US010569698B2

United States Patent (10 ) Patent No.: US 10,569,698 B2

Thompson (45 ) Date of Patent: Feb. 25 , 2020
(54 ) CYCLING GARMENT WITH TURN (56 ) References Cited
INDICATING SYSTEM U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(71) Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, 4,403,211 A * 9/1983 Shibata B62J 6/003
LLC , Dearborn , MI (US ) 340/476
6,558,016 B1 5/2003 Restauro
( 72 ) Inventor : Thomas Robert George Thompson , (Continued )
Brentwood Essex (GB )
(73 ) Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC , FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
Dearborn , MI (US ) CN 104138077 A 11/2014
CN 104305579 A 1/2015
( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this (Continued )
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.C. 154 (b ) by 27 days. OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(21 ) Appl. No.: 15 /956,260 Joe Lindsey, “ This Cycling Jacket Offers Turn -by- Turn Directions,"
( 22 ) Filed : Apr. 18 , 2018 Bicycling: Bikes & Gear Training News, Hearst Communications,
Inc., Sep. 25 , 2015 , 7 pages.
(65 ) Prior Publication Data (Continued )
US 2018/0304800 A1 Oct. 25 , 2018 Primary Examiner — Ryan W Sherwin
( 30 ) Foreign Application Priority Data ( 74 ) Attorney , Agent, or Firm Frank A. MacKenzie ;
Brooks Kushman P.C.
Apr. 19 , 2017 (GB ) 1706163.1 ( 57) ABSTRACT
(51) Int. Cl. A garment for cycling, having indicating lights associated
B60Q 1/26 ( 2006.01) with sleeves of the garment; first and second accelerometers
B60Q 1/36 ( 2006.01) provided on respective sleeves ; and a controller configured
(Continued ) to receive data from the accelerometers and determine from
(52) U.S. Ci. the date whether a wearer of the garment has raised an arm
CPC B60Q 1/2673 ( 2013.01 ); A410 1/002 to indicate a maneuver. The controller is further configured
(2013.01); A41D 13/01 (2013.01 ); A41D to illuminate the appropriate indicating light depending on
27/205 (2013.01); which arm has been raised , and to compare the data from the
first and second accelerometers to filter out movements
(Continued ) common to both the first and second accelerometers and
(58 ) Field of Classification Search determine when the sleeves are being moved independently
CPC ...... B60Q 1/2673 ; B60Q 1/36 ; A41D 27/205 ; of one another in a manner to indicate a turn .
A41D 1/002; A41D 13/01;
(Continued ) 19 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets

14b
44a 44b
52 46b
14a 42b

32b
32a -42a
46a

50
 US 10,569,698 B2
Page 2

(51) Int. Ci. 2016/0144775 Al 5/2016 Ejiawoko

GO8B 5/00 ( 2006.01 ) 2016/0185280 A1 * 6/2016 Coles B60Q 1/2676
A410 13/01 340/432
( 2006.01 ) 2017/0181255 Al 6/2017 Jeremy et al.
GO8B 25/01 (2006.01 )
A41D 27/20 ( 2006.01 ) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
A410 1/00 (2018.01 )
B62 ) 6/00 ( 2020.01) CN 104886796 A 9/2015
CN 105595482 A 5/2016
(52) U.S. Ci. DE 202006019330 U1 4/2008
CPC B60Q 1/36 ( 2013.01); G08B 5/004 DE 102015001144 Al * 8/2016 B62J 6/005
(2013.01); G08B 25/016 (2013.01 ); A41D DE 102015001144 Al 8/2016
2600/102 (2013.01); A41D 2600/104 EP
ES
0985354
2396285
A1
R1
3/2000
5/2013
(2013.01); B62J 6/005 (2013.01) FR 2529296 A1 12/1983
( 58 ) Field of Classification Search GB 2331801 A 6/1999
CPC A41D 2600/104 ; A41D 2600/102; G08B GB 2411226 A 8/2005
25/016 ; G08B 5/004 ; B62J 6/005 GB 2440552 A 2/2008
See application file for complete search history. GB
GB
2521652
2533460
A
A
7/2015
6/2016
GR 20120100140 A 10/2013
(56 ) References Cited JP H02265101 A 10/1990
WO 2005034663 A1 4/2005
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
9,096,174 B1 8/2015 Banks OTHER PUBLICATIONS
2002/0044052 A1 4/2002 Stewart
2002/0145864 A1 10/2002 Spearing Dan Graziano , et. al., “ Wearable tech at CES 2016 was all about one
2003/0213045 Al 11/2003 Fuentes thing : fitness,” CNet, CBS Interactive Inc., Jan. 10 , 2016 , 5 pages.
2004/0156215 A1 8/2004 Wooldridge Les Shu , “ LEDs in Lumenus apparel aren't just flashy, they could
2004/0177428 A1 9/2004 Maese help save lives," Digital Trends, Designtechnica Corporation , Oct.
2004/0184262 A1 9/2004 De Silva 29 , 2018 , 11 pages .
2006/0291192 A1 12/2006 Hill Joe Lindsey, “ Lumenus Founder Jeremy Wall Is the Steve Jobs of
2007/0063831 A1 3/2007 Barry et al. the Outdoor Industry : The 23 -year-old inventor on upgradable smart
2008/0089056 A1 4/2008 Grosjean jackets , Zero UI, and why the Apple Watch isn't the future of
2009/0134992 A1 5/2009 Pacheco et al. wearables,” Outside , Mariah Media Network LLC , Nov. 23, 2015 ,
2009/0144887 A1 6/2009 Orandi 6 pages .
2010/0251453 A1 * 10/2010 Chen B60Q 1/2673 Erika Owen , “ This Light-Up Jacket Will Change Everything for
2/69 Vacationing Cyclists,” Travel + Leisure, Meredith Corporation
2010/0253501 A1 10/2010 Gibson
2014/0254143 A1 9/2014 Wansor Travel & Leisure Group , Nov. 6 , 2015 , 3 pages .
2015/0016095 Al 1/2015 Kretzu Romain Dillet, “ With Lumenus smart cycling apparel, you can leave
2015/0106996 A1 * 4/2015 Lau B60Q 1/2673 your boring cycling jacket at home,” TechCrunch , Oath Tech
2/160 Network , May 9 , 2016 .
2015/0176825 Al 6/2015 Bernstein GB Search report for GB 1706163.1 dated Jul. 19 , 2017 , 7 pages .
2016/0073706 A1 3/2016 Hartnett et al.
2016/0123572 Al 5/2016 Mohadjeri * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Feb. 25 , 2020 Sheet 1 of 5 US 10,569,698 B2
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Fig . 1b
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U.S. Patent Feb. 25 , 2020 Sheet 2 of 5 US 10,569,698 B2

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U.S. Patent Feb. 25 , 2020 Sheet 3 of 5 US 10,569,698 B2

Fig . 3

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VYRUOJU .
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U.S. Patent Feb. 25 , 2020 Sheet 4 of 5 US 10,569,698 B2

Fig . 4

2007
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UNAWE
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U.S. Patent Feb. 25 , 2020 Sheet 5 of 5 US 10,569,698 B2
Fig . 5
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Fig . 6 200

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 US 10,569,698 B2
1 2
CYCLING GARMENT WITH TURN For example, when leaning into a corner one sleeve may
INDICATING SYSTEM move downwards while the othermoves upwards and when
turning a handlebar one sleeve may move forward while the
CROSS -REFERENCE TO RELATED other moves rearward .
