Earphone comprising biasing member between headband and earmuffs, method for manufacturing same

Abstract

An earphone playback device includes a first earmuff having a first transducer and a second earmuff having a second transducer. The headband spans between the first earmuff and the second earmuff. A connection member connects the headband to the first earmuff. The connecting member includes a yoke structure extending from the headband and through the first inlet into the first earmuff. The yoke structure is internally attached to the first earmuff at a first location on the first side of the first earmuff and at a second location on the second side of the first earmuff. A biasing member physically interfaces with the yoke structure and the first earmuff. The biasing member is physically configured to bias the yoke structure away from a perimeter of the first inlet.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 520,779, filed August 21, 2023, entitled “YOKE STRUCTURE FOR HEADPHONES,” the entire contents of which are expressly 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] Options for accessing and listening to digital audio via external speakers were limited until 2002, when SONOS began developing a new type of playback system. 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 system for sale in 2005. The Sonos Wireless Home Sound System allows people to experience music from many 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 a networked playback device. Media content (e.g., songs, podcasts, video audio) can be streamed to the playback device, allowing each room with a playback device to play different corresponding media content. Furthermore, rooms can be grouped together to play the same media content synchronously, and / or the same media content can be heard synchronously in all rooms. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The features, aspects, and advantages of the currently disclosed technology can be better understood by referring to 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 including different and / or additional features and arrangements are possible.

[0006] Figure 1A It is a partial cross-sectional view of an environment having a media playback system configured according to various aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0007] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a media playback system and one or more networks.

[0008] Figure 1C This is a block diagram of the playback device.

[0009] Figure 1D This is a block diagram of the playback device.

[0010] Figure 1E This is a block diagram of a network microphone device.

[0011] Figure 1F This is a block diagram of a network microphone device.

[0012] Figure 1G This is a block diagram of the playback device.

[0013] Figure 1H This is a partial schematic diagram of the control device.

[0014] Figure 2A It is a frontal stereoscopic view of a playback device configured according to various aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0015] Figure 2B It has no grille. Figure 3A A frontal stereoscopic view of the playback device.

[0016] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A An exploded view of the playback device.

[0017] Figure 3A This is a front view of a network microphone device configured according to various aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0018] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A side-view perspective of a network microphone device.

[0019] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exploded view of the network microphone device.

[0020] Figure 3D yes Figure 3B A magnified view of a portion of it.

[0021] Figure 3E yes Figures 3A to 3D A block diagram of a network microphone device.

[0022] Figure 3F This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of voice input.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a user wearing headphones.

[0024] Figures 5A to 5F Various internal and external views of the exemplary headphones are depicted.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the process for manufacturing headphones.

[0026] 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 means shown in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0027] I. Overview

[0028] The embodiments described herein relate to a yoke structure for attaching the headband of headphones to the earcups of headphones. The yoke structure can form an integral part of the headphones because it allows the earcups to tilt and move to properly fit the user's head. Additionally, the yoke structure can affect the clamping force of the headphones against the user's head.

[0029] Modern headphones are increasingly featuring advanced features such as noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, voice commands, spatial audio, and a variety of other computationally intensive tasks. The addition of these features increases the technical challenges of integrating the necessary electronics within the headphones. For example, some particularly challenging areas involve integrating electronics into a physical headphone package that is visually appealing, provides adequate protection for the electronics, and offers acceptable user comfort.

[0030] In some embodiments, for example, the headphone playback device includes a first earcup having a first transducer and a second earcup having a second transducer. A headband spans between the first and second earcups. A connecting member connects the headband to the first earcup. The connecting member includes a yoke structure extending from the headband and through a first inlet into the first earcup. The yoke structure is internally attached to the first earcup at a first position on a first side and a second position on a second side. A biasing member physically intersects with the yoke structure and the first earcup. The biasing member is physically configured to bias the yoke structure away from the periphery of the first inlet.

[0031] While some of the examples described herein may refer to functions performed by a given actor (such as a “user,” “listener,” and / or other entity), it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only. The claims should not be construed as requiring any action of any such example actor unless the language of the claim itself explicitly requires it.

[0032] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals identify substantially similar and / or identical elements. For ease of discussion of any particular element, one or more of the most significant numerals in the reference numerals refer to the drawing in which that element is first introduced. For example, first refer to… Figure 1AElement 110a is introduced and discussed. Many details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the accompanying drawings 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 several details described below.

[0033] II. Suitable operating environment

[0034] 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 120 (“NMD”) (identified as NMD 120a-c, respectively), and one or more control devices 130 (identified as control devices 130a and 130b, respectively).

[0035] As used herein, the term "playback device" can generally refer to a network device configured to receive, process, and output data from 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 of a speaker and an amplifier (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 corresponding wires or cables.

[0036] 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 integrated into a playback device (or vice versa).

[0037] The term "control device" can generally refer to a network device configured to perform functions related to facilitating user access, control, and / or configuration of the media playback system 100.

[0038] Each playback device 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 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 may play audio via one or more playback devices 110. In some embodiments, 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 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 audio from a first playback device (e.g., playback device 100a) in sync with a second playback device (e.g., playback device 100b). The following is about... Figures 1B to 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.

[0039] exist Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, environment 101 includes a home with several rooms, spaces, and / or playback areas, including (clockwise from the upper 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 terrace 101i. While some 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 may 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 another suitable environment where multi-zone audio may be desired.

[0040] The media playback system 100 may include one or more playback areas, some of which may correspond to rooms in environment 101. The media playback system 100 may have one or more playback areas initially established, and additional areas may be added or removed to form, for example... Figure 1AThe configuration shown is illustrated. Each area can be named according to different rooms or spaces (such as 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 respects, a single playback area may include multiple rooms or spaces.

[0041] 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 terrace 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 audio content synchronously, for example, with individual playback devices in the playback devices 110, bundled playback areas, combined playback devices, and / or any combination thereof. Similarly, in the study 101d, playback devices 110h-j can be configured to play audio content synchronously, for example, with individual playback devices in the playback devices 110, one or more bundled playback devices, and / or one or more combined playback devices. The following is about... Figure 1B and Figure 1E Additional details about the binding and merging playback devices are described.

[0042] In some respects, one or more playback zones in environment 101 can each play different audio content. For example, a user might be barbecuing on terrace 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, playback zones can play the same audio content synchronously with another playback zone. For example, a user in office 101e might listen to the same hip-hop music played by playback device 110c on terrace 101i, played by playback device 110f. In some respects, the synchronous playback of hip-hop music by playback devices 110c and 110f makes the user perceive the audio content as being played seamlessly (or at least substantially seamlessly) as it moves between different playback zones. Additional 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 aplurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0043] a. A suitable media playback system

[0044] 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 Certain 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 connect the media playback system 100 and the cloud network 102.

[0045] 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 Motion (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.

[0046] 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, for example, 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 multiple cloud networks that include communicatively linked computing devices. Additionally, while cloud network 102 is described above in the context of a single cloud network, in some embodiments, cloud network 102 includes multiple cloud networks that include communicatively linked computing devices. 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.

