System and method for open to closed-back headset audio compensation

A configurable headset includes a stock open-back configuration, wherein an audio profile for the headset in the stock open-back configuration is optimized. When the stock open-back configuration is physically modified to a closed-back configuration, the audio profile degrades, but is manually or automatically improved through selection of a pre-programmed compensated audio profile via an audio profile controller in communication with the configurable headset.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Field of the Embodiments

The embodiments relate generally to optimizing audio through audio headsets. More particularly, the embodiments related to optimizing audio to counter the negative effects on audio which may result from changes in the physical configuration of the audio headset, e.g., open to closed configuration.

Description of the Related Art

Conventional headphones are formed from two loudspeakers, shrunken in size, which are assembled together by a headband and worn over the ears of the wearer. Heavy and large in the past, headphones today feature modem designs that are lighter and smaller. Additionally, headphone designs have been modified in accordance with intended use thereof and may include open-back and closed-back configurations.

Further, the evolution of gaming has created the need for more advanced audio and communication solutions. A gamer wishing to utilize a personal headset during game play wants a better audio experience without the need to be physically tethered to a gaming console. Moreover, serious gamers require the ability to converse with other gamers at remote locations or in tournament gaming situations and listen to game audio simultaneously through the use of a headset.

The conventional open-back wired headphone option which is optimal for many listening situations may not be practical for a gamer wishing to operate a game console controller from a distance farther than the wired headphone may reach or for a gamer who wishes to move around a room unrestrained. Moreover, many gamers already own a preferred wired headset, and these individuals either may not be able to afford, or may not wish to purchase, a different wireless headset for each gaming system at great personal expense. One solution developed by the present applicant, Astro Gaming, Inc., to facilitate use of generic open-back wired headphones in wireless situations and with different consoles includes the use of a MixAmp™ with the open-back wired headphones which can communicate in a wired or wireless fashion with the gaming console and/or game controller to facilitate game and network chat audio communication to/from the headset. A detailed description of the various headset and MixAmp™ configurations is found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,491,386 (Systems and methods for remotely mixing multiple audio signals) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/926,015 (Wireless Game/Audio System and Method), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

But while conventional open-back wired (or wireless) headphones (with or without use of a MixAmp™) may be useful and even optimal for many audio situations, in a particularly noisy environment, such as game tournaments, the background noise of, e.g., other teams and spectators, etc., can simply overwhelm the open-back headphones. In these situations, closed-back headphones may be contemplated. Such closed-back headphones are either unique to a particular system or require additional components, such as a MixAmp™, to massage the incoming audio signals and compensate for the distortion caused by shutting out the air to the internal mechanics, i.e., diaphragms, of the headphones. Such closed-back headphones are not optimized for use outside of the unique system and environment for which they are specially designed. Consequently, a user may need to purchase multiple types of headsets for each different audio environment.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system that facilitates use of stock open-back headsets in audio environments ranging from wired, single output listening with minimal background noise (e.g., home television or computer listening) to multiple output (game and chat) wired or wireless listening with high background noise (e.g., tournament gaming environment).

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In a first exemplary embodiment, an audio compensation system comprises: a convertible headset including a left earphone configured to convert electrical energy into sound waves; a right earphone configured to convert electrical energy into sound waves; a first removable and interchangeable noise plate configured to selectively attach to one of the right and left earphones; a second removable and interchangeable noise plate configured to selectively attach to the other of the right and left earphones; a first removable air-tight pad inserted between a first of the left and right earphones and the first removable and interchangeable noise plate when the convertible headset is in a closed configuration; a second removable air-tight pad inserted between a second of the left and right earphones and the second removable and interchangeable noise plate when the convertible headset is in a closed configuration; wherein both the left earphone and the right earphone include components to facilitate mechanical and audible coupling with a removable microphone with or without one or both of the first and second noise plates and first and second removable air tight pads attached thereto, the components including a receiver component for receiving the connector portion of the removable microphone therein directly or after the connector portion passes through the aperture when the first noise plate is attached to one of the right and left earphones; wherein the first and second noise plates and first and second removable air tight pads insulate a user of the headset from noise produced externally when one or both are attached to the convertible headset in the closed configuration; and an audio profile controller connected to the convertible headset and one or more audio sources, the audio profile controller including one or more audio equalizer profiles programmed therein to compensate for negative audio effects resulting from the closed configuration of the convertible headset.

