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: An earphone having an under hanger reduces movement of the earphone from vibrations that occur while a user is typically in motion. The earphone preferably includes: a housing for housing a speaker therein; a protector installed in a front surface of the housing and having a mesh for delivering a sound from the speaker; and an under hanger provided at a lower part of the housing to closely contact along a lower part of the rear side of an earflap of a user. The provision of an under hanger in a lower part of the earphone prevents from being easily separated from a user's ear. Further, by providing an under hanger made of a soft material, as the earphone closely contacts with the user's ear, a sound quality is improved and a wearing feeling of the earphone is improved.

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: 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.

Abstract: A wireless headset comprises a body portion and a boom pivotably coupled to the body portion. The boom is resiliently biased from a first position towards a second position relative to the first headset portion. The headset includes a sensor for detecting movement of the boom between the second to the first position.

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: 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.

Abstract: A headset phone for use with an audio system. A conventional 4-tap, combo phone connector is provided that has a sleeve tap, a tip tap, a first ring tap, and a second ring tap. A first speaker element is connected across the sleeve and tip taps and a second speaker element is connected across the sleeve and first ring taps. A microphone is connected across the sleeve and second ring tap. At least one control unit, other than a mute control, is also connected across the sleeve and second ring taps, such that operation of any control unit changes the impedance across the sleeve and second ring tap that is seen by the audio system.

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 miniaturized acoustic boom structure includes a microphone boom housing having a wind screen and a microphone pod configured to hold a microphone. The microphone pod has an outer surface secured to an inner surface of the microphone boom housing, an interior having one or more surfaces configured to form an acoustic seal around at least a portion of the periphery of the microphone, and first and second pod port openings. The first and second pod port openings provide sound wave access to opposing sides of a diaphragm of the microphone, and are shaped and spaced away from the first and second microphone ports of the microphone so that an acoustic path length between the first and second pod port openings is greater than an acoustic path length between the first and second microphone ports.

Abstract: A portable terminal in provided. The portable terminal includes a body having a front surface, the front surface having an upper portion and a lower portion, a display unit located in the body and visible at the front surface thereof, the display unit having a first end and a second end, and at least one of the first end being adjacent the upper portion and the second end being adjacent the lower portion, and a speaker unit located in the body, the speaker unit including a bone conduction speaker.

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: 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 headset (1) comprises a body (3) and a boom (4), on which a microphone is located. The boom (4) is mounted so that the position of a microphone (5) relative to the body (3) can be adjusted. The headset 1 further comprises a controller (15) arranged to process an electrical signal generated by the microphone (5) by equalizing components corresponding to high and low audio frequencies in accordance with the detected position of the microphone (5). For instance, low frequencies may be preferentially attenuated if the microphone (5) is used when the boom (4) is in a retracted position. Optionally, the controller (15) may also adjust the gain of the microphone (5) in accordance with the position of the microphone (5). The headset (1) may be used to communicate with an external device (2) using a wired or wireless connection. For example, the headset (1) may convey signals to and from a mobile telephone using the Bluetooth® protocol and/or may be used for Push-to-Talk applications.

Abstract: An earpiece device includes a housing having a sound output portion, a speaker and a microphone. The speaker disposed in the housing includes a diaphragm and a sound transmitting hole. The diaphragm is located between the sound output portion and the sound transmitting hole. The microphone is disposed in the housing and covers the sound transmitting hole. A sound wave generated within an ear canal would be received by the speaker and delivered through the sound transmitting hole to the microphone for pickup.

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: An earphone antenna device operable to be connected with a wireless communication terminal device includes: earphone cables, connected with earphone sections, respectively, for supplying audio signals; an audio cable one end of which is connected with the wireless communication terminal device and the other end is connected with the earphone cables; and a coaxial cable one end of which is connected with the wireless communication terminal device and the other end is connected with a pair of string-shaped antenna elements integrated with the earphone cables. The earphone cables are insulated from the antenna elements and the audio cable is insulated from the coaxial cable. This provides a dipole antenna device and an earphone antenna device hardly influenced by noises from the wireless communication terminal device and noises transmitted via the audio cable. Further, a wireless communication terminal device to be connected with the antenna devices is provided.

Abstract: Handover of call serviced by modular ear-piece/microphone between servicing base portions is presented. A wireless headset includes wireless interface(s), earpiece, a microphone, processing module, and a user interface. The wireless interface(s) wirelessly couples the wireless headset to a base unit via a wireless personal area network (WPAN). The earpiece renders inbound portions of the service calls audible while the microphone is operable to produce the outbound portion of the call. Both the earpiece and microphone are communicatively coupled to the wireless interface(s). The processing module also coupled to the wireless interface(s) allows the wireless headset to initiate call functions between the wireless headset and a servicing network made available through the base unit, service a call and call control functions, and anchor the call to the wireless headset.

