HEADSET WITH DETACHABLE ARM

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a headset which is configured to receive a detachable arm, wherein the detachable arm comprises an arm input transducer. The headset may be configured to be operated in different modes depending on the arm being attached or not. The headset may be configured to detect if the arm is attached or not. A set of magnets may be used to keep the arm attached to the earcup while allowing a user to detach the arm from the earcup.

Claims

1. A headset comprising: a first earcup, configured to be positioned at an ear of a wearer, the first earcup comprising at least one microphone, a headband connected to the first earcup and configured to keep the headset arranged at the wearer's head during use of the headset, an arm detachably connectable to the first earcup, wherein the arm comprises at least one microphone, a first mechanical interface protruding at the arm and a second mechanical interface formed in the first earcup configured to mate with the first mechanical interface, wherein the second mechanical interface is a recess, a first set of magnets comprising a one magnet arranged in the arm and one magnet arranged in the first earcup, wherein the first set of magnets is a first and a third magnet, and the headset comprises a second set of magnets being a second magnet and a fourth magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged in the arm and the third magnet and the fourth magnet are arranged in the ear cup so that the first magnet and the third magnet are opposite each other and the second magnet and the fourth magnet are opposite each other, wherein the recess comprises an electrical interface providing electrical communication between the at least one microphone in the arm and a processor in the headset.

2. The headset according to claim 1, wherein the headset comprises a second earcup configured to be positioned at an ear of the wearer opposite of the first earcup.

3. The headset according to claim 1, wherein the headset is configured to operate in a first mode when the arm is in a connected state and in a second, different, mode when the arm is not connected, wherein the first mode comprises establishing a signal based on the at least one microphone in the arm and the at least one microphone in the earcup, and the second mode comprises a signal based on the at least one microphone in earcup.

4. The headset according to claim 1, wherein the at least one magnet in the earcup is arranged at the recess.

5. The headset according to claim 1, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged at opposite sides of the mechanical interface in the arm, and the third magnet and the fourth magnet are arranged at opposite sides of the mechanical interface in the earcup.

6. The headset according to claim 1, wherein the headset is configured to mute microphone signals when the arm is attached and in a substantial vertical configuration.

7. The headset according to claim 1, wherein the first earcup comprises at least two microphones, wherein at least two of the at least two microphones are arranged so that the combined microphone signal is directed towards the wearer's mouth.

8. The headset according to claim 1, further comprising at least one microphone connected to an active noise cancellation circuit.

9. The headset according to claim 1, wherein the electrical interface comprises an electrical socket and a corresponding plug constituting the electrical interface.

10. The headset according to claim 1, wherein the electrical interface comprises a set of pogo pins and corresponding set of electrical pads.

11. The headset according to claim 1, further comprising a wired or a wireless interface configured to communicate with an external device.

12. The headset according to claim 1, further comprising a beamformer established using two or more microphones of the headset.

13. A headset comprising: a first earcup, configured to be positioned at an ear of a wearer, the first earcup comprising at least one microphone, a headband connected to the first earcup and configured to keep the headset arranged at the wearer's head during use of the headset, an arm detachably connectable to the first earcup, wherein the arm comprises at least one microphone, a first mechanical interface protruding at the arm and a second mechanical interface formed in the first earcup configured to mate with the first mechanical interface, wherein the second mechanical interface is a recess, a first set of magnets comprising a one magnet arranged in the arm and one magnet arranged in the first earcup, wherein the first set of magnets is a first and a third magnet, and the headset comprises a second set of magnets being a second magnet and a fourth magnet, wherein the recess comprises an electrical interface providing electrical communication between the at least one microphone in the arm and a processor in the headset, wherein the headset is configured to detect if the arm is attached or not detached, and if the arm is attached, the headset is configured to operate in a first mode wherein an output signal is established based on microphone signals from the arm and from the at least one microphone, if the arm is not attached, the headset is configured to operate in a second mode wherein an output signal is established based on microphone signals from the at least one microphone in the earcup.

14. The headset according to claim 13, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged in the arm and the third magnet and the fourth magnet are arranged in the ear cup so that the first magnet and the third magnet are opposite each other and the second magnet and the fourth magnet are opposite each other.

15. The headset according to claim 14, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged at opposite sides of the mechanical interface in the arm, and the third magnet and the fourth magnet are arranged at opposite sides of the mechanical interface in the earcup.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] The aspects of the disclosure may be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they just show details to improve the understanding of the claims, while other details are left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts. The individual features of each aspect may each be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features and/or technical effect will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the illustrations described hereinafter in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a headset with a detachable boom arm,

[0034] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a headset with a recess for receiving a detachable boom arm,

[0035] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a headset with a cover plate,

[0036] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a detachable boom arm for a headset, and

[0037] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an interface between a detachable boom arm and a headset.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. Several aspects of the apparatus and methods are described by various blocks, functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements”). Depending upon particular application, design constraints or other reasons, these elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer program, or any combination thereof.

