Body Contact Wave Transfer (e.g., Bone Conduction Earphone, Larynx Microphone) Patents (Class 381/151)
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Patent number: 11445318Abstract: Embodiments relate to calibrating head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) for a user of an audio system (e.g., as a component of a headset) using cartilage conducted sounds. A test sound is presented to a user using a transducer (e.g., cartilage conduction) and an audio signal is responsively received via a microphone at an entrance to the user's ear canal. The test sound and audio signal combination may be provided to an audio server where a model is used to determine one or more HRTFs for the user. Information describing the one or more HRTFs is provided to the audio system to be used for providing audio to the user. The audio server may also use a model to determine geometric information describing a pinna of the user based on the combination. In one embodiment, the geometric information is used to determine the one or more HRTFs for the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLCInventors: Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Vamsi Krishna Ithapu, Antonio John Miller
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Patent number: 11445288Abstract: An artificial-reality device for audio playback is provided. The artificial-reality device includes: (i) a head-mounted display including at least one lens, and (ii) one or more transducers, coupled to the head-mounted display. The transducers are configured to generate signals that vibrate the at least one lens of the head-mounted display. The at least one lens generates acoustic waves that correspond to media presented by the head-mounted display when vibrated by the one or more transducers. In some embodiments, the head-mounted display further includes a frame, and at least one transducer of the one or more transducers is coupled to the frame of the head-mounted display. In some embodiments, at least one transducer of the one or more transducers is coupled to the at least one lens of the head-mounted display.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Morteza Khaleghimeybodi
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Patent number: 11438689Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a loudspeaker apparatus. The loudspeaker may include: a support connector configured to contact a head of a human; at least one loudspeaker component including an earphone core and a housing for accommodating the earphone core, wherein the housing is fixedly connected to the support connector and has at least one key module; a control circuit or a battery that is contained in the support connection, wherein the earphones core is driven by the control circuit or the battery to vibrate to generate sound. The sound includes at least two resonance peaks. The loudspeaker apparatus may optimize the transmission efficiency of the sound, increase sound volume, and improve user experience.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Lei Zhang, Yongjian Li, Wenbing Zhou, Jinbo Zheng, Zhuyang Jiang
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Patent number: 11432088Abstract: An apparatus, comprising: a manikin with at least a head portion and an ear portion; wherein the head portion has an inner side and an outer side and accommodates a mouth simulator including an electro-acoustic transducer. Further, the apparatus comprises an electrodynamic vibrator with a vibrating rod wherein the vibrating rod is coupled to the manikin to exert a vibrating force at the head portion; and wherein the vibrating force induces vibration of the manikin at least at the ear portion. Thereby more realistic electroacoustic tests on devices under test such as such as headsets, headphones, earphones, hearing instruments and active hearing protectors can be performed.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2021Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: GN Audio A/SInventor: Helge Lykke Hansen
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Patent number: 11410678Abstract: A method of detecting singing of a user of a personal audio device, the method comprising: receiving a first audio signal comprising bone-conducted speech of the user from a first transducer of the personal audio device; monitoring a second audio signal output to a speaker of the personal audio device; and determining whether the user is singing based on the first audio signal and the second audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: John P. Lesso, Edward V. Sinnott, Andrew I. Bothwell
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Patent number: 11388521Abstract: An arrangement for generating vibration according to an electrical input signal includes a first permanent magnet arrangement including a first permanent magnet, a frame including magnetic material, a second permanent magnet configured to be arranged between the first permanent magnet and the frame and to be coupled with the frame, one or more portion of the frame extending at least in one direction over an edge area of the second permanent magnet. The second permanent magnet is further configured to face, at a distance, the first permanent magnet such that a magnetic interaction between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet causes a first force to a surface of an apparatus, wherein the frame is configured to be magnetized by the second permanent magnet in order to cause magnetic interaction between the one or more portion of the frame and the first permanent magnet arrangement in order to cause a second force to the surface having an opposite direction compared with the first force.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: PS Audio Design OyInventors: Petri Soronen, Vesa Kajanus, Petteri Luukkanen, Harri Kankaanpää