Abstract: A microphone device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of microphones and a microphone holder for holding the microphones. The microphones include a first sound receiving part and a second sound receiving part. The microphone holder comprises a holder body, and the holder body includes a plurality of microphone engaging recesses facing in different directions from each other and to be removably in engagement with the plurality of microphones. These microphone engaging recesses are to be in engagement with the plurality of microphones with the first sound receiving part facing the outer side of the holder body.

Abstract: A flat, ribbon-like headphone cable having a unitary cable section, a splitter, and two split cable sections for connection to earpieces. The unitary and split cable sections each have substantially flat cross-sections wherein the width is substantially greater than the thickness. The split cable sections are oriented such that their widths are substantially perpendicular to the width of the unitary cable section.

Abstract: An earpiece using optical fiber shields the human brain from radio frequency radiation generated by wireless phones and similar radio devices. The disclosed device and method prevents unwanted exposure to potentially harmful radiation and provides an enhanced communication path between a cell phone and ear-piece.

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.

Abstract: A mobile communication device having a first housing and a second housing proximally coupled to the first housing. The first housing and the second housing can be, for example, rotationally or translationally coupled. A clamshell form factor and a rotator form factor are rotationally coupled. In another example, a slider phone form factor is translationally coupled. In these examples, the devices are configured to have an open position and configured to have a closed position. A speakerphone microphone is located in the first housing. A speakerphone speaker is located in the second housing wherein the speakerphone microphone is substantially distal the speakerphone speaker.

Abstract: Communication unit comprising a housing (1) in which at least one transducer is placed, and on which a microphone arm (2) is suspended. The housing also has an ear hook (6) for fastening the communication unit to the head of a user. The microphone arm (2) is pivotally connected to the housing (1) by a hinge link (3, 4, 5) at an outer area of the housing, and so that the microphone arm (2) can be moved between a position in which it lies up against the housing (1), and a position in which it extends away from the housing. The microphone arm has a length, which in the main is less than or of the same order as the greatest extent of the housing, so that in the folded-in state the microphone arm does not project out over the circumference of the housing. The communication unit can be used on both the right and the left side of the head, in that the ear hook (6) can be suspended in two different positions.

Abstract: A Bluetooth earphone and an ear-hook device thereof are provided. The Bluetooth earphone includes an earphone body and an ear-hook device. The ear-hook device includes a hinge assembly and an ear hook. The hinge assembly is rotatably disposed on the earphone body. The ear hook is rotatably disposed on the hinge assembly. As a result, the ear hook is able to rotate around the earphone body on two different axes via the hinge assembly, such that a user can selectively wear the Bluetooth earphone on his or her left ear or right ear.

Abstract: A headset (1. 10. 30) e.g. for use in connection with wireless communication. The housing may be constructed as two shells (2, 3) which may be opened and closed so that all mechanical parts may be concealed on the housing when the headset (1, 10, 30) is not in use. The shells (2, 3) may be interconnected by means of a hinge (7, 8) which has an axis disposed in the same plane as the surface of the shells. Alternatively, the shells may be arranged such that the axis is disposed in a perpendicular plane. The headset (1, 10, 30) has all mechanical and electrical parts are well protected when the headset is not used.

Abstract: A method and a headset for controlling a mobile communication device outputting an audio is described. A multi-conductor line connects a multi-pole connector to a speaker of the headset. The multi-conductor line carries the audio from the mobile communication device to the speaker. A multi-button remote control establishes a wireless control channel over a wireless connection between the multi-button remote control and the mobile communication device. The wireless control channel is used for sending a command from the multi-button remote control, the command controlling the outputting of the audio.

Abstract: A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that allows a mono-aural personal audio device to be worn in either a wearer's left or right ear without the need to remove or detach individual components of the personal audio sent and mount is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the personal audio device has two earphone portions and the mount allows the audio device to operate in either mono or stereo modes wherein one of the earphones may be moved away from a wearer's ear when needed, such as when driving. A boom microphone is preferably pivotally secured to one of the earphone portions.

