audio plugs with optical and electrical paths.

专利摘要:
audio plugs with optical and electrical paths. The present invention relates to electronic devices that are provided and that communicate over cables and other communication paths that include optical and electrical paths. a cable may include wires for forming an electrical path and one or more optical fibers for forming an optical path. connectors at one or both ends of the cable may include electrical contacts and an optical coupling structure associated with the optical path. optical paths can be included in connectors such as tip-ring-sleeve connectors and connectors of other types. an interface circuit can be included in a connector for conversion between optical and electrical signaling schemes. wavelength division multiplexing can be used to support two-way communications; Breakout boxes and other equipment can be connected using cables. digital signals, such as digital noise canceling signals, can be carried over optical paths. Power and other electrical signals can be carried over electrical paths.
公开号:BR112012011810A2
申请号:R112012011810-2
申请日:2010-11-04
公开日:2020-09-08
发明作者:Jeffrey J. Terlizzi；Victor Tiscareno；Jesse L. Dorogusker
申请人:Apple Inc.；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Descriptive Report of the Patent of Invention for "AUDIO PLUGS WITH OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC PATHWAYS". - This application claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 12/622,405, filed November 19, 2009, which is incorporated herein. as referenced herein in its entirety. Background Electronic devices, such as computers, media players, and cell phones typically contain audio jacks. Accessories, such as headsets and microphones, have matching plugs.
A user who wants to use a headset with an ' electronic device can connect the headset with a microphone to the ' Eri electronic device by inserting the headset plug with mi- : crophone into the matching audio jack on the electronic device . Miniature-sized (3.5 mm) phone jacks and plugs are commonly used in electronic devices, such as notebook computers and media players, because connectors such as these are relatively compact. Because 3.5 mm phone jacks and plugs are sometimes used to carry video signals, 3.5 mm audio jacks such as these are sometimes referred to as audio and video jacks (AM ).
Microphone headset sets and other accessories have speakers that can be used to play audio to a user. Some accessories have microphones. Microphones can be used to pick up the sound of a user's voice. This allows an electronic device to be used for recording voice memos. Electronic devices with a cell phone circuit can use a microphone in an accessory for the accumulation of the user's voice during a phone call.
In some microphone headsets, the microphones are used to form part of a noise canceling circuit. When noise canceling functions are active, the impact of ambient noise on audio replay can be reduced. Microphones can also be used for implementing a voice microphone 'noise cancellation'. - Noise canceling operations are generally implemented using an analog noise canceling circuit. The analog noise canceling circuit subtracts a weighted version of the microphone signal from the audio signal.
While conventional noise-canceling circuit arrangements may be satisfactory in some situations, recent advances in headphone quality and audio replay fidelity are placing increasing burdens on conventional noise-canceling circuits. These burdens are making it difficult or impossible to implement the desired levels of noise canceling performance with conventional approaches. Conventional audio and video connector arrangements are also making it difficult or impossible to implement desired functionality in a system. For example, conventional 3.5mm jacks and plugs and associated cables may not exhibit sufficient bandwidth to carry large amounts of data. Summary Electronic devices and external equipment, such as headsets with microphones and other accessories, can handle digital signals. These digital signals can include digital audio and digital video data. Audio and video (A/V) connectors, which are sometimes referred to as tip-ring-connectors. ring-sleeve (TRRS), tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) connectors, or audio connectors, may include electrical and optical components. For example, an audio connector may include electrical contacts that are coupled to an electrical transceiver circuit and an optical path that is coupled to an optical transceiver circuit.
An electronic device may be provided with digital audio signal processing circuitry. The switching circuit can be configured to ensure that proper sets of electrical signal paths are formed. For example, in configurations where no optical functions are required, the switching circuit can be configured to couple an electrical data transceiver circuit or an analog circuit to electrical contacts on an audio jack. When optical functionality is desired, the switching circuit can be configured to pair power signals across the electrical paths while optical signals are being used to carry potentially large amounts of digital data.
Audio connectors can include conductive contact structures (eg tip, ring, and sleeve conductors). These conductors can be separated by insulating structures. For example, an insulating ring may be located between each of the conductors. Optical functionality can be incorporated into the audio connectors using: coaxial optical paths or, when a transparent material is used for the insulator, which is located between respective conductive contacts on the audio connectors, by transporting light radially across of the insulator.
Audio connectors with optical and electrical capabilities can be used in electrical devices and cables and in external equipment such as breakout boxes and other accessories. The optical capabilities of the connectors can be used to carry video data, audio data such as noise canceling data, or other suitable data.
Other features of the invention, their nature and various advantages will become more apparent from the associated drawings and the detailed description below.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative electronic device in communication with an accessory, such as a microphone headset, a decomposition box, or other external equipment in a system according to an embodiment. of the present invention Figure 2 is a diagram showing how a communications path that includes a tip-ring-sleeve connector that can be used
to allow equipment to interact in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. . Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative circuit that can be used in an electronic device to communicate electrically and optically with an accessory and for the provision of processing and power supply functions according to a modality. of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of an illustrative circuit in an accessory that performs processing functions and that communicates electrically and optically with a circuit in an electronic device, such as the circuit of Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a diagram of an illustrative system in which a . electronic equipment, such as a decomposition box, serves as an interface between an electronic device and other equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing how an electronic device can communicate with external equipment using a cable having connectors with optical and electrical components in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing how an electronic device can communicate with external equipment using a cable with a connector at one end that has optical and electrical components in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a circuit diagram showing how an electronic device can communicate with external equipment using a cable containing an optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optics interface circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional diagram of an illustrative cable containing four strands and an optical fiber in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional diagram of an illustrative cable containing four wires and two optical fibers according to a
ity of the present invention. ] Figure 11 is a cross-section diagram of an outlet. illustrative and of a plug that are coupled to a cable having an optical fiber and wires in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 12 is a diagram of an optical path coupled to a pair of optical transceivers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of an illustrative pair of audio connectors having combination snapping capabilities in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional diagram of a illustrative plug and a matching socket of the type shown in Figure 13, showing how an optical source and an optical detector can be coupled to the respective optical fibers in an optical cable. according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of an illustrative plug having annular transparent portions through which light can be transported to fiber optic structures in a cable affixed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device containing a socket and an associated annular source and detector regions that can match the clear annular socket regions in a socket of the type shown in Figure 15, of according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a system based on a plug of the type shown in Figure 15 and an outlet of the type shown in Figure 16 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative plug and socket system in which the plug has clear ring-shaped insulators and the socket has a combination source and detectors in accordance with an embodiment. of the present invention.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of an illustrative electronic device and associated accessory having a pro-hybrid plug. vertically mounted jet that is received by a hybrid socket on the electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 is a flowchart of illustrative steps involved in configuring and using electrical equipment having optical and electrical connectors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description Electronic components, such as electronic devices and other equipment, can be interconnected using wired and wireless paths. For example, a wired path can be used to connect a cellular phone to a wireless base station. The wired paths . can be used to connect electronic devices to equipment, such as computer peripherals and audio accessories. As an example, a user might use a wired path to connect a portable music player to a headset microphone.
In a typical wired path, wires are used to handle electrical signals. One or more optical fibers may be included in the same wired path as the wires. For example, a cable may contain —four wires and one or two optical fibers (as an example).
With such an arrangement, the optical fiber or optical fibers in the cable can form an optical path and the wires can form an electrical path that runs parallel to the optical path. Optical and electrical paths can be used to carry digital data, such as audio data, video data, control signal data, etc. If desired, power signals and analog signals can be ported over the electrical path.
Connectors can be provided on a wired path that contains electrical and optical paths. For example, male and/or female connectors can be provided at both ends of a cable or can be used to directly connect an accessory to an electronic device.
Electronic devices that can be connected to external equipment using optical and electrical paths include computer. desktop res and portable electronic devices. Portable electronic devices that are connected to external equipment in this way include tablet computers, laptop computers, and small portable computers of the type that are sometimes referred to as ultraportables. Portable electronic devices may also include slightly smaller portable electronic devices, such as wristwatch devices, pendant devices, and other wearable and miniature devices.
Electronic devices that are connected to external equipment can also be portable electronic devices, such as cell phones, media players with communication capabilities. wireless devices, handheld computers (also sometimes called personal digital assistants), remote controllers, global positioning system (GPS) devices, and handheld gaming devices. Electronic devices can be devices that combine the functionality of multiple conventional devices. For example, electronic devices can be cell phones that have wireless communications capabilities, cell phones that include gaming and e-mail functions, and portable devices that receive e-mail, support mobile phone calls, have a music player functionality and support web browsing. These are merely illustrative examples. An example of external equipment that can be connected to such an electronic device using optical and electrical paths is an accessory such as a headset with a microphone. A headset microphone set typically includes a pair of speakers that a user can use to play audio from an electronic device. The accessory may have a user control interface, such as one or more buttons. When a user supplies an input, the input can be carried over to the electronic device. As an example, when the user presses a button on the accessory, a corresponding signal may be provided to the electronic device to direct the electronic device to take an appropriate action. Due to the fact that the button is located on the headset, rather than on the electronic device, a user can place the electronic device in a remote location, such as on a table or on a desk. pocket while controlling the device using conveniently located buttons on the headset microphone.
External equipment that is connected to the electronic device may include equipment such as a tape adapter. A tape adapter may have a plug on one end and a cassette on the other end, which slides into a tape deck, such as an automotive tape deck. Equipment, such as a tape adapter, can be used to play music or other audio through the speakers associated with the tape deck. Audio equipment, such as a stereo system in a user's home or car, can also be connected to an electronic device using optical and electrical paths. As an example, a user can connect a music player to an in-car stereo system using either a three-pin or a four-pin connector that includes an optical path.
In some situations, it may be desirable to transport relatively large amounts of data between the electronic device and the accessory. For example, if the accessory has replay capabilities (or is coupled to equipment that has video display capabilities), the optical and electrical paths between the electronic device and the accessory may be used to carry relatively large amounts of data (for example, (e.g. video data and an associated soundtrack information, — image data, etc.). The data that is carried between the electronic device and the accessory may be carried over the optical path and/or electrical path as digital data.
