Abstract:
The present invention provides for a cable which enhances an audio signal between two devices, such as an mp3 player and a speaker system, or a set-top box and home theater system. The cable includes integrated hardware and software elements for processing the signal. In various embodiments the cable may also include a user interface and selectable profiles which adjust the processing scheme for various purposes, such as a profile for environments with high ambient noise, or profiles for certain styles of music.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The present application is based on and a claim of priority is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to a provisional patent application that is currently pending in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, namely, that having Ser. No. 61/908,402 and a filing date of Nov. 25, 2013, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention provides a device for processing digital signals, particularly audio signals. Specifically, the invention relates to cables that contain both hardware and software configured to enhance audio signals between two devices. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0003]    Historically, studio-quality sound, which can best be described as the full reproduction of the complete range of audio frequencies that are utilized during the studio recording process, has only been achievable, appropriately, in audio recording studios. Studio-quality sound is characterized by the level of clarity and brightness which is attained only when the upper-mid frequency ranges are effectively manipulated and reproduced. While the technical underpinnings of studio-quality sound can be fully appreciated only by experienced record producers, the average listener can easily hear the difference that studio-quality sound makes. 
         [0004]    While various attempts have been made to reproduce studio-quality sound outside of the recording studio, those attempts generally come at tremendous expense usually resulting from costly hardware and software necessary to digitally process the audio signals. Furthermore the necessary hardware is usually bulky or heavy, and not well suited to use as a portable device. Thus there exists a need for an in-line signal processor, providing both the required software and hardware, which enhances audio signals between a consumer device, such as an mp3 player, smart phone, or DVD player, and an output device, such as a television, amplified speaker, or home audio system. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there are devices which may be seen as structurally similar to the present invention, but are not directed towards solving the problems presented with attaining studio quality sound with an in-line signal processor. For example, expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,532,796 to Martens et. al. discloses a dual transducer connection utilizing a single cable  50 . The system includes a transmitter  42  and receiver  44  coupled in-line to a signal processor  46  for the generation of an electrical signal which is applied to the transmitter. The invention disclosed by Martens et. al. is directed towards generating a digital signal for diagnostic purposes. The present invention, on the other hand receives a signal from an external device and then enhances desired characteristics of that signal, before transmitting the enhanced signal to a second external device. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention meets the existing needs described above with a device providing audio enhancement between two externally connected devices, such as an mp3 player and a speaker. The invention can be broadly described as a cable, with connectors on each end and a housing along its length. The housing contains hardware and software elements configured to manipulate an input signal, thereby creating an output signal with one or more characteristics enhanced relative to the input signal. 
         [0007]    More specifically, the invention comprises input and output connectors, which can be of any of a plurality of standard or non-standard connectors, e.g. component, composite, USB, HDMI, 3.5 mm, etc. The input connector transmits an input signal to a processor module via a first cable segment. The processor module may comprise any combination of the necessary hardware and/or software necessary to modulate or adjust one or more of the desired characteristics of the signal. During this process, the input signal is transformed into an output signal. The output signal is then transmitted to the output connector via a second cable segment. 
         [0008]    Other embodiments of the invention may also include user-selectable profiles, which adjust the parameters associated with manipulation of the input signal according to a user&#39;s desire. Accordingly, embodiments which include profile modules may also include one or more user interfaces which facilitate selection of user-selectable profiles and also addition, deletion, or adjustment of the profiles themselves. 
         [0009]    Other embodiments of the invention include further modules and structuring necessary to accommodate an input signal that is comprised of a combined audio and video signal. More specifically, in this embodiment, the invention includes one or more extra modules which are capable of separating the combined signal into its component audio and video signals, delay the video signal while the audio signal is processed, and then recombine the component audio and video signals into an output signal. Accordingly, the input and output connectors as well as the first and second cable segments include the necessary structure to transmit the combined signal. 
         [0010]    Further still the invention may be capable of drawing electrical power from the external devices it is connected to. As a non-limiting example, in one embodiment the input connector comprises a USB connector. The input connector is then capable of being connected to a personal computer to receive audio signals. In this embodiment, the invention also draws electrical current from the personal computer in order to power the processing module. In yet other embodiments, the invention may include a battery compartment for powering the processing module. 
