WO2008030811A2

WO2008030811A2 - Clip arrangement of a multi-media headset for use with right or left ear

Info

Publication number: WO2008030811A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/077541
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hyon S. Bae
Original assignee: Prime Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-09-05
Filing date: 2007-09-04
Publication date: 2008-03-13
Also published as: WO2008030811A3

Abstract

A multi-media device is disclosed having a first clip and a second clip for securing the multi-media device to an ear of a user.

Description

MULTI-MEDIA DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 11/516,025 filed on September 5, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention generally relates to audio devices, and more particularly, to a multi-media device for transmitting audio signals to an ear.

BACKGROUND

[0003] There are a number of conventional over-the-head and in-the ear headphones that are available on the market to listen to music or phone calls. These devices typically come in the form of a single ear headphone for mono sound signals and in the form of two ear headsets for stereo sound signals. These headsets can be used with a variety of wired listening devices including personal digital systems, cellular phones, MP3 players, radios and other types of audio devices.

[0004] The Bluetooth® technology standard has enabled headsets to communicate with audio devices wirelessly. Bluetooth® technology is a standard developed by Bluetooth® SIG, Inc. for local wireless communication of mobile devices, such as cellular phones, wireless headsets, computers, printers, cars, and even turn-stiles. This technology allows two Bluetooth® enabled devices within a certain proximity of each other to communicate with one other wirelessly (see, e.g., http://www. Bluetooth®. org; "Specification of the Bluetooth® System", Covered Core Package, v.1.2, November 5, 2003, incorporated herein by reference). The technology promises a variety of improvements over current wired solutions, such as hands-free communication and effortless synchronization.

[0005] However, even with Bluetooth® technology, there are certain limitations with existing headsets. A first limitation is the size and general bulkiness of the headsets. Because a printed circuit board (PCB) with a battery must be incorporated in the headset, the headsets generally tend to be bulky and cumbersome, especially when placed on the pinna of an ear. For stereo sound signals, two of such bulky headsets must be used, one on each ear, resulting in an uncomfortable and undesirable look described as the "Princess Lea" look. [0006] A second limitation with existing headsets is the difficulty of affixing the headset to one or both ears. Many headsets require the use of two hands in order to properly affix the headset to one or two ears. This can be difficult at times and even dangerous in situations such as driving a vehicle. In vehicles, there is a particular need to adopt a simple, wireless headset solution where the hazards associated with driving and speaking on a mobile phone are significant. Conventional hands-free solutions in automobiles have enabled drivers to use their mobiles devices without hands by placing the mobile devices in a cradle that is connected to a hands-free system (typically a microphone and speakers wired together) in the automobile. These hands-free systems have been further enhanced using Bluetooth® technology that requires no cradle since the Bluetooth® phone is able to transmit data directly between the mobile phone and the hands-free system in the automobile. In these Bluetooth® hands-free systems, a driver or passenger of an automobile having a Bluetooth® enabled phone is able to automatically connect with the hands-free system.

[0007] A third limitation with existing headsets is that these headsets are not versatile, requiring the headset to be worn in the ear (using an ear bud) or somehow secured against the pinna of the ear. There are few headsets available that provide alternatives for wearing the headset either on the ear, on clothing or on other parts of the body. Moreover, a more versatile headset would be able to be used for both listening to music, answering phone calls or even to transfer audio signals from a first device such as an MP3 player to a second device such as a speaker. A still further versatility limitation of headsets is that many headsets have the headsets made of an uncomfortable material, such as a hard plastic, that does not make for a comfortable placement in or around the ear or a secure placement on clothes.

[0008] A need therefore exists for a headset without these limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention includes a dual-ear multi-media headset that includes a housing where the housing encloses an audio transmitting device. The housing is defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, a front side and back side. The multi-media headset further includes a first clip where the first clip is defined by a first clip attached end, a first clip unattached end and a first clip ear securing portion. The first clip is attached to the back side of the housing. A second clip is also part of the dual-ear multi-media headset that is defined by a second clip attached end, a second clip unattached end and a second clip ear securing portion. The second clip is attached to the back side of the housing. The first clip secures the housing to a first ear and the second clip secures the housing to a second ear where the dual-ear multi-media headset is secured to either one of the first ear or the second ear.

