WO2016203168A1

WO2016203168A1 - Method for producing a panning multichannel signal and associated device

Info

Publication number: WO2016203168A1
Application number: PCT/FR2016/051473
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean THEUREL; Gil BORELLI
Original assignee: Human Up
Priority date: 2015-06-16
Filing date: 2016-06-16
Publication date: 2016-12-22
Also published as: FR3037706A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a method (100) for producing a panning multichannel signal (CM) played back to a user (U) by two-channel playback means (22). The invention also relates to any electronic device (10) implementing said method (10) and to any piece of equipment comprising such a device (10). Such an electronic device (10) comprises a processing unit (11) cooperating with a program memory (13) comprising instructions of a program (P) which causes the communication method (100) to be implemented when executed or interpreted by said processing unit (11).

Description

Method for producing a panoramic effect multi-channel signal and associated device

The invention relates to a method for producing a panoramic effect multi-channel signal intended to be rendered to a person by two-way rendering means, such as, by way of non-limiting examples, loudspeakers or screens controlled by said method.

The invention further relates to a neurosensory stimulation apparatus which can be used in many applications, for example, without limitation, in the fields of well-being, relaxation, health and sport, said apparatus advantageously implementing such a method.

Researchers are studying how the brain works and the regulatory mechanisms of the human nervous system. The latter is a biological structure that participates in the maintenance of the vital functions of the human body ensuring in particular the cerebral, cardiac, respiratory, digestive and neuromuscular activities. In particular, this research has made it possible to identify, measure and characterize the main elements involved in the emergence of abnormal nervous regulation. As part of a reeducation, neuromuscular stimulation is an essential axis of treatment. It has been shown that the mental representation of physical activity, also called motor imagery, alone contributes to the improvement of sensory learning and actual motor performance. Such a mental representation would, according to some publications (Feltz & Landers - 1983, Driskell & al. - 1994, Guillot & Collet - 2008, Schuster & al - 2011) to stimulate the plasticity of brain functions, especially in areas of the brain dedicated to movement.

Recent techniques aimed at containing cerebral degeneration also propose the use of brain stimulations, implemented for example in meditation, to contribute to a restructuring and improvement of cognitive functions such as verbalization (Wenk & Sormaz - 2005; Heeren & al., 2009; Zeidan & al. - 2010), executive functions (Heeren et al., 2009) and memory (Chambers & al .-- 2008; Zeidan & al. - 2010; Mrazek & al. - 2013). .

Many alternative approaches such as yoga, meditation or sophrology can interact with the human body. These techniques are based on performing stretching and breathing exercises that promote the control of an individual on the mechanisms, normally self-regulating, of his body. According to this technique, Man is considered as a sensitive receptor receiving information or stimuli from the outside world.

Some, such as Lazarus, Folkman or Quick, consider that a state of stress occurs when there is an imbalance between a person's perception of the constraints imposed by their environment and the perception they have of their own resources to do so. facing said constraints. The mechanisms of action are based in particular on the orthosympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems which prepare the human body to react by strongly modifying internal equilibria. Many functions are stimulated, such as the cardiac, respiratory, muscular, energetic, thermoregulatory, visual systems while others, such as the digestive functions, are inhibited. Some manufacturers have tried to develop more or less sophisticated sound stimulation systems.

As examples, there are digital musical media to relax a listener. These products simply consist of broadcasting a pleasant sound, such as rain, the ebb and flow of the waves, the wind, the flow of a waterfall or songs of birds. Others allow a listening of melodious instrumentations classical, oriental or of Tibetan inspiration. Everyone reacts to a different degree depending on their emotivity and sensoriality.

More elaborate, a helmet equipped with sensors measuring brain waves, as for example in electroencephalography, at the level of the parietal region has been imagined. According to this product, said measurements are communicated to a communicating device that interprets them to estimate a stress level of the person wearing the helmet. A musical protocol is then proposed in order to deliver a relaxing listening to reduce stress. Such technology provides a form of regulation of the stress state of a user. However, such equipment does not implement active neurosensory methods providing direct action of neurosensory regulation.

Alternatively, there are stereo low frequency sound stimulators centered, that is, the right and left channels are symmetrical, to stimulate the brain. Such a technique is applied to the correction of sports gestures or in neuromotive rehabilitation, or to reduce stress. Other techniques rely on electrical neurostimulation. They aim to regulate certain neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders such as epilepsy, concentration disorders or hyperactivity. The brain constantly emits brain waves whose transmission frequency reflects a certain state of activity. Examples include theta waves emitted at a frequency of 4 to 7 Hz reflecting a state of relaxation and beta waves emitted at a frequency of 14 Hz reflecting a state of awakening of high brain activity. Some manufacturers have since developed systems to stimulate or force a particular state of the brain such as for example a state of relaxation. As suggested by the international patent application PCT / US2009 / 002279, such systems consist in transmitting at the same time as a standard audio file, an audio file that is inaudible to the user, but can be perceived by the brain of said user, containing a waveform. modulated for example at a frequency of 4 Hz forcing the brain to switch to a state of relaxation.

Other methods of stimulating or training the brain include emitting an audio stimulus in the left ear and then in the right ear of a subject in a random manner, creating a left-right or left-handed linear balance effect -Center right. Such a scale is generally used during psychological treatments. Such a system is for example described in US Pat. No. 6,409,655B1.