[0047] 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 connects link 103 and at least a portion of the means 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). 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 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz and / or another suitable frequency, 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.

[0048] In some embodiments, network 104 includes a dedicated communication network used by media playback system 100 to send messages between devices and / or 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 by 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 WiFi 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. Network 104 may be referred to herein as a “local communication network” to distinguish it from cloud network 102 that connects media playback system 100 to remote devices (such as cloud services).

[0049] In some embodiments, audio content sources can be periodically added to or removed from the media playback system 100. In some embodiments, for example, when one or more media content sources are updated, added to, and / or removed from the media playback system 100, the media playback system 100 performs an indexing of media items. The media playback system 100 can 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 including metadata (e.g., title, artist, album, track length) and other associated information (e.g., URI, URL) for each identifiable media item found. In some embodiments, for example, 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.

[0050] exist Figure 1B In the illustrated embodiment, playback devices 110l and 110m comprise a group 107a. Playback devices 110l and 110m may be located in different rooms of a home and are temporarily or permanently grouped together in group 107a based on user input received at control device 130a and / or another control device 130 in media playback system 100. When arranged in group 107a, playback devices 110l and 110m can be configured to synchronously play 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, media playback system 100 omits group 107a and / or other grouping arrangements of playback devices 110.

[0051] The media playback system 100 includes NMDs 120a and 120d, each NMD including one or more microphones configured to receive voice speech from a user. Figure 1B In the illustrated embodiment, NMD 120a is a standalone device, and NMD 120d is integrated into playback device 110n. For example, NMD 120a is configured 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) facilitate one or more operations on behalf of media playback system 100.

[0052] In some aspects, for example, computing device 106c includes one or more modules and / or servers of a VAS (e.g., a VAS operated by one or more of SONOS®, AMAZON®, GOOGLE®, APPLE®, MICROSOFT®). Computing device 106c can receive voice input data from NMD 120a via network 104 and link 103.

[0053] In response to receiving voice input data, 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"). In some embodiments, after processing the voice input, computing device 106c accordingly sends a command to media playback system 100 to play "Hey Jude by the Beatles" from a suitable media service (e.g., via one or more computing devices 106) on one or more playback devices 110. In other embodiments, computing device 106c may be configured to interface with a media service on behalf of media playback system 100. In such an embodiment, instead of sending a command to media playback system 100 after processing the voice input, causing media playback system 100 to retrieve the requested media from a suitable media service, computing device 106c itself causes the suitable media service to provide the requested media to media playback system 100 based on the user's voice utterance.

[0054] b. Suitable playback device

[0055] 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 cable input connection, including, for example, an automatically detected 3.5mm audio cable 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) configured to receive connectors for cables transmitting analog and digital signals, respectively, without necessarily including cables.

[0056] For example, 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, dedicated wired or wireless communication network and / or another suitable communication link). Local audio source 105 may include, for example, a motion device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop) or another suitable audio component (e.g., television, desktop computer, amplifier, phonograph, Blu-ray player, memory storing digital media files). In some aspects, local audio source 105 includes a local music library on a smartphone, computer, network attached storage device (NAS), and / or another 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.

[0057] 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 are configured to operate from an audio source (e.g., a local audio source 105) via input / output 111 or via network 104 (…). Figure 1B The playback device 110a receives audio from one or more of the computing devices 106a-c, amplifies the received audio, and outputs the amplified audio for playback via one or more of the 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.

[0058] exist Figure 1C In the illustrated embodiment, 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 cables, power sockets, batteries, induction coils, Power over Ethernet (PoE) interfaces, and / or other suitable power sources). In some embodiments, electronic device 112 optionally includes one or more other components 112j (e.g., one or more sensors, video displays, touchscreens, battery charging bases).

[0059] Processor 112a may include clock-driven computing components configured to process data, and memory 112b may include a computer-readable medium (e.g., a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium loaded with 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. Operations may include, for example, causing playback device 110a to access an audio source (e.g., computing device 106a-c). Figure 1BThe playback device 110a retrieves audio data from one or more of the playback devices 110 and / or another playback device in the playback devices 110. In some embodiments, the operation also includes causing the playback device 110a to send audio data to another playback device 110a and / or another device (e.g., one of the NMD 120). Some embodiments include the operation of pairing the playback device 110a with another of the one or more playback devices 110 to enable a multi-channel audio environment (e.g., stereo pair, bound region).

[0060] Processor 112a may also be configured to perform operations that synchronize the playback of audio content between playback device 110a and 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 perceive any time delay differences between playback device 110a and the playback of audio content by 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.

[0061] In some embodiments, memory 112b is also configured to store data associated with playback device 110a, such as one or more regions and / or groups of regions to which playback device 110a is a member, audio sources accessible to playback device 110a, and / or playback queues to which playback device 110a (and / or another of one or more playback devices) can be associated. 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 among at least a portion of the devices of media playback system 100 during 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.

[0062] Network interface 112d is configured to facilitate communication between playback device 110a and data network (e.g., link 103 and / or network 104). Figure 1BData transmission between one or more other devices on the network interface 110a. The network interface 112d is configured to send and receive data corresponding to media content (e.g., audio content, video content, text, photographs) and other signals including digital packet data (e.g., non-transitory signals), which includes an Internet Protocol (IP)-based source address and / or an IP-based destination address. 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.

[0063] exist Figure 1C In 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 communicatively connect to network 104 according to a suitable wireless communication protocol (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE). Figure 1B The network interface 112d can wirelessly communicate with one or more other devices (e.g., other playback devices 110, NMD 120, and / or control devices 130). In some embodiments, the network interface 112d optionally includes a 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, the network interface 112d includes the wired interface 112f and does not include the wireless interface 112e. In some embodiments, the electronics 112 does not include the network interface 112d at all and transmits and receives media content and / or other data via another communication path (e.g., input / output 111).

[0064] Audio component 112g is configured to process and / or filter data comprising media content received by electronics 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, electronics 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.

[0065] Amplifier 112h is configured to receive and amplify audio output signals generated by audio processing unit 112g and / or processor 112a. Amplifier 112h may include electronic devices and / or components configured to amplify audio signals to a level sufficient to drive one or more transducers in 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 another suitable type of power amplifier). In some embodiments, amplifier 112h includes a suitable combination of two or more of the aforementioned types of power amplifiers. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each amplifier in amplifier 112h corresponds to a respective transducer in transducers 114. However, in other embodiments, electronic device 112 includes a single amplifier in amplifier 112h configured to output amplified audio signals to a plurality of transducers 114. In some other embodiments, the amplifier 112h is omitted from the electronic device 112.

[0066] 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 about 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-frequency 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 about 500 Hz, “mid frequency” generally refers to audible frequencies between about 500 Hz and about 2 kHz, and “high frequency” generally refers to audible frequencies above 2 kHz. However, in some embodiments, one or more of the 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 speaker transducer configured to output sound with a frequency between about 200 Hz and about 5 kHz.

