the external arithmetic unit and control signals being generated as a function of the measured values, which are transmitted to the signal transmitter unit via the interface and thus the control unit. In general, at least one of the electronic components is particularly preferably integrated into at least one cut part, so that the electronic component is permanently connected to the respective cut part or the respective cut parts. In a particularly preferred embodiment, all electronic components are integrated in at least one of the cut parts, in particular in a selection of the cut parts.

The inventors have also recognized that in particularly advantageous embodiments of the item of clothing according to the invention, thanks to the configuration according to the invention, the item of clothing can have particularly advantageous properties that qualify it as a highly functional item of clothing. For example, a waterproof or at least water-repellent item of clothing, in particular a jacket, with the functional properties according to the invention can be implemented through the configuration according to the invention, which, for example, at least in a spray test in accordance with the DIN EN 24920 standard, meets the requirements for a standard-defined grade of at least 3 (wetting of the sprayed surface only on small, separate surfaces), in particular by at least 4 (no wetting, only small droplets sticking to the sprayed surface), in particular for the standard top grade 5 (no wetting and no adhesion of small droplets to the sprayed surface).

In one embodiment, at least some are Electronic components inextricably linked to the respective material from which the respective cut part is cut to size, on which the respective electronic component is arranged. At least some of the electronic components preferably extend over a plurality of cut parts, wherein they are inextricably connected in the garment to the respective fabric from which the respective cut part is cut. In this context, a non-detachable connection is understood to mean that the electronic component can only be detached if the item of clothing is damaged. Particularly preferably, at least the sensor unit and the signal transmitter unit are permanently connected to the respective material from which the respective cut part is cut. In addition, it is particularly preferred that the control unit is inextricably linked to the respective material from which the respective cut part is cut. The control unit particularly preferably comprises an electrical interface, in particular a standard interface, in particular a wired or wireless interface. A wireless interface can generally preferably be designed as a WiFi interface or as a Bluetooth interface, in particular as a Bluetooth smart, Bluetooth smart ready or Bluetooth low energy (BLE) interface. Particularly preferably, the electronic components are at least partially printed on the respective fabric, glued to the respective fabric, embroidered, knitted or woven into the respective fabric. The electronic components particularly preferably comprise conductive yarns that are part of the respective fabric, for example by being glued on, embroidered, knitted in or woven in. By integrating the electronic components in the pattern, the garment can be made particularly robust and simple be. In one embodiment, the item of clothing is produced by first sewing the cut parts together at least in sections and then integrating the electronic components into the cut parts, with the cut parts being particularly preferably sewn to one another at least at such points before the electronic components are integrated into the cut parts at which the electronic components pass from the respective pattern pieces to the adjacent pattern pieces. In another embodiment, the electronic components are first integrated into the pattern pieces before the pattern pieces are then sewn to one another.

In one embodiment, the control unit comprises a link with a computing unit in which an evaluation logic is stored. The control unit is designed to evaluate the measured values read from the sensor unit with the stored evaluation electronics and to output control signals to the signal transmitter unit as a function of an evaluation result obtained by the evaluation logic. In one embodiment, the control device comprises the computing unit. For example, the link can be stored via a communication interface, in particular wireless or wired, via which the control unit accesses programming stored on a device that is separate from the cut parts. In general, the dependency is preferably predetermined or can be predetermined. The programming is preferably stored on a mobile device including a GUI via which the dependency can be changed by a user. In one embodiment, the arithmetic unit is integrated into the cut parts of the garment, ie inextricably linked with the respective fabric connected, from which the respective pattern is cut to size. In one embodiment, the item of clothing is a set comprising cut parts cut to size from a fabric that are sewn together, as well as a separate computing unit in which the evaluation logic is stored and which can be connected reversibly and detachably, in particular via a communication interface with the parts of the electronic components integrated in the cut parts is.