[0010] The dual-ear multi-media headset, in an alternative embodiment, includes a soft cover covering a portion of the back side of the housing. In this embodiment, the first clip or the second clip secures the multi-media device to an article of clothing of the user by placing the article of clothing between either clip and the soft cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A more complex appreciation of the invention and many of the advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by references to the detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the multi-media headset of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top surface perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a back side view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram view of an embodiment of the audio transmitting device of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device secured to a user's left ear;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention secured to a user's right ear;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention with a clip being pressed to place the device on a left ear;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention with a clip being pressed to place the device on a right ear; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device being clipped onto a shirt and used in conjunction with an ear bud headset device;

FIGs. 12A-12E are perspective views of an embodiment of the multi-media headset of the present invention being secured to a variety of articles of clothing of a user;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram view of an embodiment of the multi-media device being used in conjunction with a media transmitting device and a media receiving device;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention being used in conjunction with a hands free vehicle system; and

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram view of an embodiment of the method of using an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is an internal view of an embodiment of the audio transmitting device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the multi-media device 10 is shown. The multi-media device 10 has a housing 15 that contains an audio transmitting device (FIG. 6) within the housing 15. The housing 15, in one embodiment, is made of a molded plastic material, however, any other type of metal or non-metal material may be used. On the front side 20 (shown by dashed lines), there are a number of activating mechanisms 25 that are used to activate the multimedia device 10. It is understood that these activating mechanisms 25 are only one embodiment of the type of activating mechanisms that may be used as part of a multi-media device 10. In this embodiment, a talk mechanism 30 is on the housing 15 that is activated when the multi-media device 10 is used as a device that receives and transmits phone signals. The talk mechanism 30 enables the multi-media device 10 to receive and transmit phone signals, through the audio transmitting device. The phone signals may be cellular phone signals or other digital or analog phone signals known in the art. The talk mechanism 30 may also be used, in an alternative embodiment, as a playing mechanism to receive and play digital music from the multi- media device 10 that is receiving those signals from an audio transmitting device (not shown). The audio transmitting device may be any type of device that stores digital content that may be played, including a computer, a personal digital system, an MP3 player, a cellular phone, a smart phone or a hands-free vehicle system. The activating mechanisms 25 also include, in this embodiment, a volume up-down mechanism 35 that is used to adjust the volume being transmitted from the multi-media device 10. Also as part of the activating mechanisms 25 is a forward/back mechanism 40 that allows content, such as digital music content, to be searched and located by pressing the forward/back mechanism 40. In this embodiment, the forward/back mechanism 40 is able to skip forward to digital music being located and stored in an audio transmitting device that is in communication with the multi-media device 10. Also, the forward/back mechanism 40 may be able to go back to digital music stored on an audio transmitting device (not shown) that is in communication with the multi-media device 10. Also on the front side 20 of the multimedia device 10 is a smart key mechanism 45. The smart key mechanism 45 activates different functions depending on the mode that the multi-media device 10 is in. When the multi-media device 10 is in a phone mode, the smart key mechanism 45 may be used to activate a Bluetooth phone communication with another device. When the multi-media device 10 is in a playback mode, the smart key mechanism 45 may be used to play or stop the music being played. In an alternative embodiment, the smart key mechanism may be used to disconnect the multi-media device 10 from the audio transmitting device by pressing and holding down the smart key mechanism 45 for a predetermined number of seconds, such as 3 seconds. It is understood that the activating mechanisms 25 are activated by a user of the multi-media device 10. It is further understood that the multi-media device 10 works in communication with an audio transmitting device, and receives audio signals from that device, where the audio transmitting device may be a personal digital system, an MP3 player, a cellular phone, a smart phone, or a hands free vehicle system. The audio transmitting device, in its broadest sense, may be any device that transmits audio signals to the multimedia device 10. The communication between the multi-media device 10 and the audio transmitting device may be through any digital transferring medium, whether wired or wireless, and, in one embodiment, may be done by using the BlueTooth® technology as is well known in the art. Still in FIG. 1, there is shown a first clip 50 and a second clip 55 that are both used to secure the multi-media device 10 onto one ear of a user (not shown). As will be seen from FIG. 5 below, each of the first clip 50 and the second clip 55 are attached to the backside of multi-media device 10. Also visible from FIG. 1, a soft cover 60 extends outwardly from the housing 15 and is attached to the back side (FIG. 5) of the multi-media device 10. The soft cover 60, as will be described in detail below, covers a portion of the back side of the housing 15 and provides both comfort when placed against the pinna of the ear and a secure attachment to articles of clothing. For example, the soft cover 60 is used to secure the multi-media device 10 to different articles of clothing such as a shirt, a tie, a pair of glasses, a hair band, a belt, or other articles of clothing or accessories in a comfortable and secure manner based on the composition of the soft cover material. The soft cover 60 may be made, in one embodiment, of a foam material. In alternative embodiments, the soft cover 60 may be made of other fabrics or material that provide both comfort against the pinna of an ear or a more secure attachment to an article of clothing.

