EP1925184A2 - Systeme et procede d'integration de transducteurs dans des structures de soutien du corps - Google Patents

Systeme et procede d'integration de transducteurs dans des structures de soutien du corps

Info

Publication number
EP1925184A2
EP1925184A2 EP06801218A EP06801218A EP1925184A2 EP 1925184 A2 EP1925184 A2 EP 1925184A2 EP 06801218 A EP06801218 A EP 06801218A EP 06801218 A EP06801218 A EP 06801218A EP 1925184 A2 EP1925184 A2 EP 1925184A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electro
matrix array
disposing
active
transducer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06801218A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1925184A4 (fr
Inventor
Richard Barry Oser
Suzannah Long
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
So Sound Solutions LLC
Original Assignee
So Sound Solutions LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by So Sound Solutions LLC filed Critical So Sound Solutions LLC
Publication of EP1925184A2 publication Critical patent/EP1925184A2/fr
Publication of EP1925184A4 publication Critical patent/EP1925184A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/02—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein
    • H04R1/028—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C21/00—Attachments for beds, e.g. sheet holders, bed-cover holders; Ventilating, cooling or heating means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses
    • A47C21/003—Lighting, radio, telephone or the like connected to the bedstead
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H23/0218—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with alternating magnetic fields producing a translating or oscillating movement
    • A61H23/0236—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with alternating magnetic fields producing a translating or oscillating movement using sonic waves, e.g. using loudspeakers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R3/12—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
    • H04R5/02—Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
    • H04R5/023—Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers in a chair, pillow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
    • A47G2009/006—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows comprising sound equipment

