Optical Audio Connector Paths for Digital Noise Cancellation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional noise cancellation circuits and audio-video connector arrangements face challenges in implementing desired levels of noise cancellation performance and data transmission, particularly with the increasing demands of advanced headphone quality and audio playback fidelity, and may not exhibit sufficient bandwidth for conveying large amounts of data.

Innovation Solution

The integration of optical and electrical paths in audio connectors, such as 3.5 mm TRS connectors, using switching circuitry to route appropriate signals and incorporating optical transceivers for digital data transmission, allowing for enhanced noise cancellation and increased data capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional 3.5 mm audio connectors are used, then compatibility with existing devices is maintained, but data transmission bandwidth is insufficient for large amounts of data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines optical and electrical signal transmission paths within a single audio connector assembly. The optical path is integrated into the connector housing, allowing light-based data transmission alongside traditional electrical audio signals. This merging enables high-speed data transfer while maintaining compatibility with existing 3.5 mm connector form factors, resolving the contradiction between data capacity and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The audio connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: transmitting audio signals electrically, conveying digital data optically, and maintaining backward compatibility with conventional devices. The universal design allows the same connector to serve both legacy and advanced applications, enabling enhanced data transmission without sacrificing existing compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If analog noise cancellation circuitry is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but noise cancellation performance is insufficient for advanced audio quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise cancellation performanceVSAvoidsignal processing circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission for carrying digital noise cancellation data. Optical paths provide higher bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference, enabling more sophisticated digital noise cancellation algorithms to be transmitted reliably. This substitution of electrical for optical mechanisms allows enhanced noise cancellation performance while managing system complexity through standardized optical interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If digital signal processing is implemented for noise cancellation, then noise cancellation performance is improved, but processing burden on accessories increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise cancellation performanceVSAvoidprocessing power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces optical paths as an intermediary transmission medium between the audio device and accessory. This optical intermediary carries digital noise cancellation signals with minimal processing overhead, allowing complex digital signal processing to be performed efficiently without burdening the accessory with excessive computational requirements. The optical interface acts as a bridge that enables high-performance noise cancellation while distributing processing tasks optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enables improved noise cancellation performance and increased data transmission capabilities, supporting digital audio processing and larger data rates, such as tens of Mbps or more, while maintaining compatibility with existing audio connectors.

Implementation Method 1

conveying light radially through the insulator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission through transparent material: Light

Implementation Method 2

an optical path that is coupled to optical transceiver circuitry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical signal transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS8682003B2Equipment with optical paths for noise cancellation signals

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 APPLE INC

AI summary

Electronic devices are provided that communicate over cables and other communications paths that include optical and electrical paths. A cable may include wires for forming an electrical path and one or more optical fibers for forming an optical path. Connectors at one or both ends of the cable may include electrical contacts and an optical coupling structure associated with the optical path. Optical paths may be included in connectors such as tip-ring-sleeve connectors and connectors of other types. Interface circuitry may be included in a connector to convert between optical and electrical signaling schemes. Wavelength-division-multiplexing may be used to support bidirectional communications. Breakout boxes and other equipment may be connected using the cables. Digital signals such as digital noise cancellation signals may be conveyed over the optical paths. Power and other electrical signals may be conveyed over the electrical paths.