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Patent number: 11375307Abstract: An earphone device includes a housing having a driver unit, and a sound guide tube mounted on a front surface of the housing to protrude from the front surface, in which the sound guide tube is disposed at a position deviated from a center position of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Inventors: Tomohiro Matsuo, Takashi Ohta, Koji Nageno, Tomohiro Ito
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Patent number: 11368780Abstract: A bone conduction earphone includes an earphone body configured to attach to an auricle of a human body and transmit an audio vibration signal and an ear hook configured to hook on the auricle. A first end of the ear hook is fixedly connected with the earphone body. A second end of the ear hook extends between the auricle and a head of the human body. The second end of the ear hook extends along the auricle and laterally deviates from the earphone body. In a natural state, a lateral distance between the earphone body and an extending end of the ear hook is less than a lateral distance from a front surface of the auricle to a back surface of the auricle. When the bone conduction earphone is worn, the earphone body and the ear hook clamp the auricle.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2021Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: SHENZHEN XINWANHONG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Yuliang Kong
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Patent number: 11330374Abstract: A head-gear mounted bone-conducting microphone includes a housing attachable to a helmet and a transducer housed in a flexible shroud. The shroud is attached to the housing. A resilient material is disposed within the shroud. A void is provided between the resilient material and the housing to prevent the transducer from transmitting vibrations directly from the housing to the transducer. This configuration allows the microphone to effectively mechanically isolate the minuscule vibrations associated with speech from the enormous vibrations associated with most loud environments (machinery, equipment, transportation, aircraft, tanks, construction, sporting events, etc.).Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: JLI Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Jody DiLorenzo, Peter L. Madaffari
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Patent number: 11284206Abstract: A bone conduction hearing device, comprising an electronic assembly, a vibration component and a battery, the battery being configured to power the electronic assembly and the vibration component, the electronic assembly being configured to control the vibration of the vibration component, and the electronic assembly and the vibration component being configured to be placed inside an accommodation space formed between at least two adjacent molars and an alveolar bone.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Sonitus Medical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yang Ji, Yuxiang Hong
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Patent number: 11284189Abstract: A bone conduction loudspeaker, comprising an upper shell, a lower shell coupled to the upper shell and a sound transmission piece coupled to at least one of magnet and a coil, wherein a periphery of the sound transmission piece is provided with a flange bent to a side, and an outer side face having an opening within the upper shell and having a snap slot complementary to the flange, and wherein the sound transmission piece is sleeved over the opening and fixed through a snap-fit between the flange and the snap slot.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Inventor: Fangfang Zhang
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Patent number: 11272288Abstract: A system and method to selectively activate an audio reproduction device is disclosed. An audio reproduction device is provided. The audio reproduction device is coupled to an audio source to receive audio signal. A biosensor is provided to sense biosignal of a listener. Sensed biosignal is processed by a biosignal processor. The processed biosignal is evaluated by an intermediate digital processor. Based on the evaluation, the audio reproduction device is selectively enabled to reproduce the received audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Scaeva Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven Elliott Curd, Wendy Susan Curd
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Patent number: 11265637Abstract: A bone conduction microphone includes a housing having an opening, a microphone pad, an element support member, a piezoelectric element, and a drive plate. The microphone pad is formed in a bottomed tubular shape having a bottom portion disposed outward and a tubular portion with an outer circumference fixed to an inner circumference of the opening. The element support member has an outer circumference fixed to an inner circumference of the tubular portion, and a support portion projecting toward the bottom portion. The piezoelectric element is in a plate shape with a peripheral edge of one surface fixed to the support portion and picks up vibration. The drive plate has a diaphragm part fixed to an inward surface of the bottom portion, and the diaphragm part is provided at a center with a protrusion fixed to an element central portion on another surface of the piezoelectric element.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Kunimoto, Suguru Nakao, Kei Tasaka, Katsuo Saigou