Definitions

  • Stress is a significant factor in modern society. Stress is an emotional, physical, and psychological reaction to change. For example, a promotion, a marriage, or a home purchase can bring a change of status and new responsibility, which leads to stress. Stress is an integral part of life.
  • Patent No. 4,023,566 to Martinmaas U.S. Patent No. 4,064,376 to Yamada
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,124,249 to Abbeloos U.S. Patent No. 4,354,067 to Yamada et al.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,753,225 to Vogel U.S. Patent Nos. 4,813,403 and 5,255,327 to Endo
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,967,871 to Komatsubara U.S. Patent No. 5,086,755 to Schmid-Eilber
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,101,810 to Skille et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,143,055 to Eakin
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,624,155 to Bluen et al. U.S. Patent 6,024,407 to Eakin and U.S. Patent 5,442,710 to Komatsu.
  • An embodiment of the present invention may therefore comprise a method of inducing tactile stimulation to a user through a cushioned transducer interface using musical tonal frequencies comprising: placing higher frequency transducers in a region of the cushioned transducer interface that induces the tactile stimulation to upper portions of a body of the user with the musical tonal frequencies; placing lower frequency transducers in a region of the cushioned transducer interface that induces the tactile stimulation to lower portions of the body of the user with the musical tonal frequencies; applying the musical tonal frequencies to the higher frequency transducers and the lower frequency transducers; providing controls to the user that allow the user to separately alter the intensity of the musical tonal frequencies to the higher frequency transducers and the lower frequency transducers.
  • An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method of inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies in a foam layer of a cushioned transducer interface comprising: providing a transducer that generates vibrations in response to a signal that is encoded with the musical tonal frequencies; providing a diaphragm that is mechanically coupled to the transducer so that the vibrations are transferred from the transducer to the diaphragm; placing the diaphragm in contact with the foam layer to transfer the vibrations from the diaphragm to the foam layer to induce the tactile stimulation to a user.
  • An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method of inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies in a coil spring of a cushioned transducer interface comprising: providing at least one transducer that generates vibrations in a first predetermined frequency range in response to a signal that is encoded with the musical tonal frequencies; providing a diaphragm that is mechanically coupled to the transducer so that the vibrations are transferred from the transducer to the diaphragm; placing the transducer in an interior portion of the coil spring; coupling the diaphragm to the coil spring to transfer the vibrations from the diaphragm to the coil spring and to the cushioned transducer interface.
  • An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method of inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies using a rigid diaphragm structure comprising: providing the rigid diaphragm structure; forming at least one first curved structure in a portion of the rigid diaphragm structure, the first curved structure having a curvature and thickness that causes the first curved structure to respond to a first set of predetermined musical tonal frequencies; forming at least one second curved structure in a portion of the rigid diaphragm structure, the second curved structure having a curvature and thickness that causes the second curved structure to respond to a second set of predetermined musical tonal frequencies; attaching a first transducer to the rigid diaphragm structure that vibrates in a frequency range that corresponds to the first set of predetermined frequencies; attaching a second transducer to the rigid diaphragm structure that vibrates in a frequency range that corresponds to the second set of frequencies.
  • An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method of inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies in a transducer interface comprising: providing an electro-active polymer matrix array, the electro-active polymer array having a plurality of matrix array elements having predetermined shapes that are connected; providing electrical connections to the plurality of matrix array elements; disposing the electro-active matrix array in the transducer interface so that tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies can be induced in the transducer interface.
