Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for wireless charging device of an electronic device powered by a rechargeable battery. The wireless charging device may include a charging station having a charging surface with a power transmitter and a contour that concentrically interfaces with a corresponding contour of an inner surface of the electronic device in a manner that facilitates an initiation of a power charging sequence at the charging surface when the charging station detects an operational coupling between the power transmitter and a power receiver of the electronic device.

Abstract: A portable transceiver unit includes: a microphone to receive spoken voice commands from a user; a wireless transceiver to wirelessly communicate with a host computer; and an indicator to indicate a state of a personal assistant application executing on the host computer based on data received from the host computer by the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ear cup with an attachment unit, which is configured to be used within a head-worn hearing device. The attachment unit comprises at least one connection section, which is arranged and configured to rotatable connect the attachment unit with the ear cup and thereby define an axis of rotation of the ear cup. The attachment unit further comprises an opening, which is arranged to allow a charge interface of the ear cup, which extends out of an ear cup casing of the ear cup, to pivot through the attachment unit while the ear cup is being rotated with respect to the attachment unit along the axis of rotation, wherein the charge interface is directed to the attachment unit and is placed at a side portion of the ear cup between a hearing portion of the ear cup, facing to an ear of a user, and a back portion of the ear cup, facing away from the user.

Abstract: A headset includes a housing provided at one end of a headband, an ear pad attached to the housing, a boom main body attached to the housing on a side opposite to the ear pad, an arm portion provided in the boom main body and protruding to a side opposite to one end of the headband with the housing interposed between the headband and the arm portion, a first microphone provided at a protruding tip of the arm portion, and a second microphone provided on the arm portion, and disposed on a substantially straight line passing through a mouth of a user and the first microphone and on a side opposite to the mouth of the user with the first microphone interposed between the mouth and the second microphone.

Abstract: A method and system for a headset wireless charging dock, where the charging dock comprises a radio, a coil, and a proximity sensor. The method may comprise sensing a presence of a headset using the proximity sensor, wirelessly charging a battery in the headset utilizing the coil, and wirelessly communicating commands, using the radio, to the headset to power down at least a portion of circuitry in the headset. The command may be communicated to the headset utilizing a protocol and a RF radio used by the headset to receive audio signals. The command communicated to the headset may power down audio processing circuitry in the headset. The charging induction coil may be inductively coupled to a coil in the headset to wirelessly charge the battery in the headset. The proximity sensor may comprise a Hall sensor.

Abstract: A security implant device and a method of operation of the security implant, for securing Voice over IP (VoIP) phone, the implant device disables audio input and output components of the VoIP phone in order to prevent audio eavesdropping.

Abstract: A hearing protection device is provided. The hearing protection device can include a speaker to relay sounds, such as conversations, to the user of the hearing protection. The hearing protection device can be powered by a rechargeable battery pack or separately by standard batteries.

Abstract: An application for operating on a smart phone that records a musician's performance, either voice or instrumental, in combination with pre-recorded music. The combination allows for the auto tuning of the recording, the compression of the recording, the equalization of the recording, adding in reverb, and the audio quantization of the rhythm. Once combined, the song is transmitted to social media and/or to an online store for sale. The user can also make a video with the song. Additional marketing such as song competitions or music reviews and ratings are also provided.

Abstract: A wireless headset system includes a housing having at least a wireless communication component configured to communicate with a wireless host device. The housing includes: a body portion, an ear-bud portion having at least a speaker operatively coupled with the wireless communications component, and a neck portion having an ear-bud end and a body end, the ear-bud end coupled with the ear-bud portion, the body end coupled with the body portion. The housing is attachable on the wireless host device between an inner surface of the ear-bud portion and an inner surface of the body portion.

Abstract: A wireless headset with a headband that is constructed and arranged to fit over a user's head. The headband includes an antenna that is adapted to transmit and receive wireless signals, and electronic signal processing hardware that is electrically matched to the antenna. The headset also includes earcups carried by the headband, each earcup arranged to sit on, over or near one ear of the user. Each earcup has an audio transducer.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile terminal including a casing that includes an audio output unit that outputs audio, and a transmissive display unit provided rotatable about the casing. The transmissive display unit is disposable in a plane intersecting a principal face of the casing while the audio output unit is outputting audio.

