Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
  • G10H1/00—Details of electrophonic musical instruments
  • G10H1/0033—Recording/reproducing or transmission of music for electrophonic musical instruments
  • G10H1/0041—Recording/reproducing or transmission of music for electrophonic musical instruments in coded form
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
  • G10H1/00—Details of electrophonic musical instruments
  • G10H1/18—Selecting circuits
  • G10H1/26—Selecting circuits for automatically producing a series of tones
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G10K15/00—Acoustics not otherwise provided for
  • G10K15/02—Synthesis of acoustic waves
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
  • G10H2250/00—Aspects of algorithms or signal processing methods without intrinsic musical character, yet specifically adapted for or used in electrophonic musical processing
  • G10H2250/315—Sound category-dependent sound synthesis processes [Gensound] for musical use; Sound category-specific synthesis-controlling parameters or control means therefor
  • G10H2250/321—Gensound animals, i.e. generating animal voices or sounds
  • G10H2250/325—Birds
  • G10H2250/335—Sea birds, e.g. seagulls
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
  • G10H2250/00—Aspects of algorithms or signal processing methods without intrinsic musical character, yet specifically adapted for or used in electrophonic musical processing
  • G10H2250/315—Sound category-dependent sound synthesis processes [Gensound] for musical use; Sound category-specific synthesis-controlling parameters or control means therefor
  • G10H2250/321—Gensound animals, i.e. generating animal voices or sounds
  • G10H2250/361—Insects, e.g. cricket
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
  • G10H2250/00—Aspects of algorithms or signal processing methods without intrinsic musical character, yet specifically adapted for or used in electrophonic musical processing
  • G10H2250/315—Sound category-dependent sound synthesis processes [Gensound] for musical use; Sound category-specific synthesis-controlling parameters or control means therefor
  • G10H2250/371—Gensound equipment, i.e. synthesizing sounds produced by man-made devices, e.g. machines
  • G10H2250/375—Harbour, i.e. sounds which are part of a harbour soundscape, e.g. ships, fog horn, buoy, bells, cranes
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
  • G10H2250/00—Aspects of algorithms or signal processing methods without intrinsic musical character, yet specifically adapted for or used in electrophonic musical processing
  • G10H2250/315—Sound category-dependent sound synthesis processes [Gensound] for musical use; Sound category-specific synthesis-controlling parameters or control means therefor
  • G10H2250/395—Gensound nature
  • G10H2250/411—Water, e.g. seashore, waves, brook, waterfall, dripping faucet
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
  • G10H2250/00—Aspects of algorithms or signal processing methods without intrinsic musical character, yet specifically adapted for or used in electrophonic musical processing
  • G10H2250/315—Sound category-dependent sound synthesis processes [Gensound] for musical use; Sound category-specific synthesis-controlling parameters or control means therefor
  • G10H2250/395—Gensound nature
  • G10H2250/415—Weather
  • G10H2250/421—Rain

Definitions

• This invention is drawn to the field of audio components, and more particularly, to a novel digital sound relaxation system.
• LP's, CD's or audio cassettes belong to one class of devices that have been employed to reproduce such natural or other sounds in the home or office.
• preselected natural sounds are recorded on the LP's, CD's or audio cassettes and replayed on the corresponding sound reproduction equipment, such as a record player, CD player or tape deck.
• the collectability of the CD's, LP's and audio cassettes of this class of devices offers individuals the advantage to customize their library of prerecorded natural sounds according to individual taste. However, the separate purchase of another LP, CD or audio cassette is typically required for each and every different sound to be collected.
• Another class of devices for playing prerecorded natural or other sounds in the home or office is represented by the so-called digital sound soother, or sound conditioner, devices.
• digital sound soother or sound conditioner
• any one of a plurality of natural sounds prerecorded in internal digital memory (ROM) is selected for replay by the touch of a control button.
• ROM internal digital memory
• Tranquil MomentsTM TM-500 Sound Relaxation System commercially available from the Brookstone, Inc.
