# US 12,192,717 B2 · Systems, methods, and user interfaces for headphone audio output control

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- Number: US 12,192,717 B2
- Document ID: US12192717B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/898,735
- Filed: 2022-08-30
- Published: 2023-01-05
- Granted: 2025-01-07
- Earliest claimed: 2019-07-08
- Assignees: Apple Inc.
- Applicants: Apple Inc.
- Inventors: Taylor G. Carrigan
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12192717B2

## CPC

- H04R 3/12: for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers {(specially adapted for hearing aids H04R25/407)}
- H04R 29/001: {for loudspeakers (H04R29/007 takes precedence)}
- G06F 3/04847: Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
- G06F 3/165: {Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path}
- G06F 3/167: {Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback}
- H04R 1/1008: {Earpieces of the supra-aural or circum-aural type}
- H04R 1/1016: {Earpieces of the intra-aural type}
- H04R 1/1041: {Mechanical or electronic switches, or control elements (switches in general H01H)}
- H04R 1/1083: {Reduction of ambient noise (active noise reduction per se G10K11/175; protective devices for the ear, e.g. providing acoustic protection A61F11/06)}
- H04R 1/1091: {Details not provided for in groups H04R1/1008 - H04R1/1083}
- H04R 2460/01: Hearing devices using active noise cancellation
- H04R 2460/15: Determination of the acoustic seal of ear moulds or ear tips of hearing devices
- H04S 2400/13: Aspects of volume control, not necessarily automatic, in stereophonic sound systems
- H04R: LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS (producing sounds with frequency not determined by supply frequency G10K)
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)
- H04S: STEREOPHONIC SYSTEMS

