Cable retraction mechanism for earphone device

Abstract

An example earphone device includes a first earpiece and a second earpiece, each earpiece including a respective antenna disposed at least partially within the earpiece. The earphone device includes a headband adjustably connecting the first earpiece and the second earpiece, where both the first earpiece and the second earpiece are extendable from the headband, the headband including an interior cavity. A cable assembly including a cable extends between the first earpiece and the second earpiece. The cable assembly is at least partially formed from a resilient material and is positioned within the interior cavity of the headband in a resting position such that the cable assembly is extendable from the resting position within the interior cavity of the headband when one or both of the first earpiece and the second earpiece is extended from the headband.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 013,316, filed April 21, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to consumer products, and more specifically, to methods, systems, products, features, services and other elements relating to media playback or some aspect thereof. Background Technology

[0004] Access to and listening to digital audio in a speaker setup was limited until SONOS began developing a new playback system in 2002. Sonos then filed one of its first patent applications in 2003 entitled "Method for Synchronizing Audio Playback between Multiple Networked Devices," and began offering its first media playback systems for sale in 2005. Sonos wireless home audio systems allow people to experience music from multiple sources via one or more networked playback devices. Through a software control application installed on a controller (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, computer, voice input device), people can play their desired content in any room with networked playback devices. Media content (e.g., songs, podcasts, video audio) can be streamed to the playback devices, allowing each room with a playback device to play different media content. Additionally, rooms can be grouped together to synchronously play the same media content, and / or the same media content can be listened to synchronously in all rooms. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, an earphone device is provided, comprising: a first earpiece including a first antenna at least partially disposed within the first earpiece; a second earpiece including a second antenna at least partially disposed within the second earpiece; a headband adjustablely connecting the first earpiece and the second earpiece, wherein both the first earpiece and the second earpiece are extendable from the headband, and wherein the headband includes an internal cavity; and a cable assembly including a cable and extending between the first earpiece and the second earpiece in a sinusoidal pattern having a series of crests and troughs in a rest position of the cable assembly, wherein the cable assembly is at least partially formed of an elastic material, and wherein the cable assembly is positioned in the internal cavity of the headband in the rest position such that when one or both of the first earpiece and the second earpiece extend from the headband, the cable assembly is extendable from the rest position into the internal cavity of the headband.

[0006] According to a second aspect, a method for assembling an earphone device is provided, the method comprising: at least partially arranging a first antenna within a first earpiece; at least partially arranging a second antenna within a second earpiece; adjustingly connecting the first and second earpieces to a headbone having an internal cavity, wherein both the first and second earpieces are extendable from the headbone; and thermoforming a cable to a rest position comprising a sinusoidal pattern having a series of crests and troughs; extending a cable assembly between the first and second earpieces, wherein the cable assembly comprises a cable and is at least partially formed of an elastic material, and wherein the cable assembly is positioned in the internal cavity of the headbone in the rest position such that when one or both of the first and second earpieces extend from the headbone, the cable assembly is extendable from the rest position into the internal cavity of the headbone. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The features, aspects, and advantages of the currently disclosed technology can be better understood in conjunction with the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the features shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes, and variations in the arrangement of different and / or additional features are possible.

[0008] Figure 1A It is a partial cross-sectional view of an environment having a media playback system configured according to aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0009] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a media playback system and one or more networks.

[0010] Figure 1C This is a block diagram of a playback device.

[0011] Figure 1D This is a block diagram of a playback device.

[0012] Figure 1E This is a block diagram of a network microphone device.

[0013] Figure 1F This is a block diagram of a network microphone device.

[0014] Figure 1G This is a block diagram of a playback device.

[0015] Figure 1H This is a partial schematic diagram of the control equipment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a headphone device according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cable according to another embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4A This is a partial cross-sectional view of the headband of a headphone device according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The cross-sectional view of the head arch shown.

[0020] Figure 4C This is a partial cross-sectional view of the headband of a headphone device according to another example embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5A It is a cable assembly according to an example implementation.

[0022] Figure 5B It is a cable assembly according to another example implementation.

[0023] Figure 5C It is a cable assembly according to another example implementation.

[0024] Figure 6A This is a partial cross-sectional view of the headband of a headphone device according to another example embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6B This is a partial cross-sectional view of the headband of a headphone device according to another example embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 A flowchart of an example method for assembling headphone devices is shown.

[0027] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only; however, those skilled in the art will understand that the techniques disclosed herein are not limited to the arrangements and / or tools shown in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0028] I. Overview

[0029] Building on its success with connected media players, Sonos has begun researching and developing connected headphone devices to expand the listening options available to Sonos users. The embodiments described herein relate to headphone devices with improved wireless capabilities.

[0030] Consumers typically expect Bluetooth-enabled devices (e.g., Bluetooth headsets) to have a limited communication range. For example, consumers expect that if they leave their smartphones (e.g., they leave the room without their smartphones) and keep their Bluetooth headsets on, music streaming from their smartphones to the headset pair will be lost. Therefore, consumers generally expect to keep a pair of Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices close to each other (e.g., within approximately 5 to 15 feet) to maintain the connection. Given this relatively short range expectation for Bluetooth devices, the conventional design of such Bluetooth headsets typically employs only a single antenna integrated into the same earpiece as the communication circuitry (e.g., the Bluetooth receiver).

[0031] However, consumers have significantly higher distance expectations for Wi-Fi-enabled devices compared to Bluetooth-enabled devices. For example, consumers expect a Wi-Fi-enabled tablet to access the internet from every room in their home via its wireless access point. Therefore, consumers might expect a pair of Wi-Fi-enabled headphones to have the same type of reliable internet connection with its wireless access point as they experience when using the tablet. These expectations require Wi-Fi-enabled devices to successfully receive and transmit information over significantly greater distances than Bluetooth-enabled devices, including through walls, floors, and / or other objects that tend to attenuate and / or reflect electromagnetic waves (e.g., concrete, metal, etc.).

[0032] One challenge for WiFi-enabled devices in terms of headphone form factor is the electrical characteristics of the human head. For example, the human head significantly reflects and / or attenuates electromagnetic waves at frequencies used for WiFi communication (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Therefore, there is a large empty area near the antenna located in the earpiece on the side of the user's head, which can severely impair wireless performance. Such a large and deep empty area is not typically encountered in traditional WiFi-enabled devices (e.g., laptops). In the case of Bluetooth headphones, the user's expected distance is so small that a single antenna with a large empty area is sufficient to provide an acceptable user experience despite the aforementioned empty radiation pattern introduced by the human head. However, for WiFi-enabled headphones, a traditional single-antenna design may not provide a stable connection within the range that consumers typically expect from WiFi-enabled devices.

[0033] One approach to improving the wireless performance of headphones is to integrate multiple antennas into the headphones, with at least one antenna in each earpiece to provide spatial and mode diversity. Due to the high attenuation of electromagnetic waves passing through the human head, integrating multiple antennas in different parts of the headphones (e.g., the sides of the head) can result in antenna patterns with improved mode diversity (e.g., complementary antenna patterns). However, wireless headphones can still include communication and processing circuitry, including, for example, a wireless receiver housed only in one of the earpieces. Therefore, incorporating additional antennas into earpieces located away from the communication circuitry presents numerous new technical challenges. Many of these challenges are discussed in provisional application filed August 6, 2019, entitled “Spatial Antenna Diversity Techniques for Headphone Devices” (application number 62 / 883,535), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] One challenge is providing sufficient communication between the earpieces. For example, a remote antenna may receive a relatively weak wireless signal that must be transmitted across the headband of the earpiece to the communication circuitry via the cable assembly while maintaining signal integrity. Therefore, relatively robust conductors, such as coaxial cables, can be used. Furthermore, the remote earpiece may include additional electronics to facilitate the reception of the wireless signal, such as an antenna tuner and / or amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)). Thus, the cable assembly may include additional conductors to transmit control signals from the communication circuitry to the additional electronics in the remote earpiece. Further, the wireless earpiece may include one or more microphones, which may be located within one or both earpieces. The microphones can be used to receive voice commands from the user and / or for active noise cancellation purposes. Again, the cable assembly may include additional conductors to relay the corresponding microphone signals between the earpieces. In addition to the conductors conventionally present for transmitting power and / or transmitting audio signals to the transducer in the remote earpiece, each of the aforementioned conductors may also be included. Many other examples are also possible that could include additional conductors in the cable assembly, where the cable assembly can implement additional features of the wireless headphones.

[0035] Therefore, the cable assembly that communicatively connects the two earpieces of the wireless headphones discussed herein can be much larger than the cable assembly in conventional headphones, which typically only supply audio signals to the transducer in the remote earpiece. For example, the diameter of the cable assembly containing each required conductor of the improved wireless headphones discussed in this example can be greater than 4 mm. This is, for example, almost twice the diameter of a typical headband cable in a Bluetooth headset pair.

[0036] Complicating the design challenges of cable assemblies is the combination of the wide variation in human head size and user comfort preferences. Headphones, which include two earpieces connected via a headband, are typically not uniformly shaped, so consumers expect the earpieces of the headphone pair to be adjustable (e.g., retractable) relative to the headband. Therefore, the cable communicatively connecting the two earpieces must be integrated into the headband in a way that accommodates this adjustment while maintaining the integrity of a relatively large-diameter cable.

