SOUND PROCESSING AND BROADCASTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PERSONALIZED AUDIO CONTENT

Abstract

TITLE: SOUND PROCESSING AND BROADCASTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PERSONALIZED AUDIO CONTENT The present invention relates to a device for providing, by broadcasting sounds to a person, in particular a person with cognitive disorders, beneficial effects related to the proximity of a reference person. In particular, the invention relates to such a device for reproducing certain beneficial effects of the presence of a reference person, such as a parent, in the immediate vicinity of a person suffering from memory-related disorders. The invention also relates to a method that can be implemented by such a device, for providing a person suffering from memory-related disorders with certain of the beneficial effects related to the proximity of a person. Abstract figure: Figure 1 FIGURES

Description

Title of the invention: SOUND PROCESSING AND BROADCASTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PERSONALIZED AUDIO CONTENT Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device which, by broadcasting sounds to a person, in particular a person with cognitive disorders, provides beneficial effects linked to the proximity of a reference person.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to such a device making it possible to reproduce certain beneficial effects of the presence of a reference person, such as a parent, in the immediate vicinity of a person suffering from memory-related disorders.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method which can be implemented by such a device, to provide a person suffering from memory-related disorders with some of the beneficial effects linked to the proximity of a person. Prior art

[0004] According to the present invention, cognitive or neurocognitive disorders (CMD) or cognitive decline refers to an alteration of one or more cognitive functions, regardless of the mechanism involved, its origin or its reversibility. A cognitive disorder may have a neurological, psychiatric, drug-related or accidental origin, an acquired, significant and progressive reduction in capacities in one or more cognitive domains, sufficiently significant to no longer be able to carry out daily life activities alone (loss of autonomy): managing one's budget, one's treatments, shopping, using transport, the telephone. This disorder differs from a confusional syndrome. Mild NCD is defined as an acquired, significant and progressive reduction in capacities in one or more cognitive domains, but with preserved capacities allowing one to carry out daily life activities alone.According to the present invention, the device and the method according to the invention can however be applied more generally to sick or handicapped people, who have to stay in a hospital environment or in medical reception structures.

[0005] Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the association of hippocampal amnesia with instrumental cognitive disorders (language, praxis, gnosis) indicating progressive cortical damage affecting behavior and autonomy.

[0006] People suffering from cognitive disorders or Alzheimer's are generally taken care of for a period that can last several months. Depending on the degree of progression of their pathology, they are often placed in isolated care units with limited contact over time with the outside world and in particular with a reference person.

[0007] Music therapy is a practice of care, assistance, support or rehabilitation which consists of taking care of people with communication and / or relationship difficulties. There are different music therapy techniques, adapted to the populations concerned: psycho-affective disorders, social or behavioral difficulties, sensory, physical or neurological disorders.

[0008] In patients with Alzheimer's disease, music can reactivate residual memory capacities and simple exposure to music can bring them out of lethargy by activating the reward circuits. Thus, people are able to remember old melodies, and, even more surprisingly, exposure to music allows these people to activate learning capacities that were thought to be lost.

[0009] Today, music therapy is widely applied in various health fields in France and is part of the recommendations of the High Authority for Health (HAS). The therapeutic applications of music therapy are very numerous, and its usefulness has been demonstrated in many fields (psychiatry, neurology, geriatrics, pain, pediatrics, anesthesia-resuscitation, etc.).

[0010] A distinction is made between active music therapies and receptive music therapies. The former are based on playing musical instruments, while the latter are based on listening to specific musical programs. More specifically, receptive music therapy refers to a sound sequence and / or a musical montage whose objective is to train the person's imagination by making them listen to one or more pieces of music or selected sound sequences in order to stimulate their memory or bring back emotions.

[0011] Music therapy uses music and musical sequences as a means to address a given problem. Thus, in music therapy, sounds and rhythms become instruments to increase creativity, reconnect with oneself and treat various health problems. Used as a psychomusical relaxation tool, music can improve cognitive (attention, memory stimulation), psychomotor (agility, coordination, mobility) and socio-affective abilities. Although music therapy was initially reserved for psychotherapy, its aims have since broadened considerably. What's more, no musical knowledge is necessary to benefit from music therapy.

