WO2018037395A2

WO2018037395A2 - Vibroacoustic sensory system

Info

Publication number: WO2018037395A2
Application number: PCT/IB2017/056636
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adi HOLLANDER
Original assignee: Hollander Adi
Priority date: 2016-08-25
Filing date: 2017-10-25
Publication date: 2018-03-01
Also published as: WO2018037395A8; WO2018037395A3

Abstract

A system for feeling sound comprising includes a frame having a contour section substantially matching a contour of a section of a human body when in motion, a mattress filled with a gas and attachable to the frame and suitable to conform to the contour section of the frame, and a mattress filled with a liquid and attached to the gas-filled mattress.

Description

VIBROACOUSTIC SENSORY SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/379,288 filed on August 25, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to vibroacoustic systems and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a vibroacoustic sensory system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Vibroacoustic sensory systems (VSS) are generally associated with systems which convert sound waves into vibrations which may be felt by a human. One use of VSS is in vibroacoustic therapy (VAT). Another use is using the body to feel sound, which is sometimes used by sound artists and musicians in their works, as well as by people with hearing impairments as a tool for hearing.

[0004] VAT is a type of therapy or treatment which is based on using sound as a generator of vibrations which are applied to a person undergoing therapy. VAT systems generally use a medium such as a mattress, a bed, or a chair, which is fitted with one or more speakers which generate sound waves at low frequencies, typically in the 30 Hz - 120 Hz range, and which may be felt by the person through the medium. The medium may sometimes include a liquid, for example water, which may serve to amplify the vibrations. VSS may allow a person to feel sound through vibrations which are received by the body and interpreted by the person's brain as sound. Some of these systems rely on bone conduction as a means to feel the vibrations, others rely on stimulating a person's senses using vibrations and rocking motions, while others rely on using a person's skin to feel the vibrations. In some cases, the vibroacoustic sensory system may combine hearing of music with feeling the vibrations

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0005] There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system for feeling sound including a frame having a contour section substantially matching a contour of a section of a human body when in motion, a mattress filled with a gas and attachable to the frame and suitable to conform to the contour section of the frame, and a mattress filled with a liquid and attached to the gas-filled mattress.

[0006] There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for feeling sound including resting a human body against a module which includes (1) a frame having a contour section substantially matching a contour of a section of a human body when in motion, (2) a mattress filled with a gas and attachable to the frame and suitable to conform to the contour section of the frame, and (3) a mattress filled with a liquid and attached to the gas-filled mattress; and generating sound vibrations from speakers on the gas-filled mattress.

[0007] In some embodiments, the gas includes air.

[0008] In some embodiments, the liquid includes water.

[0009] In some embodiments, the gas-filled mattress includes a plurality of compartments.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of compartments is separated by compartment walls.

[0011] In some embodiments, the gas-filled mattress includes gaps between the ends of the compartment walls and a side wall of the mattress to allow gas flow therethrough.

[0012] In some embodiments, the compartment walls include a plurality of opening.

[0013] In some embodiments, each compartment of the plurality of compartments includes at least one separation wall to divide each compartment into two sections.

[0014] In some embodiments, the gas-filled mattress includes a plurality of speaker pockets. [0015] In some embodiments, the system includes speakers to generate vibrations.

[0016] In some embodiments, the system includes an audio source.

[0017] In some embodiments, the gas-filled mattress includes an acrylic.

[0018] In some embodiments, the liquid-filled mattress includes an acrylic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] Figure 1 schematically illustrates some examples of body movements which may be represented by a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 which schematically illustrates exemplary body movements 200 with exemplary VSS modules contoured to fit the empty spaces associated with the body movements, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0028] Figure 9 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 12 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 13 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 14 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 15 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 16 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 17 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 18 schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 19 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 20 schematically illustrates an air mattress for use in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0040] Figure schematically illustrates an air mattress and an attached water mattress suitable for use in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 22 schematically illustrates an exemplary VSS, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0042] Figure 23 which shows a prototype of a VSS module built by the Applicant, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0044] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0045] A novel system and method of feeling and listening to sound via the sensation of feeling vibrations created by transducer speakers and bone conductors is described. The vibrations produced by the speakers reach a user's body through a filter made by a mattress filled with water or other suitable liquid (hereinafter referred to as "water" for convenience). The mattress filled with water helps the vibrations spread and reach the users body in a soft and hegemonic way.

