Multi-microphone headset

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 11700474
  • Patent Number
    11,700,474
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, June 24, 2021
    2 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, July 11, 2023
    10 months ago
Abstract
An audio device includes one or more earcups, at least one of the earcups including a boom connector port, a connection detector connected to the boom connector port and configured to detect a connection state at the boom connector port, one or more first microphones positioned in the one or more earcups, audio processing circuitry, and a microphone switch controller connected to the connection detector and configured to connect audio processing circuitry to one of the one or more first microphones or the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related by subject matter to U.S. Design patent application No. 29/796,516, filed concurrently herewith and entitled “Headset,” which is specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches.


BACKGROUND

Audio equipment can provide sound output (e.g., via one or more speakers) and/or sound input (e.g., via one or more microphones). For example, a video gaming headset may include speakers positioned in earcups to provide sound output and a boom microphone (positioned at the end of a boom that extends from one of the earcups to a position near a user's mouth) to provide sound input. However, while the placement of a boom-mounted microphone (a “boom microphone”) can provide excellent voice quality during operation, the boom can be awkward, “in the way,” and unnecessary in many use cases (e.g., when the user is simply listening to music or does not require the quality provided by boom microphone.


SUMMARY

The foregoing problem is solved by an audio device including one or more earcups, at least one of the earcups including a boom connector port, a connection detector connected to the boom connector port and configured to detect a connection state at the boom connector port, one or more first microphones positioned in the one or more earcups, audio processing circuitry, and a microphone switch controller connected to the connection detector and configured to connect audio processing circuitry to one of the one or more first microphones or the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port.


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 to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.


Other implementations are also described and recited herein.





BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 illustrates a user wearing an example multi-microphone headset with a connected boom microphone.



FIG. 2 illustrates a user wearing an example multi-microphone headset without a connected boom microphone.



FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example multi-microphone headset with a connected boom microphone.



FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of an example multi-microphone headset with a connected boom microphone.



FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example multi-microphone headset without a connected boom microphone.



FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of an example multi-microphone headset without a connected boom microphone.



FIG. 7 illustrates an electrical schematic of an example microphone switching circuit.



FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative electrical schematic of an example microphone switching circuit.



FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an example microphone switching circuit.



FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of example operations for switching microphones in a multi-microphone headset.





DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS


FIG. 1 illustrates a user 100 wearing an example multi-microphone headset 102 with a connected boom microphone 104. In one implementation, the example multi-microphone headset 102 includes low-latency wireless gaming headphones that wirelessly connect to a gaming console or other wireless computing or communications device. Other implementations may include videoconferencing headphones and other headphones providing sound input and output capabilities.


The boom microphone 104 is electrically connected and attached by a boom 106 to a boom connector port (not shown) in an earcup 108 of the multi-microphone headset 102. The boom 106 provides structural support to position the boom microphone 104 in the proximity of the user's mouth and electrical connection to provide power and signal communications with circuitry in the earcup 108.


When the boom microphone 104 is electrically connected to the earcup 108, sound input is transferred to the multi-microphone headset 102 from the boom microphone 104. The boom 106 can be electrically disconnected and detached from the earcup 108, at which point circuitry in the earcup 108 detects the disconnection and/or the detachment and automatically switches sound input from the boom microphone 104 to beam-forming microphones (not shown) on the exterior of the earcup 108. It should be understood that automatic switching between microphones in response to detection of changes in a state of connection and/or attachment need not be limited to boom microphones and beam-forming microphones, as these are mere examples.



FIG. 2 illustrates a user 200 wearing an example multi-microphone headset 202 without a connected boom microphone (not shown). The example multi-microphone headset 202 is similar to the example multi-microphone headset 102 of FIG. 1, but the boom microphone has been electrically disconnected and detached from an earcup 208. Accordingly, as discussed with respect to FIG. 1, the electrical disconnection and/or detachment of the boom microphone from the earcup 208 is detected by circuitry in the earcup 208, which automatically switches sound input from the boom microphone to beam forming microphones in the earcup 208 (not shown, but their positions are indicated by solid dots and the direction of the beam is shown by the dashed line 210, although another positioning may be employed). If the boom microphone is re-connected and attached to the earcup 208, the circuitry will detect it and automatically switch the sound input to the boom microphone.



FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example multi-microphone headset 300 with a connected boom microphone 302. In one implementation, the example multi-microphone headset 300 are low-latency wireless gaming headphones that wirelessly connect to a gaming console or other wireless computing or communications device. Other implementations may include videoconferencing headphones and other headphones providing sound input and output capabilities.


Earcups 304 and 306 include speakers for sound output and are connected by an adjustable headband 308, which can electrically connect power and communication signals between the earcups 304 and 306. Accordingly, although circuitry for the automatic detection and switching of microphones is primarily described herein as being positioned within the earcup 306, the circuitry and ports for controlling and powering the multi-microphone headset 300 (including the detection and switching circuitry) can be distributed within one or both cups and/or the adjustable headband 308. One or both of the earcups 304 and 306 also include one or more microphones (not shown) as alternative sound inputs.


