PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10469932-B2
Application Number: US-201715419240-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dual mode headphones and methods for constructing the same

Abstract:
Dual mode headphones, and methods for constructing the same are provided. Headphones can be connected to an electronic device to provide an audio output. The headphones can include a transducer or other component for providing sound waves at appropriate levels near a user&#39;s ear. To provide audio as a speaker, however, circuitry in the headphones can include a powered amplifier that may be selectively used. The headphones can be moved between a first, in-ear position and a second, speaker position. A sensor in the headphones can detect the current position of the headphones, and can change the mode of the circuit to correspond to the detected current position. For example, the sensor can change between an in-ear mode in which the amplifier is bypassed and a speaker mode in which the amplifier is powered and used. In some cases, the headphones can include a sensor for preventing the speaker mode when the headphones are positioned near a user&#39;s ears.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An audio output component comprising:
 a body comprising: 
 a band movable between a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration; and 
 a sound port coupled to the band; and 
 a circuit comprising: 
 a mechanical sensor that measures movement of a portion of the audio output component that articulates when the band transitions between the first stable configuration and the second stable configuration; 
 a transducer that converts electrical signals into sound that is output through the sound port; and 
 an amplifier coupled to the sensor and the transducer, wherein the circuit selectively uses the amplifier to amplify the electrical signals based on the measured movement of the portion of the band. 
 
     
     
       2. The audio output component of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit is at least partially provided within the body. 
     
     
       3. The audio output component of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit does one of the following based on the measured movement of the band from the first stable configuration to the second stable configuration:
 reduces the gain of the amplifier; or 
 bypasses the amplifier. 
 
     
     
       4. The audio output component of  claim 3 , wherein the circuit does one of the following based on the measured movement of the band from the second stable configuration to the first stable configuration:
 increases the gain of the amplifier; or 
 uses the amplifier to amplify the electrical signals. 
 
     
     
       5. The audio output component of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the sound port is coupled to an end of the band; 
 the body further comprises another sound port; and 
 the other sound port is coupled to another end of the band. 
 
     
     
       6. The audio output component of  claim 5 , wherein the circuit further comprises another transducer that converts other electrical signals into other sound that is output through the other sound port. 
     
     
       7. The audio output component of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the sound is output through a first surface of the sound port; 
 the other sound is output through a first surface of the other sound port; and 
 when the band is in the first stable configuration, the first surface of the sound port is oriented towards the first surface of the other sound port. 
 
     
     
       8. The audio output component of  claim 7 , wherein, when the band is in the second stable configuration, the first surface of the sound port is oriented away from the first surface of the other sound port. 
     
     
       9. The audio output component of  claim 5 , wherein, when the band is in the first stable configuration, the band is operative to hold the sound port against a first ear of a user and to hold the other sound port against a second ear of the user. 
     
     
       10. The audio component of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the band comprises a first outer surface and a second outer surface; 
 the first stable configuration comprises a first curved shape; 
 at least a portion of the first outer surface provides at least a portion of an interior of the first curved shape; and 
 at least a portion of the second outer surface provides at least a portion of an exterior of the first curved shape. 
 
     
     
       11. The audio component of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the second stable configuration comprises a second curved shape; 
 the at least a portion of the first outer surface provides at least a portion of an exterior of the second curved shape; and 
 the at least a portion of the second outer surface provides at least a portion of an interior of the second curved shape. 
 
     
     
       12. The audio component of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the band is operative to move elastically between the first stable configuration and the second stable configuration; and 
 the mechanical sensor is operative to deflect when the band moves elastically. 
 
     
     
       13. The audio component of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical sensor is operative to deflect when the body moves between the first stable configuration and the second stable configuration. 
     
     
       14. The audio component of  claim 13 , wherein the mechanical sensor comprises a cam actuation sensor that is operative to detect different amounts of deflection of the mechanical sensor. 
     
