阅读说明：本技术 可转换耳机/视觉体验装置 (Convertible headphone/visual experience device ) 是由 雅各布·亚沙·格鲁本 于 2020-02-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种装置具有左听筒,其内集成有一个或多个左音频扬声器；和左可旋转部件,其围绕左听筒的轴线旋转,同时左听筒保持不动。该装置还具有右听筒,其内集成有一个或多个右音频扬声器；和右可旋转部件,其围绕右听筒的轴线旋转,同时右听筒保持不动。该装置具有头带,其可操作地连接到左可旋转部件和右可旋转部件。在该装置作为一套耳机操作期间,头带被旋转到用户头顶上的耳机位置,反之头带被旋转到用户眉毛位置处的视觉体验位置。该装置还具有可操作地连接到头带的显示设备。(An apparatus has a left earpiece with one or more left audio speakers integrated therein; and a left rotatable component that rotates about an axis of the left earpiece while the left earpiece remains stationary. The device also has a right earpiece with one or more right audio speakers integrated therein; and a right rotatable member that rotates about an axis of the right earpiece while the right earpiece remains stationary. The device has a headband operatively connected to left and right rotatable members. During operation of the device as a set of headphones, the headband is rotated to a headphone position on top of the user's head, whereas the headband is rotated to a visual experience position at the user's eyebrow position. The apparatus also has a display device operatively connected to the headband.)

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a left earpiece having one or more left audio speakers integrated therein;

a left rotatable component that rotates about an axis of the left earpiece while the left earpiece remains stationary;

a right earpiece having one or more right audio speakers integrated therein;

a right rotatable component that rotates about an axis of the right earpiece while the right earpiece remains stationary;

a headband operatively connected to the left rotatable member and the right rotatable member, the headband being rotated to a headphone position on top of a user's head and the headband being rotated to a visual experience position at the user's eyebrow position during operation of the device as a set of headphones; and

a display device operatively connected to the headband, the display device displaying a visual experience.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the headband comprises one or more retraction devices that retract the display device such that the display device is substantially flush with one or more edges of the headband in the earphone position.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the one or more retraction means comprises one or more grooves.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the headband comprises one or more actuators that release the display device such that the display device is positioned over one or more eyes of a user in the visual experience position.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more actuators that release the display device such that the display device is positioned over one or more eyes of a user in the visual experience position, the one or more actuators integrated into at least one of the left earpiece and the right earpiece.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises a nose pad over a nose of the user in the visual experience position.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more layers of padding, the padding located between the headband and the display device.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the visual experience is an augmented reality experience.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the visual experience is a virtual reality experience.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a processor in operable communication with the display device to provide content for the visual experience.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a receiver that receives content for the visual experience from an external computing device.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator that invokes a wireless connection with an external computing device, the actuator being integrated within at least one of the left earpiece and the right earpiece.

13. An apparatus, comprising:

a left earpiece having one or more left audio speakers integrated therein;

a left rotatable component that rotates about an axis of the left earpiece while the left earpiece remains stationary;

a right earpiece having one or more right audio speakers integrated therein;

a right rotatable component that rotates about an axis of the right earpiece while the right earpiece remains stationary;

a first headband component operatively connected to the left earpiece and the right earpiece such that the first headband component is secured in a headset position on a top of a user's head during operation of the apparatus as a set of headphones;

a second headband member operatively connected to the left rotatable member and the right rotatable member, the second headband member being rotated to a headset position on top of the user's head and the second headband member being rotated to a visual experience position at the user's brow position during operation of the device as a set of headphones; and

a display device operatively connected to the second headband component, the display device displaying a visual experience.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second headband component includes one or more retraction devices that retract the display device such that the display device is substantially flush with one or more edges of the second headband component in the earphone position.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the one or more retraction means comprises one or more grooves.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second headband component comprises one or more actuators that release the display device such that the display device is positioned over one or more eyes of a user in the visual experience position.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising one or more actuators that release the display device such that the display device is positioned over one or more eyes of a user in the visual experience position, the one or more actuators being integrated into at least one of the left earpiece and the right earpiece.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the display device comprises a nose pad over a nose of the user in the visual experience position.

