WO2009105816A1 - Control assembly for audio and/or visual apparatuse - Google Patents

Abstract

A speaker assembly operable remotely from an audio or Audio/ visual appliance the speaker assembly comprising a speaker disposed in a housing and extendin from and integral with the housing at least one formation arranged to allow a use to manually operate at least one control element located on or near the formatio by blind touch or feel; said manual operation of said at least one control elemen activating or deactivating an operating parameter of the appliance

Description

CONTROL ASSEMBLY FOR AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL APPARATUSES

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to control of audio visual assemblies and more particularly relates to an assembly adapted to enhance ability to induce relaxation and sleep in an insomniac using a minimal physical operation controls. More particularly the invention relates to the control of audio/visual equipment employed for use in a bedroom environment to assist in sleep induction, The invention further relates to a remote control system for use in conjunction with appliances used to induce sleep or which may be used during periods of difficulty in falling asleep or while a user is awake. The invention further provides a remote control apparatus for the control of appliances such as audio visual equipment and which may be blind operated by user's feel when located out of site of the user such as but not limited to in or under a pillow-

PRIOR ART:

It has been estimated that about 1 in 6 of the world's population does not get enough sleep due to a sleep disorder of some kind. More than half of those are considered to have chronic insomnia. Sleep disorders directly affect a person's mental and physical well-being. A sleep disorder is a symptom, not a disease.. The most common disorders are: insomnia, sleep apnoea, narcolepsy and sleep interruption through restless leg syndrome (RLS). Tnsomnia has many symptoms of which the most common are: difficulty in fatling asleep, finding it easy to get to sleep, but with frequent periods of nocturnal wakefulness and having an erratic sleep pattern with daytime fatigue and untimely surges of sleep-need.

Insomniacs have difficulty in falling asleep. Despite being tired they may be stimulated by anxiety and stress or depression, a racing mind, inability to relax, over-tiredness or recent caffeine intake. Either individually or a combination of two or more of the above can induce insomnia. Sufferers can obtain relief by adopting the following: i) drug medications ii) avoiding caffeine in the hours before retiring U) hypnotism iii) mind-diversion techniques to relax the body and mind

Sufferers will use various techniques to divert their mind to override the disturbing symptoms. For instance, an insomniac may: i) 'count sheep' ii) listen to music iii) use a bedside radio or a unit providing special sound effects iv) vision - through television or other electronic display unit providing special visual effects (with or without sound) v) listening to mood music vi) watching images such as television.

Other mental diversions may be employed such as, but not limited to, reading, puzzle solving and games, which can divert/relax the mind, although, for some it can have the reverse effect - i.e. overstimulation.

It is well known that drug medications do not cure sleep disorders. They merely offer temporary (nightly) relief from symptoms. Long term drug treatment for insomnia is not encouraged as it can lead to dependence, drug tolerance and side effects, apart from the possibility of unwanted interaction with other medications being taken.

The person who sleeps alone, and finds sound the best form of relief from the symptoms of insomnia, will often use a bedside clock radio. For the person with a bed-partner, the bedside clock radio is unsuitable as its sound may disturb the other person. However, there arc other options for non-drug induced sedation leading to sleep. The prior art teaches the use of headphones, but they do not overcome the problems described herein. Earphones are cumbersome and uncomfortable around the ears when a user adopts the sleeping repose position, rendering the use of headphones unsuitable in audio visual relaxation therapy.

More generally, there are in existence numerous devices and apparatuses, particularly bedside or bedroom apparatuses which are intended to be controlled' by a person when awake but reclining in bed and which are locally or remote controlled by wired or wireless links. Such devices include bedside radios, remote control televisions, under or inside pillow speakers connected to audio or visual systems. Control of each of these devices requires direct visual contact with the control device, attentive concentration causing awakening and manual dexterity. The pillow speakers extend from the appliance such as a bedside radio but control is via the appliance. The purpose of the current devices of the latter type are essentially to avoid disturbance to another person other than the user but their control means does not eliminate the unwanted stimulation caused by adjustment and operation of the control elements. The prior art has seen some devices which are intended to be controlled by one party with minimum or no disturbance to another party such as occurred when two persons share a double bed and one can sleep whereas another cannot or does not choose to. However, these devices still require the full attention of the user to operate.