The boom microphone 302 is electrically connected and attached by a boom 310 to a boom connector port (not shown) in the earcup 306 of the multi-microphone headset 300. In one implementation, the boom 310 is connected to and attached to the boom connector port via a 2.5 mm jack, although other connections and/or attachments may be employed. The boom 310 provides structural support to position the boom microphone 302 in the proximity of the user's mouth and electrical connection to provide power and signal communications with the circuitry in the earcup 306. When the boom 310 is electrically connected and attached to the earcup 306, a connection detector in the circuitry detects the connection and/or attachment state, and a microphone switch controller configures the sound input to be received via the boom microphone 302. When the boom 310 is electrically disconnected and detached from the earcup 306, the connection detector in the circuitry detects the change in the connection and/or attachment state and the microphone switch controller in the circuitry configures the sound input to be received via the microphones in the earcup 306 or other microphones in the multi-microphone headset 300.


It should be understood that an example multi-microphone headset may have more than two microphones (e.g., more than one microphone in the boom and more than one microphone in the exterior of the earcup). Furthermore, an example multi-microphone headset may have additional microphones sets, such as one or more microphones positioned in the interior of the earcup to contribute to noise cancellation). Furthermore, in at least one implementation, the boom microphone 302 also includes a mute LED indicator (not shown) that is visible to the user when the user is wearing the multi-microphone headset 300 with the boom 310 connected.



FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of an example multi-microphone headset 400 with a connected boom microphone 402. In one implementation, the example multi-microphone headset 400 are low-latency wireless gaming headphones that wirelessly connect to a gaming console or other wireless computing or communications device. Other implementations may include videoconferencing headphones and other headphones providing sound input and output capabilities.


Earcups 404 and 406 include speakers for sound output and are connected by an adjustable headband 408, which can electrically connect power and communication signals between the earcups 404 and 406. Accordingly, although circuitry for the automatic detection and switching of microphones is primarily described herein as being positioned within the earcup 406, the circuitry and ports for controlling and powering the multi-microphone headset 400 (including the detection and switching circuitry) can be distributed within one or both cups and/or the adjustable headband 408. One or both of the earcups 404 and 406 also include one or more microphones (not shown) as alternative sound inputs.


The boom microphone 402 is electrically connected and attached by a boom 410 to a boom connector port 428 in the earcup 406 of the multi-microphone headset 400. In one implementation, the boom 410 is connected to and attached to the boom connector port 428 via a 2.5 mm jack, although other connections and/or attachments may be employed. The boom 410 provides both structural support to position the boom microphone 402 in the proximity of the user's mouth and electrical connection, such as to provide power and signal communications with the circuitry in the earcup 406. When the boom 410 is electrically connected and attached to the earcup 406, a connection detector in the circuitry detects the connection and/or attachment state and a microphone switch controller configures the sound input to be received via the boom microphone 402. When the boom 410 is electrically disconnected and detached from the earcup 406, the connection detector in the circuitry detects the change in the connection and/or attachment state and the microphone switch controller in the circuitry configures the sound input to be received via the microphones in the earcup 406 or other microphones in the multi-microphone headset 400. Various controls and interfaces are positioned on the exterior of the earcups 404 and 406. In one implementation, a volume dial 412 and a multi-function button 414 are positioned on the exterior of the earcup 404, and the earcup 406 has the following items positioned on its exterior:

    • a microphone 416
    • a game chat volume 418 (with push-button mute)
    • a 7.1 surround sound button 420
    • a power button 422
    • a USB-C port 424
    • an LED indicator 426
    • the boom connector port 428
    • another microphone 430


In one implementation, the microphones 416 and 430 may be beam forming microphones. Additional microphones may be positioned within the interior of the earcups 404 and 406.



FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example multi-microphone headset 500 without a connected boom microphone 502. In one implementation, the example multi-microphone headset 500 are low-latency wireless gaming headphones that wirelessly connect to a gaming console or other wireless computing or communications device. Other implementations may include videoconferencing headphones and other headphones providing sound input and output capabilities.


Earcups 504 and 506 include speakers for sound output and are connected by an adjustable headband 508, which can electrically connect power and communication signals between the earcups 504 and 506. Accordingly, although circuitry for the automatic detection and switching of microphones is primarily described herein as being positioned within the earcup 506, the circuitry and ports for controlling and powering the multi-microphone headset 500 (including the detection and switching circuitry) can be distributed within one or both cups and/or the adjustable headband 508. One or both of the earcups 504 and 506 also include one or more microphones (not shown) as alternative sound inputs.


The boom microphone 502 is not electrically connected or attached by a boom 510 to a boom connector port (not shown) in the earcup 506 of the multi-microphone headset 500. In one implementation, the boom 510 includes a 2.5 mm jack 532, although other connections and/or attachments may be employed. However, in contrast to the boom 310 shown in FIG. 3, the boom 510 is shown in FIG. 5 as disconnected and unattached to the boom connector port, with the 2.5 mm jack 532 exposed. When connected, the boom 510 provides both structural support to position the boom microphone 502 in the proximity of the user's mouth and electrical connection, such as to provide power and signal communications with the circuitry in the earcup 506. Because the boom 510 is electrically disconnected and detached from the earcup 506, a connection detector in the circuitry detects the lack of connection and/or attachment, and a microphone switch controller configures the sound input to be received via the microphones in the earcup 506 or other microphones in the multi-microphone headset 500. If the user were to plug the 2.5 mm jack 532 into the boom connector port, the connection detector would detect the change in the connection/attachment state, and a microphone switch controller would switch sound input to the boom microphone 502.


