GB2617818A

GB2617818A - Speaker system

Info

Publication number: GB2617818A
Application number: GB2203447.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rampersad Vishal; Henley Fawkes David; Melvyn Phillips Shaun; James Renfrew Bruce
Original assignee: Innovatethis Ltd
Current assignee: Innovatethis Ltd
Priority date: 2022-03-11
Filing date: 2022-03-11
Publication date: 2023-10-25
Also published as: GB202203447D0

Abstract

Apparatus 100 for playing audio comprises a data storage and light modification device 200, a speaker 104 an input module, an illumination system (108, fig. 3) and a controller (102, fig. 1). The input module reads data from the data storage and light modification device when disposed in the input module and the illumination system emits light 116 via the input module. The controller controls the speaker to output sound in dependence on data read from the data storage and light modification device. The data storage and light modification device is removably placeable in the input module and comprises a body 202, a data storage module, and an optical module 206. The optical module receives light from the illumination system and outputs light, changing a characteristic of the light, such as changing colour, shape or intensity distribution. A recess 152 in a body 150 of the apparatus can receive the data storage and light modification device which may be in the form of a smart card. Data may be read contactlessly by near field communication.

Description

Speaker system The present invention relates to a speaker system. In particular, it relates to a system comprising an apparatus having a speaker and at least one data storage and light modification device that the system can read data from. The present invention also relates to a new apparatus having a speaker and a new data storage and light modification device.

Speakers can be used to play audio files and the like. The audio file should be accessible to the speaker, which is then used to play the audio file by emitting a corresponding sound. Traditionally, an audio file may be loaded into a system comprising a speaker using a physical data storage and light modification device such as, for example, a compact disc (CD).

More recently, wireless speakers have become available. Wireless speakers are configured to connect to another device on which the audio file may be stored. The audio file may be downloaded (for example over a wireless network) to the wireless speaker, temporarily cached in memory, and subsequently played by the speaker. Alternatively, the audio file may streamed (for example over a wireless network) to the wireless speaker played by the speaker substantially simultaneously (or at least with a relatively small time lag).

Typically, wireless speakers require a driving device such as, for example, a smart phone, tablet or the like. The driving device may provide a user interface and allow a user to select an audio file to be played by the speaker. In general, the driving device and the speaker are connected via a wireless link, which may use Bluetooth or WiFi. At least the driving device may be connected to a local area network (LAN), which may also comprise a router. Via the wireless router the LAN may be connected to the internet. A library of audio files may be stored on a server, which may be accessible to at least the driving device via the router. An audio file may be downloaded or streamed by the driving device via the router and can be sent to the speaker to be played either using Bluetooth or WiFi.

It may be desirable to provide an alternative speaker system which at least partially addresses one or more of the problems of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is a provided an apparatus comprising: a speaker operable to emit sound; an input module operable to read data from a data storage and light modification device when disposed in the input module; an illumination system operable to emit light via the input module; and a controller, wherein the controller is operable to control the input module so as to read data from a data storage and light modification device when disposed in the input module; and wherein the controller is further operable to control the speaker to output sound in dependence on data read from a data storage and light modification device by the input module.

The apparatus according to the first aspect is advantageous as now discussed. The speaker can be used to play back an audio file or the like based upon data read from a data storage and light modification device.

The apparatus may be referred to as a media player.

For example, the data read from the data storage and light modification device may comprise an identifier for an audio file. Once the identifier has been read, the controller may play an audio file that is linked to that identifier. For example, the controller may be operable to access a library comprising a plurality of audio files, each of which being linked to an identifier. The library may be stored locally, for example, the apparatus may comprise a memory or storage (for example non-volatile memory) and the library may be stored in such memory or storage. Alternatively, the library may be stored elsewhere and the controller may comprise a means for accessing the library, for example over a network, for example the internet. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a network module operable to allow the apparatus to be connected to a network (either physically or via a wireless connection).

Alternatively, the data read from the data storage and light modification device may comprise an audio file.

In addition, at substantially the same time the illumination system can emit light so that a user can experience both audio and visual stimuli at the same time. Since the illumination system is operable to emit light via the input module, a data storage and light modification device disposed in the input module can influence the emitted light.

For example, the data storage and light modification device may have an optical module which is operable to receive light from the illumination system and to output modified light, wherein one or more characteristics of the modified light differs from that of the received light. Such an arrangement advantageously allows the light which is output (and which can be seen by a user) to be tailored by the data storage and light modification device. For example, the shape and/or colour of the light may be matched to a sound that is emitted by the speaker. In order to achieve this matching of the light emitted to a sound that is emitted by the speaker via a single apparatus alone, the single apparatus would require a complex adjustable optical system that could provide control over characteristics of the emitted light. Such a complex adjustable optical system would be limited to a finite number of different optical effects.

A range of different audio files may be selected and played by providing a range of different data storage and light modification devices having different data stored thereon. When using the apparatus according to the first aspect a data storage and light modification device should be placed in the input module. The inventors have realised that with such an arrangement, by providing an optical module on the data storage and light modification device and by emitting light via the input module, that optical module can be used to alter the light. Therefore, there is a synergy between the provision of the input module, which is operable to read data from a data storage and light modification device when disposed in the input module, and the illumination system being operable to emit light via the input module.

