Remote Control, Wireless, Or Alarm Patents (Class 381/315)
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Patent number: 10945083Abstract: The invention relates to a communication system comprising a hearing aid, a communication unit, a relay server, a rule processing server, and at least one external device, wherein the rule processing server comprises a data communication interface to communicate with said relay server and with a plurality of external devices over a plurality of data communication channels, a rule processor, and a rule base comprising a set of rules, each rule defining an action to be triggered in response to a trigger event. Said rule processor is configured to generate an action request signal in response to an event signal representing a trigger event. Said action request signal is configured to cause an action of at least one of the hearing aid, the communication unit, the relay server or the external device, and wherein said action request signal carries information that designates at least one of said devices and at least one action to be performed of said at least one device.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: OTICON A/SInventors: Michael Porsbo, Jens Rosenstand, Per Sandholm
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Patent number: 10944156Abstract: An electronic device such as a wireless earbud may have antenna structures that are configured to form one or more antenna portions or antennas for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. The device may include control circuitry that is configured to selectively activate one or more antennas or antenna portions to transmit and receive wireless signals for the device. The device may include sensor circuitry that provide sensor data to the control circuitry. The control circuitry may use the sensor data to select and activate an optimal antenna based on the orientation of the earbud or the environment of the device. The antennas may be formed on opposing sides of a housing for the device. By providing configurable antenna structures, the device may be configured to adapt to the current environment and efficiently perform communications operations.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Benjamin A. Cousins, Carlo Di Nallo, Ethan L. Huwe, Jerzy S. Guterman, Joachim S. Hammerschmidt, Mattia Pascolini, Ruben Caballero, Samuel G. Parker
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Patent number: 10939216Abstract: Each accessory device in a set of accessory devices may establish a respective communication link between the accessory device and an ear-wearable device. A particular accessory device in the set of accessory devices may receive data via the communication link between the particular accessory device and the ear-wearable device. The data comprise information generated based on sensor signals from sensors that monitor a user of the ear-wearable device. The accessory devices perform a health monitoring activity based on the data.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Paul Solum, Gregory John Haubrich
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Patent number: 10904678Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a hearing device configured to reduce audio artifacts related to electromagnetic interference between a transceiver and a T-coil. The hearing device can include a T-coil configured to receive audio signal; a processor configured to communicate with a transceiver, to process the EM inductive audio signal, and to provide a processed audio signal to a transducer. The processor can communicate with a memory to access instructions that include operations to: determine that the hearing device is receiving the EM inductive audio signal from the T-coil; determine that a noise associated with EM interference and the T-coil is anticipated based on the notification from the transceiver; and determine whether to apply a filter to the processed audio signal based on a sound level of the processed audio signal being below a masking threshold during a duration of the noise.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Sonova AGInventor: Nadim El Guindi
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Patent number: 10893370Abstract: A system and method for aiding hearing are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, a programming interface is configured to communicate with a device. The system screens, via a speaker and a user interface associated with the device, a left ear—and separately, a right ear—of a patient at an incrementally selected frequency between a frequency range of 50 Hz to 5,000 Hz, with detected frequencies being re-ranged tested to better identify the frequencies and decibel levels heard. A frequency range of 5,000 Hz to 10,000 Hz is then tested. The system then determines a left ear preferred hearing range and a right ear preferred hearing range.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Texas Institute of Science, Inc.Inventors: Laslo Olah, Grigorii Sokolovskii, Sergey Losev, Ekaterina Sokolovskaya, Peter Czifra, Gergely Sebestyen
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Patent number: 10887679Abstract: An earpiece is configured for providing audiometric testing. The earpiece includes an earpiece housing, an intelligent control system disposed within the earpiece housing, at least one transducer operatively connected to the intelligent control, and at least one speaker operatively connected to the intelligent control. The earpiece is configured to perform audiometric testing of a user by reproducing sounds at the at least one transducer and receiving user feedback regarding the sounds to provide audiometric test data.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: BRAGI GmbHInventor: Peter Vincent Boesen
