{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854357","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854357","title":"Minimizing startup transients in an audio playback path","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-06-28T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04R"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A method may be provided for powering up or down a playback path comprising a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for generating a non-ground-centered analog intermediate voltage centered at a common-mode voltage and coupled to a driver for generating a ground-centered playback path output voltage at an output of the driver wherein the output of the driver is clamped via a finite impedance to a ground voltage. The method may include transitioning continuously or in a plurality of discrete steps the analog intermediate voltage from an initial voltage to the common-mode voltage such that the transitioning is substantially inaudible at the output of the driver. A method for operating an output clamp of an output driver stage of a playback path may include transitioning continuously or in a plurality of discrete steps an impedance of the output clamp in order to match an output offset of the output driver stage in order to minimize audio artifacts appearing at an output of the output driver stage."},"analysis":{"summary":"Minimizing Startup Transients in an Audio Playback Path addresses the problem of audible artifacts, specifically 'pops' and 'clicks,' that occur during the startup and shutdown of audio playback devices. The core innovation involves a method for smoothly transitioning the analog intermediate voltage generated by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) from an initial voltage to the common-mode voltage. This is achieved either continuously or in a series of discrete steps, ensuring that the transition is virtually inaudible at the output of the driver. The system also includes a dynamic output clamp that adjusts its impedance to match the output offset of the driver stage, further minimizing audio artifacts.\n\nThe problem being solved is the presence of unwanted transient noises that can significantly detract from the user experience, particularly in high-end audio equipment. These transients are caused by sudden voltage changes during power-up and power-down sequences. The technology mitigates this by controlling the voltage transitions and impedance matching.\n\nThe key technical approach involves precisely controlling the voltage transitions in the DAC and dynamically adjusting the impedance of the output clamp. This requires sophisticated feedback control mechanisms and precise calibration. The implementation can be integrated into existing audio playback systems with relative ease.\n\nThe business value and applications are significant. For manufacturers of audio devices, it provides a way to significantly improve the user experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction. For consumers, it means a cleaner, more enjoyable audio playback without the distraction of unwanted artifacts. This innovation is especially relevant in applications where high-fidelity audio is critical.\n\nThe market opportunity is substantial, as consumers increasingly demand high-quality audio experiences from their devices. This technology offers a competitive advantage for manufacturers and can lead to increased sales and brand loyalty.","layman_explanation":"The Minimizing Startup Transients in an Audio Playback Path patent addresses a common problem in audio devices: the annoying 'pop' or 'click' you hear when you turn them on or off. This explanation breaks down why this happens and how the patent solves it, all in simple terms.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\nWhen you switch on your headphones or speakers, there's a sudden surge of electricity. This sudden electrical jolt can create unwanted noise, like a 'pop' or 'click,' which can be distracting and unpleasant. Existing solutions often fall short because they don't fully address the root cause of the problem: the abrupt voltage changes.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\nThink of it like slowly turning on a light switch versus flipping it on instantly. The patent's approach is similar: instead of an abrupt electrical surge, it introduces a smooth, gradual transition of voltage. This gradual transition minimizes the electrical 'shock' that causes the noise. The key components are a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that controls the voltage and an output clamp that acts like a noise filter. Imagine a water faucet – the DAC is like the handle that smoothly controls the water flow (voltage), and the output clamp is like a filter that catches any remaining dirt (noise).\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\nIn the highly competitive audio market, quality is everything. Eliminating these startup transients can significantly improve the user experience, leading to happier customers and stronger brand loyalty. This patent gives manufacturers a competitive edge by offering a solution to a problem that many consumers find irritating. The market impact is potentially huge, as this technology can be applied to a wide range of audio devices, from headphones to high-end sound systems. It could translate to increased sales and higher profit margins for companies that adopt it.