         [0011]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a communications cable for processing an input signal according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a schematic depicting the process of creating an output signal from an input signal according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a schematic depicting the process of creating an output signal from an input signal according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a schematic depicting a predetermined processing scheme according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0017]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0018]    The invention comprises a first cable segment  11  suitable for the transmission of signals. For example the first cable segment  11  may be of a standard cable type, including one or more wires such as copper wires that are bundled together and surrounded by an insulating material such as rubber or plastic. The first cable segment  11  may also include optical fibers, as well as any other medium appropriate for the communication of signals and/or data. 
         [0019]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an input connector  12  is attached to the first cable segment  11 . In the preferred embodiment, the input connector  12  can be of a variety of any standard types including, but not limited to, component, composite, coaxial, 3.5 mm phone connector, universal serial bus, optical, high definition multimedia WiFi, or Bluetooth. The input connector  12  receives an input signal  100  from an input device, such as an mp3 player, and transmits the input signal  100  to the processor module  16  via the first cable segment  11 . 
         [0020]    The processor module  16  is contained by a housing  15 . In the preferred embodiment, the housing  15  is structured from rubber, plastic, or metal, or other suitably durable material, and is situated between the first cable segment  11  and the second cable segment  13 . The housing  15  is further structured to securely contain the processor module  16  and other modules as necessary, and also to protect the elements contained therein from damage from such things as impacts, moisture, debris, etc. In at least one other embodiment, the housing  15  may extend between the input and output connectors forming a relatively thick cable (not depicted). 
         [0021]    The processor module  16  contains the necessary hardware and/or software to modulate one or more characteristics of the input signal  100  according to a predetermined processing scheme, resulting in an output signal  200  with one or more characteristics enhanced relative to the input signal  100 . As a non-limiting example, the processor module  16  may be configured to modulate the input signal  100  according to the following scheme, as depicted in  FIG. 4 : 
         [0022]    First, the input signal  100  is processed with a first low shelf filter  1000  and a first high shelf filter  1100  having predetermined center frequency values and gain values, thereby creating a differential between the high and low frequencies of the signal. In the preferred embodiment, this differential is on the order of 24 dB. Then the gain of the signal is modulated utilizing an automatic gain control  1200  such as a compressor or limiter. Then the signal is processed by a second low shelf filter  1300  and a second high shelf filter  1400 , the center frequency values of which are the same as the first set of filters,  1000  and  1100 . However, the gain values of the second set of filters,  1300  and  1400 , are inversed relative to the first set of filters,  1000  and  1100 . Then the signal may be processed by any method of frequency response adjustment  1500  such as predetermined equalization bands and/or frequency-range specific gain control elements to further fine tune and create the output signal  200 . 
         [0023]    It is also envisioned that the predetermined processing scheme, such as the one described above, will be performed after receiving an input signal  100  from an audio source and transmit the output signal  200  to a signal amplifier or other output source such as a speaker, which is not part of the present invention. 
         [0024]    Once the processor module  16  performs the predetermined processing scheme with the input signal  100 , thereby creating the output signal  200 , the output signal  200  is then transmitted to an output connector  14  via a second cable segment  13 . The second cable segment  13  is generally identical to, but in some embodiments may be somewhat different than, the first cable segment  11  as described above. In some embodiments, either the first cable segment  11  or the second cable segment  13  may be utilized to transmit electrical power to at least the processor module  16  and accordingly either cable will include such structure as is necessary. The output connector  14  is substantially similar to the input connector  12  as disclosed above. It may be of the same type of connector as the input connector  12  or it may be of a different type, depending on the user&#39;s need. Just as the input connector  12  is configured to connect to an input device, such as an mp3 player, the output connector  14  is configured to connect to an output device such as an amplifier or a speaker. 
         [0025]    As disclosed above, either the first cable segment  11  or the second cable segment  13  may be configured to transmit electrical power to at least the processor module from a connected external device. In some scenarios, this mode may not always be feasible. Accordingly, in some embodiments the housing  15  may also accommodate an integral power source (not depicted), such as by a battery compartment. Alternatively, the housing may also include a receptacle for an external power source such as an AC/DC adapter connected to a wall outlet. 
         [0026]    In at least one embodiment, the invention also includes a profile module  17 . The profile module  17  may be integral with the processor module  16 . The profile module  17  may also be contained along with the processor module  16  in the housing  15 . The profile module  17  includes a medium for storing a plurality of process profiles which modulate or adjust various parameters of the processing scheme associated with the processor module. As a non-limiting example, the profile module may change the center frequency values and/or the gain values of the first,  1000  and  1100 , or second,  1300  and  1400 , set of filters in the processing scheme described above in order to produce an output signal  200  with certain desired characteristics. It will be appreciated that the profile module  17  must be in communication with the processor module  16  in order to modulate or adjust the parameters of the processing scheme. 