[0067] For illustration, SONOS Corporation currently offers (or has offered) certain playback devices for sale, including, for example, “SONOSONE,” “PLAY:1,” “PLAY:3,” “PLAY:5,” “PLAYBAR,” “PLAYBASE,” “CONNECT:AMP,” “CONNECT,” and “SUB.” Other suitable playback devices may be used additionally or alternatively to implement the playback devices of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the playback devices are not limited to the examples described herein or to SONOS product offerings.

[0068] For example, one or more playback devices 110 may include wired or wireless headphone playback devices (e.g., over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, in-ear headphones). In some examples, the headphone playback devices may be configured to operate in various operating modes depending on the media type and / or synchronization device (e.g., music, home theater, etc.). For example, one mode may be a synchronized playback mode in which the headphone playback device plays audio content synchronized with the playback of content output by another device. In one example, the synchronized playback mode includes a first headphone playback device playing audio synchronized with video playback on a television corresponding to the audio being played by the first headphone playback device. In some examples, the audio may be home theater or surround sound audio. In another example, the synchronized playback mode includes a first headphone playback device playing audio synchronized with a second headphone playback device playing the same audio being played by the first headphone playback device. In yet another example, the synchronized playback mode includes a first playback device playing audio synchronized with both (i) the video playback on a television corresponding to the audio being played by the first headphone playback device, and (ii) the playback of the same audio by a second headphone playback device. Another mode could be an asynchronous playback mode, in which the first headphone playback device plays audio content that is not synchronized with the output of other devices (e.g., the headphone playback device only plays audio content without synchronizing with other devices).

[0069] In some embodiments, one or more playback devices 110 include a docking station and / or an interface configured to interact with a docking station for a personal motion media playback device. In some embodiments, the playback device may be integrated into another device or component, such as a television, lighting equipment, or other devices for indoor or outdoor use. In some embodiments, the playback device omits a user interface and / or one or more transducers. For example, Figure 1D It is a block diagram of a playback device 110p that includes input / output 111 and electronic components 112 but does not have a user interface 113 or a transducer 114.

[0070] Figure 1E This includes the playback device 110i (e.g., a subwoofer) Figure 1A Sound wave-bound playback device 110a Figure 1C A block diagram of a bound playback device 110q. 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 bound playback device 110q comprises a single surrounding housing housing both playback devices 110a and 110i. The bound playback device 110q can be configured to be used with an unbound playback device (e.g., Figure 1C Playback device 110a) and / or paired or bound 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 render low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency audio content, and playback device 110i is a subwoofer configured to render low-frequency audio content. In some aspects, playback device 110a, when paired with a first playback device, is configured to render only the mid-frequency and high-frequency components of a specific audio content, while playback device 110i renders 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.

[0071] c. A suitable network microphone device (NMD)

[0072] Figure 1F It is NMD 120a ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B The NMD 120a includes one or more voice processing units 124 (hereinafter referred to as "voice units 124") and a playback device 110a including a processor 112a, a memory 112b, and a microphone 115. Figure 1C The NMD 120a optionally includes, and is also included in, the 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, one or more audio components 112g. Figure 1C The NMD 120a includes an 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, a voice processor 124, and the components mentioned above. Figure 1B The electronic device 112 described is only a portion of its components. In some aspects, for example, the NMD 120a includes a processor 112a and a memory 112b. Figure 1B The NMD 120a omits one or more other components of the electronic device 112. In some embodiments, the NMD 120a includes additional components (e.g., one or more sensors, cameras, thermometers, barometers, hygrometers).

[0073] In some embodiments, NMD can be integrated into the 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 processor 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 The user interface 113). However, in other embodiments, the playback device 110r is controlled from another control device (e.g., the user interface 113). Figure 1B The control device 130a) receives commands.

[0074] Refer again Figure 1F The microphone 115 is configured to output from the environment in which the NMD 120a is located (e.g., Figure 1A The environment 101) and / or room acquires, captures, and / or receives sound. Received sound may include, for example, spoken words, audio played by the NMD120a and / or another playback device, background speech, ambient sounds, etc. Microphone 115 converts the received sound into electrical signals to generate microphone data. Voice processor 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 including a user request. As those skilled in the art will understand, an activation word is a word or other audio cue that indicates user voice input. For example, when querying AMAZON® VAS, a user might say the activation word “Alexa.” Other examples include “Ok, Google” for invoking GOOGLE® VAS and “Hey, Siri” for invoking APPLE® VAS.

[0075] After detecting the activation word, the voice processor 124 monitors microphone data in response to the user request accompanying the voice input. The user request may include commands, for example, to control third-party devices such as thermostats (e.g., NEST® thermostats), lighting fixtures (e.g., PHILIPS HUE® lighting fixtures), or media playback devices (e.g., Sonos® playback devices). For example, a user could say the activation word “Alexa” and then say the phrase “set the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit” to set the temperature in their home (e.g., Figure 1A(Environment 101). Users can say the same activation word, followed by the phrase "Turn on the living room" to turn on the lighting in the living room area of ​​the home. Users can similarly say the activation word, followed by a request to play a specific song, album, or music playlist on the home's playback devices.

[0076] d. Suitable control device

[0077] Figure 1H It is control device 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 associated with 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., iPhone™, Android phone) on which media playback system controller application software is installed. In some embodiments, the control device 130a includes, for example, a tablet computer (e.g., iPad™), a computer (e.g., laptop computer, desktop computer) and / or another suitable device (e.g., television, car head unit, 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, the control device 130a is integrated into another device in the media playback system 100 (e.g., playback device 110, NMD 120, and / or one or more other suitable devices configured to communicate via a network).

[0078] Control device 130a includes electronics 132, a 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 a network interface 132d. Processor 132a may be configured to perform functions related to facilitating user access, control, and configuration of the media playback system 100. Memory 132b may include data memory 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 the 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 the media playback system 100 and the user.

[0079] 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 130, etc. Figure 1B The network interface 132d can send and / or receive data from one of the computing devices 106, devices including one or more other media playback systems, etc. The data sent and / or received 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 the user interface 133, the network interface 132d can send playback device control commands (e.g., volume control, audio playback control, audio content selection) from the control device 304 to one or more playback devices 100. The network interface 132d can also send and / or receive configuration changes, such as adding / removing one or more playback devices 100 to / from a region, adding / removing one or more regions to / from a region group, forming a bound or merged player, separating one or more playback devices from a bound or merged player, etc.

[0080] 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 zone 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 icons (e.g., via touch input and / or via a cursor or another suitable selector) to cause one or more playback devices in the selected playback zone or group of zones 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 optional 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).™ The display is on the touchscreen interface of an Android phone. However, in some embodiments, a user interface of different formats, styles, and interaction sequences may be implemented on one or more network devices instead to provide similar control access to the media playback system.

