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15947 results about "Headphones" patented technology

Headphones (or head-phones in the early days of telephony and radio) traditionally refer to a pair of small loudspeaker drivers worn on or around the head over a user's ears. They are electroacoustic transducers, which convert an electrical signal to a corresponding sound. Headphones let a single user listen to an audio source privately, in contrast to a loudspeaker, which emits sound into the open air for anyone nearby to hear. Headphones are also known as earspeakers, earphones or, colloquially, cans. Circumaural ('around the ear') and supra-aural ('over the ear') headphones use a band over the top of the head to hold the speakers in place. Another type, known as earbuds or earpieces consist of individual units that plug into the user's ear canal. A third type are bone conduction headphones, which typically wrap around the back of the head and rest in front of the ear canal, leaving the ear canal open.

Using ambient light sensor to augment proximity sensor output

Apparatuses and methods to sense proximity of an object and operate a proximity sensor of a portable device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an ambient light sensor (ALS) output, and altering, based on the ALS output, an effect of a proximity sensor output on control of a proximity determination. The ALS sensor and the proximity sensor may be located adjacent to an earpiece of a portable device. In some cases, the proximity determination may be a proximity of an object to the proximity sensor, and altering the effect may include changing the proximity of the object from a proximity greater than a first threshold to a proximity less than the first threshold. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.
Owner:APPLE INC

System and method for improving speech recognition accuracy in a work environment

Apparatus and method that improves speech recognition accuracy, by monitoring the position of a user's headset-mounted speech microphone, and prompting the user to reconfigure the speech microphone's orientation if required. A microprocessor or other application specific integrated circuit provides a mechanism for comparing the relative transit times between a user's voice, a primary speech microphone, and a secondary compliance microphone. The difference in transit times may be used to determine if the speech microphone is placed in an appropriate proximity to the user's mouth. If required, the user is automatically prompted to reposition the speech microphone.
Owner:VOCOLLECT

Integrated sensors for tracking performance metrics

Electronic devices and accessories having integrated sensors for tracking a user's performance metrics are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention can include a headset having integrated physiological sensors. The present invention also can include a sling having one or more integrated physiological sensors. The sling can secure a portable electronic device to a user's body or clothing. The present invention also can include a portable media device having one or more integrated physiological sensors. In one embodiment, an electronic device of the present invention can accept data from multiple sensors, including one or more sensors that track a user's movements. The electronic device can be configured to condition data from physiological sensors using data indicative of the user's movements.
Owner:APPLE INC

Headband variable stiffness

A method and apparatus are provided for allowing a user to change the stiffness of their headband, thus changing the clamping force of the headset. The section properties of the headband equivalent spring, which is a cantilevered beam, are changed by engaging a secondary spring, which is also a shorter cantilevered beam. The change is achieved by manipulating the effective length of the secondary spring, which can be accomplished with a set of clamps. Thus, the stiffness of the headband can be modified to the desire of the user.
Owner:VOCOLLECT

Use of online messaging to facilitate selection of participants in game play

A method and system facilitating selection of participants in multiplayer online electronic games. The method provides an efficient procedure for players to host and join new instances of multiplayer online electronic games, as well as providing a scheme that enables players to join multiplayer online electronic games that are already in progress. The method is implemented through a gaming utility that runs on each player's electronic device (e.g. PC) and interacts behind the scenes with an online messaging service. Player hosts are enabled to select players from a list of contacts provided by the online messaging service who they want to invite to join a chat session. A selected multiplayer online electronic game is selectively launched on all of the player's computers through a single command issued by the host. Additionally, the gaming utility provides players with a list of existing chat sessions being hosted by other players so as to enable the players to join multiplayer online electronic games that are already in progress. The system includes a plurality of electronic devices linked in communication across a communications network, such as a LAN or the Internet. Each electronic device is operatively coupled to a headset having a pair of headphones and a microphone. The headset is worn by a player, enabling the players to verbally communicate with others in a verbal chat session.
Owner:MICROSOFT TECH LICENSING LLC

Using ambient light sensor to augment proximity sensor output

Apparatuses and methods to sense proximity of an object and operate a proximity sensor of a portable device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an ambient light sensor (ALS) output, and altering, based on the ALS output, an effect of a proximity sensor output on control of a proximity determination. The ALS sensor and the proximity sensor may be located adjacent to an earpiece of a portable device. In some cases, the proximity determination may be a proximity of an object to the proximity sensor, and altering the effect may include changing the proximity of the object from a proximity greater than a first threshold to a proximity less than the first threshold. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.
Owner:APPLE INC