As another example, the data that is carried between the electronic device and the accessory may include audio data. For example, digital audio data from a microphone or digital audio data being played back from storage can be carried over optical and/or electrical paths. When a per-
Optical travel between the electronic device and the accessory is available, it may be possible to port larger amounts of data between the electronic device. nico and the accessory of what would otherwise be possible. For example, an optical path can be used to port data at data rates of tens of Mbps or more, hundreds of Mbps or more, or Gbps or more. Optical paths can also be suitable for incorporation into miniature parts, such as 3.5mm TRS connectors.
In a typical scenario involving the transmission of audio data, the electronic device that is connected to external equipment produces audio signals. These audio signals can be transmitted to external equipment in the form of analog and digital audio. For example, the electrical path may include wires that carry analog-to-loud audio. speakers in the accessory. Electrical and optical paths can be used to carry digital audio data (eg, pulse code modulated digital audio data).
External equipment may include a voice microphone. One or more noise canceling microphones can also be provided. Microphone signals (eg analog audio signals corresponding to a user's voice, ambient noise or other sounds) can be processed locally on the accessory. Microphone signals can also be ported to the electronic device using electrical and/or optical paths.
The communication path between the electronic device and the accessory can be used to carry signals such as control signals, in addition to audio and video signals. Digital data can be transported if desired. In general, the data carried between the electronic device and the accessory may include, for example, control signals, audio, video information to be displayed to a user, etc.
Accessories, such as headsets with microphones, are typically connected to electronic devices using plugs (male connectors) and matching jacks (female connectors). Connectors such as these can be provided in a variety of form factors.
Most commonly, these connectors take the form of miniature 3.5 mm (1/8") plugs and jacks. Because audio signals and sometimes video signals are carried by plugs and 3.5mm jacks, 3.5mm plugs and jacks are sometimes referred to as audio jacks or audio and video (AV) jacks. The 3.5mm size is popular for headphones and other sets headset with microphone.
Other sizes are also sometimes used, such as 2.5 mm subminiature jacks and 1/4" (6.35 mm) jacks. In the context of accessories such as headsets with microphone, these audio jacks and their associated cables can be used to carry analog signals, such as speaker audio signals and microphone signals.
Digital data streams can also be used to carry audio signals (for example, audio output signals such as replayed media or phone call audio, microphone signals, and noise-canceling audio), control signals (e.g. input and output signals), clock information, and other signals.
Video can be ported with or without audio (eg as digital data). Analog signals, such as analog audio signals, can be carried over electrical paths.
Power can also be ported using electrical paths.
Digital data can be ported using electrical and/or optical paths.
Optical structures, such as optical fibers and transparent windows, can be incorporated into a communication path between an electronic device and external equipment.
These optical structures can be incorporated into audio connectors (e.g. 3.5 mm jacks and plugs) or other connectors (e.g. digital data connectors such as universal serial bus connectors, 30-pin connectors, XLR connectors, etc.). For clarity, the use of optical structures in audio connectors, such as 3.5mm plug sockets, is sometimes described here as an example.
Audio connectors (audio and video connectors) that are used to connect an electrical device to external equipment can have any suitable number of electrical terminals.
The electrical leads in a connector are formed from conductive materials, such as a metal, and are typically referred to as contacts.
Stereo audio jacks typically have three electrical contacts.
The outermost end of an audio plug is typically referred to as the tip.
The innermost portion of the plug is typically referred to as the sleeve.
A ring contact is between the tip and the sleeve.
When using this terminology, stereo audio connectors such as these are sometimes referred to as tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) connectors. The sleeve can serve as a ground.
The tip contact can be used in conjunction with the sleeve to handle a left audio channel, and the ring contact can be used in conjunction with the sleeve to handle the right audio channel (like a .: example). In four-contact audio connectors, an additional ring contact is provided to form a connector of the type that is sometimes referred to as a tip-ring-ring-sleeve (TRRS) connector or, simply, a type of TRS connector.
The four-contact audio jacks can be used to handle a microphone signal, left and right audio channels, and ground (as an example). If desired, a switching circuit can be used to route different signals to and from the contacts in a connector as needed to implement the desired functions.
An optical path can be incorporated into an audio connector, such as a TRS connector, using one or more optical fibers and associated optical structures.
Electrical devices and external equipment can be connected in a variety of ways.
For example, a user can connect a pair of stereo headphones or a headset microphone set that contains stereo headphones and a microphone to a cell phone audio jack.
Accessories such as these may include one or more noise canceling microphones.
For example, the voice microphone may have an associated noise canceling microphone that captures noise in the vicinity of the voice microphone.
The earphones or other speakers in an accessory may also have noise-canceling microphones.
For example, each earpiece in a headset may have an 'external noise canceling microphone' on an external surface of the . headset. In addition to the external noise canceling microphone or instead of the noise canceling microphone, each earpiece can have an internal noise canceling microphone on an inner surface of the earpiece (adjacent to the ear).
On accessories with more speakers, more noise-canceling microphones can be used. For example, additional noise-canceling microphones can be provided in headsets that contain multiple drivers or in surround sound accessories. A surround sound accessory could have, for example, five or six speakers (or more) and Í could have a noise-canceling microphone that would be adjacent to . each respective speaker.
Electrical devices and external equipment can be operated in various modes. For example, a cell phone can be used in a music player mode to replay stereo audio for a user. When operated in telephone mode, the same cell phone can be used to play left and right cell phone audio signals to the user, while simultaneously processing the phone call microphone signals from the user. Noise canceling features can be selectively turned on and off as needed. For example, microphone noise canceling can be activated while the earpiece noise canceling features are turned off (as an example). —Noise canceling functions can also be globally disabled or globally enabled.
Electronic devices and external equipment may be provided with a switching circuit or other path configuration circuit that allows the electronic devices and external equipment to be operated in a variety of different operating modes in a variety of different combinations. For example, when a user connects one type of accessory to an electronic device, the switching circuit may be adjusted to form a first set of electrical paths.
connections between the electronic device and the accessory. When a user connects to a different type of accessory, the per- configuration circuit. stroke can be adjusted to form a second set of electrical paths between the electronic device and the accessory.
Consider, as an example, the use of an electronic device that has a four-contact TRS jack with integrated optical structures to support optical path communications. When a user of the device plugs a conventional stereo microphone headset into the electronic device, the switching circuit in the electronic device can be configured to route the left and right analog audio output signals to high. speakers in the headset í via the electrical contacts on the TRS jack. When the user plugs a headset that includes noise-canceling microphones into the device, the switching circuit can be configured to route power to the headset, while the optical path is used to carry canceling signals. noise signals between the headset and the device. Another possible scenario involves the use of video equipment. A user can, for example, plug video equipment into the TRS jack. In this situation, the electrical contacts in the socket can be used to carry control or power signals, while the optical path is used to carry audio and video data.
Noise canceling functions can be implemented on external equipment or an electronic device. In schematics in which digital audio signals are ported from the accessory to the electronic device, the circuitry capabilities of the electronic device can be used to assist in implementing desired functions. This can help reduce the amount of circuitry that is included in a given accessory and can help minimize accessory power consumption. Digital audio processing can also be accomplished using digital processing circuitry that is implemented primarily or exclusively in an accessory.
In configurations where at least part of the communications between the electronic device and the accessory is implemented using . digital communications (optical and/or electrical), the ability of the electronic device and the accessory to communicate can be improved.
For example, digital communications can allow numerous audio channels to be ported between the electronic device and the accessory in real time.
Control signals and other signals can also be ported digitally.
At the same time, the electronic device, if desired, can include an analog circuit that produces analog audio signals.
When an accessory with digital communications capabilities is connected to the electronic device, the electronic device and the accessory can communicate Í digitally.
When an accessory without digital communications capabilities is connected to the electronic device, an analog circuit in the electronic device can supply analog audio signals to the accessory.
For example, if a stereo microphone headset with two speakers and no microphone or control capability is connected to the electronic device, an analog audio circuit can be used to supply the left and right channels of analog audio to the loudspeakers. speakers in the headset with stereo microphone.
When a more advanced accessory may become available (eg digital audio processing for noise reduction, digital control capabilities, additional audio streams for surround sound speakers, etc.). An illustrative system in which an electronic device and external equipment can communicate over a wired communications link that includes optical and electrical paths is shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, system 10 may include an electronic device. - single, such as electronic device 12 and external equipment 14. External equipment 14 may be equipment, such as a car with a sound system, consumer electronic equipment, such as a television or radio receiver. audio with audio and/or video capabilities, a peer device (e.g., another electronic device such as device 12), a decomposition box that serves as an interface between multiple electronic devices 12, or any other equipment - ' adequate electronic payment. In a typical scenario, which is sometimes des- . Described here as an example, the external equipment 14 may be an accessory that contains speakers, such as a headset with a microphone. The external equipment 14 is therefore sometimes referred to as an “accessory 14” or as a “headset 14”. microphone, or can be provided as a set of independently driven or non-powered loudspeakers (e.g. desktop loudspeakers). As shown in figure 1, equipment 1 can include a /O 32 and a storage and processing circuit 26.
: A path such as path 16 can be used to connect electronic device 12 and accessory 14. In a typical arrangement, path 16 includes one or more audio connectors, such as 3-way plugs and jacks. .5 mm or other suitable sized audio jacks. Conductive lines on path 16 can be used to carry electrical signals on path 16. These lines can be, for example, copper wire covered with plastic insulation. An optical path on path 16 can be used to carry optical signals (i.e., light). The optical path may be formed using one or more optical fibers.
There may, in general, be any suitable number of conductive lines and optical fibers in path 16. For example, there may be two, three, four, five or more than five separate lines and one, two or more than two optical fibers. These lines and fibers may be part of one or more cables. Cables may include solid wire, stranded wire, shielding, single grounding structures, multiple grounding structures, twisted pair structures, or any other suitable electrical cabling structures. The cables may also include plastic fiber, glass fiber, multimode fiber, single mode fiber and other suitable optical path structures.
