Google's new patent provides users with force feedback "interactive smart apparel"

On October 26, 2018, Google's wearable efforts seemed a bit like a flash in the pan, but the company is still working hard to develop wearable technology that can be used in everyday life. In fact, Google has already acquired a related new patent: “interactive apparel” that provides tactile feedback to users.

Patents show that mobile devices such as smart phones are not always easy to integrate into everyday life, while wearable devices such as smart clothing are easier to implement. The problem is that they can be difficult to manufacture and may lack good functionality. Many smart apparel can provide tactile feedback, but usually only a little tactile feedback, which may be difficult for the user to perceive. This is what Google is trying to solve: by incorporating multiple vibration motors into the apparel to ensure that the user perceives tactile feedback.

Tactile feedback in smart clothing is useful for a variety of reasons. For example, it can inform the user that the smartphone receives the notification and information, or when the user clicks on the touch sensitive portion of the smart clothing, the system can alert the user whether the smartphone has any unchecked messages.

The patent states that such techniques can be used in jackets, shirts or pants, but can ultimately be used in any outfit.

Google is no stranger to the concept of smart clothing. At the end of 17 years, they teamed up with Levi's to launch the Commuter Trucker Jacket. The jacket is powered by Google's Project Jacquard software and has a built-in touch-sensitive sensor that allows users to control music playback, get information about commuting, and more. Project Jacquard is mainly equipped with plastic sensors in the sleeve, but Google's new patent states that the touch-sensitive surface may eventually be more deeply integrated into the jacket. It should be noted that companies such as Google apply for a large number of patents each year, and their inventions do not necessarily appear in actual products.