Apparatus and method to classify sound to detect speech

Audio frames are classified as either speech, non-transient background noise, or transient noise events. Probabilities of speech or transient noise event, or other metrics may be calculated to indicate confidence in classification. Frames classified as speech or noise events are not used in updating models (e.g., spectral subtraction noise estimates, silence model, background energy estimates, signal-to-noise ratio) of non-transient background noise. Frame classification affects acceptance / rejection of recognition hypothesis. Classifications and other audio related information may be determined by circuitry in a headset, and sent (e.g., wirelessly) to a separate processor-based recognition device.
Owner:INTERMEC IP

Virtual or augmented reality headsets having adjustable interpupillary distance

A virtual or augmented reality headset is provided having a frame, a pair of virtual or augmented reality eyepieces, and an interpupillary distance adjustment mechanism. The frame includes opposing arm members, a bridge positioned intermediate the opposing arm members, and one or more linear rails. The adjustment mechanism is coupled to the virtual or augmented reality eyepieces and operable to simultaneously move the eyepieces in adjustment directions aligned with the plurality of linear rails to adjust the interpupillary distance of the eyepieces.
Owner:MAGIC LEAP

Headset-Based Telecommunications Platform

A hands-free wireless wearable GPS enabled video camera and audio-video communications headset, mobile phone and personal media player, capable of real-time two-way and multi-feed wireless voice, data and audio-video streaming, telecommunications, and teleconferencing, coordinated applications, and shared functionality between one or more wirelessly networked headsets or other paired or networked wired or wireless devices and optimized device and data management over multiple wired and wireless network connections. The headset can operate in concert with one or more wired or wireless devices as a paired accessory, as an autonomous hands-free wide area, metro or local area and personal area wireless audio-video communications and multimedia device and / or as a wearable docking station, hot spot and wireless router supporting direct connect multi-device ad-hoc virtual private networking (VPN). The headset has built-in intelligence to choose amongst available network protocols while supporting a variety of onboard, and remote operational controls including a retractable monocular viewfinder display for real time hands-free viewing of captured or received video feed and a duplex data-streaming platform supporting multi-channel communications and optimized data management within the device, within a managed or autonomous federation of devices or other peer-to-peer network configuration.
Owner:EYECAM INC

Capacitive sensor behind black mask

ActiveUS20100026656A1Enhance and provide additional functionalityElectronic switchingInput/output processes for data processingDisplay deviceCapacitive sensing
Devices having one or more sensors located outside a viewing area of a touch screen display are disclosed. The one or more sensors can be located behind an opaque mask area of the device; the opaque mask area extending between the sides of a housing of the device and viewing area of the touch screen display. In addition, the sensors located behind the mask can be separate from a touch sensor panel used to detect objects on or near the touch screen display, and can be used to enhance or provide additional functionality to the device. For example, a device having a sensor located outside the viewing area can be used to detect objects in proximity to a functional component incorporated in the device, such as an ear piece (i.e., speaker for outputting sound). The sensor can also output a signal indicating a level of detection which may be interpreted by a controller of the device as a level of proximity of an object to the functional component. In addition, the controller can initiate a variety of actions related to the functional component based on the output signal, such as adjusting the volume of the earpiece.
Owner:APPLE INC

Automatic audio transducer adjustments based upon orientation of a mobile communication device

A solution for automatically activating different audio transducers of a mobile communication device based upon an orientation of the device. In the solution, a series of speaker / microphone assemblies can be positioned on the device, such as positioned near an earpiece and positioned near a mouthpiece. Different speaker / microphone assemblies can also be positioned on the front of the device and on the back of the device. The solution can automatically determine an orientation for the device, based upon a detected direction of a speech emitting source and / or based upon one or more sensors, such as a tilt sensor and an accelerometer. For example, when a device is in an upside down orientation, an earpiece microphone and a mouthpiece speaker can be activated. In another example, an otherwise deactivated rear facing speaker can be activated when the device is oriented in a rear facing orientation.
Owner:MOTOROLA INC