19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the visual experience is an augmented reality experience.

20. An apparatus, comprising:

a left earpiece having one or more left audio speakers integrated therein;

a left rotatable component that rotates about an axis of the left earpiece while the left earpiece remains stationary;

a right earpiece having one or more right audio speakers integrated therein;

a right rotatable component that rotates about an axis of the right earpiece while the right earpiece remains stationary; and

a headband operatively connected to the left rotatable component and the right rotatable component, the headband being rotated to a headphone position on top of a user's head during operation of the apparatus as a set of headphones, the headband being rotated to a visual experience position at one or more eyes of the user, the headband having a left non-display device portion operatively connected to the left rotatable component and a right non-display device portion operatively connected to the right rotatable component; the headband has a display device portion that displays a visual experience.

1. Field of the invention

The present disclosure relates generally to audio/visual ("a/V") devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an a/V apparatus that provides an immersive experience.

2. Background of the invention

Virtual reality ("VR") and augmented reality ("AR") are the two most common immersive experience techniques. However, VR devices typically provide a complete virtual, immersive experience, and AR devices typically provide a virtual experience in combination with a real-world experience (e.g., various text and/or images superimposed on a real-world object, person, location, etc.).

Typically, a head mounted display device (e.g., headwear, glasses, etc.) is worn by a user on his or her eyes to provide a VR or AR experience. However, conventional head-mounted display devices tend to be bulky, often with uncomfortable attachment mechanisms (e.g., bulky straps) and heavy electronics (e.g., large display screens). Thus, current VR/AR devices tend to cause discomfort and inconvenience to the user, distracting the overall enjoyment of the user's immersive experience.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, an apparatus has a left earpiece having one or more left audio speakers integrated therein; and a left rotatable component that rotates about an axis of the left earpiece while the left earpiece remains stationary. The device also has a right earpiece with one or more right audio speakers integrated therein; and a right rotatable member that rotates about an axis of the right earpiece while the right earpiece remains stationary.

In addition, the device has a headband operatively connected to the left and right rotatable members. During operation of the device as a set of headphones, the headband is rotated to a headphone position on top of the user's head, whereas the headband is rotated to a visual experience ("VE") position at the user's eyebrow position. The apparatus also has a display device that displays VE, which is operatively connected to the headband.

In an alternative embodiment, the headband has a left non-display device portion operatively connected to the left rotatable member and a right non-display device portion operatively connected to the right rotatable member. The headband also has a display device portion that displays a visual experience. The headband may be rotated to a VE position at one or more eyes of the user.

In another embodiment, the device has a first headband feature that is operatively connected to the left earpiece and the right earpiece such that the first headband feature is secured in a headset position over the top of the user's head during operation of the device as a set of headphones. In addition, the device has a second headband component that is operatively connected to the left and right rotatable components. During operation of the device as a set of headphones, the second headband component is rotated to a headphone position on top of the user's head and to a VE position at the user's eyebrow position. In addition, the apparatus has a display device that displays VE, which is operatively connected to the second headband component.

Drawings

The above features of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:

fig. 1A shows the convertible headphone/VE arrangement in a headphone position.

Fig. 1B shows a convertible headset/VE installation converted to a VE position.

Fig. 1C shows the convertible headphone/VE arrangement in the released display device VE position.

Fig. 2A shows the headband rotated about the axis of the left earpiece from the headset position or VE position.

Fig. 2B shows the headband fully rotated about the axis of the left earpiece to the VE position.

Fig. 3 shows a front perspective view of the convertible headphone/VE unit folded along the left and right hinge points.

Fig. 4A illustrates outward movement of the earpiece with respect to the rotatable component.

Fig. 4B shows the earpiece without any inward or outward movement.

