System, computer program and stand for a portable audio player device

Abstract

A computer program, stand and system for automatic switching of audio output from an audio player device to a portable audio player device. The automatic switching is caused by electrical disconnection of the portable audio player device.

Description

SYSTEM, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND STAND FOR A PORTABLE AUDIO PLAYERDEVICEFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The subject matter of the present application relates to a computer program, stand, attachable activation system and system for selection of, and audio output transmission to, a portable audio player device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In today's fast-paced world, manually switching of audio outputs between devices such as computers, televisions and phones can be a tedious and disruptive process. Users often struggle with managing audio settings across various devices, especially during remote work or virtual sessions where seamless audio transition is critical. Traditional solutions fall short in providing an effortless, automated experience, leading to inefficiencies and frustration. One reason for this is because audio source devices such as computers need to provide audio output to different portable audio player devices manufactured by different manufacturers and therefore the software does not always seamlessly connect to all devices.

[0003] For the everyday consumer, whether watching TV, listening to music, or gaming, the need to manually switch audio outputs can interrupt the experience and cause inconvenience. At home, transitioning between speakers and headsets is often necessary to avoid disturbing others, especially in shared living spaces or late at night.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved system, computer program and stand for automatic switching of audio output to a portable audio player device.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention facilitates automatic selection of a portable audio player device. Thus there is no need to manually switch from one audio player device by selecting another on a user interface. Furthermore, the user does not need to press an activation button on the portable audio player device, rather just lift it to wear it.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program for automatic switching of audio output, configured for: providing audio output from an audio sourcedevice to an audio player device; detection of electrical disconnection of a portable audio player device; upon said detection, selection of the portable audio player device for the audio output and automatically switching the audio source device’s audio output to the selected portable audio player device.

[0007] For example, the computer program can be stored on a computer (i.e. said audio source device). The computer program can have as a default the audio output (e,g, music) being sent to speakers (i.e. said audio player device) which is connected to the computer. A user can merely lift a headset from a stand which it is seated on and being charged by. The removal of the headset from the stand stops the stand from charging the headset, and the computer program detects this electrical disconnection (i.e. the stand no longer charging the headset) and will then automatically select the headset as the audio output device (i.e. the music ceases to play on said speakers and begins to play via the headset). Stated differently, if the computer is currently sending audio output to another audio player device, the audio output will be seamlessly and automatically sent to the portable audio player device.

[0008] It will be understood that the term “automatic switching” indicates that the same audio source device of the audio output (e.g. a computer) continues to provide the audio output, but that it is automatically redirected to a different device.

[0009] An advantage of the current aspect is that the above functionality can be achieved without any modified hardware and is a software function provided to off-the-shelf components. In other words the computer program can be, for example, stored on a computer and a standard off-the- shelf headset and an off-the-shelf charging stand, produced by any manufacturer, can be provided this functionality.

[0010] Additionally, this allows relatively simple devices such as headsets and earbuds to provide extra functionality.

[0011] In some preferred embodiments, said audio player device can be a computer speaker (or speakers) which is physically connected to the source. Stated differently, in some preferred embodiments the audio player device is a static audio player device (e.g. speakers not designed to be moved during usage. The audio player device could be called a “non-portable” device (i.e. not designed to be moved relative to the audio source device during usage).

[0012] By “portable”, it is meant that the portable audio player device is configured to be worn or moved relative to the source during normal usage. In some preferred embodiments the portable audio device is a wireless device.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, there can be more than one portable audio player device, and electrical disconnection of any one of the portable audio player devices can cause the audio output to be automatically switched to the portable audio player device which as been electrically disconnected. It will be understood that this means that the audio player device in this aspect can itself be a portable audio player device. Alternatively, the audio player device in this aspect can be a non-portable audio player device and there can be at least a second (or "additional") portable audio player device. The computer program can be further configured to detect electrical disconnection of the additional portable audio player device and to automatically switch the audio output from the audio source device to the additional portable audio player device. The computer program can be further configured to detect electrical connection of the additional portable audio player device after it has been disconnected and audio output provided thereto, and upon detection of said electrical connection, transmission of audio output to the additional portable audio player device associated with the electrical connection is halted and audio output is automatically switched from the additional portable audio player device to a different audio player device. According to some preferred embodiments the different audio player device is the audio player device which was previously receiving the audio output before the portable audio player device electrically connected. Preferably one of the portable audio player devices is a headset and the additional portable audio player device are earbuds. It will be understood that there may be further additional portable devices.

