EP3726522B1 - System for emitting a sound effect - Google Patents

Description

The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of an augmented sound effect emission system.

More specifically, the invention relates to a system for emitting a sound effect when a first element moves relative to a second element.

Audio reproduction interfaces are known in the prior art. For example, " DiMaß: A Technique for Audio Scrubbing and Skimming using Direct Manipulation Categories and Subject Descriptors", by Eric Lee ET AL, October 29, 2006 (2006-10-29), Proceedings of the ACM International Multimedia Conference and Exhibition 2006 , discloses a method for providing audio navigation in which the user drags a mouse pointer over a waveform display, with audio playback adjusted in real time, advancing/delaying reproduction using techniques temporal compression/stretching.

The document US 2005/216839 A1 also features an audio playback interface using computer controllers to select positions within the audio waveform display, and adjusting real-time playback by skipping/slowing down the waveform,

He is also known to US 2004/069123 A1 And EP 2 765 573 A1 DJ controllers (Disk Jockey) allowing the movement of an interface object to be translated into movement of the playback position.

Finally the document CN 207 434 005 U discloses a rack drawer that produces an audio effect when opened.

New technologies make it possible to offer an enhanced experience to users of an object.

More particularly, in the case of movement of a first element relative to a second element, certain noises may appear. This is particularly the case for a door which, when opening or closing, may squeak.

However, some sound effects, for example the creaking of a door when opening or closing, may be only faintly audible or not perceptible at all.

It may therefore be advantageous to increase the user's perception of the sound effect in order to increase the user's experiential moment.

For this, we know in particular motor vehicles which include systems for emitting sound effects.

For example, electric vehicles, which do not emit engine noise when in use, can present a danger to pedestrians who do not hear the vehicle approaching. Therefore, adding synthetic noise allows pedestrians to hear the vehicle arriving when it is moving.

In the case of certain sports vehicles, a sound effect coupled with the vehicle's accelerator pedal may be added in the vehicle's cabin. This sound effect is transmitted to the driver through the vehicle's speakers.

So, when the driver accelerates, a synthesized sound of an engine revving up can be diffused in the passenger compartment to increase the feeling of sportiness for the driver.

However, these systems have a major drawback in terms of realistic rendering for pedestrians or drivers.

Indeed, for pedestrians alerted to the arrival of a vehicle, the warning sound effect may turn out to be somewhat common, for example resembling a mobile phone ringing, which does not allow a pedestrian to know expressly that he may be in danger from the arrival of a vehicle.

Conversely, warning sound effects can take the form of a continuous siren which is pleasant neither for the driver of the vehicle nor for pedestrians, whether the latter are affected by the presence of the vehicle or not.

In the case of a sound effect of an engine revving up for a driver, the synthetic sound effect is generally perceived as gimmicky and ultimately does not provide the desired effect, i.e. the gain in sportiness.

In addition, the sound effects are only synthetic sounds adapted to operation, such as an engine sound for a motor vehicle, or continuous sounds such as warning signals.

The invention aims in particular to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

More precisely, the invention aims to propose a system for emitting a sound effect making it possible to offer an increased experiential moment for a user, when moving a first element relative to a second element.

The invention also aims to provide such a system for emitting a sound effect which makes it possible to adapt a sound effect of a predetermined duration to a total amplitude of a movement movement between the first element and the second element.

Objectives of the invention are achieved thanks to the invention according to claim 1.

• un organe d'émission de l'effet sonore ;
• des moyens de stockage d'au moins un effet sonore ayant une durée totale prédéterminée,
• un capteur de déplacement pour détecter une amplitude instantanée de déplacement du premier élément par rapport au deuxième élément sur une amplitude totale de déplacement prédéterminée ;
• des moyens de lecture de l'effet sonore contenus dans les moyens de stockage ;
• un calculateur paramétré pour définir l'amplitude instantanée en un pourcentage P de

l'amplitude totale de déplacement prédéterminée, et asservir les moyens de lecture pour effectuer une lecture de l'effet sonore avec une progression selon le pourcentage P de l'amplitude totale de déplacement prédéterminée.In the present document, a system for emitting a sound effect during a movement of a first element relative to a second element is described, characterized in that it comprises:

• a sound effect emitting unit;
• means for storing at least one sound effect having a predetermined total duration,
• a displacement sensor for detecting an instantaneous amplitude of displacement of the first element relative to the second element over a predetermined total amplitude of displacement;
• means for reading the sound effect contained in the storage means;
• a calculator configured to define the instantaneous amplitude in a percentage P of

the predetermined total amplitude of movement, and control the reading means to perform a reading of the sound effect with a progression according to the percentage P of the predetermined total amplitude of movement.

Such an emission system allows a user to have a richer experience than with the emission systems of the prior art.

Indeed, the control of the reading means with the progression of the movement of the first element relative to the second element makes it possible to obtain a realistic effect such as it would be heard naturally.

For example, in the case of a door that squeaks when it is opened, naturally, when the movement of the door is slowed down or accelerated, the squeaking is not perceived in the same way.

More precisely, when the door is opened quickly, the squeaking is heard over a very short duration and has a frequency located in the treble range, while when the door is opened slowly, the squeaking is heard over a longer duration. and has a frequency located in the bass.

Thanks to the servo control, it is therefore possible to read the sound effect in correlation with the amplitude of movement and, thus, obtain a sound effect close to a natural sound.

In addition, when the sound effect is not or barely perceptible, the emission system makes it possible, by emitting a sound effect reproducing the natural sound precisely, to obtain an almost natural experience for the user.

Advantageously, the storage means include a plurality of sound effects.

Thus, it is possible for a user to choose from one or more sound effects the one to combine with the movement of a first predetermined element relative to a second element.

In addition, it is possible to configure the emission system according to the user's wishes in order to choose the emission of a sound reproducing the natural sound or a synthetic sound offset from the natural sound.

Furthermore, it is possible for the user to change the chosen sound effect according to their wishes. This can help create a fun or, on the contrary, natural atmosphere of use.

In this case, the emission system advantageously comprises a dialog interface with a user to allow the choice of a sound effect to be associated with the movement of the first element relative to the second element.

Thus, the user can, as he wishes, replace or modify the sound effect combined with the chosen elements.

According to an advantageous aspect, the transmission system comprises communication means to allow data transfer between an external electronic device and the storage means.

This notably allows the user to be able to load the storage media with new sound effects.

Additionally, this can allow a user to remove a sound effect they no longer like and replace it with a new sound effect they like.

In the case of use of an object by several different people with different user profiles, each user can thus communicate with the emission system to load and modify their profile and therefore associate a predetermined movement with a sound effect. desired.

According to a preferred embodiment, the means of communication are of the wireless type.

Thus, from a laptop, a smartphone or even a digital tablet, the user can modify the parameters of the emission system as desired.

Advantageously, the emission system comprises a microphone coupled to the computer, the computer being configured to adjust the sound power of the emission member as a function of a surrounding sound intensity picked up by the microphone.

Thus, when the system operates in a high noise environment, the sound effect will be broadcast at high power so that the user can hear it.

On the contrary, when the emission system is used in a quiet environment, the sound effect can be broadcast at a low sound power, so as not to disturb other people located around the emission system.

Furthermore, it can allow the emission system to be set so that below a predetermined surrounding sound intensity, the sound effect is emitted at maximum power so that the natural sound effect can be heard by the user at the same time as the sound effect emitted by the transmitter.

According to a first advantageous embodiment, the first element is a drawer and the second element is a frame having a slot for receiving the drawer.

The emission system can thus be coupled to the drawer and the frame to make it possible to detect an open position and a closed position of the drawer and thus allow the emission of an audible signal when the drawer moves from its open position to its position closed or vice versa.

This also makes it possible to associate with the open position or the closed position of the drawer, a particular sound effect allowing, without the user having to look, to know whether he has closed or opened the drawer.

According to a second advantageous embodiment, the first element is an opening and the second element is a frame on which the opening is mounted.