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Patent number: 10863286Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for communication include an ear canal microphone configured for placement in the ear canal to detect high frequency sound localization cues. An external microphone positioned away from the ear canal can detect low frequency sound, such that feedback can be substantially reduced. The canal microphone and the external microphone are coupled to a transducer, such that the user perceives sound from the external microphone and the canal microphone with high frequency localization cues and decreased feedback. Wireless circuitry can be configured to connect to many devices with a wireless protocol, such that the user can receive and transmit audio signals. A bone conduction sensor can detect near-end speech of the user for transmission with the wireless circuitry in a noisy environment. Noise cancellation of background sounds near the user can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Earlens CorporationInventors: Rodney C. Perkins, Sunil Puria, Jonathan P. Fay
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Patent number: 10856095Abstract: A dual source spatialized audio system includes a general audio system and a personal audio system. The general system includes a general audio processor and general speakers to produce general sound. The personal system includes a frame to be worn on a head of a user and a plurality of personal speakers attached to the frame. The personal system also includes a head pose sensor to collect head pose data of the user. The personal system further includes a head pose processor to determine a head pose of the user from the head pose data. Moreover, the personal system includes a personal audio processor to generate personal audio data based on the head pose of the user. The personal speakers generate personal sound corresponding to the personal audio data. The personal processor receives timing information/metadata from the general audio processor to synchronize the personal sound with the general sound.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: David Thomas Roach, Samuel A. Miller, George Alistair Sanger, Brian Schmidt, Terry Micheal O'Gara, Anastasia Andreyevna Tajik, Jehangir Tajik
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Patent number: 10848881Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for a user adjustment interface using remote computing resources. Specifically, a system can include a mobile device in communication with a hearing assistance device or a remote server. The mobile device can interpret an acoustic environment and send information about the environment to a remote server. The remote server can determine and send information to the mobile device for use in a user interface. The mobile device can receive a user selection of hearing assistance parameter information to be sent to the hearing assistance device.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Kelly Fitz, Kirk Klobe, David Haggerty
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Patent number: 10827284Abstract: Techniques used to selectively amplify audio signals are described herein in connection with audio amplification electronic devices, such as hearing aids, including over-the-ear hearing aids. A device and its operation are described to facilitate setting low and high tone/volume controls separately, using at least two selection mechanisms. In one aspect, a first selection mechanism includes a pitch frequency control rocker switch and the second selection mechanism includes a bass frequency control rocker switch disposed separately. In one aspect, the bass frequency control rocker switch causes a processor to bias the frequency response of the sound amplifier for frequencies below 1 kHz. In another aspect, the pitch frequency control rocker switch causes a processor to bias the frequency response of the hearing for frequencies above 1 kHz.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Inventor: Enrique Gajstut
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Patent number: 10820122Abstract: A hearing prosthesis includes: a hearing loss processor configured to process an audio signal and compensate a hearing loss of a user of the hearing prosthesis, and output a hearing loss compensated audio signal based on the audio signal; an output transducer configured to convert the hearing loss compensated audio signal into an auditory output signal to be received by a human auditory system of the user; a near-field magnetic induction communication unit configured for wireless communication; and a magnetic field antenna operatively connected with the near-field magnetic induction communication unit; wherein at least a part of the magnetic field antenna is embedded in a multi-layer printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: GN Hearing A/SInventors: Steen Gulstorff, Anders Heidemann Gregersen
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Patent number: 10812918Abstract: A remote-control unit (10) for controlling a hearing assistive device (20) by sending a control signal with instructions as an acoustic signal, has an input transducer (14), an output transducer (15), and a processor (11) adapted for setting the volume of the output from the output transducer (15). The processor (11) is adapted for activating the input transducer (14) for receiving environmental sound, analyzing the environmental sound, determining and setting the volume of the output from the output transducer (15) based on the environmental sound, and outputting the control signal at the set volume via the output transducer (15).Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Widex A/SInventors: Michael Johannes Pihl, Sven Creutz Thomsen, Johan Andersen, Michael Ungstrup, Martin Soderlind, Nanna Elkjær Moller
