U.S. patent application number 14/139509 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-24 for inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies.
The applicant listed for this patent is SO SOUND SOLUTIONS, LLC. Invention is credited to Suzannah Long, Richard Barry Oser.
Application Number | 20140114120 14/139509 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46325874 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140114120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oser; Richard Barry ; et
al. |
April 24, 2014 |
INDUCING TACTILE STIMULATION OF MUSICAL TONAL FREQUENCIES
Abstract
Transducers and resonators are embedded in body support
structures in contact with a user to for the purpose of conveying
musical sound energy to a user's body at selected frequencies and
in selected patterns. Body support structures comprise beds,
pillows, chairs, and other structures typically used to support
people. The sound may be audio tones and/or music. The transducers
and resonators may be incorporated into a foam component or in a
coil spring component of the body support structure. Latex-type
foams and beds made with springs are candidate body support
structures for receiving transducer's and resonators.
Electro-active polymers are also used as transducers.
Inventors: |
Oser; Richard Barry;
(Lafayette, CO) ; Long; Suzannah; (Lafayette,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SO SOUND SOLUTIONS, LLC |
Louisville |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46325874 |
Appl. No.: |
14/139509 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13171614 |
Jun 29, 2011 |
8617089 |
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14139509 |
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11463520 |
Aug 9, 2006 |
7981064 |
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13171614 |
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11061924 |
Feb 18, 2005 |
7418108 |
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11463520 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/0138 20130101;
H04R 9/06 20130101; A61H 2201/0149 20130101; B06B 1/045 20130101;
H04R 9/066 20130101; A61H 1/005 20130101; A61H 2201/0142 20130101;
H04R 2400/03 20130101; H04R 5/023 20130101; A61H 23/0236 20130101;
A47C 7/72 20130101; A61H 23/0218 20130101; A61M 21/02 20130101;
A47C 7/727 20180801 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/27 |
International
Class: |
A61M 21/02 20060101
A61M021/02 |
Claims
1. A method of inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal
frequencies in a transducer interface comprising: providing an
electro-active polymer matrix array, said electro-active polymer
array having a plurality of matrix array elements having
predetermined shapes that are connected; providing electrical
connections to said plurality of matrix array elements; disposing
said electro-active matrix array in said transducer interface so
that tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies can be
induced in said transducer interface.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing a source of
musical tonal frequencies; amplifying said musical tonal
frequencies to create control signals that are encoded with said
musical tonal frequencies; applying said control signals to said
electrical connections.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: bandpass filtering
said source of musical tonal frequencies to create a plurality of
filtered bandpass frequency signals that each have a predetermined
frequency range; applying said plurality of filtered bandpass
frequency signals to said plurality of matrix array elements at
different spatial locations on said electro-active polymer matrix
according to said frequency range of said plurality of filtered
bandpass frequency signals.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said process of disposing said
electro-active matrix array in said transducer interface comprises:
disposing said electro-active matrix array in an exercise pad.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said process of disposing said
electro-active matrix array in said transducer interface comprises:
disposing said electro-active matrix array in a chair pad.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said process of disposing said
electro-active matrix array in said transducer interface comprises:
disposing said electro-active matrix array in a mattress pad.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said process of disposing said
electro-active matrix array in said transducer interface comprises:
disposing said electro-active matrix array in a padded table.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said process of disposing said
electro-active matrix array in said transducer interface comprises:
disposing said electro-active matrix array in an elastic bandage
wrap.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein said process of disposing said
electro-active matrix array in said transducer interface comprises:
disposing said electro-active matrix array in an adhesive
bandage.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein said process of disposing said
electro-active matrix array in said transducer interface comprises:
disposing said electro-active matrix array in a cast.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of providing an
electro-active polymer matrix array comprises: providing an
electro-active polymer matrix array that has diaphragm
actuators.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of providing an
electro-active polymer matrix array comprises: providing an
electro-active polymer matrix array that has compliant electrode
actuators.