The electronic components are particularly preferably integrated in the item of clothing in such a way that the item of clothing is reversible within a distance of less than 3 cm, in particular less than 2 cm, in particular less than 1 cm, starting from every point where the electronic components are located is bendable and / or foldable. The inventors have recognized that in this embodiment the comfort of the item of clothing can be maintained particularly favorably. For example, electrically conductive yarns can be used to realize the electronic components and, on the other hand, prefabricated electronic components, the dimensions of which are so small that the explained flexibility and / or foldability is still guaranteed. H. only detachable with destruction, are connected to the other components of the respective electronic component.

In one embodiment, the item of clothing has an outer layer which, when the item of clothing is worn as intended, forms an outer side of the item of clothing facing away from the wearer. The item of clothing also preferably has a sub-fabric layer which, when the item of clothing is worn as intended, is a Forms wearer-turned inside of the garment. The lower layer is thus the innermost layer of the garment, ie the layer of the garment that is closest to the wearer. An intermediate space in which the electronic components are arranged is particularly preferably formed between the outer layer and the lower layer. The electronic components are particularly preferably arranged to at least 90%, in particular at least 95%, of their two-dimensional extent in this intermediate space. In one embodiment, the electronic components are arranged completely within this space. For example, for this purpose, the electronic components can be integrated in an intermediate layer formed from a plurality of cut parts of the garment, which is located in the space between the underside layer and the outer material layer. For example, this intermediate layer can be designed as a lining or membrane, so that the electronic components are integrated into the lining or the membrane. In one embodiment, the electronic components are arranged on the side of the lower fabric layer facing the outer fabric layer and / or on the side of the outer fabric layer facing the lower fabric layer. In any case, arranging the electronic components in the space has the particular advantage that the electronic components are particularly well protected. It is particularly preferred that only those sections of the electronic components are located outside the space that are electrically insulated and sealed in a watertight manner when the item of clothing is in operation. For example, only one electronic component with only one cable connection device can extend out of the intermediate space, with the item of clothing preferably has means that are suitable for isolating and sealing the cable interface.

In one embodiment, the sensor unit has at least one optical sensor which is designed to output a measured value as a function of a light intensity of light incident on it. In one embodiment, the sensor is designed to output a binary measured value, the sensor being designed to emit a first signal when a minimum light intensity is exceeded and to output a second signal when the light intensity falls below it. In one embodiment, the sensor is designed to output a measured value that changes continuously as a function of the light intensity. For example, the sensor can be designed as a photodiode, the sensor outputting a photocurrent as a measured value as a function of the light intensity. The control unit is particularly preferably designed to control the signal transmitter unit to output a signal as a function of the value of the light intensity output as a measured value. For example, the control unit can be designed to output a predefined control signal to the signal transmitter unit as soon as a predetermined value of the light intensity is reached, which it can assign to the measured value that was output by the sensor unit. In general, a link with an evaluation logic is preferably stored in the control unit, which carries out the corresponding evaluation of the measured value and thus defines the dependency with which it is determined which signal the signal transmitter unit outputs in response to a specific measured value output by the sensor. The dependency is particularly preferably defined or definable in such a way that when the value changes, the Light intensity by more than a limit value, a control of the signal transmitter unit takes place to output the signal. In this particularly advantageous embodiment, the control unit is thus designed so that it continuously receives measured values from the optical sensor and only if the measured value to which a certain value of the light intensity can be assigned changes by more than a limit value, the signal transmitter unit for Output of the signal controls. This has the particular advantage that background noise, ie in the present case background lighting, is effectively masked out during the evaluation. Thus, the garment can detect when a light source occurs, which generates illumination on the optical sensor, so that the total light intensity that strikes the sensor, which results from the ambient light and the additional light source, increases. Accordingly, the particularly advantageous embodiment of the item of clothing can reliably detect when a light source approaches the item of clothing or illuminates the item of clothing. This can be particularly advantageous for recognizing the approach of a luminous object, such as a car, in the dark.