     
       15. An audio output component comprising:
 a body comprising: 
 a band movable between a first stable position and a second stable position; and 
 a sound port coupled to the band; 
 a mechanical sensor that measures movement of a portion of the body that articulates when the band moves between the first stable position and the second stable position; and 
 circuitry that outputs sound through the sound port, 
 wherein: 
 the circuitry outputs the sound through the sound port at a first volume in response to measurements from the mechanical sensor indicating the band is in the first stable position; and 
 the circuitry outputs the sound through the sound port at a second volume that is lower than the first volume in response to measurements from the mechanical sensor indicating the band is in the second stable position. 
 
     
     
       16. The audio output component of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the sound port is coupled to an end of the band; 
 the body further comprises another sound port; 
 the other sound port is coupled to another end of the band; 
 when the band is in the first stable position, a first surface of the sound port is oriented towards a first surface of the other sound port; and 
 when the band is in the second stable position, the first surface of the sound port is oriented away from the first surface of the other sound port. 
 
     
     
       17. The audio component of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the band comprises a first surface and a second surface; 
 when the band is in the first stable position, at least a portion of the band provides a first curved shape; 
 at least a portion of the first surface provides at least a portion of an interior of the first curved shape; 
 at least a portion of the second surface provides at least a portion of an exterior of the first curved shape; 
 when the band is in the second stable position, the at least a portion of the band provides a second curved shape; 
 the at least a portion of the first surface provides at least a portion of an exterior of the second curved shape; and 
 the at least a portion of the second surface provides at least a portion of an interior of the second curved shape. 
 
     
     
       18. An audio output component comprising:
 a body comprising: 
 a first sound port; 
 a second sound port; 
 a band extending between the first sound port and the second sound port, wherein the band is operative to snap between a first configuration and a second configuration; 
 a mechanical sensor that measures movement of a portion of the body that articulates when the band moves between the first configuration and the second configuration; and 
 circuitry operative to increase the volume of sound output from at least one of the first sound port and the 
 second sound port in response to measurements from the mechanical sensor indicating the body has snapped from the first configuration to the second configuration. 
 
     
     
       19. The audio output component of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the first sound port and the second sound port are oriented towards each other when the band is in the first configuration; and 
 the first sound port and the second sound port are oriented away from each other when the band is in the second configuration.

