U.S. patent application number 15/617773 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-28 for infrared audio systems and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Listen Technologies Corporation. Invention is credited to Tracy A. Bathurst, Dee Cook, Mark Simon.
Application Number | 20170279535 15/617773 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57281043 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170279535 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cook; Dee ; et al. |
September 28, 2017 |
INFRARED AUDIO SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
A transmitter for transmitting audio signals via infrared light
includes a first mounting board and a first plurality of narrow
angle LED emitters and a first plurality of wide angle LED emitters
attached to a front surface of the first mounting board. The first
plurality of narrow angle LED emitters and the first plurality of
wide angle LED emitters are configured to emit a beam of infrared
light having a wide portion and a narrow portion, the wide portion
being proximate the LED emitters and the narrow portion being
distal to the LED emitters. An infrared audio system includes a
transmitter and an expansion transmitter. The expansion transmitter
may include a second plurality of narrow angle LED emitters and a
second plurality of wide angle LED emitters. A method of making a
transmitter includes attaching a plurality of narrow angle LED
emitters and a plurality of wide angle LED emitters to a mounting
board of a transmitter.
Inventors: |
Cook; Dee; (Draper, UT)
; Bathurst; Tracy A.; (South Jordan, UT) ; Simon;
Mark; (Thousand Oaks, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Listen Technologies Corporation |
Bluffdale |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57281043 |
Appl. No.: |
15/617773 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14942779 |
Nov 16, 2015 |
9712246 |
|
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15617773 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 10/1141 20130101;
H04B 10/502 20130101; H04B 10/11 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 10/50 20060101
H04B010/50 |
Claims
1. An infrared audio system, comprising: a transmitter configured
to generate an audio signal using infrared (IR) light having a
footprint, the transmitter comprising: a mounting board within an
enclosure including a plurality of narrow angle LED emitters and a
plurality of wide angle LED emitters, wherein: each narrow angle
LED emitter of the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters has a
viewing angle less than about 45.degree. to emit IR light of the
footprint having a narrow portion distal to the transmitter; and
each wide angle LED emitter of the plurality of wide angle LED
emitters has a viewing angle greater than about 45.degree. to emit
IR light of the footprint having a wide portion proximate the
transmitter.
2. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein each narrow angle
LED emitter of the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters has a
viewing angle within a range of 5.degree. to 35.degree..
3. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein each narrow angle
LED emitter of the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters has a
viewing angle within a range of 30.degree. to 45.degree..
4. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein each narrow angle
LED emitter of the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters has a
viewing angle within a range of 20.degree. to 45.degree..
5. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein each wide angle
LED emitter of the plurality of wide angle LED emitters has a
viewing angle within a range of 50.degree. to 70.degree..
6. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein each wide angle
LED emitter of the plurality of wide angle LED emitters has a
viewing angle within a range of at least 120.degree..
7. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein each narrow angle
LED emitter and each wide angle LED emitter includes a lens
configured to focus the IR light according to its respective
viewing angle.
8. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein each narrow angle
LED emitter includes a lens configured to focus the IR light
according to its respective viewing angle, and each wide angle LED
emitter does not include a lens.
9. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
narrow angle LED emitters includes individual narrow angle LEDs
that have viewing angles that differ from each other.
10. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
wide angle LED emitters includes individual wide angle LEDs that
have viewing angles that differ from each other.
11. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
wide angle LED emitters and the plurality of narrow angle LED
emitters are interspersed with each other.
12. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
wide angle LED emitters and the plurality of narrow angle LED
emitters are arranged in one of a linear, circular, rectangular, or
triangular, fashion.
13. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter
is configured to operate in either a single channel mode having a
single channel active or a multiple channel mode having multiple
channels active.
14. The infrared audio system of claim 1, wherein the footprint of
the IR light during the single channel mode is smaller than the
footprint of IR light during the multiple channel mode.
15. The infrared audio system of claim 1, further comprising at
least one expansion output in a rear panel of the enclosure of the
transmitter for attaching at least one expansion transmitter to the
transmitter.
16. The infrared audio system of claim 15, further comprising the
at least one expansion transmitter attached to the at least one
expansion output, the at least one expansion transmitter including
a mounting board and a plurality of narrow angle LED emitters and a
plurality of wide angle LED emitters configured the same as the
transmitter.
17. A method of operating a transmitter for transmitting audio
signals via infrared (IR) light having a footprint, the method
comprising: mixing, via a processor, audio signals to generate an
outgoing signal; transmitting the outgoing signal as IR light
through a plurality of narrow angle LED emitters of a transmitter
having a viewing angle less than about 45.degree. to emit IR light
of the footprint having a narrow portion distal to the transmitter;
and transmitting the outgoing signal as IR light through a
plurality of wide angle LED emitters of the transmitter having a
viewing angle greater than about 45.degree. to emit IR light of the
footprint having a wide portion proximate the transmitter.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: transmitting the
outgoing signal as IR light through another plurality of narrow
angle LED emitters of an expansion transmitter connected to the
transmitter; and transmitting the outgoing signal as IR light
through a plurality of wide angle LED emitters of the expansion
transmitter connected to the transmitter.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising positioning the
transmitter and the expansion transmitter to face in the same
direction and spaced laterally from each other.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising positioning the
transmitter and the expansion transmitter to face in different
directions and located proximately to each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/942,779, filed Nov. 16, 2015, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety
by this reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to infrared audio systems
for transmitting audio signals and to methods of making and using
infrared audio systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Infrared audio systems are commonly used to transmit audio
signals in environments in which radio frequency signals are
impractical or not desired. The audio is modulated (e.g., FM
modulation) for transmission, and the modulated signal is
transmitted using one or more infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs)
(also referred to herein as "LED emitters"). The LED emitters emit
a modulated infrared light (hereinafter "IR light") to a remote
receiver that converts (e.g., demodulates) the IR light back into
an audio signal and eventually back to reproducing the sound which
is heard by a listener.