It should be understood that an example multi-microphone headset may have more than two microphones (e.g., more than one microphone in the boom and more than one microphone in the exterior of the earcup). Furthermore, an example multi-microphone headset may have additional microphones sets, such as one or more microphones positioned in the interior of the earcup to contribute to noise cancellation).



FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of an example multi-microphone headset 600 without a connected boom microphone. In one implementation, the example multi-microphone headset 600 are low-latency wireless gaming headphones that wirelessly connect to a gaming console or other wireless computing or communications device. Other implementations may include videoconferencing headphones and other headphones providing sound input and output capabilities.


Earcups 604 and 606 include speakers for sound output and are connected by an adjustable headband 608, which can electrically connect power and communication signals between the earcups 604 and 606. Accordingly, although circuitry for the automatic detection and switching of microphones is primarily described herein as being positioned within the earcup 606, the circuitry and ports for controlling and powering the multi-microphone headset 600 (including the detection and switching circuitry) can be distributed within one or both cups and/or the adjustable headband 608. One or both of the earcups 604 and 606 also include one or more microphones (not shown) as alternative sound inputs.


The boom microphone 602 is electrically connected and attached by a boom 610 to a boom connector port 628 in the earcup 606 of the multi-microphone headset 600. In one implementation, the boom 610 is connected to and attached to the boom connector port 628 via a 2.5 mm jack, although other connections and/or attachments may be employed. However, in contrast to the boom 410 shown in FIG. 4, the boom 610 is shown in FIG. 6 as disconnected and unattached to the boom connector port 628, with the 2.5 mm jack 632 exposed. When connected, the boom 610 provides both structural support to position the boom microphone 602 in the proximity of the user's mouth and electrical connection, such as to provide power and signal communications with the circuitry in the earcup 606. Because the boom 610 is electrically disconnected and detached from the earcup 606, a connection detector in the circuitry detects the lack of connection and/or attachment, and a microphone switch controller configures the sound input to be received via the microphones in the earcup 606 or other microphones in the multi-microphone headset 600. If the user were to plug the 2.5 mm jack 632 into the boom connector port, the connection detector would detect the change in the connection/attachment state, and a microphone switch controller would switch sound input to the boom microphone 602.


Various controls and interfaces are positioned on the exterior of the earcups 604 and 606. In one implementation, a volume dial 612 and a multi-function button 614 are positioned on the exterior of the earcup 604, and the earcup 606 has the following items positioned on its exterior:

    • a microphone 616
    • a game chat volume 618 (with push-button mute)
    • a 7.1 surround sound button 620
    • a power button 622
    • a USB-C port 624
    • an LED indicator 626
    • the boom connector port 628 (e.g., a 2.5 mm jack)
    • another microphone 630


In one implementation, the microphones 616 and 630 may be beam forming microphones. Additional microphones may be positioned within the interior of the earcups 604 and 606.



FIG. 7 illustrates an electrical schematic of an example connection detector and microphone switching circuit 700. The MICBOOM-DET signal 702 in the connection detector 704 is at a low logic signal (e.g., low voltage) when the boom plug is not inserted into the boom connector port. When the boom plug is inserted into the boom connector port, then the connection between pin 6 and pin 4 of the 2.5 mm jack is opened, and the MICBOOM-DET signal 702 is pulled high to indicate the change in the connection state. The connection/attachment state can be saved as a parameter in the audio processing circuitry or microphone switch controller to effect the appropriate connection for sound input.


An example electrical detection mechanism is described with regard to FIG. 7. Alternatively, other detection mechanisms may be used, including without limitation a mechanical or magnetic switch that is triggered when the plug is inserted into the connector port. A change in connection state can be detected by such switches, and a signal or parameter is changed accordingly to switch between two sets of microphones in the headphones (e.g., boom microphone(s) or earcup microphone(s)).



FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative electrical schematic of an example microphone switching circuit 800. In a manner similar to that of FIG. 7, the circuitry enables the appropriate microphone (e.g., the ear cup microphone, the boom microphone) based on the connection state of the boom. Depending on the connection state “MICBOOM-DET” signal, a microphone switch controller U8 (block 804) connects the sound input from either the earcup microphone (“MAIN_MIC”) or the boom microphone (“BOOM_MIC”) to the audio processing circuitry. A connection state (e.g., the “MICBOOM-DET” signal 802) may also be used to inform the audio processor which microphone is used as the active microphone (via signal “TALK_MIC”) and configure the audio processing algorithm for electronic noise cancellation to match the selected microphones, which can often have different audio capabilities and characteristics. The “MIC-LEDEN” signal is used to control the LED on/off on the boom mic for mute state indication, as controlled by circuitry 806.


An example electrical detection mechanism is described with regard to FIG. 8. Alternatively, other detection mechanisms may be used, including without limitation a mechanical or magnetic switch that is triggered when the plug is inserted into the connector port. A change in connection state can be detected by such switches, and a signal or parameter is changed accordingly to switch between two sets of microphones in the headphones (e.g., boom microphone(s) or earcup microphone(s)).



FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an example connection detector and microphone switching circuit 900. Audio processing circuitry 904 is configured to receive sound input from a microphone switch controller 906 and to provide audio processing functionality, such as noise cancellation, filtering, muting, communication to a wireless transceiver and/or other circuitry, etc. The microphone switch controller 906 is coupled to one or more earcup microphones 908 and a boom connector port 910 (through a connection detector 912 or via an alternative connection 914). The boom connector port 910 is configured to receive a boom connector plug (not shown) connected to one or more boom microphones 916. The boom connector plug can be removably connected/attached to the boom connector port 910 by a user.


The connection detector 912 can detect whether the one or more boom microphones 916 are connected to the boom connector port 910. For example, in one implementation, connection of a boom plug to the boom connector port 910 can open an electrical connection in the boom connector port 910 to raise a voltage level on the MICBOOM-DETECT signal, which indicates a state of a connected/attached boom microphone. A low voltage on the MICBOOM-DETECT signal indicates a state of a disconnected/unattached boom microphone. Other boom detection schemes may be employed.


When the connection detector 912 detects that the one or more boom microphones 916 are connected to the boom connector port 910, the microphone switch controller 906 directs sound input to the audio processing circuitry 904 from the boom connector port 910, rather than from the one or more earcup microphones 908. In contrast, when the connection detector 912 detects that the one or more boom microphones 916 are not connected to the boom connector port 910, the microphone switch controller 906 directs sound input to the audio processing circuitry 904 from the one or more earcup microphones 908, rather than from the boom connector port 910.



FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of example operations 1000 for switching microphones in a multi-microphone headset. A detection operation 1002 detects the connection state at the boom connection port. A decision operation 1004 determines whether the boom microphone (and/or the boom) are connected at the boom connection port. If so, a connection operation 1006 connects sound input from the boom microphone to the audio processing circuitry. If not, a connection operation 1008 connects sound input from the earcup microphones to the audio processing circuitry. Processing returns to the detection operation 1002.


An example audio device includes audio processing circuitry and one or more earcups, at least one of the earcups including a boom connector port. A connection detector connects to the boom connector port and is configured to detect a connection state at the boom connector port. One or more first microphones are positioned in the one or more earcups. A microphone switch controller is connected to the connection detector and is configured to connect the audio processing circuitry to one of the one or more first microphones or the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port.


Another example audio device of any preceding audio device further includes one or more second microphones supported by a boom having a boom connector jack that is compatible for electrical connection and removable attachment to the boom connector port. The microphone switch controller is configured to connect the one or more second microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that the boom is attached to the boom connector port.


Another example audio device of any preceding audio device is provided, wherein one or more audio processing parameters of the audio processing circuitry are adjusted to the one or more first microphones or the one or more second microphones based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port.


Another example audio device of any preceding audio device is provided, wherein the microphone switch controller is configured to connect the one or more first microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that a boom is not attached to the boom connector port.


Another example audio device of any preceding audio device is provided, wherein the detected connection state of the boom connector port is recorded as a connection parameter in the audio device by the connection detector.


Another example audio device of any preceding audio device is provided, wherein the detected connection state of the boom connector port is recorded as a connection parameter in the audio device that is readable by the microphone switch controller.


Another example audio device of any preceding audio device is provided, wherein the connection detector mechanically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.


Another example audio device of any preceding audio device is provided, wherein the connection detector electrically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.


Another example audio device of any preceding audio device is provided, wherein the connection detector magnetically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.


An example method includes detecting a connection state at a boom connector port of one or more earcups of an audio device, the one or more earcups including one or more first microphones and connecting audio processing circuitry of the audio devices to one of the one or more first microphones and the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port.


Another example method of any preceding method further includes providing one or more second microphones supported by a boom having a boom connector jack that is compatible for electrical connection and removable attachment to the boom connector port and connecting the one or more second microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that the boom is attached to the boom connector port.


Another example method of any preceding method further includes adjusting one or more audio processing parameters of the audio processing circuitry to the one or more first microphones or the one or more second microphones based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port.


Another example method of any preceding method is provided, wherein the connecting operation includes connecting the one or more first microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that a boom is not attached to the boom connector port.


Another example method of any preceding method is provided, wherein the detected connection state of the boom connector port is recorded as a connection parameter in the audio device.


Another example method of any preceding method is provided, wherein the connection detector mechanically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.


Another example method of any preceding method is provided, wherein the connection detector electrically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.


Another example method of any preceding method is provided, wherein the connection detector magnetically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.


Example wireless headphones include audio processing circuitry and one or more earcups, at least one of the earcups including a boom connector port. A connection detector is connected to the boom connector port and is configured to detect a connection state at the boom connector port. One or more first microphones are positioned in the one or more earcups. A microphone switch controller is connected to the connection detector and is configured to connect the audio processing circuitry to one of the one or more first microphones or the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port.


Other example wireless headphones of any previous headphones further include one or more second microphones supported by a boom having a boom connector jack that is compatible for electrical connection and removable attachment to the boom connector port, wherein the microphone switch controller is configured to connect the one or more second microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that the boom is attached to the boom connector port.


Other example wireless headphones of any previous headphones are provided, wherein the microphone switch controller is configured to connect the one or more first microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that a boom is not attached to the boom connector port.


While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of a particular described technology. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.


Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software/firmware product or packaged into multiple software/firmware products.

