US 10,764,683 B2 · Audio hub

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for distributing audio. An audio system is provided that includes one or more audio interfaces, at least one of which is a wireless audio interface. An audio hub couples to the one or more audio interfaces and detects the presence of one or more headphones coupled to the wireless audio interfaces. The audio hub selectively establishes communication channel(s) to convey audio content between a plurality of devices coupled to the audio interfaces. The plurality of devices may include one or more headphones, an infotainment head unit, a microphone, and a speaker. Accordingly, headphone users may hold conversations with each other and/or other occupants of a vehicle, and various users may share audio content with headphone users and/or other occupants of a vehicle.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An audio system for use with an audio device, comprising:

an audio input associated with a first user and configured to receive an input signal from a microphone, the input signal including audio content from the first user;
a plurality of short-range wireless audio interfaces each associated with one of a plurality of other users, each of the short-range wireless audio interfaces configured to couple wirelessly to the audio device and to provide an output signal for rendering into an acoustic signal by the audio device;
and
a controller coupled to the audio input and the plurality of short-range wireless audio interfaces, the controller being configured to cause the audio device to prompt a second user to accept a call from the first user such that the audio device pauses other content, and the controller being further configured to receive the input signal and to selectively provide the audio content in the output signal to one or more of the plurality of short-range wireless audio interfaces.

1 more element

A method for distributing audio that includes an audio hub, a wireless interface, a microphone configured to pick up a first user's voice, and a speaker located proximal to an ear of the first user, the method comprising:

detecting a presence of one or more headphones each associated with one of one or more other users, via the wireless interface;
establishing respective bi-directional wireless communication channels between each of the one or more headphones and the audio hub;
and
selectively transmitting audio from the first user via the audio hub between a plurality of devices selected from a group comprising an infotainment head unit, the microphone, the speaker, and the one or more headphones, such that other audio content is paused on one of the plurality of devices when the first user calls the one of the plurality of devices.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Audio hub

Life of this patent

Audio hub

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20