Method and apparatus for simultaneously simulating an environment while participating in an activity
A method and-apparatus that enables a user to experience a program or game through the senses of sight, hearing and feeling includes an upper portion that includes an upper frame, a lower portion that includes a lower frame and a first speaker configured to be positioned in a first position in the upper frame and a shaking device configured to be positioned unencumbered in the lower frame.
The present invention relates to providing a simulated environment in conjunction with the participation in an activity. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multimedia chair that enhances ones interaction with a particular activity such that it provides a more realistic experience.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWhile watching television or playing a video game, a viewer usually sits in front of the display monitor and experiences the program or game in a very limited fashion. By participating in the program in this manner, the viewer is only able to use of two their senses, sight and hearing. With such a general configuration, the experience does not provide a more realistic experience.
Even with the audio portion of the program or game with the current technology, the audio signals emanating from the device are directed in manner such that it does not provide a more true realistic experience. For example, while watching a movie on a television, a single speaker is generally used to direct the audio signals towards the general direction of the viewer. Both the speaker and the direction of the speaker provide sound in such a way that it does not expose the user to a more true realistic experience.
Additionally, the present systems do not enable a user to make use of their sense of feeling such that the user feels the effects of the program or game that they are currently viewing or participating in. For example, if one is watching a movie based on World War II with the current technology, a viewer cannot experience, through the sense of feel, the rumbling of a fleet of bombers or a fleet of tanks as they approach the battlefield. If the viewers are able to feel these sensations, the viewer is made to feel as if they are part of the program or at the battle scene.
The same can be said for playing games on a gaming system. For example, if a user is able to feel a plane in the midst of a tailspin, rather than just viewing it, then the user is more actively involved in the game. As such, the user will be more apt to participate in the activity repeatedly.
Some of the prior art in the area is U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,566 to Martinmaas and U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,871, to Komatsubara. The Martinmaas patent discloses a body-supporting means, such as a chair or a bed, which has a closed chamber with loudspeakers in the chamber and directed toward the body-supporting means. Martinmaas discloses that the desired direct vibration of the body by the music can be produced with so little of the sound escaping from the chamber such that an occupant of the chair needs to listen to the music through earphones or outside loudspeakers. The chamber in Martinmaas may be completely enclosed except for a few small openings to permit equalization of pressure inside and outside the chamber.
The Komatsubara patent discloses a compact, portable chair having speakers built therein. Komatsubara teaches using only a canvas material to cover the areas of the chair where an individual will sit down. The canvas material, according to Komatsubara, provides a better throughput for the audio signals from the speakers to reach the individual.
None of the above references disclose how to more realistically provide the effects of a simulated environment. These references only use speakers and their output in an attempt to provide a sense of feeling. The inherent problem with both patents is that usually comes at the expense of a high quality audio output.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus that enables a user to simultaneously view and feel an activity such that the experience provided appears to be as if the viewer is actually participating in the activity. It is additional desirable to provide a sensing of feeling to the already exposed senses of sight and hearing such that the realism of the simulated activity is broadened even more.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in one aspect an apparatus is provided that in some embodiments provide a viewer of a program or a participant of a gaming device an experience that enables them to experience the program or game through the senses of sight, hearing and feel. By simultaneously exposing a multitude of senses of the viewer or gamer, a more realistic environment is created.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a multimedia chair includes an upper portion having an upper frame, a lower portion having a lower frame, a first speaker configured to be positioned in a first position in the upper frame and a shaking device configured to be positioned unencumbered in the lower frame.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for experiencing a multimedia event in a chair includes providing sound through a first speaker and a second speaker, wherein the first speaker and the second speaker are located in an upper portion of the chair. The chair further includes shaking the chair with a shaking device that is located in an unencumbered position in a bottom portion of the chair, wherein wiring for the first speaker, the second speaker and the shaking device is positioned below a fabric that covers the upper and lower portion such that it is not visible.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a system for experiencing a multimedia event in a chair includes means for providing sound in an upper portion of the chair and means for shaking the chair, wherein the means for shaking is located in an unencumbered position in a bottom portion of the chair, wherein wiring for the means for providing sound and the means for shaking is positioned below a fabric that covers the upper and lower portion such that it is not visible.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method and apparatus that enables a user to feel and hear sound while viewing a program on a display monitor or while playing a video game. By being able to simultaneously view, hear and feel, a more realistic environment is created for the user.
An embodiment of the present inventive apparatus and method is illustrated in
The upper portion 12 includes a first wing 18 and a second wing 20. Positioned on the wings 18, 20, and not shown in this figure, are audio device such as speakers. The speakers provide a conduit for the individual sitting in the multimedia chair 10 to hear the sound of the activity for which the individual is participating.