Fig. 4C shows the earpiece moving inwardly away from the rotatable part.

Fig. 5A shows the convertible headphone/VE arrangement in a headphone position.

Fig. 5B shows the headband of the convertible headphone/VE assembly being rotated by the user to the VE position.

Fig. 5C shows the display device released from the headband after the headband shown in fig. 5B is rotated.

Fig. 6A shows a convertible headset/VE unit worn by a user in a headset position.

FIG. 6B illustrates the second headband component rotated on the user's head to the VE position with the display device in a retracted position.

Fig. 6C illustrates releasing the display apparatus from the first head belt member.

FIG. 6D illustrates an opaque display device, which may be used in any of the configurations described herein.

Fig. 6E shows a first headband component with a portion of the display device covering only one eye of the user.

FIG. 6F illustrates the first headband component being rotated such that a portion of the display device covers only one eye of the user.

Fig. 7A shows a single headband in the headband position.

Fig. 7B shows a single headband in the VE position.

Fig. 8A illustrates an optional telescoping feature of the single headband when the convertible headphone/VE assembly is in a headphone position.

Fig. 8B shows the convertible headset/VE assembly rotated to the VE position as shown in fig. 8A.

Fig. 9A shows the rotatable part encasing the earpiece when the convertible headphone/VE arrangement is in the upright position.

Fig. 9B shows the headset/VE assembly shown in fig. 9A rotated to the VE position.

Fig. 10A shows a slot in the earpiece that allows rotation of the headband of the convertible headset/VE assembly in an upright position.

Fig. 10B shows the headset/VE assembly shown in fig. 10A rotated to the VE position.

Fig. 11 illustrates an example of a system configuration in which the convertible headphone/VE assembly as shown in fig. 1A-1C is in communication with a computing device and an input device.

Fig. 12 illustrates a configuration of system components that may be included within the convertible headphone/VE assembly shown in fig. 1A-1C.

Detailed Description

A convertible headphone/VE installation provides a user with an installation that delivers audio, and the installation can be converted to an installation that provides VE (e.g., an AR/VR immersive experience). In other words, the convertible headphone/VE device may be configured to act as a set of headphones in the first position, delivering only audio (e.g., music) to the user. The convertible headphone/VE assembly may then be adjusted to the second position, providing VE (e.g., images, video, text, etc.) via the display device, and optionally audio via audio speakers in respective earpieces for VE (e.g., AR/VR).

Fig. 1A-1C show various perspective views of the convertible headphone/VE assembly 100 in different positions. For example, fig. 1A shows the convertible headphone/VE assembly 100 in a headphone position. In other words, the convertible headphone/VE device 100 may be positioned on the head of the user to be worn as a headphone for listening to audio (e.g., music).

The convertible headphone/VE installation 100 comprises a left earpiece 102 and a right earpiece 103, each of which may be placed over an ear of a user. The earpieces 102 and 103 may wrap around the user's ears or may be placed only on the upper portion of the user's ears. In addition, the earpieces 102 and 103 may be made of various materials (leather, plastic, etc.) to provide varying degrees of comfort/padding to the user's ears. One or more audio speakers may be integrated into each of the earpieces 102 and 103 to deliver audio into the user's ears.

The audio may be delivered to the audio speakers through various connections (e.g., wireless or wired). In one embodiment, the convertible headphone/VE device 100 has a transceiver that establishes a wireless connection with an external computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable device, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, etc.). In another embodiment, the convertible headphone/VE device 100 has one or more connectors/ports (e.g., USB) for establishing a wired connection with an external computing device.

In one embodiment, the convertible headphone/VE installation 100 has a left hinge point 109 and a right hinge point 110. Thus, the convertible headphone/VE unit 100 may be folded/collapsed at the hinge points 109 and 110. In an alternative embodiment, the convertible headphone/VE assembly 100 does not have hinge points 109 and 110 and is therefore not collapsible/retractable.