## Abstract

A wearable audio output device with a rotatable input mechanism outputs first audio that is based on first media and, while outputting the first audio, receives a first input via the rotatable input mechanism. In response to receiving the first input: in accordance with a determination that the first input is a first type of input to the rotatable input mechanism that includes rotation of the rotatable input mechanism, the wearable audio output device changes an audio output volume of the first audio based on the rotation of the rotatable input mechanism while continuing to output the first audio; and, in accordance with a determination that the first input is a second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism, where the second type of input is different from the first type of input, the wearable audio output device ceases to output the first audio.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method, comprising:
at a wearable audio output device with a rotatable input mechanism, the wearable audio output device configured to be worn on a head of a user of the wearable audio output device:
outputting, via the wearable audio output device, first audio that is based on first media;
while outputting the first audio, receiving a first input via the rotatable input mechanism; and
in response to receiving the first input:
in accordance with a determination that the first input is a first type of input to the rotatable input mechanism that includes rotation of the rotatable input mechanism relative to the head of the user while the wearable audio output device is worn on the head of the user, changing an audio output volume of the first audio based on the rotation of the rotatable input mechanism while continuing to output the first audio;
in accordance with a determination that the first input is a second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism, wherein the second type of input comprises a press input in a respective direction relative to the head of the user while the wearable audio output device is worn on the head of the user and is different from the first type of input, ceasing to output the first audio; and
in addition to changing the audio output volume of the first audio or ceasing to output the first audio, outputting, via the wearable audio output device, audio feedback that is generated so as to sound as though it is coming from a location corresponding to the rotatable input mechanism, wherein the rotatable input mechanism is located on a first audio output component of a plurality of audio output components of the wearable audio output device.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein ceasing to output the first audio includes pausing the first audio, and the method includes:
while output of the first audio is paused, receiving, via the rotatable input mechanism, a second input that is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism; and
in response to receiving the second input:
resuming outputting the first audio.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, including:
in response to receiving the first input, in accordance with the determination that the first input is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism:
outputting second audio that is different from the first audio and that is associated with second media that follows the first media.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, including:
in response to receiving the first input, in accordance with the determination that the first input is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism:
outputting third audio that is different from the first audio and that is associated with third media that precedes the first media.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, including:
in response to receiving the first input, in accordance with the determination that the first input is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism:
invoking a virtual assistant.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the wearable audio output device is in communication with an electronic device, and the method includes:
receiving an alert of a first phone call received at the electronic device;
while receiving the alert of the first phone call, receiving, via the rotatable input mechanism, a third input; and
in response to receiving the third input:
in accordance with a determination that the third input is a first respective type of input to the rotatable input mechanism, outputting audio of the first phone call; and
in accordance with a determination that the third input is a second respective type of input to the rotatable input mechanism, wherein the second respective type of input is different from the first respective type of input, forgoing outputting audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6, including:
while outputting audio of the first phone call, receiving, via the rotatable input mechanism, a fourth input that is the first respective type of input; and
in response to receiving the fourth input:
disconnecting the first phone call, and ceasing to output audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6, including:
while the electronic device is concurrently connected to the first phone call and a second phone call, and while outputting audio of the first phone call, receiving, via the rotatable input mechanism, a fifth input; and
in response to receiving the fifth input:
in accordance with a determination that the fifth input is the first respective type of input:
outputting audio of the second phone call, and ceasing to output audio of the first phone call; and
while outputting audio of the second phone call, receiving, via the rotatable input mechanism, a sixth input that is the first respective type of input; and
in response to receiving the sixth input:
ceasing to output audio of the second phone call, and outputting audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The method of claim 8, including:
in response to receiving the fifth input:
in accordance with a determination that the fifth input is the second respective type of input:
outputting audio of the second phone call, and ceasing to output audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the wearable audio output device includes an input device, and the method includes:
receiving, via the input device, an input; and
in response to receiving the input via the input device, transitioning from a first audio output mode to a second audio output mode, wherein the first and second audio output modes are selected from a set of noise control audio output modes including a noise-cancellation audio output mode, a pass-through audio output mode, and a noise control off mode.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, including generating the audio feedback with a simulated spatial location that corresponds to a physical location of the rotatable input mechanism.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, including:
in response to receiving the first input:
in accordance with the determination that the first input is the first type of input to the rotatable input mechanism that includes rotation of the rotatable input mechanism, in addition to changing the audio output volume of the first audio, outputting audio feedback, distinct from changing the audio output volume, that corresponds to the rotation of the rotatable input mechanism.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, including, prior to outputting the first audio that is based on first media:
in accordance with a determination that the first audio includes audio associated with one or more physical spatial locations, outputting respective audio indicating that the first audio includes audio associated with one or more physical spatial locations.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, including, prior to outputting the first audio that is based on first media:
detecting placement of the wearable audio output device on a user;
in response to detecting placement of the wearable audio output device on a user, playing an audio indication, wherein:
in accordance with a determination that the wearable audio output device is in communication with an electronic device, the audio indication is a first audio indication; and
in accordance with a determination that the wearable audio output device is not in communication with an electronic device, the audio indication is a second audio indication that is different from the first audio indication.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the wearable audio output device includes a first wearable component and a second wearable component, and the method includes:
while the first wearable component is in a respective position relative to a first ear of a user and the second wearable component is in the respective position relative to a second ear of the user, and while the second wearable component is operating in a first audio output mode, detecting a change in position of the first wearable component to a position other than the respective position; and
in response to detecting the change in position of the first wearable component to a position other than the respective position:
operating the second wearable component of the wearable audio output device in a second audio output mode that includes a greater degree of audio transparency than the first audio output mode.

