Abstract: An electrical device such as a headset may have a cable. Wires in the cable may be used to connect speakers in the headset to a connector such as an audio jack. The cable may have a tubular intertwined cable cover that covers the wires. Computer-controlled servo motors in fiber intertwining equipment may be adjusted in real time so that intertwined attributes such as intertwining density and intertwining tension are varied as a function of length along the intertwined cable cover. The fiber intertwining equipment may make these variations to locally increase the strength of the intertwined cable cover and the cable in the vicinity of a bifurcation in the cable and in the vicinity of the portion of the cable that terminates at the audio jack.

Abstract: Headsets are provided with integrated switch assemblies. An integrated switch assembly can include a switch hidden from view by a housing. The switch can be activated when a user applies pressure to the housing. The housing may include a flexible housing cover that, when depressed, may engage the switch contained within the housing. When engaged, the switch may move or snap to a switch activation position within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sharing of content between multiple users. A data player(10) decodes pre-stored audio data therein using a decoding function, and a converter converts the decoded digital data to analog to a headphone set in communication with the data player. When another user places his or her headphone set (2,4) close to the data player(10), the data player(10) confirms whether it has right to receive transmission from the data player, and after successful verification, reproduced data from the data player can be shared by the users.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for a headset and system including a portable device, wherein the headset includes an electrically conductive band configured to engage a portion of a head of a user and coupling together a headpiece and an earpiece assembly. The headpiece includes an electrically conductive portion that is configured to engage and electrically couple to the user's head. The headpiece is electrically coupled with the conductive band. The earpiece assembly is coupled with the conductive band to engage an ear of a user and has a ground conductor that is electrically coupled between the conductive band and a portable device for coupling the portable device to the head of a user for reducing electrostatic discharge at the head of the user of the portable device.

Abstract: Cable assemblies comprising at least a first wire and a second wire are provided. The wires are enclosed, using injection molding, by a respective layer of thermo-resistant material. During the injection molding, the first wire and second wire are kept substantially straight so as to avoid kinks in at least one of the first wire and the second wire that can develop subsequent to the molding if a wire is not substantially straight. The tension associated with the first wire and the second wire is kept within a predetermined range or below a predetermined threshold. The predetermined range/threshold depends on a temperature associated with the injection molding. The injection molding can provide a zip structure over the wires such that the zip structure can be zipped-together and zipped-apart to prevent entanglement of the wires when used by a user.

Abstract: An anti-tangling device includes a headphone cord having a distal end, a male signal plug at the distal end, a proximal end, and at least one earphone at the proximal end. Each of the plug and the earphone has first or second parts of a two-part connection device. The two-part connection device removably secures the plug and the earphone to one another. In an embodiment, the plug is the first part and the earphone has a plug-in portion as the second part. The plug-in portion defines a female port shaped to removably secure the plug therein and, when secured, forms a continuous loop with the cord, the plug, and the earphone. The plug-in portion can be integral with or removably attached to the earphone. The first and second parts can be a magnet and a magnetized piece, a hook-and-loop type fastener, or parts of a press-fit snap fastener.

Abstract: This is directed to a bend switch constructed from two substantially co-linear elongated bodies having opposing contact surfaces. In an open switch position, the contact surfaces remain apart, preventing electrical coupling. To close the switch, a user can bend the elongated bodies relative to each other to cause the contact surfaces to meet, thus creating an electrical coupling. Each elongated body can have several independent conductive portions. The bend switch can include a movable space member placed between the elongated bodies to maintain the contact surfaces a predetermined distance apart in the open switch position. The movable space member can include preferred or non-preferred bending orientations, equilibrium positions, and/or a potentiometer for closing the switch. The bend switch can control one or more functions (e.g., microphone, volume, or playback controls) of an electronic device (e.g., portable media device or cellular telephone) coupled to the bend switch.

Abstract: An audio source device may be used with a garment such as a hooded garment by passing the audio wires into a channel in the hood and having them exit the hood inside hollow lanyards with earbuds at the ends. A means to fix the wires and the lanyards to each other inside the hood is shown; and a means is shown to prevent lateral movement inside the hood.

Abstract: A system detects the repositioning of an earphone that is worn by a user, and changes an operation mode of a host coupled to the earphone. Within the earphone is a pressure transducer that detects a pressure change caused by the repositioning of the earphone. A signaling mechanism sends a repositioning detection signal to the host in response to a signal from the pressure transducer indicating the detection of the pressure change.