APPLICATIONS 5 The controller may offset a baseline signal from the first
and second accelerometers, e.g. due to the overall motion of
This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35 the wearer, to determine when an arm is being moved to
U.S.C. $ 119(a )- (d ) to Application GB 1706163.1 filed Apr. indicate a maneuver. In this way, the overall motion may be
19 , 2017 , which is hereby incorporated by reference in its effectively cancelled out so that movement of the arm
entirety. 10 independent of the rest of the wearer may be determined .
The first and second accelerometers may be three -axis
TECHNICAL FIELD accelerometers, e.g.providing acceleration in three orthogo
nal axes. The acceleration data may be provided to the
This disclosure relates generally to a garment and indi controller. The controller may integrate the accelerations to
cating system and method and particularly , although not 15 integration
deduce velocities and /or displacements . Alternatively, the
may be carried out by the accelerometers and the
exclusively, relates to a garment, such as a cycling garment, velocity and /or displacement data may be sent to the con
with accelerometers to determine when a wearer has moved
their arm to indicate a maneuver . troller . Either way the controller may compare one or more
of acceleration , velocity and displacement in one or more
BACKGROUND 20 axes to determine whether the wearer of the garment has
raised a particular arm .
Jackets with integral lights have previously been proposed The first and second accelerometers may be provided at a
to increase the visibility of the wearer, e.g. when cycling. wrist end of the first and second sleeves respectively. The
Similar jackets can be also be worn when riding a motor controller may be calibrated to account for the default
bike, scooter , horse etc. It is desirable to also indicate an 25 position of the wearer's wrists. For example, in the case of
intended maneuver of the wearer so that other people can the garment being used for cycling , the controller may
respond accordingly . Cyclists tend to indicate their intention determine in which orientation the wrists are relative to a
to turn by raising the appropriate arm . However, such an handlebar of a bicycle . Based on the calibration the control
indication is not always clearly visible , e.g. in low light ler may transform the movement data from the accelerom
conditions. 30 eters, which may be in a frame of reference relative to the
accelerometer, into data in a frame of reference relative to
SUMMARY the wearer (or bicycle ).
The calibration may be achieved in an initial period of
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is cycling where lateral oscillation and a forward acceleration
provided a garment, e.g. jacket, for cycling, the garment 35 may assist the controller in determining the orientation of
comprising : each accelerometer’s frame of reference (relative to that of
at least one first indicating light associated with a first the wearer or bicycle ). The calibration may be adjusted
sleeve of the garment; during a journey, e.g. to account for the wearer changing
at least one second indicating light associated with a default wrist/grip position . For example, the controllermay
second sleeve of the garment; 40 determine when movement data has transformed into a
a first accelerometer provided on the first sleeve of the different frame of reference , e.g. by detecting a sudden
garment; change in the movement data received and detecting that
a second accelerometer provided on the second sleeve of similar movement data exists in a different frame of refer
the garment; and ence. The calibration may be adjusted to be relative to said
a controller configured to receive data from the first and 45 different frame of reference .
second accelerometers and determine whether a wearer of Additionally or alternatively, the first and second accel
the garment has moved , e.g. raised , an arm to indicate a erometers may be provided at a position on the respective
maneuver, the controller being further configured to illumi sleeve away from the wrists, e.g. in the region of an elbow
nate the appropriate first or second indicating light depend or upper arm , where the orientation of the arm depends less
ing on which arm has been moved , 50 on the riding position .
wherein the controller is configured to compare the data The controller may continue to track movement of the
from one of the first and second accelerometers with data first and second accelerometers and may switch off the
from the other of the first and second accelerometers to filter indicator light when it is determined that the arm is no longer
out movements common to the accelerometers and deter raised .
mine when one of the first and second sleeves is being 55 The controller may be configured to determine when one
moved independently of the other of the first and second of the first and second accelerometers is moving relative to
sleeves, and the other of the first and second accelerometers beyond a
wherein the controller is configured to determine when threshold amount in a predetermined direction . The control
the first and second accelerometers are moving ( as defined ler may thus determine that the one of the first and second
by displacement, velocity and/or acceleration ) in opposite 60 sleeves is being moved independently of the other of the first
directions along a vertical and/or longitudinal axis with and second sleeves.
approximately equal magnitude, and thereby determine that The controller may be configured to determine when the
one of the first and second sleeves is not being moved first and second accelerometers are moving in substantially
independently of the other of the first and second sleeves . In the same direction (e.g. in /along a vertical, lateral, and /or
the present context, “ approximately equal magnitude” may 65 longitudinal axis) with approximately equal magnitude of
be defined as being within a predefined range or tolerance of displacement, velocity and /or acceleration . The controller
being equal in magnitude . may thus determine that one of the first and second sleeves
 US 10,569,698 B2
3 4
is not being moved independently of the other of the first and be carried by the wearer of the garment, e.g. in a pocket on
second sleeves. For example , when moving forward or the body portion of the garment, ormounted on the bicycle .
going over a bump, both accelerometers may move in The garment may comprise a smartphone pocket for
substantially the same direction and with approximately stowing a smartphone . The smartphone pocket may com
equal magnitude of displacement, velocity and /or accelera- 5 prises a transparent cover. The transparent cover may permit
tion . In the present context, “ substantially the same direc use of a touch sensitive screen of the smartphone through the
tion ” may be defined as being within a predefined range or transparent cover . The smartphone pocketmay be provided
tolerance of being the same direction . on the first or second sleeve .
The controller may be configured to determine when one The first and second indicator lights may be provided at
of the first and second accelerometers may be moving in a 10 a respective shoulder or upper arm region of the garment,
vertical and /or longitudinal axis relative to the other of the e.g. so as to be high up and not to be obscured by a rucksack .
first and second accelerometers with a substantially different Additionally or alternatively, the first and second indicator
magnitude (outside of a predetermined range or tolerance ) of lights may be provided at or towards a distal end of the
displacement, velocity and /or acceleration . The controller respective sleeve , e.g. at a wrist end/bottom of the sleeve .
may thus determine that one of the first and second sleeves 15 The garment may comprise a plurality of first indicator
is being moved independently of the other of the first and lights and a plurality of second indicator lights . One ormore
second sleeves . of the first and second indicator lights may be provided at the
The controller may be configured to determine when one shoulder region and one or more of the first and second
of the first and second accelerometers is moving in a indicator lights may be provided at or towards the distal end
lateral/sideways direction (e.g. perpendicular to a sagittal 20 of the sleeve.
plane of the garment/wearer) relative to the other of the first The garment may further comprise at least one brake
and second accelerometers , e.g. with a substantially different light. The brake light or at least one of the brake lights may
magnitude (outside of a predetermined range or tolerance ) of be provided on a body /trunk portion of the garment, e.g. at
displacement, velocity and /or acceleration . The controller or towards the bottom of the garment so as not to be
may thus determine that one of the first and second sleeves 25 obscured by a rucksack . The controller may be configured to
is being moved independently of the other of the first and activate the brake light upon detection of a deceleration by
second sleeves . the first and/ or second accelerometers. The controller may
When determining relative movements of the first and be configured to activate the brake light upon detection of a
second accelerometers, the controller may also refer to the deceleration by the third accelerometer. The controller may
absolute movement (e.g. displacement) of the first and 30 be configured to compare data from the accelerometers to
second accelerometers to determine which of the sleeves is determine the occurrence of a deceleration event that is
moving ( e.g. rearward and /or laterally outwards) and thus common to the accelerometers and is indicative of a braking
which of the first and second indicator lights to activate. event.
