Apple's smart audio splitter lets multiple users view content on a single device
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday published an Apple patent describing an accessory akin to an advanced headphone splitter, which allows for independent volume changes, media controls and communication via an inline mic.
Source: USPTO
At first blush, Apple's U.S. Patent No. 8,437,481 for an "Adapter for connecting accessories to an electronic device" might seem like an unnecessary invention as simple hardwired designs already exist for splitting an audio feed. A closer look, however, reveals the proposed accessory is much more than a feed splitter.
The patent calls for an adapter that interfaces with a portable electronic, like an iPad, via its dock connector, allowing for two-way communication between the two devices. An alternative mode of connection also integrates a headphone plug that receives signals from the headphone jack. Multiple users can connect to the adapter through ports, with each headset supporting independent volume adjustments as well as remote control and mic inputs.
Whereas conventional audio splitters merely use the single audio amplifier of a portable device, Apple's solution can support on-board amps to regulate proper frequency response and offer per-headphone control over volume output. In addition, the patented adapter has a tone generator to relay signals from an in-line remote control, such as those found in Apple's EarPods, to the host device.
A case example is provided in which two users are on a plane, watching the same movie on a single device. With Apple's adapter, one user is able to adjust listening volumes while the other user's levels are maintained. In this example, global settings like play/pause or fast forward/rewind can be controlled by either user.
Source: USPTO
Also supported is microphone input, which allows both users to communicate with each other during content viewing. The signals are processed through the host device and output on top of content audio.
While it remains unclear if Apple will create such a device for its iOS device lineup, some minor tweaks to the design, like the addition of wireless headset compatibility, could make for a highly versatile and useful accessory well-suited for collaborative projects or entertainment.
Apple's adapter patent was first filed for in 2008 and credits Timothy Johnson as its inventor.
Source: USPTO
At first blush, Apple's U.S. Patent No. 8,437,481 for an "Adapter for connecting accessories to an electronic device" might seem like an unnecessary invention as simple hardwired designs already exist for splitting an audio feed. A closer look, however, reveals the proposed accessory is much more than a feed splitter.
The patent calls for an adapter that interfaces with a portable electronic, like an iPad, via its dock connector, allowing for two-way communication between the two devices. An alternative mode of connection also integrates a headphone plug that receives signals from the headphone jack. Multiple users can connect to the adapter through ports, with each headset supporting independent volume adjustments as well as remote control and mic inputs.
Whereas conventional audio splitters merely use the single audio amplifier of a portable device, Apple's solution can support on-board amps to regulate proper frequency response and offer per-headphone control over volume output. In addition, the patented adapter has a tone generator to relay signals from an in-line remote control, such as those found in Apple's EarPods, to the host device.
A case example is provided in which two users are on a plane, watching the same movie on a single device. With Apple's adapter, one user is able to adjust listening volumes while the other user's levels are maintained. In this example, global settings like play/pause or fast forward/rewind can be controlled by either user.
Source: USPTO
Also supported is microphone input, which allows both users to communicate with each other during content viewing. The signals are processed through the host device and output on top of content audio.
While it remains unclear if Apple will create such a device for its iOS device lineup, some minor tweaks to the design, like the addition of wireless headset compatibility, could make for a highly versatile and useful accessory well-suited for collaborative projects or entertainment.
Apple's adapter patent was first filed for in 2008 and credits Timothy Johnson as its inventor.
Comments
Maybe it is an application for use on a motorcycle or ATV or personal watercraft.
Apparently, another failed product of the education system who has difficulty reading.
If Apple comes out with a great pair of bluetooth earphones (with built-in microphone), it would solve my problem. Or I could just produce an "accident" for the cat. jk ;-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by anantksundaram
Apparently, another failed product of the education system who has difficulty reading.
He was just being facetious and breezy. Not really grounds for drawing conclusions about the education system or implying he is uneducated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by anantksundaram
Apparently, another failed product of the education system who has difficulty reading.
I have a tertiary degree and a sense of humour. You obviously lack at least the latter.
Originally Posted by Sol77
He was just being facetious and breezy.
Some might, he wasn't.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sol77
He was just being facetious and breezy. Not really grounds for drawing conclusions about the education system or implying he is uneducated.
I think if you're the first poster on the thread and you post something that amounts to "f*ck that," that an insulting retort is quite appropriate. I kind of expect it when I find myself doing that.
I have a tertiary degree and a sense of humour. You obviously lack at least the latter.
Being facetious and breezy is painting a target on your back for the blogosphere my friend.Anyway, I'd like to point out that this is the KILLER APP on the iPhone for gaming -- and for keeping parents sane with kids in the car.
A lot of families cannot afford two iPad-like devices as well.
Think of this for use in "head to head gaming" or in playing two different videos at once, or in communication with more than one person (probably LESS of important of the different scenarios). This turns an iPad into a single user escape device into more of an multi-user gaming experience.
What we REALLY NEED, is an $85 touch screen coming to a store near you that plugs into this $85 screen splitter.
Imaging this as a dock in your car where the iPad is the center entertainment system, navigation system, etc. Each person with remote headphones can adjust their particulars while watching a movie, listening to music, etc. Navigation instructions can be streaming to a single audio device for the driver. One device, one vehicle, multiple solutions.
Also, what about sharing a device where one person is playing a game while another listens to music. Certainly not a device for everyone, but still there is a market for it.
a multi audio channel device where yes of course everyone has there own but still it is a way of sharing your media to other people. However current Bluetooth would probably have individual weak signals for it, Bluetooth is likely going to be multi channel in future IOS devices so it would work great.
Obviously this would improve on larger items like a car for 6 individual channels vs. playing over speakers which is bad already but with a old speaker system would ultimately fail, however likely 6 (or 5) individual screens may be required.
In total a headphone splitter is something convenient for multiple people listening to something(but not whole room) or multiple individuals.