Personal listening device for arena events

• US 7,110,552 B1
• Filed: 11/20/2000
• Issued: 09/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Front Row Advantage Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Front Row Adv
• Inventors: Saliterman, Mark
• Primary Examiner(s): Grier, Laura A.
• Application Number:
  US09/716,314
• Time in Patent Office: 2,129 Days
• Field of Search: 38/77, 38/79, 38/92, 455/180.1, 455/179.1, 455/188.1
• US Class Current: 381/77
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/63 to plural spots in a confined site, e.g. MATV [Master Antenna Television]
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1041 Mechanical or electronic switches, or control elements switches in general H01H
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/01 Input selection or mixing for amplifiers or loudspeakers for hearing aids H04R25/43
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/07 Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 27/00 Public address systems circuits for preventing acoustic reaction H04R3/02; circuits for distributing signals to loudspeakers H04R3/12; monitoring or testing arrangements for public address systems H04R29/007; amplifiers H03F
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/033 Headphones for stereophonic communication details thereof, e.g. relating to batteries, cables or control elements H04R1/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/04 Circuit arrangements, e.g. for selective connection of amplifier inputs/outputs to loudspeakers, for loudspeaker detection, or for adaptation of settings to personal preferences or hearing impairments combinations of amplifiers H03F3/68; stereophonic systems H04S

Abstract

A method and apparatus for transmitting sound generated at an event to those in attendance at the event is shown. This is accomplished by a system that collects an acoustic audio signal generated at a first location within a fixed space. The system also conditions the audio signal without introducing audio signals generated from outside said first location. Finally, the system transmits the conditioned audio signal to a receiver worn by at least one of a plurality of individuals within the aforementioned fixed space. This is particularly useful in settings such as a football stadium, a basketball arena, a hockey arena, a baseball stadium, an auditorium, a performance area in a restaurant or cruise ship, a soccer arena, a boxing ring or wrestling ring, an automotive racing track, or any other space within which a performance takes place.

Claims

1. A method of delivering sound to a plurality of individuals within a fixed space, the method comprising the steps of:

assigning a transmission protocol to an event occurring within the fixed space, wherein said transmission protocol is not used for subsequent events occurring within said fixed space;

collecting an audio signal generated at a first location within the fixed space;

transmitting, under said transmission protocol, said audio signal collected from said first location to an earpiece each worn by at least one of said plurality of individuals within said fixed space; and

receiving said audio signal with said earpiece, wherein said earpiece is configured to operate under said first transmission protocol and collecting an audio signal generated at a second location within said fixed space;

transmitting, under a second transmission protocol, said audio signal collected from said second location to said earpiece worn by said at least one of said plurality of individuals within said fixed space and at a distance from said first location; and

,

wherein the step of receiving said audio signal with said earpiece comprises receiving said audio signal with said earpiece, wherein said earpiece is configured to selectably operate under said first transmission protocol or said second transmission protocol, thereby permitting an operator of said ear piece to select one of said first or second location within said fixed space that operator would like to listen to.

2. A method of conducting business by deriving revenue from distributing sound to a plurality of individuals within a fixed space, the method comprising the steps of:

assigning a transmission protocol to an event occurring within the fixed space, wherein said transmission protocol is not used for subsequent events occurring within said fixed space;

collecting an audio signal generated at a first location within the fixed space;

transmitting, under said transmission protocol, said audio signal to an earpiece each worn by at least one of said plurality of individuals within said fixed space; and

collecting an audio signal generated at a second location within a fixed space; and

transmitting, under a second transmission protocol, said audio signal collected from said second location to said earpiece worn by said at least one of said plurality of individuals within said fixed space.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein deriving revenue from distribution of said earpiece comprises the exchange of money for said earpiece.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein deriving revenue from distribution of said earpiece comprises selling advertising time scheduled during intervals of transmission.