13. The method of claim 2 further comprising: embedding sensors in
said transducer interface; detecting physiological data of a user
from said sensors analyzing said physiological data; selecting said
musical tonal frequencies based upon results of analysis of said
physiological data.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/171,614, entitled "Inducing Tactile
Stimulation of Musical Tonal Frequencies, by Richard Barry Oser,
filed Jun. 29, 2011, which application is a divisional application
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,520, entitled "System
and Method for Integrating Transducers into Body Support
Structures," by Richard Barry Oser, filed Aug. 9, 2006, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,981,064, issued Jul. 19, 2011, which application is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/061,924
entitled "Transducer for Tactile Applications and Apparatus
Incorporating Transducers" by R. Barry Oser, filed Feb. 18, 2005,
now U.S. Pat. No. 7,418,108, issued Aug. 26, 2008, and claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/706,718,
entitled "A System and Method for Integrating Transducers into Body
Support Structures" by R. Barry Oser and Suzannah Long, filed Aug.
9, 2005, the entire disclosures of which are hereby specifically
incorporated by reference for all that they disclose and teach.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Stress is a significant factor in modern society. Stress is
an emotional, physical, and psychological reaction to change. For
example, a promotion, a marriage, or a home purchase can bring a
change of status and new responsibility, which leads to stress.
Stress is an integral part of life.
[0003] According to recent American Medical Association statistics:
over 45% of adults in the United States suffer from stress-related
health problems; 75-90% of all visits to primary care physicians
are for stress-related complaints and disorders; every week 112
million people take some form of medication for stress-related
symptoms; and on any given day, almost 1 million employees are
absent due to stress. In view of this, it is clear that there is a
need for improved means for stress reduction.
[0004] It has been found that certain types of relaxation help in
reducing stress. In the alpha-theta states, people can reduce
stress levels, focus, and be centered, i.e., not lost in the
emotion of the moment. In these states, people can be more creative
and self-expressive and bring more clarity to all their ideas.
[0005] As the pace and stress of modern life has increased,
research into the physical, mental and psychological benefits of
stress reduction has also increased. Recently, research has
centered on the positive impact of neuro-feedback (EEG Training).
The recent availability of powerful personal computers has allowed
widespread application of neuro-feedback techniques. Using feedback
to increase the deeper, more relaxed brainwave states known as
alpha and theta, in turn, facilitates the ability of the subject to
understand the feeling of these states of reduced stress and
emotionality. Practice with feedback devices allows a subject to
access alpha and theta more readily when the states are needed and
useful.
[0006] Feedback techniques may rely upon the use of tones or graphs
on the computer screen to gauge access to the states. However,
these desired states often are not easy to achieve unless the
subject spends a lot of time in practice sessions.
[0007] Another known method of achieving stress reduction has been
to provide physical relaxation inputs, such as sitting on a beach
or having a full-body massage. However, providing these inputs is
usually impractical when they are needed.
[0008] Therapeutic body support structures have the potential for
providing physical relaxation inputs in a convenient manner to
reduce stress. Numerous attempts have been made in the prior art at
providing therapeutic body support structures such as chairs and
tables that provide aural or vibratory stimuli. Examples include
U.S. Pat. No. 2,520,172 to Rubinstein, U.S. Pat. No. 2,821,191 to
Paii, U.S. Pat. No. 3,556,088 to Leonardini, U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,880,152 and 4,055,170 to Nohmura, U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,566 to
Martinmaas, U.S. Pat. No. 4,064,376 to Yamada, U.S. Pat. No.
4,124,249 to Abbeloos, U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,067 to Yamada et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,225 to Vogel, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,813,403 and
5,255,327 to Endo, U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,871 to Komatsubara, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,086,755 to Schmid-Eilber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,810 to
Skille et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,055 to Eakin, U.S. Pat. No.
5,624,155 to Bluen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,407 to Eakin and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,442,710 to Komatsu.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise
a method of inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal
frequencies in a transducer interface comprising: providing an
electro-active polymer matrix array, the electro-active polymer
array having a plurality of matrix array elements having
predetermined shapes that are connected; providing electrical
connections to the plurality of matrix array elements; disposing
the electro-active matrix array in the transducer interface so that
tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies can be induced in
the transducer interface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a system in which multiple transducers
and amplifiers are used to provide audio signals to a bed according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a system in which multiple transducers
and a single amplifier are used to provide audio signals to a bed
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of a system in which
multiple transducers are installed in foam of a bed according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a wellness stimulation system comprising
a bed equipped with transducers and sensors according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a
transducer system.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a
diaphragm of the transducer system of FIG. 5.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the transducer system of
FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a coil
spring system.
