Abstract: A system comprising audio processing circuitry is provided. The audio processing circuitry is operable to receive audio signals. The audio processing circuitry is operable to process the audio signals to detect strength of a chat component of the audio signals and strength of a game component of the audio signals. The audio processing circuitry is operable to automatically control a volume setting based on one or both of: the detected strength of the chat component, and the detected strength of the game component. The combined-game-and-chat audio signals may comprise a left channel signal and a right channel signal. The processing of the combined-game-and-chat audio signals may comprise measuring strength of a vocal-band signal component that is common to the left channel signal and the right channel signal.

Abstract: A case for a pair of earbuds including a housing having first and second cavities formed within the housing, the first cavity configured to receive a first earbud in the pair of earbuds and the second cavity configured to receive a second earbud in the pair of earbuds; a lid attached to the housing; a first pair of electrodes positioned within the housing adjacent to the first cavity; a second pair of electrodes positioned within the housing adjacent to the second cavity; and charging circuitry coupled to the first and second pairs of electrodes, the charging circuitry including a high frequency inverter configured to receive a DC power signal and output a high frequency AC signal to each of the first and second pairs of electrodes.

Abstract: A headphone, headphone system, and speech enhancing method is provided to enhance speech pick-up from the user of a headphone and includes receiving a plurality of signals from a set of microphones and generating a primary signal by array processing the microphone signals to steer a beam toward the user's mouth. A noise reference signal is also derived from one or more microphones, and a voice estimate signal is generated by filtering the primary signal to remove components that are correlated to the noise reference signal.

Abstract: A portable case for storing hearing assistance devices is described that includes at least one retention structure configured to retain at least part of a hearing assistance device, one or more communication units configured to exchange information between the portable case and one or more external devices, and at least one processor. The processor is configured to: detect when the at least one retention structure shares an electrical connection with the at least part of the hearing assistance device that is retained by the at least one retention structure; and responsive to receiving data, from the hearing assistance device, via the electrical connection, while the at least part of the hearing assistance device is retained by the at least one retention structure, cause the one or more communication units to communicate with exchange the information data between the portable case and the one or more external devices.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods of detecting headphone rotation to properly process user input to the headphones. The systems and methods described herein may be used, for example, to detect a gesture (e.g., a swipe) received as user input on a touch interface of the headphones, such as a touch interface integrated into an ear piece. The gesture may be made in a particular direction, such as down toward Earth. However, headphones may be worn in a plurality of configurations, such as upright with the headband around the top of the head, downward with the headband around the back of the neck, or anywhere in between. Thus, the systems and methods described herein may be used to determine the rotation of the headphones in order to properly ascertain the intended gesture and perform an intended result.

Abstract: A communication device for a communication system is disclosed, which communication device comprises at least an I/O interface for connection with one or more audio sources to at least receive an input audio signal, a user audio output, an audio processor to provide an output audio signal to the user audio output from the input audio signal, and a reporting module. To improve the acoustic safety for a user of the communication device, the reporting module is configured to analyze the input audio signal and to determine, whether an acoustic safety incident is given, upon which the reporting module is configured to generate metadata of the acoustic safety incident.

Abstract: A method provides binaural sound to a person through electronic earphones. The binaural sound localizes to a sound localization point (SLP) in empty space that is away from but proximate to the person. When an event occurs, the binaural sound switches or changes to stereo sound, to mono sound, or to altered binaural sound.

Abstract: An electronic device may comprise audio processing circuitry and a first connector having a first contact and a second contact. In a first mode of operation, the audio processing circuitry is configured to output one or more audio signals carrying music and/or voice via the first contact and the second contact. In a second mode of operation, the audio processing circuitry is configured to output a signal for delivering supply current via the first contact and the second contact. While the electronic device is in the first mode of operation, a gain and/or volume limit of the audio processing circuitry may be set to a first level, and while the electronic device is in the second mode of operation, the gain and/or volume limit of the audio processing circuitry may be set to a second level that is higher than the first level.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a mobile system including a base station and a wireless earbud. The base station comprising a connection hole, a user input button, at least one processor, at least one memory, and circuitry. The wireless earbud is configured for plugging into the connection hole of the base station to form an integrated body with the base station. The system is capable of wirelessly pairing with a smartphone for the wireless earbud to receive audio data originated from the smartphone.

