PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9949015-B1
Application Number: US-201715698577-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Wireless headset carrying case with wireless transmitter

Abstract:
A case for a wireless electronic listening device (e.g., a pair of wireless earbuds) is configured to house a pair of wireless earbuds and charge the earbuds when they are in the case. The case is further configured to receive media received by the wireless earbuds and transmit the media to a non-wireless output device connected to the case. The case may further include its own wireless radio that can wirelessly communicate audio to the wireless earbuds when the earbuds are not in the case. The case may further include an input port to receive an audio signal from a non-wireless source and may be configured to wirelessly transmit the audio received from the source to the wireless earbuds.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A case for an earbud having a first wireless radio, the case comprising:
 a housing having a receptacle configured to receive the earbud; 
 a connector coupled to the housing and configured to electrically couple the case to a source device so as to receive an audio signal from the source device; 
 a second wireless radio configured to transmit audio data to the first wireless radio; 
 a power source disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to power the second wireless radio; 
 circuitry disposed within the housing, the circuitry configured to: establish a connection between the first wireless radio and the second wireless radio, receive the audio signal from the source device via the connector, and convert the audio signal into the audio data to be transmitted by the second wireless radio to the first wireless radio for output by the earbud. 
 
     
     
       2. The case of  claim 1  wherein the connector comprises a plug connector configured to be received by an audio output port coupled to the source device. 
     
     
       3. The case of  claim 2  wherein the plug connector comprises a TRS connector having a plurality of ring contacts. 
     
     
       4. The case of  claim 1  wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery and the case includes a second connector configured to electrically couple the case to an external power source to charge the rechargeable battery and/or provide power to the earbud when the earbud is received in the receptacle. 
     
     
       5. The case of  claim 1  wherein the circuitry is configured to establish a first wireless connection between a first pair of earbuds and the second wireless radio and a second wireless connection concurrent with the first wireless connection between a second pair of earbuds and the second wireless radio, and to simultaneously transmit the audio data to both the first pair of earbuds and the second pair of earbuds. 
     
     
       6. The case of  claim 1  wherein the connector comprises an audio input port configured to receive an audio plug connector associated with the source device. 
     
     
       7. The case of  claim 1  wherein the housing of the case includes a first receptacle sized and shaped to receive a first earbud in a pair of earbuds and a second receptacle sized and shaped to receive a second earbud in the pair of earbuds. 
     
     
       8. An audio system comprising:
 an earbud having a first wireless radio; and 
 a case for storing and charging the earbud, the case comprising:
 a housing having a receptacle configured to receive the earbud; 
 a connector coupled to the housing and configured to electrically couple the case to a source device so as to receive an audio signal from the source device; 
 a second wireless radio configured to transmit audio data to the first wireless radio; 
 a power source disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to power the second wireless radio; 
 circuitry disposed within the housing, the circuitry configured to: establish a connection between the first wireless radio and the second wireless radio, receive the audio signal from the source device via the connector, and convert the audio signal into the audio data to be transmitted by the second wireless radio to the first wireless radio for output by the earbud. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The audio system of  claim 8  wherein the earbud is a first earbud in a pair of earbuds, the audio system further comprises a second earbud in the pair of earbuds, and the housing of the case includes a first receptacle sized and shaped to receive the first earbud and a second receptacle sized and shaped to receive the second earbud. 
     
     
       10. The audio system of  claim 9  further comprising a controller, separate from the case and the earbud, and operable to stop and start transmission of the audio data from the second wireless radio to the pair of earbuds. 
     
     
       11. The audio system of  claim 10  wherein the controller further comprises volume control inputs that control the volume of sound on the first and second earbuds. 
     
     
       12. The audio system of  claim 11  wherein the controller further comprises a clip configured to attach the control to clothing worn by a user. 
     
     
       13. The audio system of  claim 10  wherein the case further includes a third receptacle sized and shaped to receive the controller. 
     
     
       14. The audio system of  claim 13  wherein the third receptacle is disposed between the first and second receptacles and wherein the case further includes a lid coupled to the housing by a hinge, the lid being moveable between a closed position in which the lid covers encases the first and second earbuds and the controller within the case and an open position in which a user can remove one or more of the first and second earbuds or the controller from the case. 
     
     
       15. The audio system of  claim 9  wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery and the case includes a second connector configured to electrically couple the case to an external power source to charge the rechargeable battery and/or provide power to the first and second earbuds when the earbuds are received in the first and second receptacles, respectively. 
     
     
       16. The audio system of  claim 8  wherein the circuitry that converts the audio signal into the audio data to be transmitted by the second wireless radio converts an analog audio signal received over the connector to digital audio data. 
     
     
       17. A case for a portable listening device having a first wireless radio, the case comprising:
 a housing having a receptacle configured to receive the portable listening device; 
 a rechargeable case battery disposed in the housing; 
 charging circuitry coupled to the rechargeable battery and the receptacle and configured to charge the portable listening device when the portable listening device is received in the receptacle; 
 a memory disposed in the housing and configured to store audio data; 
 a processor disposed in the housing and operably coupled to access audio data stored in the memory; 
 a second wireless radio operatively coupled to receive audio data from the processor and transmit the audio data to the first wireless radio to be output by the portable listening device; and 
 a user interface disposed at an exterior surface of the housing, the user interface including one or more controls that enable a user to stop and start the transmission of audio data from case to the portable listening device. 
 
     
     
       18. The case set forth in  claim 17  wherein the portable listening device is a pair of earbuds that includes a first earbud and a second earbud, and wherein the housing includes a first receptacle sized and shaped to receive the first earbud and a second receptacle sized and shaped to receive the second earbud. 
     
     
       19. The case of  claim 18  further comprising a lid coupled to the housing by a hinge, the lid being moveable between a closed position in which the lid covers encases the first and second earbuds and an open position in which a user can remove one or more of the first and second earbuds from the case. 
     