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/098,769, filed May 2, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,565,490), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices have become common place in our society. Users typically listen to content on their portable devices using headphones, although there are speakers available that can be connected to the portable devices to enable multiple users to listen in at the same time. This approach, however, may require a user to carry both a headphone and speakers, or may require the user to rely on speakers built into the device, which may not be as powerful or have as high a sound quality as external speakers. 
     SUMMARY 
     Dual mode headphones, and methods for constructing the same, are provided. The headphones can provide an audio output in two different modes of operation based on a user&#39;s use of the headphones. In particular, the headphones can provide audio directly to a user&#39;s ears in an in-ear mode, and can provide audio as speakers in a speaker mode. 
     The headphones can include a body providing a structure for the headphones. The body can include a sound port through which sound, generated by a transducer or speaker, can be output. The body can include an articulated or movable component coupled to the sound port, such that the body can be moved from a first position corresponding to a headphone (e.g., an in-ear position) to a second position corresponding to speakers (e.g., a speaker position). In the second position, the headphones can rest as speakers on a surface (e.g., such that the sound ports extend away from the surface to provide better sound output). 
     Because the headphones may need to provide a louder output in a speaker mode, the headphones can include an amplifier that may be used to amplify audio signals in the speaker mode. The amplifier can be bypassed or turned off in an in-ear mode. The user can enable the speaker mode, and thus make use of the amplifier, using different approaches. For example, a user can press an appropriate button. As another example, the headphones can detect that the body has been positioned in the speaker position, and automatically change to the speaker mode (e.g., change the mode of operation of a circuit of the headphones). 
     Different approaches can be used to determine the current position of the headphones. For example, the headphones can include a sensor operative to detect the movement or position of an articulated component of the body. Any suitable type of sensor can be used including, for example, a mechanical sensor, a photoresistive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a proximity sensor, an IR sensor, an ambient light sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a resistive sensor, a sensor detecting impedance or voltage changes due to a contact between the headphones and a user, or any suitable combination thereof. 
     To prevent injury to a user by outputting amplified audio while the headphones are near a user&#39;s ears, the headphones can include a sensor for detecting a distance between a user&#39;s ears and the headphones. For example, a sensor that detects contact between the headphones and the user can be provided. When the headphones detect that a user&#39;s ears are near speakers of the headphones, the headphones can automatically disable the speaker mode and enable the in-ear mode. The headphones can then bypass the amplifier, or reduce the gain of the amplifier to provide an audio output at a lower volume. To conserve resources, a power supply included in headphones for powering the amplifier can be turned off in the in-ear mode. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device having audio output circuitry to which an audio output component is coupled in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an illustrative circuit making use of an amplifier in a speaker mode for an audio output component in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an illustrative circuit making use of a LM386 audio amplifier IC in a speaker mode in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  show illustrative headphones in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 5A-5F  show illustrative headphones in speaker positions in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an illustrative circuit having a safety sensor for disabling the speaker mode of operation of the circuit in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for selectively enabling a speaker mode in headphones in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for disabling a speaker mode for safety reasons in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An electronic device can include audio output circuitry by which the device can output audio (e.g., provide a sound corresponding to played back media). The audio output circuitry can include an interface by which an external audio component can be connected to the electronic device to convert audio signals provided by the device to audible audio waves. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device having audio output circuitry to which an audio output component is coupled in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Device  100  can include audio output circuitry  110  operative to generate a signal corresponding to audio. For example, audio output circuitry  110  can receive information or data corresponding to a particular media item, and can de-multiplex, decode, or otherwise process the data to provide a signal that may be output. The signal generated by audio output circuitry  110  can be provided to output interface  112 , for example via one or more conductive paths within device  100 . 