• auxiliary Fog Horn, Seal and Ships Bell sounds may be randomly overplayed by an auxiliary sounds volume control slide, and to the continuous Countryside sound, auxiliary Dove, Owl, Wolf and Loons sounds may be randomly overplayed by the volume slide.
• the heretofore known devices have been inflexible, in that the only choice of sounds presented to individuals by the heretofore known sound soother devices has been limited to the selection of the particular prerecorded natural sounds digitally stored therein.
• the Tranquil MomentsTM TM-500 Sound Relaxation System for example, one, and only one, of the Ocean, Stream, Rain, Waterfall, Summer Night and Soother sounds may be selected for replay by depressing a corresponding sound selector button.
• the Marsona" 1250 Sound Conditioner device also only allows one, and only one, of the sounds prerecorded therein to be selected for replay by depressing a corresponding sound selector button, whether that sound is a single or a composite sound.
• the volume slide only controls the volume (from "off" to full volume) of the auxiliary sounds that are overlaid on the continuous sounds thereof.
• the heretofore known sound soother, or sound conditioner, devices have suffered from a lack of customizability, in that individuals who for any reason desire a natural sound not prerecorded in the internal digital memory of the heretofore known devices have had no choice but to acquire another such device that does have the desired natural sound prerecorded therein. Not only has this resulted in frustration if no such device were available, but has required another cash outlay for the other sound soother device that contained the desired sound.
• the present invention discloses an improved-customizability digital sound relaxation system comprising (1) an internal digital memory in which a plurality of prerecorded natural sounds are digitally stored therein in a predetermined manner; (2) a like plurality of sound selector switches, each for selecting another one of said plurality of prerecorded natural sounds digitally stored in said internal digital memory; (3) a port for receiving any one, of one or more, external digital memory sound cards each having a like plurality of prerecorded natural sounds different from said plurality of prerecorded natural sounds stored in said internal digital memory; and (4) a selector switch to reassign each of said plurality of control switches to another one of said plurality of prerecorded natural sounds stored in said external sound card whenever the same is received in said port.
• the digital sound relaxation system of the invention allows playback of both its own built-in sounds and the new sounds of every collectable sound card with the same sound selector switches.
• the prerecorded natural sounds are stored in one of a "loop" format and a "sound bite” format.
• the loop format defines (1) a plurality of addressable memory locations and (2) start and end locations, such that a different part of the same natural sound is stored at another address location and in such a way that the parts stored at the start and end locations are as acoustically-seamless as possible, and the sound bite format defines at least two (2) pluralities of addressable memory locations, such that another self-contained and complete-in-itself version of the same natural sound is stored in each of said at least two (2) pluralities of addressable memory locations.
• the sound bite format is particularly well-suited for sporadic-type natural and other sounds, such as Loon or Foghorn or Harbor Buoy or Thunder sounds, and the loop format is particularly suited for storing repetitive- type natural and other sounds, such as Rain or Waterfall sounds.
• the present invention discloses a collectable sound card for a digital sound relaxation system having a plurality of preselected natural and/or other sounds digitally prerecorded therein and a port for receiving a collectable sound card that enables individuals to customize their collection of natural sounds to their individual tastes.
• the present invention discloses at least one collectable sound card comprising (1) a digital memory device having a plurality of natural sounds of preselected type, selected to be different from said plurality of preselected natural sounds of said sound relaxation system, stored therein in a predetermined manner, and (2) a connector electrically connected to said digital memory device.
• the collectable sound card of the invention has at least one prerecorded natural sound digitally stored therein in one of the "loop" format and "sound bite” type format.
• the present invention discloses an improved-flexibility digital sound relaxation system having (1) a first digital memory in which a first plurality of prerecorded natural and/or sounds are stored in a predetermined manner; (2) a like plurality of control switches, each for selecting another one of said first plurality of prerecorded natural sounds stored in said first digital memory for replay; (3) a second digital memory in which a second plurality of prerecorded natural sounds are stored in a predetermined manner; (4) a like plurality of control switches, each for selecting another one of said second plurality of prerecorded natural sounds stored in said second digital memory for replay; and (5) a combine switch to select for concurrent replay a sound that is a combination of the sounds selected by depressing one of each of said first and second pluralities of switches.
