EP1679937A1 - Drahtloses Ausgabesystem für Audio/Video Einrichtungen - Google Patents

Drahtloses Ausgabesystem für Audio/Video Einrichtungen Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1679937A1
EP1679937A1 EP05250029A EP05250029A EP1679937A1 EP 1679937 A1 EP1679937 A1 EP 1679937A1 EP 05250029 A EP05250029 A EP 05250029A EP 05250029 A EP05250029 A EP 05250029A EP 1679937 A1 EP1679937 A1 EP 1679937A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wireless
audio
control signal
receiver
base unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05250029A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Raymond 9th Floor Block C Chan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
IDT Sonicvision Ltd
Original Assignee
IDT Sonicvision Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by IDT Sonicvision Ltd filed Critical IDT Sonicvision Ltd
Priority to EP05250029A priority Critical patent/EP1679937A1/de
Publication of EP1679937A1 publication Critical patent/EP1679937A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2420/00—Details of connection covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2420/07—Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wireless output system for use with audio and/or video (AV) equipment, such as CD or TV/DVD players.
  • AV audio and/or video
  • Remote output systems are generally known especially in the field of audio equipment, such as cordless speakers or headphones.
  • a base receives an audio signal from an audio source and then transmits the signal via infrared or radio frequency, for example, to one or more remote speakers for reproducing the sound, music or the like.
  • These systems are invariably designed for non-interactive, listening purpose alone.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a new or improved wireless output system that interacts with the source for enhanced functionality.
  • a wireless output system for use with audio and/or video equipment with an associated remote controller, which system comprises a base unit for use with the equipment and an output unit for use at a remote location, the two units being communicable with each other via a wireless link.
  • the base unit comprises an input for connection to the equipment for receiving an audio and/or video signal therefrom, a first transmitter for transmitting a wireless audio and/or video signal corresponding to the audio and/or video signal received at the input, for reception by the output unit, a receiver for receiving a wireless control signal from the output unit, and a second transmitter for transmitting a wireless control signal based on the wireless control signal received by the receiver, for reception by the equipment.
  • the output unit comprises a first receiver for receiving the wireless audio and/or video signal from the base unit, an output device for reproducing sound and/or image based on the wireless audio and/or video signal received by the first receiver, a second receiver for receiving a wireless control signal from the remote controller, and a transmitter for transmitting a wireless control signal corresponding to the wireless control signal received by the second receiver, for reception by the base unit.
  • the wireless link for communication between the base unit and the output unit comprises a radio frequency link.
  • the wireless link for communication between the base unit and the output unit comprises a digital radio frequency link.
  • the wireless link for communication between the base unit and the output unit comprises a full duplex radio frequency link.
  • the wireless link is based on a frequency substantially of 5.8GHz.
  • the second receiver of the output unit comprises an infrared receiver for receiving an infrared control signal from the remote controller
  • the second transmitter of the base unit comprises an infrared transmitter for transmitting substantially the same infrared control signal to the equipment.
  • the second transmitter of the base unit comprises a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes arranged to cover substantially all angular directions.
  • the output unit includes a speaker and a volume control circuit associated with the speaker for operation to control the volume of the sound generated by the speaker based on the wireless audio signal received by the first receiver, according to the wireless control signal received by the second receiver.
  • the wireless audio signal for the operation of the volume control circuit comprises volume up, volume down and mute signals.
  • the output unit includes a learning circuit associated with the second receiver for learning and later recognizing the wireless control signal for the operation of the volume control circuit, and a memory for saving data of the learnt wireless control signal.