     An audio signal provided to output interface  112  can be in turn transferred to audio output component  120  via path  122 . Interface  112  can include, for example, a connector operative to transfer signals. In some embodiments, interface  112  can include one or more of a 3.5 mm audio jack, a 2.5 mm audio jack, a USB connector, a Firewire connector, a 30-pin connector, or any other suitable type of connector. In some cases, interface  112  can include circuitry for wirelessly transmitting signals (e.g., Bluetooth circuitry). Path  122  can include a wired path, a wireless path, or a path that includes both wired and wireless portions. As the audio signal is transferred to audio output component  120 , the signal can be converted and output by a speaker as an audible sound. Properties of the audio output (e.g., particular media output, volume, or playback control) can be controlled by device  100 , by audio output component  120 , or both. 
     Device  100  can be coupled to any suitable type of audio output component  120 . For example, audio output component  120  can include a headphone or ear buds operative to provide audio directly to a user&#39;s ears. As another example, audio output component  120  can include powered speakers for providing audio beyond a user&#39;s ears. It may be desirable, however, to reduce the number of audio components  120  that a user must carry with him by providing, using a single audio output component  120 , audio directly to the user&#39;s ears (e.g., an in-ear mode) on the one hand and, audio to a larger region (e.g., a speaker mode) on the other hand. To provide audio to a larger region, however, audio output component  120  may need an embedded powered amplifier to increase the audio output when in speaker mode. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an illustrative circuit making use of an amplifier in a speaker mode for an audio output component in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Circuit  200  can include transducer  210  operative to convert audio signals to audible audio (e.g., sound waves). Transducer  210  can receive audio signals from music input  212 , which can correspond to an electronic device to which circuit  200  is coupled. For example, circuit  200  can be incorporated in a headphone, which is in turn connected (e.g., via a cable) to an electronic device from which media can be played back. 
     Circuit  200  can operate in at least two different modes of operation. In a first mode of operation or state, circuit  200  can operate as a headphone by which audio is provided at a limited level, directly into or near a user&#39;s ears (e.g., an in-ear mode). In a second mode of operation, circuit  200  can operate as a speaker by which audio is provided, via a powered amplifier at higher levels than in the in-ear mode (e.g., a speaker mode). To switch between modes of operation, circuit  200  can include sensor  220  coupled to amplifier  222 . When sensor  220  detects an input that corresponds to a speaker mode, sensor  220  can drive switch  224  to power built in amplifier  230 . Audio provided by music input  212  can then be routed through amplifier  230  to transducer  210 . 
     Amplifier  230  can be powered to increase the audio output provided by transducer  210 , for example to a level that corresponds to a speaker. Amplifier  230  can receive power from power supply  232 , which can include any suitable type of power supply. In some cases, power supply  232  can include batteries (e.g., rechargeable batteries), power from the device providing music input  212 , a solar power supply, a mechanical power supply (e.g., flywheels), or any other suitable power supply. 
     When sensor  220  detects an event that corresponds to an in-ear mode, sensor  220  can drive switch  224  to remove power from amplifier  230 . In addition, sensor  220  can bypass amplifier  230  using bypass  240 , so that audio from music input  212  goes directly to transducer  210 . Alternatively, sensor  220  can reduce the gain provided by amplifier  230 . 
     In some cases, the circuitry used to selectively power and make use of an amplifier can have additional elements, or some elements can be removed.  FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an illustrative circuit for making use of a LM386 audio amplifier IC in a speaker mode in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Circuit  300  can include some or all of the features of circuit  200 , described above ( FIG. 2 ). Circuit  300  can include speaker  310  for providing an audio output. Speaker  310  can directly receive an audio signal in an in-ear mode, or can instead receive an audio signal that was amplified by amplifier  330  (e.g., a LM386 audio amplifier IC) in a speaker mode. To selectively power and use amplifier  330 , circuit  300  can include switches  322  and  324 . When switch  322  is closed and switch  324  is open, amplifier  330  may be bypassed, which corresponds to the in-ear mode. When switch  322  is open and switch  324  is closed, amplifier  330  may be powered and used, which corresponds to the speaker mode. 
     Although in the examples of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , an amplifier is provided within the headphones, in some cases the headphones can make use of an amplifier that is not within the headphones. For example, the headphones can direct an audio output to be amplified by an amplifier that is included in an in-line switch of a wired headset. As another example, the headphones can make use of an amplifier of the electronic device. Based on a mode of operation of the headphones, the electronic device can provide audio at a level (e.g., amplified or not) that corresponds to the mode of operation. For example, a user can increase the volume of audio using the electronic device until the volume reaches a maximum corresponding to a headphone mode, and subsequently direct the device to further increase the volume, causing the headphones to switch to the speaker mode and the device to amplify the audio provided to the headphones. 