Abstract: The present invention provide a method and system of audio sharing aimed to revolutionize the way people listen and share music and to give multiple uses to a wireless headphone referred to as HEDphone. A communication protocol referred to as HEDtech protocol is used in a HED system to allow users to share music amongst a plurality of HEDphones while using a single audio source. A wireless connection is established between the HEDphone and a mobile device including an audio source while simultaneously having the capability of allowing other HEDphone users to join wirelessly and listen to the same audio source. A feature of Super Human Hearing (SHH) goes beyond conventional ANR (ambient noise reduction) with additional features that allow the user to control their aural environment by being able to directionally increase or decrease selective frequencies.

Abstract: A headset communication device includes at least one processor configured to transmit, via a dedicated virtual communication channel of a wireless communication protocol, local beacon data to one or more remote headset communication devices within a work environment, to discover a remote headset communication device included in the one or more remote headset communication devices by receiving, via the dedicated virtual communication channel of the wireless communication protocol, remote beacon data that is transmitted by the remote headset communication device, to automatically synchronize, based on the remote beacon data, the headset communication device with the remote headset communication device, and, to transmit, via one or more additional virtual communication channels of the wireless communication protocol, local audio communication data to the one or more remote headset communication devices.

Abstract: A wearable device providing responsive visual feedback is provided. The wearable device includes a wearable device housing, at least one lighting element associated with the housing for providing visual feedback, a processor disposed within the wearable device housing, the processor operatively connected to the at least one lighting element, a plurality of sensors operatively connected to the processor, wherein the processor is programmed to determine a mode of operation using sensed data from the plurality of sensor, and wherein the processor is programmed to control the at least one lighting element to convey visual feedback based on the mode of operation determined by the processor.

Abstract: An electronic bead string includes a main bead, a plurality of secondary beads, a displacement sensor, a memory, and a processor. The main bead and the secondary beads are strung together to form a bead string. The displacement sensor is fixed in the main bead to output two-dimensional displacement signals, the memory stores the two-dimensional displacement signals, and the processor determines whether a rotation cycle of the electronic bead string is an approved rotation cycle according to the two-dimensional displacement signals.

Abstract: A wearable acoustic transducer includes a communication part for performing communication and speaker and control modules. The speaker module includes an enclosure having an inner space, a first opening in which a speaker part is mounted being formed in a first side surface thereof, a second opening in which a passive vibration part is mounted being formed in a second side surface thereof, the speaker part configured to emit sound, and a passive vibration part for relieving air stiffness in the inner space of the enclosure. The control module performs gain correction on an electric signal including sound or voice that is received from the communication part according to prestored gain correction data and applies the gain-corrected electric signal to the speaker part, or generates an electric signal corresponding to the gain correction data and applies the electric signal to the speaker part.

Abstract: An audio device includes a jack slot detachably connectable with an audio jack; a detection and monitor unit constantly supplying a first voltage and a second voltage to the jack slot and detecting whether a conductive material is attached to the jack slot depending on changes in the first and second voltages, in a first detection mode; and a determination unit determining whether the conductive material is the audio jack depending on a change in at least one of the first and second voltages in response to detecting attachment of the conductive material. In response to determination by the determination unit that the conductive material is not the audio jack, the detection and monitor unit in a second detection mode monitors a change in the at least one of the first and second voltages while periodically supplying the first and second voltages to the jack slot.

Abstract: A noise control method and device are provided that relate to the field of noise control. A noise control method includes: acquiring noise information of an ambient environment; and judging whether the noise information satisfies a predetermined condition, and if so, sending a noise control message to another device, the noise control message being used to notify the other device to adjust a volume. Another noise control method includes: receiving, by a device, a noise control message from an external device; and adjusting a volume based on a volume adjustment policy according to the noise control message and a current volume of the device. The noise control method and device in the embodiments of the present application may easily and quickly realize control over ambient noise, thereby improving user experience.