• the digital sound relaxation system of the invention allows to select any prerecorded sound of its library of prerecorded sounds for single replay, and allows to select any prerecorded sound for concurrent replay with any other prerecorded sound, thereby greatly enhancing the flexibility with which its library of prerecorded sounds may be selected for replay.
• the prerecorded natural sounds are stored in one of a "loop" format and a "sound bite" format.
• the loop format defines (1) a plurality of addressable memory locations and (2) start and end locations, such that a different part of the same natural sound is stored at another address location and in such a way that the parts stored at the start and end locations are as acoustically-seamless as possible, and the sound bite format defines at least two (2) pluralities of addressable memory locations, such that another self-contained and complete-in-itself version of the same natural sound is stored in each of said at least two (2) pluralities of addressable memory locations.
• the sound bite format is particularly well-suited for sporadic-type natural and other sounds, such as Loon or Foghorn or Harbor Buoy or Thunder sounds, and the loop format is particularly suited for storing repetitive- ype natural and other sounds, such as Rain or Waterfall sounds.
• the first and second memories may be internal memories, or one may be an internal, and the other may be an external , memory .
• Figure 1 illustrates in the Figures 1A, IB thereof front and rear perspective views of one embodiment of an improved sound relaxation system in accord with the present invention providing individuals the capability to customize their library of natural sounds;
• Figure 2 is a front elevational view of a collectable sound card for a digital sound relaxation system in accord with the present invention
• Figure 3 illustrates in the Figure 3A, 3B thereof diagrams respectively representing loop format and sound bite format data structures in accord with the present invention
• Figure 4 is a circuit block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the improved sound relaxation system of the Figure 1 in accord with the present invention
• Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary processor- implemented main routine of the exemplary Figure 4 embodiment in accord with the present invention
• Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary processor- implemented loop format play subroutine in accord with the present invention
• Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary processor- implemented sound bite format play subroutine in accord with the present invention.
• Figure 8 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of an improved sound relaxation system in accord with the present invention that not only provides individuals the capability to customize their library of natural sounds, as in the embodiment of the Figure 1, but also provides individuals the capability to select at least two (2) natural sounds of their library of natural sounds for concurrent replay in accord with the present invention;
• Figure 9 is a circuit block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the improved digital sound relaxation system of the Figure 8 in accord with the present invention.
• Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary processor- implemented main routine of the exemplary Figure 8 embodiment in accord with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• digital sound relaxation system denotes any device having (1) one or more operator input devices for allowing selection of individual ones of a plurality of prerecorded natural (and/or other) sounds, (2) a digital memory in which are stored the plurality of prerecorded natural or other sounds to be selected by the one or more operator input devices and
• a digital controller responsive to one or more operator input selections to replay the selected one of the plurality of prerecorded sounds .
• the term collectable sound card means any device having (1) a digital memory in which a plurality of natural or other sounds are stored in a predetermined format and (2) a connector member for connection with a digital sound relaxation system.
• FIGS. 1A, IB, generally designated at 10 are front and rear perspective views of one presently preferred embodiment of an improved digital sound relaxation system in accord with the present invention.
• the device 10 of the invention provides individuals the capability to customize their library of natural sounds, by adding sounds contained in a collectable sound card to be described.
• the improved system 10 includes a housing generally designated 12 and a plurality of sound selector switches generally designated
• the switches 14 are arranged in laterally spaced apart relation proximate the bottom edge of the housing 12. Although six (6) individual selector switches 14 are presently preferred, any input device or devices for allowing selection of individual ones of a plurality of prerecorded natural sounds to be described may be employed in accord with the present invention.
• a collectable sound card receiving port generally designated 16 is provided through the top wall 18 of the housing 12. Although it is preferred to locate the port 16 through the top wall 18 of the housing 12, any other Collectable sound card receiving interface that is user-friendly, and easy-to-access , may be employed in accord with the present invention.
• An electrical connector schematically illustrated in dashed outline 20 is provided in the port 16 of the housing 12.
• the electrical connector 20 is adapted to mate with the electrical connector to be described of a collectable sound card.