[0018] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a rigid
diaphragm structure.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a
bedding system.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an
electro-active polymer matrix array.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side view of the electro-active polymer matrix
array after voltage is applied to the electrodes.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an
electro-active polymer array.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a wellness
simulation system.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a schematic elevation view of an embodiment of a
bedding system.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a cast
for assisting healing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention,
transducers and resonators are embedded in body support structures
to contact a user through a transducer interface for the purpose of
conveying sound energy in the form of musical tonal frequencies to
a user's body by distributing selected frequencies in selected
spatial patterns. Body support structures comprise beds, pillows,
chairs, mats, pads, tables and other structures typically used to
support people. The sound may include various audio tones and/or
music.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the manner in which
transducers can be placed in bedding or pads of various types for
the transmission of music tones to a user's body. As will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, transducer interfaces can
be used not only in beds, but in pads or pillows that fit over the
beds, massage tables, chairs, lounge chairs, car seats, and
airplane seating or just by themselves. Cushioned transducer
interfaces can be made in different sizes and thicknesses. As shown
in FIG. 1, a bed or pad 104 (cushioned transducer interface) has a
series of mid to high frequency transducers 110, 112, 118, 120
disposed at a location that is proximate to the head of the bed or
pad 106. In addition, a series of low frequency transducers 114,
116, 122, 124 are disposed at a location that is proximate to the
foot of the bed 108. Of course, the location of the transducers can
be shifted either up or down along the length of the bed to achieve
the most desirable results for inducing music tonal frequencies
into a user's body. On larger beds, such as shown in FIG. 1, two
separate amplifiers 130, 132 and separate controls 140, 150 can be
used to induce and control the music tonal frequencies in the
transducers. For example, amplifier 130 operates in response to the
control 140 that controls the application of music tonal
frequencies to the amplifier 130. This can be achieved by using a
hard wired control, or a wireless control, as schematically
illustrated in FIG. 1. The wireless control can use RF signals, IR
signals, etc. Control 140 supplies the source of music, and
controls the application of the source of music to the amplifier
130. Similarly, the control unit 150 supplies music to amplifier
132 either over a hard wired connection or through a wireless
connection, such as described above. Amplifiers 130, 132 amplify
the music signal and apply electrical control signals 132, 134 to
the transducers 110, 112, 118, 120, 114, 116, 122, 124. These
transducers can comprise various types of transducers including
transducers that are coupled to diaphragms, transducers that are
embedded in foam, transducers that are embedded in the springs of a
spring mattress or electro-active polymers, all of which are
described in more detail below. In that regard, one type of
transducer that can be used is disclosed in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/061,924 filed by Barry Oser entitled "Transducer for
Tactile Applications and Apparatus Incorporating Transducers" which
is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it
discloses and teaches. Of course, any number of transducers can be
used in the bed or pad 104.
[0028] Referring again to FIG. 1, in an embodiment of the present
invention, amplifiers 130 and 132 are adapted to provide an
external output port for headphones or plug and play speakers. The
output of the transducers and the external output port can be
separately controlled.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the manner in which
musical tonal frequencies can be applied to transducers in a
smaller bed or pad 104. As illustrated in FIG. 2, four transducers
210, 212, 214, 216 are disposed in the bed or pad 204. Again, these
transducers can be any desired type of transducers such as
described above. As shown in FIG. 2, transducers 210, 212 are mid
to high range transducers. Transducers 214, 216 can comprise low
frequency transducers. Amplifier 230 receives a musical signal from
the controller 240 through either a wired connection or a wireless
connection and generates control signals that are applied to the
transducers 210-216. Again, any number of transducers can be used
in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic cutaway elevation of one embodiment
for embedding a transducer in a bed or pad 300. The transducer 302
can be a transducer such as disclosed in the above identified
patent application entitled "Transducer for Tactile Applications
and Apparatus Incorporating Transducers", Ser. No. 11/061,924,
which has been specifically incorporated herein by reference. As
shown in FIG. 3, transducer 302 is disposed in an opening 304 of a
foam layer 306 of bed or pad 300. The transducer 302 is
mechanically coupled to a diaphragm 308. Diaphragm 308 extends
outwardly from the opening 304 and engages the foam layer 306 along
the outer edges of the diaphragm 308. In addition, diaphragm 308 is
in contact with an upper foam layer 310. As an electrical signal is
applied to the transducer 302, the transducer vibrates in response
to musical tonal frequency and transmits those vibrations to the
diaphragm 308. The diaphragm 308 is in contact with the upper foam
layer 310 and the foam layer 306 (collectively referred to as
cushioned transducer interfaces) and transmits the musical tonal
frequencies to foam layer 306 and upper foam layer 310. Latex foam
has been found to transmit the musical tonal frequencies
efficiently to the user, but any desired type of foam can be used.