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: A case stores an earphone set proximate to a digital media device (DMD). The case includes a top component that forms a storage compartment for storing the earphone set, and a coupling mechanism for attaching the top component to the DMD such that the storage compartment is proximate a rear side of the DMD. The earphone set may be wound onto a retaining clip that includes a first cutout sized to receive the two ear-pieces and a first pair of notches, disposed on opposite edges of the plate, about which the two wires are wound. A distance between inner segments of the notches is a function of the length of the wires such that an inline control panel and a junction splitter of the earphone set are positioned within a periphery of the retaining clip.

Abstract: A headphone can be connected simultaneously to a plurality of audio source devices respectively so the sound information and musical compositions having different contents can be arbitrarily selected and combined to listen to simultaneously. A plurality or plural sets of speaker units are provided to be respectively connected with a plurality of external audio source devices in the inside housing main body of the headphone, and means such as a volume controller and an on-off switch are provided for independently adjusting and operating the electrical signals of the external audio source devices in the appropriate middle position of the connecting cord.

Abstract: A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.

Abstract: An earphone to fit with a plurality of audio cables with difference application lengths includes an earphone body and a first buckle structure. The earphone body further includes an audio jack to couple with an audio terminal of a relevant audio cable with an appropriate application length. The first buckle structure is located at the audio jack for providing a firm connection between the audio terminal and the audio jack. By providing the earphone body to engage firmly the audio cable with an appropriate application length in a separable manner, any application situation featuring a particular application length can be easily overcome.

Abstract: An electrical equalization module that is second order or higher. The equalization module is used to achieve a desired frequency response for audio headphones. The equalization module includes capacitors or inductors. The equalization module is a bridged-T circuit, parallel RLC circuit, or series RLC circuit.

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: The coupling of an electret microphone is detected and identifying whether there is monaural or stereo speakers coupled to the USB connector is accomplished by coupling a current source to the USB ID terminal and detecting the voltage on the ID terminal. If the voltage on the ID line is substantially below the voltage associated with any other accessory when an electret microphone is coupled between the ID terminal and the ground terminal, and a microphone bias resistor is coupled to the ID line. On detection of an electret microphone being coupled between the ID terminal and the ground terminal, whether there is a monaural or stereo speakers coupled to the USB connector is determined by detecting the impedance on the one of the D+ and D? terminals to which a monaural speaker would not be coupled. An open circuit indicates a monaural speaker, otherwise stereo speakers are connected. An alternate embodiment is disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a printed circuit board mounted within the housing, an earphone and a cable storing compartment. The earphone includes a connecting cable and a head member. One end of the connecting cable is connected to the printed circuit board, the other end is connected to the head member. The cable storing compartment includes a recessed portion and an earphone compartment. The recessed portion is defined in a peripheral wall of the housing. The earphone compartment is defined in the peripheral wall and adjacent to the recessed portion. The recessed portion receives the connecting cable. The earphone compartment receives the head member.

Abstract: A system includes a portable transmitting unit and at least one portable receiving unit in wireless communication therewith. The receiving unit has at least one receiver positioned within a user ear and at least one microphone. A mechanism removably secures the receiving unit to the user ear, and a mechanism removably attaches the transmitting unit to a user body part. A mechanism protects the transmitting unit from damage caused by harsh environmental conditions and is removably attached to the transmitting unit.

Abstract: An earphone antenna of a portable terminal having enhanced reception sensitivity even when a wearing state of the earphone of the mobile terminal is changed is provided. The earphone antenna includes a plurality of voice signal lines, an insulating sheath configured to cover an outer surface of the plurality of the voice signal lines, a receptacle configured to connect to a first end of each of the plurality of the voice signal lines, and a ground and antenna line including a first antenna line configured to wind around an outer surface of the insulating sheath at a first interval in a spiral form, the first antenna line having a first thickness, wherein the ground and antenna line includes a second antenna line configured to wind around an outer surface of the receptacle at a second interval in the spiral form, the second antenna line having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness and the second interval being different from the first interval.

Abstract: Herein disclosed a sound inputting and outputting apparatus for being connected to an external apparatus which includes a noise cancel signal production section, a storage section and a reproduction section, including: a first auricle mounting section; a second auricle mounting section; and a plug.