Abstract: A system can include a headset and a host device for use in a soundscape environment in which audio tracks are played. Logic in communication with an audio driver on the headset causes an audio sample to be played, and coordinated with the soundscape audio track being played in the soundscape environment. Memory can store one or more audio samples having audio content coordinated with corresponding one or more audio tracks of the soundscape environment. A Don/Doff sensor generates a Don signal indicating that an individual has put on the headset.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for peripheral device discovery, the detection of orientation of a connector having multiple degrees of rotational symmetry, and the provision of appropriate signal paths between a host device and a peripheral device. Some embodiments provide a characteristic impedance within the peripheral device that is coupled between rotationally symmetric contacts of the connector and thus enables detection of the connector orientation. The value of the characteristic impedance may be used in some embodiments to determine the type or model of peripheral device. Some embodiments are concerned with the enablement of appropriate signal paths to a peripheral device having a transducer (e.g. a loudspeaker) coupled only to rotationally symmetric contacts of the connector, such as headphones implemented in a “balanced” configuration.

Abstract: An earphone control device, an earphone and a control method for the earphone are disclosed. The earphone control device includes: an acquisition module, configured to collect external environment sound; an output module, configured to output a prompt tone to a first sounding unit and/or a second sounding unit of the earphone; and a processing module, configured to determine whether abnormal sound is included in the external environment sound and control the output module to output the prompt tone in a case where the abnormal sound is present.

Abstract: An audio system and method directed to sensing whether a first headphone and a second headphone are engaged with, proximate to, or within a user's ear. In one example, if the system detects that the first and second headphones are engaged with or proximate to the user's ear, the first headphone provides a first set of user control settings and the second headphone provides a second set of user control settings. In one example, if the system detects that the first headphone is not engaged with or proximate to the user's ear and the second headphone is engaged with or proximate the user's ear, the second headphone provides controls which include at least one user control from the first set of user controls.

Abstract: A mobile device system that includes left and right earphones, and a mobile device connectable to the left and right earphones. Each of the left and right earphones includes at least one of an acceleration sensor and a geomagnetic sensor. The mobile device includes a controller that monitors a wearing state of the individual left and right earphones by a user on a basis of output from the least one of the acceleration sensors and the geomagnetic sensors, and controls a behavior of the mobile device connected to the left and right earphones according to the monitored wearing state of the left and right earphones by the user.

Abstract: A communication hub for a communication system and a communication system are provided. The communication hub comprises at least an audio I/O interface for connection with one or more audio sources to at least receive an input audio signal, a user device interface for connection with at least one user audio device, a processor to provide a user input audio signal to the user device interface from the input audio signal, and a reporting module, configured to generate metadata of at least the input audio signal and to provide the metadata to a monitoring device of the communication system.

Abstract: A hearing device comprises a processor configured to generate a virtual auditory display comprising a sound field, a plurality of disparate sound field zones, and a plurality of quiet zones that provide acoustic contrast between the sound field zones. The sound field zones and the quiet zones remain positionally stationary within the sound field. One or more sensors are configured to sense a plurality of inputs from the wearer. The processor is configured to facilitate movement of the wearer within the sound field in response to a navigation input received from the one or more sensors. The processor is also configured to select one of the sound field zones for playback via a speaker or actuation of a hearing device function in response to a selection input received from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a personal media system including a base station and a wireless earbud. The personal media system interacts with a smartphone for wireless pairing. The base station has a connection hole to receive the wireless earbud. When the wireless earbud is plugged into the connection hole, the base station and wireless earbud form an integrated body.

Abstract: Systems and methods permit a wireless device to receive data wirelessly via an infrastructure wireless network, without physically connecting the wireless device to a computer in order to configure it, and without having an existing infrastructure wireless network for the wireless device to connect to. A remote server hosts a website that permits a user of the wireless device to input via a computer credential data for at least one infrastructure wireless network. The content access point transmits the credential data for the at least one infrastructure wireless network to the wireless device via the ad hoc wireless network, such that, upon receipt of the credential data for the at least one infrastructure wireless network, the wireless device is configured to connect to the at least one infrastructure wireless network.