The extension cord and adapter arrangements can be used as part of path 16, if desired. In an adapter arrangement, some of the 14 accessory features, such as . user and communications, may be provided in the form of an adapter accessory with which an auxiliary accessory such as a headset microphone can be connected to the device 12. Adapter functions may also be incorporated into a cable. This type of arrangement can be used, for example, on a cable that has both electrical and optical capabilities at one end, but which has only electrical capabilities at its other end.
The electronic device 12 can be a desktop or laptop computer, a portable electronic device such as a portable electronic device 7 that has wireless capabilities, an equipment such as a television or audio receiver, or any other equipment. electronic suit- : quad. Electronic device 12 may be provided in the form of standalone equipment (eg, a portable device that is carried in a user's pocket) or may be provided as an embedded system. Examples of systems in which the device 12 can be embedded include automobiles, boats, airplanes, homes, security systems, media distribution systems for commercial and home applications, display equipment (e.g. computer monitors), and televisions), etc.
Device 12 may include input and output circuit 28 and storage and processing circuit 30. Input and output circuit 28 of device 12 and input and output circuit 32 of equipment 14 may include buttons. , touch-sensitive components such as touch screens and touchpads, microphones, sensors, and other components for acquiring input from a user. Input and output circuits 32 and 28 may also include loudspeakers, status inducers such as light-emitting diodes, displays and other components for providing output to users. Circuits 32 and 28 may also include digital and analog communications circuits to support electrical and optical communications over path 16 and to support wireless communications. The storage and processing circuits 26 and 30 can be based on microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits, audio chips (encoders - decoders), video integrated circuits. deo, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, memory devices such as solid state storage, a volatile memory and hard disk drives, etc.
Device 12 may communicate with network equipment, such as equipment 18 over path 22. Path 22 may be, for example, a wireless cellular phone path. Equipment 18 may be, for example, a cellular telephone network. Device 12 and network equipment 18 may communicate over path 22 when it is desired to connect device 12 to a cellular telephone network (for example, to handle voice telephone calls for data transfer over cell phone, etc.). ' Device 12 may also communicate with equipment such as computing equipment 20 over path 24. Path 24 may be a wired (electrical and/or optical) or wireless path. The computing equipment 20 can be a computer, a set top box, an audiovisual equipment such as a receiver or a television, a disc player or other media player, a game console, a network extender, or any other suitable equipment.
In a typical scenario, device 12 may be, as an example, a portable device that has a media player and cell phone capabilities (collectively, sometimes referred to as a cell phone). Accessory 14 may be a microphone headset with a microphone and a user input interface, such as a button based interface for accumulating user input. Path 16 can be a four- or five-conductor audio cable with a built-in optical path that connects to devices 12 and 14 using 3.5 mm audio jacks and plugs (as an example). Computing equipment 20 may be a computer with which device 12 communicates (e.g. for synchronizing a contact list, media files, etc.).
Paths, such as paths 24 and 16, may be based on commonly available digital connectors, such as connectors. USB or IEEE 1394, XLR connectors, audio connectors, etc. These connectors can include electrical and optical paths. An advantage of using communications paths that are compatible with commonly used audio jacks, such as 3.5mm audio jacks, is that this type of arrangement can maintain compatibility with a user's existing collection of headsets. with microphone and other legacy equipment. Arrangements in which system 10 communications paths are implemented using audio jacks with a 3.5mm form factor or other arrangement that is compatible with conventional audio jacks 7 are sometimes described, so here, as an example. This is merely illustrative. In general, the communications paths and connectors that are used in system 10 may include electrical and optical paths and coupling structures of any suitable type.
In system 10, electronic device 12 and accessory 14 may include a switching circuit (sometimes referred to as an adjustable-path configuration circuit) that can be used to selectively interconnect various circuits to contacts on connectors. path audio 16. Switching circuitry can be adjusted to support different modes of operation. These different modes of operation may result from different combinations of accessories and electronic devices, scenarios in which different device applications are active, etc. The switching circuit may be formed from one or more transistor-based switches. If desired, the switching circuit can include hybrid circuits that can be selectively switched for use. When hybrid circuits are not actively used, the communications electrical path and the associated connector contacts to which they are connected can be used for one-way communications. When hybrid circuits are switched for active use, the same electrical communications path and the same connector contacts can be used to support bidirectional signals (e.g., one audio channel is closed).
left or right output in one direction and a microphone signal input ' in the opposite direction). A bidirectionality can also be supported u- . using time multiplexing protocols. An illustrative circuit which may be associated with path 16 is shown in Figure 2. Switching circuit 160 may be provided in electronic device 12 and switching circuit 162 may be provided in accessory 14 or other external equipment. Wired path 16 may be used for connecting electronic device 12 and accessory 14. Path 16 may include audio connectors, such as audio connectors 34 and 38.
Path 16 audio connectors may include an audio plug 7, such as a 34 plug (i.e., a male audio jack). Plug 34 may have a rod-shaped member that allows plug 34 to match a corresponding audio jack, such as audio jack 38 (ie, a female audio jack). Socket 38 may include electrical contacts that surround a cylindrical opening that receives plug 34. These contacts may be formed from metal rings, spring-loaded conductive structures, and the like. Connectors 34 and 38 can be used at any suitable location or locations on the path16. For example, audio jacks, such as jack 38, can be formed into device housing 12 and plugs, such as plug 34, may be formed at the end of a cable, such as cable 70, which is associated with a headset microphone or other accessory.
14. As shown in Figure 2, the cable 70 can be connected to the audio plug 34 through a strain relief plug structure 66. Structures, such as the structure 66, can be formed with an external insulator, such as a plastic ( as an example). Audio plug 34 is an example of a four-contact plug. A four-contact plug has four conductive regions that match four corresponding conductive regions in a four-contact jack, such as jack 38. As shown in figure 2, these regions may include a tip region, such as region 48, register
ring connections, such as rings 50 and 52, and a sleeve region, such as region 54. These regions surround the cylindrical surface of plug 34 and are separated by insulating regions 56. When plug 34 is inserted into the matching socket 38, tip region 48 can make electrical contact with socket tip contact 74, rings 50 and 52 can match respective ring regions 76 and 78, and sleeve 54 can make contact with terminal of sleeve 80. Insulating regions 58 can separate the contacts at socket 38. In a typical configuration, there are four wires 88 in cable 70, each of which is electrically connected to a respective contact in plug 34. Cable 70 may also include optical path 200. Optical path 200 may be formed from one or more optical fibers.
In the example of Figure 2, the path 200 is formed from a single optical fiber.
As shown in Figure 2, the path 200 extends through the central plug core 34 and combines with a corresponding optical path 206 in the socket 38. The path 206 may be located on the electronic device 12 (Figure 1) and may be used to carry optical signals between an optical transceiver 208 in device 12 and optical path 200. In this capacity, path 206 may be considered to form a part of path 200. Transceiver 202 may be located in accessory 14. Duran - te optical communications between device 12 and accessory 14, optical transceivers 208 and 202 may communicate over path 200. Switching circuit 160 may receive analog signals through path 170. For example, switching circuit 160 may receive analog signals through path 170. switch 160 can receive analog audio output signals on path 170 and can switch these signals to lines 168 when operating in an analog output mode to support legacy analog accessories.
Path 170 can also be used for routing power supply signals to appropriate contacts at socket 38. Switching circuit 160 can handle digital electrical signals using path 172. For example, when operating in an audio mode digital ready to support a digital-ready headset, switching circuit 160 can: switch the digital audio streams that are received on path 172 on -lines 168. In electronic device 12, signals (e.g., digital signals) ) which are carried by path 200 optically can be handled using an input and output path 210. During data transmission operations from device 12, data from the processor circuit in electronic device 12 can be provided. to path 210. Data that is received on path 210 can be converted to optical signals using transceiver 208 and can be routed to path 200 via path 206. In accessory 14, optical signals from path 200 can be received by transceiver 202. Transceiver 202 can convert received optical signals into electrical signals which are provided on input and output path 204. The accessory processing circuit can receive and process the signals at path 204. The processing circuit at the accessory can receive and process the signals at path 204.
Attachment 14 can transmit optical data using transceiver 202. Processing circuitry in attachment 14 can provide data for input and output path 204. Transceiver 202 can convert electrical signals that are received on path 204 into optical signals. Optical signals may be transmitted to electronic device 12 using path 200. At device 12, optical signals from path 200 may be converted in transceiver 208 via path 206. Transceiver 208 may convert received optical signals in electrical signals that are provided on path 210. Transceivers 208 and 202 may include light sources and detectors. For example, each transceiver may include one or more light-emitting diodes, one or more laser diodes, or other light sources. These sources can operate on a single wavelength or in wavelength division multiplexing arrangements that can be supported using multiple wavelengths of light. Each transceiver may also include photodetectors such as p-i-n diodes, p-n junction diodes, photodiode arrays, etc.
. Accessories can have fixed operating modes or adjustable operating modes. For example, a legacy analog microphone headset can only operate in an analog audio mode. As another example, a digital-enabled headset microphone can operate in both analog and digital modes. This type of multi-mode operation can allow a digital-enabled headset microphone set to revert to an analog audio mode when used with a legacy music player. To accommodate multiple modes of operation, accessory 14 may control the configuration 7 of switches in switching circuit 164. When operating in analog audio mode, the analog signals being ported between device 12 and accessory 14 may be routed over analog lines 174. When operating in digital audio mode, switching circuit 164 may be configured to switch digital path 176 for use and/or use transceiver 202 to handle digital optical signals. These settings do not have to be mutually exclusive. For example, switching circuits 160 and 164, if desired, can be placed in configurations in which a mixture of analog and digital signals is carried over path 16, while optical signals are being carried over path 200. A mixture Typical signals over path 16 could include power signals, optical and/or electrical control signals, optical and/or electrical audio signals, and optical and/or electrical video signals. Switching circuit 164, if desired, can be used to switch an ultrasonic tone generating circuit for use (e.g., to send electrical ultrasonic tone codes from accessory 14 to device 12 that correspond to events button press or other user input). The signal assignments that are used on the audio path 16 connectors depend on the type of electronic device and accessory being used and the active operating mode for the system. For example, when operating in a legacy analog mode, ring contact 52 can be
come as ground (and thus can sometimes be referred to as the 'to G contact of plug 34), tip 48 may be associated with es- channel audio. (and therefore can sometimes be referred to as the L contact of plug 34), ring 50 can be associated with right-channel audio (and therefore can sometimes be referred to as the R contact of plug 34) , and sleeve 54 may be associated with microphone signals (and thus may sometimes be referred to as the M contact of plug 34). Socket combination contacts 38 can have corresponding signal assignments.