Bedside or bedroom audio/visual entertainment systems include radios, sound systems, music players, televisions, puzzles and games, each of which may be manually or remote control operated. Many sleep disorder sufferers find that sound; vision and other mental diversions can assist lulling their senses into sleep-mode. Listening to a bedside radio, watching the television or solving printed puzzles are prime examples, but disturb bed-partners. The use of- carphones or pillow speakers may relieve the bed-partner, but they cause discomfort to the user as they are bulky. A problem exists where noise from an appliance disturbs another party who chooses to sleep in a twin share room. Headphones can be used to deliver muted sound to one person without disturbing the other but they are bulky, cumbersome and uncomfortable for the user attempting to relax and go to sleep. However, there is a category of individuals who have considerable difficulty in sleeping as a result of which audio/visual stimulation is used as a form of sedative to gradually relax an insomniac and induce sleep. However for that to be effective, a user must not risk unwanted stimulation that may be induced by the physical activity which may be required to operate equipment, make channel selections, etc. If a user is required to make operational adjustments to equipment this may require physical effort, concentration and both of which can over stimulate to the point where the whole relaxation/sedative effect of the audio/visual entertainment may be lost, reducing the value of the use of these methods for inducing sleep.

Pillow speakers have been used as a useful alternative solution to delivery of music or voice transmissions to a consumer. However, pillow speakers are also cumbersome, awkward to manoeuvre into the right position and are bulky under the pillow, also making them unsuitable for a user attempting to reduce or eliminate physical activity.

Pillow speakers are designed to give persons preparing for bed the ability to listen to the radio in private without disturbing their bed-partner. The person, who may improvise and use one to help them go to sleep, will experience discomfort under the ear. Also the mere setting up of the speakers and the associated activity in setting it up is awkward and requires physical and mental activity at a time when the slightest physical activity creates an all-round negative effect.

Insomniacs, while trying to lull their senses into drowsiness then sleep, ideally must minimise, as much as possible, any mental or physical disturbance. The physical actions of reaching across to operate a radio, such as turning it on, setting the tuner, adjusting the volume and selecting the auto cut-off, all cause mental activity and physical movement all of which inhibit the process to sleep. Furthermore, should a pillow speaker be the preferred sound source, it must be positioned so that it will not load on the sensitive area of the user's ear through the pillow or be heard by the bed-partner. While doing this, there can be a constant need to readjust and fine tune the volume control, resulting in more unwanted physical and mental activity/aggravation.

There is a long felt want in the field to provide an acceptable solution to the above problems faced by insomniacs attempting to relax by using an appliance such as a radio of audio visual apparatus. There is also a need to improve the existing products such as those which include a speaker connected to a radio or. other such unit, Io give relief to those that suffer from sleep disorders.

Furthermore there is a need to provide an alternative apparatus which is operable with a minimum of mental and physical effort and which is operable by touch or feel. There is also a need to provide an apparatus including means which enables a user, such as but not limited to an insomniac, to adopt a sleeping repose yet be . able to operate the apparatus with fractional physical movement of (such as but not limited to) an index finger or thumb, thereby eliminating the excessive physical movement and mental activity which would otherwise break a smooth transition from wake to sleep.

INVENTION:

The present invention provides an assembly for manual operation including a control means arranged for operation so that disturbance to onset of drowsiness at bedtime is minimised by reducing the physical and mental activity required to operate the assembly. The invention further provides means to control audio and/or visual equipment for inducing sleep in insomniacs and more particularly relates to the convenient low physical movement control of audio and/or visual equipment when used for relaxation prior to sleep. More particularly, the invention provides to a remote controllable system for use in conjunction with appliances used to induce sleep or which may be used during periods of difficulty in achieving sleep or while a user is awake. The invention further provides a remote control apparatus for the control of appliances such as audio and/or visual equipment and which may be blind operated by user touch or feel such as when a speaker associated with, such apparatus is tocated in or under a pillow.

