Patents by Inventor Darius A. Satongar

Darius A. Satongar has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20220174449
    Abstract: A binaural sound reproduction system, and methods of using the binaural sound reproduction system to dynamically re-center a frame of reference for a virtual sound source, are described. The binaural sound reproduction system may include a reference device, e.g., a mobile device, having a reference sensor to provide reference orientation data corresponding to a direction of the reference device, and a head-mounted device, e.g., headphones, having a device sensor to provide device orientation data corresponding to a direction of the head-mounted device. The system may use the reference orientation data to determine whether the head-mounted device is being used in a static or dynamic use case, and may adjust an audio output to render the virtual sound source in an adjusted source direction based on the determined use case. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Afrooz Family, Sylvain J. Choisel, Juha O. Merimaa
  • Patent number: 11315277
    Abstract: A device and a method of using the device to determine a user-specific head-related transfer function (HRTF), are described. The device can determine first geometric data corresponding to visible features of a pinna of a user in an image, and second geometric data corresponding to hidden features of the pinna obfuscated by the visible features in the image. The first geometric data and the second geometric data are combined in a geometric model that describes a shape of the pinna, and the user-specific HRTF is determined based on the geometric model. The user-specific HRTF is used to render spatial audio to the user. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Peter Victor Jupin, Yacine Azmi, Martin E. Johnson, Darius A. Satongar, Jonathan D. Sheaffer
  • Publication number: 20220103963
    Abstract: An electronic device communicates with a display, an input device, and a wearable audio output device. The device displays a user interface with dynamic visual representations of participants in a communication session. Outputting, via the wearable audio output device, audio from the plurality of participants in the communication session. The audio is adjusted to maintain simulated spatial locations of participants relative to a frame of reference of the communication session, independently of a position of the wearable audio output device relative to the frame of reference. The simulated spatial locations correspond to the locations of the dynamic visual representations. Receiving an input selecting one of the dynamic visual representations. In response, displaying the dynamic visual representations at locations different from their initial locations, and outputting audio from the participants to position their audio at a different simulated spatial locations, relative to the frame of reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Per Håkan Linus Persson, Sean B. Kelly
  • Patent number: 11284195
    Abstract: In a device or method for rendering a sound program for headphones, a location is received for placing the sound program with respect to first and second ear pieces. If the location is between the first ear piece and the second ear piece, the sound program is filtered to produce low-frequency and high-frequency portions. The high-frequency portion is panned according to the location to produce first and second high-frequency signals. The low-frequency portion and the first high-frequency signal are combined to produce a first headphone driver signal to drive the first ear piece. A second headphone driver signal is similarly produced. The sound program may be a stereo sound program. The device or method may also provide for a location that is between the first ear piece and a near-field boundary. Other aspects are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Martin E. Johnson, Afrooz Family, Darius A. Satongar, Jonathan D. Sheaffer, Lance F. Reichert, Peter V. Jupin
  • Patent number: 11265670
    Abstract: A binaural sound reproduction system, and methods of using the binaural sound reproduction system to dynamically re-center a frame of reference for a virtual sound source, are described. The binaural sound reproduction system may include a reference device, e.g., a mobile device, having a reference sensor to provide reference orientation data corresponding to a direction of the reference device, and a head-mounted device, e.g., headphones, having a device sensor to provide device orientation data corresponding to a direction of the head-mounted device. The system may use the reference orientation data to determine whether the head-mounted device is being used in a static or dynamic use case, and may adjust an audio output to render the virtual sound source in an adjusted source direction based on the determined use case. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Afrooz Family, Sylvain J. Choisel, Juha O. Merimaa
  • Patent number: 11190896
    Abstract: An audio system and a method of using the audio system to determine an interaural head-related transfer function (HRTF) parameter, are described. The audio system can generate binaural recordings using microphones that are worn by a user in everyday scenarios. The audio system can measure interaural parameter values of selected segments of the recordings, and the measurements can be accumulated over time. The interaural HRTF parameter can be estimated based on the measurements. The interaural HRTF parameter can be used to adapt a generic HRTF to generate an individualized HRTF for the user. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Martin E. Johnson, Peter Victor Jupin, Jonathan D. Sheaffer
  • Patent number: 11115773
    Abstract: An audio system and a method of using the audio system to generate a head-related transfer function (HRTF) map, are described. The audio system can determine one or more HRTF and corresponding HRTF locations along an azimuthal path of an azimuth extending around a head of a user. The HRTFs or HRTF locations can be measured, and other HRTFs or HRTF locations can be interpolated or extrapolated. The HRTF map can include the HRTFs assigned to HRTF locations along the azimuth. HRTFs from the HRTF map are used to render spatial audio to the user. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Martin E. Johnson, Peter Victor Jupin, Jonathan D. Sheaffer
  • Patent number: 11100349
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates techniques for audio-assisted enrollment of biometric features. In some embodiments, methods and devices for assisting users with enrollment of biometric features, using spatial audio cues, are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sawyer I. Cohen, Justin D. Crosby, Ruchir M. Dave, Martin E. Johnson, Benjamin J. Pope, Darius A. Satongar
  • Publication number: 20210232359
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for managing spatial audio. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for transitioning between visual elements. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for previewing audio. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for discovering music. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for managing headphone transparency. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for manipulating multiple audio streams of an audio source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Stuart John WOOD, Martin E. JOHNSON, Darius A. SATONGAR
  • Patent number: 10976989
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for managing spatial audio. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for transitioning between visual elements. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for previewing audio. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for discovering music. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for managing headphone transparency. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for manipulating multiple audio streams of an audio source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart John Wood, Martin E. Johnson, Darius A. Satongar