     
       20. The case of  claim 17  wherein the user interface comprises volume control inputs.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Nos. 62/399,183 entitled “WIRELESS HEADSET CARRYING CASE WITH DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT PORT” and 62/399,238 entitled “WIRELESS HEADSET CARRYING CASE WITH WIRELESS TRANSMITTER” each of which was filed Sep. 23, 2016, and each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The described embodiments relate generally to cases for portable listening devices such as earbuds and headphones. 
     Portable wireless listening devices typically use some form of a headset or earbud in order to maintain privacy for the user and/or to avoid annoying bystanders. Users often prefer wireless portable listening devices because there are no cords to deal with and the listening device may be less noticeable. Some portable wireless listening devices, such as earbuds, can be relatively small and easy to lose when not in use. Thus, portable wireless listening devices can be stored in cases. 
     Many media output systems (e.g., some speakers) are not capable of wirelessly receiving media, but rather require a direct docking or wired connection with a phone or music device, restricting the use and reducing flexibility of such output systems. Similarly, many audio sources (e.g., in-flight entertainment systems, treadmill or other gym equipment audio systems, car audio systems, etc.) also require a wired connection to output audio to listening devices and can&#39;t interface wirelessly with portable wireless listening devices, so the portable wireless listening devices need to be used with wired adapters or need to be replaced with wired listening devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a case for storing and charging wireless headphones and other accessory components. The case can also interface with non-wireless media devices enabling such devices to communicate (stream and output audio, video, etc.) with wireless components, including phone/music devices as well as the wireless headphones stored in the case themselves. Embodiments of the disclosure enable a user to use a non-wireless media output device, such as a speaker or display monitor, to output media received wirelessly from a phone or personal media device and/or to pair a non-wireless source device, such as an in-flight or gym entertainment system, to portable wireless listening devices. 
     According to some embodiments of the disclosure a case for an earbud having a rechargeable battery and a wireless radio for receiving media data is disclosed where the case includes: a housing having a receptacle sized and shaped to receive the earbud; an earbud interface coupled to the receptacle to provide an electrical interface between the earbud and the case when the earbud is received in the receptacle; a charging system coupled to the earbud interface and configured to charge the rechargeable battery of the earbud when the earbud is received in the receptacle; a connector configured to electrically couple the case to an output device; and circuitry disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the earbud interface and the connector, the circuitry configured to, when the earbud is received in the receptacle, receive media data received by the wireless radio of the earbud and transmit the media data to the output device through the connector. 
     In some embodiments an audio system is provided that includes: a wireless earbud (or a pair of wireless earbuds), and a case for storing and charging the wireless earbud (or pair of wireless earbuds). The wireless earbud (or each earbud in the pair of wireless earbuds) can include a wireless radio and a battery where the wireless radio is configured to wirelessly receive audio data from a source device. The case for the wireless earbud (or pair of earbuds) can include a housing that has a receptacle configured to receive the wireless earbud (or pair of earbuds); an earbud interface having one or more electrical contacts disposed in the receptacle and positioned to electrically couple the case to the wireless earbud (or pair of wireless earbuds) when the wireless earbud (or pair) is received in the receptacle; a charging system operatively coupled to earbud interface to provide power to the wireless earbud (or pair of earbuds) over the one or more electrical contacts; an output device interface configured to electrically connect the case to a secondary electronic device having at least one speaker; and circuitry disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the earbud interface and the output device interface, the circuitry configured to, when earbud (or pair of earbuds) is received in the receptacle, receive audio data received by the wireless radio of an earbud from a source device and transmit the audio data to the secondary electronic device through the output device interface. 
     In various implementations, the case for storing an earbud according to embodiments disclosed herein can include one or more of the following features. The case can further include a lid attached to the housing and operable between a closed position where the lid conceals the earbud within the case and an open position that allows a user to remove the earbud from the case. The connector can include a plurality of contacts including one or more data contacts that are configured to electrically couple to the output device so as to output the media data received by the wireless radio of the earbud to the output device and at least one power contact configured to receive power from a power source. The earbud interface can include an earbud connector having at least one contact that is positioned to operatively couple to the earbud when the earbud is received in the receptacle to provide power to the earbud. 
     In some implementations, the audio or media data is received from a source device paired with the earbud and circuitry within the case is configured to send an identification signal to the source device via the wireless radio of the earbud. The identification signal is then usable by the source device to update an indicator on the source device to reflect that the earbud is received in the receptacle and that media data is being transmitted to the output device. 
     In some embodiments a case for an in-ear speaker device having a wireless radio for receiving media data is provided. The case can include: a housing having a receptacle configured to receive the in-ear speaker device; a device interface coupled to the receptacle to provide an electrical interface between the in-ear speaker device and the case when the in-ear speaker device is received in the receptacle; a connector configured to electrically couple the case to an output device; and circuitry disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the device interface and the connector. The circuitry is configured to, when the in-ear speaker device is received in the receptacle, receive media data received by the wireless radio of the in-ear speaker device and transmit the media data to the output device through the connector. 
     In some implementations the in-ear speaker device can include an earbud or a pair of earbuds and the receptacle can include a cavity sized and shaped to receive the earbud or two cavities where each is sized and shaped to receive one of the earbuds in the pair. The case can also include a first sensor disposed within the housing and configured to detect when the in-ear speaker device is received in the receptacle; a second sensor disposed within the housing and configured to detect when the output device is coupled to the connector; and the circuitry can be configured to turn on the wireless radio when the first sensor detects the in-ear speaker device in the receptacle and the second sensor detects that the output device is coupled to the connector, and turn off the wireless radio when the first sensor detects the in-ear speaker device in the receptacle and the second sensor detects that no output device is coupled to the connector. 
     In some embodiments a method of using an earbud having a wireless receiver to play audio data on an external speaker is provided. The method includes storing the earbud in an earbud case having a receptacle sized and shaped to receive the earbud, an earbud interface coupled to the receptacle to provide an electrical interface between the earbud and the case when the earbud is received in the receptacle, and a connector configured to electrically couple the case to the external speaker; receiving audio data at the wireless receiver of the earbud while the earbud is stored in the receptacle of the earbud case; and transmitting the audio data from the earbud to the external speaker via the earbud interface and then the connector to play the audio data on the external speaker. 
     According to some embodiments, a case for an earbud having a first wireless radio is provided. The case includes: a housing having a receptacle configured to receive the earbud; a connector coupled to the housing and configured to electrically couple the case to a source device so as to receive an audio signal from the source device; a second wireless radio configured to transmit audio data to the first wireless radio; a power source disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to power the second wireless radio; and circuitry disposed within the housing and configured to establish a connection between the first wireless radio and the second wireless radio, receive the audio signal from the source device via the connector, and convert the audio signal into the audio data to be transmitted by the second wireless radio to the first wireless radio for output by the earbud. In various implementation, the housing of the case can include a first receptacle sized and shaped to receive a first earbud in a pair of earbuds and a second receptacle sized and shaped to receive a second earbud in the pair of earbuds. 
     In some embodiments an audio system is provided that includes an earbud and a case for storing and charging the earbud. The earbud can include a first wireless radio. The case can include: a housing having a receptacle configured to receive the earbud; a connector coupled to the housing and configured to electrically couple the case to a source device so as to receive an audio signal from the source device; a second wireless radio configured to transmit audio data to the first wireless radio; a power source disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to power the second wireless radio; and circuitry disposed within the housing. The circuitry is configured to: establish a connection between the first wireless radio and the second wireless radio, receive the audio signal from the source device via the connector, and convert the audio signal into the audio data to be transmitted by the second wireless radio to the first wireless radio for output by the earbud. 
     In some implementations the earbud is a first earbud in a pair of earbuds, the audio system further includes a second earbud in the pair of earbuds, and the housing of the case includes a first receptacle sized and shaped to receive the first earbud and a second receptacle sized and shaped to receive the second earbud. In some implementations the audio system can further include a controller, separate from the case and the earbud, that is operable to stop and start transmission of the audio data from the second wireless radio to the pair of earbuds. The controller can further include volume and/or playback that control the audio signal played by the first and second earbuds. Additionally, the case can further include a third receptacle sized and shaped to receive the controller. In some implementations, the third receptacle is disposed between the first and second receptacles. In some implementations the case further includes a lid coupled to the housing by a hinge, the lid being moveable between a closed position in which the lid covers encases the first and second earbuds and the controller within the case and an open position in which a user can remove one or more of the first and second earbuds or the controller from the case. The case further including a lid coupled to the housing by a hinge, the lid being moveable between a closed position in which the lid covers encases the first and second earbuds and an open position in which a user can remove one or more of the first and second earbuds from the case. 
