WO2011132135A1

WO2011132135A1 - Audio device

Info

Publication number: WO2011132135A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/051677
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leon Codrington
Original assignee: Infinite Wheel Ltd
Priority date: 2010-04-23
Filing date: 2011-04-18
Publication date: 2011-10-27
Also published as: GB201006794D0; GB2476327A; GB2476327B

Abstract

An audio device comprising a) a record player with a rotatable platter and tone arm, the tone arm having a stylus and cartridge for converting modulations in a groove of a record carried on the platter into a first signal; b) means for transmitting the first signal to a computer; c) means for providing an amplifier under control of the computer with a second signal responsive to the first signal; d) means for converting the amplified signal into sound, wherein i) the first signal is transmitted wirelessly to the computer; ii) the second signal is transmitted wirelessly from the computer; and iii) the means for transmitting the first signal is carried by the tone arm.

Description

Audio Device

This invention relates to an audio device. More especially the invention relates to an audio device for use with what is variously known as a phonograph, record player, turntable or gramophone. Hereinafter the term "record player" will be used.

For many years up to about 1990 one of the principal means of playing recorded music on demand was the record ("vinyl") ; a disc generally made of polyvinyl chloride but sometimes polystyrene and originally of shellac. Since then much music has been recorded in optical form for example on CD or electronically for example as MP3 files.

There remain devotees of vinyl who hold that the sound quality of vinyl is better than that of other media. Furthermore the volume of vinyl sales is now increasing hi iLL tinyjuri»cnm/y57flhri. . Many people also have collections of vinyl records which they would like to play and utilize on computer based systems.

Record players which are directly connectable to computers exist. The quality of some of these machines is very much lower than that of much enthusiast level hi-fi equipment from the 70's and 80's. Furthermore users may gain aesthetic or nostalgic pleasure from using old equipment or may not wish the expense or space of a new record player. It is also possible for the skilled worker to connect a record player to a sound card of a computer and transfer the recording. It is not a trivial task however and is beyond the capacity of many users. In both cases it is necessary to provide a wired link from the record player to the

The invention seeks to overcome the problem and provide a wireless connection for a record player to a computer.

In accordance with aspects of the invention there is provided an audio device comprising a) a record player with a rotatable platter and tone arm, the tone arm having a stylus and cartridge for converting modulations in a groove of a record carried on the platter into a first signal;

b) means for transmitting the first signal to a computer;

c) means for providing an amplifier under control of the computer with a second signal responsive to the first signal;

d) means for converting the amplified signal into sound, wherein

i) the first signal is transmitted wirelessly to the computer;

ii) the second signal is transmitted wirelessly from the computer; and

iii) the means for transmitting the first signal is carried by the tone arm.

The means for receiving the second signal can be carried by the tone arm. The means for transmitting the first signal and the means for receiving the second signal can comprise a transceiver. The means for transmitting the first signal can be intermediate the cartridge and the tone arm. The means for transmitting the first signal can be intermediate the stylus and the tone arm. The stylus can be intermediate the means for transmitting the first signal and the tone arm. The computer can be a mobile phone. The audio device can further comprise a resiliently biased arm depending from at least one of the tone arm, cartridge means for transmitting the first signal or means for receiving the second signal towards the platter, the resiliently biased arm carrying a roller driven generator. A cell or storage capacitor for powering the means for transmitting the first signal can be provided.

The invention further provides a wireless transceiver comprising

1) means for collecting a signal from a cartridge of a record player;

2) means for wirelessly transmitting a first signal responsive to the collected signal to a remote computer;

3) means for wirelessly receiving a second signal responsive to the first signal from the remote computer;

4) means for transmitting a signal responsive to the second signal to an amplifier 5) means for mounting the wireless transceiver on a tone arm of the record player and optionally

6) a generator to generate power for the transceiver.

The wireless transceiver can but need not be formed integrally with at least one of a stylus and cartridge.

Embodiments of the invention will be illustrated by way of non-limiting example by reference to the accompanying figures of which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an audio device of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic scrap side elevation of a transceiver, cartridge and stylus combination of the invention mounted on a tone arm; and

Figure 3 is a schematic side elevation of headshell provided with a transceiver of the invention.