  • An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method of inducing tactile stimulation in a transducer interface that is disposed in a cast comprising providing a flexible material that includes an electro-active polymer matrix array; wrapping an area of a broken bone with the flexible material; applying a cast over the area of the broken bone and the flexible material; providing electrical connections to the electro-active polymer matrix array so that electrical signals can be applied to the electro-active polymer matrix array to induce tactile stimulation in the area of the broken bone.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a system in which multiple transducers and amplifiers are used to provide audio signals to a bed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a system in which multiple transducers and a single amplifier are used to provide audio signals to a bed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a close up view of a system in which multiple transducers are installed in foam of a bed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a wellness stimulation system comprising a bed equipped with transducers and sensors according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a transducer system.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a diaphragm of the transducer system of Figure 5.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the transducer system of Figure 5.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a coil spring system.
  • Figure 9 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a rigid diaphragm structure.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a bedding system.
  • Figure 11 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an electro-active polymer matrix array.
  • Figure 12 is a side view of the electro-active polymer matrix array after voltage is applied to the electrodes.
  • Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an electro-active polymer array.
  • Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of a wellness simulation system.
  • Figure 15 is a schematic elevation view of an embodiment of a bedding system.
  • Figure 16 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a cast for assisting healing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
  • transducers and resonators are embedded in body support structures to contact a user through a transducer interface for the purpose of conveying sound energy in the form of musical tonal frequencies to a user's body by distributing selected frequencies in selected spatial patterns.
  • Body support structures comprise beds, pillows, chairs, mats, pads, tables and other structures typically used to support people. The sound may include various audio tones and/or music.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of the manner in which transducers can be placed in bedding or pads of various types for the transmission of music tones to a user's body.
  • transducer interfaces can be used not only in beds, but in pads or pillows that fit over the beds, massage tables, chairs, lounge chairs, car seats, and airplane seating or just by themselves. Cushioned transducer interfaces can be made in different sizes and thicknesses.
  • a bed or pad 104 (cushioned transducer interface) has a series of mid to high frequency transducers 110, 112, 118, 120 disposed at a location that is proximate to the head of the bed or pad 106.
  • a series of low frequency transducers 114, 116, 122, 124 are disposed at a location that is proximate to the foot of the bed 108.
  • the location of the transducers can be shifted either up or down along the length of the bed to achieve the most desirable results for inducing music tonal frequencies into a user's body.
  • two separate applifiers 130, 132 and separate controls 140, 150 can be used to induce and control the music tonal frequencies in the transducers.
  • amplifier 130 operates in response to the control 140 that controls the application of music tonal frequencies to the amplifer 130.
  • the wireless control can use RF signals, IR signals, etc.
  • Control 140 supplies the source of music, and controls the application of the source of music to the amplifier 130.
  • control unit 150 supplies music to amplifier 132 either over a hard wired connection or through a wireless connection, such as described above.
  • Amplifiers 130, 132 amplify the music signal and apply electrical control signals 132, 134 to the transducers 110, 112, 118, 120, 114, 116, 122, 124.
  • These transducers can comprise various types of transducers including transducers that are coupled to diaphragms, transducers that are embedded in foam, transducers that are embedded in the springs of a spring mattress or electro-active polymers, all of which are described in more detail below. In that regard, one type of transducer that can be used is disclosed in U.S.
  • amplifiers 130 and 132 are adapted to provide an external output port for headphones or plug and play speakers.
  • the output of the transducers and the external output port can be separately controlled.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the manner in which musical tonal frequencies can be applied to transducers in a smaller bed or pad 104.
  • four transducers 210, 212, 214, 216 are disposed in the bed or pad 204. Again, these transducers can be any desired type of transducers such as described above.
  • transducers 210, 212 are mid to high range transducers.
  • Transducers 214, 216 can comprise low frequency transducers.
  • Amplifier 230 receives a musical signal from the controller 240 through either a wired connection or a wireless connection and generates control signals that are applied to the transducers 210-216. Again, any number of transducers can be used in the embodiment of Figure 2.
  • FIG 3 is a schematic cutaway elevation of one embodiment for embedding a transducer in a bed or pad 300.
  • the transducer 302 can be a transducer such as disclosed in the above identified patent application entitled “Transducer for Tactile Applications and Apparatus Incorporating Transducers", serial number 11/061,924, which has been specifically incorporated herein by reference.
  • transducer 302 is disposed in an opening 304 of a foam layer 306 of bed or pad 300.
