Exemplary embodiments relate generally to a booth and method for stimulating the auditory and visual senses of a user.
Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine (commonly abbreviated “TCM”) are systems of holistic healing, health, and wellness that are native to India and China, respectively. Each of these systems have been developed over the course of thousands of years and are now practiced worldwide (including the United States).
One principal that is common to both Ayurveda and TCM is the notion that the human body comprises a plurality of energy systems. In Ayurveda this is known as the seven chakras that align across the length of the spine; and in TCM this is known as the qi that flows though the Meridian System (i.e., a network of qi pathways within the human body). These energy systems are believed to be in constant communication with one another and subject to change. When one or more of these energy systems is blocked or otherwise imbalanced, it is believed that this deviation from an otherwise balanced state can be an attributing factor to illness or disease. And, by this principal, it may be possible to achieve a sense of wellness by bringing these energy systems back into a state of balance.
Accordingly, it is contemplated that apparatus, systems, and methods for rebalancing the energy systems of a person would be desired.
Disclosed are sensory stimulation booths that include an enclosure and a plurality of speakers and a plurality of light fixtures within the enclosure.
In one embodiment, the sensory stimulation booth includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a floor, a ceiling, and a plurality of walls positioned around the periphery of the floor and the ceiling to collectively define an interior space therebetween. The booth further includes a plurality of speakers and a plurality of light fixtures within the interior space. Each speaker and each light fixture is oriented towards a focal point within the interior space.
In another embodiment, the sensory stimulation booth includes an enclosure. The enclosure floor, a ceiling, and a plurality of walls positioned around the periphery of the floor and ceiling in a polygonal arrangement. The floor, ceiling, and walls define an interior space therebetween. The booth further includes a plurality of speakers and a plurality of light fixtures within the interior space. Each speaker and light fixture is oriented towards a focal point within the interior space.
In yet another embodiment, the sensory stimulation booth includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a floor, a vaulted ceiling, and a plurality of walls positioned around the periphery of the floor and the vaulted ceiling in a hexagonal arrangement. The floor, vaulted ceiling, and walls defining an interior space therebetween. The sensory stimulation booth further includes a plurality of isolation feet underneath the floor of the enclosure. The sensory stimulation booth further includes a plurality of speakers and a plurality of light fixtures within the interior space. Each speaker and each light fixture is oriented towards a single point within the interior space.
Other examples of the disclosed sensory stimulation booth, and methods of using, with become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical or equivalent features, and wherein:
Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
Referring to
In the embodiment shown, enclosure 10 features a six-walled hexagonal design. Its overall shape is that of a hexagonal prism, with the six walls 40 each being congruent in size and shape. It is contemplated that in this embodiment, as well as in other embodiments, the floor 20 and the ceiling 30 may be shaped in accordance with the walls 40 to ensure that an isolated, interior space 50 is achieved (i.e., substantially devoid of any cracks, openings, etc., except as needed to provide for ventilation). Here, for example, the floor 20 and the ceiling 30 are shaped as regular hexagons (which is the cross-sectional shape of a hexagonal prism).
While enclosure 10 is considered an exemplary embodiment, it is not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments of the enclosure may feature different polyhedral designs, or alternatively, cylindrical (including elliptic cylinders) and even irregular designs. These differences are not considered a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, like the embodiment of
The structural components of the enclosure 10 (i.e., the floor 20, ceiling 30, and walls 40) may each be fabricated using any suitable material such as, but not limited to, wood, stone, and/or metal. In general, however, it is contemplated that wood may be preferred due to its relatively low cost, light weight, and commercial availability. For example, it is contemplated that the walls 40 may be fabricated from prefinished tongue and groove poplar boards; and that the floor 20 and ceiling 30 may be fabricated from ¾″ particle board.
Referring to
In practice, the frames 42 may also help facilitate the attachment of the walls 40 to the floor 20 and/or the ceiling 30. In the embodiment shown, the frame 42 can serve as a bracket by utilizing, for example, top horizontal member 44 and a bottom horizontal member 46 to secure the frame 42 to the ceiling 30 and the floor 20, respectively. These can be secured by way of, for example, mechanical fasteners such as galvanized carriage bolts and the like.
Referring to
The overall size of the enclosure 10 may be varied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In general, it is contemplated that the enclosure 10 should be large enough for at least one adult user to step through the door 48 and comfortably remain therein. Preferably, the user may also comfortably sit therein. In other embodiments, it is also completed that the enclosure 10 may be scaled up in size so as to accommodate a larger number of users.
The present disclosure will now provide a specific embodiment of an enclosure that is suitable for use on an individual basis (i.e., one user at a time). In this embodiment, each of the six walls may be 36 inches wide (W1) and 86 inches in height (H1) (
Referring back to
Of course, other embodiments of the booth may vary in the quantity, type, and arrangement of light fixtures 70 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, it is contemplated that the light fixtures 70 may be attached or positioned on the floor 20 or the ceiling 30. In another example, it is contemplated that either more or less light fixtures 70 may be included (e.g., on the front wall and/or on the rear wall).
Speakers 60 may be provided within the interior space 50. In the embodiment shown, the booth 100 includes two speakers 60—one positioned within each of the furthest left and furthest right corners. Any suitable type of speaker 60 may be utilized, but it is contemplated that speakers 60 having a sensitivity rating of less than 100 decibels is preferred, or even more preferably less than 85 decibels. It is further contemplated that speakers having a frequency range of about 1 hertz to about 20,000 hertz is preferred. A specific example of a speaker 60 that may be suitable here can include 150-watt powered bookshelf stereo speakers available from Audioengine, LLC. of Austin, Tex.