Claims
  • 1. An audio device comprising: one or more earcups, at least one of the earcups including a boom connector port;a connection detector connected to the boom connector port and configured to detect a connection state at the boom connector port;one or more first microphones positioned in the one or more earcups;audio processing circuitry;a microphone switch controller connected to the connection detector and configured to connect the audio processing circuitry to one of the one or more first microphones or the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port; andone or more second microphones supported by a boom having a boom connector jack that is compatible for electrical connection and removable attachment to the boom connector port, wherein the microphone switch controller is further configured to connect the one or more second microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that the boom is attached to the boom connector port.
  • 2. The audio device of claim 1, wherein one or more audio processing parameters of the audio processing circuitry are adjusted to the one or more first microphones or the one or more second microphones based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port.
  • 3. The audio device of claim 1, wherein the microphone switch controller is configured to connect the one or more first microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that a boom is not attached to the boom connector port.
  • 4. The audio device of claim 1, wherein the detected connection state of the boom connector port is recorded as a connection parameter in the audio device by the connection detector.
  • 5. The audio device of claim 1, wherein the detected connection state of the boom connector port is recorded as a connection parameter in the audio device that is readable by the microphone switch controller.
  • 6. The audio device of claim 1, wherein the connection detector mechanically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.
  • 7. The audio device of claim 1, wherein the connection detector electrically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.
  • 8. The audio device of claim 1, wherein the connection detector magnetically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.
  • 9. A method comprising: detecting a connection state at a boom connector port of one or more earcups of an audio device, the one or more earcups including one or more first microphones;connecting audio processing circuitry of the audio devices to one of the one or more first microphones and the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port;providing one or more second microphones supported by a boom having a boom connector jack that is compatible for electrical connection and removable attachment to the boom connector port; andconnecting the one or more second microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that the boom is attached to the boom connector port.
  • 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: adjusting one or more audio processing parameters of the audio processing circuitry to the one or more first microphones or the one or more second microphones based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port.
  • 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the connecting operation comprises: connecting the one or more first microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that a boom is not attached to the boom connector port.
  • 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the detected connection state of the boom connector port is recorded as a connection parameter in the audio device.
  • 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the connection detector mechanically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.
  • 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the connection detector electrically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.
  • 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the connection detector magnetically detects the connection state at the boom connector port.
  • 16. Wireless headphones comprising: one or more earcups, at least one of the earcups including a boom connector port;a connection detector connected to the boom connector port and configured to detect a connection state at the boom connector port;one or more first microphones positioned in the one or more earcups;audio processing circuitry;a microphone switch controller connected to the connection detector and configured to connect the audio processing circuitry to one of the one or more first microphones or the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port; andone or more second microphones supported by a boom having a boom connector jack that is compatible for electrical connection and removable attachment to the boom connector port, wherein the microphone switch controller is configured to connect the one or more second microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that the boom is attached to the boom connector port.