As shown in Figure 3, electronic device 12 may contain video, audio, communications and control circuitry 180. Video circuits in circuit 180 may be used for generating video signals or for receiving and video signal processing.
Audio circuit 182, which is sometimes referred to as an encoder-decoder or an encoder-decoder, can be used for generating audio signals or for receiving and processing audio signals. audio.
The audio circuit 182 may include an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter circuit 184 and a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter circuit 186. The analog-to-digital converter circuit in device 12 may be used for digitizing analog signals, such as analog audio signals.
For example, analog to digital converter circuit 184 can be used for digitizing one or more microphone signals.
These microphone signals may be received from accessory 14 via path 16 or may be received from microphone equipment in device 12. Digital-to-analog converter circuit 186 may be used to generate output signals. analogue.
For example, digital-to-analog converter circuit 186 may receive digital signals corresponding to the audio portion of a media replay event, audio for a telephone call, noise canceling signals, a tone or alert signal (e.g. example, a —beep or a bell), or any other digital information.
Based on this digital information, the digital-to-analog converter circuit 186 can produce corresponding analog signals (e.g., analog audio). Í The digital audio signal processor 188 can be used to . performing digital signal processing on digitized audio signals.
For example, in operating an accessory 14 in a voice microphone noise canceling mode, digital noise canceling signals from a voice noise canceling microphone in accessory 14 may be carried over path 16 to a digital audio signal processor 188. The digital audio signal processor 188 can also receive digital audio voice signals from the voice microphone in accessory 14 and digital noise canceling signals from the microphones. speaker noise canceling.
Using the processing capabilities of the digital audio signal processor 188, the digital noise canceling microphone signals from the accessory 14 can be digitally stripped from the digital audio voice signal and the digital speaker signals.
Using the processing power of device 12 in this way can help to reduce the processing burden that is imposed on accessory 14. This may allow accessory 14 to be constructed from less expensive and less complex circuitry.
Power consumption efficiency and audio performance can also be improved.
If desired, digital audio processing circuitry in accessory 14 may be used to supplement or replace the audio processing functions of digital audio signal processor 188. For example, digital noise canceling circuitry in accessory 14 may be Used in noise cancellation for accessory speakers
14
Electrical transceiver 190 can be used to support unidirectional or bidirectional electrical digital communications with a corresponding electrical transceiver in attachment 14 via path 16. Optical transceiver 210 can be used to support unidirectional or bidirectional optical digital communications with a corresponding optical transceiver in accessory 14 via path 16. Optical transceiver 210 may have an optical transmitter 212 and an optical receiver 216. Transmitter 212 may include a light source, such as a light source 214. light 214 may be a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, or any other light source. proper.
The light is produced by the light source 214 and may be visible, infrared light, or any other suitable wavelength.
Detector 218 may be used by receiver 216 to convert incoming light signals from optical path 206 (which is a path extension 200 of path 16) to electrical signals.
During optical data transmissions, light from source 214 may be ported to optical path 200 of path 16 using optical path 206. Any suitable communications protocol may be used by transceivers 190 and 210. For example, a protocol may be used, 7 which includes functions such as error correction functions.
Data can be sent in packets or other suitable data structures.
A clock that is produced by the circuit 180 of Fig. 3 (eg, by a circuit transceiver 190) may be transmitted with the data.
For example, transceiver 190 and/or transceiver 210 may be embedded in a variable clock in a transmitted digital data stream.
Power supply circuit 220 may be used to provide power to electrical contacts in connector 38 (eg, from a battery in device 12). A switching circuit, such as the switching circuit 160 of Figure 2, can be used to selectively connect the audio connector contacts 38 to the video, audio, communications and control circuits 180 of the power supply circuit. power 220 and other circuitry in device 12. For example, when it is desired to supply analog audio output signals from encoder-decoder 182 to connector 38, the switching circuit may be adjusted accordingly by the control circuit. and processing device 12. When it is desired to route electrical digital signals to the audio connectors of the audio connector 38, the switching circuit can be used to connect the transceiver 190 to the audio connector 38. The power and other signals may also be selectively routed to connector 38 by switching circuit 160. Optical path 206 and associated optical path 200 7 of Figure 2 may be used to carry each other. optical nals to and from the dis- . positive 12.
An illustrative circuit that can be used to handle signal processing tasks for accessory 14 is shown in figure 4. As shown in figure 4, accessory 14 may include component and processing circuit 192. The circuit 192 may include components such as a battery, switches, a display, a touch screen, a keyboard, integrated circuits, discrete components, etc. Circuit 192 may also include components such as microphones and speakers. In the example of Figure 4, the accessory 14 includes microphones 222, 226, 230 and 231 and includes speakers 224 and 228 (shown separately in the figure). Speakers 224 and 228 can be, for example, left and right speakers in a pair of earphones or left and right speakers in other external equipment. Microphones 222 and 226 may be noise canceling microphones that are used for accumulating ambient noise signals associated with speakers 224 and 228, respectively. Using noise canceling techniques, ambient noise signals can be used for noise reduction in the audio being played through 224 speakers and
228.Noise canceling techniques can also be implemented for microphones. For example, the microphone 230 can be a voice microphone that is used to accumulate the user's voice during telephone calls or that is used to record audio clips. Microphone 231 can be used to accumulate ambient noise signals associated with the use of microphone 230 and therefore can serve as a noise canceling microphone for microphone 230.
Noise canceling operations can be performed using analog circuitry, or using digital processing techniques. Digital audio processing operations for implementing noise cancellation and for implementing other functions may be performed locally on accessory 14 or may be performed remotely on device 12. As shown in Figure 4, circuit 192 may include circuitry audio processing circuit 232. Circuit 232 may include analog to digital converter circuit 234 (e.g., for digitizing analog audio signals from the microphone in accessory 14) and audio processing circuitry 232. digital-to-analog converter 236 (eg to convert digital signals into analog signals that are played back through the speakers of accessory 14).
As described in relation to Figure 2, accessory 14 can communicate with device 12 via path 16. Path 16 may include wires that are connected to respective electrical contacts in connector 34 and thereby to electrical interface 238. Path 16 may also include an optical path (shown as path 200) that is connected to optical interface 252. Electrical interface 238 may include a switching circuit (e.g., switching circuit 164 of Figure 2) and a switching circuit. electrical transceiver 241, such as transmitter 240 and receiver 242. Transmitter 240 and receiver 242 may be used to support electrical communications with corresponding receiver and transmitter circuitry in electrical transceiver 190 (Figure 3). ). Switching circuit 164 (Figure 2) can be used to adjust electrical paths in fixture 14 to support a desired mode of operation. In particular, the circuit 164 of figure 2 can be used for connecting the microphone contact M, the left and right channel contacts L and R, and the grounding contact G to appropriate circuits L and R, and the grounding contact G. to appropriate circuits in fixture 14, while switching circuit 160 in device 12 is used for connecting corresponding contacts in connector 38 to appropriate circuits in device 12.
Optical communications over path 16 may be supported using optical transceiver 202 of optical communications interface circuit 252. Transmitter 244 may contain an optical source, such as the optical source.
246. Source 246 may contain one or more laser diodes, light emitting diodes, etc. Receiver 248 may include a detector, such as detector circuit 250. Detector 250 may include one or more photodetectors for receiving light signals that have been transmitted by optical path 200 from device 12. Circuit 192 may use a 238 electrical interface for support. of electrical communications with device 12 via path 16. Circuit 192 may use optical interface 252 to support optical communications with device 12 via path 16.
Circuit 232 can be used to locally implement noise canceling functions. In a local noise canceling arrangement using digital processing techniques, analog microphone signals are digitized using analog-to-digital circuit 234. Processing circuit 232 receives audio signals (e.g., played music) at from device 12 via path 16 in digital (optical or electrical) form. The audio processing circuit 232 can then use digital processing techniques to cancel noise from the reproduced audio. The resulting audio signal can be converted to analog for speakers 224 and 228 using digital-to-analog converter circuit 236.
In a typical remote noise canceling technique, a circuit, analog to digital converter circuit 234 can be used to digitize ambient noise signals from noise canceling microphones in accessory 14, such as the microphone 222, microphone 226 and microphone 231. An electrical interface 238 and/or an optical interface 252 can be used for transmitting these signals to external equipment 14. An advantage of using the optical path 200 to put - taking digital audio signals from the accessory 14 to the device 12 is that the optical path 200 is generally not subjected to electrical interference and may be capable of handling signals with relatively large data rates. Device 12 can receive digital noise canceling signals from the noise canceling microphone using transceiver 190 and/or transceiver 210 (FIG. 3). The digital audio signal processor 188 can then be used to perform noise canceling operations. The resulting noise-canceled audio signal may be fed back to accessory 14 via path 14 (e.g., using an analog output from encoder-decoder 182, electrical digital signals from transceiver 190, or optical digital signals from transceiver 190). 210). In the- . 14, analog signals can be routed to speakers 224 and 228. If noise canceling audio is provided in digital form, an electrical interface 238 and/or an optical interface 252 can provide these signals to the circuit. 232. Digital-to-analog converter circuit 236 can then convert digital audio to analog audio for playback on speakers 224 and 228. If desired, other features can be implemented mallocally and/or remotely. For example, accessory 14 can use circuit 192 to locally process user input data, such as button actuation data, video, images, or sensor data. These signals can also be remotely processed by carrying local signals to device 12 over path 16 using electrical interface 238 and/or optical interface 252. The use of audio processing circuit 232 for implementing audio operations local and remote processing is for illustrative purposes only.