The controller may be configured to receive data from a The controller may be configured to communicate with a
third accelerometer. As for the first and second accelerom- 35 smartphone, e.g. wirelessly or via a wire . The smartphone
eters , the third accelerometer may be a three-axis acceler may be connected to the controller via a wireless protocol,
ometer, e.g. providing acceleration in three orthogonal axes. such as Bluetooth® , Wi- Fi® or any other wireless protocol.
The third accelerometermay not be provided on either of the The smartphonemay be GPS-enabled and may be capable of
first and second sleeves. The controller may compare the determining a route to a particular destination. The smart
data from the third accelerometer against the data from the 40 phone may share route information with the controller. The
first and /or second accelerometers to filter out movements smartphone may collect motion data from the first , second
common to the first and second accelerometers and deter and /or third accelerometers via the controller. The smart
mine when one of the first and second sleeves is being phone may monitor a riding style of the wearer and provide
moved independently of the other of the first and second feedback relating to the riding style . The smartphone may
sleeves. The third accelerometer may be calibrated in a 45 have an app installed thereon , which may provide an inter
similar manner to the first and second accelerometers . face for the wearer of the garment to access data provided by
The controller may be configured to determine when one the garment and /or control parameters of the garment.
of the first and second accelerometers is moving relative to The controller may be configured to determine from data
the third accelerometer beyond a threshold amount in a from the accelerometers that a crash event has occurred . For
predetermined direction . In particular, the controller may be 50 example , the controllermay determine when an acceleration
configured to determine when one of the first and second or deceleration has exceeded a threshold value, e.g. to
accelerometers is moving relative to the third accelerometer determine that the movement is not in a normal range of
and the other of the first and second accelerometers beyond bicycle movement, and that a crash has occurred . The
a threshold amount in a predetermined direction . The con controller may be configured to transmit a crash event signal
troller may determine that the one of the first and second 55 to a third party via the smartphone. For example, the
sleeves is beingmoved independently of the other of the first smartphone may transmit the crash event signal to the
and second sleeves. Data from the third accelerometer may emergency services, next of kin and/or employer. The crash
assist in providing greater certainty with fewer false posi event signal may be sent to a server together with the
tives and may assist in building up an overall picture of the location of the crash event. The server may collate accident
wearer's movement. 60 data from cycling garments and / or other sources to deter
The garment may further comprise the third accelerom mine accident hotspot zones. The smartphone may receive
eter. The third accelerometer may be provided in a body data from the server about upcoming accident zones for a
portion , e.g. trunk portion , of the garment. Alternatively, the particular route and may warn the rider accordingly .
third accelerometer may be provided on a bicycle upon The controller may be configured to determine from data
which the wearer rides . In a further alternative , the third 65 from the accelerometers the condition of the surface being
accelerometer may be provided by a smartphone, e.g. an ridden over, e.g. whether a pothole or speed bump has been
accelerometer within the smartphone. The smartphone may ridden over. Road condition data ( e.g. location of potholes ,
 US 10,569,698 B2
5 6
date ridden over, severity of potholes etc. ) may be sent to a According to another aspect of the present disclosure ,
server. The server may collate road condition data to deter there is provided an indicating system for cycling, the
mine road condition zones . The smartphone may receive indicating system comprising :
data about upcoming poor road condition zones and may at least one first indicating light, e.g. providable on a first
warn the rider accordingly. 5 arm of a cyclist;
The garment may comprise multi -colored lights on each at least one second indicating light, e.g. providable on a
of the first and second sleeves. The multi -colored light may second arm of the cyclist;
be provided by a particular light capable of emitting several a first accelerometer providable on the first arm of the
different colors of light or a plurality of lights, each with a 10
cyclist;
different color. A first color, e.g. orange or yellow , of the a second accelerometer providable on the second arm of
multi -colored light may correspond to the first and second the cyclist; and
indicator lights. A second color, e.g. red , of the multi-colored a controller configured to :
lightmay provide a danger signal to the wearer (e.g. to warn receive data from the first and second accelerometers ;
of accident hotspot and/or poor road conditions ). The pres 15 compare the data from one of the first and second accel
ence of a potential danger may be determined by the erometers with data from the other of the first and second
connected smartphone . A third color, e.g. white , of the accelerometers to filter out movements common to the
multi -colored light may provide navigation instructions to accelerometers and determine when one of the first and
the wearer. The navigation instructions may be provided by second arms is being moved independently of the other of
the connected smartphone. A fourth color, e.g. blue , of the 20 the first and second arms;
multi-colored light may provide information about a route , determine when the first and second accelerometers are
such as a warning about an upcoming junction so that the moving in opposite vertical and/or longitudinal directions
wearer may be ready to take an appropriate action . The route with approximately equalmagnitude of displacement, veloc
information may be provided by the connected smartphone . ity and/ or acceleration and thereby determine that one of the
The garment may further comprise first and second vibra- 25 first and second arms is not being moved independently of
tion modules in the first and second sleeves of the garment the other of the first and second arms; and
illuminate the appropriate first or second indicating light
respectively . The first and second vibration modules may be depending
configured to provide the wearer of the garment with a on which arm has been moved .
vibration alert . The first and second vibration modules may According to another aspect of the present disclosure ,
be configured to indicate to the wearer of the garment when 30 there is provided
indicating a method for
system comprising : an indicating system , the
to turn . By vibrating an appropriate one of the first and at least one first indicating light, e.g.providable on a first
second vibrating modules, the controllermay indicate to the arm of a cyclist;
wearer which direction to turn . The controller may be at least one second indicating light, e.g. providable on a
provided with directional information from a smartphone, 35 second arm of the cyclist;
which has determined a route. The first and second vibration
modules may be provided at the wrist end of the first and cyclist; accelerometer providable on the first arm of the
a first
second sleeves respectively . Each of the first and second a second accelerometer providable on the second arm of
vibration modules may be integral with a respective one of the cyclist ;
the first and second accelerometers. 40 wherein the method comprises :
The controller may connect to one or more of the first, receiving data from the first and second accelerometers;
second and third accelerometers via a wired connection . The comparing the data from one of the first and second
wires may extend at least partially through seams of the accelerometers with data from the other of the first and
garment. Alternatively , the controller may be wirelessly second accelerometers to filter out movements common to
connected to one or more of the accelerometers . 45 the accelerometers and determine when one of the first and
The garmentmay further comprise a power source , e.g. to second arms is being moved independently of the other of
provide power to the controller and the other electronic the first and second arms;
components . determining when the first and second accelerometers are
The controller may be configured to determine that the moving in opposite vertical and /or longitudinal directions
wearer has finished the maneuver and switch off the appro- 50 with substantially the same magnitude of displacement,
priate first or second indicating light. Completion of the velocity and /or acceleration and thereby determine that one
maneuver may be determined by tracking the location of the of the first and second arms is not being moved indepen
wearer and determining that the wearer has passed the dently of the other of the first and second arms; and
junction , e.g. with reference to a map . Additionally or illuminating the appropriate first or second indicating
alternatively , completion of the maneuver may be deter- 55 light depending on which arm has been moved .
mined by tracking movement data from the accelerometers Features mentioned above in respect of the garment may
and determining that the wearer has completed the maneu equally apply to the indicating system or method for the
ver, e.g. a turn . indicating system . For example, the indicating system may
The controller may be configured to control at least one comprise the above -mentioned garment.