  • 17. The wireless headphones of claim 16, wherein the microphone switch controller is configured to connect the one or more first microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that a boom is not attached to the boom connector port.
  • 18. An audio device comprising: one or more earcups, at least one of the earcups including a boom connector port;a connection detector connected to the boom connector port and configured to detect a connection state at the boom connector port;one or more first microphones positioned in the one or more earcups;audio processing circuitry; anda microphone switch controller connected to the connection detector and configured to connect the audio processing circuitry to one of the one or more first microphones or the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port;wherein the microphone switch controller is further configured to connect the one or more first microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that a boom is not attached to the boom connector port.
  • 19. An audio device comprising: one or more earcups, at least one of the earcups including a boom connector port;a connection detector connected to the boom connector port and configured to detect a connection state at the boom connector port;one or more first microphones positioned in the one or more earcups;audio processing circuitry; anda microphone switch controller connected to the connection detector and configured to connect the audio processing circuitry to one of the one or more first microphones or the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port; andwherein the detected connection state of the boom connector port is recorded as a connection parameter in the audio device by the connection detector.
  • 20. An audio device comprising: one or more earcups, at least one of the earcups including a boom connector port;a connection detector connected to the boom connector port and configured to detect a connection state at the boom connector port;one or more first microphones positioned in the one or more earcups;audio processing circuitry; anda microphone switch controller connected to the connection detector and configured to connect the audio processing circuitry to one of the one or more first microphones or the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port;wherein the detected connection state of the boom connector port is recorded as a connection parameter in the audio device that is readable by the microphone switch controller.
  • 21. A method comprising: detecting a connection state at a boom connector port of one or more earcups of an audio device, the one or more earcups including one or more first microphones; andconnecting audio processing circuitry of the audio devices to one of the one or more first microphones and the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port;wherein the connecting operation comprises: connecting the one or more first microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that a boom is not attached to the boom connector port.
  • 22. A method comprising: detecting a connection state at a boom connector port of one or more earcups of an audio device, the one or more earcups including one or more first microphones; andconnecting audio processing circuitry of the audio devices to one of the one or more first microphones and the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port;wherein the detected connection state of the boom connector port is recorded as a connection parameter in the audio device.
  • 23. Wireless headphones comprising: one or more earcups, at least one of the earcups including a boom connector port;a connection detector connected to the boom connector port and configured to detect a connection state at the boom connector port;one or more first microphones positioned in the one or more earcups;audio processing circuitry; anda microphone switch controller connected to the connection detector and configured to connect the audio processing circuitry to one of the one or more first microphones or the boom connector port based on the detected connection state of the boom connector port;wherein the microphone switch controller is configured to connect the one or more first microphones to the audio processing circuitry responsive to detection that a boom is not attached to the boom connector port.
US Referenced Citations (332)
Number Name Date Kind
1127161 Baldwin Feb 1915 A
1289826 Lawton Dec 1918 A
1367746 Kent Feb 1921 A
1483315 Saal Feb 1924 A
1489978 Oscar Apr 1924 A
1555997 Tiodolf Oct 1925 A
1587409 Ouillette Jun 1926 A
1648832 Ladislaus Nov 1927 A
1649551 Smith Nov 1927 A
1651623 Obergfell Dec 1927 A
1714377 George May 1929 A
1821529 Samuel Sep 1931 A
1926688 Schaal Sep 1933 A
2010612 Stafford Aug 1935 A
2140132 Hollett Dec 1938 A
2235372 Otto Mar 1941 A
2373172 Sinkler Apr 1945 A
2394374 Gilman Feb 1946 A
2413345 Gilman Dec 1946 A