  • the output device comprises a display screen with speaker for reproducing images and sound originated from the equipment.
  • the audio signal from said equipment includes at least one of text data and image data
  • the output unit is adapted to process and display said at least one of text data and image data on the display screen.
  • a first wireless output system embodying the invention which is a wireless speaker system for use with audio equipment/source 10, such as a MP3 player, placed in the lounge for example and an IR (infrared) remote controller 20 associated with the equipment 10.
  • the speaker system consists of a base unit 100 for use in front of and preferably adjacent the audio equipment 10 and a speaker unit 200 for use at a remote location such as in the master bedroom.
  • the two units 100 and 200 are designed to co-operate and communicate with each other in a wireless manner, preferably via a wireless digital RF (radio frequency) link tuned at a frequency of 5.8GHz.
  • the base unit 100 has a generally spherical housing 110 that includes a flat bottom 111 for standing, a transparent or translucent top 112 and a rear recess 114.
  • Three IR LEDs 113 are located symmetrically inside the housing 110 for emitting an IR control signal out through the top 112, 360° around the housing 110 i.e. all angular directions for full coverage.
  • an electronic operating circuit 120 for the base unit 100 which incorporates an audio signal input circuit 121 connected to the input sockets 115B and 115C, an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) 122 connected to the input circuit 121, and an RF transceiver (integrated circuit) 123 with antenna 124 connected to the ADC 122.
  • the input circuit 121 processes the input audio signal, such as selecting amongst the audio sources i.e. channels, and the ADC 122 then converts the audio signal into digital format.
  • the transmitter part of the transceiver 123 subsequently modulates (including compression), amplifies and transmits the digital signal as a wireless RF audio signal, which is equivalent or corresponds to the original input audio signal, for reception by the speaker unit 200.
  • the receiver part of the transceiver 123 serves to receive a wireless RF control signal from the speaker unit 200, which is equivalent to or represents an IR control signal given by the remote controller 20 for controlling the operation of the audio equipment 10, as hereinafter described.
  • the operating circuit 120 includes a main control unit (MCU) 125 that is connected to the input circuit 121 for controlling the same and also to the transceiver 123 for gathering and processing the aforesaid control signal therefrom and then feeding it to an IR transmitter 126 connected between the MCU 125 and the IR LEDs 113.
  • the IR transmitter 126 serves to modulate, amplify and transmit the control signal as a wireless IR control signal for reception by the audio equipment 10.
  • the speaker unit 200 also has a generally spherical housing 210 that likewise includes a flat bottom 211 for standing but it is considerably larger than the base housing 110. On a slanting front 212 of this housing 210, there are mounted a subwoofer 212A centrally on the upper half, a pair of main speakers 212B on opposite left and right sides and a circular LCD display 212C right below the subwoofer 212A. A speaker grill 212D covers the housing front 212, while exposing the display 212C.
  • the speaker unit 200 may also operate on AC/DC power, including a DC power jack at the back of its housing 210 for power connection.
  • the speaker unit 200 has an IR sensor 213 (the first one of a pair at the same location) right below the housing front 212 for receiving the aforesaid IR control signal from the remote controller 20.
  • IR sensor 213 the first one of a pair at the same location
  • an electronic operating circuit 220 that incorporates, as connected in series, an RF transceiver (integrated circuit) 221 with antenna 222, a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) 223 and an audio amplifier 224.
  • the speaker transceiver 221 is tuned with the base transceiver 123 for its receiver part to receive the wireless digital RF audio signal transmitted by the base transceiver 123.
  • the DAC 223 then restores the received audio signal into analogue format, and the audio amplifier 224 finally amplifies the analogue audio signal to drive the speakers 212A and 212B for sound generation.
  • the operating circuit 220 includes a main control unit (MCU) 225 that is connected to and controls the operation of the LCD display 212C, the transceiver 221 and the audio amplifier 224.
