Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices – One-way audio signal program distribution – Near field
Reexamination Certificate
1997-07-08
2001-03-27
Chang, Vivian (Department: 2747)
Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices
One-way audio signal program distribution
Near field
C455S041300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06208740
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to magnetic induction transmitters and sound systems, and more particularly, to portable magnetic induction transmitters and sound systems that use personal magnetic induction transmission transducers.
Monophonic magnetic induction sound systems have been known for some time and have been used for a variety of purposes. In a magnetic induction sound system, output from an audio source such as a microphone or radio receiver is provided to a magnetic induction transmitter, such as a transmitting loop. The transmitter transmits a signal to a magnetic induction pick-up coil, also known as a telephone coil or T-coil, using a fluctuating magnetic field. The signal is received by the pick-up coil and is transmitted to an amplifier or earphone in an ear piece. Magnetic induction pick-up coils have been used in hearing aid devices for some time and were originally used to enable the user to listen to a telephone by inductive pick-up of fluctuating magnetic fields generated by a telephone receiver rather than by using a microphone in the hearing aid. Monophonic magnetic induction sound systems have also been used in classrooms. For example, transmitters, in the form of one or more large loops encircling a classroom or other larger area, have been used to transmit a signal to pick-up coils in ear pieces or hearing aids worn by users in an area encircled by or near the loop or loops. Similarly, individual monophonic magnetic induction sound systems have been disclosed in which a magnetic induction transmitter worn by a user transmits a monophonic signal to one or more pick-up coils worn by a user. A magnetic induction transmitter used in such an individual sound system has typically taken the form of a wire loop draped loosely around the neck of a user, with electricity passing through the loop to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that encircles the head of a user. Alternatively, it has been proposed to attach the magnetic induction transmitter directly to the outer casing of the ear piece. Monophonic magnetic induction sound system have been very beneficial, particularly for use by the hearing impaired, but the sound quality of the systems has been relatively poor.
In the field of high fidelity sound systems, stereophonic headphones have gotten smaller, and “wireless” headphones have been introduced. Nonetheless, headphones or ear pieces still typically require wires to be connected to the ear pieces to transmit the stereophonic signals. Even so-called “wireless” headphones typically use a relatively bulky headset having an external antenna that is hardwired to the ear pieces or ear phones that are secured to the headsets. These wireless headphones typically utilize radio or infrared signals broadcast by a near-by transmitter. Although typical stereophonic headphones provide good sound quality, it is sometimes undesirable to have wires extending between ear pieces and an audio source. Similarly, it is sometimes undesirable to wear bulky headphones. Particularly when engaging in physical activity, it is often difficult to retain such headphones or ear pieces in place. Also, prolonged use of such headphones or ear pieces is typically uncomfortable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic induction sound system that is capable of providing stereophonic sound.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type that combines the advantages of hearing aid technology with the sound quality of high fidelity headphones.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type in which a simple magnetic induction transmitter may be used to transmit stereophonic signals to magnetic induction pick-up coils in ear pieces.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type in which a magnetic induction transmitter worn around a user's neck may provide stereophonic signals to pick-up coils worn by a user.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type in which two or more magnetic induction antennas may be used to transmit different signals to different pick-up coils in ear pieces worn by a user.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type in which two or more magnetic induction antennas worn about a user's neck may be used to transmit different signals to different pick-up coils in ear pieces worn by a user.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type in which a magnetic induction transmitter is capable of transmitting a first signal to a first pick-up coil and a different, second signal to a second pick-up coil.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system of the above type in which small, wireless ear pieces placed in the external ear may provide stereophonic sound.
Toward the fulfillment of these and other objects and advantages, the stereophonic magnetic induction sound system of the present invention comprises an audio source, at least two ear pieces, each having a magnetic induction pick-up coil, and a magnetic induction transmitter connected to the audio source and capable of transmitting different signals to the pick-up coils in the two ear pieces. The transmitter may have two or more antennas, a first conductor for transmitting one signal to one of the antennas, a second conductor for transmitting a different signal to the other antenna, and grounds connected to each antenna. The antennas are comprised of a core with a wire coiled about the core and are shaped and positioned on a user's neck to, at least partially, selectively transmit their respective signals toward a particular, near-by pick-up coil. A connector or stereophonic jack is used to connect the transmitter to an audio source, and a supporting member secures the antennas around a user's neck and restricts movement of the antennas relative to the neck.
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Chang Vivian
Crutcher William C.
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