[0013] In operation, the multi-media device 10 of FIG. 1 is used by securing the multi-media device 10 to one of either the pinna of the left ear or the right ear of a user using the first clip 50 or the second clip 55. The user is able to use a single hand to secure the multi-media device 10 onto an ear by moving either the first clip 50 or the second clip 55 in a direction away from the housing 15 and placing the pinna of the ear between the first clip 50 or second clip 55 and the soft cover 60. As described in more detail below, each of the first clip 50 and the second clip 55 has a securing portion (FIG. 5) that comfortably sets the multi-media device 10 on the ear. Once on the ear, the multi-media device 10 is able to transmit audio sound into the ear using the audio transmitting device (FIG. 6) located in the housing 15. The audio transmitting device receives audio signals from other audio devices such as a computer, a PDA, an MP3 player, a cellular phone, a smart phone or a hands free vehicle system either through wireless or wired methods. The multi-media device 10 is therefore able to send digital signals to the audio device and receive digital signals from the audio device so that the multi-media device may act as either a music playback device or a cellular phone. In this manner, the multi-media device 10 is able to transmit different media types to the ear of a user.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the multi-media device 10 has a stereo headphone jack 100 located on the stereo connector side 110 of the multi-media device 10. The stereo headphone jack 100 is able to receive a stereo headphone cord (FIG. 11) so that the audio signals transmitted to the ear by the multi-media device 10 may be transmitted in a stereo channel that requires use of both ears to receive the stereo signal. In this embodiment, the stereo headphone jack 100 would receive the stereo headphone cord jack (not shown) at one end of the stereo headphone cord and the other end would contain two ear buds that would be placed within the ear to receive the audio signals from the multi-media device 10 as stereo signals. By using the stereo headphone jack 100, the multi-media device 10 may be used in this embodiment by clipping the multi-media device 10 onto an article of clothing and placing the stereo headphone cord into the stereo headphone jack 100 while wearing the multi-media device 10 on the article of clothing (FIG 12). In this way, unlike prior art headphones, only the ear bud speakers need go in the ear, rather than the larger multi-media device 10 on each ear (e.g. with a "Princess Lea" look). In addition, Bluetooth® technology may be used to transmit the stereo audio signals from an audio device (not shown) to the multi-media device 10.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the power switch side 300 of the multi-media device 10 is shown. On the power switch side 300 is a power switch 310 that turns the multi-media device 10 on or off by moving the power switch 310 in opposite directions.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention. In FIG. 4, a data connector 410 is shown located on the top surface 400 of the multi-media device 10 of the present invention. The data connector 410 is used to transfer data, for example multi-media data such as MP3 songs (or songs in other format) or Internet data to the multi-media device 10. A data cord (not shown) would be inserted into the data connector 410 on one end and the other end would be connected to an audio device or data device such as a computer, a personal digital system, an MP3 player, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a hands-free vehicle system, or other device that can store and transfer media such as digital music, maps, pictures or any other data to the multi-media device 10. In an alternative embodiment, the data connector 410 may be used as a power connector to provide electrical power to charge the multi-media device 10. In one embodiment, the data connector is a serial interface mini-USB (mini 8-pin) standard connector. (SPI-UART).