The emission system coupled to the opening and to the frame can thus, when the opening moves from its open position to its closed position, or vice versa, emit a sound effect corresponding to the opening or closing movement of the door. 'opening.

Also, a sound effect can be emitted when the sash is in its open position and/or its closed position.

Advantageously, the calculator is also configured to modulate the frequency of the sound effect.

This allows the surrounding sound environment to have a limited, or even almost zero, impact on the sound effect.

In this case, the frequency of the sound effect is preferably modulated as a function of a frequency of the surrounding sound intensity picked up by the microphone.

Indeed, by analyzing the surrounding sound environment captured by the microphone, the computer can adjust the frequency of the sound effect so that it is perfectly and completely perceptible to the user, in all or almost all circumstances.

• Fig. 1 est une représentation schématique d'un système d'émission d'un effet sonore selon l'invention ;
• Fig. 2 est une représentation schématique montrant un découpage d'un effet sonore en fonction d'une amplitude de déplacement d'un premier élément par rapport à un deuxième élément ;
• Fig. 3 est une vue schématique en perspective de dessus illustrant, selon un premier mode de réalisation, un premier élément et un deuxième élément mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre et associés au dispositif d'émission d'un effet sonore, selon l'invention ;
• Fig. 4 est une vue schématique en perspective de dessus illustrant, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation, un premier élément et un deuxième élément mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre et associés au dispositif d'émission d'un effet sonore, selon l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

• Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a system for emitting a sound effect according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 is a schematic representation showing a division of a sound effect as a function of an amplitude of movement of a first element relative to a second element;
• Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view from above illustrating, according to a first embodiment, a first element and a second element movable relative to each other and associated with the device for emitting a sound effect, according to invention;
• Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view from above illustrating, according to a second embodiment, a first element and a second element movable relative to each other and associated with the device for emitting a sound effect, according to invention.

There figure 1 illustrates a system 1 for emitting a sound effect E according to the invention.

• un organe 2 d'émission de l'effet sonore E ;
• des moyens de stockage 3 d'au moins un effet sonore E ayant une durée totale ET prédéterminée ;
• un capteur 4 de déplacement pour détecter une amplitude A de déplacement d'un premier élément 5 par rapport à un deuxième élément 6 sur une amplitude totale AT de déplacement prédéterminée ;
• des moyens de lecture 7 de l'effet sonore E contenu dans les moyens de stockage 3 ;
• un calculateur 8 ;
• un microphone 9, et
• des moyens de communication 10.

This emission system 1 includes:

• a member 2 for emitting the sound effect E;
• storage means 3 of at least one sound effect E having a predetermined total duration ET;
• a displacement sensor 4 for detecting an amplitude A of displacement of a first element 5 relative to a second element 6 over a predetermined total amplitude AT of displacement;
• means 7 for reading the sound effect E contained in the storage means 3;
• a calculator 8;
• a microphone 9, and
• means of communication 10.

As illustrated on the figure 1 , the computer 8 receives information from the storage means 3, the movement sensor 4, the microphone 9, the reading means 7, as well as the communication means 10.

In reference to the figure 2 , a sound effect E and an amplitude A of movement between the first element 5 and the second element 6 are represented.

More particularly, the sound effect E is represented in its predetermined total duration ET and the amplitude A is represented as a total amplitude AT of predetermined movement between a position of distance of the first element 5 relative to the second element 6, and a position of approximation of the second element 6 relative to the first element 5.

The positions of distance and rapprochement are understood as maximum positions of distance and rapprochement.

As illustrated on the figure 2 , the predetermined total amplitude AT is greater than the predetermined total duration ET of the sound effect E. The computer 8 is thus configured to couple the predetermined total duration ET to the predetermined total amplitude AT of movement.

In other words, independently of the duration of the predetermined total displacement amplitude AT and the total duration ET of the sound effect, the computer 8 cuts the sound effect E so that its total duration ET corresponds to the total amplitude AT of predetermined displacement.

