Abstract: A storytelling system in which a base unit broadcasts some blocks of audio data stored therein, and transmits other blocks of audio data stored therein to remote units for remote broadcast. Transmission to the remote units may be as radio signals, as ultrasound signals, as infrared signals, or as electrical impulses transmitted along wires. The blocks of data include identification codes to indicate which units are to broadcast them. The remote units have unique identifying features and are covered by matching dolls representing characters of the story. Each remote unit broadcasts the audio data appropriate to its own doll.

Abstract: A transmitter includes a plurality of oscillators for transmitting multiple radio frequency (RF) signals simultaneously, from each one of which signals a broadcast radio receiver system can reproduce the transmitted audio information. The transmitter will not only allow a user to listen to a CD or tape player through the radio receiver system but also let the user choose whichever frequency gives the best quality sound by merely tuning the receiver system in the same manner as tuning it to the broadcast radio station signals.

Abstract: A commentary system for exhibits at museums includes a recorded commentary store and an output amplifier which supplies the recorded message to an aerial. Visitors to the museum are provided with a pick-up coil and an earphone connected directly to the coil. The coil is placed firmly closely adjacent the aerial to inductively couple the aerial and coil so that the visitor may hear the commentary. The pick-up coil and the earphone require virtually no maintenance and no power supply. The audio signal is generated solely by energy derived from the broadcast.

Abstract: An external device to be used along with a hearing aid device comprises an input means through which voice data are inputted, a hearing aid processor coupled to the input means for receiving the voice data from the input means to make an acoustic sense compensation of the voice data, and a transmitter coupled to the hearing aid processor for receiving compensated voice data from the hearing aid processor and transmitting the compensated voice data to the hearing aid device.

Abstract: An audio enhancement system and method is provided wherein a wireless headphone system comprises a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter for this system broadcasts a Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) CDMA signal on a number of separate code channels in the 902-928 MHz ISM band. Each successive code channel will have its audio signal delayed by a preset period, e.g. 30 mS, relative to the previous channel. A reference signal on one or more separate time synchronized code channels will be simultaneously transmitted from multiple dedicated transmitters within the venue. Analysis of these multiple code channels by the electronics in the headset will provide the headset with an approximate radial distance from the stage. The headset receiver, supporting position location signals, and associated hardware will select the appropriate audio code depending on the listener's distance from the main loudspeakers.

Abstract: A method and system for providing improved confined area audio amplification is provided. Designed to meet the requirements of classrooms, conference rooms and offices, this new invention provides improved signal-to-noise ratio, improved system redundancy, and higher voice audio quality than is offered in previous systems. This invention utilizes infrared as the wireless communications channel, and does so with two receivers, a master and a slave to provide redundancy in signal reception and thereby solving one of the long standing problems with line of sight communications systems. This invention also employs a pulse position modulated signal which has higher noise and interference immunitity that is available with prior systems. This invention is flexible with a lightweight, wireless, battery operated transmitter packaged in a necklace type of holder, suitable for wearing around the neck of the speaker.

Abstract: A microphone including an infrared switch circuit is disclosed. The infrared switch circuit includes an infrared detector for detecting a reflection of an infrared signal off an object such as a human body, and producing an electrical signal. The circuit also includes an amplifier for amplifying the electrical signal and a comparator for determining if the amplified electrical signal is above a predetermined threshold. The switching finally includes a audio switching network for providing the amplified signal as an audio signal if the amplified signal is above a predetermined threshold. The circuit also includes power conservation techniques to improve performance.

Abstract: A audio enhancement system and method of use with a sound system for producing primary sound from at least one main loudspeaker located at a main position. The audio enhancement system comprises at least one wireless transmitter, time delay circuitry, and plural augmented sound producing subsystems. Each sound subsystem is a portable unit arranged to be carried by a person located remote from the main loudspeaker and includes a wireless receiver and an associated transduce device, e.g., a pair of stereo headphones. The transmitter broadcasts an electrical signal which is representative of the electrical input signal provided to the main loudspeaker. The broadcast signal is receiver by the receiver and is demodulated and amplified to drive the transducer so that it produces augmented sound substantially in synchronism with the sound arriving from the main loudspeaker.

Abstract: An audio enhancement system and method is provided wherein a wireless headphone system comprises a transmitter and a receiver including a synchronization device which utilizes electromagnetic locating signals to locate the position of the receiver with respect to the transmitter. The transmitter for this system will broadcast a frequency modulated (FM) signal on a number of separate channels in the 900 MHz band range. Each channel will carry the same audio information, however, each successive channel will have its audio signal delayed by a preset time period, e.g. 50 ms, relative to the previous channel. The headset receiver, supporting position location signals, and associated hardware will select the appropriate channel depending on the listener's distance from the main loudspeakers.

