GB2517486A - Headphone Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The headphones 100 include first zones 150 including at least one sound transducer 160 for positioning at a users ear region when the headphone apparatus 100 is worn on the users head, and a third zone 180 coupled to the first zones 150 for fitting substantially onto an apex of the users head for retaining the headphone apparatus 100 thereupon. The headphone apparatus 100 includes second zones 170 between the first zones 150 and the third zone 180 for assisting sound generation in the headphone apparatus 100 when in operation. A software product recorded on non-transient machine-readable data storage media is executable upon computing hardware (500, fig 11) for providing a social media platform (900, fig 14) through which a plurality of the headphone apparatus 100 can be used for mutual communication between a plurality of their users and/or data content exchange between the plurality of their users.

Description

HEADPHONE APPARATUS

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to headphone apparatus, for example to headphone apparatus which is switchable between a plurality of operating modes, including an earphone mode and a soundbox mode. Moreover, the present invention concerns methods of operating aforesaid headphone apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing aforesaid headphones apparatus.

The aforementioned plurality of operating modes is capable of rendering the headphone apparatus capable of functioning as "headspeakers".

Background of the invention

Headphone apparatus which is capable of functioning in a plurality of modes, is namely as a set of earphones and also as a set of loudspeakers, is known, for example as described in a published Chinese utility model CN202310040(U) (Applicant: Nantong Xinying Design Service Co.). An illustration of the headphone apparatus from the Chinese utility model is provided in FIG. 1, wherein the apparatus is indicated generally by 10. The apparatus 10 includes an elongate curved headband 20 for fitting onto a head of a given user, wherein distal ends of the elongate curved headband 20 are pivotally coupled to two loudspeaker units 40, as illustrated. The apparatus 10 comprises an earphone plug (not shown) which is inserted in operation into an earphone jack of an electric appliance, an earphone cord (not shown) extending from the earphone plug, and the two loudspeaker units 40 connected with the earphone cord. Each loudspeaker unit 40 includes two sound transducers, namely an earphone transducer and a large loudspeaker transducer.

The earphone transducers are employed when the apparatus 10 is to be employed as a set of earphones, and the large loudspeaker transducers are employed when the apparatus 10 is to be used as a soundbox for projecting sound into a general spatial region surrounding the apparatus 10. The headphone apparatus 10 is also provided with a battery supplying electric power for operating the large loudspeaker transducers, and the headphone apparatus 10 is provided with a selector switch for switching between the large loudspeaker transducers and the earphone transducers.

The large loudspeaker transducers and the earphone transducers are not employed in combination.

Headphone apparatus which is capable of functioning in a plurality of modes is also described in other earlier documents, as provided in Table 1.

Table 1: Known headphone apparatus Document ref. Detail CN202310040(U) Nantong Xinying Design Service Co.: earphone and ____________________ sound box modes of operation KR20100032333 (A) Headphones with inbuilt amplifier capable of being switched ____________________ between stereo mode and earphone mode US2007/0258614A1 Altec Lansing: "Headphone and portable speaker system" The headphone apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, when made physically larger, is capable of providing an improved acoustic performance when operated as a soundbox, but such enlargement would render the headphone apparatus 10 inconveniently bulky and more expensive to manufacture.

Although headphone apparatus which is capable of being switched between an is earphone mode of operation and a soundbox mode of operation is known, as aforementioned, there arises a need for simplifying manufacturing of such apparatus as well as enhancing its functionality and improving its acoustic performance, to provide users with enhanced pleasure and comfort when employing such headphone apparatus.

Summary of the invention

The present invention seeks to provide an improved headphone apparatus which is capable of better reproduction of sound, improved aesthetic appearance and improved wearing comfort.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a headphone apparatus as claimed in appended claim 1: there is provided a headphone apparatus including first zones including at least one sound transducer for positioning at a user's ear region when the headphone apparatus is worn on the user's head, and a third zone coupled to the first zones for fitting substantially onto an apex of the user's head for retaining the headphone apparatus thereupon, characterized in that the headphone apparatus includes second zones between the first zones and the third zone for assisting sound generation in the headphone apparatus when in operation.

The present invention is of advantage in that the utilization of the second zone is capable of enhancing performance of the headphone apparatus.

Optionally, in the headphone apparatus, the second zones have internal volumes which are acoustically coupled to internal volumes of their corresponding first zones for assisting sound generation in the headphone apparatus when in operation. More optionally, in the headphone apparatus, the second zones accommodate a serpentine channel arrangement for implementing vented output ports to assist operation of sound transducers included in the first zones.

Optionally, in the headphone apparatus, the second zones are rotatably coupled to the third zone for enabling the headphone apparatus to be adjusted between its earphone mode configuration, for use when the headphone apparatus is worn upon its user's head, and its soundbox mode configuration, for use when the headphone apparatus is to project sound generally into a spatial region therearound.

Optionally, in the headphone apparatus, the first zones include a first set of sound transducers for use when the headphone apparatus is operated in its earphone mode of operation, and a second set of sound transducers for use in combination with the first set of transducers when the headphone apparatus is operated in its soundbox mode of operation. More optionally, the headphone apparatus is operable to drive the second set of sound transducers with higher frequency signal components of content to be reproduced by the headphone apparatus, and to drive the first set of sound transducers with lower frequency signal components of the content to be reproduced, when the headphone apparatus is operated in its soundbox mode.

More optionally, in the headphone apparatus, the second set of sound transducers are coupled via one or more ports which are acoustically isolated from those of the first set of sound transducers.

Optionally, the headphone apparatus includes one or more rechargeable batteries to provide operating power to one or more electronic circuit assemblies of the headphone apparatus, and a resonant inductive charging arrangement for receiving energy for recharging the one or more batteries. More optionally, in the headphone apparatus, the resonant inductive charging arrangement is included, at least in pad, in the third zone.

Optionally, in the headphone apparatus, the sets of sound transducers are driven in operation by one or more drive amplifiers which exhibit soft clipping of transient signal components present in content to be reproduced by the headphone apparatus.