Abstract: There is provided a method for operating a receiver unit (12) for receiving audio signals from a remote transmission unit (10) via a wireless audio link (56), comprising: connecting an audio signal output (41) of the receiver unit (12) to an audio signal input (42) of a hearing instrument (14A, 14B) comprising means (52) located at a user's ear or in the user's ear canal for stimulating the user's hearing according to the audio signals from the receiver unit (12) and a microphone arrangement (44); measuring by means (34, 38) included in the receiver unit (12) the impedance of the audio signal input (42) of the hearing instrument (14A, 14B); and adjusting the impedance of the audio signal output (41) of the receiver unit (12) according to the measured impedance of the audio signal input (42) of the hearing instrument (14A, 14B).

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: Headsets are used in variety of applications to facilitate one- or two-way audio communications between users and/or devices. The present inventor recognized that conventional headsets lack means for successfully integrating more than one audio source, despite their use in proximity to multiple sources of audio signals, such as cell phones, laptops, aircraft radios, and so forth. Accordingly, the present inventors devised one or more devices, circuits, and methods related to connection of at least two audio input signals to a headset. For example, in one embodiment, an active-noise-reduction (ANR) headset includes at least one auxiliary port for connection to an output of at least one device, such as a personal communications, computing, and/or entertainment device. This exemplary headset also includes a primary port for connection to a two-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.

Abstract: The modular wireless headset includes at least one wearable earpiece and at least one wearable microphone, where the earpiece is physically separate from the microphone. The wearable earpiece is operably to render inbound radio frequencies received from a host device audible. To do this, the wearable earpiece includes, at least, a receiver module, a data recovery module, and a speaker module. The receiver module is operably coupled to convert the inbound RF signals. The data recovery module is operably coupled to recover audio signals from the RF signals. The speaker module is operably coupled to render the audio signals audible. The wearable microphone is operable to convert received audio signals into outbound RF signals, where the outbound RF signals are transmitted to the host device. The wearable microphone includes, at least, an audio input module and a transmitter module. The audio input module is operably coupled to convert received analog audio signals into digital audio signals.

Abstract: A headset worn is provided to be on an ear in such a manner that a speaker is adhered to the ear. The headset includes a headset body; a hook unit for adhering and fixing the headset body to a user's ear part; a key positioned at a part of the headset body such that its key top protrudes; and a touch region having elasticity, and provided to maintain a distance from the key while facing the key, wherein, as the touch region is pressed, the key is pressed and enabled at the same time.

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.

Abstract: A modular wireless headset includes wearable earpiece(s) and wearable microphone(s), where the earpiece and microphone may be physically separate devices. The wearable earpiece renders inbound radio frequencies received from a host device audible. The wearable earpiece may include a receiver module, data recovery module, and speaker module. The receiver module may convert inbound RF signals into low intermediate frequency (IF) signals. The data recovery module recovers audio signals from the low IF signals. The speaker module renders the audio signals audible. The wearable microphone converts received audio signals into outbound RF signals, where the outbound RF signals are transmitted to the host device. The wearable microphone includes an audio input module and a transmitter module. The audio input module is operably coupled to convert received analog audio signals into digital audio signals. The transmitter module is operably coupled to convert the digital audio signals into the outbound RF signals.

Abstract: A personal audio listening device is adapted to be worn on a user's ear, and includes a housing, a pivotal knob, and an ear hook member. The housing has a surface and a hollow portion, and defines a first axis and a second axis. The pivotal knob is pivotally mounted on the surface of the housing, and includes a pair of parallel resilient walls. The ear hook member includes a hook body and an end portion. The end portion includes a pivot element in the form of a polygonal post. The hook body is configured to be wearable on the user's ear. The ear hook member is fittingly received between the resilient walls by means of the pivot element so as to be mounted on the pivotal knob. The ear hook member is pivotable about the first axis, and is rotatable about the second axis.

Abstract: A wireless headphone device has a first elongate portion having first and second opposite ends with an attachment interface at the first end, the first portion comprising an on-board power supply and a transceiver with functional circuitry, and a second elongate portion coupled pivotally to the first portion at the second end, and having an ear bud and a microphone at an end away from the pivotal coupling. The functional circuitry enables receiving and playing of audio from an MP3 player through the ear bud, and use as speaker and microphone for a wirelessly coupled telephone.

Abstract: There is provided an earpiece comprising: a main unit having a cylindrical shape having made therein a through hole that can allow sound to be transmitted therethrough; a cap portion that has a film-like shape which is formed to extend from all around a front-end surface, in a direction of making the through hole, of the main unit toward a rear-end surface side, and which covers at least a portion of the main unit on the front-end surface side, and in which space between the main unit and the cap portion expands as it goes toward the rear-end surface side; and at least one cutting portion formed in the cap portion so that the cap portion can deform in a direction of the main unit.