The sensor unit particularly preferably forms a sensor surface, with at least 80%, in particular at least 90% of the sensor surface being arranged in an area on the garment whose outward-facing surface normal, when worn as intended, forms an angle of at least 30 °, in particular at least 45 °, to the vertical, the vertical being determined by the direction of the weight acting on the earth. When worn as intended, it is important that a wearer of the item of clothing is straight stands, ie stands along a vertical running parallel to the weight acting on the earth, whereby he lets his arms hang straight down along the vertical and directs his eyes to the horizontal. It must be taken into account here that the item of clothing should of course be worn in a predetermined manner by a healthy wearer, in particular a human being, which is what the definition of "normal wear" is based on in the present case. The sensor surface is particularly preferably the surface of the sensor unit via which the sensor unit can receive signals from the environment around the item of clothing, so that the sensor unit outputs measured values that relate exclusively to the influences that the sensor unit is exposed to on its sensor surface. The sensor surface can in particular be formed by discrete sensors of the sensor unit that are spaced apart from one another. The alignment of the sensor surface ensures in a particularly advantageous manner that the sensor unit does not experience any interference from objects that are not relevant for the safety of a wearer of the item of clothing. The inventors have recognized that dangerous objects usually only approach the wearer of an item of clothing in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the weight. By aligning the sensor surface, interference, for example interference from street lamps when an optical sensor unit is provided, can be avoided particularly effectively.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the item of clothing is designed as a jacket. In this particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor unit preferably forms a sensor surface via which, as explained, the sensor unit can record influences from the environment, in particular via which only the sensor unit can absorb influences from the environment, as explained. The sensor area is particularly preferably limited to an area of the jacket that is at least 2%, in particular at least 3%, in particular at least 5%, in particular at least 10% from the lower end of the jacket when worn as intended. Particularly preferably, the jacket has on each side a side seam running downwards from the sleeve base, which is covered by the sleeve when worn as intended, the jacket having a waist circumference, the sensor area by at least 3%, in particular at least 4%, in particular at least 6%, in particular at least 10% of the waist circumference is spaced from the respective side seam. In this particularly preferred embodiment of a jacket according to the invention, it is particularly reliably ensured that a normal movement of a wearer of the jacket is not interpreted by the control unit in such a way that an external object is approaching and that an approaching object is actually recognized.

In one embodiment, the signal transmitter unit has a current consumption of 500 mA to 3000 mA when the signal to be output upon receipt of the predefined control signal is output. The signal transmitter unit can therefore have a correspondingly high energy consumption when sending the signal due to the particularly advantageous property of the item of clothing according to the invention of only sending a signal selectively in response to the detected presence of an external object, without the useful life of the item of clothing being disproportionately restricted as a result. The item of clothing particularly preferably has an energy store, the energy store when the signal is continuously output by the signal transmitter unit a minimum operating time of three hours, in particular five hours is guaranteed. In general, in one embodiment, the energy store is integrated into the item of clothing, in particular into the fabric of the item of clothing, or the fabrics of the item of clothing from which the cut parts are made are integrated. The energy store is particularly preferably one of the electronic components of the item of clothing. In one embodiment, an energy supply interface is provided that can be connected to a conventional energy storage device, for example a smartphone or power bank, for example a USB interface, so that the signal transmitter unit, the sensor unit and the control unit receive their electrical energy via this energy supply interface in the operating phase. In one embodiment, the energy supply interface is also the interface of the control unit, via which the measured values are read from the sensor unit and the control signals are transmitted to the signal transmitter unit. The energy supply interface is particularly preferably provided in an inner pocket of the item of clothing, so that it opens into the inner pocket of the item of clothing. The energy supply interface is particularly preferably a wireless interface, in particular an inductive interface.

In one embodiment, the control unit is designed to determine from measured values of the sensor unit whether fog is present in an area around the item of clothing, the control unit being designed to permanently output the signal to the signal transmitter unit in the event that fog is detected in the area head for. The signal is particularly preferably a light signal, the signal transmitter unit having a light source. For example, fog can be detected by the provision of a CCD chip as a sensor of the sensor unit and the provision of a corresponding evaluation logic can be guaranteed. The described embodiment has the particular advantage that the item of clothing independently determines that the detection of external objects is difficult and then controls the signal transmitter unit to output the signal independently of the detection of the presence of an external object.