[0017] FIG. 5 is a backside view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention. In FIG. 5, a first clip 50 is shown attached at a first clip attached end 500 to the multi-media device 10. The first clip 50 also has a first clip securing portion 505 that extends from the first clip attached end 500 to the first clip unattached end 510. Similarly, the second clip 55 has a second clip attached end 515 that extends to the second clip unattached end 520 through the second clip securing portion 525. FIG. 5 further depicts the soft cover 60 that is a foam material, in this embodiment, that has been secured to the multi-media device 10. In use, the first clip 50 and the second clip 55 are used to clip separately onto an ear of the user by extending either the first clip 50 or the second clip 55 away from the soft cover 60. The pinna of the ear is then placed between either the first clip 50 or the second clip 55 and the soft cover 60 to secure the multi-media device 10 on an ear. A single hand may be used to place the multi-media device 10 onto an ear that has the benefit of allowing the other hand to be used for other tasks such as driving a vehicle. In addition, the multi-media device 10 can be placed on either ear by using the two clips, 50 or 55, depending on the ear that the device 10 is placed on.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a block diagram view of an embodiment of the audio transmitting device of the present invention. In FIG. 6, a Bluetooth® stereo chip 600 controls the Bluetooth® transmission and reception of digital signals from a Bluetooth®-enabled device (not shown) in order to transmit data between the audio transmitting device 605 and the audio device. In one embodiment, the Bluetooth® stereo chip 600 is a model CSR-BC03MM manufactured by CSR UK of Cambridge, United Kingdom. The Bluetooth® stereo chip 600 is in communication with the activating mechanisms of FIG. 1 that are depicted by block element 610. The Bluetooth® stereo chip 600 is also in communication with a number of other elements including the data connector 410 (FIG. 4) depicted as block 615. Also, standard devices such as a 12 MHz crystal 620, a charging circuit 625 and a battery 630 are all in communication with the Bluetooth® stereo chip 600. In one embodiment, the charging circuit is a model number ISL6292B manufactured by Intersil of Milpitas, California. The battery 630 is, in one embodiment, a 3.7 volt, 300 mA battery. Still as part of the audio transmitting device is a power switch at 635 to turn the audio transmitting device on or off. In between the power switch 635 and the Bluetooth® stereo chip 600 are two low dropout voltage regulators 640 and 645 which, in this embodiment, are 1.8 volts and 3.0 volts respectively. Also connected to the Bluetooth® stereo chip 600 and the charging circuit 625 is a two-color light device 650 to indicate when the audio transmitting device 605 is on or off. The stereo headphone jack 655 is connected to stereo headphone cord 660. Also as part of the audio transmitting device 605 is a microphone 650 (operating, in one embodiment, at -44 dB), connected to an operational amplifier 665. A standard CODEC that is capable of performing encoding and decoding of a digital stream or signal 670 is connected to the Bluetooth® stereo chip 600 and the stereo jack 655.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention secured onto the left ear of a user. In FIG. 7, the multi-media device is depicted as placed on the pinna portion of the left ear of a user. The multi-media device 10 is secured to the pinna 700 that is placed between the first clip 50 and the soft cover 60. [0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device secured onto the right ear of a user. In FIG. 8, the multi-media device 10 is shown secured to a right ear (pinna 800) of a user by securing the pinna 800 between the second clip 55 and the soft cover 60.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the second clip 55 is being moved in a direction of the arrow 900 away from the soft cover 60 with a single hand 905 of a user. The user would then place the pinna of the left ear between the second clip 55 and the soft cover 60 to secure the multimedia device to the user. The second clip securing portion 525 would then move in a direction 910 towards the soft cover 60 once the ear's pinna is placed between the soft cover 60 and the second clip 55 and thereby secure the multi-media device 10 to the ear.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the first clip 50 is shown being moved by a right hand 1005 in a direction 1010 away from the soft cover 60. After moving the first clip 50, the multi-media device will be placed on the pinna of the right ear and allowing the first clip 50 to move in a direction 1000 towards the soft cover 60 in order to be secured against the pinna of the right ear.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-media device of the present invention being worn by a user. In this embodiment, the multi-media device 10 is secured to an article of clothing (e.g. a shirt) of a user. The multi-media device 10 has a stereo headphone cord 1100 that is connected to the stereo headphone jack (FIG. 2) at one end and then connected to ear buds 1105 in both the left and right ear of the user. In this embodiment, the multi-media device is providing audio signals that are in stereo and therefore necessitate that both ears be used to receive the audio signals. It is understood that the clips of the multi-media device are spring loaded (FIG. 16) and are thereby able to securely hold the device 10 onto the ear.

