Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATING TRANSDUCERS INTO BODY
SUPPORT STRUCTURES
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application and claims the benefit of United States Provisional
Application
serial number 60/706,718 entitled "A System and Method for Integrating
Transducers into
Body Support Structures" by R. Barry Oser and Suzannah Long, filed August 9,
2005, the
entire disclosure of which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference
for all that it
discloses and teaches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Stress is a significant factor in modem 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, ahnost 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.
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[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 atteinpts
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. Patent
No. 2,520,172 to
Rubinstein, U.S. Patent No. 2,821,191 to Paii, U.S. Patent No. 3,556,088 to
Leonardini, U.S.
Patent Nos. 3,880,152 and 4,055,170 to Nohmura, U.S. Patent No. 4,023,566 to
Martinmaas,
U.S. Patent No. 4,064,376 to Yamada, U.S. Patent No. 4,124,249 to Abbeloos,
U.S. Patent
No. 4,354,067 to Yamada et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,753,225 to Vogel, U.S.
Patent Nos.
4,813,403 and 5,255,327 to Endo, U.S. Patent No. 4,967,871 to Komatsubara,
U.S. Patent
No. 5,086,755 to Schmid-Eilber, U.S. Patent No. 5,101,810 to Skille et al.,
U.S. Patent No.
5,143,055 to Eakin, U.S. Patent No. 5,624,155 to Bluen et al., U.S. Patent
6,024,407 to Eakin
and U.S. Patent 5,442,710 to Komatsu.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An embodiment of the present invention may therefore comprise a method
of
inducing tactile stimulation to a user through a cushioned transducer
interface using musical
tonal frequencies comprising: placing higher frequency transducers in a region
of the
cushioned transducer interface that induces the tactile stimulation to upper
portions of a body
of the user with the musical tonal frequencies; placing lower frequency
transducers in a
region of the cushioned transducer interface that induces the tactile
stimulation to lower
portions of the body of the user with the musical tonal frequencies; applying
the musical
tonal frequencies to the higher frequency transducers and the lower frequency
transducers;
providing controls to the user that allow the user to separately alter the
intensity of the
musical tonal frequencies to the higher frequency transducers and the lower
frequency
transducers.
[0010] An embodiment of the present invention may fiu-ther comprise a method
of
inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies in a foam layer of a
cushioned
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transducer interface comprising: providing a transducer that generates
vibrations in response
to a signal that is encoded with the musical tonal frequencies; providing a
diaphragm that is
mechanically coupled to the transducer so that the vibrations are transferred
from the
transducer to the diaphragm; placing the diaphragm in contact with the foam
layer to transfer
the vibrations from the diaphragm to the foam layer to induce the tactile
stimulation to a user.
[0011] An embodiment of the present invention may fiu-ther comprise a method
of
inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies in a coil spring of
a cushioned
transducer interface comprising: providing at least one transducer that
generates vibrations in
a first predetermined frequency range in response to a signal that is encoded
with the musical
tonal frequencies; providing a diaphragm that is mechanically coupled to the
transducer so
that the vibrations are transferred from the transducer to the diaphragm;
placing the
transducer in an interior portion of the coil spring; coupling the diaphragm
to the coil spring
to transfer the vibrations from the diaphragm to the coil spring and to the
cushioned
transducer interface.
[0012] An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method of
inducing tactile stimulation of musical tonal frequencies using a rigid
diaphragm structure
comprising: providing the rigid diaphragm structure; forming at least one
first curved
structure in a portion of the rigid diaphragm structure, the first curved
structure having a
curvature and thickness that causes the first curved structure to respond to a
first set of
predetermi.ned musical tonal frequencies; forming at least one second curved
structare in a
portion of the rigid diaphragm structure, the second curved structure having a
curvature and
thickness that causes the second curved structure to respond to a second set
of predetermined
musical tonal frequencies; attaching a first transducer to the rigid diaphragm
structure that
vibrates in a frequency range that corresponds to the first set of
predetermined frequencies;
attaching a second transducer to the rigid diaphragm structure that vibrates
in a frequency
range that corresponds to the second set of frequencies.