Optionally, the headphone apparatus includes one or more electronic circuit assemblies which are operable to perform at least one of following functions: (a) to receive data via a wireless interface and store the data in data memory of the headphone apparatus; (b) to control one or more light sources to provide user information indicative of an operating status of the headphone apparatus and/or to create visual illumination effects to complement acoustic reproduction of content conveyed in the data received at the headphone apparatus; (c) to apply frequency pre-emphasis to the content conveyed in the data received at the headphone apparatus when reproducing the content; (d) to control in real-time feedback within driver amplifiers driving sound transducers of the headphone apparatus when reproducing the content; and (e) to generate acoustic information signals for reproduction via the headphone apparatus indicative of an operating status of the headphone apparatus.

Optionally, the headphone apparatus includes a user-operable switch arrangement for controlling at least one of: (a) an operation of the headphone apparatus in its earphone mode or its soundbox mode; (b) a replay of content stored in data memory of the headphone apparatus and/or streamed to the headphone apparatus; and (c) an adjustment of volume and/or frequency response characteristics of the headphone apparatus in respect of reproduction of content stored in data memory of the headphone apparatus and/or streamed to the headphone apparatus.

Optionally, the headphone apparatus includes a data processor for receiving parameters input externally from the headphone apparatus for configuring operation of the headphone apparatus.

Optionally, the headphone apparatus includes a microphone arrangement for recording sounds in a spatial region of the headphone apparatus. More optionally, the microphone arrangement is detachable from the headphone apparatus and is operable to receive its operating power from the headphone apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a headphone apparatus for reproducing content, characterized in that the method includes: (a) arranging for the headphone apparatus to include first zones including at least one sound transducer for positioning at a user's ear region when the headphone apparatus is worn on the user's head, and a third zone coupled to the first zones for fitting substantially onto an apex of the user's head for retaining the headphone apparatus thereupon; and (b) arranging for the headphone apparatus to include second zones between the first zones and the third zone for assisting sound generation in the headphone apparatus when in operation.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a software product recorded on non-transient machine-readable data storage media, characterized in that the software product is executable upon computing hardware for executing a method of remotely configuring a headphone apparatus pursuant to the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a software product recorded on non-transient machine-readable data storage media, characterized in that the software product is executable upon computing hardware for providing, in cooperation with a communication network, a social media platform for enabling a plurality of users of headphone apparatus pursuant to the first aspect mutually to communicate and/or exchange data content.

Optionally, the software product is operable when executed to provide one or more of: (a) mutually communication sessions between a plurality of users of the headphone apparatus; (b) recording of communication session between a plurality of users of the headphone apparatus; (c) temporally tracking communication of data content between multiple users of is the headphone apparatus; and (d) providing a social media platform between a plurality of users of the headphone apparatus.

It will be appreciated that features of the invention are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Description of the diagrams

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG. 1 is an illustration of a known headphone apparatus which is capable of operating in a plurality of modes; FIG. 2 is an illustration of a headphone apparatus pursuant to the present disclosure, wherein the headphone apparatus comprises a headband (third zone), an intermediate region (second zone) which contributes technically to sound reproduction as well as enhancing aesthetic appearance, and a bulbous distal region (first zone) which is primarily concerned with sound reproduction and which forms an aesthetic match with the intermediate region (second zone); FIG. 3 is an illustration of the headphone apparatus pursuant to the present disclosure, wherein the headphone apparatus is shown with its first and second zones twisted relative to its third zone, namely in its soundbox mode of operation, so that principal sound transducers of the first zones project their acoustic output in a generally forward direction; FIG. 4 is an illustration of the headphone apparatus pursuant to the present disclosure, wherein the headphone apparatus is shown positioned around a neck region of a given user, namely when employed in its soundbox mode of operation; FIG. 5 is an illustration of the headphone apparatus pursuant to the present disclosure, wherein the headphone apparatus is illustrated mounted onto a head region of a given user when employed in its earphone mode of operation; FIG. 6 is an illustration of the headphone apparatus of the disclosure, wherein an outwardly-curved profile of an external casing, namely "shell", of the headphone apparatus is shown; FIG. 7 is an illustration of the headphone apparatus of the present disclosure employed in its soundbox mode of operation around a neck region of a given user; FIG. 8 is an illustration of internal function elements of the headphone apparatus of the present disclosure in a simpler infinite-baffle configuration; FIG. 9 is an illustration of internal functional elements of the headphone apparatus of the present disclosure in a simple vented configuration; FIG. 10 is an illustration of internal functional elements of the headphone apparatus of the present disclosure in a more complex vented configuration; FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of principal functional elements of the headphone

apparatus of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a microphone attachment for use with the headphone

apparatus of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a charger arrangement for recharging the headphone apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10; and FIG. 14 is an illustration of a communication system utilizing a plurality of headphones apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

In the accompanying diagrams, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

Description of embodiments of the invention

In overview, the present invention is concerned with headphone apparatus, indicated generally by 100 in FIG. 2, which is capable of functioning in at least two modes of operation: (a) a first earphone mode, wherein the headphone apparatus 100 is placed onto a head 110 of its given user, for example as illustrated in FIG. 5, such that sound transducers of the headphone apparatus 100 are in close spatial proximity to ears of the given user to provide an intimate private listening of a sound signal provided to the headphone apparatus 100 when in operation; and (b) a second soundbox mode, wherein the headphone apparatus 100 is placed, for example, around a neck region 120 of the given user 110, for example as illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, to provide an acoustic emission into a general spatial vicinity of the user. In the second soundbox mode, the apparatus 100 can be rested upon a horizontal surface, for example an upper horizontal surface of a table as depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, to provide a general listening experience to the user, and potentially also simultaneously to other users.

Referring to FIG. 2, the headphone apparatus 100 comprises three distinct functional zones, namely: (i) a first zone 150 including at least a sound transducer 160 which is placed adjacent to ears of the given user when the headphone apparatus 100 is employed in its first earphone mode; the first zone 150 beneficially has a greatest internal volume relative to other zones of the headphone apparatus 100; (H) a third zone 180 which is uppermost, at substantially an apex of the given user's head 110, when the headphone apparatus 100 is placed onto the head of its given user, for example as illustrated in FIG. 5; and (Hi) a second zone 170, which is spatially disposed between the first zone 150 and the third zone 180, which has a significant internal volume relative to that of the first zone 150 and which contributes actively or passively to sound generation from the headphone apparatus 100, as will be described in greater detail later.

In contradistinction to known types of headphone apparatus detailed in Table 1, which lack any region corresponding to the second zone 150 and which have their third zones 180 coupling directly to their first zones 150, the headphone apparatus employs the second zone 170 to provide enhanced acoustic performance in a convenient and compact manner, as well as enhancing an aesthetic appearance of the headphone apparatus 100.