[0004] The LED emitters are typically low power, and an array of
the LED emitters is typically required to provide enough IR light
for the infrared audio system to work in a large area (e.g.,
conference room, auditorium, concert hall, outdoor venues, etc.).
Conventional systems use LEDs that have a directional lens formed
over the diodes of the LED emitters to focus the IR light in one
general direction and to increase the power (e.g., amount and
intensity of the light) emitted in that direction. A typical
viewing angle of transmission (e.g., emitted light) from a single
LED emitter used in such a conventional system is about 10.degree.
to 20.degree. off center. Conventional systems use an array of
these LED emitters that each have a narrow pattern (of IR light)
such that the combined effect provides enough IR light for a
receiver to be used at a practical distance from the LED emitters
in many environments. A narrow pattern in conventional systems may
work well for long and narrow rooms, but if a room is rectangular
or square, the coverage area (e.g., area throughout which the
infrared audio system emits IR light) provided by the infrared
audio system on lateral sides of the room is poor in that there may
be "dead zones" in which the IR signal may not be strong enough to
produce the required signal for the receiver.
[0005] Wider viewing angles of transmission are available from some
LED emitter manufacturers. However, due to the spreading of the IR
light over a wider area, the number of LED emitters required to
cover an entire area of a typical room is, in many cases, cost
prohibitive. For example, a common approach used in the industry to
attempt to increase the coverage area has been to use multiple
(identical) infrared audio systems and point the infrared audio
systems in different directions to get adequate coverage. This
approach has the potential to cause gaps in coverage due to the IR
light from the different infrared audio systems arriving out of
phase (e.g., having latencies) with respect to each other and
cancelling out the signal in certain locations within the room.
Such cancelations may also cause dead zones within the room. In
addition, requiring the user to purchase a large number of
conventional systems with a coverage area having a single narrow
pattern may increase costs--particularly for large areas. Other
conventional approaches include changing the direction that the
individual LED emitters point when mounted on the circuit board of
the transmitting apparatus. In other words, one group points
straight forward, while other groups of the array of LED emitters
points outward at different angles in order to widen the combined
coverage area emitted from the IR transmitter. In each group,
however, the LED emitters are identical in terms of their
individual lenses and emitting characteristics. Mounting the LED
emitters in the array to point in different directions may add cost
to the manufacturing process as well as difficulty in precision
when the mounting occurs.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a
transmitter for transmitting audio signals via infrared light. The
transmitter may include an enclosure, a mounting board, a plurality
of narrow angle LED emitters, and a plurality of wide angle LED
emitters. The enclosure may have a top panel, a bottom panel, a
front panel, and a rear panel. The front panel and rear panel may
extend between the top panel and the bottom panel. The mounting
board may be disposed within the enclosure and proximate the front
panel of the enclosure. The plurality of narrow angle LED emitters
may be disposed on a front surface of the mounting board. The
plurality of wide angle LED emitters may be disposed on a front
surface of the mounting board.
[0007] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes an
infrared audio system for transmitting audio signals via infrared
light. The infrared audio system may include a transmitter and at
least one expansion transmitter. The transmitter may include a
first mounting board, a first plurality of narrow angle LED
emitters mounted to the first mounting board, and a first plurality
of wide angle LED emitters mounted to the first mounting board. The
at least one expansion transmitter may be connected to the
transmitter via at least one cable. The at least one expansion
transmitter may include a second mounting board, a second plurality
of narrow angle LED emitters mounted to the second mounting board;
and a second plurality of wide angle LED emitters mounted to the
second mounting board.
[0008] In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a
method of making a transmitter for transmitting audio signals via
infrared light. The method may include attaching a plurality of
narrow angle LED emitters to a mounting board of the transmitter,
the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters having a viewing angle
within the range of 30.degree. to 50.degree., and attaching a
plurality of wide angle LED emitters to the mounting board of the
transmitter, the plurality of wide angle LED emitters having a
viewing angle within the range of 100.degree. to 140.degree..