Transducers placed in foam may cause a heat buildup. According to
an embodiment of the present invention, heat build-up is managed by
a temperature shut-off switch incorporated into a transducer. By
way of illustration and not as a limitation, a poly-switch 312 may
be used that turns off the transducer when it reaches a
predetermined temperature. In an alternate embodiment of the
present invention, an external heat-sink 314 may be placed in
contact with a transducer to draw the heat away from the inside of
the bed or to another area inside the bed to keep the temperature
at an acceptable level.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a bed or pad 400
(cushioned transducer interface) having a transducer 402 that is
embedded in an opening 404 in foam layer 406. Transducer 402 is
mechanically coupled to diaphragm 408 and diaphragm 410. Diaphragm
408 contacts the foam layer 406 along the outer edges of the
diaphragm 408 and is in full contact with the upper foam layer 412.
Diaphragm 410 rests on the bottom of the opening 404 to transmit
vibrational waves into the foam layer 406. In addition, diaphragm
410 supports the transducer 402 in the opening 404. Musical tonal
frequencies are applied to the transducer 402 which transmits the
vibrational tonal frequencies to diaphragms 408, 410. The
diaphragms 408, 410 transmit the musical tonal frequencies to upper
foam layer 412 and foam layer 406.
[0032] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a
transducer system 500. Transducer system 500 includes the
transducer 502 that is coupled to the diaphragm 504. Diaphragm 504
can be made from a light, thin plastic material or composite such
as a carbon fiber/Kevlar composite material. Plastics can include
polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, or any other desired
plastic material that is capable of transmitting the tonal
frequencies of music through the diaphragm 504. As also shown in
FIG. 5 spiral openings 506, 508 are formed in the diaphragm 504 to
form elongated members 510, 512. The elongated members 510, 512
allow the diaphragm 504 to react to lower frequency inputs by the
transducer 502. The elongated members 510, 512 also allow for
flexibility of the diaphragm 504 which further increases the
transfer of vibrational music tonal frequencies into the medium in
which the diaphragm 504 is connected.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a top view of the diaphragm 504. As shown in FIG.
6, the diaphragm 504 has spiral openings 506, 508 formed on
opposite sides of the diaphragm. Spiral openings 506, 508 form
elongated members 510, 512 on opposite sides of the diaphragm 504.
This creates a balanced structure for the diaphragm 504. The center
structure of the diaphragm 504 provides a structural basis for
supporting the diaphragm 504 and the elongated members 510, 512.
The center portion can also function as an area for attachment of
the diaphragm to a spiral spring as disclosed below with respect to
FIG. 8.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a side view of the transducer system 500.
Transducer system 500 includes the transducer 502 and the diaphragm
504. The diaphragm can be formed in a cone shape 514 in the area at
which the diaphragm 504 is connected to the transducer 502. The
cone 514 provides structural support to the diaphragm 504 and
assists in transmitting the tonal frequencies from the transducer
to the diaphragm 504.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a side view of a coil spring system 800 that
connects a coil spring 802 to the transducer system 500. Transducer
502 is disposed in the interior portion of the coil spring 802. The
diaphragm 504 is mechanically coupled to the coil spring 802 to
transmit the vibrational tonal frequencies from the transducer 502
to the coil spring 802. The diaphragm 504 can have simple snap
attachments that allow the diaphragm 504 to easily connect to the
coil spring 802. In addition, a transducer 502 can be used that has
a smaller diameter so that the coil spring 802 couples to the
diaphragm 504 closer to the cone 514 to provide more structural
rigidity at the point where the diaphragm 504 couples to the coil
spring 802. Extended portions of the diaphragm 504 can be used to
transmit vibrations into a foam layer overlaying the diaphragm 504.