If desired, device 12 can be coupled to external equipment that serves as an interface between multiple devices. This type of arrangement is shown in figure 5.
As shown in Figure 5, system 10 includes an electronic device 12. Electronic device 12 includes an electrical interface circuit (transceiver) 190 and an optical interface circuit (transceiver) 210. Path 16A may include an electrical path 88A and an optical path —200A. Path 16A can be used to connect electronic device 12 to electronic equipment 14A. Equipment 14A may use electrical interface circuit 238A (electrical transceiver circuit) to communicate with device 12 via electrical path optical path 200A.
Equipment 14A may serve as an interface (sometimes referred to as a decay box) between device 12 and one or more pieces of equipment 14B. The devices that are interconnected in the system 10 of Figure 5 can be, for example, consumer electronic devices such as receivers, set top boxes and televisions. Interconnected devices may also include computers, audio equipment (e.g. musical instruments, studio monitors, sound effects boxes, etc.), video equipment (e.g. displays, video processors, etc.) video, etc.), printers and other peripherals, communications equipment, etc.
As shown in Figure 5, equipment 14A may use an electrical interface circuit 238A for communication with a corresponding electrical interface circuit 238B (transceiver circuit) in one or more pieces of equipment 14B using electrical paths 88B on paths 16B. This allows power and/or electrical data signals to be distributed to equipment 14B using equipment 14A. Power and/or data signals may originate from device 12 or may originate from equipment 14B. Equipment 14A may also use optical interface circuit 252A for communication with corresponding optical interface circuit 252B (transceiver circuit) in one or more pieces of equipment 14B using optical paths 200B on paths 16B. This allows optical signals from device 12 or one of devices 14B to be distributed to other equipment in system 10.
Consider, as an example, the use of equipment 14B as an audio decomposition box. In this type of arrangement, the equipment (device) 12 can be a computer with one or more audio and video cards. These boards can be coupled to equipment 14A using path 16A. Equipment 14B may include musical instrument equipment such as guitars, synthesizers, studio monitors, vocal microphones, instrument microphones, etc. In equipment 14B, optical interface circuit 252B may be used to carry digital optical data, such as digital audio data. For example, in a synthesizer, the optical path between the synthesizer and decomposition box 14A can be used to carry musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) data and/or digital audio. On a guitar, the optical path between the guitar and the 14A decay box can be used to port digital audio data from pickups or an effects circuit built into the guitar. Microphones and studio monitors can use optical paths to carry digital audio data.
To support legacy cables and to improve compatibility with equipment that does not necessarily contain optical paths, the hybrid optical and electrical connectors that are used in System 10 can use a variety of form factors. For example, the connectors on one or both ends of the cables in paths 16A and 16B can be USB connectors, audio connectors such as 3.5mm jacks and plugs, or quarter-inch (6.35mm) jacks and plugs. ), male and female XLR connectors, other connectors, or combinations ] of these connectors. A cable might have, for example, a hybrid electrical and optical connector on one end and a larger or smaller audio connector or another connector on the other end. The hybrid connector in this type of arrangement can be based on one form factor for USB, one form factor for XLR, one form factor for audio jack (e.g. 3.5mm or 4” (6.35mm) , etc.), a connector that is based on a hybrid XLR - 4" (6.35 mm) audio connector, etc. The connector on the other end may have conventional electrical capabilities, and may be based on a USB form factor, an XLR form factor, an audio jack form factor (e.g. 3.5 mm or %4" (6.35 mm), etc.), a jack that is based on a hybrid XLR audio jack - 44” (6.35 mm), etc. The circuit in the cable or elsewhere in the system can be used to convert between optical and electrical signaling formats. Electrical paths in cables can be balanced or unbalanced. Each piece of equipment in system 10 may have combination connectors that receive connectors at the ends of the cables. As shown in figure 6, the path 16 can be provided with hybrid optical and electrical connectors at both ends. Device 12 may have a connector such as connector 254 that contains electrical ("E") and optical ("O") (transceivers) interfaces. Cable 70 may have a pair of optical and electrical connectors. Optical and electrical connector 256 may have an optical path and electrical contacts that match an optical path and corresponding electrical contacts in connector 254 of device 12. . Optical and electrical connector 258 can match optical and electrical connector 260 on device 14. Devices 12 and 14 can be cell phones or other electrical devices, accessories such as headsets or other electrical equipment, etc.
Device 14 may have additional optional connectors, such as an optical and electrical connector 262 to interface with additional components (eg, as described with respect to Figure 5). Device 12 can also have more than one electrical and optical connector, if desired.
An arrangement of the type shown in Figure 6 may be satisfactory, when it is desired to interconnect pieces of equipment that each contain a connector for receiving a combination cable connector.
In some situations, it may be desirable to use a wired cable connection in place of or in combination with a connector type arrangement.
For example, a headset with a microphone might have a cable harness that has a connector.
In this situation, the cable in path 16 may have one end that has a connector and an end that is connected directly to the circuit in a device without the use of a connector.
Such a configuration is shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, device 12 may have an optical and electrical connector 254. Cable 70 in path 16 may have a connector at one end, such as connector 256. Connector 256 can combine with Connector 254 to support optical and electrical communications.
In device 14, the wires and optical path in cable 70 can be physically connected to the electrical and optical interface circuit without the use of a connector (shown as physical connection 264 in Figure 7). Device 14 in Figure 7 may have connectors such as optical and electrical connector 262 to interface with additional equipment! (eg as described in relation to figure 5). Cable 70 may contain optical and electrical interface circuitry.
Such an arrangement is shown in figure 8. As shown in the example of figure 8, cable 70 can have an optical and electrical connector (connector
256) which matches the optical and electrical connector 254 of the device 12. The optical and electrical connector 256 may have an optical path formed from . a fiber and/or other optical coupling structure and electrical contacts. The optical path and electrical contacts of connector 256 may match an optical path and corresponding electrical contacts in connector 254 of device 12. At its other end, cable 70 may have an electrical connector (connector 268) having electrical contacts that match with the electrical contacts in the corresponding electrical connector 270 of the device
14. An electrical path may be formed directly between the electrical contacts of connector 256 and connector 268 and/or wires in the electrical path that originate at electrical contacts of connector 256 may terminate at electrical terminals associated with the interface circuit 266 When electrical signals from connector 256 are received by interface circuit 266, interface circuit 266 may retransmit these electrical signals on some or all of the electrical contacts on connector 268 and vice versa. Device 14 of Figure 8 may have other ports (eg ports formed by electrical connectors 276) for supporting connectors with additional equipment. Interface circuit 266 may contain optical-to-electrical converter circuit 272 and electrical-to-optical converter circuitry 274. Circuitry 272 and 274 may include optical transceiver circuitry for sending and receiving optical signals and a transceiver circuitry. - electrical receiver to send and receive electrical signals. For example, optical-to-electrical converter circuit 272 may include a photodetector. The 274 electrical-to-optical converter circuit may include a light source. During an operation, external equipment 14 may use a light source to transmit optical signals through the optical path at connectors 254, 256 and cable 70. Circuit 272 may receive optical signals from the optical path in the cable 70 that have been transmitted by device 12 and, using the photodetector, can produce corresponding electrical signals that are supplied to device 14 using electrical connector 268 and the matching electrical connector 270. Circuit 266 can receive electrical signals at from device 14 via connector 270 and connector 268 and may use the light source from electrical to optical circuit 274 to produce corresponding optical signals. These optical signals can be ported to . device 12 using the optical path on cable 70.
In arrangements of the type shown in figures 6, 7 and 8, electrical and optical connectors and electrical connectors can be implemented as 3.5mm TRS audio connectors and other audio connectors can be implemented as XLR connectors , or they may use other form factors as appropriate. Optical paths in cable 70 can be formed from a single optical fiber that is coupled to wavelength division multiplexing filters and corresponding sources and detectors. For example, a single fiber can be used in the arrangement of Figure 8 to carry optical signals from connector 256 to electrical and optical interface circuit 272. At interface 266, a division multiplexing filter wavelength can be used to route light from the optical path of cable 70 that has a first wavelength to the photodetector in circuit 272 and can be used to route light that has a second wavelength from the light source on circuit 274 for the optical path of cable 70. A cross-sectional side view of an illustrative cable, such as cable 70, is shown in Figure 9. In the example of Figure 9, cable 70 has four wires 278 and a single optical fiber (fiber 280). The yarns 278 and fiber 280 may be wrapped in a jacket 282. Additional components may be included in the cable 70, if desired (e.g., strength-enhancing fiber strands, a dielectric filler, metal strands or sheets (e.g., for electromagnetic shielding), etc.). The wires 278 can be formed from a solid conductor (e.g., solid copper wire) or from a stranded wire. A plastic coating or other insulator can surround each wire to prevent short circuits. Fiber 280 may be formed from a material that is transparent to light (eg, infrared or visible light). Suitable materials for fiber 280 include plastic and glass. Fiber 280 can be a multi-mode fiber or it can be a single-mode fiber. One or more layers (for example,
a core layer, a surface coating layer, strength-enhancing layers, etc.) may be included in fiber 280.
