Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices – Electro-acoustic audio transducer – Plural or compound reproducers
Patent
1997-08-19
2000-09-12
Woo, Stella
Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices
Electro-acoustic audio transducer
Plural or compound reproducers
1284205, 1284206, 455269, 455100, 600 25, 381326, 381315, 381151, H04R 2500
Patent
active
061188824
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method of radio frequency communication, in particular, but not exclusively, in audio apparatus of the kind consisting of a base unit containing circuitry for generating electrical signals representing sounds and at least one earphone adapted to receive the electrical signals and to reproduce sounds represented by the signals. By earphone, we mean an electroacoustic transducer adapted-to fit in or adjacent the ear to provide sound thereto, preferably without significant emission of sound to the environment.
The invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to portable audio apparatus of the kind often called "personal stereo" equipment, in which the base unit contains sound reproducing apparatus such as an audio cassette player, compact disc player, and/or a radio receiver. In such apparatus, the circuitry in the base unit is designed to generate audio frequency signals which are supplied to the earphones through flexible leads extending from the base unit to the earphones.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The earphone leads of known personal stereos are unsightly and can be disadvantageous, for example if the user wishes to take part in physical exercise whilst wearing the apparatus.
It is an object of this invention to provide portable audio apparatus which avoids this disadvantage.
SUMMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of radio frequency communication between a transmitter and a receiver comprising disposing antenna means of the transmitter and the receiver sufficiently adjacent the body of a user for radio frequency signals to be transmitted substantially solely through the user's body from the transmitter to the receiver.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus comprising a first portion and second portion physically separate therefrom, at least one of the portions being adapted to transmit radio frequency signals, at least the other portion being adapted to receive radio frequency signals, one said portion being carried by or worn on or about the body of a user of the apparatus, and having means to transmit radio frequency signals thereto at least an antenna or terminal of the other portion being disposable in contact with or adjacent the user's body so that radio frequency communication between said portion is established through the user's body.
Thus the apparatus may be audio apparatus, wherein one portion is a base unit for generating radio frequency electrical signals representing sounds and the other portion comprises an earphone and means for demodulating the radio frequency signals into audio signals to drive the earphone.
The terminal is preferably a coil. This is particularly advantageous where the terminal is located adjacent to the user's body.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided audio apparatus comprising a base unit including circuitry for generating electrical signals representing sounds and at least one earphone adapted to receive the electrical signals and to reproduce sounds represented by the signals, in which the apparatus is provided externally with a first terminal arranged so that it can be positioned in use in contact with or in close proximity to the surface of the user's body, the circuitry is arranged to supply to the first terminal signals which are transmitted through the user's body, the or each earphone is provided with a further terminal arranged so that it can be positioned in use in contact with or in close proximity to the surface of the user's body so as to receive signals transmitted from the first terminal through the user's body, and the or each earphone includes receiving circuitry arranged to receive the signals.
The first terminal may be provided on a housing of the base unit.
The apparatus of this invention avoids the use of leads extending between the base unit and the earphones.
Preferably, the or each earphone includes an energy storage device (eg. a c
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Harvey Dionne N.
Woo Stella
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