Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a device that includes a headphone speaker housing that includes a coil having a first terminal and a second terminal that is configured to operate in a sound generation mode and a battery charging mode. A class D amplifier circuit is configured to rectify in a battery charging mode and amplify in a sound generation mode, the class D amplifier is coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal of the coil. The class D amplifier including a first, second, third, and fourth switch, the first terminal coupled between the first and second switch, the second terminal coupled between the third and fourth switch. An audio generation circuit having a third terminal and a fourth terminal, the third terminal coupled between the first and third switch of the class D amplifier and the fourth terminal coupled between the second and fourth switch of the class D amplifier. A battery charging circuit coupled to the third terminal and the fourth terminal.

Abstract: A method and system for a headset wireless charging dock, where the charging dock comprises a radio, a coil, and a proximity sensor. The method may comprise sensing a presence of a headset using the proximity sensor, wirelessly charging a battery in the headset utilizing the coil, and wirelessly communicating commands, using the radio, to the headset to power down when fully charged. The command may be communicated to the headset utilizing a protocol and a RF radio used by the headset to receive audio signals. The command communicated to the headset may power down audio processing circuitry in the headset. The charging induction coil may be inductively coupled to a coil in the headset to wirelessly charge the battery in the headset. The proximity sensor may comprise a Hall sensor.

Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses providing control over movement of motorized transport units at a retail facility, comprising: multiple self-propelled motorized transport units; a wireless communication network; and a central computer system, wherein the central computer system comprises: a transceiver; a control circuit; and a memory storing computer instructions that when executed cause the control circuit to: receive an override command, from a worker associated with the retail facility, to cause a first motorized transport unit of the multiple motorized transport units to implement one or more actions; confirm a valid authorization of the worker to override one or more operating limits of the first motorized transport unit; and override the one or more operating limits and communicate one or more instructions to the first motorized transport unit configured to cause the first motorized transport unit to implement the one or more actions in accordance with the override command.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing voice communication channels used by a group of people are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: electronically store information, wherein the information represents associations of individual voice communication channels with one or more communication groups, wherein individual ones of the one or more communication groups are specific to one or more roles of the people; receive device-specific packets from end-user communication devices associated with people, wherein the packets include packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the communication devices, wherein individual packets are targeted to individual communication groups; generate and transmit downlink packets that include packetized downlink information that is organized in a set of broadcast channels for audio information that was targeted to specific communication groups.

Abstract: Audio systems and methods for obtaining location information are disclosed. A portable, wireless speaker may include a beacon that a user may activate to remotely trigger a request for shot information, which may include location information of the user or speaker. The beacon may be wirelessly coupled to the speaker. Notably, the beacon may comprise an earpiece such as an earbud or pair of earbuds. The speaker may receive location information from a remote device, such as a GPS-enabled mobile phone. The shot information may be converted into an audio format for playback by the speaker. The speaker may pause the playback of the speaker to play out the shot information. The system may also comprise a visual display.

Abstract: Disclosed are an elastomer sleeve for a wireless earphone and a wireless earphone. The elastomer sleeve for the wireless earphone includes: a sleeve body defining a space for accommodating an earphone body of the wireless earphone; a sleeve wing portion formed integrally with the sleeve body and extending outward from the sleeve body; and an antenna formed in the elastomer sleeve and extending from the sleeve body to the sleeve wing portion. The wireless earphone includes an earphone body and one or more elastomer sleeves for detachably connecting to the earphone body and partially enclosing the earphone body.

Abstract: A system for providing magnetic field audio signals to a receiver in an aquatic environment. The system includes an audio source configured to provide an electronic audio signal, and an induction loop amplifier configured to receive the electronic audio signal and convert the received electronic audio signal into a current. The system further includes a wire loop connected with the induction loop amplifier, the wire loop bounding at least part of the aquatic environment and around the receiver in the aquatic environment, the wire loop producing a magnetic field from the current to generate an audio frequency induction loop to transmit the electronic audio signal to the receiver in the aquatic environment.

Abstract: A wireless earphone comprises a transceiver circuit for receiving streaming audio from a data source over a local ad hoc wireless network. When the data source and the earphone are out of range, they transition automatically to an infrastructure wireless network. If there is no common infrastructure wireless network for both the data source and the speakerphone set, the earphone connects to a host server via an available wireless network.

Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.