parameter ( e.g. other than the indicating lights) depending 60 The present disclosure also provides software, such as a
on at least one gesture sensed by the first and/or second computer program or a computer program product, and a
accelerometers . computer readable medium having stored thereon a pro
The garment may have a cycling mode and a pedestrian gram . The software , when executed by a computing appa
mode. The indicating light functionality may be disabled in ratus , may cause the computing apparatus to perform the
the pedestrian mode. The garment may toggle between the 65 above-mentioned method. A computer program embodying
cycling mode and pedestrian mode upon detection of a the invention may be stored on a computer-readable
gesture by the controller. medium , or it could , for example, be in the form of a signal
 US 10,569,698 B2
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such as a downloadable data signal provided from the 20b provided in a shoulder region associated with the second
Internet, or it could be in any other form . sleeve 14b . In either case , the shoulder region may be on the
To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition respective sleeve, body portion or where the two join . In an
of text in the specification , certain features are described in alternative embodiment, the first and second indicating
relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the 5 lights 20a , 20b may be provided in a respective upper arm
invention . However, it is to be understood that, where it is region of the garment. In any event, the first and second
technically possible, features described in relation to any indicating lights 20a , 20b provided in the shoulder region
aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used may be positioned such that they are not obscured by a
with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention . rucksack worn on top of the garment.
For a better understanding of the present invention , and to 10 As depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first and second
show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, indicating lights 20a , 20b provided in the shoulder (or upper
reference will now be made , by way of example , to the arm ) regions may extend over the respective shoulders (or
accompanying drawings , in which : about the sleeves ) of the garment so as to be present on the
front and rear sides of the garment. Likewise , the first and
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 15 second indicating lights 18a, 18b provided at the ends of the
sleeves may also be visible from the front and rear of the
FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and back views respectively of garment. For example , the first and second indicating lights
a garment according to an embodiment of the present 20a , 20b provided at the shoulder region may be elongate
disclosure ; strips, although they may equally be formed from one or
FIG . 2 is a schematic view of a garment according to an 20 more discrete lights . The first and second indicating lights
embodiment of the present disclosure ; 18a , 18b provided at the ends of the sleeves may form one
FIG . 3 is a schematic view of a garment according to an or more chevrons. In an alternative embodiment the first and
embodiment of the present disclosure ; second indicating lights 18a , 18b at the ends of the sleeves
FIG . 4 is a schematic view depicting use of the garment may each comprise a plurality of lights distributed around
according to embodiments of the present disclosure ; 25 the circumference of the respective sleeve . In either case , the
FIG . 5 is a schematic view of an indicating system first and second indicating lights 18a , 18b at the ends of the
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and sleeves may be visible from the front and the rear of the
FIG . 6 is a flow chart depicting a method according to an garment.
embodiment of the present disclosure . The first and second indicating lights 18a , 18b , 20a, 20b
30 may , when lit, indicate to others the intended direction of
DETAILED DESCRIPTION travel for the wearer of the garment. Accordingly , the first
and second indicating lights 18a , 186 , 20a , 20b may produce
As required , detailed embodiments of the present inven light with an orange or yellow colour.
tion are disclosed herein ; however, it is to be understood that The garment 10 may further comprise a front light 22 and
the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the 35 a rear light 24. The front light 22 may produce light white
invention that may be embodied in various and alternative in colour, whereas the rear light 24 may produce light red in
forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale ; some features colour. The rear light 24 may be provided towards the
may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of par bottom end of the garment so that it is not obscured by a
ticular components. Therefore, specific structural and func rucksack worn over the garment. The front light 22 may
tional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as 40 extend alongside a front opening of the garment 10 .
limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching Each of the above mentioned lights may comprise light
one skilled in the art to variously employ the present emitting diodes (LEDs). Each of the lights may emit light of
invention . an appropriate colour or a range of possible colours, e.g. by
With reference to FIGS . 1A , 1B and 2 , a garment 10 , such varying the amount of red , green or blue light emitted . The
as a jacket, comprises a body portion 12 and first and second 45 lights may be provided as strips with a continuous strip light
sleeves 14a, 14b , which extend from the body portion 12 on or a plurality of discrete lights provided along the strip . The
opposite sides of the body portion . The body portion 12 may lights may be provided on an outer surface of the garment 10
cover the trunk of a wearer, whereas the first and second and the lights may be bonded and /or stitched onto the
sleeves 14a , 14b cover respective arms of the wearer. The garment.
garment 10 may further comprise an optional hood 16. The 50 Referring to FIG . 1A , the garment 10 may further com
garment 10 may be a cycling garment, but it may also be prise a pocket 26 for receiving a smartphone 30. The pocket
used for other sports , activities or purposes. For example, the 26 may be provided with a transparent cover so that the
garment 10 may be used for cycling, riding a motorbike , smartphone screen may be visible when the smartphone is in
riding a scooter (whether seated or standing ), horse riding the pocket 26. The transparent cover may be configured so
etc. Furthermore, although a jacket is depicted , the garment 55 as to permit use of a touch sensitive screen of the smart
may be any other type of upper body garment, such as a phone through the transparent cover. As depicted in FIG . 1A ,
jumper, sweater, shirt, coat, gilet or any other garment. the smartphone pocket 26 may be provided on one of the
The garment 10 further comprises at least one first indi first and second sleeves 14a , 14b. Providing the smartphone
cating light associated with the first sleeve 14a of the pocket 26 on one of the sleeves 14a , 14b may allow the
garment and at least one second indicating light associated 60 wearer to read information , such as route directions, dis
with the second sleeve 14b of the garment. As depicted , the played on the smartphone . However, it is also envisaged that
garment 10 comprises first indicating lights 18a provided at the smartphone pocket 26 may be provided elsewhere on the
a distal end of the first sleeve 14a and a first indicating light garment, e.g. on or in the body portion 12. For example, the
20a provided in a shoulder region of the garment 10 asso smartphone pocket may also be provided inside the garment
ciated with the first sleeve 14a . The garment 10 also 65 and the transparent cover may be omitted .
comprises a second indicating light 18b provided at a distal With reference to FIG . 2 , the garment 10 further com
end of the second sleeve 14b and a second indicating light prises a first accelerometer 32a provided on the first sleeve
 US 10,569,698 B2
9 10
14a and a second accelerometer 32b provided on the second may then activate one of the vibration modules 38a , 38b to
sleeve 146. As depicted , the first and second accelerometers indicate to the wearer of the garment in which direction to
32a, 32b may be provided at the distal, e.g. wrist, end of the turn .
respective sleeve. However, the first and second accelerom As depicted in FIG . 2 , each of the components may be
eters 32a , 32b may be provided at other locations on the 5 connected to the controller 34 via a separate wire, with the
respective sleeve , e.g. near an elbow region or upper arm exception of the first indicating lights 18a , 20a and the
region of the sleeve . The garment 10 may further comprise second indicating lights 186 , 206. The first indicating lights
an optional third accelerometer 32c , which may be provided 18a , 20a may be connected by a common wire since the
in the body portion 12 of the garment. controller 34 may not distinguish between separate ones of
The first, second and third accelerometers 32a , 32b , 32C 10 the first indicating lights. The same applies for the second
are operatively connected to a controller 34 , which receives indicating lights 18b, 206, which may also be connected to
data from the accelerometers . The controller 34 may com the controller via another common wire . The other compo
prise a processor for processing the data from the acceler nents, such as the accelerometers and other lights, may
ometers and determining when to activate the appropriate however be connected to the controller 34 by separate wires.