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Patent number: 10812891Abstract: Provided is a sound output apparatus that includes an insertion portion inserted into an earhole for outputting sound to an earhole, and a fingerprint sensor that is exposed to the outside of the earhole for detecting fingerprint information. This configuration allows even a compact apparatus to perform a desired operation in response to operations, thereby achieving miniaturization of the apparatus and improving the user's convenience.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Ryuya Koike, Jo Kamada, Issei Yamazaki
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Patent number: 10791402Abstract: The present invention regards a hearing aid device at least one environment sound input, a wireless sound input, an output transducer, electric circuitry, a transmitter unit, and a dedicated beamformer-noise-reduction-system. The hearing aid device is configured to be worn in or at an ear of a user. The at least one environment sound input is configured to receive sound and to generate electrical sound signals representing sound. The wireless sound input is configured to receive wireless sound signals. The output transducer is configured to stimulate hearing of the hearing aid device user. The transmitter unit is configured to transmit signals representing sound and/or voice. The dedicated beamformer-noise-reduction-system is configured to retrieve a user voice signal representing the voice of a user from the electrical sound signals. The wireless sound input is configured to be wirelessly connected to a communication device and to receive wireless sound signals from the communication device.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: OTICON A/SInventors: Michael Syskind Pedersen, Jesper Jensen, Jan Mark De Haan
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Patent number: 10784719Abstract: Example wirelessly powered unmanned aerial vehicles and tracks for providing wireless power are described herein. An example apparatus includes a track section having a transmitter coil to generate an alternating magnetic field and an unmanned aerial vehicle having a receiver coil. The alternating magnetic field induces an alternating current in the receiver coil when the unmanned aerial vehicle is disposed in the alternating magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Songnan Yang, Zhen Yao, Essam Elkhouly
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Patent number: 10785579Abstract: A hearing assistance device is discussed that has one or more accelerometers, a user interface, and optionally a left/right determination module is configured to receive input data from the one or more accelerometers from user actions causing control signals as sensed by the accelerometers to trigger a program change for an audio configuration for the device selected from a group consisting of a change in amplification/volume control, a change in a mute mode, a change of a hearing loss profile loaded into that hearing assistance device, and a change in a play-pause mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2019Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Eargo, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Sarjeant Aase, Jeffrey Baker, Beau Polinske, Gints Klimanis
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Patent number: 10771883Abstract: A device is discussed, such as the hearing assistance device itself and/or an electrical charger cooperating with the hearing assistance device. The device can have one or more accelerometers and a power control module to receive input data indicating a change in acceleration of the device over time from the one or more accelerometers in order to make a determination to autonomously change a power mode for the hearing assistance device based on at least whether the power control module senses movement of the hearing assistance device as indicated by the accelerometers.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Eargon, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Sarjeant Aase, Hardik Ruparel, Beau Polinske, Gints Valdis Klimanis
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Patent number: 10764694Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for eavesdropping on a data stream for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a hearing assistance system for a wearer including a Bluetooth host device having a transmitter configured to send data including one or more encoded audio streams, and a data channel having an advertisement that includes frequency information, frequency hop sequences, information for decoding audio streams, and security keys for decoding audio stream information. The system also includes one or more Bluetooth slave devices identified by the Bluetooth host device. The Bluetooth slave devices are configured to actively participate in a connection with the host device to aid the host transmitter in deciding which frequencies to use for frequency hopping and in determining which frequencies are being interfered with and should not be included in a channel map, according to various embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Paul Solum
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Patent number: 10757515Abstract: A hearing aid comprises a housing, comprising: a substrate carrying a wireless interface, the substrate further carrying a processor, the substrate arranged in the housing; an antenna arranged in the housing, the antenna being connected to the wireless interface; the antenna configured to emit and/or receive electromagnetic fields, an electronic element, connected to the processor via an electrical connection line; wherein a decoupling element is provided in the electrical connection line wherein the decoupling element has a characteristic frequency at the frequency, at which the antenna is tuned to radiate and/or receive the electromagnetic fields.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Oticon A/SInventors: Jens Troelsen, Poul Henriksen
