WO2013179041A1 - User output devices, apparatus and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

There is described a handheld device (100)comprising an acoustic receiver (110) and a user output (130), which in examples is generally shown having a baton or glowstick configuration. The receiver is configured to receive an acoustic signal, and the user output is configured to provide a visual output at the device in response to identifying one or more particular features, such as bass beats, in a received acoustic signal. In examples described, the output temporally corresponds, or matches, the occurrence of the one or more identified features in a signal.

Description

User Output Devices, Apparatus and Methods

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of devices, such as personal or handheld devices, comprising acoustic receivers and user outputs, such as visual user outputs, associated apparatus and methods.

In some examples, the inventions relates to illuminating devices, such as glowstick- style illuminating devices. In some examples, the invention relates to handheld devices configured to resemble glow-sticks.

Background

Significant innovation and technology development has occurred in recent years in relation to the design of recreational products, devices and services, such as those used in the entertainment industry. In particular, there is a continued drive in the music and entertainment industry to provide products and/or services that allow users to interact with performances, or the like. This background serves only to set a scene to allow a skilled reader to better appreciate the following description. Therefore, none of the above discussion should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that that discussion is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the invention may or may not address one or more of the background issues.

Summary According to a first embodiment, there is provided a device, such as a handheld device, comprising an acoustic receiver and a user output. In some examples, the device may be a glowstick-style illuminating device. For example, the device may be configured to resemble a glow-stick (e.g. baton shaped). Such a device may allow users to interact with performances, or the like, for example those in the music and entertainment industry. The receiver may be configured to receive an acoustic signal, and the user output may be configured to provide an output at the device in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal.

The features may include one or more particular frequencies, in that the receiver may be configured to receive an acoustic signal having a plurality of frequencies, and the user output may be configured to provide an output at the device in response to identifying one or more particular frequencies in a received acoustic signal. The user output may be configured to provide an output at the device in response to identifying one or more ranges, or bands, or frequencies in a received acoustic signal.

The features may include one or more particular artefacts in the signal. For example, the features may include one or more particular patterns, which may be regular or irregular patterns, and the user output may be configured to provide an output at the device in response to identifying those one or more patterns. The patterns may be rhythmic beats, for example beats of a particular frequency, or in a range or band of frequencies, in a received acoustic signal. The device may be configured to provide an output corresponding to one or more identified features. For example, the device may be configured to output that temporally corresponds to some or all, or matches some or all, of the occurrence of the one or more features in a signal. The device may be configured to provide a user output for every identified feature in a received signal.

The user output may be configured to provide a certain output in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal. For example, the user output may be configured to provide one particular output in response to indentifying one particular feature, and an alternative output in response to identifying an alternative feature in a received acoustic signal.

The user output may be configured to provide a visual output. The user output may be configured to provide a predefined visual output in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal. The user output may be configured to illuminate, which may be provide an illumination of one or more particular colours. The user output may be configured to illuminate a single colour in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal. The user output may be configured to modify a visual output in response to identifying one or more particular features. Modification may include increasing and/or reducing the intensity of the visual output (e.g. increasing the illumination is response to an indentified feature). Modification may include modifying some or all of the output (e.g. modifying one or more of the visual outputs, and maintaining one or more other visual outputs). The user output may comprise one or more illuminating elements, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers (e.g. low intensity lasers suitable for human use), or the like. The output may comprise a plurality of illuminating elements. The elements may be provided within a housing, such as a protective housing. Some or all of the housing may be transparent or translucent. All of the housing, or a portion thereof, may impart a particular colour, or the like, to the light emitted by the elements.

The output may be configured so as to emit a visual output in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal by modifying more or more (e.g. two) of the illuminating elements. In such examples, the device may be configured to maintain an emission (e.g. provide a constant or static emission) from one or more other illuminating elements.

The device may be configured to provide a first user output and a different second user output. The differing first and second user output may be provided depending on the presence (or absence) of identified features in a received signal. The user output of the device may be considered to have a first user output and a second user output. The first and second user outputs may be provided different responses. The first and second user outputs may provide alternative (e.g. alternate on/off) outputs in response to identifying the presence (or absence) of features in a received signal.

The housing may be substantially cylindrically formed, which may have a circumference of roughly 20 cm or less, or 15 cm or less, or even 10 cm or less. The housing may have a length of between roughly 5 cm and 50 cm, such as between 10 cm and 30 cm, or even between roughly 15 cm and 20 cm. The housing may comprise the acoustic receiver. The user output may be configured to provide a glowstick-type illumination in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal. For example, the output may be configured to provide a light between the wavelength of 500 and 700 nm, for example between (or substantially between) 550 and 600 nm.

The device may comprise a first substrate and a second substrate. Processing circuitry may be provided on the first substrate, while the user output (e.g. first and second user output) may be provided on the second substrate. The second substrate may be connected to the first substrate using board-to-board connectors. The second substrate may be removably attachable to the first substrate, via a connector, such as an electrical connector.

The device may comprise a user operable switch. The switch may be provided at an end region of the device. The switch may be a tact or push switch (e.g. using a latching circuit or the like).

The device may be configured such that the receiver is oriented to receive acoustic signals at least from at least one end region of the device (e.g. one end of a baton shaped device). The device may be configured such that the switch is orientated at at least one end region of the device.

