1579results about "Supra/circum aural earpieces" patented technology

An apparatus comprising a pair of headphones which have selective port connections formed in their housings allowing connection with an auxiliary audio appliances such as an AM / FM radio, CD player, cassette players, MP3 player as well as a cellular telephone. The apparatus specifically has one port for connection to a cellular telephone which is connected to a switching circuit which when activated by the occurrence a telephonic connection interrupts the audio from the auxiliary audio appliance.

A headphone has a headband and two earpieces each connected to the headband so as to be pivotable relative thereto. When assuming a Cartesian coordinate system having a Z plane that is a symmetry plane of the headphone, having a Y plane that is positioned perpendicularly to the Z plane and extends through a center of the headband, and having an X plane that is positioned perpendicularly to the Z and Y planes at any desired height, a pivot axis is provided between the headband and the earpiece, respectively, wherein the pivot axis is positioned at an angle of at least 10° relative to the X, Y, and Z planes, respectively.

The invention relates to an energy saving headset that comprises a power management unit operable to reduce the power consumption of the headset when a user is not present. The power management unit uses capacitive sensing to detect the presence of the user. Capacitive sensing is advantageous since it provides a flexible and reliable sensor that can accurately detect the presence or absence of a user either by detecting user proximity or user contact. Moreover, in various embodiments, the sensitivity of a capacitive sensor may be adjusted to account for user movement or changes in environmental conditions, such as, for example, the presence of water, or sweat, on the headset to further improve sensing reliability. The invention further relates to headsets using user presence signals based on capacitive sensing to control other functions of the headset or to control external devices to which the headset is connected, either wirelessly or by wires.

A headset having game, chat and microphone audio signals is provided with a programmable signal processor for individually modifying the audio signals and a memory configured to store a plurality of user-selectable signal-processing parameter settings that determine the manner in which the audio signals will be altered by the signal processor. The parameter settings collectively form a preset, and one or more user-operable controls can select and activate a preset from the plurality of presets stored in memory. The parameters stored in the selected preset can be loaded into the signal processor such that the sound characteristics of the audio paths are modified in accordance with the parameter settings in the selected preset.

A weather resistant sound attenuating communications headset of modular construction includes two ear cup modules, a microphone boom module, a head band module, a headband cable module, and a termination cable module. The modular construction allows easy replacement of modules as well as selected components of the modules under field conditions without the need for tools. Replaceable water resistant thin film membranes are employed to provide weather protection as well as hygienic protection for the microphone, speaker and amplification electronics. The thin film membranes which cover areas which come into intimate contact with the wearer are easily replaceable under field conditions. Thus a headset that is shared by more than one user can be hygienically cleansed by simple replacement of the microphone and ear cup membranes.

Directional piezoelectric devices and methods for their manufacture are provided that improve the quality of piezoelectric device mediated signal detection and provide new thermal imaging devices. The devices can provide over an order of magnitude improved signal to noise ratio compared with previously known devices. The devices may be used along with new head mounted acoustic technologies for improved voice communication systems in inherently noisy environments. The head mounted technologies utilize microphones that are activated by pressure wherein the applied trigger pressure further serves to improve efficiency of the microphones. Also provided are head pieces that include both microphones and speakers that are particularly useful for harsh environments such as those encountered by fire fighters. The head pieces are capable of further functions related to contact with the head of the user, such as reporting physiological variables of the user, along with oral communications.

New and improved electroacoustic devices each including at least one transducer assembly having one or more microphones typically mounted on a baffle plate and disposed in substantially the same acoustic plane as a speaker or speakers. In the various embodiments, at least one microphone and at least one speaker face the same or opposite directions. Each microphone may be parallel to or oriented at an angle with respect to the speaker. In other embodiments, the speaker includes a central opening or cavity in which a microphone having one of various orientations is provided. The orientations of the microphone or microphones with respect to the speaker or speakers minimize adverse noise reduction effects associated with the differences in sensitivities, frequency responses and phase responses and acoustic time delays between the microphones and the speaker or speakers, as well as minimize sound reflections that are picked up by the microphone or microphones.

Disclosed is a wireless stereo headset. The wireless stereo headset includes a first headset including a speaker unit and a Bluetooth® enabled module, for converting sound signals received from a device, transmitting the sound signals into sounds and outputting the sounds, and a second headset including a speaker unit and a Bluetooth® enabled module, for selectively receiving a portion of the sound signals which are converted into sounds and outputting the sounds, thereby accomplishing mono sound by using the first headset according to a user's request or achieving stereo sound by using the first and second headsets. The wireless stereo headset can perform voice communication by using only the first headset, while accomplishing stereo sounds by using both the first and second headsets, thereby using the wireless stereo headset to enjoy an improved sound quality.

A novel headphone system includes a first speaker assembly, a second speaker assembly, and an interactive visual display system. The interactive visual display system includes a display operative to output visual contents according to interaction with a user. In a more particular embodiment, the headphone system includes an external device interface that enables a user to interact with the contents displayed from the screen via an external device or via the Internet. In another embodiment, the interactive visual display system is removable from the rest of the headphone system and can optionally be installed in another compatible non-headphone device.

