Abstract: A headset comprises an ear cup, at least one speaker, an adjustable ear cup shaper, and circuitry. The ear cup shaper is adjustable into at least two configurations, wherein a first of the configurations creates no depression or a first amount of depression in the ear cup and a second of the configurations creates a second amount of depression in the ear cup, where the second amount is greater than the first amount. The circuitry is operable to determine which one of the configurations the ear cup shaper is configured into, and set an audio setting applied to an audio signal output to the speaker based on the determined one of the configurations.

Abstract: A personal audio device (e.g., headphones, earphones) can have an earpiece (e.g., an ear cup or earbud) with a removable cushioning member (e.g., headphone cushions or ear tips for earbuds). The cushioning member can include an identification tag that encodes identification data for the cushioning member. When the cushioning member is attached to the earpiece, the identification tag is brought into proximity with a tag sensor in the earpiece and the earpiece can read the identification tag to determine identification data for the cushioning member. The identification data can be used to modify a behavior of the earpiece and/or of a host device communicably coupled to the earpiece.

Abstract: A headset comprises an ear cup, at least one speaker, an adjustable ear cup shaper, and circuitry. The ear cup shaper is adjustable into at least two configurations, wherein a first of the configurations creates no depression or a first amount of depression in the ear cup and a second of the configurations creates a second amount of depression in the ear cup, where the second amount is greater than the first amount. The circuitry is operable to determine which one of the configurations the ear cup shaper is configured into, and set an audio setting applied to an audio signal output to the speaker based on the determined one of the configurations.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a quick and easy way too store smart headphones while preserving headphone battery life. A trigger element such as a magnet is positioned so that a sleep/wake system in the headphones detects its proximity when stored on the apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is configured so that the headphones are hung in an open-air setting which makes them easily accessible for use without having to be retrieved from a closed container. When mounted, the trigger element may signal the headphones to enter a sleep mode to preserve battery life. Once removed, the headphones may detect the lack of proximity to the trigger element which frees the headphones for operation.

Abstract: Method and devices for testing a headphone with increased sensation are provided. The headphone can filter and amplify low frequency audio signals, which are then sent to a haptic device in the headphone. The haptic device can cause bass sensations at the top of the skull and at both ear cups. The testing system can evaluate the haptic and acoustic sensations produced by the headphone to evaluate if they have been properly assembled and calibrate the headphones if necessary.

Abstract: A headphone or earphone (10; 50) consists of a casing (12) adapted to fit to a user's ear, the casing (12) enclosing a driver (22) with a diaphragm. Behind the driver (22) is a rear closure element (15; 52); and the driver (22) is clamped against at least one resilient element (23) that engages with its front face near the periphery, or alternatively is clamped between two such resilient elements (23, 24). The casing (12) defines a cavity in front of the driver (22) that communicates with a sound outlet duct (18) adapted to provide sound to the user's ear. The sound outlet duct (18) may define a restrictive duct portion with a cross-sectional area between 18% and 28% of the cross-sectional area of the diaphragm. Behind the driver (22) may be an enclosed airtight cavity, or alternatively the rear closure element (52) may define a rear outlet duct (54) aligned with the sound outlet duct (18).

Abstract: Provided is a wearable speaker system that can obtain a higher sense of presence through reproduction of bass. A wearable speaker system includes an enclosure, in which a first speaker unit and a first opening portion that is an end of a first bass reflex duct are disposed in a first end region of the enclosure, in which a second speaker unit and a second opening portion that is an end of a second bass reflex duct are disposed in a second end region, in which each of the first and second speaker units and includes a speaker and a passive radiator that faces in an opposite direction from the speaker, and in which a space between the speaker and the passive radiator included in each of the first and second speaker units and is connected to a space in the enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring an operative site during a surgical procedure using a computer controlled surgical device. In general, the methods include the steps of processing one or more defined cutting paths having one or more cut regions; determining a correlation between the cut region and one or more critical regions to generate an alert, wherein the alert indicates a movable end-effector is within a defined proximity of the critical region; and requiring a user acknowledgment of the alert to allow processing of the cutting path to continue. Also described herein are systems and methods for minimizing user fatigue during a semi-computer controlled surgical procedure. In general, the methods includes the step of requiring a user generated acknowledgment in response to a computer generated alert, wherein the user acknowledgment is generated using a user controller, the user controller being minimally intrusive to the user experience.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display apparatus capable of improving a sound quality through an accurate sound transmission, wherein the display apparatus may include a backlight module connected with a rear surface of a display panel, a rear structure for surrounding the backlight module, and a vibration generating device for vibrating the display panel through the backlight module, wherein the vibration generating device is fixed to the rear structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating haptic effects associated with envelopes in audio signals are disclosed. One disclosed system for outputting haptic effects includes a processor configured to: receive an audio signal; determine an envelope associated with the audio signal; determine a haptic effect based in part on the envelope; and output a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect.