[0037] In some cases, the cable can be positioned in a zigzag manner within the headband, such that the total length of the cable exceeds the length of the headband itself. This allows the handset to extend beyond the headband, thus utilizing the additional cable length. However, if the extension and retraction of this excess cable length cannot be managed in a certain way, it can lead to cable damage or deterioration. For example, adjusting the handset back to its initial position relative to the headband forces the excess cable length back into the headband. Without some mechanism to retract the cable into the headband as the handset moves, such adjustments to the handset can result in the cable becoming tangled, bound to itself, or tied to the headband, among other possibilities. This can damage the cable or, in some cases, prevent the handset from moving relative to the headband.

[0038] Therefore, a cable assembly can be provided that facilitates cable retraction from its extended position when the earpieces are adjusted back to their initial position. In some embodiments, the cable assembly may include a cable thermoformed into a flexible shape that allows the cable to extend relatively easily. For example, the cable may include a cable sheath formed at least partially of an elastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer) thermoformed into a sinusoidal pattern. The cable can then be positioned within an internal cavity of the headband to connect the two earpieces. As the user adjusts the headphones by extending one or both earpieces from the headband, the sinusoidal shape of the cable flattens as the cable extends along with the earpieces.

[0039] Conversely, when the user returns the handset to its starting position relative to the headband, the elastic material of the cable sheath forces the cable back to its original stationary shape. In this way, the cable can expand and contract in a more controlled manner, reducing the chance of the cable getting tangled or bundled on itself or inside the headband's cavity.

[0040] Other arrangements and other retraction mechanisms for the cable assembly are also possible. For example, in addition to or as an alternative to a flexible cable sheath, the cable assembly may include one or more additional components coupled to the cable, which tends to return to its original shape when deformed. In some embodiments, the elastic band may be coupled to the cable in its resting position. For example, as described above, the cable may be formed into a sinusoidal pattern with a series of crests and troughs. The elastic band may be coupled to the cable at the midpoint of each sine wave, between successive crests and troughs. In some cases, the elastic band may be coupled to the cable by an adhesive. In other examples, it may be fused to the cable sheath or otherwise integrated with the cable sheath as part of a thermoforming process. Other examples are also possible.

[0041] As described above, when the cable assembly, including the elastic band, extends with the extension of the earpiece, the sinusoidal shape of the cable begins to flatten, and the elastic band stretches, storing potential energy similar to a spring. When the earpiece retracts towards the head in the opposite direction, the energy in the elastic band is released, tending to deflect the cable back to its original sinusoidal shape.

[0042] In some examples, the cable assembly may include multiple elastic bands. For example, one elastic band may be coupled to a series of peaks in a sine wave pattern, while another elastic band is coupled to a series of troughs. In other examples, the cable assembly may include an elastic strip or band to which the cable is coupled or secured. For example, the elastic strip may extend along the length of the cable and may have the width of peaks and troughs surrounding the stationary sine wave shape of the cable. Thus, similar to the examples above, extending the cable would also extend the entire elastic strip, which would then exert a restoring force on the cable when the handset retracts.

[0043] In some implementations, the headbow can also be configured to facilitate the retraction of the cable assembly after it has been extended. For example, the internal cavity of the headbow, in which the cable assembly can be positioned, can be formed with a series of guides that indicate a path for the cable assembly to return to its resting position. For example, the guides can take the form of a series of protrusions extending into the internal cavity of the headbow. The protrusions can include, for example, one or more beveled edges that, if the cable assembly is pressed against these beveled edges, can push the cable assembly in a specific direction. This can reduce the likelihood that a portion of the cable assembly will bend within the internal cavity or otherwise become misaligned during retraction.

[0044] In some embodiments, the headbone may also include features that secure one or more portions of the cable assembly in a specific location relative to the headbone. For example, the headbone may include a rib extending into an internal cavity at its midpoint. The center rib may secure, for example, the midpoint of the cable assembly in the appropriate location within the internal cavity via an interference fit. Assuming the handset extends evenly or approximately evenly when adjusted by the user, this may increase the likelihood that the extension and retraction of the cable assembly will be more evenly distributed along its length.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, after the cable assembly has been extended, the headbone can be configured to deflect the cable assembly back to its rest position. For example, the headbone may include one or more flexible tabs extending into an internal cavity. When the cable assembly is extended, it may push the flexible tabs in a first direction (e.g., longitudinally along the length of the headbone). Then, when the earpiece retracts, the tabs may provide a return force to the cable assembly in the opposite direction, thereby facilitating the return of the cable assembly to its original rest position within the internal cavity of the headbone. In some cases, the flexible tabs may be formed of an elastic material, although other configurations are possible. For example, in other examples, the flexible tabs may be formed of another elastic material (e.g., metal), or may take the form of a rigid tab coupled to a hinge spring. Furthermore, the exemplary retraction mechanism of the headphone cable assembly discussed herein can be used alone or in any combination.

[0046] For example, in some embodiments, a headphone device is provided, including: a first earpiece having a first antenna at least partially disposed within the first earpiece; and a second earpiece having a second antenna at least partially disposed within the second earpiece. The headphone device also includes a headband adjustablely connecting the first and second earpieces, wherein both the first and second earpieces extend from the headband, and wherein the headband includes an internal cavity. The headphone device further includes a cable assembly comprising a cable and extending between the first and second earpieces, wherein the cable assembly is at least partially formed of an elastic material, and wherein the cable assembly is positioned in a rest position within the internal cavity of the headband such that when one or both of the first and second earpieces extend from the headband, the cable assembly can extend from the rest position within the internal cavity of the headband.

[0047] On the other hand, a method for assembling an earphone device is provided. The method includes: at least partially arranging a first antenna in a first earpiece; and at least partially arranging a second antenna in a second earpiece. The method further includes: adjustably connecting the first and second earpieces to a headband having an internal cavity, wherein both the first and second earpieces extend from the headband. The method further includes: extending a cable assembly between the first and second earpieces, wherein the cable assembly includes a cable and is at least partially formed of an elastic material, and wherein the cable assembly is positioned in a rest position within the internal cavity of the headband such that when one or both of the first and second earpieces extend from the headband, the cable assembly can extend from the rest position within the internal cavity of the headband.

[0048] While some of the examples described herein may relate to functions performed by a given actor (e.g., a “user,” “audience,” and / or other entity), it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only. Unless the language of the claims themselves explicitly requires it, the claims should not be construed as requiring any such example actor to perform an action.

[0049] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals identify substantially similar and / or identical elements. To facilitate discussion of any particular element, one or more of the most significant bits in the reference numerals refer to the drawing in which that element was first introduced. For example, first refer to... Figure 1A Element 110a is introduced and discussed. Many details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the figures are merely illustrative of specific embodiments of the disclosed technology. Therefore, other embodiments may have different details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that other embodiments of the various disclosed technologies can be practiced without the following details.

[0050] II. Suitable operating environment

[0051] Figure 1A This is a partial cross-sectional view of a media playback system 100 distributed in an environment 101 (e.g., a house). The media playback system 100 includes one or more playback devices 110 (identified as playback devices 110a-n, respectively), one or more network microphone devices (“NMD”) 120 (identified as NMD 120a-c, respectively), and one or more control devices 130 (identified as control devices 130a and 130b, respectively).

[0052] As used herein, the term "playback device" can generally refer to a network device configured to receive, process, and output data to a media playback system. For example, a playback device can be a network device that receives and processes audio content. In some embodiments, a playback device includes one or more transducers or speakers powered by one or more amplifiers. However, in other embodiments, a playback device includes one or more speakers and amplifiers (or neither). For example, a playback device may include one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more speakers external to the playback device via appropriate wires or cables.

[0053] Furthermore, as used herein, the term NMD (i.e., "network microphone device") can generally refer to a network device configured for audio detection. In some embodiments, the NMD is a standalone device primarily configured for audio detection. In other embodiments, the NMD is incorporated into a playback device (or vice versa).

[0054] The term "control device" can generally refer to a network device that is configured to perform functions related to helping users access, control, and configure the media playback system 100.

[0055] Each of the playback devices 110 is configured to receive audio signals or data from one or more media sources (e.g., one or more remote servers, one or more local devices) and play back the received audio signals or data as sound. One or more NMDs 120 are configured to receive spoken commands, and one or more control devices 130 are configured to receive user input. In response to received spoken commands and / or user input, the media playback system 100 can play back audio via one or more playback devices 110. In some embodiments, the playback devices 110 are configured to initiate playback of media content in response to a trigger. For example, one or more playback devices 110 may be configured to play back a morning playlist when an associated trigger condition is detected (e.g., the presence of a user in the kitchen, detection of coffee machine operation). In some embodiments, for example, the media playback system 100 is configured to play back audio from a first playback device (e.g., playback device 100a) in sync with a second playback device (e.g., playback device 100b). Reference is made below. Figure 1B-1H The interaction between the playback device 110, NMD 120 and / or control device 130 of the media playback system 100 configured according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is described in more detail.