• FIG. 30 generally designated at 30 is a front elevational view of a collectable sound card in accord with the present invention.
• An electrical connector generally designated 32 is provided at the bottom end thereof.
• the collectable sound card 30 is slidably received within the port 16 ( Figure 1) of the housing 12 ( Figure 1), in such a way that the connector 32 of the collectable sound card 30 mates with the electrical connector 20 ( Figure 1) provided therefor in the sound card receiving port 16 ( Figure 1) .
• the collectable sound card 30 includes a digital memory illustrated in dashed outline 34 in which are stored, in a manner to be described, a plurality of preselected natural or other sounds.
• memory 34 includes four (4) megabytes of RAM memory in which six (6) prerecorded sounds are digitally stored, although a different memory size, and a different number of prerecorded sounds, may be employed in accord with the present invention.
• the collectable sound card 30 bears first indicia schematically illustrated by "wavy lines” generally designated 36, that names or otherwise identifies each of the particular natural sounds prerecorded in its digital memory 34, and bears second whole number indicia generally designated 38, that enumerates the prerecorded natural sounds of its memory 34.
• the whole number indicia 38 correspond to whole number indicia generally designated 22 ( Figure 1) provided proximate to each of the sound selector switches 14 ( Figure 1) along the bottom edge of the housing 12 ( Figure 1).
• the corresponding indicia 22, 38 on the collectable sound card 30 and proximate the switches 14 ( Figure 1) of the device 10 are in the form of the whole numbers from one (1) to six (6)
• other indicia may be employed to correlate or associate each prerecorded natural sound identified by the indicia 36 with another switch 14 ( Figure 1) in accord with the present invention.
• Indicia, not shown, may be provided on the rear of the collectable sound card 30 that names, as a whole, the particular collection of natural (and/or other) sounds contained on each collectable sound card 30. Travel-limiting shoulders 42 are preferably provided on the side walls 40 of the collectable sound card 30.
• the travel-limiting shoulders 42 abut walls 24 (Figure 1) of the port 16 ( Figure 1) , when it is slidably received therewithin, thereby seating the same in the device 10 ( Figure 1).
• the collectable sound card 30 is preferably provided on its back face with a contour, not shown, that conforms to the thumb of a user, and arcuate ribs, not shown, are provided in spaced-apart relation in the contour to fractionally grip the thumb when received therewithin.
• the device 10 includes an internal digital memory schematically illustrated in dashed line 24 in which a plurality of prerecorded natural or other sounds are digitally stored in a manner to be described.
• a two-position selector switch 26 is slidably mounted to the top wall 18 of the housing 12. In the "off" position, not shown, of the two-position selector switch 26, the switch is recessed lower within the housing 12, while in its illustrated “on” position, the head of the switch 26 appears above the top wall 18 of the device 12. In the “on” position of the selector switch 26, indicia schematically illustrated by "wavy lines” generally designated 28 appear above the top wall 18 of the device 10 to indicate that the collectable sound card receiving port 16 has been activated.
• the device 10 includes an on/off rotary switch, a four (4)- position interval selector switch and a pause/resume button. These switches form no part of the present invention and are not further described herein.
• the prerecorded natural sounds may be digitally stored in internal and/or external digital memory in one of a loop format and a sound bite format.
• the loop format is preferred for continuous-type natural and/or other sounds, such as an ongoing Rain sound or an always-surging Brook sound, while the sound bite format is preferred for sporadic-type natural and/or other sounds, such as Sea Gulls or Thunder sounds.
• the loop format data structure 70 includes a header 72.
• the header 72 identifies itself as "loop format” and identifies the length of the data record stored in loop format.
• the loop format defines (1) a plurality of addressable memory locations and (2) start and end locations, such that a different part of the same natural (or other) sound is digitally stored at another address location and in such a way that the parts digitally stored at the start and end locations are as acoustically-seamless as possible.
• a processor-implemented loop format subroutine to be described is called whenever a header identifies itself as loop format for replaying each at least one prerecorded natural (or other) sound digitally stored in loop format.
• each prerecorded natural sound stored in loop format is allocated approximately two-thirds (.66) MB of memory, which has been found to provide minimalized perception of sound repetition during playback.