[0024] FIG. 12A-12E are perspective views of the multi-media device of the present invention being worn on different articles of clothing. In FIG. 12A, the multi-media device 10 is placed on a collar of a shirt. In FIG. 12B the multi-media device is placed on a belt of a user. In FIG. 12C the multi-media device is placed on a tie. In FIG. 12D the multi- media device is placed on a shirt. In FIG. 12E the multi-media device is placed on a pocket of a shirt. It is understood that the first clip or second clip of the multi-media device may be used to clip the multi-media device onto any type of clothing or accessory so that the multi-media device need not be worn on an ear. In doing so, the multi-media device is then connected through the stereo jack port to a stereo headphone cord that is then connected to the ear. It is further understood that these articles of clothing are shown by example only. Many other types of clothing may be used to secure the device 10.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a block diagram view of an embodiment of the multi-media device being used in conjunction with a media transmitting device and a media receiving device. In FIG. 13, the multi-media device 10 is used as a device to receive data from a media transmitting device 1300 and to transmit to a media receiving device 1310. In this embodiment, a media transmitting device may be a personal digital system, an MP3 player, a cellular phone, a smart phone, or a hands free vehicle system. The audio transmitting device, in its broadest sense, may be any device that transmits audio signals to the multi-media device 10. The media receiving device may be any of the media transmitting device, or, alternatively, speakers.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram view of an embodiment of the hands-free phone system of the present invention. In FIG. 14, the embodiment of the hands-free phone system 100 includes a multi-media device 1430, a speaker 1440, a microphone 1450, a Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460 and a Bluetooth® phone 1470. All these components of the hands-free system 1400 are found within a vehicle 1420, in this embodiment. The hands-free, phone system 1400 relies on Bluetooth® technology that is incorporated in both the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460, the multi-media device 1430 and the Bluetooth® enabled phone 1470. Bluetooth® technology is a well known standard for local wireless communication of mobile devices, such as the plurality of Bluetooth® enabled phones 130. The Bluetooth® specification is publicly available at http://www.Bluetooth®.org titled "Specification of the Bluetooth® System", Covered Core Package, v.1.2, November 5, 2003, incorporated herein by reference. There is also available a "Hands-Free Profile," Adopted Version 1.0, dated April 29, 2003 that is published by the Bluetooth® SIG, Inc., providing protocols on procedures in implementing a Hands-Free Profile, incorporated herein by reference (both the Hands-Free Profile and the Specification of the Bluetooth® System are referred to as the "Bluetooth® Specification"). The Bluetooth® enabled phone 1470 are able to communicate with other Bluetooth® enabled devices, such as the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460 and the multi-media device 1430, whenever the devices are within a communication range of the Bluetooth® hands-free base 160. Typically, as described in the Bluetooth® Specification, this communication range is approximately 10 meters (or 32.8 feet). As generally described in the Bluetooth® Specification, whenever the Bluetooth® phone 1470 are within the communication range of the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460, the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460 establishes a wireless communication with the Bluetooth® phone 1470, after a process known as "pairing" is performed. Any mobile phone that contains a Bluetooth® wireless communication module may be used. In one embodiment, the Bluetooth® enabled phone is a Nokia 6310 model manufactured by Nokia Corporation. Similarly, the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460 also contains the ability to communication through Bluetooth® technology, and also contains a Bluetooth® module (FIG. 5). In one embodiment, the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460 is wired by conventional wires into the vehicle 1420 and also wired to the speaker 1440 and the microphone 1450. In this manner, the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460 is able to provide communication signals from a passenger or driver in the vehicle 1420 through the microphone 150 that is electronically connected to the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460 and through the Bluetooth® enabled phone 1470. From the Bluetooth® enabled phone 1470, the electronic signal is then transmitted by the Bluetooth® enabled phone 130 outside of the vehicle 1420 using well- known cellular or satellite technologies. The speaker 1440, in one embodiment, is any conventional audio speaker used within a vehicle. In another embodiment, the speaker 140 is the speaker integrated into a vehicle 1420 that is used by an integrated audio system within a vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the speaker 1440 may be any portable (i.e. non- integrated) speaker that may be placed within the vehicle 1420 and electronically connected to the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460. The microphone 1450, much like the speaker 1440, may be any conventional microphone that is able to receive voice signals from a passenger or driver within the vehicle 1420 and transmit those electrical signals to another device, such as the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460. The microphone 1450 may be integrated into the vehicle 120 or may be a portable microphone. In another embodiment, all the components of the hands-free system within the vehicle 1420, including the speaker 1440, the microphone 1450 and the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460, are able to communicate wirelessly, rather than being hard- wired together within the vehicle 1420. It is further understood that the Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460 may be, in another embodiment, integrated as part of another device already within the vehicle 1420, such as a vehicle radio or a vehicle global positioning satellite navigation system, as both are commonly known in the art. The Bluetooth® hands-free base 1460 may also be a part of other electrical components within the vehicle 1420 that is able to communicate, either through a display device or through audio signals, with the passenger/driver within the vehicle 1420. These electrical components could include any of the displays for speed, vehicle maintenance, time or other components typically displayed on the vehicle dashboard or elsewhere within a vehicle.