There are very few active control systems against physiological manifestations. They are mostly specific, expensive and / or inefficient.

The invention makes it possible to meet all or some of the disadvantages raised by the known solutions. Drawing on techniques such as the notion of polyphonic panning or more generally sound spatialization, 3D spatialization ("three-dimensional"), or sound rotation, it proposes a digital device, accessible to all, stimulation and regulation of the nervous system perfectly suited to a very wide field of application. We can cite in a non-exhaustive way:

the area of well-being, ie relaxation, relaxation, sophrology, meditation, yoga, the fight against stress at work, etc. ;

the field of learning, including the improvement of one's memory capacity and / or concentration;

the sports field, in particular neuromuscular control, gestural learning, concentration, mental imagery or, more generally, the optimization of sports performance;

the paramedical field, in particular rehabilitation, physiotherapy, neurosensory rehabilitation, neuromuscular control, biomechanics, phantom limb apprehension, nerve, bone, joint or muscle injuries;

- the medical field, in particular the accompaniment of preoperative and post-operative anesthesia protocols, the fight against anxiety, depression, anxiety, pain, degeneration and cerebral aging;

the space domain, by simplifying the training of astronauts to resist the neurosensory disturbances and the evil of the space in weightlessness for example. The invention will be described in detail through a preferred application of sound type but can be perfectly applicable to provide a luminous bivoie or kinesthetic restitution device.

As a preferred example, the invention is therefore based on the principle of "polyphonic panning" of restoring, during a listening, a feeling of sound space, that is to say the production of variations in intensity and sound content according to certain directions. Such a technique is widely used in the studio or concert to, for example, distribute certain musical instruments according to the available sound reproduction channels. The panning sound, or "panning" according to English terminology, is, in this context, a sound distribution technique between the different channels of diffusion of sound content. By way of non-limiting example, a sensation of sound space or sound rotation can be generated by the principle of "polyphonic panning", creating the illusion of four distinct sound sources, for example left, right, front and rear . The user can therefore have the feeling of a sound source that revolves around him or a sound called "round" in the image of a sound emitted by a Tibetan bowl.

In the remainder of the document we will call "panoramic effect" any effect of sound giving the impression to a subject, of one or more sound sources in movements relative to the subject, as a non-limiting example a sound source perceived as describing a rotation around the subject or vice versa.

Among the many advantages provided by the invention, we can mention that it allows: to offer automated and standardized regulation of neurophysiological parameters;

to allow the user to become the actor of the control of his neuro-sensory-motor activities;

to regulate nerve activity by inducing a state of relaxation and relaxation thus offering a very wide field of application, especially in the field of well-being, health and sport;

to fight quickly and simply against the deleterious effects of acute stress;

coupled with a system for monitoring and / or recording psycho ^¬ physiological parameters, particularly cardiac (s) and respiratory (s), to provide a monitoring of the chronic psycho-physiological state of a user to give it objective means to improve your daily stress management

(work, sport);

to provide a configurable and customizable device to the profile of each. A panoramic effect can also be coupled to a temporal effect and generate a spatio ^¬ temporal distortion. This distortion can induce neuro-occulo-vestibular interference, that is to say a conflict between visual, postural, vestibular and auditory information perceived by the brain. For example, such a conflict may occur when a subject's brain perceives through its hearing sensors that the subject's body is moving while his visual or postural sensors indicate that his or her body is motionless. Such a perception of contradictory information forces said brain to modify and / or regulate the activity of its parasympathetic and orthosympathetic nervous system, for example by increasing and decreasing respectively their activity to induce a relaxing effect and reduce the level of excitation. Such regulation can not be provided using known devices generating a sound balance effect in particular.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a method for producing a panoramic effect multi-channel signal restored to a user by two-way rendering means, said method being implemented by a processing unit of an electronic device, said electronic device comprising in addition to said processing unit, a data memory, a first interface ensuring cooperation between the processing unit and the reproduction means. To provide neurosensory stimulation of the cerebral pathways by the reproduction of an active signal with a spatio-temporal distortion effect inducing effects such as, but not limited to, the persistence of alpha waves, the modification of the level of vigilance, a concentration increased, relaxation, relaxation, said method comprises:

a step for reading a first signal associated with a first channel previously entered in the data memory;

a step for modulating, according to a first positive modulation function IM1 (t), t being an integer between 0 and Δ, the intensity of said first signal over a determined duration Δ and thus producing a first modulated intensity signal d a duration Δ associated with said first channel;

a step for producing a second modulated intensity signal of duration Δ associated with a second channel, from said first signal, whose intensity is modulated according to a second positive modulation function IM2 (t) such that IM2 (t) is proportional to IM1 (λΔ-β1, λ and β being strictly positive decimals;

a step for producing a modulated intensity multipath signal comprising synchronizing and associating the respective modulated intensity signals of the first and second channels with the duration Δ;

a step for producing a panoramic effect multipath signal resulting from an iterative concatenation of instances of the previously produced multichannel signal (IM), whose respective durations Δ are all of the same determined value or are variable.

To customize the sound track from which the first signal associated with the first channel can be extracted, the method may comprise a preliminary step for extracting from a source signal a first signal associated with the first channel and for recording in said data memory. first signal extracted.

