Body Supported (e.g., Headgear) Patents (Class 379/430)
  • Patent number: 9185483
    Abstract: A mono-body set of headphones having a fixed length of headband between ear pads is provided. Although the distance between the ear pads is fixed, the fit of the headphones can be adjusted to the head of the user by coupling or decoupling a removable/insertable headphone pad. More particularly, a pad is provided that can be mated with, or removed from, the headband of the headphones, thus raising or lowering the lower surface of the headband relative to the crown of the user's head, in order to change the position of the ear pads relative to the user's ears. The mono-body headphones are, preferably, flexible and durable, permitting the headphones to be straightened, twisted or bent without breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Marware, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Solomon, Christopher Piedra, Juan Galindo, Edward Martin
  • Patent number: 9124975
    Abstract: A headset device (1) comprising an attachment device (2) for attaching the headset device (1) to the head (3) of a user. The headset device (1) also comprises an audio device (4, 6) for transducing audio to an electrical signal or vice versa and adjustment means (7, 8) for adjusting the mutual positions and/or orientations of the attachment device (2) and the audio device to (4, 6) to a user-specific position, in which the headset device (1) is adjusted to the geometry of the users head (3). The adjustment means (7, 8) comprises selecting means (9; 10; 20; 41) for storing a first user-specific position, whereby a user quickly can readjust the headset device (1) from a non-user-specific position or other user-specific position to the first user-specific position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventor: Michael Hoby Andersen
  • Patent number: 9071900
    Abstract: An apparatus including a microphone array and a removing system. The microphone array includes a binaural microphone system having first and second transducers, and a voice microphone system having at least one third transducer. The removing system is configured to remove, from signals created from the binaural microphone system, components corresponding to sound of a user's voice sensed at the at least one third transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Sampo V. Vesa, Jarmo I. Saari, Miikka Tikander, Timo J. Toivanen
  • Patent number: 9042592
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing engaged with the first housing, a circuit board enclosed between the first and second housings, two speakers, and an antenna. The speakers and the antenna are attached to two sides of the circuit board. The first housing defines two receiving recesses in a surface facing the circuit board and two first through holes each adjacent to one corresponding receiving recess. Each receiving recess defines a second through hole in a bottom. The speakers are received in the receiving recesses. The receiving recesses communicate with the vents to form front resonating chambers for the speakers. The circuit board defines two third through holes aligned with the first through holes and communicating with the recessed sections. The first, second, and third through holes, the recessed sections, and the vents communicate with each other to form back resonating chambers for the speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Rung Chen, Kuang-Hsien Wang
  • Patent number: 9042948
    Abstract: The adjustable headset is an all in one device that includes an adjustable support band, a display system, a first and second ear cover, a computer system, a communications system, and a power source. The adjustable support band connects to each ear cover, with the ear covers being adjacent to a user's ears. The display system uses binary screens to create the experience of looking at large screens by taking up most of a user's field of view. The display system is attached to the ear covers by adjustable screen bars, which allow a user to change the general orientation of the display system. The computer system is capable of storing and running software programs and interfacing with connected devices by means of a set of connection ports or the communications system. The virtual goggles can adjust to meet individual comfort needs and interface with a variety of technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Lee Serota
  • Publication number: 20150110263
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for headsets are disclosed. In one example, a headset includes a processor, a communications interface, a user interface, and a speaker. The headset includes a microphone array including two or more microphones arranged to detect sound and output two or more microphone output signals. The headset further includes a memory storing an application executable by the processor configured to operate the headset in a first mode utilizing a first set of signal processing parameters to process the two or more microphone output signals and operate the headset in a second mode utilizing a second set of signal processing parameters to process the two or more microphone output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Johnston, William J. Loewenthal, JR., Shantanu Sarkar
  • Patent number: 8995649
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Koll
  • Patent number: 8976957