The user output may be configured to provide a readable visual output in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal. The user output may be configured to provide a particular readable message in response to identifying a particular feature. The user output may comprise a user display, such as a 7-segment display. The user output may be configured to provide a haptic output, or haptic feedback, in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal. The user output may be configured to provide a vibratory haptic output. For example, the user output may comprise a motor, or the like, to provide a vibratory haptic output.

The receiver may be configured to receive a signal via air. The receiver may be configured to receive an audio acoustic signal comprising one or more particular audio features. In other words, the receiver may be configured to receive an audio signal comprising features within the range of human hearing (e.g. features within a frequency range of between roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz). The receiver may be configured to receive signals of a particular strength that would be sufficiently strong so as to be heard by a human. The receiver/device may be configured not to receive, or to ignore (e.g. not process), audio signals beyond roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and/or below a particular strength (i.e. volume) that would not to be heard by a human. The acoustic signal may be a music signal.

The receiver may be configured to receive an acoustic signal above and/or below the range of human hearing (e.g. greater than 20 kHz). For example, the receiver may be configured to receive an acoustic signal having a component above 20 kHz, and the user output may be configured to provide an output at the device in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal above 20 kHz. The acoustic signal may comprise a music signal (e.g. between 100 Hz and 20 kHz), as well as a control signal for the device. The control signal may be provided at a frequency above 20 kHz, such as between 30 kHz and 100 kHz, or the like.

The device may comprise one or more amplifiers, configured to amplify a received acoustic signal to provide an amplified received signal. The amplifier(s) may be configured to modify the gain of amplification of a received signal. The amplifier(s) may be configured to modify the gain of amplification, so as to provide a common, or substantially common, amplitude of amplified received signal. The amplifier(s) may comprise an automatic gain control.

The device may comprise one or more signal filters, configured to filter a received signal so as provide a filtered signal. The signal filter(s) may be configured to filter the signal so as to determine the one or more particular features, such as frequencies, in a received signal. The filter(s) may be configured to provide a low pass filter, high pass, notch filter, etc. The filter(s) may be configured to provide a Sallen-key filter, such as a low pass Sallen-key filter. The filter(s) may be adjustable (e.g. by a user) so as to select particular pass frequencies. The filter(s) may not be adjustable. For example, the filter may provide pre-defined filtering of frequencies. The filter may be in communication with amplifier in order to filter an amplified received signal, and provide a filtered signal.

The device may be configured to filter signals to provide at filtered signal having frequencies at or below 200 Hz. In some examples, the device may be configured to provide a filtered signal having frequencies at or below 160 Hz (e.g. below, or substantially below, 150 Hz, or even below 125 Hz. In some examples, this may provide a filter signal having a bandwidth of between roughly 20 Hz and 160 hz, or between 20 and 125 Hz.

The device may comprise one or more detector circuits, such as a peak detect circuit, configured to detect a one or more particular patterns/peaks within a receive signal. The detector circuit may, in some examples, be in communication with the filter(s), in order to detect patterns within a filtered signal. The pattern, or peak, detector may provide an output signal in response to detecting a peak/beat, or the like, of a particular amplitude in a received signal (or filtered signal).

The device may comprise a drive circuit for the output (e.g. for the illuminating elements).

The drive circuit may comprise a timer, configured to provide a timed output in response to a identified peak signal. The drive circuit may comprise a transistor, such as a MOSFET, or the like. The device circuit may be configured to operate as a current boost circuit. The drive circuit may be provided with the detector circuit.

The user output may be in communication with the peak detector, or timer, and may be configured to provide an output in response to identifying a peak in a received acoustic signal.

The detector circuit may comprise a first envelope detector, configured to detect a peak in the filter signal together with and a second envelope detector. The first envelope detector may be configured with a time constant suitable to capture or identify an entire beat pulse within the filtered signal. The output of the first envelope detector may be in communication with the input of the second envelope detector.

The time constant of the second envelope detector may be greater than that of the first envelope detector (e.g. has a slower time constant to that of the first detector). The device may be configured such that the voltage output of the second envelope detector does not decay either to zero, or a lower reference value, before the further feature (e.g. beat) is detected. The time constant may be selected, or configured, such that any resultant waveform from the second envelope detector has a sufficiently slow decay so as to enable the output to provide a reference voltage for use in subsequent drive circuitry.

The second envelope detector may have a time constant of around 1.2 microseconds, or greater. The time constant of the first envelope detector may have a time constant of around 0.2 microseconds, or less.

The detector circuit may comprise two outputs: a first output associated with the first envelope detector and a second output associated with the second envelope detector. The first output may provide an output responsive to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal (e.g. beats), while the second output may provide an appropriate reference signal associated with the output of the first envelope detector.

Drive circuitry of the device may comprise first and second drive comparator. The first and second drive comparators may be configured to drive respective first and second user outputs. The two outputs of the detector circuit may be in communication differentially with the two comparators of the device circuitry. In other words, the two comparators may be considered to use the same reference voltage, but be driven oppositely (e.g. having opposing input polarities).