To provide a rotation-type distortion effect of the virtual source rendering or delivering the panoramic effect multi-channel signal, the function of modulating the intensity of the first signal IM1 (t) of a method according to the invention can be advantageously predetermined. to present a remarkable value IMlm = IMl (t = 5), 0 <δ <Δ, so that IM1 (t = 0) = IM1 (t = A). The second modulation function of the intensity of the second signal IM2 (t) can then describe in reverse the first modulation function IM1 (t) transformed by anamorphosis so that IM2 (δ) = IM1 (δ), IM2 (0) = IM1 (Δ) and IM2 (Δ) = IM1 (0). According to a preferred embodiment, such anamorphose transformation may consist of the choice of:

n Δ-δ

• λ = 1 and p = -g- for all t <o;

· Λ = β = - ^ - for all t≥5.

^Γ Δ-δ

In addition, to advantageously multiply the expected effect, the modulation function of the intensity of the first signal IMl (t) can be determined to have an axial dissymmetry on either side of IMl (δ) = IMlm.

Depending on the desired effect and the intended application, the invention provides for regulating the multi-channel panoramic effect signal. Thus, the invention advantageously provides that the step for producing a panoramic effect multi-channel signal intercalates a constant or variable delay o between two instances of the concatenated multichannel signal.

The invention provides a first embodiment according to which the panoramic effect multi-channel signal is not necessarily and automatically restored by the electronic device having generated it. Said signal can therefore be restored later and possibly by a third device. The invention provides, alternatively, that the return of said signal can be triggered in the continuity of the constitution thereof by the electronic device having produced said signal. According to this variant, a method for producing a panoramic effect multi-channel signal according to the invention may comprise a step for triggering the reproduction of the panoramic effect multi-channel signal by the reproduction means.

The invention provides that the multi-channel panoramic effect signal can be reproduced via various means of restitution, for example, sound, visual, olfactory, kinesthetic. According to the means or means of restitution chosen, a method for producing a signal multi-channel panoramic effect according to the invention may comprise a step for controlling an encoding of the panoramic effect multi-channel signal by the first interface according to functional characteristics of the reproduction means.

According to the mode of implementation of a method according to the invention, the steps for respectively producing a second modulated intensity signal (IMV2) of duration Δ, producing a multi-channel signal of modulated intensity (IM) and / or for producing a multi-channel panoramic effect signal (CM) can register the produced signal in the data memory.

The invention provides different modes of operation of a method for producing a multi-channel panoramic effect signal. According to one of said modes, the method can automatically adapt the signal produced to the state of a user. According to this variant, the electronic device, implementing said method, may comprise a second interface ensuring cooperation between the processing unit and a sensor delivering data characterizing a physiological constant of the user. The step of modulating the intensity of said first signal over a predetermined period of time can adapt the modulation function IM1 (t) of the first modulated intensity signal according to the content of the data delivered by said sensor. The step for producing the panoramic effect multi-channel signal may furthermore, alternatively or additionally, adapt the respective durations Δ of the concatenated multichannel signal instances according to the content of said data delivered by said sensor.

A method for producing a panoramic effect multi-channel signal according to the invention can take into account user parameters that affect the production of said signal. The electronic device, implementing said method, can therefore advantageously comprise a third interface, ensuring a cooperation between the processing unit and means for parameterizing the operation of said electronic device delivering data characterizing preferences and / or user profile. The step of modulating the intensity of said first signal over a predetermined period adapts the modulation function IM1 (t) of the first modulated intensity signal according to the content of the data delivered by the parameterization means. The step for producing the multi-channel panoramic effect signal can also, alternatively or additionally, adapt the respective durations Δ of the concatenated multichannel signal instances according to the content of said data delivered by said parameterization means.

To adapt an electronic device so that the latter can implement a method for producing a panoramic effect multi-channel signal according to the invention, the latter provides, according to a second object, a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when they are:

previously stored in a program memory of an electronic device, the latter further comprising a processing unit, a data memory, an interface ensuring cooperation between the processing unit and reproduction means, a sensor delivering data characterizing a physiological constant of a user and / or means for parameterizing the operation of said device, said data memory, the interface and said program memory cooperating respectively with said processing unit;

performed or interpreted by said processing unit, cause the implementation of a method according to one invention.

According to a third object, the invention furthermore relates to an electronic device comprising a processing unit, a data memory, an interface ensuring cooperation between the processing unit of the two-way rendering means, a sensor delivering data characterizing a constant physiological user and / or means for parameterizing the operation of said device, a program memory, said memories and said interface cooperating with said processing unit. To adapt such an electronic device, it includes in the program memory, the instructions of a computer program product according to the second object of the invention.

To implement sound stimulation, the interface of such a device can be arranged to cooperate with two-way reproduction means in the form of two speakers respectively restoring the first and second channels. For a light stimulation, the interface of such a device can be arranged to cooperate with two-way reproduction means in the form of two light sources respectively restoring the first and second channels.

According to a fourth object, the invention provides an integrated equipment in the form of a stereo headset comprising or cooperating with an electronic device according to the invention, for which the interface of said electronic device cooperates with the headphones of said headset , the panoramic effect multi-channel signal delivered by said electronic device thus being returned to the user of the headset by the headphones of the latter.

