Patent Publication Number: US-2021170171-A1

Title: Sound source signal separator and music sync low frequency stimulator comprising the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0161617, filed on Dec. 6, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a sound source signal separator and a music sync low frequency stimulator including the same. 
     Discussion of Related Technology 
     Recently, a low frequency stimulator has been developed that promotes blood circulation in the human body using low frequency stimulation, 
     A low frequency stimulator generates a low frequency wave and Outputs the same to an electrode pad, and when the electrode pad contacts the human body, low frequency stimulation is transmitted to the human body. 
     Such a low frequency stimulator is used to achieve a therapeutic effect by contacting an electrode pad to the acupuncture points of the human body or a region where muscle pain is felt. 
     The disclosure of this section is to provide background information relating to the invention. Applicant does riot admit that any information contained in this section constitutes prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     Low frequency stimulators may generate low frequency waves in accordance with a predetermined pattern and transmit the same to the human body. However, would be difficult to achieve a therapeutic effect if it is used for a long period of time because it is rather boring. 
     The present disclosure is directed to providing a sound source signal separator that can reduce body weight, beautify the body, and make metabolism more active, as well as relieving fatigue, and a music sync low frequency separator including the same. 
     In addition, the present disclosure is directed to providing a sound source signal separator that can generate a low frequency signal linked to music and perform effective massage or therapy by the low frequency signal, while the user listens to his or her favorite music and low frequency massage or therapy is performed, and a music sync low frequency stimulator including the same. The present disclosure relates to a sound source signal separator for generating a low frequency signal linked to music by separating only a music signal among a plurality of sound source signals, and a music sync low frequency stimulator including the same. 
     One aspect of the invention provides a music sync low frequency stimulator, including a speaker for outputting a plurality of first sound source signals, a sound source signal separator for separating at least one of the plurality of first sound source signals, a low frequency signal generator for generating a low frequency signal, and a music sync unit for controlling the strength and frequency of the low frequency signal according to at least one of second sound source signals separated by the sound source signal separator. 
     Herein, the sound source signal separator receives the plurality of first sound source signals from a plurality of sound sources and outputs the same to the speaker, and the second sound source signal is output to the music sync unit. 
     In addition, the sound source signal separator may block the first sound source signal output to the speaker from being input to the music sync unit. 
     In addition, the sound source signal separator includes an input terminal to which the plurality of first sound source signals are input, an output terminal from which the plurality of first sound source signals are output, and a first voltage follower provided between the input terminal and the output terminal. 
     In addition, the first voltage follower is connected between the input terminal, in which the second sound source signal is separated, and the output terminal. 
     In addition, the first voltage follower includes an operational amplifier, and the sound source and the music sync unit are connected to a non-inverting terminal of the operational amplifier, and the speaker is connected to an inverting terminal of the operational amplifier. 
     In addition, the music sync low frequency stimulator according to embodiments of the present invention may further include a first sound source signal amplifier connected between the sound source signal separator and the speaker. 
     In addition, the music sync unit may include a second voltage follower connected to an output node from which the second sound source signal is output. 
     In addition, the music sync unit may further include a converter for converting an analog sound source signal output from the second voltage follower into a digital sound source signal, and a control unit for outputting a music sync low frequency signal in which the strength and frequency of the low frequency signal are controlled according to the digital sound source signal. 
     In addition, the music sync unit may further include a second sound source signal amplifier connected between the second voltage follower and the converter. 
     In addition, the plurality of first sound source signals may include a music signal, a buzzer, and a voice guidance signal. 
     In addition, the sound source signal separator may separate the music signal from the plurality of first sound source signals and output to the music sync unit. 
     In addition, the sound source signal separator may receive the music signal by wire or wirelessly from a plurality of sound sources. 
     In addition, according to embodiments of the present invention provides a sound source signal separator, wherein the sound source signal separator is a sound source signal separator which separates at least one of the plurality of first sound source signals, and outputs at least one separated second sound source signals to a music sync unit, the sound source signal separator including an input terminal to which the plurality of first sound source signals are input, an output terminal from which the plurality of first sound source signals are output; and a first voltage follower connected between the input terminal, in which the second sound source signal is separated, and the output terminal. 
     Herein, the sound source signal separator may receive the plurality of first sound source signals from a plurality of sound sources and output the same to a speaker, and the second sound source signal may be output to the music sync unit. 
     In addition, the music sync unit may control the strength and frequency of the low frequency signal according to the second sound source signal. 