    Abstract: The present arrangements relate to a microphone boom assembly. A first microphone can be positioned proximate to a first aperture defined in a first side of the microphone boom through which acoustic signals propagate to the first microphone, and a second microphone can be positioned proximate to a second aperture defined in a second side of the microphone through which the acoustic signals propagate to the second microphone. The first microphone can be connected to a first side of a flexible printed circuit at a first location and the second microphone connected to a second side of the flexible printed circuit at a second location, the flexible printed circuit mounted into the microphone boom with a bend in the flexible printed circuit positioned between the first location and the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Peter Pavlov, Peng Jiang, Ryan Patrick Rye
  • Patent number: 8918141
    Abstract: An earpiece (100) is provided. The earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (111) configured to capture ambient sound, an Ear Canal Microphone (123) configured to capture internal sound in the ear canal, a memory (208) configured to record at least a portion of the history of the ambient sound and the internal sound, and a processor (121) configured to save a recent portion of the history responsive to an event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Personics Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Goldstein, John Usher, Marc Andre Boillot
  • Patent number: 8907867
    Abstract: Methods and devices for determining whether a head-mountable computing device is donned or doffed are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving from at least one capacitive sensor data indicating a rate of change of capacitance, making a comparison of the rate of change of capacitance to a threshold rate of change of capacitance and, based on the comparison, determining whether the head-mountable computing device is donned or doffed. The method further includes, if the head-mountable computing device is donned, causing the head-mountable computing device to operate in a first state, and if the head-mountable computing device is doffed, causing the head-mountable computing device to operate in a second state, where the head-mountable computing device consumes less power in the second state than in the first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Wong, Joseph John Hebenstreit, Russell Norman Mirov
  • Patent number: 8879722
    Abstract: An apparatus is a wireless communication earpiece. The wireless communication earpiece includes an earmount portion that is capable of positioning the apparatus at an ear of a user, a movable portion that is movable to one of a plurality of positions with reference to the earmount portion, a position sensor that detects a selected position of the plurality of positions of the earmount portion, a plurality of microphones, and a digital signal processing function. The digital signal processing function selects one of a plurality of digital signal processes in response to the selected position and uses the selected one of the digital signal processes to process audio signals from the plurality of microphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Dennis D. Wang, Vijay L. Asrani
  • Patent number: 8824668
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Tom Weidner
  • Patent number: 8818467
    Abstract: A headset system (10) comprising a headset unit (1) and a detachable wearing device (4). The headset unit (1) comprises a microphone arm (3), which is movable between a compact position and an extended position. A proximity sensor (29; 33) in the headset unit (1) detects whether the microphone arm (3) is in the compact position or the extended position. The headset unit (1) and the wearing device (4) are adapted to be movably attached to each other, so that the headset unit (1) can be moved between a use position and a rest position. The proximity sensor (29; 33) detects, when the headset unit (1) is moved into the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventor: Michael Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8804992
    Abstract: A headset for use with electronic communications devices such as a cellular telephone and which includes a unitary, one-piece headband that includes a hair comb. The one-piece headband also includes a volume control and an on/off switch and an aerial wire intertwined with the teeth of the comb. Earbuds are also attached to the one-piece headband to be integral and unitary therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Melissa P. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8761383
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventors: Thomas Pedersen, Jesper Birk Jepsen
  • Patent number: 8744113
    Abstract: A communication eyewear assembly is configured to identify a zone of safety about a wearer and to notify the wearer and/or others of same. A frame assembly is worn to maintain at least one transparent eye panel in front of the wearer's eyes. A processor coupled to the frame assembly receives incoming data from at least one data source. Utilizing the received data, the processor generates zone of safety information in least one spatial dimension relative to a hazardous area. The assembly can also determine existence of extraordinary circumstances based on changes or lack of changes in the data, and notify the wearer and/or others of same, particularly with regard to the status of the wearer. In accordance with the monitoring of the wearer and/or the communication eyewear itself, a unique ID is assigned to the communication eyewear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Energy Telecom, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Rickards
  • Patent number: 8737667
