Entertainment apparatus for a seated user

• US 8,816,873 B2
• Filed: 12/18/2008
• Issued: 08/26/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Trigonom, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Trignom Limited
• Inventors: Bisset, David Lindsey, Powell, Tristan Alexander
• Primary Examiner(s): Zimmerman, Brian A.
• Application Number:
  US12/747,560
• Publication Number:
  US 20100265090A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,077 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.1, 340/573.7, 601/84, 601/148, 601/99, 601/101, 846/74, 846/00, 846/15, 846/22
• US Class Current: 340/686.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/029 of non-adjustable shape adapted to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/725 for illumination, e.g. lamps
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 19/30 Devices for external stimulation of the genitals
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0149 Seat or chair
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1628 Pelvis
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5007 computer controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5048 Audio interfaces, e.g. voice or music controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5058 Sensors or detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5064 Position sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5071 Pressure sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5097 wireless
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/085 Crotch
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/02 with electric or magnetic drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/0236 using sonic waves, e.g. using loudspeakers

Abstract

A seat (5) includes a sensor (21) mounted on the seat which is arranged to sense the presence of an object, or movement or position of an object in a non-contact manner, within a sensing region around the seat. A processor is arranged to receive an audio signal and to process the audio signal based on presence, movement or position detected by the first sensor. A processed signal is delivered to a vibro-acoustic transducer mounted within the seat. The processor can also control a lighting effect based on presence, movement or position detected by the first sensor. A user can interact with audio in a personal way, to suit the mood of the user. A seated user can move their body (especially arms or hands) to modify audio, such as music. The seat has a nodule (12) which, in use, fits between the legs of a seated user. The nodule can house the sensor (21) and user controls.

Claims

1. An entertainment apparatus comprising:

a seat;

a first sensor mounted on the seat which is arranged to sense the presence of an object, or movement or position of an object in a non-contact manner, within a sensing region around the seat;

a processor arranged to perform at least one of;

receive an audio signal and to process the audio signal based on presence, movement or position detected by the first sensor to provide a processed signal for output to a transducer;

generate the processed signal for output to the transducer based on presence, movement or position detected by the first sensor;

control a lighting effect based on presence, movement or position detected by the first sensor

wherein the seat comprises a nodule shaped to cause a user to sit in a position in which their legs are parted around the nodule, and wherein the first sensor is positioned on the nodule and the sensing region of the first sensor includes the region in front of the nodule.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising the transducer for generating at least one of:

acoustic energy;

vibratory energy and wherein the transducer is arranged to receive the processed signal.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the transducer is mounted in the seat.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the transducer is arranged to transmit vibratory energy to a seated user in a tactile manner.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the seat comprises a ridge portion for transmitting vibratory energy to a seated user.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensing region of the first sensor includes the region above the nodule.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 further comprising a user interface for allowing a user to control the apparatus which is mounted in the nodule.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising at least one further sensor positioned on the seat and wherein the processor is arranged to perform at least one of:

process the audio signal and control the lighting effect based on presence, movement or position detected by the further sensor.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the further sensor is positioned on a side of the seat and is arranged for sensing in a region to the side of the seat.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein there is a further sensor positioned on each side of the seat and arranged for sensing in a region to a respective side of the seat.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an audio source for providing the audio signal to the processor.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an input for receiving the audio signal from an audio source externally of the apparatus.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the audio signal is received via a wireless link.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an audio output for outputting the processed audio signal externally of the apparatus.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an input for receiving a signal from a source external to the apparatus, the signal from the external source comprising:

an audio signal processed by the external source or data for use in processing the audio signal, and wherein the transducer is arranged to selectively use the input from the external source.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the processor is operable to process the audio signal by at least one of:

filtering a frequency band of the audio signal;

adding a tone to the audio signal;

sampling a portion of the audio signal and repeating the sampled portion;

phasing/flanging the audio signal;

delaying/echoing the audio signal;

compressing the dynamic range of the audio signal;

analysing tempo of the audio signal and processing the audio signal using the tempo.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a light, or light array, and wherein the processor is operable to control the lighting effect by at least one of:

controlling a direction of the light;

controlling a colour of the light;

controlling an intensity of the light;

controlling a beam shape;

controlling a projected pattern;

controlling a coherent light source to form a shape.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the light, or light array, is mounted in the seat.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the seat comprises a support and a connection which allows the seat to move with respect to the support.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the connection permits at least one of:

swivel movement;

rocking movement.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19 further comprising a seat movement sensor for sensing movement of the seat and wherein the processor is arranged to:

process the audio signal or control the lighting effect based on movement detected by the seat movement sensor.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the processor is mounted within the seat.

23. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the seat comprises a support in the form of one of a base for supporting the seat on a floor and a support member for wall-mounting or mounting to another support structure.

24. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensor comprises a co-located transmitter and receiver, the transmitter being arranged to provide a beam of energy and the receiver being arranged to detect reflected energy.

25. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is arranged to provide a range of user-selectable settings.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the settings include:

a setting for male users and a setting for female users.