indicating light. Although FIG . 2 depicts a separate third 15 In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG . 3 , the
accelerometer 32c , the functionality of the third accelerom number of wires may be reduced by linking a plurality of
eter 32c may instead be provided by the smartphone 30 in different components to the controller 34 via one or more
the event that a smartphone is provided . The smartphone 30 common wires . For example , the first indicator lights 18a,
may operatively connect to the controller 34 and may be 20a and the first accelerometer 32a may be connected to the
connected by virtue of a wire or wirelessly , e.g. via Wi-Fi, 20 controller 34 via a first wire 40a , which extends along the
Bluetooth or any other wireless means. The smartphone 30 first sleeve 14a . The first vibration module 38a when pro
may otherwise comprise (e.g. perform the functions of) vided may also connect to the first wire 40a . In a similar
some or all of the controller 34 and the smartphone may manner the second indicating lights 18b , 206 , second accel
connect to the accelerometers and lights by virtue of a wire erometer 32b and the second vibration module 38b (if
or wirelessly. 25 provided )may be connected to the controller 34 via a second
The controller 34 is also operatively connected to the first wire 40b extending along the second sleeve 146. A third wire
indicating lights 18a, 20a and the second indicating lights 40c may connect the controller 34 to the third accelerometer
186 , 206. In addition , the controller 34 may be operatively 32c and /or the rear lights 24. However, the third acceler
connected to the front and/or rear lights 22, 24. As depicted , ometer 32c and the controller 34 , although depicted as
the controller 34 may be connected to the lights by virtue of 30 separate components ,may be provided in a unitary package,
one or more wires . The wires may be integrated into the in which case the third wire 40c does not need to connect to
garment 10 , for example , the wires may be stitched into the third accelerometer 32c.
seams or provided between layers of the garment 10 . In the embodiment depicted in FIG . 3 , signals or from
The garment 10 further comprises a power source 36 , the controller 34 may be multiplexed. Each of the compo
which provides electrical power to the electronic compo- 35 nents with which the controller 34 communicates,may have
nents of the garment 10. The power source 36 may comprise a unique address and instructions from the controller 34 may
a rechargeable battery. As depicted , the power source 36 be sent to a particular component at its corresponding
may be connected to the controller 34 , which may in turn address. Likewise ,data from the accelerometers may be sent
transmit power to the electronic components of the garment. to the controller, which may have its own address. Each of
The same wires may be used to transmit power and data 40 the components may have a processor for extracting the
between the controller 34 and the other components of the appropriate data from the common wire and /or sending data
garment. The power source 36 may be removable from the through the common wire to a particular component. In this
garment so that it can be readily recharged and the power way the common wires 40a , 406 , 40c may form data buses .
source 36 may be interchangeable with another power The common wires 40a , 406 , 40c are depicted as being
source . 45 separate , however, it is equally envisaged that they may be
The garment 10 may further comprise first and second joined as a single connection to the controller 34 may be
vibration modules 38a , 38b provided in the first and second provided . As mentioned above , the wires may provide data
sleeves 14a , 14b respectively. The vibration modules 38a , and power to the components of the garment.
38b may be provided at the distal, e.g. wrist , end of the The accelerometers 32a , 32b , 32c may be 3 -dimensional
respective sleeve. The first vibration module 38a and first 50 accelerometers , which are capable of measuring acceleration
accelerometer 32a may be provided in an integral package in three orthogonal axes. The acceleration data may be
or they may be provided as separate components . The same provided to the controller 34. The controller 34 may inte
may apply to the second vibration module 38b and second grate the acceleration data to obtain velocities and /or dis
accelerometer 32b . placements . Alternatively , the integration may be carried out
The first and second vibration modules 38a , 38b may 55 by the accelerometers and the velocity and /or displacement
provide the wearer of the garmentwith a vibration alert. The data may be sent to the controller.
first and second vibration modules 38a, 38b may be opera The controller 34 compares data from the first and second
tively connected to the controller 34 , e.g. via wires provided accelerometers 32a , 32b in order to determine whether a
in the garment. Vibration alerts provided by the first and wearer of the garment has raised an arm to indicate a
second vibration modules 38a , 386 may indicate to the 60 maneuver. If the controller determines that the wearer of the
wearer of the garmentwhich direction to turn . The controller garment has raised an arm , the controller 34 may send a
34 may be provided with directional information from the signal to the first or second indicating lights on the appro
smartphone 30 , which may have determined an appropriate priate arm to illuminate the indicating lights on the arm that
route . The smartphone 30 may indicate to the controller 34 has been raised .
when the wearer of the garment is approaching a desired 65 The controller 34 compares the data from the first and
maneuver and the smartphone 30 may indicate to the con second accelerometers 32a, 32b to filter out movements that
troller 34 the nature of such a maneuver. The controller 34 may be common to both the first and second accelerometers,
 US 10,569,698 B2
11 12
e.g. due to the motion of the bicycle . The comparison of the amount has been exceeded for a particular direction , the
data from the first and second accelerometers may occur controller may determine that one of the first and second
prior to any processing of the data from the accelerometers sleeves 14a, 14b has been moved independently of the other
and /or after processing, e.g. integration , of the data from the of the first and second sleeves and that therefore the one of
first and second accelerometers. The comparison of the data 5 the first and second sleeves has been raised to indicate a
may allow the controller to determine when one of the first maneuver. For example , the controller 34 may monitor the
and second sleeves is being moved independently of the upwards displacementof the first and second accelerometers
other of the first and second sleeves . The controller may 32a , 32b and , if the relative displacement between the
compare acceleration data, velocity data and /or displace accelerometers (that is, the displacement of one of the
has raised a particular arm . It will be appreciated that the termined threshold , thento thethecontroller
ment data to determine whether the wearer of the garment 10 accelerometers relative other one ) exceeds a prede
34 may determine
acceleration data, velocity data and displacement data may that a particular arm has been raised to indicate a maneuver.
be in vector form such that values are provided for a Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the controller 34
particular axis or the combined acceleration velocity or
displacement is provided along with the direction in which 15 may determine that the one of the first and second sleeves is
not being moved independently of the other of the first and
it occurs .
FIG . 4 depicts a frame of reference for each of the first and second sleeves when the first and second accelerometers
second accelerometers 32a , 32b . For example, each of the 32a , 32b aremoving in substantially the same direction with
first and second accelerometers 32a, 32b may be subjected approximately equal magnitude of displacement, velocity
to an acceleration (or deceleration ) along a longitudinal axis 20 and /or acceleration . In the present context, “ approximately
42a , 42b , and /or along a vertical axis 44a , 44b and /or along equal magnitude” may be defined as being within a pre
a lateral axis 46a , 46b . As depicted in FIG . 4 , the longitu defined range or tolerance of being precisely equal in
dinal axis 42a , 42b is aligned in the fore -aft direction of a magnitude. For example, when moving forward or going
bicycle 50 , and the lateral axis is perpendicular to a sagittal over a bump, both the first and second accelerometers may
plane of the wearer. The longitudinal, vertical , and lateral 25 move in substantially the same direction and with approxi
axes are mutually orthogonal to one another when the mately equal magnitude of movement (displacement, veloc
wearer is in a normal, straight- line riding positions (shoul ity and /or acceleration ). In such cases the controller may
ders square to the bicycle handlebars. determine that one of the first and second sleeves is not
The default frame of reference for the first and second being moved independently of the other of the first and
accelerometers may however differ from the frame of ref- 30 second sleeves.