In one embodiment, the item of clothing comprises a movement sensor, the control unit being designed to read measured values from the movement sensor and to determine from a change in a measured value output by the movement sensor within a predetermined time whether the wearer of the item of clothing has fallen, the control unit to do so is designed to generate an emergency signal upon detection of a fall of the wearer. The control unit thus automatically determines, on the basis of the measured values output by the movement sensor, whether the wearer of the item of clothing has fallen. For this purpose, for example, an evaluation logic or a link with an evaluation logic can be provided in the control unit, which interprets this movement as a fall in the event of a sufficiently jerky movement. If the measured values are interpreted as an indication of a fall, the control unit generates an emergency call signal. In one embodiment, the control unit generates an emergency call signal by triggering the signal transmitter unit to emit a loud signal tone. In one embodiment, the control unit generates an emergency call signal in that the control unit sends a command to a mobile radio device to dial an emergency call via a predefined emergency number. In this particularly preferred embodiment, the item of clothing is designed to work with an external device in the operating phase Mobile radio device, in particular a smartphone, to be coupled, for example via a wireless interface or via a USB interface, or the item of clothing has an integrated mobile radio device. In this embodiment, a program that interacts with the control unit and makes the emergency call is stored in the mobile radio device. Particularly preferably, a call number to be dialed in the event of an emergency call can be stored in the program or in the control unit. Particularly preferably, the item of clothing also has a camera, with the camera being activated to take a photo when a fall is detected and the photo is transmitted directly to a predetermined address with the emergency call. The camera is preferably provided by a sensor of the sensor unit.

In one embodiment, the item of clothing has a central switch which is integrated in particular into the fabric or fabrics from which the cut parts are cut. The wearer can switch at least one function of the electronic components of the garment on and off via the switch. Particularly preferably, the wearer can switch all electronic components of the item of clothing on and off via the switch. The wearer can thus use the switch to determine whether or not the item of clothing is in the operating phase described above. When the electronic components are deactivated, the item of clothing is no longer in the operating phase. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the electronic switch is designed as a touch switch that can be actuated by touching it from the outside of the garment. The switch is particularly preferably designed as a capacitive switch or as a resistive switch. The garment is particularly preferably designed as a jacket, wherein the switch is integrated in a sleeve, in particular on a forearm part of the sleeve, of the jacket. The switch is particularly preferably integrated in the sleeve of the jacket at a point which, when worn as intended, points outwards from the wearer. In general, the switch is particularly preferably integrated into the garment at a point visually identified on the outside of the garment, the switch itself preferably not being located on the outward-facing surface of the garment but only being triggered by touching the marked area.

In one embodiment, the signal transmitter unit has a plurality of light sources arranged distributed over the item of clothing. A light guide is particularly preferably connected to at least some of the light sources. The light guide is particularly preferably designed in such a way that it ^{ensures the emission of light over an area of more than 10 mm 2} , with precisely one LED preferably being connected to the light guide in order to radiate light into this light guide. Preferably, at least one of the light guides is rod-like, with one elongated side being configured as a light coupling-out side, with precisely one light source, in particular LED, being arranged at one end of the rod-like light guide and light emitting into the light guide when it is lit. In one embodiment, the light sources are connected to an outside of the item of clothing via an at least partially transparent intermediate layer. The outside of the item of clothing is preferably formed, as explained above, by the outer layer of the item of clothing. By providing the transparent intermediate layer, the light sources are particularly advantageously protected against external influences. Form particularly preferred the light guide from a section of the outside of the garment, and particularly preferably each light source is protected from external influences by a light guide assigned to it. Particularly preferably, the light sources and in particular the light guides are distributed on the item of clothing in such a way that when the signal is output by the signal transmitter unit, when the signal is outputted, light is emitted in every direction that is perpendicular to the vertical, so that when there is a distance from at least 5 m from the item of clothing along each direction perpendicular to the vertical when the signal is output by the signal transmitter unit, a light intensity emitted by the light sources of the signal transmitter unit can be measured at the vertical height of the item of clothing. Particularly preferably, at least two light sources, in particular at least three light sources, in particular four light sources, are arranged on a front side of the item of clothing facing forward when worn as intended and on the rear side of the item of clothing facing backwards.