Many sleep disorder sufferers find that sound, vision and other mental diversions can assist lulling ihelr senses into sleep-mode. Listening to a bedside radio, watching the television, solving printed puzzles or playing solo type games are prime examples, but disturb bed-partners - The use of earphones or pillow speakers may relieve the bed-partner, but they cause discomfort, are bulky and physically awkward to operate particularly when in a sleeping repose.

According to one embodiment there is provided an apparatus including a wired- or unwired audio speaker associated with a radio or other such audio delivery appliance which includes a. local control means which may be operated with minimum effort such as finger touch and which provides relief to those who suffer from sleep disorders, find it difficult to go to sleep or who wish to avoid unwanted stimulatkm when on the point of sleep.

In one broad form the present invention comprises: a control assembly for operating an appliance, the control assembly comprising at least one manually operable control element which individually or collectively operate at least one operation parameter of the appliance; wherein the console is adapted so that a user is able to operate the control elements using hand feel without visual contact with control elements or control element positions and with minimal physical effort and without the need to see the position of control elements for accurate control settings. Preferably the control elements are located in a manual control console. According to one embodiment, the appliance is audio visual and the control console is associated with and operates parameters relating to the operation of audio speakers which deliver sound from the appliance.

Preferably, the apparatus is adapted for positioning under a pillow to allow a user to make selections and adjust operation parameters with fractional body movement (preferably by finger-tip control) and minimal mental effort.

In another broad form the present invention comprises: a control assembly for operating an appliance, the control assembly including a housing, at least one manually operable controller which is capable of remote control of at least one operating parameter of the appliance; wherein the assembly is adapted so that a user is able to engage a region associated with the housing and operate at least a speaker delivering sound from the appliance using blind finger touch and feel sensing, such that the appliance is operable by said touch and feel sensing and without visual contact with controller operating positions or the appliance.

Preferably, the operation of at least one control element is conducted blind and purely by touch or feel. Throughout the specification, a reference to blind operation of the apparatus should be taken to mean an ability of a user to operate the controls of the apparatus without visual contact and by feel to know whether an operating parameter of an associated appliance is active or inactive and the particular activity setting of that parameter. More specifically, blind operation indicates that the controls are operable so that a user knows, for instance, by touch or feel and without visual contact, how high or low the volume ( for instance) is and how far to move or how many times to touch operate that control to alter or cancet an operation, This is a preferred arrangement for one striving for sleep when the preferred method is the use of sound and/or visual transmissions to induce the sleep process.

According to one embodiment the console is operable 'blind' by locating control elements in an attitude which enables position feel relative to another part of the console. In another embodiment the blind control is a touch sensitive element or elements which may be activated by a predetermined number of presses. According to an alternative embodiment, the touch sensitive elements have Braille-like formations which allow identification of function so that a particular function such as volume control can be operated by simple touch and feel action with negligible physical and mental effort.

According to another embodiment the control elements are adapted for position sensitive movement. Preferably the control console is remote from an appliance and accessible to a user by blind reach and feel, To date the prior art does not teach the use of remote blind control of an applicant and which may be used with a minimum of physical and mental effort. The invention described herein is particularly useful in a bedroom environment where the appliance is used to induce sleep.

One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which- allows a user to operate an audio and/or visual device with minimum of effort

A further object of the invention is to provide a moulded plastics control console which may be blind operated with minimum physical effort, which can be activated by touch or a position sensitive control lever without requiring a user to know in advance operating switch positions. Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.

In another broad form the present invention comprises: a remote control assembly for operating an appliance, the control assembly comprising at least, one manually operable control element which individually or. collectively operate at least one operation parameter of the appliance; wherein the console is adapted so that a user is able to grip a handle attached to a speaker delivering sound from the appliance and. operate the control elements using small finger action as the hand grips the console without visual contact with control elements or control element positions and with minimal physical effort and without the need to see the position of control elements for accurate control settings. In another broad form the present invention comprises: a speaker assembly operable remotely from an audio or Audio/ visual appliance; the speaker assembly comprising a speaker disposed in a housing and extending from and integral with the housing at least one formation arranged to allow a user to manually operate at least one control element located on or near the formation by blind touch or feel; said manual operation of said at least one control element activating or deactivating an operating parameter of the appliance.