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a transmitter of an
infrared audio system according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view of the transmitter of
the infrared audio system of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear side view of a rear panel of the
transmitter of the infrared audio system of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the transmitter of an
infrared audio system with a front panel removed according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a beam of infrared light
emitted by an infrared audio system according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top rear perspective view of an expansion
transmitter of an infrared audio system according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the expansion
transmitter of the infrared audio system of FIG. 6 with a front
panel removed;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a rear side view of a rear panel of the expansion
transmitter of the infrared audio system of FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an infrared audio system
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a beam of infrared light
emitted by an infrared audio system according to another embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a beam of infrared light
emitted by an infrared audio system according to another embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a beam of infrared light
emitted by an infrared audio system according to another embodiment
of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to
practice the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the
detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating
examples of embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of
illustration only and not by way of limitation. From this
disclosure, various substitutions, modifications, additions
rearrangements, or combinations thereof within the scope of the
disclosure may be made and will become apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0022] In accordance with common practice the various features
illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The
illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of
any particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method,
but are merely idealized representations that are employed to
describe various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the
dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or
reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be
simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of
the components of a given apparatus or all operations of a
particular method.
[0023] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits,
and algorithm acts described in connection with embodiments
disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware,
computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate
this interchangeability of hardware and software, various
illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and acts are
described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such
functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon
the particular application and design constraints imposed on the
overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described
functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but
such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing
a departure from the scope of the embodiments of the disclosure
described herein.
[0024] A processor herein may be any processor, controller,
microcontroller, or state machine suitable for carrying out
processes of the disclosure. A processor may also be implemented as
a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP
and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more
microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such
configuration.
[0025] As used herein, any relational term, such as "first,"
"second," etc., is used for clarity and convenience in
understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does
not connote or depend on any specific preference or order, except
where the context clearly indicates otherwise. These designations
may also be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing
between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a
reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two
elements may be employed there or that the first element must
precede the second element in some manner. Also, unless stated
otherwise a set of elements may comprise one or more elements.
[0026] As used herein, any relational term, such as "first,"
"second," "over," "beneath," "top," "bottom," "underlying," "up,"
"down," etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding
the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or
depend on any specific preference, orientation, or order, except
where the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, these
terms may refer to an orientation of elements of the infrared audio
system relative to a surface of a table on which the infrared audio
system may be positioned, mounted, and/or operated (e.g., as
illustrated in the figures).
[0027] As used herein, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" may
refer to a drawing figure as oriented on the drawing sheet, and are
in no way limiting of orientation of an apparatus, or any portion
thereof, unless it is apparent that a particular orientation of the
apparatus is necessary or desirable for operation in view of
gravitational forces. For example, when referring to elements
illustrated in the figures, the terms "vertical" or "horizontal"
may refer to an orientation of elements of the infrared audio
system relative to a table surface of a table to which the infrared
audio system may be mounted and operated.
[0028] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include an
infrared audio system for providing audio signals in environments
where radio frequencies may be impractical or not desired. The
infrared audio system may include a transmitter configured to emit
a beam of infrared light having a wide portion proximate the
transmitter and a narrow portion distal to the transmitter and
extending from the wide portion of the beam of infrared light. The
wide portion of the beam of infrared light may provide coverage in
wide environments. The transmitter may include a plurality of
narrow angle LED emitters and a plurality of wide angle LED
emitters. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include an
infrared audio system having a transmitter and an expansion
transmitter. The expansion transmitter may be used together with
the transmitter to increase a size of the beam of infrared light
emitted by the infrared audio system, and as a result, an amount of
coverage of an environment. The expansion transmitter may also
include a plurality of narrow angle LED emitters and a plurality of
wide angle LED emitters.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an infrared audio
system 100 having an infrared (IR) transmitter 102 configured to
generate audio signals that are transmitted using IR light. FIG. 2
is a rear perspective view of the transmitter 102 of the infrared
audio system 100 of FIG. 1. Such a system 100 may be used in
environments where radio frequencies are impractical and/or not
desired. For example, the IR transmitter 102 may be used to provide
audio signals in auditoriums, gymnasiums, performance halls,
conference rooms, corporate boardrooms, courtrooms, training rooms,
classrooms, theaters, outdoor venues, etc. The transmitter 102 may
be configured to convert audio signals to infrared light
(hereinafter "IR light") with the audio signals imbedded in the IR
light (e.g., FM modulated) and to transmit the IR light for
applications in, for example, assistive listening, audio
description, or language interpretation. Modulation may be
performed using a processor within the infrared audio system 100
configured to receive the audio signals, mix audio signals, and
generate the outgoing signal that is transmitted through the IR
emitters.
[0030] Receivers may be used in conjunction with the transmitter
102. The receivers may detect and receive the IR light, convert the
IR light back into audio signals, and provide the audio signal to a
sound producing device (e.g., headphone), which may be used by a
listener. Demodulation may be performed by a processor incorporated
within the receiver.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, the transmitter 102 may
include an enclosure 104 that includes a top panel 106, bottom
panel 108, front panel 110, and an opposite rear panel 112. The top
panel 106 may be disposed above and proximate to the bottom panel
108 and the front and rear panels 110, 112 may extend between the
top and bottom panels 106, 108. A first plurality of vents 114 may
extend through the top panel 106 and may facilitate dissipation of
heat produced by electrical components disposed within the
enclosure 104 of the transmitter 102. A second plurality of vents
116 may extend through the bottom panel 108 and may further
facilitate dissipation of heat produced by the electrical
components disposed within the enclosure 104 of the transmitter
102.
