GB2615606A - Apparatus for obscuring noise - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus 1 operates to obscure or mask noise in a region external to the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a detector 2 responsive to a detected change in the external region, indicative of the presence of a person in the external region.; and a speaker configured to emit a predetermined sound in response to the detected change. The predetermined sound is configured to obscure or mask external noise within the external region and may include white, differentiated white, pink, Brownian, blue, or grey noise. The predetermined sound may also include bird song, a crackling fire, rainfall, traffic noise, running water, waves, or conversation. The apparatus may be used in a cubicle (fig 3) or a room.

Description

1 APPARATUS FOR OBSCURING NOISE

3 Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for obscuring external noise in an 6 external region, as well as to a cubicle or a room comprising such an apparatus, and 7 to a kit of parts for an apparatus for obscuring external noise in an external region.

9 Background to the invention

11 Areas and rooms are often provided with sound absorbing structures such as soft 12 furnishings and baffles. Such structures help to improve the comfort of a person in 13 such an area or room. Because sound is damped by these structures, the result is a 14 quieter space, which gives an improved impression of privacy. Notably, sound is damped whether it initiates within the area or room, or from outside the area or room, 16 and enters the area or room subsequently.

18 However, even with the provision of sound absorbing structures, some sounds are 19 damped less effectively than others. Furthermore, even where the sound is damped, it is often possible to determine individual sources of sound, for example 21 conversation. Accordingly, unwanted sound (i.e. noise) received by a person in the 22 area or room is still distracting and gives an impression of reduced privacy. This 23 impression of reduced privacy is the result of the person understanding that if they 24 can hear sounds made by others, those others can also hear sounds made by the 1 person. This can make the person uncomfortable in certain settings, such as when 2 the room is a bathroom.

4 It is in this context that the present disclosure has been devised.

6 Summary of the invention

8 According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for 9 obscuring external noise in an external region, the apparatus comprising: a detector responsive to a detected change in the external region, indicative 11 of the presence of a person in the external region; and 12 a speaker configured to emit a predetermined sound in response to the 13 detected change, 14 wherein the predetermined sound is configured to obscure external noise within the external region.

17 The apparatus may be an apparatus configured to obscure external noise in an 18 external region, e.g. in response to the detector detecting a change in the external 19 region indicative of the presence of a person in the external region.

21 Such an apparatus provides an advantage to the person, in that it makes it more 22 difficult for the person to hear external noise. This enhances the person's perception 23 of the privacy of their environment. This can also enhance the person's comfort.

It will be understood that in this context noise is unwanted sound, for example 26 unwanted sound as received by a person. It will be understood that it is not required 27 that 100% of all external noise is completely obscured (although in some 28 embodiments this may be the case) in order for the predetermined sound to be 29 configured to obscure external noise within the external region. Instead, the external noise is obscured where the impression of the external noise is reduced.

32 The detected change may be (e.g. representative of) a change in a distance. For 33 example, the detected change may be (e.g. representative of) a change in the 34 distance between the detector and a known point in the external region. The detector may be a distance detector. In an example, the apparatus may be arranged such that 36 the detector can detect the distance between the detector and a closed door, and the 37 change in distance caused by the opening of the door. The apparatus may be 1 arranged such that the detector can detect the distance between the detector and a 2 wall, and the change in distance caused by the opening of a door interrupting the line 3 of sight between the detector and the wall. This is a convenient way of detecting the 4 presence of a person, as such a door would typically be opened by a person.

6 The detected change may be (e.g. representative of) a change in light intensity. The 7 detector may be a light detector. In an example, the apparatus may be arranged such 8 that the detector can detect a light intensity when a light is off, and the change in light 9 intensity caused by the light being switched on. This is a convenient way of detecting the presence of a person, as the light would typically be switched on by a person. The 11 apparatus may be arranged such that the detector can detect a light intensity and the 12 decrease in that light intensity caused by a shadow being cast on the detector (for 13 example by a person walking past the detector).

The detected change may be (e.g. representative of) a change in (e.g. ambient) 16 sound. For example, the apparatus may be arranged such that the detector can 17 detect a background sound level, and the change in sound caused by a door being 18 opened or closed. This is a convenient way of detecting the presence of a person, as 19 such a door would typically be opened by a person.