Abstract: A communications interface device is wearable about a user's neck, and can have various audio communications devices—such as cellphones, walkie-talkies, radios, scanners, digital music players, etc.—connected to the interface device to serve as a central communications hub. An audio input microphone is provided on the device to pick up audio messages that the user wishes to deliver, with such messages then being directed to the appropriate connected communications device. Speakers, which preferably extend from the interface device via flexible leads, supply audio from one or more of the connected communications devices to the user's ears. A switch or other selector is provided on the interface device to allow user selection of the communications devices from which the user wishes to receive (and to which the user wishes to send) messages.

Abstract: A cap for listening to an audio device such as an MP3 player or iPod has a pocket in the back with a spring-loaded double-ended retractor for pulling a stereo jack to the front of the cap for connecting to an audio device, adjusting it and returning the retractor along with the audio device to the pocket. The stereo jack is connected to ear buds via wires leading from a T-shaped anchoring junction secured in the bottom of the pocket. The ear buds hang from opposite sides of the cap and are placed in bud pockets on the cap when not in use.

Abstract: An earset including a main housing with a microphone and an ear speaker mounted therein; a cover rotatably connected to the main housing and rotating along a first hinge axis to expose or close the ear speaker, the ear speaker being exposed with rotation of the cover and rotating along a second hinge axis to be protruded out from the main housing and fitted into the ear of a user; and first and second hinge devices providing the first and second hinge axes, respectively, and rotatably connecting the cover and the ear speaker to the main housing.

Abstract: An earphone with adjustable volume of a front chamber between a speaker and a housing is provided, which includes a speaker unit, a housing and a movable element. The speaker unit is disposed within the housing, and the housing includes an earplug formation formed in front of the speaker unit. A chamber within the earplug formation has a volume, and the movable element is disposed on the housing and moves correspondingly with the chamber, so as to adjust the volume of the chamber. Therefore, the frequency response of the sound sent by the speaker unit varies depending upon the variation of the volume of the chamber.

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.

Abstract: Various embodiments of active headsets and/or headphones, including in-the-ear devices with boom microphones, are presented with, among other things, power-saving features, cell-phone functions, and automated activation and deactivation. Various novel methods and related circuitry are also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hands-free holder for hands-free use of a device that is designed to be held up to a user's ear. The holder is connectable to the device and includes a sleeve that includes a transparent elastically stretchable material that defines an opening for receiving a portion of the device. The holder further includes a curved member that includes a first end and second end rotatably coupled to a first side of the sleeve and to an opposite side of the sleeve, respectively. The curved member defines an opening for receiving the top of a user's ear and is configured to rest on and behind the user's ear when the top of the user's ear is received in the opening such that the device connected to the holder is supported by the user's ear, thereby allowing hands-free use of the device.

Abstract: A wireless headset system includes a headset and a programming device. The programming device can be in the headset or in a base that is connectable to the headset. The headset has programmable device and a transceiver. The base has a programming device. The programming device programs the programmable device in the headset to control the transceiver to communicate directly with any cordless telephone base station, allowing hands free use of the telephone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for advantageously powering a headset without a power cable. In one example, a headset includes a processor, an acoustic transducer, and a kinetic energy converter operably coupled to a power cell for powering the headset, the kinetic energy converter capable of converting kinetic energy of the headset into an output charge for charging the power cell. Advantageously, the present disclosure provides for reliably and efficiently powering a headset without having to replace or dock a headset battery and without requiring power cables.

Abstract: A telephone headset system having a network interface device, a head set including a headphone and a microphone, and a foot operated, hands free call answering and call ending element. The network interface device, headset, and call answering and call ending element are electronically in communication with each other.

Abstract: A headset storage device includes a headset cradle, a switch and a manual override device. The headset cradle has two positions: a first position when the headset cradle is supporting a headset and a second position when the headset cradle is not supporting a headset. The switch couples the audio signal to the alternate audio system when the headset cradle is in the first position and to the headset when the headset cradle is in the second position. The manual override device forces the headset cradle into one of the two positions regardless of whether the headset cradle is supporting a headset.

Abstract: A headset is proposed for use with a communication and/or multimedia device, said headset comprising an interface for receiving input data, a processing unit for processing said input data to generate audio output signals, a speaker for outputting said audio output signals in a mono mode and connecting means for connecting the headset to a power supply in order to charge a battery or an accumulator being provided within said headset. Said connecting means are also connectable to an additional speaker device forming alone or together with said speaker of said headset a stereo headphone wherein said processing unit processes the input data to generate stereo output signals when said speaker device is connected to said headset.