[0012] Psychomusical relaxation is a music therapy technique that involves having a person listen to a musical montage lasting 20 to 45 minutes that meets specific criteria. According to the publication “music therapy in the intensive care unit: an example of the use of the “u” sequence”. s. de lattre • s. guetin • g. tondut • j. carr • m. conseil • m. cisse • b. souche • g. chanques • s. jaber, 2015, it is constructed in three continuous phases and neighboring tones, in order not to stimulate, by the appearance of ruptures, anxiety processes already reactive by a traumatic situation. The first phase, called descending phase, must respect the decrease of all musical parameters: sound intensity, tempo, instrumental formation (number of instruments). The objective of this phase is to gradually bring the person to the state of relaxation, a warm atmosphere allowing a better tonic-emotional integration, with loss of the time reference. In the second phase, the musical parameters have reached their lowest level and are kept constant: this is the state of deep relaxation accomplished.The third and final phase, called the ascending phase, respects a progressive increase in all musical parameters, allowing the patient to reach a state of post-relaxation, soothing awakening. The objective is to modify the person's state of consciousness through variations in musical discourse. Verbal suggestions, generally used in sophrology or hypnoanalgesia, are here replaced by musical induction. This musical induction, which is most of the time personalized according to the emotional and affective preference of the person, will gradually bring them to a hypnotic state of relaxation thanks to variations in musical components such as rhythm, frequencies, orchestral formation and volume. This technique has already shown its effectiveness in the management of chronic pain and acute pain.

[0013] The company Music Care® has thus developed musical induction algorithms to act against pain, anxiety, sleep disorders and reduce medication consumption, to the detriment of the use of a smartphone application therefore using waves which may in certain cases not be compatible with life in a hospital environment, but also of a prior assessment for the choice of music which involves the person themselves.

[0014] International application WO2020 / 040447 discloses a music output apparatus using a sensor comprising any one of a pressure sensor, a gyroscopic sensor and an acceleration sensor, a gesture recognition unit for recognizing a user gesture using detected data, a controller for modifying pre-recorded music or generating new music corresponding to the recognized gesture, and an output unit for outputting the modified music or the generated music. The present invention can be used in music therapy without constructing expensive equipment, and can easily produce and arrange music, thereby arousing the interest of young children.

[0015] Patent FR3045392 relates to the field of devices for treating a human and animal subject by means of a combination of different techniques, namely lithotherapy, chromotherapy, light therapy and music therapy. More particularly, this patent describes a device for treating a subject, comprising light means comprising several light units which are each intended to emit a treatment light beam having a predefined light spectrum, a quartz crystal and means for producing a cold light beam intended to pass through said quartz crystal and sound means, intended to diffuse sounds, and control means, for controlling and coordinating the operation of said light means and said sound means.

[0016] However, in so-called "music therapy" care and associated techniques, no methodology encourages or encourages the presence of a reference person, close to a person presenting a need for relaxation stimulation or a reminiscence program in the prevention of cognitive fragility. According to the present invention, "a reference person" is a person having a particular emotional bond with the person presenting cognitive or motor disorders, in particular a parent, a member of his family, or a person taking particular care of this person.

[0017] It is indeed recognized that the presence of a reference person in the immediate vicinity of a person with cognitive disorders provides them with effects that are useful for their psychological, or even physical, development, in particular psychorelaxation. Such a presence is of particular importance in the case of elderly people.

[0018] However, the conditions of care, the state of health of the elderly, and the duration of this medical care, do not allow the reference persons to ensure a presence in the immediate vicinity as regularly as they would wish. Objectives of the invention

[0019] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0020] The invention aims in particular to facilitate the stimulation of the memory of people with cognitive disorders and / or elderly people, in good conditions, and particularly those who are hospitalized or entrusted to care establishments.

[0021] An objective of the invention is thus to provide a device providing a person with cognitive disorders and / or elderly people with the reassuring feeling of the presence of a reference person at their side.

[0022] A particular objective of the invention is to provide such a device which can be implemented without difficulty automatically, at least in a particularly simple manner, without a digital application for a smartphone or even without prior assessment, in a medicalized environment, such as a hospital or a care facility for the elderly, and not presenting any incompatibility with such an environment, in particular presenting electromagnetic compatibility with medical equipment (no wave emissions disturbing the environment). Indeed, the specific nature of the operation of a medicalized or hospital service, with the multiplicity of caregivers, the prioritization of care acts and the importance of the workload, does not provide the possibility of including music therapy, particularly receptive music therapy, in parallel with care planning or of taking the time to establish a relationship of trust necessary for the optimization of current music therapy with a prior assessment.