Other characteristics and advantages will appear more clearly on reading the following description relating to an exemplary embodiment given by way of indication and not limitation and to the examination of the figures which accompany it, among which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary functional architecture of a device adapted to produce and / or restore a multi-channel panoramic effect signal;

FIG. 2a illustrates a first example of applying a first function IM1 (t) for modulating the intensity of a first signal over a determined duration Δ to produce a first modulated intensity signal of duration Δ. associated with a first path;

FIG. 2b illustrates, in connection with the example described with reference to FIG. 2a, the production of a second modulated intensity signal of duration Δ associated with a second channel, from said first signal, whose intensity is modulated according to a second modulation function IM2 (t) equal to IM1 (Δ-t) described in FIG. 2a;

FIG. 2c illustrates, in connection with the example described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the production of a multi-channel signal of modulated intensity IM, also described with reference to FIG. 5, of synchronizing and associating the respective first and second channel modulated intensity signals over the duration Δ, said IM signal being intended to provide a circular acoustic rotation sensation to the right;

FIG. 3a illustrates a second example of application of a first function IM1 (t) of modulating the intensity of a first signal over a determined duration Δ to produce a first modulated intensity signal of a duration Δ associated with a first channel;

FIG. 3b illustrates, in connection with the second example described with reference to FIG. 3a, the production of an IM modulated intensity multi-channel signal consisting in synchronizing and associating the respective first and second channel modulated intensity signals on the duration Δ, said IM signal being intended to provide an elliptical acoustic rotation sensation;

FIG. 3a illustrates a second example of application of a first function IM1 (t) for modulating the intensity of a first signal over a determined duration Δ to produce a first modulated intensity signal of associated duration Δ to a first way;

FIG. 3b illustrates, in connection with the second example described with reference to FIG. 3a, the production of an IM modulated intensity multi-channel signal consisting in synchronizing and associating the respective first and second channel modulated intensity signals on the duration Δ, the second modulation function IM2 (t) describing in reverse the first modulation function IM1 (t) transformed by anamorphosis so that IM2 (δ) = IM1 (δ), said IM signal being intended to provide a sensation of elliptical acoustic rotation;

FIG. 4a illustrates a third example of application of a first function IM1 (t) for modulating the intensity of a first signal over a determined duration Δ to produce a first modulated intensity signal of associated duration Δ to a first way; FIG. 4b illustrates, in connection with the third example described with reference to FIG. 4a, the production of a multi-channel signal of modulated intensity IM consisting in synchronizing and associating the respective modulated intensity signals of the first and second channels on the duration Δ, the second modulation function IM2 (t) proportional to IM1 (Δ-t), said IM signal being intended to provide a sensation of acoustic rotation;

FIG. 5 describes, in connection with the first example illustrated by FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c, the production of a multi-channel signal of modulated intensity IM followed by the production of a multi-channel signal with panoramic effect CM resulting from an iterative concatenation of instances of said multipath signal IM whose respective durations Ai are variable;

FIG. 6 describes the main steps of a method for producing and / or rendering a panoramic effect multi-channel signal to a user.

In conjunction with Figure 1, an electronic device 10 according to the invention comprises a processing unit 11, consisting of one or more microcontrollers responsible for implementing processing on data in particular. All or parts of said data are advantageously recorded on one or more data memories 12, generally electrically erasable and writable. A data memory 12 may advantageously comprise a non-erasable section, physically isolated or simply arranged so that access to write or erase is prohibited. Such access may alternatively require the satisfaction of an authentication procedure. Such an advantageous section of the data memory 12, whose access to modification is restricted, makes it possible to record in particular the value of identifiers (serial number, version, etc.) dedicated to the electronic device

10 to distinguish it from even devices. The data memory 12 may furthermore record signals produced in accordance with the invention, or even predetermined configuration parameters, such as, in a non-exhaustive manner, one or more signal modulation function models, time units and / or predetermined times, etc.

Advantageously but non-obligatorily, a device 10 may further comprise one or more program memories 13 for recording one or more programs P, or more generally one or more sets of program instructions, said program instructions being intelligible to the user. processing unit 11. The execution or interpretation of said instructions by said processing unit causes the implementation of a method of data processing or operation of the device 10. Advantageously, said program P is loaded into the memory of programs 13 during assembly of said device or by downloading said program within the memory 13 after said assembly phase of said device.

The latter also comprises a first interface 14 ensuring cooperation between the processing unit

These means may consist of loudspeakers for sound reproduction and / or light sources, or even screens, for visual reproduction. The means 22 could also allow restitution kinesthetic order, that is to say stimuli perceptible by the body (electrostimulation, pressure, temperature, etc.). The invention further provides that the bivace means 22 may be arranged to deliver fragrances perceptible by the user whose intensities would be modulated.

The purpose of the device 10 is to implement a method, such as the method 100 described later in connection with Figure 6, to produce a panoramic multi-channel signal CM. The generation of the latter by the processing unit 11, then its return by the means 22, allows a modulation of the intensity of the stimulation of a user U.

According to the modulation rules implemented by said processing unit 11, it is possible to obtain predefined and perceptible effects by the user.

