WO2000070315A1 - Audio signal detector and meter - Google Patents

Audio signal detector and meter Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000070315A1
WO2000070315A1 PCT/GB2000/001795 GB0001795W WO0070315A1 WO 2000070315 A1 WO2000070315 A1 WO 2000070315A1 GB 0001795 W GB0001795 W GB 0001795W WO 0070315 A1 WO0070315 A1 WO 0070315A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
audio signal
meter
signal detector
display
detector
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2000/001795
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lincoln Fong
Original Assignee
Lincoln Fong
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lincoln Fong filed Critical Lincoln Fong
Priority to AU45955/00A priority Critical patent/AU4595500A/en
Publication of WO2000070315A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000070315A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/28—Testing of electronic circuits, e.g. by signal tracer
    • G01R31/282—Testing of electronic circuits specially adapted for particular applications not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/2825—Testing of electronic circuits specially adapted for particular applications not provided for elsewhere in household appliances or professional audio/video equipment
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R19/00—Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
    • G01R19/145—Indicating the presence of current or voltage
    • G01R19/155—Indicating the presence of voltage

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an audio signal detector and meter.
  • a failure point is determined by trial and error or by using an audio signal meter.
  • instruments are complex and bulky items which are costly and require a high degree of technical skill to use, interpret and interface. In consequence, they are not generally employed to determine the simple presence or absence of audio signal, for example a changing signal of an electric guitar, rather they are used to measure the precise value of a steady signal.
  • an audio signal detector and meter comprising an electrical circuit including a connector for connecting to an audio signal system, a power source, a switch and a display characterised in that the power source is a replaceable battery and the display comprises light emitting diode means, the arrangement being such that, when connected to the system and when the switch is operated, the display indicates the presence and approximate value of an audio signal applied at the connector.
  • the invention thus provides an inexpensive and portable battery driven unit which may be used by non-technical persons to determine the presence or absence of a signal to within sufficient accuracy as to ascertain whereabouts in a system a signal loss or fault has occurred.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an audio signal detector and meter in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a view of another embodiment of an audio signal detector and meter in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram of an electrical circuit for the detector and meter shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2.
  • an audio signal detector and meter in accordance with the present invention comprising a rectangular housing 10 having side walls, 1 1 , 12, an upper wall 13, a lower wall 14 and end walls 15, 16.
  • the end wall 15 is provided with a rigid elongate connector 17 extending therefrom.
  • the side wall 11 is provided with a push-button 18 and the upper wall 13 has extending therethrough a group of three lamps 19, 20 and 21 and a single lamp 22.
  • the housing 10 is of such dimension that it is easily carried in the hand and is easily stored in a garment pocket.
  • a ring 23 may be provided so that the housing 10 may be located on a key ring.
  • the connector 17 is adapted to be received in a socket of a component which socket is included in an electrical circuit of the component.
  • FIG. 2 of the drawings there is shown another embodiment of an audio signal detector and meter in accordance with the present invention which is similar to that shown in Figure 1 except that there is provided a connector 24 having a different configuration to the connector 17.
  • an audio signal detector and meter having the configuration shown in Figure 1 except that the housing 10 is adapted to receive, interchangeably, the connector 17 or the connector 24 or any other connector having a different configuration.
  • FIG. 3 of the drawings there is shown a block diagram of an electrical circuit for the detector and meter shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the circuit comprises a replaceable battery 25, terminals 26, 27 which are engaged and bridged by the push-button 18 in an operative condition and an amplifier 28, a rectifier 29, a smoothing device 30 and a comparator 31, all arranged in shunt configuration in the circuit.
  • An input of the amplifier 28 is connected to the connector 17 or 24 and the arrangement is such that, when the push-button 18 is operated to engage the terminals 26, 27, an input signal received at the input of the amplifier 28 is rectified by the rectifier 29, is smoothed by the smoothing device 30 and is received from the smoothing device 30 by the comparator 31. If no signal is received at the input of the amplifier 28 when the pushbutton 18 is operated, the lamps 19, 20 and 21 remain unilluminated.
  • the comparator 31 assesses the value of the signal and, the lamps 19, 20 and 21 are illuminated according to the signal strength.
  • the lamp 22 would be included in the circuit such that the lamp 22 will illuminate when the push-button 18 is operated and when there is residual energy in the battery 25.
  • the circuit shown in Figure 3 may also include means, such as a relay, for maintaining the push-button 18 temporarily in an "on" condition, ie in a condition in contact with and bridging the terminals 26, 27, until a predetermined time has elapsed.
  • means such as a relay, for maintaining the push-button 18 temporarily in an "on" condition, ie in a condition in contact with and bridging the terminals 26, 27, until a predetermined time has elapsed.
  • an audio signal detector and meter in accordance with the present invention may be included in the circuit shown in Figure 3.
  • the end wall 16 would be provided with a second connector providing an audio signal output while the unit is in use.