Abstract: An acoustic device that has a neck loop that is constructed and arranged to be worn around the neck. The neck loop includes a housing with a first acoustic waveguide having a first sound outlet opening, and a second acoustic waveguide having a second sound outlet opening. There is a first open-backed acoustic driver acoustically coupled to the first waveguide and a second open-backed acoustic driver acoustically coupled to the second waveguide.

Abstract: A deformable controller for an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device, is disclosed. A user can interact with the controller to cause it to “deform” and thereby provide user input to control the electronic device. The controller can be malleable and symmetrical, and user interaction with the controller can be provided with substantially arbitrary orientation. In one embodiment, the controller is an in-line controller with a cable that couples to the electronic device. In one particular implementation, the portable electronic device can be a portable media player and the controller can remotely control media playback functions for the portable media player.

Abstract: A cable controlling shirt system having a shirt with a front, a back, a neck area, a waist area, armholes, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. A channel patch has an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The side edges are coupled to the shirt. The channel patch and the shirt form a channel with an open upper end and an open lower end. At least one pocket has an upper extent and a lower extent. Pocket stitching couples the lower extent of the pocket to the shirt at an elevation below the channel patch.

Abstract: A communication device including a wearable accessory having a first power source, a telecommunications device including a transceiver configured to allow wireless communication, wherein the telecommunications device is configured to couple and decouple with the wearable accessory, and wherein the telecommunications device is configured receive power from the first power source when coupled with the wearable accessory.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for safekeeping of a headset or ear bud, comprising a base plate (11) having an axle (14) molded on orthogonal to this plate, on which axle a winding spool (2) is mounted so as to rotate, wherein the winding spool (2) has two circular disks (22, 27) disposed parallel to one another, between which disks a winding space is formed, and wherein a recess (25) for passing through a mini-plug (71) is disposed in the upper disk (22), which is disposed on the side facing away from the base plate (11).

Abstract: A mobile device having a printed circuit board, a wireless transceiver, an antenna having an earth plane and coupled to the wireless transceiver, a conductive earth plane extension conductively coupled to the earth plane and a neck cord adapted to support the mobile device from a neck of a user of the device, wherein the conductive earth plane extension is incorporated into the neck cord. Also, an antenna assembly having an antenna having an earth plane, the antenna being adapted to be coupled to a wireless transceiver, a conductive earth plane extension coupled to the earth plane and a neck cord adapted to support a mobile device housing the antenna from a neck of a user of the device, wherein the conductive earth plane extension is incorporated into the neck cord.

Abstract: A method for generating engine acoustic emissions including the steps of providing a loudspeaker configuration (100) based upon the configuration of said engine, and feeding the said loudspeaker configuration (100) with signals for providing desired engine acoustic emission. Also a device, a computer program and a computer program product for performing the method.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for acoustic waveguides are disclosed. In one example, a method for constructing an acoustic waveguide includes forming a first acoustic waveguide component having a first outer surface and a first inner surface, where the first inner surface includes a first groove and a second groove. The method includes forming a second acoustic waveguide component having a second outer surface and a second inner surface, where the second inner surface includes a third groove and a fourth groove. The first acoustic waveguide component and the second acoustic waveguide component are bonded together so that the first groove and the third groove are arranged to form a first acoustic channel and the second groove and the fourth groove are arranged to form a second acoustic channel.