21 It will be understood that the external region is a region outside the apparatus. The 22 external region may comprise a first area and a second area. The first area may be 23 closer to the apparatus than the second area. The speaker may be configured to emit 24 the predetermined sound in the first area. The speaker may be configured to emit the predetermined sound in the second area. The speaker may be configured to direct 26 the predetermined sound into the first area. The speaker may be configured to direct 27 the predetermined sound into the second area.

29 It will be understood that a speaker is substantially any sound emitter, typically an electrical device, such as a loudspeaker. When the speaker directs the 31 predetermined sound into the first area, it is more difficult for a person to hear 32 external noise when they are in the first area. For example, it may be more difficult for 33 the person to hear noise from the second area when they are in the first area. A 34 person in the first area who cannot hear noise from the second area experiences an improved perception of privacy when they are in the first area.

1 The first area may be an (e.g. partially) bounded area. For example, the first area 2 may be defined by one or more walls and/or doors. The first area may be a room. The 3 first area may be a bathroom. The first area may be a bathroom cubicle (e.g. a toilet 4 cubicle) or a bathroom stall. It will be understood that a bathroom is a room comprising a plumbing fixture for disposal of excreted bodily waste. A bathroom in 6 this context need not necessarily contain a bath, for example, however it will 7 comprise a toilet, or a urinal, or a similar fixture.

9 The apparatus may comprise a housing configured to retain the detector and the speaker. The housing may comprise an access panel. The access panel may be a 11 lockable access panel. The access panel may be arranged such that the interior of 12 the housing can be accessed (e.g. only) with the use of a key. The access panel may 13 be hingedly connected to the housing.

A housing provides some protection for the detector and the speaker. Where the 16 housing comprises an access panel this allows the interior of the housing (and 17 optionally the detector and/or the speaker) to be accessed. Where the access panel 18 is lockable such that the interior of the housing can be accessed (e.g. only) with the 19 use of a key, this limits tampering and encourages a user to keep the panel closed and locked, which aids with protection of the detector and/or speaker. This also 21 allows (e.g. only) users with the key to reconfigure the sound and/or to change a 22 battery where one is present as a power source.

24 The housing may comprise a non-porous material. For example, the housing may comprise a plastics material. Where the housing comprises a non-porous material, it 26 is easier to clean. The housing may have a housing interior having a volume of less 27 than 1,000 cm3. A housing of such a size takes up relatively little space, whilst being 28 large enough to retain a detector, a speaker, and optional PCBs and/or power 29 sources.

31 The speaker may be retained within the housing. The sensor may be retained within 32 the housing. The housing may be sound permeable. The housing may be light 33 permeable. The housing may define an aperture arranged to allow the predetermined 34 sound to be emitted outside the housing. The aperture may be (e.g. partially) covered with a sound permeable material. Advantageously, where the components such as 36 the speaker and sensor are retained within the housing (rather than for example 37 being mounted on the exterior of the housing) the components are protected by the 1 housing. Where the speaker is retained within the housing and housing defines 2 apertures arranged to allow the predetermined sound outside the housing allows for 3 protection of the speaker without interfering with the emitted predetermined sound.

4 Where the aperture is (e.g. partially) covered with a sound permeable material, this limits the ingress of moisture and insects without interfering with the emitted 6 predetermined sound.

8 The speaker may be arranged to emit the predetermined sound for a predetermined 9 period. The speaker may be arranged to stop emitting sound after the predetermined period (e.g. until a subsequent change indicative of the presence of a person is 11 detected by the detector). The predetermined period may be at least 1 minute, e.g. at 12 least 2 minutes, e.g. at least 3 minutes. The predetermined period may be 5 minutes.

13 The predetermined period may be less than 30 minutes, e.g. less than 20 minutes, 14 e.g. less than 10 minutes. For example, the predetermined period may be between 4 and 8 minutes.

17 Where a predetermined sound is emitted for a period of less than 1 minute, the period 18 is too short to obscure sounds during tasks where a person may prefer to perceive 19 improved privacy, for example using a toilet. Where a predetermined sound is emitted for a period in excess of 30 minutes the speaker consumes more energy than would 21 be the case for sounds played for shorter periods.