[0032] The transmitter 102 may include at least one mounting hole
118 for mounting the transmitter 102 within an environment wherein
the transmitter 102 is intended to provide an audio signal to
receivers. In some embodiments, the transmitter 102 may include at
least one mounting hole 118 in one or more of the top panel 106 and
the bottom panel 108 of the enclosure 104.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the infrared audio system 100 of
FIG. 1. In particular, the rear panel 112 of the enclosure 104 of
the transmitter 102 is shown in further detail. The rear panel 112
may serve to provide electrical and audio connections between the
transmitter 102 and the other devices. In some embodiments, the
rear panel 112 may include a power input connector 120, a
safety/security cable slot 122, a power switch 124, a plurality of
channel audio connections 126, at least one expansion link output
128, a plurality of green LED power indicators 130, and a plurality
of amber LED status indicators 132.
[0034] Each of the plurality of channel audio connections 126
includes a microphone input 134, an RCA input 136, a line input
138, a level control 140, a level indicator 142, a frequency
selector 144, and a transmission on/off switch 146. The variety of
available audio inputs may allow the transmitter 102 to be a more
universal device that can be used with a variety of audio signal
providing devices. The power input connector 120 may be connected
to a power supply.
[0035] The power switch 124 may include a three-position switch
that is located proximate the power input connector 120. The power
switch 124 may include a top position, a middle position, and a
bottom position. When the power switch 124 is in the top position,
the transmitter 102 may be powered on and the green LED power
indicators 130 may be active (e.g., lit) indicating that the
transmitter 102 is powered on, as discussed in further detail
below. When the power switch 124 is in the middle position, the
transmitter 102 may also be powered on but the green LED power
indicators 130 may be not active. When the power switch 124 is in
the lower position, the transmitter 102 may be powered off and the
green LED power indicators 130 may be not active.
[0036] Each microphone input 134 of the plurality of channel audio
connections 126 may include a 3.5 mm tip sleeve condenser. Each RCA
input 136 of the plurality of channel audio connections 126 may
include two connectors. The line input 138 of each of the plurality
of channel audio connections 126 may include a three pin Phoenix
type connection. Each level control 140 of the plurality of channel
audio connections 126 may be rotatable in a clockwise direction to
increase an audio level emitted by the transmitter 102 and in a
counterclockwise direction to decrease the audio level emitted by
the transmitter 102. As used herein, the terms "audio level" may
refer to a power and intensity of the IR light produced by the
transmitter 102. As a result, the terms "audio level" may also
refer to a size of an area throughout which the transmitter 102
emits the IR light. For example, when the audio level of the
transmitter 102 is increased, the size of an area throughout which
the transmitter 102 produces the IR light may be increased. Each
level indicator 142 of the plurality of channel audio connections
126 may include a red LED and green LED located proximate the level
control 140 of the plurality of channel audio connections 126. In
some embodiments, the red LED and green LED may be used to
determine the proper audio level adjustment.
[0037] Each frequency selector 144 of the plurality of channel
audio connections 126 may allow a user to select a carrier
frequency at which an IR light may be transmitted for a respective
audio source that is connected to a respective channel audio
connection 126 of the transmitter 102. As an example, each
frequency selector 144 may include a four-position rotary selection
switch. Each position of the four positions of the rotary selection
switch may be associated with a particular frequency. For example,
a first position of the four positions is set to transmit an IR
light at 2.3 MHz, a second position of the four positions is set to
transmit an IR light at 2.8 MHz, a third position of the four
positions is set to transmit an IR light at 3.3 MHz, and a fourth
position of the four positions is set to transmit an IR light at
3.8 MHz. Of course, it is contemplated that any number of different
positions and corresponding frequencies may be used.
[0038] Each transmission on/off switch 146 of the plurality of
channel audio connections 126 has an "up" position and a "down"
position. When the transmission on/off switch 146 is in the "up"
position, the IR light of the respective channel audio connection
126 may be active (e.g., being transmitted). When the transmission
on/off switch 146 is in the "down" position, the IR light of the
respective channel audio connection 126 is not active (e.g., not
being transmitted). In some embodiments, the transmitter 102 may
transmit IR light at least two different channels simultaneously.
For example, the transmitter 102 may have a single channel transmit
mode and a double channel transmit mode. In the single channel
transmit mode, the transmitter 102 may transmit an audio signal on
a single channel (i.e., only one channel active). In the double
channel transmit mode, the transmitter 102 may transmit a first
audio signal on a first channel and a second audio signal on a
second channel (i.e., two channels active). For example, each
channel audio connection 126 of the plurality of channel audio
connections 126 may have an audio source connected to the channel
audio connection 126, and the transmitter 102 may transmit an IR
light associated with each audio source connected to the
transmitter 102. In some embodiments, the transmitter 102 may
transmit an IR light for two different audio sources on two
different channels.