  • Publication number: 20210084414
    Abstract: In a device or method for rendering a sound program for headphones, a location is received for placing the sound program with respect to first and second ear pieces. If the location is between the first ear piece and the second ear piece, the sound program is filtered to produce low-frequency and high-frequency portions. The high-frequency portion is panned according to the location to produce first and second high-frequency signals. The low-frequency portion and the first high-frequency signal are combined to produce a first headphone driver signal to drive the first ear piece. A second headphone driver signal is similarly produced. The sound program may be a stereo sound program. The device or method may also provide for a location that is between the first ear piece and a near-field boundary. Other aspects are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Martin E. Johnson, Afrooz Family, Darius A. Satongar, Jonathan D. Sheaffer, Lance F. Reichert, Peter V. Jupin
  • Patent number: 10880649
    Abstract: In a device or method for rendering a sound program for headphones, a location is received for placing the sound program with respect to first and second ear pieces. If the location is between the first ear piece and the second ear piece, the sound program is filtered to produce low-frequency and high-frequency portions. The high-frequency portion is panned according to the location to produce first and second high-frequency signals. The low-frequency portion and the first high-frequency signal are combined to produce a first headphone driver signal to drive the first ear piece. A second headphone driver signal is similarly produced. The sound program may be a stereo sound program. The device or method may also provide for a location that is between the first ear piece and a near-field boundary. Other aspects are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Martin E. Johnson, Afrooz Family, Darius A. Satongar, Jonathan D. Sheaffer, Lance F. Reichert, Peter V. Jupin
  • Publication number: 20200356341
    Abstract: A headset can include left and right ear-worn speakers and a control. In response to a control input of the control, the ear-worn speakers can be driven with driver signals that include a control sound having a virtual location determined by spatial auditory cues. The control sound can indicate a behavior of the control as a result of the control input. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Per Haakan Linus Persson, Hugo D. Verweij, Stuart J. Wood, Andrew E. Greenwood
  • Publication number: 20200260211
    Abstract: A binaural sound reproduction system, and methods of using the binaural sound reproduction system to dynamically re-center a frame of reference for a virtual sound source, are described. The binaural sound reproduction system may include a reference device, e.g., a mobile device, having a reference sensor to provide reference orientation data corresponding to a direction of the reference device, and a head-mounted device, e.g., headphones, having a device sensor to provide device orientation data corresponding to a direction of the head-mounted device. The system may use the reference orientation data to determine whether the head-mounted device is being used in a static or dynamic use case, and may adjust an audio output to render the virtual sound source in an adjusted source direction based on the determined use case. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Afrooz Family, Sylvain J. Choisel, Juha O. Merimaa
  • Patent number: 10728690
    Abstract: An iterative method for finding which user characteristic data should be used for pruning a database of available HRTFs before selecting an HRTF from the database for a target user (target listener.) The selected HRTF is expected to be the one that is more suitable for target user. This is also referred to as having “personalized” the HRTF selection process for the target user. This is not about computing a suitable HRTF but rather how to use the user characteristic data to improve the chances of selecting the most appropriate one from a database of available HRTFs. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Jonathan D. Sheaffer, Martin E. Johnson, Peter V. Jupin
  • Patent number: 10674308
    Abstract: A binaural sound reproduction system, and methods of using the binaural sound reproduction system to dynamically re-center a frame of reference for a virtual sound source, are described. The binaural sound reproduction system may include a reference device, e.g., a mobile device, having a reference sensor to provide reference orientation data corresponding to a direction of the reference device, and a head-mounted device, e.g., headphones, having a device sensor to provide device orientation data corresponding to a direction of the head-mounted device. The system may use the reference orientation data to determine whether the head-mounted device is being used in a static or dynamic use case, and may adjust an audio output to render the virtual sound source in an adjusted source direction based on the determined use case. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Afrooz Family, Sylvain J. Choisel, Juha O. Merimaa
  • Patent number: 10652687
    Abstract: A presence of a person within a camera field of view of an electronic device is determined by digitally processing images captured by a camera. A position of a body member of the person with respect to the electronic device is also computed by digitally processing the camera captured images. A crosstalk cancellation (XTC) signal is adjusted based on the computed position of the body member. Adjusting the XTC signal includes adjusting a first predetermined model location, which includes a location at which a user should be in order to achieve a desired virtual acoustics effect. Processing program audio based on the adjusted XTC signal, to generate audio signals that drive speakers. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Joshua D. Atkins, Justin D. Crosby, Lance F. Reichert, Martin E. Johnson, Sawyer Cohen
  • Publication number: 20200104620
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates techniques for audio-assisted enrollment of biometric features. In some embodiments, methods and devices for assisting users with enrollment of biometric features, using spatial audio cues, are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Sawyer I. COHEN, Justin D. CROSBY, Ruchir M. DAVE, Martin E. JOHNSON, Benjamin J. POPE, Darius A. SATONGAR
  • Publication number: 20200097248
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for managing spatial audio. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for transitioning between visual elements. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for previewing audio. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for discovering music. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for managing headphone transparency. Some exemplary techniques include user interfaces for manipulating multiple audio streams of an audio source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Stuart John WOOD, Martin E. JOHNSON, Darius A. SATONGAR
  • Publication number: 20200084560
    Abstract: A presence of a person within a camera field of view of an electronic device is determined by digitally processing images captured by a camera. A position of a body member of the person with respect to the electronic device is also computed by digitally processing the camera captured images. A crosstalk cancellation (XTC) signal is adjusted based on the computed position of the body member. Adjusting the XTC signal includes adjusting a first predetermined model location, which includes a location at which a user should be in order to achieve a desired virtual acoustics effect. Processing program audio based on the adjusted XTC signal, to generate audio signals that drive speakers. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Joshua D. Atkins, Justin D. Crosby, Lance F. Reichert, Martin E. Johnson, Sawyer Cohen