[0023] A particular objective of the invention is to provide such a device which avoids any disturbance of the person's state of health, even in the event of an error in the use of the device. Another objective of the invention is to provide such a device which is easy to configure and use.

[0024] The invention also aims to provide a method aimed at providing a person with cognitive disorders, in particular an elderly person, with certain beneficial effects of the presence of a reference person in the immediate vicinity of the person and to stimulate their memory over the long term. Statement of the invention

[0025] These objectives, as well as others which will become more clearly apparent hereinafter, are achieved using a sound processing and broadcasting device for providing personalized audio content, characterized in that it comprises: means for recording a sound, implemented by a microcontroller and comprising at least one microphone, means for processing the recorded sound, comprising at least one high-pass filter which limits the high frequencies up to a measurement of 4000 Hz and means for broadcasting said first recorded and processed sound, mixed with a second sound and a third sound in said sound processing and broadcasting device comprising at least one loudspeaker.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the sound processing and broadcasting device according to the invention is characterized in that said first recorded sound is a vocal sequence comprising a vocal recording of a duration of between 1 and 20 minutes, preferably 10 and 15 minutes, more preferably 7 minutes.

[0027] The inventors have noted that the use of a broadcast sequence as described makes it possible to resolve the drawbacks of the devices and methods of the prior art and allows for better simulation of presence for the elderly person and a reassurance of the latter.

[0028] According to another preferred embodiment, the sound processing and broadcasting device according to the invention is characterized in that said second sound in said sound processing and broadcasting device consists of a musical sequence broadcast after the vocal sequence and the third sound is a low-frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats broadcast after the musical sequence.

[0029] According to the present invention, the term music or musical sequence includes any sequence that combines sounds and silences over time capable of simulating the presence or strengthening the bond between the reference person and the elderly person. This term includes, in a non-limiting manner, songs, musical instruments, voices, sounds of nature, humming or combinations thereof.

[0030] According to another preferred embodiment, the sound processing and diffusion device according to the invention is characterized in that the musical sequence has a duration of between 1 and 20 minutes, preferably 5 and 12 minutes, more preferably 7 minutes.

[0031] According to another preferred embodiment, the sound processing and broadcasting device according to the invention is characterized in that the musical sequence is composed of two distinct and consecutive musical sequences comprising a first broadcast of the musical sequence at a tempo of between 80 and 100 beats per minute, preferably 90 beats per minute, and a second broadcast of the musical sequence with a tempo of between 60 and 80 beats per minute, preferably 70 beats per minute.

[0032] According to the present invention, tempo or movement is understood to mean the speed of execution of a piece of music, more precisely the frequency of the pulse, or a regular beat which serves as a standard for constructing the different rhythmic values. Its unit of measurement is the beat per minute, commonly abbreviated by the symbol (BPM), which is a unit of measurement used to express the tempo of the music or the heart rate, quantified by the number of beats occurring in one minute.

[0033] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the sound processing and diffusion device according to the invention is characterized in that the low-frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats has a duration of between 1 and 2 minutes, preferably 1 minute.

[0034] According to another preferred embodiment, the sound processing and diffusion device according to the invention is characterized in that the total duration of the sequences of sounds recorded and processed and mixed by the sound diffusion means is between 3 and 45 minutes, preferably 20 minutes, preferably 15 minutes.

[0035] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the sound processing and diffusion device according to the invention is characterized in that the total duration of the sequences of sounds recorded and processed and mixed by the sound diffusion means is 23 minutes.

[0036] The invention also relates to a method for providing personalized audio content implemented by a device according to the invention, characterized in that it comprises: a first step of recording a voice, a second step of processing the sound consisting of accentuating the tones up to a measurement of 90 dB and limiting the frequencies beyond 4,000 Hz, a sound broadcasting step (63), during which the recording previously made and processed is broadcast, a second sound broadcasting step (64) comprising a musical sequence, and a third sound broadcasting step (65) comprising a low-frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats.

