PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8731225-B2
Application Number: US-201113340312-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Wireless communication headset with wired and wireless modes

Abstract:
A wireless communication headset having both wired and wireless modes is provided. The wireless headset can include a headset connector assembly that can be coupled to a cable connector of a cable, which can in turn be connected to a telephone. When the wireless headset is coupled to the telephone, it can advantageously be operable to exchange audio information with the telephone through the cable, receive electrical power from the telephone through the cable, or both. In addition, the cable connector can advantageously be coupled to the wireless headset without obstructing airflow to a microphone that is located in the headset connector assembly, through use of apparatus of the invention located on the cable connector, such as an acoustic tunnel, a microphone-speaker pair, or a microphone that is coupled to control circuitry operable to disable the microphone of the headset.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wireless communication headset comprising:
 a headset connector assembly comprising at least one headset contact, wherein the at least one headset contact is operable to be coupled to at least one respective cable contact of a cable connector of a cable; 
 the headset connector assembly is operable to receive electrical power from a telephone through the at least one headset contact and the at least one respective cable contact, and to supply the received electrical power to the wireless communication headset; 
 a switching and cable connection detecting circuitry for automatically switching transmission of audio data for the wireless communication headset from at least one of a wireless mode to a wired mode in response to detecting connection of the cable to the headset cable connector and a wired mode to a wireless mode in response to detecting disconnection of the cable from the headset cable connector; and 
 a microphone boot operable to be coupled to an acoustic tunnel of the cable connector of the cable to enable sound to be carried via the acoustic tunnel to a microphone coupled to the microphone boot. 
 
     
     
       2. The wireless communication headset of  claim 1  further comprising a battery pack, wherein:
 the wireless communication headset is at least partially disabled after a voltage of the battery pack is below a minimum threshold and the headset connector assembly does not receive electrical power from the telephone; and 
 the wireless communication headset is substantially not disabled when the voltage of the battery pack is below a minimum threshold and the headset connector assembly does receive electrical power from the telephone. 
 
     
     
       3. The wireless communication headset of  claim 1  further comprising a battery pack, wherein the wireless communication headset is operable to recharge the battery pack with the received electrical power. 
     
     
       4. The wireless communication headset of  claim 1  wherein the wireless communication headset is operable to transmit audio data to the telephone using Bluetooth communication. 
     
     
       5. The wireless communication headset of  claim 1 , the wireless communication headset further comprising:
 the headset connector assembly further comprises at least one other headset contact; 
 the at least one other headset contact is operable to be coupled to at least one other respective cable contact of the cable connector; 
 the wireless communication headset comprises a microphone; and 
 the headset connector assembly is further operable to transmit audio data received from the microphone to the telephone through the at least one other headset contact and the at least one other respective cable contact. 
 
     
     
       6. The wireless communication headset of  claim 1 , the wireless communication headset further comprising:
 the headset connector assembly comprises a connector plate made at least partially of ferromagnetic material; 
 the headset connector assembly is operable to magnetically couple to at least one magnetic component of the cable connector. 
 
     
     
       7. A method comprising:
 detecting, by a switching and coupling detection circuit in a wireless communication headset, that the wireless communication headset is not coupled to a telephone via a cable, wherein the switching and coupling detection circuit comprises a headset connector assembly with at least one headset contact operable to be coupled to at least one respective cable contact of a connector of the cable; 
 transmitting first user audio data from the wireless communication headset to a telephone using Bluetooth communication; 
 detecting, by the switching and coupling detection circuit, a coupling of the wireless communication headset to the telephone via the at least one headset connector contact and at least one respective cable contact of the connector of the cable, wherein coupling the wireless communication headset to the cable comprises coupling an acoustic tunnel of a cable connector of the cable to a microphone boot of the communication headset; 
 automatically switching, by the switching and coupling detection circuit, from transmitting of audio data using Bluetooth communication to transmitting of audio data using the cable, in response to detecting, by the switching and coupling detection circuit, the coupling of the wireless communication headset to the telephone via the cable; and 
 transmitting second user audio data from the wireless communication headset to the telephone through the cable. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7  further comprising receiving third audio data at the wireless communication headset from the telephone through the cable connector and the cable, in response to coupling the wireless communication headset to the cable and coupling the cable to the telephone. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 7  further comprising receiving electrical power at the wireless communication headset from the telephone through the cable connector and the cable, in response to coupling the wireless communication headset to the cable and coupling the cable to the telephone. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 7  wherein coupling the wireless communication headset to the cable comprises coupling at least one magnetic component of a cable connector of the cable to a ferromagnetic connector plate of the communication headset. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 7  further comprising:
 receiving user audio input corresponding to the second user audio data at the acoustic tunnel of the cable connector; and 
 receiving the user audio input at a microphone of the microphone boot from the acoustic tunnel. 
 
     
     
       12. A cable connector comprising:
 at least one cable contact operable to be electrically coupled to at least one headset contact of a wireless communication headset; 
 a switching circuitry for switching transmission of audio data for the wireless communication headset from at least one of a wireless mode to a wired mode and a wired mode to a wireless mode; 
 a microphone operable to receive user audio input when the at least one cable contact is coupled to the at least one headset contact; 
 a speaker operable to receive user audio data corresponding to the user audio input from the microphone and transmit the user audio data to a microphone boot of the wireless communication headset when the at least one cable contact is coupled to the at least one headset contact; and 
 an acoustic tunnel operable to couple the speaker to a microphone boot of the wireless communication headset. 
 
     
     
       13. The cable connector of  claim 12  further comprising at least one magnetic component that is operable to be magnetically coupled to a headset connector plate of the wireless communication headset when the at least one headset contact is coupled to the at least one headset contact. 
     
     
       14. A communication headset operable to function in a wireless mode and a wired mode, the communication headset comprising:
 a switching and cable connection detecting circuitry for automatic switching transmission of audio data for a communication headset from at least one of a wireless mode to a wired mode and a wired mode to a wireless mode; 
 wireless transceiver circuitry operable to wirelessly transmit and receive audio data to and from a telephone; and 
 at least one electrical contact coupled to the switching and cable connection detecting circuitry and operable to be coupled to a cable that is operable to be coupled to the telephone, wherein the communication headset is automatically operable to transmit and receive audio data to and from the telephone through the cable when the in response to the switching and cable connection detecting circuitry detecting that at least one electrical contact is coupled to the cable and the cable is coupled to the telephone and wherein the communication headset is automatically operable to transmit and receive audio data to and from the telephone through the wireless transceiver circuitry in response to the switching and cable connection detecting circuitry detecting that the cable is not connected between the communication headset and the telephone; and 
 a microphone boot operable to be coupled to an acoustic tunnel of the cable connector of the cable to enable sound to be carried via the acoustic tunnel to a microphone coupled to the microphone boot. 
 
     
     
       15. The communication headset of  claim 14  wherein the wireless transceiver circuitry is operable to transmit and receive audio data to and from the telephone using Bluetooth communication. 
     
     
       16. The communication headset of  claim 14  wherein the communication headset is operable to receive power from the telephone through the cable when the at least one electrical contact is coupled to the cable and the cable is coupled to the telephone. 
     
     
       17. The communication headset of  claim 16  further comprising a battery pack operable to:
 supply power to the wireless transceiver circuitry; and 
 receive power from the telephone through the cable when the at least one electrical contact is coupled to the cable and the cable is coupled to the telephone. 
 