erence depicted in FIG . 4. The controller 34 may therefore However, there may be occasions when the first and
be calibrated to account for the different frame of references second accelerometers are moving relative to one another,
such that data from the accelerometers may be transformed but it is not intended to raise an arm to indicate a maneuver.
into the frame of reference depicted in FIG . 4. For example , For example , when leaning into a corner, one sleeve may
the controller may determine in which orientation the first 35 move downwards while another moves upwards or when
and second accelerometers are relative to a handlebar 52 of turning a handle bar one sleeve may move forward while
the bicycle 50. This relative orientation may depend on the another moves rearward . To ensure that such movements do
shape of the handlebar and the chosen grip of the rider. The not result in a false -positive determination of an arm being
calibration may be achieved in an initial period of cycling raised, the controller 34 determines when the first and
where lateral oscillation of the bicycle and a longitudinal 40 second accelerometers 32a , 32b are moving in opposite
acceleration are typically experienced . The controller 34 directions with approximately equal magnitude of displace
may determine in which direction the lateral oscillation ment, velocity and/or acceleration . In particular, if the
and /or longitudinal acceleration are occurring and the con magnitude of displacement, velocity and /or acceleration for
troller may thus determine how to transform the data coming one of the first and second accelerometers is within a
from the accelerometers so as to be in the frame of reference 45 predetermined threshold of the magnitude of displacement,
depicted in FIG . 4. The calibration may also be adjusted velocity and /or acceleration to the other of the first and
during a journey since it is possible that the wearer of the second accelerometers, the controller 34 may determine that
garment may change their default wrist position relative to a maneuver gesture is not intended and that the relative
the handlebar 52. The controller 34 may look for a step variation in the movement between the first and second
change in the data coming from the accelerometers to 50 accelerometers is due to the normal variations encountered
indicate that the rider's position has changed . The controller in riding a bicycle . Such variations are more likely to occur
34 may again look for the direction in which lateral oscil in the vertical and longitudinal axes/directions for the rea
lations are occurring due to the inherent lateral wobble of a sons explained above.
bicycle and thus adjust the calibration so that the data from On the other hand, the controller 34 may determine when
the accelerometers can be transformed to the frame of 55 one of the first and second accelerometers 32a, 32b is being
reference depicted in FIG . 4 . moved in a direction ( e.g. in the vertical and /or longitudinal
The calibration of the accelerometers may be avoided (or axes) relative to the other of the first and second acceler
may be less necessary ), if the accelerometers are provided at ometers with a substantially different magnitude. When the
a location on the sleeves away from the wrists. For example , magnitude of movement (displacement, velocity and/or
the first and second accelerometers may be provided closer 60 acceleration ) is substantially different ( e.g. the difference
to the upper end of the sleeves where less variation of the between them falls outside of the predetermined range or
rider's position is likely to occur. tolerance ) the controller 34 may thus determine that one of
The controller 34 may determine when one of the first and the first and second sleeves 14a , 14b is being moved
second accelerometers 32a , 32b is moving relative to the independently of the other of the first and second sleeves . In
other of the first and second accelerometers with a relative 65 other words, the controller 34 may determine that the
displacement, velocity or acceleration that exceeds a thresh difference in magnitude of the movements experienced by
old amount for a particular direction . If said threshold the first and second accelerometers is outside the normal
 US 10,569,698 B2
13 14
range of movement of a bicycle and that as a result one of the occurrence of a crash event. The controller may thus
the sleeves is being raised independently of the other. determine that a crash has occurred . As mentioned above ,
As mentioned above , variations of movement in the the controller 34 may be operatively connected to a smart
longitudinal and vertical axes may occur during the normal phone 30. The controller 34 may send a signal to the
course of riding a bicycle . However , owing to the lateral 5 smartphone 30 that indicates that a crash event has occurred
nature of the handlebar 52, lateral variations in the relative and the smartphone may send a message to a third party
movement between the first and second accelerometers are notifying them of the crash event. The smartphone 30 may
less likely to occur. Therefore , the controller 34 may monitor also indicate the time and location of the crash event. The
the relative lateral movement between the first and second smartphone 30 may automatically transmit the crash event
accelerometers 32a , 32b . When one of the first and second 10 signal to the emergency services , a designated next of kin
accelerometers 32a , 32b is moving in a lateral direction and /or employer.
relative to the other of the first and second accelerometers, The smartphone 30 may collectmotion data from the first ,
e.g.with a different ( falling outside of a predetermined range second and/or third accelerometers 32a , 32b , 32c via the
or tolerance) magnitude of displacement, velocity and /or
acceleration above a threshold value, the controller may 15 controller 34. Such data may allow a user to monitor their
determine that one of the first and second sleeves 14a , 14b riding style and the smartphone may provide useful feed
is being moved independently of the other of the first and back . The smartphone 30 may have an app installed . The app
second sleeves. The controller 34 may determine which of may provide an interface for a user to access the data from
the accelerometers 32a , 32b is moving outwardly relative to the garment 10. The smartphone 30 may provide audio
the bicycle 50 to determine which of the sleeves 14a , 14b is 20 signals to the wearer, for example route instructions or
moving. The controller 34 may thus determine which of the information . The smartphone 30 may provide such audio
first and second indicator lights to activate . signals via a speaker provided on the smartphone or ear
Asmentioned above, the controller 34 may receive data phones .
from the optional third accelerometer 32c, which is provided The first and second indicating lights 18a , 18b provided
on garment at a location other than on either of the first and 25 at the distal end of the sleeves may be capable of emitting
second sleeves 14a , 14b . The controller 34 may compare the a plurality of different colors. As mentioned above, the first
data from the third accelerometer 32c against the data from and second indicator lights may emit an orange or yellow
the first and/ or second accelerometers 32a, 32b to filter out color when indicating a maneuver. However, the first and
movements common to the first and second accelerometers second indicator lights may emit one or more additional
and determine when one of the first and second sleeves is 30 colors. The additional colors may be provided by the first
being moved independently of the other of the first and and second indicating lights 18a , 186 or they may be
second sleeves . The third accelerometer 32c may be cali provided by separate lights provided on the garment 10 .
brated in a similar manner to that described above for the For example , the first and second indicator lights 18a , 186
first and second accelerometers 32a , 32b . may also emit a second color, e.g. red , which may indicate
The controller 34 may be configured to determine when 35 to the wearer of the garment that there is a potential danger
one of the first and second accelerometers 32a , 32b is ahead . The smartphone 30 may determine if there is the
moving relative to the third accelerometer 32c beyond a potential for danger based on the current or upcoming
threshold amount in a particular direction . Alternatively , the location of the wearer of the garment and knowledge of the
controller 34 may determine when one of the first and surroundings. The controller 34 may receive such danger
second accelerometers 32a , 32b is moving relative to the 40 data from the smartphone 30 and may instruct the first and
third accelerometer 32c and the other of the first and second second indicator lights to emit the second color accordingly.