In its broadest form the present invention comprises: a speaker assembly operable remotely from an audio or Audio/ visual appliance; the speaker assembly comprising a speaker housing and extending therefrom at least one gripping handle which allows a user to manually move the speaker with minimum effort.

Preferably the speaker housing includes at least one manually operable control clement associated with the gripping handle and which individually or collectively operate at least one operation parameter of the appliance; wherein the speaker is adapted so that a user is able to grip at least one handle attached to the speaker delivering sound from the appliance and operate the control elements using small finger action as the hand grips the handle without visual contact with control elements or control element positions and with minimal physical effort and without the need to see the position of control elements for accurate control settings.

The mould may be adapted with a potentially unlimited number of shapes. Materials which may be selected for the mould include polypropylene or other suitable moulded or shaped materials. .

The present invention provides an alternative to the known prior art and the shortcomings identified. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. Tn the description reference is made to the accompanying representations, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practised. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practise the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying illustrations, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION QF DRAWINGS

Figures 1 shows atop perspective view of a remote speaker assembly according to one embodiment and associated control elements.

Figures 2 shows a top perspective view of remote speaker assembly according to an alternative embodiment and associated control elements. igure 3 shows a speaker without any of the control elements, according to an alternative embodiment still retaining the handles for ease of positioning while under a pillow.

Figure 4 shows a remote hand held controller according to an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The examples refeiτed to herein are illustrative and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention. While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated that these are capable of modification, and therefore the disclosures herein are not to be construed as limiting of the precise details set forth, but to avail such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the description .

According to a preferred embodiment, there is provided an assembly which includes an audio visual appliance including a communication means between the appliance and a remote speaker. The remote speaker is adapted for location near, in or under a user's pillow allowing it to be operated by feel or touch of the operator. Typically the speaker is positioned by the user in a location which is a compromise between comfort and ensuring optimal sound quality.

Blind operation of the speaker will include operation of On/Off, volume, tone, bass, channel selection, etc. Other functions which may be used include: mains on/off button, combined volume and tuner, AM/FM mono, peak reception any angle, auto atomic clock setting, low light LCD time display, timer with slow cut-off, pre-set functionality, Sudoku projection, trivia projection, other licensed games projection, psychedelic projection, projection to wall or ceiling, chip with licensed programmes, CD player, white sound and any other form of mind diversion that may assist those with sleep disorders.

The speaker is preferably ergonomically designed to allow manual relocation of the speaker according to user requirements, For example, the speaker housing may include a hand grip which incorporates or integrates the control elements which operate the operating parameters. A user may elect a particular mode of sleep techniques which are conducive to that individual achieving a sleep state.

Accordingly in an alternative embodiment the speaker may be used in conjunction with a video screen for games, movies, television, internet etc and operated in a similar manner with the control console including control elements for blind adjustment of the video output in a similar manner to that described earlier for the sound. With ergonomically efficient hand-held grip control the speaker and control console can be relocated conveniently as required. Since the $peaker is idealty placed as proximate to the ear as possible, so as not to disturb a bed partner and to optimise audio quality, the shape of the speaker is adapted to accommodate_. these objectives. Ideally the speaker has a thin profile, so its bulk is not intrusive and does not cause irritation or discomfort to the user through the pillow in the more sensitive area of the ear and surrounds. According to one embodiment, an ergonomic handle grip is provided which includes finger operable control elements such as finger tip operable on-off switch, volume control, timer, technique or other mode selector. Operation of the apparatus may be effected by such mechanism but not limited to press button, toggle, rotation, rolling ball, wheel or click, all of which operate through a wireless or wired facility.