In one embodiment, the signal generator is designed to output a pulsed signal as a signal output upon receipt of a predefined control signal, the pulse rate being less than a third, in particular less than a fifth. The signal transmitter unit is thus designed in conjunction with the control unit so that when the signal to be output is sent out, the signal is only sent out as a signal pulse, the signal pulse being followed by a rest period in which no signal is sent out, followed by a renewed signal pulse. The signal pulse and the subsequent rest period form a period of the pulsed signal. The pulse rate denotes the proportion of time that the pulsed signal has in the entire period. By sending a pulsed signal through the signal transmitter unit, the energy consumption can be kept particularly low and, moreover, the item of clothing can be particularly easily perceptible as a result. Furthermore, the signal transmitter is generally preferably designed to provide a signal, in particular a pulsed signal or continuous signal, with a fixed or determinable total signal time (in the case of a pulsed signal, the idle times between the pulses also count) of at least ten seconds as the signal outputted upon receipt of a predefined control signal, in particular to send out at least fifteen seconds.

In one embodiment, the electronic components are integrated into the garment in such a way that the garment can be washed at 30 ° C. Washing instructions are preferably provided on the item of clothing, the item of clothing being washable at 30 ° C. in accordance with the washing instructions. The garment is preferably machine washable at 30 ° C. Expedient measures are known to the person skilled in the art in order to ensure such machine washability of the item of clothing. For example, parts of the electronic components can be encapsulated in plastic for this purpose and / or a watertight intermediate space can be provided in which the electronic components are arranged. In one embodiment, the item of clothing has an energy store, which is to be separated from the other electronic components before the wash cycle. In another embodiment, the energy store is integrated into the garment and remains connected to the other electronic components during the wash cycle, wherein suitable, in particular one of the explained suitable, measures for protecting the electronic components are provided.

In general, the control unit particularly preferably has an interface for coupling a mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device can be, for example, a mobile telephone, in particular a smartphone, an energy store or an MP3 player. The interface is particularly preferably designed as a wireless interface, in particular as an NFC interface. The interface is particularly preferably designed as a data exchange interface via which data can be transmitted both from the control unit to the mobile electronic device and from the mobile electronic device to the control unit. The item of clothing particularly preferably has an operating device via which the mobile electronic device can be operated in an operating phase in which the mobile electronic device is coupled to the control unit via the interface. The operating device is preferably designed as a resistive or capacitive operating device and can in particular also include a display, in particular an OLED display. In one embodiment, the item of clothing is designed as a jacket, the operating device being arranged on a sleeve of the jacket, in particular on a forearm section of the sleeve of the jacket, and being accessible from the outside of the jacket. In general, the item of clothing particularly preferably has communication means, in particular a microphone or headphones, which can be connected to the mobile electronic device via the interface. The item of clothing is particularly preferably designed to allow data traffic between the communication means and the mobile electronic device prevent when the signal transmitter unit is activated to output a signal. This has the particular advantage that if the presence of an external object is detected, the attention of the wearer of the item of clothing is not distracted by communication influences received via the mobile electronic device.

In one embodiment, the item of clothing is designed as a jacket. By default, a jacket has a back, a front and two sleeves. The sensor unit preferably extends at least partially over the rear side and the front side. In addition, the sensor unit particularly preferably extends over the sleeves. The signal transmitter unit particularly preferably extends at least partially over the rear side and the front side. In addition, the signal transmitter unit particularly preferably extends over at least one of the sleeves. The signal transmitter unit is particularly preferably designed to output a mechanical signal to the wearer, the signal transmitter unit extending on at least one sleeve or on at least one shoulder or in the collar area of the jacket. Providing the signal transmitter unit, which outputs a mechanical signal to the wearer, on the sleeve and / or shoulder and / or collar area has proven to be particularly advantageous, since a wearer is usually particularly sensitive at these points. The signal transmitter unit for outputting the mechanical signal is particularly preferably arranged at those points on the jacket which, when worn as intended, are in close contact with the wearer. For example, the signal transmitter unit can be designed as a vibration unit in sections in which it is designed to output a mechanical signal.