[0039] The electronic hardware may include micro-electronic-mechanical systems (MEMS), integrated circuits (e.g. application specific), microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, printed circuit boards (PCB) (e.g. flexible PCBs), and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure, e.g. sensors, e.g. for sensing and/or registering physical properties of the environment, the device, the user, etc. Computer program shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0040] A headset according to the present disclosure may comprise i) an input unit such as a microphone for receiving an acoustic signal from a user's surroundings and providing a corresponding input audio signal, and/or ii) a receiving unit for electronically receiving an input audio signal. The headset may further include a signal processing unit for processing the input audio signal and an output unit for providing an audible signal to the user in dependence on the processed audio signal.

[0041] The input unit may include multiple input microphones, e.g. for providing direction-dependent audio signal processing. Such directional microphone system is adapted to (relatively) enhance a target acoustic source among a multitude of acoustic sources in the user's environment and/or to attenuate other sources (e.g. noise). In one aspect, the directional system is adapted to detect (such as adaptively detect) from which direction a particular part of the microphone signal originates. This may be achieved by using conventionally known methods. A, relatively, fixed direction may be preferred, e.g. for a directional input transducer located on or in an earcup, where the directional input transducer is configured to mainly pick up signals from a direction where the mouth of the person wearing the headset is assumed to be located. This will allow the headset to pick up a signal representing the user's voice. The signal processing unit may include an amplifier that is adapted to apply a frequency dependent gain to the input audio signal. The signal processing unit may further be adapted to provide other relevant functionality such as compression, noise reduction, etc.

[0042] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a headset 10 having a first 12 and a second 14 earcup. The two earcups 12,14 are configured to be placed over the ears of a wearer. The first 12 and the second 14 earcup are connected by a headband 16. The headband 16 may be adjustable, e.g., via a slide configured to lengthen or shorten the headband 16, at least the headband 16 is, somewhat, flexible so as to allow a comfortable fit to the user's head. Other adjustment mechanisms may be employed. The earcups 12, 14 comprise a pad to provide both a comfortable interface to the user's skin and to provide an at least partial, passive, dampening of sound from the environment of the user.

[0043] The first earcup 12 comprises a recess 18, visible in FIG. 2, which is configured to connected to a connected part of an arm 20. In FIG. 2 the headset 10 with an attached arm 20 is illustrated. Although illustrated with two earcups 12, 14, the second earcup 14, opposite the first earcup 12, may be omitted. The shape and/or size of the earcup or earcups may be varied other than what is illustrated.

[0044] The first earcup 12 further comprises a slide switch 32 and a button 34. The button 34 provides an interface for the user to e.g. initiate Bluetooth pairing, and/or other functions, such as changing between sound programs/settings. The slide switch 32 provides an interface for the user to change between active noise cancellation settings, e.g., off and on, or between levels or degrees of active noise cancellation. An electrical interface in the form of a plug is provided. This interface allows the user/wearer to recharge a battery in the headset 10 so that the headset may operate wirelessly. The electrical interface may also be used to provide a wired interface to e.g. a computer for providing a signal representing sound to be played in the headset and/or a signal representing speech to be transmitted out of the headset 10 to a computer.

[0045] The recess 18 comprises an electrical socket and the arm 20 comprises a corresponding plug 22, illustrated in Fig, 4. Advantageously, the socket/recess 18 and plug 22 may be or comprise a USB-type connection, such as a mini-USB, USB-C or other USB type connection. In the figure, electrical connection is established via a set of pogo pins, 24, 26, 28.

[0046] The contacts, i.e. here the pogo pins 24, 26 and 28, are placed on a raised part which is shaped to mate with a receptacle formed in the outer surface of the earcup. The raised part constitutes a mechanical interface as discussed below.

[0047] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a detachable boom arm 20 for a headset 10. In the present text, the terms arm, boom arm, detachable arm and detachable boom arm, these are all intended to refer to the same entity. The arm 20 comprises one microphone 30 arranged at a distal end of the arm 20, i.e., remote from the plug part 22. The arm 20 is shaped so that the microphone 30 is placed near the mouth of the wearer when the arm 20 is arranged substantially vertical or below. A lower position would also reduce noise induced by the wearer exhaling which still being able to pick up sound in a favorable position. Here the microphone is positioned behind five grooves or slits.

[0048] When the arm 20 is connected to the headset, the headset 10 is configured to operate in different modes based on the orientation of the arm relative to the first earcup 12. This could allow the arm to be positioned in at least two positions during use, e.g. an active state or position where the arm is arranged generally so that one or more microphones are able to pick up sound from the user's mouth, and a mute state where, owing to the position of the arm, signals from at least the one or more microphones in the arm is muted so that privacy of the user is ensured.

[0049] A range of mechanic stops may be provided in a rotation arrangement in an earcup of a headset. This could provide a differentiation between functions in the headset. One stop could be around −40 degree relative to horizontal, in which position the arm would provide a microphone signal to a processor in the headset.

[0050] Included in the earcup 12, a limit switch is arranged so that the limit switch will be activated when the boom arm 20 is in position about 70 degrees, in which position the limit switch will touch a protrusion so that the microphone mute function is activated. At the same time, a metal spring will abut at another point, and a rib will produce a sound to provide a tactile feedback to the user, and thus provide a better feel for the user, altering or informing the user that the microphone, or microphones, is muted. Similar feedback to the user is provided when the arm 20 is moved in the reverse direction and passes the about 70 degree position.