Abstract: A system for a bone conduction communication system that includes at least one bone conduction element that is stabilized against a wearer's head when in use. In one embodiment, the bone conduction communication system includes a bone conduction device including at least one bone conduction element and a wearable device, the bone conduction device being coupled to the wearable device, the wearable device stabilizing the at least one bone conduction element in a plurality of axes of support.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating transactions by disabled cardholders are provided herein. In particular, a method is provided for performing a transaction using a disability-friendly geolocation payment system that includes a payment application with a disability functionality, which may be activated so as to provide auditory instructions and/or enlarged text instructions to a disabled cardholder.

Abstract: An audio receiver includes a first signal port, a second signal port, a power supply port, a power ground port, and an amplifier circuit. The first signal port is coupled to an audio signal line of a transmission interface. The second signal port is coupled to an audio ground line of the transmission interface. The power supply port is coupled to a power supply line of the transmission interface to generate a power supply level to the power supply line. The power ground port is connected to the ground level and to a power ground line of the transmission interface. When the audio receiver is outputting a power supply current to the audio source device through the power supply port via the power supply line, a connection state between the second signal port and the power ground port is at a high impedance state.

Abstract: A wireless communication device that is capable of being fixed to a decorative piece, including a housing body comprising a first shell piece and a second piece, wherein the first shell piece and the second shell piece, when coupled together, define a first space volume, a second space volume, and a pathway connecting the first space volume and the second space volume, a speaker circuit arranged in the first space volume, an electronic circuit arranged in the second space volume, wherein the electronic circuit is electrically connected to the speaker circuit, and an activation circuit electrically connected to the electronic circuit, wherein an activation of the activation circuit operatively connects the speaker circuit with the electronic circuit.

Abstract: An in-ear listening device having a device housing including a speaker housing and an elongated tube protruding away from the speaker housing, an audio port formed through the speaker housing, a speaker disposed in the speaker housing and aligned to emit sound through the audio port, a microphone port formed through the elongated tube, a microphone disposed in the elongated tube and operatively coupled to receive sound through the microphone port, a rechargeable battery and a wireless antenna disposed within the device housing, wireless circuitry coupled to the wireless antenna and configured to input and output radio frequency signals for wireless communications, a user-interface touch control disposed on the device housing and operable to control a function of the earbud, and battery charging circuitry coupled to the rechargeable battery and positioned within the device housing and operable to charge the rechargeable battery when coupled to receive power from an external power source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing voice communication channels used by a group of people are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: electronically store information, wherein the information represents associations of individual voice communication channels with one or more communication groups, wherein individual ones of the one or more communication groups are specific to one or more roles of the people; receive device-specific packets from end-user communication devices associated with people, wherein the packets include packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the communication devices, wherein individual packets are targeted to individual communication groups; generate and transmit downlink packets that include packetized downlink information that is organized in a set of broadcast channels for audio information that was targeted to specific communication groups.

Abstract: A system of tracking location and movement of geographically dispersed entities with a cell phone with a GPS function, has a slave agent operable in the phone that collects location data from the GPS function and periodically sends a time and location data record to a master cell phone using prior art wireless network. The master cell phone has a master agent operable in the master cell phone that receives and saves the location data record, and plots and displays a location plot of each of the entity, enabling the master cell phone to track and display location and movement data of a plurality of entity cell phones that are geographically dispersed. The system requires the entity phone to be attached to or in possession of each of the entities.

Abstract: Wireless headphones with battery life effectively extended includes first and second headphones. The first and second headphones each with respective low battery levels remaining or very different battery levels remaining receive audio signals from an electronic device and output the sound of the audio signal after adjustments are applied to volume level and to sound quality on one side or on both sides, to reduce the consumption of battery level. Each of the first and second headphones carries a processor for intercommunication in addition to communication with the electronic device performing playback.

Abstract: An audio system and method for data management including establishing a first connection between a first wearable audio device and a first peripheral device, the first wearable device or the first peripheral device being operational in a critical listening state and a non-critical listening state; establishing, when the first wearable audio device or the first peripheral device is in the critical listening state, a first data stream within the first connection, the first data stream established using a first communication protocol, the first communication protocol having an audio-centric data slot template; and, establishing, when the first wearable device or the first peripheral device is in the non-critical listening state, the first data stream within the first connection, the first data stream established using the first communication protocol, the first communication protocol having a voice-centric data slot template.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that detects the location and head orientation of a live performer on stage in front of an audience and adjusts the individual elements of the mix either by changing them at the listener's position or by feeding the location and orientation information back to the monitor mixer or a combination of both. The adjustments would include left/right panning, relative levels, equalization, transient response, reverberation levels, panning, and time delay, as well as other possible modifications to the signal so that the performer senses that he/she is actually listening to the various instruments, vocals, acoustic space and audience, in their real or virtual locations.