[0056] exist Figure 1AIn the illustrated embodiment, environment 101 includes a home with multiple rooms, spaces, and / or playback zones, including (clockwise from the top left) a master bathroom 101a, a master bedroom 101b, a second bedroom 101c, a family room or study 101d, an office 101e, a living room 101f, a dining room 101g, a kitchen 101h, and an outdoor balcony 101i. Although certain embodiments and examples are described below in the context of a home environment, the techniques described herein can be implemented in other types of environments. In some embodiments, for example, the media playback system 100 can be implemented in one or more commercial settings (e.g., restaurants, shopping malls, airports, hotels, retail stores, or other shops), one or more vehicles (e.g., SUVs, buses, cars, ships, aircraft), multiple environments (e.g., a combination of home and vehicle environments), and / or other suitable environments that may require multi-zone audio.

[0057] The media playback system 100 may include one or more playback zones, some of which may correspond to rooms in environment 101. The media playback system 100 may have one or more playback zones initially established, and additional zones may be added or removed to form a configuration such as that shown in Figure 1. Each zone may be named according to different rooms or spaces (e.g., office 101e, master bathroom 101a, master bedroom 101b, second bedroom 101c, kitchen 101h, dining room 101g, living room 101f, and / or balcony 101i). In some aspects, a single playback zone may include multiple rooms or spaces. In other aspects, a single room or space may include multiple playback zones.

[0058] exist Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, the master bathroom 101a, second bedroom 101c, office 101e, living room 101f, dining room 101g, kitchen 101h, and outdoor balcony 101i each include a playback device 110, and the master bedroom 101b and study 101d include multiple playback devices 110. In the master bedroom 101b, playback devices 110l and 110m can be configured to play back audio content synchronously, for example, with individual playback devices in playback devices 110, bundled playback areas, merged playback devices, and / or any combination thereof. Similarly, in the study 101d, playback devices 110h-j can be configured to play back audio content synchronously, for example, with individual playback devices in playback devices 110, one or more bundled playback devices, and / or one or more merged playback devices. See below for further details. Figure 1B and Figure 1E Additional details regarding the binding and merging of playback devices are described.

[0059] In some respects, one or more playback zones in environment 101 can play different audio content separately. For example, a user might be grilling on balcony 101i and listening to hip-hop music played by playback device 110c, while another user is preparing food in kitchen 101h and listening to classical music played by playback device 110b. In another example, a playback zone can play the same audio content synchronously with another playback zone. For example, a user might be listening to the same music played by playback device 110f in office 101e as the hip-hop music played by playback device 110c on balcony 101i. In some respects, the synchronous playback of hip-hop music by playback devices 110c and 110f makes the user feel that the audio content is played seamlessly (or at least substantially seamlessly) as it moves between different playback zones. Further details regarding audio playback synchronization between playback devices and / or regions can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395 entitled “System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] a. Suitable media playback system

[0061] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102. For ease of explanation, from... Figure 1B Some devices of the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102 are omitted. One or more communication links 103 (hereinafter referred to as "link 103") communicatively couple the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102.

[0062] Link 103 may include, for example, one or more wired networks, one or more wireless networks, one or more wide area networks (WANs), one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more personal area networks (PANs), one or more telecommunications networks (e.g., one or more Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, 5G communication networks, and / or other suitable data transmission protocol networks). Cloud network 102 is configured to deliver media content (e.g., audio content, video content, photos, social media content) to media playback system 100 in response to a request sent from media playback system 100 via link 103. In some embodiments, cloud network 102 is also configured to receive data (e.g., voice input data) from media playback system 100 and accordingly send commands and / or media content to media playback system 100.

[0063] Cloud network 102 includes computing devices 106 (identified as first computing device 106a, second computing device 106b, and third computing device 106c, respectively). Computing devices 106 may include individual computers or servers, such as media streaming service servers storing audio and / or other media content, voice service servers, social media servers, media playback system control servers, etc. In some embodiments, one or more computing devices 106 include modules of a single computer or server. In some embodiments, one or more computing devices 106 include one or more modules, computers, and / or servers. Furthermore, although cloud network 102 has been described above in the context of a single cloud network, in some embodiments, cloud network 102 includes a cloud network of multiple computing devices including communication-coupled devices. Furthermore, although in Figure 1B The cloud network 102 is shown as having three computing devices 106, but in some embodiments, the cloud network 102 includes fewer (or more) three computing devices 106.

[0064] Media playback system 100 is configured to receive media content from network 102 via link 103. The received media content may include, for example, a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and / or a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). For example, in some examples, media playback system 100 may stream, download, or otherwise obtain data from a URI or URL corresponding to the received media content. Network 104 communicatively couples link 103 to at least a portion of the devices of media playback system 100 (e.g., one or more of playback device 110, NMD 120, and / or control device 130). Network 104 may include, for example, wireless networks (e.g., WiFi networks, Bluetooth, Z-Wave networks, ZigBee, and / or other suitable wireless communication protocol networks) and / or wired networks (e.g., networks including Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and / or other suitable wired communications networks). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, as used herein, “WiFi” can refer to several different communication protocols that transmit at 2.4 MHz (GHz), 5 GHz and / or other suitable frequencies, including, for example, IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11af, 802.11ah, 802.11ai, 802.11aj, 802.11aq, 802.11ax, 802.11ay, 802.15, etc.

[0065] In some embodiments, network 104 includes a dedicated communication network used by media playback system 100 to send messages between devices and / or send and receive media content to and from media content sources (e.g., one or more computing devices 106). In some embodiments, network 104 is configured to be accessible only to devices within media playback system 100, thereby reducing interference and competition with other home appliances. However, in other embodiments, network 104 includes an existing home communication network (e.g., a home Wi-Fi network). In some embodiments, link 103 and network 104 include one or more of the same networks. In some aspects, for example, link 103 and network 104 include telecommunications networks (e.g., LTE networks, 5G networks). Furthermore, in some embodiments, media playback system 100 is implemented without network 104, and devices including media playback system 100 can communicate with each other, for example, via one or more direct connections, PANs, telecommunications networks, and / or other suitable communication links.

[0066] In some embodiments, audio content sources may be periodically added to or removed from the media playback system 100. For example, in some embodiments, the media playback system 100 indexes media items as one or more media content sources are updated, added to, and / or removed from the media playback system 100. The media playback system 100 may scan some or all folders and / or directories accessible by the playback device 110 for identifiable media items and generate or update a media content database that includes metadata (e.g., title, artist, album, track length) and other relevant information (e.g., URI, URL) for each identifiable media item found. For example, in some embodiments, the media content database is stored on one or more of the playback device 110, the network microphone device 120, and / or the control device 130.

[0067] exist Figure 1BIn the illustrated embodiment, playback devices 110l and 110m comprise a group 107a. Playback devices 110l and 110m may be temporarily or permanently placed in different rooms of a home and grouped together in group 107a based on user input received at control device 130a and / or another control device 130 in the media playback system 100. When arranged in group 107a, playback devices 110l and 110m can be configured to synchronously play back the same or similar audio content from one or more audio content sources. In some embodiments, for example, group 107a includes a binding region where playback devices 110l and 110m respectively include the left and right audio channels of multi-channel audio content, thereby producing or enhancing the stereo effect of the audio content. In some embodiments, group 107a includes an additional playback device 110. However, in other embodiments, the arrangement of group 107a and / or other groups of playback devices 110 is omitted from the media playback system 100.

[0068] The media playback system 100 includes NMDs 120a and 120d, each NMD including one or more microphones configured to receive voice output from a user. Figure 1B In the illustrated embodiment, NMD 120a is a standalone device, and NMD 120d is integrated into playback device 110n. NMD 120a is configured, for example, to receive voice input 121 from user 123. In some embodiments, NMD 120a sends data associated with the received voice input 121 to a voice assistant service (VAS), which is configured to (i) process the received voice input data and (ii) send a corresponding command to media playback system 100. In some aspects, for example, computing device 106c includes a VAS (e.g., by...). The computing device 106c may receive voice input data from the NMD 120a via network 104 and link 103. In response to receiving the voice input data, the computing device 106c processes the voice input data (i.e., "play Hey Jude" by The Beatles) and determines that the processed voice input includes a command to play the song (e.g., "Hey Jude"). Therefore, the computing device 106c sends a command to the media playback system 100 to play back The Beatles' "Hey Jude" from a suitable media service on one or more playback devices 110 (e.g., via one or more computing devices 106).

[0069] b. Suitable playback equipment

[0070] Figure 1CThis is a block diagram of a playback device 110a including input / output 111. Input / output 111 may include analog I / O 111a (e.g., one or more wires, cables, and / or other suitable communication links configured to carry analog signals) and / or digital I / O 111b (e.g., one or more wires, cables, or other suitable communication links configured to carry digital signals). In some embodiments, analog I / O 111a is an audio input connection, including, for example, an automatically detected 3.5mm audio input connection. In some embodiments, digital I / O 111b includes a Sony / Philips Digital Interface Format (S / PDIF) communication interface and / or cable and / or Toshiba Link (TOSLINK) cable. In some embodiments, digital I / O 111b includes a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface and / or cable. In some embodiments, digital I / O 111b includes one or more wireless communication links, including, for example, radio frequency (RF), infrared, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other suitable communication protocols. In some embodiments, analog I / O 111a and digital I / O 111b include interfaces (e.g., ports, plugs, jacks) of connectors configured to receive cables transmitting analog and digital signals, respectively, without necessarily including cables.