[0014] Stated differently, it will be understood that in some preferred embodiments for any of the aspects, there can be more than one portable audio player device. For example, a computer connected to both earbuds and a headset, and the event detected could be caused by either one of the earbuds and headset, causing selection of that specific portable audio device for audio output from the computer.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program for selection of exactly two audio player devices, at least one of the two audio player devices being a portable audio player device; selection of an event; detection of the event; and upon said detection, selection of the portable audio player device for audio output. The present aspect allowsautomatic switching between a portable audio player device and another audio player device (which may or may not be of a portable type). The preselection of exactly two specific audio devices is advantageous in that it allows an automatic switching function when a given system may have many audio output devices. It will be understood however, that according to any of the aspects, the audio source device can still be connected to a plurality of portable audio player devices, even though the program may have an option for selection of exactly two devices at a given time. The present aspect can be a function of the previous computer program aspect.

[0016] According to any one of the aspects of the present invention, the following features are preferred.

[0017] The event (i.e. the electrical disconnection event detected), can be at least one of the following: disconnection of the portable audio player device from a charging connector; disconnection of a charging connector from a power supply; disconnection of a cable from a USB port, COM port or other type of port resulting in the computer program identifying or receiving an ID or a signal; identification of an ID of a USB; identification of an ID of a charging connector; or identification of a COM port; receipt of a signal from a COM port; receipt of a signal from a USB; receipt of a signal from a stand; receipt of a signal from a sensor attached to the portable audio player device; and receipt of a transmitted device ID.

[0018] It will be understood that unplugging a USB or other cable, e.g. from a COM port, is an electrical disconnection and results in the computer program identifying an ID or signal of the types exemplified in the previous paragraph. Stated differently unplugging of a cord from a port constitutes an electrical disconnection which can be detected and which can cause the computer program to carry out automatic switching of the audio output to a portable audio player device (depending on which electrical disconnection event the computer program has been configured for, or selected by a user). Accordingly, the examples in the previous paragraph are also preferred options for the electrical disconnection and event for the other aspects of the present application.

[0019] The computer program can further comprises a user interface configured to allow a user to select exactly two different audio player devices for automatic audio switching between the two selected audio player devices.

[0020] In the case where more than one portable audio device is available, a detection event can be defined for each portable audio device. The detection event may be the same or may be different for different portable audio devices.

[0021] Said detection of electrical disconnection can be at least one of the following events: disconnection of the portable audio player device from a charging connector; disconnection of a charging connector from a power supply; identification of an ID of a USB; identification of an ID of a charging connector; identification of a COM port; receipt of a signal from a COM port; receipt of a signal from a USB; receipt of a signal from a stand; and receipt of a transmitted device ID.

[0022] The computer program can further be configured to detect electrical connection of the portable audio player device. Upon detection of said electrical connection, the computer program can be configured to halt transmission of audio output to the portable audio player device. Upon detection of said electrical connection, the computer program can be configured to select an alternative audio player device which is not the portable audio player device which has been electrically connected, for audio output. For example, if a headset is seated on a stand, the headset will begin to charge and this electrical connection can cause the computer program to then select an audio player device other than that seated on the stand. Upon audio output being transmitted, it will then not be sent to the portable audio player device (unless the user has specified it manually). Stated differently, upon detection of the electrical connection, the computer program is configured to automatically switch audio output to an audio player device which is not the portable audio player device associated with said electrical connection.

[0023] The computer program can further comprise a user interface configured to allow a user to enable or disable said selection of the portable player device for audio output.

[0024] The computer program can further comprise a user interface configured to allow a user to save preferred settings.

[0025] The computer program can further be configured to allow transmission of audio output from the portable audio player device. For example, the portable audio player device can comprise a microphone and the audio received by the microphone can then be, for example, transmitted to another device or, for example, amplified and played by the portable audio player device itself. The computer program can be configured to enable said transmission of audio output upon said detection of said electrical disconnection.

[0026] The computer program can be further configured, upon said detection of the electrical disconnection, to connect to a communication transmission. For example, receipt of a phone or video call.

