AUDIO LIMITING DEVICE FOR HEADPHONES

Abstract

A system for limiting audio output which in one embodiment includes an audio source, headphones coupled to the audio source, and a limiting circuit coupled to the headphones thereby reducing the power output at the headphones to a safe hearing level. The limiting circuit in one embodiment is integrated into the headphones and can not be disabled.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration showing an audio device configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 a is a schematic diagram illustrating an audio limiting design configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 b is a block diagram illustrating an audio limiting design with filtering configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 c is a block diagram illustrating an audio limiting design with filtering configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the audio limiting design on both channels and configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 a is a diagram a wireless headphone embodiment configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 b is a perspective view of the limiting circuit integrated into a jack and configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 a illustrates another limiter circuit design with a variable resistor according to a further embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 b illustrates another limiter circuit design according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 a shows the limiter device with a noise cancellation headphone.

FIG. 6 b shows the limiter device with a wireless noise cancellation headphone.

FIG. 7 a depicts a partial view of the housing for the limiter including a break-away safety feature according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 b illustrates another embodiment for a break-away safety feature for the wired version of the headphones.

FIG. 7 c is a further embodiment of the safety feature with the break-away.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment for the invention that allows for external environment input.

Claims

1. A system for establishing a safe audio output from an audio source, comprising: a limiting circuit electrically coupled to said audio source wherein said limiting circuit limits an audio output signal to said safe audio output; anda headphone electrically coupled to said safe audio output, wherein said limiting circuit is integrally coupled with said headphone and is non-detachable.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a wired connection between said audio source and said headphone, wherein said wired connection includes a break-away.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said headphone is selected from at least one of the group of devices consisting of: earbuds, earphones, stereophones and headsets.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said audio source is selected from at least one of the group of devices consisting of: iPod, laptop, cellphone, video game, television, stereo, personal digital assistant, personal computer, tablet, radio, personal audio device.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein audio source is coupled to said headphone by lead wires, and wherein said limiting circuit is in a housing integrated into said lead wires.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said safe audio output is less than about 80 B.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said limiting circuit includes at least one resistor coupled in series.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein said limiting circuit includes an opposing pair of Schottky barrier diodes coupled parallel to said headphone.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said safe audio output is an adjustable level.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein said headphone is wireless and said limiting circuit is integrated into said wireless headphone and can not be disabled.

12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a microphone coupled to said audio source and providing the audio output signal.

13. An audio limiting apparatus providing a safer listening experience, comprising: a headphone operatively coupled to an audio source, said audio source transmitting an audio power output;a limiting circuit coupled to said headphone and said audio source and reducing the audio power output, wherein said limiting circuit comprises: a pair of opposing diodes coupled parallel to said headphone; andat least one series coupled resistor for reducing the audio output power.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein a first resistor is coupled between said audio source and said diodes.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said first resistor has an impedance approximating an impedance of said headphone.

16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said diodes are selected from the group consisting of Schottky barrier diodes and germanium diodes.

17. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said series coupled resistor reduces said audio output power by a fixed amount, said fixed amount is a difference between a safe output power level and a headphone output power level.

18. A system for safe hearing, comprising: a headphone operatively coupled to an audio source and proximate at least one ear of a user;a limiting device that reduces an audio power level of said audio source to a safe level, wherein said limiting device includes at least one resistor for attenuating said audio power level and a pair of diodes that establish a maximum level for said audio power level, and wherein said limiting device is securably affixed to avoid circumvention.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein said limiting device is a limiting connector securably attached to a headphone jack.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein said headphone includes a noise cancellation circuit.