[0071] Playback device 110a may receive media content (e.g., audio content including music and / or other sounds) from local audio source 105 via input / output 111 (e.g., cable, wire, PAN, Bluetooth connection, ad hoc wired or wireless communication network, and / or other suitable communication link). Local audio source 105 may include, for example, mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, laptops) or other suitable audio components (e.g., televisions, desktop computers, amplifiers, phonographs, Blu-ray players, storage for storing digital media files). In some aspects, local audio source 105 includes a local music library on a smartphone, computer, network-attached storage (NAS), and / or other suitable device configured to store media files. In some embodiments, one or more of playback device 110, NMD 120, and / or control device 130 include local audio source 105. However, in other embodiments, the media playback system completely omits local audio source 105. In some embodiments, playback device 110a does not include input / output 111 and receives all audio content via network 104.

[0072] The playback device 110a also includes electronics 112, a user interface 113 (e.g., one or more buttons, knobs, dials, touch-sensitive surfaces, displays, touchscreens), and one or more transducers 114 (hereinafter referred to as "transducers 114"). Electronics 112 is configured to connect via input / output 111, via network 104 (… Figure 1B One or more computing devices 106a-c receive audio from an audio source (e.g., local audio source 105), amplify the received audio, and output the amplified audio for playback via one or more transducers 114. In some embodiments, the playback device 110a may optionally include one or more microphones 115 (e.g., a single microphone, multiple microphones, a microphone array) (hereinafter referred to as "microphone 115"). In some embodiments, for example, the playback device 110a having one or more optional microphones 115 may operate as an NMD configured to receive voice input from a user and perform one or more operations accordingly based on the received voice input.

[0073] exist Figure 1C In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 112 includes one or more processors 112a (hereinafter referred to as "processor 112a"), memory 112b, software component 112c, network interface 112d, one or more audio processing components 112g (hereinafter referred to as "audio component 112g"), one or more audio amplifiers 112h (hereinafter referred to as "amplifier 112h"), and power supply 112i (e.g., one or more power supplies, power cords, power sockets, batteries, sensor coils, Power over Ethernet (PoE) interfaces, and / or other suitable power sources). In some embodiments, the electronic device 112 may optionally include one or more other components 112j (e.g., one or more sensors, video displays, touchscreens, battery charging docks).

[0074] Processor 112a may include clock-driven computing components configured to process data, and memory 112b may include computer-readable media (e.g., tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media, data storage devices carrying one or more software components 112c) configured to store instructions for performing various operations and / or functions. Processor 112a is configured to execute instructions stored in memory 112b to perform one or more operations. These operations may include, for example, causing playback device 110a to access an audio source (e.g., one or more computing devices 106a-c). Figure 1B The playback device 110a acquires audio data from another playback device 110a and / or another playback device 110. In some embodiments, the operation also includes causing the playback device 110a to send audio data to another playback device 110a and / or other devices (e.g., one of the NMD 120). Some embodiments include the operation of pairing the playback device 110a with another of one or more playback devices 110 to enable a multi-channel audio environment (e.g., stereo pair, bound region).

[0075] Processor 112a can also be configured to perform operations that cause playback device 110a to synchronize the playback of audio content with another of one or more playback devices 110. As those skilled in the art will understand, during synchronized playback of audio content on multiple playback devices, the listener will preferably not be able to perceive the time difference between the playback of audio content by playback device 110a and one or more other playback devices 110. Additional details regarding audio playback synchronization between playback devices can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] In some embodiments, memory 112b may also be configured to store data associated with playback device 110a, such as one or more regions and / or groupings of regions of its members, audio sources accessible to playback device 110a, and / or playback queues that playback device 110a (and / or another of one or more playback devices) may be associated with. The stored data may include one or more state variables that are periodically updated and used to describe the state of playback device 110a. Memory 112b may also include data associated with the state of one or more other devices of media playback system 100 (e.g., playback device 110, NMD 120, control device 130). In some aspects, for example, state data is shared between at least a subset of devices of media playback system 100 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds, every 10 seconds, every 60 seconds), such that one or more devices have the most up-to-date data associated with media playback system 100.

[0077] Network interface 112d is configured to facilitate playback device 110a with one or more other devices on the data network (e.g., link 103 and / or network 104). Figure 1B Data transmission between the playback device 110a and other media content (e.g., audio content, video content, text, photos) and other signals including digital packet data (e.g., non-transitory signals) containing Internet Protocol (IP) based source addresses and / or IP-based destination addresses. The network interface 112d can parse the digital packet data, enabling the electronic device 112 to correctly receive and process data destined for the playback device 110a.

[0078] exist Figure 1CIn the illustrated embodiment, network interface 112d includes one or more wireless interfaces 112e (hereinafter referred to as "wireless interface 112e"). Wireless interface 112e (e.g., a suitable interface including one or more antennas) can be configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more other devices (e.g., one or more of other playback devices 110, NMD 120, and / or control devices 130), which are communicatively coupled to network 104 according to a suitable wireless communication protocol (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE). Figure 1B In some embodiments, network interface 112d may optionally include wired interface 112f (e.g., an interface or receptacle configured to receive network cables such as Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, and / or Thunderbolt cables), which is configured to communicate with other devices via a wired connection according to a suitable wired communication protocol. In some embodiments, network interface 112d includes wired interface 112f and does not include wireless interface 112e. In some embodiments, electronic device 112 completely excludes network interface 112d and sends and receives media content and / or other data via another communication path (e.g., input / output 111).

[0079] Audio component 112g is configured to process and / or filter data comprising media content received by electronic device 112 (e.g., via input / output 111 and / or network interface 112d) to generate an output audio signal. In some embodiments, audio processing component 112g includes, for example, one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), audio preprocessing components, audio enhancement components, digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other suitable audio processing components, modules, circuitry, etc. In some embodiments, one or more audio processing components 112g may include one or more sub-components of processor 112a. In some embodiments, electronic device 112 omits audio processing component 112g. In some aspects, for example, processor 112a executes instructions stored on memory 112b to perform audio processing operations to generate an output audio signal.

[0080] Amplifier 112h is configured to receive and amplify an audio output signal generated by audio processing component 112g and / or processor 112a. Amplifier 112h may include electronics and / or components configured to amplify the audio signal to a level for driving one or more transducers 114. In some embodiments, for example, amplifier 112h includes one or more switching or Class D power amplifiers. However, in other embodiments, the amplifier includes one or more other types of power amplifiers (e.g., linear gain power amplifiers, Class A amplifiers, Class B amplifiers, Class AB amplifiers, Class C amplifiers, Class D amplifiers, Class E amplifiers, Class F amplifiers, Class G and / or Class H amplifiers and / or other suitable types of power amplifiers). In some embodiments, amplifier 112h includes a suitable combination of two or more power amplifiers of the aforementioned types. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each amplifier in amplifier 112h corresponds to each transducer in transducer 114. However, in other embodiments, electronics 112 includes a single amplifier 112h configured to output an amplified audio signal to a plurality of transducers 114. In some other embodiments, the amplifier 112h is omitted from the electronic device 112.

[0081] Transducer 114 (e.g., one or more loudspeakers and / or loudspeaker drivers) receives amplified audio signals from amplifier 112h and presents or outputs the amplified audio signals as sound (e.g., audible sound waves with frequencies between approximately 20 Hz and 20 kHz). In some embodiments, transducer 114 may include a single transducer. However, in other embodiments, transducer 114 includes multiple audio transducers. In some embodiments, transducer 114 includes more than one type of transducer. For example, transducer 114 may include one or more low-frequency transducers (e.g., subwoofers, woofers), mid-frequency transducers (e.g., mid-range transducers, mid-bass speakers), and one or more high-frequency transducers (e.g., one or more tweeters). As used herein, “low frequency” generally refers to audible frequencies below approximately 500 Hz, “mid frequency” generally refers to audible frequencies between approximately 500 Hz and approximately 2 kHz, and “high frequency” generally refers to audible frequencies above 2 kHz. However, in some embodiments, one or more transducers 114 include transducers that do not adhere to the aforementioned frequency range. For example, one of the transducers 114 may include a mid-bass transducer configured to output sound at frequencies between approximately 200 Hz and approximately 5 kHz.

[0082] For example, SONOS currently offers (or has offered) certain playback devices, including, for example, “SONOSONE,” “PLAY:1,” “PLAY:3,” “PLAY:5,” “PLAYBAR,” “CONNECT:AMP,” “CONNECT,” and “SUB.” Other suitable playback devices may be used additionally or alternatively to implement the playback devices of the example embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the playback devices are not limited to the examples described herein or SONOS products. In some embodiments, for example, one or more playback devices 110 include wired or wireless headphones (e.g., earbuds, over-ear headphones, in-ear headphones). In other embodiments, one or more playback devices 110 include a docking station and / or an interface configured to interact with a docking station for personal mobile media playback devices. In some embodiments, the playback device may be integrated into another device or component, such as a television, lighting equipment, or some other device used indoors or outdoors. In some embodiments, the playback device omits a user interface and / or one or more transducers. For example, Figure 1D This is a block diagram of playback device 110p, which includes input / output 111 and electronics 112, but excludes user interface 113 or transducer 114.