     
     
       18. A method comprising:
 transmitting first user audio data from a wireless communication headset to a telephone using Bluetooth communication; 
 coupling the wireless communication headset to a cable, wherein coupling the wireless communication headset to the cable comprises coupling an acoustic tunnel of a cable connector of the cable to a microphone boot of the communication headset; 
 coupling the cable to a telephone; 
 detecting a coupling of the wireless communication headset to the telephone via the cable; and 
 transmitting second user audio data from the wireless communication headset to the telephone through the cable. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18  further comprising:
 receiving user audio input corresponding to the second user audio data at the acoustic tunnel of the cable connector; and 
 receiving the user audio input at a microphone of the microphone boot from the acoustic tunnel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/620,668 filed Jan. 6, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,090,132), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention can relate to communication headsets. More particularly, the present invention can relate to wireless communication headsets that are operable to transmit data in both wireless and wired modes. 
     Wireless communication headsets for providing hands-free telephonic communications (e.g., in conjunction with cellular telephones or telephone software that transmits voice data over the Internet) are well known in the art. One relatively common type of wireless communication headset is the Bluetooth® headset, which is operable to communicate with an associated device using a Bluetooth communication protocol. Existing Bluetooth headsets can include a microphone, a speaker, a circuit board for controlling the microphone and speaker and for communicating with the device with which the headset is associated (e.g., a cellular telephone), a battery, and a connector for re-charging the battery. Although the discussion herein focuses on Bluetooth headsets associated with cellular telephones for ease of illustration, it will be understood that the ideas of the invention can also be applied to other types of wireless headsets and telephonic communication devices. 
     It is often desirable to design Bluetooth headsets to be relatively small and light, in order to provide relatively good comfort and fit when mounted to a user&#39;s ear and a relatively pleasing appearance. However, the relatively small form factor of Bluetooth headsets often entails a relatively short battery life, which requires relatively frequent recharging, often using a power adapter that is plugged into an electrical wall outlet. The necessity to recharge headsets in such a manner can make Bluetooth headsets relatively impractical to use for extended conversations. 
     In addition, Bluetooth headsets typically require a relatively short and unobstructed communication path between the headset and its associated cellular telephone, in order to provide effective transmission of radio frequency (“RF”) data signals. If there is some sort of interference (e.g., from physical obstructions, distance, or electromagnetic activity from other devices), the Bluetooth headset may not be able to communicate effectively with the associated device, forcing the user to speak directly into the cellular telephone or use another headset that relies on a direct wired connection to the cellular telephone. 
     In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a Bluetooth headset whose power can be charged through a wired connection to its associated cellular telephone. It would also be desirable to provide a Bluetooth headset that can transmit and receive audio data through a wired connection, in addition to through a wireless Bluetooth connection. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention, as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a wireless communication headset (e.g., a headset that can communicate with a telephone via Bluetooth communications) can be provided with both wired and wireless modes. The headset can include a headset connector assembly that has at least one headset contact that can be coupled to at least one respective cable contact of a cable connector. Such a configuration can be used to transfer power from a telephone, through a cable and the cable connector, to the wireless communication headset, advantageously allowing the headset to be used for a relatively long period of time without having to be recharged through a docking station or a power adapter. In addition to, or instead of, being used to transfer power from the telephone to the wireless communication headset, the electrical connection can be used to exchange audio data between the telephone and the wireless communication headset. 
     As such, a user can use a wireless communication headset of the invention to transfer audio data to and from a telephone using both a wireless mode (e.g., via Bluetooth communication) and a wired mode. When the wireless communication headset is coupled to a cable and the cable is connected to a telephone, audio input from the user can be transmitted from the headset to the telephone through the cable. Similarly, the headset can be used to receive audio data, power, or both from the telephone until the cable is decoupled from the telephone or the headset. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a cable connector can be coupled to a headset connector plate assembly without obstructing audio input from a user to a microphone located in the connector plate assembly. The cable connector can include at least one cable contact to be electrically coupled to at least one headset contact of the wireless communication headset. The cable connector can also include, for example, an acoustic tunnel that can be coupled to a microphone boot of the headset to form a substantially continuous seal with the microphone boot. The acoustic tunnel can have an aperture that remains exposed while the cable connector is coupled to the headset connector plate assembly, such that audio input from a user can travel into the aperture of the cable connector, through the acoustic tunnel, through the microphone boot, and to a microphone of the wireless headset. 
     As another example, the cable connector can include a microphone that can receive user audio input when the cable connector is coupled to the headset connector plate assembly. The microphone can forward the user audio input to a speaker of the cable connector, which can in turn transmit user audio data corresponding to the user audio input to the microphone boot of the wireless communication headset (e.g., through an acoustic tunnel that is coupled to the microphone boot). Accordingly, an embedded microphone-speaker pair of the cable connector can substantially amplify or repeat the user&#39;s voice into the microphone boot of the wireless communication headset, which is coupled to the microphone of the headset. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the cable connector can include a microphone that can receive user audio input. Control circuitry of the cable connector, which can be coupled to the microphone, can transmit at least one control signal to detection circuitry of the wireless communication headset to disable the microphone that is located on the headset. The control circuitry can then route user audio data corresponding to the user audio input to the telephone through a cable, without using the wireless communication headset. 
     The invention can therefore advantageously provide a wireless headset that can operate in both wired and wireless modes, where the headset can receive power from a telephone, exchange audio data with the telephone, or both through a cable when the headset is in the wired mode. The wireless headset can be coupled to the cable without interfering with the ability to receive audio input from a user and transmit data corresponding to the user audio input to the telephone, even though the microphone of the wireless headset can be at least partially obstructed by the connection to the cable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram depicting an illustrative Bluetooth telephonic communication system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective views of an illustrative Bluetooth headset in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an illustrative Bluetooth headset in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an illustrative Bluetooth headset connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an illustrative Bluetooth headset connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an illustrative Bluetooth headset microphone boot in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective cross-sectional view of an illustrative Bluetooth headset connector plate assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an illustrative magnetic array for use in a cable connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an illustrative magnetic array for use in a cable connector, aligned with an illustrative Bluetooth headset connector plate in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are perspective views of an illustrative cable connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are, respectively, side and top views of an illustrative cable connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are, respectively, side and top views of another illustrative cable connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of illustrative circuitry for use in a cable connector and an associated wireless communication headset in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are flow charts depicting an illustrative method of operating a wireless communication handset in wired and wireless modes in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a drawing depicting an illustrative Bluetooth telephonic communication system  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. System  100  can include telephone  102  and wireless communication headset  110 , which can be electrically coupled to each other by way of cable  106 . (As used herein, the term “coupled” should be understood to generically encompass both direct and indirect connections between two structures, including physical connection through intermediate mechanical modules, electrical modules, or any other suitable components or combinations thereof, as well as connections that occur through communication passing through electrical modules, wiring, air, or any other suitable medium or combination thereof.) 
