GB2349955A

GB2349955A - Miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter

Info

Publication number: GB2349955A
Application number: GB9910991A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lincoln Fong
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-05-12
Filing date: 1999-05-12
Publication date: 2000-11-15
Anticipated expiration: 2019-05-12
Also published as: AU4595500A; GB9910991D0; WO2000070315A1; GB2349955B

Abstract

A handheld voltage or current signal meter 1 for detecting audio signals with a visual display 3 which indicates a value of the said signal. The approximate level of the audio signal may be indicated using a bar of light emitting diodes 3. The meter is activated by a pushbutton switch 4. The meter 1 may include a replaceable or non-replaceable battery and an audio jack connector 2a. An alternative or interchangeable audio jack connector may be used with the meter. A time elapse circuit may be associated with the pushbutton switch 4 to allow hands free operation for a short duration. The meter may further include attachment means for a key-ring 6 and a visual battery condition indicator 5.

Description

2349955 MINIATURE HANDBELD AUDIO SIGNAL DETECTOR AND METER This invention

relates to a miniature audio signal meter Audio signal meters are usually very complex and bulky items which are quite costly to buy. They are used by skilled technicians where accuracy is paramount and are not generally used to detect the presence of a signal in an audio chain, only to determine it's precise value.

According to the present invention, a less accurate but cheap and highly portable battery driven unit is used to detect the simple presence or absence of an electrical audio signal with a rough value by an unskilled person, one example being when a musician is looking for a signal that has become lost or accidentally attenuated in an audio chain.

The display uses light so that operation is possible in an otherwise noisy environment.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the respective parts are labelled.

Figure 1 shows the unit in perspective.

Figure 2 shows the unit in perspective with an alternative input connector arrangement Figure 3 shows the block diagram of a possible working electronic circuit for the unit, Referring to the drawing of FIG 1 the unit (1) houses a battery and associated electronic circuit of FIG 3 to convert any electrical audio signal received at the input connector (2a) into a coloured fight bar (3) when the ON/OFF switch (4) is pressed.

There may also be provided a battery condition fight (5), a facility (6) for keyring or similar attachment, access for battery replacement and a recess or space on the outer casing for a printed legend (7). A circuit which causes the unit to operate for a preset time period when the ON switch is pressed may also be employed.

In another example shown in FIG 2 there may be provided an alternate or interchangeable input connector (2b) arrangement.

FIG 3 is a block diagram of the electronic circuit wherein an input signal (at c) passes through an amplifier (d), rectifier (e), smoothing section (f) and finally comparators and light drivers (g). Power supply (h) and switch G) are also shown.

Claims

1 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter that visually displays the presence and approximate value of an electrical audio signal applied at it's input connector when a pushbutton is depressed and that uses a replaceable battery.

2 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter as in claim 1 wherein a facility is provided for physical attachment to a keyring or similar fixing.

3 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter as in claim 1 or 2 wherein an alternate or interchangeable input connector is employed.

4 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter as in any previous claim wherein a recess or space is provided for printed legending.

A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter as in any previous claim wherein an alternative electronic circuit holds the unit in the ON condition until a fixed time has elapsed allowing the user a liands free operation for a fixed duration.

6 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter as in any previous claim wherein visual indication is also given of battery condition.

7 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter as in any previous claim wherein the battery is nonreplaceable.

8 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter substantially as described herein with reference to FIG 1, FIG 2 and FIG3 of the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows I A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter that visually displays, using one or more LEDs, the presence or approximate value of an audio signal applied at an audio signal system connector when a pushbutton is depressed and that uses a replaceable battery. 2 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter as in claim I wherein a facility is provided for physical attatchment to a keyring. 3 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter as in claim I or 2 wherein an alternate or interchangeable input connector is employed. 4 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter as in any previous claim wherein an alternative electronic circuit holds the unit in the ON condition until a fixed time has elapsed allowing the user a 'hands free' operation. 5 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter as in any previous claim wherein visual indication is also given of battery condition. 6 A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter substantially as described herein with reference to FIG 1, FIG 2 and FIG 3 of the accompanying drawings.