US 20030043972A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0043972 A1 (43) Pub. Date: Burnham et al. (54) WIRELESS ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR (52) Mar. 6, 2003 US. Cl. ......................................... .. 379/56.3; 455/575 A VEHICLE (76) Inventors: Robert J. Burnham, Novi, MI (US); Mike Mayer, Dexter, MI (US) (57) ABSTRACT Correspondence Address: Steven L. Oberholtzer BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE P.O. Box 10395 An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a Chicago, IL 60610 (US) source adapted to illuminate the passenger compartment and vehicle, including a lamp assembly mountable Within the passenger compartment of the vehicle and having a light a transmitter connectable to an audio source and adapted to (21) Appl. No.: 09/941,313 receive information from the audio source and to transmit (22) Filed: Aug. 29, 2001 signals containing the information Within the passenger Publication Classi?cation (51) Int. Cl.7 ................................................... .. H04B 10/00 compartment of the vehicle, and at least one pair of Wireless headphones equipped With a sensor, Which is capable of receiving said signals, and adapted to convert to the signals into sound. '27. Patent Application Publication IO Mar. 6, 2003 Sheet 1 0f 2 US 2003/0043972 A1 Patent Application Publication TO VEHICLE WIRING Mar. 6, 2003 Sheet 2 0f 2 US 2003/0043972 A1 Mar. 6, 2003 US 2003/0043972 A1 WIRELESS ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE source 24 may be activated and deactivated by any other suitable means, such as motion detection, sound detection, TECHNICAL FIELD conventional incandescent bulb. HoWever, any other suit able device for producing light, such as an LED device, may or remote control. The light source 24 is preferably a [0001] This invention relates generally to entertainment systems for use in a vehicle, and more particularly to an entertainment system involving the use of Wireless head be used as the light source 24. The light source 24 is preferably connected to a poWer source 26, as shoWn in FIG. Since the advent of the car radio, it has been 1, Which delivers the poWer required for the light source 24 to emit light Within the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12. Preferably, the poWer source 26 is the battery or alternator of the vehicle 12. Alternatively, an independent battery pack, a solar panel, or any other suitable poWer common practice to listen to the radio While driving cars. In the early years, car audio systems Were AM radios that entertainment system 10. In the preferred embodiment, the offered very feW listening choices. HoWever, in recent years, car audio technology has made dramatic advances and the listening choices noW seem endless. Most modern day Wiring 28. The connection betWeen these tWo devices, hoWever, depends on the types of devices used for the light phones. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] generating device may be used as the poWer source 26 of the light source 24 is connected to the poWer source 26 by vehicles alloW the occupants a choice of listening to an AM radio, a FM radio, a cassette player, a MP3 player, or a CD source 24 and the poWer source 26. Thus, any suitable player. In fact, it is becoming increasingly common to ?nd televisions, VCRs, DVD players, and video game systems installed in vehicles. While these technological advances have been aimed at maXimiZing the traveling pleasure of the connection betWeen the light source 24 and the poWer children (typically in the backseat), the traveling pleasure of parents has been neglected. The sounds of a radio talk shoW intended to entertain an entire family have been replaced With the clamor of pop music, cartoons, and video games. There is a need for an entertainment system for use in a vehicle, Which is able to entertain those passengers inter ested in being entertained Without annoying others. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0003] FIG. 1 is a schematic side vieW of the entertain ment system of the preferred embodiment of the invention located in the interior of a vehicle. device capable of transferring poWer may be used to provide source 26. [0008] As shoWn in FIG. 2, the second major element found Within the lamp assembly 16 is the transmitter 18. The function of the transmitter 18 is to convert information being received from the audio source into signals and to transmit those signals Within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Once transmitted Within the passenger compartment of the vehicle, the signals may be received by the Wireless headphones and converted into sound for the listening pleasure of an occupant of the vehicle. The transmitter 18 is preferably an infrared transmitter adapted to transmit infra red signals. The infrared transmitter functions by receiving information from the audio source via Wiring 28 and con verting that information into infrared signals that the trans mitter then transmits Within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Because the use of infrared devices requires [0004] FIG. 2 is a prospective vieW of a lamp assembly of the preferred embodiment of the invention. mounted on the ceiling or headliner of the passenger com DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION partment of a vehicle, is a preferred place to locate the lamp assembly 16. Alternatively, the transmitter 18 may be adapted to transmit supersonic signals or any other suitable [0005] The folloWing description of the preferred embodi type of signal. The transmitter 18 is preferably adapted to transmit digital signals, but the transmitter 18 may alterna ment of the invention and the tWo preferred methods of supplying the invention are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, but rather to enable any person skilled in line-of-sight connections, an interior lamp, Which is usually tively be adapted to transmit analog signals, analog/digital signals, or any other suitable type of signal. Preferably, the the art of