[0027] The computer program can be further configured to allow transmission of visual output to the portable audio player device. For example, the portable audio player device may be a smartphone, television, etc. The computer program can further be configured to enable said transmission of visual output upon said detection of said electrical disconnection.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program according to any combination of the aspects or features above.

[0029] Preferably, the computer readable medium is a hard drive of a desktop computer or laptop computer.

[0030] Preferably the computer program is only stored on the audio source device (i.e. it is not stored on the portable audio player device).

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stand for a portable audio player device, comprising a base portion; a seat portion; a sensor configured to detect if a portable audio player device is seated on the seat portion; and a transmitter configured to transmit a signal to an audio source device when the portable audio player device is unseated from the seat portion.

[0032] It will be understood that portable audio player device being unseated, causes an audio signal output to be provided to the portable audio device which has been unseated.

[0033] It will be noted that the unseating is similar to the electrical disconnection concept in that the portable audio player device is disconnected in some manner from the system (stated differently, the 'portable' device is moved).

[0034] The stand can have stored thereon, a computer program according to any one of the aspects or features above or can be programmed to enable functions in accordance with a computer program having any of the features above.

[0035] The stand can be a stand configured for holding or charging a headset, or any other portable audio player device (e.g. smartphone, earbuds, handheld speaker).

[0036] According to some preferred embodiments the stand can be configured to charge both a headset and earbuds.

[0037] It will be understood that the word portable refers to handheld devices, stated differently devices which are designed to be portable, e.g. lifted by hand during operation. Accordingly, in some embodiments this can even include a wired headset. In such case, the event activating audiooutput to the wired headset will result from a signal transmitted from the stand that the headset is no longer seated thereon.

[0038] Preferably, the sensor of a stand is configured to activate when a portable audio player device is either mounted thereon or placed in proximity thereto, or removed therefrom; and the transmitter is configured to transmit a signal to when the sensor is activated.

[0039] Preferably, the transmitter is a Bluetooth transmitter or a USB device.

[0040] It will be understood that the stand can comprise a microcontroller for the electronic functionality.

[0041] Preferably, the sensor is a capacitive touch sensor, a proximity sensor or a push button sensor.

[0042] Preferably, the stand further comprises a speaker. It will be understood that typically such stands are used merely as devices for holding headsets and the like and do not require complex components such as microcontrollers. During the development of the present invention, given the complex items added, an integral speaker was conceived of, which may then be placed at a more convenient location than a speaker of a computer, since a stand is more moveable and smaller.

[0043] Accordingly, a further aspect of the present invention is a stand comprising a speaker. The stand can further comprise any of the features mentioned herein in connection with stands.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachable activation system comprising: a sensor comprising an attachable seat portion; and a transmitter; the attachable seat portion is configured to be attached to another object and to activate the sensor when a portable audio player device is either mounted thereon or placed in proximity thereto, or removed therefrom; the transmitter is configured to transmit a signal to when the sensor is activated.

[0045] An advantage of the current aspect and the previous aspect, is that hardware (i.e. the attachable activation system) can be attached to off-the-shelf components, such as a headset stand. Thereby adding the advantageous audio output selection functionality to all such components without them having to be factory produced with such functionality.

[0046] Stated differently, in some of the previous aspects no specialized hardware was used. While the present aspect and the previous aspect, provide a specialized component (i.e. at least the sensor) for causing an audio output to be sent to the portable audio device which has been unseated (or removed from the stand). Accordingly, the portable audio player device itself can still preferablybe of the advantageous off-the-shelf type mentioned above, i.e devoid of hardware and software for switching or redirecting audio output to a different audio player device. It will be understood that this is advantageous because the present invention can be achieved with a large variety of portable audio player devices made by different manufacturers.

[0047] The attachable seat portion can comprise a metal plate, preferably copper.

[0048] The attachable seat portion can configured to be attached by comprising at least one of: tape; glue; hook and loop fastener; and screw holes.

[0049] Preferably, according to any of the aspects:

[0050] The transmitter can preferably be a Bluetooth transmitter or a USB device, however it will be understood that other transmission devices or methods e.g. Wi-Fi, are feasible.

[0051] The sensor is preferably a capacitive touch sensor, a proximity sensor or a push button sensor. The proximity sensor can be an infra-red sensor.

