Headset (audio)
`
`A headset combines a headphone with a microphone.
`Headsets are made with either a single-earpiece (mono) or a
`double-earpiece (mono to both ears or stereo). Headsets
`provide the equivalent functionality of a telephone handset
`but with handsfree operation.[1] They have many uses
`including in call centers and other telephone-intensive jobs
`and for anybody wishing to have both hands free during a
`telephone conversation.
`
`Contents
`Types
`Mono, stereo and surround
`Microphone style
`Headband styles
`Telephone
`Computer
`Mobile phone
`
`A user wearing a monoaural
`Plantronics headset.
`
`4361423 Canada Inc. Exhibit 2011
`Square, Inc. v. 4361423 Canada Inc.
`IPR2019-01626
`Page 00001
`
`
`
`A headset combines a headphone with a microphone.
`Headsets are made with either a single-earpiece (mono) or a
`double-earpiece (mono to both ears or stereo). Headsets
`provide the equivalent functionality of a telephone handset
`but with handsfree operation.[1] They have many uses
`including in call centers and other telephone-intensive jobs
`and for anybody wishing to have both hands free during a
`telephone conversation.
`
`Contents
`Types
`Mono, stereo and surround
`Microphone style
`Headband styles
`Telephone
`Computer
`Mobile phone
`
`A user wearing a monoaural
`Plantronics headset.
`
`4361423 Canada Inc. Exhibit 2011
`Square, Inc. v. 4361423 Canada Inc.
`IPR2019-01626
`Page 00001
`
`
`
`Wireless
`DECT
`2.4 GHz
`Bluetooth
`Bluetooth wireless desktop devices
`References
`
`Types
`Telephone headsets generally use 150-ohm loudspeakers with a narrower frequency range than
`those also used for entertainment.[2] Stereo computer headsets, on the other hand, use 32-ohm
`speakers with a broader frequency range.
`
`Mono, stereo and surround
`Headsets are available in single-earpiece and double-earpiece designs. Single-earpiece headsets
`are known as monaural headsets. Double-earpiece headsets may support stereo sound or use
`the same audio channel for both ear-pieces. Monaural headsets free up one ear, allowing
`interaction with others and awareness of surroundings. Telephone headsets are monaural, even
`for double-earpiece designs, because telephone offers only single-channel input and output. For
`computer or other audio applications, where the sources offer two-channel output, stereo
`headsets are the norm; use of a headset instead of headphones allows use for communications
`(usually monaural) in addition to listening to stereo sources.
`
`IPR2019-01626
`Exhibit 2011 Page 00002
`
`
`
`Virtual surround headsets feature ear cups that cover the entire ear. This type of headset uses
`only two discrete speakers, one on each ear cup, to create surround sound. Virtual surround
`headsets tend to have higher-end driver components which experts and consumers believe to be
`more durable, as well as have larger speakers which deliver more powerful and dynamic sound
`quality. Virtual surround headset achieves surround sound by using external or internal pre-
`amplifier or mix-amplifier modules, as well as several different algorithms, to convert stereo or
`surround sound signals into surround sound. The sound is divided and sectioned so as to deliver
`it in such a way that it creates an auditory landscape, thereby producing surround sound.
`
`Microphone style
`The microphone arm of headsets may carry an external microphone or be of the voice tube type.
`External microphone designs have the microphone housed in the front end of the microphone
`arm. Voicetube designs are also called internal microphone design, and have the microphone
`housed near the earpiece, with a tube carrying sound to the microphone.
`
`Most external microphone designs are of either omnidirectional or noise-canceling type. Noise-
`canceling microphone headsets use a bi-directional microphone as elements. A bi-directional
`microphone's receptive field has two angles only. Its receptive field is limited to only the front
`and the direct opposite back of the microphone. This creates an "8" shape field, and this design
`is the best method for picking up sound only from a close proximity of the user, while not
`picking up most surrounding noises.
`
`Omni-directional microphones pick up the complete 360-degree field, which may include much
`extraneous noise.