23 The predetermined sound may comprise one or more sound segments, each sound 24 segment being temporally different and having a duration. For example, each sound segment may have a duration which lasts for a portion of the predetermined period.

26 The sound emitted by the speaker during one sound segment may be the same as 27 the sound emitted by the speaker during at least one (e.g. each) other sound 28 segment. However, the sound emitted by the speaker during one sound segment 29 may be different to the sound emitted by the speaker during any one or more other sound segment(s). The duration may be at least 1 second, e.g. at least 10 seconds, 31 e.g. at least 15 seconds. The duration may be less than 25 minutes, e.g. less than 20 32 minutes, e.g. less than 10 minutes.

34 The predetermined sound may comprise frequency content selected to make it more difficult for a (e.g. the) person to identify sounds other than the predetermined sound.

36 In some examples, it may be that the predetermined sound comprises frequency 37 content selected to make it more difficult for a (e.g. the) person to identify one or 1 more predetermined types of further sound. The one or more predetermined types of 2 further sound may comprise human-originating sounds, such as conversation or 3 bathroom-related sounds, for example sounds associated with urination or 4 defecation.

6 The predetermined sound may comprise a wide frequency band overlapping with the 7 human-audible frequency band. It may be that at least 90% of the spectral energy of 8 the sound is made up of frequencies of sound between 1 and 30,000 Hz. The 9 predetermined sound may comprise frequencies spanning a frequency band of 1 to 30,000 Hz, for example 10 to 25,000 Hz, e.g. 20 to 20,000 Hz. The predetermined 11 sound may comprise at least 1,000 distinct frequencies, e.g. at least 10,000 distinct 12 frequencies, e.g. at least 20,000 distinct frequencies. The predetermined sound may 13 comprise a continuous band of frequencies. The predetermined sound may comprise 14 frequencies above 1 Hz, e.g. above 50 Hz, e.g. above 100 Hz. The predetermined sound may comprise frequencies no higher than 50,000 Hz, e.g. no higher than 16 40,000 Hz, e.g. no higher than 30,000 Hz.

18 By providing a predetermined sound comprising such frequency content, noise is 19 obscured without causing discomfort to a person in the external region. This is an improvement over providing a tone at high amplitude, for example, which might 21 obscure the impression of a limited range of other sounds, but which would cause 22 more discomfort than a relatively lower amplitude predetermined sound as described 23 above. By providing a predetermined sound comprising a frequency band which 24 overlaps with the human-audible frequency band, noise having an audible frequency in the overlapping band is obscured.

27 The predetermined sound or the one or more sound segments may (e.g. each) be a 28 signal comprising random frequency content, for example, random frequency content 29 across (e.g. within, e.g. throughout) the human-audible frequency band (e.g. 20 to 20,000 Hz). The predetermined sound or the one or more sound segments may (e.g. 31 each) comprise a signal produced by a stochastic process.

33 It will be understood that a sound comprising random frequency content is a sound in 34 which the power of individual frequencies is not predictable (although the number of times which a specific frequency has a specific power may be predictable given the 36 probability distribution). In this sense, the term "random" is used to include a truly 37 mathematically random signal but not to exclude other partially-random or pseudo- 1 random signals, for example as might be approximated by a microprocessor and/or 2 emitted by a real speaker.

4 The predetermined sound or the one or more sound segments may (e.g. each) comprise a time-independent (or time-uncorrelated) signal. For example, the 6 predetermined sound or the one or more sound segments may (e.g. each) comprise 7 a signal wherein the amplitude of a given frequency at a first time is independent of 8 (or uncorrelated with) the amplitude of that frequency at a second, subsequent time.

The log of the frequencies (in Hz) making up the signal may be (e.g. linearly) 11 proportional to the power spectral density of the signal (in dB). The power spectral 12 density of the signal (in dB) may be frequency (in Hz) dependent. The signal may 13 have equal power in any equal-sized sub-band of the bandwidth of the signal (in Hz).