[0046] Applicant has realized that listening to sound is more than just hearing and has devised a system and a method which simulates the idea of tonality, of pace, intensity, and harmony. Applicant has further realized that there exists a physical possibility to feel music or a human voice in a very intimate way, through the body, the flesh and bones. Applicant has additionally realized that such a system also may help to relax, to calm down, and to fall asleep.

[0047] An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is related to a system and method to listen to sound by sensation of feeling vibration that are created by transducer speakers and bone conductors and transmitted through a mattress of water. The present invention includes a VSS module which may be associated with a body movement, such as for example, bending, stretching, leaning, sitting, standing, walking, jumping, and lying down, and when used, may substantially occupy an empty space which may be created by the body's movement. The module essentially follows the body movement in order to fill in the empty space created by the movement.

[0048] In some embodiments, the VSS module may include a frame which may be shaped to follow the body movement and provides the module with it shape. The frame may be a modular light frame which may be made of steel or other suitable material. The frame may have a different shape for different modules according to the body movement with which it is to be associated, and may be custom-made.

[0049] The module may additionally include a mattress filled with air or other suitable gas (hereinafter referred to as "air") which may be attached to the frame and may assume the contour of the frame. The air mattress attached to the frame may serve to support a user's body in addition to holding the speakers. The air mattress may be an inflatable mattress and may be made of vinyl or other suitable flexible material, and may be transparent or otherwise colored. The mattress may include pockets to hold the speakers which may allow the speakers to be individually replaced as required without a need to take the air mattress apart. The pockets may additionally include a provision to connect the speakers to speaker cables, and to disconnect them from the cables, without the need to take the air mattress apart (separate entry for the cables into the pockets, for example, through the bottom of the pocket).

[0050] The air mattress may include walls dividing them mattress into a plurality of compartments. The dividing walls may include holes to allow the movement of air between the compartments created by the walls. Using this mattress construction, the pressure and weight of the body on the mattress does not allow it to sink down rather to become stiff.

[0051] The module may additionally include a water-filled mattress. The water mattress may include an inflatable transparent mattress which may be made of vinyl or other suitable flexible material, and which may be transparent or otherwise colored. The water mattress may be made of several layers of vinyl sheet, for example two layers, and may be connected with an adhesive and heat and may hold water or other liquid between the layers. The water mattress may be placed on top of the air mattress and speakers to create a filter between the body and the vibration, and like the air mattress, may assume the contour of the frame (and the air mattress).

[0052] Reference is now made to Figure 1 which schematically illustrates some examples of body movements which may be represented by a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the first row 100 are shown four exemplary crouching positions, in the second row 102 are shown three exemplary forward bending positions, and in the third row 104 are shown four exemplary back bending positions.

[0053] Reference is now made to Figure 2 which schematically illustrates exemplary body movements 200 with exemplary VSS modules contoured to fit the empty spaces associated with the body movements, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Body movement 202 shows a user slightly leaning against a VSS module 242 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 204 shows a user leaning sideways against a VSS module 244 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 206 shows a user crouching against a VSS module 246 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 208 shows a user slightly crouching against a VSS module 248 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 210 shows a user bending against a VSS module 250 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 212 shows a user leaning against a VSS module 252 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 214 shows a user lying against a VSS module 254 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 216 shows a user lying against a VSS module 256 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 218 shows a user slightly bending backwards against a VSS module 258 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 220 shows a user bending backwards against a VSS module 260 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 222 shows a user slightly leaning against a VSS module 262 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 224 shows a user slightly leaning against a VSS module 264 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 226 shows a user lying against a VSS module 266 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 228 shows a user lying against a VSS module 268 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 230 shows a user sitting against a VSS module 270 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 232 shows a user lying against a VSS module 272 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 234 shows a user arching against a VSS module 274 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 236 shows a user standing while arched against a VSS module 276 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 238 shows a user bending against a VSS module 278 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side. Body movement 240 shows a user slightly leaning against a VSS module 280 contoured to fit into the void in the user's side.

[0055] Reference is now made to Figure 3 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 300 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 300 may be used with VSS module 262 in Figure 2.