[0081] One or more speakers 134 (e.g., one or more transducers) may be configured to output sound to a user of the 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, the control device 130a is configured as a playback device (e.g., one of playback devices 110). Similarly, in some embodiments, the control device 130a is configured as an NMD (e.g., one of NMD 120) to receive voice commands and other sounds via one or more microphones 135.

[0082] 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 of the microphones 135 are arranged to capture location information of an audio source (e.g., speech, audible sound) and / or configured to facilitate background noise filtering. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the control device 130a is configured as a playback device and NMD operation. However, in other embodiments, the control device 130a omits one or more speakers 134 and / or one or more microphones 135. For example, the 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 any speakers or microphones.

[0083] III. Exemplary Systems and Apparatus

[0084] Figure 2A It is a frontal stereoscopic view of the playback device 210 configured according to various aspects of the disclosed technology. Figure 2B This is a front-view perspective view of the playback device 210 without the grille 216e. Figure 2C This is an exploded view of the playback device 210. Please refer to it. Figures 2A to 2C The playback device 210 includes a housing 216, which includes an upper portion 216a, a right or first side portion 216b, a lower portion 216c, a left or second side portion 216d, a grille 216e, and a rear portion 216f. A plurality of fasteners 216g (e.g., one or more screws, rivets, clips) attach a frame 216h to the housing 216. A cavity 216j in the housing 216 ( Figure 2CThe frame 216h is configured to receive the frame 216h and the electronic components 212. The frame 216h is configured to carry multiple transducers 214 (in... Figure 2B (Separately identified as transducers 214a-f). Electronic device 212 (e.g., Figure 1C The electronic device 112 is configured to receive audio content from an audio source and send an electrical signal corresponding to the audio content to a transducer 214 for playback.

[0085] Transducer 214 is configured to receive electrical signals from electronics 112 and is also configured to convert the received electrical signals into audible sound during playback. For example, transducers 214a-c (e.g., high-frequency speakers) can be configured to output high-frequency sounds (e.g., sound waves with frequencies greater than about 2 kHz). Transducers 214d-f (e.g., mid-bass speakers, bass speakers, midrange speakers) can be configured to output sounds with frequencies lower than transducers 214a-c (e.g., sound waves with frequencies lower than about 2 kHz). In some embodiments, playback device 210 includes... Figures 2A to 2C The transducers shown are different from multiple transducers. For example, as shown below regarding... Figures 3A to 3C As described in further detail, the playback device 210 may include fewer than six transducers (e.g., one, two, or three). However, in other embodiments, the playback device 210 includes more than six transducers (e.g., nine or ten). Furthermore, in some embodiments, all or part of the transducers 214 are configured to operate as a phased array to desirably adjust (e.g., reduce or widen) the radiation pattern of the transducers 214, thereby altering the user's perception of sound emitted from the playback device 210.

[0086] exist Figures 2A to 2C In the illustrated embodiment, filter 216i is axially aligned with transducer 214b. Filter 216i can be configured to advantageously attenuate a predetermined frequency range of the output of transducer 214b to improve sound quality and the perceived sound field co-output by transducers 214. However, in some embodiments, playback device 210 omits filter 216i. In other embodiments, playback device 210 includes one or more additional filters aligned with transducer 214b and / or at least another transducer 214.

[0087] Figure 3A and Figure 3B These are, respectively, a front isometric side view and a right isometric side view of the NMD 320 configured according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. Figure 3C This is an exploded view of the NMD 320. Figure 3D It includes the user interface 313 of the NMD 320. Figure 3B A magnified image of a portion. First, refer to... Figures 3A to 3CThe NMD 320 includes a housing 316, which includes an upper portion 316a, a lower portion 316b, and a middle portion 316c (e.g., a grille). Multiple ports, holes, or apertures 316d in the upper portion 316a allow sound to be transmitted to one or more microphones 315 positioned within the housing 316. Figure 3C One or more microphones 315 are configured to receive sound via aperture 316d and generate electrical signals based on the received sound. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 316e of housing 316 ( Figure 3C Surrounding cavities 316f and 316g, which are configured to accommodate a first transducer 314a (e.g., a tweeter) and a second transducer 314b (e.g., a mid-bass speaker, a midrange speaker, and a woofer), respectively. However, in other embodiments, the NMD 320 includes a single transducer or more than two (e.g., two, five, or six) transducers. In some embodiments, the NMD 320 omits transducers 314a and 314b entirely.

[0088] Electronic Components 312 ( Figure 3C This includes components configured to drive transducers 314a and 314b and further configured to analyze audio data corresponding to electrical signals generated by one or more microphones 315. In some embodiments, for example, electronic device 312 includes the components described above. Figure 1C The electronic device 112 described includes many or all of its components. In some embodiments, the electronic device 312 includes the components described above. Figure 1F The described components include, for example, one or more processors 112a, memory 112b, software components 112c, network interface 112d, etc. In some embodiments, the electronics 312 may include additional suitable components (e.g., proximity sensors or other sensors).

[0089] refer to Figure 3DThe user interface 313 includes multiple control surfaces (e.g., buttons, knobs, capacitive surfaces), including a first control surface 313a (e.g., previous control), a second control surface 313b (e.g., next control), and a third control surface 313c (e.g., play and / or pause control). A fourth control surface 313d is configured to receive touch input corresponding to the activation and deactivation of one or more microphones 315. A first indicator 313e (e.g., one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or another suitable illuminator) may be configured to illuminate only when one or more microphones 315 are activated. A second indicator 313f (e.g., one or more LEDs) may be configured to remain solid and flash or otherwise change from solid to indicate detected voice activity during normal operation. In some embodiments, the user interface 313 includes additional or fewer control surfaces and illuminators. In one embodiment, for example, the user interface 313 includes the first indicator 313e, omitting the second indicator 313f. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the NMD 320 includes a playback device and a control device, and the user interface 313 includes a user interface for the control device.

[0090] Let's refer to each other. Figures 3A to 3D The NMD 320 is configured to receive voice commands from one or more adjacent users via one or more microphones 315. (As mentioned above...) Figure 1B The one or more microphones 315 can acquire, capture, or record sound in the vicinity (e.g., an area within 10m or less of the NMD 320) and send an electrical signal corresponding to the recorded sound to the electronics 312. The electronics 312 can process the electrical signal and analyze the obtained audio data to determine the presence of one or more voice commands (e.g., one or more activation words). In some embodiments, for example, after detecting one or more appropriate voice commands, the NMD 320 is configured to send a portion of the recorded audio data to another device and / or a remote server (e.g., Figure 1B One or more computing devices 106 may be used for further analysis. The remote server can analyze the audio data, determine the appropriate action based on the voice command, and send a message to the NMD 320 to perform the appropriate action. For example, a user can say "Sonos, play Michael Jackson". The NMD 320 can record the user's voice speech via one or more microphones 315, determine the presence of the voice command, and send the audio data with the voice command to the remote server (e.g., a computing device 106) for further analysis. Figure 1BOne or more remote computing devices 106, one or more servers of VAS, and / or another suitable service. The remote server can analyze the audio data and determine the action corresponding to the command. The remote server can then send a command to the NMD 320 to perform the determined action (e.g., play audio content related to Michael Jackson). The NMD 320 can receive the command from the media content source and play the audio content related to Michael Jackson. As mentioned above... Figure 1B As described, suitable content sources may include those via a LAN (e.g., Figure 1B Network 104), remote server (e.g., Figure 1B One or more remote computing devices (106) are communicatively connected to the NMD 320 or to a storage device. However, in some embodiments, the NMD 320 determines and / or performs one or more actions corresponding to one or more voice commands without the intervention or participation of external devices, computers, or servers.