  • the transducer 302 is mechanically coupled to a diaphragm 308.
  • Diaphragm 308 extends outwardly from the opening 304 and engages the foam layer 306 along the outer edges of the diaphragm 308.
  • diaphragm 308 is in contact with an upper foam layer 310.
  • the transducer vibrates in response to musical tonal frequency and transmits those vibrations to the diaphragm 308.
  • the diaphragm 308 is in contact with the upper foam layer 310 and the foam layer 306 (collectively referred to as cushioned transducer interfaces) and transmits the musical tonal frequencies to foam layer 306 and upper foam layer 310.
  • Latex foam has been found to transmit the musical tonal frequencies efficiently to the user, but any desired type of foam can be used. Transducers placed in foam may cause a heat buildup.
  • heat build- up is managed by a temperature shut-off switch incorporated into a transducer.
  • a temperature shut-off switch incorporated into a transducer.
  • a poly-switch 312 may be used that turns off the transducer when it reaches a predetermined temperature.
  • an external heat-sink 314 may be placed in contact with a transducer to draw the heat away from the inside of the bed or to another area inside the bed to keep the temperature at an acceptable level.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a bed or pad 400 (cushioned transducer interface) having a transducer 402 that is embedded in an opening 404 in foam layer 406.
  • Transducer 402 is mechanically coupled to diaphragm 408 and diaphragm 410.
  • Diaphragm 408 contacts the foam layer 406 along the outer edges of the diaphragm 408 and is in full contact with the upper foam layer 412.
  • Diaphragm 410 rests on the bottom of the opening 404 to transmit vibrational waves into the foam layer 406.
  • diaphragm 410 supports the transducer 402 in the opening 404.
  • Drum tonal frequencies are applied to the transducer 402 which transmits the vibrational tonal frequencies to diaphragms 408, 410.
  • the diaphragms 408, 410 transmit the musical tonal frequencies to upper foam layer 412 and foam layer 406.
  • FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a transducer system 500.
  • Transducer system 500 includes the transducer 502 that is coupled to the diaphragm 504.
  • Diaphragm 504 can be made from a light, thin plastic material or composite such as a carbon fiber/Kevlar composite material.
  • Plastics can include polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, or any other desired plastic material that is capable of transmitting the tonal frequencies of music through the diaphragm 504.
  • spiral openings 506, 508 are formed in the diaphragm 504 to form elongated members 510, 512.
  • the elongated members 510, 512 allow the diaphragm 504 to react to lower frequency inputs by the transducer 502.
  • the elongated members 510, 512 also allow for flexibility of the diaphragm 504 which further increases the transfer of vibrational music tonal frequencies into the medium in which the diaphragm 504 is connected.
  • Figure 6 is a top view of the diaphragm 504.
  • the diaphragm 504 has spiral openings 506, 508 formed on opposite sides of the diaphragm. Spiral openings 506, 508 form elongated members 510, 512 on opposite sides of the diaphragm 504. This creates a balanced structure for the diaphragm 504.
  • the center structure of the diaphragm 504 provides a structural basis for supporting the diaphragm 504 and the elongated members 510, 512.
  • the center portion can also function as an area for attachment of the diaphragm to a spiral spring as disclosed below with respect to Figure 8.
  • Figure 7 is a side view of the transducer system 500.
  • Transducer system 500 includes the transducer 502 and the diaphragm 504.
  • the diaphragm can be formed in a cone shape 514 in the area at which the diaphragm 504 is connected to the transducer 502.
  • the cone 514 provides structural support to the diaphragm 504 and assists in transmitting the tonal frequencies from the transducer to the diaphragm 504.
  • FIG 8 is a side view of a coil spring system 800 that connects a coil spring 802 to the transducer system 500.
  • Transducer 502 is disposed in the interior portion of the coil spring 802.
  • the diaphragm 504 is mechanically coupled to the coil spring 802 to transmit the vibrational tonal frequencies from the transducer 502 to the coil spring 802.
  • the diaphragm 504 can have simple snap attachments that allow the diaphragm 504 to easily connect to the coil spring 802.
  • a transducer 502 can be used that has a smaller diameter so that the coil spring 802 couples to the diaphragm 504 closer to the cone 514 to provide more structural rigidity at the point where the diaphragm 504 couples to the coil spring 802. Extended portions of the diaphragm 504 can be used to transmit vibrations into a foam layer overlaying the diaphragm 504. Special coil springs can be provided, if desired, during construction of a mattress that allow for insertion of transducers. In addition, the transducers can be constructed to couple directly to the existing coil springs so that specialized coil springs are not required. In addition, a customer can custom order a mattress that has the desired number of transducers which can be easily inserted in the coil springs during manufacture.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic isometric diagram of a rigid diaphragm structure 900.
  • the rigid diaphragm structure 900 uses a single diaphragm 902 that has two separate curved structures 904, 906.