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Patent number: 11245991Abstract: A method, including determining a change in an actuator impedance based on a change in an electrical property of a system of which the actuator is apart, and determining one or more system characteristics based on the change in the actuator impedance.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2018Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Martin E. Hillbratt, Kristian Asnes, Marcus Andersson, Johan Gustafsson, Mats Hojlund
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Patent number: 11240583Abstract: A pair of earbuds having interchangeable and rechargeable batteries is implemented, enabling the user to switch out a depleted battery with a charged one and virtually endlessly listen to music, video, etc. A rear of the earbud's main body is adapted with charging/connecting points to which corresponding connecting points on a detachable battery are positioned. The contact points are positive and negatively charged so that a current from the battery can pass to the main body for use. In addition, the battery is external to the earbud's main body so that the user can easily detach and replace it with a new one within seconds. Furthermore, a rear side of the battery is adapted with a touch-input surface that receives input from a user to control the earbuds and connected computing device's functions, such as play and pause, adjust the volume, and answer phone calls.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Inventor: Robert Charles DeMaio
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Patent number: 11240588Abstract: Provided is an ear-hole open type sound reproducing apparatus which can obtain good sound quality over a wide band while adopting a bone conduction system. A first equalizer 303 removes a high range component which is difficult to be reproduced by a vibration speaker 301 and is hard to be conveyed by bone conduction. Then, the vibration speaker 301 outputs the sound over a low range to a middle range by bone conduction sound. By equalizing processing of the first equalizer 303, it is also possible to reduce sound leakage of the high range. On the other hand, a second equalizer 304 removes components over the low range to the middle range. Then, an air conduction speaker 302 outputs high quality sound of the high range component by air conduction sound.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Masataka Ozawa, Kazuhiro Sekine, Jo Kamada
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Patent number: 11206500Abstract: A bone conduction speaker is provided. The bone conduction speaker includes: a housing forming an exterior; a stator including a pole piece fitted to a bottom of the housing and a voice coil arranged to an outer circumference of the pole piece; a vibrator including a permanent magnet mounted concentrically with the pole piece and voice coil, with an air gap from the pole piece, a weight attached to the permanent magnet to increase a vibration force, and a yoke attached to the permanent magnet and weight; a flexible printed circuit board mounted on the bottom of the housing, part of which extends out of the housing, and configured to transmit a signal to the voice coil; and a bone conduction pad attached to an outer surface of the housing. The vibration of the vibrator is transmitted to a bone of a user through the housing and bone conduction pad.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: EM-TECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Cheon Myeong Kim, Jae Hwa Lim, Jeong Ae Ha, Ji Young Lee, Byung Ho Jung, Sung Jin Hong
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Patent number: 11197106Abstract: A speaker comprises a housing, a transducer residing inside the housing, and at least one sound guiding hole located on the housing. The transducer generates vibrations. The vibrations produce a sound wave inside the housing and cause a leaked sound wave spreading outside the housing from a portion of the housing. The at least one sound guiding hole guides the sound wave inside the housing through the at least one sound guiding hole to an outside of the housing. The guided sound wave interferes with the leaked sound wave in a target region. The interference at a specific frequency relates to a distance between the at least one sound guiding hole and the portion of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: SHENZHEN VOXTECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Xin Qi, Fengyun Liao
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Patent number: 11197100Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a magnetic circuit assembly of a bone conduction speaker. The magnetic circuit assembly may generate a first magnetic field. The magnetic circuit assembly may include a first magnetic element, and the first magnetic element may generate a second magnetic field. The magnetic circuit may further include a first magnetic guide element and at least one second magnetic element. The at least one second magnetic element may be configured to surround the first magnetic element and a magnetic gap may be configured between the second magnetic element and the first magnetic element. A magnetic field strength of the first magnetic field within the magnetic gap may exceed a magnetic field strength of the second magnetic field within the magnetic gap.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: SHENZHEN VOXTECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Lei Zhang, Fengyun Liao, Xin Qi