    Abstract: An earphone device having a biological information measuring apparatus, structured to facilitate insertion into a user's ear or to absorb vibration generated by external movement before or after the insertion. To this end, the earphone device includes a speaker portion, a sensor housing rotatably coupled with the speaker portion, a shaft provided in the speaker portion and the sensor housing to couple the speaker portion with the sensor housing such that the speaker portion and the sensor housing rotate together, a support housing coupled with the shaft to pass the shaft therethrough, the support housing supporting rotation of the speaker portion and the sensor housing, and a stopper portion provided in the shaft and the support housing to rotate the speaker portion and the sensor housing and then stop them before or after insertion into a user's ear, thereby facilitating the insertion or urging the speaker portion to contact the user's ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jung-Taek Oh, Min-Hyoung Lee
  • Patent number: 8737666
    Abstract: A headset (10) for audio communications comprising a speaker housing (11) and a boom (12) for a microphone (41, 51), the headset arranged to provide a retracted state and an extended state, wherein the boom is arranged to be wrapped around the speaker housing in the retracted state and be unwrapped from the speaker housing in the extended state. The headset may be used as a hands-free unit for a telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Sami Saila, Mikael Jaakkola
  • Patent number: 8687798
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods, apparatus, systems and means for distinguishing between microphone line signals resulting from: actuation of a microphone button of a headset plugged into a telephone device jack, and removal of the headset plug form the jack. During a telephone call, a first signal can be detected on a microphone line of a headset jack to indicate whether a microphone button of the headset is actuated. Also, while the headset plug is being disconnected from the jack, a transition on the microphone line can be detected, from a second signal indicating that the microphone is being disconnected, to a third signal indicating that the microphone button is actuated. Consequently, to avoid erroneously hanging up a call, transitions to the third signal when removing the plug form the jack can be ignored and the call can be maintained. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Johnson, Scott Mullins, Hugo Fiennes
  • Patent number: 8655005
    Abstract: An earphone system (1; 23) comprising a wireless earphone (2; 20, 21) and a portable holding device (3; 22). The earphone (2; 20, 21) comprises an ear hook (8) for attaching the earphone (2; 20, 21) to the ear (14) of a user. The holding device (3; 22) comprises an outer surface (25) with an earphone recess (4; 30, 31) adapted for receiving the earphone (2; 20, 21) with the ear hook (8), such that the ear hook (8) follows the outer surface (25) of the holding device (3; 22), and attachment means for attaching the earphone (2; 20, 21) in the earphone recess (4; 30, 31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventors: Johan Birger, Michael Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8605934
    Abstract: The earphone housing is essentially mirror symmetric about a first plane, which is orthogonal to the first side, and which extends through the wire position and the center of the earphone housing. The wearing device extends from the earphone housing at an attachment position, which lies at the upper end of the earphone housing. The attachment position can be a first attachment position for holding the earphone housing at the left ear or a second attachment position for holding the earphone at the right ear. The first and the second attachment positions are mirror symmetric located about the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventors: Ola Hagberg, Ole Birch, Kim Ziersen Jakobsen
  • Patent number: 8600094
    Abstract: A device for mounting a communication headset to a helmet includes a mounting panel having a seat in a front surface thereof that includes a set of electrical contacts and a guide, a printed circuit board 110 in electrical connection with the electrical contacts, and an elongated tongue affixed to the mounting panel. The tongue is configured for insertion between an inner shell and an outer shell of a protective helmet. Also, a wireless communication device can have such a tongue affixed to it. The tongue can be forked or otherwise arranged to have plural broad surfaces extending to a free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Cardo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Avraham Kushnirov, Yossef Twina
  • Patent number: 8582755
    Abstract: An earbud headset, a handset including the same, and methods of operating the headset and handset are provided. In one embodiment, an earbud headset includes a speaker portion that is retractable into and extendable from a base portion, thereby allowing for a thin profile form factor. Advantageously, the earbud headset allows for more convenient storage and/or integration with a handset such that a user may carry the handset and headset much like a single item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Bradford, Jay Wilson, Claude Zellweger
  • Patent number: 8577427
    Abstract: The adjustable headset is an all in one device that include an adjustable support band, an adjustable screen, a first and second ear cover, a computer system, a communications system, and a power source. The adjustable support band connects to each ear cover, allowing the virtual goggles to rest atop a user's head, with the ear covers being adjacent to a user's ears. The screen is attached to the ear covers by adjustable screen bars, which allow a user to change the distance, angle, and general orientation of the screen. The computer system is capable of storing and running software programs, such as an operating system, as well as interfacing with connected devices by means of a set of connection ports, located on the ear covers, or the communications system. Thus the virtual goggles serve to adjust to meet individual comfort needs and interface with a wide variety of technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Lee Serota