The apparatus according to the first aspect provides an enhanced user experience since it allows for both audio and visual stimuli to be provided simultaneously.

Furthermore, the apparatus according to the first aspect allows for the light which is output to be tailored by the data storage and light modification device without requiring a complex optical system within the apparatus, reducing cost and complexity of the product. Further, by providing the illumination system that is operable to emit light via the input module, a greater range of optical effects can be provided.

The apparatus according to the first aspect provides improved userability relative to an apparatus having an adjustable optical system that could provide control over characteristics of emitted light. The user merely places a data storage and light modification device in or on the input module rather than, for example, needing to configure an apparatus to achieve a desired optical effect.

The input module may be operable to read data from a data storage and light modification device contactlessly.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the input module may comprise electrical contacts for engagement with corresponding contacts on a data storage and light modification device. With such an arrangement, the input module is operable to read data from a data storage and light modification device via said contacts.

The input module may be operable to interrogate a passive data storage and light modification device.

The input module may be operable to use near field communication.

The use of contactless and/or passive data storage and light modification device, and in particular one which uses near field communication, is particularly beneficial, over existing arrangements, as now discussed. With the apparatus of the first aspect, a range of different audio files may be selected and played by providing a range of different data storage and light modification devices having different data stored thereon. The use of near field communication makes such an arrangement viable in terms of cost.

Near field communication (NEC) is suitable for exchanging relatively small amounts of data over short distances. Particularly, if used to interrogate a passive NFC chip, the range for the connection is very small and, in practice, the object containing the NFC chip (which may be a data storage and light modification device) may need to be placed more or less in contact with the interrogating device (which may be the input module), and should be accurately aligned with an antenna within the interrogating device. NFC protocols have been used with some existing speakers, however, in such known arrangements the NEC communication is typically peer-to-peer communication between a driving device (for example a smart phone) and the speaker. Furthermore, in such known arrangements the NFC communication is typically used to pair two devices (for example a smart phone and speaker) so as to bootstrap a more sophisticated wireless communication. Once, the devices are paired, another wireless communication technology may be used to transfer data between the two devices. For example, an NFC chip may be provided in a speaker and a smart phone may interrogate this in order to read a Bluetooth identification code, which it may use to pair with the speaker. Since a smart phone or the like is being used to drive operation of the speaker, the smart phone can send a range of different signals to the speaker in order to play a range of different audio files.

The input module may comprise a location feature for engagement with a data storage and light modification device so as to ensure a position and/or orientation of the data storage and light modification device.

Advantageously, such a location feature may ensure that: (a) a data storage module of the data storage and light modification device is in a suitable position to be read by the input module; and (b) an optical module of the data storage and light modification device receives the light output by the illumination module.

The apparatus may comprise a body and the input module may comprise a recess defined on the body for receipt of a data storage and light modification device.

Advantageously, such a recess may ensure that: (a) a data storage module of the data storage and light modification device is in a suitable position to be read by the input module; and (b) an optical module of the data storage and light modification device receives the light output by the illumination module.

The illumination system may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are operable to emit light.

The controller may be further operable to control the illumination system so as to emit light.

The controller may be operable to control the illumination system so as to emit pulsed light.

The controller may be operable to control the illumination system so as to emit light in dependence on data read from a data storage and light modification device by the input module.

That is, in addition to audio data, the data storage and light modification device may also store illumination mode data. Such illumination mode data may, for example, include information indicative of a target temporal intensity distribution of the emitted light. For example, the emitted light may be pulsed and the illumination mode data may include information about a frequency of the pulses and/or a temporal separation of the pulses.

The apparatus may further comprise memory for storage of one or more audio files.

The memory may, for example, comprise non-volatile memory.

The apparatus may further comprise a network module operable to allow the apparatus to be connected to a network.

Said connection may be either a physical connection or a wireless connection. A library of audio filed may be stored elsewhere and the network module may provide a means for accessing the library over a network such as, for example, the internet.

The apparatus may further comprise a fragrance module that is operable to emit a fragrance. The controller may be operable to control the fragrance module to output the fragrance.

The control of the fragrance module to output the fragrance may be affected by sending a control signal to the fragrance module. The controller may be operable to control fragrance module to output a fragrance in dependence on data read from a data storage and light modification device by the input module.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is a provided a data storage and light modification device suitable for use with the apparatus of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the data storage and light modification device comprising: a body; a data storage module; and an optical module operable to receive light and to output light, wherein one or more characteristics of the output light differs from that of the received light.

That is, the optical module is operable to modify one or more characteristics of light that it receives.

The data storage and light modification device according to the second aspect is advantageous as now discussed.

Data stored in the data storage module may comprise an identifier for an audio file.

Alternatively, data stored in the data storage module may comprise may comprise an audio file. The audio file can be read by and played by a speaker (for example using the apparatus according to the first aspect). In addition, at substantially the same time light can be sent to the optical module, which can influence the light. For example, the optical module may be arranged to shape or colour the light. Such an arrangement advantageously allows light (which may, for example, be output by a speaker playing an audio file stored in the data storage module), and which can be seen by a user, to be tailored by the data storage and light modification device according to the second aspect. For example, the shape and/or colour of the light may be matched to a sound that is stored in the data storage module.

