Control cord for headsets and auxiliary devices

摘要

A cord-based controller for an auxiliary device, such as a headset, is provided for use with a portable electronic device. A pressure-sensitive, and preferably bendable, material such as a piezoelectric pressure sensor is placed within or on an or cord of a headphone lead, such as by wrapping it within the outer shielding of the cord. A self-powered controlling sensor is arranged to control the electronic device using a generated control signal. The controlling sensor comprises a sensor material. The control signal is generated by deformation of the sensor material independent of power supplied to the headset and independent of power supplied to the portable electronic device. This is achieved without requiring a separate housing for the controller, which typically protrudes from the cord. A plurality of control sensor elements can be provided, each producing a different control signal voltage transmitted along a single control signal electrical.

主权项

1. A control cord for connecting a headset to a portable electronic device, and arranged to remotely control the portable electronic device, the control cord comprising:
an earpiece connector provided at one end of the control cord; a device connector attached to another end of the control cord for connecting to the portable electronic device; a self-powered controlling sensor provided within the control cord and in electrical communication with the portable electronic device, and arranged to control the portable electronic device using generated control signals, the controlling sensor comprising first and second sensor elements composed of a substantially similar amount of piezoelectric material, the first and second sensor elements configured to generate first and second control signals, respectively, the control signals being generated by deformation of the piezoelectric material independent of power supplied to the headset and independent of power supplied to the portable electronic device; and a pressure absorbing rib associated with the first sensor element and arranged to absorb pressure applied to the first sensor element, wherein different voltages are generated by the first and second control signals if an amount of pressure on the first and second sensor elements is the same.