### Claim 16

A wearable audio output device, comprising:
a rotatable input mechanism;
one or more processors; and
memory storing one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for:
outputting, via the wearable audio output device, first audio that is based on first media, wherein the wearable audio output device is configured to be worn on a head of a user of the wearable audio output device;
while outputting the first audio, receiving a first input via the rotatable input mechanism; and
in response to receiving the first input:
in accordance with a determination that the first input is a first type of input to the rotatable input mechanism that includes rotation of the rotatable input mechanism relative to the head of the user while the wearable audio output device is worn on the head of the user, changing an audio output volume of the first audio based on the rotation of the rotatable input mechanism while continuing to output the first audio;
in accordance with a determination that the first input is a second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism, wherein the second type of input comprises a press input in a respective direction relative to the head of the user while the wearable audio output device is worn on the head of the user and is different from the first type of input, ceasing to output the first audio; and
in addition to changing the audio output volume of the first audio or ceasing to output the first audio, outputting, via the wearable audio output device, audio feedback that is generated so as to sound as though it is coming from a location corresponding to the rotatable input mechanism, wherein the rotatable input mechanism is located on a first audio output component of a plurality of audio output components of the wearable audio output device.

### Claim 17 (depends on 16)

The wearable audio output device of claim 16, wherein ceasing to output the first audio includes pausing the first audio, and the one or more programs include instructions for:
while output of the first audio is paused, receiving, via the rotatable input mechanism, a second input that is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism; and
in response to receiving the second input:
resuming outputting the first audio.

### Claim 18 (depends on 16)

The wearable audio output device of claim 16, wherein the one or more programs include instructions for:
in response to receiving the first input, in accordance with the determination that the first input is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism:
outputting second audio that is different from the first audio and that is associated with second media that follows the first media.

### Claim 19 (depends on 16)

The wearable audio output device of claim 16, wherein the one or more programs include instructions for:
in response to receiving the first input, in accordance with the determination that the first input is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism:
outputting third audio that is different from the first audio and that is associated with third media that precedes the first media.

### Claim 20 (depends on 16)

The wearable audio output device of claim 16, wherein the one or more programs include instructions for:
in response to receiving the first input, in accordance with the determination that the first input is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism:
invoking a virtual assistant.

### Claim 21 (depends on 16)

The wearable audio output device of claim 16, wherein the wearable audio output device is in communication with an electronic device, and the one or more programs include instructions for:
receiving an alert of a first phone call received at the electronic device;
while receiving the alert of the first phone call, receiving, via the rotatable input mechanism, a third input; and
in response to receiving the third input:
in accordance with a determination that the third input is a first respective type of input to the rotatable input mechanism, outputting audio of the first phone call; and
in accordance with a determination that the third input is a second respective type of input to the rotatable input mechanism, wherein the second respective type of input is different from the first respective type of input, forgoing outputting audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 22 (depends on 21)

The wearable audio output device claim 21, wherein the one or more programs include instructions for:
while outputting audio of the first phone call, receiving, via the rotatable input mechanism, a fourth input that is the first respective type of input; and
in response to receiving the fourth input:
disconnecting the first phone call, and ceasing to output audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 23 (depends on 21)

The wearable audio output device claim 21, wherein the one or more programs include instructions for:
while the electronic device is concurrently connected to the first phone call and a second phone call, and while outputting audio of the first phone call, receiving, via the rotatable input mechanism, a fifth input; and
in response to receiving the fifth input:
in accordance with a determination that the fifth input is the first respective type of input:
outputting audio of the second phone call, and ceasing to output audio of the first phone call; and
while outputting audio of the second phone call, receiving, via the rotatable input mechanism, a sixth input that is the first respective type of input; and
in response to receiving the sixth input:
ceasing to output audio of the second phone call, and outputting audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 24 (depends on 23)

The wearable audio output device claim 23, wherein the one or more programs include instructions for:
in response to receiving the fifth input:
in accordance with a determination that the fifth input is the second respective type of input:
outputting audio of the second phone call, and ceasing to output audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 25 (depends on 16)

The wearable audio output device of claim 16, wherein the wearable audio output device includes an input device, and the one or more programs include instructions for:
receiving, via the input device, an input; and
in response to receiving the input via the input device, transitioning from a first audio output mode to a second audio output mode, wherein the first and second audio output modes are selected from a set of noise control audio output modes including a noise-cancellation audio output mode, a pass-through audio output mode, and a noise control off mode.

