Abstract: A speaker assembly includes a support structure and a tactile vibrator coupled to the support structure. The tactile vibrator includes a plurality of rigid members coupled to a plurality of suspension members. Each rigid member of the plurality of rigid members has at least one magnetic member coupled thereto for generating tactile vibrations during operation of the speaker assembly. A headphone includes the speaker assembly. A method of operating a speaker assembly includes driving a tactile vibrator having a plurality of magnetic members coupled to a plurality of rigid members and a plurality of suspension members to cause tactile vibrations in the speaker assembly.

Abstract: A speaker comprises a support structure having a circumferentially extending rim, a vibration member configured to be displaced relative to the support structure during operation of the speaker, and a suspension member suspending the vibration member relative to the support structure. The suspension member includes a radially outer portion attached to the rim of the support structure, a radially inner platform portion attached to the vibration member, and a plurality of beams. Each beam of the plurality of beams may extend from the radially outer portion to the radially inner platform portion. The plurality of beams is configured such that a resonant frequency of the vibration member attached to the radially inner platform portion of the suspension member scales linearly with a beam width of the beams of the plurality of beams.

Abstract: Headphones for stereo tactile vibration, and related systems and methods are disclosed. A headphone comprises a first speaker assembly including a first audio driver and a first tactile bass vibrator. The headphone also comprises a second speaker assembly including a second audio driver and a second tactile bass vibrator. The headphone further comprises a signal processing circuit configured to generate a first tactile vibration signal and a second tactile vibration signal from an audio signal to be received by the headphone. The first tactile vibration signal differs from the second tactile vibration signal. A method of operating the headphone includes generating the first tactile vibration signal and the second tactile vibration signal, and driving vibration of the first and second tactile bass vibrators with the first and second tactile vibration signals, respectively. A stereo tactile vibrator system includes the headphone.

Abstract: Earbud headphones configured for use with a portable media player that include a main body portion with an extended curvature configuration. In one example implementation, the earbud headphones include a speaker housing and an extension that form a gap between the speaker housing and the extension. A user can secure a portion of the user's outer ear in the gap (i.e., between the extension and speaker housing), such that the earbud is securely and comfortably held in place within the user's ear. Additionally, the earbud headphones can include interchangeable components, such that a user can customize the size, fit, and style of the earbud headphones.

Abstract: An apparatus related to a magnetic circuit design is disclosed. The apparatus includes a magnetic assembly and an electrically-conductive mobile member. The magnetic assembly includes an inner magnet, an outer magnet, an inner cap, an outer cap and a washer. The magnetic assembly is configured to produce a magnetic field having a zone of operation between the inner cap and the outer cap. The zone of operation has substantially uniform magnetic field strength. The zone of operation has magnetic field directions substantially perpendicular to an ideal motion direction. The electrically-conductive mobile member is disposed in the zone of operation of the magnetic field and electrically coupled to a diaphragm of a driver. The electrically-conductive mobile member is configured to move within the zone of operation of the magnetic field in response to the magnetic field when an alternating current is passed through the electrically-conductive mobile member.

Abstract: A set of headphones designed to be used by DJ's for the purpose of mixing two or more music tracks being played from two or more audio playing devices. The headphones are configured such that a DJ can easily mute one headphone speaker so that the DJ can listen to a first music track that is being played through a sound system. At the same time, the headphones are configured to direct the complete stereo signal to the other headphone speaker so that the DJ can listen to the complete audio from a second music track. For example, when the DJ presses an audio control button, the set of headphones can automatically mute one of the speakers on the headphones, and automatically direct all of the stereo channels to the opposing speaker on the set of headphones.

Abstract: Accessory structures for connection to straps of user-wearable accessories include a module, a first strap engagement structure disposed on a first side of the module, and a second strap engagement structure disposed on a second side of the module. The module may comprise at least one of an integral accessory device and an attachment feature configured for attachment to a separate accessory device. The strap engagement structures are configured for connection to straps of a user-wearable accessory. User-wearable accessory systems include such an accessory structure and a user-wearable accessory to which the accessory structure may be connected. Methods include the formation of such an accessory structure. Additional methods include the connection of such an accessory structure to a user-wearable accessory.

Abstract: Packaging inserts for headphones include a unitary body having two or more integral portions configured to fold relative to one another so as to partially enclose, support, and retain a headphone within the folded unitary body between the integral portions. Methods of packaging headphones include positioning a headphone on such a unitary body, and folding the unitary body around at least a portion of the headphones. Packaged headphone assemblies include a headphone, and such a packaging insert folded around at least a portion of the headphone.

Abstract: A system for interacting with an audio reproduction device and a user using the audio reproduction device is disclosed. The system includes: an image capture module capturing an image depicting an audio reproduction device used by a user; an image recognition module performing image recognition to extract recognition data from the image, the recognition data including data describing the audio reproduction device and one or more deteriorating factors that deteriorate a sound quality in the audio reproduction device; a filter module estimating a sound degradation in the audio reproduction device that is caused by the one or more deteriorating factors, the filter module applying a digital filter to compensate the sound degradation in the audio reproduction device; an aggregation module aggregating data associated with the user, the aggregated data including the recognition data; and a recommendation module providing one or more recommended items to the user.

Abstract: Headphones include removable audio drivers electrically coupled with electrical conductors using solderless and detachable interconnections. Driver assemblies for headphones include an audio driver and a driver unit housing. An acoustical cavity is defined between the driver unit housing and the audio driver, and a port extends through the driver unit housing between the acoustical cavity and the exterior of the driver assembly. The driver unit housing is configured to be secured within an outer ear-cup housing of a headphone such that the port is open to the exterior of the headphone without communicating acoustically with a volume outside the driver unit housing and within the outer ear-cup housing. Headphones include such driver assemblies. Methods are used to form such headphones and driver assemblies.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods that analyze an individual's state based on selected criteria, and then adaptively provide stimuli to affect the individual's performance compared to established benchmarks and pre-set plans. The methods or systems can provide audio and/or tactile inputs to a human subject to obtain a specific performance state. A music or sound selection engine considers the sensory and environmental inputs and selects the appropriate music or auditory stimulus at 14, with the intent to reach desired state of flow. The methods an systems can employ multiple measurements of personal data that can correlate to the emotional state of a subject. By manipulating stimuli delivered to an individual, ultimate performance can be improved over various planning horizons.

Abstract: A mass port configured to tune a frequency response of an audio reproduction device is disclosed. The mass port includes a head portion and an insertion portion coupled to the head portion. The head portion includes a sealing structure on a rear side. The head portion is configured to attach to a rear plate of a driver at the sealing structure. The insertion portion is configured to be inserted into a speaker port on the rear plate of the driver. The head portion and the insertion portion include an air slot that runs through the head portion and the insertion portion.