2486267 Dulinsky Oct 1949 A
2497007 Constantine Feb 1950 A
2503432 Bowers Apr 1950 A
2510344 Law Jun 1950 A
2511234 Anderson Jun 1950 A
2652457 Knowles Sep 1953 A
2670807 Brown Mar 1954 A
2747191 Hoffmaster May 1956 A
2782423 Eli et al. Feb 1957 A
2858544 Roth Nov 1958 A
2924290 Zuerker Feb 1960 A
2946860 Jansen et al. Jul 1960 A
3053944 Weeks Sep 1962 A
3073410 Gongoll et al. Jan 1963 A
3119904 Anson Jan 1964 A
3183565 Schwarz May 1965 A
3272926 Falkenberg Sep 1966 A
3440663 Beguin Apr 1969 A
3445597 Walters May 1969 A
3454964 Brinkhoff Jul 1969 A
3488457 Lahti Jan 1970 A
3505684 Hutchinson et al. Apr 1970 A
3562816 Hutchinson Feb 1971 A
3579640 Beguin et al. May 1971 A
3593341 Aileo Jul 1971 A
3797045 Aho Mar 1974 A
3815155 Davison et al. Jun 1974 A
3859748 Blue Jan 1975 A
3908200 Lundin Sep 1975 A
3922725 Csiki et al. Dec 1975 A
3959989 Bhandia Jun 1976 A
3984885 Yoshimura et al. Oct 1976 A
D244037 Warner et al. Apr 1977 S
D244301 Besasie May 1977 S
4037064 Kasuda Jul 1977 A
D250761 Vong Jan 1979 S
4173715 Gosman Nov 1979 A
4175217 Williams Nov 1979 A
D254183 Doodson Feb 1980 S
D255352 Besasie Jun 1980 S
4274181 Schaller Jun 1981 A
4306121 Joscelyn et al. Dec 1981 A
4309575 Zweig et al. Jan 1982 A
4385209 Greason et al. May 1983 A
4424881 Hattori Jan 1984 A
4437538 Ohlsson et al. Mar 1984 A
4439645 Scalzo Mar 1984 A
D274516 Walker Jul 1984 S
4472607 Houng Sep 1984 A
4538034 French Aug 1985 A
D287849 Preisler et al. Jan 1987 S
D291198 Bellini Aug 1987 S
4689822 Houng Aug 1987 A
4727585 Flygstad Feb 1988 A
4747145 Wiegel May 1988 A
4796307 Vantine Jan 1989 A
4829571 Kakiuchi et al. May 1989 A
D315561 Miller Mar 1991 S
D317767 Banks Jun 1991 S
5035005 Hung Jul 1991 A
D328074 Yamazaki et al. Jul 1992 S
D337116 Hattori Jul 1993 S
5233650 Chan Aug 1993 A
D345163 Yamatogi Mar 1994 S
5293647 Mirmilshteyn et al. Mar 1994 A
5333206 Koss Jul 1994 A
D358391 Isono May 1995 S
5438626 Neuman et al. Aug 1995 A
5457751 Such Oct 1995 A
D364617 Fitzgerald Nov 1995 S
5499985 Hein et al. Mar 1996 A
5551090 Thompson Sep 1996 A
D386181 Fisher Nov 1997 S
5697386 Chang Dec 1997 A
D390282 Burdick Feb 1998 S
5729615 Yang Mar 1998 A
5822798 Baxley Oct 1998 A
D402318 Dunipace Dec 1998 S
D402659 Suzuki Dec 1998 S
5862241 Nelson Jan 1999 A
D410466 Mouri Jun 1999 S
D413550 Otterson et al. Sep 1999 S
D415763 Petchonka Oct 1999 S
D420356 Suzuki Feb 2000 S
D422206 Clark Apr 2000 S
D423012 Yasutomi Apr 2000 S
D424150 Post May 2000 S
D425888 Fitzgerald May 2000 S
6081604 Hikichi et al. Jun 2000 A
D431550 Yoneda Oct 2000 S
D432522 Kieltyka et al. Oct 2000 S
D435249 Yasutomi Dec 2000 S
6201877 Chang Mar 2001 B1
D441734 Fitzgerald May 2001 S
6263085 Weffer Jul 2001 B1
D453015 Yuyama Jan 2002 S
D456379 Fitzgerald Apr 2002 S
6392196 Lin May 2002 B1
6427018 Keliiliki Jul 2002 B1
D464630 Woodworth Oct 2002 S
6611963 Woo et al. Sep 2003 B2
D484485 Matsuoka Dec 2003 S
6654966 Rolla Dec 2003 B2
D491917 Asai Jun 2004 S
D504414 Yoshida Apr 2005 S
D508483 Suzuki Aug 2005 S
D512708 Harris et al. Dec 2005 S
6980165 Yuasa et al. Dec 2005 B2
D514087 Wilson et al. Jan 2006 S
D517527 Suzuki Mar 2006 S
D518474 Suzuki Apr 2006 S
7106873 Harrison et al. Sep 2006 B1
7146004 Bodley et al. Dec 2006 B2
7172052 Lenhard-Backhaus Feb 2007 B2
D538261 Taylor et al. Mar 2007 S
7251335 Chen Jul 2007 B1
D560654 Feng Jan 2008 S
D567215 Lee Apr 2008 S
7388960 Kuo et al. Jun 2008 B2
7391878 Liao Jun 2008 B2
D573581 Gondo et al. Jul 2008 S
D576604 Suzuki Sep 2008 S
7457649 Wilson Nov 2008 B1
D588098 Kurihara Mar 2009 S
D592640 Tkachuk May 2009 S
D600673 Kim et al. Sep 2009 S
D600674 Brennwald Sep 2009 S
7639478 Wu et al. Dec 2009 B2
D613266 Barry et al. Apr 2010 S
D617781 Kallas et al. Jun 2010 S
D620474 Komiyama Jul 2010 S
D633367 Scherr Mar 2011 S
D633895 Morimoto Mar 2011 S
D634732 Kondo et al. Mar 2011 S
D635958 Ando et al. Apr 2011 S
D637176 Brunner et al. May 2011 S
D639776 Arimoto Jun 2011 S
D641725 Chong et al. Jul 2011 S
D642554 Schaal et al. Aug 2011 S
D646666 Maeyama Oct 2011 S
D652021 Miyawaki Jan 2012 S
D652022 Miyawaki Jan 2012 S
D652406 Lee et al. Jan 2012 S
8094859 Suematsu et al. Jan 2012 B2
8098872 Chang Jan 2012 B2
D657344 Brunner et al. Apr 2012 S
D657776 Lee et al. Apr 2012 S
D660823 Hardi et al. May 2012 S
D660824 Hardi et al. May 2012 S
D662080 Carr et al. Jun 2012 S
D662490 Mcsweyn Jun 2012 S
D663716 Hardi et al. Jul 2012 S
D664116 Hutchieson Jul 2012 S
D664118 Tappeiner et al. Jul 2012 S
8213644 Choi Jul 2012 B2
D665775 Katsumata Aug 2012 S
D666579 Hou Sep 2012 S
D666992 Lee et al. Sep 2012 S
D671914 Lee et al. Dec 2012 S
D672745 Abed et al. Dec 2012 S
8325962 Ishida et al. Dec 2012 B2
D673519 Tan Jan 2013 S
D673520 Tan Jan 2013 S
D677243 Kitayama et al. Mar 2013 S
D677647 Lee et al. Mar 2013 S
D680999 Chan Apr 2013 S
D683329 Hagelin May 2013 S
8437481 Johnson May 2013 B2
8447370 Ueda et al. May 2013 B2
D684559 Groset et al. Jun 2013 S
D686758 Metcalf Jul 2013 S
D689843 Lee Sep 2013 S
D691579 Lee et al. Oct 2013 S
D693791 Troy Nov 2013 S
D695263 Mogili Dec 2013 S