  • the MCU 225 has built-in clock functions, or is otherwise connected to an external clock chip, for displaying time on the LCD display 212C with alarm and snooze (optional), etc., essentially in a conventional manner. Such clock functions are executed using the clock key 214G and the (volume) up and down keys 214C and 214D.
  • Another built-in function of the MCU 225 is an audio equalizer (for bass and treble adjustment, etc.) that is activated using the equalizer key 214F.
  • the IR sensor 213 is connected to the MCU 225 for receiving and feeding the aforesaid IR control signal (originated from the remote controller 20) to the MCU 225, which in turn invokes the transceiver 221 to transmit the control signal as a wireless RF control signal for reception by the transceiver 123 of the base unit 100.
  • the base MCU 125 invokes the IR transmitter 126 and the IR LEDs 113 to reproduce and then transmit the IR control signal to the audio equipment 10 as if the reproduced or reconstructed IR control signal were directly issued by the remote controller 20.
  • These components together perform a repeat function that repeats and passes on the IR control signal of the remote controller 20 via the wireless digital RF link from the speaker unit 200 to the base unit 100.
  • Certain system control signals are also transmitted via the wireless digital RF link from the speaker unit 200 to the base unit 100, such as an audio channel select signal issued by the speaker unit 200 using the channel selection key 214B for controlling the input circuit 121 of the base unit 100.
  • volume control functions i.e. volume up (V+), volume down (V-) and mute, which can be implemented right at the speaker unit 200 given that the unit 200 is fundamentally an active speaker system. This would be necessary for those audio equipment 10 that usually do not have such functions built-in, such as DVD/CD players and pre-amplifiers.
  • the speaker unit 200 For performing the volume control functions, the speaker unit 200 must first learn to comprehend the relevant IR control signals of the remote controller 20, with the relevant learnt data being stored in a RAM memory 226 connected to the MCU 225.
  • the process comes to a stop (Box 311).
  • the learning mode there is a first period of one minute for the second IR sensor 213 to receive an IR V+ signal from the relevant remote controller 20 (Box 305), which upon receipt will be saved in the memory 226 (Box 306), otherwise the process will terminate (Box 311).
  • the saved data include carry frequency and data length. If the learning mode continues, the process will be repeated for an IR V- signal (Boxes 307 and 308) and subsequently for a mute IR signal (Boxes 309 and 310).
  • a check is conducted as to whether an IR control signal is received (Box 401) from the remote controller 20 for the selected audio equipment 10.
  • the data carried therein is extracted (Box 405) and then compared with the V+ data (Box 406) or V-data (Box 409) previously learnt and saved in the memory 226.
  • the volume of the speakers 212A and 212B will be turned up or down (Box 408/411) as appropriate, and the process will come to a stop (Box 418).
  • a similar process is carried out for a mute signal.
  • the data carried therein is compared with the saved mute data (Box 412). In the affirmative (Box 413), the speakers 212A and 212B are muted or unmated (Box 414) as appropriate, and the process will terminate (Box 418).
  • the IR control signal In the case that the IR control signal is neither a V+, a V- nor a mute signal, it will be compressed and converted, etc. (Box 415) and then transmitted as a RF control signal for reception by the base unit 100 (Box 416). The base unit 100 will subsequently decompress, transform and pass on the control signal as an IR control signal (Box 417) for reception by the audio equipment 10. The IR control signal is thus repeated and afterwards the process terminates (Box 418), with the speaker unit 200 awaiting another IR control signal from the remote controller 20.
  • V+, V- and mute signals from the relevant remote controller 20 will simply be passed straight onto the audio source 10 whose speakers will then be adjusted in volume or muted/de-muted.
  • the base and speaker units 100 and 200 are paired for communication with each other in either direction, or bi-directionally and more specifically in a full duplex manner, via radio frequency. That is to say, from the base unit 100 to the speaker unit 200 for transmitting audio signals to avoid speaker wiring, and in the opposite direction for transmitting remote control signals to the source audio equipment conveniently using the same radio frequency link, without consideration of line of sight, for example, as needed for infrared control.