[0039] The at least one expansion link output 128 may accept a
cable 148 (e.g., as one option a Category 5 Enhanced cable ("CAT-5e
cable") or other suitable cable) and may allow the transmitter 102
to add (e.g., be connected to) expansion radiators/transmitters
that can increase an area covered by the transmitter 102 (e.g., can
increase an area throughout which the transmitter 102 transmits the
IR light), as discussed in further detail in regard to FIGS. 6-8.
In some embodiments, the transmitter 102 may include at least two
expansion link outputs 128.
[0040] The plurality of green LED power indicators 130 may indicate
whether the transmitter 102 is powered on. The plurality of amber
LED status indicators 132 may indicate whether an audio source is
connected to the transmitter 102 or if there is a problem with LED
emitters 152, 154 located proximate the front panel 110 of the
transmitter 102 (discussed in further detail in regard to FIG. 4).
Furthermore, when the plurality of amber LED status indicators 132
is solid (e.g., continuously illuminated), it may be an indication
that an audio source is connected to the transmitter 102 and that
the transmitter 102 is actively transmitting an IR light associated
with the audio source.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a front view of the transmitter 102 of the
infrared audio system 100 with the front panel 110 (FIG. 1) of the
enclosure 104 removed to better show internal components of the
transmitter 102. The transmitter 102 may include a mounting board
150, a plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 152, and a plurality
of wide angle LED emitters 154. The plurality of narrow angle LED
emitters 152 and the plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154 may
be mounted on a front surface 156 of the mounting board 150 of the
transmitter 102. In some embodiments, the mounting board 150 may be
a circuit board of the transmitter 102. In some embodiments, the
mounting board 150 may include a plate specifically dedicated for
having the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 152 and the
plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154 mounted to the mounting
board 150.
[0042] Each narrow angle LED emitter 152 of the plurality of narrow
angle LED emitters 152 may have a narrow viewing angle. As used
herein the term "viewing angle" may refer a maximum angle at which
IR light emitted by one of the LED emitters 152, 154 can be viewed
(e.g., viewed with a device capable of viewing IR light). The
viewing angle may extend angular to both sides of a center axis of
the viewing angle. The center axis of the viewing angle may extend
directly in front of a respective LED emitter. For example, the
center axis of the viewing angle may be normal to the mounting
board 150 when the LED emitter is mounted to the mounting board
150. In some embodiments, the narrow viewing angle of each narrow
angle LED emitter 152 of the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters
152 may extend angular at least some angle to both sides of the
center axis of the narrow viewing angle of a respective narrow
angle LED emitter 152. In some embodiments, the narrow viewing
angle may be within a range of 5.degree. to 35.degree.. In other
embodiments, the angle may be within a range of 15.degree. to
25.degree.. In other embodiments, the narrow viewing angle may be
at least about 20.degree.. In other words, in some embodiments, the
narrow viewing angle of each narrow angle LED emitter 152 of the
plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 152 may be at least about
40.degree..
[0043] Each wide angle LED emitter 154 of the plurality of wide
angle LED emitters 154 may have a wide viewing angle. In some
embodiments, the wide viewing angle of each wide angle LED emitter
154 of the plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154 may extend
angular at least some angle to both sides of a center axis of the
wide viewing angle of a respective wide angle LED emitter 154. In
some embodiments, the wide viewing angle may be within a range of
45.degree. to 75.degree.. In other embodiments, the wide viewing
angle may be within a range of 50.degree. to 70.degree.. In other
embodiments, the wide viewing angle may be at least about
60.degree.. In other words, in some embodiments, the wide viewing
angle of each wide angle LED emitter 154 of the plurality of wide
angle LED emitters 154 may be at least about 120.degree..
[0044] In some embodiments, each narrow angle LED emitter 152 of
the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 152 may include a lens
158 formed over a diode of the narrow angle LED emitter 152 and
configured to focus the IR light. In some embodiments, a size
(e.g., size of angle) of the narrow viewing angle of each narrow
angle LED emitter 152 of the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters
152 may be determined by a shape and composition of a respective
lens 158.
[0045] In some embodiments, each wide angle LED emitter 154 of the
plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154 may not include such a
lens 158. Not having a lens 158, may allow each wide angle LED
emitter 154 of the plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154 to have
a wide viewing angle. In other embodiments, each wide angle LED
emitter 154 of the plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154 may
include a lens 158 sized and shaped to provide a wide viewing angle
for each wide angle LED emitter 154 of the plurality of wide angle
LED emitters 154.
[0046] In some embodiments, the transmitter 102 may include a
combination of different groups of both wide angle and narrow angle
LED emitters. For example, the transmitter 102 may include a first
group of narrow angle LED emitters having a viewing angle of
20.degree. and a second group of narrow angle LED emitters having a
viewing angle of 40.degree.. The transmitter 102 may further
include a first group of wide angle LED emitters having a viewing
angle of 50.degree. and a second group of narrow angle LED emitters
having a viewing angle of 75.degree.. Other angles and combinations
of groups are also contemplated.
[0047] In some embodiments, the plurality of narrow angle LED
emitters 152 may be oriented on the mounting board 150 in a linear
fashion. In other words, the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters
152 may be oriented next to each other in a line. In some
embodiments, the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 152 may
include at least two groups of narrow angle LED emitters 152
oriented on the mounting board 150 in a linear fashion. A first
group of the at least two groups of narrow angle LED emitters 152
may be located on a first side of a central lateral axis of the
mounting board 150, and a second group of the at least two groups
of narrow angle LED emitters 152 may be located on a second
opposite side of the central lateral axis of the mounting board
150.