In a first embodiment of the invention record player 1 is provided with rotatable platter 2. Tone arm 3 is pivotally mounted on the record player 1 so that the distal end 4 of tone arm 3 can traverse the platter 2. In use a record (not shown) is mounted on a spigot 5 of the platter. Distal end 4 is provided with a headshell 6. Headshell 6 is typically of a lightweight stiff material such as aluminium or titanium alloy or resin reinforced fibre material. In a conventional arrangement wiring 7 leading from the stylus to be described hereinafter passes through the headshell through a pre-amplifier 8 to output socket 9. In general the wiring and pre-amplifier are hidden from view but in the figure they are shown exposed to view for clarity. In conventional use output socket 9 is in connection with an amplifier 19 and speakers 20 for reproducing the recorded sound during playback

Cartridge 10 is provided with cantilever or leg 11 on the distal end of which is mounted stylus 12. Proximal end of the cantilever is connected to wiring 7 to pass signals from the stylus to the speakers via intermediate stages. In particular the proximal end of the stylus may be provided with a magnet which is close to coils of wire. Movement of the magnet induces an emf in the coils which is a function of the recorded sound. This is known as a moving magnet arrangement. Alternatively the cantilever may be provided with coils and the magnet may be static. This is known as a moving coil arrangement. The combination of stylus, cantilever and coil is sometimes known as a cartridge and is generally removable fixed to the headshell 6 for example by screw threaded fasteners (not shown). The combination of stylus and cantilever is often easily user replaceable in case of wear or damage to the stylus tip.

In accordance with the invention the distal end 4 of the tone arm 3 is provided with a first wireless transceiver 13 for wirelessly transmitting information to a remote computer. Those skilled will have no difficulty in devising suitable ways of achieving this.

Examples include microwave radio signals such as Bluetooth® especially Bluetooth® Low Energy such as v4. The motion of the stylus is thus converted into electrical signals by the coil and magnet arrangement and passed to the wireless transceiver 13. From there it is wirelessly transmitted to a computer 15 equipped with a second wireless transceiver 16 and cpu 17. Generally the computer will also be provided with storage 18.

Conveniently computer 15 may be a typical home computer such as a PC or Apple® computer. In other preferred embodiments of the invention the computer is a mobile device such as a mobile phone for example a Google® Android ® based phone.

Computer 15 is capable of processing the received signal for example to remove "pops" and "crackles" from the replayed signal. Many records were and are recorded with RIAA equalization. This means that in the recording low frequencies are de-emphasised and high frequencies are boosted. For playback the amplifier boosts the low frequency sounds and de-emphasises the high frequencies. The resulting played back sound is thus correctly balanced. Other reproduced sound such as that from a CD has not been subjected to RIAA equalization. This means that modern amplifiers may reproduce records with excessively bright tone (ie with excessive high frequency). Software controlled by the computer may alter the equalization of the transmitted sound for example to compensate for a modern amplifier for example as part of a home cinema system not being adjusted for RIAA equalization.

Vinyl emulation software such as Final Scratch® allows a user to use a record carrying digital time codes to manipulate digital audio files in the same manner as if the recording were made on record. The time codes allow a computer to deduce the location speed and direction of travel of the stylus relative to the record. This allows a digital audio file on the computer and mapped to the record digital time code to be manipulated as if it were on the record. This is very convenient because it allows a DJ to use his turntablist skills without travelling with a physically large collection of records relying instead on the physically smaller digital files.

The second transceiver 16 transmits a signal to the first transceiver 13. Where the record being played is an audio record the transmitted signal will be an altered version of the signal originally transmitted by the first transceiver. Where the record being played is a record carrying digital time codes the transmitted signal will be of content mapped to the digital time codes.

The signal received by the first transceiver 13 is then passed via wiring 7 to amplifier 19 and speakers 20.

The turntable is thus able to connect to the computer without altering cabling and without substantially altering the appearance of the record player.

In some embodiments of the invention the first transceiver 13 is provided with a switch 21. When switch 21 is in a first position the arrangement operates as hereinbefore described. When switch 21 is in a second position the signal from the cartridge is not sent to the second transceiver but is sent directly to the wiring 7 for transmission to the amplifier and speakers. In some embodiments of the invention switch 21 is manually actuable. In some embodiments of the invention switch 21 is actuated to the first position by detecting a signal from the second transceiver and actuated to the second position when a signal from the second transceiver is not detected. This embodiment allows the computer to be connected to and disconnected from the record player automatically. This is particularly convenient for mobile systems and those where the computer is a portable computer.

In some embodiments of the invention the transceiver is provided in an integral headshell assembly comprising headshell, stylus, cartridge and transceiver. This is convenient for consumer use since the user can simply remove and replace the existing headshell.

In some embodiments of the invention the transceiver is provided integrally with a cartridge and stylus for users who wish to retain an existing headshell.

Some cartridges are very expensive and users may be reluctant to replace them. In some embodiments of the invention the first transceiver is provided in a discrete unit for mounting intermediate the distal end of the tone arm and the cartridge.

While generally convenient to provide the first transceiver intermediate the tone arm and the cartridge it is not essential to do so. In embodiments of the invention the transceiver is outboard of the stylus and/or cartridge. Where the invention is used as a replacement assembly for use in an existing record may preferably have the first transceiver outboard of the stylus to retain the original tone arm stylus geometry.