. Wires 278 can be used in forming an electrical path at path 16. Fiber 280 can be used in forming an optical path Although four wires and a single optical fiber are shown in the illustrative cross-sectional view of figure 9, this is merely an example. Cable 70 can contain less than four wires or more than four wires and can contain one, two or more than two optical fibers. For example, cable 70 may contain two optical fibers 280, as shown in Figure 10. When path 16 contains a single optical fiber, optical signals may be sent in one direction. For example, a transmitter on device 12 may transmit optical signals to a corresponding receiver on equipment 14 or a transmitter on equipment 14 may transmit optical signals to a corresponding receiver on device 12. Two-way communications may also be supported. With a proper arrangement, a time division multiplexing scheme can be used to support two-way communications. In a time division multiplexing scheme, device 12 and equipment 14 can take turns using the optical path. During certain periods of time, device 12 may transmit optical signals to equipment 14. During other periods of time, equipment 14 may transmit optical signals to equipment 12.
Simultaneous two-way communications over an optical fiber can also be supported. For example, multiple wavelengths of light can be used in the system. Electronic device 12 may transmit counterflow data using light at a first wavelength, while equipment 14 is simultaneously transmitting data at normal flow using light at a second wavelength. When cables contain multiple fibers (as with the illustrative cable in Figure 10), one fiber can be used for reverse flow communications, while the other fiber is being used for normal flow communications. Each fiber in a multi-fiber cable can also be used for two-way communications using split multiplexing techniques. are time or wavelength division. . In cable 70, the optical fiber constituting the optical path may be located in the center of the cable (i.e., running along its longitudinal axis in a coaxial fashion), or it may be located in other portions. cable (e.g. close to the plastic jacket or interwoven with other strands of material). In electrical and optical connectors, the optical fiber can be attached to transparent structures that help guide light to and from the optical fiber. These transparent structures can include coaxial lengths of fiber, clear annular (ring-shaped) insulators (eg, insulators that serve as transparent conduits for light, and as electrical insulators that insulate electrical contacts at connectors from each other) , etc.
' An illustrative configuration that can be used for an optical and electrical audio plug and a combination optical and electrical audio jack is shown in figure 11. As shown in figure 11, an audio connector 38 (for example, a TRS audio jack) may contain electrical contacts 74, 76, 78, and 80 (labeled T, R1, R2, and S, respectively), may have an associated optical transceiver 208. The diagram in Figure 11 shows the plug. 34 partially into socket 38, electrical contacts 48, 50, 52 and 54 (labeled T, R1, R2 and S respectively) form the respective electrical connections with combination contacts 74, 76, 78 and 80. optic 200 may be placed in contact with transceiver 208 or may be placed close enough to transceiver 208 so that optical signals (light) may be coupled between transceiver 208 and path 200. If desired, socket 38 may include an optical member, such as the member 206 of Figure 2, which is interposed in the path optic 200 to help carry optical signals between input and output port 286 of transceiver 208 and tip 284 of optical path 200. In this type of configuration, the optical member (which may be, for example, a short length of fiber optic) may serve as a length-of-path portion 200. In configurations of the type shown in Figure 11, there may be a single optical fiber in cable 70 and connector 34. Therefore, it may be desired. It is possible to use wavelength division multiplexing techniques - to support two-way communications over fiber optics. Wavelength division multiplexing can be implemented using optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) filters. As shown in Figure 12, for example, a respective WDM filter may be coupled to each end of path 16. In device 12, source 212 may be coupled to a WDM filter input port 288 via optical path 290 (e.g. example, an optical fiber). Detector 218 may be coupled to a WDM filter output port 288 via optical path 292 (e.g., an optical fiber). Path 200 (e.g., a fiber-optic) may be coupled to a WDM filter input and output port 288 (either by a direct connection or through an optical path extension, such as the optical path extension 206 of the figure 2). In device 14, WDM filter 294 may have an input and output port that is coupled to path 200, an output port that is coupled to detector 250 (e.g., by optical path 296), and an input port. which is coupled to source 246 (e.g., via optical path 298). WDM 294 and 288 filters combine and separate light by wavelength. For example, light exiting source 212 at a first wavelength may be routed to path 200 by WDM filter 288. In device 14, WDM filter 294 may route light at this first wavelength to detector input 250. Source 246 in device 14 may transmit light at a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. The WDM 294 filter can route this second wavelength of light to the path
200. In device 12, WDM filter 288 can route light at the second wavelength to detector input 218. WDM filters 288 and 294 can be implemented using grids, coupled waveguides, etc. If more than two wavelengths are desired in a wavelength division multiplexing scheme, additional WDM filters or filters with additional ports can be used to accommodate additional sources and detectors. *WDM filter settings of the type shown in figure 12 can be used, if desired, in sis- . themes of the type described nor related to figures 6, 7 and 8 (as an example).
In arrangements of the type shown in Figure 11, the optical path 200 may be formed using a coaxial fiber (i.e., a fiber running along the central longitudinal axis of cable 70 and connectors 34 and 38). Audio connectors 34 and 38 in this type of arrangement do not need to be placed in a particular rotating orientation to ensure proper optical coupling between path 200 and transceiver 208, because connectors 34 and 38 in the arrangement of Figure 11 they are radially symmetrical.
If desired, however, connectors 34 and 38 can be provided with alignment features that help these connectors maintain a particular desired rotational orientation when combined. This type of arrangement is shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 13, plug 34 and socket 38 may be aligned along longitudinal axis 304. Plug 34 may have one or more snap-in features, such as the socket 300 (e.g., a bulge). Socket 38 may have one or more combination mortise features, such as mortise feature 302 (e.g., a recess or other recess). When a user wishes to insert plug 34 into socket 38 along geometry axis 304, the user may rotate plug 34 around geometry axis 304 in direction 306. Once the fitting features are properly aligned (i.e. , since features 300 and 302 are in rotary alignment), plug 34 can be fully inserted into socket 38. When rotary alignment features of the type shown in Figure 13 are used on the audio jacks, an alignment —desired rotation between plug 34 and socket 38 can be secured. As a result, source 212 and detector 218 can be located at known particular positions on device 12, as shown in figure 14.
In the example of Figure 14, path 200 includes a first fiber 280A and . a second fiber 280B. In device 14, fiber 280A is coupled to the de-. 250 and fiber 280B is coupled to source 246. When plug 34 is connected to socket 38, alignment features 300 and 302 (figure 13) engage and thereby ensure that fiber 280A is properly aligned with the source 212 and that the fiber 280B is properly aligned with the detector 218 (or, in configurations using WDM filters, that the single fiber in path 200 is aligned with the input and output port of the WDM filter) . In systems that do not use alignment features, it may be desirable to provide plug 34 and socket 38 with radially symmetrical optical coupling structures. Consider, as an example, the plug configuration of Figure 15. As shown in Figure 15, the plug 34 can: be provided with the annular optical structure 310 and the concentric annular optical structure 308. The structures 310 and 308 can be transparent ring-shaped members which are optically coupled to respective optical fibers in the cable 70 and which encircle the shank (elongated shank member 309) in which the tip contact, ring contacts and plug sleeve contact are formed. Structures 310 and 308 may be formed from clear plastic, glass, or other suitable transparent substances (eg, for infrared or visible light). The example of Figure 15 includes two annular optical coupling structures, but arrays with only a single optical coupling structure can be used if desired (e.g. when a WDM array of the type described in connection with Figure 12 is used).
Because optical coupling structures such as optical coupling structures 310 and 308 are radially symmetrical, the use of arrangements of the type shown in Figure 15 ensures that there is proper optical coupling between the audio connectors (for example, example, the optical coupling between the optical path 200 and the transceiver 208) irrespective of the rotational orientation between the plug 34 and the socket 38. If desired, one or more annular optical coupling structures can be included.
socket 38, as shown in figure 16. In this type of arrangement, the coupling structure 308 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter. portion of the circular opening of the cylindrical cavity that forms the inner socket portion 38 and the coupling structure 310 has a larger diameter than that of the coupling structure 308. The coupling structure 308 can be used for routing light entering from there. from the optical coupling structure 308 from the plug 34 to a detector at the device 14. The coupling structure 310 from the plug 38 can be used to route transmitted light from the source at the device 12 to the optical coupling structure 310 at the plug 34 (figure 15). The ring-shaped optical coupling structures on socket 38 and plug 34 can be . used in combination with each other, or may be used in combination with sources, detectors, or optical fibers that have fixed positions in their connectors, but do not completely encircle the connector.
For example, the annular optical coupling structures on plug 34 can be coupled with a source and detector of the type shown in figure 14, or the annular optical coupling structures on socket 38 can be coupled with
with optical fibers such as optical fibers 280A and 280B in plug 34. A cross-sectional side view of a plug and socket in which plug ring-shaped optical coupling structures 34 are used to combine with A source and detector at socket 38 is shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 17, the outer annular optical coupling structure 308 can be coupled to the optical fiber 280A and the inner annular optical coupling structure 310 can be coupled to the optical fiber 280A. 280B optical fiber.
The annular optical coupling structure 308 will optically couple fiber 280A to source 212, regardless of the rotating orientation of plug 34 into socket 38. Similarly, optical coupling structure 310 will optically couple fiber 280B to detector 218,
irrespective of the rotational orientation between plug 34 and socket 38. If desired, light can be transmitted through the transparent optical coupling structures that are formed between the electrical contacts in plug 34 and in socket 38. Each of the electrical contacts in plug 34 and socket 38 (ie the tip, ring and sleeve contacts) can be electrically isolated from adjacent electrical contacts using structures . transparent ring-shaped dielectrics (for example, glass, plastic, or other dielectric materials that are transparent in the infrared or visible portions of the spectrum and that are electrically insulating). These structures, therefore, can serve dual purposes. Electrically, dielectric structures are insulators that block the flow of current between adjacent electrical connectors. This prevents the electrical contacts from being shorted to each other. Optically, at least some of the dielectric structures are transparent to optical signals on path 200. This allows optical signals to be coupled between the optical transceiver and the optical path. 200. A connector arrangement in which transparent dielectric structures are formed between respective electrical contacts at plug 34 and socket 38 is shown in figure 18. As shown in figure 18, plug 34 may have contacts 48 , 50, 52 and 54 which match the respective contacts 74, 76, 78 and 80 on socket 38. Contacts 48, 50, 52 and 54 in figure 18 are ring-shaped. Combination contacts 74, 76, 78, and 80 can be formed using hollow rings, inwardly projecting spring-loaded metal tabs that make electrical contact with plug contacts 34, or other suitable electrical contacts. In a typical configuration, the contacts of plug 34 are separated by a dielectric (see, for example, dielectric band 56, which isolates tip contact 48 from ring contact 50).