The first wing 18 and the second wing 20 are positioned inward such that the sound coming from the speakers is directed in the direction of the individual sitting in the multimedia chair 10. In alternate embodiments, the wings are adjustable in order to provide the user with their own desired sound direction. The wings are adjusted through a ratchet based system. The wings are essentially incrementally steps forward or backwards based upon the user's desires.
In the preferred embodiment, the wings are attached to the upper portion 12. In alternate embodiment, the first wing 18 and the second wing 20 are detachable from the upper portion 12. In this embodiment of the present invention, these wings 18 and 20 are detached using a slot 21 and pin 22 configuration as shown in
The slot 21 is fix or attached to the upper portion 12 of the chair. The pin 22, in the preferred embodiment, is attached to the wing in approximately the center location on the surface of the wing. To secure the wing, the pin 22 is positioned into the slot 21 and moved into the proper location such that the wing is properly positioned on the wing.
In alternate embodiments of the present invention, multiple slots are positioned on in the upper portion 12 of the chair. Corresponding pins are located on the wing. To secure the wing, the corresponding pins are engaged with the slots. This configuration securely positions the wing to the upper portion 12.
In the detachable embodiment, the audio connection can be a wired or wireless connection. In the wired connection, the connection can be directly wired or through the use of standard audio jacks. In the wireless connection, the wings contain an audio receiver that receives the audio output from the wireless base located within the chair such but not limited to the base 16. This wireless receiver also enables the audio output to be received from the source, which can be but not limited to a television or gaming system. By eliminating the wires
Referring to
Attached to the frame 26 is elastic webbing 30. The elastic webbing 30 is located in the open location 32 of the frame 26. Positioned directly on top of the elastic webbing is a foam 34. The foam 34 is held into place by the elastic webbing 30 such that the foam 34 does not push or fall through the opening location 32.
The elastic webbing 30 also provides an opportunity for improved comfort by providing some leeway for the foam 34 to expand when subjected to a force. For example, upon an individual sitting down in the multimedia chair 10, the weight of the individual is placed on the foam 34 and then onto the elastic webbing 30 and frame 26. This weight causes the foam 32 to expand in the opposite direction of the force such that the elastic webbing 30 is stretched.
Without the elastic webbing 30, a complete frame with no openings would need to be provided. Upon being subjected to a force, the frame would not provide leeway in the same manner as provided by the elastic webbing 30. Therefore, it might be necessary to provide additional foam in order to provide the comfort level of the preferred embodiment. By requiring more foam 34 and additional support for the frame 26, the cost of the manufacturing of the multimedia chair 10 increases.
A padding 36 such as polyester is positioned on the foam 34 in order to provide additional comfort and support for the individual sitting in the multimedia chair 10. Located on top of the padding 36 is the fabric 23.
The lower portion 14 is similarly constructed to the upper portion 12 of the multimedia chair 10. The lower portion 14 includes the lower frame 38. Placed on top of the frame 38 and secured to the frame is the elastic webbing 30. Placed on top of the elastic webbing is the foam 34 with the padding 36 positioned on top of the foam 34. Enclosing the lower frame 38, the elastic padding 30, the foam 34 and the padding 36 is the fabric 23.
The present invention also includes a right frame 40 and a left frame 42. These two frames 40, 42 are attached to the upper portion 12 and the lower portion 14. The right frame 40 and the left frame 42 provide a means for the individual to be positioned securely within the multimedia chair 10 such that they do not fall off to one side or the other. These framed 40, 42 also provide a means for the individual sitting in the chair to place their forearms for comfort and support.
Elastic webbing 30 is attached to the frame 26 in the area of the openings 32, 44. In the opening 32, the elastic webbing 30 is positioned in a vertical array such that a portion of it attaches to the frame top 46 with the other portion attaching to the frame bottom 48. The elastic webbing 30 is spaced such that the openings 32, 44 are sufficiently covered to provide support for the foam 34 such that it does not protrude through the openings 32, 44.
The opening 44, as noted, is covered in the vertical direction with the elastic webbing 30. The opening 44 is also covered in the horizontal direction with the elastic webbing 30, which is attached to both sides of the frame 26.
In the preferred embodiment, the elastic webbing 30, covering the opening 44, is positioned such that the horizontal strips are located behind the vertical strips. In alternate embodiment of the present invention, the strips can be arranged such that the vertical strips are located behind the horizontal strips. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the vertical and horizontal strips maybe interlaced.
The dual elastic webbing 30, covering the opening 44, is provided to provide extra support for the foam 34. The force exerted on the foam 34 at the opening 44 is greater at than the force exerted on the opening 32. Therefore, there is a greater likelihood of the foam not being held in place by the vertical elastic webbing 30.
The support ring 52 has at least a two-fold purpose. The first, as detailed, is to hold the first speaker 50 to the first wing 18. The first speaker 50 is attached to the first wing 18 with the fastening devices 54, 56, 58, 60, which in the preferred embodiment are screws. In alternate embodiments, the fastening devices 54, 56, 58, 60 could be nails, bolts and staples. The first speaker 50 could also be attached to the first wing with an adhesive such as glue or epoxy.