• the sound bite type format data structure 80 is particularly well suited for sporadic-type natural sounds, providing natural sounding (free of perceived repetition) sound reproduction with a minimum usage of digital memory space.
• the sound bite format data structure 80 includes a header portion 82.
• the header 82 identifies itself as a sound bite type format data structure and identifies the locations and lengths of three (3) data records.
• the sound bite format defines three (3) pluralities of addressable memory locations designated "A", "B” , and "C, " such that another self-contained and complete-in-itself version of the same natural (or other) sound is digitally stored in each of said three (3) pluralities of addressable memory locations.
• a processor-implemented sound bite format subroutine to be described is called whenever a header identifies itself as sound bite format for replaying each at least one prerecorded natural and/or other sound digitally stored in sound bite format.
• the device 10 of the invention is operable in one of two (2) basic modes.
• any prerecorded sound stored in internal digital memory in either sound bite or loop formats is replayed by depressing the corresponding one of the sound selector switches
• any prerecorded sound stored in external digital memory in either sound bite or loop formats of a collectable sound card inserted therewithin is replayed by depressing the sound card selector switch and by depressing the corresponding one of the sound selector switches.
• Any digital processor programmed to provide operation in these two (2) modes may be employed in accord with the present invention.
• FIG. 4 generally designated at 90 is a circuit block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the improved digital sound relaxation system of Figures 1 and 2 in accord with the present invention.
• Processor 92 is connected via address and data lines 94, 96 to internal digital memory (RAM) 98 and to external digital memory (RAM) 100.
• Sound card selector switch generally designated 102 is electrically connected between ground and the chip enable terminals of the internal and external digital memories 98, 100, and a plurality of sound selector switches 104 are connected to the input port of the microcontroller 92.
• Program read only memory (ROM) not shown, having a main routine and loop format and sound bite format play subroutines to be described is connected in well-known manner to the address and data lines 94, 96.
• a digital to analog converter 106 is coupled to the output port of the microcontroller 92.
• An analog amplifier and an output transducer, both not shown, are connected downstream of the digital to analog converter 106 to amplify and condition the prerecorded natural sounds selected for audible replay in well-known manner.
• FIG. 10 generally designated at 110 is a flowchart of the main routine implemented on the processor 92 of the Figure 4 for playing prerecorded natural and/or other sounds digitally stored in either loop format or sound bite type format in accord with the present invention.
• the processor is operative to read the values of the depressed switches to determine which prerecorded sound digitally stored on either the external digital memory of the collectable sound card or on the internal digital memory has been selected for replay.
• the processor is then operative to calculate the address in memory of the data structure of the selected sound, and to retrieve the corresponding header portion thereof as shown by a block 116.
• the processor is then operative to determine whether the header portion of the data structure of the selected sound identifies itself as loop format, and if it does, a loop format play subroutine is called as shown by a block 120, but if it does not so identify itself, a sound bite format play subroutine is called as shown by a block 122. Processing then returns to the block 112.
• FIG. 6 generally designated at 130 is a flow chart illustrating the loop format play subroutine in accord with the present invention.
• the processor is operative to read the switch values, and, as shown by a block 136, to determine whether they have changed. If the switch values read have changed, processing returns to the main routine 110 of Figure 5.
• the processor is operative to calculate the initial memory address where the data record of the selected sound is stored in loop format, and to get the data stored there as shown by a block 140.
• the processor is then operative to wait a time selected to synchronize the play-back rate to the sampling rate at which the prerecorded sound was digitally stored, and thereafter to send the data to the digital to analog converter as shown by a block 144.
• a software loop is employed in the exemplary embodiment for synchronization, it will be appreciated that hardware synchronization may be employed in accord with the present invention.
• the processor is then operative to calculate the next memory location and to determine if all of the data stored at the different data locations of the particular natural or other sound stored in loop format has been sent to the digital to analog converter, and if not, processing loops through the blocks 140, 142, 144 until that has been accomplished; otherwise, processing returns to the block 134.