The device may have a particular latency associated with the delay from receiving a signal to providing an output. The device (e.g. the timer) may be configured to provide an output, which corrects for the latency. For example, the device may be configured to identify the time spacing between certain features in a received signal (e.g. the time between regular beats). The device may be configured to process the received signal such that an output associated with one identified feature, is output at a time corresponding to a subsequent (and expected) identified feature. In such a manner, the device may be configured to accommodate any latency, but still provide an output that corresponds to features in the received signal.

One or more of the amplifier(s), filter(s), pattern detect circuit(s), timer(s) etc. may be provided within the housing. The device may comprise processing circuitry, or at least one processor. One or more of the amplifier(s), filter(s), pattern detect circuit(s), timer(s) etc. may be provided using the at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured for use with memory (such as volatile, non-volatile memory, etc). The device may be configured to perform using hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) that runs on the at least one processor. In some cases, this may be collectively referred to as "circuitry," "a module" or variants thereof. The at least one processor may be configured with a Digital Signal Processor, Application Specific Integrated Circuit, Field Programmable Gate Array, Programmable Intelligent Computer, microcontroller, or the like.

The device may comprise a power source, such as one or more batteries (e.g. rechargeable batteries).

According to a second embodiment, there is provided a device, such as a personal or handheld device, comprising an acoustic receiver and a user output, the receiver configured to receive an acoustic signal, and the user output configured to provide an output at the device in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal. According to a third embodiment, there is provided a glowstick-style device, such as a handheld glowstick-style device, comprising a receiver and a visual user output, the receiver configured to receive a music signal comprising a plurality of frequencies, and the user output configured to provide a visual output in response to identifying a pattern in one or more particular frequencies, or range of frequencies, received at the receiver.

According to a fourth embodiment, there is provided an entertainment system comprising one or more devices according any of the first, second or third embodiment, along with acoustic transmission apparatus, the apparatus being configured to provide acoustic signals for receipt by the one or more devices.

The system may be comprised or provided with an entertainment venue, such as a theatre, music hall, arena, or the like. According to fifth embodiment there is provided a entertainment venue, comprising at least one system according to the fourth embodiment and/or one or more devices according to the first, second or third embodiments.

According to a sixth embodiment there is provided a method of providing an output at a device, such as a personal or handheld device, comprising:

identifying one or more particular features in an acoustic signal, the acoustic signal having been received at the device, and

providing the output at a the device in response to identifying the one or more particular features in the received acoustic signal.

The features may include one or more particular frequencies, or range of frequencies, and the method may comprise providing an output at the device in response to identifying one or more particular frequencies, or range of frequencies, in a received acoustic signal.

The features may include one or more particular artefacts in the signal. For example, the features may include one or more particular patterns, which may be regular or irregular patterns, and the method may comprise providing an output at the device in response to identifying those one or more patterns. The patterns may be rhythmic beats, for example beats of a particular frequency, or in a range or band of frequencies, in a received acoustic signal.

The method may comprise providing an output corresponding to one or more identified features. For example, the method may comprise providing an output that temporally corresponds, or matches, the occurrence of the one or more features in a signal. The method may comprise providing a user output for every identified feature in a received signal.

The method may comprise providing a one certain output in response to identifying one particular feature in a received acoustic signal. For example, the method may comprise providing one particular output in response to indentifying one particular feature, and an alternative output in response to identifying an alternative feature in a received acoustic signal.

The method may comprise providing a visual output. The method may comprise providing a predetermined visual output in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal. The method may comprise providing an illumination of one or more particular colours. The method may comprise providing a single colour in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal.

The method may comprise modifying a visual output in response to identifying one or more particular features. Modification may include increasing and/or reducing the intensity of the visual output (e.g. increasing the illumination is response to an indentified feature).

The method may comprise providing a glowstick-type illumination in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal.

The method may comprise providing a readable visual output in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal. The method may comprise providing a particular readable message in response to identifying a particular feature (i.e. visually readable by a user of the device).

The method may comprise providing a haptic output, or haptic feedback, in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal (e.g. a vibratory haptic output).

The method may comprise using an audio acoustic signal comprising one or more particular audio features (e.g. having features within a frequency range of between roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz). The acoustic signal may be a music signal. The method may comprise receiving the signal via air.

The method may comprise using a received acoustic signal comprising frequencies above and/or below the range of human hearing (e.g. greater than 20 kHz). For example, the method may comprise providing an output at the device in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal above 20 kHz. The acoustic signal may comprise a music signal (e.g. between 20 Hz and 20 kHz), as well as a control signal for the device. The control signal may be provided at a frequency above 20 kHz, such as between 30 kHz and 100 kHz, or the like.

The method may comprise amplifying a received acoustic signal to provide an amplified received signal. The method may comprise filtering a received signal so as provide a filter signal. The method may comprise detecting a one or more particular patterns/peaks within a receive signal. The method may comprise providing a timed output in response to an identified peak signal.

According to a seventh embodiment there is provided a method of providing an output at a handheld device, comprising:

transmitting an acoustic signal comprising one or more particular features for receipt at a device, and for providing an output at the device in response to identifying the one or more particular features in the received acoustic signal, wherein the acoustic signal comprises an audible music signal and a control signal, and the one or more particular features are contained within the control signal.

One or more particular features may additionally be contained within the audible signal.

