Abstract:
A headset controller for controlling two incoming radio signals for a headset that includes a left earcup and a right earcup. The controller includes a first radio signal input connection configured for receiving a first radio signal from a first radio, and a second radio signal input connection configured for receiving a second radio signal from a second radio different from the first radio. The controller also includes an electrical sensing and switching mechanism that is operative, when both channels have incoming signals, to send each signal separately Lo a respective earcup. The electrical sensing and switching mechanism is operative, when only one of the two channels has an incoming signal, to send that one signal to both earcups.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Prior Art 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a controller for a dual communications headset. Such a headset is commonly worn by a soldier, and enables the wearer to listen to incoming signals from one or both of two different radios. In these headsets, when both channels have incoming signals, one signal (Radio 1) is sent, to the left earcup of the headset and the other signal (Radio 2) is sent to the right earcup of the headset. When only one channel has an incoming signal, only that one earcup is active and generates sound for the wearer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The controller of the present invention includes an electrical sensing and switching mechanism that provides a different mode of operation. As with the prior art product, when both channels have incoming signals, one signal (Radio 1) is sent to the left earcup and the other signal (Radio 2) is sent to the right earcup. However, and in accordance with the present invention, if only one of the two channels has an incoming signal, the controller automatically senses that fact, and automatically switches that one signal over to both earcups of the headset. As a result, when only one channel has an incoming signal, that signal generates sound for the wearer through both earcups. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a pictorial drawing illustrating the several flow paths that are available for the radio signals between the controller and the headset; 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  is a pictorial view of the controller connected with two radios and a headset; 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  is an electrical circuitry diagram of portions of the controller. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates to a controller  10  for a dual communications headset, for example of the type worn by soldiers, that enables the wearer to listen to incoming signals from either one or two different radios. The invention is applicable to controllers of various different configurations. As representative of the invention, the drawings illustrate a controller  10  that is a first embodiment of the invention. 
         [0007]    The controller  10  ( FIG. 1 ) is shown as being configured for electrical connection with a headset  12 , a left radio  13 , and a right radio  15 . The headset  12  has a left earcup  14  for providing sound to the wearer&#39;s left ear and a right earcup  16  for providing sound to the wearer&#39;s right ear. 
         [0008]    The headset  12  also carries a microphone  18  ( FIG. 2 ). A cable  20  extends from the headset  12  and terminates in a six-pin headset connector  22 . The headset connector  22  is mechanically and electrically correctable with a six-pin connector  24  extending from the controller  10 . The output of the controller  10  is directed through the cable  20  to the left and right earcups  14  and  16  of the headset  12 , so that the wearer of the headset can listen to the radio signals that are incoming to the controller  10  from the left and right radios  13  and  15 , respectively. 
         [0009]    The controller  10  is embodied in electrical circuitry  30  ( FIG. 3 ) that is preferably located in the wearer&#39;s PTT (push to talk) unit  32 . As is typical with dual communication headsets, the PTT unit  32  ( FIG. 2 ) is designed with a left side indicated generally at  34  and a right side indicated generally at  36 . The PTT unit  32  includes left and right PTT buttons  38  and  40 , respectively. Each button  38  or  40  controls a normally closed contact and a normally open contact. When one of the buttons  38  or  40  is pushed, its normally closed contact opens so that the output of the microphone  18  is directed to the selected radio  13  or  15 , and its normally open contact closes, to prevent the microphone output from being send through the other radio. Thus, when the wearer needs to talk on the right radio  15 , the wearer pushes the right talk button  40 . This action closes (enables) the talk circuitry on the right radio  15  and opens (disables) the talk circuitry on the left radio  13 . In a similar manner, when the wearer needs to talk on the left radio  13 , the wearer pushes the left talk button  38 . This action closes (enables) the talk circuitry on the left radio  13  and opens (disables) the talk circuitry on the right radio  15 . 
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is a simplified electrical schematic diagram of parts of the PTT unit  32  including the controller  10 . The four terminals at the bottom left of the diagram, indicated jointly by the reference numeral  50 , are the electrical connection to the left radio  13 . The four terminals at the bottom right of the diagram, indicated jointly by the reference numeral  52 , are the electrical connection to the right radio  15 . 