Abstract: A game headset receives a plurality of channels of game and/or chat audio during game play, monitors the plurality of channels, and detect one or more sounds on the channels during the monitoring. The game headset determines characteristics of the detected one or more sound and outputs one or more signals for generating a visual representation of the detected one or more sounds based on the determined characteristics. The game headset output the signals to a game console that provides the game play. The game console displays the visual representation during the game play based on the communicated visualization information. The one or more signals is a video stream of an in-game visualization. The game headset outputs the one or more signals to a second screen communication device that generates the visual representation during the game play based on the signals.

Abstract: A wireless speaker audio system configured to receive audio information wirelessly transmitted by an audio source including first and second wireless transceivers. The first wireless transceiver establishes a bidirectional secondary wireless link with the audio source for receiving and acknowledging receipt of the audio information. The first and second wireless transceivers communicate with each other via a primary wireless link. A wireless audio system including an audio source and first and second wireless transceivers. The first and second wireless transceivers communicate via a primary wireless link. The audio source communicates audio information to the first wireless transceiver via a secondary wireless link which is configured according to a standard wireless protocol. The first wireless transceiver is configured to acknowledge successful reception of audio information via the secondary wireless link. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A tragus conduction apparatus may include a sound transducer positionable against a tragus of a user's ear to mechanically vibrate the tragus to produce one or more sound waves that travel down an ear canal of the user's ear toward an eardrum. A wearable device may include a tragus conduction apparatus and a wearable frame dimensioned to adjustably hold the tragus conduction apparatus at the user's ear. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing voice communication channels used by a crew of employees in a quick-service restaurant are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: electronically store information, wherein the information represents associations of individual voice communication channels with one or more communication groups, wherein individual ones of the one or more communication groups are specific to one or more roles of employees in the quick-service restaurant; receive device-specific packets from end-user communication devices associated with crew members, wherein the packets include packetized uplink information based on audio information captured by the communication devices, wherein individual packets are targeted to individual communication groups; generate and transmit downlink packets that include packetized downlink information that is organized in a set of broadcast channels for audio information that was targeted to specific communication groups.

Abstract: An inner module used in a wireless earphone is installed primarily in a wireless earphone, including a circuit loop and an upper cover. The circuit loop includes at least a first circuit board, at least a second circuit board which is extended from the first circuit board, and a lower cover which encloses the first circuit board. The upper cover is installed on the lower cover, including a first side wall which forms an angle with respect to the lower cover. In addition, the first side wall is provided with a first positioning slot to accommodate the second circuit board. Therefore, the inner module is formed into a modularized design to simplify the assembly procedure of the wireless earphone, which reduces the labor cost in assembling the wireless earphone significantly.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and kit for wireless “smart” decorative communication system and module thereof securely affixed to a user during a use containing a microphone, speaker, power source, and communication circuits in a compact and attractive form for wireless telecommunication. A housing includes a securing mechanism for fixably removably securing the proposed invention to a use during a use. Optional decorative applications are used to conceal electronic structures and securely affix to a user for reliable wireless communication.

Abstract: For mobile devices used in a wireless audio transmission system, for example for stage technology, like wireless microphones, body-pack transmitters with an audio input, and body-pack receivers with an audio output, electronic displays are known, on which a respective radio frequency or radio channel in use or other alphanumeric information is displayed. This information can be input at the transmitting end, for example, at a central location like a mixing desk. The displays, however, only function while the mobile devices are switched on so that it is not possible to see the association(s) of the mobile device(s) in their switched-off state.

Abstract: This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises adapter and speaker system. Adapter is configured to plug into port of personal digital audio player. Speaker system is in communication with adapter, and comprises multiple acoustic transducers, programmable processor circuit, and wireless communication circuit. In first operational mode, processor circuit receives, via adapter, and processes digital audio content from personal digital audio player into which adapter is plugged, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the received audio content from the personal digital audio player. In second operational mode, wireless communication circuit receives digital audio content from a remote digital audio source over a wireless network, processor circuit processes the digital audio content received from remote digital audio source, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the audio content received from the remote digital audio source.

Abstract: A system and method including receiving an activity signal from a detection unit, the activity signal indicative of detected activity, responsive to the received activity signal exceeding a predetermined threshold, switching a digital microphone from a default low-power mode to active mode, and a pre-determined period of time after switching the digital microphone to active mode, switching the digital microphone back to the default low-power mode.

Abstract: A trigger operation method of an electronic device is provided. The trigger operation method includes when a trigger jack device is connected to a jack interface, configuring trigger execution information on the basis of at least one of sharing configuration information related to a task in progress, configuration change information, and communication connection configuration information, and recording the trigger execution information in the trigger jack device connected to the jack interface.