A system and method for selectively switching between a plurality of audio channels are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure will enable a user to listen to desired audio content, e.g., music with a total lack of distraction while selectively allowing certain important and selected sounds to interrupt the audio content. The system for selectively switching between a plurality of audio channels includes an audio content device (ACD) for supplying audio content on a first channel; at least one microphone input device for generating an acoustic signal from sound external to the system on a second channel; an audio signal processing control unit (ASPCU) for receiving the audio content on the first channel and the acoustic signal on the second channel and for selectively switching between the first and second channel; and an audio output device (AOD) for audibly producing sounds from the selected channel.

A single chamber headphone apparatus and earcup design is provided which enhances wearer comfort, reduces headphone weight, facilitates ease of use, maintenance and operation by providing an improved internal chamber and battery cap configuration. Sound quality is improved by eliminating acoustic problems associated with two-chamber headset designs. A volume balance control is also provided.

A transcutaneous electrostimulation device includes an electrostimulation generator providing at an output a nerve electro stimulation signal, an electronic signal conduit conductively connected to the output of the generator, and an electrode coupler shaped to form fit an ear canal of a human ear and having at least one electrostimulation electrode. The electrode is conductively connected to the electronic signal conduit to receive the nerve electrostimulation signal and is positioned at the electrode coupler to contact tissue within an ear canal and apply the nerve electrostimulation signal to the tissue transcutaneously. An audio source outputs audio signals. The electrode coupler has a speaker receiving the audio signals for output into the ear canal when the electrode coupler is worn. The generator sends the nerve electrostimulation signal to the electrode coupler while the audio signals are output. The generator modulates the nerve electrostimulation signal based upon the audio signals.

A headset for voice communication is disclosed, the headset comprising at least one earphone having a speaker and one or more microphones. The headset is configured to be operated in a first mode in which an electronic noise cancelling circuit is configured to receive ambient audio via at least a first of the one or more microphones to implement an active noise cancelling function and to provide a noise cancelling audio signal to the speaker, and in a second mode in which ambient audio is provided as a hear-through audio signal to the speaker. The headset for voice communication is configured to detect whether a call is ongoing, and to provide a call signal in response to the detection. The headset comprises the electronic noise cancelling circuit, a voice activity detection unit configured to indicate when a user speaks, a switching element configured to switch the headset between operating in the first mode and operating in the second mode, wherein, when the headset is operated in the first mode and the call signal indicates that the user is not in a call, the switching element is configured to switch the headset from operating in the first mode to operating in the second mode when the voice activity detection unit indicates that the user speaks.

A modified earphone structure having a closable opening is formed by connecting two cover bodies with a headband. The cover body has a first shell and a second shell. The first shell has at least a first opening, and forms a first connection portion. The second shell has at least a second opening, and forms a second connection portion. The second opening corresponds to the first opening. The second connection portion is retained within the first connection portion. A loudspeaker is arranged in the second shell. The first shell can be turned through the first connection portion to connect the first opening with the second opening so that external sound sources can enter a user's ears, or the second opening can be closed with the first shell to block external sound sources from entering a user's ears.

A wearable biometric monitoring device is configured to assess the biometric signal quality of one or more sensors associated with the monitoring device, determine how the user should adjust the device to improve the biometric fit, and instruct the user to wear the biometric monitoring device a certain way. Communicating instructions to a user may include instructing the user to execute a testing regimen while wearing the biometric monitoring device. The testing regimen facilitates an estimation of a signal quality that can be used to provide feedback to the user that he / she needs to adjust the device to improve the biometric fit and the biometric signal quality.

A system for welding communication that includes a welding headgear and a bone conduction transducer (BCT) disposed in or on the welding headgear is provided. The BCT facilitates communication of signals to a welding operator via bone conduction. The bone conduction facilitates the transmission of sound directly to an inner ear of the welding operator.

A headphone apparatus the acoustic characteristics of which can be easily changed in accordance with the type of content the user wants to listen to. An adjusting knob provided on the housing of the headphone apparatus is moved, closing an opening made in a baffle. As a result, an acoustic space defined by the inner side of the baffle and an ear pad is more closed, thus increasing the level of low-frequency components of the sound generated by a sound-generating unit. Hence, the acoustic characteristics of the apparatus can be easily changed as the user desires.

A headphone that is, in one embodiment, collapsible into a fully collapsed, self-protecting form factor, and includes a headband that mechanically interconnects the two earpieces and fits around the head when worn. The headband can optionally include one or more telescoping linkages to allow it to collapse in length. The headband is attached to each of the two earpieces by two hinges in one embodiment: one hinge connects the headband to an intermediate part, which exists between an earpiece and the headband, another hinge connects the intermediate part to its corresponding earpiece. The wrapping of the headband around the two earpieces can leave no part extending outside from the structure which resembles a hockey puck in one embodiment.

