[0001] The present invention relates to a device for influence by sound on the human body
and a storage medium, e.g. tape cassette or compact disc to be used with the device.
[0002] The present invention starts out with three basic principles within musical theraphy,
viz. that low (deep) tones appear relaxing, whereas high tones appear stressing, that
rhythmic music appears activating, whereas non-rhythmic music appears passivating,
and that high sonic level appears aggressive, whereas low sonic level appears passivating.
[0003] These basic principles have general validity, but there are exceptions. The basic
principles have appeared through extensive therapeutic observation of patients over
a long period.
[0004] Musical theraphy is based on music being conceived by the ear through the acoustic
channels of perception.
[0005] The present invention is based on that music, directly transferred to the human body
through vibration receptors in the nervous system may have a greater effect, i.e.
be able to provide greater muscular relaxation. By joining acoustical perception and
vibrational perception into a general experience, there is according to the present
invention obtained therapeutical effect which has influence both on physical and
psychical sufferings related to patients. This combination is for sake of simplicity
in this description denoted as vibro-acoustics.
[0006] The vibro-acoustical principle assumes best possible transfer of sound both to ear
and body. The acoustic part may be taken care of by one or a plurality of good loudspeaker
cabinets, or a headset. For the vibrational part, there is according to the invention
proposed a device using transfer of sound from loudspeaker through air to the human
body in an efficient manner.
[0007] The characteristic features of the said device for influence by sound on the human
body will appear from the subsequent patent claims as well as the characteristic features
of the said storage medium.
[0008] The invention is now to be described with reference to the enclosed drawings, where:
Fig. 1 illustrates the device according to the invention,
Fig. 2 illustrates in the partly exploded view that part of the device which is to
provide low frequency sonic influence on the human body,
Figs. 3, 5 and 6 illustrates a second, a third and a fourth alternative embodiment,
respectively, of the device shown in fig. 1, and
Fig. 4 illustrates in block diagram form the operative units being incorporated in
figs. 3, 5 and 6.
[0009] On fig. 1 there is shown a human body 1 placed on a closed box 6 being provided with
at least one sound opening 7 in which is arranged a loudspeaker 8 being directed towards
the upper part of the body 1. an upholstery 9 has been located between the box 6 and
the body 1, the portion 10 located opposite the loudspeaker 8 allowing good air passage.
The top 11 of the box 6, which in the case shown forms a mattress bottom, could e.g.
be made of plywood, said sound opening 7 being made in the top 11. To prevent possible
damage to the loudspeaker 8, a protective grille 12 could be placed across the opening
7. In order to attenuate the radiation of sound to the surroundings and to prevent
acoustical short-circuit, the foundation, i.e. the box 6, is designed as a closed
box. The upholstery 9 could be made from foamed plastics or foamed rubber having closed
cells. Mattresses filled with air or light spheres of plastics (e.g. styropor®) could
also be visualized. In the mattress or the upholstery 9 there is as mentioned arranged
a region 10 corresponding to the sound opening 7. The said region 10 could be perforated,
like the opening 7, or possibly be filled with foamed plastics having large open cells,
and which permits air passage. The foamed plastics will provide a certain supporting
ability, in particular as it will be supported by the said protective grille, simultaneously
with providing good air passage. The person is placed such that the part of the body
to be influenced is lying opposite the opening 7 and the region 10. The diaphragm
of the loudspeaker 8 will thereby be connected to the body 1 through the air being
present in said opening 7 and the region 10. The upholstery itself will act as a sealant
to make the coupling between the loudspeaker 8 and the body 1 as efficient as possible.
When the loudspeaker 8 is supplied with signals of suitable frequency content and
strength, the diaphragm will move and thereby put the body into low frequency movement.
[0010] An audio amplifier 3 with at least two sound channels has at least one output connected
to the loudspeaker 8 and at least a second output connected to a loudspeaker 2 for
music. The signals to the amplifier 3 are delivered from e.g. a tape cassette player
or compact disc player 4, and from a signal generator 5. The signal generator 5 is
arranged to deliver sinusoidal tones, impulses or other synthetic signals. The player
4 is able to be provided with a storage medium, e.g. tape cassette or compact disc
containing suitable program material. The storage medium could have two or a plurality
of sound channels, where at least one of the sound channels contains low frequency
signals, preferably in the frequency range 30/120 Hz being superimposed by music.
