WO1998014933A1

WO1998014933A1 - Electronic synthesizer

Info

Publication number: WO1998014933A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/017464
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen G. Schimoler
Original assignee: Schimoler Stephen G
Priority date: 1996-10-01
Filing date: 1997-09-30
Publication date: 1998-04-09
Also published as: AU4656397A

Abstract

An apparatus includes a binder (150) (e.g., a three ring binder) that has a cover, and a sensor (152) is embedded within the cover (154). The apparatus also has a synthesizer that is configured to generate a signal indicative of a sound in response to pressure being applied to the cover (154) near the sensor (152).

Description

ELECTRONIC SYNTHESIZER

Background of the Invention The invention relates to an electronic synthesizer .

Digital synthesizers have been used for years to generate audio electronically. Electronic keyboards and electronic drum sets are common sound synthesizing devices. In recent years as electronic components have decreased in size, sound synthesizers have become increasingly portable. The Yamaha DD-9 digital percussion system is an example of a device that may be carried under one's arm and used virtually anywhere that AC power is available.

Electronic audio devices include children's toys, such as books and electronic teachers, that generate sound signals in response to certain actions by the child.

Summary of the Invention

In general, in one aspect, the invention features an apparatus that includes a binder. The binder has a cover, and a sensor is embedded within the cover. The apparatus also has a synthesizer that is configured to generate a signal indicative of a sound in response to pressure being applied to the cover near the sensor.

Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following. The apparatus may also include a speaker that is connected to reproduce the sound in response to the signal. The apparatus may also include an audio jack that is configured to connect the signal to another audio system. The sound may be a natural sound, such as a musical sound, a human sound, a percussion sound, or an animal sound. The binder may be a three ring binder.

In general, in another aspect, the invention features an apparatus that includes a binder. The binder has a cover, and sensors are embedded within the cover. Each sensor is associated with a different sound. A synthesizer of the apparatus is configured to generate different signals indicative of the diferrent sounds in response to pressure being applied to the cover near at least one of the sensors.

In general, in another aspect, the invention features an apparatus that includes a binder. The binder has a panel, and a sensor is mounted to the panel. A control interface is connected to the synthesizer, and the control interface has at least one button for indicating a selection of one of a set of predetermined sounds. The apparatus also has a synthesizer that is configured to generate one of a predetermined set of signals in response to the selection and pressure being applied near the sensor. Each of the predetermined set of signals are indicative of one of the set of predetermined sounds. The apparatus also has a speaker that is configured to reproduce one of the predetermined set of sounds in response to the one of the set of predetermined signals generated by the synthesizer.

Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following. The panel may have a depression in which the sensor is mounted. The sensor may have a pressure sensitive surface that is substantially flush with a surface of the panel. The apparatus may also have a flexible material that covers the panel and sensor.

In general, in another aspect, the invention features an apparatus that includes a pad and a sensor. The sensor is embedded in the pad and is configured to generate a signal representative of a sound in response to pressure being applied to the pad near the sensor.

Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following. The apparatus may also have an interface (e.g., a musical instrument digital interface) that is configured to convert the signal into another signal used by a computer to reproduce the sound. The pad may be a keyboard wrist pad or a mouse pad.

In general, in another aspect, the invention features a method for use with a binder that has a cover. The method includes using a sensor embedded within the cover to detect pressure on the cover. A signal is generated that is indicative of a sound in response to the using. In general, in another aspect, the invention features a method for use with a binder having a cover. The method includes using sensors embedded within the cover to detect pressure being applied near the sensors. Each sensor is associated with a different sound. Different signals are generated that are indicative of the diferrent sounds in response to the using.

In general, in another aspect, the invention features a method for use with a binder that has a panel . The method includes using a sensor mounted to the panel to detect pressure being applied to the panel. A control interface that has at least one button is used to indicate a selection of one of a set of predetermined sounds. One of a predetermined set of signals is generated in response to the selection and pressure being applied near the sensor. Each of the predetermined set of signals is indicative of one of the set of predetermined sounds . One of the predetermined set of sounds is reproduced in response to the one of the predetermined set of signals generated by the synthesizer. In general, in another aspect, the invention features a method for use with a pad. The method includes using a sensor embedded in the pad to generate a signal representative of a sound in response to pressure being applied to the pad near the sensor.