14 The signal may have a power spectral density (in dB) proportional to the square of frequency On Hz). The signal may have a power spectral density (in dB) proportional 16 to the inverse of frequency (in Hz). The signal may have a power spectral density (in 17 dB) proportional to the inverse of the square of frequency On Hz).

19 The predetermined sound may comprise (e.g. be) a wave form comprising a combination of signals of at least 20,000 frequencies, for example at least 30,000 21 frequencies, such as at least 50,000 frequencies, wherein each frequency is within 22 the human audible frequency range (e.g. between 20 and 20,000 Hz). Each 23 frequency may have equal intensity. Each frequency may have a different intensity to 24 one or more other frequencies. The intensity of each frequency may change as a function of time. For example, the intensity of one or more frequencies (e.g. each 26 frequency) may change as a function of time within a range of 40 to 85 decibels.

27 Where each frequency has a different intensity to one or more other frequencies (e.g. 28 the intensity of the sound as a function of frequency is not consistent) or where each 29 frequency has an intensity that varies as a function of time (e.g. the intensity of the sound as a function of time is not consistent), the sound is particularly effective at 31 obscuring external noise in the external region.

33 The predetermined sound may comprise (e.g. be) (e.g. an approximation of, for 34 example an approximation comprising frequency content that varies by less than 20%, e.g. less than 10%, e.g. less than 1% from a mathematical definition of) one of 36 the following: white noise, pink noise, Brownian noise, blue noise, differentiated white 37 noise, or grey noise. The predetermined sound may comprise (e.g. be) a combination 1 of (e.g. an approximation of, for example an approximation comprising frequency 2 content that varies by less than 20%, e.g. less than 10%, e.g. less than 1% from a 3 mathematical definition of) one or more of the following: white noise, pink noise, 4 Brownian noise, blue noise, differentiated white noise, or grey noise.

6 A first frequency spectrum of the predetermined sound averaged over any first time 7 window may have at least a 70% correlation with a second frequency spectrum of the 8 predetermined sound, averaged over a second time window, separate and adjacent 9 to the first time window. The correlation may be at least 80%. The correlation may be at least 90%. The correlation may be at least 95%. The correlation may be at least 11 99%. The first time window and the second time window may each have the same 12 duration. The first time window and the second time window may each be greater 13 than 1 second. The first time window and the second time window may each be 14 greater than 2 seconds. The first time window and the second time window may each be greater than 5 seconds. The first time window and the second time window may 16 each be less than 1 minute. The first time window and the second time window may 17 each be less than 30 seconds. The first time window and the second time window 18 may each be less than 10 seconds. Thus, there is sufficient consistency in the 19 predetermined sound that the predetermined sound is little-noticed by the person, especially after the sound has been emitted for a while, or if the person has heard the 21 sound on a previous occasion (e.g. in the external region). Furthermore, the 22 consistency in the sound means that if the predetermined sound successfully 23 obscures external noises at one time, then further noises being the same as the 24 external noise will continue to be obscured while the predetermined sound is being emitted.

27 A sound comprising random frequency content, and particularly frequency content 28 comprising a relatively higher number of frequencies in the human-audible frequency 29 range (for example white noise, pink noise etc.) is relatively more effective at obscuring other sounds. This is because it is relatively more difficult to identify one 31 particular frequency (or subset of frequencies) when a relatively higher number of 32 frequencies are present. Such a predetermined sound thus reduces the signal-to- 33 noise ratio, making it more difficult to hear a specific signal over the high number of 34 frequencies in the predetermined sound. Accordingly, by providing a predetermined sound comprising random frequency content, unwanted external noise is more 36 effectively obscured.

1 The predetermined sound may be selected to give rise to a signal to noise ratio of 2 less than 5, for example less than 3, such as less than 1, where the predetermined 3 sound is the noise and an (e.g. expected) unwanted sound is the signal. Here the 4 signal to noise ratio should be understood to be the ratio of the power of the signal to the power of the noise.

