IE20050567A1

IE20050567A1 - Solar paneled wireless speaker system and multi-media device

Info

Publication number: IE20050567A1
Application number: IE20050567A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Aonghus O'heocha
Original assignee: Heocha Design Ireland Ltd
Priority date: 2005-08-29
Filing date: 2005-08-29
Publication date: 2007-09-05

Abstract

A self-sustaining solar powered wireless multi-media system with in built radio transceiver, processor, amplifier, battery, display, transducer and demountable solar panel. A transmitter, of stand alone design, or incorporated into a wireless CD player, hard disc player recorder, pre/control amplifier, pc, laptop, pda or portable music device transmits a signal wirelessly which is received and processed by this wireless device for playback at a remote location. The device is also capable of two way communication thereby transmitting a signal to another `peer' which is located within the operating range of the unit.

Description

Technical Field of the Invention This invention relates to a wireless multi-media device and a means of powering the device through regenerative means using a solar panel combined with a battery pack to significantly reduce the number of times the battery requires recharge. Background One of the main issues associated with the operation of wireless devices is associated with power management. Although developments have been made in the field of power management, battery technology and the deployment of more efficient devices, battery life remains a key issue.

Statement of Essential Technical Features This unit provides a means of transmitting audio video signals wirelessly to a host of different speakers in ‘muti-cast’ mode. The speaker incorporates a battery or power storage device providing extra power when required and will enable the unit to be used in low light conditions. A high efficiency solar panel linked to an intelligent charging system ensures that the battery pack is kept in fully charged state. This in turn powers a high efficiency digital amplifier which in turn powers the transducer in the speaker enclosure.

According to the present invention there is provided a solar power wireless media hub, incorporating a solar panel, a battery pack power supply, power management system for regulating battery charging, a wireless receiver, a media processor for processing the received signal and an amplifier for powering a built-in or external speaker, and or a display panel Example A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:Figure 1 shows the top part of the device with the solar panel on a hinged mechanism so it’s angle can be altered depending on the position of the sun in the sky.

Figure 4 Illustrates the connections panel which incorporates av and data based connections to allow operation of various media devices.

Figure 2 shows the front elevation of the device with speaker, LCD display, disc drive slot and detachable satellite speakers Figure 3 shows a side elevation of the device with a multi-media display hinged towards the user and the solar panel hinged towards the sun.

The suns rays or rays from a light source are captured by the solar panel 1 which may be positioned according to (a) the position of the sun in the sky or (b) the strongest local light source. This panel ensures that the charge in the battery power supply is kept at a level which ensures prolonged performance, and is coupled with an intelligent charging system which manages power to any from the battery.

Power from this supply is used to power the radio receiver which receives and processes the wireless signal, the processor which processes and decodes the media signal, the amplifier which is required to power the transducer and multi-media display.

Because of the high efficiency devices built into this unit it is virtually self sufficient in terms of energy generation. Adding additional solar panels and installing more powerful batteries will ensure that under normal usage the unit will rarely require recharging. |fc<>5«567 In this particular embodiment a speaker drive unit 2 is incorporated into the design of the casing 5 and additional detachable satellite speakers are used to create a wider acoustic image. These units maybe wired or wireless. A panel is incorporated into the rear of the unit 3, enabling connection of peripheral devices such as LCD displays, additional speakers, USB devices and high gain antenna systems. A replaceable battery unit is located at the bottom of the unit with clip in features to hold the unit in place and maintain a robust contact. Wheels 8, are also incorporated into the design allowing the unit to be moved freely from location to location depending on user requirements.

Claims

1. A solar powered media device for providing wireless access to media content suitable for but not restricted to outdoor applications comprising a solar panel, a battery power supply a wireless receiver, a media processor, disc playing device, amplifier, display and a speaker unit (s). A solar powered wireless multi-media device as claimed in 1 where the speaker unit is augmented by a built-in display panel A solar powered wireless multi-media device as claimed in 1 where the solar panel can be detached from the unit and placed in a remote location. A solar powered wireless multi-media device as claimed in 1 where the speaker builtin display panel folds away under the solar panel for safe stowage when not in use. A solar powered wireless multi-media device as claimed in 1 where the unit can be wheeled about. A solar powered wireless multi-media device as claimed in 1 with multiple solar panels on sides which can be folded out to give maximum to exposure to the light. A solar powered wireless multi-media device as claimed in 1 with a removable battery pack. A solar powered wireless multi-media device as claimed in 1 with multiple batteries. A solar powered wireless multi-media device as claimed in 1 with solar elements forming the external part of the casing. A solar powered wireless multi-media device as claimed in 1 whereby the device can be used to control other wireless devices. A solar powered wireless multi-media device as claimed in 1 with high gain antenna capability. A solar powered wireless multi-media device as claimed in 1 whereby the internal power supply can be used to power other external electrical devices. A solar powered multi-media device as claimed in 1 with wired functionality.