Abstract: An earphone includes an audio transmitter, a housing, a sound passage pipe, a radiator, and a light receiver. The audio transmitter transmits sound. The housing has an internal space for containing the audio transmitter. The sound passage pipe guides sound produced at the audio transmitter into an external auditory canal. The radiator radiates light into the external auditory canal. The light receiver is disposed in the internal space of the housing. The light receiver converts the light into a signal, the light having been reflected off the external auditory canal and passed through an internal space of the sound passage pipe. The housing, the sound passage pipe, and the radiator are disposed in this order.

Abstract: A headphone that may be operated in either a wireless mode or a wired mode includes a housing and an acoustic driver within the housing. The headphone includes a jack for receiving a complementary jack at the end of an audio cable, and at least one control input. The at least one control input controls operation of the headphone when the headphone is operated in the wireless mode, and the at least one control input controls operation of an associated media device when the headphone is operated in the wired mode. A method of method of operating a headphone includes using at least one control input on a headphone to control operation of the headphone while using the headphone in a wireless mode, and using the at least one control input on the headphone to control operation of an associated media device while using the headphone in a wired mode.

Abstract: In one aspect, a first device includes a processor, a Bluetooth transceiver accessible to the processor, and storage accessible to the processor. The storage bears instructions executable by the processor to, based on at least one signal received at the Bluetooth transceiver, determine a distance from the first device to a second device different from the first device. The instructions are also executable to, based on the distance, execute at least one function at the first device associated with a telephonic communication.

Abstract: Headphones provide binaural sound to a user wearing the headphones. The headphones store HRTFs of the user and include head tracking and a digital signal processor (DSP). The DSP processes sound into binaural sound that externally localizes to a sound localization point (SLP) at least one meter away from a head of the user. The headphones receive head gestures from the user.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide an audio product for obtaining biologically-relevant information associated with a user comprising. The audio product includes at least two electrodes, a processor, and an electroacoustic transducer coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to receive at least one signal affected by an action of the user obtained via the first electrode or the second electrode and take one or more actions based on the at least one signal. The at least one action may control another device, in an effort to provide hands-free control of the other device.

Abstract: Head-wearable apparatus to generate binaural audio content includes a first stem coupled to a first microphone housing that encases first front microphone and first rear microphone that generates acoustic signals, respectively. First microphone housing includes a first front port that faces downward and a first rear port that faces backwards. Apparatus includes second stem coupled to second microphone housing that encases second front microphone and second rear microphone that generate acoustic signals, respectively. Second microphone housing includes second front port that faces downward and second rear port that faces backwards. Apparatus includes binaural audio processor that includes beamformer and storage device. Beamformer generate first beamformer signal based on acoustic signals from first front microphone and first rear microphone, and second beamformer based on acoustic signals from second front microphone and second rear microphone.

Abstract: Systems and method enable a wireless media player to receive data wireless via an infrastructure wireless network. In a first operational mode, the wireless media player may play digital media content stored on a digital media device via an ad hoc wireless connection with a remote wireless communication device. The remote wireless communication device may also transmit credential data for the infrastructure wireless network to the wireless media player via the ad hoc wireless network. In a second operational mode, the wireless media player plays digital media content from a remote digital media content source via the infrastructure wireless network.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for processing an audio signal on a stereo audio device. Left and right audio signals are encoded as mid and side channel signals by taking the sum and difference of the left and right audio signals, respectively. The side channel is outputted to a first signal pathway that features a dynamic range compressor. The mid channel is outputted to a second signal pathway which is then spectrally decomposed into a plurality of sub-band signals using one or more bandpass filters. Each sub-band signal is then provided to a dynamic range compressor, compressed and outputted to a gain stage. Subsequently, each compressed sub-band signal is outputted from the gain stage and recombined. The outputs of the first and second signal pathways are then recombined and decoded in order to produce left and right audio signals. The left and right audio signals are then outputted.

Abstract: A method of transferring audio signals from an analog audio source to an audio sink, where the audio sink has a multiple-pin connector. A cable is coupled to the audio source and to the multiple-pin connector of the audio sink, where the cable is constructed and arranged to carry audio signals. The audio sink detects a return signal provided to the audio sink over the cable, where the audio sink is configured to interpret the receipt of a return signal as indicating that an audio source is operably connected to the audio sink by the cable. Responsive to this detecting, the audio sink receives audio signals from the audio source over the cable.