Abstract: An audio attenuation device for attenuating audio for transmission to an unborn baby includes a body and an attachment mechanism for attaching the body to an article of clothing of an expectant mother. The body is configured to receive at least one audio earbud that includes an audio producing side from which an audio signal is transmitted from the earbud. The body further includes a layer of material configured to be positioned in contact with the audio producing side to receive the audio signal from the earbud and to attenuate an intensity of the audio signal. The layer of material is configured such that, when the audio signal that is received by the layer of material has a maximum sound level of approximately 90 decibels or greater, the attenuated audio signal exiting the layer of material has a maximum sound level between approximately 45 and 85 decibels.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an improved audio output module for use with an artificial voice generation device, having a housing separated into a sound system chamber, an interface chamber, and a power source chamber. The interface and power source chambers may be combined. The sound chamber is isolated from external air by the housing, the cover plate, and a separating wall, which separates it from other chambers of the module. Volumetric parameters based on speaker characteristics and design requirements can thus be implemented independent from the choice of interface type. The module is configurable to be mounted to an external structure or to a speech generating system. It may likewise be detachable from a quick release cradle and receive wireless audio signals from the speech generating system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a necklace-type audio output apparatus that can be adjusted in length, wherein the device comprises: an audio output device for externally outputting audio; a body on which the audio output device is installed; and an adjusting member connected to both ends of the body to form a ring shape together with the body, and capable of length adjustment. According to the present invention, by being worn around the neck of a user, the apparatus does not have to be worn directly on the ears. Thus, wearing discomfort and difficulty communicating due to blocked ambient noise are alleviated, length adjustment according to a user's physique or taste is made easy, and the apparatus can be safely and conveniently worn during exercise, hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Abstract: An adjustable headset has a support portion that rests on a user's head when the headset is worn in an upright orientation and rests on a user's neck or shoulders when the headset is worn around the user's neck. The adjustable headset also includes a pair of arm assemblies attached to the support portion and having first arm portions and second arm portions. The adjustable headset also includes a pivoting mechanism that pivotably couples the first and second arm portions. The pivoting mechanism allows the pivoting of the second arm portion relative to the first arm portion so that the second arm portion can be pivoted between a first position where the headset can be worn by the user on their head and a second position when the headset is worn around the user's neck to direct sound at the user's ears.

Abstract: The present invention provides an item of jewelry containing headphones, or a headset, enabling a wearer to interface with electronic devices. In particular, the present invention provides a necklace containing headphones or a headset, enabling a wearer to interface with electronic devices.

Abstract: A communication and speech enhancement system featuring a first transducer designed to be temporarily affixed to a human such as a hospital patient to convert the audible vibrations of human speech into an electrical signal. The transducer provides this electrical signal to one or more electronic modules which modify and enhance the signal. The enhanced signal may then be amplified and converted back into audible sound by means of a second transducer. A user of the system controls the electronic modules through a user interface. In an embodiment, one or both of the user interface and second transducer feature smooth surfaces amenable to cleaning and sterilizing with liquid agents.

Abstract: The application includes an apparatus comprising of a housing, processing circuitry for receiving and transmitting user input, and a transducer for transforming audio information in an electrical signal into both acoustic and haptic signals. The transducer is disposed within the housing, and has a speaker including a diaphragm and a mass element attached to a portion of the diaphragm. Systems and methods also provide an input interface connected to the processing circuitry for receiving user input, and wherein the haptic signal is generated, activated, controlled, modulated, reconfigured, or adjusted, directly or indirectly, in response to a user input received at the user input interface. In this way, haptic effects may be directly generated from audio information and based on input actions taken by the user.

Abstract: A mountable multi-directional audio device comprises at least one broadcasting device, which has a sounding portion outwardly; and at least one connecting member, the any end of the connecting member is connected with the broadcasting device.

Abstract: One mode of the present invention provides an electroacoustic transducer composed of a multifaced diaphragm assembly and a multifaced speaker housing assembly that is housed inside the multifaced diaphragm assembly. The multifaced speaker housing is configured by combining the outer peripheral surface of a plurality of individual speaker drive units into a nearly spherical shell. The multifaced diaphragm assembly, which has thereinside the multifaced speaker housing assembly, is configured to have a plurality of regular pentagonal diaphragm segments that are combined together into a nearly spherical shape shell, and a plurality of speaker drive units opposing the diaphragm segments from inside in one-to-one relation. Each speaker drive unit has a bobbin, the one end portion of which is adhered to the center portion of the inner surface of each diaphragm segment.

Abstract: An adaptation device that removably attaches to earbud style headphone/s and provides security and retention of the earbud to a wearer's ear.

Abstract: A mountable multi-directional audio device comprises at least one broadcasting device, which has a sounding portion outwardly; and at least one connecting member, the any end of the connecting member is connected with the broadcasting device.