The invention also relates to a method for controlling a signal transmitter unit which is integrated in an item of clothing. In the method according to the invention, measured values are read out and evaluated from a sensor unit which is integrated in the item of clothing. Depending on an evaluation of the measured values, a predefined control signal is output with which the signal transmitter unit is controlled for outputting a signal assigned to the predefined control signal. The method according to the invention can have further features which can be seen from the above explanation of the most varied of embodiments of an item of clothing according to the invention. The invention also relates to the use of an item of clothing according to the invention and in particular a computing unit for carrying out the method according to the invention. The use can have features which can be seen from the above explanations of embodiments of an item of clothing according to the invention and of a method according to the invention.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to three figures using exemplary embodiments.

Figur 1:

in einer schematischen Prinzipdarstellung eine Ansicht einer Vorderseite einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Kleidungsstückes;

Figur 2:

in einer schematischen Prinzipdarstellung eine Ansicht einer Rückseite einer Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 3:

in einer schematischen Prinzipdarstellung ein Schnittmuster einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform.

Show it:

Figure 1:

in a schematic principle illustration, a view of a front side of an embodiment of an item of clothing according to the invention;

Figure 2:

in a schematic principle illustration, a view of a rear side of an embodiment according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 3:

in a schematic representation of the principle, a cutting pattern of a further embodiment according to the invention.

In the Figures 1 and 2 an embodiment of an item of clothing according to the invention, which is designed as a jacket 1, is shown schematically. In Figure 1 the front is 100, in Figure 2 the back side 200 of this jacket 1 is shown. Below are the Figures 1 and 2 explained together.

The jacket 1 according to the invention has an outer layer, a lower layer and an intermediate layer. All layers are made from cut pieces that are sewn together. The jacket 1 has two sleeves 30 and extends vertically upwards from a lower end 10 along the vertical. The jacket 1 has shoulders 40 on its upper side. In the embodiment described, the jacket 1 comprises a signal transmitter unit 2, 6, which on the one hand has light emitter units 2, each comprising an LED and a light guide, and a vibration unit 6. All elements of the signal transmitter unit 2, 6 are electrically conductively connected to the control unit 4 of the jacket 1. The control unit 4 has an interface via which the control unit 4 can send control signals to all elements of the signal generator unit 2, 6. The jacket 1 also has a sensor unit, which in the present case is formed by optical sensors 7, which are each formed as a CCD chip. In the present embodiment, four light emitter units 2 of the signal transmitter unit 2, 6 are provided on the front and rear sides 100, 200 of the jacket 1 and are distributed and aligned in such a way that light emitted by the light emitter units 2 at a distance of 5 m from the jacket 1 is visible from every viewing direction perpendicular to the vertical Z as long as the viewer is at the same level as the jacket 1 along the vertical Z. With the control unit 4 all sensors 7 of the sensor unit are also connected to the jacket 1. Two of the sensors 7 are provided on the rear side 200 and one on the front side 100 of the jacket 1. A motion sensor 3, a touch switch 5 and the vibration unit 6 of the signal transmitter unit 2, 6 are connected to the control unit 4.

The jacket 1 can be switched to its operating phase by means of the touch switch 5 or it can be switched from its operating phase to the resting phase. The touch switch 5 is a capacitive touch switch 5. When the jacket 1 is in its operating phase, the control unit 4 continuously reads measured values from the sensor unit and evaluates them. Evaluation logic is stored in the control unit 4, the control unit 4 sending control signals to both the light emitter units 2 and the vibration unit 6 of the signal transmitter units 2, 6 if the evaluation shows that the light intensity that is applied to at least one of the optical sensors 7 of the sensor unit falls, increases within one second by at least 50% based on the previously determined measured value. In the present case, the control signals cause the light emitter units 2 to emit pulsed light at a pulse rate of one tenth, whereby they are each fed with a current of 150 mA during the light pulse, and the control signals also cause the vibration unit 6 to generate a vibration signal. Since the vibration unit 6 is located on a sleeve area which is intended to be in close contact with the wearer when worn as intended, the presence of an external light source, which in the present case is equated with the presence of an external object, is carried out in the case of the jacket according to the invention during the explained detection the signal transmitter unit 2, 6 both both the wearer and the approaching light-generating external object are warned. This is because the light emitter units 2 emit a perceptible light signal to the outside for the external object, ie for an external observer, and the vibration unit 6 emits a signal perceptible to the wearer to the wearer.