[0056] Reference is now made to Figure 4 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 400 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 400 may be used with VSS module 250 in Figure 2.

[0057] Reference is now made to Figure 5 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 500 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 500 may be used with VSS module 252 in Figure 2. [0058] Reference is now made to Figure 6 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 600 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 600 may be used with VSS module 242 in Figure 2.

[0059] Reference is now made to Figure 7 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 700 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 700 may be used with VSS module 258 in Figure 2.

[0060] Reference is now made to Figure 8 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 800 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 800 may be used with VSS module 248 in Figure 2.

[0061] Reference is now made to Figure 9 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 900 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 900 may be used with VSS module 246 in Figure 2.

[0062] Reference is now made to Figure 10 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 1000 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 1000 may be used with VSS module 260 in Figure 2.

[0063] Reference is now made to Figure 11 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 1100 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 1100 may be used with VSS module 274 in Figure 2.

[0064] Reference is now made to Figure 12 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 1200 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 1200 may be used with VSS module 276 in Figure 2.

[0065] Reference is now made to Figure 13 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 1300 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 1300 may be used with a VSS module 280 shown in Figure 2. [0066] Reference is now made to Figure 14 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 1400 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 1400 may be used with a VSS module not shown in Figure 2.

[0067] Reference is now made to Figure 15 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 1500 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 1500 may be used with a VSS module not shown in Figure 2.

[0068] Reference is now made to Figure 16 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 1600 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 1600 may be used with a VSS module 266 shown in Figure 2.

[0069] Reference is now made to Figure 17 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 1700 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 1700 may be used with a VSS module 268 shown in Figure 2.

[0070] Reference is now made to Figure 18 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 1800 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 1800 may be used with a VSS module 278 shown in Figure 2.

[0071] Reference is now made to Figure 19 which schematically illustrates an exemplary frame 1900 which may be used in a VSS module, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, frame 1900 may be used with a VSS module 206 shown in Figure 2.

[0072] . Reference is now made to Figure 20 which schematically illustrates an air mattress 2002 for use in a VSS module 2000, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Air mattress 2002 may be made of a flexible material, for example vinyl, and may be attached to the frame of the VSS module conforming to the contour of the frame.

[0073] Air mattress 2002 may include a plurality of compartments, for example compartment 2004, each compartment separated by a compartment wall, for example compartment wall 2006, which extends a major portion of the width of the mattress. A gap 2007 may separate the ends of the compartment walls from the side walls of the mattress to allow air flow between the compartments. Each compartment wall may include a plurality of openings, for example openings 2024, to allow air flow between the compartments when a user rests against the mattress.

[0074] Each compartment is separated into two sections, for example a first section 2008 and a second section 2010 in compartment 2004, by a separation wall 2012. Each compartment may include a speaker pocket 2016. A gap 2014 between the separation wall 2012 and the speaker pocket 2016 and between the speaker pocket and the side wall of the mattress may allow air flow between the sections of a compartment. Some compartments, depending on the location of the speaker pocket may include two separation walls, for example as shown by separation walls 2020 and 2022 so at to not leave a large gap between the speaker pocket and the side wall.

[0075] Speaker pockets 2016 may extend, although do not necessarily have to do so, from the top side of mattress 2002 to the bottom side essentially forming an opening through the mattress, and may be suitable for securely accommodating within a speaker 2018. The number of speakers in used in a mattress and their location may vary according to the shape of the VSS module, and may be determined based on calculations and/or experimentation.

[0076] Reference is now also made to Figure 21 which schematically illustrates an air mattress 2002 and an attached water mattress 2050 suitable for use in VSS module 2000, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Water mattress 2050 may include water 2052 or other suitable liquid, and may also be made of a flexible material, for example vinyl, suitable to allow it to conform to the shape of the frame (and of air mattress 2002). An underside of mattress 2050 may be attached to the top side of air mattress 2002 using a suitable adhesive material 2054, for example a suitable glue, and may include the use of welding or other suitable technique to securely fasten the two mattresses together.