  • Patent number: 8559621
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for determining the donned or doffed state of a headset. In one example, a headset includes a processor, an acoustic transducer, and a detector operably coupled to the processor, the detector providing an output charge pattern corresponding to a state selected from the group consisting of the headset being donned and doffed. Advantageously, the present disclosure provides for reliably determining a donned or doffed state of a headset for efficiently routing calls, text messages, and/or otherwise being used for notifications and requests in a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John F Gerhardt, Timothy P Johnston, Edward L Reuss, Robert M Khamashta
  • Patent number: 8538009
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for determining the donned or doffed state of a headset. In one example, a headset includes a processor, an acoustic transducer, and a detector operably coupled to the processor, the detector providing an output charge pattern corresponding to a state selected from the group consisting of the headset being donned and doffed. Advantageously, the present disclosure provides for reliably determining a donned or doffed state of a headset for efficiently routing calls, text messages, and/or otherwise being used for notifications and requests in a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John F Gerhardt, Timothy P Johnston, Edward L Reuss, Robert M Khamashta
  • Patent number: 8526600
    Abstract: A light weight and comfortable ear mount for a personal audio-set is disclosed. The ear mount conforms with the antihelix of a wearer's ear, thereby operating substantially as a compression spring between the wearer's antihelix and tragus, to operably secure the personal audio-set in place. In a preferred embodiment, the ear-mount is substantially kidney-shaped and includes an opening to prevent the total occlusion of the ear canal by the personal audio-set. Alternatively, the ear-mount includes a loop of material sized to operably engage the antihelix of the wearer's ear. The ear-mount is preferably reversible to allow it to be placed in either the wearer's left or right ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Michael Howes, Dominic Amae, Raymond Weikel, Robert Jacobson, Omer Kotzer
  • Patent number: 8520836
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for displaying data or an image from a headset and acquiring data with a headset. In one example, a headset includes a processor, an acoustic transducer operably coupled to the processor, and a projector/scanner operably coupled to the processor for displaying an image on a surface exterior to the headset. The projector may also be used to acquire or capture data from a surface exterior to the headset. Advantageously, data and images may be displayed and acquired with a headset without requiring the headset to be taken off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy P. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8515114
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to the wireless stereo reception of first and second audio information by wireless hearing communication devices. One type of device which may employ the present subject matter is a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid. Various forms and protocols of signal transmission are employed in varying embodiments. The present subject matter includes various communication modes such as eavesdropping modes and relaying modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Paul Solum
  • Patent number: 8503711
    Abstract: A hat mounted music system includes a semi-rigid hatband and a flexible crown and hat bill mounted to the hatband. A retaining pocket is mounted to the hatband and is sized and shaped to hold a portable music player. First and second headphone mounts are located to align with the ears of a user. The mounts have first and second hinges. First portions of the hinges are attached to the hatband and second portions of the hinges are attached to the mounts. The hinges permit movement of the mounts from a first, open position to a second, listening position. First and second headphone modules are adapted to fit the headphone mounts. Connection wires connect the player to the headphone modules. The headphone mounts are spring-loaded and are retained in the second position by a latching mechanism. A release device allows the headphone mounts to return to the first, open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Flynn
  • Patent number: 8498679
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body and a BLUETOOTH earphone that can be detachably attached to the main body. The earphone includes a keyboard capable of generating signals to control the electronic device in response to user input. The main body includes a detecting unit, a processing unit, and a touch-sensitive screen. The detecting unit generates a signal when the earphone is attached to the main body. The processing unit controls to display information without specific information or with specific information on the touch-sensitive screen upon receiving the signal from the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qi Yu
  • Patent number: 8498427
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electronic device with a remote control earphone electrically connected to the main body of the device. The remote control earphone includes seven sensing units, which are substantially arranged in a “8” shape. Sensing signal generated by each sensing unit in response to a touch from the user includes an identification code for identifying itself. The remote control earphone transmits the generated sensing signal to the main body. The main body includes a cache unit to store at least one identification code corresponding to the sensing signal, a storage unit to store the relationship between the identification codes and numbers the identification codes corresponding to, and a processing unit to determine which one of the numbers is input according to the at least one identification code and the relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Song-Ling Yang