[0083] Figure 1E This is a block diagram of a bound playback device 110q, which includes components associated with playback device 110i (e.g., a subwoofer). Figure 1A ) Ultrasonic binding playback device 110a ( Figure 1C In the illustrated embodiment, playback devices 110a and 110i are separate playback devices housed in a separate housing within playback device 110. However, in some embodiments, the bundled playback device 110q comprises a single housing housing both playback devices 110a and 110i. The bundled playback device 110q can be configured to work with an unbundled playback device (e.g., Figure 1C Playback device 110a) and / or paired or bundled playback devices (e.g., Figure 1B Playback devices 110a and 110m process and reproduce sound differently. In some embodiments, for example, playback device 110a is a full-range playback device configured to present low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency audio content, and playback device 110i is a subwoofer configured to present low-frequency audio content. In some aspects, when paired with a first playback device, playback device 110a is configured to present only the mid-frequency and high-frequency components of a specific audio content, while playback device 110i presents the low-frequency components of the specific audio content. In some embodiments, the paired playback device 110q includes an additional playback device and / or another paired playback device.

[0084] c. Suitable Network Microphone Equipment (NMD)

[0085] Figure 1F It is NMD 120a ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B The NMD 120a includes one or more voice processing components 124 (hereinafter referred to as "voice components 124") and a playback device 110a. Figure 1C The NMD 120a optionally includes several components described, including processor 112a, memory 112b, and microphone 115. It also includes components in playback device 110a. Figure 1C Other components in the NMD 120a, such as user interface 113 and / or transducer 114. In some embodiments, the NMD 120a is configured as a media playback device (e.g., one or more playback devices 110) and also includes, for example, an audio component 112g. Figure 1C The NMD 120a includes one or more of the following components: amplifier 114 and / or other playback device components. In some embodiments, the NMD 120a includes Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as thermostats, alarm panels, fire and / or smoke detectors, etc. In some embodiments, the NMD 120a includes a microphone 115, voice processing 124, and the above-mentioned components. Figure 1B The described electronic device 112 comprises only a portion of its components. In some respects, for example, the NMD 120a includes a processor 112a and a memory 112b. Figure 1B (), while omitting one or more other components of electronic device 112.

[0086] In some embodiments, the NMD 120a includes additional components (e.g., one or more sensors, a camera, a thermometer, a barometer, a hygrometer). In some embodiments, the NMD can be integrated into a playback device. Figure 1G This is a block diagram of a playback device 110r including an NMD 120d. The playback device 110r may include many or all of the components of the playback device 110a, and also includes a microphone 115 and a voice processing unit 124. Figure 1F The playback device 110r may optionally include an integrated control device 130c. The control device 130c may include, for example, a user interface configured to receive user input (e.g., touch input, voice input) without a separate control device. Figure 1B User interface 113). However, in other embodiments, the playback device 110r is controlled from another control device (e.g., user interface 113). Figure 1B The control device 130a) receives commands.

[0087] Refer again Figure 1FThe microphone 115 is configured to receive signals from the environment (e.g., Figure 1A The environment 101) and / or the room where the NMD 120a is located acquires, captures, and / or receives sound. The received sound may include, for example, speech, audio played back by the NMD 120a and / or another playback device, background speech, ambient sounds, etc. The microphone 115 converts the received sound into electrical signals to generate microphone data. The voice processing 124 receives and analyzes the microphone data to determine if voice input is present in the microphone data. Voice input may include, for example, an activation word followed by a utterance requesting the user's input. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, an activation word is a word or other audio cue that indicates user voice input. For example, in a query... During VAS, the user might say the activation word "Alexa". Other examples include using it to invoke... VAS's "Ok, Google" and the calls VAS's "Hey, Siri".

[0088] After detecting the activation word, the voice processing unit 124 monitors microphone data accompanying the user request in the voice input. The user request may include, for example, control of a third-party device (e.g., a thermostat, etc.). Thermostats), lighting equipment (e.g., PHILIPS) Lighting equipment) or media playback equipment (e.g., Commands from playback devices. For example, a user can say the activation word "Alexa," followed by the voice prompt "Set the thermostat to 68 degrees" to set up their home (e.g., Figure 1A The temperature in environment 101). Users can say the same activation word, followed by the utterance of "light up the living room," to turn on the lighting in the family living room area. Users can similarly say the activation word, followed by a request to play a specific song, album, or music playlist on the playback devices in the home.

[0089] d. Suitable control equipment

[0090] Figure 1H It is control equipment 130a ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B A partial schematic diagram of the media playback system 100. As used herein, the term "control device" may be used interchangeably with "controller" or "control system". Among other features, the control device 130a is configured to receive user input relating to the media playback system 100 and, in response, cause one or more devices in the media playback system 100 to perform an action or operation corresponding to the user input. In the illustrated embodiment, the control device 130a includes a smartphone (e.g., an iPhone) on which media playback system controller application software is installed.TM (e.g., Android phone). In some embodiments, the control device 130a includes, for example, a tablet computer (e.g., iPad). TM The control device 130a includes a computer (e.g., a laptop computer, a desktop computer) and / or other suitable devices (e.g., a television, a car stereo head unit, an IoT device). In some embodiments, the control device 130a includes a dedicated controller for the media playback system 100. In other embodiments, as described above regarding... Figure 1G As described, control device 130a is integrated into another device in media playback system 100 (e.g., playback device 110, NMD 120, and / or one or more other suitable devices configured to communicate over a network).

[0091] Control device 130a includes electronics 132, user interface 133, one or more speakers 134, and one or more microphones 135. Electronics 132 includes one or more processors 132a (hereinafter referred to as "processor 132a"), memory 132b, software components 132c, and network interface 132d. Processor 132a may be configured to perform functions related to facilitating user access, control, and configuration of media playback system 100. Memory 132b may include a data storage device loaded with one or more software components executable by processor 302 to perform these functions. Software components 132c may include applications and / or other executable software configured to facilitate control of media playback system 100. Memory 112b may be configured to store, for example, software components 132c, media playback system controller application software, and / or other data associated with media playback system 100 and the user.

[0092] Network interface 132d is configured to facilitate network communication between control device 130a and one or more other devices and / or one or more remote devices in media playback system 100. In some embodiments, network interface 132d is configured to operate according to one or more suitable communication industry standards (e.g., infrared, radio, wired standards including IEEE 802.3, wireless standards including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.15, 4G, LTE). Network interface 132d may be configured, for example, to communicate with playback device 110, NMD 120, other control devices in control device 130, etc. Figure 1BThe network interface 132d sends and / or receives data from one of the computing devices 106, as well as devices including one or more other media playback systems. The sent and / or received data may include, for example, playback device control commands, status variables, playback regions and / or region group configurations. For example, based on user input received at user interface 133, network interface 132d may send playback device control commands (e.g., volume control, audio playback control, audio content selection) from control device 304 to one or more playback devices 100. Network interface 132d may also send and / or receive configuration changes, such as adding or removing one or more playback devices 100 from regions; adding or removing one or more regions from region groups; forming a bound or merged player; detaching one or more playback devices from a bound or merged player, etc.

[0093] User interface 133 is configured to receive user input and facilitate control of media playback system 100. User interface 133 includes media content art 133a (e.g., album art, lyrics, video), playback status indicators 133b (e.g., elapsed and / or remaining time indicators), media content information area 133c, playback control area 133d, and area indicators 133e. Media content information area 133c may include a display of information about the currently playing media content and / or media content in the queue or playlist (e.g., title, artist, album, genre, release year). Playback control area 133d may include selectable (e.g., via touch input and / or via a cursor or other suitable selector) icons to cause one or more playback devices in the selected playback area or group of areas to perform playback actions, such as play or pause, fast forward, rewind, skip to the next, skip to the previous, enter / exit shuffle mode, enter / exit repeat mode, enter / exit crossfade mode, etc. The playback control area 133d may also include selectable icons for modifying equalization settings, playback volume, and / or other suitable playback actions. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 133 includes those displayed on a smartphone (e.g., an iPhone). TM The display is on the touchscreen interface of an Android phone. However, in some embodiments, other user interfaces with varying formats, styles, and interaction sequences can be implemented on one or more network devices to provide similar control access to the media playback system.

[0094] One or more speakers 134 (e.g., one or more transducers) may be configured to output sound to a user of control device 130a. In some embodiments, the one or more speakers include individual transducers configured to output low, mid, and / or high frequencies accordingly. In some aspects, for example, control device 130a is configured as a playback device (e.g., one of playback devices 110). Similarly, in some embodiments, control device 130a is configured as an NMD (e.g., one of NMD 120) that receives voice commands and other sounds via one or more microphones 135.

[0095] One or more microphones 135 may include, for example, one or more condenser microphones, electret condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, and / or other suitable types of microphones or transducers. In some embodiments, two or more microphones 135 may be arranged to capture location information of an audio source (e.g., speech, audible sound) and / or configured to facilitate filtering of background noise. Furthermore, in some embodiments, control device 130a is configured to function as a playback device and NMD. However, in other embodiments, control device 130a omits one or more speakers 134 and / or one or more microphones 135. For example, control device 130a may include a device (e.g., a thermostat, IoT device, network device) that includes a portion of electronics 132 and a user interface 133 (e.g., a touchscreen) without including any speakers or microphones.

[0096] III. Example Headphone Device

[0097] In some embodiments, the playback device and / or NMD discussed in the examples above can take the form of a headphone device including multiple spatial diversity antennas (e.g., a WiFi-enabled headphone device, a WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled headphone device, etc.) to improve wireless performance. The headphone device discussed herein can be configured to operate in various operating modes (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, home theater, LTE, 5G, etc.) and can also switch between operating modes based on the wireless communication channel and the type of media played by the headphone device at a given time.

