Headphones with embeddable accessories including a personal media player

[0001] Headphones are very popular devices for privately listening to audio content, such as music or the sound track to video presentations, without disturbing others. The sound quality from headphones can often be excellent. Many headphones provide the frequency response, signal to noise ratio, and total harmonic distortion that compare very favorably to that of conventional free standing audio speakers that cost many times their price This good performance results from the fact that the speakers in the headphones are close to the user's ears and are easier to drive to achieve the same sound pressure levels. In addition, the acoustics of the room do not play a factor in the fidelity of the signal that the headphones render.

[0002] Headphone performance is generally optimized when ambient noise from the environment is prevented from entering the user's ears. Over-the-ear headphone designs which cover the ear completely to form a tight seal are generally very good at sound isolation. On-ear headphone designs, which are typically more compact, can also perform reasonably well in preventing outside noise from reducing the quality of the listening experience. The smaller and lightweight ear buds and other in-ear designs generally do not provide good isolation unless some sort of sleeve or other sealing method is used which some users find uncomfortable.

[0003] While larger than ear buds or other in-ear designs, many users still prefer traditional over-the-ear headphones due to their comfort, noise isolation and sound quality. These qualities suit a wide range of users from video game players, to music aficionados, to travelers. While current designs can perform satisfactorily, more flexibility and features when listening to audio content would still be desirable.

[0004] This Background is provided to introduce a brief context for the Summary and Detailed Description that follow. This Background is not intended to be an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter nor be viewed as limiting the claimed subject matter to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages or problems presented above.

[0005] A set of headphones is configured with an integrated accessory receiving space and a device connector that interface with a variety of different interchangeable accessories. The accessories can range from a personal media player that can render audio, such as MP3 (Moving Pictures Expert Group, MPEG-1, audio layer 3) content, to rechargeable battery packs, storage devices, and modules that can support wireless communication between the headphones and other devices such as media centers, game consoles, and personal computers (“PCs”). A user can pick an accessory and snap it into the receiving space of the headphones. When so installed, the accessory becomes physically and functionally embedded so that its functionality becomes seamlessly integrated with operation of the headphones.

[0006] In various illustrative examples, each headphone speaker enclosure has an integrated accessory receiving space so that accessories may be mixed and matched in pairs. The headphones may also connect to other devices using a wired connection protocol such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). User controls on the headphones may be used to operate the embedded accessories, or supplement the controls that are built in to the accessory. Optional features such as a detachable boom microphone and active noise cancellation may also be implemented in the headphones.

[0007] In the case of the personal media player accessory, the headphones may also operate as a docking device to enable the player to be synchronized with a host PC device with a USB cable, or using a wireless connection provided by a second embedded accessory. Media content and other data may then be exchanged between the media player and the host PC, for example, to download new content onto the player, or keep data current.

[0008] Advantageously, the present headphones provide a flexible configuration that enables users to easily tailor the headphones to their particular needs. The embedded accessories support additional functionality in a streamlined form factor and let the user enjoy music, listen to an audio soundtrack when watching a movie, and participate in video games, for example, without the hassle and clutter of wires.

[0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0022] Like reference numerals indicate like elements in the drawings. Elements are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a set of illustrative headphones 105 having speaker enclosures 112₁ and 112₂ that are each configured to accept a variety of different embedded accessories. The speaker enclosures 112 each contain a speaker (i.e., audio transducer) that is used to render an audio signal. Generally, the audio signal is encoded as a stereophonic signal so that when rendered by the speakers will produce a stereo effect for the user. Accordingly, the earphone enclosures 112 are each typically identified as being intended for the right or left ear of the user.

[0024] The speaker enclosures 112 are connected to a headband 115 that is typically padded for comfort and adjustable to fit different users. On the inside facing portions of the speaker enclosures 112, padded ear cups 12₁ land 121₂ are positioned to rest against the side of the head and encapsulate the user's ears. In this example, the headphones 105 are over-the-ear style headphones. However, in the alternative implementations, on-ear style headphones may also be used.