  • Patent number: 8494185
    Abstract: A device into which an electro-acoustic transducer is incorporated has at least two audio signal conductors through which the device may be coupled to another device to convey analog audio signals representing sounds at a time when the other device places a relatively low DC bias voltage across the at least two audio signal conductors, and to be operated as either a digital serial bus to exchange pieces of digitally-encoded data concerning the electro-acoustic transducer or as a trigger to cause the electro-acoustic transducer to be bypassed to enable another electro-acoustic transducer to be tested at a time when the other device places a relatively high DC bias voltage across the at least two audio signal conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Paul G. Yamkovoy
  • Patent number: 8494184
    Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer or a device into which an electro-acoustic transducer is incorporated has at least two audio signal conductors through which the electro-acoustic transducer or device may be coupled to another device to convey analog audio signals representing sounds at a time when the other device places a relatively low DC bias voltage across the at least two audio signal conductors, and to be operated as a digital serial bus to exchange pieces of digitally-encoded data concerning the electro-acoustic transducer at a time when the other device places a relatively high DC bias voltage across the at least two audio signal conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Paul G. Yamkovoy
  • Patent number: 8494205
    Abstract: A base station, wireless headset and headband, the headset being powered by a rechargeable battery, the base station having a cradle with charging output points, and the headset having a cradle-neck with charging input contact points. The headset may be cradled in a charging position to ensure electrical connection between the base station and the rechargeable battery through the electrical contact points. The wireless headset includes attachment sites for releasable attachment thereto of the headband to form a headband-headset assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sennheiser Communications A/S
    Inventor: Lars T. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8489026
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
  • Publication number: 20130178251
    Abstract: The headset of the invention includes a control unit, a switch unit, a connector, a speaker and a microphone. The connector is used for connecting an external device. The speaker is electrically connected to the control unit. The microphone is electrically connected to the control unit. The switch unit has a common contact electrically connecting the connector and two switch contacts electrically connected to the control unit for switching either the speaker or the microphone to electrically connect with the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth Pan
  • Patent number: 8483776
    Abstract: A printed circuit board for a wireless communications device includes an acoustic path, and acoustically couples microphone circuitry mounted to a surface of the printed circuit board to an exterior of the wireless communications device. A portion of the acoustic path is integrally formed with the printed circuit board and extends generally parallel to the surface of the printed circuit board. One end of the acoustic path is disposed proximate the microphone circuitry and an opposing end opens to receive acoustic sound from the exterior of the wireless communications device. Audible sound propagates through the acoustic path to the microphone circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Matthew Justin Murray
  • Patent number: 8477955
    Abstract: A method for controlling a headphone having a microphone for receiving noise and user signals, the received noise being used to reduce noise at an output of the headphone, includes detecting a signal by the microphone; if the signal has a predefined characteristic, the signal is mapped to a control command; and the headphone is operated according to the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Joseph Craig Engle, Gregg Michael Morgan, Francis Arthur Davenport
  • Patent number: 8472660
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Innovelis, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric John Wengreen
  • Patent number: 8447031
    Abstract: An earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM), an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR), a transceiver, an illumination element, and a processor to provide visual operational mode indication via the illumination element. The operational mode can correspond to an active phone call, an incoming phone call, a terminated phone, a caller-on-hold condition, a recording mode, a voice mail mode, a mute mode, an audible transparency mode or an ear-plug mode. The intensity, frequency, amplitude, color or duration of the lighting can be adjusted according to the operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Personics Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: John Usher, Steven Goldstein, Marc Boillot
  • Patent number: 8437812