Abstract: Wireless communication between a hands-free communication device and a telecommunication device is provided. A hands-free communication system and a method of enabling wireless communication between a telecommunication device (2) and a hands-free communication device (1), is provided wherein the hands-free telecommunication device (1) is connected to a first transceiver (8), and the telecommunication device (2) is connected to a second transceiver (9), the first transceiver (8) and the second transceiver (9) being connected by releasable connection (10), wherein the first transceiver and the second transceiver are activated upon disengagement of the releasable connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for powering-off a wireless communication device from a linked device are provided. A device can transmit a wireless communication signal to a linked device to instruct the linked device to power-off. In this manner, the user need only turn off one device manually which results in all linked devices being powered off. This process can be initiated by a user through a device directly linked with the device to be powered-off or through a device that is indirectly connected, through one or more wireless communication networks, with the device to be powered-off. This process can also be automatically initiated by a device when a set of predetermined conditions exist. Once instructed to do so, a device can initiate a predetermined power-off process which can involve terminating any ongoing functions and turning off various subsystems. In accordance with the present invention, a user can initiate a power-off of all the devices on a wireless communication network through a single device.

Abstract: A microphone array, having a three-dimensional (3D) shape, has a plurality of microphone devices mounted onto (at least one) flexible printed circuit board (PCB), which is bent to achieve the 3D dimensional shape. Output signals from the microphone devices can be combined (e.g., by weighted or unweighted summation or differencing) to form sub-element output signals and/or element output signals, and ultimately a single array output signal for the microphone array. The PCB may be uniformly flexible or may have rigid sections interconnected by flexible portions. Possible 3D shapes include (without limitation) cylinders, spirals, serpentines, and polyhedrons, each formed from a single flexible PCB. Alternatively, the microphone array may be an assembly of multiple, interconnecting sub-arrays, each having two or more rigid portions separated by one or more flexible portions, where each sub-array has at least one cut-out portion for receiving a rigid portion of another sub-array.

Abstract: Disclosed is a headset, and a method of switching a first input signal for a left ear and a second input signal for a right ear of a user.

Abstract: Conventional Universal Serial Bus (USB) headsets or other headsets capable of being connected to a digital data port may be connected in a collaborative configuration using a multiple headset integrator. The multiple headset integrator unifies multiple calling parties at a local end point of an audio communication with a remote calling party. Other peripheral communication devices may also be used, and controls may be provided on the multiple headset integrator or control signals may be passed from the headsets or other wearable communication devices.

Abstract: An exemplary rotating mechanism for rotating a second body relative to a first body is provided. The first body includes a pair of sidewalls, and the second body includes a pair of connecting arms. A first connecting piece rotatably connects one of the connecting arms to one of the sidewalls, and a second connecting piece rotatably connects the other connecting arm to the other sidewall. A resilient element connects the second connecting piece to a sidewall to provide a restoring force to the second connecting piece along a direction perpendicular to the sidewall. An angle positioner is fixed on the other sidewall and is sleeved on the first connecting piece. The angle positioner defines a positioning gap to engage with a pair of lugs extending from the first connecting piece for positioning a relative rotation angle between the first body and the second body.

Abstract: A folding portable device is provided, in which a connecting mechanism that mechanically connects a first housing and a second housing to each other includes a plurality of first members including a first plane and two engaging pieces provided on the first plane, and a plurality of second members including a second plane, an engaging groove provided on the second plane for the engaging piece to be slidably fitted, and a stopper. The first member is engaged with one of the second members by means of one of the two engaging pieces, and with another second member adjacent to the one second member by means of the other of the two engaging pieces, and the connecting mechanism includes therein a hollow portion formed along an extending direction of the engaging groove, and the hollow portion includes therein the flexible printed circuit board.

Abstract: A headset base unit comprising a base housing, a first connection device, by means of which the headset base unit is connectable to at least one telecommunication device, such as a desk phone or a PC phone. Furthermore, the headset base unit comprises a second connection device, by means of which the headset base unit is connectable to a headset, and a device holder for holding a mobile communication device with a device user interface. The headset base comprises control means, by means of which an audio channel can be opened between the headset base unit and a selected one of the telecommunication devices. The headset base unit is adapted to receive control commands from the mobile communication device for controlling the selected telecommunication device connected to the first connection device, whereby a user can control the telecommunication device by means of the device user interface.

Abstract: A headphone device includes: two output units for outputting playback audio which has been played back; a contact determination unit determining the occurrence of contact with respect to a telephone device; a first audio-collecting unit for collecting call voice generated from the telephone device; a second audio-collecting unit for collecting ambient external sound; and an output audio control unit performing control so that the call voice is outputted from one output unit of the two output units and the external sound is outputted from the other output unit when it is determined that contact has occurred by the contact determination unit.