Among the advantages of the invention are one or more of the following. Sounds may generated while a person works . A person may generate sounds with moving his hands far, if at all, from his workspace. The apparatus is portable. The apparatus blends into an office environment. The apparatus may also function as a piece of office equipment.

Other advantages will become apparent from the following description and from the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawing

Figure 1 is a front view of an automobile steering wheel and block diagram showing an electronic audio synthesizer system including a detachable steering wheel sleeve . Figures 2, 3, and 4A through 4C are detailed diagrammatic views of a motion-sensing sleeve.

Figures 5A through 5C show various cable mounting devices for use in the electronic sound system. Figure 6 is a block diagram of a sound synthesizer.

Figure 7 is a front view showing a car steering wheel with a built-in electronic sound system.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a motorcycle with a built-in electronic sound system. Figure 9 is a side view showing an electronic sound system for a child's car seat.

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a three ring binder having a built-in electronic sound system. Figure 11 is a view of the three ring binder when opened showing the electronic sound system.

Figure 12 is a view of another electronic sound system for the three ring binder. Figure 13 is a view of a synthesizer of the electronic sound system.

Figure 14 is an exposed front view of the front panel of the three ring binder.

Figure 15 is a front view of a sensor assembly of the electronic sound system.

Figure 16 is a bottom view of the three ring binder when closed.

Figure 17 is a schematic block diagram of the synthesizer. Figure 18 is an exploded view of another three ring binder having a built-in sound system.

Figure 19 is an exposed front view of the front panel of the three ring binder of Fig. 18.

Figure 20 is a rear view of the front panel of the three ring binder of Fig. 18.

Figure 21 is a top view of the three ring binder taken along line 21-21 of Fig. 18.

Figure 22 is a rear view of the backing plate of Fig. 18. Figure 23 is a top view of a keyboard wrist pad having a built-in electronic sound system.

Figure 24 is a top view of a mouse pad having a built-in electronic sound system.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments Figure 1 shows an electronic sound system that allows the operator of an automobile to create natural sounds, such as music or percussion sounds, by tapping on the automobile's steering wheel, even while operating the automobile. The driver may generate the sounds without moving his hands far, if at all, from the steering wheel. The sounds generated by the electronic sound system may be played through a stereo system 32 (e.g., the automobile's stereo system or a portable stereo system), with or without music from another source, such as a radio or a CD player.

The sound system includes a flexible sleeve 20, made of a soft material such as PVC elastomeric, that mounts to the automobile's steering wheel 22. The PVC sleeve 20 may be created in a variety of colors and surface textures. The sleeve can extend all the way around the wheel and double as a wheel cover or only part way around, e.g., the top half, as shown in Figure 1. The sleeve 20 contains several direct contact pressure sensors 26a-e that detect the driver's tapping of the steering wheel 22. Every time a sensor 26a-e detects a tap on or near the sensor 26a-e, the sensor 26a-e transmits an electrical signal to a sound synthesizer 24, which generates a corresponding sound signal . The electrical signal is carried by a cable 28a, 28b that runs along the automobile's steering column 30 between the sleeve 20 and the synthesizer 24. The synthesizer 24 preferably is hidden from view, either under the dashboard, under a seat, or in the trunk of the automobile.

When the synthesizer 24 receives an electrical signal from one of the sensors 26a-e, the synthesizer 24 determines which sensor 26a-e sent the signal and generates the sound signal that corresponds to the sensor. The synthesizer 24 provides the sound signal to the stereo system 32, which in turn amplifies and plays the signal through speakers 34 (e.g., speakers of the automobile or speakers of a portable stereo system) . The synthesized sound signals may be played with or without sounds signals generated by other sources 35, such as an 7AM/FM tuner, a tape deck, or a CD player, connected to the stereo system 32.

The electronic sound system of Figure 1 may employ any conventional synthesizer and pressure sensors, but the preferred synthesizer 24 and sensors 26a-e are those used in the Yamaha DD-9 Digital Percussion system, which may generate several hundred musical and non-musical sounds . The number of sounds that may be generated at any given time by the electronic sound system in the figure depends, of course, on the number of sensors 26a-e in the sleeve 20. As described below, the sleeve 20 generally will have five or six sensors, but may have as many as many as twenty-four sensors in most applications. Each of the sensors 26a-e must be sensitive enough to detect light taps near the sensor, but rigid enough to ignore motion in the sleeve 20 when an adjacent sensor is tapped.