Abstract: Thin plug assemblies and methods for constructing the same are disclosed. The plug assembly can include a plug portion, a cable portion, and an interfacing portion between the plug portion and the cable portion. The plug portion can include several conductive regions each connected to a conductor of the cable portion to form conductor/plug member coupling(s), for example via a plug extension member associated with each conductive region. The plug assembly is constructed such that a diameter of the plug portion, interface portion, and at least part of the cable portion have substantially the same diameter. Ring structures enhance one or more of the conductor/plug member couplings by providing a press or interference fit directly to the coupling(s). Ring structures are constructed to slide axially over at least one conductor and at least one plug member.

Abstract: A speaker with an earphone function comprises a main body, magnet, washer, voice coil, diaphragm, front cover, rear cover and sound tube; it is characterized in that a conventional earphone housing is integrated with a housing of a speaker unit used in an earphone to enable the main body to be used as the speaker housing concurrently so as to save the production material and cost of a speaker housing, and a speaker assembly and the an earphone assembly can be completed at one time so as to reduce the earphone assembly cost. Furthermore, a diameter of a diaphragm can be relatively increased and a length of an earphone front chamber in front of the diaphragm can be shortened so that the bass quality can be elevated and the alt loss can be decreased.

Abstract: A configurable audio system for use in a plurality of different settings includes a set of speaker assemblies that can be attached, detached and reattached to a plurality of different accessories configured for use in specific settings (e.g., ski goggles, or conventional headphones). In one implementation, each accessory comprises a set of engagement assemblies for detachably receiving the set of speaker assemblies. For example, a strap on a pair of goggles can comprise a set of engagement assemblies affixed in-line with the strap. By contrast, a traditional headphone band can comprise a pair of engagement assemblies that extend from each opposing end of the traditional headphone band. In either case, each engagement assembly of the goggle strap or the traditional headphone band is configured in size and shape to attach to, and detach from, the speaker assembly, as desired.

Abstract: A connecting device includes an audio signal plug to which an audio signal transmission cable including at least three lines can be connected, the audio signal plug including at least three plug terminals. The three plug terminals of the audio signal plug include first, second, and third plug terminals. The first plug terminal functions as a signal line in which a high-frequency signal is superimposed on an audio signal. The second plug terminal different from the first plug terminal functions as a ground for low-frequency and high-frequency. The third plug terminal different from the first and second plug terminals functions as a ground by capacitive coupling for the high-frequency, and has a function for transmitting a signal different from a signal of the first plug terminal for the low-frequency.

Abstract: A pocket on the garment is configured to store an audio playback device. A device dock is associated with the pocket. The device dock includes an audio connector connectable to the audio playback device. A jack dock is on the garment. The jack dock includes a headphone jack configured to connect to a headphone. An elongated stretchable textile data/power bus is integrated with the garment between the device dock and the jack dock.

Abstract: An earphone that can be used with its using mode selected, to be excellent in the handiness, by optionally changing the cord from its normal hang down state easily to an ear hanging state, or oppositely from the ear hanging state to the hang down state, to meet the user's using state or taste, is provided. The earphone has a front housing 2 provided therein with a driver unit 8, an ear pad 3 covering as fitted to front outer peripheral part of said front housing 2, a rear housing 4 provided on the back of said front housing 2, a bushing 6 provided to said rear housing 4 and having at lower end part a cord lead-out section 6a, and a cord 9 led out of said cord lead-out section 6a, wherein the bushing 6 is rotatable.

Abstract: To assist headphones and headphone cords from becoming tangled, a connection source is made part of a first speaker enclosure and a connection target is made part of a second speaker enclosure.

Abstract: Molded splitter structures and systems and methods for manufacturing molded splitter structures are disclosed.

Abstract: A headset can include a cable structure connecting non-cable components such as jacks and headphones. The cable structure can include several legs connected at a bifurcation. An extrusion process can be used to manufacture legs of a multi-segment cable structure. As material is processed by an extruder, one or more system factors of the extruder can be dynamically adjusted to change a diameter of the resulting leg (e.g., to provide a smooth leg having a changing size). Once the leg is extruded, portions of the leg can be reformed to create undercuts used to connect the legs at a bifurcation region. In some cases, an extrusion process can be used to construct a jointly formed multi-leg cable structure having an integral bifurcation region and split.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for capacitive sensing are disclosed. In one example, a capacitive sensor includes a floating sense electrode disposed within proximity of an outward facing surface adapted to be brought in proximity to or touch a user skin surface. An interior electrode is disposed in proximity to the floating sense electrode, where the interior electrode and floating sense electrode form a capacitor.