[0091] Figure 3E This is a functional block diagram illustrating additional features of the NMD 320 according to various aspects of this disclosure. The NMD 320 includes components configured to facilitate voice command capture, including a voice activity detector component 312k, a beamformer component 312l, an acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) and / or self-sound suppression component 312m, an activation word detector component 312n, and a speech / voice conversion component 312o (e.g., speech-to-text and text-to-speech). Figure 3E In the illustrated embodiment, the aforementioned components 312k-312o are shown as separate components. However, in some embodiments, one or more of components 312k-312o are sub-components of processor 112a.

[0092] Beamforming and self-sound suppression components 312l and 312m are configured to detect audio signals and determine aspects of the speech input represented in the detected audio signals, such as direction, amplitude, spectrum, etc. A speech activity detector component 312k is operatively coupled to beamforming and AEC components 312l and 312m and is configured to determine one and / or more directions in the detected audio signals where speech activity may have occurred. Potential speech directions can be identified by monitoring metrics that distinguish speech from other sounds. Such metrics may include, for example, energy within the speech band relative to background noise and entropy within the speech band, which is a measure of spectral structure. As those skilled in the art will understand, speech typically has lower entropy than the most common background noise. An activation word detector component 312n is configured to monitor and analyze the received audio to determine the presence of any activation words (e.g., wake words) in the received audio. The activation word detector component 312n can use activation word detection algorithms to analyze the received audio. If the activation word detector 312n detects an activation word, the NMD 320 can process the speech input contained in the received audio. Exemplary activation word detection algorithms accept audio as input and provide an indication of the presence of activation words in the audio. Many first- and third-party activation word detection algorithms are known and commercially available. For example, a voice service operator may make its algorithm available for third-party devices. Alternatively, algorithms can be trained to detect certain activation words. In some embodiments, the activation word detector 312n runs multiple activation word detection algorithms simultaneously (or substantially simultaneously) on the received audio. As described above, different voice services (e.g., Amazon's ALEXA®, Apple's SRI®, or Microsoft's CORTANA®) may each use different activation words to invoke their respective voice services. To support multiple services, the activation word detector 312n can run the received audio in parallel with the activation word detection algorithms for each supported voice service.

[0093] The voice / text conversion unit 312o facilitates processing by converting speech in the voice input into text. In some embodiments, the electronic device 312 may include speech recognition software trained for a specific user or set of users associated with a household. Such speech recognition software can implement speech processing algorithms tuned to a specific speech profile. Tuning to a specific speech profile may require less computationally intensive algorithms compared to traditional voice activity services, which typically sample from a broad user base and various requests not targeted at media playback systems.

[0094] Figure 3FThis is a schematic diagram of exemplary voice input 328 captured by an NMD 320 according to various aspects of this disclosure. Voice input 328 may include an activation word portion 328a and a speech portion 328b. In some embodiments, the activation word 328a may be a known activation word associated with AMAZON's ALEXA®, such as "Alexa". However, in other embodiments, voice input 328 may not include an activation word. In some embodiments, the web microphone device may output an audible and / or visual response upon detecting the activation word portion 328a. Additionally or alternatively, the web microphone device may output an audible and / or visual response after processing voice input and / or a series of voice inputs.

[0095] The speech portion 328b may include, for example, one or more spoken commands (identified as first command 328c and second command 328e, respectively) and one or more spoken keywords (identified as first keyword 328d and second keyword 328f, respectively). In one example, the first command 328c may be a command to play music (such as a specific song, album, playlist, etc.). In this example, the keyword may be an identifier for one or more areas in which music is to be played (such as... Figure 1A One or more words (shown in the living room and dining room). In some examples, the speech utterance section 328b may include other information, such as detected pauses between words spoken by the user (e.g., non-speech periods), such as... Figure 3F As shown. Pauses can be used within the speech utterance section 328b to delineate the location of individual commands, keywords, or other information spoken by the user.

[0096] In some embodiments, the media playback system 100 is configured to temporarily reduce the volume of its playing audio content when an activation word portion 328a is detected. The media playback system 100 can restore the volume after processing the voice input 328, such as... Figure 3F As shown. Such a process can be referred to as circumvention, an example of which is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 438,749, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0097] III. Exemplary headphone playback device

[0098] In some embodiments disclosed herein, at least one playback device 110 has a transducer (such as two or more speaker drivers) and is used for receiving, generating, and / or processing audio signals (such as those mentioned above). Figure 1CThe headphones are headphones with electronic devices (as described above). Speaker drivers are housed in the left and right earcups, each also having an ear rest or pad for placement on the user's head. In some embodiments, the earcups are engaged via a headband. In other embodiments, the wireless headphones are a playback device 110, which also includes a network microphone device (NMD) equipped with a microphone, such as those described above. Figure 1F Those described. These headphones can be used for, for example Figure 1A and Figure 1B The media playback system shown.

[0099] Audio playback in headphones typically utilizes one or more audio drivers within each earcup to generate sound waves that travel to the user's ears. In various embodiments, audio playback in the headphones is controlled using an external control device 130 (e.g., a smartphone), via voice commands received at NMD 120 (including NMD 120 integrated into the headphones), and / or via a user interface 313 integrated into the headphones 400 themselves.

[0100] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a user wearing a pair of exemplary headphones 400 (also referred to herein as “headphones”). The depicted headphones 400 include a headband 410 and earcups 420. Another earcup (not shown) may also be present on the opposite side of the headphones 400. The headband 410 spans between the two earcups and is connected to the earcups 420 via a connecting member 430.

[0101] The headset 400 may include one or more transducers within earcups 420. The one or more transducers may include a speaker and / or a microphone. In at least one embodiment, a first transducer is located within a first earcup 420, and a second transducer is located within another earcup. Additionally, the headset 400 may include various other components, including but not limited to a wireless network interface (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, etc.), a battery, a user interface, one or more processors, and / or computer-readable storage. In at least one embodiment, the headset 400 may be used as a playback device 110 and / or an NMD 120 as described herein.