[0037] According to another preferred embodiment, the method for providing personalized audio content implemented by a device according to the invention is characterized in that the sound broadcasting step, during which the previously made and processed recording is broadcast, is of a duration of between 1 and 20 minutes, preferably 5 and 12 minutes, more preferably 7 minutes.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the method for providing personalized audio content implemented by a device according to the invention is characterized in that the second sound broadcasting step consists of a musical sequence of a duration of between 1 and 20 minutes, preferably 5 and 12 minutes, more preferably 7 minutes.

[0039] According to another preferred embodiment, the method for providing personalized audio content implemented by a device according to the invention is characterized in that the musical sequence of the second sound broadcasting step comprises at least two distinct and consecutive sequences comprising: a first broadcast of musical sequence has a tempo of between 80 and 100 beats per minute, preferably 90 beats per minute, and a second broadcast of musical sequence with a tempo of between 60 and 80 beats per minute, preferably 70 beats per minute.

[0040] Finally, according to another preferred embodiment, the method for providing personalized audio content implemented by a device according to the invention is characterized in that the third step of sound diffusion of a low-frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats is of a duration of between 1 and 2 minutes, preferably 1 minute.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment of the invention and in a non-limiting manner, a person skilled in the art can modulate the duration of the periods of each of the sound sequences of the sequence broadcast during the sound broadcasting stage between 3 and 45 minutes, this always including a period including the sound of the voice of the person whose presence we want to simulate, accompanied by one or two musical sequences and accompanied by a sound sequence of heartbeats.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment of the invention and in a non-limiting manner, a person skilled in the art can also modulate the volume of all the sequences broadcast in order to smooth the sound volume of the broadcast or can progressively decrease the sound volume of each of the sound sequences separately.

[0043] Even more advantageously, the sound processing step accentuates the tones up to a measurement of 90 dB and limits the frequencies beyond 4,000 Hz. According to another embodiment, the sound processing step comprises a step of increasing the volume of the entire recording, so that the entire recording has a volume greater than the predetermined value. It may also consist, in another embodiment, of a greater increase in the recording volume of the recording portions having too low a volume. In this case, this increase in the maximum sound volume results in a smoothing of the sound volume of the recording. List of figures

[0044] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given as a simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures among which: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a device for processing and broadcasting sounds according to one embodiment of the invention. - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a diagram showing the steps of a method implemented with a device according to the invention in order to provide personalized audio content. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0045] [Fig.l] schematically represents a device for processing and broadcasting sounds according to one embodiment of the invention. This device comprises a housing (1), in which different electronic components are contained. In the embodiment shown, this housing (1) is made of thermoplastic elastomer and has a heart shape. This housing (1) may however, in other embodiments, have different shapes, and be made of any suitable material known to those skilled in the art. In [Fig.l], this housing (1) is shown open, so as to show the components it contains.

[0046] According to an advantageous characteristic, the sound processing and diffusion device comprises a cover (2) made of textile material, surrounding the housing (1). This cover (2) is advantageously removable, and can be removed from the processing device and sound diffusion device and be worn by the reference person whose presence is to be simulated near a person, in order to absorb their odor. Thus, when the cover (2) is replaced on the housing (1), it diffuses the odor of the reference person. It is also possible for the sound processing and diffusion device to be supplied with several covers, so that the reference person can wear one to absorb their odor, while the other is placed on the housing (1). In [Fig.l], only the contours of the cover (2) are shown in dotted lines, so that the housing (1) and its contents remain visible in the figure.

[0047] This housing (1) contains in particular at least one battery (3), a loudspeaker (4) and an electronic card (5), connected together. The electronic card (5) carries in particular a microcontroller (51), a sound processing component (52), a microphone (53), a light-emitting diode (54), a power socket (55) and a control button (56).

[0048] The microcontroller (51) ensures in particular the control of all the other components, so that the sound processing and broadcasting device can implement several functionalities, including the following functionalities: - a recording functionality, implemented in particular by the microcontroller (51), the sound processing component (52) and the microphone (53); - a sound broadcasting functionality, implemented in particular by the microcontroller (51), the sound processing component (52) and the loudspeaker (4); - a battery charging functionality, implemented in particular by the microcontroller (51), the power socket (55) and the batteries (3).

[0049] The microcontroller (51) advantageously makes it possible to assign the sound processing and diffusion device to one or other of the functionalities indicated above. Preferably, these functionalities are not implemented simultaneously.

