Patent Publication Number: US-2012033824-A1

Title: Earphone set

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an earphone set. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Earphones are widely used with portable music players for personal entertainment. Practical implementation of such devices for easy and comfortable use is of particular importance. 
     Furthermore, earphones and portable music players are increasingly used by joggers to provide entertainment during their runs. Many considerations go into the design of earphones for joggers, for instance, durability, weight, size, comfort and disturbances to movements. 
     With regard to disturbances to movements, one problem is that wires connecting the earphone set to the portable music player tend to get in the way during jogging. While wireless technology may be used, a problem is that separate power supply is required for the earphone set and the portable music player. 
     With regard to earphones suitable for joggers, it is observed that a jogger usually needs to slow down or stop jogging to look at the portable music player to, for instance, adjust the volume of the music played or to skip/select the music track played. While some earphones are integrated with controllers for volume and music control, this would usually restrict the use of earphones to those that are compatible to operate with the portable music player. 
     Sometimes during jogging, it may be necessary to remove the earphones or to switch off the music so that external sounds such as oncoming traffic or car horns can be heard when crossing a road. It may be, hazardous if the shutting down control on the portable media player is not readily accessible. Removing the earphones and putting them back on again can also be a hassle. 
     In addition, portable music players suitable for joggers are usually integrated with a rechargeable battery. If the battery power runs out, it would be necessary to charge the battery before it can be used again. In the meantime, the player cannot be used when the battery is charging. Consequently, the jogger is stranded without any entertainment when this occurs. 
     A need therefore exists to provide an earphone set that addresses at least one of the above-mentioned problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an earphone set with a first earphone and a second earphone, the earphone set comprising: a connector for connecting the first earphone and the second earphone; a memory module for storing audio data; and a power management module for preventing short circuit or inductive surge in current arising from connection or disconnection of the first earphone or the second earphone from the connector, the first earphone comprising: a first sound driver for sound production; and a power supply module for powering the earphone set; the second earphone comprising: a second sound driver for sound production; and a processing unit for converting the stored audio data in the memory module into sound producible by the first sound driver and the second sound driver, the power supply being adapted to provide power to the first sound driver, the memory module, the second sound driver, and the processing unit, the connector enabling a functional connection between the first earphone and the second earphone, the memory module being resided in at least one of the first earphone, the second earphone and the connector, wherein the connector being coupled to at least one controller for manipulating sound produced by the first and second sound drivers and being detachably connected to the first earphone or the second earphone. 
     The at least one controller may be used for stopping sound production from one or both of the first and second sound drivers. 
     The at least one controller may be used for manipulating the tempo of the sound produced by the first and second sound drivers. 
     The at least one controller may comprise a microphone for recording sound or for voice activation of audio playback functions. 
     The at least one controller may be connected at a location along the connector closer to the first earphone and another controller may be connected at a location along the connector closer to the second earphone. 
     The processing unit may be capable of selecting stored audio data in a randomised order from the memory module for converting into sound producible at the first and second sound driver. 
     The processing unit may be capable of selecting stored audio data in a predefined order from the memory module for converting into sound producible at the first and second sound driver. 
     The power supply module may be chargeable and adapted to connect to a charger for charging. 
     The connector may be a retractable cable. 
     The earphone set may further comprise a Frequency Modulation and/or an Amplitude Modulation (FM/AM) receiver and tuner. 
     The memory module may be configured for data transfer with an external electronic device via a wired or wireless connector. 
     The earphone set may further comprise one or more light emitters for safety indication. 
     The memory, module may be a memory card or stick detachable from the earphone set. 
     The first and second earphone may each comprise an ear clip or ear hook for hooking over a respective user&#39;s ear to hold the first and second earphone firmly in their position at the user&#39;s ears. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an earphone comprising: a sound driver for sound production; a memory module for storing audio data; a connection port for detachable connection of the earphone via a connector to a processing unit located external to the earphone for converting the stored audio data in the memory module into sound producible by the sound driver; a power supply module adapted to provide power to the sound driver, the memory module and the processing unit, and a power management module for preventing short circuit or inductive surge in current arising from connection or disconnection of the earphone from the connector, wherein the connector being coupled to at least one controller for manipulating sound produced by the sound driver. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charger comprising one or more charging points for charging one or more of the power supply module, the charger further comprising: a memory device for storing audio data; a control unit for controlling data transfer between the memory device and the memory module, and for manipulating data in the memory device and the memory; and one or more data transfer connections to connect the memory device to the memory module. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only and in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic drawing of a first example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a block diagram of the components of a first earphone according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a block diagram of the components of a second earphone according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a schematic drawing of a charger according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a schematic drawing of a second example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a schematic drawing of a third example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a block diagram of the components of a first earphone according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a block diagram of the components of a second earphone according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an earphone set  100  according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The earphone set  100  has a left earphone  106  and a right earphone  102 , both of which are of the type suitable for fitting at the entrance of a user&#39;s ear canals, which includes in-ear earphones. Both earphones  102 ,  106  are detachably connected to each other via a main wire connection  104 . 