entertainment systems to make and use this transmitter 18 is a conventional LED device. HoWever, any invention. other suitable device for transmitting signals may be used as the transmitter 18. [0009] As shoWn in FIG. 1, the audio source 20 functions to provide the transmitter With information that may even [0006] As shoWn in FIG. 1, the invention is an entertain ment system 10, Which is comprised of a lamp assembly 16, an audio source 20, and Wireless headphones 22. The entertainment system enables persons Within the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12 to listen to the audio source 20 via the Wireless headphones 22 Without bothering or annoying the driver of the vehicle 12. In addition, the lamp assembly 16 of the entertainment system 10 is capable of illuminating the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12. tually be converted into sound by the Wireless headphones 22. The audio source 20 is preferably a conventional radio, cassette player, or CD player. HoWever, the audio source 20 may alternatively be a conventional television, VCR, DVD player, MP3 player, or any other suitable device for trans ferring information capable of being converted into sound. The audio source 20 may be a preexisting device in the [0007] As shoWn in FIG. 2, the lamp assembly 16 vehicle, Which primarily functions to provide multiple speakers (not shoWn) With sound signals. In this manner, a includes a light source 24 and at least one transmitter 18. The preexisting device may be integrated into the entertainment function of the light source 24 is to illuminate the passenger system; therefore, the audio source 20 does not have to, compartment of the vehicle. The light source 24 is prefer although it may, be specially designed for the entertainment ably activated and deactivated by pressing a button (not shoWn) on the lamp assembly 16. Alternatively, the light system 10. As discussed above, the audio source 20 is preferably connected to the transmitter 18 by Wiring 28. Mar. 6, 2003 US 2003/0043972 A1 Alternatively, any other suitable method of enabling the consumer. Alternatively, an auto parts vender, an entertain ment systems vender, or any other suitable individual may transfer of information from the audio source 20 to the transmitter 18, such as ?ber optics, may be used, such as an perform the tasks of removing the eXisting ?xture and optical ?ber or a radio frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver. mounting the lamp assembly. [0010] Wiring 28 is preferably used both to connect the [0014] poWer source 26 to the light source and to connect the audio ing an eXisting ?Xture, and mounting a lamp assembly in place of the removed ?Xture, this method may also require Wiring to be provided, the Wiring to be installed, and the source 20 to the transmitter. In the ?rst con?guration dis cussed above, the purpose of the Wiring 28 is to transfer the poWer generated by the poWer source 26 to the light source, so that light may be emitted Within the passenger compart ment 14 of the vehicle 12. In the second con?guration discussed above, the function of the Wiring 28 is to transfer the information generated by the audio source 20 to the transmitter, so that the information may be transmitted Within the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12 in the form of signals. The Wiring 28 is preferably made of conventional materials and using conventional methods. [0011] As discussed above, the function of the Wireless headphones 22 is to receive the signals being transmitted by the transmitter and to convert those signals into sound. The Wireless headphones 22 are preferably conventional Wireless headphones. Similar to the audio source 20, the Wireless headphones 22 may, but need not, be designed speci?cally for the entertainment system 10. The Wireless headphones In addition to supplying a lamp assembly, remov transmitter to be connected to the audio source by the Wiring. Preferably, the Wiring Will be supplied to an auto motive parts vender. Consumers Will be able to purchase the Wiring along With the lamp assembly. Alternatively, the Wiring may be supplied to any suitable vender. Installing the Wiring and connecting the transmitter to the audio device Will preferably be done by the consumer. HoWever, these tasks may be performed by any suitable individual. In addition to the steps mentioned above, other steps, such as receiving orders from customers, may be included. [0015] As any person skilled in the art of entertainment systems Will recogniZe from the previous detailed descrip tion and from the ?gures and claims, modi?cations and changes can be made to the preferred embodiment of the invention Without departing from the scope of this invention de?ned in the folloWing claims. 22 are connected to the transmitter by Way of a sensor located Within the Wireless headphones 22. While the Wire less headphones 22 are not physically connected to the transmitter, the sensor that is located Within the Wireless headphones 22 is able to receive signals being transmitted Within the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12 by the transmitter, thereby connecting the Wireless headphones 22 and the transmitter. As discussed above, the connection betWeen the Wireless headphones 22 and the transmitter is preferably achieved using infrared signals that are transmit ted by the transmitter and received by the Wireless head phones 22. HoWever, any suitable method for achieving this We claim: 1. An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising: a lamp assembly mountable Within the passenger compartment of the vehicle and having a light source connectable to a poWer source and adapted to illu minate the passenger compartment, and a transmitter con nectable to an audio source and adapted to receive informa tion from said audio source and to transmit signals containing the information Within the passenger compart connection betWeen the tWo devices may be used. ment of the vehicle. 