Abstract: An adaptation device that removably attaches to earbud style headphone/s and provides improved security and retention of the earbud to a wearer's ear yet positions the speaker in substantially the same distance relative to the concha and/or ear canal of a wearer as a wearer would ordinarily wear an earbud.

Abstract: A wireless extension device to end-user wireless device has a collar that is worn around the neck. The collar has two end-members that are positioned on the two collar bone areas next to the neck. The end-members have positioned directional speakers therein that radiate sound in the direction of two ears of the human wearing the collar around the neck. The end-members have positioned microphones that pick up voice commands of a human wearing the collar around the neck. The wireless collar extension device is used for hands free communication with end-user wireless device, without having to plug a prior art BLUETOOTH earpiece into one of the ears.

Abstract: A headphone having reduced-tangling potential includes an audio plug for receive electrical signals from an audio device, coupled via wires to ear buds, wherein the ear buds are for receiving electrical signals and outputting audio, wires coupled to the audio plug and to the pair of ear buds, wherein the coupling wire is configured to provide the electrical signals from the audio plug to at least the pair of ear buds, and a restraint device having a pliable material body having an interior channel, wherein the channel restrains movement of the separate ear buds a first resistance, when the audio plug is inserted into the channel, and wherein the channel restrains movement the separate ear buds by a second resistance, when the audio portion is separated from the channel, wherein the first resistance amount exceeds the second resistance amount.

Abstract: A necklace type sound reproduction apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is detachable from a media player to be worn on a neck of a user. An acoustic sound reproduced by a digital amplifier and a speaker of the apparatus is delivered to an ear of the user without using an earphone or a headphone via an audio signal processing.

Abstract: A lanyard system for retaining a wireless headset has a strap and a slide affixed at a first end of the strap. The slide engages a portion of a length of the strap and forms a loop. The slide is adjustable along the length of the strap to adjust the size of the loop. An elastomeric retainer is affixed at a second end of the strap for selective attachment to a wireless headset for removably securing the wireless headset to the lanyard system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a more excellent headphone device that is provided with the portability and operability as compared with that in the past. The present invention provides a device that is connected to an electronic device through a connecting cord which includes a housing, a reeling section that reels up a headphone cord of a headphone to the inside of the housing, an attachment section that is arranged on the housing, and is to be attached to the user, and a link section that physically links any one of the housing and the attachment section to the electronic device.

Abstract: A digital audio player device can be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance or other oral device to form an intraoral MP3 player. In another embodiment, the device provides an electronic and transducer device that can be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance or other oral device to form a DAP. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device fabricated from a thermal forming process utilizing a replicate model of a dental structure obtained by conventional dental impression methods. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.

Abstract: A portable and wearable sound recordable and playable device comprising an electronic module that provides audio recording and playback functions and that includes at least one integrated circuit having associated memory storage, a microphone and a speaker, and a power source; a bulbous portion that substantially encapsulates the electronic module and that is configured so that the device has a substantially continuously contoured outer surface that is free of any display; and one or more exposed user controls that signally communicate with the electronic module and penetrate through the bulbous portion.

Abstract: A shoulder/neck supporting electronic appliance includes a wireless head set wherein the head set includes a supporting unit adapted for wearing on a user's collar from behind, a wireless audio device comprising a wireless transceiver supported by the supporting unit for receiving an audio signal, and a power source electrically coupled with the wireless transceiver; and a headphone member provided at the supporting unit in vicinity of the user's ear, such that an overall weight of the wireless head set is adapted for being supported and distributed on the collar of the user to minimize stress on the user's head when the user's wears the wireless head set.

Abstract: Described is a traveling pillow having embedded headphones for providing a traveler with a comfortable place for resting the neck and head and music to the ears. A universal plug can be located within a pocket of the pillow to permit connection to the headphones and a location for storing an MP3 player, iPod® or cellular phone with music files. Alternatively, a separate plug is provided and accessible from the exterior of the pillow should the traveler desires to use an audio cord and place the music storage device elsewhere, or to connect a Walkman®, Discman®, laptop or DVD player to the pillow headphones. A volume control knob permits the traveler to set an appropriate volume level to provide his or her favorite music in surround sound and total comfort.