Abstract: A communications system is configured to reduce the risk of feedback artifacts and contains a telephone device and a listening device. Accordingly, the communication system is thus provided, in which the signal processing in the telephone device is tuned to the listening device and the listening device is configured to process the voice and data signal inversely to the signal processing. Before the acoustic signal is transmitted from the telephone to the listening device, a frequency compression can thus be carried out, and in the listening device an inverse frequency compression can be carried out. This reduces feedback artifacts.

Abstract: A wireless telephone system with headset-handset assembly which comprises a base station connected to a public telephone network and/or an internet; one or more than one wireless headset-handset assembly movably connected with the base station, and each of the wireless headset-handset assembly comprises a headset and a handset hand-held receiver movably connected with each other; the headset and the base station are connected wirelessly in order to receive signals and data from the base station and transmit signals and data to the base station to achieve wireless communication; the headset is provided with a headset signal transmission end; the handset hand-held receiver comprises a handset signal transmission end to receive signals and data from the headset and transmit signals and data to the headset, and the handset signal transmission end is electronically connected with the headset signal transmission end when it is connected with the headset.

Abstract: A docking station for use with a wireless communication device is provided. The docking station includes a base, a handset and a transmission device. The base includes a wireless communication device connector that connects to the wireless communication device. The handset connects to the base. The transmission device is disposed on the base. The handset can be enabled by the wireless communication device through the transmission device so that the handset can be used to communicate with others. When the handset is in operation, the wireless communication device can be operated simultaneously.

Abstract: A self configuring headset system comprising an interface unit, a method of setting up a headset system to a telephone device using and interface unit and a telephone interface unit is provided.

Abstract: A telephone has a housing, a handset, and a cradle on the housing constructed to transmit and emit light and fit with the handset. A light source in the housing juxtaposed with the cradle can be energized to feed light into the cradle for emission thereby. The light source can be LEDs mounted on a printed-circuit board underneath a base plate carrying the light-conducting cradle.

Abstract: A communications system is configured to reduce the risk of feedback artifacts and contains a telephone device and a listening device. Accordingly, the communication system is thus provided, in which the signal processing in the telephone device is tuned to the listening device and the listening device is configured to process the voice and data signal inversely to the signal processing. Before the acoustic signal is transmitted from the telephone to the listening device, a frequency compression can thus be carried out, and in the listening device an inverse frequency compression can be carried out. This reduces feedback artifacts.

Abstract: An automatic sidetone controller for a digital telecom device, such as a headset or head-set adapter having a transmit (TX) channel, a receive (RX) channel, and circuitry for generating a sidetone signal by coupling a portion of a signal on the TX channel onto the RX channel via a sidetone path, is operable to detect when the TX channel of the device is active and inactive and to respectively activate and deactivate the sidetone path in response thereto without need for manual intervention by the user.

Abstract: This includes systems and methods for noise cancellation and power management in a wireless headset. The wireless headset can perform noise cancellation by using two or more omni-directional microphones to generate a noise canceling “cone.” Audio signals received outside of the cone can be filtered out. An accelerometer can be used to determine the location of the wireless headset and the system can then properly position the cone to face the user's voice and filter out other audio signals. Additionally, by monitoring the ambient noise, the system can save power by turning off the noise cancellation system when the amount of ambient noise is below a threshold value.

Abstract: A unitary handheld portable module includes a keypad for entering data and a display for displaying data. A base module is configured to be coupled with and communicate through a telephone line and includes a keypad for dialing a telephone number and a display for displaying information. The portable and base modules are configured to have a mounted configuration in which the portable module is removably mounted on the base module and covers the base module's display, and the modules communicate with each other for the portable module's display to display information relating to operation of the base module.

Abstract: A wireless headset and multi-point pairing method for the same are disclosed. The wireless headset can be easily paired with multiple wireless-enabled devices. The method includes establishing a wireless connection to a first wireless device during a wireless connection mode, requesting a mode transition to a pairing mode during the wireless connection mode, making a mode transition from the wireless connection mode to the pairing mode without turning off the headset, performing a pairing procedure with a second wireless device during the pairing mode, and establishing a wireless connection to the second wireless device in addition to the first wireless device after the pairing procedure is completed.

Abstract: A telephone device includes a base, a light transmitter, a light penetrating element for penetrating light transmitter from the light transmitter, and a handset. When an end of the handset is on-hook with the base, the end of the handset reflects the light emitted from the light transmitter and penetrating through the light penetrating element back to the light penetrating element. The telephone device further includes a light receiver for receiving the light reflected from the handset when the end of the handset is on-hook with the base, a light concentrating element for concentrating the light emitted from the light transmitter to the light penetrating element, and a control unit for determining whether the end of the handset is on-hook with the base according to whether the light receiver receives the light reflected from the handset.

