Communication devices, systems and methods
A device including footwear that is wearable on a foot provided with a processing unit, a power source, and a plurality of energy generator elements. The plurality of energy generator elements is independently operable and configured to convert electricity from the power source into a plurality of different energy types and configured to transmit the plurality of different energy types towards the foot. The plurality of energy generator elements includes a pressure generator element configured to output a pressure force to communicate with nerves associated with the foot and a heat generator element configured to convert the electricity from the power source into a heat flux recognizable by the foot.
1 . A device, comprising:
a wearable body arranged to wrap around a lower limb of a user when worn, the wearable body comprising a processing unit, a power source, and a plurality of energy generator elements;
the plurality of energy generator elements being independently operable to convert electricity from the power source into a plurality of different energy types and to transmit the plurality of different energy types towards skin of the lower limb; and
the wearable body being operable to maintain the plurality of energy generator elements on or adjacent the skin when the wearable body is wrapped around the lower limb,
wherein the plurality of energy generator elements comprises:
a first energy generator element at least partially surrounded by the wearable body and configured to convert the electricity from the power source into a pressure force; and
a second energy generator element at least partially surrounded by the wearable body and configured to convert the electricity from the power source into a movement physically recognizable by the skin.
2 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a third energy generator element at least partially surrounded by the wearable body and configured to output an optical signal.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the wearable body comprises a flexible material.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the wearable body comprises a fastening element.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the wearable body defines a processing compartment housing the processing unit.
6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the wearable body includes a controller operable to activate the first energy generator element and the second energy generator element responsive to a control signal.
7 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the power source includes a rechargeable battery, and wherein the controller directs the electricity to the first energy generator element and the second energy generator element from the power source and responsive to the control signal.
8 . The device of claim 7 , wherein the controller is configured to modify an intensity of at least one of the pressure force or the movement physically recognizable by the skin.
9 . A device, comprising:
footwear that is wearable on a foot, the footwear comprising a processing unit, a power source, and a plurality of energy generator elements; and
a body comprising the plurality of energy generator elements, the plurality of energy generator elements being independently operable to convert electricity from the power source into a plurality of different energy types and to transmit the plurality of different energy types towards the foot,
wherein the plurality of energy generator elements comprises:
a pressure generator element configured to output a pressure force; and
a heat generator element configured to convert the electricity from the power source into a heat flux recognizable by the foot.
10 . The device of claim 9 , wherein the footwear includes laces and/or hook-and-loop fasteners.
11 . The device of claim 9 , wherein the footwear includes an impact absorbing material to distribute forces when walking or running.
12 . The device of claim 9 , wherein the body defines a processing compartment housing the processing unit.
13 . The device of claim 9 , wherein the body includes a controller operable to activate the pressure generator element and the heat generator element responsive to a control signal.
14 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the power source includes a rechargeable battery, and wherein the controller directs electricity to the pressure generator element and the heat generator element from the power source and responsive to the control signal.
15 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the controller is configured to modify an intensity of at least one of the pressure force or the heat flux.
16 . A device, comprising:
a footwear including a tensioning element that is wearable on a foot of a user, the footwear comprising a body having a processing unit, a power source, and a plurality of energy generator elements, the tensioning element being configured to apply a maintaining force that substantially maintains a position of the body relative to the foot when the footwear is worn by a user; and
the plurality of energy generator elements being independently operable to convert electricity from the power source into a plurality of different energy types and to transmit the plurality of different energy types towards the foot,
wherein the plurality of energy generator elements comprises:
a pressure generator element at least partially surrounded by the body and configured to output a pressure force; and
a heat generator element at least partially surrounded by the body and configured to convert the electricity from the power source into a heat flux recognizable by nerves associated with the foot.
17 . The device of claim 16 , wherein the tensioning element comprises laces, hook-and-loop fasteners, and/or straps.
18 . The device of claim 16 , wherein the body is at least partially located in a sole of the footwear and configured to contact an underside of the foot when the footwear is worn by the user.
19 . The device of claim 16 , wherein the body comprises an impact absorbing material configured to distribute forces when the user walks or runs.
20 . The device of claim 16 , wherein the body comprises a controller configured to modify an intensity of at least one of the pressure force or the heat flux.