[0050] The microcontroller (51) makes it possible to place the sound processing and diffusion device in different distinct states. Among these states: - a recording state, in which the recording functionality allows the recording and processing of sounds, - a sound broadcast state, during which the sound broadcast functionality enables the broadcasting of sounds, which may include one or more previously recorded sound sequences, - a battery charging state, during which the sound processing and broadcasting device is connected to a power source, and the battery charging functionality is active

[0051] When the power plug (55) is not connected to a power supply, a user pressing the control button (56) allows transmission to the microcontroller (51) the instructions to put the device in one of the recording or sound broadcasting states. Advantageously, the microcontroller (51) is capable of detecting the connection of a power supply to the power socket (55). In this case, it puts the sound processing and broadcasting device in the battery charging state (3), interrupting, if necessary, the recording state or the sound broadcasting state. Such an interruption of the sound broadcasting and recording functionalities, when the sound processing and broadcasting device is connected to a power supply, advantageously makes it possible to avoid any risk of an accident of electrical origin. In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention can also be recharged by induction.In this case, the search will be carried out by an inductive recharging device for an electronic element of the mobile phone or digital tablet type having at least one receiving antenna and having an external face intended to support the electronic element for its recharging. Such an inductive recharging device can be carried in a pocket or in a bag but this is not limiting.

[0052] In the recording state, the recording functionality of the sound processing and broadcasting device is activated. This recording functionality is implemented by the electronic components which have the functionality of recording the surrounding sounds and processing the sounds for broadcasting, and in particular the microphone (53) and the sound processing component (52).

[0053] This sound processing component (52) may be an electronic component dedicated to sound processing. It may also be, in other embodiments, a software audio driver, operating for example on the microcontroller (51).

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, when the microcontroller (51) activates the recording functionality, the microphone (53) records a sound, preferably a sound in which the voice of the reference person appears in a privileged manner. The recording functionality thus allows recordings from a few seconds to a few minutes.

[0055] It is also recommended that the reference person make this recording of his voice by placing the box (1) against his chest, directly on the skin, or by holding the edge of the box with the tips of his fingers. During the recording, the microphone (53) can thus pick up, in addition to the voice, a weak signal representative of the heart rate of the reference person.

[0056] After recording sounds, the sound processing component (52) performs several specific processes on these sounds.

[0057] Thus, the sound processing component (52) performs processing of the recorded sounds to accentuate the tones to a determined value. In a manner Advantageously, the sound processing component (52) accentuates the tones up to a measurement of 90 dB and limits the frequencies beyond 4,000 Hz. This processing can also, and in a non-limiting manner, consist of an increase in the volume of the entire recording, so that the entire recording has a volume greater than the predetermined value. It can also consist, in another embodiment, of a greater increase in the recording volume of the recording portions having too low a volume. In this case, this increase in the maximum sound volume results in a smoothing of the sound volume of the recording.

[0058] The sound processing component (52) also performs, according to the invention, processing of the recorded sounds to specifically reduce the volume of sounds having the highest frequencies. This processing may consist of frequency filtering intended to strongly limit the highest frequencies. Thus, in the embodiment shown, this processing is carried out by a high-pass filter which attenuates frequencies above 4,000 Hz, at a rate of 20 dB per decade.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the high-pass filter may be an additional electronic component dedicated to sound processing. It may also be, in other embodiments, a specific software audio driver operating for example on the microcontroller (51).

[0060] Such sound processing makes it possible, when the sound is subsequently broadcast near an elderly person, to improve listening in the frequencies whose perception decreases with age and to significantly limit the impact on the ears of the person suffering from cognitive disorders, of unrequested sounds.

[0061] In the sound diffusion state, the sound diffusion functionality of the sound processing and diffusion device is activated. This sound diffusion functionality is notably implemented by the electronic components which have the functionality of diffusing sounds, and notably by the loudspeaker (4) and the sound processing component (52), under the control of the microcontroller (51).

[0062] The sound processing component (52) can thus broadcast, via the loudspeaker (4), selected sounds. Advantageously, this sound broadcasting functionality allows the sound processing and broadcasting device to broadcast sounds from at least three distinct sound sequences. At least one of these sequences consists of a voice sound, which has been previously recorded and processed by the sound processing and broadcasting device, as part of the recording functionality. The other two sound sequences are a musical sequence broadcast after the sequence consisting of a voice sound, and the third sound sequence is a low-frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats broadcast after the musical sequence.