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Patent number: 11178479Abstract: A headset for a head having a first earpiece, a second earpiece, and a headband. The first earpiece has a horseshoe shaped housing and a plurality of audio elements. The housing of the first earpiece has a crest. The second earpiece has a horseshoe shaped housing and a plurality of audio elements. The housing of the second earpiece has a crest. The headband extends between the crest of the first earpiece and the crest of the second earpiece. The plurality of audio elements of the first earpiece are positionable against a first side of the head and the plurality of audio elements of the second earpiece are positionable against a second side of the head.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Inventor: Matthew Thomas
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Patent number: 11140489Abstract: A speaker includes a frame; a magnetic circuit system in the frame; and a vibrating system in the frame. The vibrating system includes a suspension ring fixed on the frame, a number of domes fixed at a center of the suspension ring and a voice coil connected below the domes. The domes includes a first dome and a second dome stacked with each other. The second dome has a body part and a number of convex parts extending from the body part to the magnetic circuit system; a number of intervals each formed between every two contiguous convex parts. The convex part includes a bottom surface close to the magnetic circuit system. The voice coil buts the bottom surface and forms leakage passages with the second dome at the interval positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: AAC Technologies Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Minmin Chen, Xun Di, Bin Zhao
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Patent number: 11109135Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that enhance user comfort and improve user control of the headphones are discussed. Various sensor configurations and electronic component positions are also discussed. User convenience features that include detachable cushions and automatically detecting the donning and doffing of headphones are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Edwin J. Corona Aparicio, Daniel R. Bloom, Jason Joseph LeBlanc
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Patent number: 11109131Abstract: A system includes a panel extending in a plane, an actuator attached to a surface of the panel, and an electronic control module to activate the actuator to cause vibration of the panel. The actuator includes: a plate to create a force to cause vibration of the panel to generate sound waves, having a width, WT, at a first edge; a stub extending from the first edge of the plate, having a width at a region of connection to the plate that is less than WT, the stub being attached to the surface of the panel to transfer the force received from the plate to the panel and cause the panel to vibrate; and a damper supported by a surface of the plate facing the panel coupling the plate to the panel, the damper having a having a width greater than WS.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Mark William Starnes, Jonathan James Barrett
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Patent number: 11095994Abstract: Pads for positioning between external hearing prosthesis components and a recipient's skin or scalp that conform to the recipient's anatomy but transmit vibrations from the external components to implanted components. Usable pad materials may include non-Newtonian materials including dilatant materials, rheological materials, memory foams, viscoelastic material, thermoplastics, electro-rheological fluids and or magneto-rheological fluids.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Marcus Andersson, Goran Bjorn, Stefan Magnander, Henrik Fyrlund, Koen van den Heuvel, Tobias Good
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Patent number: 11095964Abstract: To provide a bone-conduction earphone microphone provided with adequate noise control measures for workers working in a noisy workplace, thus enabling the workers to perform smooth communication with other people. The bone-conduction earphone microphone has a configuration in which a bone-conduction sound vibration unit 110 and a projection part 11 connected thereto are formed in a main body 1, and a core part 20 of a polyurethane first earplug section 2a and the projection part 11 are connected, facing each other, by a tubular connection section 30. This configuration enables the bone-conduction earphone microphone to provide hearing protection by acting as a high sound-insulation earplug for an ear canal, and also to perform input and output of voices by means of bone-conduction sound vibrations without picking up noises.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2020Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: EKO TECHNO INC.Inventor: Norio Kitamura