     Both earphones  102 ,  106  cooperate to operate as an audio player for music or sound playing. Advantageously, no separate audio player needs to be connected to the earphone set  100 . A single main wire connection  104  between the two earphones  102 ,  106  ensures minimal disturbance to a user&#39;s movement. 
     In the example embodiment, the right earphone  102  includes a memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ) for storing audio data related to sound piece(s) and a rechargeable power supply module ( 202  in  FIG. 2 ) for providing power to all the components requiring power in the earphone set  100 . The left earphone  106  includes a processing unit ( 302  in  FIG. 3 ) for the processing/controlling operations of an audio player. Advantageously, the right earphone  102 , which contains sound piece(s) data and supplies power, is interchangeable. If a user owns several units of the right earphone  102 , the user has a choice of selecting the right earphone  102  with the preferred data content for use with the left earphone  106  at any juncture. Furthermore, if one of the units of the right earphone  102  runs out of power, the user would not be stranded without entertainment. The user just needs to connect another unit of the right earphone  102  with the left earphone  106 . Advantageously, the left earphone  106  is also interchangeable. If it becomes faulty, it can be replaced without having to purchase the entire earphone set  100 . 
     In the present embodiment, two controllers  108 ,  112  for controlling functions of the earphone set  100  are connected to the main wire connection  104 . One controller  108  is connected at a location along the main wire connection  104  that is closer to the left earphone. The other controller  112  is connected at a location along the main wire connection  104  that is closer to the right earphone  102 . Each of the controllers  108 ,  112  has activators  110 ,  114  respectively to allow the user to control the functions of the earphone set  100 . The activators  110 ,  114  may be toggled between at least two states. Such arrangement of the two controllers  108 ,  112  allows a user to access the activators  110 ,  114  intuitively and conveniently. For instance, the user could use his left hand to access the first activator  110  on the first controller  108  that is closer to the left earphone  106  and use his right hand to access the second activator  114  on the second controller  112  that is closer to the right earphone  102 . 
     There is provided a jog wheel  116  on the second controller  112  for adjusting the volume of sound produced by the left and right earphones  106 ,  102 . Rotating the jog wheel  116  in one direction would increase the volume and rotating it in the reverse direction would decrease the volume. The jog wheel  116  may be connected to a potentiometer, or other suitable devices and circuitry known to a person skilled in the relevant art at the second controller  112  for adjusting the volume of sound produced by the left and right earphones  106 ,  102 . 
     The main wire connection  104  is a single insulated wire connector consisting of a plurality of insulated wires for transferring power from the right earphone  102  to the left earphone  106  and to the controllers  108 ,  112 , and for transmitting data, control and audio signals from the left earphone  106  to the right earphone  102 , the jog wheel  116  and the controllers  108 ,  112 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the right earphone  102  of the example embodiment in more detail. The right earphone  102  has an right earphone sound driver  212  for sound production, a memory module  206 , a power supply module  202 , a female type main connection port (right)  208  for connection of the right earphone  102  to the controllers ( 108 ,  112  in  FIG. 1 ) and the left earphone ( 106  in  FIG. 1 ) via the main wire connection ( 104  in  FIG. 1 ), and a power management module  210 . 
     In the example embodiment, the power supply module  202  is a re-chargeable battery, which may be Lithium Ion based, Nickel Metal Hydride based, or the like. Power is supplied from the power supply module  202  to all the electrical components requiring power in the earphone set  100  through a first power line  220 , which is connected to the power management module  210 . 
     The power management module  210  includes circuitry for distributing power from the power supply module  202  to the respective components. In addition, the power management module circuitry is designed to prevent short circuit from, for instance, oversupply of current from the power supply module  202  to all the electronic components of the earphone set ( 100  in  FIG. 1 ) at the time when the left earphone ( 106  in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) or the right earphone  102  is connected to the main wire connection ( 104  in  FIG. 1 ) through the main connection port (left) ( 304  in  FIG. 3 ) or the main connection port (right)  208  respectively. The power management module  210  also prevents an inductive surge in current when the main wire connection ( 104  in  FIG. 1 ) is disconnected from the main connection port (left)  304  or the main connector port (right)  208  of the left earphone ( 106  in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) or the right earphone  102  respectively. 
     The first power line  220  connects the power management module  210  to the power supply module  202  to deliver power from the power supply module  202  to the power management module  210 . A second power line  224  branching out from the power management module  210  delivers power to the right earphone sound driver  212 . A third power line  214  branching out from the power management module  210  delivers power to the memory module  206 . A fourth power line  218  branching out from the power management module  210  is used for delivering power to the main connection port (right)  208 , which further directs the power to the controllers ( 108 ,  112  in  FIG. 1 ) and the left earphone ( 106  in  FIG. 1 ) through the main wire connection ( 104  in  FIG. 1 ). The fourth power line  218  is also used to receive power through the main connector port (right)  208  from a charger (e.g.  400  in  FIG. 4 ) for charging the power supply module  202 . The power management module  210  directs the charging power received from the fourth power line  218  to the power supply module  202 . 