7 The predetermined sound may be a natural sound. It will be understood that a natural 8 sound is a sound which is not exclusively computer-generated. The predetermined 9 sound may comprise (e.g. be) a recording of one of the following: birdsong, crackling fire, rainfall, traffic, running water, conversation in a crowd, or water waves. The 11 predetermined sound may comprise (e.g. be) an artificially generated sound arranged 12 to sound like one of the following: birdsong, crackling fire, rainfall, traffic, running 13 water, conversation in a crowd, or water waves. Such sounds (e.g. natural sounds) 14 also contain (e.g. partially) random frequency content, and a large range of noise frequencies and levels (e.g. amplitudes), and are therefore effective at obscuring 16 noise, however these sounds are sometimes found more pleasant than sounds 17 comprising more random frequency content, such as white noise. The predetermined 18 sound may comprise (e.g. be) music. For example, the sound may comprise (e.g. be) 19 a recording of sounds made by one or more musical instruments and/or one or more voices. The sound may comprise (e.g. be) an artificially generated sound arranged to 21 sound like a recording of sounds made by one or more musical instruments and/or 22 one or more voices.

24 The predetermined sound may have a sound pressure level of at least 40 decibels, e.g. at least 50 decibels, e.g. at least 60 decibels. The predetermined sound may 26 have a sound pressure level of less than 80 decibels, e.g. less than 75 decibels, e.g. 27 less than 70 decibels, e.g. less than 60 decibels. A sound pressure level of at least 40 28 decibels is sufficient to obscure at least some external noise. A sound pressure level 29 of more than 80 decibels may be annoying and uncomfortable to users. Sounds having sound pressure levels in excess of 80 decibels may obscure noise which 31 should not be obscured, such as fire alarms. Accordingly, a predetermined sound 32 having a pressure level of between 40 and 80 decibels effectively obscures external 33 noise without being uncomfortable or obscuring sounds which should remain audible.

The predetermined sound may have a sound pressure level above the ambient 36 sound pressure level in the external region. For example, the predetermined sound 37 may be at least 1%, e.g. at least 2%, e.g. at least 5%, above the ambient sound 1 pressure level in the external region. The predetermined sound may be up to 10%, 2 e.g. up to 9%, e.g. up to 6% above the ambient sound pressure level in the external 3 region. In an example, where the ambient sound pressure level in the external region 4 is 60 decibels, the sound pressure level of the predetermined sound may be 61.2 decibels.

7 The speaker may be configured to emit the predetermined sound such that the 8 predetermined sound is audible within the first area and sounds initiating from the 9 second area are obscured in the first area. The speaker may be configured to emit the predetermined sound such that the predetermined sound is audible within the first 11 area and the second area, and sounds initiating from the second area are obscured 12 in the first area.

14 The speaker may be configured to emit the predetermined sound such that the predetermined sound is audible within a range of within at least 2 meters from the 16 apparatus, e.g. at least 1 meter from the apparatus, e.g. at least 50 centimetres from 17 the apparatus. The speaker may be arranged to emit the predetermined sound such 18 that the predetermined sound is inaudible by a person more than 3 meters from the 19 apparatus, e.g. more than 4 meters from the apparatus, e.g. more than 5 meters from the apparatus. Where the predetermined sound is audible within a range of between 21 50 centimetres and 5 meters from the apparatus, the apparatus can be used to 22 obscure sound in a small space, for example a bathroom cubicle. The predetermined 23 sound will thus give the impression of privacy within the space, without disturbing 24 others outside the space.

26 According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a room, the room 27 comprising an apparatus for obscuring external noise in an external region, the 28 apparatus comprising: 29 a detector responsive to a detected change in the external region, indicative of the presence of a person in the external region; and 31 a speaker configured to emit a predetermined sound in response to the 32 detected change, 33 wherein the predetermined sound is configured to obscure external noise within the 34 external region.

36 The room may be a bathroom. The room may comprise one or more cubicles, e.g. a 37 plurality of cubicles. The or each cubicle may comprise an apparatus according to the 1 first aspect of the invention. Advantageously, where a room or a cubicle is provided 2 with such an apparatus, the apparatus may be used to provide an improved 3 impression of privacy for a person within the room or cubicle.

