Information processing apparatus and information processing method

An information processing apparatus, comprising:

• a jack that is connectable with a plug of a headphone including a microphone, outputs a first signal to the headphone, and inputs a second signal from the microphone;
• a noise-canceling section to generate a third signal that cancels a noise component around the headphone based on the second signal input from the jack and superpose the third signal on the first signal;
• a switch to make a switch as to whether the third signal is superposed on the first signal;
• a comparator to compare one of a first voltage of the first signal and a second voltage of the second signal with a predetermined third voltage and output a fourth signal when one of the first voltage and the second voltage exceeds the third voltage;
• and
• a flip-flop that is capable of holding the fourth signal and outputs a fifth signal with which the switch is turned off when the flip-flop holds the fourth signal.

An information processing method, comprising:

• generating, based on a second signal input from a jack that is connectable with a plug of a headphone including a microphone, outputs a first signal to the headphone, and inputs the second signal from the microphone, a third signal that cancels a noise component around the headphone;
• superposing the third signal on the first signal;
• judging whether at least one of the first signal and the second signal exceeds a predetermined level;
• and
• regulating the superposing the third signal on the first signal when it is detected that the predetermined level is exceeded.