GB2492053A

GB2492053A - Control device for headphones to adjust an audio signal from stereophonic mode to monophonic mode

Info

Publication number: GB2492053A
Application number: GB201109895A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gavin Bryan Sallery; Ian Bentham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-06-13
Filing date: 2011-06-13
Publication date: 2012-12-26
Also published as: GB201109895D0

Abstract

A compensatory device for listening to audio signals via headphones allows a user to continuously adjust the mix of audio signals from stereo mode to mono mode or any point in-between. The device may be no larger than a standard headphone connector and preferably includes input and output connections corresponding to those used by standard headsets. The device may include a plug I and socket 2, constructed as an in-line accessory for a pair of headphones. The plug I and socket 2 are preferably connected by a cable 5. The control 3 may be attached to the socket 2. The device may be used by person suffering from hearing impairment in one ear, or having differing levels of deafness in each ear.

Description

UK Patent Application Stereophonic Headphone Mix Compensator This invention is related to improving the experience of persons suffering hearing impairment in one ear (or differing levels of impairment in both ears), when listening to stereophonic audio through headphones. In some circumstances, the spatial mix of the stereo signal is such that information is presented solely or primarily to the impaired ear, losing information which may be of benefit or pleasure to the listener. In other circumstances (for example, listening to a recording made using stereo microphone techniques), the mix may be suitable for the hearing-impaired, such that any modification of the signal would be unnecessary or even undesirable -a continuum exists between these two extremes.

A similar, and related, situation can occur for persons of unimpaired hearing when loud environmental noises are present on one side of the listener. For example, when walking along a busy road, it may be difficult or impossible to hear information conveyed through the headphone on the same side as the road.

To address these problems, the present invention proposes a compensatory device, which adjusts the mix of a stereo signal between full stereo and a monophonic signal suitable for use with headphones, in response to user input The compensatory device is to be fitted with input and output connections corresponding to those used by existing headphones, such that it can be used with no modification to existing audio source or headphone equipment The user-adjustable blend between stereo and mono signals will compensate for audio signals where information would be otherwise inaudible, without reducing all signals to full mono. This will allow those with hearing impairment, and persons in the presence of off-axis external noise, to derive greater benefit from headphone-based listening.

Preferably, the compensatory device will be constructed as an "in-line" accessory, comprising a socket, body (exposing the adjustment control) and plug connected by flexible cable.

Preferably, the body will be of similar diameter to both the socket and the plug, so as to minimise encumbrance.

An example of the invention will now be described, by reference to the accompanying drawings.

* Figure I shows a possible embodiment of the invention.

* Figure 2 shows a circuit according to the invention.

In figure I, a possible physical configuration of the device is shown. A plug I, suitable for use with stereo headphone equipment, is attached to a cable S. The plug has three contacting surfaces, designated barrel, tip and ring, which correspond to the electrical connections for ground, right channel and left channel respectively. The plug is to be inserted into the audio source. The cable S is to be flexible, and carries the electrical signals from the plug I to the control 3. The control is wired according to figure 2, described below.

In the embodiment shown in figure I, the control 3 is attached to the socket 2. The socket 2 is to be compatible with the plug I, such than any headphone equipment which could connect to the audio source could also connect to the socket. The socket will have three contacting surfaces, with the same functions and configuration as the plug I. The control 3 is attached to the electrical circuit, such that displacing the control causes the mix of the signals passing through the compensator to vary between stereophonic and monophonic.

The control is to be capable of linear or logarithmic adjustment, so that intermediate mixes between stereo and mono are available.

Figure 2 shows a possible electrical circuit according to the invention. The ground connection 6 of the audio source is connected directly to the ground connection 7 belonging to the socket. The right-hand channel input I 0 is connected to the right channel output I I, and also to the potentiometer 4. The left-hand channel input 8 is connected to the left channel output 9, and also to the wiper of the potentiometer 4.

Claims

Claims 1. A compensatory device for listening to audio via headphones, which adjusts the signal from stereophonic to monophonic sound, or any mixture in-between, in a proportion determined by the user.
2. A compensatory device according to claim I, fitted with input and output connections corresponding to those used by existing headphones.
3. A compensatory device according to claim I, constructed such that the circuitry and controls are no larger than a standard headphone connector.
4. A compensatory device according to claim I, specifically for use by persons having impaired hearing in one ear, or unequal degrees of impairment in both ears.