accelerometers 32a , 32b beyond a threshold amount in a By way of example , the second color may warn the
particular direction . In this way, movement of a particular wearer about the condition of the road ahead and / or that
accelerometer is being compared to movement of two other there is a bicycle accidenthotspot ahead . Data about the road
accelerometers. The controller 34 may thus more accurately 45 condition (e.g. presence of potholes, speed bumps, poor
determine that one of the first and second sleeves 14a , 14b surface etc.) may be collected by the first, second and /or
is being moved independently of the other of the first and third accelerometers , e.g. by detecting vertical oscillations,
second sleeves 14a , 14b in a manner indicative of indicating and such data may be sent to a server along with the location
an upcoming maneuver. at which the vertical oscillations occurred ( via the controller
The rear light 24 may function as a brake light. The 50 34 and smartphone 30 ). Likewise, accident data for bicycles
controller 34 may activate the rear light 24 upon detection of may be collated and stored on a server. If the number of
a deceleration by the first, second and /or third accelerom bicycle accidents in a particular area exceeds a certain
eters, e.g. in the forward direction . The controller 34 may threshold over a certain time period, that particular area may
require that two or more of the accelerometers or at least the be considered an accident hotspot. The smartphone 30 may
third accelerometer are decelerating to activate the rear light 55 receive accident hotspot data and /or road condition data
24 . from the server and if the smartphone determines that the
In a similarmanner, the controller 34 may determine with wearer of the garment is in or about to enter such a zone, the
data from one or more of the accelerometers 32a , 32b , 32c smartphone may instruct the first and second indicator lights
that a crash event has occurred . For example, the controller 18a , 18b to illuminate with the second colour. The smart
may determine when an acceleration ( or deceleration ) has 60 phone may also determine a route that avoids such zones .
exceeded a threshold value , which is considered to be The first and second indicator lights 18a , 18b may also
outside the normal range of bicycle movement. The con emit a third color, e.g. white , which may provide navigation
troller may also determine if the rider is no longer upright instructions to the wearer. The navigation instructions may
( e.g. by monitoring the lateral and /or downwards move be provided by the connected smartphone 30 via the con
ments ) and/or if the rider is stationary immediately follow- 65 troller 34. For example, the controller may instruct the first
ing the period of excessive acceleration (or deceleration ). indicator light 18a to emit the third color to indicate to the
One or both of these factors may help the controller to verify wearer of the garment to turn in the direction of the first
 US 10,569,698 B2
15 16
sleeve 14a. The appropriate vibration module 38a , 386 may around a wearer's arm or on a first glove. Likewise , the
also be actuated at the same time. second indicating light 118b and the second accelerometer
The first and second indicator lights 18a, 18 may also 132b may be integrally formed , e.g. onto a separate band
emit a fourth color, e.g. blue , which may provide informa which may be provided around the wearer's second arm or
tion about a route , such as a warning about an upcoming 5 on a second glove. The first and second indicating lights
junction so that the wearer can take pre -emptive action . 118a , 118b may extend around the circumference of the
Again , the route information may be provided by the con respective band.
nected smartphone 30 via the controller 34 . The system 100 may further comprise a controller 134 ,
Data from the first and second accelerometers 32a , 32b which is operatively connectable to the first and second
may also be used to control one or more parameters of the 10 accelerometers 132a , 132b and the first and second indicat
controller 34 , bicycle 50 and /or smartphone 30. In particular, ing lights 118a, 1186. The controller 134 may be provided
the controller 34 may be configured such that one or more on the body of the wearer. In the particular embodiment
gestures may control a corresponding parameter of the shown , the controller 134 may be provided by a smartphone
controller 34 , bicycle 50 and /or smartphone 30. For 130. The controller 134 may wirelessly communicate with
example, twisting a particular wrist; twisting the other wrist; 15 the first and second accelerometers 132a, 132b and the first
touching particular parts of the rider (e.g. helmet ) and /or and second indicating lights 118a , 118b. Each band may
clapping hands together may perform certain operations. comprise a power source to power the respective indicating
Example operations include navigating a menu system ; light and communication means for communicating with the
toggling between a pedestrian mode and a cycling mode; controller 134. The band power sources may be recharge
requesting data relating to the journey (e.g. navigational 20 able .
data, route instructions etc.), controlling audio parameters The indicating system 100 functions in a similar manner
(e.g. volume, track selection etc.), controlling call related to the garment 10 described above . For example , the con
functions (e.g. answer incoming call, hang -up etc.), activat troller 134 receives data from the first and second acceler
ing lights of the garment (e.g. hazard light mode etc.), ometers 132a , 132b and compares the data from the accel
turning on or off an electric motor associated with the 25 erometers to filter out movements common to both the first
bicycle 50 or any other operation . and second accelerometers. The controller 134 may thus
The controller 34 may determine when a particular ges determine when one of the first and second arms is being
ture has been performed . If appropriate the controller may moved independently of the other of the first and second
then send a signal to the smartphone 30 indicating to the arms and the controller 134 may illuminate the appropriate
smartphone that the particular gesture has been performed . 30 first or second indicating light 118a, 118b depending on
The smartphone may then perform the appropriate function . which arm has been raised .
The appropriate function may depend on the particularmode Other features described in respect of the garment 10 may
of the smartphone , the current application that is running also apply to the system 100. For example , the bands may
and/ or a user setting. optionally comprise first and second vibration modules
In a particular example , the garment 10 may have a 35 138a , 1386. Also , as mentioned above , the smartphone 130
pedestrian mode and a cycling mode. In the pedestrian mode may provide a third accelerometer which may function in a
the above -described indicating light functionality may be manner described above. The smartphone 130 may be
disabled . The garment may be toggled between the pedes provided with software , e.g. an app that provides the func
trian and cycling modes with a particular gesture , for tionality to communicate with the accelerometers and acti
example clapping . The controller 34 may look for accelera- 40 vate the indicator lights when required .
tion spikes from each of the first and second accelerometers The system 100 may be conveniently applied when wear
that occur at the same time, with a similar magnitude and /or ing of the garment is not desirable . The system 100 may also
in the opposite direction . Such accelerations are indicative be cheaper to implement, as a bespoke garment is not
of a clap event. The controller 34 may toggle between the required . For example , the bands may be simply applied
two modes when the clap event is detected. The controller 45 over existing garments .
may communicate to the wearer that the garment is in a In an alternative embodiment of the system 100 , the
particular mode, e.g. by activating one or more of the lights indicating lights and accelerometers may not be integrally
and / or vibrating modules in a particular fashion . Other formed and may be separate components . The indicating
gestures (e.g. twisting wrists ) may control different param lights may be provided on a band ( or elsewhere as will be
eters depending on whether the garment is in the pedestrian 50 described below ) and one ormore of the accelerometers may
mode or cycling mode. For example, twisting a particular be provided on a smartwatch or activity tracker. The smart
wrist when in the pedestrian mode may control the music watch or activity tracker may be connected to or may
player, whereas in the cycling mode twisting the same wrist comprise the controller. The smartwatch or activity tracker
may request route based information . may be worn on one wrist . A band or sleeve with an
In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, 55 accelerometer may be worn on the other wrist. The band
the indicating lights may be omitted from the garment and with the accelerometer may also connect to the controller or
the above -described gestures sensed by the first and second the smartwatch . Such an embodiment may otherwise func
accelerometers may control parameters of the smartphone , tion as described above .
e.g. as described above. In another alternative embodiment of the system 100 , the
Referring now to FIG . 5 , in an alternative embodiment the 60 first and second indicating lights 118a, 118b may instead or
garmentmay be omitted . Instead , an indicating system 100 additionally be provided elsewhere , e.g. on a bag , such as a
comprises a first indicating light 118a and a first acceler messenger bag or rucksack . The first and second indicating
ometer 132a , which may be provided on a first arm , and a lights may be provided on opposite lateral sides of the bag
second indicating light 118b and a second accelerometer or the lights may be configured to indicate the intended
132b , which may be provided on a second arm . The first 65 direction , e.g. with an arrow . The bag may also comprise
indicating light 118a and first accelerometer 132a may be other lights , such as a brake light like that described above .
