ADAPTABLE AUDIO SYSTEMS

摘要

Sound-producing devices such as headphone sets or loudspeakers are disclosed that can removably mate with an external interface. The external interface may plug into a port on an exterior of the sound-producing device. The external interface includes conversion circuitry that is powered by a power source in the sound-producing device. The external interface receives a first audio-encoded signal from a source device such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, or the like, and converts such signal to a conditioned signal which is compatible with the sound-producing device. Connection between the source device and the external interface may be a first type of wired or wireless connection. The sound-producing device may operate with other source devices that produce different audio-encoded signals by replacing the external interface with a different external interface whose conversion circuitry converts the different audio-encoded signal to the same conditioned signal. Alternative sound-producing devices are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A system, comprising:
a sound-producing device that includes a power source, an audio transducer, a digital controller, and a first electronic coupling member, the digital controller coupled to the power source and having an input coupled to the first electronic coupling member and an output coupled to the audio transducer; and an external interface comprising signal conversion circuitry and a second electronic coupling member, the signal conversion circuitry adapted to convert a first audio-encoded signal to a conditioned audio-encoded signal, the conditioned audio-encoded signal being compatible with the sound-producing device but the first audio-encoded signal not being compatible with the sound-producing device, and wherein the second electronic coupling member is configured to removably mate with the first electronic coupling member; wherein the power source in the sound-producing device powers the signal conversion circuitry in the external interface through the first and second electronic coupling members; and wherein the external interface provides the conditioned audio-encoded signal to the sound-producing device through the first and second electronic coupling members.