The control signal may be inaudible to humans (e.g. occupying a frequency of between 20 kHz to 100 kHz)

According to an eighth embodiment, there is a computer program, for providing the method of any of the features of the sixth or seventh aspects. The computer program may be a computer program product, which may be provided on a computer readable medium. The product may comprise a non-transitory computer usable storage medium. The computer program product may have computer-readable program code embodied in the medium configured to perform the method. The computer program product may be configured to cause at least one processor to perform some or all of the method.

The invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. For example, features associated with particular recited embodiments relating to the first embodiment, may be equally be appropriate as features of embodiments relating the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh embodiments, and vice versa. As will be appreciated, features associated with particular recited embodiments relating to methods (e.g. sixth and seventh embodiments), may be equally appropriate as features of embodiments relating specifically to devices, and vice versa.

It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/aspects may be useful with in providing products and/or services that allow users to interact with performances, or the like.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting. Brief Description of the Figures A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 shows a device;

Figure 2 shows processing circuitry of a device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3a shows a further example of a device, and Figures 3b and 3c show cross- sections thereof;

Figure 4 shows processing circuitry of a device of Figure 3;

Figure 5a shows a plot of an acoustic signal, and Figure 5b shows a corresponding plot of a frequency of the signal;

Figure 6 shows a plot of an acoustic signal comprising a control signal; and

Figure 7 shows an example of transmission apparatus and devices. Description of Specific Embodiments

Figure 1a shows a first exemplary embodiment of a device 100. In the following description, reference will be made to handheld devices (i.e. configured to be held in a user's hand, during use). However, it will readily be appreciated that the following devices 100 may be provided as personal devices, for example, to be associated with, such as to worn by, a user, or the like. Here, device 100 comprises a receiver 1 10, which is an acoustic receiver 1 10. The receiver 1 10 is in communication with processing circuitry 120 (e.g. at least one processor, such as a microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit, or the like,), which in turn is in communication with a user output 130. The receiver 1 10 is configured to receive acoustic signals - and in particular music signals, such as audible music - and the user output 130 is configured to provide an output at the device 100 in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal, as will be further described. In this particular example, the user output 130 comprises three illuminating elements 135a, 135b, 135c, which are provided as light emitting diodes (LEDs). Of course, the output 130 may comprise any number of illuminating elements 135a-135c. Furthermore, the output 130 may comprise additional or alternative illuminating elements (e.g. lasers, such as low intensity lasers, suitable for human use).

The output 130 (and in this case with receiver 1 10 and the processor 120 too) are provided within a housing 140. At least a portion of the housing 140 is translucent such that light emitted by elements 135a-135c are visible to a user, in use. In some examples, the housing 140 may impart a particular colour to light being emitted, via the housing 140. In such a way, the housing 140 may be selected (e.g. during manufacture) or replaced depending on the desired colour output.

The housing 140 of the device 100 shown in Figure 1 is substantially cylindrically formed (e.g. tubular) having a circumference of roughly 10 cm, or so. The housing 140 also has a length of between roughly 15 cm and 20 cm. In this example, the device 100 may be considered to be configured as a handheld glowstick. That shape or configuration of the device 100 may be considered to be baton-like. The user output 130 is specifically configured to provide a glowstick-type illumination (e.g. emitting a light having a wavelength or between roughly 500 nm and 700 nm, such as between 550 nm and 650 nm) in response to device identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal. Of course, in other examples, the device may be configured to provide a different wavelength of light.

As will be appreciated, this may be provided in a number of different ways. However, Figure 2 shows a first example of a configuration of the processing circuitry 120, which can be used with the device of Figure 1 to identify one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal, and provide an output at the user output 130. It will be evident in view of the following description of processing circuitry that modifications, omissions, of further inclusions can be made without deviating from the overall functionality of the processing circuitry 120, and the following description in merely one enabling example. In this example, the processing circuitry 120 comprises an amplifier 150, which is configured to amplify an acoustic signal received by the receiver 110, and so provides an amplified received signal. Here, the amplifier 150 operates with an automatic gain control 155 so as to modify the gain of amplification, and provide a common, or substantially common, amplitude of amplified received signal. In doing so, any subsequent processing is normalised, irrespective of the strength (or volume) of the received signal. As such, the device 100 can be designed, configured or calibrated when manufactured, or during delivery, so as to operate appropriately in expected-user conditions, without the need for the user to adjust or modify the device 100. The processor 120 further comprises a signal filter 160, which filters the amplified received signal and provides a filtered signal so as to provide a particular band, or range, of frequencies, from which features can then be identified. Here, the filter 160 is provided as a low pass Sallen-key filter, which filters and allows bass-range frequencies. The use of a Sallen-key filter has been identified to provide particularly good results at bass-type frequencies. Of course, in some particular examples, it may be useful for the filter 160 to be adjustable (e.g. by a user) so as to select particular pass frequencies. In other examples, the filter 160 may not be adjustable, and may provide pre-defined filtering of frequencies. In this particular example, the filter is configured to pass signals having a frequency at or below 160 Hz. It has been identified that this cut-off frequency provides a good ability to identify a bass drum beat within a signal, such as an electronic music signal. In some cases however, a frequency cut-off of 200 Hz also provided acceptable results. Of course, the filter may pass signals at or substantially below, 160 Hz, such as being below 125 Hz. As such, bass-type signals are passed, and higher frequencies are attenuated. When receiving an audio signal, this may provide a filtered signal having a bandwidth of roughly 20 Hz to 160 Hz. In some examples, filtering may additionally or alternatively occur at the receiver 1 10 itself by using a receiver having a particular bandwidth (e.g. response) associated with, or selected to correspond to, the desired pass band (e.g. roughly 20 Hz to 160 Hz). In doing so, the components and power consumption of the device 100 may be minimised.