In other words, the total duration ET of the sound effect is divided by the calculator so that 100% of its duration is associated with 100% of the total amplitude AT of predetermined movement. Reading of the sound effect E by the reading means 7 begins and ends at the same time as the predetermined total amplitude AT of movement.

Thus, as described below, when the total displacement amplitude AT is achieved, the entire sound effect E is read.

On the other hand, when only part of the total predetermined displacement amplitude AT is achieved, only a corresponding part of the sound effect E is read.

In reference to the Figure 3 , a first embodiment is illustrated.

In this first embodiment, the first element 5 is a drawer 5a and the second element 6 is a frame 6a having a slot 61 for receiving the drawer 5a.

The drawer 5a is thus movable between a closed position in which a front face 51a of the drawer extends into the slot 61 and the shutter, and an open position of the drawer 5a in which the front face 51a of the drawer 5a is moved away from the slot 61.

On the Figure 3 , the drawer 5a is illustrated in an intermediate open position, that is to say that it is neither in its open position nor in its closed position.

Thus, with reference to the figure 2 , only part of the sound effect E, corresponding to part of the total predetermined displacement amplitude AT, is read.

More precisely, on the Figure 3 , the drawer 5a is in the semi-open position, that is to say that half of the total predetermined displacement amplitude AT is achieved. In reference to the figure 2 , this corresponds to a median division of the sound effect E, that is to say that only a first part of the sound effect, in this case the first half, is read by the reading means 7.

In reference to the Figure 4 , a second embodiment is illustrated.

In this second embodiment, the first element 5 is an opening 5b of an attached case and the second element 6 is a frame 6b of the attached case on which the opening 5b is mounted.

The opening 5b is thus pivotable relative to the frame 6b between a closed position of the attached case in which the opening 5b closes a cavity C formed in the frame 6b and an open position in which the opening 5b allows access to cavity C of chassis 6b.

On the figure 4 , the opening 5b is illustrated in an open position, that is to say that it is substantially perpendicular to the frame 6b. In this position, the opening has been moved according to the total amplitude AT of predetermined movement from its closed position.

Thus, with reference to the figure 2 , when the opening 5a passes from its closed position to its open position, the entire sound effect E is read by the reading means 7.

In addition, the sound effect E is read by the reading means 7 in correlation with the opening speed of the opening 5b.

This is explained in particular by the division and the dependence between the sound effect E and the total amplitude AT of predetermined movement, the dependence being carried out by the computer 8.

In other words, the reading means 7 read a percentage of the sound effect E corresponding to the percentage of the total amplitude AT performed.

In operation of the emission system 1, a first sound effect E can be associated with a movement and more precisely with a total amplitude AT of predetermined movement of the opening 5b from its closed position to its open position and a second sound effect E , distinct from the first, can be associated with the total amplitude AT of predetermined movement of the opening 5b from its open position to its closed position.

Consequently, when the opening 5b moves from its closed position to its open position, the sound effect E associated with this movement is played while, when the opening 5b moves from its open position to its closed position, the effect sound E associated with this other movement is played.

In the case of incomplete opening, only the part P' of the sound effect E corresponding to the part of the total amplitude AT of predetermined movement, that is to say to a percentage P of the total amplitude AT of predetermined movement, is read by the reading means 7.

In other words, when the opening 5b is open to a percentage P of 50% of the total predetermined movement amplitude AT, only a percentage P' of 50% of the sound effect E is read by the reading means 7.

If, following this first movement, the movement of the opening 5b is completed, that is to say that the opening is brought to its open position (the remaining 50% of the total amplitude AT movement of the opening 5b having then been carried out), then the remaining 50% of the sound effect E are read by the reading means 7.

On the other hand, if the opening 5b is repositioned in its closed position, then the second sound effect will be read by the reading means 7.

In operation, the microphone 9 of the emission system 1 is activated so as to capture a surrounding sound intensity in order to control the emission volume of the emission member 2.

Thus, in the event of high surrounding sound intensity, the sound effect E is read and played at a power greater than a predetermined power.

On the other hand, when the surrounding sound intensity is low, the emission power of the sound effect E is reduced so as not to be disturbing for the user.