Such an arrangement advantageously allows the light which is output (and which can be seen by a user) to be tailored by the data storage and light modification device which stores the audio data. For example, the shape and/or colour of the light may be matched to a sound that will be emitted when the audio data is player by a speaker. A range of different audio files, and accompanying light, may be selected and played by providing a range of different data storage and light modification devices according to the second aspect having different data stored thereon. The inventors have realised that, by providing both the optical module and the data storage module on the same data storage and light modification device an extremely versatile system may be achieved at relatively low cost and complexity. In order to provide the audio data to an apparatus having a speaker (for example the apparatus according to the first aspect) the data storage and light modification device should be provided in a suitable location for the data to be read (for example in or on the input module of the apparatus according to the first aspect). The inventors have realised that when the data storage and light modification device is provided in such a suitable location for the data to be read it is also be in a suitable location for the optical module to influence one or more characteristics of light that is output by the apparatus having the speaker. Therefore, there is a synergy between the provision of the optical module and the data storage module on the same data storage and light modification device.

The data storage and light modification device may, for example, be generally of the form of a smart card and may have one or more features that can shape or colour light received thereby. Alternatively, the data storage and light modification device may have any desired shape or configuration (other than a smart card) in order to affect a desired modification of one or more characteristics of the light emitted by the illumination system. In particular, in some embodiments, rather than being generally planar like a smart card (having one dimension significantly smaller than the other two dimensions), the data storage and light modification device may be more three dimensional (having three dimensions of comparable order).

The optical module may comprise a transmissive optical element.

For example, the optical module may comprise generally opaque body having a transmissive portion or window defined on the body. In use, when the data storage and light modification device is disposed in the input module of the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, light emitted by the illumination system may pass through the transmissive optical element. This may shape, colour or otherwise alter the properties of the emitted light.

The optical module may comprise a reflective optical element.

The reflective optical element may be, for example, a mirror or the like. In some embodiments, the optical module may comprise a combination of transmissive and reflective optical elements which, in use, when the data storage and light modification device is disposed in the input module of the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, may receive light emitted by the illumination system and shape, colour or otherwise alter the properties of the emitted light.

The one or more characteristics of the output light that differs from that of the received light may comprise a colour or hue of the light.

For example, the optical module may comprise a filter arranged to alter a colour or hue of light received thereby (which may, for example, be emitted by the illumination system of the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention).

The one or more characteristics of the output light that differs from that of the received light may comprise a shape of a beam of the light.

For example, the optical module may comprise a shaped aperture arranged to alter a shape of a beam spot formed by a beam of light received thereby (which may, for example, be emitted by the illumination system of the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention).

The one or more characteristics of the output light that differs from that of the received light may comprise a spatial intensity distribution of the light.

The optical module may comprise a multi-faceted optical element.

Each facet of such a multi-faceted optical element may scatter portions of the received light in a different direction. Such a multi-faceted optical element may scatter light in a similar fashion to a disco ball. It will be appreciated that such a multi-faceted optical element may be either transmissive or reflective.

Additionally or alternatively, a transmissivity or reflectivity of two facets of such a multi-faceted optical element may, in general, be different. For example, in one embodiment the optical module may comprise a transmissive window and the transmissive window may comprise a plurality of sections, at least two of the plurality of sections having different transmissivifies.

The optical module may comprise a refractive or diffractive optical element arranged to scatter light received thereby.

Such a refractive or diffractive optical element may scatter light in dependence on the wavelength of the light.

The one or more characteristics of the output light that differs from that of the received light may comprise a temporal distribution of the light.

The data storage and light modification device may further comprise a tactile identification feature.

Such a tactile identification feature may comprise, for example, braille markings.

The data storage module may store illumination mode data.

The data storage module may be a passive storage module.

For example, the data storage and light modification device may be generally of the form of a smart card and the data storage module may be of the form of a readable chip.

The data storage module may comprise a near field communication chip.

The optical module may comprise one or more metamaterials.

The data storage module may store fragrance data.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is a provided a system comprising: the apparatus of the first aspect of the present disclosure; and at least one data storage and light modification device of the second aspect of the present disclosure removably placable in the input module.

The system according to the third aspect is advantageous as it uses the apparatus according to the first aspect and the data storage and light modification device according to the second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is a provided a system comprising: an apparatus comprising: a speaker operable to emit sound; an input module operable to read data from a data storage and light modification device when disposed in the input module; an illumination system operable to emit light via the input module; and a controller, wherein the controller is operable to control the input module so as to read data from a data storage and light modification device when disposed in the input module; and wherein the controller is further operable to control the speaker to output sound in dependence on data read from a data storage and light modification device by the input module; and at least one data storage and light modification device removably placable in the input module, the or each data storage and light modification device comprising: a body; a data storage module; and an optical module operable to receive light from the illumination system and to output light, wherein one or more characteristics of the output light differs from that of the received light.