In a second exemplary embodiment a convertible headset comprises: an assembly of parts configured to convert electrical energy into sound waves, the assembly including earphones and removable and interchangeable components for physically altering the configurable headset from an open to a closed configuration, wherein altering the convertible headset from an open to closed configuration produces negative audio effects for a user of the convertible headset; the assembly of parts further including an audio profile controller connected to the convertible headset and one or more audio sources, the audio profile controller including one or more audio equalizer profiles programmed therein to compensate for the negative audio effects.

In a third exemplary embodiment a convertible headset for facilitating communication from and to a user of the headset during a multiplayer game and optimizing game audio quality comprises: a left earphone including left audio circuitry, a removable left noise plate and a removable left air-tight pad; a right earphone including right audio circuitry, a removable right noise plate and a removable left air-tight pad; a microphone attached to one of the left and right earphones for generating internal communications; wherein the left noise plate, left air-tight pad, the right noise plate and the right air-tight pad isolate internal communications between the user and other players in the multiplayer game by insulating the user of the headset from external communications when the left noise plate, left air-tight pad, the right noise plate and the right air-tight pad are attached to the headset in a closed headset configuration; further wherein the user can remove the left noise plate, left air-tight pad, the right noise plate and the right air-tight pad in order to facilitate receipt of internal and external communications in an open headset configuration; and an audio profile controller connected to the convertible headset and receiving therein one or more audio signals, including a game audio signal, the audio profile controller including one or more audio equalizer profiles programmed therein to compensate for negative audio effects experiences by the user resulting from the closed headset configuration of the convertible headset.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In competitive gaming environments, modern headsets are connected to an audio exchange with boom assemblies that support microphones, easing communications among teammates without the need to shout to be heard. In various embodiments herein, earphones, which convert electrical energy into sound waves, are designed with an externally facing air-permeable grille and ear-facing air-permeable cloth or foam pads in a first open-back configuration. The headset in this first open-back configuration is optimized for use in nearly all listening environments and is usable with a MixAmp™ to facilitate wireless headset use with different gaming consoles and to balance game audio and chat volume to the headset.

In a second configuration, the open-back headset is physically modified with attachable components as discussed further herein to essentially produce a closed-back headset, but audio distortion that is necessarily produced by the restricted air flow to the headphones is compensated for the MixAmp™ prior to the audio signals reaching the headset. The following is instructive.

FIGS. 1A, 1Billustrate a headset100that comprises a pair of earphones101a,101bheld over a gamer's ears by a pair of bands108a,108bworn over the head. Each earphone101a,101bincludes a removable pad102a,102b, which envelops the ear by enclosing it completely. Each earphone101a,101bincludes a frame106a,106bthat is mechanically coupled to a shell104a,104b. The shell104a,104bis further mechanically coupled to the pad102a,102bto enclose assembled parts residing between the pad102a,102band the shell104a,104b, as well as providing rigidity to the structure of each earphone101a,101b. In the open-back configuration, the removable pads102a,102bare formed of cloth, foam or other air-permeable material and are attachable/detachable to the earphones by multiple magnetic members similar to those discussed below with respect to the optional tags or noise plates (not shown). AlthoughFIGS. 1A, 1Billustrate the headset100with the tag or noise plates110attached thereto, these are not required for operation.

Further, as discussed below the removable tags or noise plates110may be provided in two different structures. In a first structure, the tags110are plastic or composite plates, having multiple magnetic members110A-110D for attaching the tags110to a gasket202(seeFIGS. 2, 3 and 7A-7G). In this first structure, air is still able to permeate through the headphones through the air gap that remains between the plastic plate and the gasket which is approximately equal to the length of the multiple magnetic members110A-110D (seeFIGS. 7C, 7D, 7G).

In a second structure, removable noise plates110′ include an air tight gasket seal120to seal the air gap from the first structure. Accordingly, when using the headset in the closed-back configuration, the user swaps out the tags110or the noise plates110′. The noise plates110′ provide insulation against distracting noise that is produced in a competitive environment, such as during gaming tournaments. The tags or noise plates110or110′ are easily removed by exerting a force greater than the magnetic coupling that fastens them to the earphone101a,101b.

The tags or noise plates110or110′ may include in one or both (left/right) an aperture112that guides a jack116of a boom assembly114to mate with a female port (not shown) of the earphone101a,101b. When connected, the wearer of the headset100may audibly communicate via utterances that are received by the microphone screen118for transmission to audio circuitry components (not shown).