A physical form of the headphone apparatus 100 in respect of the zones 150, 170, will next be described in greater detail. The first zone 150 has an exterior surface which is optionally continuously outwardly curved as illustrated, namely of bulbous form as illustrated; alternatively, the exterior surface is polygonal and/or has abrupt geometrical features for aesthetic effect. A generally planar surface 190 of the first zone 150 and of the second zone 170, facing towards the given user's head 110, when the headphone apparatus 100 is placed upon the head 110, is arranged to accommodate the sound transducer 160, as illustrated, in the first zone 150; the sound transducer 160 is beneficially protected by a sound-transmissive flexible layer of material, for example comfortable woven cloth, which contacts onto the given user's ears to provide a high degree of user comfort.

The second zone 170 is progressively tapered from a largest transverse cross-section in a region of the first zone 150, and is smallest where the second zone 170 abuts onto a region of the third zone 180, as illustrated; the second zone 170 is optionally smoothly continuously tapered, as illustrated, and/or tapered in a step-wise manner. The third zone 180 has a transverse cross-section which is considerably less than a maximum transverse cross-section of the first zone 150, for example by at least an order of magnitude. Optionally, as indicated generally by 200, the second zone 170 is curved approximately in a plane of the planar surface 190, for example with an angle 8 in a range of 00 to 40°, so as to provide an ergonomically more comfortable fit of the headphone apparatus 100 to the given user's head 110, as well -10-as enabling the headphone apparatus 100 to lie more securely when placed on a planar surface, for example upon a table top or around the neck region 120 of the given user, for operating in the soundbox mode, for example as illustrated in FIG. 4.

At interfaces between the second zones 170 and the third zone 180, there are provided rotatable joints 210, which enable the second zones 170 to be twisted relative to the third zone 180, for example as illustrated in FIG. 3, for enabling the headphone apparatus 100 to be reconfigured by the given user from the aforesaid earphone mode to the soundbox mode, and vice versa. In the soundbox mode, the headphone apparatus 100 is capable of being comfortably worn by the given user, as illustrated in FIG. 4 around a neck of the given user, enabling the given user to hear sound generated by the headphone apparatus 100 as well as ambient environmental sounds; such a manner of operation is important when the given user is a pedestrian or cyclist and must be aware of ambient sounds, for example oncoming traffic and/or ambient warning sounds.

The headphone apparatus 100 has an exterior casing which is optionally fabricated pursuant to one or more of following: (i) the exterior casing is fabricated from one or more injection-moulded plastics materials, for example from polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, Nylon, PET, ABS, glass-fibre filled plastics material, composite plastics material; (H) the exterior casing is formed by way of 3-dimensional photo-deposition printing and/or by 3-dimensional plastics material filament printing; (Hi) the exterior casing is machined or shaped from solid material, for example from wood, stone, bone, PEEK, ceramic, Carbon fibre, hardened rubber, for example natural rubber from the Brazilian Rain Forest from sustainable natural sources; and (iv) the exterior casing is vacuum formed, pressed formed, explosively formed, for example from sheet material components such as metal sheet or plastics material sheet.

Optionally, at least a sub-portion of the exterior casing is light-transmissive, so that a light source within one or more of the zones 150, 170, 180 is able to cause the headphone apparatus 100 to emit light, for example pulsed light synchronized to sound emitted from the apparatus 100, when the apparatus 100 is in operation; such light-transmissive operation is beneficially achieved by fabricating the exterior casing from an at least partially optically transparent material, for example from a clear or translucent polycarbonate material, or by including one or more apertures in the outer casing which are operable to transmit light. Optionally, the exterior casing has an outer coating which provides a desired visual effect and/or hardwearing characteristics, for example a thin layer of polymeric material, for example FIFE coating film with matt finish. Optionally, materials employed for manufacturing casings for the first and second zones 150, 170 respectively exhibit a low Q-factor of mechanical resonance, for example a Q-factor of less than 100, and more optionally a Q-factor of less than 10, and most optionally a Q-factor of less than 3 to avoid any sympathetic structural resonances occurring in the zones 150, 170 when the headphone apparatus 100 is in operation producing sounds. Optionally, inside surfaces of the exterior casing, namely surfaces not normal accessible to view to the is given user, are covered in a layer of mechanical damping material, for example a polymeric wax, Silcone, FIFE or similar, which further dampens any sympathetic mechanical resonance occurring in operation in the exterior casing, namely for achieving a superlative quality of sound reproduction from the headphone apparatus 100.

Referring next to FIG. 8, a simple implementation of the headphone apparatus 100 is shown. The apparatus 100 employs a pair of sound transducers 160 which are mounted into each of the first zones 150, as illustrated. Interior volumes of the first and second zones 150, 170 are mutually coupled in fluidic communication to provide the sound transducers 160 with a large working volume of air to rarefy and compress, for example in an infinite-baffle type configuration (i.e. non-vented). Optionally, the interior volumes of the first and second zones 150, 170 are at least partially filled with an at least partially sound-absorbing wool or acoustic wadding, for example loose sound-absorbing polyester wool filling. In the headphone apparatus 100, there is beneficially included the aforesaid rotatable joints 210 between the second zones and the third zone 180, and the first and second zones 150, 170 are mutually structurally integral. -12-

In a simplest configuration for the headphone apparatus 100, the two sound transducers 160, for example electromagnetic diaphragm transducers akin to conventional loudspeakers but not limited thereto, for example electrostatic and/or piezoelectric transducers can be alternatively employed, are coupled via one or more flying leads to a plug which can be inserted to an output socket of audio equipment, for example an MP3 player. In such case, adjustment between the first earphone mode and the second soundbox mode is achieved by appropriately twisting the rotatable joints 210 and adjusting a signal output of the audio equipment.