Various aspects and features of the invention set out above or below may be combined with various other aspects and features of the invention as will be readily apparent to the skilled person.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the present

disclosure;

Figure 2A Figures 2A is a schematic plan view diagram of a data storage and light modification device according to the present disclosure that is suitable for use with the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 2B is a cross sectional view through the line A-A of the data storage and light modification device shown in Figure 2A; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a data storage and light modification device as shown in Figures 2A and 2B disposed in the input module of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 (only part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 is shown in Figure 3 to better aid the understanding of the interaction between the data storage and light modification device and the apparatus); Figure 4 shows an example embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 with a data storage and light modification device as shown in Figures 2A and 2B; and Figures 5A-5E show five example data storage and light modification devices 200 of the type shown in Figures 2A and 2B and which are suitable for use with the apparatus shown in Figure 4.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a new apparatus having a speaker and a new data storage and light modification device. The new apparatus may be referred to as a media player.

The new data storage and light modification device stores data, for example in the form of codes, file addresses, digital instructions, or complete media data files. In use, this data can be accessed by the media player (for example via Near Field Communication). In general, the media player is operable to access data read from the new data storage and light modification device and to action one or more events or effects in dependence on said data. For example, upon accessing the data stored on the new data storage and light modification device, the media player may action one or more events or effects singularly or simultaneously. Such events or effects include, but are not restricted to, any of the following: locating, downloading, storing, playing and/or streaming a media file from an internet address via an internet router and Wi-Fi or cables; playing a media file already stored on either the media player or the new data storage and light modification device; initiating a light output controlling script or instruction to facilitate an illumination effect; initiating a fragrance output controlling script or instruction to facilitate a fragrance emanating effect.

The data read from the new data storage and light modification device may be used, for example, by the media player to program or control a timer for, or the timing of, visual and audio alerts. Such visual and audio alerts may be presented in the form of sound from audio media files, single or multiple tone sounds and light emitting visual indicators.

The new data storage and light modification device also comprises an optical element (either transmissive or reflective) that is operable to receive light, modify it and output the light. For example, the new data storage and light modification device may comprise an optically transmissive area which may alter the wavelength, output angle, dispersion or other geometric or spectral properties of light being transmitted through it in order to create patterns of light on objects in a path of the output light. Additionally or alternatively, the new data storage and light modification device may comprise an optically reflective area which may alter the wavelength, output angle, dispersion or other geometric or spectral properties of light being received by and reflected away from the optically reflective area in order to create patterns of light on objects in a path of the output light.

An example of such a new apparatus having a speaker will be discussed below with reference to Figure 1 and an example of new data storage and light modification device will be discussed below with reference to Figures 2A and 2B.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure. The apparatus 100 may be generally of the form of a novel wireless speaker. The apparatus 100 comprises: a controller 102, a speaker 104, an input module 106 and an illumination system 108.

The controller 102 may comprise and suitable processor or microprocessor.

The speaker 104 is operable to emit sound 110. In order to achieve this, the controller 102 is operable to control the speaker 104 to output the sound 110 by sending a control signal 112 to the speaker 104.

The illumination system 108 is operable to emit light 116. For example, the illumination system 108 may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are operable to emit light 116. The illumination system 108 may be operable to emit pulsed light 116. The illumination system 108 may be generally of the form of a breath light or breathing light.

The input module 106 is operable to read data from a data storage and light modification device when disposed in the input module. In general, the input module 106 may define a location 117 suitable for receipt of a data storage and light modification device. The data storage and light modification device may be generally of the form of data storage and light modification device 200 as shown in Figures 2A and 2B and as described below.

As will be further explained below with reference to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the input module 106 may comprise a location feature for engagement with a data storage and light modification device so as to ensure a position and/or orientation of the data storage and light modification device in the location 117. Advantageously, such a location feature may ensure that: (a) a data storage module of the data storage and light modification device is in a suitable position to be read by the input module 106; and (b) an optical module of the data storage and light modification device receives the light 116 output by the illumination module 108.

It will be appreciated that the location 117 may be on an exterior surface of a body of the apparatus 100. For example, as will be described further below with reference to Figure 4, in some embodiments the apparatus 100 may comprise a body and the location 117 of the input module 106 may comprise a recess defined on the body for receipt of a data storage and light modification device.

To allow the input module 106 to read data from a data storage and light modification device the input module comprises a data exchange module 115. In addition, as indicated in Figure 1, it is the data exchange module 115 which exchanges signals 114 with the controller 102. Any data received by data exchange module 115 may be stored or cached in the memory 120.

In some embodiments, the input module 106 may be operable to read data from a data storage and light modification device contactlessly, for example via wireless signals. For such embodiments the data exchange module 115 may comprise a suitable transceiver to facilitate the sending and receiving of such wireless signals.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the data exchange module 115 of the input module 106 may comprise electrical contacts for engagement with corresponding contacts on a data storage and light modification device. With such an arrangement, the input module is operable to read data from a data storage and light modification device via said contacts.

In some embodiments, the input module 106 may be operable to interrogate a passive data storage and light modification device. For example the passive data storage and light modification device may comprise a conductive coil or the like. For such embodiments the data exchange module 115 may comprise a suitable transceiver that is operable to emit an interrogation signal and receive a response signal generated by passive data storage and light modification device upon receipt of the interrogation signal.