     In some embodiments a case for a portable listening device having a first wireless radio is provided. The case can include: a housing having a receptacle configured to receive the portable listening device; a rechargeable case battery disposed in the housing; charging circuitry coupled to the rechargeable battery and the receptacle and configured to charge the portable listening device when the portable listening device is received in the receptacle; a memory disposed in the housing and configured to store audio data; a processor disposed in the housing and operably coupled to access audio data stored in the memory; and a second wireless radio operatively coupled to receive audio data from the processor and transmit the audio data to the first wireless radio to be output by the portable listening device. The case also include a user interface disposed at an exterior surface of the housing, the user interface including one or more controls that enable a user to stop and start the transmission of audio data from case to the portable listening device. 
     In various implementations the case may include one or more of the following features. The case further including a lid coupled to the housing by a hinge, the lid being moveable between a closed position in which the lid covers encases the first and second earbuds and an open position in which a user can remove one or more of the first and second earbuds from the case. The user interface can further include volume control inputs. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a case configured to hold a pair of earbuds and transmit media to a non-wireless output device according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a system level diagram of a case coupled to a pair of earbuds and an output device as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified illustration of a case transmitting audio wirelessly received from a source device to a non-wireless speaker as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing a method of charging a wireless listening device and transmitting media received by the wireless listening device with a case in according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of a case configured to hold a pair of wireless earbuds and transmit audio data to the wireless earbuds according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  is a top view of the case shown in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6  is a system level diagram of a case coupled to a pair of earbuds and a source device as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are simplified illustrations of the case of  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6  wirelessly transmitting audio to a pair of wireless earbuds; 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified illustration of the case of  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6  wirelessly transmitting audio received from a non-wireless source device to a pair of wireless earbuds; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing a method of managing charging and wireless transmission of audio from a case to a wireless listening device according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are front views of wireless controllers of a wireless listening device according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a system level diagram of a wireless controller of a wireless listening device as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . 
         FIG. 12  is a simplified illustration of a wireless controller wirelessly transmitting audio received from a non-wireless source device to a pair of wireless earbuds as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10B and 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a simplified illustration of a wireless controller wirelessly controlling audio transmission to a pair of wireless earbuds as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10B and 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a case for containing a portable wireless listening device, transmitting audio received by the portable wireless listening device to other devices, and/or transmitting audio received from other sources to the portable wireless listening device. While the present disclosure can be useful for a wide variety of portable wireless listening devices, some embodiments of the disclosure are particularly useful for portable wireless earbuds as described in more detail below. 
     For example, in some embodiments, a case is configured to house a pair of wireless earbuds and charge the earbuds when they are in the case. The case can have circuitry configured to receive media received by the wireless earbuds and transmit the media to a non-wireless output device such as a speaker electrically coupled to the case. The case can have sensors to detect if the wireless earbuds are in the case and to detect if an output device is connected to the case. The case circuitry can activate the wireless radio of the earbuds if the earbuds are detected and an output device is connected to allow transmission to the output device, and can deactivate the wireless radio of the earbuds if no output device is connected. 
     In another example, the case can have its own wireless radio that can wirelessly communicate audio to the earbuds if the earbuds are not in the case. In some embodiments, the case can have an input port to receive an audio signal from a non-wireless source device, and the case circuitry can convert the audio signal received from the non-wireless source device to an audio signal to be transmitted wirelessly to the earbuds. In some embodiments, the case can have its own memory to store audio data that can be transmitted wirelessly to the earbuds. In some examples, the case can have buttons to control playback and/or volume of audio transmitted to be output by the earbuds. In further examples, the case can be configured to receive and/or charge a wireless controller that controls playback and/or volume of audio output by the earbuds. 
     In order to better appreciate the features and aspects of cases for portable wireless listening devices according to the present disclosure, further context for the disclosure is provided in the following section by discussing several particular implementations of a case for a set of wireless earbuds according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The specific embodiments discussed are for example purposes only and other embodiments can be employed in other cases that can be used for other devices such as, but not limited to headsets, headphones, portable speakers and other devices. 
     As used herein, the term “portable listening device” includes any portable device designed to play sound that can be heard by a user, and thus, the term “portable wireless listening device” includes any wireless device designed to play sound that can be heard by a user. Headphones are one type of portable listening device, portable speakers are another. The term “headphones” represents a pair of small, portable listening devices that are designed to be worn on or around a user&#39;s head. They convert an electrical signal to a corresponding sound that can be heard by the user. Headphones include traditional headphones that are worn over a user&#39;s head and include left and right listening devices connected to each other by a headband, headsets (a combination of a headphone and a microphone), and earbuds (very small headphones that are designed to be fitted directly in a user&#39;s ear). Traditional headphones include both over-ear headphones (sometimes referred to as either circumaural or full-size headphones) that have ear pads that fully encompass a user&#39;s ears, and on-ear headphones (sometimes referred to as supra-aural headphones) that have ear pads that press against a user&#39;s ear instead of surrounding the ear. As used herein, the term “earbuds”, which can also be referred to as earphones or ear-fitting headphones, includes small headphones that fit within a user&#39;s outer ear facing the ear canal without being inserted into the ear canal; in-ear headphones, sometimes referred to as canal phones, that are inserted in the ear canal itself; and other small portable devices supported by, and that include a speaker fitted within, a portion of a user&#39;s ear. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an illustrative rendering of a case  100  for a pair of wireless earbuds according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Case  100  includes a housing  105  having one or more receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  configured to receive a pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . As shown in  FIG. 1 , receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  can be positioned adjacent to each other on opposite sides of a center plane of case  100 . Each receptacle  110   a ,  110   b  can be a cavity sized and shaped to match that of its respective earbud  115   a ,  115   b . For example, each receptacle  110   a ,  100   b  can include an elongated cylindrical portion that extends from a bud shaped portion at an upper surface  108  of the case towards a bottom  106  of case  100 . Embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to any particular shape, configuration or number of receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  and in other embodiments receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  can have different shapes, configurations and/or can be a single receptacle or more than two receptacles. 
     Case  100  further includes a lid  120  attached to housing  105  and operable between a closed position where lid  120  is aligned over one or more receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  fully enclosing pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  within the housing and an open position where the lid is displaced from the one or more receptacles such that a user can remove the earbuds from the receptacles or replace the earbuds within the receptacles. Lid  120  can be pivotably attached to housing  105  and can include one or more magnetic elements (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that, along with magnetic elements in housing  105  (also not shown in  FIG. 1 ), provide lid  120  with a bi-stable operation. Some embodiments of case  100  can also include a charging system  125  configured to charge pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b ; an output interface  135  configured to output media data received by the pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b ; and other features that are described in more detail below. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified illustration of a system  200  according to embodiments of the disclosure that includes case  100 , pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , a power source  205 , and an output device  285 . Earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be positioned within case  100  where they can be conveniently stored and charged. To facilitate charging, transmitting media, and other capabilities of case  100 , the case can include a case processor  210 , an earbud sensor  215 , a case battery  225 , case charging circuitry  227 , earbud charging circuitry  230 , output circuitry  255 , and output device sensor  260 . Case  100  also includes an earbud interface  245  that enables circuitry within case  100  to communication with and/or charge earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  via case transfer interface  280 , power source interface  250  that couples the case to power source  205 , such as an AC or DC power source, and output device interface  135  that couples the case to an output device  285 , such as a speaker or display. As one example, earbud interface  245  can include one or more contacts that electrically connect to corresponding contacts of case transfer interface  280  in each of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when the earbuds are received within cavities  110   a ,  110   b . The contacts enable case  100  and earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  to exchange data with each other and can also enable case  100  to charge the rechargeable battery within each earbud. 