The arrangement of speakers 60 within the booth 100 may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. To maximize the immersive aspect, it is contemplated that the speakers should ideally surround the user from multiple (if not all) directions. Further, the speakers 60 would ideally be oriented towards a focal point within the interior space 50, ideally the same focal point for the light fixtures 70. Additionally, it is contemplated that orienting the speakers 60 towards a corner in the enclosure 100 would be preferred since the soundwaves emitted by that speaker 60 would disperse upon hitting the corner, which reduces, if not eliminates, any 1st order reflections. Owing to this effect, it is contemplated that hexagonal enclosures may be preferred since the hexagonal shape ensures that there is always a corner opposite a speaker 60 no matter which corner the speaker 60 is placed in.
To improve sound quality within the interior space 50, it is further contemplated that the booth 100 may include one or more acoustic features for absorbing and/or diffusing sound. These acoustic features can include, for example, baffles, sound-absorbing panels, foam, carpeting, and the like. Further, these acoustic features can be positioned along the floor 20, ceiling 30, and/or walls 40; or wherever is appropriate to achieve the highest quality sound within the interior space 50. In one embodiment, for example, the booth may include carpeting on the floor 20 and ceiling 30.
In addition to auditory and visual stimulation, the booth may be configured for tactile stimulation as well. Referring to
The embodiment shown in
In embodiments where seat 80 is a chair having a back rest, it is contemplated that tactile transducers can be provided on the backrest either in addition to, or as an alternative for, a tactile transducer positioned underneath the seat. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of tactile transducers may be aligned in a row and positioned along the backrest of the chair where the spine of a user would be.
It is further contemplated that tactile transducers may be incorporated into the booth without a seat; and that a seat may be incorporated without tactile transducer(s). For example, it is contemplated that tactile transducers may be incorporated into the floor 20 or the walls 40 of the enclosure 10. Configurations such as these may be more appropriate for applications that involve having the user stand within the booth 100, rather than sit.
Power can be supplied to the speakers 60, light fixtures 70, and/or tactile transducers 82 though one or more electrical outlets 90 (e.g., 15-amp, 120 volt, three-pronged wall outlets) provided on the enclosure 10. Referring to
The speakers 60, light fixtures 70, and tactile transducers 82 may be operatively connected to a computer, or similar electronic device (e.g., smartphone), to enable an operator to interface with and control the booth 100. It is contemplated that the operator may, but need not, be the same person as the user. Operative connectivity may be achieved by any suitable means including both wired and wireless solutions (e.g., WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.). One example off a software solution that may be suitable here can include ShowXpress available from Chauvet & Sons, LLC of Sunrise, Fla.
Referring to
It is contemplated that one or more light fixtures 170 may be attached to the inside surfaces of the sloping sides 136 and/or the flat top 138 to immerse a user in light from above. These light fixtures 170 may also be oriented towards a focal point within the interior space.
Of course, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, vaulted ceilings can be fabricated in various shapes (e.g., hemispherical domes) while still producing the same or similar effect (i.e., redirecting sound waves). These varying vaulted ceiling designs may also be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Also shown in
Referring to
Referring to
It is contemplated that the booth may find particular utility within the context of Ayurveda and/or TCM. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, Ayurveda and TCM practitioners believe that the Ayurveda and TCM energy systems are affiliated with, and can therefore be affected by, certain organs within the body (e.g., the endocrine system) (see
A method of using the booth to stimulate the energy systems of a person according to Ayurvedic principals will now be described. The method may begin by first obtaining relevant personal information from a user. This step may entail, for example, having the user complete a chakra evaluation form and/or obtaining the medical records of the user. The user may then step into the booth and the speakers and light fixtures within the booth can be activated to stimulate the auditory and visual senses of the user. The sounds being played by the speakers may include a range of tones that, at the very least, include the notes of a musical major scale (e.g., C, D, E, F, G, A, and B) tuned to any suitable reference pitch (e.g., 432 hertz, 440 hertz, etc.). These notes may be recorded using any suitable instrument (e.g., quartz singing bowl) and at any suitable recording rate (e.g., 44.1 kilohertz or 48 kilohertz, though 48 kilohertz may be preferred). Further, the light being emitted may be of a color that matches the musical note being played (
Optionally, the method may also include having the user utilize a specialized seat that features seven bass shakers aligned in correspondence with the seven chakras of Ayurveda (
Additionally or alternatively to the above, it is also contemplated that the booth can be used to change brain wave frequency modulation. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, brain wave frequencies can generally be categorized as follows: delta (0.1 to 3.5 hertz), theta (4-8 hertz), alpha (8-12 hertz), beta (12-30 hertz), and gamma (above 30 hertz). These brain wave frequencies can be associated with various mental states ranging from deep stillness and meditation (delta and gamma) to active learning and quick response (gamma). Through use of the booth, it may be possible to alter and/or facilitate the changing of brain wave frequencies so as to enable the user to achieve a desired mental state.
Additionally or alternatively to the above, it is also contemplated that the booth can be used to regulate global homeostasis through specific subcutaneous stimulation of the photo endocrine system, stimulate and trigger the autoimmune system favorably, and reduce anxiety and promote feelings of wellbeing with regular use.
Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.
This application is a non-provisional patent application that makes a priority claim to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/180,307, which is incorporated by reference as if fully recited herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
63180307 | Apr 2021 | US |