     Telephone  102  can be any appropriate type of telephone, including a cellular telephone, a wireless landline-based telephone, an internet telephone that is adapted for use with a personal computer system or laptop, or any suitable combination thereof. Similarly, telephone  102  can be adapted to allow a user to initiate and maintain communications with other users through the use of any appropriate communications standard, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), voice over Internet Protocol (Voice Over IP), or any suitable combination thereof. Such communications can occur through any appropriate intermediate devices, such as cellular telephone towers, signal repeaters, personal computers, Internet routers, or any suitable combination thereof. In addition, telephone  102  can include capabilities that are substantially unrelated to telephonic communications, such as the ability to download and play media (e.g., music or movies), the ability to download and run applications such as games and personal utilities, and any other suitable capabilities or combinations thereof. Illustrative cellular telephone methods and apparatus that can be used in telephone  102  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,041,968 and 7,912,501, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
     Wireless communication headset  110  can allow a user to communicate with other users through telephone  102  without the need to speak directly into or hear sound directly from telephone  102 . That is, a first user wearing wireless communication headset  110  can speak directly into headset  110 , which can communicate audio signals carrying information representing the speech of that user to telephone  102 , which can transmit communication signals representing that speech to a device associated with a second user. Similarly, speech signals received from that second user at telephone  102  can be communicated to wireless communication headset  102 , which in turn can convey such received speech signals to the first user. Wireless communication headset  110  can be any appropriate headset that is adapted for use with telephone  102 , and can include an earbud, a canalphone, closed or open headphones, supra-aural or circumaural headphones, or any other suitable combination thereof. In addition, wireless communication headset can be adapted to communicate with telephone  102  using any appropriate means of communication, such as radio frequency (RF) transmission, or any other type of wired or wireless communication or combinations thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, headset  110  can be a Bluetooth headset incorporating methods and apparatus disclosed in co-pending, commonly-assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/879,177 filed Jan. 6, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Further details of structures and features that can be implemented in headset  110  will be discussed below in connection with  FIGS. 2A-13 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, telephone  102  can be coupled to wireless communication headset  110  through cable  106 . Cable  106  can be coupled to telephone  102  through connector  104 , and can be coupled to wireless communication headset  110  through connector  108 . Each of connectors  104  and  108  can be any appropriate type of connector, such as a traditional serial-port or parallel-port plug, a universal serial bus (USB) plug, a plug that relies on at least one magnet to maintain a physical coupling to the corresponding device, or any suitable combination thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wireless communication headset  106  can be operable to receive or transmit power, audio signals, or both from or to telephone  102  through cable  106 . Similarly, telephone  102  can be configured to receive or transmit power, audio signals, or both to headset  110  through cable  108 . Headset  110  can also, or instead, be adapted for use with a personal computer (e.g., one that can communicate with another personal computer or any suitable networked device using Voice Over IP), without the use of an intermediate telephone such as telephone  102 . In such a scenario, headset  110  can be operable to communicate with the personal computer using any appropriate means, such as through a cable coupled to a USB port of the personal computer. 
     Docking station  112  can be used to supply power to telephone  102 , headset  110 , or both when plugged into an electrical outlet or other appropriate power source through power cable  118 . For example, telephone  102  can be powered by a rechargeable battery that is attached to telephone  102 . That rechargeable battery can be recharged when desired by placing telephone  102  in slot  114  of docking station  112 . Similarly, wireless communication headset  110  can be powered by a rechargeable battery, which might be smaller and less powerful than the battery associated with telephone  102  in order to maintain the relative lightness and small size of headset  110 . The rechargeable battery of wireless communication headset  110  can be recharged when desired by placing headset  110  into slot  116  of docking station  112 . Docking station  112  can also perform other functions in addition to, or instead of, supplying power to telephone  102  and headset  110 . For example, docking station  112  can include at least one speaker that can be coupled to telephone  102  when telephone  102  is in a speakerphone mode, such that audio data can be transferred from telephone  102  to docking station  112  for projection through the at least one speaker. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show perspective views of illustrative Bluetooth headset  2000  in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. Bluetooth headset  2000  can be used as wireless communication headset  110  of  FIG. 1 . Electrical, mechanical, and other components of headset  2000  can be enclosed in a housing, which can include a plurality of pieces that are assembled using any appropriate process, such as adhesive, screws, press fit, or any suitable combination thereof. Illustrative Bluetooth headset  2000  can include earbud body  1100 , earbud neck  2110 , tube  2200 , button body  2300 , and connector plate  2400 . 
     Earbud body  2100  can include perforations (sometimes called acoustic ports)  2102  and  2104  that allow air to pass into and out of earbud body  2100 . For example, front port  2104  can facilitate the passage of audio waves from a receiver located inside earbud body  2100  to the ear of a user. Side ports  2102 , on the other hand, can facilitate the venting of acoustic pressure from inside earbud body  2100  to the surrounding air. Earbud body  2100  can be coupled to tube  2200  by neck  2110 . 
     Tube  2200  can include one or more microperforations  2202 . Button body  2300  can be coupled to tube  2200  and include button  2310 , which a user can manipulate to control headset  2000 . Connector plate  2400  can be coupled to the end of tube  2200  that is opposite button body  2300 , and can include at least one acoustic port for a microphone operable to receive a user&#39;s voice, as well as at least one contact  2410  operable to be coupled to a cable for providing power, data, or both to headset  2000 . In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, connector plate  2400  and contacts  2410  (which can be substantially level with the face of connector plate  2400 ) can be substantially recessed into tube  2200 , as shown by recessed portion  2420 . This recessed positioning can advantageously facilitate the coupling of connector plate  2400  and contacts  2410  with another connector (e.g., a connector at the end of a cable), where at least part of that other connector can be inserted into recessed portion  2420  to mate with connector plate  2400 . 
     Earbud body  2100 , earbud neck  2110 , tube  2200 , button body  2300 , and connector plate  2400  can be constructed from any appropriate material including, for example, metal, plastic, silicone, rubber, foam, or any suitable combination thereof. As an example, earbud body  2100  can be formed from a plastic element surrounded by a silicone seal, and tube  2200  can be formed from aluminum. Similarly, earbud body  2100 , earbud neck  2110 , tube  2200 , button body  2300 , and connector plate  2400  can be manufactured using any appropriate process (e.g., molding, casting, extrusion, or any suitable combination thereof). For example, earbud body  2100 , earbud neck  2110 , tube  2200 , button body  2300 , and connector plate  2400  can be post-process cold-impressed to provide texture and other features on the inner surfaces of the bodies. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of illustrative Bluetooth headset  3000  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Bluetooth headset  3000  can be substantially similar to Bluetooth headset  2000  of  FIG. 2 . Headset  3000  can include earbud circuit board  3120 , on which processor  3122  can be mounted for controlling the operation of headset  3000 . Processor  3122  can be operable to perform any suitable function, including receiving, transmitting, decoding, encoding, or filtering audio data, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, processor  3122  can include wireless transceiver circuitry that is operable to wirelessly transmit and receive audio data to and from telephone  102  (e.g., using Bluetooth communication), possibly in conjunction with other suitable circuitry, such as antenna  3214  (described in greater detail later herein). Earbud circuit board  3120  can be electrically coupled to receiver  3124 , and can be flexible so that it can be folded upon itself in order to occupy a three-dimensional volume. For example, earbud circuit board  3120  and receiver  3124  can both be placed in earbud body  3100 , to reduce the footprint of tube  3200  and button body  3300 . 