     Case processor  210  can be configured to control various functions of case  100  as described in more detail below. Earbud sensor  215  detects when one or both of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are placed in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  (see  FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments there may only be one earbud sensor  215  that detects when one earbud  115   a ,  115   b  is placed within its respective receptacle  110   a ,  110  and initiates charging of both earbuds. In further embodiments there may be one earbud sensor  215  in each receptacle  110   a ,  110   b , while in yet further embodiments there may be one earbud sensor between the receptacles that detects when either earbud within its respective receptacle. In various embodiments case processor  210  or other circuitry can be coupled to earbud sensor  215  and can be configured to initiate charging of each earbud  115   a ,  115   b  when earbud sensor  215  detects one of the earbuds within receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) and cease charging when the earbuds are removed from the receptacles. In some embodiments earbud sensor  215  can be any type of mechanical or electrical switch, including but not limited to a momentary switch, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., hall effect) or an optical sensor. In some embodiments there is no case processor  210  and circuitry comprising various active and/or passive components is configured to perform the myriad functions described herein and attributed to the processor. 
     Case battery  225  provides power for the circuitry associated with case  100  and can be charged by power source  205  and enclosure charging circuitry  225  through power source interface  250 . Case battery  225  is also coupled to earbud interface  245  and can charge pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  (via case transfer interfaces  280 ) in conjunction with earbud charging circuitry  230 . In some embodiments charging system  125  (which can include any of the aforementioned sensors, processors, batteries, and circuitry used for charging the earbuds and/or the case) can be configured to charge pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  anytime they are positioned within receptacles  110   a ,  110   b , even though case  100  is not coupled to power source  205 . Thus, case  100  may be capable of charging pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  while the case is, for example, in a user&#39;s pocket as long as case battery  225  has sufficient charge. In various embodiments case battery  225  can be sealed within case  100 , while in some embodiments the case battery can be removable for servicing and/or replacement with another charged battery. Case processor  210  may additionally be coupled to case charging circuitry  227  that can control the charging of case battery  225  (e.g., control the voltage and current supplied to the battery to optimize the speed of charging and the life of the battery). In some embodiments case charging circuitry  227  can include a DC/DC converter, an AC/DC converter, battery voltage level monitoring circuitry and/or safety features to properly charge case battery  225 . 
     Similarly, in some embodiments case processor  210  can be coupled to earbud charging circuitry  230  that can control the charging of batteries within pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  (e.g., control the voltage and current supplied to the batteries to optimize the speed of charging and the life of the batteries). In various embodiments earbud charging circuitry  230  can include a DC/DC converter, battery voltage level monitoring circuitry and/or safety features to properly charge earbud batteries. 
     In some embodiments case processor  210  can communicate with pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  through an earbud interface  245  (and through case transfer interface  280  of either or both earbuds) and with power source  205  through a power source interface  250 . In various embodiments earbud interface  245  and power source interface  250  can be capable of carrying both power and data signals for single or bidirectional communication. For example, in some embodiments power source  205  can be a computing device that communicates with power source interface  250  through a USB interconnect or Lightning interconnect available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino Calif. The interconnect can provide DC current to case battery  225  for charging and can provide bidirectional communication between case processor  210  and the computing device. For example, in various embodiments power source  205  can transmit firmware updates to both case processor  210  and pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . Data communication between earbud interface  245  and case transfer interface  280  of each of the pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can use a similar communication protocol or any other protocol such as serial communications. In some embodiments, case processor  210  can be configured to receive media signals from earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  through earbud interface  245 . For example, earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can wirelessly receive media signals from a media player such as a smart phone, a portable audio device, a portable video device, and/or a laptop computer, and transmit the media signals received to the case processor  210  through earbud interface  245  for further processing and/or transmission as will be described in further detail below. Thus, in some embodiments, earbud interface  245  can include connectors with contacts that provide the necessary bandwidth capability in order to allow transmission of media signals such as digital audio signals or digital video signals from earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  to case processor  210 . 
     As noted above, each of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can include a wireless radio that enables the earbuds to wirelessly receive media signals from a media player, such as a smart phone, portable audio or video device, or laptop. In some embodiments, one of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be a primary earbud that pairs with a media player, receives the entire media signal from the media player with its wireless radio and transmits one channel of the media (e.g., the left or right channel, depending on which earbud is the primary earbud) to the other earbud&#39;s wireless radio. For example, if the primary earbud is the left earbud, it can pair with the media player, receive a signal needed to play media in stereo, transmit the signal for the right channel to the right earbud, and play the left channel so that the earbuds together play the media in stereo. In some embodiments one or more of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  include a radio that can also transmit an audio signal such as a microphone signal from one or more of the earbuds. In yet further embodiments, one or more of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can include a radio that can transmit communication signals that can command the receiving device to perform one or more functions such as, but not limited to, connect a phone call, disconnect a phone call, pause audio playback, fast forward or rewind audio playback or mute a microphone signal. The wireless radio can employ any short range, low power communication protocol such as Bluetooth, low power Bluetooth or other protocols. In some embodiments it can be desirable to turn off the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when they are received in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  to conserve power and efficiently charge earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . However, as noted above, in some embodiments, case  100  and the associated circuitry described herein can be configured to use the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  to receive media signals from any of the media players mentioned above and transmit them to an output device  285  coupled to case  100  through output device interface  135 . For example, when earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  receive media signals when they are within receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  of case  100 , case processor  210  can be configured to cause earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  to re-transmit the media data to case processor  210  rather than outputting the received data via speakers of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  as in normal operation thereof. In this way, devices such as speakers or video displays which may not otherwise be able to wirelessly receive audio or video to be output may effectively do so when coupled to case  100  with wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  disposed therein. 
     In some embodiments, case processor  210  can communicate with output device  285  through output device interface  135  and output circuitry  255 . As described above, case processor  210  can receive media signals received by earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  through earbud interface  245 . Upon receipt of media signals from earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , case processor  210  can use output circuitry  255  to process media signals and output the media signals to an output device  285  via output device interface  285 . Output circuitry  255  can include any suitable media processing circuitry including audio circuitry or video circuitry for processing media signals received from earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  to be output to output device  285 . For example, output circuitry  255  can be configured to convert the media signals received from earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  via earbud interface  245  to a suitable format for being output by device  285 . As described above, output device  285  can be any device configured to output media, such as audio or video data, including but not limited to audio speakers and video displays. In some embodiments, output device  285  can be an output device without a wireless radio such that it is not able, on its own, to wirelessly receive media to be output. Output device  285  can be configured to communicate with output device interface  135  through any interconnect for transmitting media signals, including but not limited to a Lightning interconnect available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., a USB interconnect, such as a USB Type-A connector, a micro USB connector, a USB Type-C connector, any other suitable interconnect, and/or any suitable combination thereof. 
     Case processor  210  can also be coupled to output device sensor  260 . Output device sensor  260  detects when an output device  285  is coupled to case  100  via output device interface  135 . In some embodiments, output device sensor  260  can detect when an output device  285  is powered on and/or able to receive media from case  100 . In some embodiments output device sensor  260  can detect the type of output device  285  coupled to case  100  and transmit information indicative of the type of output device  285  to case processor  210 . In various embodiments case processor  210  or other circuitry can be configured to power on the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  and/or initiate transmission of media to output device  285  when output device sensor  260  detects an output device  285  coupled to output device interface  135 , and can be configured to power off the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  (and any other components used for transmission of media to output device  285 ) and cease transmission of media via output circuitry when output device sensor  260  does not detect an output device  285  coupled to output device interface  135 . In some embodiments output device sensor  260  can be any type of mechanical or electrical switch, including but not limited to a momentary switch, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., hall effect) or an optical sensor. In some embodiments there is no case processor  210  and circuitry comprising various active and/or passive components is configured to perform myriad functions described herein and attributed to the processor. 