In a more complex configuration for the headphone apparatus 100 in FIG. 8, the apparatus 100 is operable to function in a wireless manner, thereby avoiding a need for the aforementioned one or more flying leads from the sound transducers 160 to the plug. There is further included one or more rechargeable batteries 220 at regions of the second zone 170 close to the rotatable joints 210 which provide power via connection wires disposed within the zones 150, 170 to an electronic circuit arrangement 230 which are mounted adjacent to heatsinks 240 which synergistically also function as Earth planes and electromagnetic screening for the electronic circuit arrangement 230. The heatsinks 240, for example for power amplifiers which are employed to drive the sound transducers 160, are bonded to inside lower surfaces of the first zones 150 as illustrated. The electronic circuit arrangements 230 include the aforementioned power amplifiers for driving the sound transducers 160 and one or more wireless interfaces which receive wireless signals from their associated patch antennae 250 which are mounted onto inside surfaces of the exterior casing of the first zone 150 and/or second zone 170. Optionally, the electronic circuit board arrangements 240 include one or more light emitters 260, for example one or more monochrome or multi-coloured light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are optionally modulated by the electronic circuit arrangements 230 for conveying visually status information to the user, and/or for creating exciting visual effects when the headphone apparatus 100 is in operation and/or for conveying signals indicative of a state of operation of the headphone apparatus 100, for example, an indication of a discharge or charging status of the one or more rechargeable batteries 220.

The third zone 180 includes a resonant inductively-coupled coil arrangement 300 for receiving a resonant electromagnetic charging magnetic field from a charging -13-apparatus 310 onto which the headphone apparatus 100 is beneficially rested, for recharging purposes, when not in use by the given user, namely for recharging the batteries 220; optionally, the charging apparatus 310 is implemented in a form of a cradle into which the headphone apparatus 100 can be inserted for battery recharging purposes. Optionally, the coil arrangement 300 is implemented using thin metallic film coil conductors formed onto a polymeric sheet, for example onto a polyamide sheet, for example fabricated form Kapton sheet ("Kapton" is a registered trade), thereby enabling the third zone 180 to be flexible to cope with different sizes of the given user's head 110. In operation, resonant signals induced in the coil arrangement 300 are suitably rectified and then used to charge the batteries 220.

Optionally, the batteries 220 are standard internationally-recognized sizes of rechargeable batteries, for example Lithium polymer rechargeable batteries, which are user-replaceable by detaching the second zones 170 from the third zone 180 by way of separating at a vicinity of the rotatable joints 210, for example by way of an unscrewing action.

Optionally, as an alternative or addition to the resonant inductively-coupled coil arrangement 300, one or more of the patch antennae 250 can be implemented as a coil arrangement, for example using metallic film conductors fabricated onto a polyamide plastics material film, for example Kapton film (wherein "Kapton" is a registered trademark), wherein coil arrangements of the patch antennae 250 are arranged, for example using one or more suitable capacitors coupled thereto, to resonate in a range of 50 kHz to 300 kHz for battery charging purposes, and the coil arrangements are overall driven by a signal of a frequency suitable for Bluelooth, ZigBee or similar wireless transmission frequency; "BlueTooth" and "ZigBee" are registered trademarks. By such an approach, the one or more of the patch antennae 250 can synergistically function for battery recharging purposes as well as for wireless communication purposes.

Resonant inductive power transfer is known per se for automotive use, and United Kingdom patent no. GB 1418128 published in December 1975 ("Improvements in or relating to electrified transportation", Otto) is hereby incorporated by reference, wherein there is described an electrical supply arrangement for an electrically driven vehicle, wherein the supply arrangement comprises one or more current carrying -14-conductors which are external to and separate from the vehicle. The one or more conductors are operable to provide an induced inductive electrical supply in at least one electrical circuit located in or on the vehicle so as to drive the vehicle. The electrical circuit comprises one or more inductive and one or more capacitive elements in series, and are integrally formed as a sandwich arrangement of two or more electrically conducting members and one or more electrically insulating members. Optionally, the frequency of the electrical supply to the one or more current carrying conductors is at, or close to, the resonant frequency of the electrical circuit. Optionally, the headphone apparatus 100 operates with a relatively high frequency of inductive resonant power transfer, for example in excess of 20 kHz resonant frequency.

Optionally, the electronic circuit arrangement 230 is based upon digital signal processing (DSP) for: is (i) receiving wireless signals, for example via a wireless near-field-radio (NER) communication link, for example implemented pursuant to the BlueTooth or similar standard ("BlueTooth" is a registered trademark as aforementioned); (H) for storing data in data memory, for example buffer memory, for later sound reproduction via the headphone apparatus 100; beneficially the data memory is non-volatile memory, enabling the given user to use the headphone apparatus when walking in open environments, for example when walking along footpaths, when cycling, when driving, when travelling via railroad and similar; (Hi) for providing a dynamically-reconfigurable graphic equalizer, on account of the sound transducers 160 having differing drive requirements, both in respect of drive power as a well as pre-emphasis via the graphic equalizer, depending upon whether the headphone apparatus 100 is being employed in its earphone mode of operation or soundbox mode of operation. For example, the soundbox mode of operation requires more pre-emphasis of low frequency acoustic signals below 80 Hz and above 5 kHz in comparison to the earphone mode of operation which usually requires a substantially flat frequency response.

Beneficially, the dynamically-reconfigurable graphic equalizer is remotely configurable via the aforementioned wireless communication link. -15-

Referring next to FIG. 9, an embodiment of the headphone apparatus 100 arranged in a vented ported configuration is illustrated. In its simplest arrangement, each of the sound transducers 160 is provided with a corresponding serpentine-channel arrangement 350 which couples acoustically an inside volume of the first zone 150 to one of more apertures 360 on an outwardly-facing surface of the external casing of the headphone apparatus 100, for example as illustrated. Beneficially, the serpentine-channel arrangements 350 are at least partially housed within the second zone 170 of the headphone apparatus 100. Optionally, when the one or more light emitters 260 are employed, the serpentine-channel arrangements 350 are fabricated from substantially optically-transparent plastics material, for example substantially- transparent polycarbonate plastics material or similar. Moreover, the serpentine-channel arrangements 350 are optionally an integrally moulded part of the external casing of the headphone apparatus 100; alternatively, the serpentine-channel arrangements 350 are implemented as separately manufactured parts which are installed into the external casing during manufacture of the headphone apparatus 100.

In FIG. 9, the serpentine-channel arrangements 350 are illustrated as each having five U-bends; however, other numbers of U-bends are possible when implementing the headphone apparatus 100. Optionally, the serpentine-channel arrangements 350 have in a range of two to twenty U-bands. Moreover, for superlative performance, walls 380 of the serpentine-channel arrangements 350 are arrangement to be mutually non-parallel, to avoid any acoustic cavity resonances occurring at any specific frequencies within the serpentine-channel arrangements 350 which could adversely influence an acoustic performance of the headphone apparatus 100.