[0052] The attachable activation system can be attached to or further comprise a stand, and the sensor and transmitter are attached to the stand.

[0053] The stand can be configured with any of the features mentioned above. Similarly, the stand can further having stored thereon a computer program according to any one of the aspects or features above, or be programmed to enable functions in accordance with a computer program according to any of the features above.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for switching audio output comprising: an audio source device configured for transmission of audio output; a portable audio player device configured to receive the audio output from the source device and to play the audio output; a power supply; a charging connector configured for charging the portable audio player device, the charging connector being configured for electrical connection to the power supply and also to the portable audio player device.

[0055] According to some preferred embodiments, the audio source device comprises a computer program in accordance with the previous aspects.

[0056] The system is advantageous for at least the same reasons as mentioned above in connection with the first two aspects.

[0057] Said detection can be is at least one of the following events: disconnection of the portable audio player device from a charging connector; disconnection of a charging connector from a power supply; identification of an ID of a USB; identification of an ID of a charging connector;identification of a COM port; receipt of a signal from a COM port; receipt of a signal from a USB; receipt of a signal from a stand; and receipt of a transmitted device ID.

[0058] The system can further having stored thereon a computer program comprising any of the features above or can be programmed to enable functions in accordance with a computer program having any of the features above.

[0059] The charging connector can be stand can have any of the features above.

[0060] The system can comprise an attachable activation system according to any of the features above.

[0061] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for switching audio output comprising: an audio source device configured for transmission of audio output; a portable audio player device configured to receive the audio output from the source device and to play the audio output; a stand comprising a sensor configured to detect if the portable audio player device has been removed from the stand and to send a signal to the audio source device to automatically switch the audio output to the portable audio player device.

[0062] The present aspect allows for the stand, or at least one seat portion thereof, to be devoid of a charging connector and to only detect unseating and / or seating of the portable audio player device and to send a signal switch audio output to the portable audio player device. The stand can comprise a transmitter or a wired connection for transmitting the signal. The system, stand and portable audio player device can comprise any of the other features mentioned in accordance with the other aspects.

[0063] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stand comprising a sensor configured to detect if a portable audio player device has been removed from the stand and to send a signal to the audio source device.

[0064] According to some preferred embodiments, the stand, or at least one seat portion thereof, is devoid of a charging connector configured for charging the portable audio player device. This option allows simplified construction of such a stand, yet with the automatic audio switching capability.

[0065] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the system can comprise at least one of a charging connector and a stand having a sensor.

[0066] More specifically there is provided a system for switching audio output comprising: an audio source device configured for transmission of audio output; a portable audio player deviceconfigured to receive the audio output from the source device and to play the audio output; a power supply; at least one of: a charging connector configured for charging the portable audio player device, the charging connector being configured for electrical connection to the power supply and also to the portable audio player device; and a stand comprising a sensor configured to detect if a portable audio player device is seated on the seat portion; wherein: if the system comprises said charging connector, the audio source device comprises a computer program in accordance with any of the features above and is configured for selection of the portable audio player device upon detection of electrical disconnection of the portable audio player device; and if the system comprises said stand, the audio source device is configured for selection of the portable audio player device upon detection of a signal from the sensor indicating that the portable audio player device has been unseated from the stand.

[0067] According to any of the aspects:

[0068] An audio source device can be a desktop computer, laptop computer, music player, smart television, telephone or car. It will be understood that the present application is most preferred for a desktop computer and a laptop computer, since it is most beneficial when working on a computer to be able to move to a different room while continuing an activity and then return to the computer to continue.

[0069] A portable audio player device can be a handheld device, preferably a wired headset, a wireless headset, a portable speaker, a telephone, or earbuds. It will be understood that a wired headset is only applicable with the stand aspect of the present application and is less preferred than the wireless options due to the reason in the previous paragraph.

[0070] It will be understood that the present invention is most advantageous for simple portable audio player devices, specifically wireless headsets and earbuds. This is because it adds functionality to relatively simple devices. Accordingly, most preferably the portable audio player devices are devoid of computer programs. Most preferably the portable audio player devices are only configured to receive audio input. Most preferably, the portable audio player devices are headsets or earbuds.

[0071] A power supply can be a computer, battery or wall socket.

[0072] A system charging connector can be either an electrical cord or a stand configured to connect to a power source.

[0073] A portable audio player device can comprise a microphone.