As shown in Figure 1, the sensors 26a-e are spaced evenly throughout the sleeve 20, with equal distances separating each of the sensors 26a-e from its neighbors. The sensors 26a, 26e at either end of the sleeve must be at least 5cm from the edges of the sleeve. The number of sensors 26a-e in the sleeve 20 is limited only by the length of the sleeve (i.e., the size of the steering wheel) and the minimum distance which must separate the sensors (preferably approximately 5cm) . A typical sleeve 20 covers approximately 50cm of an average 120cm (circumference) steering wheel 22, so five sensors 26a-e placed 5cm from the edges of the sleeve 20 may be separated from each other by 10 cm. However, a sleeve 20 that entirely covers an average 120cm steering wheel 22 may have up to 24 pressure sensors separated by the minimum distance of 5cm.

The portion of the sleeve 20 surrounding each sensor 26a-e is delineated by strips 36 on the outer surface of the sleeve 20. The strips 36 made of a highly-visible, flexible, lightweight material, such as aluminum, which allows the strips 36 to conform to the shape of the wheel. The strips 36 are evenly spaced, equidistant from each of the surrounding sensors 26a-e. Thus, for a typical 50cm sleeve with five sensors, the strips are placed 10cm apart.

The sleeve 20 also includes two control panels, a power/volume panel 38 and a sound assignment panel 40, which allow the operator to control the sounds generated by the electronic sound system. The power/volume panel 38 includes a power button 42 that allows the operator to toggle power to the electronic sound system. The panel 38 also includes a volume up button 44 and a volume down button 46 which, when pressed by the operator, cause the synthesizer 24 to adjust accordingly the magnitude of the synthesized sound signals. The sound assignment panel 40 includes adjustment buttons 48, 50 that allow the operator to scroll through, and eventually assign, sounds for each of the pressure sensors 26a-e, as described below. Each control panel 38, 40 consists of a high- density polyethylene or similar plastic. The buttons 42- 50 consist of soft rubber to allow the operator' s fingers to find the buttons quickly and easily. One of the control panels 38, 40 also may include a microphone 51 which detects voice signals and transmits them through the cable 28a-b to a voice recognition module 53 in the synthesizer 24. The voice recognition module 53 may be used in addition to or in lieu of the control buttons 42-50 to control operation of the synthesizer 24. The voice recognition module 53 may be any standard voice recognition system programmed to recognize words associated with the electronic sound system (e.g., on, off, volume, up, down). To ensure that the electronic sound system is portable, the sleeve 20 is attached only temporarily to the steering wheel 22. Various types of temporary fasteners (not shown in Figure 1) are discussed below. Also, the portion 28a of the cable that extends from the sleeve 20 and the portion 28b that mounts to the steering column 30 are connected by a quick-release harness 52. As a result, the sleeve easily may be removed from the steering wheel 22 and carried to another location. Figure 2 is an internal view of the sleeve 20. Each of the pressure sensors 26a-e attaches to an inner surface 54 of the sleeve 20. Two wires 56 run along the inner surface 54 of the sleeve 20 from each of the sensors 26a-e and each of the control buttons 42-50 to the quick-release harness 52, and eventually to the synthesizer (not shown in Figure 2) . Because the sleeve in the figure has five sensors 26a-e and five control buttons 42-50, cable 28a, 28b emerging from the sleeve 20 is a twenty conductor cable. The sleeve 20 also includes a flexible metallic rod 58 that runs along the inner arch 60 of the sleeve 20 to support the plastic control panels 38, 40. As shown in Figure 3, the metallic rod 58 is embedded in the sleeve 20 with a portion 59 of the rod exposed through the sleeve 20. Each plastic control panel 38 (40 is not shown in Figure 3) is permanently affixed to the rod by an adhesive layer 62. The control panel 38 also may be bonded to the metal rod 58 in other ways, such as heat- bonding. The rod 58 should comprise a metal that is sufficiently rigid to support the control panel 38, yet sufficiently flexible to conform to the shape of the steering wheel .