[0027] In operation, a user may use the multi-media device 1430 to communicate with the phone 1470, that in turn, communicates with the hands-free base 1460. In this manner, the user is able to use the hands-free system 1400 of the vehicle through the multi-media device 1430 on his ear, without having to divert attention away from the road while driving or holding a phone in the driver's hand.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram view of an embodiment of the method of using an embodiment of the multi- media device of the present invention. At step 1500, the multimedia device 10 is powered on using the power switch (FIG. 3). At step 1502, the device 10 initializes by pairing at step 1510 to any Bluetooth® enabled devices within the pairing distance. Then an step 1515, the device 10 is in an idle mode waiting for a user to either use the device 10 in a playback mode 1540 or a phone mode 1520. In the phone mode, the user activates one of the activating mechanisms (FIG. 1), such as the talk mechanism 30, to begin the hands-free connection process at 1520, 1525. Once the hands-free connection is made to a Bluetooth® enabled phone, hands-free vehicle system or other Bluetooth® enabled device able to transmit phone signals, the user can either make a call at step 1535 or receive a call at 1575. To make a call (or receive an incoming call), a user presses the talk mechanism 30. The call is then active at 1530. To hold the call, the user presses the talk mechanism 30 again at 1570. To switch from phone mode to playback mode, the user can press the talk mechanism for a longer period (3 seconds) at 1560.

[0029] In the playback mode, audio (or audio/visual in alternative embodiments) may be played by pressing the talk mechanism 30 again to start or stop the playback of audio or audio/visual. The forward/back mechanism may be used at step 1580 to go forward or back on the audio or audio/visual. By pressing the talk mechanism again, the audio or audio/visual may be paused at step 1555.

[0030] FIG. 16 is an internal view of an embodiment of the audio transmitting device of the present invention. In FIG. 16, the housing (FIG. 1) has been removed to view the internal structure of the multi-media device 10 that supports the audio transmitting device (FIG. 6). In FIG. 16, the clips 50 and 55 are attached to the housing understructure 1605 by a torsion spring 1600. The torsion spring 1600 is made of a resilient material (e.g. metal) that enables the clips 50 and 55 to be moved away from the housing understructure 1605 in order to place the pinna of a ear between the clip and the understructure 1605. The torsion spring 1600 securely holds the device 10 on the ear or an article of clothing.