The cubical may be a bathroom cubicle. The cubicle may be a bathroom stall. The 6 cubicle may comprise a toilet. The cubicle may comprise a urinal. Where the cubicle 7 is a bathroom cubicle or bathroom stall, the provision of the apparatus may be used 8 to provide an improved impression of privacy for a person within the cubicle. This is 9 particularly advantageous where the person wishes to use a toilet or a urinal without having the impression that they can be heard whilst they do so.

12 According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a room, the room 13 comprising a cubicle, the cubicle comprising an apparatus for obscuring external 14 noise in an external region, the apparatus comprising: a detector responsive to a detected change in the external region, indicative 16 of the presence of a person in the external region; and 17 a speaker configured to emit a predetermined sound in response to the 18 detected change, 19 wherein the predetermined sound is configured to obscure external noise within the external region.

22 The first area may be an (e.g. the) area inside the room. The second area may be an 23 (e.g. the) area outside the room. The first area may be an (e.g. the) area within a (e.g. 24 respective) cubicle. The second area may be an (e.g. the) area outside a (e.g. respective) cubicle.

27 According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for an 28 apparatus for obscuring external noise in an external region, the apparatus 29 comprising: a detector responsive to a detected change in the external region, indicative 31 of the presence of a person in the external region; and 32 a speaker configured to emit a predetermined sound in response to the 33 detected change, 34 the kit comprising: the apparatus; and 1 a housing configured to retain the detector and the speaker, the housing 2 comprising a lockable access panel arranged such that the interior of the housing can 3 be accessed (e.g. only) with the use of a key.

The kit may comprise a key for locking and unlocking the lockable access panel. The 6 kit or the apparatus may further comprise a power source, for example a battery. The 7 kit may comprise a plurality of apparatuses according to the first aspect of the 8 invention and a plurality of housings configured to retain the detector and the 9 speaker, each housing comprising a lockable access panel arranged such that the interior of the housing can be accessed (e.g. only) with the use of a key. The kit may 11 comprise one or more keys for locking and unlocking any one of the lockable access 12 panels. For example, the kit may comprise only one key. The kit or the apparatus 13 may comprise control circuitry, for example a printed circuit board (PCB) or a 14 microprocessor.

16 The apparatus may be mounted on a wall. The apparatus may be configured to be 17 mounted to a wall. The apparatus may be mounted on a door. The apparatus may be 18 configured to be mounted to a door.

It will be understood that any features described above in relation to the apparatus 21 may also be optional features of the other aspects of the invention.

23 Description of the Drawings

An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with 26 reference to the following Figures in which: 28 Figure 1A is a perspective view diagram of an apparatus for obscuring noise in an 29 external region; Figure 1B is a front elevation view diagram of the same apparatus; Figure 1C is a side elevation view diagram of the same apparatus; Figure 1D is a 31 base elevation view diagram of the same apparatus; Figure 1E is a top elevation view 32 diagram of the same apparatus; Figure 1F is a rear elevation view diagram of the 33 same apparatus; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through the same apparatus; Figure 2 is a perspective view diagram of an example embodiment of a bathroom 36 containing an apparatus for obscuring noise in an external region; 1 Figure 3 is a perspective view diagram of an example embodiment of a bathroom 2 containing bathroom cubicles, each of which contain an apparatus for obscuring 3 noise in an external region; and Figure 4 is a flow chart of steps in an example embodiment method of operation of an 6 apparatus for obscuring noise in an external region.

8 Detailed Description of an Example Embodiment

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any dimensions and relative 11 orientations such as lower and higher, above and below, and directions such as 12 vertical, horizontal, upper, lower, longitudinal, axial, radial, lateral, circumferential, 13 etc. referred to in this description refer to, and are within expected structural 14 tolerances and limits for, the technical field and the apparatus described, and these should be interpreted with this in mind.

17 Figures 1A to 10 are a series of diagrams of various views of an example 18 embodiment of an apparatus 1 for obscuring noise in an external region (i.e. a region 19 outside the apparatus). The apparatus has a housing 4, the housing 4 having a front panel 12 and rear panel 14 as well as a base panel 18 and a top panel 20.

22 The front panel 12 has a series of apertures 6 to allow sound out of the housing. The 23 top panel 20 has a keyhole 8 into which a key (not shown) can be inserted such that 24 the housing can be locked or unlocked. When unlocked, the housing can be opened.