Abstract: A wearable device that includes a first body part, a second body part and a main circuit board located in the first body part. The device further includes a wireless communication unit mounted on the main circuit board, a divider mounted on the main circuit board and first and second antennas. The first antenna is located in the first body part and is coupled to the divider, and the second antenna is located in the second body part at a distance from the first antenna. The first body part is located at a front side of a user wearing the device and the second body part is located at a lateral side or rear side of the user wearing the wearable device. The device also includes a coaxial cable connecting the divider and the second antenna.

Abstract: A method for operation of an electronic device and an electronic device are provided. The method includes determining if an object is detected at a first terminal and a second terminal among a plurality of terminals of an ear jack. If the object is detected, the impedance of the second terminal is calculated, and a type of the object is determined according to the calculated impedance.

Abstract: In one embodiment, earphones with bimodally fitting earbuds enable accurate reproduction of music while exposing a wearer to environmental noises on one side of the wearer. More specifically, an open earbud is designed to create a substantially open (i.e., unsealed) sound chamber around one ear while a closed earbud is designed to create a substantially closed sound chamber around the other ear. Because the open earbud is associated with sound leakage that alters both the intended level and the bass content of the music, the earphones include a signal redistribution subsystem that perspicaciously replaces at least a portion of this lost signal energy. Advantageously, such earphones expose the wearer to useful localized sounds, such as noises from an auto lane adjacent to a bike lane, while conveying the intended mix of music more accurately than conventional earphones with two open earbuds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for centralized control of multiple active noise cancellation devices. The method includes identifying a trigger event. Also, the method includes identifying at least one zone of a mapped area in response to identifying the trigger event. Further, the method includes identifying two or more devices based on the at least one zone of the mapped area, and transmitting a command to disable active noise cancellation on the two or more devices.

Abstract: An electronic device may comprise audio processing circuitry and a first connector having a first contact and a second contact. In a first mode of operation, the audio processing circuitry is configured to output one or more audio signals carrying music and/or voice via the first contact and the second contact. In a second mode of operation, the audio processing circuitry is configured to output a signal for delivering supply current via the first contact and the second contact. While the electronic device is in the first mode of operation, a gain and/or volume limit of the audio processing circuitry may be set to a first level, and while the electronic device is in the second mode of operation, the gain and/or volume limit of the audio processing circuitry may be set to a second level that is higher than the first level.

Abstract: An audio system having a variable reset volume, and a method of conditionally resetting a volume parameter, are described. The audio system can include a processor to generate an audio signal for a speaker to convert into a sound. A volume parameter of the audio signal can be set before a user pauses playback of the audio signal. The processor can determine that the volume parameter is outside of a resting volume range, and that the user resumes playback of the audio signal at least a selected interval after pausing playback. The processor can responsively reset the volume parameter when playback is resumed to a different level based on one or more acoustic factors, such as an audio decay time of a surrounding environment. The different level can be within the resting volume range. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An acoustic device with a housing that is configured to be worn draped over the shoulders of a user in a deployed configuration. The housing includes an intermediate portion with opposed first and second ends, a first leg portion that depends from the first end of the intermediate portion, and a second leg portion that depends from the second end of the intermediate portion, wherein each leg portion comprises a distal end spaced farthest from the intermediate portion. The two leg portions can be essentially identical. An acoustic driver is carried by each leg portion and is configured to project sound outwardly from the housing. An acoustic waveguide is located entirely in each leg portion. A waveguide is acoustically coupled to each driver. A waveguide outlet is located in the same leg as the driver and its associated waveguide. The outlets are configured to project outwardly from the housing sound from the driver that was acoustically coupled to the waveguide.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method, a terminal device and a system for controlling transmission, relating to the field of terminal technology. In the method for controlling transmission provided by the present embodiment, a user type of a current user is acquired, and when it is determined that the user type of the current user is the user type specified to reduce radiation, the terminal device reduced a default transmission power, thereby solves the problem of strong radiation generated by a terminal device in the prior art, which adopts a default transmission mechanism for optimal signal, and further achieves an effect of reducing radiation for the user types that need to reduce radiation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for enhanced digital headsets are disclosed. An enhanced USB-C headset includes a USB-C connector, a cable extending from the USB-C connector, an inline control box coupled to the USB-C connector through the cable, and a first earphone and a second earphone. The cable includes conductors for transmitting DC bus power, power return, and differential digital signals and extends at least one foot in length. The control box includes a single circuit board, with circuitry for managing digital communications, converting audio data, and providing output signals to drive analog speaker elements of the earphones.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wire control earphone, comprising a USB plug, an earphone wire, left and right ear receivers and a volume adjuster. The USB plug has a power-supply pin, a grounding pin and two signal pins. The earphone wire has a power-supply wire, two receiver wires and a ground wire which are correspondingly connected with the pins of the USB plug. The right ear receiver is connected between the right ear receiver wire and the ground wire. The volume adjuster is powered via the power-supply wire and comprises an adjustment triggering unit for outputting a volume adjustment signal, a processing unit for determining a voltage adjustment value according to the volume adjustment signal and outputting a digital voltage adjustment value, and a digital-to-analog conversion unit for converting the digital voltage adjustment value into an analog voltage adjustment value and applying the analog voltage adjustment value to the two receiver wires.