Referring to Figure 4A, an upper surface 68 of each pressure sensor 26a has contact pads 64, 66 that provide the sensor's output signals. The wires 56 that connect the sensor 26a to the harness and to the synthesizer (not shown in Figure 4A) are permanently attached to the sensor 26a with solder 70. Once the wires 56 are attached, an insulating adhesive material 72 (e.g., glue) is placed over the upper surface 68 of the sensor 26a, including the contact pads 64, 66, so that the pressure sensor 26a may be attached to the sleeve 20. As shown in Figure 4B, the sleeve 20 is comprised of inner and outer sleeve layers 53a, 53b. Each pressure sensor 26a is glued to the inner surface 54 of the outer sleeve layer 53a with the wires 56 extending from beneath the sensor 26a. The wires 58 are bundled with wires 74 from another sensor (not shown) and affixed to the inner surface 54 of the sleeve layer 53a with tape 76. Other substances, such as glue, also may be used to fasten the wires 56, 74 to the outer sleeve layer 53a.

After all of the sensors and wires are securely fastened to the outer sleeve layer 53a, the inner sleeve layer 53b, which is identical in size and substance to the outer sleeve layer 53a, is heat-bonded or glued to the inner surface 54 of the outer sleeve layer 53a. The second sleeve layer 53b protects the sensors and wires from forces that might otherwise tear these components away from the sleeve. Once the sleeve layers 53a, 53b are bonded, a velcro-strip 78 is placed along one edge 79 of the sleeve 20 on the outer sleeve layer 53b, and a mating velcro strip 80 is placed along the other edge 81 of the sleeve 20 on the inner sleeve layer 53b. When the sleeve 20 is wrapped around the steering wheel (not shown in Figure 4B) , the velcro strips 78, 80 mate to hold the sleeve 20 to the steering wheel .

As shown in Figure 4C, instead of velcro strips, zipper teeth 82 may be sewn or glued along the edges 79, 81 of the sleeve layers 53a, 53b. A zipper 83 then may be used to fasten the sleeve 20 to the steering wheel temporarily.

To prevent the electronic music system from interfering with operation of the steering wheel, the cable that connects the sleeve to the synthesizer must be able to move with the steering wheel. Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C show alternative embodiments for such a cable. In Figure 5A, the cable 85 is housed in a flywheel type housing 86 mounted to the steering column 30 of the automobile. As the operator of the automobile turns the steering wheel (not shown) from its center position, the cable 85 is drawn from the housing 86. As the steering wheel returns to its center position, the flywheel housing 86 automatically retracts the cable 85. As a result, the cable 85 always reaches as far as necessary to allow unrestricted movement of the steering wheel.

In Figure 5B, a portion of the cable 85 is coiled like a telephone cable. As the driver turns the steering wheel from its center position and places tension on the cable 85, the cable 85 expands to the required length. Then, as the steering wheel returns to its center position and the tension on the cable 85 is released, the cable 85 recoils to return to its original length. Because coiling is not required for the entire length of the cable, a housing 88 is provided to provide an interface between the coiled cable 85 and the straight cable 87, which runs to the synthesizer (not shown). Adhesives such as velcro or glue fasten the housings 86, 88 to the steering column 30. In Figure 5C, the cable 85 is threaded through the center of the automobile's steering column 30. While this option is not available for all automobiles, it is available for automobiles in which the center of the steering column 30 may be accessed easily. Referring to Figure 6, the synthesizer 24 receives electronic signals from the sleeve 20 through an input port 89 and provides the signals to a programmable controller 90. Under the instructions of a program 92, the controller 90 deciphers the electrical signals and uses them to access digitized sound packets 94 stored in memory 96. The controller 90 provides the digitized sound packets 94 to a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter 98, which converts the digitized sound into analog sound signals 100. The D/A converter 98 sends the analog sound signals 100 to the stereo system 32, which in turn amplifies the sound signals and plays them through the speakers 34.

When the programmable controller 90 receives an electrical signal from a pressure sensor (not shown) , it determines which sensor generated the signal and which sound it associated with that sensor. The controller then retrieves the appropriate sound from memory 96 and plays it through the stereo system 32. If power is on and the controller 90 receives a signal from the power on/off button (42 in Figure 1) , the controller 90 shuts off power to the sensors to disable the electronic sound system. The controller 90 restores power to the system when it receives a subsequent electrical signal from the power on/off button (i.e, when the operator subsequently presses the power on/off button) . When the controller 90 receives a signal from one of the volume control buttons (44, 46 in Figure 1), the controller 90 determines which button sent the signal and adjusts the magnitude of the digitized sound signal accordingly. The controller 90 increases the magnitude of the sound signals when the "up" control button is pressed and decreases magnitude when the "down" control button is pressed.