[0031] In certain other embodiments, a program for performing an exemplary method of the invention or an aspect thereof is situated on a carrier wave such as an electronic signal transferred over a data network. Suitable networks include the Internet, a frame relay network, an ATM network, a wide area network (WAN), or a local area network (LAN). Those skilled in the art will recognize that merely transferring the program over the network, rather than executing the program on a computer system or other device, does not avoid the scope of the invention.

[0032] It will be understood that the above-described apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A dual-ear multi-media headset, comprising: a housing, the housing enclosing an audio transmitting device, the housing defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, a front side and a back side; a first clip, the first clip defined by a first clip attached end, a first clip unattached end and a first clip ear securing portion, the first clip attached end attached to the back side of the housing; and a second clip, the second clip defined by a second clip attached end, a second clip unattached end and a second clip ear securing portion, the second clip attached end attached to the back side of the housing, wherein the first clip secures the housing to a first ear and the second clip secures the housing to a second ear, the dual-ear multi-media headset being secured to either one of the first ear or the second ear.

2. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 1, wherein the audio transmitting device receives audio signals using Bluetooth® technology.

3. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 2, wherein the audio transmitting device receives audio signals from one of a computer, a personal digital system, an MP3 player, a cellular phone, a smart phone and a hands-free vehicle system.

4. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 1, wherein the audio transmitting device transmits digital music.

5. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 1, wherein the audio transmitting device transmits cellular phone signals.

6. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 1, wherein the front surface of the housing further comprises a talk mechanism to receive and transmit phone signals through the audio transmitting device.

7. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 1, wherein the front surface of the housing further comprises a play mechanism to receive digital music from the audio transmitting device.

8. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 1, wherein the front surface of the housing further comprises a volume up/down mechanism to adjust a volume of the dual-ear multimedia headset.

9. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 1, wherein the front surface of the housing further comprises a forward/back mechanism to locate digital music transmitted from the audio transmitting device.

10. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 1, further comprising a soft cover covering a portion of the back side of the housing.

11. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 1, further comprising a data connector for connecting a data device to the dual-ear multi-media device.

12. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 11, wherein the data device is one of a computer, a personal digital system, an MP3 player, a cellular phone, a smart phone and a hands-free vehicle system.

13. A multi-media headset, comprising: a housing, the housing enclosing an audio transmitting device, the housing defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, a front side and a back side; a first clip, the first clip defined by a first clip attached end, a first clip unattached end and a first clip ear securing portion, the first clip attached end attached to the back side of the housing; a second clip, the second clip defined by a second clip attached end, a second clip unattached end and a second clip ear securing portion, the second clip attached end attached to the back side of the housing; and a soft cover covering a portion of the back side of the housing, wherein either the first clip or the second clip secures the multi-media device to an article of clothing of a user by placing the article of clothing between either clip and the soft cover.

14. The multi-media headset of claim 13, wherein the article of clothing is one of a shirt, a tie, a pair of glasses, a hair band and a belt.

15. A dual-ear multi-media headset, comprising: a housing, the housing enclosing an audio transmitting device, the housing defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, a front side and a back side; a first clip, the first clip defined by a first clip attached end, a first clip unattached end and a first clip ear securing portion, the first clip attached end attached to the back side of the housing; a second clip, the second clip defined by a second clip attached end, a second clip unattached end and a second clip ear securing portion, the second clip attached end attached to the back side of the housing; and a soft cover covering a portion of the back side of the housing, wherein the first clip secures the housing to a first ear and the second clip secures the housing to a second ear, the dual-ear multi-media headset being secured to either one of the first ear or the second ear.

16. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 15, wherein the audio transmitting device receives audio signals using Bluetooth® technology.

17. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 16, wherein the audio transmitting device receives audio signals from one of a computer, a personal digital system, an MP3 player, a cellular phone, a smart phone and a hands-free vehicle system.

18. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 15, wherein the audio transmitting device transmits digital music.

19. The dual-ear multi- media headset of claim 15, wherein the audio transmitting device transmits cellular phone signals.

20. The dual-ear multi-media headset of claim 15, wherein the front surface of the housing further comprises a talk mechanism to receive and transmit phone signals through the audio transmitting device.