Special coil springs can be provided, if desired, during
construction of a mattress that allow for insertion of transducers.
In addition, the transducers can be constructed to couple directly
to the existing coil springs so that specialized coil springs are
not required. In addition, a customer can custom order a mattress
that has the desired number of transducers which can be easily
inserted in the coil springs during manufacture.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a schematic isometric diagram of a rigid diaphragm
structure 900. The rigid diaphragm structure 900 uses a single
diaphragm 902 that has two separate curved structures 904, 906.
Curved structure 904 responds to transducer vibrations at a lower
frequency and has a predetermined curvature that is less than the
curved structure 906. The curved structure 904 provides a certain
rigidity to the diaphragm 902. The diaphragm 902 can be constructed
of various materials such as a carbon fiber/Kevlar composite that
may have a thickness of around one-quarter inch, curved wood
panels, various stiff plastics such as polycarbonate and other
plastic materials. The curved structures 904, 906 are empirically
tuned to have a sympathetic frequency that is separated by a fourth
on the music scale. Low frequency and high frequency transducers
can be mounted at any point on the diaphragm 902 but are preferably
mounted at center points or peaks 908, 910, respectively, to
maximize the response of the diaphragm 902. In other words, if a
high frequency transducer is mounted anywhere on the diaphragm 902,
the high frequency transducer (not shown) will still create a
resonance in the high frequency curved structure 906. Similarly, a
low frequency transducer will create a resonance in the low
frequency curved structure 904, no matter where it is mounted on
the diaphragm 902. The tuning of the curved structures 904, 906 is
created by the curvature and thickness of the diaphragm 902. The
curvature creates a stiffness in the diaphragm 902 which varies the
pitch. In other words, a greater curvature will create greater
stiffness so that the more the structure is curved the higher the
pitch. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the curved structure 906
has more curvature than curved structure 904, so that curved
structure 906 responds to higher frequencies than curved structure
904. In addition, the thickness of the diaphragm 902 adjusts the
pitch of the curved structures 904, 906. Thinner materials respond
to lower frequencies because the thinner materials can travel more
easily for the excursions required at the lower frequencies. Again,
the sympathetic frequencies of the curved structures 904, 906 are
created on an empirical basis to create the fourth tonal
differences on the music scale. For example, if the diaphragm 902
is 40 inches wide and approximately 80 inches long, a curvature of
the low frequency curved structure 904 of approximately 1.25 inches
and a curvature of the high frequency curved structure 906 of 1.75
inches, for a quarter-inch thick carbon fiber/Kevlar diaphragm
creates the fourth tonal frequencies desired. For example, low
frequency curved structure 904 may create a tone equivalent to "So"
on the music frequency scale while high frequency curved structure
906 may create a tone "Do" above "So". The curved structures 904,
906 can be created by molding the diaphragm 902 in a simple heated
mold. Curvatures in the range of approximately 1 inch to 2.5 inches
creates the desired frequency responses.
[0037] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a bedding system
1000. In accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10, a typical
bedding system has a mattress 1002 and a box spring 1006. Disposed
between the mattress 1002 and the box spring 1006 is an insert 1004
that includes a diaphragm. The diaphragm can comprise a coil spring
transducer system such as illustrated in FIG. 8, or a rigid
diaphragm structure 900 such as illustrated in FIG. 9. Further,
transducers, such as transducer 302 (FIG. 3) and transducer 402
(FIG. 4), can be placed in the insert 1004 in a transverse
direction and coupled to the structure of the insert 1004 to
produce transverse motion of the insert diaphragm 1004. Such
transverse motions have been found to induce relaxation in a very
effective manner. Of course, the rigid diaphragm structure 900 can
be inserted in a mattress pad 1008 to effectively transmit musical
tonal frequencies to the user. For example, the rigid diaphragm
structure 900 may be placed under a thin latex foam structure in
the mattress pad 1008 to effectively transmit to separate tonal
frequencies to the user through the mattress pad 1008.