The sound assignment buttons (48, 50 in Figure 1) allow the controller 90 to reassign the digitized sound 94 associated with each sensor. When the operator presses and holds one of these buttons, thereby sending a continuous signal to the controller 90, the controller awaits a signal from one of the pressure sensors (i.e., waits for the operator to strike one of the sensors) . If the operator strikes a pressure sensor while pressing one of the sound adjustment buttons, the controller 90 retrieves and plays the sound associated with that sensor. If the operator again strikes the sensor, the controller scrolls through the digitized sounds 94 to retrieve and play the next sound 94 available for that sensor. When the operator releases the adjustment button, the controller 90 stores the new sound as the one associated with the pressure sensor. If, on the other hand, the operator continues to hold the adjustment button and strike the pressure sensor, the controller 90 continues to scroll to subsequent digitized sounds. The two adjustment buttons determine the direction in which the controller 90 scrolls the digitized sounds 94. Alternatively, the sound assignment buttons may cause the controller 90 to assign preset sounds to each of the pressure sensors. Common preset sounds are rock sounds (such as a snare and tom-tom drums and crash and high-hat cymbals) , Latin sounds (such as bongo and conga drums) , and percussion sounds (such as cow bells, wood blocks, cymbals, and timbales) . The sound assignment buttons also may vary the sounds between different types of musical instruments, such as percussion, strings, and piano. Figures 7 through 9 show alternative embodiments for the portable electronic music system. In Figure 7, pressure sensors lOOa-h and control buttons 102a-e (e.g., power on/off, volume, and sound assignment buttons) are built into an automobile's steering wheel 104. The wires 106 that connect the sensors lOOa-h and the buttons 102a- e to the synthesizer (not shown) are threaded through the automobile's steering column 108. The buttons 102a-e are grouped along the spokes 105a-b of the steering wheel 104 so that the driver may access the buttons 102a-e easily without removing his/her hands from the steering wheel 104. The power button 102a and the volume control buttons 102b-c are located on the "10:00" spoke 105a, and the pad assignment buttons 102d-e are located on the "2:00" spoke 105b. The built-in system is particularly useful when the automobile manufacturer provides the electronic sound system.

The automobile also may include a foot sensor 107 mounted in the automobile's floorboard (not shown) . The foot sensor 107 responds to taps by the driver's foot. A cable 109 running along and through the floorboard connects the foot sensor 107 to the synthesizer (not shown in Figure 7) . The foot sensor 107 may be used, for example, to generate the sounds of a bass drum.

In Figure 8, an electronic sound system is built into a motorcycle 110. Pressure sensors 112 are located in plastic panels 114a, 114b that extend from the motorcycle's handlebars 116a, 116b along the handgrips 118a, 188b. Control buttons 120 also are located in the plastic panels 114a, 114b. This allows the motorcycle driver to operate the electronic music system without removing his hands from the handgrips 118a, 188b. A synthesizer/amplifier 122 is located in the body 124 of the motorcycle and is connected to the sensors 112 and control buttons 120 through wires (not shown) that run through the handlebars 116a, 116b and body 124 of the motorcycle. The synthesizer/amplifier 122 may play the sound through a speaker 126 built into the body 124 of the motorcycle 110 or through a headphone jack 128 built into the synthesizer/amplifier 122. Figure 9 shows an electronic music system for use with a child's car seat 130. The system includes a PVC sleeve 132, much like that described above, that fits over a toy steering wheel 134 attached to the car seat 130. Within the sleeve are pressure sensors 136 that detect the tapping of a child's hand. When the child strikes one of the sensors 136, the sensor transmits an electrical signal through a cable 140 to a synthesizer/amplifier 138, which in turn plays a corresponding sound signal through a speaker 142. The sound signals may be musical notes or percussion sounds, as well as non-musical sounds, such as human voices, animal noises, or other entertaining sounds. The synthesizer/amplifier 138 is a portable device that may be placed anywhere near the car seat 130. The synthesizer/amplifier includes a power supply (not shown) , such as a 12 -volt battery, that powers the electronic music system. The synthesizer 138 also may include a headphone jack 144 to bypass the speaker 142. The sleeve may cover the entire surface of a steering wheel. Also, instead of a PVC sleeve, the electronic music system may include a lightweight sheet that adheres to the passenger side of an automobile's dashboard. The sound synthesizer may be wired to the automobile's horn so that sounds such as human voices may be used to communicate with pedestrians and other drivers .