• FIG. 150 generally designated at 150 is a flow chart illustrating the sound bite play subroutine in accord with the present invention.
• the processor is operative to read the switch values, and, as shown by a block 156, to determine whether they have changed. If the switch values read have changed, processing returns to the main routine 110 of Figure 5.
• the processor is operative to randomly select one of the three (3) different versions of the sound selected in sound bite format for replay and to get the data stored at the first address location of the selected plurality of the three (3) pluralities of address locations as shown by a block 160.
• the processor is then operative to wait a time selected to synchronize the play-back rate to the sampling rate at which the prerecorded sound was digitally stored and thereafter to send the data to the digital to analog converter as shown by a block 164.
• a software loop is employed in the exemplary embodiment for synchronization, it will be appreciated that hardware synchronization may be employed in accord with the present invention.
• the processor is then operative to calculate the next memory location and to determine if all of the data stored at the different data locations of that particular complete-in-itself and self-contained version of the same natural (or other) sound stored in sound bite format have been sent to the digital to analog converter, and if not, processing loops through the blocks 160, 162, 164 until that has been accomplished; otherwise, the processor calculates a random time as shown by a block 168.
• the time delay is selected at random between four (4) and twenty (20) seconds, although another range of values and other delays could be selected in accord in accord with the present invention.
• FIG 180 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of an improved digital sound relaxation system in accord with the present invention.
• the device 180 not only provides individuals the capability to customize their library of natural sounds, by inserting any one of one or more collectable sound cards thereinto as in the device 10 of the Figures 1 and 2, but also provides individuals the capability to select two (2) (or more) natural or other sounds of their library (whether provided in internal, or internal and external memory) of natural and/or other sounds for concurrent replay.
• the improved system 180 includes a housing generally designated 182 and a plurality of single-pole double-throw sound selector switches generally designated 184 arranged in laterally spaced apart relation proximate the left edge of the housing 182.
• Each of the switches 184 provides selection of one sound, when toggled to the left, and selection of another sound, when toggled to the right, as schematically illustrated by bracket 186.
• six (6) individual dual-position sound selector switches 184 providing selection of twelve (12) natural and/or other sounds are presently preferred, any number or kind of input device or devices may be employed in accord with the present invention.
• a collectable sound card receiving port generally designated
• the port 188 is provided through the top wall 190 of the housing 182. Although it is preferred to locate the port 188 through the top wall 190 of the housing 182, any other collectable sound card receiving interface that is user-friendly, and easy-to-access, may be employed in accord with the present invention.
• An electrical connector schematically illustrated in dashed outline 192 is provided in the port 188 of the housing 182.
• the electrical connector 192 is adapted to mate with the electrical connector 32 (Figure 2) of the collectable sound card 30 ( Figure 2), which is not described again for the sake of brevity of disclosure .
• the device 180 includes two (2) internal digital memories schematically illustrated in dashed lines 194, 196.
• a plurality of prerecorded natural or other sounds are digitally stored in loop format in one of the internal digital memories 194, 196 and a plurality of prerecorded natural or other sounds are digitally stored in sound bite format in the other one of the internal digital memories 194, 196.
• two (2) internal digital memories are disclosed in the exemplary embodiment, a different number of internal digital memory devices could be employed in accord with the present invention.
• the loop format and sound bite format are described above in connection with the description of the Figure 3 and are not again described for the sake of brevity of disclosure .
• a sound card selector switch 200 is mounted to the top wall 190 of the housing 182. In the "off" condition of the sound card selector switch 200, toggling any one of the switches 184 to the left selects another one of the prerecorded natural sounds stored in the memory 194 for replay, and toggling any one of the switches 184 to the right selects another one of the prerecorded natural sounds stored in the memory 196 for replay.
• the left positions of the six (6) switches 184 in the presently preferred embodiment, as reassignable by the selector switch 200, are able to select among twelve (12) prerecorded sounds, and the right positions of the six (6) switches 184 are able to select among another six (6) prerecorded sounds, thereby making available a total of eighteen (18) prerecorded sounds for selectable replay.
• a combine switch 202 is mounted to the front of the housing 182 of the device 180.
