Tactile-audio transducer device and systems comprising the transducer device

Abstract

The invention provides a tactile-audio transducer device having a tactile-audio transducer and a vibration conductor that conducts vibrations generated by the tactile-audio transducer away from the transducer. Also provides are various systems comprising one or more tactile-audio transducers of the invention. The systems of the invention deliver haptic stimulation to a user according to an input audio signal.

Description

[0001] TACTILE-AUDIO TRANSDUCER DEVICE AND SYSTEMS COMPRISING THE TRANSDUCER DEVICE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to audio-tactile transducers and to devices comprising audio-tactile transducers.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Tactile audio transducers receive as an input an audio signal, and generate as an output tactile stimulation based on the input audio signal. Tactile-audio transducers are described, for example, in International Patent Publication WO2012018973 and US Patent No. 9461,529.

[0006] United States Patent No. 11896136 to Apple Inc. describes an in-bed haptic device configured to be placed beneath a user during use, for example between a user and a mattress. The in-bed device includes an array of actuation cells that are configured to actuate (e.g., expand, contract, or otherwise change shape) in a predetermined sequence to provide haptic outputs to an individual lying on the device. The haptic outputs may be provided, for example, to help a user relax, or to move and / or wake a user.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Fig. 1 shows a tactile-audio device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0010] Fig. 2 a schematic diagram of a system comprising the tactile-audio device of the invention;

[0011] Fig 3 shows a mat or mattress comprising one or more tactile-audio transducers of the invention;

[0012] Fig. 4 shows a system of the invention adapted to be attached to a piece of furniture, such as a chair, Fig. 5 shows an individual lying of the mat or mattress shown in Fig. 3 in a first configuration; and

[0013] Fig. 6 shows an individual lying on the mat or mattress shown in Fig. 3 in a second configuration.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In one of its aspects, the present invention provides tactile-audio transducer device 7. The tactile-audio transducer device of the invention comprises a tactile-audio transducer coupled to a vibration conductor. Vibrations generated by the tactile-audio transducer are conducted away from the transducer by the vibration conductor. Typically, the conductor 18 will conduct vibrations in the tactile range, which is about 0-300 Hz.

[0016] In another of its aspect, the present invention provides a system comprising one or more tactile-audio transducer-devices of the. As explained in detail below, an input audio signal is processed and the processed audio signal is transmitted to one or more tactile- audio transducer devices of the invention.

[0017] The system of the invention, may be, for example, in the form of an add-on device adapted to be attached to, or incorporated into, a piece of furniture, such as a mat, a mattress, a chair, an airplane seat, a table or a bench. The add-on device may be reversibly attachable to the piece of furniture 30. The system of the invention may also be integral with a piece of furniture, such as a mat, a mattress, a chair, an airplane seat, a table or a bench. When attached to, or integral with, a piece of furniture, the device may be positioned on or in the piece of furniture corresponding to a location of a user’s body such as the user’s chest, abdomen, crotch, leg, arm, foot, and head.

[0018] The inventors have found that using an appropriate haptic treatment protocol, the system of the invention can be used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, such as:

[0019] (a) back pains

[0020] (b) orthopedic pains

[0021] (c) vagus nerve stimulation;

[0022] (d) treatment of menstrual pains; (e) improvement of blood flow;

[0023] (f) stress relief

[0024] (g) abdominal pains.

[0025] (h) psychological or physical disorders;

[0026] (i) insomnia; and

[0027] (j) menstrual pains.

[0028] Thus, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a tactile-audio transducer device comprising a tactile-audio transducer and a vibration conductor configured to conduct vibrations generated by the tactile-audio transducer of one or more predetermined frequencies away from the transducer .

[0029] In another of its aspects, the invention provides a system for delivering tactile stimulation comprising one or more tactile-audio transducer device, wherein each of the one or more tactile-audio transducers comprises a tactile-audio transducer and a vibration conductor configured to conduct vibrations generated by the tactile-audio transducer of one or more predetermined frequencies away from the transducer, and wherein the vibration conductor is embedded in a solid medium, the medium adapted to vibrate in response to vibrations of the conductor.

[0030] The system of the invention may be adapted to be attached to the body of an individual.

[0031] The system of the invention may be configured to receive signals from one or more sensors recording data of an individual and the output audio-tactile stimulation to the individual depends on the received sensor signals.