[0025] A detachable communications cable 125 is used to connect the headphones 105 to other devices such as PCs, media centers, stereo systems, and the like. In this example, the communications cable 125 is arranged as a USB cable which supports both communication and the transmission of power from a powered USB port in the other device. However, other cable types supporting various different communication protocols may also be used depending upon the requirements of a particular implementation.

[0026] The proximal end of the communications cable 125 includes a male device connector 128 that mateably engages with a corresponding female connector 130 that is located in one of the speaker enclosures 112. The distal end of the communications cable 125 includes a male connector 135 that is arranged for mateable engagement with a corresponding USB port that is located in the other device (e.g., the PC, media system, stereo, etc.). In some cases, an adapter (not shown) may be used to adapt the USB connector to a standard audio plug such as a ¼ inch stereo plug or mini-plug, or to a twin prong plug that is often used with onboard sound systems in airplanes.

[0027] Each speaker enclosure 112 is configured with a recessed accessory receiving space 142₁ and 142₂ that are used to hold and engage with various different types of embeddable accessories on an interchangeable basis. As shown in FIG. 2, the speaker enclosure (as representatively illustrated by enclosure 112₁) has a male device connector 202 that is located in the bottom portion of the accessory receiving space 142₁ that is configured for mateable engagement with a corresponding female docking connector 206 that is accessed through an opening on the bottom surface of the embeddable accessory 214. The accessory receiving space 142₁, embeddable accessory 214, and the connectors 202 and 206 are configured so that the user may guide the accessory in to the receiving space and engage the connectors, as indicated by the arrow 220. In this example, the connectors 202 and 206 are proprietary, device-specific connectors. However, in alternative arrangements, standardized connector types may also be used.

[0028] As shown in the sequence of illustrations in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the device connector 202 is configured to be slightly rotatably moveable about an axis that is parallel to its long side. Such rotation enables the user to position the bottom of the accessory 214 into the bottom of the receiving space 142₁, engage the connectors, and the rotate the top of the accessory until it is fully inserted within the recess.

[0029] Typically, the receiving space 142₁ and the embeddable accessory 214 will be configured so that the accessory is positively retained once inserted. The retention mechanisms utilized can vary by implementation. In some cases, a friction fit can be implemented. In other cases, other types of conventional mechanisms can be used such as those that can provide tactile feedback to the user that the accessory 214 is fully engaged and locked into position. For example, a snap fit arrangement may be used where an audible click and tactile sensation indicates to the user that the accessory 214 has been fully physically embedded in the headphones 105 and is ready for use. The retention mechanism can be implemented in the receiving space 142₁, in an accessory, or be distributed between the receiving space and accessory in some cases.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows one illustrative example of an accessory 214₁ that is embedded in the headphones 105 worn by a user 605. The accessory 214₁ is a personal media player that is configured to render media content such as audio, images, and video that the player has stored or which it can access. When the personal media player 214₁ is embedded, audio content from the player may be rendered by the headphones 105. This arrangement provides a neat and convenient package for the user 605 because wires that are normally utilized to connect the personal media player to the headphones are not necessary.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 7, the personal media player 214₁ is also configured to operate in a standalone mode separate from the headphones 105 when not embedded. In this mode, the personal media player 214₁ may be operated in a usual manner as a battery-powered device and used with conventional earphones 707. Here, the earphones interface with an audio output jack 712 through a stereo mini-plug 715.

[0032] The personal media player 214₁ includes user controls 811 on the front surface of the body 813 of the player, as shown in FIG. 8, The user controls 811, in this example, include a gesture pad 825, called a G-Pad, which combines the functionality of a conventional directional pad (i.e., a “D-pad”) with a touch sensitive surface as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/987,399, filed Nov. 12, 2007, entitled “User Interface with Physics Engine for Natural Gestural Control,” owned by the assignee of the present application and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety having the same effect as if set forth in length. A “back” button 830 and “play/pause” button 836 are also provided. However, other types of user controls may also be used depending on the requirements of a particular implementation.