As shown in Figure 10, the electronic sound system may be built into more portable objects, such as a three ring binder 150. For purposes of receiving input, the binder 150 has four pressure sensors 152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d that are located under an outer surface of a front panel 156. The sensors 152a-d are arranged in a square pattern with each sensor 152 being located at a corner of the pattern and being associated with a sound, such as a natural sound (e.g., a musical sound, a human sound, an animal sound or a percussion sound) . When the binder 150 is closed, one can apply momentary pressure, or tap, on the outer surface of the front panel 156 to generate the natural sounds. The sounds resonate inside a cavity 151 (Fig. 16) defined by the panels of binder 150 when the binder 150 is closed.

As shown in Figure 11, a synthesizer 163 generates and controls the sounds emitted by the sound system. The synthesizer 163 is enclosed by a housing and is mounted inside the binder 150 on the inner surface of the front panel 156. The synthesizer 163 has a piezo-electric speaker 164 and a control interface 166 with buttons 174 for controlling the magnitude and type of sounds radiating from the speaker 164. A nine volt battery 170 is enclosed within a housing and furnishes power to the synthesizer 163.

For purposes of connecting the synthesizer 163 (mounted on the inner surface of the panel 156) to the sensors 152a-d (mounted on the outer surface of the panel 156) , a cable 176 extends from the sensors 152a-d through a hole 168 formed in the front panel 156. The cable 176 has an end plug 178 which that is adapted to form an electrical connection with a connector 180 of a cable 181 extending from the synthesizer 163.

Besides the front panel 156, the binder 150 has a spine, or middle panel 158, and a rear panel 160. The three panels 156, 160 and 162 are held together by a flexible material (e.g., plastic vinyl). A three ring binder assembly 162 is mounted inside the binder 150 on the inner surface of rear panel 160. Three compact disc (CD) slots 155 are formed in the flexible material where the material covers the inner surface of the rear panel 160. As shown in Figure 12, the speaker 164 and battery 170 may be separated from other parts of the synthesizer 163. For this arrangement, the nine volt battery 170 is mounted within a housing 165 enclosing the speaker 164. A battery power cable 184 extends from the battery 170 to the control interface 166, and a speaker cable 182 extends from the control interface 166 to the speaker 164.

As shown in Fig. 13, buttons 174a, 174b, 174c, 174d, and 174e of the control interface 166 include

"volume up" 174a and "volume down" 174b buttons to adjust the magnitude of sound provided by the speaker 164. The on/off button 174c controls power to the unit 166. The sound assignment buttons 174d and 174e may be used to control the sounds assigned to the sensors 152a-d, as described above.

As shown in Fig. 14, for purposes of mounting the sensors 152a-d to the front panel 156 (preferably, a 0.025 inch fiber board), circular depressions 190a, 190b, 190c, and 190d that are sized to hold the sensors 152a-d, respectively, are cut in the rear of the panel 156. The depressions 190a-d allow the pressure surface of each sensor 152a-d to be approximately flush with the surface of the panel 156. Four cable channels 192a, 192b, 192c, and 192d (having a depth of approximately 0.125 inches and a width of approximately 0.0625 inches) are formed in the panel 156 with each channel 192a-d extending from one of the depressions 190a-d, respectively, to the hole 168. Referring to Figure 15, cables 176a, 176b, 176c, and 176d extending from the sensors 152a-b, respectively, are seated within the channels 192a-d (Fig. 14) . Because the wires 176a-d and sensors 152a-d are seated inside the channels 192a-d and depressions 190a-d, the outside surface of the front panel 156 remains substantially smooth, and once covered by the flexible material, the sensors 152a-d and wires 176a-d are barely detectable. The flexible material covering the sensors 152a-d may be marked to identify the location of the sensors 152a-d.

As shown in Figure 17, the synthesizer 163 has an input port 200 providing an interface between the cable 181 (and sensors 152a-d) and a programmable controller 202. The programmable controller 202 has a memory 198 for storing a program (to control the sound system) , and the controller 202 is coupled to a memory 194 storing a digital representation of predetermined sounds 196. The output of the controller 202 is connected to a digital- to-analog converter converter (DAC) 204 which produces an analog signal furnished to a mixer 206. The mixer 206 allows the sounds generated by the controller 202 to be combined with sounds produced by other sources (e.g., a CD-ROM player) . The output of the mixer 206 is provided to an output driver 195 which drives the speaker 164 via the speaker cable 182. Alternatively, the mixer 206 may be omitted from the synthesizer 163, and in this arrangement, the output of the DAC 204 is connected directly to the output driver 195.