     The memory module  206  is a flash memory and is mainly used for storing data played back as sound produced by the left and right earphones ( 106 ,  102  in  FIG. 1 ). The memory module  206  also contains data and instructions related to the operation of the processing unit  302  described in  FIG. 3 , the jog wheel ( 116  in  FIG. 1 ) and the controllers ( 108 ,  112  in  FIG. 1 ). In the example embodiment, the memory module  206  is connected to the main connector port (right)  208  via a first data transfer bus  222 . The first data transfer bus  222  allows the memory module  206  to be connected to an external electronic device via the main connector port (right)  208  for reading and writing data contained in the memory module  206 . In the example embodiment, the external electronic device connected to the memory module  206  is either the processing unit ( 302  in  FIG. 3 ) or the charger ( 400  in  FIG. 4 ). 
     A first analogue audio signal line  216  connects the right earphone sound driver  212  to the main connection port (right)  208 . During system operation, electrical analogue audio signals from the left earphone  106 , more specifically, from the processing unit  302  described in  FIG. 3 , are transmitted to the right earphone sound driver  212  through this first analogue audio signal line  216 . 
     In the example embodiment, the right earphone  102  is detachable from the main wire connection ( 104  in  FIG. 1 ), which connects it to the rest of the earphone set ( 100  in  FIG. 1 ) through the main connection port (right)  208 . A suitable male type connection plug (not shown in the figures) is located at the end of the main wire connection ( 104  in  FIG. 1 ) for connection to the main connection port (right)  208  of the right earphone  102 . The male type connection plug may be magnetically attracted to the main connection port (right)  208 . It is appreciated that the male type connection plug may be of the female type and the main connection port (right)  208  is a male type connector accordingly. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the left earphone  106  of the example embodiment in more detail. The left earphone  106  has a left earphone sound driver  306  for sound production, a processing unit  302 , and a female type main connection port (left)  304  for connecting the left earphone  106  to the rest of the earphone set ( 100  in  FIG. 1 ). 
     In the example embodiment, the processing unit  302  includes a Microcontroller  318 , an Audio Engine  326 , an Audio Analogue Front End Module  324 , a Power Control Interface  332 , an Input/Output (I/O) Interface  328 , a Random Access Memory (RAM)  320  and a Read Only Memory (ROM)  322 . The Microcontroller  318  is used for processing codes and instructions associated with the operation of the processing unit  302 . The RAM  320  is a volatile memory (e.g. SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, and the like) used to temporarily store information for processing and the ROM  322  stores the basic system information and primary instructions for the operation of the processing unit  302 . The Microcontroller  318 , Audio Engine  326 , Input/Output (I/O) Interface  328 , Random Access Memory (RAM)  320  and Read Only Memory (ROM)  322  of the processing unit  302  typically communicate via an interconnected bus  330  in a manner known to the person skilled in the relevant art. 
     The Audio Engine  326  is used for coding/decoding and manipulating digital audio signals. It includes audio encoders and decoders (Not shown in the Figures) for encoding and decoding audio files according to their respective formats. The Audio Engine  326  also includes an audio signal processor (Not shown in the Figures) for processing sound quality based settings and adjustments, such as, equalization changes, tempo adjustment, volume control, audio muting the Left and/or Right earphones ( 106 ,  102  in  FIG. 1 ), Stereo/Mono setting, and the like. Processed digital audio signals are sent to the Audio Analogue Front End Module  324  for conversion into analogue audio signals. 
     The Audio Analogue Front End Module  324  includes Digital-to-Analogue Converters (Not shown in the Figures) for converting digital audio signals processed at the processing unit  302  into analogue audio signals required for sound conversion at the right and left earphone sound drivers  212 ,  306 . Analogue audio signal outputs from the Audio Analogue Front End Module  324  are sent to the left earphone sound driver  306  through a second analogue audio signal line  312 . Analogue audio signal outputs to the right earphone sound driver  212  are sent through a third analogue audio signal line  314 , which is connected to the main connection port (left)  304 . The Audio Analogue Front End Module  324  may include one or more amplifiers for audio signal amplification and noise cancellation circuitries for reducing noise. The Audio Analogue Front End Module  324  may further include Analogue-to-Digital Converters (Not shown in the Figures) for receiving analogue sound inputs from, for instance, a Frequency Modulation (FM)/Amplitude Modulation (AM) radio receiver (Not shown in the Figures), which may be integrated with the processing unit  302 . 