The remaining sound channel(s) of the storage medium contain, however, only pure music.
The said storage medium could be arranged to provide stereophonic or quadrophonic
music. Thus, it is here and in the description below to be understood that the signal
generator 5 in effect could be constituted by one or a plurality of the storage medium
channels. The amplifier 3 could possibly be provided with a low pass filter (not shown)
for feeding said loudspeaker 8.
[0011] Thus, it is to be understood that the loudspeaker 8 is either supplied with a pure
low frequency in the frequency range 30-120 Hz, or is modulated as a function of the
music being output from the loudspeaker 2, or that the sound appearing on the loudspeaker
8 contains low frequency signals within the said frequency range superimposed on the
music which also appears on the loudspeaker 2. In this case the signal generator to
the amplifier 3 is primarily the player 4.
[0012] By repeated tests, it has been found that the vibro-acoustic frequency range where
the sound spreading in the human body appears to have the greatest effect, measured
objectively and experienced subjectively lies between 30 and 120 Hz, preferably in
the range 40-90 Hz. Particular good results are obtained within the octave 40-80 Hz.
Outside the frequency range 30-120 Hz one will subjectively have no substantial feeling
of vibrational influence.
[0013] The therapeutical effect is obtained by placing the person in the most suitable manner
and as close to the vibration loudspeaker, in the example shown the loudspeaker 8,
as possible, and in a pleasent distance from the loudspeaker 2 delivering music. The
therapeutical apparatus consist of the following previously briefly discussed parts,
viz. the vibration part 6, 7, 8, 10 forming the transfer device intended to transfer
sound within the vibro-acoustic frequency range,
the acoustic part in the form of one or a plurality of wide band loudspeaker cabinets
2 of HiFi-quality or a set of head-phones for transfer of music being adapted to the
frequency which are used in the vibration part,
a multi channel amplifier 3 which through at least one channel transmits sinusoidal
oscillations (vibration) and filtered music to the vibration part 8. Non-filtered
music is sent through the other channel(s) to the loudspeaker(s) 2 delivering music,
the strength of the sound being variable in step-free fashion on the respective channels,
a multi-channel tape player, preferably a conventional two-channel tape player 4,
where on one track of the tape cassette there is recorded pure music intended for
the music loudspeaker 2. On the other track there is recorded a specific mixture of
music and low frequency sound, e.g. sinusoidal signals. The sinusoidal signals are
beating by means of a dual recording technique which is specially developed to be
used with the therapeutic system, so-called superimposed sinusoidal waves, and
the signal generator 5 is arranged to be adjusted individually with regard to therapeutical
effective low frequencies which are to be supplied to the loudspeaker 8, provided
that these are not already supplied from the player 4.
[0014] It is here readily to be understood that although there is shown only one loudspeaker
2 and one loudspeaker 8, it will within the scope of the invention easily be visualized
that two or a plurality of music loudspeakers 2, and two or a plurality of low frequency
loudspeakers 8 may be used. If two or a plurality of loudspeakers 8 are used, there
will be a necessity for a corresponding number of openings 7 and regions 10, respectively.
[0015] When prerecorded software is used and delivered from the player 4, the signal generator
5 is thus not required, but the signal generator 5 is required if one wishes to compose
suitable software and for possible further developement thereof. The signal generator
may also be desirable for the object of research and for typical medical treatment.
[0016] On fig. 3 it is shown how the box of fig. 1 could be replaced by a differently designed
loudspeaker box 14 with loudspeaker 8ʹ which may be turned down about e.g. a hinge
16 from a vertical position (shown in dot-dashed line) to a horizontal position (shown
in solid line). In order to ensure that the loudspeaker box 14 lies in the horizontal
position, it may be secured by wire, strap or the like 15 which at one end is attached
to a wall 17 similar to the hinge 16 and at its other end is attached to an outer
portion of the loudspeaker box 14. When a person is to be exposed to influence of
sound, the person lies down on a bench 13 of conventional design per se, possible
shaped like the bench 6,9 in fig. 1. The external loudspeaker 2ʹ could be arranged
e.g. in the bench 13 itself or in some other suitable manner, e.g. such that the person
1 obtains a good stereophonic sound image therefrom. After the person 1 has thus lied
down on the bench 13, either with the face upwards or downwards, the loudspeaker box
14 with the loudspeaker 8ʹ is turned down to the horizontal position as shown in fig.
