Full FeedApple patent offers automatic volume controls
A patent filed yesterday from Apple shows off a possible option for dynamic sound control on Macintosh computers and, potentially, the iPod/iPhone ranges. The patent suggests the device is fitted with an ambient sound sensor to detect sound around the user and alter the volume as necessary. So, a loud environment would increase your music to an audible (not dangerous) level, while being in a quiet environment would lower the volume to a comfortable level. Although the end user would still have ultimate control over volume, the system would use set ranges to extend between, always keeping your music sounding at a constant level whatever is happening around you.
The system could also be used for different options. Whether using headphones or loud speakers, the volume controls would alter accordingly, meaning your ear drums wouldn’t shatter plugging in headphones after the music being blasted through large amplifiers (a slight exaggeration, some might say, but still useful).
Apple first applied for the patent back around the launch of the original iPhone, and there are no signs of it coming into use in the near future. Like many patents filed by Apple, they cover many possibilities and future options for devices or software, but only a few of the many patents Apple currently have are ever featured on a production line.
Via [Electronista]
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If that’s all they’ve got, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to get a patent out of this one. I drafted a similar patent application for an electronics client in 2004, related to automatic volume control for car stereos, and I believe there was a significant amount of prior art in the field already even then. The extension to other audio-output devices is obvious.
on October 4, 2009 at 07:48 AM - LINK