Optionally, the serpentine-channel arrangements 350 have their U-bends loosely filled with slightly sound-absorbing material, for example loose polyester wool.

Providing the headphone apparatus 100 with the serpentine-channel arrangements 350, providing the sound transducers 160 with vented acoustic loads is capable of increasing bass efficiency of the headphone apparatus 100 when employed in its soundbox mode of operation. Such greater bass efficiency is beneficially for reproducing contemporary popular beat music and also classical organ music -16-including considerable sound energy at low frequencies, for example below 100 Hz.

However, at very low frequencies, for example 10 Hz, the headphone apparatus 100 is less efficient in the sound mode of operation because acoustic signals at the one or more apertures 360 are in phase with acoustic signals emitted from front regions of the sound transducers 160 in the first zone 150.

In the simplest implementation of the headphone apparatus 100 of FIG. 9, the sound transducers 160 are simply coupled via a cable to a plug that can be plugged into an output socket of audio apparatus, for example an MP3 player, mobile telephone ("cell phone") tablet computer or similar. In a more complex arrangement, the headphone apparatus 100 of FIG. 9 is wireless-enabled, as described in the forgoing, by employing the rechargeable batteries 220, the electronic circuit arrangement 230, the patch antenna 250 and the heat sink 240 as described in the foregoing.

is The headphone apparatus 100 is capable of being implemented in an embodiment which is capable of providing "top-end" highest quality performance which would satisfy even hi-fidelity perfectionists, as will now be described in greater detail.

In any given sound system, an interface from electrical driver signals to corresponding acoustic signals is usually a weakest link whereat signal quality degradation can occur, assuming that quality driver amplifiers are employed to generate the electrical driver signals. Such quality driver amplifiers are beneficially implemented to be "soft clipping", in a manner akin to vacuum tube amplifiers, so that information conveyed in peak signal transients are at least partially rendered in the acoustic signals. Moreover, such quality driver amplifiers are assumed to be designed to avoid generation of any significant transient intermodulation distortion (TID) when driving reactive loads, for example as represented by the sound transducers 160 of the headphone apparatus 100, by use of appropriate amplifier feedback loops and appropriate design of amplifier forward-path phase characteristics. Such quality amplifiers, for example as beneficially employed in the headphone apparatus 100, are optionally implemented in a digital manner, via use of PWM power control and digital feedback loops, for example implemented using one or more high-speed RISC processors, for example employing recursive filtering to achieve precise phase adjustment of signals. -17-

However, even if the quality driver amplifiers are perfect in a given sound generation system, mechanical transducers employed in the system for converting electrical signals to air pressure changes represent a weakest link as aforementioned. Signal degradation can arise from following phenomena: (a) sympathetic resonances which accentuate signal components at specific resonant frequencies; such sympathetic resonances can arise from cavity resonances, for example within the exterior casing of the headphone apparatus 100 in the first and second zones 150, 170 respectively, and well as mechanical resonances of mechanical structural parts, for example within portions of the exterior casing itself; (b) signal non-linearity arising on account of elastic non-linearity of transducer diaohragm mounts as a function of instantaneous mechanical movements of diaphragms, especially for large diaphragm movements when producing signal components lying at bass frequencies, for example below 100 Hz; and (c) phase shift colouration, also known as "Doppler shift" colouration, arising when a plurality of signal components are being rendered simultaneously by a given sound transducer, wherein a diaphragm of the given sound transducer is exhibiting considerable movement, such that spurious artefacts are generated as a consequence of Doppler shift associated with the finite velocity of sound in air.

In the earphone mode of operation for the headphone apparatus 100, signal degradation resulting from the phenomena (b) and (c) are unlikely to arise, because diaphragm movements are generally relatively small when operating the sound transducers at diminished drive signal amplitude. Moreover, resonances arising from the phenomenon (a) are addressable by a manner of construction and design of the external casing of the first and second zones 150, 170, namely avoidance of parallel surfaces that can give rise to resonant cavities, and use of construction materials which exhibit a relatively low Q4actor of mechanical resonance, as well as selective frequency pre-emphasis in a digital graphic equalizer used to provide input signals to the aforementioned quality drive amplifiers.

In the soundbox mode of operation, the phenomenon (c) is potentially a significant signal quality degradation factor, especially when the headphone apparatus 100 is -18-required to generate considerable acoustic power, for example when implementing popular contemporary beat music, which requires considerable diaphragm movement for the sound transducers 160. Referring to FIG. 10, wherein an advanced high-performance version of the headphone apparatus 100 is shown, the sound transducers 160 are employed in the earphone mode to convert all electrical driving signals generated from the electronic circuit assembly 230 into acoustic signals to be heard by the given user. Moreover, in the soundbox mode of operation, bass frequency signal components are provided to drive the sound transducers 160, and higher frequency signals are provided to smaller sound transducers 400 which are provided with associated sound channels 410 which are vented via one or more apertures 420 at both sides of the second zones 170 as illustrated; the sound channels 410 are beneficially acoustically isolated from an interior volume of the first zone 150. This enables the headphone apparatus 100 to render high frequency signal components, for example at frequencies greater than 200 Hz, with minimal is phase shift associated with the phenomenon (c), because movement of diaphragms of the smaller sound transducers 400 is generally much less than that of the relatively larger sound transducers 160. Thus, in FIG. 10, the relatively larger sound transducers 160 are driven by the electronic circuit assembly 230 when the headphone apparatus 100 is employed in its earphone mode of operation, and both the relatively larger sound transducers 160 and the smaller sound transducers 400 are driven in combination, with respective lower and higher signal components respectively, when the headphone apparatus 100 is employed in its soundbox mode or operation; such a manner of operation is distinguished from known types of headphone apparatus capable of supporting a soundbox mode of operation, see FIG.

1 for example.

Optionally, the sound channels 410 are integrally moulded or formed with the exterior casing of the second zone 170. Alternatively, the sound channels 410 are implemented by way of an insert component which is inserted into the external casing during manufacture of the headphone apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 10.

Moreover, it will be appreciated from the foregoing that the second zone 170 provides the headphone apparatus 100 with several ways of achieving superlative technical performance as well as achieving superb aesthetic appearance for the headphone apparatus 100. -19-

Operation of the headphone apparatus 100 of FIG. 10 will now be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 11.