The second purpose of the support ring 52 is to provide some clearance between the first speaker 50 and the alternate fabric 24 that covers the speakers. By providing the clearance, the first speaker 50 has sufficient space to provide a clear audio signal. Without the alternate fabric 24, the audio from the first speaker 50 would tend to sound muffled.
As can be seen from
In the preferred embodiment, the speaker wire is held into place such that it won't disengage from the speakers. The speaker wire is soldered to prevent it from disengaging. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the speaker wire is fused to the speaker.
In the preferred embodiment, the speakers are mounted in the wings of the upper frame such that the wiring can be efficiently installed from the rear side. As can be seen from
By fastening the swivel 74 to the lower portion 14, the chair is positioned on top of the upper swivel plate 92. The swivel 74 is constructed such that the upper swivel plate 92 is abutting a series of bearings. These bearings allow the swivel plate 74 to turn in a multi-direction configuration.
In the preferred embodiment, the swivel 74 is constructed such with a hollow base to accommodate the wiring and plugs. These design as prevents crimping and cutting of the wires and plugs. The swivel in this embodiment rotates 90 degrees to the left and 90 degrees to the right. The swivel is also biased such that it returns to the center automatically.
The swivel 74 also contains a location for the wiring from the first speaker 50, the second speaker 28 and the shaking device 39 to eventually connect in the base 16. This swivel opening 94 is located on the swivel plate 74. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the swivel 74 can be limited such that it cannot be turned in a complete three hundred and sixty degree circumference.
In the present invention, the control device 88 is located on one side frames 40, 42 of the multimedia chair 10 such that is can be accessed easily by the user. To adjust the volume of the speaker, the first actuation switch 90 is adjusted such that the speaker is selected. The second actuation switch 92 is then adjusted to change the volume to the desired position. To adjust the shaking device, the first actuation switch 90 is adjusted such that the shaking device 39 is selected. The second actuation switch 92 is then adjusted to change the vibration level of the shaking device 39.
The control device 88 also permits the user to use headphones with the multimedia chair 10. The control device 88 provides a headphone jack 94 or audio output port that enables the user to plug a compatible headset in the headphone jack. By plugging headphones into the jack 94, the speakers are automatically placed in a muted position.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amplifier 96 for the multimedia chair 10 is located in the base 16. The amplifier 96 serves as the central point where all the wires from the speakers and shaking device 39 are connected. The amplifier 96 also serves as the location where the multimedia chair 10 is connected to the multimedia system. In the present invention, the multimedia system can be, but not limited to, a gaming system, a movie system such as a DVD player and a television system. However, the multimedia system can be connected or linked to any system that is capable of providing and audio output.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the amplifier 96 or audio receiver is wireless device. By using a wireless device, the cables from the source to the amplifier are eliminated. This would eliminate all exterior cabling and remove clutter for the person using the chair. =p
To make this connection, the chairs 102, 104 are linked via a hard wiring. However, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the linkage between the chairs is accomplished through wireless connection such as through radio frequency. By linking the multiple chairs, the present invention is able to daisy chain multiple multimedia chairs through of single connection to the multimedia system.
The shaking device 39, in the embodiment, is able to be changed by removing the upper rear portion of the lower potion 14. By removing the upper rear portion, the shaking device 39 is exposed and able to be disconnected from the lower portion 14 and the power and data source.
In alternate embodiments, the shaking device 39 may be mounted lower back portion of the chair. The shaking device may also be located in both the lower back and the seat.
In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the shaking device 39 can be located directly in the seat. In this embodiment, the action of the shaking device 39 is more directly constrained in the seat and less distributed to the remaining frame of the chair.
In additional embodiments of the present invention, multiple shaking devices 39 can be located in a multitude of locations such as one in the seat and another in the back area of the chair either in an encumbered or unencumbered position. These configurations, like to the preferred embodiment, enable the effects of the shaking device to be felt through the chair instead of a more confined location.
The torsion bar 111 reacts against twisting motion. Therefore, as the person sits in the chair, this individual is able to recline but overcoming the force of the torsion bar with an the opposite force. Upon exiting from the chair, the counterforce against the chair is removed and the upper portion of the chair is returned to its original position.
The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A multimedia chair, comprising:
- an upper portion comprising an upper frame;
- a lower portion comprising a lower frame;
- a first speaker configured to be positioned in a first position in the upper frame; and
- a shaking device configured to be positioned unencumbered in the lower frame.
2. The multimedia chair as in claim 1, further comprising a second speaker to be positioned in a second position in the upper frame.
3. The multimedia chair as in claim 2, wherein the upper portion includes a first wing, the first wing is located near a top section of the upper frame.
