FIG. 5A is a diagram of the computer displaying a multi-person video conference. FIG. 5B is a top plan view of users displayed on the computer of FIG. 5A being captured by a second computer.
A new Apple patent (20130028443) shows that Apple is working on ways to further improve audio quality on its Macs. The invention may also pertain to the rumored Apple HDTV (the “iTV”).
The patent is for devices with enhance audio and involves a system for enhancing audio including a computer and an output device. The computer includes a sensor configured to determine a user location relative to the computer. The sensor is also configured to gather environment data corresponding to an environment of the computer.
The computer also includes a processor in communication with the sensor and configured to process the user location and the environment data and adjust at least one of an audio output or a video output. The output device is in communication with the processor and is configured to output at least one of the audio output or the video output.
Here’s Apple’s background and summary of the invention: “Electronic devices, such as computers, mobile phones, audio players, laptops, tablet computers, televisions (hereinafter an “electronic device”) typically may have an integrated audio output device (e.g., speakers) or may be able to communicate with an audio output device. Additionally, many electronic devices may also include a visual or video output device or communicate with a video display device.
“Many audio/visual output devices may be able to have an improved audio or video output, if the audio output is able to be adjusted to the environment, surroundings, circumstances, program, and/or environment. However, many audio and video output devices may require a user input or interaction in order to change a particular output or may not have variable output settings. In these instances the audio and/or video output may not be performing or outputting the best quality sound or images for the particular environment, programs, circumstance, or the like.
“Examples of the disclosure may take the form of a method for outputting audio from a computing device. The method may include detecting a user by a sensor. Once a user is detected, a process determines whether the user is an optimum range for a current audio output of an audio output device. If the user is not within the optimum range, the processor modifies the audio output. Additionally, the sensor determines whether the user is orientated towards the computing device. Based on the user orientation the processor adjusts an audio device.
FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a system for enhancing audio output
“Other examples of the disclosure may take the form of a method for enhancing audio for a computer. The method may include determining by a sensor a user location relative to the computer. Once the user location has been determined, the sensor may gather environment data corresponding to an environment of the computer. Then, a processor adjusts an audiovisual setting view of the environment data and the user location.
“Still other examples of the disclosure may take the form of a system for enhancing audio including a computer and an output device. The computer includes a sensor configured to determine a user location relative to the computer. The sensor is also configured to gather environment data corresponding to an environment of the computer. The computer also includes a processor in communication with the sensor and configured to process the user location and the environment data and adjust at least one of an audio output or a video output. The output device is in communication with the processor and is configured to output at least one of the audio output or the video output.”
The inventors are Aleskandar Pance, Brett Bilbrey, Darby E. Hadley, Martin E. Johnson and Ronald Nadim Issac.