[0102] Figures 5A to 5F An external view and an internal view of an exemplary pair of headphones are depicted. Specifically, Figures 5A to 5DAn internal view of the earmuff 420 is depicted. The internal view shows a yoke structure 500 extending from the headband 410. In at least one embodiment, the connecting member 430 includes the yoke structure 500. The connecting member 430 and the yoke structure 500 may comprise a single continuous structure or multiple discrete structures. The depicted connecting member 430 includes a yoke structure 500 extending from the headband 410 and through an inlet 440 into the earmuff 420. The yoke structure 500 is internally attached to the earmuff 420 at a first position 510a on a first side of the earmuff and at a second position 510b on a second side of the earmuff 420.

[0103] Additionally, the connecting member 430 may include a biasing member 520 that physically interacts with the yoke structure 500 and the earmuff 420. The biasing member 520 may be physically configured to bias the yoke structure 500 away from the periphery of the inlet 440. In this way, when the external force is removed, the biasing member 520 may cause the headband 410 to substantially center itself in the center of the inlet 440.

[0104] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5E The yoke structure 500 is depicted as including a main structural portion 560 attached to the headband 410. The main structural portion 560 may include a part of the yoke structure 500 directly attached to the headband 410, or the main structural portion 560 may be attached to the headband 410 via one or more intermediate components. Additionally or alternatively, the main structural portion 560 may be physically adjacent to the headband 410, such that the headband 410 and the main structural portion 560 comprise a single physical unit.

[0105] like Figure 5A and Figure 5E As shown, the yoke structure 500 may further include a first structural extension 562 and a second structural extension 564 extending from the main structural portion 560 and extending away from each other. The first structural extension 562 and the second structural extension 564 may be positioned in a common plane spanning the width of the earcup 420. Additionally or alternatively, the first structural extension 562 and the second structural extension 564 may extend away from each other, such that they form a horseshoe shape. In at least one embodiment, the first structural extension 562 and the second structural extension 564 are completely contained within the earcup 420.

[0106] A first structural extension 562 may be attached to a first position 510a on a first side of the earcup 420. A second structural extension 564 may be attached to a second position 510b on a second side of the earcup 420. As shown by bisector 512, the first position 510a and the second position 510b substantially bisect the first earcup. When the first position 510a and the second position 510b substantially bisect the first earcup, the headphones 400 can apply uniform pressure to the earcup 420 using the user's head. In at least one embodiment, applying uniform pressure to the earcup 420 increases the comfort of wearing the earcup. Additionally, a uniform pressure distribution can increase the seal between the earcup 420 and the user's head for passive noise cancellation, which in turn produces a better acoustic environment for listening to music and active noise cancellation. Additionally or alternatively, the first position 510a and the second position 510b substantially bisect the transducer 530. In at least one embodiment, the first position 510a and the second position 510b bisect the earcup 420 but not the transducer 530. In some embodiments, for other design considerations, it may be advantageous to bisect the earcup 420 while shifting the transducer 530 relative to the bisector 512.

[0107] In at least one embodiment, the first position 510a includes a clip 570 (in... Figure 5E As shown in the figure, the clip 570 is connected to the first structural extension 562 and allows the first structural extension 562 to rotate relative to the clip 570. Figure 5E A second structural extension 564 is depicted, including a clip post 572 shaped to engage with a clip 570. The clip post 572 allows the yoke structure 500 to rotate relative to the clip 570. In at least one embodiment, the clip 570 and the clip post 572 may include physical protrusions that limit the range of rotation of the first structural extension 562 relative to the clip 570. Additionally or alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the range of rotation of the first structural extension 562 relative to the clip 570 is limited by the dimensions of the periphery of the inlet 440. Those skilled in the art will understand that the second position 510b may also include a clip (e.g., clip 570) attached to the second structural extension 564 and allowing rotational movement of the first structural extension 562 relative to the clip.

[0108] Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the yoke structure 500 includes a channel 566 (in... Figure 5A(As shown in the diagram), one or more cables can travel along at least a portion of the yoke structure 500. For example, one or more cables can pass through the headband 410, such that the earcups 420 are electrically connected to each other. A channel 566 can extend downward along at least a portion of the first structural extension 562. Because the yoke structure 500 is inside the earcups 420, the yoke structure can provide a useful channel 566 for passing one or more cables into the earcups 420, while providing support and protection for the cables.

[0109] Figure 5C A cross-sectional view of the connecting member 430 and the earmuff 420 is shown. Figure 5C A cross-sectional view of the biasing member 520 is also shown. As described above, the biasing member 520 physically intersects with the yoke structure 500 and the first earcup 420. The biasing member 520 is physically configured to bias the yoke structure 500 away from the periphery of the inlet 440. The biasing member 520 may include a membrane extending between the yoke structure 500 and the earcup 420. In particular, the membrane may cover the area between the periphery of the inlet 440 and the yoke structure 500. In at least one embodiment, the biasing member 520 is entirely inside the earcup 420 such that no portion of the biasing member 520 extends beyond the outer shell of the earcup 420. The biasing member 520 may include silicon, plastic, rubber, or some other elastomeric material that provides elastic properties allowing the connecting member 430 to move within the inlet 440.

[0110] In at least one embodiment, the biasing member 520 also serves as a barrier between the external environment and the interior of the earcup 420. For example, the biasing member 520 may provide a watertight barrier, a waterproof barrier, and / or a dustproof barrier to prevent internal components of the earcup 420 from coming into contact with contaminants. For example, the biasing member 520 may provide protection against particle ingress to a level at least commensurate with IP5X. Additionally or alternatively, the biasing member 520 may provide moisture protection to a level at least commensurate with IPX1.

[0111] In at least one embodiment, the biasing member 520 is held by the clamping feature 540 (in... Figure 5D (As shown in the diagram) Attached to the earcup 420. For example, the outer periphery 524 of the diaphragm (as shown in the diagram) Figure 5C (As shown) can be bonded to the clamping feature 540, such that the clamping feature 540 is attached to the earcup 420 and applies pressure to the outer periphery 524 of the diaphragm, as Figure 5B and Figure 5CAs shown. The biasing member 520 can be bonded to the clamping feature 540 by compression molding, by adhesive, by physical friction bonding, or by any other bonding method. The biasing member 520 may include an inner periphery 522 through which the yoke structure 500 passes. The inner periphery 522 may be compressed to the yoke structure 500 by an O-ring 550. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the biasing member 520 includes an annular shape in which the connecting member 430 passes through an annular hole, and the outer periphery of the annular shape is compressed or otherwise bonded to the earcup 220. The annular shape may include the biasing member 520, which extends downward from the outer periphery 524 of the membrane and then slopes upward toward the inner periphery 522. Thus, the annular shape provides a groove extending around the biasing member and capable of trapping moisture and debris that might otherwise enter the earcup 420.