`
`IPR2019-01626
`Exhibit 2011 Page 00003
`
`
`
`Headband styles
`Standard headsets with a headband worn over the head are known as over-the-head headsets.
`Headsets with headbands going over the back of the user's neck are known as backwear-
`headsets or behind-the-neck headsets. Headsets worn over the ear with a soft ear-hook are
`known as over-the-ear headsets or earloop headsets. Convertible headsets are designed so that
`users can change the wearing method by re-assembling various parts.
`
`Telephone
`Telephone headsets connect to a fixed-line telephone system. A telephone headset functions by
`replacing the handset of a telephone. Headsets for standard corded telephones are fitted with a
`standard 4P4C commonly called an RJ-9 connector. Headsets are also available with 2.5mm
`jack sockets for many DECT phones and other applications. Cordless bluetooth headsets are
`available and often used with mobile telephones. Headsets are widely used for telephone-
`intensive jobs, in particular by call centre workers. They are also used by anyone wishing to hold
`telephone conversations with both hands free.
`
`Headset compatibility and pin alignment
`
`Not all telephone headsets are compatible with all telephone models. Because headsets connect
`to the telephone via the standard handset jack, the pin-alignment of the telephone handset may
`be different from the default pin-alignment of the telephone headset. To ensure a headset can
`properly pair with a telephone, telephone adapters or pin-alignment adapters are available.
`Some of these adapters also provide mute function and switching between handset and headset.
`
`IPR2019-01626
`Exhibit 2011 Page 00004
`
`
`
`Telephone amplifiers
`
`For older models of telephones, the headset microphone impedance is different from that of the
`original handset, requiring a telephone amplifier to impedance-match the telephone headset. A
`telephone amplifier provides basic pin-alignment similar to a telephone headset adapter, but it
`also offers sound amplification for the microphone as well as the loudspeakers. Most models of
`telephone amplifiers offer volume control for the loudspeaker as well as a microphone, mute
`function and switching between handset and headset. Telephone amplifiers are powered
`through batteries or AC adapters.
`
`Quick disconnecting cable
`
`Most telephone headsets have a Quick Disconnect (QD)
`cable, allowing fast and easy disconnection of the headset
`from the telephone without having to remove the headset.
`
`Handset lifter
`
`A Handset lifter is a
`device
`that
`automatically
`lifts or
`replaces
`a
`handset
`off/on a telephone. It is
`usually connected to a wireless headset and allows cordless
`headset use on technically primitive desk phones.
`
`A typical Quick Disconnect bottom
`cable
`
`Standard handset lifter
`
`IPR2019-01626
`Exhibit 2011 Page 00005
`
`
`
`Some phones only have a mechanical means of switchhook operation. The lifter allows cordless
`headsets to be used remotely with such phones. The phone user presses the appropriate headset
`button to either answer a call or terminate a call. The headset's base station's interface with the
`handset lifter will take the appropriate action - lift or replace the handset.[3]
`
`The use of a handset lifter is considered archaic by most technical professionals. Technology
`from decades ago eliminated the need for such device, however many phones, including modern
`IP phones, still do not have discrete circuitry for switchhook operation.
`
`Computer
`Computer headsets generally come in two connection types:
`standard 3.5 mm and USB connection. General 3.5 mm
`computer headsets come with two 3.5 mm connectors: one
`connecting to the microphone jack and one connecting to the
`headphone/speaker jack of the computer. 3.5 mm computer
`headsets connect to the computer via a soundcard, which
`converts the digital signal of the computer to an analog signal
`for the headset. USB computer headsets connect to the
`computer via a USB port, and the audio conversion occurs in
`the headset or in the control unit of the headset. Headsets are
`increasingly used for school testing, although there are many
`factors to consider.
`
`Front view of SteelSeries Siberia
`Neckband gaming headset. The
`microphone is on the left earcup.