[0038] Another type of transducer that can be used to transmit
music and tones to the surface of the body is an electro-active
polymers (EAPs). EAPs are disclosed in an article entitled
"Artificial Muscles" by Steven Ashley, Scientific American, October
2003, pp. 53-59. Electro-active polymers are polymers that move in
response to an electrical current. As disclosed in the Scientific
American article, supra, [0039] "The fundamental mechanism
underlying new artificial muscle products is relatively simple.
When exposed to high-voltage electric fields, dielectric
elastomers--such as silicones and acrylics--contract in the
direction of the electric field lines and expand perpendicularly to
them, a phenomenon physicists term Maxwell stress. The new devices
are basically rubbery capacitors--two charged parallel plates
sandwiching a dielectric material. When the power is on, plus and
minus charges accumulate on opposite electrodes. They attract each
other and squeeze down on the polymer insulator, which responds by
expanding in area. [0040] Engineers laminate thin films of
dielectrical elastomers (typically 30 to 60 microns thick) on the
front and back with conductive carbon particles suspended in a soft
polymer matrix. When connected by wires to a power source, the
carbon layers serve as flexible electrodes that expand in area
along with the material sandwiched in the middle. This layered
plastic sheet serves as the basis for a wide range of novel
actuation, sensory and energy-generating devices. [0041] Dielectric
elastomers, which can grow by as much as 400 percent of their
nonactivated size, are by no means the only types of electroactive
materials or devices, although they represent some of the more
effective examples."
[0042] Electro-active polymers can be constructed as diaphragm
actuators that are made by stretching the dielectric elastomer
films over an opening in a rigid frame. Typically, the membrane is
biased in one direction so that upon actuation, the membrane moves
in that direction, rather than simply wrinkling. By using one or
more diaphragms in this fashion, that respond to electrical
currents, a tactile transducer can be produced for transmitting
tactile information to a user's body. These transducers can be
disposed in various types of transducer interfaces including
mattress pads, yoga pads, shoes, elastic bandages such as Ace
bandages, various wraps and bandages, seat cushions, shoe pads,
adhesive pads, and other surfaces that can be used as transducer
interfaces. These transducer interfaces can be used, as disclosed
above, to transmit tonal frequencies, including music, to a user's
body, to assist in inducing relaxation.
[0043] In addition, patterns of compliant electrodes can be created
on a polymer sheet. When high voltages of opposite polarities are
applied to the electrodes, the electrodes attract and move towards
each other forcing the soft elastomer outwardly from the
electrodes. This causes the areas between the electrodes to become
thicker, i.e., creates bulges.
[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates an electro-active polymer matrix array
1100. Polymer layer 1110 may have a thickness of approximately 30
to 60 microns. Electrodes 1102, 1104 are deposited on the surface
of the polymer layer 1110. The electrodes 1102, 1104 are flexible
electrodes that comprise conductive carbon particles that are
suspended in a soft polymer matrix. Leads 1106, 1108 are connected
to the electrodes 1102, 1104, respectively. A high voltage of
opposite polarity is applied to leads 1106, 1108 which causes the
electrodes 1102, 1104 to be attracted to each other. Electrodes
1102, 1004 can be made in any desired shape to produce the desired
shape of the bulges of the EAP material.
[0045] FIG. 12 illustrates the EAP matrix array 1100 after a high
voltage has been applied to leads 1106, 1108. As shown in FIG. 12,
the electrodes 1102, 1104 are attracted towards each other and
compress the soft polymer 1110. Electrodes 1102, 1104 actually move
towards each other to move the soft polymer 1110. This compression
and movement of the electrodes 1102, 1104, in response to the high
voltage charges that accumulate on the electrodes 1102, 1104,
causes the soft polymer 1110 to move outwardly from between the
electrodes 1102, 1104. This causes the polymer 1110 to bunch up and
create bulges, such as bulge 1112, between each of the
electrodes.
[0046] The electrodes 1102, 1104 can form a two-dimensional matrix
which results in a two-dimensional matrix of bulges that are
capable of oscillating in accordance with the application of the
high voltage electrical charge that is applied to the
electro-active polymer matrix. Reasonably good frequency responses
can be achieved with the electro-active polymer matrix, depending
upon the particular polymer 1110 that is used. Frequency responses
for transmitting music frequencies to users are achievable. Of
course, different frequencies of the music can be applied to
different portions of the electro-active polymer matrix array.