In some examples, the one or more features may be one or more frequencies themselves. In other words, the device 100 may be configured to identify one or more particular frequencies, and then provide a user output in response to identifying those frequencies. In such examples, the filter 160 (or receiver 1 10) may be configured to permit a single, or narrow band, or frequencies. However, in this example, the processing circuitry 120 further comprises one or more detector circuits, such as a peak-detect circuit 170, which is provided here by an envelope detector 172 and a Schmitt trigger 174. Of course, in alternative examples further apparatus, such as one or more comparators, AD converters, or the like, may be used, in order to implement the peak-detect circuit 170, as will readily be appreciated.

The detector circuit 170 is configured to detect one or more particular artefacts, such as regular or irregular patterns or peaks (e.g. rhythmic beats) within a received and filtered signal. The detector circuit 170 provides an output signal in response to detecting peaks/beats in the signal, or the like, of a particular amplitude in a signal.

Here, the processing circuitry 120 further comprises a drive circuitry 180 configured to drive the output (e.g. drive the output in a timed manner) in response to an identified peak signal. In this particular example, the drive circuitry 180 comprises as timer 180.

However, in alternative examples, the drive circuitry may be provided by a transistor

(e.g. a MOSFET), or may be provided alternative circuitry. In some cases, the drive circuitry may be provided by detector circuitry 170. For example, the Schmitt trigger may be used to drive the output. The user output 130 is in communication with the drive circuitry (in this example, the timer 180) to provide an output in response to identifying peaks in a received acoustic signal.

In some examples, the device 100 may have a particular latency associated with the delay from receiving a signal to providing an output. In cases when the latency may be unhelpfully observable to a user, the device 100 (e.g. the timer) may be configured to provide an output, which corrects for the latency. For example, the device 100 may be configured to identify the time spacing between certain identified features in a received signal (e.g. the time between regular beats), and process the received signal such that an output associated with one identified feature, is output at a time corresponding to a subsequent (and expected) identified feature. This may be achieved using a buffer, or the like, to buffer and output the filtered data at an appropriate time. In such a manner, the device may be configured to accommodate any latency, but still provide an output that corresponds to features in the received signal.

By way of a further example, Figure 3a shows a similar device 102 to that described above. Again, the device 102 is configured to be handheld and comprises a receiver 112 configured to receive acoustic signals, such as audible-acoustic signals. That receiver 1 12 is in communication with processing circuitry 122, which is in turn in communication with a user output 132, in a similar manner to above. The device 102 and user output 132 are configured to provide an output at the device 102 in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal.

Here, user output 132 comprises two illuminating elements 132a, 132, which again are provided as light emitting diodes (LEDs). In this example, the device 102 is configured to provide a first user output and a different second user output depending on the presence (or absence) of identified features in a received signal, as will be further explained. The user output 132 here can be considered to have a first user output 132a and a second user output 132b. While exemplified by single LEDs, it will be appreciated that the first and second user outputs 132a, 132b may comprise any number of illuminating elements.

Again, the user output 132 and receiver 1 12 and the processor 122 are provided within a housing 142, at least a portion of which is translucent, as above. Again, the housing 142 may be considered to be substantially cylindrically formed (e.g. tubular), in this example having an overall width or diameter of roughly 20 mm to 30 mm, or so. The width may be substantially the same along the entire length of the device 102. The length of the device may be between roughly 100 mm and 250 mm, or so (e.g. between 150 mm and 200 mm). Again, the device 102 can be considered to be configured as a handheld glowstick. At least one of the first and second user outputs 132a, 132b (in some cases both) are specifically configured to provide a glowstick-type illumination (e.g. emitting a light having a wavelength or between roughly 500 nm and 700 nm, such as between 550 nm and 650 nm), in response to device identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal.

Here, the receiver 1 12 and the processor 122 are provided on a first substrate 145 (e.g. first circuitry board), while the user output 132 (e.g. one or both of the first and second user outputs 132a, 132b) is provided on a second substrate 147 (e.g. second circuitry board). In this example, the second substrate 147 is connected to the first substrate using board-to-board connectors (e.g. rather than solder or the like). Such a configuration can allow for ease of manufacture of the device 102, and permits a common first substrate 145 to be used with different second substrates 147. In some examples, the second substrate 147 is removably attachable to the first substrate 145 via an electrical connector. In such cases, the user output 132 may be readily replaced or swapped, for example, by a user.

Here, the device 102 is shown together with a power source 149 in the form of a plurality of batteries (in this case four). Here, the power source 149 is configured on both sides of the first substrate 145. In such a way, the overall cylindrical or tubular configuration of the device 102 can be maintained. Here, the device 102 further comprises a user operable switch 141. This switch 141 is provided at an end region of the device 102. The switch 141 may be a tact or push switch (e.g. using a latching circuit or the like), which is activated via a covering membrane (not shown for ease). In this example, but not all, the device 102 is further configured such that the receiver 1 12 is oriented to receive acoustic signals at least from the end region of the device 102. The positioning and orientation of the switch 141 and/or receiver 1 12 in this manner can mitigate the possibility of a user accidently attenuating received signals, or deactivating the device 102, when handheld in use.