     In some embodiments case processor  210  can also be coupled to one or more user input devices  240 . One such user input device  240  can be a button or other type of input that, in response to receiving the user input, processor  210  sends a signal to the earbuds via earbud interface  245  to place the wireless radios within pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  into a pairing or other mode. For example, in various embodiments the wireless radios used by pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be a Bluetooth or other radio system that requires a pairing sequence to establish communication between the pair of earbuds and a wireless transmitter in an electronic device. More specifically, in some embodiments user can depress a pairing button located on case  100  that notifies case processor  210  to communicate to pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  via interface  245  to enter a pairing mode. In some embodiments pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be required to be within receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) to enter the pairing mode while in other embodiments they may not need to be within the receptacles. 
     In some embodiments, case processor  210  can be configured to send an identification signal to the media device transmitting media to earbuds that can be used to update an indicator on the media device that indicates what the media device is paired to. For example, when output device sensor detects the type of output device coupled to case  100  via output device interface  135 , and/or when media is being transmitted to output device interface  135 , case processor  210  can send a signal to the media device via one of the wireless radios of the pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  that can change an indicator on the media device to reflect that the media device is transmitting to the output device via case  100 . For example, if case  100  is transmitting audio received from media device to a speaker dock, media device can be updated to indicate that it is paired to the speaker dock via the case. 
     Referring back to the pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  in  FIG. 2 , they can each have one or more inputs  265 , internal components  270  and one or more outputs  275 . In some embodiments one or more inputs  265  can be a microphone input and one or more buttons or sensors that register a user&#39;s touch. In various embodiments a capacitive sensor can be used as an input  265  and can be used, for example, to answer a call or command pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  to enter a pairing mode that can be indicated by a light on the pair of earbuds. In various embodiments one or more internal components  270  can be a speaker, a microphone, a wireless radio, a rechargeable battery and in some cases a processor. In various embodiments one or more outputs  275  can be audio from a speaker, media signals from wireless radio as described above, and a light or other indicator. In some embodiments the light can indicate an incoming call, a battery charge level, a pairing mode or other function. 
     Although output device interface  135  and power source interface  250  are described and depicted as separate components in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, output interface  135  and power source interface  250  can be part of a single interconnect system having a single connector (e.g., a single Lightning connector). When output interface  135  and power source interface  250  are part of a single interconnect system, the single connector can receive power from a power source within output device  285  while concurrently transmitting media data (e.g., a stream of audio data) to the output device. In some embodiments, additional sensors (not shown) can be employed to determine whether a power source  205  or output device  285  is coupled to the interface so as to effectively route power to charge earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  or case battery  225  and/or to transmit media to an output device  285 . 
       FIG. 3  is a simplified illustration of case  100  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  transmitting audio wirelessly received from a source device to a non-wireless speaker. As described above, embodiments of case  100  can utilize the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  to receive media data from a media player and transmit the media data to be output by an output device coupled to case  100 .  FIG. 3  shows an example wherein a speaker  385  outputs audio received from a media player  305 . Speaker  385  can be an audio speaker device traditionally used to “dock” a media player such as a smart phone or a personal music player via connector  310 . In some embodiments, connector  310  can be a Lightning connector available from Apple Incorporated of Cupertino, Calif. While speaker  385  may traditionally require a physical connection with a media player (such as media player  305 ) via connector  310  in order to receive and output audio from the media player, it can be seen that when wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are disposed in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) of case  100  and connector  310  is coupled to interface  135  of case  100 , speaker  385  can output audio from media player  305  without a physical connection thereto. Specifically, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , if wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are paired to receive audio from media player  305  via the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when received in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  of case  100 , the audio received can be transmitted via earbud interface  245  to case processor  210 . Case processor  210  can then transmit the audio to be processed by output circuitry  255  and transmitted to output device  285  (in this case speaker  385 ) via output device interface  135 . Speaker  385  can then output the audio as shown in  FIG. 3  via its speakers. Although  FIG. 3  illustratively shows case  100  coupled to and transmitting audio to speaker  385 , it will be understood that case  100  can be coupled to and transmit media to any suitable output device  285  in substantially the same way. For example, rather than a speaker device outputting audio, case  100  can be coupled to a video display device. In this example, wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be configured to wirelessly receive video data from media player  305  and transmit this video data to case processor  210  via earbud interface  245 , which can then transmit the video to be processed by output circuitry  255  and output to the video display device via output device interface  135 . 
     As described above, case  100  can both charge earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  and transmit media received by the earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b . Since case  100  and earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can have rechargeable batteries with limited life, and since it may be desirable to use case  100  to transport earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  without power source  205  connected thereto, it may be desirable to efficiently control both charging and powering of components.  FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing a method  400  of charging a wireless listening device and transmitting media received by the wireless listening device with a case according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the order of the steps can be switched, some of the steps can be combined, and/or some of the steps can be optional. The flowchart of  FIG. 4  is one example of the method and is not intended to be limiting. Thus, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other operation(s) disclosed in this application can be used instead of those shown in  FIG. 4 . The steps will now be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     At step  410 , case processor  210  can determine whether earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in case  100 . In some embodiments, earbud sensor  215  can detect whether one or both of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  of case  100  as described above and relay this information to case processor  210 . If it is determined at step  410  that neither of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b , no action may be taken and the process can end until such time as any earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are detected. In some embodiments, if it is determined at step  410  that neither of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b , case  100  can disable any electrical components of case  100  that can be drawing power from case battery  225  so as to conserve battery  225 . In some embodiments, case processor  210  can charge case battery  225  when earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are not detected in case  100 . For example, if power source  205  is coupled to case  100 , case processor  210  can cause case charging circuitry  227  to charge case battery  225 . 
     If it is determined at step  410  that one or both of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in case  100 , case processor  210  can proceed to step  420 . At step  420 , case processor  210  can initiate charging of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . For example, if earbud sensor  215  detects one or both earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b , case processor  210  can cause earbud charging circuitry  230  to draw power from case battery  225  and/or power source  205  (if connected to case  100 ) to charge the batteries of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  via earbud interface  245 . In some embodiments, if power source  205  is coupled to case  100 , case processor  210  can cause case charging circuitry  227  to charge case battery  225 . Although not described in detail, it will be understood that case processor  210  can optimize charging of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  and/or case battery  225  using any suitable algorithm depending on the capacity and charge level of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  and case battery  225  and whether or not power source  205  is coupled to case. 
     At step  430 , case processor  210  can determine whether an output device  285  is attached to case  100  via output device interface  135 . In some embodiments, output device sensor  260  can detect whether an output device  285  is coupled to case  100  via output device interface  135  and relay this information to case processor  210 . If it is determined at step  430  that no output device  285  is attached to case  100  via output device interface  135 , case processor  210  can proceed to step  440 . At step  440 , case processor  210  can turn off the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . In some embodiments, case processor  210  can send a signal or signals to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  via earbud interface  245  to cause wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  to power off. In some embodiments, if no output device  285  is detected, case processor  210  can determine whether lid  120  is closed, and turn wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  off if lid  120  is closed. For example, case  100  can have lid sensors to detect if lid  120  is closed. It will be understood that when no output device  285  is connected to case  100  and earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are in case  100  (i.e., not being used to listen to audio) and the lid  120  is closed, the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  may not be needed, and turning them off can conserve the batteries of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , and case battery  225 , and allow for more efficient charging. Although depicted in  FIG. 4  as the “end” of the process, it will be understood that case processor  210  can continue to charge earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  (and case battery  225  to the extent that power source  205  is coupled to case  100 ) after turning off the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  at step  440  as necessary, and until any output device  285  is thereafter detected by output device sensor  260 . 