Simple bandpass filters can be used to filter the input music, as
illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0047] FIG. 13 illustrates the use of an electro-active polymer
array 1300 in conjunction with a music source 1302 that is coupled
to a bandpass filter/amplifier 1304. Music source 1302 generates
music that is applied to the bandpass filter/amplifier 1304.
Bandpass filter/amplifier 1304 amplifies the input signal and
separates the input music into three separate frequency bands, a
high band, a middle band and a low band. The amplifier of the
bandpass filter/amplifier 1304 amplifies each of the bandpass
signals to generate a series of three high voltage output control
signals 1306, 1308, 1310 that are applied to different portions of
the electro-active polymer array. For example, the high frequency,
high voltage output signal 1306 is applied to a series of array
elements 1312 that are located towards the head of the bed.
Similarly, high voltage, mid frequency output signal 1308 is
applied to a series of array elements 1314 that are located in the
mid portion of the bed or pad 1302. Also, high voltage, low
frequency output signal 1310 is applied to array element 1316 that
is located at the foot of the bed or pad 1302. Of course, any
desired distribution of frequencies can be applied in any desired
manner. Multiple bandpass filters can be used to further divide the
frequencies and apply those different frequencies to multiple
portions of the electro-active polymer array transducer interface
1300.
[0048] FIG. 14 illustrates a wellness stimulation system comprising
a bed equipped with transducers and sensors according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, wellness
stimulation system 1400 comprises bed 1404 that has an audio
transducer 1410, EAP transducer 1412, and/or sensor 1414 and 1416.
While various transducers are illustrated, any desired type of
transducer can be used. As previously described, multiple sensors
of each type may be used without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0049] Audio signals are fed to audio transducer 1410 and EAP
transducer 1412 via amplifier 1430 under control of volume control
1440. The audio signals sent to amplifier 1430 are retrieved from
audio information datastore 1465 by audio/video (AV) controller
1460. According to an embodiment of the present invention, AV
controller 1460 is programmable and may select audio information
based on pre-programmed instructions or in response to sensors 1414
and 1416.
[0050] Sensors 1414 and 1416 obtain physiological data from the
user of bed 1404. By way of illustration, the sensors may detect
heart rate, neurological data, and sounds produced by the body of
the user. This data is fed to AV controller 1460. AV controller
1460 may utilize the data locally or send to the data via network
client 1470 to a wellness assessment server 1480 via network 1475
for evaluation. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
network 1475 may be a private network or a public network such as
the Internet. Further, wellness assessment server may evaluate the
data received from sensors 1414 and 1416 in conjunction with a
medical history of the user.
[0051] The wellness assessment server 1480 reports its results back
to AV controller 1460, which uses the information to select audio
information from audio information datastore 1465. According to
another embodiment of the present invention, audio information
datastore 1465 is periodically updated by audio data server 1485
via network 1475 and network client 1470. AV controller 1460 also
connects to video system 1450 and external audio system 1455. Using
these connections, AV controller 1460 may provide a user of bed
1404 external video and audio stimulation based on pre-programmed
instructions, in response to data acquired by sensors 1414 and
1416, or based on user input. For example, the user input may be
provided by a remote control, voice recognition, and/or wire
connected control.
[0052] According to another embodiment, the AV controller 1460
further comprises a voice synthesizer to provide verbal feedback
and information to a user. This information may provide
encouragement, the results of the sensor analysis, and instruction
to the user. Using the network connection, the wellness stimulation
system 1400 may also allow a user to interact in real-time a
doctor, therapist or healthcare giver. In this way, a user can
obtain wellness assistance at any time. Moreover, the wellness
stimulation system 1400 may be used in hospitals, residences,
nursing homes for diagnostic analysis, and
vibrational/sound/resonance delivery for any medical, musical, and
or vibrational information.
[0053] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
wellness stimulation system 1400 functions as an awakening system.