Such perception effects can simulate a sound or visual source, rotating, for example, describing an elliptical trajectory around the user, or any other sensation. Alternatively, said user U perceiving the restored CM signal can imagine moving around said source. The multichannel signal CM effect produced consists for example of a pair of channels (right and left) which must be synchronized to generate the desired spatial distortion effect. Said first interface 14 may also have the function of encoding the signal produced by the processing unit 11 so that said signal can be exploited by the means 22. In a variant, said means 22 can handle this operation, said interface 14 ensuring only the connection between the processing unit 11 and said means 22.

In order to ensure continuous operation and / or to implement processes requiring an increase in energy, an electronic device 10 according to the invention may advantageously comprise a source of electrical energy 15 of its own, in particular supplying the processing unit 11, or even all another element constituting said device that would require it. A such source may consist of a battery or a plurality of batteries.

According to the privileged application context, particularly in connection with an automatic adaptation to certain neurophysiological constants of the user U, an electronic device 10 may comprise a second interface 16 designed to provide communication between one or more sensors 30 and the processing unit. 11.

Such a sensor 30 or sensors 30 may or may measure one or more quantities related to the environment, such as temperature, light, noise, etc., of the user and / or one or more neurophysiological constants. the user U (symbolized schematically by a stethoscope in Figure 1) and produce data, advantageously decoded by the second interface 16 and interpretable by the processing unit 11.

Such a device 10 may further comprise a clock (not shown in FIG. 1) enabling it to time stamp the collected measurements, said clock not being represented in FIG. 2.

The invention furthermore provides that a device 10 may comprise a third interface 17 to provide communication or, more generally, cooperation with means 21 for parameterizing the operation of said device. Such means 21 may consist of one or more buttons, a touch screen or any other equivalent means allowing the user U to interact with the operation of the device 10.

The various elements constituting an electronic device 10 can interact via a wired bus (symbolized by a double arrow in FIG. 1) or by coupling.

To promote the integration of the functional components of an electronic device 10 according to the invention, reduce the production costs of this device. last and increase the reliability of all, all or part of such an electronic device 10 may consist of an integrated circuit specific to the application referred to by the invention commonly known as ASIC (acronym for "Application-Specific Integrated Circuit ").

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 100 according to the invention for producing a multi-channel signal CM, as illustrated in connection with FIG. 5, with a panoramic effect, and implemented by the processing unit 11 of an electronic device 10, such as for example previously described in connection with Figure 1. We will describe such a method through three modulation examples respectively described in Figures 2a to 2c, 3a and 3b and 4a and 4b.

Such a method 100 is based on a signal intensity modulation technique respectively dedicated to separate rendering channels.

In a general manner, the object of such a method consists in defining or choosing a determined duration Δ during which, the device 10, more precisely the reproduction means 22, simulates a sound rotation, if the mode of restitution of the signal panoramic is sound. Alternatively, it simulates a light rotation for example for visual stimulation instead of hearing. To illustrate, we describe the process in the context of auditory stimulation. During such period Δ, the method 100 generates signal intensity variations to create a spatial displacement effect of a virtual sound source. By way of nonlimiting example, the value of the duration Δ could be chosen at one minute and entered in the memory 12 or 13 of the device 10 as an operating parameter. The value of Δ could alternatively be defined by the user U via setting means 21 of said device if it includes or is arranged to cooperate with such means.

During division of the duration Δ, the method implements signal intensity modulations which simulate a displacement of the emission source. Identical divisions of Δ provide a perfectly symmetrical circular rotation displacement perception (0, Δ / 4, Δ / 2, 3Δ / 4), especially in the case where the signal intensity variations have axial symmetry. An increase in the signal intensity simulates a reconciliation of said source, with a maximum intensity when the source "faces" the face of the user. Similarly, a decrease in the signal intensity provides a perception of a distance from said source with a minimum intensity when the source is "back" to the user.

Such a method produces a signal dedicated to a second channel by "complementarity" to that of channel 1. This dissociation of channel 1 and channel 2 is only relevant if the reproduction means 22 have two loudspeakers per channel. example, one to restore a sound in connection with the modulated signal for the first channel and the other to restore a second sound in connection with the modulated signal for the second channel. The combination of the two complementary channels provides the rotary effect.

In connection with FIG. 6, such a method 100 according to the invention for producing a panoramic effect multi-channel signal CM comprises a first step 101 for reading a first signal CV1, associated with a first channel VI, said signal being advantageously and beforehand This CV1 signal can be part of the configuration data or can be taken from a signal library also written in said data memory 12. Alternatively, the invention provides that said signal CV1 results from the implementation of a preliminary step for extracting from a source signal C said first signal CV1 associated with the first channel VI and to write into the data memory 12 said first signal CV1 thus extracted. Such a signal CV1 can be very basic, for example a predetermined frequency audible by the human. It can alternatively be rich, resulting from the extraction of an instrumental piece C and / or sung.

In order ultimately to allow the sensation of displacement of a source of emission of a panoramic signal CM, a method 100 comprises a step 102 for modulating, according to a first positive modulation function IM1 (t), t being an integer between 0 and Δ, the intensity IV1 of said first signal CV1 over a determined duration Δ. This step 102 thus produces a first modulated intensity signal IMV1 of a duration Δ associated with a first channel VI. To illustrate this, consider a first example of modulation of such a signal in connection with Figure 2a. Said FIG. 2a describes a first modulation function IM1 (t) of the signal CV1. We can see that this continuous function results in a succession of four affine subfunctions.