[0048] In some embodiments, the plurality of wide angle LED
emitters 154 may be oriented on the mounting board 150 in a linear
fashion. In other words, the plurality of wide angle LED emitters
154 may be oriented next to each other in a line.
[0049] In some embodiments, the plurality of narrow angle LED
emitters 152 may be oriented above the plurality of wide angle LED
emitters 154 relative to a surface (e.g., a surface of a table) on
which the transmitter 102 may be place. In other embodiments, the
plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 152 may be oriented along a
line that is collinear with a line along which the plurality of
wide angle LED emitters 154 is oriented. In other words, the
plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 152 may be interspersed
among the plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154. In other
embodiments, the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 152 may be
oriented below the plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154
relative to a surface on which the transmitter 102 may be placed.
Although specific orientations of the plurality of narrow angle LED
emitters 152 and the plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154 are
described herein, the plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 152
and the plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154 may be oriented in
any orientation. For example, the one or more of the plurality of
narrow angle LED emitters 152 and the plurality of wide angle LED
emitters 154 may be oriented in one or more of a circular,
rectangular, triangular, etc., fashion.
[0050] In some embodiments, the plurality of narrow angle LED
emitters 152 and the plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154 may
face in a direction that is normal to the front surface 156 of the
mounting board 150. As used herein, an LED emitter may "face" in a
direction that is collinear with a center axis of a viewing angle
of the LED emitter. In other words, in some embodiments, the
plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 152 and the plurality of
wide angle LED emitters 154 may not face in a direction that
defines an acute angle with the front surface 156 of the mounting
board 150. In other embodiments, at least some of the plurality of
narrow angle LED emitters 152 and the plurality of wide angle LED
emitters 154 may face in a direction that defines an acute angle
with the front surface 156 of the mounting board 150.
[0051] FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a beam of IR
light 160 emitted by the transmitter 102 (FIG. 4). Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5 together, IR light emitted by the plurality of narrow
angle LED emitters 152 may merge with IR light emitted by the
plurality of wide angle LED emitters 154 to form the beam of IR
light 160. The beam of IR light 160 (e.g., footprint of the IR
light) may have a general gourd shape having a wide portion 162 and
a narrow portion 164. The wide portion 162 of the beam of IR light
160 may be most proximate the transmitter 102, and the narrow
portion 164 of the beam of IR light 160 may be distal to the
transmitter 102 and may extend from the wide portion 162 in a
direction parallel the center axes of the viewing angles of the LED
emitters 152, 154 and away from the transmitter 102.
[0052] As discussed previously, the transmitter 102 may have a
single channel transmit mode and a double channel transmit mode. In
some embodiments, when the transmitter 102 is transmitting in a
single channel transmit mode (i.e., one channel active), a maximum
longitudinal length of the beam of IR light 160 (e.g., length in a
direction parallel the center axes of the viewing angles of the LED
emitters 152, 154) may be at least about 298 ft. (about 90 m).
Furthermore, a maximum width of the beam of IR light 160 may be
located within the wide portion 162 of the beam of IR light 160 and
may be at least about 220 ft. (about 66 m). In some embodiments,
the maximum width of the wide portion 162 of the beam of IR light
160 may occur about 90 ft. (about 27 m) away from the transmitter
102 in a direction parallel the center axes of the viewing angles
of the LED emitters 152, 154. The narrow portion 164 of the beam of
IR light 160 may have a maximum width of at least about 100 ft.
(about 30 m).
[0053] When the transmitter 102 is transmitting in a double channel
transmit mode (i.e., two channels active), the maximum longitudinal
length of the beam of IR light 160 may be at least about 210 ft.
(about 64 m). Furthermore, the maximum width of the beam of IR
light 160 may be at least about 160 ft. (about 48 m). In some
embodiments, the maximum width of the wide portion 162 of the beam
of IR light 160 may occur about 60 ft. (about 18 m) away from the
transmitter 102 in a direction parallel the center axes of the
viewing angles of the LED emitters 152, 154. The narrow portion 164
of the beam of IR light 160 may have a maximum width of at least
about 60 ft. (about 20 m).
[0054] The footprint of IR light 160 produced by the combination of
the IR light emitted by the plurality of wide angle LED emitters
154 and the IR light emitted by the plurality of narrow angle LED
emitters 152 of the transmitter 102 may provide significantly wider
coverage proximate the transmitter 102 when compared with known
infrared transmitters. Thus, the transmitter 102 of the present
disclosure may provide advantages over other known transmitters
because the transmitter 102 may provide adequate coverage on
lateral sides of rectangular or square rooms (e.g., wide rooms).