D696644 Sejpka Dec 2013 S
D697495 Lian Jan 2014 S
D705750 Wu et al. May 2014 S
8737668 Blair et al. May 2014 B1
D706241 Szymanski et al. Jun 2014 S
8755555 Dougherty et al. Jun 2014 B2
D708162 Wenger et al. Jul 2014 S
8774442 Huang Jul 2014 B2
D712872 Yuen Sep 2014 S
D716762 Greve Nov 2014 S
D721052 Carr et al. Jan 2015 S
D722998 Sancho et al. Feb 2015 S
D723511 Pedersen Mar 2015 S
D727280 Levine Apr 2015 S
D727281 Levine Apr 2015 S
D727289 Czaniecki Apr 2015 S
D728512 Nakagawa May 2015 S
D729194 Boeckel et al. May 2015 S
D732503 Brunner et al. Jun 2015 S
D733090 Petersen Jun 2015 S
D733092 Gan Jun 2015 S
D734296 Paterson et al. Jul 2015 S
D736174 Levine Aug 2015 S
D736175 Levine Aug 2015 S
D736185 Yaegashi et al. Aug 2015 S
9106986 Shen et al. Aug 2015 B2
D737799 Carr et al. Sep 2015 S
D741842 Levine Oct 2015 S
D745214 Haas Dec 2015 S
D746790 Strasberg et al. Jan 2016 S
9234654 Wang Jan 2016 B1
D759626 Wagner Jun 2016 S
D762190 Levine Jul 2016 S
D762191 Levine Jul 2016 S
D765055 Hsieh et al. Aug 2016 S
D768110 Suzuki Oct 2016 S
D771012 Wagner Nov 2016 S
D772841 Levine Nov 2016 S
D780155 Levine et al. Feb 2017 S
D781265 Levine et al. Mar 2017 S
D781814 Levine Mar 2017 S
D782995 Matthews Apr 2017 S
D789327 Miyake et al. Jun 2017 S
D792376 Morimoto et al. Jul 2017 S
D795218 Ohmachi Aug 2017 S
9729954 Levine et al. Aug 2017 B2
D805056 Levine Dec 2017 S
D808359 Meyer et al. Jan 2018 S
D809477 Brunner et al. Feb 2018 S
D809478 Arimoto et al. Feb 2018 S
D810055 Levine Feb 2018 S
D811362 Petersen Feb 2018 S
D811365 Czaniecki Feb 2018 S
D812588 Levine Mar 2018 S
D813194 Loh et al. Mar 2018 S
9917940 Broadley et al. Mar 2018 B2
D815614 Tzeng et al. Apr 2018 S
9972895 Hirsch et al. May 2018 B2
D820810 Levine et al. Jun 2018 S
D826208 Czaniecki Aug 2018 S
D832811 Levine et al. Nov 2018 S
D832813 Levine et al. Nov 2018 S
D833071 Pennington Nov 2018 S
D836600 Lee et al. Dec 2018 S
D845928 Lee et al. Apr 2019 S
D849713 Hänggi et al. May 2019 S
D851627 Ter Laag et al. Jun 2019 S
D852166 Levine Jun 2019 S
10327057 Levine et al. Jun 2019 B2
D857652 Wang Aug 2019 S
D857654 Levine Aug 2019 S
D859354 Xia Sep 2019 S
D864898 Chen Oct 2019 S
D865706 Li et al. Nov 2019 S
D868029 Hänggi et al. Nov 2019 S
D868731 Jung Dec 2019 S
D878329 Levine et al. Mar 2020 S
D879067 Hu Mar 2020 S
D879742 Hu Mar 2020 S
D882544 Paterson et al. Apr 2020 S
10659874 Johnson et al. May 2020 B2
D888010 Lindenberger Jun 2020 S
10674245 Chih-Hsueh et al. Jun 2020 B2
D890123 Yoshimura Jul 2020 S
D893453 Levine et al. Aug 2020 S
10743106 Daley et al. Aug 2020 B2
10757499 Vautrin et al. Aug 2020 B1
D897309 Cho et al. Sep 2020 S
D920956 Levine Jun 2021 S
D936035 Tang et al. Nov 2021 S
D937242 Levine Nov 2021 S
D946551 Liu Mar 2022 S
D961548 Yang Aug 2022 S
D966228 Cho Oct 2022 S
D968357 Cong Nov 2022 S
D974327 Shyu et al. Jan 2023 S
20030210801 Naksen et al. Nov 2003 A1
20040216946 Lenhard-Backhaus Nov 2004 A1
20040229658 Kim Nov 2004 A1
20050008184 Ito Jan 2005 A1
20050053255 Harris et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050105755 Yueh May 2005 A1
20050238189 Tsai Oct 2005 A1
20050266875 Yegin et al. Dec 2005 A1
20060062417 Tachikawa Mar 2006 A1
20060256992 Liao Nov 2006 A1
20070223766 Davis et al. Sep 2007 A1
20080056525 Fujiwara et al. Mar 2008 A1
20080175406 Smith Jul 2008 A1
20090003616 Kleinschmidt et al. Jan 2009 A1
20100177907 Morisawa Jul 2010 A1
20120070027 Ridler Mar 2012 A1
20120070028 Margulies Mar 2012 A1
20120093334 Schreuder et al. Apr 2012 A1
20120125360 Hill et al. May 2012 A1
20120266909 Tsai Oct 2012 A1
20140056459 Oishi et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140105414 Rois et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140153766 Huang Jun 2014 A1
20140307868 Weis Oct 2014 A1
20160079660 Bevelacqua Mar 2016 A1
20160080853 Chen Mar 2016 A1
20160205461 Fernandez-Medina et al. Jul 2016 A1
20170041696 Levine et al. Feb 2017 A1
20170041697 Levine et al. Feb 2017 A1
20170113033 Wingeier et al. Apr 2017 A1
20170134845 Milam et al. May 2017 A1
20170201821 Mcauliffe et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170257692 Yang et al. Sep 2017 A1
20170265420 Carlson Sep 2017 A1
20170295420 Yeung et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170339479 Levine Nov 2017 A1
20170353781 Choi et al. Dec 2017 A1
20180020277 Briggs Jan 2018 A1
20180020278 Levine et al. Jan 2018 A1
20180227658 Hviid et al. Aug 2018 A1
20210267300 Blomqvist Sep 2021 A1
20220406285 Neves et al. Dec 2022 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (6)
Number Date Country
304974345 Jan 2019 CN
306794554 Aug 2021 CN
306885647 Oct 2021 CN
2013078014 Apr 2013 JP
2015026948 Feb 2015 JP
1020170001125 Jan 2017 KR
Non-Patent Literature Citations (2)
Entry
“Restriction Requirement Issued in U.S. Appl. No. 29/796,516”, dated Jan. 24, 2023, 11 Pages.
“International Search Report and Written Opinion Issued in PCT Application No. PCT/US2022/034823”, dated Oct. 21, 2022, 9 Pages.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20220417639 A1 Dec 2022 US