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Patent number: 11076215Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure relate to microphone-equipped wearable devices, and more particularly, to wearable devices worn on users' ear. According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, a wearable device comprises a speaker, a microphone, and a housing, the housing includes a protrusion configured to be insertable into a user's ear, a first sound path including a first opening formed through an area of a surface of the protrusion, extending from the first opening in a first length, and including a second opening facing the speaker, and a second sound path including a third opening formed through another area of the surface of the protrusion, extending from the third opening in a second length larger than the first length, and including a fourth opening facing the microphone. Other certain embodiments are also possible.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seonmi Kim, Hangil Moon, Jeock Lee, Hwan Shim, Hansol Kim, Haekeu Park, Juhee Chang, Hyeonyeong Jeong, Sunghoon Cho, Hochul Hwang
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Patent number: 11057721Abstract: According to some embodiments, a hearing device (e.g., a HI) configured to detect own voice comprises two or more microphones configured to detect a voice, and a motion detection device or component, wherein the hearing device is configured to determine the direction of arrival (DOA) of the voice detected by the microphones of the hearing device, wherein the hearing device is configured to determine whether there is movement of the hearing device using the motion detection device or component, and wherein, if it is determined that the DOA of the voice detected by the microphones of the hearing device is from the front of a user of the hearing device and said detected voice remains stable, and there is movement detected by the motion detection device or component, the hearing device is configured to conclude that the voice detected by the hearing device is own voice.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Sonova AGInventor: Nadim El Guindi
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Patent number: 11051097Abstract: An installation structure of a vibrator includes elastic members formed of an elastic material, the elastic members being arranged between a housing of a listening device, and the vibrator accommodating an electromechanical transducer for transducing an electric signal into mechanical vibration. The vibrator is installed on the listening device such that a lower surface of the vibrator is disposed at a position facing an ear cartilage in a state where the listening device is worn on an ear, and a first mechanical impedance of the elastic members between the vibrator and the housing is set smaller, at a frequency of 200 Hz to 1000 Hz, than twice a second mechanical impedance, with which the vibrator is loaded, of the ear cartilage.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2020Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: RION Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Soeta, Takashi Iwakura
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Patent number: 11050870Abstract: A bone conduction microphone is configured to convert vocal cord vibration into a sound signal. The bone conduction microphone includes a vibration collection unit configured to come into contact with a human body and collect vibration in a predetermined direction, which is included in the vocal cord vibration, and a switch configured to switch whether collection of the vibration in the predetermined direction is enabled. The switch is disposed on a side of the vibration collection unit, which is opposite to a side configured to come into contact with the human body, to allow a direction of an operation of switching whether collection of the vibration in the predetermined direction is enabled to be parallel to the predetermined direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Kunimoto, Suguru Nakao
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Patent number: 11025145Abstract: A quadrangular leaf spring of a quadrangle for generating vibration within a linear vibration motor includes a bottom support having an outer edge of a square form, a top support having a given height with respect to the bottom support and moved up and down by an elastic force of an elastic leg part, and the elastic leg part connected to an inside of the bottom support and upward extended up to the top support. A portion where the elastic leg part and the bottom support are connected is closer to a corner than to a center of each side of the bottom support. A right line of a portion of the elastic leg part connected to the bottom support is extended from the bottom support to the upper side in a concave shape with respect to the center of the leaf spring.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: MPLUS CO., LTD.Inventors: Nam Sock Kim, Seok Jun Park, Tae Hoon Lee, Dong Jun Lee
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Patent number: 11026013Abstract: A method for operating a bone conduction communication system can include establishing a communicable connection, operating a transducer in an input mode wherein the bone conduction transducers are configured to detect a vibration associated with a bone of the user; transmitting an audio signal over the communicable connection; and operating the transducers responsive to the audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2020Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Mobilus Labs LimitedInventor: Jordan McRae