     A circuit for selectively using an amplifier in combination with a transducer can be provided in any suitable type of headphone. In particular, the headphones can include a body providing a structure or shape for the headphones, and a circuit providing electronic features (e.g., audio).  FIGS. 4A-4D  show illustrative headphones in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Headphone  400 , shown in  FIG. 4A , can include sound ports  410  and  412  each including a speaker and holes through which audio can be provided to a user. Sound ports  410  and  412  can be connected to each other via band  402 . A user can wear headphone  400  by positioning sound ports  410  and  412  over his ears such that band  402  rests against the top of the user&#39;s head. In some cases, band  402  can be adjustable to ensure that sound ports  410  and  412  are aligned with the user&#39;s ears. Sound ports  410  and  412  can, in some cases, be biased towards each other by band  402  so that the sound ports may press against the user&#39;s ears (e.g., to improve sound quality, or to ensure that headphone  400  remains properly positioned on the user&#39;s head). Sound ports  410  and  412  can be coupled to band  402  using any suitable approach. In some cases, headphone  400  can include connector  411  coupling sound port  410  to a first end of band  402 , and connector  413  connecting sound port  412  to a second end of band  402 . Each of connectors  411  and  413  can be articulated to allow sound ports  410  and  412  to move along one or more axes relative to band  402 . For example, connectors  411  and  413  can allow sound ports  410  and  412  to rotate around axis  403  extending tangent to an end of band  402 , or around axis  404  within a plane perpendicular to axis  403 . 
     Headphone  420 , shown in  FIG. 4B , can include an ear clip. In some cases, headphone  420  can include two symmetrical ear clips to be placed around each of a user&#39;s ears. Sound port  430 , which can include a speaker and other circuitry for providing an audio output, can include a substantially planar surface  432  operative to be placed adjacent to a user&#39;s ear. Planar surface  432  can include openings  434  through which sound generated by a speaker can propagate out of sound port  430 . Headphone  420  can include articulated arm  440  coupled to an end of sound port  430 . Articulated arm  440  can include a substantially curved shape extending from fixed end  442  coupled to sound port  430  to free end  444 . The particular shape of arm  440  can be selected to correspond to a user&#39;s ear. In this manner, sound port  430  can be placed against a user&#39;s ear, and arm  440  can be positioned behind the user&#39;s ear and rotated towards sound port  430  so that a portion of the user&#39;s ear is secured between sound port  430  and arm  440 . 
     Headphone  450 , shown in  FIG. 4C , can include a snap band headphone. Headphone  450  can include primary sound ports  460  and  462  positioned on first surface  472  of snap band  470 . Sound ports  460  and  462  can include circuitry including at least one speaker, and holes through which audio provided by the speaker may reach the user. Snap band  470  can include a band of material that includes at least two different stable configurations. For example, snap band  470  can be constructed such that it moves elastically to match a first shape in which first surface  472  is on an interior of a curved shape (shown in  FIG. 4C ), or a second shape in which second surface  474  opposite first surface  472  is on an interior of a curved shape (not shown). Snap band  470  can be selected such that, in one configuration, sound ports  460  and  462  are placed against a user&#39;s ears, and snap band  470  extends around a user&#39;s head (e.g., around a back of a user&#39;s head). Snap band  470  can bias sound ports  460  and  462  towards the user&#39;s ears to ensure that headphone  450  remains properly positioned on the user&#39;s head. In some cases, headphone  450  can include secondary sound ports  475  disposed on surface  472 , which may be selectively enabled based on a mode of operation of the headphone. 
     Headphone  480 , shown in  FIG. 4D , can include in-ear sound ports  490  and  492 , each coupled to cables  491  and  493 , respectively. Each sound port  490  and  492  can include a mesh through which audio provided by a transducer enclosed within the sound port can reach a user. Sound ports  490  and  492  can be sized to fit in and be retained within a user&#39;s ear. Each sound port  490  and  492  can include base structure  495  and stem  496  extending from the base structure, for example to provide an orientation for the headphone (e.g., the stem extends down from the base structure and along and/or around at least a portion of the cable). 
     In the examples of  FIGS. 4A-4D , the headphones are disposed to provide audio directly to a user&#39;s ears. In other words, a circuit within the headphones can be in an in-ear mode in which audio provided by an audio source (e.g., an electronic device) is routed directly to a transducer and bypasses an amplifier of the headphones. In some cases, however, the circuit provided in the headphones can in addition be used to provide an amplified audio signal corresponding to a speaker mode. Different approaches can be used to switch between the in-ear mode and the speaker mode of the headphones. 