Abstract: Electronic glasses detect a location of smartphone and designate the location as a sound localization point (SLP) from where binaural sound originates to a user wearing the electronic glasses. A digital signal processor (DSP) in the smartphone processes sound into the binaural sound.

Abstract: Headphones including a sound output unit, a processing unit, a memory unit, a lighting unit, and a detection unit are provided. The sound output unit is configured to output sound. The memory unit is configured to store a program. The lighting unit is configured to emit light in response to a signal supplied from the processing unit. The detection unit is configured to obtain detection information and supply a detection signal corresponding to the detection information to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to read out the program, carry out an operation using the detection signal and the program, and supply a signal corresponding to an operation result to the lighting unit.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device (WED) worn on a head of a user detects a location of a handheld portable electronic device (HPED) held in a hand of the user and designates a sound localization point (SLP) for binaural sound at the location of the HPED. A digital signal processor (DSP) processes sound to originate to the user as the binaural sound at the location after the HPED is removed from the location.

Abstract: A housing has a bud portion abutting an elongated stem portion. The bud portion is to fit within an ear. The bud portion has a primary sound outlet at its far end that is to be inserted into an outer ear canal, and abuts the stem portion at its near end. A speaker driver is inside the bud portion. Electronic circuitry inside the housing includes a wireless communications interface to receive audio content over-the-air and in response provides an audio signal to the speaker driver. A rechargeable battery as a power source for the electronic circuitry is located inside a cavity of the stem portion. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises adapter and speaker system. Adapter is configured to plug into port of personal digital audio player. Speaker system is in communication with adapter, and comprises multiple acoustic transducers, programmable processor circuit, and wireless communication circuit. In first operational mode, processor circuit receives, via adapter, and processes digital audio content from personal digital audio player into which adapter is plugged, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the received audio content from the personal digital audio player. In second operational mode, wireless communication circuit receives digital audio content from a remote digital audio source over a wireless network, processor circuit processes the digital audio content received from remote digital audio source, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the audio content received from the remote digital audio source.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises adapter and speaker system. Adapter is configured to plug into port of personal digital audio player. Speaker system is in communication with adapter, and comprises multiple acoustic transducers, programmable processor circuit, and wireless communication circuit. In first operational mode, processor circuit receives, via adapter, and processes digital audio content from personal digital audio player into which adapter is plugged, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the received audio content from the personal digital audio player. In second operational mode, wireless communication circuit receives digital audio content from a remote digital audio source over a wireless network, processor circuit processes the digital audio content received from remote digital audio source, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the audio content received from the remote digital audio source.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide an electro-acoustic transducer that serves as an acoustic transducer and as an NFMI coil. The use of a single coil eliminates the need for a dedicated NFMI coil, thereby reducing design complexity and cost of production. Circuitry is provided to allow selective filtering of acoustic and NFMI signals so the acoustic and NFMI signals may coexist in a frequency-divisional multiplexing fashion on a same electro-acoustic transducer coil.

Abstract: A headset with a proximity control is provided. The headset comprises at least a first earpiece, a second earpiece, and a control device. To reduce the power consumption of the headset, the control device is configured to determine proximity between the first earpiece and the second earpiece, and, depending on the determined proximity, to set the headset to a low-power mode, in which at least one component of the headset is disabled to save power.

Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a method for automatically activating ambient sound pass-through in an earphone in response to a detected keyword in the ambient sound field of the earphone user, the steps of the method comprising at least receiving at least one ambient sound microphone (ASM) signal; receiving at least one audio content (AC) signal; and comparing the ASM signal to a keyword and if the ASM signal matches a keyword then an AC gain is created.

Abstract: A method for establishing communication between a portable electronic device and an electronic gaming machine within a gaming environment includes receiving wireless signal data transmitted from the portable electronic device, determining a wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine based on the wireless signal data, and based on a determination that the wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine has increased, exceeded a predetermined threshold level, and leveled off for an amount of time exceeding a time threshold after becoming stronger, initiating a wireless communication link between the electronic gaming machine and the portable electronic device.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present invention provide quiet, compact, robust hardware that can accurately produce a wide range of tactile frequencies at a perceptually constant intensity. For greater expressiveness, some apparatus for moving the skin in multiple axes are also disclosed. Signal processing methods are presented to enhance the user's experience of audio spatialization. The methods transform audio signals into directional tactile cues matched to the time resolution of the skin, and which exploit directional tactile illusions.