[0112] Figure 5F Close-up views of the connecting member 430 at intermediate and extreme angular positions relative to the inlet 440 are depicted. In at least one embodiment, the intermediate position includes a position where no external force is applied to the headband and / or earmuffs. As shown, the inlet 440 may be located on the top surface of the earmuff 420. Additionally, the periphery of the inlet 440 may be sized such that the connecting member 430 is physically restricted by the periphery to travel less than 10 degrees relative to the center of the inlet 440. Additionally or alternatively, the angular movement 580 of the connecting member 430 relative to the center of the inlet 440 may include less than 8 degrees, between 8 and 7 degrees, less than 7 degrees, between 7 and 6 degrees, or less than 6 degrees. The angular movement 580 allowed by the inlet 440 can have a significant impact on the internal design of the earmuff 420 due to the amount of movement allowed to the yoke structure 500. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a smaller inlet 440 may provide a more visually appealing design and a smaller entry method for particles into the interior of the earmuff 420.

[0113] Therefore, the disclosed embodiments provide a yoke structure 500 contained within the earcup 420. Compared to conventional headphone systems where the yoke is mounted externally to the earcup, the disclosed embodiments internally mount the yoke structure 500 within the earcup 420. Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments include a biasing member 520 that biases a connecting member 430 away from the periphery of an inlet 440 through which it enters the earcup 420. The biasing member 520 may also function as a sealing member that prevents particles and / or moisture from entering the earcup 420 through the inlet 440.

[0114] Figure 6A flowchart of a method 600 for manufacturing headphones is shown. Method 600 includes an action 610 of attaching a yoke structure to a headband 410. Action 610 may include attaching a first portion of the yoke structure 500 to a first side of the headband 410. In at least one embodiment, attaching the yoke structure 500 to the headband 410 includes indirectly attaching the yoke structure 500 to the headband 410 via one or more intermediate components. Alternatively, attaching the yoke structure 500 to the headband 410 includes, for example, forming the yoke structure 500 and the headband 410 from a single generic material in a mold.

[0115] Method 600 further includes an action 620 of internally attaching the yoke structure 500 to the first earmuff 420 at a first position 510a. Action 620 may include internally attaching the yoke structure to the first earmuff at a first position on a first side of the earmuff. (As stated above regarding...) Figures 5A-5F As depicted and described, the yoke structure 500 can be attached to the first position 510a via the first clip 570. In additional or alternative embodiments, the yoke structure 500 can be attached to the first position 510a via an elastomeric connector, a rotating bolt, a pivot point, a spring, a gear, or any other connector that provides some forward and backward movement within the inlet 440 via a connecting member 430.

[0116] Additionally, method 600 includes an action 630 of internally attaching the yoke structure 500 to the first earmuff 420 at a second position 510b. Action 630 may include internally attaching the yoke structure to the first earmuff at the second position 510b on a second side of the earmuff. As described above, the yoke structure 500 may be attached to the second position 510b by a second clip (e.g., clip 570). In additional or alternative embodiments, the yoke structure 500 may be attached to the second position 510b by an elastomeric connector, a rotating bolt, a pivot point, a spring, a gear, or any other connector that provides some forward and backward movement within the inlet 440 for the connecting member 430.

[0117] Furthermore, method 600 includes an action 640 of placing a biasing member 520 between the yoke structure 500 and the first earcup 420. Action 640 includes placing the biasing member 520 between the yoke structure and the first earcup, the biasing member 520 being physically configured to bias the connecting member 430 away from the periphery of the first inlet 440. For example, the biasing member 520 may include an elastomeric material that resiliently biases the connecting member 430 toward the center of the inlet 440. Additionally or alternatively, the biasing member 520 may include a spring, coil, magnet, or any other component or device capable of applying a mechanical bias to the connecting member 430.

[0118] V. Features

[0119] For example, the disclosed technology can be described based on the various features described below. For convenience, various examples of the features of the disclosed technology are described as numbered features (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided as examples and do not limit the disclosed technology. Note that any dependent features can be combined in any combination and placed into the corresponding independent features. Other features can be presented in a similar manner.

[0120] Feature 1. A headphone playback device, comprising: a first earcup and a second earcup, the first earcup including a first transducer and the second earcup including a second transducer; a headband spanning between the first earcup and the second earcup; and a connecting member connecting the headband to the first earcup, wherein the connecting member comprises: a yoke structure extending from the headband and extending through a first inlet into the first earcup, the yoke structure being internally attached to the first earcup at a first position on a first side and a second position on a second side of the first earcup; and a biasing member physically engaging with the yoke structure and the first earcup, the biasing member being physically configured to bias the yoke structure away from the periphery of the first inlet.

[0121] Feature 2. The headphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features, wherein the yoke structure comprises: a main structural portion attached to a headband; a first structural extension and a second structural extension extending from the main structural portion and extending away from each other; the first structural extension being attached at a first position on a first side of a first earcup, and the second structural extension being attached at a second position on a second side of the first earcup.

[0122] Feature 3. The headphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features, wherein the first position and the second position substantially bisect the first earcup.

[0123] Feature 4. The headphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features, wherein: the first position includes a first clip connected to a first structural extension and allowing rotational movement of the first structural extension relative to the first clip; and the second position includes a second clip connected to a second structural extension and allowing rotational movement of the second structural extension relative to the second clip.

[0124] Feature 5. The headphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features, wherein the yoke structure includes a channel for one or more cables to travel along at least a portion of the yoke structure.

[0125] Feature 6. The headphone playback device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first inlet is located on the top surface of the first earcup; and the dimensions of the periphery of the first inlet are set such that the connecting member is physically restricted by the periphery to travel less than 10 degrees relative to the center of the first inlet.

[0126] Feature 7. The headphone playback device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing member comprises a membrane extending between the yoke structure and the first earcup.

[0127] Feature 8. The headphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features, wherein the diaphragm covers the area between the perimeter of the first inlet and the yoke structure.

[0128] Feature 9. The headphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features further includes an outer periphery of a diaphragm coupled to the clamping feature, wherein the clamping feature is attached to the first earcup and applies pressure to the outer periphery of the diaphragm.

[0129] Feature 10. The headphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features further includes an inner periphery through which a yoke structure passes, the inner periphery being compressed to the yoke structure by an O-ring.

[0130] Feature 11. A method for manufacturing an earphone playback device, comprising: attaching a first portion of a yoke structure to a first side of a headband via a connecting member; internally attaching the yoke structure to a first earcup at a first position on a first side of a first earcup; internally attaching the yoke structure to the first earcup at a second position on a second side of the first earcup; and placing a biasing member between the yoke structure and the first earcup, the biasing member being physically configured to bias a periphery of the yoke structure away from a first inlet into the first earcup.

[0131] Feature 12. A method for manufacturing an earphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features, wherein the yoke structure comprises: a main structural portion attached to a headband; a first structural extension and a second structural extension extending from the main structural portion and extending away from each other; the first structural extension being attached at a first position on a first side of a first earcup, and the second structural extension being attached at a second position on a second side of the first earcup.

[0132] Feature 13. A method for manufacturing an earphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features, wherein the first position and the second position substantially bisect the first earcup.

[0133] Feature 14. The method for manufacturing an earphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features further comprises: a first clip that attaches a first structural extension to a first position, wherein the first clip allows rotational movement of the first structural extension relative to the first clip; and a second clip that attaches a second structural extension to a second position, wherein the second clip allows rotational movement of the second structural extension relative to the second clip.