In some embodiments, the input module 106 is operable to use near field communication.

The controller 102 is operable to control the input module 106 so as to read data from a data storage and light modification device when disposed in the input module 106. In order to achieve this, the controller 102 is operable to exchange signals 114 with the input module 106.

The controller 102 is operable to control the speaker 104 to output sound in dependence on data read from a data storage and light modification device by the input module 106. For example, the controller 102 may receive a signal 114 from the input module 106 that contains information read by the input module 106 from a data storage and light modification device and the control signal 112 sent by the controller 102 to the speaker 104 may be dependent on said received signal 114.

The illumination system 108 is operable to emit light 116 via the input module 106. In particular, the illumination system 108 is operable to emit light 116 via the location 117 of the input module 106.

In some embodiments, the controller 102 may be further operable to control the illumination system 108 so as to emit light 116. For example, the controller 102 may be operable to send a control signal 118 to the illumination system 108 and the emitted light 116 may be dependent on said control signal 118.

In some embodiments, the controller 102 may be operable to control an illumination system 108 so as to emit pulsed light 116. In some embodiments, the controller 102 may be operable to control the illumination system 108 so as to emit light 116 in dependence on data read from a data storage and light modification device by the input module 106. That is, in addition to audio data, the data storage and light modification device may also store illumination mode data. Such illumination mode data may, for example, include information indicative of a target temporal intensity distribution of the emitted light 116. For example, the emitted light 116 may be pulsed and the illumination mode data may include information about a frequency of the pulses and/or a temporal separation of the pulses.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further comprise memory 120. The memory 120 may be suitable for storage of one or more audio files. The memory 120 may, for example, comprise non-volatile memory. The controller 102 may be operable to write to or read from the memory 120 via signals 122.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may claim further comprise a network module 124 operable to allow the apparatus 100 to be connected to a network. Said connection may be either a physical connection or a wireless connection. A library of audio filed may be stored elsewhere and the network module 124 may provide a means for accessing the library over a network such as, for example, the internet (for example via a local area network).

For example, the network module 124 may allow the apparatus 100 to connect to a router, which may be connected to the internet. This connection to the router may be via a wireless link such as, for example, a WiFi link. For such embodiments the network module 124 may comprise a suitable transceiver to facilitate the sending and receiving of such wireless signals. Alternatively or in addition, this connection to the router may be via a physical link such as, for example, an ethernet cable For such embodiments the network module 124 may comprise an ethernet socket.

The controller 102 may be operable to send or receive data from the network module 124 via signals 126. Any data received by the network module 124 may be stored or cached in the memory 120.

Optionally, the apparatus 100 may comprise a fragrance module 128. The fragrance module 128 may be operable to emit a fragrance 130. In order to achieve this, the controller 102 may be operable to control the fragrance module 128 to output the fragrance 130 by sending a control signal 132 to the fragrance module 128.

The controller 102 may be operable to control fragrance module 128 to output a fragrance 130 in dependence on data read from a data storage and light modification device by the input module 106. For example, the controller 102 may receive a signal 114 from the input module 106 that contains information read by the input module 106 from a data storage and light modification device and the control signal 132 sent by the controller 102 to the fragrance module 128 may be dependent on said received signal 114. For example, the fragrance module 128 may comprise a fan that is operable to deliver a fragrance 130 to the surroundings of the apparatus 100 (for example a room). Whether or not the fan is actuated may be dependent on data read from a data storage and light modification device by the input module 106. Additionally or alternatively, the fragrance module 128 may be operable to deliver a plurality of fragrances 130 to the surroundings of the apparatus 100 (for example a room) and one or more of said plurality of fragrances 130 may be selected to be emitted by the fragrance module 128 in dependence on data read from a data storage and light modification device by the input module 106.

It will be appreciated that the separation of the components in Figure 1, which is schematic, is merely to explain the various funcfionalifies of the apparatus 100. Any two features shown in Figure 1 and described above may in practice be provided by a single item of hardware. Similarly, any feature shown in Figure 1 and described above may in practice comprise a plurality of separate items of hardware.

Figures 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of a data storage and light modification device 200 according to the present disclosure that is suitable for use with the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 2A is a plan view of the data storage and light modification device 200 and Figure 2A is a cross sectional view of the data storage and light modification device 200 through the line A-A shown in Figure 2A.

The data storage and light modification device 200 comprises: a body 202, a data storage module 204 and an optical module 206. The optical module 206 is operable to receive light and to output light, wherein one or more characteristics of the output light differs from that of the received light. That is, the optical module 206 is operable to receive light alter one or more characteristics of the light.

The data storage and light modification device 200 may, for example, be generally of the form of a smart card and may have one or more features that can shape or colour light received thereby. Alternatively, the data storage and light modification device 200 may have any desired shape or configuration (other than a smart card) in order to affect a desired modification of one or more characteristics of the light. In particular, in some embodiments, rather than being generally planar like a smart card (having one dimension significantly smaller than the other two dimensions), the data storage and light modification device 200 may be more three dimensional (having three dimensions of comparable order).