[0033] The personal media player 214₁ also supports a graphical user interface (“GUI”) 839 that is rendered on a display screen 842. The GUI 839 uses menus, icons, and the like to enable the user 605 to find, select, and control playback of media content that is available to the player 214₁. In addition to supporting the GUI 839, the display screen 842 is also used to render video content. The personal media player 214₁ is further configured with common features such as a lock switch 845 that, when activated, locks out the user controls 811 so that stray button pushes or touches are ignored by the player 214₁.

[0034] As noted above and shown in FIG. 9, the embeddable accessory devices 214 include a female docking connector 206 that is accessed through a slot in the bottom of the accessory. In the case of the personal media player 214₁, the docking connector 206 also serves as a synchronization port to enable the player to connect to devices such as a PC to synchronize content and data, as well as connect to an AC power adapter to charge the player's on-board battery. In addition, the player 214₁ may be equipped with wireless networking capability to perform such synchronization wirelessly as well as to communicate with other devices using a peer to peer networking arrangement.

[0035] FIGS. 10-13 show additional illustrative examples of embeddable accessories respectively indicated by reference numerals 214_{2 . . . N}. As shown, the embeddable accessories 112 are configured with substantially similar form factors to enable the accessories to fit within the receiving space of the headphone enclosure 112 in the same way. That is, each accessory 214_{2 . . . N} has a body with a similar overall size and shape as the personal media player 214₁ and may thus be interchangeable within the space 142.

[0036] The accessories 214 are marked with graphical icons to indicate their function in this example. In alternative arrangements text, color coding, or other markings may be used to differentiate the function of the accessories to the user.

[0037] Embeddable accessory 214₂ is a rechargeable battery pack that may be utilized in several ways. In a usage scenario in which the headphones 105 are used alone (i.e., with only the battery pack 214₂ and without another embeddable accessory such as the personal media player 214₁), the battery pack can be used to power an amplifier, digital signal processor, or active noise cancellation circuit that may be implemented in the headphones. For example, the user 605 may wish to use the headphones 105 to plug in and listen to the onboard entertainment system while on an airplane trip. For the purposes of the discussion below, such functionality of the headphones without an embedded accessory is termed “native” functionality. Embedded accessories provide “enhanced” functionality.

[0038] It is further emphasized that the headphones 105 may also employ an internally disposed rechargeable battery or use traditional replaceable (i.e., disposable) batteries. That is, even in cases where the battery pack 214₁ is not used (for example, because both accessory receiving spaces are being used to embed other accessories or the user chooses not to use any accessories at all), the headphones 105 will still have power to operate to provide native functionality. In addition, the headphones 105 do not necessarily need to include actively powered components. In some implementations, the headphones 105 will be configured to render an audio signal that is provided from an embedded accessory or from an external source (e.g., one that is accessed via the communications cable 125) without any amplification, signal processing, or active noise reduction.

[0039] In other usage scenarios where an embedded accessory is used (i.e., where the accessory is embedded in one speaker enclosure 112, and the battery pack 214₂ is embedded in the other), the battery pack may be used as a source of power for that accessory. For example, while the personal media player 214₁ has a built-in rechargeable battery, due to the relatively small size of the player, the battery typically has limited capacity. Accordingly, the battery pack 214₂ (which is the approximately the same size as the player itself) can be expected to substantially increase the run time of the player 214₁ when it is embedded in the headphones 105.

[0040] The battery pack 214₁ will typically be arranged to be recharged using an external AC power adapter (not shown). Alternatively, the battery pack 214₁ can be recharged when embedded in the headphones 105 when the headphones are connected to a powered USB port via the cable 125 (FIG. 1).

[0041] Embeddable accessory 214₃ is mass storage device (“MSD”) or memory card device that is typically implemented using non-volatile memory such as Flash memory (i.e., EEPROM, electrically erasable read only memory). MSD 214₃ is typically utilized to hold additional media content that may be accessed and then rendered by the personal media player 214₁ when both the player and the MSD are embedded in the headphones 105. Media content may be written the MSD 214₃ using an external writer (not shown) that may be coupled to a PC. Thus, for example, a user may transfer media content such as a playlist of MP3 formatted songs from a library on his PC to the MSD 214₃ which can then be used to supplement the content that is stored on the personal media player 214₁.