     In addition, the first voltage follower may block a plurality of first sound source signals output to the speaker from being input to the music sync unit. 
     In addition, the first voltage follower includes an operational amplifier, the sound source and the music sync unit are connected to a non-inverting terminal of the operational amplifier, and the speaker is connected to an inverting terminal of the operational amplifier. 
     In addition, the plurality of first sound source signals may include a music signal, a buzzer, and a voice guidance signal. 
     In addition, the sound source signal separator may separate the music signal from the plurality of first sound source signals and output to the music sync unit. 
     According to embodiments of the present invention, by applying low frequency waves to the human body, it is possible to provide proper stimulation to muscles, blood vessels, and the like, and thus, it is possible to reduce body weight by decomposing body fat in the corresponding area, beautify the body, and promote blood circulation to make metabolism more active, as well as relieving fatigue. 
     In addition, according to embodiments of the present invention, while all of a music signal, a buzzer, and a voice guidance signal are output to the speaker, the music signal is separated and output to a music sync unit, and thus, the user can thereby receive low frequency massage or therapy while simultaneously listening to his or her favorite music. Also, the buzzer and voice guidance signal are prevented from being reflected in a low frequency signal, thereby generating a low frequency signal linked to music, and effective massage or therapy may be performed through the low frequency signal. 
     The effects that may be obtained in embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a music sync low frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a circuit diagram of a sound source signal separator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a music sync unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description to be disclosed hereinafter together with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments by which the present invention can be practiced. In the drawings, in order to clearly describe the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description may be omitted, and the same reference numerals may be used for the same or similar constitutional components throughout the specification. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, expressions such as “or”, “at least one”, and the like may represent one of the words listed together or a combination of two or more. For example, “A or B” and “at least one of A and B” may include only one of A or B, and may include both A and B. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a music sync low frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the music sync low frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a speaker  110 , a sound source signal separator  120 , a low frequency signal generator  130 , a music sync unit  140 , and a sound source signal amplifier  150 . 
     Herein, the speaker  110  and the sound source signal amplifier  150  may be configured as respective modules or may be configured as one module, and the sound source signal separator  120  and the music sync unit  140  may also be configured as respective modules or may be configured as one module, but are not limited thereto. 
     The music sync low frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes features of transmitting music through the speaker  110 , simultaneously generating a low frequency signal linked to music through the music sync unit  140 , and providing the same to the user to perform effective massage or therapy. 
     Herein, low frequency refers to a low frequency vibration or wave, or refers to an electromagnetic wave at a specific frequency. In the field of communication engineering, an audible frequency in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz is considered as low frequency with respect to high frequency used in wireless communication, and in the electromagnetic method, an electromagnetic wave of 30 kHz to 300 kHz is defined as low frequency. 
     Meanwhile, low frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz used for electric power is sometimes referred to as commercial frequency, and such low frequency can be easily generated using a generator, a vacuum tube, a transistor, and the like. 
     Among these low frequencies, when low frequency of about 1 Hz to 5,000 Hz is applied to the human body, it is possible to provide proper stimulation to muscles, blood vessels, and the like, and thus, it is possible to reduce body weight by decomposing body fat in the corresponding area, beautify the body, and promote blood circulation to make metabolism more active, as well as relieving fatigue. 
     Hereinafter, the configuration of the music sync low frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. 
     The speaker  110  may output at least one of a plurality of first sound source signals or all of these signals. Herein, the plurality of first sound source signals may include a music signal, a buzzer, and a voice guidance 
     For example, the music signal may be a signal including various music genres (e.g., classical music, ballad, jazz, etc.). Herein, the user may select his or her favorite music. Unlike the above, music may be automatically selected according to the user&#39;s preference based on big data. Also, the buzzer and the voice guidance signal may he signals indicating an operational process of the music sync low frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention and signals including guidance and explanation for the operational process. 
     Meanwhile, it is not problematic when the speaker  110  outputs all of the plurality of first sound source signals together, but when all of the plurality of first sound source signals are input to the music sync unit  140 , not only the music signal but also the buzzer and the voice guidance signal are reflected in a low frequency signal, and thus, noise is generated when outputting the low frequency signal linked to music. That is, not only a low frequency signal linked to music but also an unnecessary low frequency signal is provided to the user. Accordingly, effective massage or therapy may not be performed. 
     In order to address the foregoing, the sound source signal separator  120  separates at least one of a plurality of first sound source signals. That is, the sound source signal separator  120  receives a plurality of first sound source signals from a plurality of sound sources  10  and outputs the same to the speaker, but a second sound source signal separated from the plurality of first sound source signals is output to the music sync unit  140 . 