Fig. 1B shows the convertible headphone/VE assembly 100 converted to the VE position. In one embodiment, the headband 101 is operatively attached or connected to left and right rotatable members 104 and 105, each of the left and right rotatable members 104 and 105 being rotatable about an axis of the respective earpiece 102 and 103. In other words, the headband 101 in the upright position (fig. 1A) is positioned atop the user's head and is rotated in a downward motion by the rotatable members 104 and 105 to a position in which the headband 101 is positioned substantially above one or more eyebrows of the user. For example, the headband 101 may rotate from an upright position to a vertical position relative to the user's head.

By way of example, the rotatable members 104 and 105 may comprise rotatable discs within a housing. Thus, the headband 101 may rotate about the axis of the earpieces 104 and 105 while the earpieces 104 and 105 remain stationary. In addition to the movement of the headband 101, the rotation of the rotatable members 104 and 105 may be hidden by the housing. Alternatively, the rotatable members 104 and 105 may not be hidden by a housing (e.g., a transparent housing) to allow viewing of the rotational movement.

Although the rotatable members 104 and 105 are illustrated as being smaller than the earpieces 102 and 103, the rotatable members 104 and 105 may also have a larger circumference than the earpieces 102 and 103. In other words, from the outside, the rotatable parts 102 and 103 may encase the earpieces 102 and 103 such that rotation occurs around the circumference of the earpieces 102 and 103 without movement of the earpieces 102 and 103 over the ears of the user. Accordingly, the earpieces 102 and 103 may be hidden from external view when the earpieces 102 and 103 are worn by the user.

Further, fig. 1C shows the convertible headphone/VE assembly 100 in the VE position. As an example, the headband 101 may have one or more grooves/tracks 108 along which the display device (e.g., AR glasses) may move such that the display device 106 is positioned over one or more eyes of the user. For example, one or more connectors (e.g., knobs) may slide along the groove/track 108 to allow the display device 106 to be released to the VE position. Instead, the display device 106 may be retracted to a position where one or more edges of the display device 106 are flush with one or more edges of the headband 101 as shown in FIG. 1B.

In one embodiment, a user may pull the display device 106 along the groove/track 108 to retract/release the display device relative to the headband 101. In another embodiment, the convertible headphone/VE installation 100 may have one or more actuators that release and/or retract the display device 106. For example, an actuator (e.g., a button) may be positioned or integrated within one or both of the rotatable components 104 and 105. For example, pressing a button located on the rotatable member 104 may release a locking device integrated into the headband 101, releasing the display device 106 from a locked position, while pressing a button located on the rotatable member 105 may release a locking device integrated into one or both of the rotatable members 104 and 105 to release the headband 101 from an upright position. As another example, a button may be positioned on the headband 101 itself to unlock the display device 106. As yet another example, left and right locking mechanisms may be located in both rotatable components 104 and 105, such that two buttons located on each of the rotatable components 104 and 105 must be activated to release the headband 101 from the headset position to the VE position, and vice versa. In one embodiment, the buttons may be pressure sensitive such that a relatively light press is used to provide input (e.g., a wireless connection) and a relatively heavy press unlocks the display device 106. Various types of locking mechanisms (e.g., spring-based, magnetic, grooves, etc.) may be used to perform the locking functions described herein. In addition, the same or different (e.g., left lock or right unlock) buttons may be used to lock and unlock the display device 106. (the above examples are provided as examples only, as various retraction/release mechanisms may be used to move display device 106 to a position where a user may view VE content through display device 106.)

In addition, the nose pads 107 may be operatively attached (e.g., glued) or connected (e.g., one or more screws) to the display device 106. The nose pad 107 may provide a cushion against the sharp edge of the display device 106 for the user, so the user may enjoy VE more comfortably. In addition, the nose pads 107 may be retracted (fig. 1B) such that the nose pads 107 are substantially flush with the edges of the headband 101.