Thus, for a duration Δ equal to sixty seconds, the relations follow, according to which:

- the first modulation function

IM1 (t) = - (75/15) t + 75 for any t between 0 and Δ / 4;

the first modulation function IM1 (t) = (25/15) t-25 for any t between Δ / 4 and Δ / 2;

the first modulation function IM1 (t) = (75/15) t-125, for any t between Δ / 2 and 3Δ / 4;

the first modulation function IM1 (t) = - (25/15) t + 175, for any t between 3Δ / 4 and Δ. FIG. 5 thus illustrates, by the diagram on the left, the modulated intensity signal IMV1 resulting from the application of the first modulation function IM1 (t) corresponding to the channel VI. The modulated intensity signal IMV1 of a duration Δ thus constitutes a pattern that can be iterated later.

The invention can not, however, be limited to this single choice of the first intensity modulation function IM1 (t).

To produce a second modulated intensity signal, a method 100 according to the invention comprises a step 103 for producing a second modulated intensity signal IMV2 of a duration Δ equivalent to that of the first modulated intensity signal IMV1. The signal IMV2 is associated with a second channel V2. Said IMV2 signal is produced from said first signal CV1, whose intensity is modulated according to a second positive modulation function IM2 (t) such that IM2 (t) is proportional to IM1 (λΔ-β ^, λ and β being Such a second modulation function consists, as indicated in FIG. 2b, in reproducing the first modulation function in reverse.

According to whether one seeks to obtain a point of competition (that is to say when IM1 (t = 5) = IM2 (t = 5) for 0 <δ <Δ)), noted in the rest of the document IMlm between the graphical representations of the first and second modulation functions, said competition point may advantageously be centered on δ = Δ / 2 (in the case of the first example described in connection with FIGS. 2a and 2b) or off-center (in the case of the second illustrated example). in FIGS. 3a and 3b), said second modulation function IM2 (t) can advantageously describe, in reverse, the first modulation function IM1 (t), possibly transformed by anamorphosis so that IM2 (δ) = IM1 (δ). Thus, in connection with FIG. 2b, the second modulation function IM2 (t) is obtained as follows, for a duration Δ equal to sixty seconds, for example:

IM2 (t) = (25/15) t + 75 for any t between 0 and Δ / 4;

IM2 (t) = - (75/15) t + 175 for any t between Δ / 4 and Δ / 2;

IM2 (t) = - (25/15) t + 75, for any t between Δ / 2 and 3Δ / 4;

- IM2 (t) = (75/15) t-225, for any t between

3Δ / 4 and Δ.

FIG. 5 thus illustrates, by the diagram on the left, the modulated intensity signal IMV2 resulting from the application of the second modulation function IM2 (t) corresponding to the channel V2. The modulated intensity signal IMV2 of a duration Δ thus constitutes a pattern, appearing as a "mirror" of the modulated intensity signal IMV1 for the first channel, which can be iterated later.

Figure 2c illustrates the implementation of a step

104 to produce a multi-channel intensity modulated signal IM of synchronizing and associating the respective modulated intensity signals IMV1, IMV2 associated with the first and second channels over the duration Δ. We can see that there are three points of competition between the graphical representations of the first and second modulation functions: t = 0, t = 5 = A / 2 and t = to. Such IM signal is described in Figure 5.

Finally, a method 100 according to the invention comprises a step 105 for producing a panoramic effect multi-channel signal CM that will be restored to the user U via the two-way reproduction means 22. A multi-channel panoramic effect signal CM advantageously results from a iterative concatenation of instances of the previously generated multipath signal IM, whose respective durations Δ are all of the same determined value or are variables. The signal thus resembles a double pattern (for the first and second channels VI and V2) iterated n times in connection with FIG. 5, n being a strictly positive integer. According to this nonlimiting example, the CM signal obtained has n instances of the IM pattern whose respective durations Ai, l≤i≤n, are variable. This gives a rotation effect of the emitting sound source whose rotation time is variable in time. Alternatively, Ai could be constant.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the invention provides that step 105, previously described, intercalates a constant or variable delay o between two instances of the concatenated IM multipath signal.

The invention also provides that step 105 further comprises implementing one or more permutations of the channels VI and V2 during the constitution of the panoramic signal. Such an embodiment makes it possible to program changes in the direction of rotation perceived by the user U.

FIGS. 3a and 3b together illustrate a second example of application of first and second modulation functions of the intensity of a first signal CV1, over a determined duration Δ, to produce first and second modulated intensity signals IMV1 and IMV2 with a duration Δ, associated respectively with first and second channels VI and V2. According to this second example, the second intensity modulation function is determined so that a competition point (that is to say when IM1 (t = 5) = IM2 (t = 5) for 0 <δ <Δ )), denoted IMlm, between the graphical representations of the first and second non-centered modulation functions on δ = Δ / 2.