[0013] An embodiment of the present invention may fiirther 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.
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[0014] An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method of
inducing tactile stimulation in a transducer interface that is disposed in a
cast comprising
providing a flexible material that includes an electro-active polymer matrix
array; wrapping
an area of a brolcen bone with the flexible material; applying a cast over the
area of the
broken bone and the flexible material; providing electrical connections to the
electro-active
polymer matrix array so that electrical signals can be applied to the electro-
active polymer
matrix array to induce tactile stimulation in the area of the broken bone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Figure 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.
[0016] Figure 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.
[0017] Figure 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.
[0018] Figure 4 illustrates a weliness stimulation system comprising a bed
equipped with
transducers and sensors according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a transducer
system.
[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a diaphragm of the
transducer system of Figure 5.
[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the transducer system of Figure 5.
[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a coil spring
system.
[0023] Figure 9 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a rigid diaphragm
structure.
[0024] Figure 10 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a bedding
system.
[0025] Figure 11 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an electro-
active polymer
matrix array.
[0026] Figure 12 is a side view of the electro-active polymer matrix array
after voltage is
applied to the electrodes.
[0027] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an electro-
active
polymer array.
[0028] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of a wellness simulation system.
[0029] Figure 15 is a schematic elevation view of an embodiment of a bedding
system.
[0030] Figure 16 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a cast for
assisting healing.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0031] 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.
[0032] Figure 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 Figure 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 Figure
1, two separate applifiers 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
amplifer 130. This can be achieved by using a hard wired control, or a
wireless control, as
schematically illustrated in Figure 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.
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In that regard, one type of transducer that can be used is disclosed in U.S.
patent application
serial number 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.
[0033] Referring again to Figure 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.
[0034] Figure 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 Figure
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
Figure 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 Figure 2.
[0035] Figure 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", serial number 11/061,924, which has been
specifically incorporated herein by reference. As shown in Figure 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-
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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.
[0036] Figure 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.
[0037] Figure 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 Figure 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.
[0038] Figure 6 is a top view of the diaphragm 504. As shown in Figure 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 Figure 8.
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[0039] Figure 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.
[0040] Figure 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.
[0041] Figure 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
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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 Figure 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.
[0042] Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a bedding system 1000. In
accordance
with the embodiment of Figure 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 Figure 8, or a rigid diaphragm structure 900 such as
illustrated in Figure 9.
Further, transducers, such as transducer 302 (Figure 3) and transducer 402
(Figure 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.
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[0043] 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 Arnef ican, 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,
"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
tenn 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.
Engineers laminate thin films of dielectical 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.
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."
[0044] 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.
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[0045] 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.
[0046] Figure 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.
[0047] Figure 12 illustrates the EAP matrix array 1100 after a high voltage
has been
applied to leads 1106, 1108. As shown in Figure 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.
[0048] 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
Figure 13.
[0049] Figure 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
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the bandpass filter/amplfier 1304 amplifies each of the bandpass signals to
generate a series
of three higli 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.
[0050] Figure 14 illustrates a wellness stimulation system comprising a bed
equipped
with transducers and sensors according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Referring
to Figure 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] The wellness assessment server 1480 reports its results back to AV
controller
1460, which uses the information to select audio information from audio
information
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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 exainple,
the user input may be provided by a remote control, voice recognition, and/or
wire connected
control.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] Figure 15 discloses a bedding system 1500 using the structures of
various
embodiments disclosed above. As shown in Figure 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
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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.
[00571 Figure 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 Figure 16 can be used for various types of breaks and cast
systems for other
portions of the body and Figure 16 is merely illustrative of the manner in
which the cast
system can be used to heal bones using the techniques illustrated in Figure
16. As shown in
Figure 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 Figure 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 Figure 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
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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 wliich
is capable of
generating electricity or any other type of system that is capable of
producing electricity
including movement devices that create electricity.
[00581 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.