In addition, fig. 2A and 2B illustrate side views of exemplary motions of the headband 101 as shown in fig. 1A-1C. In particular, fig. 2A shows the headband 101 rotated about the axis of the left earpiece 104 from the headset position or VE position. Further, fig. 2B shows the headband 101 fully rotated about the axis of the left earpiece 104 to the VE position.

Further, fig. 3 shows a front perspective view of the convertible headphone/VE arrangement 100 folded along the left hinge point 109 and the right hinge point 110. Thus, the user may conveniently fold the convertible headphone/VE assembly 100 for easy storage during periods of non-use.

In one embodiment, the earpieces 102 and 103 have the flexibility to move in and out with respect to the rotatable members 102 and 103, whether in the headset position or the VE position. Fig. 4A-4C illustrate the inward and outward movement of the earpieces 102 and 103. For example, fig. 4A illustrates outward movement of the earpieces 102 and 103 relative to the rotatable components 104 and 105. For example, the earpieces 102 and 103 may have one or more hinges that are coupled to the interior of the rotatable members 104 and 105. Fig. 4B shows the earpieces 102 and 103 without any inward or outward movement. Finally, fig. 4C shows the earpieces 102 and 103 moving inwardly away from the rotatable members 104 and 105.

Fig. 5A-5C show an example of a user 500 wearing the convertible headphone/VE arrangement 100. Fig. 5A shows the convertible headphone/VE assembly 100 in a headphone position. Thus, the user 500 may listen to audio (e.g., wirelessly receiving music from a nearby smartphone) using the convertible headphone/VE device 100 as a set of headphones.

FIG. 5B illustrates the rotation of the headband 101 of the convertible headphone/VE device 100 to the VE position by the user 500; during such rotation, the earpieces 104 and 105 remain relatively stationary. As shown, the user 500 may rotate the headband 101 to the VE position with the display device 106 in the retracted position. Alternatively, the user 500 may release the display device 106 from the headband 101 prior to rotating the headband 101 to the VE position.

Finally, fig. 5C shows the release of the display device 106 from the headband 101 after the headband 101 is rotated as shown in fig. 5B. While the convertible headphone// VE device 100 is in the VE position, the earpieces 102 and 103 may continue to be used by the user 500 for transmitting audio corresponding to the VE experience.

In an alternative embodiment, the convertible headphone/VE assembly 100 as shown in fig. 1A-5C does not require the entire headband 101 to be rotated from the headphone position to the VE position. Fig. 6A-6F illustrate a convertible headphone/VE assembly 600 having: a first headband component 602 that remains stationary on the head of the user 500 in the headset position or the VE position; and a second headband member 601 that rotates from a headset position to a VE position. In other words, the convertible headphone/VE assembly 600 provides additional support above the top of the user 500 even in the VE position.

Fig. 6A shows a convertible headphone/VE installation 600 worn by a user 500 in a headphone position. As an example, in the headset position the first headband part 601 may overlie the second headband part 602, substantially concealing the first headband part; in such a covering position, the first headband component 601 and the second headband component 602 substantially form a single headband structure that is positioned on top of the head of the user 500. In one embodiment, the first headband component 601 is operatively connected to the second headband component 602 via a locking mechanism (e.g., one or more magnets, clips, notches, springs, etc.). In other words, the first headband component 601 may be connected to the second headband component 602 to form a single headband structure in the headset position and not connected to allow the second headband component 602 to rotate to the VE position. In another embodiment, the first headband component 601 is positioned to overlie the second headband component 602 without any locking mechanism to form a single headband structure that sits atop the head of the user 500.

Further, fig. 6B shows first headband member 601 rotated to the VE position on the head of user 500 with display device 106 in the retracted position. In one embodiment, the first headband component 601 is operatively connected to the rotatable components 104 and 105, while the second headband component 602 is operatively connected to the earpieces 104 and 105. Thus, the first headband component 601 may rotate from the headset position to the VE position, but the second headband component 602 remains stationary with respect to the earpieces 102 and 103. Fig. 6C shows the release of display device 106 from first head belt member 601. Finally, FIG. 6D illustrates an opaque display device 610, which may be used in any of the configurations described herein. For example, the opaque display device 610 may be used for a VR experience, while the transparent display device 106 (fig. 6C) may be used for an AR experience.

