Apparatus and method for producing vibratory sensations to accompany audible sounds in a properly phased relationship

Abstract

An improved system and related method are disclosed for producing vibratory sensations on a listener's body which are similar to those experienced during a live performance, both in their vibratory nature and in their properly synchronized timing with the audible sounds which the listener is hearing at any given moment. The vibrations are imparted to the body of the listener by using a gel pack interposed between the body of the listener and a rigid or semi-rigid member on which a surface transducer is mounted, thereby providing an enhanced degree of coupling between the surface transducer and a relatively large area of the listener's body. The propagation of vibrations to the body of the listener is delayed using electronic circuitry interposed between a source of electronic signals and the surface transducer to allow the sound waves from a speaker to reach the ears of the listener at the same time that the vibrations are provided to the body of the listener.