3. The loudspeaker 8ʹ corresponds in function to the loudspeaker 8 in fig. 1. In fig.
5 is shown a variant where the person 1 sits in a reclinable furniture 18 being design
as a closed box, but with a sound opening for a loudspeaker 8ʺ, which in function
is the same as the loudspeaker 8 in fig. 1 or the loudspeaker 8ʹ in fig. 3. Similar
to the embodiment in fig. 1, there is in front of the loudspeaker 8 provided a sound
opening 7ʺ. Corresponding sound opening 7ʹ is also found in fig. 3.
[0017] In the example of fig. 5, the external loudspeakers have been indicated by the reference
numeral 2ʺ, shown here in the form of a headset. However, it is to be readily understood
that the external loudspeakers may have any suitable design and/or positioning without
that being considered as limitative to the scope of the invention.
[0018] In the example of fig. 6 there is shown a modification of the embodiment in fig.
5. A reclinable furniture 19 is here used being constructed in conventional manner,
e.g. from a framework with surfaces for reclinement of upholstered fabric. There
may be used one or a plurality of loudspeaker cabinets in order to influence the body
of the person 1. In the non-limitative example of the invention, as shown, there has
been used two loudspeaker cabinets 20, 21. Each of these could instead possibly have
consisted of two adjacent separate loudspeaker cabinets, for possible better adaptation
to the reclinable furniture. However, it is important that the loudspeaker cabinets
are of closed type to prevent noise externally and to prevent acoustic short-circuit.
The loudspeaker cabinets are in a known manner provided with loudspeaker 22, 23 and
can be attached to the framework of the reclinable furniture by means of brackets,
straps or the like.
[0019] As in fig. 5, the person 1 may be use headphones 2ʺ as external loudspeaker.
[0020] It is also understood that the external loudspeakers 2ʹ in fig. 3 could have been
replaced by head-phones.
[0021] In fig. 4 there is in a block diagram form shown the functional structure of the
devices in figs. 3 and 5, however, corresponding to what has been shown in fig. 1.
[0022] At an institution for multi-handicapped patients having impaired psychic development,
it was discovered that vibro-acoustical treatment gave a spasm resolving effect at
a frequency about 40 Hz. The spasm resolving effect was so dominant that the patients
were more easily available for manipulating physioteraphy thereafter, or under vibro-acoustical
influence.
[0023] Control tests were made with opening angle of the spastic limbs with and without
the use of music. It is clearly shown a marked difference of the opening angle as
a result of the influence of music and without the influence of music.
[0024] The present device was also tried used on the following conditions:
Rett's syndrom: The "plucking" movements reduced in frequency. The patient could even
fall into sleep and it was observed a noticable relaxative effect. (Rett's syndrom
named after Dr.med Adreas Rett of Austria).
Autism: Contact rejecting patients were so conserned about the effect of vibration
the they could allow the personnel to give more skin contact/skin simulation that
without this influence. One could here visualize the contours of theraphy scheme were
adaptation to contact under vibro-acoustical influence could be transferred to situations
were the music could be gradually attenuated or possibly could dissappear.
Spastic conditions: Effect as indicated above, the clear spasmolytical effect in the
lower frequency regions.
[0025] Vibro-acoustical influence was also attempted on personnel at the institution for
different conditions of discomfort. It was here observed the following:
Neck/shoulder-pains: Such pains, either caused by myalgic type, or as a result of
stress of different cause, was eased substantially at particular frequencies, in particular
about 68 Hz. Repeated treatments, up to 10 treatments of 30 minutes each, proved to
provide relief of longer duration.
Lumbago: Pains in the lower back region were relieved at particular frequencies, in
particular about 50 Hz. For pains caused by muscular tensions, it was observed relief
of longer duration upon repeated treatments.
Menstrual pains: Such pains and premenstrual tensions or the like proved to be relievable
by using a particular frequency, in particular 52 Hz. Treatments each day in the "acute"
phase as well as once per week in the middle phase, repeated over 2-3 periods appeared
to provide effect of longer duration.
Asthma: Vibro-acoustical treatment around 50 Hz appeared to provide an effect which
aids the patient to depart with phlegm from the air passages.