     If it is determined at step  430  that an output device  285  is coupled to case  100  via output device interface  135 , and if wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are not already on, case processor  210  can turn on the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  at step  450 . In some embodiments, case processor  210  can send a signal or signals to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  via earbud interface  245  to cause wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  to power on so as to receive media from a media player as described above. Although in some embodiments, case processor  210  can automatically turn on wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when an output device  285  is detected, in other embodiments, case processor  210  may only turn on wireless radios in response to a user input. For example, case processor  210  may only turn on wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  if the user presses a button to do so. In some embodiments, an indicator light can be provided on the case that indicates whether the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a  and/or  115   b  are on or off in order to facilitate such user control. In further embodiments, case processor  210  may only turn on wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when output device is powered on and able to output media received from case  100 . For example, output device sensor  260  can electrically or otherwise detect when output device is powered on and case processor  210  may only turn on wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when output device is powered on. 
     Although described above as turning on wireless radios of both earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , in some embodiments, the wireless radio of only one of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be turned on and/or the wireless radio of the second of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be turned off or remain off at step  450 . For example, as described above, while both earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can have wireless radios, one of earbud  115   a ,  115   b  can be the primary earbud that receives media from a source media device and transmits one channel of the media to the other earbud. Accordingly, in some embodiments, case processor  210  may only turn on the wireless radio of the primary earbud of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  at step  450 , since this wireless radio alone can transmit media to an output device as described below. 
     Although described above as turning on one or both of the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , it will be understood that in some embodiments, the wireless radios can already be turned on when received in case  100 . For example, in some embodiments, the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can generally be powered on when outside of the case, and case processor  210  can instruct the earbuds to turn the wireless radios off to save power when earbuds  115   a  and  115   b  are put in case  100  and lid  120  is closed. According to some embodiments, however, when case is coupled to an output device  285 , case processor  210  can keep one or both of the wireless radios powered on, even if lid  120  is closed. Thus, the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  may be able to continue to receive media from the media device and transmit the media to be played by the output device as will be described below. 
     Once it is determined that earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are in case  100  (at step  410 ), that output device is attached to case and/or powered on (at step  430 ), and one or more of the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are accordingly powered on or maintained on (at step  450 ), earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  may be free to receive media data from a media player paired to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  as described above. For example, if earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are paired to a smart phone playing music, one or more of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can receive an audio signal with the music from the smart phone via wireless radios of the earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . As a further example, if earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are paired to a tablet device outputting video, one or more of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can receive video data from the tablet device via wireless radios of the earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . However, as described above, rather than outputting the received data via speakers of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , when earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are within receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  of case  100 , earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be configured to send media data to case processor  210 . 
     At step  460 , case processor  210  can receive media data received by earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  from wireless radios via earbud interface  245 . For example, if earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are paired to a smart phone currently playing or otherwise outputting music, case processor  210  can receive audio data associated with the music from earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  via earbud interface  245 . As a further example, if earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are paired to a tablet device outputting video, case processor  210  can receive video data associated with the video from earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  via earbud interface  245 . 
     At step  470 , case processor  210  can transmit the media data received from the wireless radio of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  to output device  285 . As described above, step  470  can include case processor  210  causing the media data received to be processed by output circuitry as necessary to be transmitted and/or output by output device  285 . In some embodiments, case processor  210  can transmit media data to output device  285  via output device interface  135 . 
     At step  480 , output device  285  can output the media data received from case processor  210  to be consumed by the user. For example, if output device  285  is an audio speaker, output device  285  can play audio for the user. As another example, if output device  285  is a display screen, output device  285  can play video for the user. As described above, output device  285  can be any suitable media output device for outputting audio, video, or other media data. In some embodiments, output device  285  may not include a wireless radio. Thus, it can be seen that the use of the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  in conjunction with case  100  and an output device  285  without its own wireless radio can increase usage of output device  285  to effectively receive and output media from a media device not physically connected to output device  285  thereby increasing the flexibility of output device  285 . 
     While a variety of devices that can wirelessly transmit audio to wireless listening devices such as wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  exist, in some instances, users may want to limit the size and quantity of components needed to use wireless listening devices. For example, when a user is exercising, the user might not want to bring a large smart phone or personal music device to transmit music to their wireless earbuds. Furthermore, in some instances, users may encounter source devices that are not compatible with their wireless listening devices and may have to replace the wireless listening devices with wired listening devices or bring along wired adapters that may be cumbersome and/or easy to lose. A case that can both house the wireless earbuds for transport and wirelessly transmit audio data to the wireless earbuds is discussed with reference to  FIGS. 5-8  according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 5A  is a side view of a case configured to hold a pair of wireless earbuds and transmit audio data to the wireless earbuds according to embodiments of the disclosure. As can be seen in  FIG. 5A , case  500  can be similar to case  100  in a number of respects. For ease of reference, it will be understood that like numbered components can be substantially similar to previously referenced components except as otherwise stated. To avoid redundancy, such previously referenced components will not be discussed in detail. It can be seen with reference to  FIG. 5A  that in addition to components already discussed with respect to case  100 , case  500  can include wireless radio  510  (including an antenna), memory  515 , and radio battery  520  disposed within housing  505 , and audio controls  525  and source device interface  530  disposed or integrated with housing  505 . Additionally, case  500  can also have an additional receptacle  535  in which a controller  540  can be received as will be discussed in further detail below. 
       FIG. 5B  is a simplified top view of case  500  with lid  120 , earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , and controller  540  removed for ease of reference. As can be seen in  FIG. 5B , receptacles  110   a  and  110   b  can have a circular cross section for receiving cylindrical portions of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . As can also be seen in  FIG. 5B , charging system  125  can be disposed directly below receptacles  110   a ,  110   b , and  535  to facilitate charging of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , and controller  540 . Given the geometry of the bud portions of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  (i.e. the non-cylindrical portions of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b ), it can be seen that the spaces adjacent to receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  can be used to place additional battery  520 , wireless radio  510 , and memory  515 . As depicted in  FIG. 5B , area  550  located centrally within housing can include additional components and circuitry of case  500  (for example, components to be described below with reference to  FIG. 6 ). It will be understood that while the aforementioned components are depicted in particular areas of case  500  in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , such locations may simply be illustrative and components can be arranged in any suitable manner in accordance with embodiments with the disclosure. 
       FIG. 6  is a simplified illustration of a system  600  according to embodiments of the disclosure that includes case  500 , pair of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , a power source  205 , and a source device  615 . Although not shown in  FIG. 6 , it will be understood that system  600  can also include controller  540  and associated charging circuitry and interfaces in case  500 . As with  FIGS. 5A-5B , like numbered components can be substantially similar to previously referenced components except as otherwise stated. To avoid redundancy, such previously referenced components will not be discussed in detail. 