Abstract: A speaker device may include a substrate, a membrane above the substrate, and an electrode above the membrane, a plurality of first supporting members, and a plurality of second supporting members. The second chamber is enclosed between the membrane and the substrate, and the first chamber is enclosed between the electrode and the membrane. The first supporting members are provided in the first chamber space and may space the membrane apart from the electrode. The second supporting members are provided in the second chamber space and may space the membrane apart from the substrate.

Abstract: An arrangement for managing cables of accessories such as earphone sets, chargers, and synchronization arrangements used with portable electronic devices is provided by a flexible and elastically deformable loop that extends from a base that optionally includes a hook or other loop retention feature. The base may be alternatively configured to be integrally formed with a component of an accessory, or be configured as a discrete clip that may be detachably coupled to the component, or to the cable portion of the accessory. The elastically deformable loop is configured to be removably fastenable by a user to articles such as buttons on clothing to help keep cables out of the way when the accessory is in use. In addition, the elastically deformable loop may be used to keep an accessory cable neatly stowed during storage by being stretched around a bundled cable and then secured on the hook.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying vibration to the human body. A vibration system includes a vibrator capable of converting an electrical signal into vibration. In one aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body on a pectoralis major muscle and spaced away from a sternum. In another aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body such that a first pattern of vibrations are generated on the body's surface. The first pattern of vibrations matches in relative amplitude a second pattern of vibrations generated on the body's surface when the body generates sound.

Abstract: A diaphragm for outputting sound by vibrating has a hole of a predetermined shape that allows another member to extend therethrough. A sound output apparatus includes a first member, the diaphragm, and a second member. The first member extends through the hole of the diaphragm, and the first member is screwed into the second member.

Abstract: Device functionality is provided externally on a hand-held, portable electronic device. In one illustrative embodiment, the hand-held, portable electronic device comprises a transceiver for sending and receiving user communications; one or more processors; a memory; a user interface; a display; and a device body including a device housing. The device housing includes a side circumferential surface on at least two device edges and front, back surfaces. The device housing has a first groove being substantially disposed from the front surface to the back surface across the side circumferential surface of a first device edge of the at least two device edges.

Abstract: An in-ear stabilizer with a compression strut securely holds an in-ear communications device within the human ear. The in-ear stabilizer comprises an in-ear device housing which fits into the human ear and has a receiver and speaker. Attached to the in-ear device housing is a compression strut which extends, when in the human ear, across the crus of helix and fits securely under the antihelix in the upper concha of the ear. The housing of the in-ear device fits into the lower concha of the human ear. The compression strut exerts outward pressure when compressed, comfortably holding the in-ear device in place through pressure on the lower and upper concha of the human ear.

Abstract: A Bluetooth earphone and a lanyard structure thereof are provided. The Bluetooth earphone includes an earphone body and a lanyard structure. The lanyard structure includes a lanyard and a clip element. The lanyard is disposed on the clip element. The clip element includes two hooks gripping the earphone body for combining the lanyard structure with the earphone body.

Abstract: A microphone unit (1) has a first vibration plate. A support member (6) supports the microphone unit (1). A second vibration plate (5) is fixed to the support member (6) at a predetermined distance from the first vibration plate. An armoring body (2) covers the microphone unit (1), the support member (6) and the second vibration plate (5). A space surrounded by the support member (6), the first vibration plate and the second vibration plate (5) is a closed space (S1) with air kept therein.

Abstract: An audio speaker device is disclosed. The audio speaker is configured for temporary, secure placement directly upon an epidermis surface of a living body. The audio speaker has an output side facing toward the living body. The audio speaker is configured for connectivity to an audio signal source. The audio speaker is configured to communicate an audio signal from the audio signal source to the epidermis surface of the living body in order to transmit the audio signal to within the living body. In at least one embodiment, the audio speaker device is a prenatal audio apparatus for the acoustic stimulation of an unborn child.

Abstract: In this present invention, MP3 playing and charging system having an adapter for installing MP3 and dynamic speakers which includes a docking station and two speakers that can be used in attached or separated manner; two speakers that allow variation of speaker direction generating dynamic sound when attached; and a docking station that can be attached and connected to MP3 player with the use of MP3 installing adapter when connecting MP3 to the docking station is provided.

Abstract: An audio recording and reproducing apparatus includes a controller for controlling the entire behaviors, hard disc for write and read of audio data, audio compression/expansion circuit for expanding compressed audio data, and external I/O port. The audio recording and reproducing apparatus is connected to a network service center to obtain desired music data from storage of the network service center and to store it in the hard disc.