  • Curved structure 904 responds to transducer vibrations at a lower frequency and has a predetermined curvature that is less than the curved structure 906.
  • the curved structure 904 provides a certain rigidity to the diaphragm 902.
  • the diaphragm 902 can be constructed of various materials such as a carbon f ⁇ ber/Kevlar composite that may have a thickness of around one-quarter inch, curved wood panels, various stiff plastics such as polycarbonate and other plastic materials.
  • the curved structures 904, 906 are empirically tuned to have a sympathetic frequency that is separated by a fourth on the music scale.
  • Low frequency and high frequency transducers can be mounted at any point on the diaphragm 902 but are preferably mounted at center points or peaks 908, 910, respectively, to maximize the response of the diaphragm 902. In other words, if a high frequency transducer is mounted anywhere on the diaphragm 902, the high frequency transducer (not shown) will still create a resonance in the high frequency curved structure 906. Similarly, a low frequency transducer will create a resonance in the low frequency curved structure 904, no matter where it is mounted on the diaphragm 902.
  • the tuning of the curved structures 904, 906 is created by the curvature and thickness of the diaphragm 902.
  • the curvature creates a stiffness in the diaphragm 902 which varies the pitch. In other words, a greater curvature will create greater stiffness so that the more the structure is curved the higher the pitch.
  • the curved structure 906 has more curvature than curved structure 904, so that curved structure 906 responds to higher frequencies than curved structure 904.
  • the thickness of the diaphragm 902 adjusts the pitch of the curved structures 904, 906. Thinner materials respond to lower frequencies because the thinner materials can travel more easily for the excursions required at the lower frequencies.
  • the sympathetic frequencies of the curved structures 904, 906 are created on an empirical basis to create the fourth tonal differences on the music scale. For example, if the diaphragm 902 is 40 inches wide and approximately 80 inches long, a curvature of the low frequency curved structure 904 of approximately 1.25 inches and a curvature of the high frequency curved structure 906 of 1.75 inches, for a quarter-inch thick carbon fiber/Kevlar diaphragm creates the fourth tonal frequencies desired. For example, low frequency curved structure 904 may create a tone equivalent to "So" on the music frequency scale while high frequency curved structure 906 may create a tone "Do" above "So".
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a bedding system 1000.
  • a typical bedding system has a mattress 1002 and a box spring 1006. Disposed between the mattress 1002 and the box spring 1006 is an insert 1004 that includes a diaphragm.
  • the diaphragm can comprise a coil spring transducer system such as illustrated in Figure 8, or a rigid diaphragm structure 900 such as illustrated in Figure 9.
  • transducers such as transducer 302 ( Figure 3) and transducer 402 ( Figure 4), can be placed in the insert 1004 in a transverse direction and coupled to the structure of the insert 1004 to produce transverse motion of the insert diaphragm 1004.
  • transverse motions have been found to induce relaxation in a very effective manner.
  • the rigid diaphragm structure 900 can be inserted in a mattress pad 1008 to effectively transmit musical tonal frequencies to the user.
  • the rigid diaphragm structure 900 may be placed under a thin latex foam structure in the mattress pad 1008 to effectively transmit to separate tonal frequencies to the user through the mattress pad 1008.
  • EAPs electro-active polymers
  • the fundamental mechanism underlying new artificial muscle products is relatively simple. When exposed to high-voltage electric fields, dielectric elastomers - such as silicones and acrylics - contract in the direction of the electric field lines and expand perpendicularly to them, a phenomenon physicists term Maxwell stress.
  • the new devices are basically rubbery capacitors - two charged parallel plates sandwiching a dielectric material. When the power is on, plus and minus charges accumulate on opposite electrodes. They attract each other and squeeze down on the polymer insulator, which responds by expanding in area.
  • Electro-active polymers can be constructed as diaphragm actuators that are made by stretching the dielectric elastomer films over an opening in a rigid frame. Typically, the membrane is biased in one direction so that upon actuation, the membrane moves in that direction, rather than simply wrinkling. By using one or more diaphragms in this fashion, that respond to electrical currents, a tactile transducer can be produced for transmitting tactile information to a user's body.
  • transducers can be disposed in various types of transducer interfaces including mattress pads, yoga pads, shoes, elastic bandages such as Ace bandages, various wraps and bandages, seat cushions, shoe pads, adhesive pads, and other surfaces that can be used as transducer interfaces.
  • These transducer interfaces can be used, as disclosed above, to transmit tonal frequencies, including music, to a user's body, to assist in inducing relaxation.
  • patterns of compliant electrodes can be created on a polymer sheet. When high voltages of opposite polarities are applied to the electrodes, the electrodes attract and move towards each other forcing the soft elastomer outwardly from the electrodes.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates an electro-active polymer matrix array 1100.