[0032] The system of the invention may be adapted to be attached to a body location selected from a chest, abdomen, crotch, leg, arm, foot, back and head. The system of the invention may be adapted to be attached to a piece of furniture or to be integral with a piece of furniture. The piece of furniture may be, for example, any one or more of a mat, a mattress, a chair, an airplane seat, a table and a bench.

[0033] The invention also provides piece of furniture comprising the system of the invention. The system may be, for example, in the form of a mat or mattress comprising:

[0034] (a) , at least a first surface external layer, a second external layer, and an interior space between the first external layer and the second external layer, at least one of the first external layer and the second external layer being divided into an occupation zone surrounded by a peripheral zone;

[0035] (b) one or more tactile-audio transducer devices wherein each of the one or more tactile-audio transducers comprises a tactile- audio transducer and a vibration conductor configured to conduct vibrations generated by the tactile-audio transducer of one or more predetermined frequencies away from the transducer, and wherein the one or more tactile-audio transducers are positioned in the interior adjacent to the peripheral zone, the vibration conductor of each tactile-audio transducer conducting vibrations generated by the tactile- audio transducer from the transducer from the peripheral zone into the occupation zone;

[0036] (c) a controller configured to generate a temporo-spatial array of activation of the tactile-audio transducers to execute a haptic treatment protocol based on an input audio signal.

[0037] In the mat or mattress, the first external surface and the second external surfaces may have different vibrational conduction properties, and the vibrations may be perpendicular to the first external surface and to the second external surface. The mat or mattress may further comprise one or more speakers and the controller may be further configured to generate an audio signal that is input to the one or more of the speakers. The controller may have one or more audio output options, and may be provided with a sound generating feature that generates music to accompany a treatment protocol.

[0038] The mat or mattress may execute a haptic treatment protocol for a treatment selected from a list comprising any one or more of:

[0039] (a) treatment of sleep disorders;

[0040] (b) back pains

[0041] (c) orthopedic pains

[0042] (d) vagus nerve stimulation;

[0043] (e) treatment of menstrual pains; (f) improvement of blood flow;

[0044] (g) stress relief; and

[0045] (h) abdominal pains.

[0046] (i) psychological or physical disorders.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a tactile-audio transducer device 7 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The tactile-audio transducer device 7 comprises a tactile-audio transducer 6. The tactile-audio transducer 6 is coupled to a vibration conductor 18. Vibrations generated by the tactile-audio transducer 7 are conducted away from the tactile-audio transducer 7 by the vibration conductor 18. The conductor may be made, for example, form a material that is rigid, or semi-rigid. The conductor may be made, for example, from plastic or metal. Typically, the conductor 18 will conduct vibrations in the tactile range, which is about 0-300 Hz.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a system, generally indicated by 2 comprising one or more tactile-audio transducer-devices of the invention in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The system 2 includes a processing unit 16. The device 2 may include a signal receiver 6 configured to receive an audio signal from an external audio source 10 via a wired or wireless communication channel 12. Additionally or alternatively, the processing unit may include a memory 8 in which one or more prerecorded audio signals are stored. The processing unit 16 may also include an audio signal processor 18.

[0050] The processing unit 16 may be provided with an input device 14, such as a keypad or a touch screen, that is integral with the processing unit 16 to allow a user to activate and deactivate the system, as well as to input other instructions, such as selection of an audio signal. Additionally or alternatively, the system 2 may be provided with a transceiver 21 that allows the processing unit to communicate with a mobile device 23, such as a mobile phone, or Apple watch, over a wireless communication channel 25, such as Bluetooth. The mobile device may be configured to run an application that allows a user or caretaker to input various parameters of the treatment. The mobile device 23 may also be configured to receive and analyze signals from various sensors (not shown) on or near the user's body, such as a pulse sensor, or sound sensor. In response to analysis of signals received from the body sensors, the mobile device 23 may adjust any one or more parameters of the treatment.