     In some embodiments, case  500  can include its own wireless radio  510  and memory  515  which may allow case  500  to act as a standalone media player that wirelessly transmits audio to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are removed from case  500 . Wireless radio  510  can be coupled to case processor  210 , and as with wireless radios previously described with respect to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , wireless radio  510  can employ any short range, low power communication protocol such as Bluetooth, low power Bluetooth or other protocols. In some embodiments, wireless radio  510  may enable case  500  to both receive and transmit audio signals. In some embodiments, case  500  can include radio battery  520  dedicated to power wireless radio  510  to avoid depleting case battery  225  when no power source  205  is coupled to case  500 . In other embodiments no additional radio battery  520  is included within the case and case battery  225  can power the wireless radio. For example, case battery  225  can have an increased capacity (relative to that of case  100 , e.g.) to account for power demands of wireless transmission of audio to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . Wireless radio  510  can be configured to pair with earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . In some embodiments, wireless radio  510  can pair with wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  of case  500 . In some embodiments, wireless radio  510  can automatically pair with wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  of case  500 . For example, when earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  of case  500  (for example when earbud sensors  215  detect earbuds  115   a ,  115   b ), case processor  210  can send a signal via wireless radio  510  or earbud interface  245  to initiate pairing between wireless radio  510  of case  500  and the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . In other embodiments, wireless radio  510  can pair with wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  in response to a user input such as a pairing button that causes case processor  210  to send a signal via wireless radio  510  or earbud interface  245  to initiate pairing between wireless radio  510  of case  500  and the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . In some embodiments, wireless radio  510  can be configured to simultaneously pair with multiple sets of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , other wireless listening devices, and/or a combination thereof. For example, wireless radio  510  can be configured to transmit the same audio to two or more sets of wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  simultaneously. 
     Case processor  210  of case  500  can also be coupled to memory  515 , which can comprise any suitable type of memory for storing data including audio data downloaded or otherwise received from a source device, such as a smart phone, a computer or the like. Thus, case processor  210  can be able to access audio data stored within memory  515  and transmit associated audio data via wireless radio  510  to be output by earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . In some embodiments, audio data to be stored in memory  515  can be received by case processor  210  via wireless radio  510 . In other embodiments, audio data to be stored in memory  515  can be received by case processor  210  via a wired connection through power source interface  250 , as described above with respect to firmware updates of case  100 . As described above, case  500  can also have user inputs  525  coupled to case processor  210 , including controls that can pause or play audio playback, fast forward or rewind audio playback, and adjust the volume of playback by earbuds  115   a ,  115   b.    
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are simplified illustrations of a case as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  transporting wireless earbuds and wirelessly transmitting audio to the earbuds. As can be seen in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , case  500  along with wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  may allow a user to have a compact and low cost alternative for media playback in a single package. As shown in  FIG. 7A , case  500  may allow the user to transport earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  in a convenient manner, and as shown in  FIG. 7B , when desired, earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be removed from case  500  and play audio stored in case  500  while being controlled using controls  525 . Thus, a user may not need to carry a smart phone or other bulky media device in order to use wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  for media playback. This may be particularly desirable during exercise outside or at a gym, for example, when a user only needs a limited amount of media for playback. 
     In addition to acting as a standalone media player as described above, case  500  can also act to transmit audio to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  from non-wireless devices, as will be further discussed with reference to  FIGS. 5A, 6, and 8 . As noted above and depicted in  FIGS. 5A and 6 , case  500  can include a source device interface  530 . Source device interface  530  can be configured to couple case  500  to a source device  615  so as to receive an audio signal from the source device  615 . In some embodiments, source device interface  530  can be any suitable audio interface, such as a standard male audio jack (i.e., a TRS connector with two, three, four or five ring contacts) that can be received in a female audio port of a source device, a standard female audio jack that can receive a standard auxiliary cable coupled to an audio port of a source device, or any other standard audio interface. Source device  615  can include any device that outputs audio, and in many cases, can be a device without wireless transmission capabilities. For example, source device  615  can include traditional in-flight entertainment audio systems, audio systems incorporated into exercise equipment such as treadmills, and/or portable audio devices without wireless transmission capabilities. Since, in some cases, source device  615  can output analog audio signals, case  500  can include an analog-to-digital-converter (ADC) and associated circuitry  620  coupled to source device interface and/or case processor. ADC  620  can be configured to receive analog audio from source  615  and convert it into digital audio. Once converted, the digital audio can then be transmitted by case processor  210  to wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  via wireless radio  510 . Thus, it can be seen that case  500  may allow an analog device without wireless transmission capabilities to be used with wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  without the need for any wires. 
     It may be desirable to wirelessly transmit audio from a source device  615  simultaneously to two or more wireless listening devices. For example, two or more users may each want to personally listen to audio from a source device  615  to keep the audio private and/or allow each of the users flexibility to move to separate areas remote from the source device  615 . In some embodiments, when case  500  is coupled to a source device  615 , it can pair to multiple sets of wireless listening devices (e.g., two sets of wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b ), and case processor  210  can transmit the audio received from source device  615  to the multiple sets of paired wireless listening devices. For example, if multiple users are viewing video output from a source device that has an audio output port, but they would each like to listen to the corresponding audio using personal listening devices (such as wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  or other wireless listening devices) the users can couple case  500  to the audio port of source device  615  via source device interface  530 . Case processor  210  can receive audio from source device  615 , process the audio if necessary as described above, and transmit the audio wirelessly to each set of wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  (or other wireless listening devices paired to case  500 ). Thus, case processor  210  can act as a virtual splitter to send audio to multiple wireless listening devices. 
     Case processor  210  of case  500  can also be coupled to source device sensor  625 . Source device sensor  625  can be similar to output device sensor  260  described above with respect to case  100 , except it can detect a source device from which audio can be received rather than an output device to which media can be transmitted. Source device sensor  625  detects when a source device  615  is coupled to case  500  via source device interface  530 . In some embodiments, source device sensor  625  can detect when a source device  615  is powered on and/or transmitting audio that can be transmitted to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . In some embodiments source device sensor  615  can detect the type of source device  615  coupled to case  500  and transmit information indicative of the type of source device  615  to case processor  210 . In various embodiments case processor  210  or other circuitry can be configured to power on the wireless radio  510  and/or initiate transmission of audio from source device  615  to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when source device sensor  615  detects a source device  615  coupled to source device interface  530 , and can be configured to power off the wireless radio  510  (and any other components used for transmission of audio from source device  615 ) and cease transmission of audio via ADC circuitry when source device sensor  625  does not detect a source device  615  coupled to source device interface  530 . In some embodiments source device sensor  625  can be any type of mechanical or electrical switch, including but not limited to a momentary switch, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., hall effect) or an optical sensor. 
       FIG. 8  is a simplified illustration of the case of  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6  wirelessly transmitting audio received from a non-wireless source device to a pair of wireless earbuds. Specifically,  FIG. 8  shows a source device  615  coupled to case  500  via source device interface  530 . Source device  615  shown in  FIG. 8  is a traditional in-flight audio system that has a standard audio port  805  which can receive standard male audio jack  530  of case  500  so as to transmit audio being output by source device  615  to case  500 . As can be seen, case  500  can process and transmit the audio received from source device  615  to be output by earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  using wireless radio  510  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ). As such, wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be used in a situation in which they may not otherwise have been used without a wired connection. Although a traditional in-flight audio system is depicted in  FIG. 8 , it will be understood that any suitable source device  615  can be used in substantially the same way in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. 
     As described above, case  500  can both charge earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in receptacles and transmit audio to the earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  when earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are removed from receptacles  110   a ,  110   b . Since case  500  and earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can have rechargeable batteries with limited life, and since it may be desirable to use case  500  to transport earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  without power source  205  connected thereto, it may be desirable to efficiently control both charging and powering of components.  FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing a method  900  of managing charging and wireless transmission of audio from a case to a wireless listening device according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the order of the steps can be switched, some of the steps can be combined, and/or some of the steps can be optional. The flowchart of  FIG. 9  is one example of the method and is not intended to be limiting. Thus, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other operation(s) disclosed in this application can be used instead of those shown in  FIG. 9 . The steps will now be described with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