Referring next to FIG. 11, the headphone apparatus 100 of FIG. 10, mutatis mutaridis the headphone apparatus 100 of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, is optionally employed in combination with a computing device 500, for example a personal computer, a tablet computer, a phablet computer, a smart phone or similar portable computing device.

The computing device 500 is operable to execute one or more software applications which are executable on computing hardware of the computing device 500 for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) through which the headphone apparatus can be configured and controlled by the given user. Configuration data is downloaded in operation via a wireless link, for example Bluelooth, Zigbee or similar ("Blue Tooth" and "Zigbee" are trademarks) from the computing device 500 to a is wireless interface 510 of the headphone apparatus 100. Downloaded data is then transferred to a data processor 520 and a data memory 530 of the electronic circuit arrangements 230. Moreover, the downloaded data includes, in addition to configuration parameters for the headphone apparatus 100, content for replaying, for example audio files and such like. Optionally, the content can be streamed for replaying and/or downloaded to the data memory 530 before being replayed. The configuration parameters beneficially control one or more of: (i) whether the headphone apparatus 100 is to be employed in the earphone mode or the soundbox mode; (H) graphic equalizer parameters, for example pre-emphasis in certain frequency bands when reproducing the content via the headphone apparatus, it is to be appreciated that different pre-emphasis is beneficially selected depending upon whether the earphone mode is selected or the soundbox mode is selected; (Hi) a manner in which the one or more light emitters 260 are to be employed, for example to show to the given user a charge status of the batteries 220, an available amount of capacity available in the data memory 530, flashing effects in time with beats of content being replayed via the headphone apparatus 100, a random aesthetic flashing effect and so forth; -20 - (iv) which of the sound transducers 160, 400 are to be employed for replaying the content, namely the mode of operation of the headphone apparatus 100, although digression therefrom is accommodated, namely the given user can optionally elect to employ the smaller sound transducers 400 also in earphone mode for achieving special ambient sound effects; (v) whether or not the headphone apparatus 100 is within wireless communication range of the computing device 500.

Optionally, the one or more light emitters 260 are flashed and/or changed in colour to indicate one or more of functionalities (i) to (v) above. Moreover, the data processor 520 is also operable, if desired, to replay pre-recorded audio messages, for example voice messages, via the one or more sound transducers 160, 400 regarding an operating status of the headphone apparatus 100, for example "low battery", "memory 50% full", "soundbox mode selected", "bass boost ON", and so forth.

Optionally, a language employed for such pre-recorded audio messages is configured from the computing device 500 via the graphical user interface (GUI).

The data processor 520, in association with its data memory 530, is provided with embedded software which is operable to communicate with one or more software applications executed upon the computing device 500, via wireless communication and/or a detachable communication lead 600 connected between the headphone apparatus 100 and the computing device 500. The detachable communication lead 600 is beneficially employed when the computing device 500 is not equipped with a wireless interface compatible with the wireless interface 510 of the headphone apparatus 100.

For assisting to achieve superlative audio performance in the headphone apparatus of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, power amplifiers which excite the sound transducers 160, 400 are beneficially digital switch-mode amplifiers with feedback implemented via digital signal processing provided using the data processor 520, for example implemented as a low-power RISC processor, for example of a type employed in mobile telephones. This enables the clipping characteristics of the switch-mode amplifiers to be adjusted via the graphical user interface (GUI) of the computing device 500, for example for achieving "soft clipping" in a manner that occurs in highest quality vacuum-tube hi-fidelity amplifiers, thereby enabling the headphone apparatus 100 to provide considerable sound output in its soundbox mode of -21 -operation whilst also conveying information present in instantaneous transient peaks present in the content to be replayed via the headphone apparatus 100. Such "soft-clipping" requires that the switch-mode amplifiers provide an ultra-linear signal transfer characteristic at lower signal amplitudes, progressing to a logarithmic characteristic, or other gradually diminishing mathematical function, at higher signal amplitudes corresponding to transient peaks. By implementing the power amplifiers as switch-mode amplifiers, reduced power dissipation within the headphone apparatus 100 is possible to achieve, which conserves energy stored in the batteries 220 as well as making thermal management within the headphone apparatus 100 easier to arrange, even for prolonged high-volume operation of the headphone apparatus 100 in its soundbox mode of operation. Optionally, a threshold between ultra-linear operation and logarithmic operation is user-selectable via the graphical user interface (GUI), namely a profile for "soft clipping" is user-definable.

is Referring next to FIG. 12, the headphone apparatus 100 is optionally provided with one of more microphone assemblies 700, optionally in a permanent manner, or in a detachable manner, which will now be described in greater detail. In FIG. 12, a detachable microphone assembly is indicated generally by 700. The microphone assembly 700 includes an external casing 710, which is beneficially profiled to appear as a continuity of the first zone 150, as illustrated; the external casing 710 is beneficially manufactured from an insulating material, for example a plastics material.

At a distal end of the microphone assembly 700, there is include a sound sensor 720, for example implemented using a moving coil microphone insert or an electret microphone insert. An output signal from the sound sensor 720 is coupled to an electronic circuit assembly 730 which is coupled through a wireless interface to patch antenna 740; the microphone assembly 700 is operable to communicate the sound sensor signals in a wireless manner via the patch antenna 250 to the electronic circuit assembly 230 and, optionally, via Bluelooth communication or similar, therefrom to the computing device 500, for example in an event that the headphone apparatus 100 is employed for making interactive telephone calls, conference calls and such like. Optionally, the headphone apparatus 100 is operable to record the sound sensor signals conveyed wirelessly to the electronic circuit assembly 230 in the data memory 530 for later downloading to the computing device 500. This enables poets, for example, to take the headphone apparatus 100 with them on -22 -walks in the countryside, compose poems orally when inspired by nature, listen to their recorded poems when in the countryside, and then download the poetry when returning home via wireless communication to their computing devices 500! Other uses for the headphone apparatus 100 are, of course, possible; for example, the headphone apparatus 100 can be used by police, librarians, stock control staff, and similar, where considerable oral notes need to be recorded.

Additionally, or alternatively, the headphone apparatus 100 includes a microphone within its external casing for receiving external sounds, for example when the headphone apparatus 100 is employed for making a telephone call, a Voice-over-Internet Protocol (V0IP) call, or other types of group oral communication.