The step 103 of a method according to the invention for producing a second modulated intensity signal IMV2 of duration Δ associated with a second channel V2 is arranged so that the second modulation function IM2 (t) such as that IM2 (t) is proportional to IM1 (λΔ-β ^, λ and β being strictly positive decimals, said second modulation function IM2 (t) thus describes in reverse the first modulation function IM1 (t), transformed by anamorphosis , by application, by way of nonlimiting example, of the relation IM2 (t) = IM1 (λΔ-β ^ where:

• λ = 1 and β = (Δ-δ) / δ for all t <5;

• λ = β = δ / (Δ-δ) for all t≥5.

The invention can not be limited to this single example of anamorphosis. We can see in Figure 4b, that the modulation function IM1 (t) undergoes, in reverse, a "deceleration" for all t decreasing from Δ to δ while it is "accelerated" for t less than δ. According to this configuration, when the subsequent steps 104 and 105, respectively to produce a multi-channel signal of modulated intensity IM and then to produce a multi-channel panoramic effect signal CM, are implemented, such a method 100 induced during the restoration of said CM signal, an elliptical acoustic rotation sensation for the user.

FIGS. 4a and 4b together illustrate a third example of the application of first and second modulation functions of the intensity of a first signal CV1 over a determined duration Δ to produce first and second signals of modulated intensity IMV1 and IMV2d. a duration Δ associated respectively with first and second channels VI and V2.

According to this third example, the second intensity modulation function is determined to be proportional to IM1 (Δ-t), more precisely IM2 (t) = Im-IM1 (λΔ-β ^ where λ = β = 1 and for which Im is the average intensity of the first modulated intensity signal, according to this configuration, when the subsequent steps 104 and 105 respectively produce a multi-channel signal of modulated intensity IM and then produce a signal multi-channel panoramic effect CM, are implemented, such a method 100 induced, during the return of said CM signal, a sensation of acoustic rotation or panoramic effect for the user.

Whatever the rotation effect expected by the determination in particular of intensity control functions, the invention provides that such a method 100 can be implemented by a device of varied configuration. As mentioned above, an electronic device according to the invention, such as the device 10 described in connection with FIG. 1, can implement a method 100 which is limited to the production of the multi-channel panoramic effect signal CM, the latter being able to for example, be stored in data memory 12 to be returned by a third party equipment.

As a variant, such a device may implement a method 100 further comprising subsequent steps aimed at triggering the return of said CM signal by the reproduction means 22.

In this case, such a method according to the invention advantageously comprises a step 107 for triggering the rendering of the panoramic effect multi-channel signal CM by said rendering means 22. In advance, such a method may comprise a step 106 for controlling a encoding of the panoramic effect multipath signal by the first interface 14 according to functional characteristics of the reproduction means 22.

The panoramic effect may alternatively be associated with a Doppler effect to increase the impression on a subject of one or more sound sources in movements relative to said subject. Step 103 can then be modified accordingly to modulate the frequencies of the first and / or second signals associated with the channels. The invention also relates to a reproduction device comprising an electronic device, such as the device 10 according to FIG. 1, or cooperating with the latter, for which the first interface 14 of said electronic device 10 cooperates with two-way reproduction means 22. The panoramic effect multi-channel signal CM delivered by said electronic device 10 can thus be restored to the user of the device by the bivocal rendering means 22 thereof. Such an apparatus may furthermore comprise a plurality of reproduction means 22 of different natures (sound, visual, electro-stimulant, etc.). According to this variant, the device 10, and consequently the method 100) can implement a multiple encoding of the CM signal, or a plurality of CM signals to induce a plural or sequential rendition of panoramic multi-channel signals.

According to a preferred embodiment, such an apparatus may consist of a stereophonic headset comprising an electronic device 10 according to FIG. 1, or cooperating with the latter, for which the first interface 14 of said electronic device 10 cooperates with the headphones of said helmet. The multi-channel panoramic effect signal CM delivered by said electronic device 10 is thus returned to the user U of the headset by the headphones of the latter. Whatever the mode of reproduction of such a panoramic signal, the invention provides significant and measured effects on the well-being of a panel of users.

In a strictly confidential setting, participants were first led to memorize many associations pseudo-words-non-objects. Pseudo-words correspond to combinations of syllables similar to those of a real word but having no meaning, for example the word "rilpu" in French. Non-objects correspond to combinations of geometric shapes having no meaning. During the learning phase, each participant had to view many associations pseudo-words-non-objects as carefully as possible. Each association is presented twice for a few seconds. After a learning phase using equipment according to the invention, a significant increase in cognitive performance, regardless of the age group, was found.

In the same way, confidential studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the invention on the regulation of the mood of users of equipment according to said invention. Such studies have shown a significant decrease in mood disorders, such as anger, stress, fatigue, anxiety, participants using equipment according to the invention with regard to participants in the study. by not arranging it.