Abstract: A user selects a ringtone or other alert pattern that can be played to provide notification of an incoming call and provisions the user-selected alert pattern into a mobile station. The mobile station is communicatively coupled to a docking station. When the mobile station receives an incoming call, the docking station plays the user-selected alert pattern through one or more audio systems associated with the docking station.

Abstract: An audio headset may comprise a case, near field microphone and far field microphone. A speaker, processor, memory, battery, charging interface and cradle detection circuit may be mounted to the case. Processor-executable instructions embodied in the memory, may be configured to implement a battery charging method. The headset may be shut off in response to placement of the headset in a charging cradle. The far-field microphone is turned on but not the near-field microphone. The battery may then be charged from the cradle. A headset having near-field and far-field microphones may be used to distinguish between user speech and competing sounds by generating signals from the sounds detected by each microphone and comparing the strengths of the signals. The signals may be processed as user speech if they are of comparable strength. Otherwise, the near-field signal may be processed as user speech and the far-field signal as competing sounds.

Abstract: A headset radio base, a headset charging system including a modular charging dock, and methods of charging various headsets are disclosed. In one embodiment, a headset radio base includes a charging dock interface configured to interface with one of a plurality of interchangeable charging docks having different form factors for charging different headsets, a transceiver for wirelessly communicating with the different headsets, a power source interface, and a network interface.

Abstract: This includes systems and methods for noise cancellation and power management in a wireless headset. The wireless headset can perform noise cancellation by using two or more omni-directional microphones to generate a noise canceling “cone.” Audio signals received outside of the cone can be filtered out. An accelerometer can be used to determine the location of the wireless headset and the system can then properly position the cone to face the user's voice and filter out other audio signals. Additionally, by monitoring the ambient noise, the system can save power by turning off the noise cancellation system when the amount of ambient noise is below a threshold value.

Abstract: A head set device includes an antenna housing, a speaker housing connected to the antenna housing while protruding from one face of the antenna housing, and a hinge device for rotatably combining the speaker housing to the antenna housing. The speaker housing rotates with respect to a rotation axis that extends outwardly from one face of the antenna housing. The antenna housing and the speaker housing are rotatably connected together using a hinge device, thereby allowing the user to selectively wear the head set device on either ear and thus facilitating the use of the head set device.

Abstract: A telephone device includes a base, a light transmitter, a light penetrating element for penetrating light transmitter from the light transmitter, and a handset. When an end of the handset is on-hook with the base, the end of the handset reflects the light emitted from the light transmitter and penetrating through the light penetrating element back to the light penetrating element. The telephone device further includes a light receiver for receiving the light reflected from the handset when the end of the handset is on-hook with the base, a light concentrating element for concentrating the light emitted from the light transmitter to the light penetrating element, and a control unit for determining whether the end of the handset is on-hook with the base according to whether the light receiver receives the light reflected from the handset.

Abstract: An accessory for use with a portable electronic device receives audio signals from the portable electronic device and broadcasts the signals to a set of wireless speakers. The accessory device includes a dock for coupling to the portable electronic device such that audio signals, a power supply signal and digital communication signals can be transferred between the accessory and the device. The accessory receives the audio signals and transmits them to the speakers via a transmitter. The accessory also provides an audio output and video output such that audio and video files can be transferred from the portable electronic device through the accessory to an external device. Preferably, an inductive charging circuit is used to charge a rechargeable power supply in the speakers when the speakers are positioned in a speaker dock on the accessory body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a hearing aid compatible wireless electronic device is disclosed. The apparatus may include a lower housing having a wireless transceiver, upper housing including an earpiece, hinge assembly, and a pair of reactive matching element along with predefined placement of the wireless transceiver. The reactive matching element can be implemented at different chassis inductances to achieve hearing aid compatibility within other design constraints. Implemented as a switched circuit or reactance filter circuit to create a reactance appropriate for a band of operation during transmission in that band.

Abstract: Disclosed is a torsion spring mechanism that supports and guides a flexible printed circuit for use in an electronic device with a sliding motion. The spring mechanism includes a first segment and a second segment that are joined by a torsion spring. The torsion spring has a predetermined spring constant and is capable of exerting a force. When the force of the torsion spring is unreleased the sliding housing is closed and when the force of the torsion spring is released the sliding housing is opened. An electrically conducting flexible printed circuit is at least partially supported by both the first and second segments while freely traversing the torsion spring length with an unsupported portion enough to provide adequate movement of the flexible printed circuit about the torsion spring length. In this way, a spring compartment within the device being approximately 5 millimeters in depth may support and protect the unidirectional torsion spring mechanism and flexible printed circuit.