[0026] During tests carried out on persons in a local area, it was observed the following:
Stress-induced depression: A dramatic positive effect was observed after the first
treatment which lasted for approximately 30 minutes. The positive effect is dependent
on both frequency (68 Hz) and the choice of music. The successful treatment was terminated
after 10 treatments. During the last treatments there was used a variety of frequency
ranges and activating music.
Athletic injuries: The treatment has provided a good result. Both acute muscular trauma
and post-operative convalescence has reacted positively to the sequence 40/60/80/60/40
Hz with approximately 6 minutes duration per frequency. Muscles and tendons in tensioned
state are released and are stretchable with laser discomfort than without vibro-acoustical
treatment.
Reumatism: Long-term treatment (10 to 20 treatments) with frequency 68 and 86 Hz has
provided a lasting improvement for patients with reumatic pains and/or damage due
to wear. The treatment was provided daily or every other day with duration of 30 minutes.
Cramp conditions: Upon cramp in a muscle it was observed a dissolvment of the cramp
condition at a frequency 40/60 Hz after approximately 2 minutes.
General stress-discomfort. Tuned frequency and music in an environment shielded from
the outside world during a period of 30 minutes provided stress-dissolving effect
and appeared to supply the person with new vitality.
[0027] The above observations are of purely empirical kind, based on the observations made
by the therapeutist together with the descriptions by the test persons of the experiencies
they have had during and after the treatments.
[0028] It will be immediately understood that the sound box with upholstery shown on the
drawings is only meant to serve as an example to elucidate the invention without thereby
representing any limitation of the invention as defined in the subsequent patent claims.
Thus, the devices shown could be designed in any suitable manner to provide the best
possible effect on the patients.
[0029] In addition to the said storage medium for sound, it should be remarked that a beating
sinusoidal tone is made by recording on top of a primary frequency a secondary frequency
having a deviation of 0.2 to 2 Hz. "The beat velocity" should be preset and should
be tuned to the quality of the music which is required to be used in addition to the
low frequencies. The beat program is then recorded on one of the two tracks on the
storage medium, e.g. a tape cassette, sound-on-sound with the selected, preferably
filtered, music. Pure music is recorded on the other track. As previously mentioned,
one could possible visualize using e.g. all four tracks on the tape cassette by using
a sound head adapted thereto to improve the reproduction of sound (e.g. 2-channels),
and possibly to extend the beat program.
1. A device for influence by sound on the human body (1), comprising at least a closed
box (6, 11; 14; 18) with at least one sound opening (7; 7ʹ; 7ʺ) in which is arranged
a loudspeaker (8; 8ʹ; 8ʺ) being directed towards a part of said body, an upholstery
being disposed between said box (6, 11; 14; 18) and the body (1), said upholstery
at the location(s) (10) of said loudspeaker(s) being so arranged that air passage
is permitted, characterized in in means (4; 5) for supply of low frequency signals to said loudspeaker (8; 8ʹ; 8ʺ),
one or a plurality of external loudspeakers (2; 2ʹ; 2ʺ), means (4) for supplying music
to said external loudspeaker(s) and means (3, 4) to influence said low frequency signals
either in step with the music or in predetermined function of the music or in a predetermined
rhythm.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said low frequency signals are in the range between 30 and 120 Hz, preferably
40-90 Hz.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said means for supplying said low frequency signals is a signal generator (5)
which selectively can provide sinusoidal signals, pulses or other synthetic signals.
4. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said means (4) for supplying music is constituted by a tape cassette player
or compact disc player.
5. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that said means (4) for supplying low frequency signals is constituted by said tape
cassette player or compact disc player.
6. A device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that there is associated with said supplying means an amplifier (3), possibly incorporating
a low-pass filter.
7. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said box (6, 11) is designed as a resting bench.
8. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said box (14) is pivotably connected to a wall (17) and arranged to be turned
down from vertical into a horizontal position.
9. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said box (18) forms a recliner-like piece of furniture.
10. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said box(es) (20, 21) being installed on the bottom side of the reclinement
faces of a recliner (19) known per se.
11. Storage medium, such as a tape cassette or compact disc to be used with the device
according to one or a plurality of the claims 1, 2, 4-6, characterized in that at least one of the sound channels of the storage medium contains low frequency
signals in the frequency range 30-120 Hz which are influenced either in step with
music or in a predetermined function of the music or in a predetermined rhythm, and
that the remaining sound channel(s) of the storage medium contains pure music.