The earphones101a,101bare mechanically coupled to the band108a,108bvia hollowed cylinders120a,120b. Protected by these cylinders120a,120bare audio wires that transmit audio communication to the earphones101a,101b. These audio wires also receive audio communication received from the boom assembly114for transmission to other audio processing circuitry (not shown).FIG. 1Billustrates that the earphone101acan be rotated about 90 degrees. The earphone101bcan be similarly rotated. When the wearer of the headset100rests the headset100on his neck, both earphones101a,101bmay be rotated so that the pads102a,102bengage his chest, and in this manner, add comfort as well as exposing art work, advertisements, insignia, trademarks, designs, etc., on the tags or noise plates110or110′.

FIGS. 2-3illustrate an exemplary earphone100presented in an exploded perspective view. The earphone100includes the tags or noise plates110or110′ (shown as tag110). The tag110as shown is generally rectangular in shape and includes an aperture112for guiding jack116to audio circuitry (not shown) to transmit audio information received by the boom assembly114. The earphone100includes a gasket202having an annular shape for defining an opening202f. Multiple holes202a-202dare provided near the corners of the gasket202. These holes allow magnetic members210a-210dto magnetically couple the tags or noise plates110or110′ to other assembled parts of the earphone100. The gasket202includes an aperture202eto cooperatively communicate with the aperture112for guiding jack116to mate with audio circuitry (not shown) of the earphone100.

The earphone100includes a grille204that is characterized by perforation forming a screen through which ambient sound may readily enter the earphone100in the open-back configuration when such ambient sound is not attenuated or eliminated by the noise plate110′. The grille204includes a number of hollowed cylinders204a-204dfor accommodating a number of magnetic members210a-210dto magnetically couple an assembly of the tags or noise plates110or110′, the gasket202, and the grille204to the remaining assembled parts of the earphone100. A hollowed, projected cylinder204eprotrudes into the aperture202eof the gasket202which terminates at the aperture112of the tags or noise plates110or110′ to further help guide the jack116of the boom assembly114to mate with audio circuitry (not shown) of the earphone100.

The earphone100includes a frame106characterized by its U-shaped racetrack form. Protruding at an angle from one side of either arm of the U-shaped frame106is a hollowed cylinder206a,206bthat engages openings208a,208bof the earphone100to allow the frame106to cradle at various angles, hence adding comfort to the wearer of the earphone100.

The earphone100includes the shell104having two open ends. The diameter of a proximal end of the shell104tapers gradually to a distal end of the shell104to form a neck. Two openings208a,208bon either side of the neck of the shell104mate with projected hollowed cylinders206a,206bof the frame106, thus allowing the frame106to cradle against the shell104. A notch208clocated at the distal end of the shell104is configured to receive speaker wire for transmitting audio information into the earphone100.

The earphone100includes a bezel210on which electrical, electronic, and mechanical parts of a speaker system are assembled. The earphone100includes a pliant, annular member212, whose center opening permits audio sound reproduced by the speaker system housed by the bezel210to be projected. Multiple holes212a-212dcouple the annular member212to the bezel210. The magnetically removable pad102is a component of the earphone100that envelops the ear of the wearer of the earphone100. As discussed above, pads102a,102bmay be formed of air-permeable materials in the open-back configuration and may be switched out for pads102a′,102b′ formed of air tight material such as synthetic leather when using the earphone100in the closed-bag configuration.

FIG. 3reveals elements not readily visible with the illustration inFIG. 2. The tag110of the earphone100includes multiple projected, hollowed cylinders110a-110cto accommodate magnetic members210a-210dto magnetically couple the tag110to other assembled parts of the earphone101. The boom assembly114includes a proximal end that houses jack116and a distal end for accommodating a microphone screen118. The projected, hollowed cylinders206a,206bare more clearly illustrated by the exploded, perspective view of the earphone100presented from the back as shown inFIG. 3. As discussed above, tag110may be removed and replaced with noise plate110′ as required for the specific closed-back configuration and implementation discussed further herein.

FIG. 4illustrates a partial assembly of two portions of the earphone100in an exploded, perspective presentation. One portion is a fitting of manufactured parts of the earphone100that includes an assembly comprising the shell104, the frame106, and the tag110(or noise plate110′ as the case may be). The notch208cinto which earphone wires are guided to assembled parts of the earphone100is visible. The aperture112of the tags or noise plates110or110′ guides the jack116of the boom assembly114to mechanically and electrically communicate with a clutch214, which belongs to the other portion of the earphone100.