     The Power Control Interface  332  manages and distributes power to all the components of the processing unit  302 . It receives power from the power supply module ( 202  in  FIG. 2 ) through a fifth power line  316 . The fifth power line  316  connects the Power Control Interface  332  to the main connection port (left)  304  and delivers power originating from the power supply module ( 202  in  FIG. 2 ) to the Power Control Interface  332  through the main connection port (left)  304 . 
     The I/O interface  328  enables the processing unit  302  to transmit and receive data to/from the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ), the controllers ( 108 ,  112  in  FIG. 1 ), and the jog wheel ( 116  in  FIG. 1 ) via a data transfer bus  308 . In the example embodiment, the data transfer bus  308  is a plurality of wires consisting of a first data line (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) connecting the processing unit  302  to the second controller ( 112  in  FIG. 1 ) closer to the right earphone  102 , a second data line (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) connecting the processing unit  302  to the first controller ( 108  in  FIG. 1 ) closer to the left earphone  106 , a third data line (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) connecting the processing unit  302  to the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ), and a fourth data line (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) connecting the processing unit  302  to the jog wheel ( 116  in  FIG. 1 ). The I/O interface  328  may include interfaces, such as, Synchronous Serial Interface, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) Interface, General Purpose I/O Interface with configurable drive, pull-down or interrupt function, Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) Interface, and the like. 
     In general, the processing unit  302  is part of an audio player, which has the main function of processing data from the memory module  206  and converting the data into sound producible by the left and right earphones ( 106 ,  102  in  FIG. 1 ) respectively. The sound produced is adjustable by the processing unit  302  between stereo and mono mode. A switch (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) may be provided for this adjustment. This switch may be connected to the I/O interface  328  of the processing unit  302 . The processing unit  302  also has the function of processing and sending/receiving user selected control signals to/from the controllers ( 108 ,  112  in  FIG. 1 ). Analogue audio signals are sent from the processing unit  302  to the left earphone sound driver  306  through a first wire connection (left)  312 . The processing unit  302  is also capable of carrying out the necessary encoding/decoding/digital signal processing of data retrieved from the stored audio data in the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ) for sound production at the left and right earphones ( 106 ,  102  in  FIG. 1 ). 
     In the example embodiment, the playback mode executed by the processing unit  302  is either based on playing sound piece(s) having corresponding data stored in the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ) in a predefined or randomised order. The processing unit  302  converts the data associated with each sound piece into sound playable at the left and right earphones ( 106 ,  102  in  FIG. 1 ). In the example embodiment; the predefined order of playback occurs when a user inputs an arrangement of sound pieces into the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ) and the sound pieces are played back in the arrangement. When all the sound pieces convertible from the stored audio data in the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ) have been played back, the processing unit  302  may repeat the same playback order. In the randomised order of playback, the processing unit  302  randomly selects a sound piece for playback from all the sound pieces convertible from the stored audio data in the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ). Playback in the predefined order or randomised order may be toggled by a switch (not shown in any figure) residing on either earphone ( 106 ,  102  in  FIG. 1 ) or on one of the controllers ( 108 ,  112  in  FIG. 1 ). This switch may be connected to the I/O interface  328  of the processing unit  302 . 
     In the example embodiment, the processing unit  302  is further used for time scaling a sound piece being played, i.e., adjust the tempo of the sound produced by the left and right earphones ( 106 ,  102  in  FIG. 1 ). This can be achieved by applying suitable algorithms to alter the tempo of the playing sound piece. Adjustments to the tempo can be made using the activators ( 110 ,  114  in  FIG. 1 ) at the controllers ( 108 ,  112  in  FIG. 1 ). Adjusting the tempo of the sound produced can advantageously provide users with, for example, motivation during an exercise or jogging session. 
     In the example embodiment, the sound pieces may be files having audio file formats such as way files, mp3 files, wma files, ogg files, aac files, and the like. 
     In example embodiment, the main connection port (left)  304  is connected to the processing unit  302  via the fifth power line  316 , the data transfer bus  308  and the third analogue audio signal line  314 . The current, data and signals carried in these lines are received from or delivered to the respective components through the main wire connection ( 104  in  FIG. 1 ), which is connected to the main connection port (left)  304 . The main connection port (left)  304  is further connected to the left earphone sound driver  306  via a sixth power line  310 . The sixth power line  310  is for transmission of power from the power supply module  202  to the left earphone sound driver  306  for sound production through the main wire connection ( 104  in  FIG. 1 ). 
     In the example embodiment, the left earphone  106  is detachable from the main wire connection ( 104  in  FIG. 1 ), which connects it to the rest of the earphone set ( 100  in  FIG. 1 ) through the main connection port (left)  304 . A suitable male type connection plug (not shown in the figures) is located at the end of the main wire connection ( 104  in  FIG. 1 ) for connection to the main connection port (left)  304  of the left earphone  106 . The male type connection plug may be magnetically attracted to the main connection port (left)  304 . It is appreciated that the male type connection plug may be of the female type and the main connection port (left)  304  is a male type connector accordingly. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , in the example embodiment, the two controllers  108 ,  112  are in use both individually and in combination for controlling various functions of the earphone set  100 . The functions include manipulating sound produced by the earphones  106 ,  102  and selecting audio pieces produced by the earphones  106 ,  102 . All the control signals of the controllers  108 ,  112  are received and processed at the processing unit ( 302  in  FIG. 3 ). The processing unit ( 302  in  FIG. 3 ) will act according to the triggering of the activators  110 ,  114  at the controllers  108 ,  112 . 