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Patent number: 11013430Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for identifying food chewed or beverage drank are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a device may comprise one or more sensors to provide vibration signal data representative of vibrations sensed from a nasal bridge of a user wearing the device, a chewing analyzer to extract from the vibration signal data a first plurality of features associated with chewing activities, and/or a drinking analyzer is to extract from the vibration signal data a second plurality of features associated with drinking activities. The extracted first and/or second plurality of features, in turn, may be used to determine a category of food the user was chewing, or a category of beverage the user was drinking. In embodiments, the methods and apparatuses may use personalized models.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Intel CoprorationInventors: Cagri Tanriover, Nese Alyuz Civitci, Asli Arslan Esme, Hector Alfonso Cordourier Maruri, Paulo Lopez Meyer
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Patent number: 11012784Abstract: A mechanical coupling device and methods of use for concentrating dynamic force transmitted from a dynamic force actuator to a panel. The device comprises a concentrator surface that is coupled to an elastic panel. The concentrator surface is a continuous region with a surface area that may be smaller, larger, or the same surface area as a region in contact with a dynamic force actuator. The concentrator surface transmits a dynamic force to a region of the panel coupled to the concentrator surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTERInventors: Michael Charles Heilemann, Mark Frederick Bocko
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Patent number: 10999682Abstract: An arrangement for generating vibration according to an electrical input signal includes a first permanent magnet arrangement including a first permanent magnet, a frame including magnetic material, a second permanent magnet configured to be arranged between the first permanent magnet and the frame and to be coupled with the frame, one or more portion of the frame extending at least in one direction over an edge area of the second permanent magnet. The second permanent magnet is further configured to face, at a distance, the first permanent magnet such that a magnetic interaction between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet causes a first force to a surface of an apparatus, wherein the frame is configured to be magnetized by the second permanent magnet in order to cause magnetic interaction between the one or more portion of the frame and the first permanent magnet arrangement in order to cause a second force to the surface having an opposite direction compared with the first force.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: PS Audio Design OyInventors: Petri Soronen, Vesa Kajanus, Petteri Luukkanen, Harri Kankaanpää
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Patent number: 10981006Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing prosthesis having at least one acoustic converter for converting acoustic signals into electrical signals, and comprising an ultrasound device by means of which a multiplicity of focused, pulsed ultrasonic beams can be generated, wherein the ultrasound device can be fixed in the outer ear and/or outside the ear, and wherein, on the basis of electrical signals generated by the acoustic converter, the ultrasonic beams can be focused on to various physically distributed points in a region of the inner ear or in a region of the auditory pathway in the brain, while stimulating nerves.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: AUDISENSE GMBHInventor: Vera Herrmann
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Patent number: 10969402Abstract: A vibration sensor having a moveable mass adapted to move in response to vibrations or accelerations. The sensor includes a damping arrangement that includes a damping fluid or gel. The moveable mass is arranged to interact directly or indirectly with the damping fluid or gel in order to reduce a mechanical resonance peak of the vibration sensor. The damping fluid or gel has a viscosity between 1000 cP and 100000 Cp and damping properties that are substantially stable over time.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2020Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Sonion Nederland B.V.Inventors: Eddy Dubbeldeman, Raymond Mögelin
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Patent number: 10950245Abstract: This application describes methods and apparatus for generating a prompt to be presented to a user for the user to vocalise as part of speaker recognition. An apparatus according to an embodiment has a selector for selecting at least one vocal prompt element to form at least part of said prompt from a predetermined set of a plurality of vocal prompt elements. The selector is configured to select the vocal prompt element based, at least partly, on an indication of the operating conditions for the biometric speaker recognition, for example background noise. The prompt is selected to be one which will provide a good likelihood of discrimination between users when vocalised and used for speaker recognition in the current operating conditions. The prompt may be issued as part of a verification process for an existing user or an enrolment process for an enrolling user.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2017Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: John Laurence Melanson, John Paul Lesso