In the schematic embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the data storage module 204 is embedded in the body 202. The location of the data storage module 204 is indicated in Figure 2A by a dotted line. In this embodiment, the body 202 is generally of the shape of a rectangular smart card Generally, the data storage module 204 stores audio file information that can be read by the data exchange module 115 of the input module 106 discussed above. For example, the data storage module 204 may store data comprising an identifier for an audio file. Alternatively, the data storage module 204 may store data comprising an audio file. In some embodiments, the data storage module 204 may store data comprising illumination mode data. In some embodiments, the data storage module 204 may store data comprising fragrance data.

In some embodiments, the data storage module 204 is a passive storage module. For example, the data storage and light modification device 200 may be generally of the form of a smart card and the data storage module 204 may be of the form of a readable chip. In some embodiments, the data storage module 204 may comprise a near field communication (NFC) chip.

In some embodiments, the optical module 206 may comprise a transmissive optical element. For example, the body 202 may be generally opaque and the optical module 206 may comprise an aperture or a transmissive portion or window defined in the body 202. In use, when the data storage and light modification device 200 is disposed in the location 117 of the input module 206 of the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1, light 116 emitted by the illumination system 108 may pass through the transmissive optical element. This may shape, colour or otherwise alter the properties of the emitted light 116.

In some embodiments, the optical module 206 may comprise a reflective optical element. The reflective optical element may be, for example, a mirror or the like. In some embodiments, the optical module may comprise a combination of transmissive and reflective optical elements which, in use, when the data storage and light modification device 200 is disposed in the input module 106 of the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1, may receive light 116 emitted by the illumination system 108 and shape, colour or otherwise alter the properties of the emitted light 116.

In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics of the output light that are altered by the optical module 206 comprises a colour or hue of the light. For example, the optical module 206 may comprise a filter arranged to alter a colour or hue of light received thereby (which may, for example, be emitted by the illumination system 108 of the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1).

In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics of the output light that altered by the optical module 206 comprises a shape of a beam of the light. For example, the optical module 206 may comprise a shaped aperture 206 arranged to alter a shape of a beam spot formed by a beam of light received thereby (which may, for example, be emitted by the illumination system 108 of the apparatus shown in Figure 1).

In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics of the output light that are altered by the optical module 206 comprise a spatial intensity distribution of the light.

In some embodiments, the optical module 206 may comprise a multi-faceted optical element. Each facet of such a multi-faceted optical element may scatter portions of the received light in a different direction. Such a multi-faceted optical element may scatter light in a similar fashion to a disco ball. It will be appreciated that such a multi-faceted optical element may be either transmissive or reflective.

In some embodiments, the optical module 206 may comprise a refractive or diffractive optical element arranged to scatter light received thereby. Such a refractive or diffractive optical element may scatter light in dependence on the wavelength of the light. This may allow, for example, the different spectral components of a white light beam to be split to create a rainbow effect in the output light.

In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics of the output light that are altered by the optical module 206 comprise a temporal distribution of the light.

In some embodiments, the data storage and light modification device 200 may further comprise a tactile identification feature 208. Such a tactile identification feature 208 may comprise, for example, braille markings. Additionally or alternatively, such a tactile identification feature 208 may comprise, for example, one or more recesses and/or projections on an edge of the body 202.

In some embodiments, the optical module 206 may comprise a metamaterial. Metamaterials is a generic term for artificial materials engineered to exhibit exotic properties not found in nature. For example, metamaterials can be designed to manipulate light, sound and heat waves in ways that cannot typically be done with conventional materials Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a speaker system comprising the apparatus 100 shown as in Figure 1 and at least one data storage and light modification device 200 as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the at least one data storage and light modification device 200 being removably placable in the location 117 of the input module 106.

Figure 3 shows a part of such a speaker system, showing a data storage and light modification device 200 as shown in Figures 2A and 2B disposed in the location 117 of the input module 106 of the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1. Only part of the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 is shown in Figure 3 to better aid the understanding of the interaction between the data storage and light modification device 200 and the apparatus 200.

The apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1, the data storage and light modification device 200 shown in Figures 2A and 2B and a speaker system comprising both (for example, as illustrated by Figure 3) provide various advantages over known speaker systems, as now discussed.

The apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 is advantageous, as now discussed. The speaker 104 can be used to play back an audio file or the like based upon data read from a data storage and light modification device 200 by the data exchange module of the input module 106.

For example, the data read from the data storage and light modification device 200 may comprise an identifier for an audio file. Once the identifier has been read, the controller 102 may play an audio file that is linked to that identifier. For example, the controller 102 may be operable to access a library comprising a plurality of audio files, each of which being linked to an identifier. The library may be stored locally, for example in the memory 120. Alternatively, the library may be stored elsewhere and the controller 102 may be operable to access the library via the network module 124.

Alternatively, the data read from the data storage and light modification device 200 may comprise an audio file, which may be downloaded to the memory 120 or streamed directly to the speaker 104.

In addition, at substantially the same time the illumination system 108 can emit light 116 so that a user can experience both audio and visual stimuli at the same time.