     At step  905 , case processor  210  can determine whether earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in case  500 . In some embodiments, earbud sensor  215  can detect whether one or both of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in receptacles  110   a ,  110   b  of case  500  as described above and relay this information to case processor  210 . If it is determined at step  905  that one or both of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are received in case  500 , case processor  210  can proceed to step  910 . At step  910 , case processor  210  can turn off wireless radio  510  of case  500 . It will be understood that wireless radio  510  may not be needed if earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are in case  500 . Thus, turning off wireless radio  510  in this situation can preserve batteries  520 , and/or  225 . After turning off wireless radio  510 , case processor can proceed to initiate charging of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  at step  915 . This may continue until earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are fully charged or until they are otherwise taken out of the case. If it is determined at step  905  that earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  are not in case  500 , case processor can proceed to step  920 . 
     At step  920 , case processor  210  can determine whether a source device is connected to case  500 . For example, as described above, source device sensor  625  can detect whether a source device  615  is coupled to case  500  via source device interface  530 . In some embodiments, source device sensor  625  can detect when a source device  615  is powered on and/or transmitting audio that can be transmitted to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . If source device sensor  625  does not detect a source device  615  coupled to case  500 , or if source device detects that a source device  615  coupled to case  500  is not powered on or is not transmitting audio, case processor  210  can proceed to step  925  and turn of wireless radio  510  of case  500  to preserve the batteries  520  and/or  225  of case  500 . Since case  500  may not need to perform any electrical operations, case processor  210  can also turn off any other additional components unnecessarily drawing power and the process may “end” until a source device  615  and transmission of audio thereby is detected. If it is determined at step  920  that source device  615  is connected, powered on, and transmitting audio, case processor  210  can proceed to step  930 . 
     At step  930 , if wireless radio  510  of case  500  is not already on, case processor  210  can turn wireless radio  510  on to facilitate transmission of audio received from source device  615  to earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . As described above, once wireless radio  510  is on, it can pair with earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  automatically or upon user input. 
     At step  935 , which in some embodiments can happen concurrently with step  930 , case processor  210  can receive an audio signal from source device  615  via source device interface  530 . Once wireless radio  510  is paired with wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  and an audio signal is received via source device interface, case processor  210  can proceed to step  940  and/or  945 . As described above, the audio signal received from source device  615  can be analog in some embodiments. In such case, the analog audio signal is first converted into a digital signal by ADC circuitry  620  at step  940  before case  500  can wirelessly transmit the audio signal to the earbuds. Once the digital signal is obtained (either received directly in step  935  or via a converted analog signal in step  940 ), case processor can proceed to step  945 . At step  945 , case processor  210  can transmit the converted digital signal via wireless radio  510  to the wireless radios of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , which can then output the audio via speakers of the earbuds to the user at step  950 . 
     In addition to cases as described herein, it can be desirable to have increased control of audio playback when using wireless listening devices such as earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . In some embodiments, a controller that can wirelessly control playback during use of earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  is provided. As previously described with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5B , controller  540  can also be receivable in cases described herein, for example, within receptacle  535 .  FIGS. 10A and 10B  are front views of alternate embodiments of wireless controllers of a wireless listening device according to embodiments of the disclosure, and  FIG. 11  is a system level diagram of the wireless controller shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . As can be seen in  FIGS. 10A-10B  and  FIG. 11 , wireless controller  540  can include a housing  1000 A or  1000 B with volume controls  1010  and  1015  and playback controls  1020  disposed thereon. Additionally, wireless controller  540  can include a clip mechanism  1030  that can be used to releasably attach controller  540  to an article associated with a user. For example, clip mechanism  1030  can clip controller  540  to a shirt of the user to provide easy access to controller  540  during use of wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . With reference to  FIG. 11 , it can be seen that controller  540  can include a processor  1105  which can be coupled to a wireless radio  1110 , battery  1115 , user inputs  1120  (which can include volume controls  1010 ,  1015  and playback controls  1020 ), and a power source interface  1135  which may allow controller to be coupled to a power source  205  in order to charge battery  1115 , for example. As described above with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5B , controller  540  can be configured to be charged by charging system  125  of case  500  when controller  540  is received in receptacle  535  of case  500 . Wireless radio  1110  of controller  540  can be configured to communicate with wireless radios described herein, including those of cases  100  and  500 , earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , and/or any of the media players described herein. For example, wireless radio  1110  can be configured to send commands to control playback and/or volume of media being played on earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  based on input received via user inputs  1120 . 
     In addition to control of playback of media on earbuds  115   a ,  115   b , in some embodiments, controller  540  can also include a source device interface similar to that of case  500  described above, which allows controller  540  to couple to a source device  615  to receive audio therefrom. As with source device interface  530  of case  500 , the source device interface can be coupled to ADC circuitry  1125  and source device sensor  1130  which are in turn coupled to processor  1105 . As with source device interface  530  of case  500 , the source device interface can be any suitable audio interface, such as a standard male audio jack that can be received in a female audio port of a source device, a standard female audio jack that can receive a standard auxiliary cable coupled to an audio port of a source device, or any other standard audio interface. For example, in one embodiment shown in  FIG. 10A , a source device interface  1005 A can be a standard male audio jack which has a detachable cap  1025  for protecting interface  1005 A when not in use. In another embodiments shown in  FIG. 10B , a source device interface  1005 B can be a standard female audio jack that can receive a standard auxiliary cable coupled to an audio port of a source device. In still other embodiments, the source drive interface can include both male and female connectors. As with ADC Circuitry  620  of case  500 , ADC Circuitry  1125  can be configured to receive analog audio from source  615  and convert it into digital audio. Once converted, the digital audio can then be transmitted by processor  1105  to wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  via wireless radio  1110 . Thus, it can be seen that as with case  500 , controller  540  can allow an analog device without wireless transmission capabilities to be used with wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  without the need for any wires. As can be understood, controller  540  may be particularly convenient in this respect since it may be less cumbersome to carry than even case  500 . 
       FIG. 12  is a simplified illustration of a wireless controller wirelessly transmitting audio received from a non-wireless source device to a pair of wireless earbuds as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10B and 11 . Specifically,  FIG. 12  is similar to  FIG. 8 , except that it shows a source device  615  coupled to controller  540 A rather than case  500  via source device interface  1005 A. As with  FIG. 8 , source device  615  shown in  FIG. 12  is a traditional in-flight audio system that has a standard audio port  1205  which can receive standard male audio jack  1005 A of controller  540 A so as to transmit audio being output by source device  615  to controller  540 A. As can be seen, controller  540 A can process and transmit the audio received from source device  615  to be output by earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  using wireless radio  1110  (not shown in  FIG. 12 ). As such, wireless earbuds  115   a ,  115   b  can be used in a situation in which they may not otherwise have been used without a wired connection. Although a traditional in-flight audio system is depicted in  FIG. 12 , it will be understood that any suitable source device  615  can be used with controller  540 A in substantially the same way in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 13  is a simplified illustration of a wireless controller wirelessly controlling audio transmission to a pair of wireless earbuds as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10B and 11 . As described above, controller  540  can be releasably attached to a shirt pocket  1310  or other article of clothing of a user  1305  via clip  1030  for easy access to control audio being played on earbuds  115   a ,  115   b . It can be seen that controller  540  can provide the advantage of avoiding cumbersome wires typically required for inline controllers of wired earbuds, but still be attached to the user to maintain easy access and avoid losing controller  540 . 
     In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the disclosure, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the disclosure, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction. The specific details of particular embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the disclosure. Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as “bottom or “top” and the like may be used to describe an element and/or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as a “bottom” surface may then be oriented “above” other elements or features. The device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170907
Publication Date: 20180417
Grant Date: 20180417
Priority Date: 20160923
Inventors: MINOO, JAHAN C.
PANECKI, LEE M.
RICH, ZACHARY C.
RYAN, PATRICK T.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1091", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/09", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/09", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1041", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1041", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2460/17", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2460/17", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W84/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W84/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/80", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1041", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1091", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 61685959