     In a non-limiting example, pressing both activators  110 ,  114  toggles a ‘play’ function for playback of sound pieces stored in the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ). During the playback of sound pieces, pressing both activators  110 ,  114  toggles a ‘pause’ function. Pressing the first activator  110  would either increase or lower the tempo of playback. If pressing the first activator  110  causes an increase in tempo, pressing the second activator  114  would lower the tempo. The converse is also true. Pressing the first activator  110  twice in quick succession may cause skipping to another track/playlist in a first direction, while pressing the second activator  114  twice in quick succession may cause skipping to another track/playlist in a second direction. 
     In the example embodiment, if the main wire connection  104  is disconnected from the right earphone  102  or the left earphone  106 , the last adjusted tempo level and the juncture at which the last sound piece or track played is cut off due to the disconnection would be saved. When the right earphone  102  and the left earphone  106  are reconnected with the main wire connection  104  and ‘play’ function is reactivated, playback of the last sound piece would resume from the juncture at which it was cut off just before disconnection. The tempo level just before disconnection would also be unchanged. This is achieved by using the processing unit ( 302  in  FIG. 3 ) to update the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ) with data relating to tempo levels whenever the tempo is adjusted, and with data relating to the amount of time lapsed whenever a sound piece is played. When the ‘play’ function is reactivated after reconnection of the main wire connection  104  with both the right earphone  102  and the left earphone  106 , the processing unit ( 302  in  FIG. 3 ) automatically retrieves these data from the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ), executes the playback from the last time lapsed and sets the tempo accordingly. 
     It is appreciated that other modes of control for music/sound playing found on conventional audio players can also be implemented. 
     Furthermore, pressing and holding the first activator  110  may switch off the right earphone  102  during operation and leave the left earphone  106  on. Pressing and holding the second activator  114  during operation mode would switch on the right earphone  102 . Pressing and holding the second activator  112  during operation may switch off the left earphone  106 . Pressing and holding the second activator  114  subsequently during operation mode would switch on the left earphone  106 . Switching off the earphone set  100  (essentially switching off both the left and right earphones  106 ,  102 ) may be done by disconnecting the main wire connection  104  from either earphone  102 ,  106 . The functions of switching on or off one of the earphones  102 ,  106  advantageously allow a user to have one ear available to receive ambient noises and have the other ear listen to sound pieces produced by one of the earphones  102 ,  106 . 
     Furthermore, in the example embodiment, when both earphones  102 ,  106  are functioning, i.e. switched on, it is appreciated that the sound produced by the sound drivers  212 ,  306  could be stereo or mono audio output. However, when one of the earphones  102  or  106  is switched off, the sound produced by the remaining sound driver  212  or  306  that is switched on would be mono audio output. 
     It is appreciated that the methods of implementing the controls of the activators  110 ,  114  are not limited only to the methods described above. Other methods can be employed for other example embodiments. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a charger  400  for charging the power supply module ( 202  in  FIG. 2 ) through the main connection port (right) ( 208  in  FIG. 2 ) of the right earphone  102  described earlier with reference to  FIG. 2 . The charger  400  is connected to an Alternating Current Mains  402 , which supplies the power for charging the power supply module ( 202  in  FIG. 2 ). 
     In the example embodiment, the charger  400  has a plurality of male type connectors  404 , wherein each connector is suitable for coupling with the main connection port (right) ( 208  in  FIG. 2 ). The connectors  404  include connections for both power transfer and data transfer. When a right earphone ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ) is coupled to one of the connectors  404  of the charger  400 , the connector would be connected to the first data transfer bus ( 222  in  FIG. 2 ) of the right earphone ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ) through the main connection port (right) ( 208  in  FIG. 2 ). In addition, the power connection of the connector would be connected to the fourth power line ( 218  in  FIG. 2 ) of the right earphone ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ) through the main connection port (right) ( 208  in  FIG. 2 ). 
     The charger  400  includes a charging circuit (not shown in the Figures) consisting of the relevant hardware components, such as transformers, AC to DC converters, ground lines, and the like, for charging the coupled right earphone(s) ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ). 
     In addition to power charging, the charger  400  provides reading/writing of sound pieces in/to the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ) of connected right earphones ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ). Data can be read/written from/to the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ) through the first data transfer bus ( 222  in  FIG. 2 ) of the right earphone ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ). 
