Automated audio source control based on audio output device placement detection
US8238590B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2008 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R5/033
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for automatically remotely controlling an audio source providing the apparatus with audio for being audibly output to a user of the apparatus entails monitoring various sensors to determine whether or not one or more ear couplings of the apparatus are positioned in close proximity to one or both of the user's ears to determine whether the user is listening to the audibly output audio with either one or both ears, or is not listening at all. In response to changes in whether the user is listening with either one or both ears, or whether the user is listening at all, the audio source is automatically signaled with one or more commands to cease or resume providing the audio to the apparatus, perform or cease performing various alterations on the audio before providing it to the apparatus, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.