This is further facilitated by hinges 10 which connect the front panel 12 to the rear 26 panel 14.

28 The rear panel has two apertures 16A, 16B to allow attachment (e.g. mounting) of the 29 apparatus 1 to a wall or another surface, for example via nails, bolts, screws, etc. 31 The housing 4 is made of non-porous polyvinyl carbonate. The housing 4 retains a 32 distance detector 2 which is mounted near the front of the housing 4 and which 33 extends partially through an aperture in the front panel 12. The housing 4 also retains 34 a speaker 5, a printed circuit board (PCB) 3, and power source in the form of a battery 7. The detector 2 and speaker 5 are connected to the PCB 3 and the battery 36 7.

1 In use, when the distance detector 2 detects a change in distance between the 2 apparatus 1 and a known external point (for example a point on a door, such that the 3 distance changes when the door is opened or closed), the speaker 5 emits white 4 noise for 5 minutes. The speaker 5 then stops emitting sound until a subsequent change in distance is detected by the detector 2, after the end of the 5-minute period.

6 Accordingly, sounds remote from the apparatus 1 are obscured by the white noise 7 emitted by the speaker 5 during the 5-minute period.

9 Figure 2 is a diagram of an example embodiment of a room 36 (here a bathroom) containing an example embodiment of an apparatus 1 for obscuring noise in an 11 external region. The room 36 has a door 32 for access and a toilet 40. In this 12 instance, the external region includes a region outside the room.

14 In use, a person enters the room 36 by opening the door 32. This causes a change in the distance between the apparatus 1 and an external point, as detected by the 16 detector 2. In this instance, the initial distance is the distance between the apparatus 17 1 and a wall of the room 36. When the door 32 is opened, the line of sign between the 18 detector 2 and the wall is interrupted, which is detected as a change in the distance.

The speaker 5 emits white noise for 5 minutes in response to this detected change.

21 The white noise obscures sound in the external region (i.e. outside the room 36), from 22 the point of view of a person inside the room 36, during this 5-minute period. This 23 allows the person to use the bathroom 36 without being able to easily hear sounds 24 from outside the bathroom 36. As a result, the person experiences an enhanced perception of their privacy whilst using the bathroom 36. This is because the person 26 believes that if they cannot hear sounds from outside the bathroom 36 while they are 27 inside the bathroom 36, others outside the bathroom 36 cannot hear sounds from 28 inside the bathroom 36.

Figure 3 is a diagram of a second example embodiment of a room 56. In this 31 instance, the room 56 is a bathroom 56 containing multiple toilet cubicles 58A, 58B, 32 58C. Each cubicle 58A, 58B, 58C contains an example embodiment of an apparatus 33 1 for obscuring noise in an external region. The room 56 has a main door 32, for 34 access into the room 56. Each cubicle 58A, 58B, 58C has a toilet 40 and a cubicle door 34A, 34B, for access into a respective cubicle 58A, 58B, 58C.

1 In this instance, because each cubicle 58A, 58B, 58C has a respective apparatus 1, 2 each cubicle 58A, 58B, 58C also has a respective external region. Here, a respective 3 external region is defined as a region outside of a respective apparatus 1 and 4 including the respective cubicle 58A, 58B, 58C as well as the other cubicles. For example, for cubicle 58B, the external region includes the room 56, including cubicles 6 58A, 58B, and 58C, and areas outside the room 56.

8 In use, a person enters a cubicle 58A, 58B, 58C by opening a cubicle door 34A, 34B.

9 This causes a change in the distance between the apparatus 1 and an external point, as detected by the detector 2. Here, the initial distance is the distance between the 11 apparatus 1 and the closed cubicle door 34A, 34B. When the door 34A, 34B is 12 opened, the change in distance is detected by the detector 2.

14 The speaker 5 then emits white noise for 5 minutes in response to the detected change. The white noise obscures sound in the external region during this 5-minute 16 period. This allows the person to use the toilet 40 without being able to easily hear 17 sounds from outside the cubicle 58A, 58B, 58C. As a result, the person experiences 18 an enhanced perception of their privacy whilst using the toilet 40.

