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: 20220174449Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2022Publication date: June 2, 2022Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Afrooz Family, Sylvain J. Choisel, Juha O. Merimaa
-
Patent number: 11315277Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 4, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Peter Victor Jupin, Yacine Azmi, Martin E. Johnson, Darius A. Satongar, Jonathan D. Sheaffer
-
Publication number: 20220103963Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Per Håkan Linus Persson, Sean B. Kelly
-
Patent number: 11284195Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Martin E. Johnson, Afrooz Family, Darius A. Satongar, Jonathan D. Sheaffer, Lance F. Reichert, Peter V. Jupin
-
Patent number: 11265670Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Afrooz Family, Sylvain J. Choisel, Juha O. Merimaa
-
Patent number: 11190896Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Martin E. Johnson, Peter Victor Jupin, Jonathan D. Sheaffer
-
Patent number: 11115773Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Martin E. Johnson, Peter Victor Jupin, Jonathan D. Sheaffer
-
Patent number: 11100349Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Sawyer I. Cohen, Justin D. Crosby, Ruchir M. Dave, Martin E. Johnson, Benjamin J. Pope, Darius A. Satongar
-
Publication number: 20210232359Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Stuart John WOOD, Martin E. JOHNSON, Darius A. SATONGAR
-
Patent number: 10976989Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Stuart John Wood, Martin E. Johnson, Darius A. Satongar
-
Publication number: 20210084414Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2020Publication date: March 18, 2021Inventors: Martin E. Johnson, Afrooz Family, Darius A. Satongar, Jonathan D. Sheaffer, Lance F. Reichert, Peter V. Jupin
-
Patent number: 10880649Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Martin E. Johnson, Afrooz Family, Darius A. Satongar, Jonathan D. Sheaffer, Lance F. Reichert, Peter V. Jupin
-
Publication number: 20200356341Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Per Haakan Linus Persson, Hugo D. Verweij, Stuart J. Wood, Andrew E. Greenwood
-
Publication number: 20200260211Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Afrooz Family, Sylvain J. Choisel, Juha O. Merimaa
-
Patent number: 10728690Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 12, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Jonathan D. Sheaffer, Martin E. Johnson, Peter V. Jupin
-
Patent number: 10674308Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Afrooz Family, Sylvain J. Choisel, Juha O. Merimaa
-
Patent number: 10652687Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Joshua D. Atkins, Justin D. Crosby, Lance F. Reichert, Martin E. Johnson, Sawyer Cohen
-
Publication number: 20200104620Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: Sawyer I. COHEN, Justin D. CROSBY, Ruchir M. DAVE, Martin E. JOHNSON, Benjamin J. POPE, Darius A. SATONGAR
-
Publication number: 20200097248Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventors: Stuart John WOOD, Martin E. JOHNSON, Darius A. SATONGAR
-
Publication number: 20200084560Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2018Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Joshua D. Atkins, Justin D. Crosby, Lance F. Reichert, Martin E. Johnson, Sawyer Cohen