An article of functional headwear is provided. The article of headwear including a material configured for surrounding at least a portion of an individual's head, an audio delivery device movably positioned within the material, and a microprocessor positioned within the material, the microprocessor being coupled to the audio delivery device.

The method disclosed herein provides for performing device authentication based on the of proximity to another device, such as a key device. When a key device is not near a mobile communications device, an unlock screen is allowed to be presented on a display screen. Based on the mobile communications device receiving a first code to unlock the mobile communications device, the mobile communications device is unlocked in a first mode. Based on receiving a second code while the unlocked mobile communications device is in the first mode, the unlocked mobile communications device changes from the first mode to a second mode, wherein a level of functionality of the mobile communications device in the second mode is greater than a level of functionality of the mobile communications device in the first mode

A system and method configured to determine if a user is appropriately wearing an audio device, such as a headset, is described that enables a more accurate calculation of the audio device's acoustical characteristics. Headsets, such as headphones and earbuds, include a plurality of engagement sensors configured to determine if the audio device is engaged with the user's body. Engagement sensors may comprise capacitive sensors configured to communicate their state to an engagement sensor processing circuit, which may be located in a digital signal processor. If the engagement sensor processing circuit determines that the audio device is properly engaged with the user's body, then the circuit sends a signal that engages the calculation of various audio device acoustical quality calculations that among other things may satisfy various regulatory requirements and may also lead to an improved user experience.

The adjustable headset is an all in one device that include an adjustable support band, an adjustable screen, a first and second ear cover, a computer system, a communications system, and a power source. The adjustable support band connects to each ear cover, allowing the virtual goggles to rest atop a user's head, with the ear covers being adjacent to a user's ears. The screen is attached to the ear covers by adjustable screen bars, which allow a user to change the distance, angle, and general orientation of the screen. The computer system is capable of storing and running software programs, such as an operating system, as well as interfacing with connected devices by means of a set of connection ports, located on the ear covers, or the communications system. Thus the virtual goggles serve to adjust to meet individual comfort needs and interface with a wide variety of technologies.

The invention relates to an audio system (2) for disposing in the external region of an ear, having a carrier element (4) for affixing to the head of the user and comprising at least one hollow space (26, 27, 28) having a primary opening (11, 12, 13) oriented in the direction of an ear opening (22) of the intended ear when the carrier element (4) is disposed as intended, and having at least one speaker (5, 6, 7) disposed in the hollow space (26, 27, 28), the cavity (14, 15, 16) thereof being at least partially formed by a first hollow space region (29) and by means of which first sound waves (35) can be emitted through the primary opening (11, 12, 13) in the direction of the ear spaced apart from said opening. According to the invention, the hollow space (26, 27, 28) comprises a secondary opening (17, 18, 19) disposed in the first hollow space region (29) such that said opening is oriented away from the ear toward the surrounding area when the carrier element (4) is disposed as intended so that second sound waves (36) can be emitted through the secondary opening (17, 18, 19) by means of the speaker (5, 6, 7), said waves being offset in phase from the first sound waves (35) such that the volume of the sound waves emitted by the audio system (2) into the surrounding area can be reduced.

A cushion for a headset earphone comprises a resilient ring having opposite input and output faces, and a through-opening defining an interior surface between the two faces. The input face has structure for acoustically coupling the opening to an output face of an audio speaker, and the output face is resiliently conformable to a lateral face of an external ear of a listener, thereby acoustically coupling the opening, and hence, the speaker, to the listener's ear. The interior surface of the cushion can be configured to effectively match the acoustical impedance at the output face of the speaker to the acoustical impedance at the entrance of the listener's ear. In one possible embodiment, the ring is formed of an elastomer filled with microcapsules containing a material capable of an endothermic phase changes at a constant temperature, such that the cushion more effectively conducts heat away from the ear, thereby providing long term listening comfort. In another embodiment, the through-opening is acoustically coupled to the output of the transducer with an acoustic plug such that the cushion is flexibly articulated about the plug relative to the speaker, thereby enabling the cushion to comply more easily to the listener's ear using lower contact forces between the cushion and the ear.

Disclosed is a necklace type radio headset capable of overcoming problems of conventional headsets, in which cables connected between earphones of a headset easily get tangled with each other or with other objects in a storing place of the headset while the headset is not used. The headset according to the present invention includes casings connected via a cable and enclosing one or more Bluetooth modules and respective speakers therein, and the casings are detachably coupled to each other by a coupling means, so that a user can wear the headset around his or her neck like a necklace because the cable always maintains a ring shape. As the coupling means, one of the casings has a depression for receiving a speaker housing to be inserted into a user's ear, and the speaker housing is input in the depression while it is not used. Further, since either or both of the casings have respective permanent magnets, the casings are coupled by attractive magnetic force exerted between the permanent magnets. According to the present invention, cables of a headset do not easily get tangled with each other or do not easily get tangled with other objects. Further, since a user can carry the headset by putting the headset around his or her neck, the headset cannot easily be lost.