     Additional electronic components  3212  can be mounted on tube circuit board  3210 . The size of headset  3000  can be reduced through appropriate distribution of electronic components between earbud circuit board  3120  and tube circuit board  3210 . 
     Neck  3110  can be used to couple earbud body  3100  to headset tube  3200 . In one embodiment, neck  3110  can be coupled to earbud body  3100  using screw  3112 , and to headset tube  3200  using screw  3114 . Neck  3110  can couple earbud body  3100  to tube  3200  in a manner that prevents earbud body  3100  and tube  3200  from undergoing rotation relative to each other. 
     Antenna  3214  can be used for wireless communications and can be located inside tube  3200 . Antenna  3214  can be any appropriate antenna for communicating between headset  3000  and an electronic device (e.g., a telephone such as telephone  100  of  FIG. 1 ). Tube circuit board  3210  and antenna  3214  can be electrically coupled to earbud circuit board  3120  by one or more wires (not shown) or any other suitable means. 
     A user can control the functions of headset  3000  using button  3310 , which can be electrically coupled to tube circuit board  3210 . Button  3310  can be coupled to button body  3300 , which can include appendages  3302  for securing the housing in tube  3200 . Button  3310  can extend outward from button body  3300  such that the button is positioned behind a user&#39;s ear when headset  3000  is in use. Button  3310  can be configured to move in any suitable manner including, for example, bending with respect to tube  3200 , translating in and out of button body  3300 , and rotating around an axis that passes through connector plate  3400  and button  3310 . 
     Battery pack  3220  can be located within tube  3200 , and can contain any appropriate battery or batteries, including lithium ion, lithium ion polymer (Li-Poly), nickel metal hydride, or any suitable combination thereof. Battery pack  3220  can be electrically coupled to tube circuit board  3210  for powering processor  3122 , and to one or more of connector contacts  3410  for battery recharging. In order to decrease the size of battery pack  3220 , and thereby reduce the size of headset  3000 , circuitry that is typically packaged within standard battery packs can be moved to tube circuit board  3210 . 
     Headset  3000  can also include microphone  3420  for receiving communications from a user. Microphone  3420  can be placed inside the end of tube  3400  that is farthest from earbud housing  3100 . This end of tube  3400  is the portion of headset  3000  that is closest to the user&#39;s mouth. Headset  3000  can also include connector plate  3400 , which can provide a surface for headset  3000  to connect with other devices. An opening (also sometimes called a “port”) can be included in connector plate  3400  so that sound from a user&#39;s mouth can reach microphone  3420 . Microphone  3420  and connector plate  3400  can be electrically coupled to circuit board  3210  in any suitable manner. 
     Connector plate  3400  can include apertures in which contacts  3410  can be inserted in order to facilitate the electrical coupling of headset  3000  to another device. Contacts  3410  can be substantially flush with the surface of connector plate  3400  so that the combination of the contacts and plate create a substantially flat surface for mating with other connectors. Connector plate  3400  can be made of a ferromagnetic material so that magnetic connectors, such as those shown in  FIG. 8 , for example, are magnetically biased to connector plate  3400 . The design of connector plate  3400 , contacts  3410 , and complementary magnetic connectors will be described in more detail below in connection with the discussion of  FIGS. 4-13 . 
     Headset  3000  can include one or more brackets  3230  adapted to couple connector plate  3400  to antenna cap  3300 . Brackets  3230  can prevent connector plate  3400  from moving axially away from antenna cap  3300 , and can likewise prevent connector plate  3400  and antenna cap  3300  from separating from tube  3200 . Alternatively, plate  3400  can be coupled to a bracket that is secured to the inner wall of tube  3200 , and antenna cap  3300  can be coupled to a different bracket that is also secured to the inside of the tube. 
     In most headsets, the end containing the microphone is typically affixed to the headset body with an adhesive that seals the seam between the end and the headset body. By using brackets  3230 , it is not necessary to use adhesive to secure connector plate  3400  in tube  3200 . Because no adhesive is used, sound waves can leak in through the seam around plate  3400 . In the event that a foreign object, such as dirt, were to clog the opening for microphone  3420 , the leaked sound waves can still be picked up by microphone  3420 . Alternatively, an adhesive can be applied to the seam if leaked sound waves cause problems with microphone  3420 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of illustrative Bluetooth headset connector assembly  4500  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Connector assembly  4500  can include connector plate  4400 , contacts  4410 , and corresponding contact insulator  4412  to prevent contacts  4410  from electrically coupling to connector plate  4400 . Wires (not shown) can be included in connector assembly  4500  to electrically couple contacts  4410  to tube circuit board  4210 . Microphone port  4430  can be included in the top of connector plate  4400  to allow sound to reach microphone boot  4420 . Microphone boot  4420  and a microphone (not shown) can be located behind connector plate  4400 . The microphone (not shown) can be housed within microphone boot  4420  to, for example, protect the microphone from damage and control the flow of air into the microphone. 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of illustrative Bluetooth headset connector assembly  5500  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Connector assembly  5500 , which can be substantially similar to connector assembly  4500  of  FIG. 4 , can include connector plate  5400 , microphone boot  5420 , microphone  5422 , contacts  5410 , contact insulator  5412 , bracket  5502 , and screws  5504 . Microphone  5422  can be a MEMs microphone and can be electrically coupled to tube circuit board  5210 . Microphone boot  5420  can be mounted over microphone  5422 , and can be made of silicon so that it can seal with surrounding parts when connector assembly  5500  is assembled into one piece. 
     Contacts  5410  can be substantially encapsulated by contact insulator  5412  as shown. Contact insulator  5412  can be made of a nonconductive material, such as polycarbonate, for example, so that contacts  5410  are electrically isolated from connector plate  5400 . Contact insulator  5412  can be mounted onto circuit board  5210  and can include wires (not shown), which can electrically couple contacts  5410  with circuit board  5210 . 
     Bracket  5502  can be coupled to connector plate  5400  in order to hold connector assembly  5500  together. Upward pressure from bracket  5502  can compress microphone boot  5420  in order to create an acoustic seal for the passage of air into and out of microphone  5422 . Circuit board  5210 , contact insulator  5412 , and bracket  5502  can include one or more apertures for mounting to connector plate  5400 . Screws  5504 , only one of which is shown, can be inserted through these apertures and screwed into threaded cavities (not shown) on the back of connector plate  5400 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of illustrative Bluetooth headset microphone boot  6420  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Microphone boot  6420  can include input aperture  6424 . Air that flows into a headset by going around microphone boot  6420  can cause a noticeable loss in the quality of the audio signals picked up by a microphone (not shown). Therefore, microphone boot  6420  can include sealing surface  6426  in order to advantageously prevent air from leaking through any seams that are located around the edge of microphone boot  6420 . Sealing surface  6426  can be a horizontal surface of boot  6240  that extends to the perimeter of the footprint of the boot. Sealing seams in this manner can direct the flow of air into aperture  6424 , which can result in higher quality sound being received by the microphone (not shown). 
     Traditionally, the roof of a microphone boot is sealed to the surfaces of surrounding parts. This sealing can require a relatively thick boot roof that is structurally robust enough to support the pressure required to make an adequate seal. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the horizontal sealing surface  6426  can be lower than roof  6427 . Accordingly, roof  6427  can be relatively thin because it does not need to support the pressure of a seal. This reduced thickness can save space in a housing that contains microphone boot  6420 , and can result in a generally smaller or thinner headset. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective cross-sectional view of illustrative Bluetooth headset connector plate assembly  7000  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Connector plate assembly  7000  can include connector plate  7400 , microphone boot  7420 , and microphone  7422 . These components can be assembled in such a way that air can pass through microphone port  7430 , into boot aperture  7424 , and reach microphone input  7423 . Various modifications to illustrative connector plate assembly  7000  can be performed if desired. For example, suitably sized and shaped wind-screen mesh material can be coupled to microphone port  7430 , in order to reduce the wind noise of incoming user audio input through microphone port  7430 . 
