Headset D/A Converter Layout for Digital Audio Without Complex Control Box

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headset systems are limited to analogue audio signals when used without a control box, restricting their functionality and compatibility with digital sources.

Innovation Solution

The headset system incorporates a D/A converter at the headset, allowing control signals to be sent via a cable from a control box, enabling digital audio signal transmission and flexible use with or without the control box, using power-line communication and USB connectors for efficient signal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the headset is used without a control box, then the headset can be used with analogue audio signals, but the headset cannot transmit digital audio signals or control signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with digital sourcesVSAvoidcomplexity of control box

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the D/A converter function from the control box and places it directly in the headset. This allows the headset to process digital audio signals independently, enabling digital compatibility without requiring a complex control box. The headset can now function with digital sources directly, while the control box becomes optional and simpler in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The headset is designed with universal compatibility to work with both analogue and digital audio sources. By incorporating the D/A converter, the headset gains the ability to handle digital signals while maintaining analogue compatibility through the same interface, eliminating the need for separate systems for different signal types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a control box is added to enable digital signal transmission, then digital audio and control signals can be transmitted, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedigital signal transmission capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of control box

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The critical digital signal processing function (D/A conversion) is extracted from the control box and embedded in the headset. This eliminates the need for a complex control box with multiple converters and control circuits, while still enabling full digital signal transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The headset becomes self-sufficient in handling digital signals by incorporating its own D/A converter. It can process digital audio and control signals independently without relying on external conversion equipment, reducing the burden on the control box and overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional analogue headset design is used, then the headset is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot communicate digitally with modern devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity and cost-effectivenessVSAvoiddigital communication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the D/A converter with the headset's existing analogue audio circuitry. This integration allows digital signal processing to be combined with the simple, cost-effective headset design, enabling digital communication capability without requiring a completely new complex system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows for seamless digital audio transmission and control signal management, enhancing compatibility with digital sources and reducing the need for complex circuitry in the control box, resulting in a cost-effective and versatile headset system.

Implementation Method 1

a D/A converter, arranged at the headset

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital-to-Analogue conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the headset further comprises a microphone and an A/D converter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalogue-to-Digital conversion:

Implementation Method 3

the headset system is adapted to send control signals as power-line communication from the control box via the VBUS pin to the headset

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower-line communication:

Data Source

PatentUS11290817B2Headset system with a headset and a control box

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 GN HEARING AS

AI summary

A headset system comprising a headset, which headset comprises at least a first earphone, a D/A converter, a first cable and a first connector. The headset system further comprises a control box, which control box comprises a second connecter, which is adapted to be connected to the first connector, and a third connector which is adapted to be connected to a fourth connector of a computing device. The control box comprises a user interface. The D/A converter is arranged at the headset and the control box is adapted to send control signals via the first cable to the headset, when the user interface is activated by a user.