초록 ▼

A communication device for transmitting audio information includes a compact casing which houses processing circuitry. The processing circuitry converts input audio signals into transducer driving signals. A miniaturized microphone is mounted in the casing for receiving the input audio signals. The

A communication device for transmitting audio information includes a compact casing which houses processing circuitry. The processing circuitry converts input audio signals into transducer driving signals. A miniaturized microphone is mounted in the casing for receiving the input audio signals. The input audio signals are then amplified and filtered to appropriate signal levels by the processing circuitry. Once the input audio signals have been processed in this manner they are applied to a driver which outputs transducer driving signals analogous to the input audio signals. The transducer driving signals are received by a transducer assembly worn by a user and energize a pair of coils located on opposite sides of an armature forming part of the transducer assembly. The electromagnetic forces generated by the coils when energized cause the armature to move. Movement of the armature in turn drives a plunger so that the plunger moves in a vibrational pattern analogous to the input audio signals. The plunger contacts the skin of the user so that the vibrational pattern is received by cutaneous nerve receptors on the user\s body or by the user\s ears via bone conduction. This vibrational information is then transmitted to the user\s brain for processing. A pair of springs are located on opposite sides of the armature and bias the armature and plunger so that they move to a datum in the absence of driving signals. The spring also oppose movement of the armature and plunger when driven by the coils.

대표청구항 ▼

A communication device for transmitting audio information to a user comprising: input means for receiving input audio signals; processing means in communication with said input means and converting said input audio signals into transducer driving signals; a transducer assembly to be worn by a user a

A communication device for transmitting audio information to a user comprising: input means for receiving input audio signals; processing means in communication with said input means and converting said input audio signals into transducer driving signals; a transducer assembly to be worn by a user and being in communication with said processing means, said transducer assembly including a plunger member moveable axially to contact said user; drive means including an armature to which said plunger member is attached, said drive means moving said armature axially to cause said plunger member to contact said user in a vibrational pattern analogous to said input audio signals in response to said transducer driving signals; and biasing means at opposite axial ends of said armature for opposing the movement of said armature in response to said transducer driving signals and for returning said armature to a datum in the absence of said transducer driving signals.