At least some of the dielectric that insulates the electrical contacts in plug 34 can also serve as clear windows for optical signals. In the example of Figure 18, the ring-shaped optical band 312 may be formed from a dielectric, such as clear plastic or clear glass. Optical coupling structure 314 (e.g., one or more members of clear plastic or glass) may be used for optically coupling optical band structure 312 to optical path 280B. Optical structures 312 and 314 are interposed between contacts 50 and 52 and therefore
Both can help to isolate contacts 50 and 52 from each other. The ring-shaped optical band 316 can also be formed from a dielectric. co, such as clear plastic or clear glass. Optical coupling structure 318 (e.g., one or more members of clear plastic or glass) can be used for optically coupling source 212 to path 280B, and structures 316 and 318 can optically couple detector 218 to path 280A.
With such an arrangement, path 280B can be used by socket 38 for transmitting optical signals from device 12, and path 280A can be used by socket 38 to receive optical signals to device 12. Other arrangements can be used if desired. For example, socket 38 and plug 34 may be provided with a single optical path, rather than multiple optical paths. In this type of arrangement, two-way communications can be supported using wavelength division multiplexing techniques, as described with respect to Figure 12, or time division multiplexing techniques. Furthermore, any respective pair of contacts can be separated by a transparent insulating structure. The separation of contacts R1 and R2 by a structure like this and the separation of contacts R2 and S by another structure like the one in the example of figure 18 are merely illustrative. If desired, the transparent insulating structures can be formed as unitary pieces of material. The use of two or more separate pieces of adjacent transparent material (eg, two-piece structures such as the 312 / 314 frame and the 316 / 318 frame of figure 18) is shown as an example.
As shown in Figure 18, socket 38 may also have transparent insulating structures, such as structures 320 and 322 in the spaces between adjacent contacts. These structures, if desired, can help to insulate the electrical contacts at socket 38 from each other. Structure 320 may have a fiber shape, a ring shape or other suitable shape and can be used to guide light from the source 212 to the structure 312. Structure 322 may be a fiber shape, a ring shape or other suitable shape, and can be used to guide light from the es- . frame 316 to detector 218. In division multiplexing arrangements. wavelength, only one of the transparent insulating optical coupling structures 320 and 322 needs to be used. In this type of situation, the optical coupling structure can be coupled to a WDM filter, such as the filter 288 of Fig. 12.
Source 212 and detector 218 (or, in WDM configurations, WDM filter 288) may be located in a particular rotating orientation around plug 34 (as shown in the example in Figure 18) or may be formed in a or more radial locations around plug 34. In configurations where only one radial location is used (for example, at the 12:00 position of source 212 and detector 218 which is shown in the example of Figure 18), frames 320 and 322 can be used to aid in concentrating and guiding light between the location of radially uniform ring-shaped structures on plug 34, such as structures 312 and 316 or other transparent insulating plug structures.
If desired, snap-in features, such as features 302 and 300 in figure 13, can be used in relation to connectors of the type shown in figure 18. When snap-in features are used, the rotational orientation between plug 34 and socket 38 is known whenever plug 34 and socket 38 are coupled together. As a result, optical coupling structures 314 and 318 can be configured to source light to and from a particular radial location around plug 34 (e.g., at the 12:00 location of the source and detector of Fig. 18). ). In this way, signal strength reductions that could otherwise be associated with a radially uniform dispersion of optical signals can be avoided.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of an illustrative electronic device and associated accessory. As shown in Figure 19, the fitting 14 may have a base 334 from which the plug 34 projects vertically. The 334 base can serve as a stand that supports a dis-
electronic positive. The base frame 334 may have a cavity 336. At . cavity 336 may have a size and shape that are configured for . receive and support end 338 of device 12. Cable 330 and connector 332 may be affixed to additional equipment, such as a computer (see, for example, computing equipment 20 of Figure 1). Cable 330 and connector 332 can be used to carry analog signals, power signals and digital data signals. When a user wants to change a battery in the device 12 or play audio and video from the device 12, the user can insert the device 12 into the cavity
336. In this position, cylindrical plug 34 is received in combination cylindrical socket 38. Electrical and optical paths through plug 34 and socket 38 can be used to carry data and power between accessory 14 and device 12 (eg, bidirectionally using time division multiplexing and/or wavelength division multiplexing techniques). If desired, the electrical contacts of the connectors can distribute via to the device 12 while the device 12 is carrying digital optical signals to the accessory 14 using an optical path through the connectors. An accessory 14 may be provided with speakers or other components that allow the accessory 14 to present media to the user. External equipment 14 may also use an optical transceiver circuit and/or an electrical transceiver circuit to retransmit data to and from the equipment that is affixed to cable 330 and connector 332.
Figure 20 is a flowchart showing illustrative steps involved in transporting electrical and optical signals through communications paths 16 between electrical equipment, such as an electronic device, accessories, and other equipment. Communications paths typically include electrical and optical paths. In step 324, after a user has connected a device together using paths 16, the device in the system can perform discovery operations. These operations allow the components in the system to determine what other equipment is included in the system and,
therefore, they allow components to adjust their settings accordingly.
As an example, an electronic device that discovers that . a legacy microphone headset that only includes electrical wires has been affixed can configure itself to support analog audio playback, whereas an electronic device that discovers that an accessory with optical communications capabilities has been affixed can configure yourself to use your optical transceiver.
One way in which equipment in system 10 can determine the capabilities of other equipment in the system involves the use of switches.
For example, socket 38 may be provided with a mechanically tripped, electrically tripped or optically tripped switch. (e.g., a light sensor, such as a light reflection sensor) that changes state whenever a snap-on feature, such as snap feature 300, is inserted into a combination snap feature , such as the snap-in feature 302 (Figure 13). The present plug-in feature of the audio jack serves as a flag-type indicator that advertises its capabilities.
Another way by which! equipment in system 10 can determine the capabilities of other equipment involves the use of communications protocols.
A piece of equipment in the system can broadcast, for example, codes that inform other equipment of its capabilities.
An electrical device or other accessory, ok! like a headset with a microphone, it can transmit, for example, optical or electrical information to make other equipment aware of its optical (and electrical) capabilities. Communication protocols can be unidirectional (for example, one device can broadcast codes without receiving significant information from another device) and can be bidirectional.
In a typical bidirectional protocol, one device in the system may transmit, for example, information that informs another device of its capabilities in response to incoming queries, or it may exchange capability information as part of a two-way data exchange. more complex.
During discovery operations 324, equipment in system 10 may discover information in other equipment, such as . what kind of communications protocols does the equipment support, what kind of . transceivers the equipment contains, whether the equipment contains an optical transceiver, etc.
In step 326, equipment in the system can perform link establishment operations. For example, equipment in the system may exchange digital data packets that inform the other equipment of desired clock rates, desired transmit powers for optical signals, desired communications formats (e.g., if error correction capabilities are available). will or will not be present, data rate limits, etc.), desired power supply voltages to be ported (if any), and other link settings. As an example, consider a situation in which device 12 and equipment 14 each contain a light-emitting diode (LED) source. Due to the quality of optical coupling formed when plug 34 is inserted into socket 38 and other variables, optical path attenuation 200 can be uncertain. During the operations of step 326, device 12 and equipment 14 may send test light pulses while making corresponding power measurements with their detectors. Based on these measurements, device 12 and equipment 14 can then negotiate to establish optimal optical signal levels for use in communication over path 16. Negotiations can take place using the electrical path and/or the optical path. By negotiating optimal signal power levels, power consumption can be minimized, thereby improving efficiency.
A typical optical power negotiation process may initially involve transmitting a test packet from an accessory at an initial power P1 (eg, a low or lower power setting). In response, the electronic device can use its optical transceiver to measure the amount of power in the received optical signal. Once this power level has been measured, the electronic device can respond to the accessory. For example, the electronic device may respond to the accessory using the electrical transceiver in the device. electronic. The electronic device's response may indicate that the power - P1 is an acceptable level for use in future optical communications over the link. If the measured power is low, the electronic device's response may require the accessory to increase its optical transmission power. This negotiation process can continue until the two devices agree on an acceptable optical power level to use for the link. Optical transmitters in the electronic device and accessory can be calibrated in this way. After the communications links between the equipment in system 10 have been established in step 326, the equipment can use . these links during normal system operation (step 328). For example, the optical and electrical paths on the links 16 may be used to carry video data (including audio soundtracks), audio data (e.g. for noise canceling schemes), control signals, etc.
According to one embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided, which includes a plurality of electrical contacts, and at least one transparent insulating member interposed between a respective pair of electrical contacts.
According to another embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided, wherein the electrical contacts include at least one ring-shaped electrical contact.
According to another embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided, wherein the transparent insulating member comprises a plastic.
According to another embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided, wherein the electrical contacts include a tip contact, at least one ring contact and a sleeve contact.
According to another embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided, wherein the electrical contacts include a tip contact, two ring contacts and a sleeve contact.
According to another embodiment, an audio-video connector is provided, wherein the electrical contacts include at least contacts. tip, ring and sleeve, and wherein the clear isolating member is adjacent to the ring contact.
According to another embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided, wherein the transparent isolation member comprises a ring-shaped optical coupling structure.