[0134] Feature 15. A method for manufacturing an earphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features, wherein the yoke structure includes a channel for one or more cables to travel along at least a portion of the yoke structure.

[0135] Feature 16. A method for manufacturing a headphone playback device according to any one of the preceding features, wherein: a first inlet is located on the top surface of a first earcup; and the periphery of the first inlet is sized such that the connecting member is physically restricted by the periphery to travel less than 10 degrees relative to the center of the first inlet.

[0136] Feature 17. A method for manufacturing an earphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features, wherein the biasing member includes a membrane extending between the yoke structure and the first earcup.

[0137] Feature 18. A method for manufacturing an earphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features, wherein the membrane covers the area between the periphery of the first inlet and the yoke structure.

[0138] Feature 19. The method for manufacturing an earphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features further comprises: attaching the outer periphery of the diaphragm to a clamping feature; and attaching the clamping feature to a first earcup such that the attachment applies pressure to the outer periphery of the diaphragm.

[0139] Feature 20. The method for manufacturing an earphone playback device according to any one of the foregoing features further comprises: inserting a yoke structure through the inner periphery of the diaphragm; and compressing the inner periphery to the yoke structure by means of an O-ring.

[0140] VI. Conclusion

[0141] The above discussion of playback devices, controller devices, playback area configurations, and media content sources provides only some examples of operating environments in which the functions and methods described below can be implemented. Other operating environments and configurations of media playback systems, playback devices, and network devices not explicitly described herein can also be applied to and are suitable for implementing the functions and methods. For example, a head-mounted display may include a linear traveling mechanical switch.

[0142] The foregoing description discloses, in particular, various example systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of art, including firmware and / or software executed on hardware, and other components. It should be understood that such examples are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. For example, it is conceivable that any or all of the firmware, hardware, and / or software aspects or components may be embodied 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 such systems, methods, apparatuses, and / or articles of art.

[0143] Furthermore, the reference to "embodiment" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that 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 that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0144] This specification is presented primarily using illustrative representations of environments, systems, processes, steps, logic blocks, handling, and other symbols directly or indirectly similar to the operation of a data processing apparatus connected to a network. These process descriptions and representations are commonly used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the essence of their work to others skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that certain embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced without certain specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, and circuits have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description of the embodiments.

[0145] When any appended claim is understood to cover pure software and / or firmware implementations, at least one of the elements in at least one example is hereby explicitly defined as a tangible, non-transitory medium including storage software and / or firmware, such as memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray, etc.

Claims

1. A headphone playback device, comprising: A first earcup including a first transducer and a second earcup including a second transducer; A headband that spans between the first earmuff and the second earmuff; as well as A connecting member that connects the headband to the first earmuff, wherein the connecting member comprises: A yoke structure extending from the headband and extending through a first inlet into the first earmuff. The yoke structure is internally attached to the first earmuff at a first position on a first side and a second position on a second side of the first earmuff, and A biasing member, which is physically connected to the yoke structure and the first earmuff, is physically configured to bias the yoke structure away from the periphery of the first inlet.

2. The headphone playback device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the yoke structure comprises: The main structural portion is attached to the headband; A first structural extension and a second structural extension extend from the main structural portion and extend away from each other. The first structural extension is attached to a first position on a first side of the first earcup, and The second structural extension is attached to a second position on the second side of the first earmuff.

3. The headphone playback device of claim 2, wherein the first position and the second position substantially divide the first earcup.

4. The headphone playback device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first position includes a first clip, which is connected to the first structural extension and allows rotational movement of the first structural extension relative to the first clip; and The second position includes a second clip that is connected to the second structural extension and allows the second structural extension to rotate relative to the second clip.

5. The headphone playback device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the yoke structure includes a channel for one or more cables to travel along at least a portion of the yoke structure.

6. The headphone playback device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first inlet is located on the top surface of the first earcup; and The dimensions of the perimeter of the first entrance are designed such that the connecting member is physically restricted by the perimeter to travel less than 10 degrees relative to the center of the first entrance.

7. The headphone playback device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing member comprises a membrane extending between the yoke structure and the first earcup.

8. The headphone playback device of claim 7, wherein the diaphragm covers the area between the periphery of the first inlet and the yoke structure.

9. The headphone playback device of claim 8, further comprising an outer periphery of the diaphragm coupled to a clamping feature, wherein the clamping feature is attached to the first earcup and applies pressure to the outer periphery of the diaphragm.

10. The headphone playback device of claim 9, further comprising an inner periphery through which the yoke structure passes, the inner periphery being compressed to the yoke structure via an O-ring.

11. A method for manufacturing a headphone playback device, comprising: The first part of the yoke structure is attached to the first side of the headband by a connecting member; The yoke structure is internally attached to the first earmuff at a first position on a first side of the first earmuff; The yoke structure is internally attached to the first earmuff at a second position on the second side of the first earmuff; as well as A biasing member is placed between the yoke structure and the first earcup, the biasing member being physically configured to bias the periphery of the yoke structure away from the first inlet into the first earcup.

12. The method for manufacturing a headphone playback device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the yoke structure comprises: The main structural portion is attached to the headband; A first structural extension and a second structural extension extend from the main structural portion and extend away from each other. The first structural extension is attached to a first position on a first side of the first earcup, and The second structural extension is attached to a second position on the second side of the first earmuff.

13. The method of manufacturing an earphone playback device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first position and the second position substantially bisect the first earcup.

14. The method for manufacturing a headphone playback device as described in claim 12 or 13, further comprising: A first clip attaches the first structural extension to the first location, wherein the first clip allows rotational movement of the first structural extension relative to the first clip. as well as A second clip attaches the second structural extension to the second position, wherein the second clip allows rotational movement of the second structural extension relative to the second clip.

15. The method of manufacturing an earphone playback device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the yoke structure includes a channel for one or more cables to travel along at least a portion of the yoke structure.

16. The method for manufacturing a headphone playback device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein: The first inlet is located on the top surface of the first earcup; and The dimensions of the perimeter of the first entrance are designed such that the connecting member is physically restricted by the perimeter to travel less than 10 degrees relative to the center of the first entrance.

17. The method of manufacturing an earphone playback device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the biasing member comprises a membrane extending between the yoke structure and the first earcup.

18. The method of manufacturing an earphone playback device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the membrane covers the area between the periphery of the first inlet and the yoke structure.

19. The method for manufacturing a headphone playback device as claimed in claim 18, further comprising: The outer periphery of the membrane is incorporated into the clamping feature; as well as The clamping feature is attached to the first ear cup such that the attachment applies pressure to the outer periphery of the membrane.

20. The method for manufacturing a headphone playback device as claimed in claim 19, further comprising: The yoke structure is inserted through the inner periphery of the membrane; as well as The inner periphery is compressed into the yoke structure by means of an O-ring.

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