`With standard 3.5 mm TRS
`connectors
`
`IPR2019-01626
`Exhibit 2011 Page 00006
`
`
`
`Gaming headsets for computers are specifically designed for gaming and provide some
`additional features that can be beneficial for gamers.
`
`Mobile phone
`Mobile (cellular) phone headsets are often referred to as
`handsfree. Most mobile phones come with their own
`handsfree in the form of a single earphone with a
`microphone module connected in the cable. For music-
`playing mobile phones, manufacturers may bundle stereo
`earphones with a microphone. There are also third-party
`brands which may provide better sound quality or wireless
`connectivity.
`
`Mobile Phone, Smartphone headset
`should include a volume control,
`microphone and 3.5mm plug.
`
`in a range of wearing-styles,
`Mobile headsets come
`including behind-the-neck, over-the-head, over-the-ear,
`and lightweight earbuds. Some aftermarket mobile headsets
`come with a standard 2.5 mm plug different from the phone's audio connector, so users have to
`purchase an adapter. A USB headset for a computer also cannot be directly plugged into a
`phone's or portable media player's micro-USB slot. Smartphones often use a standard 3.5 mm
`jack, so users may be able to directly connect the headset to it. There are however different pin-
`alignment to the 3.5mm plug, mainly OMTP and CTIA, so a user should find out which settings
`their device uses before buying a headphone/headset.
`
`IPR2019-01626
`Exhibit 2011 Page 00007
`
`
`
`Many wireless mobile headsets use Bluetooth technology, supported by many phones and
`computers, sometimes by connecting a Bluetooth adapter to a USB port. Since version 1.1
`Bluetooth devices can transmit voice calls and play several music and video formats, but audio
`will not be played in stereo unless the cell phone or media device, and the headset, both have the
`A2DP profile.
`
`Wireless
`Wireless headsets are quickly becoming a new trend for both business and consumer
`communications. There are a number of wireless products, and they usually differ according to
`application and power management. The first wireless headsets were jointly invented by NASA
`and Plantronics during Apollo program to improve astronaut's communications during
`mission.[4][5]
`
`DECT
`Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) is one of the most common standards
`for cordless telephones. It uses 1.88 to 1.90 GHz RF (European Version) or 1.92 to 1.93 GHz RF
`(US Version). Different countries have regulations for the bandwidth used in DECT, but most
`have pre-set this band for wireless audio transmission. The most common profile of DECT is
`Generic access profile (GAP), which is used to ensure common communication between base
`station and its cordless handset. This common platform allows communication between the two
`devices even if they are from different manufacturers. For example, a Panasonic DECT base-
`station theoretically can connect to a Siemens DECT Handset. Based on this profile, developers
`such as Plantronics, Jabra or Accutone have launched wireless headsets which can directly pair
`
`IPR2019-01626
`Exhibit 2011 Page 00008
`
`
`
`with any GAP-enabled DECT telephones. So users with a
`DECT Wireless Headset can pair it with their home DECT
`phones and enjoy wireless communication.[6]
`
`2.4 GHz
`Because DECT specifications are different between
`countries, developers who use the same product across
`different countries have launched wireless headsets which
`use 2.4GHz RF as opposed to the 1.89 or 1.9 GHz in DECT.
`Almost all countries in the world have the 2.4 GHz band
`open for wireless communications, so headsets using this
`RF band is sellable in most markets. However, the 2.4 GHz
`frequency is also the base frequency for many wireless data
`transmission, i.e. Wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth..., the
`bandwidth may be quite crowded, so using this technology
`may be more prone to interference.
`
`JPL Trusted Telecom X400 DECT
`
`Because 2.4 GHz Wireless Headsets cannot directly "talk" to any standard cordless telephones,
`an extra base-unit is required for this product to function. Most 2.4 GHz Wireless Headsets
`come in two units, a wireless headset and a wireless base-station, which connects to your
`original telephone unit via the handset jack. The wireless headset communicates with the base-
`station via 2.4 GHz RF, and the voice signals are sent or received via the base unit to the
`telephone unit. Some products will also offer an automatic handset lifter, so the user can
`wirelessly lift the handset off the telephone by pressing the button on the wireless headset.