    Abstract: An active-noise-reduction (ANR) headset includes at least one auxiliary connection to an output of at least one device, such as a personal communications, computing, and/or entertainment device. An exemplary headset also includes a primary connection to an aircraft two-way radio or public-address system and circuitry for automatically suppressing or muting the volume of an auxiliary input signal relative to that of a primary input signal. Other exemplary features include a headset power supply, a microphone, a microphone preamplifier, and a device-detection circuit. The device-detection circuit selectively couples the power supply to the microphone preamplifier, enabling it to provide audio signals to the microphone input of the auxiliary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Lightspeed Aviation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Wurtz
  • Patent number: 8428289
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Innovelis, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric John Wengreen
  • Publication number: 20130095894
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for determining the donned or doffed state of a headset. In one example, a headset includes a processor, an acoustic transducer, and a detector operably coupled to the processor, the detector providing an output charge pattern corresponding to a state selected from the group consisting of the headset being donned and doffed. Advantageously, the present disclosure provides for reliably determining a donned or doffed state of a headset for efficiently routing calls, text messages, and/or otherwise being used for notifications and requests in a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: PLANTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Plantronics, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8406418
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventor: Ole Birch
  • Patent number: 8406447
    Abstract: An earphone device (1) comprising a main body (14) to be inserted in to the outer ear (28) of a user. The main body (14) has a first side (5) that faces the user's head when inserted, a cavity (13) and a sound opening (2) connecting the first side (5) with the cavity (13). The main body (14) further comprises an ear canal protrusion (3) to be inserted into the ear canal (7). The cross section of the ear canal protrusion (3) is smaller than the cross section of the ear canal (7) and the ear canal protrusion (3) is having a first side (8) adapted to lie against the ear canal wall (10) and a second side (9) lying opposite the first side (8) and beside the sound opening (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventors: Per Kromann, Tommy Le
  • Patent number: 8374374
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a headset includes a body housing a pivot coupling, a speaker capsule operably coupled to the body, and an arm operably coupled to the body. The arm is capable of pivoting open and close about the pivot coupling for accessing a microphone at a free end of the arm. A method for accessing a headset microphone is also provided. Advantageously, the apparatus and method of the present disclosure provide for improved headset use and speech clarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Wales Zhou
  • Patent number: 8363874
    Abstract: There is provided an earphone having at least one housing (10) and at least one electroacoustic transducer (20) having a first and a second surface (21, 22). The earphone further has a first volume (100) defined by the first surface (21) of the electroacoustic transducer (20) and by a first end (12) of the housing (10), and a second volume (200) defined by the second surface (22) of the electroacoustic transducer (20) and by a second end (11) of the housing (10). An opening (300) is provided between the first and second volumes (100, 200). A closing unit (30) serves to at least partially close the opening (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Axel Grell, Markus Kuhr, Axel Bergmeier
  • Patent number: 8363823
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for communicating between a user device, such as a mobile terminal, and a three wire headset assembly having two microphones coupled thereto. The methods provide two microphone uplink communication and stereo audio playback on a three wire headset assembly without requiring a fourth wire or the addition of a separate voice processor. The headset assembly includes a primary microphone and secondary microphone spaced some distance apart for applying techniques of noise reduction and suppression. The headset assembly includes two speakers. Controlled switches are also included in both the user device and headset assembly to achieve dual use for a single wire of the three wires. The three wire headset may advantageously support both stereo playback and two microphone voice processing. In some embodiments, two microphone noise suppression for a wired headset mode of the user device is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Audience, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Santos
  • Patent number: RE44942
    Abstract: A mobile communication device is provided. The mobile communication device includes a terminal body, and a speaker module located in the terminal body. The speaker module includes an enclosure located in the terminal body, the enclosure defining a chamber therein, and a speaker having a front surface and a rear surface, the speaker being located in the enclosure such that the front surface of the speaker is exposed from the enclosure and the rear surface thereof is positioned within the chamber, to allow a sound generated from the rear surface to resonate within the chamber. A mutual interference between the sound generated from the front side of the sound emission part and the sound emitted from the rear side thereof can be reduced to thereby improve the performance of the middle and low sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung-Tae Lee, Jin-Ho Kim, Jeong-Hoon Kang