Abstract

A miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter, for use for example by a musician, hi-fi enthusiast or recording studio technician, indicates the presence and approximate level of an electrical audio signal applied at an audio signal system connector of the device. The device includes a push-button switch (18), a small replaceable battery (25) and miniature electronic circuitry including a lamp (19, 20, 21), illumination of which is indicative of signal level, and a lamp (22), illumination of which is indicative of residual energy of the battery (25). The device may also be provided with a ring (23) for attaching the device to a key ring.

Description

AUDIO SIGNAL DETECTOR AND METER
This invention relates to an audio signal detector and meter.
It is often the situation in recording studios, musicians' amplified stage setups or domestic hi-fis, that an audio instrument signal becomes inadvertently lost or irretrievably attenuated at some unknown point in the audio chain. The result is always the same in that no signal reaches the listener.
Generally, a failure point is determined by trial and error or by using an audio signal meter. However such instruments are complex and bulky items which are costly and require a high degree of technical skill to use, interpret and interface. In consequence, they are not generally employed to determine the simple presence or absence of audio signal, for example a changing signal of an electric guitar, rather they are used to measure the precise value of a steady signal.
According to the present invention there is provided an audio signal detector and meter comprising an electrical circuit including a connector for connecting to an audio signal system, a power source, a switch and a display characterised in that the power source is a replaceable battery and the display comprises light emitting diode means, the arrangement being such that, when connected to the system and when the switch is operated, the display indicates the presence and approximate value of an audio signal applied at the connector.
The invention thus provides an inexpensive and portable battery driven unit which may be used by non-technical persons to determine the presence or absence of a signal to within sufficient accuracy as to ascertain whereabouts in a system a signal loss or fault has occurred.
The use of light emitting diodes provide a facility whereby it is possible, in an otherwise noisy environment, to ascertain the signal loss or fault and the audio signal system connector provides ready connection to the circuit under test.
Following is a description, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of one method of carrying the invention into effect.
In the drawings :-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an audio signal detector and meter in accordance with the present invention,
Figure 2 is a view of another embodiment of an audio signal detector and meter in accordance with the present invention, and
Figure 3 is a block diagram of an electrical circuit for the detector and meter shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2.
Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings there is shown an embodiment of an audio signal detector and meter in accordance with the present invention comprising a rectangular housing 10 having side walls, 1 1 , 12, an upper wall 13, a lower wall 14 and end walls 15, 16. The end wall 15 is provided with a rigid elongate connector 17 extending therefrom. The side wall 11 is provided with a push-button 18 and the upper wall 13 has extending therethrough a group of three lamps 19, 20 and 21 and a single lamp 22. The housing 10 is of such dimension that it is easily carried in the hand and is easily stored in a garment pocket. A ring 23 may be provided so that the housing 10 may be located on a key ring.
The connector 17 is adapted to be received in a socket of a component which socket is included in an electrical circuit of the component.
Referring now to Figure 2 of the drawings, there is shown another embodiment of an audio signal detector and meter in accordance with the present invention which is similar to that shown in Figure 1 except that there is provided a connector 24 having a different configuration to the connector 17.
Alternatively, there may be provided a single embodiment of an audio signal detector and meter having the configuration shown in Figure 1 except that the housing 10 is adapted to receive, interchangeably, the connector 17 or the connector 24 or any other connector having a different configuration.
Referring now to Figure 3 of the drawings, there is shown a block diagram of an electrical circuit for the detector and meter shown in Figures 1 and 2. The circuit comprises a replaceable battery 25, terminals 26, 27 which are engaged and bridged by the push-button 18 in an operative condition and an amplifier 28, a rectifier 29, a smoothing device 30 and a comparator 31, all arranged in shunt configuration in the circuit.
An input of the amplifier 28 is connected to the connector 17 or 24 and the arrangement is such that, when the push-button 18 is operated to engage the terminals 26, 27, an input signal received at the input of the amplifier 28 is rectified by the rectifier 29, is smoothed by the smoothing device 30 and is received from the smoothing device 30 by the comparator 31. If no signal is received at the input of the amplifier 28 when the pushbutton 18 is operated, the lamps 19, 20 and 21 remain unilluminated.
However, if a signal is received at the input of the amplifier 28 when the push-button 18 is operated, the comparator 31 assesses the value of the signal and, the lamps 19, 20 and 21 are illuminated according to the signal strength.
Although not shown in Figure 3, the lamp 22 would be included in the circuit such that the lamp 22 will illuminate when the push-button 18 is operated and when there is residual energy in the battery 25.
The circuit shown in Figure 3 may also include means, such as a relay, for maintaining the push-button 18 temporarily in an "on" condition, ie in a condition in contact with and bridging the terminals 26, 27, until a predetermined time has elapsed.
It will be appreciated that an audio signal detector and meter in accordance with the present invention may be included in the circuit shown in Figure 3. In another arrangement the end wall 16 would be provided with a second connector providing an audio signal output while the unit is in use.