Figure 3b shows a cross-section of the device 102 through A-A, while Figure 3c shows a cross-section of the device 102 through B-B.

In some examples, the power supply 149 at the first substrate 145 is accessible either by removing a cap or the like (not shown) associated with the housing 142. However, in other examples, the housing 142 may be configured so as not to be assessable by the user. In such cases, the device 102 may be externally chargeable, or may be disposable after the power supply 149 has been exhausted.

Further, in some additional examples, a surface 143 of the housing is configured to receive indicia, or the like, apparent when the user output 132 illuminates.

Figure 4 shows an exemplary configuration of the processing circuitry 122 that can be used with the device 102 of Figure 3 (or Figure 1) to identify one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal, and provide a first and second output at the first and second user output 132a, 132b. As above, it will be evident in view of the following description of processing circuitry 122 that modifications, omissions, of further inclusions can be made without deviating for the overall functionality of the processing circuitry 122, and the following description in merely one enabling example. As above, the processing circuitry 122 comprises an amplifier 152, which is configured to amplify an acoustic signal received by the receiver 1 12, and so provides an amplified received signal. Here, the amplifier 152 again operates with an automatic gain control 157 so as to modify the gain of amplification, and provide a common, or substantially common, amplitude of amplified received signal. As above, any subsequent processing is normalised, irrespective of the strength (or volume) of the received signal. Further, and as will be appreciated when considering the discussion below, the device 102 can be designed, configured or calibrated when manufactured, or during delivery, so as to operate appropriately in expected-user conditions, without the need for the user to adjust or modify the device 102. This may be useful when considering thresholds of comparators or other logic circuits, or the like.

As above, the processing circuitry 122 further comprises a signal filter 162, configured to filter the amplified received signal and provide a filtered signal so as to provide a particular band, or range, of frequencies, from which features can then be identified. Again, the filter 162 may be provided as a low pass Sallen-key filter, which again may be adjustable (e.g. by a user), or may provide pre-defined filtering of frequencies. As above, the filter 162 is configured to pass signals having a frequency at or below, below, 200 Hz, such as being at or below 160 Hz, or at or below even 125 Hz. As such, bass-type signals are passed, and higher frequencies are attenuated.

As above, in some examples, any filtering of the signal may additionally or alternatively occur at the receiver 112 itself by using a receiver 1 12 having a particular bandwidth (e.g. response) associated with, or selected to correspond to, the desired pass band (e.g. roughly 20 Hz to 160 Hz, or thereabouts). In doing so, the components, power consumption of the device 102 again may be minimised, and/or the effectiveness is increased.

Here, the processing circuitry 122 again comprises a detector circuit 175. Here, the detector circuit 175 comprises a first envelope detector 176, which is configured to detect a peak in the filter signal. Here, first envelope detector 176 is configured with a time constant (e.g. RC constant) so as to be able to capture or identify an entire beat pulse within the filtered signal (e.g. filter music signal). While this may vary depending on the audio signal received (e.g. depending on tempo), in the example of typical electronic music, a time constant of around 0.2 microseconds may be used, or even less. In other examples, the device 102 may be configured differently according to the expected feature detection in the audio signal. Irrespective, the time constant is selected so as to present apparent peaks in the output signal for further use by comparators (or other such logic circuitry), as will be explained.

The output of the first envelope detector 176 is communicated firstly, at least in this example, to a voltage follower 177a, which can serve to buffer the first envelope detector 176 output from any external loads (e.g. from any drive circuitry), and then to a low pass filter 178. Here, the filter 178 is a passive filter, which assists in smoothing the signal, while doing so using minimal power consumption. Providing such a smoothed signal mitigates the possibilities of a falsely triggering any subsequent logic (e.g. due to noise, or the like, or the peak detect signal).

The output of the filter 178 is additionally communicated to a second envelope detector 179. Here, the time constant (e.g. the RC constant) of the second envelope detector 179 is greater than that of the first envelope detector 176 (i.e. has a slower time constant to that of the first detector 176). The time constant can be selected, or configured, such that any resultant waveform from the second envelope detector 179 has a sufficiently slow decay so as to enable the output to provide a reference voltage for use in subsequent drive circuitry 182. Again, while this may vary depending on the audio signal received (e.g. depending on tempo), in the example of typical electronic music, a time constant of around 1.2 microseconds, or even greater may be used. Irrespective, the time constant is selected so that the voltage output of the second envelope detector 179 does not decay either to zero, or a lower reference value, before the next beat is detected. The output of the second envelope detector circuit 179 is also passed to a voltage follower 177, for similar reasons as above. As such, the output of the second envelope detect circuit can be considered to be selected so as at least to present a suitable reference voltage from the output signal of the second envelope detector circuit 179 for further use by comparators, as will be explained.