[0042] Alternatively, in some scenarios media content may be pre-written to the MSD 2143 and sold at retail like traditional physically embodied media such as optical media including CDs (compact discs) and DVDs (digital versatile discs). In some cases the pre-written media content can be organized like traditional albums, special editions, compilations, or box sets in a manner that parallels the organization of traditional physical media. In other cases, the pre-written media content can be produced to order. For example, a consumer may make selections of media content for purchase on an MSD 214₃, for example, on-line using an e-commerce portal such as a web site, via phone, or at a retail store or self-serve kiosk. The delivered MSD 214₃ can then be embedded (along with the personal media player 214₁) and the content rendered using the headphones 105.

[0043] Media content on the MSD 214₃ may be encoded in one of various conventional formats, or in some implementations it may be encoded in a proprietary format. The media content may also be protected using various DRM schemes, or be included on the MSD 214₃ in the clear without any applicable protection or usage restrictions.

[0044] Embeddable accessory 214₄ is wireless communications module that enables short range RF (radio frequency) communication using the Bluetooth® protocol. When the Bluetooth module 214₄ is embedded, wireless communications between the headphones 105 and other Bluetooth-compatible devices may be implemented. For example, games consoles, televisions, and entertainment systems often are equipped with Bluetooth transceivers to effectuate communications with wireless headsets and headphones.

[0045] Embeddable accessory 214_N is also a wireless communication module, but here using the Wi-Fi® protocol under the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 communications standards. WiFi typically enables greater range compared to Bluetooth and is commonly utilized in wireless computers networks in both home and commercial environments. Usage scenarios here are similar to those supported by the Bluetooth module 214₄ and include RF communication between devices such as PCs and stereo systems and the headphones 105.

[0046] The Wi-Fi module 214_N enables other usage scenarios as well. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, embedding a Wi-Fi module 214_N in one speaker enclosure 112 and embedding the personal media player 214₁ in the other enables the player to synchronize with a PC 1406. The Wi-Fi module 214_N will typically work through a wireless access point 1408 that is used in a local area network (“LAN”) 1411 or other home networking infrastructure. The synchronization process implemented between the PC 1406 and personal media player 214₁ typically enables media content such as music, video, images, games, information, and other data to be downloaded from an on-line source or media content delivery service 1425 over a network 1430 such as the Internet to the PC 1406. In this way, the PC 1406 operates as an intermediary or proxy device between the service 1425 and the personal media player 214₁.

[0047] In addition to implementing synchronization wirelessly as described above, a communication between the headphones 105 and the PC 1406 may also be implemented using a wired connection with the cable 125. In this way, the headphones 105 function as a traditional docking station for the personal media player 214₁.

[0048] Another usage scenario supported by the combination of Wi-Fi module 214_Nand personal media player 214₁ as embedded accessories in the headphones 105 provides for media content that is stored on the player (or an embedded MSD 214₃) to be streamed to the PC and rendered there. In this example, video content may be viewed on the PC's screen 1435 while the audio portion of the content is rendered by the headphones 105.

[0049] Other embeddable accessories may also be implemented that combine various functionalities. For example, an embeddable accessory may include mass storage functionality as well as rechargeable battery functionality. Another embeddable accessory may combine Bluetooth communications with battery functionality. It is noted that these combinations are illustrative and other combinations may also be used.

[0050] FIGS. 15 and 16 show optionally implemented controls 1503 that are located on the speaker enclosures 112 and an optionally implemented detachable boom microphone 1510. The user controls 1503 are located towards the bottom of the enclosures 112 in this example, but may also be located in other positions as well to suit the particular needs of a given implementation. The user controls 1503 will typically be configured with unique features, such as raised portions, bumps, ridges, indentations, etc., so that each control can be identified by touch. In this way, the user 605 can operate the headphones 105 while they are being worn, as shown in FIG. 16.