  • Polymer layer 1110 may have a thickness of approximately 30 to 60 microns.
  • Electrodes 1102, 1104 are deposited on the surface of the polymer layer 1110.
  • the electrodes 1102, 1104 are flexible electrodes that comprise conductive carbon particles that are suspended in a soft polymer matrix.
  • Leads 1106, 1108 are connected to the electrodes 1102, 1104, respectively.
  • a high voltage of opposite polarity is applied to leads 1106, 1108 which causes the electrodes 1102, 1104 to be attracted to each other.
  • Electrodes 1102, 1004 can be made in any desired shape to produce the desired shape of the bulges of the EAP material.
  • FIG 12 illustrates the EAP matrix array 1100 after a high voltage has been applied to leads 1106, 1108.
  • the electrodes 1102, 1104 are attracted towards each other and compress the soft polymer 1110. Electrodes 1102, 1104 actually move towards each other to move the soft polymer 1110. This compression and movement of the electrodes 1102, 1104, in response to the high voltage charges that accumulate on the electrodes 1102, 1104, causes the soft polymer 1110 to move outwardly from between the electrodes 1102, 1104. This causes the polymer 1110 to bunch up and create bulges, such as bulge 1112, between each of the electrodes.
  • the electrodes 1102, 1104 can form a two-dimensional matrix which results in a two-dimensional matrix of bulges that are capable of oscillating in accordance with the application of the high voltage electrical charge that is applied to the electro-active polymer matrix.
  • Reasonably good frequency responses can be achieved with the electro-active polymer matrix, depending upon the particular polymer 1110 that is used.
  • Frequency responses for transmitting music frequencies to users are achievable.
  • different frequencies of the music can be applied to different portions of the electro-active polymer matrix array.
  • Simple bandpass filters can be used to filter the input music, as illustrated in Figure 13.
  • Figure 13 illustrates the use of an electro-active polymer array 1300 in conjunction with a music source 1302 that is coupled to a bandpass filter/amplifier 1304.
  • Music source 1302 generates music that is applied to the bandpass filter/amplifier 1304.
  • Bandpass filter/amplifier 1304 amplifies the input signal and separates the input music into three separate frequency bands, a high band, a middle band and a low band.
  • the amplifier of the bandpass filter/amplfier 1304 amplifies each of the bandpass signals to generate a series of three high voltage output control signals 1306, 1308, 1310 that are applied to different portions of the electro-active polymer array.
  • the high frequency, high voltage output signal 1306 is applied to a series of array elements 1312 that are located towards the head of the bed.
  • high voltage, mid frequency output signal 1308 is applied to a series of array elements 1314 that are located in the mid portion of the bed or pad 1302.
  • high voltage, low frequency output signal 1310 is applied to array element 1316 that is located at the foot of the bed or pad 1302.
  • any desired distribution of frequencies can be applied in any desired manner.
  • Multiple bandpass filters can be used to further divide the frequencies and apply those different frequencies to multiple portions of the electro-active polymer array transducer interface 1300.
  • FIG 14 illustrates a wellness stimulation system comprising a bed equipped with transducers and sensors according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • wellness stimulation system 1400 comprises bed 1404 that has an audio transducer 1410, EAP transducer 1412, and/or sensor 1414 and 1416. While various transducers are illustrated, any desired type of transducer can be used. As previously described, multiple sensors of each type may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • Audio signals are fed to audio transducer 1410 and EAP transducer 1412 via amplifier 1430 under control of volume control 1440.
  • the audio signals sent to amplifier 1430 are retrieved from audio information datastore 1465 by audio/video (AV) controller 1460.
  • AV controller 1460 is programmable and may select audio information based on pre-programmed instructions or in response to sensors 1414 and 1416.
  • Sensors 1414 and 1416 obtain physiological data from the user of bed 1404.
  • the sensors may detect heart rate, neurological data, and sounds produced by the body of the user.
  • This data is fed to AV controller 1460.
  • AV controller 1460 may utilize the data locally or send to the data via network client 1470 to a wellness assessment server 1480 via network 1475 for evaluation.
  • network 1475 may be a private network or a public network such as the Internet.
  • wellness assessment server may evaluate the data received from sensors 1414 and 1416 in conjunction with a medical history of the user.
  • the wellness assessment server 1480 reports its results back to AV controller 1460, which uses the information to select audio information from audio information datastore 1465.
  • audio information datastore 1465 is periodically updated by audio data server 1485 via network 1475 and network client 1470.
  • AV controller 1460 also connects to video system 1450 and external audio system 1455. Using these connections, AV controller 1460 may provide a user of bed 1404 external video and audio stimulation based on pre-programmed instructions, in response to data acquired by sensors 1414 and 1416, or based on user input.