2. An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, Wherein said transmitter [0012] The ?rst preferred method of supplying the enter is an LED transmitter. tainment system to consumers entails supplying a vehicle 3. An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, Wherein said transmitter manufacturer With the lamp assembly, Which is to be installed With the Wiring connected to the audio source of the vehicle as they are manufactured and supplying consumers ing the transmitter and the light source Will be an element is an infrared transmitter adapted to transmit infrared sig nals. 4. An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, Wherein said signals are that is supplied and installed by the manufacturer of the digital signals. vehicle. The Wireless headphones, on the other hand, are preferably sold directly to the consumer as a separate item, 5. An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising Wiring connecting said transmitter to said audio source. 6. An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising: With the Wireless headphones. The lamp assembly compris not as part of the vehicle being purchased. HoWever, the Wireless headphones may alternatively be sold With the purchase of the vehicle. In addition to the steps mentioned above, other steps, such as receiving orders from customers, may be included. [0013] The second preferred method of supplying the entertainment system to consumers involves supplying the lamp assembly, removing an eXisting ?Xture from the pas senger compartment of the vehicle, and mounting the lamp assembly in place of the removed ?Xture. The lamp assem bly Will preferably be supplied to auto parts venders. Alter natively, the lamp assembly may be supplied to the con a lamp assembly mountable Within the passenger com partment of the vehicle and having a light source connectable to a poWer source and adapted to illumi nate the passenger compartment and a transmitter con nectable to an audio source and adapted to receive information from said audio source and to transmit signals containing the information Within the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and sumers themselves, entertainment system venders, or any at least one pair of Wireless headphones equipped With a other suitable vender. Removing the eXisting ?Xture and sensor, Which is capable of receiving said signals, and mounting the lamp assembly Will preferably be done by the adapted to convert to said signals into sound. Mar. 6, 2003 US 2003/0043972 A1 7. An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 6, Wherein said transmitter 15. A method of supplying an entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 11, is an LED transmitter. further comprising the acts of providing Wiring, installing the Wiring in the vehicle, and connecting the transmitter and 8. An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 6, Wherein said transmitter is an infrared transmitter adapted to transmit infrared sig nals. 9. An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 6, Wherein said signals are digital signals and said audio source or said lamp assembly contains an A/D converter. 10. An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 6, further comprising Wiring connecting said transmitter to said audio source. 11. A method of supplying an entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising: supplying a vehicle manufacturer With a lamp assembly mountable Within the passenger compartment of the vehicle and having a light source connectable to a poWer source and adapted to illuminate the passenger compartment and a transmitter connectable to an audio source and adapted to receive information from said audio source and to transmit signals containing the information Within the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and supplying consumers With Wireless headphones equipped With a sensor, Which is capable of receiving signals, and adapted to convert said signals into sound. 12. A method of supplying an entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 11, Wherein said transmitter is an LED transmitter. 13. An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 11, Wherein said transmitter is an infrared transmitter adapted to transmit infrared signals and said sensor is an infrared sensor adapted to convert the audio source With the Wiring. 16. A method of supplying an entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising the folloW ing steps: providing a lamp assembly mountable Within the passen ger compartment of the vehicle and having a light source connectable to a poWer source and adapted to illuminate the passenger compartment and a transmitter connectable to an audio source and adapted to receive information from said audio source and to transmit signals containing the information Within the passenger compartment of the vehicle; removing an eXisting ?xture from the passenger compart ment of the vehicle; and mounting said lamp assembly to the passenger compart ment of the vehicle. 17. A method of supplying an entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 16, Wherein said transmitter is an LED transmitter. 18. A method of supplying an entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 16, Wherein said transmitter is an infrared transmitter adapted to transmit infrared signals. 19. A method of supplying consumers With an entertain ment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 16, Wherein said signals are digital signals and said audio source or said lamp assembly contains anA/D converter. 20. A method of supplying consumers With an entertain ment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as infrared signals into sound. claimed in claim 16, further comprising the acts of providing 14. A method of supplying an entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle as claimed in claim 11, Wiring, installing the Wiring in the vehicle, and connecting Wherein said signals are digital signals and said audio source or said lamp assembly contains an A/D converter. the transmitter and the audio source With the Wiring.
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