The microphone assembly 100 beneficially attaches in a detachable manner to the first zone by way of permanent magnets 750 which are attracted to the heatsink 240, beneficially implemented then as a ceramic ferrite component. In a lower cavity of the heatsink 240, there is included a resonant inductive power drive coil 760, for example implemented as metallic film conductors formed onto a flexible plastics material film, for example polyamide film, for example Kapton film ("kaptori" is a trademark). Included in the microphone assembly 700 is a corresponding resonant inductive power pickup coil 770 which is operable to receive power coupled magnetically from the resonant inductive power drive coil 760; the resonant inductive power pickup coil 770 is connected to the electronic circuit assembly 730 which includes high4requency rectification circuits for converting power coupled to the inductive power pickup coil 770 into d.c. for energizing microphone amplifiers and the wireless interface of the electronic circuit assembly 730. Such a manner of implementation avoids a need for a battery also to be included in the microphone assembly 700, and enables the microphone assembly 700 to be attached and detached without needing to mate any electrical connectors, thereby improving operating reliability and robustness of the headphone apparatus 100. Optionally, the permanent magnets 750 are implemented as substantially arcuate components, for example segments of an annular ring, which are mutually insulated to avoid causing a shorted winding for the coils 750, 760 that could otherwise adversely affect power transfer efficiency between the coils 760, 770.

-23 -When configuring the headphone apparatus 700, it is not always convenient to have to employ the graphical user interface (GUI) of the computing device 500; in order to address such an issue of convenience, the headphone apparatus 100 is beneficially provided with one or more switches 540 thereupon, see FIG. 11. The one or more switches 540 are beneficially implemented as sealed membrane switches and enable the given user to make manually adjustments such as: (i) switching between the earphone mode and the soundbox mode; (H) increasing and/or decreasing volume of output from the headphone apparatus 100; (Hi) selecting between different sound tracks in content to be replayed via the headphone apparatus 100; (iv) commencing or terminating recording activities using the microphone assembly 700, when the headphone apparatus 100 is equipped with its associated microphone assembly 700; and (v) activating or deactivating a wireless link with the computing device 500, although not limited thereto.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the headphone apparatus 100 represents a considerable synergistic advance in comparison to known types of headphone apparatus, and is capable, when appropriately configured, to provide outstandingly impressive sound reproduction despite its relatively compact size. It is thus capable of functioning as a highest-quality "top-end" product which is capable of satisfying even the most discerning hi-fidelity users. Moreover, on account of its smoothly-curved external profile, the headphone apparatus 100 is also potentially a highly aesthetically beautiful object.

Various attachments can be provided for the headphone apparatus 100, for example carry cases, carry bags, charger units and so forth. For example, referring to FIG. 13, the charging apparatus 310, namely "charger unit", is illustrated in greater detail.

The charging apparatus 310 includes a holder 800, for receiving the third zone 180 including the resonant inductively-coupled coil arrangement 300, wherein the holder 800 includes a power oscillator and a resonant tank circuit including a coil arrangement (not shown) for coupling power to the resonant inductively-coupled coil arrangement 300, for example at a resonant induction frequency in a range of 10 kHz -24 -to 500 KHz. The holder 800 is optionally an arcuate component as illustrated and manufactured substantially form plastics materials, for example ABS, polycarbonate, glass-filed resin or similar. A connection lead 810 couples the holder 800 to a plug 820, wherein the plug 820 is optionally adapted to be coupled to a USB port of a computer, into a mains charger unit, and/or into a portable power source such as a larger battery, a solar photovoltaic panel or a miniature fuel-cell stack. As aforementioned, the charging apparatus 310 is alternatively, or additionally, adapted to couple power in a resonant manner into the patch antenna 250 when synergistically also implemented to function as a resonant pickup coil for battery charging purposes. Additionally, or alternatively, the headphone apparatus 100 includes a small socket in its external casing for receiving directly a charging connector.

The headphone apparatus 300, in association with its software application executable on the computer device 500, is capable of being employed in a social media context, for example as illustrated in FIG. 14. Such a social media context can include contemporary well known social media platforms, for example Facebook, Twitter, and similar, but not limited thereto; "Facebook" and "Twitter" are registered trademarks. Moreover, such social media platforms rely on communication between a plurality of participating users via a communication network 900, for example Wifi, Internet, telephone network, LAN, WLANJ and similar. The headphone apparatus are operable mutually to communicate with other substantially similar compatible headphone apparatus 100 via near-field wireless communication, denoted by 930; such mutual communication is beneficially triggered by a plurality of headphone apparatus 100 being brought mutually into close spatial proximity so that near-field wireless signal reception thereat exceeds a wireless power threshold for triggering automatic pairing or grouping of the headphone apparatus 100; such pairing or grouping enables, for example, groups of infants and teenagers to group their headphone apparatus 100 together when meeting in a bedroom, clubhouse, schoolroom or similar.

The headphone apparatus 100, via a wireless communication link 920, for example implemented via Bluetooth, ZigBee or similar, are coupled in communication to their associated computing devices 500 and therefrom via their network connections 910 -25 -to the communication network 900. The software application executing upon the computing devices enables a plurality of the headphone apparatus 100 to be coupled together, even if certain of the headphone apparatus 100 are in different cities, countries or even different continents. The software application is operable, when executed upon computing hardware, to enable interactive sessions between multiple users of the headphone apparatus 100 to be arranged and enjoyed by users. Such interactive sessions beneficially have one or more the following optional functional ities: (a) one or more conversations between a plurality of users of the headphone apparatus 100 via the communication network 900, for example by employing Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (V0IP) supported by the software application executed upon the computing devices 500; (b) sharing of audio content from the computing device 500 of one of the headphone apparatus 100 to other computing devices 500, via the communication network 500, so that a plurality of users of the headphone apparatus 100 can share their audio files amongst themselves. Optionally, the software application executing on the computing devices 500 is operable to compile a temporal record of communication events pertaining to the audio content, for example sending and recipient parties, and an instance of time when communicated; (c) recording sessions, wherein the sessions include communication between a plurality of users which is recorded, together with audio content that is replayed during such sessions; this enables experiences of multiple users enjoying audio content collaboratively and making comments during such enjoyment can be recorded for later replaying, for example mutual excitement experienced when hearing a new item of music for a first time, for example release of a new popular music "hit"; such recording pertains also to a situation where the audio content is generated in connection with graphics video, for example a computer game, a sports event, or similar; and (d) establishing via social media special interest groups which are able mutually to communicate via use of the headphone apparatus 100 and their associated computing devices 500.