Abstract: A short range magnetically coupled wireless communication system employs time variant modulation of a high repetition rate pulse stream and magnetic coupling between a transmission magnetic element and a receiving magnetic element. The pulse stream is modulated by an input audio frequency signal in the time domain, for example, through pulse position modulation, pulse width modulation or pulse symmetry modulation. The receiving magnetic element is coupled to a demodulator circuit which detects the transmitted pulses induced in the receiving magnetic element and reproduces the audio frequency signal. Transmission over short range is thus efficiently accomplished through magnetic coupling in a simple, low cost, low power consumption communication system.

Abstract: An improved sound concentrates for selectively collecting sound and concentrating and transmitting the collected sound that include an emission circuit and a receiving circuit, each of these two circuits containing an antenna used as a signal transmission to communicate with each other. In the emission circuit, a selection switch is arranged, which enables users to choose one sound source among a variety of applications that the sound concentrator of the invention provides, such as telephones, microphones, television sets, and audio equipment, and so on. The receiving circuit receives signals from the emission circuit and contains an automatic volume control and a treble/bass boosting circuit to provide users a proper sound volume and quality and has an excellent collection effect for distant sounds.

Abstract: A receiver including a vibrator plate vibrating together with a voice coil in response to electrification of said voice coil which comprises an electrostatic discharge prevention plate having a central opening arranged above the vibrator plate with a small air gap provided therebetween. A metal cover around the top and sides of the receiver is imbedded in plastic for inhibiting electrostatic discharge via the cover. As a result the discharge path length through the air is substantially increased, reducing the likelihood of electrostatic discharge from the ear of the user.

Abstract: A audio enhancement system and method of use with a sound system for producing primary sound from at least one main loudspeaker located at a main position. The audio enhancement system comprises at least one wireless transmitter, time delay circuitry, and plural augmented sound producing subsystems. Each sound subsystem is a portable unit arranged to be carried by a person located remote from the main loudspeaker and includes a wireless receiver and an associated transduce device, e.g., a pair of stereo headphones. The transmitter broadcasts an electrical signal which is representative of the electrical input signal provided to the main loudspeaker. The broadcast signal is received by the receiver and is demodulated and amplified to drive the transducer so that it produces augmented sound substantially in synchronism with the sound arriving from the main loudspeaker.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhancing an electronic audio signal by adding enhancing harmonics to the electronic audio signal. The present invention includes a field inducing coil through which input electronic audio signals are to be transmitted to set up an electromagnetic field. The field inducing coil is weakly coupled to an electromagnetic field receptor such that when an input electronic audio signal is transmitted through the inducing coil only a small portion of the electromagnetic field cuts or passes through the field receptor in order to produce an induced electronic audio signal having a greater harmonic content than the input electronic audio signal.

Abstract: A powered loudspeaker system has a cabinet. The cabinet has at least one electroacoustical transducer and a power amplifier coupled to the electroacoustical transducer. Dynamic equalization circuitry coupled to the power amplifier provides a predetermined desired dynamic equalization for the electroacoustical transducer in the cabinet when normally positioned in a listening room.

Abstract: This invention discloses a wireless compact disc stereo playback system for use in automobiles. An FM transmitter is employed which is connected at the output of a portable CD player, the FM transmitter thereby producing a stereo FM signal which is transmitted to be received by the automobile antenna. The automobile's FM system is tuned to play the output of the CD player through the FM radio system of the automobile. The output power of the FM transmitter and its bandwidth are selected so that the distance from the antenna to the FM transmitter will be sufficient to ensure effective sound production in standard automobiles and vans.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hearing system apparatus and method for electromagnetically communicating signals to a magnetic transducer. The apparatus includes a signalling circuit for producing a pulse-width modulated current signal. An antenna means is coupled to the signalling circuit for producing a variable electromagnetic field whose energy intensity is modulated by the output of the signalling circuit. In addition, an energy storage circuit is coupled to the antenna for storing a substantial portion of the energy stored in the magnetic field produced by the antenna when the magnetic field collapses between cycles of the current signal. Also, an energy recycling circuit is coupled to the storage circuit and the antenna for recovering the energy stored in the storage circuit for use in the next electromagnetic field cycle.

Abstract: A wireless receiver has an FM receiver for receiving an infrared radiation modulated by an audio signal. The received infrared radiation is demodulated into the audio signal, which is then supplied through a power amplifier to a loudspeaker unit or a headphone unit. The wireless receiver includes a detector for detecting whether or not the infrared radiation is received. An output signal from the detector is used to turn the power supply of the FM receiver and the power amplifier on or off. The user of the wireless receiver is not required to turn the receiver on and off manually.

Abstract: In a speech coding method and system in which a speech signal is analyzed in each frame so as to be separated into spectral envelope information and excitation information and both of the information are coded, each frame is divided into a plurality of sub-frames and a pulse of the maximum-amplitude is extracted from pulses within each sub-frame in order to provide large-amplitude pulses from each frame, thereby greatly reducing the number of pulse extracting processing steps.