         [0011]    The two terminals at the top right of the diagram, indicated jointly by the reference numeral  54 , are the electrical connection to the right earcup  16 . The two inner terminals near the top left of the diagram, indicated jointly by the reference numeral  56 , are the electrical connection to the left earcup  14 . 
         [0012]    The two outer terminals at the top left of the diagram, indicated jointly by the reference numeral  58 , are the electrical connection to the microphone  18 . The six terminals  54 ,  58 , and  58 , as a group, are electrically connected to the headset via the cable  20 . 
         [0013]    The two terminals at the bottom center of the diagram, indicated jointly by the reference numeral  60 , provide an electrical connection for an auxiliary unit (not shown) such as a smartphone. Also indicated in  FIG. 2  are connections  62  to the left radio talk button  38 , and connections  64  to the right radio talk button  40 . 
         [0014]    In accordance with the present invention, the left and right sides  34  and  36  of the circuitry  30  are bridged with a 1:1 ratio transformer  70 , enabling full-time delivery of one signal in both ears unless audio signals from both sides of the circuitry  30  are received simultaneously. Specifically, the transformer  70  is connected across the left earcup terminals  56  and the right earcup terminals  54 . The transformer  70  includes a left coil  72  and a right coil  74 . When an audio signal is present on only the left side  34 , an electrical current flows through the left coil  72  of the transformer  70  and generates a magnetic flux that causes a corresponding current to flow in the right coil  74  of the transformer. This current is an equivalent of the current in the left coil  72  of the transformer  70 , and as a result a corresponding audio signal is provided to the right earcup  16 . The operation is reversed when a signal is present in only the right side  36 . One suitable transformer  70  is available from Pico Electronics, Inc., of Pelham N.Y., in their “Ultra-Miniature Transformers series of F Series Plug-in and G Series Insulated Leads transformers. 
         [0015]    The operation of the controller  10  can also be illustrated with reference to  FIG. 1 . The controller  10  is electrically connected with both the left radio  13  and the right radio  15 . When both radios  13  and  15  are receiving incoming signals, the controller  10  senses that fact. One of the two signals (from the left radio  13 ) is sent to only the left earcup  14 , as indicated by the dark dashed line extending from the left radio to the controller and thence to the left earcup. At the same time, the other signal, from the right radio  15 , is sent to only the right earcup  16 , as indicate by the light dot-dash line extending from right radio to the controller and thence to the right earcup. 
         [0016]    However, if only the left radio  13  has an incoming signal, then the controller  10  automatically senses that fact, and automatically switches that signal over to both earcups  14  and  16  of the headset  12 , as indicated by the two dark dashed lines extending from the controller to the two earcups. In a similar manner, if only the right radio  15  has an incoming signal, then the controller  10  automatically senses that fact, and automatically switches that signal over to both earcups  14  and  16  of the headset  12 , as indicated by the two light dot-dash lines extending from the controller to the two both earcups. 
         [0017]    As a result, when only one channel of the two possible radio channels has an incoming signal, that signal generates sound for the wearer through both earcups  14  and  16 . This has significant advantages. First, for all users it provides enhanced clarity of the sound being heard, because the sound is transmitted through both earcups  14  and  16  and is heard by both ears. Second, if the wearer&#39;s hearing is not as good in one ear as in the other, the signal for that one earcup can (when coming in alone) be heard through both earcups  14  and  16 —thus making it easier for the wearer to hear clearly. Third, providing sound always through both earcups  14  and  16  (whether from one or two incoming signals) decreases the disorienting effect of hearing with only one ear. Finally, the controller  10  enables use of the headset  12  as a stereo headset for a smartphone. 
         [0018]    Although there are other ways to accomplish the invention, the use of the transformer  70  provides numerous advantages. First, these devices are very small, and thus fit into the limited space available in the small PTT unit. Second, they draw no extra power, which is important for field use. Third, they do not require sophisticated digital circuitry, which can be complex to design, more expensive to build, and more power intensive. 
         [0019]    From the foregoing description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. For example, alternative electrical circuitry can be used so long as it provides the same result. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.