     In some cases, the headphones can include a button or other input interface by which a user can enable the speaker mode. Alternatively, an input provided on the electronic device to which the headphones are connected can be used to switch between a speaker mode and a headphone mode (e.g., volume up/down to toggle between modes). In some cases, the headphones can move between a first position in which the circuit is in an in-ear mode (e.g., an in-ear position such as those shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D ) and a second position in which the circuit is in a speaker mode (e.g., a speaker position). The speaker position can differ from the in-ear position, for example to allow the headphones to stand or rest on a surface. In some cases, the headphones include an articulated component so that the headphones can be moved from the in-ear position to the speaker position. 
       FIGS. 5A-5F  show illustrative headphones in speaker positions in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Headphone  500 , shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , can include some or all of the features of headphone  400  shown in  FIG. 4A . In particular, headphone  500  can include sound ports  510  and  512 , each coupled to band  502  via connectors  511  and  513 , respectively. Connectors  511  and  513  can be articulated such that sounds ports  510  and  512  can move relative to ends of band  502 . In particular, sound ports  510  and  512  can be rotated relative to the positions of the sound ports of headphone  400  such that headphone  500  can be disposed to rest on a portion of band  502  as well as on a portion of sound ports  510  and  512  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5A ), or such that headphone  500  can be disposed to rest entirely on band  502  with sound ports  510  and  512  extending away from the surface on which band  502  rests (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5B ). 
     Headphone  520 , shown in  FIGS. 5C and 5D , can include some or all of the features of headphone  420  ( FIG. 4B ). For example, headphone  520  can include sound port  530  to which articulated arm  540  is coupled. In contrast with headphone  420 , in which an articulated arm is placed adjacent to or in contact with a surface of the sound port, articulated arm  540  can be oriented such that it is away from planar surface  532  (e.g., angled at a large angle relative to planar surface  532 ). In the example of  FIG. 5C , arm  540  may be angled to be substantially perpendicular to planar surface  532  such that headphone  520  can rest on arm  540  with sound port  530  extending from the surface on which arm  540  rests. Alternatively, arm  540  can be angled at a smaller angle relative to planar surface  532  such that headphone  520  can rest in part on arm  540  and in part on sound port  530  such that sound port  530  is angled relative to a surface on which headphone  520  rests. 
     Headphone  550 , shown in  FIG. 5E , can include some or all of the features of headphone  450  shown in  FIG. 4C . In particular, headphone  550  can include primary sound ports  560  and  562  positioned on first surface  572  of snap band  570 . To provide audio in a speaker mode, band  570  can be flipped relative to its position in  FIG. 4C  such that first surface  572  and primary sound ports  560  and  562  are oriented away from each other (e.g., first surface  572  forms an external surface of a loop or curved component). In some cases, headphone  550  can include secondary sound ports  575  disposed on first surface  572  (as shown in  FIG. 4C  by sound ports  475  on surface  472 ) and/or on second surface  574  opposite first surface  572  (shown in  FIG. 5E ) that are actuated when headphone  550  is in the speaker position (e.g., an audio signal is provided to transducers of secondary sound ports  575  only in the speaker mode). 
     Headphone  580 , shown in  FIG. 5F , can include some or all of the features of headphone  480  shown in  FIG. 4D . In particular, headphone  580  can include sound port  590  having base structure  595  and stem  596 . To position headphone  580  in a resting position on a surface, stem  596  can be bent relative to sound port  590  to create several contact points supporting headphone  580 . 
     Different approaches can be used to change the mode of operation of a circuit based on the position of the headphone. In some cases, the headphone can include a sensor operative to detect the current position of the headphone (e.g., in-ear position or speaker position), or to detect a change in position of the headphone (e.g., the movement of an articulated element corresponding to a change in headphone position). Any suitable type of sensor can be used in a headphone in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     In some cases, the sensor can include a mechanical sensor (e.g., a cam actuation sensor). For example, a sensor can be embedded in a component of the headphones that articulates when the headphones are in the in-ear position or in the speaker position. The mechanical sensor can deflect, move, or rotate by a different amount that may be detected or measured. In this manner, different levels of deflection, movement, or rotation of the sensor can correspond to each of the headphone positions. The device can then, based on the state of the mechanical sensor, enable a particular mode of operation of the headphone circuit (e.g., a first state of the sensor, corresponding to an in-ear position, can correspond to an in-ear mode, and a second state of the sensor, corresponding to a speaker position, can correspond to a speaker mode). 