         [0027]    In yet another embodiment, the invention may also include a user interface  18  which is configured to allow a user to at least select any one of a plurality of predetermined, user-selectable profiles. The user interface may comprise any combination of displays, buttons, and/or touch screens disposed on the housing  15 . The user interface may display relevant information pertaining the process profiles, as well as allow a user to interact with the profile module in order to select one of the predetermined, user-selectable profiles. For example, a display portion of a user interface  18  may enable a user to visually perceive one of a plurality of process profiles that is directed to a particular model of speaker or headphone. Other possibilities may include profiles directed to listening environments, such as those with high ambient noise, or with a high echo. Also, there may be separate audio profiles for signals associated with voices; different types of music such as rock, jazz, or hip-hop; or different types of televised content such as movies or television shows. The profiles may be previously stored on the invention, retrieved from firmware, or downloaded from a network. 
         [0028]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in at least one embodiment, the user interface  18  may be in communication with the profile module  17  in order to communicate user input  300  to the profile module  17 . Furthermore, the profile module  17  may be in communication with the processor module  16  in order to communicate any of a plurality of modulation parameters  310  that a user wishes to adjust via the user input  300  communicated to the profile module  16  from the user interface  18 . 
         [0029]    By way of another example, the user-interface  18  may also comprise software or other graphical user interface designed to be operated on an external computer to which the present invention may be connected. In such an embodiment, it is envisioned that at least the input connector  12  will be of the universal serial bus type to facilitate efficient configuration of the profile module  17 . It is also envisioned that the invention may draw power through the universal serial bus input connector  12 . In other embodiments, the profile module may be configured via wireless connection(s), such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Apple Airplay, infrared, RF, near-field communication, and/or other appropriate wireless technologies as known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0030]    In a final embodiment, and with reference to  FIG. 3 , at least the input connector  12 , but also the output connector  14  may be configured to communicate, respectively, an input signal  100  and output signal  200  comprising a combined audio signal  110  and video signal  120 . In this embodiment, the first cable segment  11  and second cable segment  13  are accordingly configured to transmit the combined audio signal  110  and video signal  120 . Also in this embodiment, the audio enhancing cable  10  further includes a splitter module  19 , configured to receive the input signal  100  and separate it into an audio signal  110  and a video signal  120 . The audio signal  110  is transmitted to the processor module  16  where the predetermined processing scheme is performed, thereby creating a processed audio signal  210 . The splitter module also transmits the video signal  120  to a delay module  21 , where the video signal  120  is delayed relative to the amount of time necessary to complete a processing scheme. The delay module  21  then transmits the delayed video signal  220  to a recombiner module  20 , whereby the processed audio signal  210  and delayed video signal  220  are recombined into an output signal  200 . The recombiner module  20  then transmits the output signal  200  to the output connector  14 . It can be appreciated that the splitter module  19 , delay module  21 , and recombiner module  20 , may be integral with the processor module, or separated, or any combination thereof. It is also envisioned that the splitter module  19 , delay module  21 , and recombiner module  20  may be contained in the housing  15 . 
         [0031]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that more or less modules may perform the functions of the modules described herein, such as the processor module  16 , profile module  17 , etc. Modules may comprise any form of hardware, software, or a combination of both. Hardware modules may comprise any form of hardware including circuitry. Software modules may comprise instructions that may be stored within a computer readable medium such as a RAM, ROM, flash memory, and the like. The instructions of the software may be executable by a processor to perform the functions described herein. 
         [0032]    Those skilled in the art may also appreciate that the present invention may be constructed or assembled in a variety of different ways, such as by removably connecting various subassemblies. For example a first subassembly may comprise the input connector  12  and first cable segment  11 ; a second subassembly may comprise the housing  15  and at least a processor module  16 ; and a third subassembly may comprise the output connector  14  and second cable segment  13 . In the preferred embodiment, however, the input connector  12 , first cable segment  11 , housing  15 , second cable segment  13 , and output connector  14 , are all integrally molded. 
         [0033]    Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
         [0034]    Now that the invention has been described,