     Because of the other elements (not shown) in the connector assembly, an illustrative set of which is described above in connection with  FIG. 5 , microphone  7422  and microphone boot  7420  can be pressed against connector plate  7400  when installed in a headset. The pressure at this contact can cause sealing surface  7426  to form a seal with surface  7404  of connector plate  7400 . This seal can advantageously prevent air from passing through microphone port  7430  and through seam  7900 , between connector plate  7400  and microphone boot  7420 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of illustrative magnetic array  8810  for use in a cable connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Array  8810  can include magnetic components  8811 - 8815 , which can be made of a permanent rare-earth magnetic material or any other type of suitable material. For example, magnetic components  8811 - 8815  can be made of Neodymium magnets, such as N50 magnets. Magnetic components  8811 - 8815  can be shaped so that a substantially mating face  8816  is formed along one side. This mating face  8816  can, for example, be complementary to the angle of a headset&#39;s connector plate (not shown), as described in further detail below in connection with  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an illustrative magnetic array  9810  for use in a cable connector, aligned with an illustrative Bluetooth headset connector plate  9400  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. If connector plate  9400  is made of a ferromagnetic material and array  9810  includes a plurality of permanent magnets, the magnetic fields of array  9810  can generate magnetic forces between plate  9400  and array  9810 . If array  9810  is embedded within a connector that mates with plate  9400 , these magnetic forces can reinforce the connection between the connector and plate  9400 . 
     In order to maximize the magnetic field generated by array  9810 , it can be advantageous to arrange magnetic components  9811 - 9815  so that the polarity of each component is in a particular orientation. For example, magnetic components  9811 - 9815  can be arranged so that the south pole of the outer two magnets are closest to the mating face, and the north pole of the inner three magnets are closest to the mating face. In this configuration, if one were to list the polarities encountered when passing horizontally over the mating face, the list would read south-north-north-north-south. This maximization of the magnetic field is one reason why it might be desirable to use an array of magnets, as opposed to a single large magnet. 
     While the embodiments described in this discussion include a ferromagnetic connector plate and an array of permanent magnets embedded in a complementary connector, it is contemplated that any other magnetic configurations can be used without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. For example, an electromagnetic element can be included in the connector plate in place of, or addition to, the ferromagnetic material. Similarly, a ferromagnetic material can be located in a complementary connector in place of, or in addition to, the permanent magnets. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are perspective views of an illustrative cable connector assembly  10800  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Connector assembly  10800  is complementary to and capable of mating with a connector plate (not shown), such as connector plate  9400  of  FIG. 9 . Connector  10800  can be used in, for example, the cable of a charger (not shown) that charges a battery in a wireless communication headset. 
     The view of connector assembly  10800  in  FIG. 10A  does not include connector housing  10870  so that the location of magnetic array  10810  and contact array  10820  can be seen. Array  10810  of magnetic components can be embedded in connector assembly  10800  so that the surface of magnetic components  10812 ,  10813 , and  10814  can be flush with a mating face of a connector plate (not shown), such as the outward face of connector plate  9400  of  FIG. 9 . These exposed magnetic components can extend up to the surface of the mating connector plate (not shown), in order to maximize the strength of the magnetic forces between magnetic components  10812 - 10814  and the surface of the connector plate (not shown). However, a connector with no exposed magnetic elements would not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. For example, magnetic components  10811  and  10815  can be recessed in order to reduce the size of connector assembly  10800 . 
     An array  10820  of contacts  10830 ,  10840 ,  10850 , and  10860  can be included in connector assembly  10800 . In order to integrate contact array  10820  with magnetic array  10810 , each contact can be placed in the gap between a pair of adjacent magnetic components. In this manner, contact  10830  can be located in between magnetic components  10811  and  10812 , contact  10840  can be located between components  10812  and  10813 , etc. This integrated distribution of contacts, which is enabled through the use of multiple magnetic components that are spaced apart from each other as opposed to a single large magnet, can advantageously permit the size of connector assembly  10800  to be relatively small. 
     Each contact in contact array  10820  can include a spring mechanism, such as coil  10862  of contact  10860 . Coil  10862  can bias contact tip  10860  to extend out of connector housing  10870 . Coils  10862 ,  10864 ,  10866 , and  10868  can be substantially planar, or flat. Substantially planar coils can allow for minimal spacing between magnetic components  10811 - 10815 , which can in turn result in a relatively small connector. However, other types of coils and contacts can be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention. For example, cylindrical springs biasing respective cylindrical contacts (commonly called “pogo pins”) can be used instead. 
     Contact array  10820  can be positioned to electrically couple to, for example, the contacts located on the face of a connector plate of a headset (not shown), such as contacts  2410  of  FIG. 2A . Connector housing  10870  can include an elevated face  10872 , which can fit into a cavity of a complementary connector. For example, if connector  10800  were to mate with headset  2000  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , elevated face  10872  could fit against recessed connector plate  2400 , while the edge of tube  2200  could fit against perimeter  10874  of connector  10800 . In this mating configuration, contact tips  10830 ,  10840 ,  10850 , and  10860  can be electrically coupled to contacts  2410  of headset  2000 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, connector assembly  10800  can include contacts (not shown) on the rear of housing  10870  so that connector assembly  10800  can be electrically coupled to other circuitry (not shown). For example, connector assembly  10800  can be operable to transmit electrical power to or from a headset through one or more contacts in contact array  10820 , which can advantageously prolong the operating time of the headset by supplementing the power supplied by the headset&#39;s battery pack with power from an external source, by recharging the headset&#39;s battery pack, or both. Similarly, connector assembly  10800  can be operable to transmit audio data to or from a headset through one or more contacts in array  10820 , communicating that audio data to or from a corresponding device (e.g., a cellular telephone that operates in conjunction with the headset). 
     One potential disadvantage of using connector assembly  10800  in conjunction with a headset connector plate assembly, such as connector plate assembly  7400  of  FIG. 7 , is that connector assembly  10800  can substantially obstruct the airflow into at least one air channel of the connector plate assembly. For instance, aligning face  10872  of connector assembly  10800  with connector plate  7400  (which can be recessed inside a tube of a headset) can substantially block air and sound from entering microphone port  7430  and microphone boot aperture  7424 . Such blocking can result in substantially less or lower-quality audio signals being received by microphone  7422 . In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the structure of connector assembly  10800  can be modified in order to facilitate a free flow of air when connector assembly  10800  is mated against a complementary headset connector plate assembly, such as assembly  7400  of  FIG. 7 . Further details of the structure and operation of such illustrative connectors of the invention are described below in connection with  FIGS. 11A-13 . 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  are, respectively, side and top views of illustrative cable connector  11000  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In  FIGS. 11A and 11B , certain structures that are located inside housing  11970  are represented by dashed lines. Cable connector  11000  can be used as connector  108  of  FIG. 1  to electrically couple wireless communication headset  110  to telephone  102  through cable  106 . Connector  11000  can include connector body  11900  and connector assembly  11800 , which can include some or all the features of the connector structures illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10B . For example, connector assembly  11800  can be substantially similar to connector assembly  10800 , illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , which can include magnetic array  10810  interleaved with contact array  10820 . Some of these features have been omitted from  FIGS. 11A and 11B  for clarity of illustration. For example, contact  11830  can extend inward in a substantially planar coil that terminates in corresponding rear contact  11930 , as described in connection with contact  10830  and coil  10868  of  FIG. 10A . It will be understood that any or all such features can be included in connector assembly  11800  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In addition, connector assembly  11800  can include features that are not present in connector assembly  10800 , as discussed below. 
     Connector assembly  11800  can advantageously include acoustic tunnel  11990 , which can be adapted to extend substantially outward beyond the distal face of connector assembly  11800 , in order to align with the tip of the microphone boot of a headset connector plate assembly (not shown), such as either of microphone boots  4420  and  7420 , depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , respectively. In particular, notched tip  11994  of acoustic tunnel  11990  can be shaped to mate with the corresponding notched recess of the microphone boot, such as the notched recess of microphone boot  4420  of  FIG. 4 . 