[0051] When the arm 20 is at around 95 degrees, a further protrusion restricts further rotation. When the arm 20 is at around −40 degrees, a still further protrusion restricts further rotation, thereby a rotation range of from about 95 degrees to around −40 degrees is established, yielding a range of about 135 degrees of rotation for the arm 20.

[0052] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the headset 10 with a recess 18 for receiving the detachable boom arm 20. When the arm 20 is not connected to the headset 10, the headset 10 is configured to operate in a mode where the headset 10 provides a signal based on an output signal from a microphone in the first earcup 12. This signal should mainly comprise the wearer's voice. Such a signal is then provided via a wireless, or wired, connection to an external device. The external device may be a computer device, a mobile phone or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the recess is here overall rectangular shaped. Further, at one end a first structural feature is provided, and at the opposite, second end of the recess, a second structural feature is provided. The first and second structural features are different. These two different shapes or geometries provide an assurance that the user is not able to attach the arm in a non-intended orientation, thus also ensuring proper electrical connection between the arm and the headset. The overall oblong shape of the recess also provides an improved rotational properties to the arm/headset interface. The user is able to rotate the arm into different positions so as to achieve different modes of operation.

[0053] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the headset 10 with a cover plate mounted 36. The cover plate 36 provides protection of the recess 18 from dust and/or other debris. The cover plate 36 is intended to be placed over the recess 18 when the user detach the arm 20. The user could wish to detach the arm 20 when the user wishes to use the headset 10 when walking or being outside his/her house, but not needing the arm 20. The headset 10 without the arm 20 could be considered less obtrusive by the user, and, detaching the arm 20 from the headset could be done while the user, e.g., is engaged in a game on a handheld device, such as a smartphone or the like. The headset 10 would then be able to transition between operation modes without the user loosing connection to the device. The user could be engaged in a conversation via a softphone application on a smartphone while being at the office but needs to leave the office while maintaining the connection to the call. By detaching the arm 20 from the headset, the headset 10 detect the configuration change and automatically switch to a mode where a microphone in the headset is used to provide a signal representing the user's voice to the far end of the call. Similar, if the arm 20 is detached and the user attach the arm 20 while in a call, the headset 10 could be configured to automatically switch to a mode where at least the microphone 30 in the arm 20 is used to provide a signal comprising the user's voice.

[0054] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a conceptual interface between a detachable boom arm 20 and a headset 10 in a cross-sectional view. In the arm 20, a section 54 thereof is configured to attach to a section or part of the earcup as discussed above. The section 54 comprises first 37 and second 38 magnets. These are arranged symmetrically at a mechanical interface 48. As shown here, the first and second magnets 37, 38 are arranged with opposite polarities. In the arm 52, a second mechanical interface 50 is provided. The second mechanical interface 50 is configured to mate with the first mechanical interface 48 of the arm 20. In the headset, third 40 and fourth 42 magnets are arranged symmetrically at the second mechanical interface 50. The third magnet 40 is arranged so that the polarity match with the polarity of the first magnet 37, and, the fourth magnet 42 is arranged so that the polarity match with the second magnet 38. This arrangement is contemplated to allow the arm 20 to be held in place while providing a sufficient retention force which allow the user to manipulate the arm 20 as discussed above regarding rotation of the arm 20 without the arm 20 unintentionally being detached from the earcup of the headset.

[0055] A pogo pin 46 in the arm 20 provides an electrical connection to a contact pad 44 in the earcup. As with the headset discussed above, the headset is configured to detect if the arm is attached or not. The headset is then configured to modify the operation of the headset dependent on the arm being attached or not.

[0056] It is intended that the structural features of the devices described above, either in the detailed description and/or in the claims, may be combined with steps of the method, when appropriately substituted by a corresponding process.

[0057] In the above, the following reference numerals have been used:

[0058] 10 headset

[0059] 12 first earcup

[0060] 14 second earcup

[0061] 16 headband

[0062] 18 recess

[0063] 20 arm/boom arm/detachable arm

[0064] 22 plug/plug part

[0065] 24 pogo pin

[0066] 26 pogo pin

[0067] 28 pogo pin

[0068] 30 microphone

[0069] 32 slide switch

[0070] 34 button

[0071] 36 cover plate

[0072] 37 first magnet

[0073] 38 second magnet

[0074] 40 third magnet

[0075] 42 fourth magnet

[0076] 44 connection pad

[0077] 46 pogo pin

[0078] 48 First mechanical interface

[0079] 50 Second mechanical interface

[0080] 52 Headset/earcup

[0081] 54 Arm

[0082] As used, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well (i.e. to have the meaning “at least one”), unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, but an intervening element may also be present, unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The steps of any disclosed method are not limited to the exact order stated herein, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0083] It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an aspect” or features included as “may” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as suitable in one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more.

[0084] Accordingly, the scope should be judged in terms of the claims that follow.