### Claim 26 (depends on 16)

The wearable audio output device of claim 16, wherein the one or more programs include instructions for generating the audio feedback with a simulated spatial location that corresponds to a physical location of the rotatable input mechanism.

### Claim 27 (depends on 16)

The wearable audio output device of claim 16, wherein the one or more programs include instructions for:
in response to receiving the first input:
in accordance with the determination that the first input is the first type of input to the rotatable input mechanism that includes rotation of the rotatable input mechanism, in addition to changing the audio output volume of the first audio, outputting audio feedback, distinct from changing the audio output volume, that corresponds to the rotation of the rotatable input mechanism.

### Claim 28 (depends on 16)

The wearable audio output device of claim 16, wherein the one or more programs include instructions for, prior to outputting the first audio that is based on first media:
in accordance with a determination that the first audio includes audio associated with one or more physical spatial locations, outputting respective audio indicating that the first audio includes audio associated with one or more physical spatial locations.

### Claim 29 (depends on 16)

The wearable audio output device of claim 16, wherein the one or more programs include instructions for, prior to outputting the first audio that is based on first media:
detecting placement of the wearable audio output device on a user;
in response to detecting placement of the wearable audio output device on a user, playing an audio indication, wherein:
in accordance with a determination that the wearable audio output device is in communication with an electronic device, the audio indication is a first audio indication; and
in accordance with a determination that the wearable audio output device is not in communication with an electronic device, the audio indication is a second audio indication that is different from the first audio indication.

### Claim 30 (depends on 16)

The wearable audio output device of claim 16, wherein the wearable audio output device includes a first wearable component and a second wearable component, and the one or more programs include instructions for:
while the first wearable component is in a respective position relative to a first ear of a user and the second wearable component is in the respective position relative to a second ear of the user, and while the second wearable component is operating in a first audio output mode, detecting a change in position of the first wearable component to a position other than the respective position; and
in response to detecting the change in position of the first wearable component to a position other than the respective position:
operating the second wearable component of the wearable audio output device in a second audio output mode that includes a greater degree of audio transparency than the first audio output mode.

### Claim 31

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions that, when executed by a wearable audio output device that includes a rotatable input mechanism, cause the wearable audio output device to:
output, via the wearable audio output device, first audio that is based on first media, wherein the wearable audio output device is configured to be worn on a head of a user of the wearable audio output device;
while outputting the first audio, receive a first input via the rotatable input mechanism; and
in response to receiving the first input:
in accordance with a determination that the first input is a first type of input to the rotatable input mechanism that includes rotation of the rotatable input mechanism relative to the head of the user while the wearable audio output device is worn on the head of the user, change an audio output volume of the first audio based on the rotation of the rotatable input mechanism while continuing to output the first audio;
in accordance with a determination that the first input is a second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism, wherein the second type of input comprises a press input in a respective direction relative to the head of the user while the wearable audio output device is worn on the head of the user and is different from the first type of input, cease to output the first audio; and
in addition to changing the audio output volume of the first audio or ceasing to output the first audio, output, via the wearable audio output device, audio feedback that is generated so as to sound as though it is coming from a location corresponding to the rotatable input mechanism, wherein the rotatable input mechanism is located on a first audio output component of a plurality of audio output components of the wearable audio output device.

### Claim 32 (depends on 31)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein ceasing to output the first audio includes pausing the first audio, and the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to:
while output of the first audio is paused, receive, via the rotatable input mechanism, a second input that is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism; and
in response to receiving the second input:
resume outputting the first audio.

### Claim 33 (depends on 31)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to:
in response to receiving the first input, in accordance with the determination that the first input is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism:
output second audio that is different from the first audio and that is associated with second media that follows the first media.

### Claim 34 (depends on 31)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to:
in response to receiving the first input, in accordance with the determination that the first input is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism:
output third audio that is different from the first audio and that is associated with third media that precedes the first media.