In this embodiment, AV controller 1460 is programmed with a
predetermined wake-time setting. AV controller 1460 maintains a
time of day and continuously compares the predetermined wake-time
setting with the present time-of-day. At the predetermined
wake-time, AV controller 1460 generates a wake authorization
signal, which can be sound, music, or video information, and
communicates that signal to selected transducers, external audio
devices, and external video devices. According to another
embodiment of the present invention, the AV controller 1460
progressively increases the signal power of the wake authorization
signal and may further add devices to which that signal is
transmitted.
[0054] FIG. 15 discloses a bedding system 1500 using the structures
of various embodiments disclosed above. As shown in FIG. 15, the
bedding system 1500 includes a mattress pad 1502 that may comprise
a standard mattress pad as used on typical mattresses. Below the
mattress pad is a latex layer 1504. The latex layer is supported by
a polyfoam layer 1506. Openings 1508, 1510, 1512 are formed in the
polyfoam layer 1506. Transducers 1514, 1516, 1518 are disposed in
the openings 1508, 1510, 1512, respectively. Diaphragms 1520, 1522,
1524 are coupled to the transducers 1514, 1516, 1518, respectively.
The diaphragms 1520, 1522, 1524 are embedded in the latex layer
1504 to transmit the vibrational tonal frequencies into the latex
layer 1504 and into the mattress pad 1502. A support structure 1526
is provided that supports the polyfoam layer 1506. The support
structure 1526, for example, may comprise a box spring layer.
Electronics 1528 and a subwoofer 1530 may be attached to the
underside of the support structure 1526 by isolators 1532, 1534.
Hence, the bedding system 1500 discloses an overall embodiment that
employs various structures disclosed above that provides a bedding
system 1500 that can transmit vibrational frequencies to a
user.
[0055] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a cast system 1600 for
assisting the healing of a broken bone in the lower portion of a
user's leg 1612. Of course, the techniques and systems illustrated
in FIG. 16 can be used for various types of breaks and cast systems
for other portions of the body and FIG. 16 is merely illustrative
of the manner in which the cast system can be used to heal bones
using the techniques illustrated in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, a
sock 1602 is embedded with an electro-active polymer array 1604 and
sensors 1606, 1608, 1610. The sock 1602 can be made of an
electro-active polymer material or any other desired material such
as an absorbent, soft material that can be used adjacent to the
skin of the user's leg 1612. The electro-active polymer array 1604
can be embedded in the sock 1602 as well as sensors 1606-1610. The
cast material 1614 that holds the broken bone in place is coated
around the sock 1602 in the same manner as a standard cast. The
electro-active polymer array 1604 may be disposed throughout the
material of the sock 1602 as shown in FIG. 16 or simply in the area
near the broken bone. Similarly, sensors 1606, 1608, 1610 are
placed in an area near the broken bone. The electro-active polymer
array 1604 can be coupled directly to a battery/electronics pack
1616, but is capable of generating tonal frequencies that are
applied to the electro-active polymer array 1604 that assists the
broken bone and healing. Further, the electro-active polymer array
1604 increases blood circulation in the user's leg 1612 which also
assists in healing in blood flow. Output connector 1618 can be
connected to the sensor 1606, 1608, 1610 to provide biometric
readings of the area around the broken bone. This biometric data
can include temperature readings, conductivity readings, sonograms
and other information that may assist a doctor in evaluating the
healing process. This information can also be transmitted to a
wellness assessment server in accordance with a system such as
disclosed in FIG. 14 to evaluate the healing process and
potentially modify the tonal frequencies, including musical tonal
frequencies, that are applied to the electro-active polymer array
1604. In that regard, the output connector 1618, is also coupled to
the battery/electronics pack 1616 which includes a microprocessor
for generating the tonal frequencies that are used to assist the
healing of the broken bone in the user's leg 1612. Further, a foot
pad 1620 can also be used with the cast system 1600 for generating
electricity to charge the battery pack 1616. The electrical
generation foot pad 1620 can comprise a electro-active polymer
material which is capable of generating electricity or any other
type of system that is capable of producing electricity including
movement devices that create electricity.
[0056] The foregoing description of the invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise
form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be
possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen
and described in order to best explain the principles of the
invention and its practical application to thereby enable others
skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various
embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended
claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the
invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.
* * * * *