Figure 4 is a flowchart indicating steps in the operation of an example embodiment of 21 the apparatus. Here, nothing happens unless and until the detector 2 detects a 22 change indicative of the presence of a person. When such a change is detected, the 23 speaker 5 emits sound for 5 minutes. When the 5-minute period has elapsed, the 24 process starts again. No further sound is emitted by the speaker 5 until a further change, indicative of the presence of a person, is detected by the detector 2 after the 26 5-minute period.

28 Although in the above example embodiments, the detector 2 is a distance detector, 29 other detectors could be used in the alternative. For example, the detector 2 could be a motion detector, a sound detector, a light detector, etc. 32 Although in the above example embodiments, the sound emitted by the speaker 5 is 33 white noise, other sounds could be emitted in the alternative. For example, the sound 34 emitted might be pink noise, or a recorded sound of running water or crackling fire.

1 Although in the above example embodiments the speaker 5 emits sound for 5 2 minutes, other periods could be used in the alternative. For example, the sound may 3 be emitted for 3 minutes, or for 10 minutes.

In summary, there is provided an apparatus (1) for obscuring noise in an external 6 region, the apparatus (1) comprising: a detector (2) responsive to a detected change 7 in the external region, indicative of the presence of a person in the external region; 8 and a speaker (5) configured to emit a predetermined sound in response to the 9 detected change, wherein the predetermined sound is configured to obscure external noise within the external region.

12 Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and 13 "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not 14 intended to and do not exclude other components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural 16 unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is 17 used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as 18 singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a 21 particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention are to be understood to 22 be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless 23 incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including 24 any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except 26 combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually 27 exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.

28 The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features 29 disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method 31 or process so disclosed.

Claims (16)

1 Claims 3 1. Apparatus for obscuring noise in an external region, the apparatus 4 comprising: a detector responsive to a detected change in the external region, 6 indicative of the presence of a person in the external region; and 7 a speaker configured to emit a predetermined sound in response to 8 the detected change, 9 wherein the predetermined sound is configured to obscure external noise within the external region.12

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detected change is 13 representative of a change in the distance between the detector and a 14 known point in the external region.16

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the external region 17 comprises a first area and a second area, wherein the first area is closer 18 to the apparatus than the second area, and wherein the speaker is 19 configured to direct the predetermined sound into the first area.21

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus 22 comprises a housing configured to retain the detector and the speaker.24

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the housing comprises a lockable access panel arranged such that the interior of the housing can be 26 accessed with the use of a key.28

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or claims, wherein the speaker is retained 29 within the housing and the housing defines an aperture arranged to allow the predetermined sound to be emitted outside the housing.32

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined 33 sound comprises frequency content selected to make it more difficult for 34 the person to identify one or more predetermined types of further sound.36

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the one or more predetermined 37 types of further sound comprise human-originating sounds.2

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined 3 sound comprises an approximation of one of the following: white noise, 4 pink noise, Brownian noise, blue noise, differentiated white noise, or grey noise.7

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined 8 sound comprises a recording of one of the following: birdsong, crackling 9 fire, rainfall, traffic, running water, conversation in a crowd, or water waves.12

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein speaker is arranged 13 to emit the predetermined sound for a predetermined period, the 14 predetermined period being at least 1 minute and for less than 30 minutes.16

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined 17 sound has a sound pressure level of at least 40 decibels and less than 80 18 decibels.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the speaker is 21 configured to emit the predetermined sound such that the predetermined 22 sound is audible within a range of at least 50 centimetres and less than 5 23 meters from the apparatus.

14. A room, the room comprising an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 26 13.28

15. A room, the room comprising one or more cubicles, the or each cubicle 29 comprising an apparatus according to any one or claims 1 to 13.31

16. A kit of parts for an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3 or 7 to 13, 32 the kit comprising: 33 the apparatus; and 34 a housing configured to retain the detector and the speaker, the housing comprising a lockable access panel arranged such that the 36 interior of the housing can be accessed with the use of a key; 37 and a key for locking and unlocking the lockable access panel.