From the Figures 1 and 2 It can also be seen that the sensor unit is exposed to environmental influences exclusively via such a sensor area, namely via the area formed by the optical sensors 7, which are sufficiently spaced from both the side seams 20 and the lower end 10 of the jacket 1. This prevents the functionality or detection rate of the sensor unit from being reduced in various normal movements of a wearer based on the intended wearing.

The illustrated embodiment of a jacket 1 according to the invention also has a movement sensor 3, which is also connected to the control unit 4. The control unit 4 reads the motion sensor 3 continuously. When a movement sequence of the movement sensor 3 is detected, which is defined as a fall in the evaluation logic of the control unit 4, the control unit 4 controls the sensor unit to take photos via its optical sensors 7. The control unit 4 also has a wireless Bluetooth interface via which it can be coupled to a smartphone. When the control unit 4 detects a fall, the control unit 4 transmits the photos to the connected smartphone and sends these photos to a specified address and triggers an emergency call to a specified emergency number, the address and the emergency number via wireless programming of the control unit 4 or can be specified via an app stored in the smartphone.

In Figure 3 the cutting pattern of an embodiment according to the invention is shown schematically. Using the in Figure 3 The cutting pattern shown is intended to illustrate in which areas of an embodiment of an item of clothing according to the invention sensors 7 of the sensor unit are preferably arranged so that these sensors 7 can preferably perform their function without malfunctions when the item of clothing is used as intended. The in Figure 3 The pattern shown is a pattern for a jacket 1. In Figure 3 it can be seen that the jacket 1 has a front side 100 and a rear side 200. In Figure 3 Sensor-free areas 12 of the jacket 1 and sensor areas 11 are drawn in with strong lines. The sensor-free areas 12 extend near the side seam 20 and at the lower end 10 of the jacket 1, whereas the sensor areas 11, on which sensors 7 of the sensor unit are preferably placed extend over the further flat course of the jacket 1. It can be seen from the described embodiment that, with the targeted arrangement of the sensor surface of the sensor unit, it can be consciously avoided that the functionality of the sensor unit is inappropriately restricted when an item of clothing according to the invention is worn and used as intended.

List of reference symbols

1

jacket

2

Light emitting unit

3

Motion sensor

4th

Control unit

5

Touch switch

6th

Vibration unit

7th

Sensor of the sensor unit

10

lower end

11

Sensor range

12th

sensor-free area

20th

Side seam

30th

sleeve

40

shoulder

100

front

200

back

Z

vertical

Claims (17)

