Electronic handheld audio/video receiver and listening/viewing device

Abstract

A handheld device in an audio and video system including a system for receiving and processing video and/or audio signals, a system for displaying a virtual image to a user, and a system for producing sounds audible to a user. The handheld device also incorporates a shroud to block ambient light when the handheld unit is engaged with the user's face. As a result, the user may hear sounds produced from the received audio signals. Further the user may see the virtual images produced from the received video signals when the handheld device is engaged with the users face.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This document is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to; (1) copending non-provisional U.S. patent application entitled “Video / Audio System and Method Enabling a User to Select Different Views and Sounds Associated With an Event,” assigned Ser. No. 09 / 322,411, and filed May 28, 1999; (2) copending non-provisional U.S. patent application entitled “Audio / Video System and Method Utilizing a Head Mounted Apparatus With Noise Attenuation,” assigned Ser. No. 09 / 386,613, and filed Aug. 31, 1999, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. This document also claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of the copending provisional application “Electronic Handheld Video Receiver and Viewing Device,” assigned Ser. No. 60 / 240,129, and filed Oct. 13, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for processi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]In accordance with, another feature of the present invention, the handheld device incorporates an integrated light shield / shroud to block ambient light that can interfere with the user's ability to view the virtual image. Unlike individual eye shrouds characteristic of a pair of optical binoculars, the present shroud shields both eyes at the same time. Among other advantages, the present shroud enables the user to operate the device while wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses.

Problems solved by technology

However, spectators viewing and / or hearing the sights and sounds of the game via televisions are not usually given the opportunity to select which video and / or audio signals are modulated and transmitted to the television.

However, the monitor does not always display a desirable perspective with respect to each spectator in the stadium, and the monitor is often not located in a convenient location for many of the spectators.

The spectators viewing the monitor often do not have control over which image is displayed by the monitor.

Thus a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry for providing a system and method that enables a spectator to conveniently view an event from different perspectives.

Images