[0063] [Fig.2] schematically represents the steps of a sound diffusion method according to the invention.

[0064] This method comprises a step (61) of recording a voice, more precisely the voice of the reference person.

[0065] This recording step (61) is followed by at least one sound processing step (62) consisting of accentuating the tones up to a measurement of 90 dB and limiting the frequencies beyond 4,000 Hz, followed by a first sound diffusion step (63), during which the previously made and processed recording is diffused, a second sound diffusion step (64) comprising a musical diffusion, and finally a third sound diffusion step (65) comprising a low frequency sound imitating the perception of heartbeats.

[0066] Preferably, the musical sequence comprises at least one piece of music chosen in connection with the user to remind him of a happy memory of which he is still aware or any music which can awaken his memory. This musical sequence is already recorded and present in the device, or advantageously will be recorded by the reference person with the sound recording means of the device comprising a microphone (53). This recording may, in an advantageous embodiment, have a rhythm and a sound volume, possibly variable over time, specifically chosen to obtain a stimulating effect.

[0067] Advantageously, this musical sequence is a sequence composed of two distinct and consecutive musical sequences comprising a first musical sequence with a tempo of between 80 and 100 beats per minute, preferably 90 beats per minute, and a second musical sequence with a tempo of between 60 and 80 beats per minute, preferably 70 beats per minute. Each of the musical sequences can be chosen and recorded by the user and / or the reference person. Advantageously, the musical sequences comprising said tempos are pre-recorded in the device.

[0068] It has also been shown that the addition of the musical sequence between the sound recording and low frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats makes it possible to reinforce the progressive calming of the person suffering from cognitive disorders and allows superior results when they are combined together according to the device or method according to the invention.

[0069] It should be noted that according to a particular embodiment of the invention, each of the two musical sequences can be either the same musical sequence or two distinct musical sequences which respect said tempos. In another particular embodiment, each of the two musical sequences have the same duration, for example 1-1 minute, 4-4 minutes, 7-7 minutes, 8-8 minutes or even 12-12 minutes. In another particular embodiment of the invention, each of the two musical sequences have different durations, for example 5-6 minutes or 7-8 minutes.

[0070] In another embodiment of the device and method according to the invention, the musical sequences are mixed and processed with the sound recording in order to accentuate the tones up to a measurement of 90 dB and limit the frequencies beyond 4,000 Hz.

[0071] Preferably, the third sound diffusion step (65) consists of a low-frequency sound recording reproducing the perception of heartbeats. This recording may, in an advantageous embodiment, have a rhythm and a sound volume, possibly variable over time. In a particular embodiment, the rhythm of this sound recording imitating / reproducing the perception of heartbeats may be modulated, based on information linked to the weak signal representative of the heart rate of the reference person, which was previously captured by the recording functionality. Advantageously, the diffusion duration of this sequence is between 1 and 3 minutes, preferably 1 minute, and follows the sound diffusion of the musical sequence (64).

[0072] When implementing this sound broadcasting functionality, the sound processing and broadcasting device can mix all of these sound tracks, or broadcast one or the other, according to a predefined sequence.

[0073] Of course, other sound tracks or sequences can be broadcast to adapt to different needs. The inventors have made sound sequences with a period of 7 minutes of a sound sequence comprising the sound of the user's voice and / or the reference person, a further period of 7 minutes with a sound sequence comprising music and / or the musical sequences with the tempos according to the invention and during a last period of 1 minute, with the sound of low-frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats of heartbeats is broadcast.

[0074] The total duration of the sound sequences broadcast by the method using the device according to the invention is preferably between 3 and 45 minutes, preferably 15 minutes. Another preferred duration is 20 minutes, but all durations are possible with the method and device according to the invention, although these do not exceed or equal 45 minutes in order to obtain the results and technical effects sought by the inventors.

[0075] The method and device according to the invention thus makes it possible to broadcast simultaneously or not a sound sequence comprising the sound of the voice of the person whose presence is to be simulated, accompanied or not by a sound sequence comprising music, such as a song, whispers, humming, instruments music, animal sounds, and a sound sequence corresponding to the low-frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats.