  • the user input may be provided by a remote control, voice recognition, and/or wire connected control.
  • the AV controller 1460 further comprises a voice synthesizer to provide verbal feedback and information to a user. This information may provide encouragement, the results of the sensor analysis, and instruction to the user.
  • the wellness stimulation system 1400 may also allow a user to interact in real-time a doctor, therapist or healthcare giver. In this way, a user can obtain wellness assistance at any time.
  • the wellness stimulation system 1400 may be used in hospitals, residences, nursing homes for diagnostic analysis, and vibrational/sound/resonance delivery for any medical, musical, and or vibrational information.
  • the wellness stimulation system 1400 functions as an awakening system.
  • AV controller 1460 is programmed with a predetermined wake-time setting.
  • AV controller 1460 maintains a time of day and continuously compares the predetermined wake-time setting with the present time- of-day.
  • AV controller 1460 generates a wake authorization signal, which can be sound, music, or video information, and communicates that signal to selected transducers, external audio devices, and external video devices.
  • the AV controller 1460 progressively increases the signal power of the wake authorization signal and may further add devices to which that signal is transmitted.
  • Figure 15 discloses a bedding system 1500 using the structures of various embodiments disclosed above.
  • the bedding system 1500 includes a mattress pad 1502 that may comprise a standard mattress pad as used on typical mattresses.
  • the latex layer is supported by a polyfoam layer 1506.
  • Openings 1508, 1510, 1512 are formed in the polyfoam layer 1506.
  • Transducers 1514, 1516, 1518 are disposed in the openings 1508, 1510, 1512, respectively.
  • Diaphragms 1520, 1522, 1524 are coupled to the transducers 1514, 1516, 1518, respectively.
  • the diaphragms 1520, 1522, 1524 are embedded in the latex layer 1504 to transmit the vibrational tonal frequencies into the latex layer 1504 and into the mattress pad 1502.
  • a support structure 1526 is provided that supports the polyfoam layer 1506.
  • the support structure 1526 for example, may comprise a box spring layer.
  • Electronics 1528 and a subwoofer 1530 may be attached to the underside of the support structure 1526 by isolators 1532, 1534.
  • the bedding system 1500 discloses an overall embodiment that employs various structures disclosed above that provides a bedding system 1500 that can transmit vibrational frequencies to a user.
  • Figure 16 schematically illustrates a cast system 1600 for assisting the healing of a broken bone in the lower portion of a user's leg 1612.
  • the techniques and systems illustrated in Figure 16 can be used for various types of breaks and cast systems for other portions of the body and Figure 16 is merely illustrative of the manner in which the cast system can be used to heal bones using the techniques illustrated in Figure 16.
  • a sock 1602 is embedded with an electro-active polymer array 1604 and sensors 1606, 1608, 1610.
  • the sock 1602 can be made of an electro-active polymer material or any other desired material such as an absorbent, soft material that can be used adjacent to the skin of the user's leg 1612.
  • the electro-active polymer array 1604 can be embedded in the sock 1602 as well as sensors 1606-1610.
  • the cast material 1614 that holds the broken bone in place is coated around the sock 1602 in the same manner as a standard cast.
  • the electro- active polymer array 1604 may be disposed throughout the material of the sock 1602 as shown in Figure 16 or simply in the area near the broken bone.
  • sensors 1606, 1608, 1610 are placed in an area near the broken bone.
  • the electro-active polymer array 1604 can be coupled directly to a battery/electronics pack 1616, but is capable of generating tonal frequencies that are applied to the electro-active polymer array 1604 that assists the broken bone and healing.
  • the electro-active polymer array 1604 increases blood circulation in the user's leg 1612 which also assists in healing in blood flow.
  • Output connector 1618 can be connected to the sensor 1606, 1608, 1610 to provide biometric readings of the area around the broken bone.
  • This biometric data can include temperature readings, conductivity readings, sonograms and other information that may assist a doctor in evaluating the healing process.
  • This information can also be transmitted to a wellness assessment server in accordance with a system such as disclosed in Figure 14 to evaluate the healing process and potentially modify the tonal frequencies, including musical tonal frequencies, that are applied to the electro-active polymer array 1604.
  • the output connector 1618 is also coupled to the battery/electronics pack 1616 which includes a microprocessor for generating the tonal frequencies that are used to assist the healing of the broken bone in the user's leg 1612.
  • a foot pad 1620 can also be used with the cast system 1600 for generating electricity to charge the battery pack 1616.
  • the electrical generation foot pad 1620 can comprise a electro-active polymer material which is capable of generating electricity or any other type of system that is capable of producing electricity including movement devices that create electricity.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
  • Electrostatic, Electromagnetic, Magneto- Strictive, And Variable-Resistance Transducers (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)

