Method and apparatus for introducing subliminal changes to audio stimuli

#The present invention relates broadly to both exercise motivation tools and to audio signal reproduction devices.

#Exercise has become an important activity to many people, in part because of the publicized benefits such as cardio-vascular, weight control, muscle tone and others. For an average person, it is desirable to reach a target heart rate for a recommended period of time during an exercise routine. Athletes may wish to train beyond the average target heart rate.

#Repetitive exercise such as walking, jogging and biking have been shown to be excellent aerobic activities for meeting both target heart rates and training goals. Unfortunately, these activities, when prolonged, are sometimes associated with a degree of boredom. Additionally, the rate of activity needed to reach and maintain target heart rates and training goals is intimidating for some.

#FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the audio motivation apparatus of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a partial schematic block diagram of a prior art audio play-back device.

#FIG. 3 is a sample graph of the voltage output of the tempo control unit of the present invention.

#Since the invention resides primarily in the novel structure combination and the method of operation of well-known circuits and devices, and not in the specific detailed structure thereof, the structure, control, and arrangement of these well-known circuits and devices are illustrated in the drawings by use of readily understandable block representations and schematic diagrams, which show only the specific details pertinent to the present invention. This is done in order not to obscure the disclosure with structural details which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the description herein. Also, various portions of this invention have been appropriately consolidated and simplified to stress those aspects most pertinent.

#The audio motivation apparatus labeled 100 in FIG. 1 is an apparatus capable of carrying out the objects of the present invention. It is capable of audio/aural reproduction with tempo or volume changes which are so gradual over a time period or time periods that they are subliminal in nature. While linear subliminal changes are described below, curvilinear subliminal changes are also possible. The audio motivation apparatus 100 is a combination of a special subliminal control apparatus 101 and a prior art audio play-back device 112, and may be constructed as one physical unit, or the subliminal control apparatus 101 may be in the form of a removal module which when not connected to the audio play-back apparatus, allows the the audio play-back device to function in a typical prior art fashion. The audio play-back device can be almost any device capable of reproducing recordings, including but not limited to, tape (analog and digital) players, compact disk (CD) players, phonograph record players, recording organs, music boxes and radios, or those employing non-movable media devices such as random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs) or programmable read only memories (PROMs), for audio signal storage. The user may conveniently change an audio program or library of audio programs by inserting/engaging the appropriate storage device.

#Music of all types can be used, although band or orchestra music has some advantages for some forms of physical activity. Additionally, the audio stimuli can be in the form of rhythmic notes or beats (cadence indicia) to which the user may synchronize his or her movements. The beats may be pre-recorded, or they may be isolated from music using prior art filtering techniques by slightly modifying the present circuit. Whether analog or digital (such as ROMs), the audio signal can take on many forms, such as a standard medically prescribed program, a standard physical exercise program, or one which establishes safety limits for an individual user.