The output driver 195 is also configured to drive external speakers other than the speaker 164 and drive external preamplifiers/amplifiers. As a result, the output of the synthesizer 163 can be connected as an input to another audio system 185, such as a portable stereo system (e.g., a "boom box") or a stereo system of an automobile. To accomplish this, the synthesizer 163 has an external audio output jack 183 that is configured to receive a mating plug of an audio cable (not shown) that extends to the system 185. The jack 183 is electrically connected to the output driver 195.

In other arrangements, the sound system is mounted to the binder in a different manner. For example, as shown in Fig. 18, the front panel 156 may be replaced with another front panel 230. The combination of this front panel 230 and a backing plate 239 (mounted inside the binder 150 to the interior of the front panel 230) eliminate exposed cables of the sound system. For purposes of connecting the sensors 152a-d to a synthesizer 231 (similar in design to the synthesizer 163), a female plug (not shown) of the unit 231 is adapted to mate with a male plug 237 permanently mounted inside the binder 150, as described below. The rear face of the unit 231 is glued to the backing plate 239 which permanently affixes the unit 231 to the binder.

As shown in Fig. 19, the front panel 230 has holes 232a, 232b, 232c, and 232d which replace the depressions 190a-d, respectively, as the sensors 152a-d extend entirely through the front panel 230. As shown in Figure 20, channels 233a, 233b, 233c, and 233d are formed in the interior of the panel 230, instead of on the exterior of the panel 230. The channels 233a-d hold the wires 176a- d, respectively, that extend from the sensors 152a-d to the plug 237. Each channel 233 extends from one hole 232 toward a rectangular depression 235 which is sized to hold the plug 237.

Referring to Figs. 21 and 22, the backing plate 239 covers the wires 190a-d and provides a backstop for the non-pressure surfaces of the sensors 152a-d which are glued to the backing plate 239. The otherwise solid backing plate 239 has a rectangular opening 241 through which the plug 237 extends. The interior surface of the front panel 230 furnishes a backstop for the plug 239. The thickness of the panel 230 allows the front surface of each sensor 152a-d to extend approximately .0001 inches beyond the outer surface of the front panel 230.

As shown in Figure 23, the sound system may be built into a keyboard wrist pad 210 that is typically used to provide support for a person's wrist while the person is working at a computer keyboard. In this arrangement, sensors 218a, 218b, 218c, and 218d are embedded in the wrist pad 210 so that the pressure surfaces of the sensors 218c-d are responsive to monentarily applied pressure, or a tap, on the top surface of the pad 210 (near the sensor) . A musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) circuit 212 interfaces the sensors 218a-d to a computer 215 (via a cable 214) . The computer 215 is programmed to perform the functions of a synthesizer (e.g., synthesizer 163) and reproduce sounds as a result of any tapping on the pad 210. The sensors 218a-d are constructed to be rigid enough to respond to light taps near the surface of the wrist pad 210 but rigid enough to allow a wrist to rest on the top surface of the wrist pad 210. The keyboard wrist pad 210 has an external audio jack 213 (similar in connection and design to the jack 183 of the synthesizer 163) that is used to connect the pad 210 to another audio system 211 (e.g., a "boom box") . As shown in Figure 24, the sound system may be built into a mouse pad 220. In this embodiment, sensors 228, 228b, 228c, and 228d are embedded underneath a top surface of the pad 220. A MIDI circuit 224 interfaces the sensors 228a-d to a computer 225 (via a cable 226) . The computer 225 is programmed to perform the functions of a synthesizer (e.g., synthesizer 163) and reproduce sounds as a result of any tapping on the pad 220. The sensors 228a-d are rigid enough to respond to light taps near the surface of the mouse pad 220 but rigid enough to allow a mouse to be moved over the surface of the pad 220 without activating the sensors 228a-d. The mouse pad 220 has an external audio jack 227 (similar in connection and design to the jack 183 of the synthesizer 163) that is used to connect the pad 220 to another audio system 229 (e.g., a "boom box"). Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: a binder having a cover; a sensor embedded within the cover; and a synthesizer configured to generate a signal indicative of a sound in response to pressure being applied to the cover near the sensor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a speaker connected to reproduce the sound in response to the signal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an audio jack configured to connect the signal to another audio system.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sound comprises a natural sound.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sound is selected from a group consisting of a musical sound, a human sound, a percussion sound, and an animal sound.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the binder comprises a three ring binder.