Furthermore, the transmitter 102 may be able to provide adequate
coverage in wide rooms without needing a cost prohibitive number of
LED emitters. Thus, the transmitter 102 may be able to provide
better coverage for a cheaper production cost in comparison to
known transmitters. As a result, the transmitter 102 may require a
fewer number of LED emitters in order to cover given area in
comparison to known transmitters. Moreover, by having all of the
LED emitters 152, 154 of the transmitter 102 face the same
direction, problems with the IR light arriving to receiving out of
phase (e.g., with latencies) may be reduced.
[0055] Additionally, mounting LED emitters 152, 154 at acute angles
relative to mounting boards can be complex and costly. Thus, the
transmitter 102 of the current disclosure may provide a more
affordable solution to providing audio signals to wide environments
than known transmitters. Moreover, having a large number of LED
emitters on a mounting board 150 can require a large power supply.
For example, in some cases, a voltage drop across each LED emitter
of about two volts can be experienced. In other words, the larger
the number of LED emitters that is required, the larger a starting
voltage of the power supply is required. Accordingly, by lowering a
number of LED emitters 152, 154 required to provide coverage
through a given environment, less power may be required to power
the infrared audio system 100. Requiring less power may result in
cost savings when using the infrared audio system 100 in comparison
to using other known transmitters.
[0056] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an expansion
transmitter 166 of the infrared audio system 100 that may be
connected to the transmitter 102 (FIG. 1) via the at least one
expansion link output 128 (FIG. 3) of the transmitter 102 (FIG. 1).
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6 together, the expansion transmitter 166
may be used in conjunction with the transmitter 102 to increase a
size of the beam of IR light 160 (FIG. 5) produced by the infrared
audio system 100. Thus, the coverage of the infrared audio system
100 within an area can be increased by connecting an expansion
transmitter 166 to the transmitter 102. The expansion transmitter
166 may have a structure similar to the transmitter 102. For
example, the expansion transmitter 166 may include an enclosure 168
similar to the enclosure 104 of the transmitter 102.
[0057] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an expansion
transmitter 166 with a front panel of the enclosure 168 removed to
better show internal components of the expansion transmitter 166.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7 together, similar to the transmitter
102, the expansion transmitter 166 may include a mounting board
170, a plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 172, and a plurality
of wide angle LED emitters 174. The mounting board 170, the
plurality of narrow angle LED emitters 172, and the plurality of
wide angle LED emitters 174 of the expansion transmitter 166 may be
similar to the same elements of the transmitter 102 and may
function in the same manner discussed above in regard to the
transmitter 102.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a front side view of a rear panel 176 of the
expansion transmitter 166. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8 together, the
rear panel of the expansion transmitter 166 may include at least
one expansion link input 178, at least one expansion link output
180, a plurality of green LED power indicators 182, and a plurality
of amber LED status indicators 184, a first channel delay
compensator switch 186, and a second channel delay compensator
switch 188, an indicator lights on/off switch 190, and a
safety/security cable slot 192. The at least one expansion link
input 178 of the expansion transmitter 166 may accept a cable 148
(e.g., CAT-5e cable), which may in turn be connected to an
expansion link output 128 of the transmitter 102. The at least one
expansion link output 180 of the expansion transmitter 166 may
allow an additional expansion transmitter to be connected to the
expansion transmitter 166, which in turn is connected to the
transmitter 102, as described in further detail in regard to FIG.
9.
[0059] The first channel delay compensator switch 186 and second
channel delay compensator switch 188 may be used to compensate for
latencies (i.e., short periods of delay between when an audio
signal enters a system and when it emerges) that may be present in
audio signals provided to the expansion transmitter 166 and further
expansion transmitters. Latencies in the audio signals may be
present due to analog-to-digital conversion, buffering, digital
signal processing, transmission time, digital-to-analog conversion,
speed of sound in air, etc. For example, latencies in the audio
signals provided to the expansion transmitter 166 may be due to a
length of a cable 148 between the transmitter 102 and the expansion
transmitter 166. Each of the first channel delay compensator switch
186 and the second channel delay compensator switch 188 may include
a four-position switch, and the four-position switch may be
positioned based on a length of the cable 148 between the
transmitter 102 and the expansion transmitter 166.
[0060] FIG. 9 shows an infrared audio system 100 having a
transmitter 102 connected to multiple expansion transmitters. In
some embodiments, the transmitter 102 may be directly connected to
a first expansion transmitter 166a and a second expansion
transmitter 166b via cables 148 (e.g., CAT-5e cables) that are
inserted into the expansion link outputs 128 of the transmitter 102
and into the expansion link input 178 of the first expansion
transmitter 166a and the expansion link input 178 of the second
expansion transmitter 166b. In some embodiments, the first
expansion transmitter 166a may be directly connected to a third
expansion transmitter 166c via a cable 148 that is inserted into
the expansion link output 180 of the first expansion transmitter
166a and into the expansion link input 178 of the third expansion
transmitter 166c. Furthermore, the second expansion transmitter
166b may be directly connected to a fourth expansion transmitter
166d via a cable 148 that is inserted into the expansion link
output 180 of the second expansion transmitter 166b and into the
expansion link input 178 of the fourth expansion transmitter
166d.