4. The multimedia chair as in claim 3, wherein the first wing is located at a first end of the top section.
5. The multimedia as in claim 4 wherein the upper portion includes a second wing, the second wing is located at an opposing end of the upper frame.
6. The multimedia chair as in claim 5, wherein the second speaker is located in the second wing.
7. The multimedia chair as in claim 1, wherein the shaking device is tactile transducer.
8. The multimedia chair as in claim 1, further comprising a base attached to the lower portion.
9. The multimedia chair as in claim 8, wherein the base is attached to the lower portion with a swivel.
10. The multimedia chair as in claim 1, further comprising a control device configured to adjust a volume of the first speaker.
11. The multimedia chair as in claim 6, further comprising a control device that is configured to adjust a volume of the first and second speakers.
12. The multimedia chair as in claim 11, wherein the control device is further configured to adjust a level of the shaking device.
13. The multimedia chair as in claim 12, wherein the control device further comprises an audio headset output port.
14. The multimedia chair as in claim 8, further comprising an amplifier that is located in the base.
15. The multimedia chair as in claim 12, wherein the amplifier in configured to connect a second multimedia chair.
16. The multimedia chair as in claim 14, wherein the second multimedia chair is configured to connect to a third multimedia chair.
17. The multimedia chair as in claim 16, wherein the third multimedia chair is configured to connect to a fourth multimedia chair.
18. The multimedia chair as in claim 1, wherein wiring for the first speaker and the shaker device is configured not to be seen on an exterior on the chair.
19. The multimedia chair as in claim 1, wherein the wiring for the first speaker and the shaker device is configured to be positioned between a fabric and the upper and lower frames, wherein the fabric is configured to cover the upper and lower frames.
20. The multimedia chair as in claim 2, wherein the wiring for the first speaker, the second speaker and the shaker device is configured to be positioned between a fabric and the upper and lower frames, wherein the fabric is configured to cover the upper and lower frames.
21. The multimedia chair as in claim 20, further comprising an amplifying device located in a base of the chair, wherein the base is attached to the lower portion with a swivel.
22. The multimedia chair as in claim 21, wherein the wiring is configured to run through the swivel.
23. The multimedia chair as in claim 1, further comprising a detached storage device.
24. The multimedia chair as in claim 1, further comprising an ottoman.
25. The multimedia chair as in claim 1, wherein the ottoman comprises top portion and a lower portion.
26. The multimedia chair as in claim 25, wherein in the top portion is hingedly attached the bottom portion.
27. The multimedia chair as in claim 26, wherein the bottom portion is configured as a storage area.
28. A method for experiencing a multimedia event in a chair, comprising:
- providing sound through a first speaker and a second speaker, wherein the first speaker and the second speaker are located in an upper portion of the chair; and
- shaking the chair with a shaking device that is located in an unencumbered position in a bottom portion of the chair,
- wherein wiring for the first speaker, the second speaker and the shaking device is positioned below a fabric that covers the upper and lower portion such that it is not visible.
29. The method as in claim 28, wherein the wiring is located to a base, which is attached to the lower portion.
30. The method as in claim 29, wherein the base is attached to the lower portion with a swivel.
31. The method as in claim 30, wherein the wiring is located through the swivel.
32. The method as in claim 29, wherein the wiring is linked to an amplifier, which is located in the base.
33. The method as in claim 32, further comprising linking a second multimedia chair to the amplifier.
34. The method as in claim 28, adjusting an audio level of the first speaker, the second speaker and an input level for the shaker device with a control device, wherein the control device is located in the lower portion.
35. The method as in claim 34, wherein the control device further includes a headset output port.
36. A system for experiencing a multimedia event in a chair, comprising:
- means for providing sound in an upper portion of the chair; and
- means for shaking the chair, wherein the means for shaking is located in an unencumbered position in a bottom portion of the chair,
- wherein wiring for the means for providing sound and the means for shaking is positioned below a fabric that covers the upper and lower portion such that it is not visible.
37. The system as in claim 36, wherein the wiring is located to a base, which is attached to the lower portion.
38. The system as in claim 37, wherein the base is attached to the lower portion with a swivel.
39. The system as in claim 38, wherein the wiring is located through the swivel.
40. The system as in claim 37, wherein the wiring is linked to an amplifier, which is located in the base.
41. The system as in claim 40, further comprising linking a second multimedia chair to the amplifier.
42. The system as in claim 39, adjusting an audio level of the means for providing sound and the shaker device with a control device, wherein the control device is located in the lower portion.
43. The system as in claim 42, wherein the control device further includes a headset output port.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 29, 2005
Publication Date: Jan 4, 2007
Inventor: Randy Hoover (Archdale, NC)
Application Number: 11/169,286
International Classification: A47C 31/00 (20060101); A47C 7/62 (20060101);