[0077] As may be appreciated from the figure, the speaker pockets extend from the top surface of the air mattress through the mattress to the bottom surface, essentially leaving an opening in the mattress. The speakers may be securely mounted inside the speaker pockets and may connect to electrical cables, for example cable 2026, through the bottom opening in the speaker pocket. The use of the speaker pockets is potentially advantageous as it allows for easy replacement of faulty speakers, and facilitates their connection.

[0078] Reference is now made to Figure 22 which schematically illustrates an exemplary VSS 3000, according to an embodiment of the present invention. VSS 3000 may include VSS module 2000 and an audio source 3002.

[0079] Audio source 3002 may include any source of audio which may be used to generate the sound which creates the vibrations. These may include audio players as well as computing devices. The sounds may include low frequency sounds but need not be limited to low frequencies, and may extend throughout the whole audio frequency range. Audio source 3002 may connect through electric cables 2026 to the speakers 2018 in the air mattress.

[0080] The Applicant built a prototype VSS module which is shown in Figure 23, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The following is a description of the prototype.

[0081] The frame

[0082] The frame was made out of 1 inch diameter pipe made of light steel. The frame was separated in two pieces for better transportation. They connect to each other by a female/male connection at the ends of each section.

[0083]

[0084] Inflatable Air Mattress [0085] The mattress was made out of Vinyl material. It was constructed from two sheets connected to each other with vinyl glue and heat. The mattress was divided every 4 inches with a wall in the shape of the letter I. The wall was a rectangle vinyl sheet of a height of 2.5 inches and a width smaller by 4 inches from the width of the mattress to allow air to pass from the sides of the mattress freely. It has 5 circular holes in the middle of each rectangle, to allow the air to move from section to section when the body presses on the mattress.

[0086] The mattress has 4 wings extending from each side of the mattress; the wings are attached to the frame with Velcro tape.

[0087] The air mattress is used for holding the speakers and conforms to the shape of frame, and was designed to hold the weight of the user's body when sitting or lying down on the module.

[0088] The speakers sit in built in pockets spread along the mattress.

[0089] The pockets are prepared in a way that both the upper and the bottom parts of the pockets are open and by that they allow the sound cables to be connected from the bottom of the mattress directly to the bottom of the speakers.

[0090] The valve for filling the air is connected in the bottom of the mattress.

[0091]

[0092] Water Mattress

[0093] The mattress was made out of Vinyl material. It was constructed from two sheets connected to each other with vinyl glue and heat. The water mattress was glued to the air mattress.

[0094] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for feeling sound comprising:

a frame comprising a contour section substantially matching a contour of a section of a human body when in motion;

a mattress filled with a gas and attachable to said frame and suitable to conform to said contour section of said frame; and

a mattress filled with a liquid and attached to said gas-filled mattress.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said gas comprises air.

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said liquid comprises water.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said gas-filled mattress comprises a plurality of compartments.

5. A system according to claim 4 wherein said plurality of compartments are separated by compartment walls.

6. A system according to claim 5 comprising gaps between the ends of said compartment walls and a side wall of the gas-filled mattress to allow gas flow therethrough.

7. A system according to claim 5 wherein said compartment walls comprise a plurality of opening.

8. A system according to claim 4 wherein each compartment of said plurality of compartments comprises at least one separation wall to divide each compartment into two sections.

9. A system according to claim 1 wherein said gas-filled mattress comprises a plurality of speaker pockets.

10. A system according to claim 9 further comprising speakers to generate vibrations.

11. A system according to claim 10 further comprising an audio source.

12. A system according to claim 1 wherein said gas-filled mattress comprises an acrylic.

13. A system according to claim 1 wherein said liquid-filled mattress comprises an acrylic.

14. A method for feeling sound comprising:

resting a human body against a module comprising:

a mattress filled with a liquid and attached to said gas-filled mattress; and generating sound vibrations from speakers on said gas-filled mattress.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein said gas comprises air.

16. A method according to claim 14 wherein said liquid comprises water.

17. A method according to claim 14 wherein said gas-filled mattress comprises a plurality of compartments.

18. A method according to claim 17 wherein said plurality of compartments are separated by compartment walls.

19. A method according to claim 18 comprising gaps between the ends of said compartment walls and a side wall of the gas-filled mattress to allow gas flow therethrough.

20. A method according to claim 18 wherein said compartment walls comprise a plurality of opening.