Claims

1. An audio signal detector and meter comprising an electrical circuit including a connector (17, 24) for connecting to an audio signal system, a power source (25), a switch (18) and a display characterised in that the power source (25) is a replaceable battery and the display (19, 20, 21) comprises light emitting diode means, the arrangement being such that, when connected to the system and when the switch (18) is operated, the display (19, 20, 21) indicates the presence and approximate value of an audio signal applied at the connector (17, 24).
2. An audio signal detector and meter as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that means (23) is provided for attachment to a key ring.
3. An audio signal detector and meter as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the detector and meter is adapted to receive, interchangeably, any one of a plurality of different connectors (17, 24).
4. An audio signal detector and meter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the circuit is adapted to maintain the switch (18) in an "on" condition until a predetermined time has elapsed.
5. An audio signal detector and meter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the display (22) provides indication as to residual energy of the power source (25). AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 1 1 September 2000 ( 11 .09.00) ; original claim 1 amended ; remaining claims unchanged ( 1 page) ]
1. An audio signal detector and meter comprising an electrical circuit including an amplifier (28), a rectifier (29), a smoothing device (30) and a comparator (31) characterised in that there is also included an audio signal system connector (17, 24) for connecting to an audio signal system, a replacement battery power source (25), a switch (18) and a display (19, 20, 21) comprising light emitting diode means, the arrangement being a miniature handheld unit such that, when connected to the system and when the switch (18) is operated, the display (19, 20, 21) indicates the presence and approximate value of an audio signal applied at the connector (17, 24).
2. An audio signal detector and meter as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that means (23) is provided for attachment to a key ring.
3. An audio signal detector and meter as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the detector and meter is adapted to receive, interchangeably, any one of a plurality of different connectors (17, 24).
4. An audio signal detector and meter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the circuit is adapted to maintain the switch (18) in an "on" condition until a predetermined time has elapsed.
5. An audio signal detector and meter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the display (22) provides indication as to residual energy of the power source (25). Statement under Article 19(1)
The AMENDED CLAIMS differ from the Claims as filed in that Claim 1 of the AMENDED CLAIMS specifies features which characterise the invention compared with known electrical circuits, more particularly the Claim specifies that the invention includes an audio signal system connector.
PCT/GB2000/001795 1999-05-12 2000-05-11 Audio signal detector and meter WO2000070315A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU45955/00A AU4595500A (en) 1999-05-12 2000-05-11 Audio signal detector and meter

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9910991.0 1999-05-12
GB9910991A GB2349955B (en) 1999-05-12 1999-05-12 Miniature handheld audio signal detector and meter

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000070315A1 true WO2000070315A1 (en) 2000-11-23

Family

ID=10853292

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2000/001795 WO2000070315A1 (en) 1999-05-12 2000-05-11 Audio signal detector and meter

Country Status (3)

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AU (1) AU4595500A (en)
GB (1) GB2349955B (en)
WO (1) WO2000070315A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007081052A1 (en) * 2006-01-16 2007-07-19 Yamaha Corporation Light emission responder

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4061042A (en) * 1975-05-12 1977-12-06 Corporation For Public Broadcasting Audio signal monitoring system with display of two signal characteristics
JPS5873827A (en) * 1982-10-08 1983-05-04 Gen Eng:Kk Noise exposure meter for personal use
GB2230338A (en) * 1989-03-10 1990-10-17 John Ogborne Sound level meter
JPH06241882A (en) * 1993-02-18 1994-09-02 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Sound detector
DE4423383A1 (en) * 1994-07-04 1996-01-11 Andreas Sommerer Sound dose indicator with warning alarm for use at e.g. discotheque, or work-place with high ambient noise level, or headphone user

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4092591A (en) * 1975-08-06 1978-05-30 Lozowski Joseph F Electric meter
DE2846675C3 (en) * 1978-10-26 1981-08-13 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München Test device for displaying an electrical voltage and, if necessary, its polarity
AU549037B2 (en) * 1981-06-29 1986-01-09 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Testing voltage, polarity and continuity
US4634971A (en) * 1982-09-30 1987-01-06 Ford Motor Company Portable hand-held voltage sensor with manually adjustable reference voltage for comparison with sensed voltage

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4061042A (en) * 1975-05-12 1977-12-06 Corporation For Public Broadcasting Audio signal monitoring system with display of two signal characteristics
JPS5873827A (en) * 1982-10-08 1983-05-04 Gen Eng:Kk Noise exposure meter for personal use
GB2230338A (en) * 1989-03-10 1990-10-17 John Ogborne Sound level meter
JPH06241882A (en) * 1993-02-18 1994-09-02 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Sound detector
DE4423383A1 (en) * 1994-07-04 1996-01-11 Andreas Sommerer Sound dose indicator with warning alarm for use at e.g. discotheque, or work-place with high ambient noise level, or headphone user

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 007, no. 168 (P - 212) 23 July 1983 (1983-07-23) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 018, no. 624 (P - 1833) 28 November 1994 (1994-11-28) *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007081052A1 (en) * 2006-01-16 2007-07-19 Yamaha Corporation Light emission responder
JP2007187605A (en) * 2006-01-16 2007-07-26 Yamaha Corp Light emission responding device
US8130968B2 (en) 2006-01-16 2012-03-06 Yamaha Corporation Light-emission responder

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2349955A (en) 2000-11-15
AU4595500A (en) 2000-12-05
GB2349955B (en) 2001-04-11
GB9910991D0 (en) 1999-07-14

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