7. An apparatus comprising: a binder having a cover; sensors embedded within the cover, each sensor associated with a different sound; and a synthesizer configured to generate different signals indicative of the diferrent sounds in response to pressure being applied to the cover near at least one of the sensors.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising: a speaker connected to reproduce the sound in response to the signal .

9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: an audio jack configured to connect the signal to another audio system.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sound comprises a natural sound.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sound is selected from a group consisting of a musical sound, a human sound, a percussion sound, and an animal sound.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the binder comprises a three ring binder.

13. An apparatus comprising: a binder having a panel; a sensor mounted to the panel ; a control interface connected to the synthesizer, the control interface having at least one button for indicating a selection of one of a set of predetermined sounds; a synthesizer configured to generate one of a predetermined set of signals in response to the selection and pressure being applied near the sensor, each of the predetermined set of signals being indicative of one of the set of predetermined sounds; and a speaker configured to reproduce one of the predetermined set of sounds in response to the one of the set of predetermined signals generated by the synthesizer.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the panel has a depression, and wherein the sensor is mounted within the depression.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the panel has a first surface, and wherein the sensor has a pressure sensitive surface substantially flush with the first surface.

16. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a flexible material covering the panel and sensor.

17. An apparatus comprising: a pad; and a sensor embedded in the pad and configured to generate a signal representative of a sound in response to pressure being applied to the pad near the sensor.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the apparatus further comprises an interface configured to convert the signal into another signal used by a computer to reproduce the sound.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the interface comprises a musical instrument digital interface .

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the pad comprises a keyboard wrist pad.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the pad comprises a mouse pad.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the sound comprises a natural sound.

23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the sound is selected from a group consisting of a musical sound, a human sound, a percussion sound, and an animal sound.

24. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: an audio jack configured to connect the signal to another audio system.

25. An method for use with a binder having a cover, comprising; using a sensor embedded within the cover to detect pressure on the cover; and generating a signal indicative of a sound in response to the using.

26. The method of claim 25 further comprising: using the signal to reproduce the sound.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein the sound comprises a natural sound.

28. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the sound comprises a musical sound, a human sound, a percussion sound, or an animal sound.

29. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the binder comprises a three ring binder.

30. A method for use with a binder having a cover, comprising: using sensors embedded within the cover to detect pressure being applied near the sensors, each sensor being associated with a different sound; and generate different signals indicative of the diferrent sounds in response to the using.

31. The method of claim 30 further comprising: using the signal to reproduce the sound.

32. The method of claim 30 wherein the sound comprises a natural sound.

33. The method of claim 30 wherein the sound comprises a musical sound, a human sound, a percussion sound, or an animal sound.

34. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the binder comprises a three ring binder.

35. A method for use with a binder having a panel, comprising: using a sensor mounted to the panel to detect pressure being applied to the panel; using a control interface having at least one button for indicating a selection of one of a set of predetermined sounds ; generating one of a predetermined set of signals in response to the selection and pressure being applied near the sensor, each of the predetermined set of signals being indicative of one of the set of predetermined sounds; and reproducing one of the predetermined set of sounds in response to the one of the predetermined set of signals generated by the synthesizer.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein the panel has a depression, the method further comprising mounting the sensor within the depression.

37. The method of claim 35 wherein the panel has a first surface and the sensor has a pressure sensitive surface, the method further comprising mounting the pressure sensitive surface substantially flush with the first surface.

38. The method of claim 35 further comprising covering the panel and sensor with a flexible material.

39. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the binder comprises a three-ring binder.

40. A method for use with a pad, comprising: using a sensor embedded in the pad to generate a signal representative of a sound in response to pressure being applied to the pad near the sensor.

41. The method of claim 40, the method further comprising converting the signal into another signal used by a computer to reproduce the sound.

42. The method of claim 40 wherein the converting includes using a musical instrument digital interface.

43. The method of claim 40 wherein the pad comprises a keyboard wrist pad.

44. The method of claim 40 wherein the pad comprises a mouse pad.

45. The method of claim 40 wherein the sound comprises a natural sound.

46. The method of claim 40 wherein the sound comprises a musical sound, a human sound, a percussion sound, or an animal sound.