[0051] The audio signal from the external audio source 10 or from the memory 8 may be input directly to the tactile-audio processor 18. Alternatively or additionally, the audio signal may first be input to the audio signal receiver 6. Processing of the audio signals by the tactile-audio signal processor 18 may be done by any method. For example, processing of the audio signals may be performed by any one or more of the methods described in PCT Publication WO2012 / 028973. In one embodiment, processing of the audio signal involves determining which channels or frequencies of the input audio signal are to be used in the output processed signal. The processed audio signal is then transmitted to one or more tactile-audio transducer devices of the invention 20a and 20b over a communication line 22a and 22b, respectively. Two tactile-audio transducers, 20a and 20b, are shown in Fig. 2. This is by way of example only, and the system 2 may include any number of tactile-audio transducers connected to the audio signal processor 18. One or both, of the tactile-audio transducer devices 20a and 20b may be, for example, the tactile-audio transducer device 7 shown in Fig. 1.

[0052] The system 2 may also include an audio signal generator 26 that generates one or more audio signals that are delivered over communication channels 28a and 28b to one or more audio output devices 30a and 30b, respectively. In one embodiment, the audio signal generator 26 plays the audio output from the audio signal generator 18 so that the tactile-audio signals 22a and 22b are coordinated with the audio signals 28a and 28b.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows, as an example, the system 2, Shown in Fig. 2, in the form of an add-on device 33. The add-on device 33 comprises at least one tactile-audio transducer device 7 of the invention and is adapted to be attached to, or incorporated into, a piece of furniture 30, such as a mat, a mattress, a chair, an airplane seat, a table or a bench. The add-on device 33 may be reversibly attachable to the piece of furniture 30. When added onto a piece of furniture, the add-on device 33 may be positioned on the piece of furniture corresponding to a location of a user’s body such as the user’s chest, abdomen, crotch, leg, arm, foot, and head.

[0054] Fig. 3 shows the system of the invention integral with a mat or mattress 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The mat 1 has a first external layer 2, and a second external layer 3. The entire mat may be enclosed in a cloth wrapping 8. In cross section, the mat or mattress 1 has an occupation zone 10 surrounded by a peripheral zone 11. The occupation zone may be demarcated, on one or both of an upper or bottom surface of the mat or mattress, for example, by means of an outline 12. Demarcating the occupation zone indicates to an individual intending to utilize the mat or mattress 1 where to lie on the mat or mattress 1, so that the individual's body is within the occupation zone 10.

[0055] Embedded between the first external layer 2 and the second external layer 3 are one or more tactile-audio transducers devices of the invention. The transducer 6 of each transducer device is located between the first external layer 2 and the second external layer 3 adjacent to peripheral zone 11, and not in the occupation zone 10. Thus, an individual lying within the occupation zone 10 would not be lying directly over any one of the transducers 6. Each of the one or more transducers 6 has an associated conduction plate 18, indicated by phantom lines in Fig. 3. The conduction plates 18 are positioned in the mat 1 between the first external layer 2 and the second external layer 3, and conduct vibrations generated by the tactile-audio transducer 6 from the peripheral zone 11 into the occupation zone 10.

[0056] The first external layer 2 and the second external layer 3 are composed of vibration conducting material that can conduct vibrations from the conduction plates to the surface of either one or both of the external layers. The vibrational conduction properties of the first external layer 2 may be the same as those of the second external layer 3. The vibrational conduction properties of the first external layer 2 may be different from those of the second external layer 3. In this way, vibrations arriving at the surface of the first external layer 2 may be different from the vibrations arriving at the surface of the second external layer 3. This provides two different modes of tactile stimulation at the surface of the first and second external layers. A user can select one of the two modes of tactile stimulation, and position the mat 1 with the external layer providing the selected mode of haptic stimulation at the top of the mat 1.

[0057] The inventors have found that placing the transducers in the peripheral zone and not in the occupation zone allows the mat to be thin and portable and avoids the need to isolate and cushion the transducers from the user’s body.

[0058] The mat 1 may be provided with a controller 18 that communicates with each of the tactile-audio transducers 6. Communication between the controller and the transducers 6 may be via a wired or wireless connection. The controller 18 allows a user or caretaker to determine a temporal-spatial array of transducer activation to achieve a desired treatment protocol. The controller 18 may have a memory that stores various treatment protocols. The controller may be remotely controlled by an external device such as a smart phone via wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy. The controller 18 may have a keypad for the input or selection of specific treatment protocols stored in the memory, or to select various parameter values of a selected treatment protocol. Such selectable treatment parameters may be, for example, the frequency of the vibration, the intensity of the vibrations or the duration of the treatment phases. The controller may be embedded within the mat 1, or may be external to the mat 1. The controller 18 may be operated by a remote control.

