Enhanced concert audio process utilizing a synchronized headgear system

• US 5,619,582 A
• Filed: 01/16/1996
• Issued: 04/08/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Headgear Company
• Original Assignee: Headgear Enterprises, Inc.
• Inventors: Oltman, Randy, Nusbaum, Perry L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kuntz, Curtis
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHIN, VIVIAN C
• Application Number:
  US08/585,774
• Time in Patent Office: 448 Days
• Field of Search: 381/79, 381/80, 381/77, 381/82, 381/97, 381/83, 381/183
• US Class Current: 381/82
• CPC Class Codes: H04S 1/007 in which the audio signals are in digital form data reduction aspects thereof based on psychoacoustics G10L19/02

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. These channels are laid out such that when in a large venue, and if the proper channel is chosen, the sound received electronically over the wireless channel will be approximately in phase with the sound arriving to the listener from the main loudspeakers.

Claims

1. An audio enhancing system for delivering an enhanced audio signal from a primary source to a plurality of discrete locations located within an arena, said audio enhancing system comprising:

an audio source means for generating a first audio signal and for converting said first audio signal to a first electromagnetic signal;

a primary signal propagating means for broadcasting said first audio signal;

a first transmitting means for transmitting said first electromagnetic signal via a wireless media;

a receiver means for receiving said first electromagnetic signal and converting said first electromagnetic signal into a second audio signal;

a second transmitting means for transmitting an electromagnetic locating signal, said electromagnetic locating signal comprising information related to a relative position of said receiver means with respect to said primary signal propagating mean;

a synchronization means for automatically delaying said first electromagnetic signal based on said electromagnetic locating signal, said receiver means deriving said second audion signal by substantially synchronizing said first audio signal with said second audio signal by said synchronization means.

2. The audio enhancing system according to claim 1, wherein said first transmitting means transmits said first electromagnetic signal on a plurality of channels.

3. The audio enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein at least two of said plurality of channels are offset in time.

4. The audio enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of channels are offset in time by a predetermined amount.

5. The audio enhancing system according to claim 1, wherein said synchronization means comprises an electromagnetic locating means for determining a position of said receiver means based on said electromagnetic locating signal.

6. The audio enhancing system according to claim 2, wherein said second transmitting means comprises at least one electromagnetic pulse transmitter transmitting said electromagnetic locating signal in the form of at least one electromagnetic pulse.

7. The audio enhancing system according to claim 6, wherein said synchronization means comprises a position determination means for determining a position of said receiver means with respect to said primary signal propagating means, said position determination means calculating said position of said receiver means based on said at least one electromagnetic pulse.

8. The audio enhancing system according to claim 7, wherein said synchronization means selects one channel of said plurality of channels based on said position of said receiver means.

9. The audio enhancing system according to claim 1, wherein said synchronization means automatically delays said first electromagnetic signal based on a radial distance of said receiver means from said transmitting means.

10. The audio enhancing system according to claim 6, wherein said second transmitting means comprises two electromagnetic pulse transmitters, each transmitting said electromagnetic locating signal in the form of electromagnetic pulses at regular intervals, wherein a radial distance of said receiver means from said transmitting means is calculated based on said electromagnetic pulses.

11. The audio enhancing system according to claim 1, wherein both said receiver means and said synchronization means are positioned on a portable headset worn by a transient listener.

12. The audio enhancing system according to claim 1, wherein said second transmitting means comprises pulse transmitters positioned at discrete locations about said arena, and said synchronization means comprises a position determination and channel selection circuitry within said receiver means, said pulse transmitters transmitting said electromagnetic locating signal in the form of a plurality of electromagnetic pulses and said position determination and channel selection circuitry calculating a position of said receiver means based on said electromagnetic pulses and selecting said first electromagnetic signal based on said position.