     In some cases, the sensor can include a Hall effect sensor. For example, the headphones can include one or more magnets and transducers of a Hall effect sensor disposed within the headphones. In some cases, some or all of the Hall effect sensor components can be provided within an articulated component of the headphones (e.g., a component that moves when the headphones change between in-ear and speaker positions). In some cases, different voltages detected by the Hall effect sensor based on the position of the headphones can be associated with the in-ear and speaker modes of the headphones circuit. 
     In some cases, the sensor can include a magnetic sensor. For example, the sensor can include several magnets that form part of an electrical circuit. When the headphones are in one of the in-ear position and the speaker position, the magnets can close the electrical circuit and change the mode of operation of the circuit of the headphones. 
     In some cases, the sensor can include a touch sensor. For example, the sensor can include a capacitance sensor or a resistive sensor that detects different amounts of capacitance or resistance, respectively, based on the position of the headphones. In response to detecting a particular amount of capacitance or resistance, the headphones can determine the current position of the headphones, and can enable a corresponding mode of operation for a circuit (e.g., an in-ear mode or a speaker mode). 
     In some cases, the sensor can include a proximity sensor. For example, the sensor can detect when a particular component of the headphones (e.g., an arm) is near another component of the headphones (e.g., the components are near each other in one of the in-ear position and the speaker position). Similarly, the sensor can include a IR sensor, ambient light sensor, photo resistive sensor, or other sensor that can be used to detect the relative distance between two components of the headphones. Alternatively, the sensor can be positioned near a transducer of the headphones, where the sensor can detect that the headphones are placed on or in a user&#39;s ears (e.g., the sensor can detect light, or the absence of light when ear buds are in a user&#39;s ears). In response to detecting the headphone position corresponding to the position of the headphones, the mode of operation of a circuit of the headphones can be changed to an in-ear mode or to a speaker mode (e.g., based on the detected position). 
     In some cases, the sensor can measure a change in diaphragm impedance due to backpressure when the headphones are put in or on the user&#39;s ears. For example, the sensor can average the difference between voltage followers on an input and output of an amplifier, such that when a user puts on the headphones, the back pressure on the diaphragm of the transducer causes the transducer&#39;s impedance to drop and the output voltage of the amplifier increases. 
     In some cases, the sensor can detect changes in resistance due to compression of a headphone component placed over or in a user&#39;s ears. For example, the headphones can include an elasto-resistive foam, polymer, or other component whose resistance changes with deformation. In some cases, the component can touch the skin in two places so that the skin can act as one leg of a voltage divider or bridge. In response to detecting a change in resistance, which corresponds to a user placing the headphones on or in his ears, a circuit of the headphones can enable an in-ear mode. 
     In some cases, the sensor can include a component that senses contact with skin. For example, the sensor can include a metal, conductive polymer, or other conductive component that forms part of an electrical circuit. When the headphones are placed on or in a user&#39;s ears, the conductive component can come into contact with the user&#39;s skin and close the circuit. In some cases, the conductive component can touch the skin in two places so that the skin can act as one leg of a voltage divider or bridge. In response to detecting that the headphones are in contact with the user&#39;s ears, a circuit in the headphones can enable an in-ear mode. 
     Because the volume of an audio output provided when a circuit is in the speakers mode can be high, and may damage a user&#39;s ears if the headphones are placed too close to the user&#39;s ears, the headphones can include a safety mechanism by which the headphones can disable the speaker mode when they headphones are placed on or in a user&#39;s ears. In some cases, the speaker mode can be automatically re-enabled when the headphones have been moved away from the user&#39;s ears.  FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an illustrative circuit having a safety sensor for disabling the speaker mode of the circuit in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Circuit  600  can include some or all of the features of circuit  200 , shown in  FIG. 2 . In particular, circuit  600  can include transducer  610  operative to output audio provided by music source  612 . Circuit  600  can include amplifier  630 , which can be selectively powered by power source  632 , for example in a speaker mode, to provide audio at a higher volume. Power can be selectively provided to amplifier  630  by controlling switch  624 . 