The clutch214is housed by the bezel210. The bezel210is one part in an assembly of parts, including the pad102and the annular member212, which together comprise another fitting of manufactured parts of the earphone100. Specifically, the clutch214comprises three fingers214a-214cthat grip a jack collar402to seize the boom assembly114firmly while allowing the jack116to be in electrical communication with the wire form216and other assembled parts of the bezel210as well as allowing the boom assembly114to be coaxially rotated (in the direction where the jack116is inserted into the clutch214). Multiple magnetic members210a-210dare shown floating in the illustration to illustrate its fastening function to magnetically couple the bezel210to the other parts of the earphone100.

FIG. 5illustrates the boom assembly114using a perspective view. The boom assembly114includes a boom overmold504at a proximal end to house the jack collar402that is used to house the jack116at its base502. The jack collar402is formed of, partially formed of or includes an outer layer of a gasket-type material, e.g., rubber, so as to form an air-tight seal between the jack collar402and the aperture112of the tags or noise plates110or110′. Alternatively, the tags or noise plates110or110′ may be formed to include a grommet (not shown) at the aperture112to engage the jack collar402of the boom assembly114. At the distal end of the boom assembly114, a microphone receiver is hidden behind the microphone screen118, which is longitudinally aligned with the front microphone housing508. Supporting the front microphone housing508and the microphone screen118is a back506of the microphone housing.

FIG. 6illustrates a collection of parts so assembled to form a portion of the earphone100. The collection of parts includes the pad102, the annular member212, and the bezel210. The multiple magnetic members210a-210dmate with metallic female members602a-602dthat are characterized as projected, hollowed cylinders, and whose ends include metallic exposures to correspondingly mate with the multiple magnetic members210a-210d. The bezel210includes the clutch214, which is formed from three fingers214a-214c, perpendicularly projected from a rectangular platform606and fastened to the bezel210via screws. Wound around the distal ends of the fingers214a-214cis a wire form216that is configured to mechanically couple with the jack116of the boom assembly114by providing tension to retain the jack116. Each finger214a-214c, at the distal end, has a groove into which the wire form216is set so as to prevent slippage of the wire form216from the fingers214a-214c. A PC board604containing audio circuitry lies on the finger214aand superjacent to the PC board604are the fingers214b,214c.

The bezel210includes a driver protector608that is characterized by its annular shape including two wings608a,608b. The driver protector608is fastened to the bezel210using a suitable fastening agent, such as glue. The wings of the driver protector608mate with two C-shaped members614a-614bto prevent slippage of the driver protector608. Two fingers610a-610b, preferably formed from aluminum, are mounted to the bezel210at a proximal end while their distal ends are finished with dome-like members that are projected away from each other to mate with holes208a,208b, allowing the frame106to cradle against the shell104, as previously discussed in other figures, such asFIG. 2.

FIGS. 7A-7Gillustrate various views of the tag110.FIG. 7Aillustrates a perspective view from the front of the noise plate110including a partial view of the projected, hollowed cylinder110a.FIG. 7Billustrates a perspective view from the back of the tag110.FIG. 7Cillustrates a bottom view of the tag110in which a slight curvature can be observed across the surface of the tag110.FIG. 7Dillustrates a side view of the tag110in which a slight curvature can be observed.FIG. 7Eis a front view of the tag110.FIG. 7Fis a back view of the tag110.FIG. 7Gis a top view of the tag110, whose curvature is seen across the surface.FIGS. 8A, 8Billustrate the alternative noise plate110′ used on the closed-back implementation.

As discussed to this point, at base, the headset described herein is in an open-back configuration, wherein the components are designed so as to optimize audio input when the pads102and tags110are air-permeable. Referring toFIG. 9, an exemplary audio profile for a headset in the stock open-back configuration is optimized as shown (OPEN). When the stock open-back configuration is modified to what is essentially a closed-back configuration by switching out the tags110for the noise plates110′ and the cloth pads102a,102bfor the air-tight pads102a′,102b′, the audio profile degrades as shown (CLOSED). But, as discussed further herein, the degraded performance of the now closed-back configuration caused by physical changes to certain components of the stock open-back configuration, can be improved when the headset is used in conjunction with a MixAmp™ or similar audio profile controller (COMPENSATED).