Garment, in particular jacket (1), comprising a plurality of cut parts each cut to size from a fabric, which are sewn together, the garment having electronic components,
characterized in that
the item of clothing as electronic components comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting the presence of an external object, a control unit (4) and an electronic signal transmitter unit (2, 6), the control unit (4) being designed to extract from the sensor unit during an operating phase of the item of clothing To receive measured values and to transmit control signals generated as a function of the read out measured values to the signal transmitter unit (2, 6), the Signal transmitter unit (2, 6) is designed to output a predefined signal that is perceptible to a wearer of the item of clothing and / or to an external observer of the item of clothing upon receipt of a predefined control signal. Garment according to claim 1,
characterized in that
At least some of the electronic components, in particular at least the sensor unit and the signal transmitter unit (2, 6) and in particular the control unit (4), are inextricably connected to the respective material from which the respective cut piece is cut to which the respective electronic component is arranged , these electronic components being printed, glued, embroidered, knitted in or woven into the fabric in particular. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the control unit (4) comprises a link with a computing unit in which an evaluation logic is stored, the control unit (4) being designed to evaluate the measured values read from the sensor unit with the stored evaluation logic and depending on an evaluation result obtained by the evaluation logic Output control signals to the signal generator unit (2, 6). Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the electronic components so in the garment are integrated so that the item of clothing, starting from every point where the electronic components are located, can be reversibly bendable and / or folded within a distance of less than 3 cm, in particular less than 2 cm. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the item of clothing has an outer layer which, when the item of clothing is worn as intended, forms an outer side facing away from the wearer, and has an underside layer which, when the item of clothing is worn as intended, forms an inner side of the item of clothing facing the wearer, with an intermediate space being formed between the outer layer and the underside layer is in which the electronic components are arranged. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the sensor unit has at least one optical sensor (7) which is designed to output a measured value as a function of a light intensity of light incident on it, the control unit (4) in particular being designed to output a measured value as a function of the value output as a measured value Light intensity to control the signal transmitter unit (2, 6) to output a signal, the dependency in particular being defined in such a way that if the value of the light intensity changes by more than a limit value, the signal transmitter unit (2, 6) is controlled to output the signal. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the sensor unit forms a sensor surface, with at least 80%, in particular at least 90% of the sensor surface being arranged in an area on the garment whose outward-facing surface normals when worn as intended, in which the wearer runs parallel to the weight acting on the earth Vertical (Z) stands straight, lets his arms hang straight down along the vertical (Z) and directs his eyes to the horizontal, at an angle of at least 30 °, in particular at least 45 ° to the vertical (Z). Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the signal transmitter unit (2, 6) has a power consumption of 500 mA to 3000 mA when the signal is output and / or that the item of clothing has an energy storage device which is particularly integrated into the fabric of the item of clothing, with the signal transmitter unit ( 2, 6) the energy storage system guarantees a minimum operating time of 3 hours, in particular 5 hours. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the control unit (4) is designed to determine from measured values of the sensor unit whether fog is present in an environment around the item of clothing, the control unit (4) being designed to determine if Fog in the environment to control the signal transmitter unit (2, 6) permanently to output the signal. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the item of clothing comprises a movement sensor (3), the control unit being designed to read measured values from the movement sensor (3) and to determine from a change in a measured value output by the movement sensor (3) within a predetermined time whether the wearer of the item of clothing has fallen is, wherein the control unit (4) is designed to generate an emergency call signal when a fall of the wearer is determined. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the item of clothing has a central switch which is in particular integrated into the fabric, the wearer being able to switch at least one function of the electronic components of the item of clothing on and off via the switch. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the signal transmitter unit (2, 6) has a plurality of light sources arranged distributed over the item of clothing, in particular a light guide being connected to at least some of the light sources, in particular the light sources being connected to an outside of the item of clothing via an at least partially transparent intermediate layer, the light guides in particular form a portion of the outside of the garment. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the signal transmitter is designed to output a pulsed signal as the signal output upon receipt of the predefined control signal, the pulse rate being less than a third, in particular less than a fifth. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the electronic components are integrated into the garment in such a way that the garment can be washed at 30 ° C. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the control unit (4) has an interface for coupling a mobile electronic device, in particular a mobile telephone, the interface being designed in particular as a wireless interface. Garment according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the item of clothing is a jacket (1), wherein the sensor unit (4) extends at least partially over the back (200), the front (100) and in particular the sleeves (30) and / or the signal transmitter unit (2, 6) extends at least partially over the back (200), the front (100) and in particular the sleeves (30), wherein in particular the signal transmitter unit (2, 6) is designed to send a mechanical signal to the wearer and the signal transmitter unit (2, 6) extends on at least one sleeve (30) or on at least one shoulder (40). Method for controlling a signal transmitter unit (2, 6) which is integrated in an item of clothing,
characterized in that
Measured values are read out and evaluated from a sensor unit which is integrated in the garment, with a predefined control signal being output as a function of an evaluation of the measured values, with which the signal transmitter unit (2, 6) is controlled to output a signal assigned to the predefined control signal will.

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