[0061] Thus, the transmitter 102 may be connected to multiple
expansion transmitters in a daisy chain fashion (i.e., connected
together in series). In some embodiments, the transmitter 102 may
be connected to up to four additional expansion transmitters 166
(e.g., two expansion transmitters per expansion link output 128 of
the transmitter 102). In other embodiments, the transmitter 102 may
be connected to up to six additional expansion transmitters 166
(e.g., three expansion transmitters per expansion link output 128
of the transmitter 102).
[0062] FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of a beam of IR
light 260 emitted by an infrared audio system 100 (FIG. 1) when a
transmitter 102 (FIG. 1) and an expansion transmitter 166 (FIG. 7)
are used together. Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, 7, and 10 together, IR
light from the transmitter 102 and IR light emitted by the
expansion transmitter 166 may merge to form the beam of IR light
260 emitted by the infrared audio system 100. The beam of IR light
260 shown in FIG. 10 may be emitted when the transmitter 102 and
expansion transmitter 166 are facing in the same direction (e.g.,
the center axes of the viewing angles of the LED emitters 152, 154
of the transmitter 102 and the center axes of the viewing angles of
the LED emitters 172, 174 of the expansion transmitter 166 are
extending in the same direction) and when the IR light emitted by
the transmitter 102 and the IR light emitted by the expansion
transmitter 166 are originating from at least substantially the
same place. For example, the expansion transmitter 166 may be
placed on top of or directly adjacent to the transmitter 102.
[0063] When the transmitter 102 and the expansion transmitter 166
are used together, a size of the beam of IR light 260 emitted by
the infrared audio system 100 may be at least about 40% larger than
a beam of IR light 260 emitted by an infrared audio system 100 just
including the transmitter 102. For example, when the transmitter
102 and expansion transmitter 166 are transmitting in a single
channel transmit mode (i.e., one channel active), a maximum
longitudinal length of the beam of IR light 260 (e.g., length in a
direction parallel the center axes of the viewing angles of the LED
emitters 152, 154, 172, 174 of the transmitter 102 and expansion
transmitter 166) may be at least about 418 ft. (about 127 m).
Furthermore, a maximum width of the beam of IR light 260 may be
located within the wide portion 262 of the beam of IR light 260 and
may be at least about 316 ft. (about 98 m). In some embodiments,
the maximum width of the narrow portion 164 of the beam of IR light
260 may occur about 120 ft. (about 37 m) away from the transmitter
102 in a direction parallel the center axes of the viewing angles
of the LED emitters 152, 154. The narrow portion 264 of the beam of
IR light 260 may have a maximum width of at least about 140 ft.
(about 40 m).
[0064] FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of another beam of
IR light 360 emitted by a transmitter 102 (FIG. 1) and an expansion
transmitter 166 (FIG. 7) when the transmitter 102 (FIG. 1) and
expansion transmitter 166 (FIG. 7) are used together. Referring to
FIGS. 1, 7, and 11 together, the beam of IR light 360 may be
emitted when the transmitter 102 and expansion transmitter 166 are
facing in the same direction but are spaced laterally from one
another by a distance. For example, the beam of IR light 260 shown
in FIG. 10 may be emitted by a transmitter 102 and an expansion
transmitter 166 that are separated from each other laterally by at
least about twenty-four feet. Although a specific distance is
described, the transmitter 102 and expansion transmitter 166 may be
separated by any distance. In this specific example, the beam of IR
light 360 may have two narrow portions 364a, 364b and two wide
portions 362a, 362b. In some embodiments, the two wide portions
362a, 362b may at least partially overlap with each other. In some
embodiments, the two narrow portions 364a, 364b may at least
partially overlap with each other.
[0065] FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of another beam of
IR light 460 emitted by a transmitter 102 (FIG. 1) and an expansion
transmitter 166 (FIG. 7) when the transmitter 102 (FIG. 1) and the
expansion transmitter 166 (FIG. 7) are used together. Referring to
FIGS. 1, 7, and 12 together, the beam of IR light 460 may be
emitted when the transmitter 102 and expansion transmitter 166 are
facing in different directions but are located proximate to each
other. In other words, a beam of IR light 460a emitted by the
transmitter 102 and a beam of IR light 460b emitted by the
expansion transmitter 166 (referred to herein together as beam of
IR light 460) may each originate from at least substantially the
same spot. In this specific example, the beam of IR light 460 may
have two narrow portions 464a, 464b and two wide portions 462a,
462b. In some embodiments, the two wide portions 462a, 462b may at
least partially overlap with each other.
[0066] A direction in which the transmitter 102 is facing may form
an angle with a direction in which the expansion transmitter 166 is
facing. In other words, a longitudinal axis of a beam of IR light
460a emitted by the transmitter 102 may form the angle with a
longitudinal axis of a beam of IR light 460b emitted by the
expansion transmitter 166. In some embodiments, the angle may be at
least about 15.degree.. In other embodiments, the angle may be at
least about 30.degree.. Although specific angles are described
herein, the angle may be any angle between 0.degree. and
180.degree..
[0067] The embodiments of the disclosure described above and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of
the disclosure, which is encompassed by the scope of the appended
claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are
within the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, various modifications
of the disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein,
such as alternative useful combinations of the elements described,
will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
description. Such modifications and embodiments also fall within
the scope of the appended claims and equivalents.
* * * * *