More particularly, as described above, the stock open back configuration (with or without the decorative tags110) is the preferred configuration for most all listening environments. The open back configuration optimizes sound provided to the user by allowing maximum air to pass, generally unimpeded, through the earphones and to interact with the mechanical diaphragms therein to produce the clearest sound (FIG. 9, OPEN). As described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,491,386 (“'386 Patent”), which is incorporated herein by reference, the present applicant has developed an add-on audio component, e.g., an audio profile controller (MixAmp™), which may be used with headphones such as those described herein to intercept incoming audio signals and perform certain processing thereon. As described in detail in the '386 Patent, the MixAmp™ includes a number of adjustment means, such as but not limited to knobs and/or buttons that are accessible to a user of the audio mixer to allow a user to adjust properties of a blended audio output stream that is transmitted from the audio mixer to a headset of the user.

As described in the '386 Patent, exemplary properties of the audio signals which may be controlled include, but are not limited to, balance and/or volume of a game audio and/or a network chat audio stream, as well as a base boost. Representative circuitry and programmable hardware components of the audio mixer are described and illustrated in the '386 Patent. Such a system, which includes at least the audio profile controller and the headphones, is particularly useful in gaming scenarios, including on-line and in-person tournament games. Depending on the particular use and/or environment, the headset and audio profile controller may communicate in a wired or wireless configuration with each other and/or with the audio source(s), e.g., game console, computer, personal device. In certain configurations, the audio profile controller may include a portable component in wired communication with the wireless headset and in wireless communication with a base station component. Descriptions of various configurations are found in the '386 Patent and are incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary schematics for particular multi-player game scenarios which may incorporate the headset and audio profile controller system described herein and implement the associated processes are shown inFIGS. 10 and 11.

But as discussed above, the in-person tournament games present a unique problem, wherein the external noise generated by spectators and other gamers in the venue can overwhelm the internal headset audio. In a preferred embodiment, a novel system includes (1) the stock open-back headset modified with the noise plates110′ and air-tight pads102a′,102b′ so as to effectively create a closed-back configuration (FIG. 9, CLOSED) which compromises the audio quality to the headset user in combination with (2) an add-on component, such as an audio profile controller or other the like, which sits between the audio source(s) and the headset and includes appropriate programmable hardware and/or software to correct or compensate for the negative audio effects of the closed-back configuration (FIG. 9, COMPENSATED). The audio profile controller may be an upgraded or next generation MixAmp™ which now includes the necessary programming to apply the compensation audio equalizer profile (“Compensation EQ”) to the incoming audio signals, e.g., game audio, network chat audio stream or the mix thereof, in addition to facilitating the mixing control. Application of the Compensation EQ may be selectable by the user via a switch, button, toggle or the like on the audio profile controller. That is, when the physical changes are made to the user's headset, i.e., noise plates110′ and air-tight pads102a′,102b′ are added, the user can then manually select application of the Compensation EQ to equalize the audio profile from CLOSED to COMPENSATED as shown inFIG. 9.

Alternatively, the application of the Compensation EQ may be triggered by a sensor configuration which senses the physical changes or effects of the physical changes to the headset. By way of example, contact sensors at the magnetic couplings of the noise plates110′ and air-tight pads102a′,102b′ may trigger automatic application of the Compensation EQ by the audio profile controller when contact is confirmed at all points of contact. In another example, an external noise sensor within the headset may trigger automatic application of the Compensation EQ by the audio profile controller when the external noise sensor sensing a predetermined drop in external noise within the headset. In a still further example, application of the Compensation EQ by the audio profile controller may be voice activated with a particular command by the user received through the microphone of the headset. One skilled in the art recognizes the numerous ways that such sensing and detecting of the physical change to the headset or effects thereof may be communicated to the audio profile controller to trigger the application of the Compensation EQ responsive thereto. Similarly, when reverse physical changes are made, the sensors, detectors, and different voice activation may trigger removal of the Compensation EQ.

In yet a further embodiment, an add-on component is not required as the signal processing circuitry of the audio profile controller may be incorporated within the headset itself. Like the add-on audio profile controller, the signal processing circuitry may respond either manually, by a switch on the headset, or automatically, responsive to one or more of the detecting, sensing and/or voice commands as discussed above, in order to apply the Compensation EQ to the incoming signal when the stock open-back headset is physically modified to a closed-back configuration.

Accordingly, the system described herein and the associated processes of implementation solve numerous problems known in the art including how to compensate for audio distortion caused by impeding, albeit unintentionally, the air flow to the diaphragm drivers internal to the headset when air access is limited by the physical structure of the headset. The system and associated processes of the embodiments remedy the expensive requirement for different headsets depending on the type of use. A stock open-back headset can be transformed with minor physical changes and resulting audio distortion is corrected by application of predetermined Compensation EQ programmed into an audio profile controller connected to the headset.