Abstract

Des transducteurs et des résonateurs (110) sont intégrés dans des structures de soutien du corps (104) et sont en contact avec un utilisateur à des fins d'acheminement de l'énergie d'un son musical vers le corps d'un utilisateur, à des fréquences sélectionnées et selon des configurations sélectionnées. Les structures de soutien du corps (104) comprennent des lits, des oreillers, des chaises et d'autres structures généralement utilisées pour soutenir les personnes. Les sons peuvent être des sons audio et/ou de la musique. Les transducteurs et résonateurs (110) peuvent être incorporés dans un composant de mousse (310) ou dans un composant de ressort hélicoïdal (802) de la structure de soutien du corps (104). Des mousses de type latex et des lits constitués desdits ressorts sont des structures de soutien du corps pressentis pour recevoir les transducteurs et les résonateurs (110). Des polymères électro-actifs (1110) sont également utilisés comme transducteurs (1100).
EP06801218A 2005-08-09 2006-08-09 Systeme et procede d'integration de transducteurs dans des structures de soutien du corps Withdrawn EP1925184A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US70671805P 2005-08-09 2005-08-09
PCT/US2006/031320 WO2007019580A2 (fr) 2005-08-09 2006-08-09 Systeme et procede d'integration de transducteurs dans des structures de soutien du corps

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1925184A2 true EP1925184A2 (fr) 2008-05-28
EP1925184A4 EP1925184A4 (fr) 2009-11-25

Family

ID=37728041

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06801218A Withdrawn EP1925184A4 (fr) 2005-08-09 2006-08-09 Systeme et procede d'integration de transducteurs dans des structures de soutien du corps

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1925184A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU2006278234A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2621959A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007019580A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11185170B2 (en) 2018-10-03 2021-11-30 Ppj, Llc Mattress with embedded transducers

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITRE20120011A1 (it) * 2012-02-16 2013-08-17 Mantis S R L Dispositivo elettromedicale
GB2619748A (en) * 2022-06-15 2023-12-20 John Simmons Carl A vibroacoustic tactile device

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5097821A (en) * 1987-01-02 1992-03-24 Eakin Byron C Somatic musical exposure system
GB2358316A (en) * 2000-01-15 2001-07-18 Jan Sebastian Gale Loudspeaker arrangement for an acoustic seat
US20050053252A1 (en) * 2003-03-10 2005-03-10 Cohen Daniel E. Sound and vibration transmission pad and system

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6694035B1 (en) * 2001-07-05 2004-02-17 Martin Teicher System for conveying musical beat information to the hearing impaired
US7336266B2 (en) * 2003-02-20 2008-02-26 Immersion Corproation Haptic pads for use with user-interface devices

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5097821A (en) * 1987-01-02 1992-03-24 Eakin Byron C Somatic musical exposure system
GB2358316A (en) * 2000-01-15 2001-07-18 Jan Sebastian Gale Loudspeaker arrangement for an acoustic seat
US20050053252A1 (en) * 2003-03-10 2005-03-10 Cohen Daniel E. Sound and vibration transmission pad and system

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2007019580A2 *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11185170B2 (en) 2018-10-03 2021-11-30 Ppj, Llc Mattress with embedded transducers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2621959A1 (fr) 2007-02-15
AU2006278234A1 (en) 2007-02-15
WO2007019580A3 (fr) 2007-11-08
EP1925184A4 (fr) 2009-11-25
WO2007019580A2 (fr) 2007-02-15

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