     The charger  400  further includes a memory device  410  coupled to a control unit  412  for controlling uploading and downloading of data between the memory device  410  and the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ) at a selected connector. The memory device  410  may be a flash memory device and/or Hard Disc drive and it stores sound pieces to be uploaded or downloaded to or from the connected earphones ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ) and instructions relating to the uploading/downloading of the sound pieces. 
     The control unit  412  includes a processor  420 , a Random Access Memory (RAM)  424 , a Read Only Memory (ROM)  422  and an I/O interface  418  for connecting to user interface devices and to the memory device  410 . In the example embodiment, the I/O interface  418  is connected to the data connection of each of the connectors  404 , a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) display  414  and a keypad  416 . The I/O interface  418  may also include data transfer connections, such as, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, Firewire ports (IEEE1394), and the like, for connection to a laptop, mobile communication device, desktop computer, and the like. A function of these data transfer connections may be to download or upload data into the memory device  410 . The display  414  displays a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for connector selection, uploading, downloading and power charging functionalities. The keypad  416  provides users with the necessary controls for selection and the uploading/downloading process between the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ) and the memory device  410 . It is appreciated that the user interface devices may also be a touch screen, keyboard, or the like. The control unit  412  can also be used to manipulate data stored in the memory device  410  and the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ), for instance, delete and add data. The components of the control unit  412  typically communicate via an interconnected bus  426  and in a manner known to the person skilled in the relevant art. 
     The GUI may include charging and data management features, such as, user options for selecting a specific connector to start/stop charging, and user options for reading/writing data in the memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ) of a right earphone ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ) coupled to a specific connector. 
     Advantageously, a user can own numerous earphones  406 ,  408  similar to the right earphone  102  described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 . The power modules ( 202  in  FIG. 2 ) of the earphones ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ) requiring charging can be coupled to the connectors  404  of the charger  400  via the main connection port (right) ( 208  in  FIG. 2 ) for charging. As each earphone ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ) has a memory module ( 206  in  FIG. 2 ), different sound pieces (music/sound data) can be stored in each earphone ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ). When all the power modules ( 202  in  FIG. 2 ) of the earphones ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ) are charged to sufficient power levels, the user has the option to select the earphone ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ) containing the desired music/sound pieces that he/she wishes to listen at a specific juncture. For instance, different earphones ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ) may contain music/sound pieces from different genres/artists/music albums and the user can select which earphone ( 102  in  FIG. 2 ) to use according to his/her preference. 
     In a second example embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 5 , there is provided an earphone set  500  consisting of a pair of left and right earphones  502 ,  504  detachably connected to each other via a main wire connection  508 . A controller  506  consisting of two activators  510 ,  512  is connected at a location midway of the main wire connection  508 . There is provided a jog wheel  514  at the controller  506  for adjusting the volume of sound produced by the left and right earphones  502 ,  504 . Compared to the embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , there is only one controller  506  in the present embodiment. The implementation of the left and right earphones  502 ,  504 , the wire connection  508  and the controls of the two activators  510 ,  512  on the controller  506  are similar to the implementation of the corresponding components in the embodiment described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 . 
     In a third example embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 6 , there is provided an earphone set  600  consisting of a pair of left and right earphones  602 ,  604  detachably connected to each other via a main wire connection  608 . There are provided two controllers  610 ,  612  for controlling functions of the earphone set  600 . Each of the controllers  610 ,  612  has an activator  614 ,  616  respectively. The two controllers  610 ,  612  are connected to the main wire connection  608 . The first controller  610  is connected at a location along the main wire connection  608  that is closer to the left earphone  602 . The second controller  612  is connected at a location along the main wire connection  608  that is closer to the right earphone  604 . There is, provided a jog wheel  620  on the second controller  612  for adjusting the volume of sound produced by the left and right earphones  602 ,  604 . The implementation of the left and right earphones  602 ,  604 , the wire connection  608 , the controllers  610 ,  612  and the controls of the two activators  614 ,  616  are similar to the implementation of the corresponding components in the embodiment described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , there is further provided an array of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)  618  located in a LED housing  606  between the two controllers  610 ,  612 . The LEDs  618  may be arranged in series along the wire connection  608 , and may be electrically connected to the wire connection  608  in series and/or in parallel with one another. If, for example, a user uses the earphone set  600  when jogging in dark or dimly lit areas, these LEDs  618  can advantageously serve as safety light indicators to vehicle drivers on the roads or streets. The LEDs  618  may be switched on/off by triggering a switch  622  located on the LED housing  606 . 
     In other example embodiments, the roles of the left earphone ( 106 ,  502 ,  602 ) and right earphone ( 102 ,  504 ,  604 ) of the earphone sets  100 ,  500  and  600  respectively described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 6  may be interchanged, i.e. the right earphone has the components of the left earphone, and the left earphone has the components of the right earphone.  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate such an embodiment.  FIG. 7  shows an interchanged left earphone  106 , which would be herein referred to as the right earphone  700 .  FIG. 8  shows an interchanged right earphone  102 , which would be herein referred to as the left earphone  800 . 