The second transceiver can draw power from the associated computer or can be provided with an independent power source. The first transceiver could be provided with power from a power source remote from it and run to it by power leads secured to the tone arm.

In embodiments of the invention the power source is integral with the first transceiver for example in the form of a button cell.

In embodiments of the invention at least one of the tone arm, the cartridge or headshell are provided with a resiliently biased dependent arm 22 extending towards the platter 2. Arm 22 is provided with a rotatable record engaging roller 23. Preferably the surface of the roller is resilient. As the record rotates the roller is driven. The rotating roller can be used to generate electricity for example by using a generator of the size and general construction of the machines used as vibrators in mobile telephones. The power generated can be used to power the transceiver. It may be desirable to provide a rechargeable cell or a capacitor between the generator and the first transceiver to provide power when the generator is not providing any or sufficient power.

In general terms care has to be taken in ensuring that the correct tracking weight is applied to the stylus. If the tracking weight is too low the stylus will not properly follow the grooves in the record and hence reproduction of the sound will be compromised. If the tracking weight is too high there may be premature wear of the record and/or stylus. Accordingly the tracking weight should be controlled. Addition of the first transceiver may increase the tracking weight to unacceptable levels. This can be compensated for by adjusting tone arm counterweight 24. Resiliently biased arm 22 urges the tone arm away from the record thereby reducing the tracking force. By appropriate selection of first transceiver weight and resilient bias force it is possible to arrange that addition of the transceiver has no significant effect on tracking weight.

In further embodiments of the invention the computer receives the signal from the record player and processes it for example by converting it to an mp3 file for storage and play but does not transmit back to the record player. This allows vinyl recordings to be sent to a computer without major modification of an existing player, without cables extending between the player and the recorder and without having to connect the player to another "box".

Thus the invention further provides an audio device comprising

a) a record player with a rotatable platter and tone arm, the tone arm having a stylus and cartridge for converting modulations in a groove of a record carried on the platter into a signal and

b) means for transmitting the signal to a computer,

wherein

i) the signal is transmitted wirelessly to the computer and

ii) the transmitting means are carried by the tone arm.

The invention further provides a wireless receiver comprising

i) means for collecting a signal from a cartridge of a record player,

ii) means for wirelessly transmitting the signal to a computer, and

iii) means for mounting the wireless receiver on a tone arm of a record player

Those skilled in the art will have no difficulty in devising modifications.

Claims

1. An audio device comprising

b) means for transmitting the signal to a computer,

characterized in that

i) the signal is transmitted wirelessly to the computer and

ii) the transmitting means are carried by the tone arm.

2. An audio device as claimed in claim 1 comprising

a) a record player with a rotatable platter and tone arm, the tone arm having a stylus and cartridge for converting modulations in a groove of a record carried on the platter into a first signal;

b) means for transmitting the first signal to a computer;

d) means for converting the amplified signal into sound, characterized in that i) the first signal is transmitted wirelessly to the computer; in that

ii) the second signal is transmitted wirelessly from the computer; and in that iii) the means for transmitting the first signal is carried by the tone arm.

3. An audio device as claimed in claim 2 wherein means for receiving the second signal are carried by the tone arm.

4. An audio device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the means for transmitting the first signal and the means for receiving the second signal comprise a transceiver.

5. An audio device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for transmitting a signal are intermediate the cartridge and the tone arm.

6. An audio device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for transmitting the first signal is intermediate the stylus and the tone arm.

7. An audio device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the stylus is intermediate the means for transmitting the first signal and the tone arm.

8. An audio device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the computer is a mobile phone or other mobile device.

9. An audio device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a resiliently biased arm depending from at least one of the tone arm, cartridge, means for transmitting a signal or means for receiving the second signal towards the platter, the resiliently biased arm carrying a roller driven generator.

10. An audio device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a cell or storage capacitor for powering the means for transmitting the first signal.

11. A wireless receiver comprising

i) means for collecting a signal from a cartridge of a record player,

ii) means for wirelessly transmitting the signal to a computer, and

iii) means for mounting the wireless receiver on a tone arm of a record player.

12. A wireless transceiver comprising

1) means for collecting a signal from a cartridge of a record player; 2) means for wirelessly transmitting a first signal responsive to the collected signal to a remote computer;

4) means for transmitting a signal responsive to the second signal to an amplifier; and

5) means for mounting the wireless transceiver on a tone arm of the record player.

13. A wireless receiver or transceiver as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 further comprising a generator to generate power for the transceiver.

14. A wireless receiver or transceiver as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 formed integrally with at least one of a stylus and cartridge.

15. A wireless receiver or transceiver as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 comprising means for mounting a stylus on the receiver or transceiver.

16. A method of broadcasting sound comprising the steps of providing an audio device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 and playing a record on the record player.