Since the illumination system 108 is operable to emit light 116 via the input module 106, a data storage and light modification device 200 disposed in the input module 106 (for example in or at location 117) can influence the emitted light 116. In particular, as shown in Figure 3, the optical module 206 receives light 116 from the illumination system 108 and can alter or modify one or more characteristics of the light 116 so as to output modified light 116. Such an arrangement advantageously allows the light 116 which is output (and which can be seen by a user) to be tailored by the data storage and light modification device 200. For example, the shape and/or colour of the light may be matched to a sound 110 that is emitted by the speaker 104.

In order to achieve this matching of emitted light to a sound that is emitted by a speaker via a single apparatus alone, the single apparatus would require a complex adjustable optical system that could provide control over characteristics of the emitted light. Such a complex adjustable optical system would be limited to a finite number of different optical effects.

In contrast, with embodiments of the present disclosure, a range of different audio files may be selected and played by providing a range of different data storage and light modification devices 200 having different data stored thereon. When using the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 a data storage and light modification device 200 should be placed in a location 117 in the input module 106. The inventors have realised that with such an arrangement, by providing an optical module 206 on the data storage and light modification device 200 and by emitting light 116 via the input module 106, that optical module 206 can be used to alter the light 116. Therefore, there is a synergy between the provision of the input module 108, which is operable to read data from a data storage and light modification device 200 when disposed in the input module 106, and the illumination system 108 being operable to emit light 116 via the input module 106.

The apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 provides an enhanced user experience since it allows for both audio and visual stimuli to be provided simultaneously. Furthermore, the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 allows for the light 116 which is output to be tailored by the data storage and light modification device 200 without requiring a complex optical system within the apparatus 100, reducing cost and complexity of the product. Further, by providing the illumination system 108 that is operable to emit light 116 via the input module 106, a greater range of optical effects can be provided.

The apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 provides improved userability relative to an apparatus having an adjustable optical system that could provide control over characteristics of emitted light. The user merely places a data storage and light modification device 200 in or on the input module 106 rather than, for example, needing to configure an alternative apparatus to achieve a desired optical effect.

The use of a contactless and/or passive data storage and light modification device 200, and in particular one which uses near field communication (NEC), is particularly beneficial over existing arrangements, as now discussed. With the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1, a range of different audio files may be selected and played by providing a range of different data storage and light modification devices 200 having different data stored thereon. The use of near field communication makes such an arrangement viable in terms of cost.

Near field communication (NFC) is suitable for exchanging relatively small amounts of data over short distances. Particularly, if used to interrogate a passive NFC chip, the range for the connection is very small and, in practice, the object containing the NEC chip (which may be a data storage and light modification device 200) may need to be placed more or less in contact with the interrogating device (which may be the data exchange module 115 of the input module 106), and should be accurately aligned with an antenna (for example the data exchange module 115) within the interrogating device.

NFC protocols have been used with some existing speakers, however, there are a number of significant differences between such known arrangements and the embodiments of the present disclosure, as now discussed. In such known arrangements, the NEC communication is typically peer-to-peer communication between a driving device (for example a smart phone) and the speaker. Furthermore, in such known arrangements the NFC communication is typically used to pair two devices (for example a smart phone and speaker) so as to bootstrap a more sophisticated wireless communication. Once, the devices are paired, another wireless communication technology may be used to transfer data between the two devices. For example, an NEC chip may be provided in a speaker and a smart phone may interrogate this in order to read a Bluetooth identification code, which it may use to pair with the speaker. Since a smart phone or the like is being used to drive operation of the speaker, the smart phone can send a range of different signals to the speaker in order to play a range of different audio files.

The data storage and light modification device 200 shown in Figures 2A and 2B is advantageous as now discussed. Data stored in the data storage module 200 may comprise an identifier for an audio file. Alternatively, data stored in the data storage module 200 may comprise may comprise an audio file. The audio file can be read by and played by a speaker (for example using the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1). In addition, at substantially the same time light 116 can be sent to the optical module 206, which can influence the light 116. For example, the optical module 206 may be arranged to shape or colour the light 116. Such an arrangement advantageously allows the light 116, which can be seen by a user, to be tailored by the data storage and light modification device 200. For example, the shape and/or colour of the light 116 may be matched to a sound that is stored in the data storage module 200.

Such an arrangement advantageously allows the light 116 which is output (and which can be seen by a user) to be tailored by the data storage and light modification device 200 which stores the audio data. For example, the shape and/or colour of the light 116 may be matched to a sound 110 that will be emitted when the audio data is player by a speaker 104. A range of different audio files, and accompanying light, may be selected and played by providing a range of different data storage and light modification devices 200 of the form shown in Figures 2A and 2B having different data stored thereon. The inventors have realised that, by providing both the optical module 206 and the data storage module 204 on the same data storage and light modification device 200 an extremely versatile system may be achieved at relatively low cost and complexity. In order to provide the audio data to an apparatus having a speaker (for example the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1) the data storage and light modification device 200 should be provided in a suitable location for the data to be read (for example in the location 115 of the input module 106 of the apparatus 100 of Figure 1). The inventors have realised that when the data storage and light modification device 200 is provided in such a suitable location for the data to be read it is also be in a suitable location for the optical module 206 to influence one or more characteristics of light 116 that is output by the apparatus 100 having the speaker 104. Therefore, there is a synergy between the provision of the optical module 206 and the data storage module 204 on the same data storage and light modification device 200.