[0051] Generally, the user controls 1503 will be used to supplement the controls that might be supported by a particular embeddable accessory 214. So, in the case of the personal media player 214₁, the user controls 1503 on the headphones 105 will typically implement some subset of the control functions that would ordinarily be supported by the user controls 811 on the player. For example, the user controls 1503 might allow simple navigation forwards and backwards in a playlist, or enable volume to be increased or decreased. Generally, the functionality supported by the user controls 1503 will be streamlined and simplified, for example without using branching or nested menu structures, to avoid causing confusion for the user 605 who does not have the benefit a visual display when using the controls.

[0052] In some implementations, actuation of the user controls 1503 may be accompanied by tones or other signals played through the headphones 105 to indicate a particular control action. Thus, for example, a unique tone or series of tones could be played to indicate that the user has reached the end of a playlist.

[0053] The boom microphone 1510 is also optionally implemented with a given headphone scenario and may be utilized by a user when desired. For example, the headphones 105 and boom microphone 1510 can be used in multiplayer video game environments where teammates often communicate with each other. Or, such arrangement may be used for telephone communication using Internet-based telephony such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). In this example, the boom microphone is adjustable and may also be detached from a port (not shown) on the bottom of a speaker enclosure 112 when not being used.

[0054] FIG. 17 a simplified block diagram that shows various illustrative functional components of the embeddable personal media player 214₁. The functional components include a digital media processing system 1702, a user interface system 1708, a display unit system 1713, a power source system 1717, and a data port system 1724. The digital media processing system 1702 further comprises an image rendering subsystem 1730, a video rendering subsystem 1735, and an audio rendering subsystem 1738.

[0055] The digital media processing system 1702 is the central processing system for the personal media player 214₁ and provides functionality that is similar to that provided by the processing systems found in a variety of electronic devices such as PCs, mobile phones, PDAs, handheld game devices, digital recording and playback systems, and the like.

[0056] Some of the primary functions of the digital media processing system 1702 may include receiving media content files downloaded to the player 214₁, coordinating storage of such media content files, recalling specific media content files on demand, and rendering the media content files into audio/visual output on the display for the user 605. Additional features of the digital media processing system 1702 may also include searching external resources for media content files, coordinating DRM protocols for protected media content, and interfacing directly with other recording and playback systems.

[0057] As noted above the digital media processing system 1702 further comprises three subsystems: the video rendering subsystem 1735 which handles all functionality related to video-based media content files, which may include files in MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) and other formats; the audio rendering subsystem 1738 which handles all functionality related to audio-based media content including, for example music in the commonly-utilized MP3 format and other formats; and the image rendering subsystem 1730 which handles all functionality related to picture-based media content, including for example JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphic Interchange Format), and other formats. While each subsystem is shown as being logically separated, each may in fact share hardware and software components with each other and with the rest of the personal media player 214₁, as may be necessary to meet the requirements of a particular implementation.

[0058] Functionally coupled to the digital media processing system 1702 is the user interface system 1708 through which the user 605 may exercise control over the operation of the personal media player 214₁. A display unit system 1713 is also functionally coupled to the digital media processing system 1702 and may comprise the display screen 842 (FIG. 8). Audio output through the earphone jack 712 (FIG. 7) for playback of rendered media content may also be supported by display unit system 1713. The display unit system 1713 may also functionally support and complement the operation of the user interface system 1708 by providing visual and/or audio output to the user 105 during operation of the player 110.

[0059] The data port system 1724 is also functionally coupled to the digital media processing system 1702 and provides a mechanism by which the personal media player 214₁ can interface with external systems in order to download media content. The data port system 1724 may comprise, for example, a data synchronization connector port, a network connection (which may be wired or wireless), or other means of connectivity.

[0060] The personal media player 214₁ has a power source system 1717 that provides power to the entire device. The power source system 1717 in this example is coupled directly to the digital media processing system 1702 and indirectly to the other systems and subsystems throughout the player. The power source system 1717 may also be directly coupled to any other system or subsystem of the personal media player 214₁. Typically, the power source may comprise a battery, a power converter/transformer, or any other conventional type of electricity-providing power source, portable or otherwise.

