18451434. Interaction of Sound, Silent and Mute Modes in an Electronic Device simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

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Interaction of Sound, Silent and Mute Modes in an Electronic Device

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Patrick Coffman of San Francisco CA (US)

Meriko Borogove of San Francisco CA (US)

Jonathan Bennett of San Francisco CA (US)

Gregory Chapman of San Jose CA (US)

Anthony Guetta of San Carlos CA (US)

Deepak Iyer of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Eric Johnson of Morgan Hill CA (US)

Interaction of Sound, Silent and Mute Modes in an Electronic Device - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18451434 titled 'Interaction of Sound, Silent and Mute Modes in an Electronic Device

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a method for controlling the audio output of an electronic device based on its mode, which includes sound mode, silent mode, and mute mode. In sound mode, all audio can be output, while in silent mode, only registered or authorized audio can be output. In mute mode, no audio can be output. The sound and silent modes can be enabled through the device's interface, while the mute mode can be enabled through an accessory connected to the device. To disengage the mute mode, the user can provide an instruction using the accessory or adjust the volume control on the device.

  • The patent application proposes a system for controlling audio output based on the mode of an electronic device.
  • The system includes sound mode, silent mode, and mute mode, each with different restrictions on audio output.
  • Sound mode allows all audio to be output, while silent mode only allows registered or authorized audio to be output.
  • Mute mode completely disables audio output.
  • The device's interface can be used to enable sound and silent modes, while an accessory connected to the device is used to enable mute mode.
  • To disengage mute mode, the user can provide an instruction using the accessory or adjust the volume control on the device.

Potential applications of this technology:

  • Mobile phones and tablets can use this system to control audio output based on different modes, such as during meetings or in quiet environments.
  • Gaming consoles can implement this system to restrict unauthorized audio output during gameplay.
  • Smart home devices can utilize this technology to adjust audio output based on the user's preferences or the time of day.

Problems solved by this technology:

  • This system allows for more precise control over audio output, ensuring that only authorized audio is played in certain modes.
  • It provides a convenient way to switch between different audio output modes without the need for complex settings adjustments.
  • The system prevents accidental audio output in silent or mute modes, avoiding disruptions in quiet environments.

Benefits of this technology:

  • Users can easily customize their audio output preferences based on different situations or environments.
  • It enhances privacy and security by restricting unauthorized audio output.
  • The system provides a seamless and intuitive way to control audio output, improving user experience.


Original Abstract Submitted

Controlling the output of audio based on the mode of an electronic device having a sound mode, silent mode, and mute mode, along different audio output routes. In the sound mode, all audio can be output, while only registered or authorized audio can be output in the silent mode. In the mute mode, no audio can be output. The sound and silent modes can be enabled using an interface of the device, while the mute mode can be enabled using an accessory coupled to the device. To disengage the mute mode, a user can provide a corresponding instruction using the accessory or providing an instruction on the device related to volume control. Other aspects are also described and claimed.