The apparatus configuration enables a user to source the required relaxant technique or programme without having to do more than move a finger to move the speaker into a suitable position directly under the ear. Preferably, the speaker housing includes at least one handle on each side of the speaker to enable a smooth gentle transition without user head movement and without the bulk of the hands on apparatus being felt through the pillow around the more sensitive ear area. The configuration also allows a user to perform such standard functions as turn a radio on and adjust the volume without having to reach across to the radio or anywhere else. To facilitate this, control elements are located near a finger repose position settled on the control console for the least disturbing access compatible transmission source. While a conventional bedside radio can be used, some sleep aid requirements are not always included.

Figures 1 shows a top generally schematic perspective view of a remote speaker assembly and associated control elements according to one embodiment.

Assembly 1 of figure 1 is adapted for wireless or line connection to a remote appliance (not shown) such as but not limited to a bed side radio or the like and which includes a remote speaker 2 according to one embodiment. Speaker 2 includes a speaker body 3 and handle 4. Handle 4 extends from speaker body 3 for gripping by a user. Adjacent handle 4 is a control element comprising a switch 5 which may for example control channel or track selection. Located on speaker body 3 is a second control element 6 which may for example control volume. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the configuration of assembly

1 and locations of switches is merely one embodiment and that other body and switch and control configurations are possible. Handle 4 also includes control element 9. Additional control elements to those shown may be employed, which allow a user to adjust and select appliance operating parameters. Extending from body 3 is a communications link 7 which may either be hard wired into an appliance operated by the control assembly 1 or wireless connection. Handle 4 is preferably and optimally positioned to allow convenient and ergonomic gripping by a user. Body 3 is preferably slim line within a thickness range of 10 — 30 mm so as to conveniently and unobtrusively fit under or in a user's pillow.

Figures 2 shows a top perspective view of remote speaker assembly 10 according to an alternative embodiment and associated control elements. Assembly 10 includes speaker 11, a speaker body 12 and first handle 13. Handle 13 extends from speaker body 12 for gripping by a user. Adjacent handle 13 is a control element comprising a switch 14 which may for example control channel or track selection. Located on speaker body 12 is a second control element 15 which may for example control volume. Extending from body 12 is a communications link 16 which may either be hard, wired into an appliance operated by the control assembly 10 or wireless connection. Handle 13 is preferably and optimally positioned to allow convenient and ergonomic gripping by a user. A second handle 17 extends from speaker body 12 for gripping by a user. Adjacent handle 17 is a control element comprising a switch 18 which may for example control channel or track selection. Located on speaker body 12 is a second control element 19 which controls additional operating parameters. Handles 13 and 17 further comprise respectively control elements 19a and 19b, As with assembly 1 , body 12 of assembly 10 is preferably slim line so as to conveniently and unobtrusively fit under or in a user's pillow. The control elements 14 and 15, 18 and 19 associated with the handles 13 and 17 are located to optimize the ergonomics of manual operation with minimum effort preferably with fingertip control.

Figure 3 shows according to an alternative embodiment, an assembly 20 speaker 21 , a speaker body 22 and first handle 23. Handle 23 extends from speaker body 22 for gripping by a user. Extending from body 22 is a Communications link 24 which may either be hard wired into an appliance operated by the control assembly 20 or wireless connection. A second handle 25 extends from speaker body 22 for gripping by a user. Assembly 20 is characterised in that there are no control elements visible.

Figure 4 shows a remote hand held controller assembly 30 without a speaker according to an alternative embodiment.

In an alternative embodiment an assembly plays audio from its own data source in which case it is not linked to a remove appliance. Rather the assembly is the appliance and is self contained and blind operable as with the speaker assembly which obtains its audio from a remote appliance.

Preferably, materials which rnay be selected for the speaker console include polypropylene or other suitable mouldable materials. It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications rnay be made to the invention broadly described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1 A control assembly for operating an appliance, the control assembly including a housing, at least one manually operable controller which is capable of remote control of at least one operating parameter of the appliance; wherein the assembly is adapted so that a user is able to engage a region associated with the housing and operate at least a speaker delivering sound from the appliance using blind finger touch and feel sensing, such that the appliance is operable by said touch and Feel sensing and without visual contact with controller operating positions or the appliance.