Abstract: A method of providing audio information, said method comprising: (i) receiving audio filter settings in a client device; (ii) receiving audio data in the client device, wherein the received audio data is in an audio coding format; (iii) converting the audio filter settings to an audio filter signal in a processor of the client device, where the audio filter signal is a time-varying signal; (iv) converting the received audio data to an audio signal in a processor of the client device, where the audio signal is a time-varying signal; and (v) transmitting the converted audio filter signal and the converted audio signal from the client device to an audio output device, where the audio output device is separate from and in communication with the client device, and where the audio output device is configured for modifying the audio signal according to the audio filter signal to generate a time-varying audio output.

Abstract: A mobile phone is provided that is configured to obtain information of one or more external wireless devices operatively coupled with the mobile phone. In response to a call connection event, when the mobile phone is operatively coupled with one external wireless device among the one or more external wireless devices, and if obtained information regarding the one external wireless device indicates that the one external wireless device does not include a microphone, an audio input is obtained via the built-in microphone. In response to a call connection event, when the mobile phone is operatively coupled with one external wireless device among the one or more external wireless devices, and if obtained information regarding the one external wireless device indicates that the one external wireless device includes a microphone, an audio input is obtained via the microphone of the one external wireless device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure support a head-mounted display (HMD) wirelessly coupled to a console. The HMD includes a positional tracking system, a beam controller and a transceiver. The positional tracking system tracks position of the HMD and generates positional information describing the tracked position of the HMD. The transceiver communicates with a console via a wireless channel, in accordance with communication instructions, the communication instructions causing the transceiver to communicate over one directional beam of a plurality of directional beams. The beam controller determines a change in the positional information. Based on the change to the positional information, the beam controller determines a directional beam of the plurality of directional beams. The beam controller further generates the communication instructions identifying the determined directional beam, and provides the communication instructions to the transceiver.

Abstract: Wearable audio accessories for computing devices are described. In one embodiment the wearable audio accessory provides a speech based interface between the user and a nearby computing device for the performance of user-initiated or computing device initiated microtasks. Information is provided to the user via a loudspeaker and the user can provide input via a microphone. An audio sensing channel within the accessory continuously monitors the audio signal as detected by the microphone and in various embodiments will trigger more complex audio processing based on this monitoring. A wireless communication link is provided between the accessory and the nearby computing device. To mitigate any delay caused by the switching between audio processing techniques, the audio accessory may include a rolling buffer which continuously stores the audio signal and outputs a delayed audio signal to the audio processing engines.

Abstract: A wireless audio device including a cover that is wearable as a personal article or as part of a personal article. The audio device is disposable in the pinna of a user's ear for receiving an audible output therefrom and is often used in pairs, e.g. one in each ear. The audio device includes a wireless communications unit and a sound-production unit disposed in a housing. The cover is adapted to be worn on the user's body as an accessory or as a part of a wearable personal article, such as jewelry, a watch, a belt, a belt buckle, clothing, a hat, or the like. The cover at least partially encloses a portion of the housing and may provide charging of the audio device.

Abstract: A method is provided for sensor-based mute control for a softphone client. The method includes monitoring a softphone client, and detecting an incoming call to the softphone client. Also, the method includes starting a timer in response to detecting the incoming call. Further, the method includes receiving, from a headset, a don event, and, in response to receiving the don event from the headset, comparing an elapsed time of the timer to a predetermined time threshold. Moreover, the method includes sending an unmute command to the headset based on the comparison of the elapsed time to the predetermined time threshold.

Abstract: A retractable storage system for a handheld electronic device includes at least one cable with a plug head and an end piece, and at least one retractable mechanism to retract and store the cable. The retractable mechanism has a groove track system to control a rotational movement of the retractable mechanism. The retractable mechanism has a first area to store a retractable length of the cable and a second area to store a component of the retractable mechanism. Preferably, the groove track system has a groove track component to enable and disable the rotational movement of the retractable mechanism.

Abstract: A user terminal device for controlling a volume of an external audio output device and a control method thereof are provided. The method of controlling the user terminal device for changing the volume of the external audio output device includes receiving an input corresponding to a user command for changing state information of the external audio output device, receiving the state information of the external audio output device from the external audio output device, and changing a state of a device, which is to be changed based on the user command, based on state information of the user terminal device and the state information of the external audio output device.

Abstract: A method for dynamically changing the master audio playback device of a set that includes at least two audio playback devices, wherein one audio playback device of the set is a set master audio playback device that controls the play of audio data by at least one other slave audio playback device of the set. A first slave audio playback device receives its selection as a new recipient of audio data and, in response, the first slave audio playback device is designated as a new set master audio playback device and the set master audio playback device is designated as a new slave audio playback device. The new set master audio playback device controls the play of audio by the new slave audio playback device.