Personal audio playback device having gain control responsive to environmental sounds
US7903825B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03G9/025
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A personal audio playback device having gain control responsive to environmental sounds provides for improved enjoyment of program material played back through headphones, while further providing features for personal safety and communications with others. A microphone is incorporated on the surface of the playback device, which includes an audio output connection for headphones and internal storage for audio program material. The entire device may be incorporated within the headphones, or the headphones may connect through a connector on the housing of the device. The gain, type or position of the program material is controlled in conformity with a detected characteristic of ambient sounds received by the microphone, which may be the amplitude of the signals in one or more frequency bands, or a particular type of sound, such as speech or vehicular sounds. Multiple modes are selectable for processing the audio, selecting program material type and/or re-positioning the program material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.