Personal audio system and method

An assisted listening device, comprising a transmitter and a receiver;

• the transmitter comprising:
• a modulator having an output and an input, the input configured to receive an audio signal having audio content, the modulator configured to modulate the received audio signal onto a carrier to produce a modulated signal, wherein the carrier is at a frequency greater than 20 kHz;
• a band-pass filter, low pass filter, or high pass filter having an input coupled to receive the modulated signal, and configured to suppress or remove the carrier from the modulated signal, and further configured to pass a sideband of the modulated signal thereby creating a suppressed-carrier signal;
• and
• a first ultrasonic transducer having an input coupled to receive the suppressed-carrier signal, the ultrasonic transducer configured to emit the suppressed-carrier signal into the air in a direction toward an intended listener;
• and
• the receiver comprising:
• a demodulation circuit having a signal generator configured to generate a carrier signal and a second ultrasonic transducer having an input coupled to receive the carrier signal and configurable to be positioned so as to emit the carrier signal in a direction toward the intended listener.

A method for generating an audio signal using suppressed carrier transmission, the method, comprising:

• receiving an audio signal having audio content;
• modulating the received audio signal onto a carrier to produce a modulated signal, wherein the carrier is at a frequency greater than 20 kHz;
• suppressing or removing the carrier from the modulated signal, creating a suppressed-carrier signal;
• emitting the suppressed-carrier signal via a first transducer into the air in a direction toward an intended listener;
• and
• generating a carrier signal and emitting the carrier signal via a second transducer in a direction toward the intended listener so that the carrier signal mixes with the suppressed-carrier signal in the air thereby resulting in an audible reproduction of the audio content.