     When cable connector  11000  is coupled to a headset connector plate, such as connector plate  2400  of  FIG. 2A , a portion of cable connector assembly  11800  can extend into a recessed portion of the headset tube, such as recessed portion  2420  of tube  2200 , shown in  FIG. 2 . Dotted line  11880  in  FIGS. 11A and 11B  can demarcate the approximate edge of the headset tube, which can be substantially parallel to the front face of cable connector assembly  11800 , and offset toward the proximal end of cable connector  11000 . Acoustic tunnel aperture  11996 , which is positioned closer to the proximal end of cable connector  11000 , can be exposed to open air while cable connector  11000  is coupled to a corresponding connector plate assembly of a headset. This positioning can advantageously allow sound from a user&#39;s voice to enter acoustic channel  11990  through aperture  11996  and exit through aperture  11992 , leading into the microphone boot of the corresponding headset (e.g., microphone boot  4420  or  7420  of  FIG. 4  or  7 , respectively). 
     Thus, acoustic tunnel  11990  can advantageously permit cable connector  11900  to be coupled to a complementary headset connector plate assembly (e.g., assembly  7000  of  FIG. 7 ) without obstructing the airflow through the microphone port (e.g., port  7430  of  FIG. 7 ) and the microphone boot aperture (e.g., aperture  7424  of  FIG. 7 ) of that headset connector plate assembly. If necessary, any suitable portion of the headset connector plate assembly can be modified to facilitate the coupling of acoustic tube  11990  with the microphone boot of the headset connector plate assembly. For instance, the edge of connector plate  7400  that is substantially in front of microphone port  7430  and microphone boot aperture  7424  of  FIG. 7  can be lowered, reshaped, or otherwise modified to facilitate entry of acoustic tube  11990  into headset connector plate assembly  7000 . Advantageously, acoustic tunnel  11990  and cable connector housing  11970  can be sized and shaped so that a substantially airtight seal is formed between acoustic tunnel  11990  and its complementary microphone boot when they are coupled to each other, substantially preserving the quality of the sound that passes through the channel formed by acoustic tunnel  11990  and the microphone boot. 
     When cable connector  11000  is coupled to a complementary headset connector plate assembly (e.g., connector plate assembly  4500  of  FIG. 4 ), contacts of cable connector  11000  can be electrically coupled to corresponding contacts of that connector plate assembly. For example, contact  11830  of cable connector  11000  can be electrically coupled to rightmost contact  4410  of connector plate assembly  4500  of  FIG. 4 . Similarly, each of contacts  11840 ,  11850 , and  11860  can be electrically coupled to a corresponding contact of connector plate assembly  4500  of  FIG. 4 . Contacts  11830 ,  11840 ,  11850 , and  11860  can extend proximally into cable connector assembly  11800  in any suitable fashion (e.g., substantially straight, in planar coils, in cylindrical springs, or any suitable combination thereof) toward respective leads  11930 ,  11940 ,  11950 , and  11960 . Leads  11930 ,  11940 ,  11950 , and  11960  can, in turn, be electrically coupled to respective wires  11932 ,  11942 ,  11952 , and  11962 , which can extend through connector body  11900  into the attached cable. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, any or all of wires  11932 ,  11942 ,  11952 , and  11962  can be used to carry electrical power to a wireless communication headset from an associated device (e.g., a cellular telephone) by delivering the power through the appropriate contacts, selected from among contacts  11830 ,  11840 ,  11850 , and  11860 . In some embodiments of the invention, outermost wires  11962  and  11932  can be used to carry electrical power and ground signals from a cellular telephone to a Bluetooth headset. In other embodiments, only one wire is needed to carry electrical power, while electrical ground is carried by housing  11970  of cable connector  11000 . The ability to transfer power from a telephone to a wireless headset through a cable using connector  11000  can allow a user to use the wireless headset even after the power in a battery pack of the headset has dropped below a minimum voltage threshold, where dropping below the minimum voltage would normally preclude operation (or at least full operation) of the wireless headset. In this way, a user can advantageously avoid or prolong the need to recharge the headset using an electrical outlet (e.g., with docking station  112  of  FIG. 1 ). Additionally, the ability the draw power from a telephone can advantageously facilitate the use of the wireless headset during relatively long telephone calls, during which the battery life of a wireless headset relying entirely on its internal battery pack would be exceeded. Such features can be provided while maintaining a relatively small form factor for the wireless headset, providing relatively good user comfort and aesthetics. The wireless headset can continue to transmit voice data to and from the corresponding telephone using any appropriate communication means (e.g., Bluetooth wireless communication) while power is being supplied to the headset. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, any or all of wires  11932 ,  11942 ,  11952 , and  11962  can be used to carry audio data between a wireless communication headset and an associated device (e.g., a cellular telephone) by transmitting the data through the appropriate contacts, selected from among contacts  11830 ,  11840 ,  11850 , and  11860 . In some embodiments of the invention, innermost wires  11952  and  11942  can be used to carry data to and from the wireless headset. For instance, one of wires  11952  and  11942  can be used substantially exclusively for transmitting audio data to the wireless headset, while the other of wires  11952  and  11942  can be used substantially exclusively for transmitting audio data from the wireless headset. Alternatively, both wires  11952  and  11942  can be used for bidirectional communication between the telephone and the wireless headset. The audio data can be transmitted using any suitable communication means (e.g., using USB protocols, serial data transfer protocols, or any other suitable standards). The ability to transfer audio data between a telephone and a wireless headset through a wired cable connection using connector  11000  can allow a user to carry on a conversation using the telephone even in the presence of interference, noise, jitter, or any other impediments to successful wireless data communication between the telephone and the wireless headset. 
     Thus, the use of cable connector  11800  to couple a telephone to a wireless headset through a cable can advantageously allow power, data, or both to be transferred between the telephone and the wireless headset. In addition, acoustic tunnel  11990  can allow airflow into a microphone boot of a complementary headset connector plate assembly (e.g., microphone boot  4420  or  5420  of  FIG. 4  or  FIG. 5 , respectively) while cable connector  11800  is mated with the connector plate assembly. It will be understood that variants of illustrative connector  11000  shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B  can be practiced without deviating from the spirit of the invention. For example, although four wires  11932 ,  11942 ,  11952 , and  11962  are shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , any suitable number of wires (e.g., 2 or 1) can be used to transmit either or both of audio data and power, while reducing the weight and size of cable connector  11000 . Similarly, the size, shape, positioning, or any combination thereof of acoustic tunnel  11990  can be varied while still maintaining the advantages of the invention described above (e.g., at least part of acoustic tube  11990  can be substantially curved). 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  are, respectively, side and top views of another illustrative cable connector  12000  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In  FIGS. 12A and 12B , certain structures that are located inside housing  12970  are represented by dashed lines. Cable connector  12000  can be used as connector  108  of  FIG. 1  to electrically couple wireless communication headset  110  to telephone  102  through cable  106 . Cable connector  12000  can be similar to cable connector  11000  in many respects, and similar elements are referenced by numerals that differ by 1000 between  FIGS. 11A and 12A , and between  FIGS. 11B and 12B . For simplicity of discussion, it is not deemed necessary to repeat the description of such similar elements, and instead, discussion of cable connector  12000  will be focused primarily on aspects of cable connector  12000  that are different from cable connector  11000 . 
     Cable connector  12000 , like cable connector  11000 , can include acoustic tunnel  12990 , which can be adapted to extend substantially outward beyond the distal face of connector assembly  12800  in order to align with the tip of the microphone boot of a headset connector plate assembly (not shown), such as either of microphone boots  4420  and  7420 , depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , respectively. However, in contrast to acoustic tunnel  12990 , acoustic tunnel  12990  does not extend proximally beyond dotted line  12880 , which marks the approximate edge of the headset tube when cable connector  12000  is coupled to a complementary connector assembly of the headset. Accordingly, aperture  12996 , which is positioned proximally beyond dotted line  12880  and is adapted to receive sound from the speech of a user, can be coupled to acoustic tunnel  12990  through microphone  12991 , wire  12993 , and speaker  12995 . 