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Patent number: 10911867Abstract: An in-the-ear hearing aid device is disclosed. The device at least one electro-acoustic transducer, and at least one sensor or at least one active electronic component. The at least one electro-acoustic transducer comprises a capsule enclosing a transducer sound active part and a transducer air volume. The transducer air volume is air volume which is enclosed by said capsule and which is in fluid-connection with said transducer sound active part. At least a portion of said at least one sensor or of said at least one active electronic component is provided within said transducer air volume.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2019Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: OTICON A/SInventors: Troels Holm Pedersen, Therese Schønemann Blom, Seri Jalonen, Jan Thor Lunddahl Larsen, Niels Stubager Kiemer, Jesper B. Johansen, Povl Koch, Svend Oscar Petersen, Anders Erik Petersen, Kåre Tais Christensen, Antonello Salvatucci, Franz Treue
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Patent number: 10904664Abstract: Embodiments include a system for enhancing an audio listening experience, the system comprising an electrical device configured to impart vibrations, to a chest area of a user, based on an incoming audio signal and detect an acoustic resonance generated in a chest cavity of the user as a result of the vibrations; and an acoustic system configured to output the incoming audio signal in synchrony with the vibrations imparted to the chest cavity and simultaneously deliver haptic and audible vibrations associated with the acoustic resonance to the ears of the user. Embodiments also include a headphone system comprising an audio driver for outputting an incoming audio signal to the ears; and at least one acoustical port configured to deliver haptic and audible vibrations to the ear, the haptic and audible vibrations being associated with an acoustic resonance generated in a chest cavity of the user based on the audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: SonicSensory, Inc.Inventor: Brock Maxwell Seiler
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Patent number: 10880657Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for own-voice sensing in hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing assistance device adapted to process sounds, including sounds from a wearer's mouth. According to various embodiments, the device includes a hollow plastic housing adapted to be worn in the ear of the wearer and a differential sensor mounted to an interior surface of the housing in an ear canal of the wearer. The differential sensor includes inlets located within the housing and the differential sensor is configured to improve speech intelligibility of sounds from the wearer's mouth, in various embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Howard Burns, Lars Tuborg Jensen
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Patent number: 10873800Abstract: An artificial-reality device for audio playback is provided. The artificial-reality device includes: (i) a head-mounted display including at least one lens, and (ii) one or more transducers, coupled to the head-mounted display. The transducers are configured to generate signals that vibrate the at least one lens of the head-mounted display. The at least one lens generates acoustic waves that correspond to media presented by the head-mounted display when vibrated by the one or more transducers. In some embodiments, the head-mounted display further includes a frame, and at least one transducer of the one or more transducers is coupled to the frame of the head-mounted display. In some embodiments, at least one transducer of the one or more transducers is coupled to the at least one lens of the head-mounted display.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLCInventor: Morteza Khaleghimeybodi
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Patent number: 10848607Abstract: A cycling hearing device has: a stereo sound source unit; left and right vibration sources which conduct a stereo sound source from the stereo sound source unit to the left and right ears respectively without closing either of the left and right external auditory meatus; a notifier that notifies publicly that the left and right external auditory meatus are not closed; a helmet part; and a chin strap part fitted to the helmet part. The left and right vibration sources are cartilage conduction vibration sources respectively. The vibration sources are provided in the chin strap part, and the notifier is an external appearance structure in which the vibration sources conduct vibration to the ear cartilage without closing the external auditory meatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Finewell Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Hosoi, Yoji Hosoi, Masahide Tanaka
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Patent number: 10824192Abstract: A method for detecting a wearing-state and a wearable device are provided. The wearable device includes an infrared proximity sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to turn on the infrared proximity sensor in response to detecting, by the acceleration sensor, a user operation. The control circuit is configured to determine whether the wearable device is in a wearing state or a non-wearing state, according to a state of the infrared proximity sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.Inventor: Fuhao Guo