Abstract: A device comprising a weight adapted to counterbalance weight of a cord; an outer cover adapted to be snapped on the weight; and two pass-through openings provided in each of the weight and the outer cover, the pass-through openings positioned at diametrically opposite ends of each of the weight and the outer cover to allow the cord to pass through the openings.

Abstract: A low-profile, retractable ear-bud system is adapted for attachment to a portable electronic device such as an MP3 music player. The system comprises a housing within which there is disposed wiring having a proximal end in electrical communication with the portable electronic device and a distal end terminating in a pair of ear-buds. The wiring is wound on a spring-biased spool disposed within the housing, the spool having at least a retracted position for storage and an extended position for use of the ear-buds. In the preferred embodiment, the wiring is wound on the spring-biased spool in a single pancake-style layer. The proximal end of the wiring is in electrical communication with the portable electronic device preferably through a multi-conductor slip ring.

Abstract: An ear jack for detecting an earphone plug is provided. The ear jack includes a housing, a plurality of pins, a first detection part, a second detection part, and a controller. The housing includes a cavity for inserting terminals of the earphone plug. The plurality of pins are installed on an inner circumference surface of the housing and are in selective contact with a corresponding terminal of the earphone plug. The first detection part detects insertion of a first terminal of the earphone plug. The second detection part detects the insertion of the first terminal The controller detects the insertion of the earphone plug when the first detection part and the second detection part both detect the insertion of the first terminal.

Abstract: This is directed to a cable structure for use with an electronic device. The cable structure can include one or more conductors around which a sheath is provided. To prevent the cable structure from tangling, the cable structure can include a core placed between the conductors and the sheath, where a stiffness of the core can be varied along different segments of the cable structure to facilitate or hinder bending of the cable structure in different areas. The size and distribution of the stiffer portions can be selected to prevent the cable from forming loops. The resistance of the core to bending can be varied using different approaches including, for example, by varying the materials used in the core, varying a cross-section of portions of the core, or combinations of these.

Abstract: Housings on the right/left of the noise cancellation headphone, where a speaker unit is incorporated, are connected to each other with a headband, and a battery receiving portion is provided on a side surface of at least one of the right and left housings, the battery receiving mechanism comprising: a battery receiving portion provided in the side surface of the housing; a battery lid opening and closing the battery receiving portion; and a flexible connecting member preventing the battery lid from dropping off from the housing in a state where the battery lid opens the battery receiving portion; wherein the housing and the battery lid each include an engagement part which engages with each other by pushing in the battery lid in a direction intersecting with the side surface of the housing, and wherein the battery lid occupies a part of the side surface of the housing.

Abstract: Electronic devices are provided that communicate over cables and other communications paths that include optical and electrical paths. A cable may include wires for forming an electrical path and one or more optical fibers for forming an optical path. Connectors at one or both ends of the cable may include electrical contacts and an optical coupling structure associated with the optical path. Optical paths may be included in connectors such as tip-ring-sleeve connectors and connectors of other types. Interface circuitry may be included in a connector to convert between optical and electrical signaling schemes. Wavelength-division-multiplexing may be used to support bidirectional communications. Breakout boxes and other equipment may be connected using the cables. Digital signals such as digital noise cancellation signals may be conveyed over the optical paths. Power and other electrical signals may be conveyed over the electrical paths.

Abstract: The formation of the retaining member 42 at the forming of the main board 40 so as to be able to be cut off and the cutting-off from the main board 40 after the board forming of the main board 40 causes the retaining member 42 to be separated in a letterpress shape from the main board 40. In addition, on the main board 40, the earphone plug socket 44 is mounted with the plug-in inlet 44b facing the outer periphery, the slit is formed and the projected part 43a of the retaining member 42 is fitted into the slit as well. Further, the fitting of the retaining member 42 into the slit 46 causes the side edge 43b thereof to abut on a groove 44a at the back surface of the earphone plug socket 44.

Abstract: Audio apparatus, including an audio player, housed within a casing, for producing audio output, a port on a surface of the casing for inserting a headphone connector therein, a light emitting source, a power source, housed within the casing, for supplying power to the audio player and to the light emitting source, and a headphone for listening to audio output produced by the audio player, including a connector for insertion into the port, and a light pipe for transmitting light generated by the light emitting source

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for recognizing earphone insertion are provided. In the method, whether an earphone is inserted is determined. When earphone insertion is determined, a discontinuous Direct Current (DC) voltage is applied to a microphone end of an earphone jack. A magnitude of the discontinuous DC voltage of the earphone jack is determined. Whether the earphone jack is a three-pole earjack or a four-pole earjack is determined depending on the determined magnitude of the discontinuous DC voltage. Therefore, erroneous recognition of the earphone insertion may be prevented.