     Microphone  12991  can be any suitable microphone, such as microphone  7422  of  FIG. 7 , used in a wireless communication headset, some variant thereof, or a substantially smaller microphone. Microphone  12991  can be aligned substantially below and against aperture  12996 , forming a substantially airtight seal with the edges of aperture  12996  so that sounds received through aperture  12996  do not leak into other portions of cable connector assembly  12800 , but rather are substantially captured by microphone  12996 , thereby producing relatively good audio reception. Microphone  12996  can communicate received audio data or any appropriate data corresponding to that received audio data (e.g., a filtered or compressed version) to speaker  12995 , which can substantially repeat the received audio data into acoustic tunnel  12992 . 
     Speaker  12995  can include any appropriate circuitry or mechanical components, including electrical amplifiers, buffers, or repeaters, and can be similar to a speaker in a wireless headset that cable connector  12000  is adapted to couple to, or can be any other suitable speaker. In some embodiments of the invention, speaker  12995  can be substantially smaller than the wireless headset speaker, as speaker  12995  does not need to output audio at a volume that is suitable for human hearing, but rather, only needs to relay the audio to the wireless headset speaker for subsequent projection by that headset speaker to the user. Speaker  12995  can be positioned substantially flush against the proximal edges of acoustic tunnel  12990 , such that the audio signals projected from microphone  12996  can be transmitted substantially without degradation through acoustic tunnel  12990 , into a microphone boot of a headset connector plate assembly (e.g., microphone boot  4420  of headset connector plate assembly  4500  of  FIG. 4 ) to which cable connector assembly  12800  is coupled. Accordingly, cable connector  12000  can rely not only on the receipt of audio data through aperture  12996  to ensure that the data is conveyed to the microphone of an appropriate wireless headset, but can also substantially prevent degradation of that audio data by repeating it through speaker  12995 . Microphone  12991  and speaker  12995  can be powered through any suitable means (e.g., through a battery located in cable connector  12000 , or through wires coupled to any of contacts  21960 ,  21950 ,  21940 , and  12930 ). 
     Various modifications to cable connector  12000  can be performed if desired. For example, additional circuitry can be coupled to microphone  12991 , speaker  12995 , or both to perform noise cancellation, echo cancellation, audio amplification, or any other suitable function or combination thereof. Power for such additional circuitry can be supplied through any suitable means (e.g., through a battery located in cable connector  12000 , or through wires coupled to any of contacts  21960 ,  21950 ,  21940 , and  12930 ). 
     It will be noted that, in contrast to the illustrative embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , illustrative cable connector  12000  includes only two wires  12962  and  12932  for transferring electrical signals between a telephone and a wireless communication headset, using respective electrical contacts  12860  and  12830 . In this embodiment, wires  12962  and  12932  can be used as a source of power for the wireless headset to which cable connector  12000  can be coupled. In such a mode, the wireless headset can still rely substantially on wireless communication to transmit audio data to and receive audio data from a corresponding telephone, using any appropriate means (e.g., Bluetooth communication). Alternatively, wires  12962  and  12932  can be used for transmitting audio data back and forth between the telephone and the wireless audio headset, in which case the wireless headset can rely on its internal battery pack for power. In yet another embodiment, one of wires  12962  and  12932  can be used to transmit power from the telephone to the wireless headset (e.g., by relying on housing  12970  as a reference for electrical ground) and the other of wires  12962  and  12932  can be used to transfer audio data between the telephone and the wireless headset (e.g., bidirectional communication can be achieved through a single wire by way of an appropriate communication protocol). Using two wires instead of four can advantageously reduce the size and weight of cable connector  12000  and its associated cable, providing greater ease of use and reducing the chance that cable connector  12000  will be decoupled from the wireless headset (e.g., a greater force will be required to break a magnetic coupling that can be established between cable connector  12000  and the corresponding wireless headset). In another embodiment, cable connector  12000  (or any other cable connector of the invention) can include only one wire, which can be coupled to any of contacts  12930 ,  12940 ,  12950 , and  12960 , and which can be adapted to transfer power or audio data between a wireless headset and a telephone. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of illustrative circuitry for use in a cable connector  13000  and an associated wireless communication headset  13500  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Cable connector  13000  can be used as connector  108  of  FIG. 1 , and wireless communication headset  13500  can be used as headset  110  of  FIG. 1 . Cable connector  13000  can include some or all the features of the connector structures illustrated in  FIGS. 8-12B . For example, microphone  13002  of cable connector  13000  can be placed substantially below and flush against the perimeter of an aperture at the top of cable connector  13000 , as depicted in connection with microphone  12991  and aperture  12996  of cable connector  12000 . Similarly, wireless communication headset  13500  can include any or all of the features of the headset structures illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-7 . 
     Cable connector  13000  can include microphone  13002 , control circuitry  13004 , and transmission circuitry  13006 . Microphone  13002 , which can be any suitable microphone, including any structures that can be used in microphone  12991 , can be operable to receive audio input from a person&#39;s voice while cable connector  13000  is coupled to wireless headset  13500  (e.g., through the coupling of magnetic components on cable connector  13000  to ferromagnetic material of a connector plate assembly of wireless headset  13500 ). This audio data can be transmitted to control circuitry  13004  through output  13008 . Control circuitry  13004  can include any appropriate circuitry, including programmable logic, embedded or hardwired logic, analog circuitry, memory, or some combination thereof, and be adapted to perform a variety of functions. 
     For instance, when cable connector  13000  is first coupled to wireless headset  13500 , control circuitry can send control signals (e.g., a pre-designated pattern of electrical signals, such as binary “1”s and “0”s) through output  13010  (e.g., passing through any one or more electrical contacts of a cable contact array such as array  10810  of  FIGS. 10A and 10B ) to detection circuitry  13504  (e.g., passing through any one or more electrical contacts of a headset contact array, such as array  4410  of  FIG. 4 ). Detection circuitry  13504  can include any appropriate circuitry, including programmable logic, embedded or hardwired logic, analog circuitry, memory, or some combination thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, detection circuitry  13504  can be operable to receive and detect the control signals sent by control circuitry  13004  and, in response, at least partially disable microphone  13502  of wireless headset  13500  via output  13508  of detection logic  13508 . This disabling can occur by substantially preventing power from reaching microphone  13502  of wireless headset  13500 , by allowing microphone  13502  to continue to receive audio signals but disabling any suitable outputs of microphone  13502 , or by any other suitable means. By disabling microphone  13502  of wireless headset  13500 , detection circuitry  13504  can allow microphone  13002  of cable connector  13002  to function as the primary audio input microphone of the system, which can receive voice data from a user for transmission to a corresponding telephone, such as telephone  102  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Transmission of the audio data received by microphone  13002  to a telephone can occur in various ways. For example, control circuitry  13014  can be operable to forward the audio data received from microphone  13008  (or some data corresponding to the audio data, such as a compressed or filtered version of the audio data) to transmission circuitry  13006  via output  13014 . Transmission circuitry  13006 , in turn, can be operable to convert the data to an appropriate format (if necessary) and transmit the converted audio data to the telephone via output  13016 , which can be coupled to the cable of cable connector  13000 . For example, transmission circuitry  13006  can be operable to transmit audio data to a telephone using USB data transmission, serial data transmission, or any other suitable communication protocol. As another example, transmission circuitry  13006  can transmit the audio data to the telephone using a wireless transmission protocol, such as Bluetooth, if appropriate (e.g., because the cable providing a wired connection between cable connector  13000  and the telephone is reserved exclusively for supplying power to wireless headset  13500 ). 