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Patent number: 10785584Abstract: A hearing aid includes a housing and a frame inserted in the housing and serving to receive electrical or electronic assemblies which include a transmitting and/or receiving unit for electromagnetic waves. The frame includes an associated antenna configured as an integral part of the frame, as a stamped/bent part or as an inlay part made of metal. The antenna includes a first part with two ends. The first part in particular has a winding profile or is configured as an open loop, and a segment along the profile of the first part forms a first auxiliary structure having the shape of a closed loop.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Constantine Farmakidis, Oliver Nipp
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Patent number: 10771882Abstract: Implementations generally relate to a user interface for an earbud device. In some implementations, a method includes detecting contact of a finger of a user on a touch user interface of an earbud device. The method further includes determining a contact pattern based on movement of the finger on the touch user interface. The method further includes mapping the contact pattern to a predetermined command. The method further includes executing the predetermined command based on the mapping.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew Estrada, Masahiko Seki, Haruhiko Kaneko, Hidetoshi Kurihara, Masahiro Shimizu
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Patent number: 10751503Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for a bone conduction system configured as a pillow, bed cushion, seat or similar body support device. The bone conduction system comprises a plurality of transducers positioned about the pillow, bed cushion, seat or similar body support. When ergonomically positioned on the user's skull, the plurality of transducers transmit sound waves to the inner ear.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Inventor: Philip Root
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Patent number: 10743120Abstract: An electromagnetic vibrator for a bone conduction hearing aid is disclosed. The electromagnetic vibrator comprises a magnet arrangement comprising a central portion, a coil wound around the central portion and being configured to generate a dynamic magnetic field and at least one permanent magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field. The electromagnetic vibrator further comprises a vibrator plate arranged in position and in such a manner that a gap, extending across a longitudinal axis of the electromagnetic vibrator is provided between the vibrator plate and at least one of said central portion or at least one permanent magnet. The electromagnetic vibrator further comprises an encasing surrounding at least a portion of the magnet arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Oticon Medical A/SInventor: Bengt Bern
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Patent number: 10743094Abstract: A helmet having a dual mode headphone has a helmet. A band is attached to an interior of the helmet. A pair of first housings is provided wherein one of the first housings is formed on each end of the band. A dual mode headphone circuit is provided having a dual-output acoustic transducer module positioned in each of the pair of first housings, the dual-output acoustic transducer module allowing for both air conduction and bone conduction of sound waves. The band is adjustable to position the pair of first housings on the user when the helmet is worn by the user based on a mode of operation of the dual mode headphone circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Inventor: Jonathan Jan
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Patent number: 10701158Abstract: A control method of a wearable apparatus and related apparatuses are provided. A wearable apparatus includes a first wearable device and a second wearable device. The first wearable device and the second wearable device each include a control circuit and an input-output circuit. The wearable apparatus is coupled with an electronic apparatus. Control circuit of the first wearable device is configured to control input-output circuit of the first wearable device and to send, via the input-output circuit of the first wearable device, a first control instruction to the electronic apparatus, whereby the electronic apparatus executes the first control instruction. Control circuit of the second wearable device is configured to control input-output circuit of the second wearable device and to send, via the input-output circuit of the second wearable device, a second control instruction to the electronic apparatus, whereby the electronic apparatus executes the second control instruction.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.Inventor: Haiping Zhang
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Patent number: RE48797Abstract: A bone conduction device comprising a multilayer piezoelectric element. The multilayer piezoelectric element comprises two stacked piezoelectric layers, and a flexible passive layer disposed between the piezoelectric layers. The device also comprises a mass component attached to the multilayer piezoelectric element; and a coupling attached to the multilayer piezoelectric element configured to transfer mechanical forces generated by the multilayer piezoelectric element and the mass component to a recipient's skull.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Marcus Andersson, Kristian Asnes, Erik Holgersson, Patrik W. Stromsten, Wim Bervoets