Sound device for blind and visually impaired sports

Abstract

A sound-generating device is adapted to be fitted in a ball or other type of sports equipment and can aid location tracking by blind and visually impaired athletes during game play. The sound generated by the device is adapted for localization by the athlete in each of the x, y, and z planes. A shock sensor can be used to signal a sound generator to produce a different sound when a change of momentum or direction is detected.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sound-generating device adapted for use in sporting events, the sound-generating device comprising:
 a circuit comprising a sound generator that produces an audio signal adapted to be localized by an athlete; and   a speaker for producing an audible sound from the audio signal.   
     
     
         2 . The sound-generating device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a ball surrounding the circuit and speaker.   
     
     
         3 . The sound-generating device of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit further comprises:
 a shock sensor connected to the sound generator, wherein the sound generator produces a second audio signal when the shock sensor detects a change in direction of the circuit.   
     
     
         4 . The sound-generating device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the sound generator produces an audio signal comprising at least one separate frequency for each of a x, y, and z planes; and   wherein the at least one separate frequency is adapted for localization by an athlete in each of the x, y, and z planes.   
     
     
         5 . The sound-generating device of  claim 4 , wherein the audio signal associated with the y plane has a frequency greater than 7,000 Hz. 
     
     
         6 . The sound-generating device of  claim 4 , wherein the audio signal associated with the x plane has a frequency less than 1,000 Hz. 
     
     
         7 . The sound-generating device of  claim 1 , wherein the audio signal is complex. 
     
     
         8 . The sound-generating device of  claim 1 , wherein the audible sound has a flat distribution in a first frequency range of about 0-1,400 Hz. 
     
     
         9 . The sound-generating device of  claim 8 , wherein the first frequency range has a gain of about −60 dB. 
     
     
         10 . The sound-generating device of  claim 1 , wherein the audible sound has a distribution with a drop of about −124 dB.