     Alternatively, the audio data can be sent from transmission circuitry  13508 , which is located on wireless headset  13500  and which can include any appropriate circuitry, such as antenna  3214  of  FIG. 3 . Transmission circuitry  13508  can be operable to receive audio data from selection circuitry  13506  via output  13514 . Selection circuitry  13506  can be controlled by output  13512  of detection circuitry  13510 , which can select between a plurality of available audio signals, such as output  13509  of microphone  13502  and output  13510  of detection circuitry  13504 . In an embodiment of the invention, detection circuitry  13504  can select output  13509  of microphone  13502  for output to transmission circuitry  13508  while wireless headset  13500  is not coupled to cable connector  13000 . After wireless headset  13500  is coupled to cable connector  13000 , detection circuitry  13504  can select output  13510  of detection circuitry  13510  for output to transmission circuitry  13508 , in response to receiving control signals from control circuitry  13010  indicating that microphone  13502  of headset  13500  is to be disabled. After this disabling occurs, control circuitry  13004  can forward audio data received from microphone  13002  to detector circuitry  13504  (performing any appropriate processing prior to or during the transmission, such as filtering, encoding, or both), which can in forward send the audio data (again, with any appropriate processing) through selector circuitry  13506  to transmission circuitry  13508  via output  13514 . Selection circuitry  13506  can include multiplexer circuitry, switching circuitry, latches, registers, or any other suitable circuitry or suitable combination thereof. Transmission circuitry  13508  can then transmit the audio data (again, with any appropriate processing, such as encoding the data in accordance with Bluetooth wireless communication standards) to a telephone associated with wireless communication headset  13500 . 
     As seen above, cable connector  13000  and wireless communication headset  13500  can advantageously transmit audio data received through cable connector  13000  directly to a telephone through a wired cable connection using transmission circuitry  13006 , without having to transmit the audio data to audio communication headset  13500 . During such a transmission mode, microphone  13502  of wireless communication headset  13500  can be disabled to conserve power. Alternatively, instead of relying on a wired transmission to send audio data, wireless headset  13500  can transmit audio data received through microphone  13002  to a telephone using wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) communication, in a mode where microphone  13502  can still be disabled in order to save power. The use of control circuitry  13004  and detection circuitry  13504  can advantageously detect when cable connector  13000  is coupled to wireless headset  13500 , and enable microphone  13002  and disable microphone  13500  in response to detecting such coupling. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  are flow charts depicting an illustrative method  1400  of operating a wireless communication handset in wired and wireless modes in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Method  1400  can begin at step  1402  and proceed to step  1404 , where audio data can be exchanged between a wireless communication headset and a telephone using Bluetooth communication. It will be understood that any suitable communication standard can be used in place of, or in addition to, Bluetooth communication during step  1402 . In addition, non-audio data such as control signals or messages can be exchanged between the wireless communication headset and the telephone during step  1402 . 
     During steps  1406 ,  1408 , and  1410 , the wireless communication headset can be coupled to the telephone through a cable, as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and discussed in connection with  FIGS. 4-13 . In illustrative step  1406 , at least one magnetic component of a cable connector of the cable can be coupled to a ferromagnetic connector plate of the wireless communication headset. It will be understood that any other suitable structures and methods can be used to couple the cable to the wireless communication headset, such as interlocking of pins, pressure exerted by fasteners or other physical apparatus, or any combination thereof. 
     In illustrative step  1408 , an acoustic tunnel of the cable connector can be coupled to a microphone boot of the wireless communication headset, as discussed in connection with  FIGS. 11A-12B , thereby forming a channel to convey audio input from a user, received at the cable connector, to a microphone of the wireless communication headset. It will be understood that this step can be omitted or modified as appropriate. For example, as discussed in connection with  FIG. 13 , the collective audio-receiving behavior of the cable connector and the wireless communication headset can be coordinated through appropriate electronic circuitry, instead of relying on the coupling of mechanical devices such as the acoustic tunnel and the microphone boot. 
     In illustrative step  1410 , the cable can be connected to the telephone in any suitable manner. For example, the coupling can be performed by plugging in a cable connector, such as cable connector  104  of  FIG. 1 , to the telephone. It will be understood that steps  1406 ,  1408 , and  1410  can proceed in a different order, and any of the steps can proceed substantially simultaneously with each other. 
     In illustrative step  1411 , the telephone can detect its coupling to the wireless communication headset and switch from wireless mode to wired mode. The detection and switching can be performed using any appropriate circuitry on the telephone, the wireless communication headset, or both. Once the mode has been switched, the telephone can transmit and receive audio data to and from the wireless communication headset through a wired connection (e.g., through a cable such as cable  106  of  FIG. 1 ). Method  1400  can then proceed through connecting step “A” to step  1414  of  FIG. 14B . 
     Once the wireless communication headset is coupled to the telephone through the cable, audio data, electrical power, or both can be exchanged between the headset and the telephone through the wired connection provided by the cable. In step  1412 , user audio input (e.g., from a user&#39;s voice) can be received at the acoustic tunnel of the cable connector, as discussed in connection with  FIGS. 11A-12B . At step  1414 , the user audio input can be received at a microphone of the wireless headset microphone boot from the acoustic tunnel, as discussed in connection with  FIGS. 11A-12B . Audio data corresponding to this user audio input can then be transmitted from the wireless communication headset to the telephone through the cable connector and the cable at step  1416 . As discussed in connection with  FIG. 13 , the use of the acoustic tunnel and the microphone boot to carry the user audio data to the wireless headset from the can be omitted, and other means of conveying user audio data to the telephone can be used instead (e.g., a wired connection between the cable connector and the telephone that does not pass through the wireless headset). 
     In the reverse direction, audio data can be received at the wireless communication headset from the telephone through the cable connector and the cable at step  1418 , as discussed in connection with  FIGS. 11A-13 . In addition, electrical power can be received at the wireless communication headset from the telephone through the cable connector and the cable, as discussed in connection with  FIGS. 11A-13 . This power can be used to power operations of the wireless headset directly, to recharge a battery pack of the wireless headset, or both. It will be understood that any of steps  1412 ,  1414 ,  1416 ,  1418 , and  1420  can be performed out of order or substantially simultaneously with each other, and that various modifications of those steps are contemplated. For example, after the wireless headset is coupled to the telephone through the cable, it is possible that electrical power can be received at the wireless headset from the telephone in accordance with step  1422 , but that audio communication between the wireless headset and the telephone can occur through Bluetooth or other wireless communication instead of through the cable. 
     At step  1422 , disconnection of the cable from the telephone, from the wireless headset, or both can be detected. If no disconnection has occurred, the method can proceed back to step  1412  and resume the exchange of audio data and electrical power between the wireless headset and the telephone. On the other hand, if disconnection has occurred, method  1400  can proceed to step  1423 , where the telephone can detect its decoupling from the wireless communication headset and switch from wired mode to wireless mode. The detection and switching can be performed using any appropriate circuitry on the telephone, the wireless communication headset, or both. Once the mode has been switched, method  1400  can proceed to step  1424 , where audio data can once again be exchanged between the wireless headset and the telephone through Bluetooth communication or any other suitable type of communication, as it did in step  1404 . The method can end at step  1426 . It will be understood that any of the steps of method  1400  can be omitted, modified, reordered, or any combination thereof, and that method  1400  is presented merely for purposes of illustrating the use of the invention, and is not meant to restrict operation of the invention to certain enumerated processes. 
     It will be understood that various modifications and combinations of the structures and methods disclosed above can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although cable connectors of the invention are primarily discussed above as having four contacts interleaved with five magnetic components, any suitable number, shape, and configuration of contacts and magnetic components can be used. Similarly, although  FIGS. 11A-12B  depict acoustic tunnels that are substantially rectangular in shape, acoustic tunnels that are substantially curved or otherwise deviate in shape, size, or position can be used. 
     Thus it is seen that a communication headset with both wired and wireless modes is provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20111229
Publication Date: 20140520
Grant Date: 20140520
Priority Date: 20070106
Inventors: TANG JOHN
ALTEN BRETT
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04M1/6066", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/05", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/6058", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/05", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/6058", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/6066", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39594781