• the combine switch enables individuals to select for concurrent replay one of the sounds selected by toggling one of the switches of the plurality of switches 184 to the left, with one of the sounds selected by toggling one of the switches of the plurality of switches 184 to the right, thereby making available a total of thirty-six (36) composite sounds for selectable replay.
• the sound card selector switch 200 and the combine switch 202 enable individuals to select for concurrent replay any one of the sounds prerecorded in either the internal or external memories 194, 34 ( Figure 3), as determined by the left toggle positions of the plurality of switches 184 that may be reassigned, as described above, from internal to external memory by the sound card selector switch 200, with any one of the sounds prerecorded in the internal memory 196, as determined by the right toggle positions of the plurality of switches 18, and by the combine switch 202.
• the left toggle positions of the six (6) switches 184 in the presently preferred embodiment, as reassignable by the sound card selector switch 200, are able to select among twelve (12) prerecorded sounds, which twelve (12) sounds are each combinable, by depressing the combine switch 202, with another one of the six (6) sounds selected by toggling the six (6) sound selector switches 184 to the right, thereby making available a total of seventy-two (72) composite sounds for selectable replay.
• the device 180 of the invention is operable in one of four (4) basic modes.
• any prerecorded sound stored in the first internal digital memory is replayed by toggling the corresponding one of the sound selector switches assigned thereto to the left
• any prerecorded sound stored in external digital memory of a collectable sound card inserted therewithin is replayed by depressing the sound card selector switch and by toggling the corresponding one of the sound selector switches to the left
• any prerecorded sound stored in the second internal digital memory is replayed by toggling the corresponding one of the sound selector switches assigned thereto to the right
• two (2) or more sounds stored in either internal or external memory may be combined for concurrent replay by toggling the sound selector switches to the left, by depressing the combine switch, and by toggling the sound selector switches to the right; and by depressing the sound card selector switch, by toggling the sound selector switches to the left, by depressing the combine switch, and by toggling the sound selector switches to the right.
• the sound selected for replay is reproduced through dual, phase-shifted stereo speakers, not shown, to provide realistic playback.
• the sounds stored in the memory 194 are Ocean Surf, Steam, Rain on Water, Waterfall, Summer Night and Wind sounds
• the sounds stored in the memory 196 are Sea Gulls, Song Birds, Thunder, Fog Horn, Loons and Rain on Forest Floor sounds
• the sounds stored on the collectable sound card are grouped themewise, such as the Thunderstorm in the Wilderness, Forest Rain, Waterfall, Loons on Wilderness Lake, Mountain Valley Windstorm, and Roaring Bonfire sounds of the so- called Wilderness Retreat collectable sound card.
• the device 180 includes a lighted clock, a dual alarm/snooze button, an AM/FM radio, headphone jacks, an off/resume button, a four position timer, and bass/treble controls, all not further described as forming no part of the present invention.
• a first processor 212 is connected via address and data lines 214, 216 to internal digital memory (RAM) 218 and to external digital memory (RAM) 220.
• Sound card selector switch 222 is electrically connected between ground and the chip enable terminals of the internal and external digital memories 218, 220.
• Program read only memory (ROM) is connected in well-known manner to the address and data lines 214, 216.
• the first processor 212 is dedicated to replay the sounds stored in either the memory 218 or the external memory 220 of a collectable sound card, in either or both of the loop and sound bite formats.
• a second processor 224 is connected via address and data lines 226, 228 to internal digital memory (RAM) 230.
• Program read only memory (ROM) is connected to the address and data lines 226, 228 in well-known manner. As appears more fully below, the second processor 224 is dedicated to replay the sounds stored in the memory 230.
• a digital to analog converter 232 is coupled to an output port of the processor 212, and a digital to analog converter 234 is coupled to an output port of the processor 224.
• a switching network 236 is coupled to each of the digital to analog converters 232, 234, and a stereo amplifier 238, to which dual speakers 240, 242 are connected, is connected to the switching network 236.
• the switching network 236 is preferably implemented by IC 4066 Quad switches and the stereo amplifier by the Sony CXA167M/P IC .