Although the various configurations provided herein are illustrated such that the display device 106 (fig. 6A-6C) is positioned over both eyes and/or eyebrows of the user 500, a display device of any of the configurations provided herein may be positioned over one eye and/or eyebrow of the user 500. For example, fig. 6E shows a first headband component 620 with an integrated or attached portion of a display device 630 to cover only one eye of the user 500. In one embodiment, first headband member 620 is connected to only one rotatable member 104. In another embodiment, the first headband component 620 is coupled to both the rotatable components 104 and 105, but has only a portion of the display device 630 that corresponds to one eye of the user 500. Fig. 6F shows first headband component 620 rotated such that portion of display device 630 covers only one eye of user 500. One or more connectors 640 (e.g., magnets) may be used to connect the first headgear component 601 to one or more connectors 650 (e.g., magnets) located on the second headgear component 602. In one embodiment, the connector 640 may be located on a non-display portion 660 (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) of the partial display device 630. In another embodiment, the non-display portion 660 may itself be a connector (e.g., a magnet) to allow for connection to the connector 650 on the second headband component 602 without regard to the adjustment of the extension and retraction of the second headband component 602. In another embodiment, the connector 640 may be positioned directly on a portion of the display device 630 (e.g., on glass by adhesive, one or more screws, etc.).

Although the display device 106 is shown connected to the headband 101, or headband component 601, as shown in fig. 1A-6C, the display device 106 may also function as a headband device. For example, fig. 7A and 7B illustrate a convertible headphone/VE assembly 700 having a single headband 701 that acts as both a headband and a display device. Fig. 7A shows a single headband 701 in a headphone position. Further, fig. 7B shows a single headband 701 in the VE position. Whereas a single headband acts as a display device in the VE position, the VE position is established when the single headband is positioned substantially over one or more eyes of the user 500.

In one embodiment, the layer of material 710 is positioned along the bottom of the single headband. The layer of material 710 may also be positioned along the bottom of the display device 106 or between the display device 106 and the headband 101 as shown in fig. 1A-6D, thereby avoiding contact of various artifacts (sweat, dirt, etc.) with the display device 106.

In another embodiment, a single headband 701 is connected to the rotatable members 104 and 105 by one or more expandable members to lift the single headband 701 over the hair of the user 500 to avoid contact of various artifacts (e.g., perspiration, dirt, etc.) with the display device 701.

Fig. 8A and 8B show a convertible headphone/VE assembly 800 having a single headband with a first portion 802 that acts as the headband only and a second portion 803 that acts as both the headband and a display device. Fig. 8A illustrates the optional telescoping feature of a single headband when the convertible headphone/VE assembly 800 is in a headphone position. The second section 803 may be extended by the telescoping section 801 to avoid contact with the hair of the user 500. In one embodiment, the first portion 802 may be connected to the earpiece 102 such that the first portion 802 and the rotatable component 104 are integral. Thus, in addition to the rotatable member 105 (the other first part may be attached to the rotatable member 105), the first part 802 and the rotatable member 104 may rotate as a unit. Fig. 8B illustrates the convertible headphone/VE assembly 800 rotated to the VE position as shown in fig. 8A.

The first portion 802 is shown in fig. 8A and 8B as having a curvature toward the rotatable component 104; this curvature allows the arrangement of the rotatable member 104 towards the center of the earpiece 102 and the arrangement of the second portion 803 such that in the VE position, the nose pad 107 sits comfortably on the nose of the user 500.

Further, in the VE position the second portion 803 may be positioned substantially over one or more eyes of the user 500.