### Claim 35 (depends on 31)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to:
in response to receiving the first input, in accordance with the determination that the first input is the second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism:
invoke a virtual assistant.

### Claim 36 (depends on 31)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the wearable audio output device is in communication with an electronic device, and the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to:
receive an alert of a first phone call received at the electronic device;
while receiving the alert of the first phone call, receive, via the rotatable input mechanism, a third input; and
in response to receiving the third input:
in accordance with a determination that the third input is a first respective type of input to the rotatable input mechanism, output audio of the first phone call; and
in accordance with a determination that the third input is a second respective type of input to the rotatable input mechanism, wherein the second respective type of input is different from the first respective type of input, forgo outputting audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 37 (depends on 36)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to:
while outputting audio of the first phone call, receive, via the rotatable input mechanism, a fourth input that is the first respective type of input; and
in response to receiving the fourth input:
disconnect the first phone call, and cease to output audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 38 (depends on 36)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 36, wherein the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to:
while the electronic device is concurrently connected to the first phone call and a second phone call, and while outputting audio of the first phone call, receive, via the rotatable input mechanism, a fifth input; and
in response to receiving the fifth input:
in accordance with a determination that the fifth input is the first respective type of input:
output audio of the second phone call, and cease to output audio of the first phone call; and
while outputting audio of the second phone call, receive, via the rotatable input mechanism, a sixth input that is the first respective type of input; and
in response to receiving the sixth input:
cease to output audio of the second phone call, and output audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 39 (depends on 38)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 38, wherein the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to:
in response to receiving the fifth input:
in accordance with a determination that the fifth input is the second respective type of input:
output audio of the second phone call, and cease to output audio of the first phone call.

### Claim 40 (depends on 31)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the wearable audio output device includes an input device, and the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to:
receive, via the input device, an input; and
in response to receiving the input via the input device, transition from a first audio output mode to a second audio output mode, wherein the first and second audio output modes are selected from a set of noise control audio output modes including a noise-cancellation audio output mode, a pass-through audio output mode, and a noise control off mode.

### Claim 41 (depends on 31)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to generate the audio feedback with a simulated spatial location that corresponds to a physical location of the rotatable input mechanism.

### Claim 42 (depends on 31)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to:
in response to receiving the first input:
in accordance with the determination that the first input is the first type of input to the rotatable input mechanism that includes rotation of the rotatable input mechanism, in addition to changing the audio output volume of the first audio, output audio feedback, distinct from changing the audio output volume, that corresponds to the rotation of the rotatable input mechanism.

### Claim 43 (depends on 31)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to, prior to outputting the first audio that is based on first media:
in accordance with a determination that the first audio includes audio associated with one or more physical spatial locations, output respective audio indicating that the first audio includes audio associated with one or more physical spatial locations.

### Claim 44 (depends on 31)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to, prior to outputting the first audio that is based on first media:
detect placement of the wearable audio output device on a user;
in response to detecting placement of the wearable audio output device on a user, play an audio indication, wherein:
in accordance with a determination that the wearable audio output device is in communication with an electronic device, the audio indication is a first audio indication; and
in accordance with a determination that the wearable audio output device is not in communication with an electronic device, the audio indication is a second audio indication that is different from the first audio indication.

### Claim 45 (depends on 31)

The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 31, wherein the wearable audio output device includes a first wearable component and a second wearable component, and the one or more programs comprise instructions that, when executed by the wearable audio output device, cause the wearable audio output device to:
while the first wearable component is in a respective position relative to a first ear of a user and the second wearable component is in the respective position relative to a second ear of the user, and while the second wearable component is operating in a first audio output mode, detect a change in position of the first wearable component to a position other than the respective position; and
in response to detecting the change in position of the first wearable component to a position other than the respective position:
operate the second wearable component of the wearable audio output device in a second audio output mode that includes a greater degree of audio transparency than the first audio output mode.