  • the MP3 player 10 may have an output for MP3 tags stored inside the MP3 files, which are generally known as ID3 that includes songs' information e.g. names, lyrics and artists (text messages) and pictures (photographic images), etc.
  • ID3 includes songs' information e.g. names, lyrics and artists (text messages) and pictures (photographic images), etc.
  • the base unit 100 of the subject invention may include an extra input socket for connection to the ID3 output of the MP3 player 10 for extracting the ID3 data therefrom.
  • the ID3 data signal will be handled by the base unit 100 in generally the same manner as the input audio signal, that is to say, processed by the input circuit 121 and then compressed and transmitted by the transceiver 123 as a wireless RF data signal for reception by the speaker unit 200. Given that the ID3 data is already in digital form, involvement of the ADC 122 may not be necessary.
  • the RF ID3 data signal will likewise be received by the transceiver 221 and then processed by the MCU 225 and finally shown on the display 212C.
  • the MCU 225 should include a decoder program for decoding the ID3 data.
  • the display of ID3 information is somewhat akin to displaying video images.
  • FIGS 10 and 11 show a second wireless output system embodying the invention for use with an audio/video equipment, such as a TV or DVD player, placed in the lounge for example and an IR (infrared) remote controller for the equipment.
  • the output system is formed by a base unit 100V and an output, video display unit 200V for reproducing images and sound originated from the video equipment.
  • This output system is, in principle and operation, generally the same as the previous speaker system except that it now processes video (with audio) signals instead of only audio signals, with equivalent components designated by the same reference numerals suffixed by a letter "V".
  • Both the base and the video display units 100V and 200V are used like their audio counterparts as previously described. Their basic constructions may also be the same as is apparent by comparing Figures 10 and 11 to earlier Figures 4 and 7, with the exception that their operating circuits 120V and 220V include respective DSP processors (digital signal processors) with video encoder/decoder 125V and 225V in place of the previous MCUs 125 and 225.
  • DSP processors digital signal processors
  • the display unit 200V may be made bigger to accommodate a larger LCD display 212CV that is equivalent to the earlier display 212C but upgraded to a suitably higher resolution.
  • the display unit 200V may be designed for connection to an external video display screen or monitor, in which case the display unit 200V may keep the shape (spherical) or size as its audio counterpart.
  • the display unit 200V likewise includes the aforesaid leaning function so as to learn certain remote control functions that can be implemented locally and to effect the same in situ, i.e. volume adjustment and mute, as described in relation to the speaker unit 200.
  • certain remote control functions that can be implemented locally and to effect the same in situ, i.e. volume adjustment and mute, as described in relation to the speaker unit 200.
  • there are more such local functions that can be handled by the display unit 200V namely picture control functions i.e. brightness, contrast and colour, etc.
  • this output system may be made such that its base unit 100V can extract the ID3 data and its display unit 200V can display the same while outputting the songs.
  • remote volume control function performed at the output unit 200/220V may be relinquished and included in the general remote repeat function for simplicity in circuit design and operation.
  • radio frequency for signal transmission and reception between the base and output units 100/100V and 200/200V is advantageous as this medium of transmission is non-directional, though it is not essential in the broadest sense as technologies advance, that is to say any other suitable types of wireless link may be employed instead.
  • audio/video used herein represents “audio and/or video” so that the phrase encompasses, inter alia, an audio element (feature or implication) with or without a video element.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
EP05250029A 2005-01-06 2005-01-06 Drahtloses Ausgabesystem für Audio/Video Einrichtungen Withdrawn EP1679937A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05250029A EP1679937A1 (de) 2005-01-06 2005-01-06 Drahtloses Ausgabesystem für Audio/Video Einrichtungen