[0059] The mat 1 may be placed on a floor or other hard surface. Alternatively, the mat may be placed on a mattress or below a mattress. In one embodiment, the mat can be rolled up for convenient carrying and transport.

[0060] (j) The inventors have found that using an appropriate haptic treatment protocol, the system of the invention, in the form of a mat or mattress, can be used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, such as treatment of sleep disorders;

[0061] (k) back pains

[0062] (l) orthopedic pains

[0063] (m)vagus nerve stimulation;

[0064] (n) treatment of menstrual pains;

[0065] (o) improvement of blood flow;

[0066] (p) stress relief (q) abdominal pains.

[0067] (r) psychological or physical disorders;

[0068] (s) insomnia; and

[0069] (t) menstrual pains. The device of the invention may be used as a yoga mat, and an appropriate vibration protocol can be executed as part of the yoga program.

[0070] Fig. 5 shows an individual 20 lying on the mat or mattress 1, after the mat has been placed on top of a mattress 23.

[0071] Fig. 6 shows the individual 20 lying on the mat or mattress 1, after the mat has been placed under the mattress 23.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A tactile-audio transducer device comprising a tactile-audio transducer and a vibration conductor configured to conduct vibrations generated by the tactile-audio transducer of one or more predetermined frequencies away from the transducer .

2. A system for delivering tactile stimulation comprising one or more tactile-audio transducer device, wherein each of the one or more tactile-audio transducers comprises a tactile-audio transducer and a vibration conductor configured to conduct vibrations generated by the tactile -audio transducer of one or more predetermined frequencies away from the transducer, and wherein the vibration conductor is embedded in a solid medium, the medium adapted to vibrate in response to vibrations of the conductor.

3. The system according to claim 2 adapted to be attached to the body of an individual.

4. The system according to claim 2 wherein the system receives signals from one or more sensors recording data of an individual and the output audio-tactile stimulation to the individual depends on the received sensor signals.

5. The system according to claim 3 where in the system is adapted to be attached to a body location selected from a chest, abdomen, crotch, leg, arm, foot, back and head.

6. The system according to claim 2 adapted to be attached to a piece of furniture.

7. The system according to claim 2 wherein the system is integral with a piece of furniture.

8. The system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the piece of furniture is any one or more of a mat, a mattress, a chair, an airplane seat, a table and a bench.

9. A piece of furniture comprising a system according to claim 2.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein the device is in the form of a mat or mattress mat comprising:(d) , at least a first surface external layer, a second external layer, and an interior space between the first external layer and the second external layer, at least one of the first external layer and the second external layer being divided into an occupation zone surrounded by a peripheral zone;(e) one or more tactile-audio transducer devices wherein each of the one or more tactile-audio transducers comprises a tactile- audio transducer and a vibration conductor configured to conduct vibrations generated by the tactile-audio transducer of one or more predetermined frequencies away from the transducer, and wherein the one or more tactile-audio transducers are positioned in the interior adjacent to the peripheral zone, the vibration conductor of each tactile-audio transducer conducting vibrations generated by the tactile- audio transducer from the transducer from the peripheral zone into the occupation zone;(f) a controller configured to generate a temporo-spatial array of activation of the tactile-audio transducers to execute a haptic treatment protocol based on an input audio signal.

11. The mat or mattress according to claim 10 wherein the first external surface and the second external surface have different vibrational conduction properties.

12. The mat or mattress according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the vibrations are perpendicular to the first external surface and to the second external surface.

13. The mat or mattress according to any one of claims 9 to 12 further comprising one or more speakers and wherein the controller is further configured to generate an audio signal that is input to the one or more of the speakers.

14. The mat or mattress according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein the controller has one or more audio output options15. The mat or mattress according to claim 10 wherein the controller is provided with a sound generating feature that generates music to accompany a treatment protocol.

16. The mat or mattress according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the haptic treatment protocol is a protocol for a treatment selected from a list comprising any one or more of:(u) treatment of sleep disorders;(v) back pains(w) orthopedic pains(x) vagus nerve stimulation;(y) treatment of menstrual pains;(z) improvement of blood flow;(aa) stress relief; and(bb) abdominal pains.(cc) psychological or physical disorders.

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