• the switching network 236 enables sound playback through both channels of the stereo amplifier if either processor 212, processor 224 or both processors 212 and 224 are enabled in a manner to be described.
• a master control processor 244 is coupled to the first dedicated processor 212 via control lines 246, to the second dedicated processor 224 via control lines 248 and to the switching network via control lines 250.
• a first plurality of sound selector switches 252 preassigned to another one of the natural or other sounds stored in the memory 218 of the processor 212, a second plurality of sound selector switches 254 preassigned to another one of the natural or other sounds stored in the memory 230 of the processor 224, a sound card selector switch 256 and a combine switch 258 are connected to an input port of the processor 244.
• the master control processor 244 decodes the switch values selected, latches the same and provides control input, via the control lines 246, 250, to the first and second dedicated processors 212, 224, that instructs the dedicated processors 212, 224 to play or to not play the particular sounds selected either in stand-alone mode, when sounds of either dedicated processor 212, 224 have been selected, or in combined playback mode, when sounds of both dedicated processors 212, 224 have been selected, and provides control input, via the control lines 248, to the switching network 236 that configures the same to provide dual- channel playback for either the stand-alone playback modes of each of the dedicated processors 212, 224 or the combined playback mode of both of the dedicated processors 212, 224.
• FIG. 260 is a flowchart of the main routine of the master control processor in accord with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention .
• the master control processor is operative to wait for a button to be activated.
• the processor is operative to determine if the activated button corresponds to the group of sounds preassigned to the first dedicated sound playback processor and if it is, determines whether the combine switch has been previously depressed as shown by a block 266.
• the master control processor sets the switching network to switch the sound played by one of the dedicated processors to one channel and the sound played by the other of the dedicated processors to the other channel of the stereo amplifier and turns the combine mode "off" as shown by a block 270.
• the master control processor is operative to set the switching network to switch the selected sound played by the first dedicated processor to both the channels of the stereo amplifier, and to turn the second dedicated processor "off" as shown by the block 274.
• the master control processor is then operative to turn the first dedicated sound playback processor "on" and to set the input control lines thereto to identify the sound selected as shown by the block 278.
• the master control processor is operative to determine if it corresponds to the group of sounds preassigned to the second dedicated sound playback processor .
• the master control processor is operative to determine whether the combine switch has been previously depressed as shown by a block 282.
• the master control processor sets the switching network to switch the sound played by one of the dedicated processors to one channel and the sound played by the other of the dedicated processors to the other channel of the stereo amplifier, and turns the combine mode "off" as shown by a block 286.
• the master control processor is operative to set the switching network to switch the selected sound played by the second dedicated processor to both of the channels of the stereo amplifier, and to turn the first dedicated processor "off" as shown by the block 290.
• the master control processor is then operative to turn the second dedicated sound playback processor "on" and to set the input control lines thereto to identify the sound selected as shown by the block 294.
• the master control processor is operative to determine if the combine switch has been depressed. If it has, as shown by the block 298, the master control processor is operative to flag the combine mode, and processing returns to the block 262; otherwise, and as shown by the block 300, the master control processor is operative to determine if any of the switches that correspond to the alarm clock, radio and other features of the improved-flexibility sound relaxation have been activated, and takes the corresponding control action as shown by the block 300, which block 300, forming no part of the present invention, is not further described herein, and processing returns to the block 262.
• the main routine for each of the dedicated first and sound playback processors is the same as the main routine described above in connection with the description of Figure 5, except that instead of reading the switch values each of the dedicated sound playback processors reads its input control lines to determine whether it has been enabled and if so, to determine which of its group of sounds has been selected.
• the loop format and sound bite format subroutines called thereby are the same as the loop format and sound bite format subroutines described above in connection with the description of the Figures 6 and 7, with the exception that instead of reading the switch values each of the dedicated sound playback processors reads its input control lines.
• the main routine, and the loop format and sound bite format subroutines are not again described herein for the sake of brevity of explication.

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• 1997
  • 1997-08-29 WO PCT/US1997/016658 patent/WO1998009373A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1997-08-29 EP EP97943384A patent/EP0922327A4/de not_active Withdrawn

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