[0074] A stand can comprise a plurality of ports. More preferably, there can be at least three or more ports. Accordingly, the stand can further provide additional capabilities, such as for connecting mouses and keyboards etc.

[0075] The stand can be configured to wirelessly charge one or more portable audio player devices.

[0076] The stand can be configured to connect each audio player device associated with the stand to a single audio source device. Accordingly, only the stand needs to be configured for connection to a single audio source device and the audio player devices are configured to receive audio output from the audio source device which the stand is configured to be connected to. It will be understood that the term connection includes both wireless and / or wired connection options.

[0077] The stand can be configured to continuously monitor for connection or disconnection of a portable audio player device.

[0078] The stand can comprise a speaker. Accordingly, the stand itself can be an audio player device.

[0079] It will be understood that audio output can include music, gameplay, telephone calls etc.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] For a better understanding of the subject matter of the present application, and to show how the same may be carried out in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0081] Fig. 1 is a perspective and schematic view of a system according to the present invention including an audio source device, stand, first portable audio player device and second portable audio player device;

[0082] Fig. 2A is a rear perspective view of the stand in Fig. 1;

[0083] Fig. 2B is a front perspective view of the stand in Fig. 2A;

[0084] Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of a seating portion of the stand in Fig. 2A;

[0085] Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of a seating portion of another embodiment of a stand;

[0086] Fig. 5A is a front perspective view of the stand, first portable audio player device and second portable audio player device in Fig. 1;

[0087] Fig. 5B is a front perspective view of the stand, first portable audio player device and second portable audio player device in Fig. 5A, with the first portable audio player removed from a first seat portion of the stand;

[0088] Fig. 5C is a front perspective view of the stand, first portable audio player device and second portable audio player device in Fig. 5A, with the second portable audio player removed from a second seat portion of the stand; and

[0089] Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a stand and another embodiment of a portable audio player device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] Referring to Fig. 1 , there is illustrated a system 10 for automatically switching audio output and transmission of audio output to a portable audio player device 14.

[0091] The system 10 comprises: an audio source device 12 (which in this example is a desktop computer configured for transmission of audio output); a first portable audio player device 14 (which in this example is a headset); a charging connector 16 (which in this example is a stand). The charging connector 16 receives electricity from a power supply 18 (which in this example is the audio source device 12) via a cable 20 which will be described in more detail below.

[0092] In this embodiment, the system 10 further comprises a non-portable audio player device 22 which in this example is a speaker mounted to the audio source device 12 and is not designed to be moved during normal operation (i.e. it is not a handheld device). The audio source device 12 comprises other typical components such as a hard drive 24 and a display screen 26.

[0093] The audio source device 12 has a computer program schematically designated 28 and shown as a computer interface on the screen 26, the computer program being stored stored on a computer readable medium (which in this example is the hard drive 24). The computer program 28 is configured for automatic switching of audio output and providing the schematically shown user interface 28 on the display screen 26.

[0094] The user interface in one preferred embodiment allows a user to select exactly two different audio player devices (for example the first portable audio player device 14 and the non-portable audio player device 22) for automatic audio switching therebetween. However in this particular embodiment there is a third audio player device, namely a second (or an “additional”) portableaudio player device schematically designated 30 (which in this example is a pair of earbuds) not shown because they are inside a charging box 32.

[0095] Accordingly, the computer program 28 can, for example, be set to provide default audio output to the non-portable audio player device 22 and upon receipt of a signal or electrical disconnection of one of the first portable audio player device 14 or second audio player device 32 the audio output can be set to automatically switch such that the audio source device 12 instantly provides the audio output to the detected disconnected device.

[0096] Referring now to Figs. 2A and 2B the stand 16 will be described in further detail.

[0097] The stand 16 comprises a base portion 34, a first seat portion 36 and a second seat portion 38.

[0098] A different stand (not shown) could have had a box shape or any other shape, if it would have only been configured with the second seat portion 38 configured for earbuds. However, since the first seat portion 36 is configured for a crescent shaped headset 14, it is advantageous that the stand 16 comprise a tower portion 40 to elevate the first seat portion 36.