The calculator 8 can, thanks to a dialog interface 11, be configured by the user to allow that in the event of low or non-existent surrounding sound intensity, the power of emission of the sound effect E by the organ 2 emission is restricted, that is to say that it does not exceed a predetermined power (that is to say a maximum decibel volume).

For example, the sound effect E can be emitted at a power that is inaudible to the user, or almost, so that the user only hears the natural sound effect or almost.

The dialog interface 11 can, according to an alternative embodiment, take the form of an application intended to be loaded by a computer, a smartphone or a digital tablet of the user.

Preferably, as illustrated on the figure 1 , the dialogue interface 11 is a physical element integrated into the transmission system 1.

The user can thus interact directly and sensorially with the dialog interface 11 to control the parameters of the transmission system 1.

The communication means 10 allow the user to be able to load new sound effects into the storage means 3 or, on the contrary, to remove them.

Therefore, the user, using a smartphone, a digital tablet or a laptop, can configure the sound effect(s) F to be played when moving a first element 5 relative to a second element 6, and modify according to his will the sound effect(s) he wishes to hear.

Advantageously, the communication means 10 are of the wireless type but can, alternatively, be of the wired type, for example taking the form of a USB connector.

The emission system 1 according to the invention thus allows a user to have an enhanced experience of using a product typically an attaché case as illustrated on the Figure 4 and thus to hear a pleasant sound effect E when opening and/or closing the opening 5b relative to the frame 6b.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the calculator 8 is also configured to modulate the frequency of the sound effect E as a function of a frequency of the surrounding sound intensity picked up by the microphone 9.

Indeed, when the sound effect E is emitted, it may be masked, at least partially, by audible or invisible frequencies from the surrounding sound environment.

To avoid this, and for the user to fully benefit from the sound effect E, the frequency of the sound effect E is adapted to the surrounding environment.

For example, a frequency range of the sound effect can be increased, or decreased if necessary, so as to be more perceptible, or less perceptible if necessary, for the user.

The result is that the surrounding sound environment has no or almost no impact on the sound effect.

Claims (8)

1. A system integrating a device comprising a first element (5) of the opening frame (5b) or drawer (5a) type, a second element (6) of the frame (6b) type on which the opening frame (5b) is mounted, or respectively a frame (6a) having a slot (61) for receiving the drawer (5a),
   the system (1) configured for the emission of a sound effect (E) during a displacement of the first element (5) relative to the second element (6), the system for emitting a sound effect comprising:

   - a member (2) for emitting the sound effect (E),

   - means (3) for storing at least one sound effect (E) having a predetermined total duration (ET),

   - a displacement sensor (4) to detect an instantaneous amplitude (A) of displacement of the first element (5) relative to the second element (6) over a predetermined total amplitude (AT) of displacement between a position where the first element (5) moves away from the second element (6), and a position where the first element (5) moves closer to the second element (6),

   - means for playing (7) the sound effect which are contained in the storage means (3),

   - a calculator (8) parameterized to define the instantaneous amplitude (A) as a percentage P of the predetermined total displacement amplitude (AT), and to servo-control the playback means (7) in order to perform a playback of the sound effect (E) with a progress according to the percentage P of the predetermined total displacement amplitude (AT) .
2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage means (3) comprise a plurality of sound effects (E) .
3. The system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises an interface (11) of dialogue with a user to allow the choice of a sound effect (E) to be associated with the displacement of the first element (5) relative to the second element (6).
4. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises communication means (10) to allow data transfer between an outer electronic apparatus and the storage means (3).
5. The system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the communication means (10) are of the wireless type.
6. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a microphone (9) coupled to the calculator (8), the calculator (8) being parameterized to adjust the sound power of the emission member (2) as a function of surrounding sound intensity picked up by the microphone (9).
7. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the calculator (8) is also parameterized to modulate the frequency of the sound effect (E).
8. The system (1) according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the frequency of the sound effect (E) is modulated as a function of a frequency of the surrounding sound intensity picked up by the microphone (9).

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