Abstract: An inductive coupling permits bi-directional data and power to be transferred through the skin of an aircraft thereby avoiding pin connectors. The coupling comprises a sending unit which is detachably mounted to the skin exterior, and the pick-up unit is located on the interior skin surface in alignment with the sending unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insert (1) forming an independent assembly of a coil body (15). The electroacoustic transducer comprises an insert (1) formed of a case with a vibrating membrane (2) and its electric connectors (4, 5) and a coil body (15) distinct and separable from the insert. The coil body can be fitted to the rear face (14) of the insert and comprises axial passages (20, 21) through which the insert connectors (4, 5) pass. Contact pieces (22, 23) provide the electric connection of the coil with the insert connectors.

Abstract: A structure for wireless communication in an electromagnetically shielded building has an outer wall made of an electromagnetically shielding material such as concrete or an electrically conductive material. The outer wall has a window composed of a glass pane with an electromagnetically shielding material coated thereon or mixed therein. The outer wall and the window are grounded, and jointly define an electromagnetically shielded space in which wireless transmission/reception devices are disposed. Wireless communication is effected between the wireless transmission/reception devices by radio waves in a selected frequency range and of a selected power output.

Abstract: A modular assistive listening system is disclosed that employs a hand-held switching/control module to select one or more of the signals transmitted from a plurality of remote input modules. The selected signal is then transmitted to an earphone module that converts the selected signal to audible sound. The hand-held switching/control module permits a hearing impaired person to easily select desire input modules while permitting unrestricted movement by the use of wireless transmission from the switching/control module to the earphone module.

Abstract: The remote control of an operational parameter, such as the amplification factor (A) of the amplifier (19), of a hearing aid (1) occurs via a control signal in the form of acoustic waves (11) transmitted by a transmitter (10) of a remote control unit (2) and received by a pick-up (15) of the hearing aid (1). The acoustic waves can be ultrasonic waves or modulated waves and make it possible to reduce the size of the hearing aid, resulting in a more compact device that can easily be controlled remotely, for example, by means of a manually adjustable volume control located in the remote control unit.

Abstract: A hearing aid has a housing which can be worn at the head, such as in or behind the ear, and which contains the basic electrical and acoustic elements of the hearing aid. The housing has a portion adapted for introduction into the auditory canal, and a cover, both of which are electrically conductive and are insulated from each other by an insulating layer therebetween, thus forming a capacitor. A control device for transmitting control signals to the hearing aid housing is integrated in a commonly worn article, such as a wristwatch or a piece of jewelry. The control device has a capacitor having spaced plates, the plates forming components of the commonly worn article. The control device includes one or more manually operable control signal actuators which generate an electric field at the control device permitting the control signals to be capacitively transmitted to the housing, such as in the form of a pulse sequence.

Abstract: A multiple-loop magnetic induction system for improving communication with the hearing-impaired or to people in general who wish to listen privately to speech or music while being in the company of others or at a public location. The invention uses a particular grid made up of several electrical conductors as a means of generating an audio-frequency magnetic field which in turn couples to the telephone coils already present in most hearing aid units. The audio-frequency magnetic field is correlated to sound waveforms--speech, music, etc.--which is to be communicated. The grid configuration is selected so as to produce an end signal which is substantially independent of the location and the orientation of the hearing aid device within the area of the grid and which falls off precipitously outside of the region defined by the grid. The conductors which make up the grid configuration are enveloped in a flexible, lightweight matting which can be unrolled in the area to be addressed.

Abstract: An inductive coupled power system has a transmission circuit with a dual primary comprising two conductor loops. First segments of the loops extend through an area served by the system adjacent each other and second segments of the loops extend through the area one on either side of the adjacent first segments. A small loop configuration minimizes the stray magnetic field. A secondary pickup assembly has a U-shaped core with two legs which embrace the first segments of the two loops and a core element adjacent the first loop segments is positioned between the ends of the legs. Each of the power circuits of a plurality of loads includes a shunt regulator.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out an amusement, educational or similar function accompanied by audible sounds relating to an article, comprises a static memory unit adapted to be located at a fixed location with respect to the article and including a read-only memory having digitally stored therein a recording of particular audible sounds relating to the article, and a portable sound-producing unit to be carried by a user for converting a digital recording stored in the read-only memory of the memory unit to audible sounds. The sound-producing unit stored the digital data from the memory unit at a rate faster than the normal speech rate, and plays it back at the normal speech rate. Examples of applications of the apparatus include museum and exhibition displays and geographical directories.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interconnecting passenger entertainment service units to the aircraft system through connectorless inductive couplers. Couplers are arranged along the seat track as desired without limitation on seat spacing or location.