`
`IPR2019-01626
`Exhibit 2011 Page 00009
`
`
`
`Bluetooth
`Bluetooth technology is widely used for short-range voice
`transmission. While it can be and is used for data
`transmission, the short range (due to using low power to
`reduce battery drain) is a limiting factor. A very common
`application is a hands-free Bluetooth earpiece for a phone
`which may be in a user's pocket.
`
`There are two types of Bluetooth headsets. Headsets using
`Bluetooth v1.0 or v1.1 generally consist of a single monaural
`earpiece,
`which
`can
`only
`access
`Bluetooth's
`headset/handsfree profile. Depending on the phone's
`operating system, this type of headset will either play music
`at a very low quality (suitable for voice), or will be unable to
`play music at all. Headsets with the A2DP profile can play
`stereo music with acceptable quality.[7] Some A2DP-
`equipped
`headsets
`automatically
`de-activate
`the
`microphone function while playing music; if these headsets
`are paired to a computer via Bluetooth connection, the
`headset may disable either the stereo or the microphone
`function.
`
`Bluetooth wireless desktop devices
`
`A typical Bluetooth headset.
`
`A stereo Bluetooth headset.
`
`IPR2019-01626
`Exhibit 2011 Page 00010
`
`
`
`Desktop devices using Bluetooth technology are available. With a base station that connects via
`cables to the fixed-line telephone and also the computer via soundcard, users with any
`Bluetooth headset can pair their headset to the base station, enabling them to use the same
`headset for both fixed-line telephone and computer VoIP communication. This type of device,
`when used together with a multiple-point Bluetooth headset, enables a single Bluetooth headset
`to communicate with a computer and both mobile and landline telephones.
`
`Some Bluetooth office headsets incorporate Class 1 Bluetooth into the base station so that, when
`used with a Class 1 Bluetooth headset, the user can communicate from a greater distance,
`typically around 100 feet compared to the 33 feet of the more usual Class 2 Bluetooth headset.
`Many headsets supplied with these base stations connect to cellphones via Class 2 Bluetooth,
`however, restricting the range to about 33 feet.
`
`References
`
`1. "Definition of Headset" (https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=headset&i=44
`185,00.asp). PC Magazine. Retrieved 2010-05-27.
`2. "Telephone Headset" (https://web.archive.org/web/20100725110250/http://www.universaltele
`plaste.com/153d.htm). Archived from the original (http://universalteleplaste.com/153d.htm)
`on 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-05-27.
`3. Henny, Lasley. "How to connect a headset to console?" (https://bestreviewsbase.com/best-g
`aming-headsets/). Retrieved 18 August 2016.
`4. Center, Elaine Marconi: Kennedy Space. "NASA - As Clear as a Bell" (https://www.nasa.gov/
`vision/earth/technologies/headsets.html). www.nasa.gov. Retrieved 2019-07-19.
`5. "Apollo space program spawned technologies, products still in use" (https://www.upi.com/Sci
`ence_News/2019/07/04/Apollo-space-program-spawned-technologies-products-still-in-use/8
`
`IPR2019-01626
`Exhibit 2011 Page 00011
`
`
`
`451561000261/). UPI. Retrieved 2019-07-19.
`6. Sumon, Haldar. "Plantronics and Jabra Headset - Amplification and Frequency Variations" (h
`ttp://headsetplus.com/category2/index.html). headsetplus.com. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
`7. "Bluetooth – A2DP explained" (http://www.pcauthority.com.au/Feature/57229,bluetooth-%E
`2%80%93-a2dp-explained.aspx).
`
`Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Headset_(audio)&oldid=933329254"
`
`This page was last edited on 31 December 2019, at 08:08 (UTC).
`Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using
`this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia
`Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
`
`IPR2019-01626
`Exhibit 2011 Page 00012
`
`
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