[0098] Figure 2A schematic diagram of an earphone device 240 according to an example embodiment is shown. The earphone device 240 can be implemented as a wearable device, such as an over-ear headphone, in-ear headphone, or ear-hook headphone. As shown, the earphone device 240 includes a headband 242 that couples a first earpiece 241a to a second earpiece 241b. Each of the earpieces 241a and 241b can house any part of the electronic components within the earphone device 240 (e.g., transducers 214a and 214b, amplifiers, filters, processor 212, memory, receivers, transmitters, switches, etc.). Additionally, one or both of the earpieces 241a and 241b can house antennas 244a and 244b and communication circuitry 247. In some embodiments, the collection of components listed above is said to be enclosed within an earphone housing that includes a combination of the first earpiece 241a, the second earpiece 241b, and the headband 242.

[0099] In some example embodiments, one or more of the handsets 241a and 241b may also include a user interface for controlling audio playback, volume levels, and other functions. The user interface may include any of a variety of control elements, such as buttons, capacitive touch surfaces, and / or switches.

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown, the headphone device 240 may also include ear pads 245a and 245b, respectively coupled to the earpieces 241a and 241b. The ear pads 245a and 245b may provide soft barriers between the user's head and the earpieces 241a and 241b, respectively, to improve user comfort and / or provide acoustic isolation from the surrounding environment (e.g., passive noise cancellation (PNR)).

[0101] Furthermore, both the first earpiece 241a and the second earpiece 241b can extend independently from the headband 242 to increase the overall length of the headphone device 240. This allows the user to adjust the earpieces relative to the headband 242, thereby customizing the fit of the headphones 240 to their preference. Similarly, each of the earpieces 241a and 241b can rotate at their respective connection points with the headband 242, providing the user with additional degrees of freedom to customize their fit.

[0102] In some embodiments, the communication circuit 247 may include any of a variety of electronic components capable of transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals via antennas 244a and 244b. Examples of such components include receivers, transmitters, processors 212, memory, amplifiers, switches, and / or filters.

[0103] In some embodiments, antennas 244a and 244b are multiband antennas configured to operate over several frequency bands (e.g., a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band), such as a dual-band inverted-F antenna (IFA). Furthermore, in some examples, one or more of antennas 244a and 244b may be passive multiband antennas. In other examples, one or more of antennas 244a and 244b may be active multiband antennas. Further still, one of antennas 244a or 244b may be an active multiband antenna, while the other may be a passive multiband antenna. In other embodiments, one or more of antennas 244a and 244b may be a single-band antenna configured to operate over a single frequency band (e.g., a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band).

[0104] It should be understood that the headset device 240 may employ any number of antennas and is not limited to an implementation with only two antennas. For example, the headset device 240 may include two antennas for communication via WiFi and a third antenna for communication via Bluetooth. Additionally or alternatively, the headset device 240 may include additional antennas to enable near-field communication (NFC).

[0105] In some embodiments, antennas 244a and 244b are physically separated from each other (i.e., spatial diversity). This is desirable when a user / wearer wears the headphone device 240, as the human head may attenuate and / or reflect electromagnetic waves, causing RF signal interruptions. Using a combination of antennas 244a and 244b in each earpiece 241a and 241b (i.e., on either side of the user's head during use) can reduce RF signal interruptions caused by movement and / or position of the user's head when wearing the headphones. Communication circuitry 247 can allow the combination of antennas 244a and 244b and / or switching between them during operation based on, for example, which antenna 244a or 244b receives a stronger signal at a given time. Furthermore, antennas 244a and / or 244b can be housed in portions of the headphone housing other than earpieces 241a and 241b. For example, one or more of antennas 244a and / or 244b can be at least partially housed in the headband 242.

[0106] Cable assembly 248 may include a cable connecting the first earpiece 241a and the second earpiece 241b and facilitating communication between corresponding components in the two earpieces. The cable may include multiple conductors for performing various functions of the headphone device 240. For example... Figure 2 As schematically shown and discussed in further detail below, the cable assembly 248 can be housed within the head bow 242.

[0107] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of an example cable 350 is shown, which may form part of a cable assembly 248. Cable 350 may include multiple conductors, such as a first conductor 351a for detected wireless signals (e.g., wireless signals detected via remote antenna 244b), a second conductor 351b for power transmission, and a third conductor 351c for carrying audio signals (e.g., audio signals driving remote transducer 214b). Figure 3 Additional conductors are shown, and many other conductors are also possible (each conductor may correspond to an additional function of the headphone device 240), such as conductors for carrying microphone signals corresponding to voice commands received from the user, or microphone signals for active noise cancellation, etc.

[0108] Due to the potential number of conductors, cable 350 can be significantly larger than a typical headband cable found, for example, in a pair of Bluetooth-only headsets with a single antenna. For instance, cable 350 can have an outer diameter ranging from 3.5mm to 6.5mm, depending on the number of conductors included, which can be two to three times larger than some conventional designs. Similarly, some designs of cable 350 can have an outer diameter ranging from 4.0mm to 6.0mm, including designs ranging from 4.0mm to 5.0mm. In some cases, cable 350 can have an outer diameter ranging from 4.2mm to 4.8mm. Other examples are also possible.

[0109] like Figure 3 As shown, cable 350 may also include cable sheath 352, which may provide protection and / or insulation for the conductors therein. In some embodiments, cable sheath 352 may form some or all of a retraction mechanism to retract cable assembly 248 within head bow 242, as discussed further below.

[0110] Now go to Figure 4A A partial cross-sectional view of the headband 442 of an exemplary headphone device is shown. The headphone device may be similar to, for example... Figure 2 The headphone device 240 is shown. Figure 4A In this configuration, the top of the head bow 442 is removed, exposing the internal cavity 461 within the head bow 442. Located within the internal cavity 461 is a cable assembly 448a, which may be similar to the cable assembly 248 discussed above. For example, the cable assembly 448a may include a cable (e.g., cable 350) comprising multiple conductors and having a relatively large diameter.

[0111] Figure 4B It shows Figure 4AThe diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the headbow 442, with the top 463 of the headbow 442 added. The top 463 of the headbow 442 surrounds the internal cavity 461, in which the cable assembly 448a can be seen. The top 463 of the headbow 442 can be attached to the headbow 442 via a set of clips 462, although many other couplings are also possible. Figure 4B The cross-sectional view of the headbone 442 also shows a foam portion 464, which provides the shape of the headbone 442 and enhances user comfort. Furthermore, a sheet 465 (e.g., a plastic sheet) separates the foam portion 464 from the internal cavity 461 and provides a smooth surface on which the cable assembly 448a can extend and retract, as discussed further below.

[0112] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the cable assembly 448a is formed in a sinusoidal shape, allowing a cable length greater than the corresponding length of the headbone 442 to be accommodated within the internal cavity 461. A first end of the cable assembly 448a may be fixed within or otherwise coupled to a first shaft 462a extending into the internal cavity 461 of the headbone 442. Similarly, a second end of the cable assembly 448a is fixed within a second shaft 462b on the opposite side of the headbone 442. The first shaft 462a and the second shaft 462b are respectively connected to a first and second earpiece of the headphone device, and both are axially sliding within the internal cavity 461 of the headbone 442. In this way, the earpiece can extend from the headbone 442 to allow user adjustment. For example, Figure 4A The first shaft 462a shown can slide downwards and out of the internal cavity 461 of the head arch 442. The second shaft 462b can similarly slide on the opposite end of the head arch 442.

[0113] In conjunction with the movement of the first and / or second handsets, the cable assembly 448a, fixed within the first shaft 462a and the second shaft 462b, will also extend within the internal cavity 461 of the headbone 442. Specifically, the sinusoidal shape of the cable assembly 448a will flatten as it extends. Therefore, the cable assembly 448a can be at least partially formed of a flexible material that allows it to extend in this manner without damaging the multiple conductors.

[0114] Furthermore, and as previously mentioned, the cable assembly 448a may be at least partially made of an elastic material such that when the handset retracts, the cable assembly 448a will contract toward its original shape. For example, the cable assembly 448a may be at least partially formed of an elastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer). For example, in some embodiments, the cable assembly 448a may include a cable 350 having a cable sheath 351, the cable sheath 351 being thermoformed around the cable 350 in a rest position, for example... Figure 4A The diagram shows a sine curve pattern with a series of peaks and troughs. Therefore, when the first earpiece of the headphone device retracts and the first shaft 462a slides upward back into the internal cavity 461 of the headband 442, the elastic material of the cable assembly 448a will tend to pull the cable assembly 448a back to its rest position. This configuration advantageously reduces the possibility of the cable assembly 448a being pushed into the internal cavity 461 in a manner that could damage it.

[0115] Figure 4A The sinusoidal pattern of the cable assembly 448a in the diagram illustrates only one example of how the cable assembly discussed herein can be positioned within the internal cavity 461 of the headbone 442. For example, Figure 4C A partial cross-sectional view of the headbone 442 is shown, including a cable assembly 448b in an alternative configuration (which may be referred to as an S-shaped pattern). This pattern can similarly allow the cable assembly 448b to extend within the internal cavity 461 when one or more earpieces of the headphone device are extended. Furthermore, the cable assembly 448b may be at least partially formed of an elastic material that tends to return the cable assembly 448b to its resting S-shaped position when the earpieces retract. Other patterns for the resting position of the cable assembly within the internal cavity 461 of the headbone 442 are also possible.