integrally formed , e.g. on a band which may be provided A power sourcemay be provided in the bag to provide power
 US 10,569,698 B2
17 18
for the lights . The bag may comprise other elements of the What is claimed is :
system 100 , such as the controller 134 and / or a third 1. A garment for cycling comprising :
accelerometer like those described above. However, one or first and second accelerometers provided on respective
more of these elements may instead be provided by a first and second sleeves ;
smartphone , which may or may not be provided in the bag 5 a signal light provided on the garment; and
and which may communicate with the lights provided on the a controller operative to receive from the first and second
bag . As for the system 100 depicted in FIG . 5 , the first and accelerometers respective movement-indicating sig
second accelerometers may be provided on corresponding nals, and based thereupon to control illumination of the
signal light as follows:
bands, gloves or smartwatch ,which may communicate with 10 illuminate the signal light if the respective accelerometer
the controller to illuminate the appropriate indicating light. signals indicate relative movement between the accel
In a yet further alternative embodiment of the system 100 , erometers exceeds a threshold ; and
the first and second indicating lights 118a , 1185 may be suppress illumination of the signal light if respective
provided on a gilet , e.g. near or around arm holes of the gilet. movements of the accelerometers
opposite directions along verticalareandsimultaneously
/or longitudinalin
The gilet may otherwise be similar to the bag described 15 axes and approximately equal in magnitude .
above.
Referring now to FIG . 6 , a method 200 for the indicating 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the controller is
system 100 or garment 10 will be described . In a first step further operative to determine when the accelerometers are
210 the controller receives data from the first and second
moving in a common direction with substantially equal
magnitude , and thereby determine that the sleeves are not
accelerometers. In a second step 220 the controller compares 20 being moved independently of one another.
the data from the first and second accelerometers and filters 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the controller is
out movements common to both the first and second accel further operative to determine when the accelerometers are
erometers so to determine when one of the first and moving relative to one another along vertical and /or longi
second arms has been moved independently of the other of tudinal axes with a substantially different magnitude and
the first and second arms in a manner indicative of a 25 thereby determine that the sleeves are being moved inde
maneuver gesture . In a third step 230 the controller may pendently of one another.
4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the controller is
illuminate the first or second indicating light if in step 220 operative
it is determined that the first or second arm has been raised to determine when the accelerometers are moving
to indicate a maneuver. The controller may continue to relative to one another along the lateral axis and determine
illuminate the first or second indicating light for a predeter 30 one
therefrom thatthe sleeves are being moved independently of
another.
mined period of time such that the indicating lights are 5. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the controller is
turned off after a certain time has elapsed . During said time further operative to receive signals from a third accelerom
period the controllermay continue to track movement of the eter and compare the signals from the third accelerometer
first
switchandoff second accelerometers
the indicating light whenandit is the controllerthatmay
determined the 35 against signals from the first and /or second accelerometers
to filter out movements common to the first and second
respective arm is no longer raised . Alternatively, the con
troller may switch off the indicating light after a predeter sleeves and determine when the sleeves are being moved
independently of one another.
mined period of time since the arm has been lowered and /or 6. The garment of claim 5 , wherein the third accelerom
once it has been determined that the wearer has finished the 40 eter is provided on a body portion of the garment.
maneuver, thereby allowing the rider to return their arm to 7. The garmentofclaim 6 , further comprising a pocket on
the handlebar to safely perform the maneuver with the a body portion of the garment, and wherein the third
appropriate indicating light still on . Completion of the accelerometer comprises a smartphone carried in the pocket.
maneuver may be determined by tracking the location of the 8. The garment of claim 5 , wherein the controller is
wearer and , with reference to a map , determining that the 45 determine
further operative to compare data from the accelerometers to
a deceleration event that is common to the accel
wearer has passed the junction . Additionally or alternatively,
completion of the maneuver may be determined by tracking erometers and is indicative of a braking event.
movement data from the accelerometers and determining 9. The garment of claim 1 , further comprising first and
that the wearer has completed a turn , e.g. by determining second vibration modules in the first and second sleeves of
that the acceleration, velocity and /or displacement in the 50 tive
the garment respectively,the vibration modules being opera
to provide a wearer of the garment with an alert.
lateral direction is below a certain threshold . 10. A garment for cycling comprising :
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that first and second accelerometers on respective first and
although the invention has been described by way of second sleeves ; and
example , with reference to one or more examples, it is not 55 a controller receiving signals from the accelerometers
limited to the disclosed examples and alternative examples and , if the signals indicate approximately equal move
may be constructed without departing from the scope of the ment of the accelerometers in opposite directions in
invention as defined by the appended claims. vertical and /or longitudinal axes, determining there
While exemplary embodiments are described above , it is from that a garment wearer's arms have not moved to
not intended that these embodiments describe all possible 60 indicate a turn , and suppressing illumination of a turn
forms of the invention . Rather, the words used in the signal light, wherein the controller is further operative
specification are words of description rather than limitation , to receive signals from a third accelerometer and com
and it is understood that various changes may be made pare the signals from the third accelerometer against
withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention . the signals from the first and /or second accelerometers
Additionally, the features of various implementing embodi- 65 to filter outmovements common to the first and second
mentsmay be combined to form further embodiments of the sleeves and determine when the sleeves are being
invention . moved independently of one another.
 US 10,569,698 B2
19 20
11. The garment of claim 10 , wherein the controller is determine a deceleration event that is common to the accel
further operative to determine when the first and second erometers and is indicative of a braking event.
accelerometersequal
substantially are magnitude
moving in, and
a common direction with
thereby determine 17. The garment of claim 10 , further comprising first and
that second vibration modules in the first and second sleeves of
the sleeves are not being moved independently of one 5 the garmentrespectively , the vibration modules being opera
another.
12. The garment of claim 10 , wherein the controller is tive18.to Theprovide the garment wearer with an alert.
garment of claim 17 , wherein each of the first and
further operative to determine when the first and second
accelerometers are moving relative to one another in vertical second vibration modules is integral with a respective one of
and /or longitudinal axes with a substantially differentmag 10 the first and second accelerometers .
nitude and thereby determine that the sleeves are being 19. A method comprising :
moved independently of one another. operating first and second accelerometers on respective
13. The garment of claim 10 , wherein the controller is first and second sleeves of a cycling garment to detect
operative to determine when the first and second acceler movement of the sleeves; and
ometers are moving relative to one another along the lateral operating a controller to analyze data received from the
axis and determine therefrom that the sleeves are being 15 accelerometers , and a ) illuminate a signal light if the
moved independently of one another. respective accelerometer signals indicate relative
14. The garment of claim 10 , wherein the third acceler movement between the accelerometers exceeding a
ometer is provided on a body portion of the garment. threshold , and b ) suppress illumination of the signal
15. The garment of claim 14 , further comprising a pocket 20 light if the data indicate approximately equal move
on a body portion of the garment, and wherein the third ment of the accelerometers simultaneously in opposite
accelerometer comprises a smartphone carried in the pocket. directions in vertical and /or longitudinal axes.
16. The garment of claim 10 , wherein the controller is
further operative to compare data from the accelerometers to