As a consequence of this configuration, the detector circuit 175 essentially comprises two outputs: a first output is taken essentially from an output of the first envelope detector 176, which detects features or artefacts in the signal, while a second output is taken essentially from the second envelope detector 179, which provides an appropriate reference signal associated with the output of the first envelope detector. The processing circuitry 122 further comprises drive circuitry 182 configured to drive the first and second user outputs 132a, 132b accordingly. Here, the drive circuitry 182 comprises a first and second drive comparator 182a, 182b, which could be provided by Schmitt triggers, or other such logic devices. The first and second drive comparators 182a, 182b, are configured to drive respective first and second user outputs 132a, 132b. Here, the two outputs of the detector circuit 175 are in communication differentially with the two comparators 182a, 182b. In other words, the two comparators 182, 182b can be considered to use the same reference voltage, but are driven oppositely (e.g. having opposing input polarities). As such, when the output of the first comparator 182a is high, the output of the second comparator 182b is low, and vice versa. In such a way, when the detector circuit 175, and in particular the first envelope detector 176, detects one or more particular artefacts, such as regular or irregular patterns or peaks (e.g. rhythmic beats, such as those providing tempo) within a received and filtered signal. The detector circuit 175 provides an output signal in response to detecting peaks/beats in the signal, or the like, of a particular amplitude in a signal, that causes the first and second user outputs 132a, 132b to illuminate alternately. In the absence of a detected artefact (e.g. when no music is being heard, or not beats of a frequency are detectable), then the first user output 132a may be illuminated, while the second user output 132b may not be illuminated. However, upon detection of that artefact (e.g. beat), and for the duration of that detection, the second user output 132b may illuminate, while the first user output 132c does not.

It has been found that the alternation of visual output in this manner provides a significantly more prominent effect to the user, and a more intense visual experience. In some cases, the output colour from the first and second user outputs 132a, 132b may be the same, but in other examples they may be different in order to enhance the visual effect.

Further, by configuring the device 102 in this manner, a user is able to identify when the device 102 is operational (e.g. by a blue illumination of the first user output 132a). However, when detecting artefacts, such as beats, in the signal, only a single user output is being driven/powered (e.g. a red output from the second user output 132b), thus again reducing the overall power consumption of the handheld device 102 in use. Further, the skilled person will appreciate that the use of the processing circuitry, as described, mitigates the need for calibration of the device or reference voltages/levels in use. As above, in some example, the device 102 shown in Figure 4 may have a particular latency associated with the delay from receiving a signal to providing an output. However, again the device 102 may be configured to correct for latency in a manner similar to that described above, for example, identifying time spacing between certain identified features in a received signal (e.g. the time between regular beats), and process the received signal such that an output associated with one identified feature, is output at a time corresponding to a subsequent (and expected) identified feature. A skilled reader will readily be able to implement such embodiments.

Figure 5a shows a frequency/amplitude plot 200 of a typical acoustic signal 210, which here is shown as an audio acoustic signal (e.g. an audible music signal) in that it spans frequencies from around 20 Hz up to 20 kHz. In this example, the signal 210 is a music signal having frequencies at a bass range 210a, at a mid-range 210b, and at a top, or treble, range 210c. Figure 5b shows an exemplary time/amplitude plot 220 for at least one frequency 230 identified within the bass range 210a of Figure 5a, showing particular artefacts 235 (e.g. beats) in that range of signal (e.g. at or below 125 Hz).

In use, the device 100, 102 of Figures 1 and 2, or Figures 3 and 4, can be configured to receive such an audio signal 210 at the respective receivers 110, 112. The devices 100, 102, or the processing circuitries 120, 122 thereof, are then configured to identify one or more particular features in that signal and to provide an output in response to identifying the one or more particular features. In the examples given above, the device 100, 102 filters the signal 210 to provide a particular frequency range (e.g. 210a), and then observes or calculates peaks within that range 210a. Those peaks may correspond to rhythmic beats being provided in the signal.

Here, the devices 100, 102 can be considered to provide a particular visual illuminating output in response to indentifying particular peaks in a bass range 210a of frequencies. Because a certain visual output is used, which illuminates (or modifies the illumination thereof) the user output 130, 132, the device 100 essentially responds to identified beats at the user. In other words, when the user hears the beats in the music, the device 100, 102 also responds accordingly. The device 100, 102 may be considered to operate to provide a glowstick-type illumination in response to features in the audible music signal (e.g. beats in the music signal).

In some examples, the device 100, 102 responds by modifying (e.g. increasing and/or reducing) the intensity of the visual output (e.g. increasing the illumination is response to an indentified feature) in response to identifying one or more features (e.g. the beats in a frequency range). For example, in one particular embodiment, the output is configured so as to emit a visual output in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal by modifying more or more (e.g. two) of the illuminating elements, while maintaining an emission (e.g. provide a constant or static emission) from one or more other illuminating elements.

In other examples, the device 100, 102 may provide different colours or the like for different frequencies/beats. Further, it will be appreciated that while in the above examples only a particular number of illuminating elements have been described, it will be appreciated that in other examples a different number of elements may be provided. Further, while circuitry 120, 122 has been described for the identification of artefacts within a particular bandwidth, the device 100, 102 and circuitry 120, 122 may be configured to identify artefacts within a plurality of different bandwidths, and provide outputs accordingly (e.g. blue illumination for detected bass beats, and red illumination for detected treble beats). A skilled reader will readily be able to implement the various embodiments accordingly.