[0116] In some implementations, the exemplary cable assembly discussed herein may include additional features that facilitate the retraction of the cable assembly to its resting position. For example, Figures 5A-5C Several embodiments are shown in which cable 550 is coupled to an elastic band or elastic strip to which a restoring force can be applied. Figures 5A-5C The examples shown include features such as: these features can include, for example Figures 4A-4C The example cable assemblies 448a and 448b are shown.

[0117] For example, Figure 5A A sinusoidal cable assembly 548a in a stationary position is shown, comprising a series of crests 553 and a series of troughs 554. The cable assembly 548a also includes an elastic band 555a coupled to the cable 550 at multiple connection points between the crests 553 and troughs 554. In some examples, the elastic band 555a may be formed of the same elastic material as the cable sheath surrounding the cable 550 and may be thermoformed together with the cable sheath as a single unit. In other examples, the elastic band 555a may be a separate component having the same or different elastic materials, coupled to the cable sheath as an additional assembly step. Figure 5AAs shown, the elastic band 555a can be coupled to the cable 550 such that the cable 500 passes through a pre-formed hole in the elastic band 555a. In some cases, the elastic band 555a can additionally or alternatively be coupled to the cable 550 using an adhesive. Other examples are also possible.

[0118] Figure 5B Another example cable assembly 548b is shown, in which two elastic bands 555b and 555c are coupled to cable 550. For example, the first elastic band 555b is coupled to cable 550 at multiple crests 553 in a series of crests 553. For example, the first elastic band 555b may be coupled to each crest or each other crest along the length of cable 550. Similarly, the second elastic band 555c is coupled to cable 550 at multiple troughs 554 in a series of troughs 554. As described above, the elastic bands 555b and 555c may be formed as part of the cable sheath, or, among other possibilities, may be attached to the cable by adhesive.

[0119] Figure 5C Another exemplary cable assembly 548c is shown, which includes an elastic strip 556 coupled to the cable 550 at multiple points along a sinusoidal pattern. For example, the elastic strip 556 may have a width surrounding a series of crests 553 and a series of troughs 554. Therefore, the elastic strip 556 may be coupled to the cable 500 at one or more crests 553, one or more troughs 554, and / or one or more additional points therebetween. As shown in the examples above, the elastic strip 556 may be integrally formed with the cable sheath, or it may be a separate component coupled to the cable 550. Figure 5C The exemplary cable assembly 548c shown includes a single resilient strip 556 disposed on one side of the cable 550, which can be positioned, for example, close to a piece 465 of the internal cavity 461 of the headbone 442, such as... Figure 4B As shown. In some other embodiments, two elastic strips 556 may be included, which clamp the cable 550 between them. Other arrangements are also possible.

[0120] In some implementations, and with reference to Figure 4A , Figures 5A-5C The elastic band and / or elastic strip shown may extend along the length of the internal cavity 461 and be coupled to one or both of the first shaft 462a and the second shaft 462b. Because the first shaft 462a is extended, this allows, for example, forces for extending the cable assembly to be applied more directly to the elastic band and / or elastic strip. In other embodiments, limited space or other design constraints may not allow for such a connection, and the extended length of the elastic band and / or elastic strip may be less than the overall length of the cable assembly 448 within the head bow 442.

[0121] The elastic bands and / or elastic strips described herein may include elastic materials. The elastic material may be integrated into the elastic band in any of a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the elastic band may be composed entirely of one or more elastic materials (e.g., elastic material sheets, bands woven from elastic threads, etc.). In other embodiments, the elastic band may include a fabric formed by weaving, knitting, and / or weaving fibers (e.g., natural fibers and / or synthetic fibers) together. In these embodiments, the elastic material may be integrated into the fabric. Some example elastic materials include rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, and elastic olefins. Some example rubbers include latex rubber, silicone rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and polyacrylic rubber.

[0122] In addition to the features of the example cable assemblies discussed above, the headband of the headphone device may also include elements that facilitate the extension and retraction of the cable assembly within the headband when adjusting the earpiece. For example, Figures 6A-6B A partial cross-sectional view of the headband 642 of an earphone device according to some additional example embodiments is shown.

[0123] Figure 6A It shows the relationship with Figures 4A-4C The diagram shows a close-up view of a headbow 642, similar to the one shown. For example, headbow 642 includes an internal cavity 661 within which a sinusoidal cable assembly 648 is positioned. In some embodiments, headbow 642 may include a central rib 663 extending into the internal cavity 661. The central rib 663 may secure the midpoint or near-midpoint of the cable assembly 648 at the midpoint of headbow 642. For example, the cable assembly 648 may be secured with an interference fit between the central rib 663 and the wall of the internal cavity 661. This may increase the likelihood of a more even distribution of the extension and retraction of the cable assembly 648 along its length, i.e., the extension of the left earpiece extending the left half of the cable assembly 648, and the extension of the right earpiece extending the right half of the cable assembly 648. Other configurations of the central rib 663 are also possible, as are other options (e.g., adhesives or other fasteners) for securing the midpoint or other points of the cable assembly 648 within the internal cavity 661.

[0124] Furthermore, the head bow 642 may be configured to assist in guiding the cable assembly 648 back to its resting position after extending the cable assembly 648. For example, the head bow may include a plurality of guide protrusions extending into the internal cavity 461. Figure 6A Guide protrusions 664a and 664b are shown, positioned between adjacent peaks in a series of crescent-shaped peaks of the cable assembly 648. Similarly, guide protrusions 664c and 664d are located between adjacent troughs in a series of troughs. Figure 6AAs shown, the guide protrusion may include one or more beveled edges that force the cable assembly 648 toward a specific path as it extends or retracts. This can help reduce the likelihood that a portion of the cable assembly 648 bends within the internal cavity 661 or otherwise becomes misaligned during retraction.

[0125] Figure 6B Another example implementation of the head bow 642, which helps the cable assembly 648 retract, is shown. Figure 6B As shown, the head arch 642 may additionally or alternatively include a plurality of flexible tabs extending into the internal cavity 661. For example, Figure 6B The illustrated headbone 642 includes a first flexible tab 665a located between adjacent crests of the cable assembly 648 and a second flexible tab 665b located between adjacent troughs. As the cable assembly 648 extends and moves, for example, from left to right, the crests and / or troughs of the cable assembly 648 can contact the flexible tabs 665a and 665b, forcing them to bend to the right. Similar to a spring, the flexible tabs can apply a force to the cable assembly 648 to the left in the opposite direction. Therefore, when the handset retracts, the flexible tabs 665a and 665b can deflect the cable assembly towards its rest position.

[0126] In some embodiments, the flexible tabs 665a and 665b may be formed of a flexible plastic or another elastomer. In other examples, the flexible tabs may be metal or another material that elastically returns to its original shape when the deforming load is removed. Furthermore, the flexible tabs may be composite elements formed from, for example, rigid tabs coupled to a hinge spring. Other examples are also possible.

[0127] In some head bow designs, it is possible to... Figure 6B The flexible tabs shown are positioned between each crest and trough in the sinusoidal shape of the cable assembly 648. In other embodiments, the flexible tabs may be periodically spaced within the internal cavity 661 of the head bow 642, for example, between every other crest and trough. Other arrangements are also possible. Furthermore, other configurations and positions of the flexible tabs corresponding to different stationary shapes of the cable assembly 648 are also possible.

[0128] The example retraction mechanisms discussed above (including features included in the cable assembly and features included as part of the headbone) can be used alone or in any combination in a given headphone device.

[0129] Now go to Figure 7 It shows a flowchart of a method 700 for assembling a headphone device according to an example embodiment. Figure 7 The method 700 shown illustrates that it can be used with Figures 2-6BExamples of methods used with the example headphone devices shown and discussed herein. Furthermore, flowcharts illustrate one possible implementation of the functionality and operation of this example for the method 700 and other processes and methods disclosed herein. In this regard, each block in the flowchart may represent a module, segment, or portion of program code, comprising one or more instructions executable by a processor to implement or cause a specific logical function or step in the process. For example, method 700 may be implemented wholly or partially by one or more computing devices of a robotic assembly system. As those skilled in the art will understand, alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of this disclosure, wherein, depending on the functionality involved, functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed (including substantially simultaneously).

[0130] At step 702, method 700 includes: disposing of the first antenna at least partially within the first earpiece. For example, as described above regarding... Figure 2 As discussed, the first antenna 244a may be disposed in the first earpiece 241a of the headphone device 240. Similarly, at step 704, method 700 includes: disposing a second antenna (e.g., second antenna 244b) at least partially within the second earpiece (e.g., second earpiece 241b).

[0131] At step 706, method 700 includes: adjustably connecting the first earpiece 241a and the second earpiece 241b to the headbone 242. The headbone 242 includes an internal cavity (e.g., relative to...). Figures 4A-4C The headbone 442 shown has an internal cavity 461 in which the cable assembly 448a can be positioned. Furthermore, the first earpiece 241a and the second earpiece 241b are adjustablely connected to the headbone 242 such that they can both extend from the headbone 242, as discussed in the examples above.