2 A remote control assembly for operating an appliance, the control assembly comprising at least one manually operable control element which individually or collectively actuates at least one operating parameter of the appliance; wherein, the console is adapted so that a user is able to operate the control elements using hand feel without visual contact with control elements or control element positions and with minimal physical effort and without the need to see the position of control elements for accurate control settings.

3 A control assembly according to claim 1 wherein the speaker is located in the control assembly.

4 A control assembly according to claim 3 wherein the housing has an integral handle which includes the manually operable controller. 5 A control assembly according to claim 4 wherein the controller comprises at least one switch.

6 A control assembly according to claim 5 wherein the control assembly operates an audio and/or visual electric or electronic appliance.

7 A control assembly according to claim 6 wherein the at least one switch is located on the handle at positions which oppose finger or thumb locations when the handle is gripped by a user. 8 A control assembly according to claim 7 wherein the switches are finger or thumb operable with fractional finger tip movement and minimal mental effort.

9 A control assembly according to claim 8 wherein the geometry of the housing enables the control assembly to be used in or under a pillow.

10 A control assembly according to claim 9 wherein, when the control assembly is positioned in or under a pillow a user blind selects switch positions to make selections for audio feed to the speaker.

1 1 A control assembly according to claim 10 wherein the housing is manufactured in plastics from a mould.

12 A control assembly according to claim 11 wherein the speaker is located in a circular housing from which radially extend the radial gripping handle.

13 A control assembly according to claim 1 1 wherein the assembly is a steep aid.

14 A control assembly according to claim 13 wherein one switch operates volume another operates selection of a radio or television channel .

15 A control assembly according to claim 14 further comprising multi position switches.

16 A speaker assembly operable remotely from an audio or Audio/ visual appliance; the speaker assembly comprising a speaker disposed in a housing and extending from and integral with the housing at least one formation arranged to allow a user to manually operate at least one control element located on or near the formation by blind touch or feel; said manual operation of said at least one control element activating or deactivating an operating parameter of the appliance.

17 A speaker according to claim 16 wherein the console is operable

'blind' by a user feeling a position of an operating element and locating control elements in a predetermined attitude or position.

18 A speaker according to claim 17 wherein the formation is a gripping handle

19 A speaker according to claim 18 wherein the blind control is a touch sensitive element or elements which may be activated by a predetermined number of presses.

20 A speaker according to claim 19 wherein, the touch sensitive elements have Braille-like formations which allow identification of function so that a particular function control can be operated by simple touch and feel action with negligible physical and mental effort.

21 A speaker according to claim 20 wherein appliance functions are controlled by said touch sensitive control elements.

22 A speaker assembly according to claim 21 wherein the assembly has a geometry which enables location in a users pillow so that the assembly functions as a means to encourage sleeping.

23 A speaker assembly according to claim 22 wherein the housing is manufactured from a moulded plastics.

24 A speaker assemhly according to claim 23 wherein the speaker has a body which is configured to conform to a users hand and allows blind thumb and finger operation of said control element such that the users is able to judge a correct control element setting by slight touch or feel without visual contact with controls, so that the user relaxation is not disturbed by major physical movement to operate control elements.

25 A speaker assembly according to claim 24 wherein the control elements are located on the gripping handle.

26 A speaker assembly according to claim 25 wherein a connection between the speaker assembly and the appliance is unwired.

27 A speaker assembly according to claim 26 wherein a connection between the speaker assembly and the appliance is wired.

28 A speaker assembly according to claim 16 wherein operating parameters of the assembly which are remotely operated are selected from one or more of mains on/off button, combined volume and tuner, AM/FM mono, peak reception any angle, auto atomic clock setting, low light LCD time display, timer with slow cut-off, pre-set functionality, Sudoku projection, trivia projection, other licensed games projection, psychedelic projection, projection to wall or ceiling, chip with licensed, programmes, CD player, white sound