[0099] The stand 16 further comprises a sensor 42 located at the first seat portion 36. In this embodiment the first seat portion 36 does not provide electrical charge to the first portable audio player device 14, however in other preferred embodiments it does. Rather for the purpose of explanations only, a preferred example is shown where there is a first seat portion 36 comprising a sensor but devoid of charging capability, and a second seat portion 38 devoid of a sensor but configured for charging. It will be understood that this embodiment is to ensure different options are understood.

[0100] Reverting to the present example, the sensor 42 is connected to a transmitter 44.

[0101] The transmitter 44 can comprise any needed components for transmitting a signal to the audio source device, such as a microcontroller, schematically indicated as 46, etc.

[0102] As mentioned, the second seat portion 38 does not comprise a sensor (stated differently, is devoid of a sensor), and is only configured to charge the second portable audio player device 30 via the charging box 32.

[0103] The stand 16 can further comprise any number of optional elements, including a display monitor 48, and a plurality of ports 50. In this preferred embodiment the ports 50 can comprise first, second and third USB ports (50A, 50B, 50C) at a rear side 52 of the stand 16 and a jack port 50D at a front side 54 of the stand 16 (the jack port 50D can be used, for example, for a wiredheadset - not shown). The first and second USB ports 50A, 50B are for additional components such as a mouse or keyboard (not shown). The third USB port 50C is also a USB port albeit with the so-called package (not shown) being inside the stand 16 and therefore is not rectangular in shape on the outside of the stand 16. The third USB port 50C is connected with said cable 20 to the audio source device 12 to provide both charge to the stand, and subsequently the second portable audio player device 30, as well as transmission of signals.

[0104] Referring to Fig. 3, the first seat portion 36 is shown in more detail. The sensor 42 is a proximity sensor, or more specifically an infra-red sensor, which does not contact the first portable audio device 14 but detects the absence thereof without contact.

[0105] An alternative seat portion 56 is shown in Fig. 4, which comprises a spring-based push button 58. In this example the push button 58 detects the physical removal of the first portable audio device. Optionally, this example could be considered to show an attachable activation system, i.e. the alternative seat portion 56, in which it is an attachable seat portion.

[0106] Regardless of which type of sensor is used, when the portable audio player device 14 is removed from the stand 16, the transmitter 44 transmits a signal that the sensor 42 has been activated and the audio output should be switched to the first portable audio player device 14.

[0107] Referring to Figs. 5A and 5B, operation of the system 10 will be described.

[0108] In Fig. 5 A both the first and second portable audio player devices 14, 30, are seated on the stand. For the purpose of this explanation, the scenario being described starts with audio output initially being provided by the audio source device 12 to the non-portable audio player device 22.

[0109] Subsequently, referring now to Fig. 5B, the first portable audio player device 14 is lifted to be worn by a user (not shown). Upon lifting the first portable audio player device 14 the sensor 42 senses that the first portable audio player device 14 is no longer seated on the first seating portion 36, the transmitter 44 transmits a signal and the computer program 28 automatically switches the audio output such that the audio source device 12 now provides it to the first portable audio player device 14.

[0110] Subsequently, the user (not shown) reseats the first audio player device 14 on the stand 16 as shown in Fig. 5A and the sensor 42 senses that it has been reseated and automatically switches the audio output such that the audio source device 12 now provides it to the non-portable audio player device 22.

[0111] An alternative scenario is that the initial state is that shown in Fig. 5A as described above and subsequently the charging case 32 of the second portable audio player device 30 is either lifted and / or opened (depending on the configuration) noting that lifting is the option shown. The selected event (lifting and / or opening) causes the charging case 30 (or stated alternatively the charging connector which in this example is also the stand 16, or more precisely the second seat portion 38) to cease charging the second portable audio player device 30. This event is a so-called “electrical disconnection” which provides a signal to the computer program 28 and the audio output is automatically switched to the second portable audio player device 30.

[0112] Subsequently, the user reinserts the second portable audio player device 30 to the charging case 32, closes it and places it on the second seat portion 38. Upon doing so the charge resumes to the charging case 32 and this so-called “electrical connection” causes the audio source device 12 to automatically switch the audio output such that the audio source device 12 now provides it to the non-portable audio player device 22.

[0113] It will be understood that the above example provides one example of a sensor-based scenario with the first portable audio player and another example based on electrical disconnection and electrical connection with the second portable audio player.

