Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices – One-way audio signal program distribution
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-31
2001-04-03
Chang, Vivian (Department: 2644)
Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices
One-way audio signal program distribution
C381S311000, C455S001000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212282
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wireless speaker system for use with a home audio system, particularly a wireless speaker system in the form of wireless headphones.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Wireless headphones or speakers that receive musical signals transmitted directly from home stereo systems or portable music players are known. These known headphones or speakers receive signals over prescribed electromagnetic bands, specifically in the 900 MHz range. Currently, such signals are limited in range by regulation, having a maximum range of 150 feet. Even without regulation, technological factors (for example signal strength) severely limit the range of known wireless headphone and speaker systems, making long-distance use impossible.
Typically, known wireless headphones are used around the home and allow the listener to move from room to room without the distraction or nuisance of a cord. The listener has full use of all stereo systems, such as radio, cassette, and compact disc player, but cannot move far from the audio source. Wireless headphone units may also transmit some functional instructions to the stereo system. Such a device is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,751 to Schwab.
In addition, known wireless headphones may be used outside the home in conjunction with portable music players, for example while jogging. In this case, the listener can move freely without the risk of getting tangled in a headphone cord. However, the listener has access only to the music system available on the portable music player, usually a cassette player or a compact disc player, and can only choose among those cassette tapes or compact discs the listener carries. Also, the listener must transport the portable music player. Carrying the portable music player can be cumbersome, and movement often causes a portable player, especially one that plays compact discs, to skip.
It is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,055 to Schwab to provide a modular telecommunications device for an electronic unit such as a laptop computer. The disclosed arrangement allows access to network, internet, and other computerized services via a wireless (e.g. cellular) network.
It is also known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,401 to Thompson to provide a hand held communication unit including a modem, wireless communication, a touchpad, and a display that also allows voice communication. The unit performs services such as voice-mail and voice communications, information retrieval, and on-line data base services.
It is desirable to provide a system by which a listener can access his or her home audio system from long distances and without the troublesome inconvenience of carrying a portable electronic device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to allow a listener to receive music from his or her home audio system while away from home.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide long distance, cordless access to the listener's home audio system.
In accordance with the present invention, a wireless speaker system includes, for example, a remote speaker device that cooperates with a transmission unit for a home audio system. The remote speaker device may be arranged, for example, in the form of headphones or in the form of a pair of standard audio speakers. Alternatively, the remote speaker device may be incorporated, for example, into an audio system such as a car radio. The transmission unit receives signals from a home audio source and transmits the signals to the remote speaker device via a wireless communication network, for example a digital wireless network.
The remote speaker device includes, for example, a wireless communications device, a digital to analog (“D/A”) converter for converting digital audio signals to analog audio signals, and a speaker. The remote speaker device may also include a keypad for dialing into a home audio system and inputting commands to the home audio system, as well as a display such as an LED display. In the headphones arrangement, the modem, wireless communication device, D/A converter, keypad, and display may all be included in the headband of the headphones.
The wireless speaker system also includes a transmission unit connected to the home audio system, for example a home stereo or personal computer. The transmission unit receives an audio signal from the home audio system, converts the audio signal into a digital audio signal using an analog to digital (“A/D”) converter, and transmits the digital audio signal to the remote speaker device via a wireless communication device. The transmission unit may also receive command signals from the remote speaker device and send the signals to the home audio unit via a control device. Because the system of the present invention transmits signals via wireless communication line or network rather than directly via radio signal, the system is not limited in range. It is therefore an advantage of the present invention that the listener can receive music from his or her home audio system from virtually anywhere in the world.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the listener has access to the full range of musical options available on a home audio system.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the listener need not carry a portable music device.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the listener is free to move about without the audio source skipping.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it may be used in conjunction with other speaker systems, including car speakers or portable speakers.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4685133 (1987-08-01), Iggulden
patent: 4845751 (1989-07-01), Schwab
patent: 5113428 (1992-05-01), Fitzgerald
patent: 5247293 (1993-09-01), Nakagawa
patent: 5465401 (1995-11-01), Thompson
patent: 5495357 (1996-02-01), Osterhout
patent: 5497502 (1996-03-01), Castille
patent: 5551065 (1996-08-01), Honore
patent: 5553312 (1996-09-01), Gattey et al.
patent: 5628055 (1997-05-01), Stein
patent: 5854985 (1998-12-01), Sainton et al.
patent: 6014236 (2000-01-01), Flaherty
Chang Vivian
Kenyon & Kenyon
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