Patent Application
20050131560
This invention relates to a connection for audio transfer and refers particularly, though not exclusively, to a connection for audio download and reproduction; and to an audio reproduction device including such a connection.
In recent years many audio reproduction devices such as, for example, speakers and headphones, have integrated audio players. The audio player in each case may be, for example, an MP3 player. As such, the audio player will require a connection to a host device to enable the audio to be downloaded from the host device by the audio player. The host device may be a computer such as, for example, personal computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, personal digital assistant, and so forth.
To have a separate cable for downloading is quite often inconvenient. It has to be stored, carried, and protected from damage, when it may be required infrequently.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention there is provided a connection for audio transfer, the connection comprising:
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an audio reproduction device comprising:
The audio player may be an MP3 player. The first and second audio reproduction devices may be an earpiece of a headphone set, or a speaker.
The first connector may be a male connector and the second connector may be a female connector. The first connector may be a USB connector and the second connector may be a USB port. Alternatively, the first connector may be an IEEE 1394 connector and the second connector may be an IEEE 1394 port.
The first connector may be a female connector and the second connector may be a male connector. The first connector may be a USB port and the second connector may be a USB connector. Alternatively, the first connector may be an IEEE 1394 port and the second connector may be an IEEE 1394 connector.
The host may be a computer. A controller may determine an operating mode based on a power supply detected. The operating mode may be one of: download, upload, and play; and the power supply may be one of: batteries, and power from the host.
In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only preferred embodiments of the present invention, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings in which:
To first refer to
Ear pieces 12, 14 may be attached to an arcuate body (not shown) for placement over or around a head of a user, if desired or required.
First earpiece 12 may incorporate a built-in audio player 8 such as, for example, an MP3 player. As such first earpiece 12 will have a source of power such as, for example, batteries; non-volatile memory; and a controller, as is well known in the art.
To enable audio to be sent from first earpiece 12 to second earpiece 14, a cable 20 is used. In this instance, the cable 20 is split into two separable portions and comprises a first cable 22 operatively connected to first earpiece 12 and a second cable 24 operatively connected to second earpiece 14. At its outer end 26—the end remote from first earpiece 12—the first cable 22 has a first connector 28. At its outer end 30—the end remote from second earpiece 14—the second cable 24 has a second connector 32. Connectors 28, 32 are for mutual engagement to enable audio to be sent from audio player 8 to second earpiece 14. Cables 22, 24 may be permanently connected to earpieces 12, 14; or may be releasably connectable to earpieces 12, 14 using appropriate connectors. Additionally, control signals from or between audio player 8, first earpiece 12 and second earpiece 14 may also pass over cable 20.
It is preferred that first connector 28 is a male connector, and second connector 32 is a female connector. More preferably first connector 28 is a USB connector, and second connector 32 is a USB socket. Alternatively, first connector 28 may be an IEEE 1394 connector, and second connector 32 may be an IEEE 1394 socket.
When connector 28 engages socket 32, audio can be transferred from first earpiece 12 to second earpiece 14.
In this way, cable 22 with connector 28 acts as a download/upload cable/connector combination for audio player 8, as well as the cable/connector by which audio can be sent to second earpiece 14.
Again, cable 22 and connector 28 may be used to upload and/or download audio to/from audio player 8, as is described above, as well as being for supplying audio to second speaker 38 to enable audio reproduction.
In this way cable 22 performs dual functions, thereby eliminating the need for a separate cable for downloading/uploading, as well as eliminating the need for the first audio device 12, 36 to have the relevant connectors for such a separate cable. The controller 40 determines the operating mode based on the power supply detected—batteries as against USB power.
Audio may be digital or analog.
Although two audio reproduction devices are shown in each instance, there may be any suitable or required number (particularly for speakers) such as, for example, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology that many variations or modifications in details of one or more of: design, construction and operation, without departing from the present invention.
