Audio Modulation for a Child Motion Device

• US 20080165016A1
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Published: 07/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Graco Children's Products, Inc. (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Graco Children's Products, Inc. (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Inventors: Godiska, James E., Bellows, William B., Arnold, John (Jason) C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,884,710 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47D 1/10 capable of being suspended from, or attached to, tables or other articles
• CPC Class Codes: A47D 13/105 pivotally mounted in a frame
• CPC Class Codes: A47D 9/016 capable of being suspended from, or attached to, other articles or structures, e.g. adult's bed
• CPC Class Codes: A47D 9/02 with rocking mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A47D 9/057 driven by electric motors

Abstract

A method of controlling a child motion device includes the steps of determining data indicative of motion of the child motion device, and controlling an audio output of the child motion device in accordance with the data. In some cases, the controlling step includes the step of modulating the audio output in accordance with the data. For example, the modulating step may involve applying a modulation effect to an audio track available to the child motion device.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a child motion device, comprising:

determining data indicative of motion of the child motion device; and

controlling an audio output of the child motion device in accordance with the data.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the controlling step comprises modulating the audio output in accordance with the data.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the modulating step comprises applying a modulation effect to an audio track available to the child motion device.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the modulation effect involves pitch changes.

5. A method according to claim 3, wherein the modulation effect is user-selected.

6. A method according to claim 3, wherein the modulation effect is predetermined and associated with a type of audio to be reproduced by the child motion device.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the type of audio involves stereo playback.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the modulation effect involves balance adjustments between multiple speakers of the child motion device.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the data is indicative of real-time position of the motion such that the audio output is controlled based on current position.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the determining step comprises implementing a sensing routine involving detection of capacitance changes in a capacitive sensor array resulting from the motion.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the data is indicative of current position of the motion and current direction.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the motion includes a reciprocating path.

13. A method according to claim 1, wherein the audio output comprises playback of a plurality of tracks.

14. A method according to claim 13, further comprising directing first and second tracks of the plurality of tracks to first and second speakers, respectively.