According to another embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided which further includes at least one fiber optic structure which is optically coupled to at least one transparent isolation member. . According to another embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided which further includes first and second optical paths, wherein at least one transparent isolation member comprises first and second isolation members. transparent, wherein the first transparent insulating member is optically coupled to the first optical path, and wherein the second transparent insulating member is optically coupled to the second optical path. According to another embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided, where the electrical contacts comprise a tip contact, a first ring contact, a second ring contact and a sleeve contact, where the first transparent insulating member is disposed between a first pair of electrical contacts, and wherein the second transparent insulating member is disposed between a second pair of electrical contacts. According to another embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided, which further includes a plug-in feature. In another embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided, wherein the snap-in feature includes a plastic projection. In another embodiment, an audio and video connector is provided, wherein electrical contacts include contacts in a plug-in
3.5mm audio jack. . According to one embodiment, a tip-ring-lu- plug. va is provided which includes a plurality of electrical contacts including a tip electrical contact, at least one ring electrical contact and a sleeve electrical contact, and at least one transparent insulating optical coupling structure which is interposed between a pair of electrical contacts.
According to one embodiment, a tip-ring-sleeve plug is provided, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts comprise electrical contacts in a 3.5 mm plug.
According to one embodiment, a tip-ring-sleeve plug is provided, which further includes at least two separate optical paths.
. According to one embodiment, a connector is provided, which includes annular electrical contacts, at least one light-bearing optical coupling structure, wherein the optical coupling structure comprises an annular transparent insulator interposed between a pair of electrical contacts. - annular cos, According to one embodiment, a connector is provided, wherein the annular electrical contacts comprise tip, ring and sleeve contacts in a plug.
According to one embodiment, a connector is provided, wherein the electrical contacts include electrical contacts in a 3.5 mm plug, and wherein the optical coupling structure comprises at least one clear plastic member.
According to one embodiment, a connector is provided which further includes at least one fiber optic path which carries light to the optical coupling structure and at least three wires which are electrically connected to electrical contacts.
According to one embodiment, a plug is provided which includes a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on an elongate-stem member, and a transparent ring-shaped optical coupling member surrounding the elongated stem member.
According to one embodiment, a plug is provided, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts includes a tip contact, at least one. ring contact and a sleeve contact. . According to one embodiment, a plug is provided, wherein the elongate stem member comprises an elongate stem member for a 3.5 mm audio and video plug, and wherein at least one ring contact comprises a pair of of ring contacts on the elongated rod member.
According to one embodiment, a plug is provided, wherein the transparent ring-shaped optical coupling member is optically coupled to an optical fiber.
The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this in- . invention, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
The preceding modalities can be implemented individually or in any combination.

权利要求:
Claims (24)
[1]
CLAIMS. 1. Audio and video connector, which comprises; a plurality of electrical contacts; and ] at least one transparent insulating member interposed between a respective pair of electrical contacts. B
[2]
2. Audio and video connector, according to claim 1, wherein the electrical contacts comprise at least one ring-shaped electrical contact.
[3]
An audio and video connector according to claim 1, wherein the transparent insulating member comprises a plastic.
[4]
4. Audio and video connector according to claim 1, - wherein the electrical contacts include a tip contact, at least one ring contact and a sleeve contact. '
[5]
The audio and video connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical contacts include a tip contact, two ring contacts and a sleeve contact.
[6]
6. The audio and video connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical contacts include at least tip, ring, and sleeve contacts, and wherein the transparent insulating member is adjacent to the ring contact.
[7]
The audio and video connector of claim 1, wherein the transparent isolation member comprises a ring-shaped optical coupling structure.
[8]
An audio and video connector as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one fiber optic structure that is optically coupled to at least one transparent isolating member,
[9]
The audio and video connector of claim 1, further comprising first and second optical paths, wherein the at least one transparent isolation member comprises a first and second transparent isolation members, wherein the first transparent insulating member is optically coupled to the first optical path, and wherein the second transparent insulating member is optically
[10]
closely coupled to the second optical path. . 10. The audio and video connector of claim 9, wherein the electrical contacts comprise a tip contact, a first ring contact, a second ring contact and a sleeve contact, wherein the first member where the transparent insulating member is disposed between a first pair of electrical contacts, and wherein the second transparent insulating member is disposed between a second pair of electrical contacts.
[11]
An audio and video connector as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plug-in feature.
[12]
The audio and video connector of claim 11, wherein the snap-in feature comprises a plastic projection. .
[13]
13. The audio and video connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical contacts comprise contacts on a 3.5mm audio plug.
[14]
14. Tip-ring-sleeve plug, comprising: a plurality of electrical contacts including a tip electrical contact, at least one ring electrical contact and a sleeve electrical contact; and at least one transparent insulating optical coupling structure which is interposed between a pair of electrical contacts.
[15]
A tip-ring-sleeve plug according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts comprises electrical contacts in a 3.5 mm plug.
[16]
A tip-ring-sleeve plug as claimed in claim 14, further comprising at least two separate optical paths.
[17]
17. Connector, comprising: annular electrical contacts; at least one light-bearing optical coupling structure, wherein the optical coupling structure comprises an annular transparent insulator interposed between a pair of annular electrical contacts.
[18]
A connector as claimed in claim 17, wherein the annular electrical contacts comprise tip, ring and sleeve contacts in a plug. .
[19]
A connector as claimed in claim 17, wherein the electrical contacts comprise electrical contacts in a 3.5 mm plug, and wherein the optical coupling structure comprises at least one clear plastic member,
[20]
A connector as claimed in claim 17, further comprising at least one fiber optic path that carries light to the optical coupling structure and at least three wires that are electrically connected to electrical contacts.
[21]
21. Plug, comprising: a plurality of electrical contacts arranged on a member. elongated rod; and a transparent ring-shaped optical coupling member that surrounds the elongated stem member.
[22]
A plug according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts includes a tip contact, at least one ring contact, and a sleeve contact.
[23]
The plug of claim 22, wherein the elongate stem member comprises an elongate stem member for a 3.5mm audio and video plug, and wherein the at least one ring contact comprises a pair of ring contacts on the elongated rod member.
[24]
A plug according to claim 21, wherein the transparent ring-shaped optical coupling member is optically coupled to an optical fiber.
1V17 VA or f2 14 Device External electronic equipment . Circuit 16 Circuit 28: vo 32 Circuit Storage and Storage Circuit 30: Processing Processing 26 22 Network Equipment 18 24 Computing Equipment 20 FIG. 1 with the 34 32) E S OJ Es: ; FE : 2 IN d
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ÁV e 1 LS t LAS [ss] io 3 Do 8 E - 1 1 ç- EH el] as e | SET) E to O BE
And “LA IS at 8 am
Electronic device Video, audio, communications 180 and control circuit 182 184 186 L 38 Digital signal processor R 188 O audio mm” Transceiver 210 Optical path 206 [sap 212 216 Supply circuit FIG. 3
: Dº Circuit of components and 192 processing 232 222 Circuit of processing of processes: Loudspeaker” 2924 226 | 236 Speaker 528 16
The Moe Interface LM |] Lo electric = ." MR (EE 231 ceptor 240 co 241
V 238 Optical interface 244 246 2 Optical path 202 200 Receiver E FIG. 4 250
5A7 : mm rm mm $a | 8 8 We are 2 - a 2 EEE EEE e [elf] ss qo o SN o m =") NIE. 8 E
And the ttts; des 28 E 2EÉ2 BÊ% E - N e o $ Cc < < = = 8 Ss o 8 "o 228 2E& LEE Es 223 de EEE ãE
THE
Device Device 262 [EE] EE 1910] [919] [E] Nose 268 256 258 :| FIG.6 254 260 12 14 16 Device Y Device 262 [EE] 1 [olol * No TO 264 256 :| FIG. 7 254 12 14 16 276 Device 7O 272 | Device [E] : lolol EO Ea 274 . X266 266 ) FIG. 8 254 268 270
T7IN7 70 278 O 11
GB ) am O ES 280 Ca EDP o / ' 282 . 1 to 278 FIG. 9 278 Zi og Oo RODA, AE
CSA 20 282 will FIG. 10
= = NS |T& oO es. and ex el | | " To R | | A |
EN 8 LTS | the ã Tha Es sê and the Ex
OA A o = o 8 &S| 3 2 |& and 2 | NS 8 |” Alla : lr ANAIS : DN AZ co o ã ds £o = =m [a
LL = 8 À a - Ss e - qn = - Ss sl oO 2 B Ta s 2 Oo + É â Cons gr] so
Q
: 304
HERE”.
XY N N 2300
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12 218 212 280A 2“
PA A LES 250 38 34 FIG. 14
| 70 : FEZ], : - FE q 1] Ez SANA
NS HÁ f MA EAV” A A > E À Ei 2) ; TB E > e 310 525 À only 48 FIG. 15
' 310 . [LIEELIZA - j GS 308 =)
VE 38 FIG. 16
É 2 Ls 2 v TAN : é | º Ns 83 - 8 E = Á« x
o u. and EE | Be|) ; l
74 76 5278 80 54 s6 Da sa
LE h LEX "EX TI IL IRMI LI |R 1 148 280B ( a8 66 50 32 314 316 is S& FIG. 18
LL 7 / 38 1 ! ! !
I 336 |) | 84 2a 330 — 332 334 FIG. 19
' Perform discovery operations (for example, determine if optical transceivers and other hardware components are present) 7 Perform link establishment (for example, configure switching circuits, negotiate for optimal optical power establishment, establish power, etc.) Using link in system (eg, carrying electrical and optical signals over the 328 path, performing audio processing tasks such as noise canceling, receiving and retransmitting data, etc.) FIG. 20

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法律状态:
2020-09-15| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2020-10-20| B08F| Application dismissed because of non-payment of annual fees [chapter 8.6 patent gazette]|Free format text: REFERENTE A 9A ANUIDADE. |

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2021-01-05| B11B| Dismissal acc. art. 36, par 1 of ipl - no reply within 90 days to fullfil the necessary requirements|

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2021-11-23| B350| Update of information on the portal [chapter 15.35 patent gazette]|

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US12/622,405|US8651750B2|2009-11-19|2009-11-19|Audio connectors with optical structures and electrical contacts|

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US12/622,405|2009-11-19|

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PCT/US2010/055403|WO2011062774A1|2009-11-19|2010-11-04|Audio plugs with optical and electrical paths|

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