     Circuit  600  can also include sensor  620  operative to combine with amplifier  622  to control the operation of switch  624 . In contrast with circuit  200 , however, sensor  620  may not operate simply to change the mode of operation of circuit  600 . Instead, sensor  620  may operate to determine whether the headphones are placed near a user&#39;s ears. For example, sensor  620  can include one or more of the types of sensors described above. The sensor can be tuned to determine the relative position of transducer  610  and the user&#39;s ears. When sensor  620  detects that a user&#39;s ears are near transducer  610 , sensor  620  can direct switch  624  to open and cut power to amplifier  630 . Alternatively, sensor  620  can reduce the gain provided by amplifier  630 . Circuit  600  can then automatically switch to the in-ear mode and protect a user&#39;s hearing. 
     In some cases, circuit  600  can include a separate different sensor for detecting the position of the headphones to selectively switch between the in-ear mode and the speaker mode. The separate sensor can be used in combination with sensor  620 , however, as a safety feature. In some cases, sensor  620  can be designed to simultaneously detect whether the headphones are in an in-ear position or in a speaker position (e.g., to select the mode of operation for the circuit), as well as detect whether transducer  610  is at a safe distance from a user&#39;s ears (e.g., to serve as a fail safe for the headphones). 
     In some cases, the headphones can instead be constructed to simultaneously provide audio in a headphone mode using a primary sound port that is oriented towards a user&#39;s ears, and to provide audio in a speaker mode using secondary sound ports that are oriented away from a user&#39;s ears. For example, the primary and secondary sound ports can each include speakers on opposite surfaces of an ear bud or ear piece placed in or over a user&#39;s ears. In this simultaneous mode, audio provided using the primary sound ports may not be amplified, while audio provided using the secondary sound ports may be amplified by the headphone amplifier. This may allow a user to share audio with others without removing the headphone from his ears. 
     The simultaneous mode can be enabled using any suitable approach. In some cases, the headphones or device can include a switch or other option that a user may select. In response to receiving the instruction, the headphones can amplify an audio signal provided to a secondary sound port for any suitable duration. For example, the simultaneous mode can be only temporary (e.g., a fixed length of time, or a duration selected based on the audio provided, such as a song length or audiobook chapter), or last until the user changes the headphone mode. 
     The following flowchart illustrates a process used to change a mode of operation of headphones.  FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for selectively enabling a speaker mode in headphones in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  700  can begin at step  702 . At step  704 , a sensor output can be received from a headphone sensor. For example, a headphone sensor can provide an output corresponding to a detected event (e.g., the position of an articulating component of the headphone). At step  706 , a headphone position corresponding to the sensor output can be detected. For example, a circuit can determine whether the headphones are in an in-ear position or in a speaker position based on the sensor output. At step  708 , the mode of operation of a circuit associated with the determined headphone position can be identified. For example, the determined headphone position can be associated with an in-ear circuit mode or to a speaker circuit mode. The circuit modes of operation can differ, for example, in that the in-ear circuit mode bypasses an amplifier, while the speaker circuit mode makes use of the amplifier. At step  710 , the mode of operation of the circuit can be changed to the identified circuit mode of operation. For example, the circuit can change from an in-ear mode to a speaker mode, or vice-versa. Process  700  can then end at step  712 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for disabling a speaker mode for safety reasons in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  800  can begin at step  802 . At step  804 , headphones can be positioned in a speaker position. For example, an articulated component of headphones can be moved to correspond to a speaker position (e.g., moved from a headphone position). At step  806 , a speaker mode can be enabled. For example, in response to positioning the headphones in a speaker position, a speaker mode of a circuit in the headphones can be enabled. At step  808 , a sensor can detect that headphones have been placed over a user&#39;s ears. For example, a sensor positioned near a sound port of the headphones can detect that the sound port is adjacent to a user&#39;s ears. At step  810 , the speaker mode can be disabled in response to detecting that the headphones have been placed near a user&#39;s ears. For example, as a safety feature, the mode of operation of the circuit can automatically be switched from the speaker mode to an in-ear mode. Process  800  can then end at step  812 . 
     The previously described embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. It is understood that one or more features of an embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment to provide systems and/or methods without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170130
Publication Date: 20191105
Grant Date: 20191105
Priority Date: 20110502
Inventors: HYATT, EDWARD CRAIG
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/1041", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R29/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1041", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1041", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R29/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47090257