Abstract: A cylindrical controller provides a user interface for an electronic device that is easier to use than conventional controls. The cylindrical body contains a number of sensors that detect when the cylindrical body is rotated between the thumb and finger of a user. The sensors determine whether the rotation is in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. The present invention allows users to remotely control a consumer electronics device by manipulating a cylindrical body with familiar prehensile gestures, i.e., pinching, squeezing, and rolling.

Abstract: An electronic device including a body and an earphone is provided. One end of the body has an earplug-accommodating opening and a power-supplying terminal. The earphone has an earplug and a power-charging terminal. The earplug is accommodated in the earplug-accommodating opening, and the power-charging terminal is electrically connected to the power-supplying terminal.

Abstract: Detachable wearable electronic eyeglasses and head mounted gear with a plurality of electronic functions and interchangeable electronic functions, and a wearable computer with optimal weight distribution and stretchable arms.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to earphones, earphone assemblies, and methods of using the same. Further, these embodiments provide earphones that can releasably interconnect in a compact configuration that also reduces the likelihood that the earphone wires or cords will become entangled. By way of example, in at least one embodiment, an earphone can comprise a housing including a channel defined therein and a wire stem extending from the housing. The channel may be sized and configured to releasably retain a wire stem portion from another earphone. These and other various embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: An earphone assembly includes a casing, at least one secondary cable, at least one earphone, and at least one reel mechanism. The casing includes an assembly chamber. The earphone electrically connects to the casing by the secondary wire. The reel mechanism is received in the assembly chamber, and controls a length of the secondary cable extending from the assembly chamber. A portable electronic device using the earphone assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An earphone comprises two earbuds, a plug assembly, and a wire connected to the earbuds and the plug assembly. The plug assembly comprises a first insulation shell, a second insulation shell, an adjusting wheel located between the first insulation shell and the second insulation shell, a plug fixed in the inside of the first insulation shell, two stopping blocks fixed to one side of the first insulation shell away from the wire, and a resetting element received in the second insulation shell. The plug comprises a plug core and a sleeve set on the outside of the plug core.

Abstract: An audio source device may be used with a garment such as a hooded garment by passing the audio wires into a channel in the hood and having them exit the hood inside hollow lanyards with earbuds at the ends. A means to fix the wires and the lanyards to each other inside the hood is shown; and a means is shown to prevent lateral movement inside the hood. The wires and lanyard are crimped at the earbuds to prevent relative movement, the wires also being slacked inside the lanyard. The wire inside one or both of the lanyards can have an activatible microphone and the a source device can be a Bluetooth equipped device.

Abstract: The invention provides a headset device. The headset device includes a first headset, a second headset, and a transmission line. The first headset includes a first housing; an interface module for receiving an audio signal; a signal processing module for separating the audio signal into a first channel signal and a second channel signal; an amplifying circuit for respectively amplifying the first channel signal and the second channel signal to generate a first amplified signal and a second amplified signal; and a first speaker for outputting audio according to the first amplified signal. The second headset includes a second housing, and a second speaker for outputting audio according to the second amplified signal. The transmission line is for transmitting the second amplified signal to the second headset.

Abstract: An ear-hanger headphone apparatus includes ear hangers each having a predetermined shape, housings integrally attached to the ear hangers, respectively, and driver units attached to the housings swingably relative thereto so as to closely overlap with ear conches without clearance, respectively, when the headphone apparatus is worn.

Abstract: A headset with an active crossover network is provided. The headset is coupleable to a first audio source using a wired connection and to a second audio source using a wireless connection. A controller is used to determine whether the first, or second, audio source is coupled to the active crossover network which, utilizing either analog or digital filtering, divides each channel of the incoming audio signal into multiple frequency regions sufficient for the number of drivers contained within the in-ear monitors of the headset. The output from the network's filters is amplified using either single channel or multi-channel amplifies. Preferably, gain control circuitry is used to control the gain of the amplifier(s) and thus the volume produced by the drivers. More preferably, the gain of the gain control circuitry is adjustable. The headset includes a power source that is coupled to the amplifier(s) and, if necessary, the network's filters.