Claims

A method (100) for producing a panoramic effect multi-channel (CM) signal outputted to a user (U) by two-way rendering means (22), said method (100) being implemented by a processing unit (11) d an electronic device (10), said electronic device

(10) comprising in addition to said processing unit

(11), a data memory (12), a first interface (14) ensuring a cooperation between the processing unit (11) and the reproduction means, said method (100) being characterized in that it comprises:

a step (101) for reading a first signal (CV1) associated with a first channel (VI) previously entered in the data memory (12);

a step (102) for modulating, according to a first positive modulation function IM1 (t), t being an integer between 0 and Δ, the intensity (IV1) of said first signal (CV1) over a determined duration Δ and producing thus a first modulated intensity signal (IMV1) of a duration Δ associated with said first channel (VI);

a step (103) for producing a second modulated intensity signal (IMV2) of duration Δ associated with a second channel (V2), from said first signal (CV1), whose intensity is modulated according to a second function of positive modulation IM2 (t) such that IM2 (t) is proportional to IM1 (λΔ-β ^, λ and β being strictly positive decimals;

a step (104) for producing a multi-channel intensity modulated signal (IM) of synchronizing and associating the respective modulated intensity signals (IMV1, IMV2) of the first and second channels over the duration Δ;

a step (105) for producing a panoramic effect multi-channel signal (CM) resulting from an iterative concatenation of instances of the previously produced multichannel signal (IM) whose respective durations Δ are all of the same determined value or are variable.

Method (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising a preliminary step for extracting from a source signal (C) the first signal (CV1) associated with the first channel (VI) and for writing into the data memory (12) said first signal (CV1) extracted.

Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first function of modulating the intensity of the first signal IM1 (t) is predetermined to present a remarkable value IMlm = IMl (t = 5), 0 <δ <Δ, for that IM1 (t = 0) = IM1 (t = A) and for which the second modulation function IM2 (t) describes in reverse the first modulation function IM1 (t) transformed by anamorphosis so that IM2 (δ) = IM1 (δ). Method (100) according to the preceding claim, for which:

n Δ-δ

• λ = 1 and p = -g- for all t <o;

• λ = β = - ^ - for all t≥5.

^Γ Δ-δ

A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step

(105) for producing a panning effect multi-channel signal (CM) interleaves a constant or variable delay o between two instances of the multi-channel signal

(IM) concatenated.

Method (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising a step (107) for triggering the reproduction of the panoramic effect multi-channel signal by the reproduction means (22).

A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step (106) for controlling an encoding of the panoramic effect multipath signal by the interface (14) according to functional characteristics of the rendering means (22).

A method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steps (103, 104, 105) for respectively producing a second modulated intensity signal (IMV2) of duration Δ, producing a multi-channel signal of modulated intensity ( IM) and / or to produce a panoramic effect multi-channel signal (CM) record the generated signal in the data memory (12). Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the device (10) further comprising a second interface (16) ensuring a cooperation between the processing unit (11) and a sensor (30) delivering data characterizing a physiological constant of the user (U), for which:

the step (102) for modulating the intensity (IV1) of said first signal (CV1) over a predetermined period adapts the first modulation function IM1 (t) of the first intensity signal modulated according to the content of the data delivered by said sensor (30) and / or;

the one-step step (105) for producing the panoramic effect multi-channel signal (CM) adapts the respective durations Δ of the concatenated multichannel signal (IM) instances according to the content of said data delivered by said sensor (30).

Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the electronic device (10) further comprising a third interface (17) providing a cooperation between the processing unit (11) and means (21) for parameterizing the operation said electronic device (10) delivering data characterizing preferences and / or user profile (U), for which:

step (102) for modulating the intensity (IV1) of said first signal (CV1) over a predetermined period adapts the first function of modulation IM1 (t) of the first intensity signal modulated according to the content of the data delivered by the parameterization means (21),

and / or the step (105) for producing the panoramic effect multi-channel signal (CM) adapts the respective durations Δ of the concatenated multichannel signal instances (IM) according to the content of said data delivered by said parameterizing means (21).

Computer program product (P) having program instructions which, when:

previously stored in a program memory (13) of an electronic device (10), the latter further comprising a processing unit (11), a data memory (12), an interface (14, 16, 17) providing a cooperation between the processing unit (11) and the reproduction means, a sensor delivering data characterizing a physiological constant of a user (U) and / or means (21) for parameterizing the operation of said device (10) said data memory (12), the interface (14, 16, 17) and said program memory (13) cooperating respectively with said processing unit (11);

performed or interpreted by said processing unit (11), cause the implementation of a method (100) for producing and / or rendering a panoramic effect multi-channel signal (CM) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Electronic device (10) comprising a processing unit (11), a data memory (12), an interface (14, 16, 17) providing cooperation between the processing unit (11) of the two-way rendering means (22). ), a sensor delivering data characterizing a physiological constant of a user (U) and / or means (21) for parameterizing the operation of said device (10), a program memory (14), said memories (12, 14 ) and said interface (14, 16, 17) cooperating with said processing unit (11), said communicating electronic device (10) being characterized in that it comprises in the program memory (14) the instructions of a computer program product (P) according to the preceding claim.

Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the interface (14) is arranged to cooperate with two-way reproduction means (22) in the form of two speakers or two light sources respectively restoring the first and second paths .

A reproduction apparatus comprising an electronic device (10) according to the claim preceding or cooperating with the latter, for which the interface (14) of said electronic device (10) cooperates with two-way reproduction means (22), the panoramic effect multi-channel signal (CM) delivered by said electronic device (10) being thus restored to the user (U) of the apparatus by means of two-way reproduction (22) of the latter 15. Stereophonic headphones comprising an electronic device (10) according to claim 13, or cooperating with the latter , for which the interface (14) of said electronic device (10) cooperates with the headphones of said headset, the multi-channel panoramic effect signal (CM) delivered by said electronic device (10) thus being returned to the user (U) of the headphones through the headphones of the latter.