In the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the computing devices 500 can be optionally implemented using one or more of: smart phone, laptop personal -26 -computer (PC), desktop personal computer (PC), phablet computer, tablet computer, PDA. Optionally, audio content for sharing with the computing devices 500 and their associated headphone apparatus 100, is stored in the communication network in a cloud computing environment, for example in the "Internet cloud". Optionally, the "internet cloud" is provided via a social media platform.

Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "consisting of', "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should is not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claims (19)

1. -27 -CLAIMS1. A headphone apparatus (100) including first zones (150) including at least one sound transducer (160) for positioning at a user's ear region when the headphone apparatus (100) is worn on the user's head, and a third zone (180) coupled to the first zones (150) for fitting substantially onto an apex of the user's head for retaining the headphone apparatus (1 00) thereupon, characterized in that the headphone apparatus (100) includes second zones (170) between the first zones (150) and the third zone (180) for assisting sound generation in the headphone apparatus (100) when in operation.
2. 2. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the second zones (170) have internal volumes which are acoustically coupled is to internal volumes of their corresponding first zones (150) for assisting sound generation in the headphone apparatus (100) when in operation.
3. 3. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the second zones (170) accommodate a serpentine channel arrangement (350) for implementing vented output ports (360) to assist operation of sound transducers (160) included in the first zones (150).
4. 4. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the second zones (170) are rotatably coupled to the third zone (180) for enabling the headphone apparatus (100) to be adjusted between its earphone mode configuration, for use when the headphone apparatus (100) is worn upon its user's head, and its soundbox mode configuration, for use when the headphone apparatus (100) is to project sound generally into a spatial region therearound.
5. 5. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first zones (150) include a first set of sound transducers (160) for use when the headphone apparatus (100) is operated in its earphone mode of operation, and a second set of sound transducers (400) for use in combination with the first set of -28 -transducers (160) when the headphone apparatus (100) is operated in its soundbox mode of operation.
6. 6. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the headphone apparatus (100) is operable to drive the second set of sound transducers (400) with higher frequency signal components of content to be reproduced by the headphone apparatus (100), and to drive the first set of sound transducers (160) with lower frequency signal components of the content to be reproduced, when the headphone apparatus (100) is operated in its soundbox mode.
7. 7. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed claim 5, characterized in that the second set of sound transducers (400) are coupled via one or more ports (410) which are acoustically isolated from those of the first set of sound transducers (160).
8. 8. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the headphone apparatus (100) includes one or more rechargeable batteries (220) to provide operating power to one or more electronic circuit assemblies (230) of the headphone apparatus (100), and a resonant inductive charging arrangement (180) for receiving energy for recharging the one or more batteries (220).
9. 9. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the resonant inductive charging arrangement (180) is included, at least in part, in the third zone (180).
10. 10. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the sets of sound transducers are driven in operation by one or more drive amplifiers which exhibit soft clipping of transient signal components present in content to be reproduced by the headphone apparatus (100).
11. 11. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the headphone apparatus (100) includes one or more electronic circuit assemblies (230) which are operable to perform at least one of following functions: (a) to receive data via a wireless interface (250, 510) and to store the data in data memory (530) of the headphone apparatus (100); -29 - (b) to control one or more light sources (260) to provide user information indicative of an operating status of the headphone apparatus (100) and/or to create visual illumination effects to complement acoustic reproduction of content conveyed in the data received at the headphone apparatus (100); (c) to apply frequency pre-emphasis to the content conveyed in the data received at the headphone apparatus (100) when reproducing the content; (d) to control in real-time feedback within driver amplifiers driving sound transducers (160, 400) of the headphone apparatus (100) when reproducing the content; and (e) to generate acoustic information signals for reproduction via the headphone apparatus (100) indicative of an operating status of the headphone apparatus (100).
12. 12. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the is headphone apparatus (100) includes a user-operable switch arrangement (540) for controlling at least one of: (a) an operation of the headphone apparatus (100) in its earphone mode of operation or its soundbox mode of operation; (b) a replay of content stored in data memory (530) of the headphone apparatus (100) and/or streamed to the headphone apparatus (100); and (c) an adjustment of volume and/or frequency response characteristics of the headphone apparatus (100) in respect of reproduction of content stored in data memory (530) of the headphone apparatus (100) and/or streamed to the headphone apparatus (100).
13. 13. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the headphone apparatus (100) includes a data processor (520) for receiving parameters input externally from the headphone apparatus (100) for configuring operation of the headphone apparatus (100).
14. 14. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the headphone apparatus (100) includes a microphone arrangement (700) for recording sounds in a spatial region of the headphone apparatus (100).

    -30 -
15. 15. A headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the microphone arrangement (700) is detachable from the headphone apparatus (100) and is operable to receive its operating power from the headphone apparatus (100).
16. 16. A method of manufacturing a headphone apparatus (100) for reproducing content, characterized in that the method includes: (a) arranging for the headphone apparatus (100) to include first zones (150) including at least one sound transducer (160) for positioning at a user's ear region when the headphone apparatus (100) is worn on the user's head, and a third zone (180) coupled to the first zones (150) for fitting substantially onto an apex of the user's head for retaining the headphone apparatus (100) thereupon; and (b) arranging for the headphone apparatus (100) to include second zones (170) between the first zones (150) and the third zone (180) for assisting sound generation in the headphone apparatus (100) when in operation.
17. 17. A software product recorded on non-transient machine-readable data storage media, characterized in that the software product is executable upon computing hardware (500) for executing a method of remotely configuring a headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.
18. 18. A software product recorded on non-transient machine-readable data storage media, characterized in that the software product is executable upon computing hardware (500) for providing, in cooperation with a communication network (900), a social media platform for enabling a plurality of users of headphone apparatus (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 mutually to communicate and/or exchange data content.
19. 19. A software product as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the software product is operable when executed to provide one or more of: (a) mutually communication sessions between a plurality of users of the headphone apparatus (100); (b) recording of communication session between a plurality of users of the headphone apparatus (100); -31 - (c) temporally tracking communication of data content between multiple users of the headphone apparatus (100); and (d) providing a social media platform between a plurality of users of the headphone apparatus (100).