Variable gain active noise canceling system with improved residual noise sensing

InactiveUS6118878AReduce the possibilityCancellation system retains its effectiveness across its bandwidthNoise generationSound producing devicesInstabilityEngineering
An active noise cancellation system includes a series of features for more effective cancellation, greater reliability, and improved stability. A particular feature adapted for headset systems includes locating a residual microphone radially offset from the center of a sound generator to detect a signal more similar to that incident upon the eardrum of the user. In addition, an open back headset design includes perforations on the side of the headset instead of the back, so that the perforations are less susceptible to inadvertent blockage. The system also includes a mechanism for detecting changes in the acoustic characteristics of the environment that may be caused, for example, by pressure exerted upon the earpieces, and that may destabilize the cancellation system. The system automatically responds to such changes, for example, by reducing the gain or the frequency response of the system to preserve stability. The system further includes other methods for detecting imminent instability and compensating, such as detecting the onset of signals within enhancement frequencies characteristic of the onset of instability, and adjusting the gain or frequency response of the system or suppressing the enhanced signals. The system further includes a mechanism for conserving battery life by turning the system off when sound levels are low, or adjusting the power supply to the system to correspond to the current power requirements of the system.
Owner:NOISE CANCELLATION TECH

Advanced voice and data operations in a mobile data communication device

A system and method for integrating voice and data operations into a single mobile device capable of simultaneously performing data and voice actions. The mobile device working in a network capable of exchanging both cell phone calls and data items to the mobile device. By wearing an earphone or an ear-bud device the user is capable of dealing with voice conversations while working with data centric information related to the current caller. By providing a data-centric device with voice capabilities there is a new range of features that allow incoming data events to trigger outgoing voice events.
Owner:MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

Method and apparatus for implementation of a wireless power supply

An apparatus, for wirelessly powering a device having an enclosure for a charge storage component, includes a wireless power supply which fits into the enclosure. The apparatus includes an antenna connected to the wireless power supply. A battery. A cell phone cover for a cell phone. A headphone. A wireless power adapter for a DC jack. Alternatively, the apparatus includes a substrate having discrete components and integrated circuits disposed in the device. A method for wirelessly powering a device having an enclosure for a charge storage component.
Owner:POWERCAST

Personal audio assistant device and method

At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an earpiece comprising: an ambient microphone; an ear canal microphone; an ear canal receiver; a sealing section; a logic circuit; a communication module; a memory storage unit,; and a user interaction element, where the user interaction element is configured to send a play command to the logic circuit when activated by a user where the logic circuit reads registration parameters stored on the memory storage unit and sends audio content to the ear canal receiver according to the registration parameters.
Owner:STATON TECHIYA LLC

Wireless headset with automatic power control

A wireless headset for use with a separate communications device, such as a cellular telephone, includes automatic on / off capabilities to maximize battery life. By detecting a user's interaction, such as picking up the headset or placing it upon the user's body, the wireless headset automatically transitions from an inactive state to an active state. Techniques for automatic headset enabling include but are not limited to motion sensors, attitude or position sensors, proximity sensors, and contact sensors. These techniques may be used individually or in any combination. An internal timer allows the wireless headset to return to its inactive state a defined interval after cessation of movement or removal of the wireless headset. Including an optional sleep state further optimizes battery life. In the sleep state, only a portion of the wireless headset circuitry is enabled. Rather than transitioning from inactive to active, the headset transitions from inactive to sleep. In sleep, the headset periodically monitors for a signal from the separate communications device. Upon detection of such a signal, the wireless headset transitions to its active state, thereby providing full functionality to the user.
Owner:UNWIRED PLANET

Personalized headphone virtualization

A listener can experience the sound of virtual loudspeakers over headphones with a level of realism that is difficult to distinguish from the real loudspeaker experience. Sets of personalized room impulse responses (PRIRs) are acquired for the loudspeaker sound sources over a limited number of listener head positions. The PRIRs are then used to transform an audio signal for the loudspeakers into a virtualized output for the headphones. Basing the transformation on the listener's head position, the system can adjust the transformation so that the virtual loudspeakers appear not to move as the listener moves the head.
Owner:SMYTH RES

Modular wireless headset system for hands free talking

A wireless headset system for use with, e.g. mobile phones, and which incorporates a wireless headset which communicates with a base station via magnetic inductive coupling or radio frequency signals to dial and send or receive calls via a conventional phone, e.g. a mobile phone, attached to the base station. In one embodiment, the mobile phone is carried in the base station which is worn by the user.
Owner:ADVANCED MOBILE SOLUTIONS INC

Fashion eyewear frame that houses circuitry to effect wireless audio communication while providing extraneous background noise cancellation capability

