Audio Headset Encoder Decoder Standard Connector ANC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio headsets with active noise cancellation (ANC) features face compatibility issues with standard connectors, requiring additional mechanical connections and limiting interoperability with non-ANC devices, resulting in only one side of the device/headset pair being compatible with standard equipment.
Innovation Solution
An audio headset with an encoder that encodes noise measurement signals and a connector with a terminal for carrying microphone signals, allowing the headset to operate with both ANC and non-ANC devices using standard connectors, and an active noise cancelling audio processing device with a decoder to handle encoded and unencoded signals, enabling compatibility with various headsets and devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional mechanical connectors are added to enable ANC functionality, then noise cancellation capability is improved, but device complexity and incompatibility with standard equipment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single mechanical connector that serves multiple functions: it provides both the standard audio connection and the additional ANC microphone connection. The connector includes a standard 3.5mm audio jack interface combined with an additional micro connector, allowing one connector to handle both standard audio playback and ANC noise cancellation operations, thereby eliminating the need for separate connectors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the standard audio connection and ANC microphone connection into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector combines the standard 3.5mm audio jack with an additional micro connector in one unified structure, allowing both functions to be transmitted through a single physical interface rather than requiring separate connectors for audio and ANC operations.
2Reliability
If unique mechanical designs are used for ANC headsets, then noise cancellation functionality is enabled, but compatibility with standard equipment is limited to one side only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a bidirectionally compatible connector design. The unique mechanical connector incorporates a standard 3.5mm audio jack interface that can connect to any standard audio device, while simultaneously providing an additional micro connector for ANC functionality. This allows the headset to maintain compatibility with standard equipment while enabling ANC operations, resolving the issue of one-sided compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the integrated connector as an intermediary that bridges standard audio equipment and ANC processing systems. The connector serves as a mediator that translates between standard audio interfaces and ANC-specific requirements, allowing headsets with ANC capabilities to interface with standard equipment while maintaining full functionality on both sides of the connection.
3Reliability
If ANC circuitry is built into the headset, then noise cancellation is achieved, but headset cost and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the ANC processing circuitry from the headset and relocating it to the audio processing device. Instead of building the complete ANC system into the headset, only the essential microphone and encoder components remain in the headset, while the complex processing functions are extracted and placed in the external audio processing device, thereby reducing headset cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ANC system into two distinct parts: a simplified headset component containing only the microphone and encoder, and a separate audio processing device containing the decoder and noise cancellation processing circuitry. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with appropriate complexity levels, reducing the overall cost of the headset while maintaining full ANC functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Existing ANC headsets have active noise reduction circuitry and a power supply in the headset. Alternate ANC headsets rely on ANC circuitry in the player and have non-standard connectors meaning that they cannot be used with any other players. An audio headset (90) having an encoder (54) and active noise cancellation audio processing device (80) having a decoder (32) are described. The encoder (54) enables the audio headset to be used in enhanced (ANC) mode when connected to a compatible audio processing device and in normal mode when connected to a non-compatible audio processing device since a standard audio jack plug can be used. Similarly the decoder (62) in the active noise cancellation audio processing device (80) enables the active noise cancellation audio processing device to be used in enhanced mode when connected to a compatible audio headset and in normal mode connected to a non-compatible audio headset since a standard audio socket can be used.