Producing Sound and Vibration

Abstract

Apparatus for producing sound and vibration is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer body having a surface for positioning against a child. It further comprises a vibration unit which is configured to vibrate in response to an electric signal and a control circuit configured to process an audio input signal to generate a first signal for supplying to an audio output device. The control circuit is also configured to generate a second signal for supplying to the vibration unit. The control circuit is configured to supply said first signal in synchronisation with said second signal in response to said audio input signal.

1 . Apparatus for producing sound and vibration, comprising:
 an outer body having a surface for positioning against a child;   a vibration unit configured to vibrate in response to an electric signal; and   a control circuit configured to process an audio input signal to generate a first signal for supplying to an audio output device, and configured to generate a second signal for supplying to said vibration unit; wherein   said control circuit is configured to supply said first signal in synchronisation with said second signal in response to said audio input signal.   
     
     
         2 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said control circuit is configured to vary the amplitude of said second signal in dependence upon the amplitude of said audio input signal. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said control circuit is configured to vary the amplitude of said second signal in dependence upon an averaged amplitude of said audio input signal. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said control circuit further comprises a comparator configured to receive a processed signal which varies with said first signal, to compare said processed signal to a threshold level, and to provide an output signal for supply to said vibration unit. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein said output signal is further processed to generate said second signal. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said control circuit further comprises a buffer amplifier configured to receive a processed signal which varies with said first signal and to provide an output signal for supply to said vibration unit. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said control circuit further comprises a rectifier configured to rectify an audio signal. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said vibration unit comprises a shaftless motor. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said control circuit is contained within said outer body. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said apparatus further comprises a control panel for receiving input data from a user. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein said control panel provides a connector for connecting said apparatus to a portable media player. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein said audio input signal is provided via said portable media player to said control circuit. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein said audio input signal is provided via memory to said control circuit. 
     
     
         14 . Apparatus in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein connection of said portable media player to said control panel prevents said audio input signal from being provided via said memory. 
     
     
         15 . A method of providing sound and vibration to entertain a child comprising the steps of:
 positioning a child against a surface of an outer body of apparatus producing sound and vibration;   receiving an audio input signal via a control circuit;   processing said audio input signal;   generating a first signal;   generating a second signal and supplying said second signal to a vibration unit configured to vibrate in response to an electrical signal; and   supplying said first signal to an audio output device in synchronisation with said second signal in response to said audio input signal.   
     
     
         16 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  further comprising the step of varying the amplitude of said second signal in dependence upon the amplitude of said audio input signal. 
     
     
         17 . A method in accordance with  claim 15  further comprising the step of varying the amplitude of said second signal in dependence upon an averaged amplitude of said audio input signal. 
     
     
         18 . A method in accordance with  claim 15 , further comprising the steps of:
 receiving a processed signal which varies with said first signal;   comparing said processed signal to a threshold level; and   providing an output signal for supply to said vibration unit.