An eyewear with communications capability to pair with a Bluetooth enabled device and equipped with noise cancellation software. The earpieces are connected to a retraction wheel by a flexible cord. The cord winds about the wheel to retract the earpiece and unwinds to extend the earpiece to its operative position. A retractable button may be pressed to urge the retraction wheel to rotate to wind the cord about it under spring force.
Owner:TRI SPECS

Audible list traversal

Many embodiments may comprise logic such as hardware and / or code to implement user interface for traversal of long sorted lists, via audible mapping of the lists, using sensor based gesture recognition, audio and tactile feedback and button selection while on the go. In several embodiments, such user interface modalities are physically small in size, enabling a user to be truly mobile by reducing the cognitive load required to operate the device. For some embodiments, the user interface may be divided across multiple worn devices, such as a mobile device, watch, earpiece, and ring. Rotation of the watch may be translated into navigation instructions, allowing the user to traverse the list while the user receives audio feedback via the earpiece to describe items in the list as well as audio feedback regarding the navigation state. Many embodiments offer the user a simple user interface to traverse the list without visual feedback.
Owner:INTEL CORP

Auto detection of headphone orientation

A detector located on or near an ear piece may automatically detect whether a left or right ear or neither ear is wearing the ear piece. A signal mixer may automatically apply a correct configuration to signals transmitted to or from the ear piece according to whether the left or right ear or neither ear is determined to be wearing the ear piece. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
Owner:SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC

Noise cancellation system for active headsets

An active headset system is provided with compatibility with existing socket configurations in a way that minimizes the number of electrical connections. The number of connections between the active headset and the remote noise cancellation circuitry is reduced through the use of a common contact, having a controlled impedance, that serves as an input connection to corresponding terminals of the two earphones of the active headset. According to another aspect of the present invention, the transients associated with plugging in or unplugging stereo jack plugs or up to a seven pin connector into an active headset may be overcome by a transient detector in the noise cancellation circuitry. Yet another aspect of the present invention concerns the powering of the noise cancellation circuitry whether the noise cancellation circuitry is placed inside the active headset or at least partially internal to a remote external device.
Owner:NCT GROUP

Method and apparatus for implementation of a wireless power supply

An apparatus, for wirelessly powering a device having an enclosure for a charge storage component, includes a wireless power supply which fits into the enclosure. The apparatus includes an antenna connected to the wireless power supply. A battery. A cell phone cover for a cell phone. A headphone. A wireless power adapter for a DC jack. Alternatively, the apparatus includes a substrate having discrete components and integrated circuits disposed in the device. A method for wirelessly powering a device having an enclosure for a charge storage component.
Owner:POWERCAST

Waterproof case for electronic devices

The present invention provides protective waterproof cases for portable media players such as iPods. In an exemplary embodiment, the waterproof case comprises a transparent polycarbonate shell having an interior compartment formed therein and comprising upper and lower portions that can be detached for placing a portable player in the interior compartment. A polyurethane overmold is molded over selected portions of the shell to form protective layers on the exterior and interior surfaces of the shell. The waterproof case also comprises a window through which the screen of the player can be viewed, and a flexible pad for operating the player while it is in the waterproof case. The waterproof case further comprises a gasket for forming a watertight seal between the upper and lower portions of the shell when they are attached, and a compressible fitting for forming a watertight seal for a headphone connected to the player in the case.
Owner:SKB CORP

In-Ear Biometrics

There is provided according to an embodiment of the present a biometric tracking Apparatus for use with a digital device, said apparatus comprising: a headphone including a sensor wherein said sensor is configured to produce a data signal that is indicative of one or more biometric parameters; an input configured to receive said data signal; and a storage medium configured to store said data signal.
Owner:IMATION

Wireless Hands-Free Computing Headset With Detachable Accessories Controllable by Motion, Body Gesture and/or Vocal Commands

ActiveUS20110187640A1Enhance headsetEnhance peripheral device controlInput/output for user-computer interactionCathode-ray tube indicatorsComputer hardwareHead movements
A remote control microdisplay device that uses hand movement, body gesture, head movement, head position and / or vocal commands to control the headset, a peripheral device, a remote system, network or software application, such as to control the parameters of a field of view for the microdisplay within a larger virtual display area associated with a host application, a peripheral device or host system. The movement and / or vocal commands are detected via the headset and / or detachable peripheral device connected to the headset microdisplay device via one or more peripheral ports.
Owner:KOPIN CORPORATION
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