Abstract: An earmuffs system for noise reduction including an external microphone used in combination with active noise cancellation technology for the reduction of wind or other noises typically experienced while riding a vehicle such as a motorcycle, snow machine or ATV, the earmuffs system including a first earmuff including a first speaker and a first microphone therein; a second earmuff electrically coupled to the first ear muff, the second ear muff including a second speaker and a second microphone therein; noise cancellation circuitry for receiving first sounds from the first microphone and the second microphone and processing the first sounds by in part canceling the first sounds to form a first sound output that is provided from the first speaker and the second speaker; a third microphone placed external to the first earmuff, the third microphone supplying second sounds for the first speaker to output as a second sound output without the second sounds undergoing noise cancellation processing; and a fourth micr

Abstract: A portable sound apparatus including a body wearable on a user's body, an ear bud holder formed on the body, the ear bud holder being closed on one side and having an opening on an opposite side, an ear bud having one side inserted into the ear bud holder and an opposite side exposed through the opening of the ear bud holder, and a first magnet positioned in the ear bud holder is provided. The ear bud includes an ear bud housing having a sound hole on one side, an ear tip coupled to the sound hole and positioned within the ear bud holder when the ear bud is coupled to the ear bud holder, a receiver positioned inside the ear bud housing and configured to output sound through the sound hole, and a second magnet having an opposite polarity to the first magnet.

Abstract: A headphone comprises a plurality of actuatable equalization selectors. Each of the selectors corresponds to an equalization setting that includes a preset distribution of relative amplitudes of sounds in predetermined frequency ranges. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of actuatable equalization selectors is a button-type switch. A knob-type switch or a voice recognition mechanism can also actuate an equalization setting. In a preferred embodiment, an equalizer identification indicator produces a communication perceivable to a headphone wearer and which corresponds to an equalization setting. The communication can be audible or tactile. In some embodiments, the communication is a piece of music or a sound imitation associated with a particular genre of music that corresponds to the equalization setting selected by a headphone wearer. In some embodiments, the communication is an audio clip created or selected by a user and stored in the headphone.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a headphone system is provided. The system includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible coated wire, a first loudspeaker, a second loudspeaker, and a magnet. The flexible coated wire is coupled to the first housing and the second housing. The first loudspeaker is positioned within the first housing for transmitting an audio signal. The second loudspeaker is positioned within the second housing for transmitting the audio signal. The magnet is embedded within the flexible coated wire for electrical coupling with a sensor positioned within the first housing to control an operation of playback of the audio signal based on a distance of the magnet in relation to the first housing.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a personal media system including a base station and a wireless earbud. The personal media system interacts with a smartphone for wireless pairing. The base station has a connection hole to receive the wireless earbud. When the wireless earbud is plugged into the connection hole, the base station and wireless earbud form an integrated body.

Abstract: Rendering haptics in a haptically-enabled headphone system includes generating a haptic signal at the haptically-enabled headphone system based on non-audio data and rendering a haptic effect specified in the haptic signal using a haptic output device within the haptically-enabled headphone system.