[0061] FIG. 18 is a simplified block diagram that shows various illustrative physical components of the personal media player 214₁ based on the functional components shown in FIG. 17 and described in the accompanying text (which are represented in FIG. 18 by dashed lines) including the digital media processing system 1702, the user interface system 1708, the display unit system 1713, the data port system 1724, and the power source system 1728. While each physical component is shown as included in only a single functional component in FIG. 18 the physical components may, in fact, be shared by more than one functional component.

[0062] The physical components include a central processor 1802 coupled to a memory controller/chipset 1806 through, for example, a multi-pin connection 1812. The memory controller/chipset 1806 may be, in turn, coupled to random access memory (“RAM”) 1815 and/or non-volatile memory 1818 such as Flash memory. These physical components, through connectivity with the memory controller/chipset 1806, may be collectively coupled to a hard disk drive 1821 via a controller 1825, as well as to the rest of the functional component systems via a system bus 1830.

[0063] In the power supply system 1728, a rechargeable battery 1832 may be used to provide power to the components using one or more connections (not shown). The battery 1832, in turn, may also be coupled to an external AC power adapter 1833 or receive power via the device connector 202 (FIG. 2) when the personal media player 214₁ is embedded in the headphones 105.

[0064] The display screen 218 is associated with a video graphics controller 1834. The video graphics controller will typically use a mix of software, firmware, and/or hardware, as is known in the art, to implement the GUI 839 on the display screen 842. Along with the earphone jack 712 and its associated audio controller/codec 1839, these components comprise the display unit system 1713 and may be directly or indirectly connected to the other physical components via the system bus 2130.

[0065] The user controls 811 are associated with a user control interface 2142 in the user interface system 1708 that implements the user control functionality that is used to support the interaction with the GUI 839. A network port 2145 and associated network interface 2148, along with the docking connector 206 and its associated controller 2152 may constitute the physical components of the data port system 1724. These components may also directly or indirectly connect to the other components via the system bus 2130.

[0066] FIG. 19 is a simplified block diagram that shows various components used to implement the functionality provided by the present headphones 105. While the components are shown in a single diagram, they may be physically distributed between the speaker enclosures 112. As noted above the device connector 128 is arranged to connect to an embeddable accessory 214. Signals from the accessory 214 that represent audio content are buffered in an input/output (“I/O”) interface 1904 and then subjected to some processing in a digital signal processor (“DSP”) 1911. From the DSP 1911, the digital signal is converted to an analog signal in a digital/analog converter 1923 before being amplified by an amplifier 1928 and then rendered by the speakers 1932. As noted above, audio content is commonly encoded as a stereophonic signal, thus the signals rendered by the speakers 1932 will differ as may be required to produce the stereo effect.

[0067] Control and other data signals received via the device connector 128 will be passed over a common communications bus 1934 to other components in the headphones 105 including a central processor 1937 which implements the functionality provided by the headphones 105. Other components coupled to the bus 1934 include an optionally implemented active noise reduction circuit 1939, a USB controller 1941, a user control interface 1951, and an optionally utilized microphone interface 1955.

[0068] The active noise reduction circuit 1939 senses noise in the environment outside the headphones 105 using a microphone 1958. It then produces an equal but opposite canceling signal that will be rendered by the speakers 1932. Noise can be reduced significantly which can enable the user 605 to enjoy audio content at a lower and safer volume level.

[0069] The USB controller 1941 interoperates with a USB cable connector 1962 through which the detachable communications cable 125 (FIG. 1) may interface. The user control interface 1951 interoperates with the user controls 1503 on the headphones. Similarly, the microphone interface 1955 is used to interface with the optionally implemented and detachable boom microphone 1510.

[0070] The device connector will pass power from a battery pack 214₂ to the components shown in FIG. 19 when the battery pack is embedded in the headphones. In scenarios where a battery pack 214₂ is not used, as noted above, a rechargeable battery or one or more conventional disposable batteries (representatively identified by reference numeral 1970) will be included in the headphones 105 and used to provide power to the various components (power connections not shown). When a rechargeable battery is used, it will typically be recharged via power received over the USB cable connector 1962 when the headphones 105 are connected, via the communications cable 125 (FIG. 1), to a powered USB port in a device such as a PC.

[0071] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.