     Specifically, while the sound source signal separator  120  outputs all of a music signal, a buzzer, and a voice guidance signal to the speaker  110 , the music signal is separated and output to the music sync unit  140 , and thus, it is possible thereby to prevent the buzzer and the voice guidance signal from being reflected in a low frequency signal. Accordingly, a low frequency signal linked to music is generated to perform effective massage or therapy. 
     Herein, the sound source signal separator  120  blocks a plurality of first sound source signals output to the speaker from being input to the music sync unit  140  again. A sound source  10  may he stored in an internal memory provided inside a music sync low frequency stimulator, an external memory provided outside the music sync low frequency stimulator, or a universal serial bus (USB) memory removable from the music sync low frequency stimulator. 
     Specifically, a music signal among the plurality of first sound source signals may be output by wire from an internal memory and a USB memory (e.g., MP3), or output wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth (BT)) from an external memory. 
     Accordingly, the sound source signal separator  120  may receive a music signal front a plurality of sound sources  10  by wire or wirelessly. 
     Among the plurality of first sound source signals, a buzzer and a voice guidance signal may be pre-stored in an internal memory by a setter 
       FIG. 2  is a circuit diagram of a sound source signal separator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the sound source signal separator  120  may be configured to include an input terminal  121  to which a plurality of first sound source signals are input, an output terminal from which a plurality of first sound source signals are output, and a first voltage follower  123  provided between the input terminal  121  and the output terminal  122 . 
     Herein, a music signal (e.g., MP3, Bluetooth (BT)), a buzzer, and a voice guidance signal may he input to the input terminal  121 . 
     The first voltage follower  123  is connected between the input terminal  121 , in which a second sound source signal is separated, and the output terminal  122  among a plurality of input and output terminals  121 ,  122 . 
     Specifically, the first voltage follower  123  may include an operational amplifier (OP-Amp)  123   a.  Herein, the sound source  10  and the music sync unit  140  are connected to a non-inverting terminal (+) of the operational amplifier  123   a,  and the speaker is connected to an inverting terminal of the operational amplifier  123   a.    
     The ideal operational amplifier  123   a  has an input resistance of infinity (∞) and an output resistance of 0. 
     Herein, the voltage signal of the non-inverting terminal (+) is transmitted to the output terminal of the operational amplifier  123  as it is by the virtual short circuit principle. However, the voltage signal is not transmitted from the output terminal to the non-inverting terminal (+). 
     As such, while the first voltage follower  123  is connected between the input terminal  121  and the output terminal  122  where a music signal is input and output, it is not connected to the input terminal  121  and the output terminal  122  where a buzzer and a voice guidance signal are input and output. 
     Accordingly, all of a music signal, a buzzer, and a voice guidance signal are output to the speaker  110 , but only a music signal is output to the music sync unit  140 . In addition, a buzzer and a voice guidance signal that are output to the output terminal  122  of the first voltage follower  123  are not transmitted to the music sync unit  140 . 
     Meanwhile, an example of the sound source signal separator  120  has been described as a voltage follower  123 , but is not limited thereto. A circuit configuration capable of separating and outputting only a music signal among a plurality of first sound source signals and blocking the inflow of a buzzer and a voice guidance signal is sufficient. 
     A first sound source signal amplifier  150  is connected between the sound source signal separator  120  and the speaker  110 . Accordingly, a first sound source signal that has passed through the sound source signal separator  120  may be amplified and transmitted to the speaker, and as the speaker  110  transmits music to the user, the user may receive low frequency massage or therapy while listening to his or her favorite music. 
     The sound source signal separator  120  separates a music signal from a plurality of first sound source signals to output to the music sync unit  140 , and the low frequency signal generator  130  generates a low frequency signal to output the same to the music sync unit  140 . 
     Accordingly, the music sync unit  140  may provide the user with low frequency stimulation linked to music by controlling the strength and frequency of a low frequency signal according to a music signal separated by the sound source signal separator  120 . 
     Herein, the low frequency signal output to the music sync unit  140  is output to an electrode pad  20 , and the user may receive massage or therapy according to low frequency stimulation by contacting the electrode pad  20  to the acupuncture points of the human body or to a region where muscle pain is felt. 