[0132] At step 708, method 700 includes extending a cable assembly between a first earpiece 241a and a second earpiece 241b. For example, extending the cable assembly between the earpieces may include: communicatively coupling a second antenna 244b in the second earpiece 241b to a communication circuit 247 in the first earpiece 241a, the communication circuit 247 in the first earpiece 241a including a wireless receiver, and other components.

[0133] In some embodiments, method 700 may include: thermoforming the cable (e.g., cable 350) into a sinusoidal pattern having a series of crests and troughs when the cable 350 is in a stationary position. For example, the cable 350 may be at least partially formed of an elastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer), as described above.

[0134] Furthermore, method 700 may include: coupling one or more elastic bands to the cable at multiple connection points, such as... Figures 5A-5B As shown. For example, the connection point may be located at a series of peaks and / or troughs in a sine curve pattern. Additionally or alternatively, the elastic strip may be coupled to the cable at a connection point located between a series of peaks and troughs. In some embodiments, method 700 may include coupling the elastic strip to the cable, such as... Figure 5C As shown and as described above.

[0135] The cable assembly can be positioned inside the head arch cavity, such as... Figures 4A-4B The headbone 442 is shown. Furthermore, method 700 may include securing a first end of a cable assembly (e.g., cable assembly 448a) within a first shaft (e.g., first shaft 462a). Similarly, method 700 may include securing a second end of the cable assembly 448a within a second shaft (e.g., second shaft 462b). Both the first shaft 462a and the second shaft 462b are slidable within an internal cavity 461 to extend a corresponding earpiece from the headbone 442.

[0136] As previously described, method 700 may further include positioning cable assembly 448a in a rest position within internal cavity 461 such that cable assembly 448a can extend within internal cavity 461 of headbone 442. For example, cable assembly 448a can extend from rest position when one or both of the first and second handsets extend from headbone 442. In some embodiments, method 700 may include: via a central rib extending into internal cavity 461 (e.g., Figure 6A As shown and discussed above, the central rib 663) secures the approximate midpoint of the cable assembly 448a at the midpoint of the head arch 442. Furthermore, method 700 may include: forming a head arch having one or more guide protrusions and / or flexible tabs extending into the internal cavity, such as... Figures 6A-6B As shown in the example and as stated above.

[0137] IV. Conclusion

[0138] The above discussion of playback devices (e.g., headphone devices), controller devices, playback region configurations, and media content sources provides only some examples of operating environments in which the functions and methods described below can be implemented. Configurations and other operating environments for media playback systems, playback devices, and network devices not explicitly described herein are also applicable and suitable for the implementation of the functions and methods.

[0139] The above description discloses, in particular, various example systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of art, including, especially, firmware and / or software executed on hardware. It should be understood that these examples are illustrative only and should not be considered limiting. For example, it is conceivable that any one or all of these firmware, hardware, and / or software aspects or components may be implemented specifically in hardware, specifically in software, specifically in firmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Therefore, the examples provided are not the only ways to implement these systems, methods, apparatuses, and / or articles of art.

[0140] Furthermore, references to "embodiment" herein mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand, explicitly and implicitly, that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0141] This specification is set forth primarily in terms of illustrative environments, systems, processes, steps, logical blocks, handling, and other symbolic representations that are directly or indirectly similar to the operation of data processing devices coupled to a network. These processing descriptions and representations are commonly used by those skilled in the art to disseminate their work to others skilled in the art. Various specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that specific, concrete details are not required to practice this disclosure. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits have not been described to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the description of the foregoing embodiments.

[0142] When any of the appended claims is understood to cover pure software and / or firmware implementations, at least one element in at least one example is expressly defined herein to include non-transitory tangible media for storing software and / or firmware, such as memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray, etc.

Claims

1. A headphone device, comprising: First receiver; Second earpiece; A headbone, adjustablely connecting a first earpiece and a second earpiece, wherein both the first and second earpieces extend from the headbone, and wherein the headbone includes: (i) an internal cavity, and (ii) a fastener located within the internal cavity at approximately the midpoint of the headbone; and A cable assembly, including a cable, wherein when the cable assembly is in a stationary position, the cable is formed into a sinusoidal pattern having a series of crests and troughs, wherein: The cable assembly is at least partially located within the internal cavity of the head bow; The approximate midpoint of the sinusoidal pattern of the cable is fixed to the approximate midpoint of the headbone within the internal cavity of the headbone by the fasteners of the headbone. The first half of the cable assembly extends between (i) the first earpiece and (ii) the fastener, such that when the first earpiece extends from the head arch, the first half of the cable assembly can extend from the resting position within the internal cavity of the head arch; and The second half of the cable assembly extends between (i) the second earpiece and (ii) the fastener, such that when the second earpiece extends from the headbone, the second half of the cable assembly can extend from the resting position into the internal cavity of the headbone.

2. The headphone device according to claim 1, wherein, The first earpiece includes (i) a first antenna at least partially disposed within the first earpiece, and (ii) a wireless receiver disposed within the first earpiece, wherein the second earpiece includes a second antenna, the second antenna being at least partially disposed within the second earpiece and communicatively coupled to the wireless receiver via the cable assembly.

3. The headphone device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cable has an outer diameter greater than 4.0 mm.

4. The headphone device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cable includes a cable sheath, which is at least partially formed of an elastic material.

5. The headphone device according to claim 4, wherein, The cable assembly also includes an elastic band that is coupled to the cable sheath at multiple connection points between the series of crests and troughs.

6. The headphone device according to claim 4, wherein, The cable assembly further includes: a first elastic band coupled to the cable sheath at multiple crests in the series of crests and troughs; and a second elastic band coupled to the cable sheath at multiple troughs in the series of crests and troughs.

7. The headphone device according to claim 4, wherein, The cable assembly also includes an elastic strip having a width that surrounds the series of crests and troughs, and wherein the elastic strip is coupled to the cable sheath at multiple points along the sinusoidal pattern.

8. The headphone device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein, The head arch also includes a plurality of guide protrusions that extend into the internal cavity and are positioned between adjacent peaks in the series of peaks and troughs.

9. The headphone device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fastener includes a central rib positioned within the internal cavity of the headbone, wherein the central rib secures the approximate midpoint of the sinusoidal pattern of the cable to the approximate midpoint of the headbone via an interference fit with the wall of the internal cavity.

10. The headphone device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first earpiece can extend from the head arch via a first axis that can slide within the internal cavity, and wherein the second earpiece can extend from the head arch via a second axis that can slide within the internal cavity.

11. The headphone device according to claim 10, wherein, The end of the first half of the cable assembly is fixed inside the first shaft, and the end of the second half of the cable assembly is fixed inside the second shaft.

12. A method for assembling a headphone device, the method comprising: The first and second earpieces are adjustablely connected to a head bow, the head bow having: (i) an internal cavity, and (ii) a fastener located within the internal cavity at approximately the midpoint of the head bow; A cable assembly including a cable is formed in a stationary position, wherein, when the cable assembly is in the stationary position, the cable is formed into a sinusoidal pattern having a series of crests and troughs. The cable assembly extends between the first earpiece and the second earpiece, such that (i) a first half of the cable assembly extends between (a) the first earpiece and (b) a fastener within the internal cavity of the headbone, and (ii) a second half of the cable assembly extends between (a) the second earpiece and (b) a fastener within the internal cavity of the headbone; and The approximate midpoint of the sinusoidal pattern of the cable is fixed within the internal cavity of the headbone via fasteners of the headbone, such that (i) when the first earpiece extends from the headbone, the first half of the cable assembly can extend from the rest position within the internal cavity of the headbone; and (ii) when the second earpiece extends from the headbone, the second half of the cable assembly can extend from the rest position within the internal cavity of the headbone.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first earpiece includes: (i) a first antenna at least partially disposed within the first earpiece, and (ii) a wireless receiver disposed within the first earpiece, wherein the second earpiece includes a second antenna at least partially disposed within the second earpiece, and wherein the method further includes: The second antenna is communicatively coupled to the wireless receiver via the cable assembly.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The cable includes a cable sheath, which is at least partially formed of an elastic material.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The cable assembly further includes an elastic band, and the method further includes: The elastic band is coupled to the cable sheath at multiple connection points between the series of crests and troughs.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The cable assembly further includes a first elastic band and a second elastic band, and the method further includes: The first elastic band is coupled to the cable sheath at multiple crests in the series of crests and troughs; and The second elastic band is coupled to the cable sheath at multiple troughs in the series of crests and troughs.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein, The cable assembly further includes an elastic strip having a width surrounding the series of crests and troughs, and the method further includes: The elastic strip is coupled to the cable sheath at multiple points along the sinusoidal pattern.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein, The fastener includes a central rib positioned within the internal cavity of the head arch, and the method further includes: The approximate midpoint of the sinusoidal pattern of the cable is fixed at the approximate midpoint of the head bow by an interference fit with the inner cavity wall.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, further comprising: The end of the first half of the cable assembly is fixed inside a first shaft, which is slidable within the internal cavity to extend the first earpiece from the headbone. as well as The end of the second half of the cable assembly is fixed inside a second shaft, which is slidable within the internal cavity to extend the second earpiece from the headbone.

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