While Figure 5a shows an exemplary music signal (i.e. 20 Hz to 20 kHz), from which one or more features are identified, it will be appreciate that in further examples, the device may be configured to identify a control signal in the acoustic signal (i.e. a signal which may not form part of the music signal). For example, the device may provide an output in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal above 20 kHz. Figure 6 shows a plot 240 similar to that shown in Figure 5a, in which a signal 250 additionally comprises an acoustic control signal 255 at a particular frequency. In this example, the control signal 255 has a frequency above an audible hearing level. In a similar manner as before, the device 100 may be configured to determine features (e.g. data, or the like) to provide an output at the device 100.

Figure 7 shows an example of an entertainment system 300 comprising a plurality of devices 100, 102, along with acoustic transmission apparatus 350 (e.g. speakers, amplifier, etc.). The apparatus 350 is configured to provide acoustic music signals for receipt by the devices 100, 102. It will be appreciate that system 300 may be provided at an entertainment venue, such as a theatre, music hall, arena, or the like.

In use, as music is being transmitted (or played) acoustically by the apparatus 350 to the user of the devices 100, 102, each device 100, 102 responds and provides a user output (e.g. illuminates, or changes illumination, or the like) in response to particular identified features in the music signal. Because the device 100, 102 is configured to receive acoustic signals, the device 100, 102 responds at the same, or similar, time as the user hears the beats, or the like. In addition, when not using a control signal, there is no modification of existing apparatus 350, or additional equipment needed, in order to provide the devices 100, 102 at an event. As such, the devices 100, 102 may be used at different events, in isolation, etc., without the need to provide bespoke equipment.

While in the above example, an LED illuminating user output is described, it will be appreciate that in further embodiments (not shown) other illuminating user outputs may be used. In some examples, the user output may be a user display, or the like. In those examples, the device may have other functions, in addition to those described. For example, the device may be portable media device, or mobile phone, or the like.

In further examples, the output may additionally or alternatively provide a readable visual output to provide particular readable messages. Additionally/alternatively haptic outputs, or haptic feedback, may be provided (e.g. a vibratory haptic output).

While it the above embodiment identification of beats in music has been described, it will readily be appreciated that in further examples other artefacts or features may be used, for example, certain modulations, frequencies, or the like.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the above embodiments may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) that runs on at least one processor (which may collectively be referred to as "circuitry," "a module" or variants thereof). Furthermore, it will be appreciated that any of the aforementioned devices, apparatus, etc., may have other functions in addition to the mentioned functions, and that these functions may be performed by the same device/apparatus.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. For example, it will be appreciated that features the device 100 described in relation to Figures 1 and 2 may be used with any of the features of the device 102 decrisbed in relation to Figures 3 and 4, and vice versa (e.g. the device of Figure 1 may comprise housing, first and second substrates, etc., provided in a similar manner to that described in relation to Figure 3). In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention, and that the description provides only one example embodiment of how the invention may be implemented.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A handheld device comprising an acoustic receiver and a user output, the receiver configured to receive an acoustic signal, and the user output configured to provide a visual output at the device in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal.

2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the handheld device is configured to be baton-shaped.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the features may include one or more particular patterns, and the user output is configured to provide an output at the device in response to identifying those one or more patterns.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the patterns are rhythmic beats of a particular frequency, or in a range or band of frequencies, in a received acoustic signal.

5. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the device is configured to provide an output that temporally corresponds, or matches, the occurrence of the one or more identified features in a signal.

6. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the user output is configured to provide an illumination of one or more particular colours in response to identified features.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the user output is configured to illuminate a single colour in response to identifying one or more particular features in a received acoustic signal.

8. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the device is configured to provide a first user output and a second user output, the first and second user outputs provided in an alternating manner upon identifying features in a received signal.

9. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the user output is configured to increase and/or reduce the intensity of the visual output in response to identifying one or more particular features.

10. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the user output comprise one or more illuminating elements, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs).

1 1. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the device comprises a housing, and the user output is provided within the housing, wherein some or all of the housing is transparent or translucent.

12. The device according to claim 11 , wherein the housing is substantially cylindrically formed, having overall width or diameter of roughly between 20 mm to 30 mm, and a length roughly between 100 mm and 250 mm

13. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 12, wherein the device is configured to resemble the appearance of a glowstick.

14. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the user output is configured to emit light between the wavelength of 500 and 700 nm.

15. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 14, wherein the receiver is configured to receive an audio signal comprising features within the range of human hearing.

16. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 15, wherein the receiver is configured to receive signals of a particular strength that would be sufficiently strong so as to be heard by a human.

17. The device according to any of the claims 1 to 16, comprising one or more amplifiers configured to modify the gain of amplification of a received signal, so as to provide a common, or substantially common, amplitude of received signal.

18. An entertainment system comprising one or more devices according any of the claims 1 to 17, along with acoustic transmission apparatus, the apparatus being configured to provide acoustic signals for receipt by the one or more devices.

19. A method of providing a visual output at a handheld device, comprising:

identifying one or more particular features in an acoustic signal, the acoustic signal having been received at the device, and

providing the visual output at a the device in response to identifying the one or more particular features in the received acoustic signal.

20. A computer program, provided on a computer readable medium, the program configured to provide the method of claim 19.