     As such, the music sync low frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention outputs all of a music signal, a buzzer, and a voice guidance signal to the speaker  110 , but separates a music signal to output to the music sync unit  140 . Thus, the user may receive low frequency massage or therapy while listening to his or her favorite music, while simultaneously preventing the buzzer and voice guidance signal from being reflected in a low frequency signal. Accordingly, a low frequency signal linked to music is generated thereby, and effective massage or therapy may be performed through this low frequency signal. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a music sync unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     As illustrated in Example 3, the music sync unit  140  according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a second voltage follower  141 , a second sound source amplifier  142 , a converter  143 , and a control unit  144 . 
     The second voltage follower  141  is connected to an output node from which a second sound source signal is output. 
     Specifically, the second voltage follower  141  may include an operational amplifier  141   a.  Herein, a second sound source signal is input to a non-inverting terminal (+) of the operational amplifier  141   a,  and an inverting terminal (−) of the operational amplifier  141   a  is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier  141   a.    
     The ideal operational amplifier  141   a  has an input resistance of infinity (∞) and an output resistance of 0. 
     Herein, according to the virtual short circuit principle, a voltage signal of the non-inverting terminal (+), that is, an analog sound source signal is transmitted as it is to an output terminal of the operational amplifier  141   a.  However, a voltage signal is not transmitted from the output terminal to the non-inverting terminal (+). 
     As such, the second voltage follower  141  can not only prevent the load effect of the music sync unit  140  to accurately transmit an analog sound source signal, but also can prevent external noise and disturbance generated by the music sync unit  140  from transmitting to the speaker  110 . 
     The converter  143  is an analog-to-digital converter and converts an analog sound source signal output from the second voltage follower  141  into a digital sound source signal. 
     The control unit  144  outputs a music sync low frequency signal in which the strength and frequency of a low frequency signal are controlled according to a digital sound source signal converted by the converter  143  to the electrode pad  20 . 
     The second sound source signal amplifier  142  is connected between the second voltage follower  141  and the converter  143 . 
     Accordingly, an analog sound source signal passed through the second sound source signal amplifier  142  may be amplified and transmitted to the converter  143 , and the converter  143  may convert this analog sound source signal into an accurate digital sound source signal. 
     Hereinafter, the sound source signal separator  120  according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 . 
     The sound source signal separator  120  according to an embodiment of the present invention separates at least one of a plurality of first sound source signals and outputs at least one second sound source signals that have been separated to a music sync unit, and may be configured to include an input terminal  121  to which a plurality of first sound source signals are input, an output terminal  122  from which a plurality of first sound source signals are output, and a first voltage follower  123  connected between an input terminal  121 , in which a second sound source signal is separated, and an output terminal  122 . 
     Herein, a plurality of first sound source signals may include a music signal, a buzzer, and a voice guidance signal. 
     The sound source signal separator  120  as such receives a plurality of first sound source signals from a plurality of sound sources and outputs the same to the speaker, but the separated second sound source signal is output to the music sync unit  140 . 
     Herein, the music sync unit  140  controls the strength and frequency of a low frequency signal according to the separated second sound source signal. 
     The first voltage follower  123  may block a first sound source signal output to the speaker from being input to the music sync unit  140  again. 
     Specifically, the first voltage follower  123  includes an operational amplifier  123   a,  and the sound source  10  and the music sync unit  140  are connected to a non-inverting terminal (+) of the operational amplifier  123   a,  and the speaker  110  is connected to an inverting terminal (−) of the operational amplifier  123   a.    
     With such configuration and connection, the sound source signal separator  120  according to an embodiment of the present invention separates at least one second music signals from a plurality of first sound source signals and outputs to the music sync unit  140 . 
     As such, while the sound source signal separator  120  according to an embodiment of the present invention outputs all of a music signal, a buzzer, and a voice guidance signal to the speaker  110 , the music signal is separated and output to the music sync unit  140 , and thus, the user may thereby receive low frequency massage or therapy while simultaneously listening to his or her favorite music. Also, the buzzer and voice guidance signal are prevented from being reflected in a low frequency signal, thereby generating a low frequency signal linked to music, and effective massage or therapy may be performed through the low frequency signal. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a computing device having at least one processor, at least one memory and at least one communication interface. The elements of a method, process, or algorithm described in connection with embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by at least one processor, or in a combination of the two. Computer-executable instructions for implementing a method, process, or algorithm described in connection with embodiments disclosed herein can be stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. 
     Even though embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains may implement in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. 
     The embodiments of the present invention disclosed in the present specification and drawings are only provided for examples to easily explain the technical content of the present invention and to aid understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be construed that all changes or modifications derived based on the technical spirit of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.