[0076] In one embodiment of the device and method of the invention, the musical sequence can be broadcast over all of the periods but preferably in the second broadcast period of the sound sequence.

[0077] It is also advantageous for the person skilled in the art in an alternative but preferred mode to reduce the sound volume of the sequences corresponding to either the sound of the voice, or the sound of music, or the low-frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats, either simultaneously or not, immediately or progressively in order to promote the stimulation of the user.

[0078] The combination of voice, musical sequence and low frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats allows for a superior effect on the stimulation of the person suffering from cognitive disorders.

[0079] The device may be equipped with a light-emitting diode (54), which may provide indications to the user using the sound processing and diffusion device. This diode makes it possible to maintain a constant diffusion of brightness in order to soothe visual stimulation and allow better capture of the attention of the other senses, in particular auditory and olfactory. This diode may also, for example by its flashing or its color, indicate the state in which the device is located, the charging state of its battery, etc.

[0080] During the sound diffusion phase, this light-emitting diode participates in capturing attention by continuously diffusing a light of low but stable intensity, in a wavelength range chosen to soothe the person suffering from cognitive disorders and / or cognitive disturbances linked to the change in brightness.

[0081] Particularly advantageously, the components of the sound processing and diffusion device are chosen so as not to emit electromagnetic waves at frequencies or intensities likely to disturb neighboring electronic equipment.

[0082] The use of the sound processing and diffusion device is particularly advantageous in a medical context, close to medical electronic equipment, because it makes it possible to avoid any risk of disturbance of this medical equipment. For this, the sound processing and diffusion device according to the embodiment shown does not in particular comprise any radio communication interface.

[0083] Furthermore, the limitation of the electromagnetic wave emissions of the device according to the invention makes it possible to prevent the person suffering from cognitive disorders placed in the vicinity of the sound processing and diffusion device from receiving such waves, and therefore to eliminate any risk that such waves could possibly have on his health.

[0084] More generally, the sound processing and diffusion device is designed to be compatible with use in a medical or hospital environment, as well as at home. Thus, for example, the materials used for manufacturing the device, and the shapes of this device, are chosen to meet the hygiene requirements necessary in such environments.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for processing and broadcasting sounds to provide personalized audio content, characterized in that it comprises: - means for recording a sound, implemented by a microcontroller (51) and comprising at least one microphone (53), - means for processing the recorded sound (52), comprising at least one high-pass filter which limits the high frequencies up to a measurement of 4000 Hz and - means for broadcasting said first recorded and processed sound, mixed with a second sound and a third sound in said device for processing and broadcasting sounds comprising at least one loudspeaker (4).

2. Device for processing and broadcasting sounds according to claim 1, characterized in that said first recorded sound is a voice sequence comprising a voice recording of a duration of between 1 and 20 minutes, preferably 10 and 15 minutes, more preferably 7 minutes.

3. A sound processing and broadcasting device according to claim 2, characterized in that said second sound recorded in said sound processing and broadcasting device consists of a musical sequence broadcast after the vocal sequence and the third sound is a low-frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats broadcast after the musical sequence.

4. Device for processing and broadcasting sounds according to claim 3, characterized in that the musical sequence has a duration of between 1 and 20 minutes, preferably 5 and 12 minutes, more preferably 7 minutes.

5. Sound processing and broadcasting device according to claim 4, characterized in that the musical sequence is composed of two distinct and consecutive musical sequences comprising: - A first musical sequence broadcast has a tempo of between 80 and 100 beats per minute, preferably 90 beats per minute, and - A second musical sequence broadcast with a tempo of between 60 and 80 beats per minute, preferably 70 beats per minute.

6. Device for processing and broadcasting sounds according to claim 5, characterized in that the low-frequency sound reproducing the perception of heartbeats has a duration of between 1 and 2 minutes, preferably 1 minute.

7. Device for processing and broadcasting sounds according to claim 6, characterized in that the total duration of the sequences of sounds recorded and processed and mixed by the sound broadcasting means is between 3 and 45 minutes, preferably 20 minutes, preferably 15 minutes.

8. Device for processing and broadcasting sounds according to claim 7, characterized in that the total duration of the sequences of sounds recorded and processed and mixed by the sound broadcasting means is 23 minutes.

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