As shown in fig. 9A and 9B, in an alternative embodiment, the rotatable member 104 as shown in fig. 8A and 8B substantially encases or encloses the earpiece 102. Fig. 9A shows the rotatable part 104 encasing the earpiece 102 when the convertible headphone/VE arrangement 900 is in an upright position. Further, fig. 9B shows the headset/VE assembly 900 shown in fig. 9A rotated to the VE position.

As shown in fig. 10A and 10B, in yet another embodiment, the rotatable component 104 as shown in fig. 8A and 8B is located within the earpiece 102. Fig. 10A shows a slot 1001 in the earpiece 104 that allows rotation of the headband of the convertible headphone/VE assembly 1000 in an upright position. Further, fig. 10B shows the headset/VE assembly shown in fig. 10A rotated to the VE position.

Although specific features of the opposite side (e.g., left earpiece, left rotatable component, left telescoping portion, etc.) may be described herein for illustrative purposes, these features may be applicable to the other side (e.g., right earpiece, right rotatable component, right telescoping portion, etc.).

In one embodiment, configurations provided herein interact with one or more external computing devices (e.g., laptop, desktop, smartphone, tablet, wearable, etc.) to provide audio delivery and/or VE experience. Fig. 11 illustrates one example of a system configuration 1100 in which the convertible headphone/VE device 100 as shown in fig. 1A-1C is in communication with a computing device 1101 and an input device 802. For example, the computing device 1101 may transmit audio (wirelessly or through a wired connection) to the convertible headphone/VE device 100 when the convertible headphone/VE device 100 is in the headphone position. The computing arrangement 1101 may also generate content for a VE experience to be displayed by the display device 106 (fig. 1A-1C) of the convertible headphone/VE arrangement 100 when the convertible headphone/VE arrangement 100 is in the VE position.

Once the convertible headphone/VE device 100 is operational to provide a VE experience, the input device 1102 (e.g., one or more hand controllers, wearable computing devices, smartphones, tablets, etc.) is optionally used to provide one or more inputs during the VE experience (e.g., for AR-based gaming). In one embodiment, the input device 1102 is a different device than the convertible headphone/VE device 100. In another embodiment, the input device 1102 is integrated into the convertible headphone/VE assembly 100 (e.g., buttons located on the headband 101, the rotatable members 104 and 105, and/or the earpieces 102 and 103).

Fig. 12 illustrates a configuration 1200 of system components that may be included within the convertible headphone/VE installation 100 as shown in fig. 1A-1C. For example, the configuration 1200 may include a processor 1201, a storage device 1202 (e.g., a random access memory ("RAM") and/or a read only memory ("ROM"), one or more input/output ("I/O") devices 1203 (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device, a touch screen, a microphone, etc.), a transceiver 1206 for establishing communications, and a data storage device 1204.

When the convertible headphone/VE installation 100 is in the VE position, the processor 1201 uses the visual experience generation code 1205 stored on the data storage 1204 to generate content for the VE experience to be displayed by the display device 106 (fig. 1). In one embodiment, the processor 1201 is integrated in the convertible headphone/VE device 100. In another embodiment, the processor 1201 is integrated in an external computing device 1101 as shown in FIG. 11. In another embodiment, the at least one processor 1201 is integrated in the convertible headphone/VE device 100 and the at least one processor is integrated in the external computing device 1101 as shown in fig. 11.

In summary, the configurations provided herein allow a user 500 (fig. 5A-5C) to conveniently consume audio content and VE content. The convertible headphone/VE assembly 100 (fig. 1) provides comfort and ease of use in a practical manner.

The processes described herein may be implemented in a dedicated, multi-purpose, or single-purpose processor. Such a processor will execute instructions at the program set, compiled or machine level to perform the processes. The computer readable medium may be any medium capable of carrying such instructions and includes CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic or other optical disks, tapes, silicon memory (e.g., removable, non-removable, volatile or non-volatile, packetized or non-packetized data through wired or wireless transmission over a network, either locally or remotely).

It should be understood that the processes, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products described herein may also be applied to other types of processes, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the embodiments of the processes, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products described herein may be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the processes and systems. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present processes, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.