     The right earphone  700  and left earphone  800  comprise essentially the same components as the left earphone  106  and the right earphone  102  respectively except for a few differences. These differences are deliberately introduced in the right and left earphones  700  and  800  to illustrate other aspects of the present invention. The differences are discussed as follow. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the right earphone  700  comprises the memory module  206  described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Unlike the left earphone  106  in  FIG. 3 , the memory module  206  described in  FIG. 2  is connected to the bus  330  and is part of the processing unit  302 . 
     To transfer data to/from the memory module  206  in  FIG. 7 , a user may plug the right earphone  700  to, for instance, one of the connectors  404  of the charger  400  described in  FIG. 4 , through the main connection port (right)  702 . In this case, the data transfer connection of said one of the connectors  404  would be connected to the data transfer bus  308  through the main connection port (right)  702 . The power connection of said one of the connectors  404  would be connected to the fifth power line  316  through the main connection port (right)  702 . Power supply for the processing unit  302  and the memory module  206  can be supplied through the power connection of one of the connectors  404  in connection with the fifth power line  316  and data transfer can be made between the charger  400  and the right earphone  700  through the data transfer connection of one of the connectors  404  in connection with the data transfer bus  308 . 
     It is appreciated that data transfer to/from the memory module  206  and power supply for the processing unit  302  can be achieved by connecting the main connection port (right)  702  with other suitable devices besides the charger  400 . For example, by configuring the main connection port (right)  702  as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or an IEEE1394 (Firewire) based port, the main connection port (right)  702  can be connected to a desktop/laptop/mobile computer for data transfer. In this case, power supply for the processing unit  302  would be drawn from the computer via the Universal Serial Bus (USB) or IEEE1394 (Firewire) based connection. 
     In the present embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 7 , the I/O interface  328  would exclude use for data communication between the memory module  206  and the processing unit  302 . Instead, the bus  330  would be used as the means for data communication between the memory module  206  and the other components (e.g. Microcontroller or Audio Engine) of the processing unit  302 . 
     Advantageously, the right earphone  700  in  FIG. 7  can function as an audio playback device connectable to an external power supply and other sound production devices for production of sound stored in compressed/uncompressed audio data format in the memory module  206 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , unlike the right earphone  102  described in  FIG. 2 , the left earphone  800  does not contain the memory module  206 , the first data transfer bus  222  or the power line  214 , as the memory module  206  has been “shifted” to the right earphone  700 . As such, generally, the left earphone  800  has sound producing and power supplying capabilities but no memory storage capabilities. On the other hand, the right earphone  102  generally has sound producing, power supplying and memory storage capabilities. It is appreciated that the power module  202  of the left earphone  800  may be charged by connecting it via the main connection port (left)  208  to the power connection of one of the connectors  404  of the charger  400  described earlier with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the left earphone  800  described with reference to  FIG. 8  comprises all the components of the right earphone  102 , including the memory module  206 . In this case, the I/O interface  328  in the right earphone  700  would not exclude use for data communication between the memory module  206  in the left earphone  800  and the processing unit  302 . In this case, there would be two memory modules, each residing in the left and right earphones  800  and  700  respectively. Thus, more memory storage space is provided in this embodiment. 
     In a further example embodiment, there may be further included in the left or right earphones  106 ,  102 ,  502 ,  504 ,  602 ,  604 ,  800 ,  700  in the controller  506  or one of the controllers  108 ,  112 ,  610 ,  612  described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7  and  8 , a microphone for recording sound and/or for receiving sound for voice activation of audio playback functions of the sound producing systems  100 ,  500  and  600 . In this case, a suitable speech recognition algorithm would be programmed in the firmware of the earphone set of the embodiment to enable the voice activation capability. Also, one or more buttons for activating/operating the microphone may, in this case, reside in the left or right earphones  106 ,  102 ,  502 ,  504 ,  602 ,  604 ,  800 ,  700  in the controller  506  or one of the controllers  108 ,  112 ,  610 ,  612 . 
     It is further appreciated that each of the right earphone sound driver  212  and the left earphone sound driver  306  described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , and present in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , may be an electromechanical device, such as, an acoustic transducer that is suitable for converting electrical analogue sound signals into sound. The sound produced by these drivers may cover the full audible frequency range or at least a major portion of the audio frequency range. 
     Also, each of the power lines  220 ,  224 ,  214 ,  218 ,  316 ,  310  described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , and present in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , which are used for delivery of power may be split into a plurality of wires including a ground line, a voltage line or the like required for power transmission. 
     The controller  108  closer to the left earphone  106  described earlier with reference to  FIG. 1  may be located adjacent to or incorporated with the left earphone  106 . Similarly, the controller  112  may be located adjacent to or incorporated with the right earphone  102 . The same may be implemented for the controllers  610 ,  612  described earlier with reference to  FIG. 6 . Also, the controllers  108 ,  112  may be implemented such that they could be used to manipulate the stored data in the memory module  206 , e.g. delete audio data related to a particular sound piece. 