[0114] It will be understood that this is only one preferred embodiment, and that a system may have a single portable audio player device and a single non-portable audio player device (e.g. speaker as exemplified), it may have only portable audio player devices. It may have any number of audio player devices.

[0115] For the sake of completeness, attention is drawn to Fig. 6, where a new type of stand 60 was developed which itself has at least one, in this case two spaced-apart, integrally connected non-portable audio player devices 62A, 62B (e.g. right and left speakers). These speakers can be of high quality and may be preferred to those that are typically provided with some computers.

[0116] Also shown is an option where a first portable audio player device 64 is equipped with a microphone 66, for example for telephone conversations or gaming, etc.

Claims

Claims1. A computer program for automatic switching of audio output, configured for: providing audio output from an audio source device to an audio player device; detection of electrical disconnection of a portable audio player device; upon said detection, selection of the portable audio player device for the audio output and automatic switching of the audio source device's audio output to the selected portable audio player device.

2. The computer program according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to allow a user to select exactly two different audio player devices for automatic audio switching between the two selected audio player devices.

3. The computer program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said detection of electrical disconnection includes at least one of the following events: disconnection of the portable audio player device from a charging connector; disconnection of a charging connector from a power supply; disconnection of a cable from a USB port, COM port or other type of port resulting in the computer program identifying or receiving an ID or a signal; identification of an ID of a USB; identification of an ID of a charging connector; identification of a COM port; receipt of a signal from a COM port; receipt of a signal from a USB; receipt of a signal from a stand; and receipt of a transmitted device ID.

4. The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further configured to detect electrical connection of the portable audio player device and upon detection of said electrical connection, transmission of audio output to the portable audio player device associated with the electrical connection is halted.

5. The computer program according to claim 4, wherein, upon detection of said electrical connection, the computer program is configured to automatically switch audio output to an audio player device which is not the portable audio player device associated with said electrical connection.

6. The computer program according to claim 5, wherein, the audio output is automatically switched to an audio player device which was previously receiving the audio output before the portable audio player device.

7. The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further configured to detect electrical disconnection of an additional portable audio player device and to automatically switch the audio output from the audio source device to the additional portable audio player device.

8. The computer program according to claim 7, further configured to detect electrical connection of the additional portable audio player device after it has been disconnected and audio output provided thereto, and upon detection of said electrical connection, transmission of audio output to the portable audio player device associated with the electrical connection is halted and audio output is automatically switched from the additional portable audio player device to said audio player device which was previously receiving the audio output before the portable audio player device.

9. A computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A stand for a portable audio player device, comprising a base portion; a seat portion; a sensor configured to detect if a portable audio player device is seated on the seat portion; anda transmitter configured to transmit a signal when the portable audio player device is unseated from the seat portion.

11. The stand according to claim 10, wherein the sensor is configured to activate when a portable audio player device is either mounted thereon or placed in proximity thereto, or removed therefrom; and the transmitter is configured to transmit a signal to when the sensor is activated.

12. The stand according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the transmitter is a Bluetooth transmitter or a USB device.

13. The stand according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the sensor is a capacitive touch sensor, a proximity sensor or a push button sensor.

14. The stand according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a speaker.

15. A system for switching audio output comprising: an audio source device configured for transmission of audio output; a portable audio player device configured to receive the audio output from the source device and to play the audio output; a power supply; at least one of: a charging connector configured for charging the portable audio player device, the charging connector being configured for electrical connection to the power supply and also to the portable audio player device; and a stand comprising a sensor configured to detect if a portable audio player device is seated on the seat portion; wherein: if the system comprises said charging connector, the audio source device comprises a computer program in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8 and is configured for selection of the portable audio player device upon detection of electrical disconnection of the portable audio player device; andif the system comprises said stand, the audio source device is configured for selection of the portable audio player device upon detection of a signal from the sensor indicating that the portable audio player device has been unseated from the stand.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the audio source device is a desktop computer or a laptop computer.

17. The system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the portable audio player device is a wireless headset or earbuds.

18. The system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the portable audio player device further comprises a microphone for receiving audio input.

19. The system according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the charging connector is a stand according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

20. The system according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the system further comprises an additional portable audio player device.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein said portable audio player device is a headset and said additional portable audio player device are earbuds, and the system comprises a stand which is a charging connector at least for the earbuds and the stand is in accordance with any one of claims 10 to 14.

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