Although the functionality of the apparatus 100 and the data storage and light modification device 200 have been disclosed in detail above, example embodiments of each are now described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

Figure 4 shows an example embodiment of the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 and an example embodiment of the data storage and light modification device 200 shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

In this embodiment, the apparatus comprises a generally disc-shaped, or cylindrical, body 150. The speaker 104 is provided on an outer curved surface of the body and may be generally toroidal An upper surface of the body 150 defines a recess 152 for receipt of the data storage and light modification device 200, which, in this embodiment, is generally of the shape of a smart card. The recess 152 therefore defines the location 117 shown in Figure 1 and as described above. The recess 152 may be considered to be a location feature for engagement with the data storage and light modification device 200 so as to ensure a position and/or orientation of the data storage and light modification device 200 in the location 117.

Advantageously, such a location feature may ensure that: (a) the data storage module (not shown in Figure 4) of the data storage and light modification device 200 is in a suitable position to be read by the input module 106; and (b) the optical module 206 of the data storage and light modification device 200 receives the light 116 output by the illumination module (not shown in Figure 4).

This embodiment further comprises a display 154 which may, for example, be used to display the time.

This embodiment further comprises various user-actuatable controls. For example, the apparatus 100 comprises: a main power control switch 156, a button 158 for actuating the illumination system so as to turn on the light 116, and a button 160 for actuating the illumination system so as to turn off the light 116.

Figures 5A to 5E show five example data storage and light modification devices 200 of the type shown in Figures 2A and 2B and which are suitable for use with the apparatus shown in Figure 4. All of the data storage and light modification devices 200 shown in Figures 5A to 5E are generally of the same form, however, they are provided with different optical modules 206, each configured to shape the light 116 differently.

The optical modules 206 of the data storage and light modification devices 200 shown in Figures 5A to 5E each comprise a transmissive window. The optical modules 206 of the data storage and light modification devices 200 shown in Figures 5A to 5B each comprise a plurality of sections: a first set of sections having being transparent and having a first transmissivity and a second set of sections having being semi-transparent and having a second transmissivity.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as described. The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention as described without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus comprising: a speaker operable to emit sound; an input module operable to read data from a data storage and light modification device when disposed in the input module; an illumination system operable to emit light via the input module; and a controller, wherein the controller is operable to control the input module so as to read data from a data storage and light modification device when disposed in the input module; and wherein the controller is further operable to control the speaker to output sound in dependence on data read from a data storage and light modification device by the input module.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the input module is operable to read data from a data storage and light modification device contactlessly.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the input module is operable to interrogate a passive data storage and light modification device.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the input module is operable touse near field communication.
5. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the input module comprises a location feature for engagement with a data storage and light modification device so as to ensure a position and/or orientation of the data storage and light modification device.
6. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the apparatus comprises a body and wherein the input module comprises a recess defined on the body for receipt of a data storage and light modification device.
7. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the illumination system comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are operable to emit light.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the controller is further operable to control the illumination system so as to emit light.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the controller is operable to control the illumination system so as to emit pulsed light.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the controller is operable to control the illumination system so as to emit light in dependence on data read from a data storage and light modification device by the input module.
11. The apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising memory for storage of one or more audio files.
12. The apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising a network module operable to allow the apparatus to be connected to a network.
13. The apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising a fragrance module that is operable to emit a fragrance, and wherein the controller is operable to control the fragrance module to output the fragrance.
14. A data storage and light modification device suitable for use with the apparatus of any preceding claim, the data storage and light modification device comprising: a body; a data storage module; and an optical module operable to receive light and to output light, wherein one or more characteristics of the output light differs from that of the received light.
15. The data storage and light modification device of claim 14 wherein the optical module comprises a transmissive optical element.
16. The data storage and light modification device of claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the optical module comprises a reflective optical element.
17. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the one or more characteristics of the output light that differs from that of the received light comprises a colour or hue of the light.
18. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the one or more characteristics of the output light that differs from that of the received light comprises a shape of a beam of the light.
19. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein the one or more characteristics of the output light that differs from that of the received light comprises a spatial intensity distribution of the light.
20. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 19 wherein the optical module comprises a multi-faceted optical element.
21. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 20 wherein the optical module comprises a refractive or diffractive optical element arranged to scatter light received thereby.
22. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 21 wherein the one or more characteristics of the output light that differs from that of the received light comprises a temporal distribution of the light.
23. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 22 further comprising a tactile identification feature.
24. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 23 wherein the data storage module stores illumination mode data.
25. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 24 wherein the data storage module is a passive storage module.
26. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 25 wherein the data storage module comprises a near field communication chip.
27. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 26 wherein the optical module comprises one or more metamaterials.
28. The data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 27 wherein the data storage module stores fragrance data.
29. A system comprising: the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13; and at least one data storage and light modification device of any one of claims 14 to 28 removably placable in the input module.