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\nThis patent opens the door for further innovations in audio technology. Future applications could include even more sophisticated noise reduction techniques and integration with advanced audio processing algorithms. The market adoption timeline will depend on how quickly manufacturers incorporate this technology into their products. For investors, this represents an opportunity to support companies that are committed to delivering the highest quality audio experience.","technical_analysis":"The Minimizing Startup Transients in an Audio Playback Path patent presents a detailed technical solution for minimizing audible artifacts during the startup and shutdown of audio playback devices. The system leverages a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to generate a non-ground-centered analog intermediate voltage, which is then coupled to a driver that produces the final ground-centered playback path output voltage. The core innovation lies in the precise control of the voltage transition between the initial state and the common-mode voltage.\n\nThe technical architecture involves a DAC, an output driver stage, and an output clamp. The DAC is responsible for generating the analog intermediate voltage. The output driver stage amplifies this voltage and produces the final output voltage. The output clamp, connected to ground via a finite impedance, is used to suppress transient voltages.\n\nThe implementation details involve several critical steps. First, the DAC must be capable of precisely controlling its output voltage. Second, the output driver stage must be designed to minimize its output offset. Third, the output clamp must be dynamically controlled to match the output offset of the driver stage. This requires sophisticated feedback control mechanisms and precise calibration.\n\nThe algorithm for controlling the voltage transition and impedance adjustment is crucial. The voltage transition algorithm must ensure that the rate of change of the voltage is slow enough to prevent audible transients. The impedance adjustment algorithm must continuously monitor the output offset of the driver stage and adjust the impedance of the output clamp accordingly.\n\nThe integration patterns involve modifying the power-up and power-down sequences of the audio playback path, implementing the voltage transition and impedance adjustment algorithms, and calibrating the system to minimize audio artifacts. This can be achieved through firmware updates or hardware modifications.\n\nThe performance characteristics of this technology are characterized by its ability to eliminate audible transients during startup and shutdown. This is achieved by minimizing the magnitude of the voltage and current spikes that occur during these phases. The effectiveness of the technology depends on the precision of the voltage control, the accuracy of the impedance adjustment, and the overall design of the audio playback system. Code-level implications would involve changes to the device's firmware to control the DAC and output clamp, as well as implement the voltage transition and impedance adjustment algorithms.","business_analysis":"The Minimizing Startup Transients in an Audio Playback Path patent addresses a critical issue in the audio industry: the presence of unwanted audio artifacts during the startup and shutdown of audio playback devices. This innovation has significant business implications for manufacturers of audio equipment, consumers, and investors.\n\nThe market opportunity size is substantial, as consumers increasingly demand high-quality audio experiences from their devices. The elimination of audible transients can significantly improve the user experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales. The market includes headphones, speakers, sound systems, virtual reality headsets, and other audio devices.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this technology are clear. By eliminating audible transients, manufacturers can differentiate their products in a crowded market and enhance their brand reputation. This can lead to increased market share and higher profit margins.\n\nThe revenue potential is significant. Manufacturers can charge a premium for devices that incorporate this technology, as consumers are willing to pay more for a superior audio experience. The licensing of this patent can also generate revenue for the patent holder.\n\nThe business models that can be employed include direct sales of audio devices, licensing of the patent to other manufacturers, and integration of the technology into existing audio playback systems. Strategic positioning involves targeting the high-end audio market and emphasizing the superior audio quality achieved through this technology.\n\nThe ROI projections are favorable. The investment in this technology can lead to increased sales, higher profit margins, and enhanced brand reputation. The licensing of the patent can also generate a steady stream of revenue. The technology can be strategically positioned in the high-end audio market to capture a premium price point, leading to a high return on investment.","faqs":null,"topics":["audio transients","audio playback","noise reduction","DAC","audio artifacts"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Minimizing Startup Transients in an Audio Playback Path - Patent US-9854357","description":"Discover how this patent minimizes audio pops & clicks during device startup. Full analysis of Minimizing Startup Transients in an Audio Playback Path, claims, and prior art.","keywords":["audio transients","audio playback","noise reduction","DAC","audio artifacts","startup noise","patent","patent US-9854357"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854357","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854357","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Minimizing startup transients in an audio playback path\" (US-9854357). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854357","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854357","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854357","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T15:48:52.880Z"}