     Furthermore, more activators may be added to the earphone sets described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 8  for implementation of more functions. The activators may be further used for bass, treble control or the like. In addition, the activators  110 ,  114 ,  510 ,  512 ,  614 ,  616  described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  6  may also be electrical and/or mechanical based user input means such as a push button, a switch, a sensor, or the like. 
     The memory module  206  described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 7  may be a memory card or stick based on the formats Secure Digital (SD), Mini SD, Micro SD, Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), Multimedia Card (MMC), Compact Flash (CF), Memory Stick PRO; Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick Micro (M2), Memory Stick PRO-HG, and the like that is detachable from the right earphone  102  and the right earphone  700  respectively. Correspondingly, there would be slot(s) for housing the memory card or stick located on the right earphone  102  and right earphone  700  respectively. 
     The one or more of the power management module  210  described earlier with reference to  FIG. 2 , and present in  FIG. 8 , may be located in one, in some or in all of the controllers  108 ,  112 , the left earphone  106  (or the right earphone  700  in  FIG. 7 ) and the right earphone  102  (or the left earphone  800  in  FIG. 8 ). 
     It is appreciated that the main connection ports  208  and  702  described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 7  respectively may be USB or Firewire connectors. Hence, the left earphone  106  and right earphone  700  can be conveniently connected to an external electronic device such as a portable computer, a desktop computer, or the like, for uploading, downloading, reading or writing data to/from the memory module  206  connected to the processing unit  302 . Alternatively, or additionally, the processing unit  302  may contain a wireless transceiver such as a Bluetooth transceiver, or the like, for connecting to the external electronic device wirelessly for uploading, downloading, reading or writing data in the memory module  206 . 
     A Frequency Modulation (FM) and/or Amplitude Modulation (AM) radio receiver and tuner may be included in one of the left or right earphones  106 ,  102 ,  502 ,  504 ,  602 ,  604 ,  800 ,  700  described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 8 , to enable the earphone sets described to receive and tune radio station transmissions. 
     The jog wheel  116  described earlier with reference to  FIG. 1  may be replaced by other activators such as a sliding bar control, volume increase/decrease push buttons, or the like. The jog wheel  116  may also be used for adjusting the intensities of other parameters besides volume that are related to sound quality, for instance, tempo, bass, treble, or the like. Further, the jog wheel  116  may be used for toggling between different playback modes and for tuning FM/AM radio station transmission. 
     It is appreciated that in other example embodiments of the present invention, only one of the left and right earphones  106 ,  102 ,  502 ,  504 ,  602 ,  604 ,  800 ,  700  respectively described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 8  may be detachable from the main wire connections of the respective embodiments (e.g.  104 ,  508 ,  608 ). In this case, the remaining one of the left and right earphones  106 ,  102 ,  502 ,  504 ,  602 ,  604 ,  800 ,  700  would be permanently attached to the respective main wire connection. If both the left and right earphones are detachable from the respective main wire connections, correspondingly, the main wire connections of the respective embodiments would have a connection head suitable for detachable connection with the respective left and right earphones. If only one of the left or right earphones is detachable from the main wire connection, the main wire connection may be in the form of a retractable cable with one connection end being detachable from the left or right earphone and the other connection end permanently attached to the other earphone. Where only one of the left or right earphones is detachable, there is still existing the advantage of enabling the detachable left or right earphone to be replaced easily at times when, for instance, it is faulty, it requires battery charging or have its memory module (if present) subject to data transfer. 
     It is appreciated that the charger  400  described earlier with reference to  FIG. 4  may have only one charging connector instead of a plurality of the same. Also, the charging connector or connectors  404  described may be a contact pad, a connector of the female type, or the like. Accordingly, the main connection port (right) ( 208  in  FIG. 2 ) may instead be a matching contact pad, a connector of the male type, or the like. The charger  400  may also receive power supplied from a Direct Current Supply (e.g. batteries) instead of the Alternating Current Mains  402 . The connectors  404  may be USB or Firewire connectors. 
     Furthermore, the charger  400  may be connected to a Desktop or portable computer and the uploading/downloading controls is controlled by the Desktop or portable computer. 
     It is appreciated that one or more or an array of light emitters such as LEDs may be connected to the controller  506  described earlier with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     Furthermore, the left and right earphones  106 ,  102 ,  502 ,  504 ,  602 ,  604 ,  800 ,  700  respectively described earlier with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 8  may comprise an ear clip or ear hook for hooking over the user&#39;s ears to hold the earphones firmly in their position at the user&#39;s ears. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments can be made to the system and its method by those skilled in the art having the understanding of the above described disclosure together with the drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the device and its utility is not to be limited to the above description contained herein only, and that possible modifications are to be included in the claims of the disclosure.