Abstract: A mobile device, particularly a wireless headset, includes a cord to which an earpiece is fixed and a module having a spring-actuated retractor reel into which the cord is retracted for storage. A fastener on the module makes the device wearable. A rotary encoder generates a position data output according to the rotational position of the reel, and a controller receives the position data output from the sensor, and, in response, controls a function such as placing the device in an on-hook or off-hook state.

Abstract: A unitary handheld portable module includes a keypad for entering data and a display for displaying data. A base module is configured to be coupled with and communicate through a telephone line and includes a keypad for dialing a telephone number and a display for displaying information. The portable and base modules are configured to have a mounted configuration in which the portable module is removably mounted on the base module and covers the base module's display, and the modules communicate with each other for the portable module's display to display information relating to operation of the base module.

Abstract: A method for positioning a user interface of a computing device is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a user interface (UI), a counterweight, and a housing assembly that houses the UI with one or more exposed portions, and the counterweight. The counterweight can be positioned in the housing assembly to cause a desired position of at least one of the one or more exposed portions of the UI when a select one of a plurality of surfaces of the housing assembly rests on a nearly planar surface. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A headset and method for voice communication comprising a housing (2) and a pickup unit (8) rotatably connected to the housing via a joint (7). The pickup unit (8) transmits its position to circuitry which in turn enables functions according to its position. When the unit is moved to a predetermined position and a function is enabled, the user is preferably notified by an audible signal in the earphone. The unit may be rotated, pivoted or twisted and even ratcheted to various positions to engage different functions, such as mute, volume up/down, activate Bluetooth® link etc. One position detection includes a sliding contact (20, 70) mutually rotatable about a rotational axis (26) and a annular ring (50) arranged so that the ring (50) is positioned around the rotational axis (26) so as to provide an electrical connection between the first annular ring (50) and the contact members (30).

Abstract: A telephone includes a handset, a base and a hook. The handset includes a earpiece defining a slot. The base defines a first recess and an opening. The first recess is configured for receiving the earpiece. The opening includes a second recess and a through hole defined in a bottom of the second recess. The hook includes a head and an elastic rod protruding from the head. The rod is rotatably received in the through hole. The head is received in the second recess and able to rotate and insert into the slot for supporting the handset.

Abstract: A hands-free voice communication apparatus includes a speakerphone and earpiece combo, a digital signal processing (DSP) module, and a communication module. The hands-free apparatus may be used as a speakerphone or an earpiece. The speakerphone and earpiece combo includes a loudspeaker and one or multiple microphones. The loudspeaker provides an acoustic output. Each microphone receives an acoustic input and provides an input signal. The DSP module performs digital signal processing on the input signals from the microphones and provides an output signal for the loudspeaker. The DSP module may perform digital signal processing with different sets of parameters for the speakerphone and earpiece modes. The communication module provides communication between the hands-free apparatus and a communication device, e.g., a cellular phone or a wireless PDA.

Abstract: A telephone has a housing, a handset, and a cradle on the housing constructed to transmit and emit light and fit with the handset. A light source in the housing juxtaposed with the cradle can be energized to feed light into the cradle for emission thereby. The light source can be LEDs mounted on a printed-circuit board underneath a base plate carrying the light-conducting cradle.

Abstract: A portable electronic device can detect whether an output unit of an accessory is connected to the body of a user and determines audio output units to which its application will transmit audio signal. The portable electronic device comprises an interface connected to the accessory, an application handling unit and a control unit. The control unit determines if the accessory is attached to the body of a user, selects audio output units to be used for the electronic device and transmits audio signals to the selected audio output unit for the application.

Abstract: An information system includes a first module and a second module that interoperate over first and second communication ports. Interoperation over the first and second communication ports provides the first module access to functions and features of the second module, and likewise provides the second module access to functions and features of the first module. The first and second modules may be further operable to communicate over first and second networks, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes interface problems between proprietary handset ports on telephone base units and voice/data accessory products by allowing a user to automatically calibrate the telephone accessory product for an optimal interface match with the intended telephone base unit. This is accomplished through the use of a “Smart Interface Technology” (SIT) integrated chip set consisting of a full custom analog and semi-custom digital integrated circuit. The SIT incorporates three different methods for “learning” the characteristics of 4-wire port modular interfaces found in all telephone station sets. Basically, these methods determine the appropriate 4-wire terminal configurations, the transmit and receive channels of the intended telephone base unit, and adjust the channel sensitivities until an optimal and clear signal is provided for the user.