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05250029A EP1679937A1 (de) 2005-01-06 2005-01-06 Drahtloses Ausgabesystem für Audio/Video Einrichtungen

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1679937A1 true EP1679937A1 (de) 2006-07-12

Family

ID=34940345

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05250029A Withdrawn EP1679937A1 (de) 2005-01-06 2005-01-06 Drahtloses Ausgabesystem für Audio/Video Einrichtungen

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1679937A1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111263267A (zh) * 2018-12-02 2020-06-09 北京塞宾科技有限公司 一种无线音频收发装置及多声源信号采集方法

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6329908B1 (en) * 2000-06-23 2001-12-11 Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Addressable speaker system
US6385322B1 (en) * 1997-06-20 2002-05-07 D & B Audiotechnik Aktiengesellschaft Method and device for operation of a public address (acoustic irradiation) system
US20020160722A1 (en) * 2001-03-16 2002-10-31 Aura Communications, Inc. Wireless communication over a transducer device
US6487296B1 (en) * 1998-09-30 2002-11-26 Steven W. Allen Wireless surround sound speaker system
US20040234088A1 (en) * 2002-01-25 2004-11-25 Mccarty William A. Wired, wireless, infrared, and powerline audio entertainment systems
US20040247139A1 (en) * 2003-06-03 2004-12-09 Randall Wang Audio/video remote control with built-in earphone system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6385322B1 (en) * 1997-06-20 2002-05-07 D & B Audiotechnik Aktiengesellschaft Method and device for operation of a public address (acoustic irradiation) system
US6487296B1 (en) * 1998-09-30 2002-11-26 Steven W. Allen Wireless surround sound speaker system
US6329908B1 (en) * 2000-06-23 2001-12-11 Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Addressable speaker system
US20020160722A1 (en) * 2001-03-16 2002-10-31 Aura Communications, Inc. Wireless communication over a transducer device
US20040234088A1 (en) * 2002-01-25 2004-11-25 Mccarty William A. Wired, wireless, infrared, and powerline audio entertainment systems
US20040247139A1 (en) * 2003-06-03 2004-12-09 Randall Wang Audio/video remote control with built-in earphone system

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111263267A (zh) * 2018-12-02 2020-06-09 北京塞宾科技有限公司 一种无线音频收发装置及多声源信号采集方法

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR100821501B1 (ko) 근거리용 양방향 브로드캐스팅시스템
US20060228683A1 (en) Multi-functional karaoke microphone
US8144892B2 (en) Audio amplification system
US20020102949A1 (en) Remote control having an audio port
US20060150221A1 (en) Wireless output system for audio/video equipment
US20060256986A1 (en) Remote control system with a wireless earphone function and corresponding method
US7107074B2 (en) Computer system with wireless audio signal transmitter module
WO2014023190A1 (zh) 一种模块化电视机
US7339492B1 (en) Multi-media wireless system
EP1679937A1 (de) Drahtloses Ausgabesystem für Audio/Video Einrichtungen
EP1119191A2 (de) Vorrichtung zur Steuerung eines Fernsehers und Audiomodul
US20070019819A1 (en) Audio entertainment system
CN103697354A (zh) Led照明装置及立体声蓝牙音箱系统
US20060264250A1 (en) Remote control system with a wireless earphone function and corresponding method
CN205104223U (zh) 数字影音设备
JP2007060575A (ja) Ａｖシステム及び増幅装置
JP2004328513A (ja) 音声データ処理装置、音声データ処理方法、そのプログラム、および、そのプログラムを記録した記録媒体
KR100531301B1 (ko) 다기능 원격 제어장치
CN112261544A (zh) 一种麦克风控制显示屏互动装置及互动方法
US7542662B2 (en) Reproduction system
US20100034401A1 (en) Audio player with illumination effect
JP3139759U (ja) 乗物用無線信号変換器
CN112203182B (zh) 用于耳机的控制系统、方法及耳机
RU187204U1 (ru) Система информационная для слабослышащих настенная
CN201054667Y (zh) 具音讯接收装置的遥控器

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR LV MK YU

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20060915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: DE

Ref document number: 1088168

Country of ref document: HK

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20070102

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20080801

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: WD

Ref document number: 1088168

Country of ref document: HK