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Patent number: 10750295Abstract: A hearing assistance device includes a housing component (12) including a transceiver (68) and processing circuitry arranged in a compact block structure (50), and a small loop element mounted on the compact block structure (50) for feeding an antenna element (30) via an electromagnetic coupling. The antenna element (30) is embedded into walls of the housing component (12).Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: WIDEX A/SInventors: Jan Hesselballe, Niels Christian Damgaard Jakobsen
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Patent number: 10735873Abstract: A hearing aid apparatus contains a housing having a housing face. The housing face is directed outwardly when the hearing aid apparatus is being worn. The hearing aid apparatus further has an antenna and a transmitter and/or receiver for electromagnetic waves disposed in the housing. The transmitter and/or receiver is coupled to the antenna element. A grip element is disposed on the housing face of the housing, and the antenna is integrated at least in part in the grip element.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Hans Adel, Birgit Kuefner-Schwerdtner, Juergen Reithinger, Benjamin Schmidt, Erwin Singer
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Systems and methods for accelerometer-based optimization of processing performed by a hearing device
Patent number: 10728676Abstract: A hearing device configured to be worn by a user includes a microphone, an accelerometer, and a processor. The microphone detects an audio signal. The accelerometer outputs accelerometer data associated with the hearing device. The processor is configured to 1) identify a music feature of the audio signal, the music feature indicating that the audio signal includes music content, 2) identify a movement feature of the accelerometer data, the movement feature representative of movement by the user while the microphone detects the audio signal, 3) determine a similarity measure between the music feature and the movement feature, and 4) perform, based on the similarity measure, an operation with respect to a sound processing program executable by the processor.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Nadim El Guindi, Ullrich Sigwanz, Thomas Wessel -
Patent number: 10705790Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) audio rendering system and method include spatializing microphone-captured real-world sounds according to a VR setting. In a game streaming system, when a player speaks through a microphone, the voice is processed by geometrical acoustic (GA) simulation configured for a virtual scene, and thereby spatialized audio effects specific to the scene are added. The GA simulation may include generating an impulse response using sound propagation simulation and dynamic HRTF-based listener directivity. When the GA-processed voice of the player is played, the local player or other fellow players can hear it as if the sound travels in the scenery and according to the geometries in the virtual scene. This mechanism can advantageously place the players' chatting in the same virtual world like built-in game audio, thereby advantageously providing enhanced immersive VR experience to users.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: NVIDIA CORPORATIONInventors: Ambrish Dantrey, Anshul Gupta
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Patent number: 10679473Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for using haptic vibration for inter-device communication. In one implementation, a system for inter-device communication using haptic vibration may include at least one force gauge configured to measure displacements caused by an external device in contact with the at least one force gauge; at least one memory storing instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to: receive an identifier associated with a user; retrieve a pattern associated with the received identifier; receive, from the at least one force gauge, one or more measurements over a period of time; assess a degree of difference between the received one or more measurements and the retrieved pattern; and, when the degree of difference is below a threshold, authenticate the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Capital One Services, LLCInventors: Abdelkader Benkreira, Joshua Edwards, Michael Mossoba
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Patent number: 10667065Abstract: A hearing instrument comprises a microphone for reception of sound and conversion of the sound into a first audio signal, a signal processor for processing the first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of the hearing aid, a speaker connected to an output of the signal processor for converting the second audio signal into an output sound signal and a wireless communication unit connected to the signal processor for wireless communication interconnected with an antenna system for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field. The antenna system comprises a plurality of antenna elements and a switching device. The switching device is configured to actively feed a first antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements, and passively feed at least a second antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements, in response to switch control information.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventor: Jesper Thaysen
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Patent number: 10659894Abstract: A hearing system includes at least one hearing aid (10) and a personal communication device (17) both having a short range radio transceiver for providing a short range radio communication link. The personal communication device includes application software for controlling the operation of said at least one hearing aid. The at least one hearing aid has a user operable control for opening the user interface of the application software on said personal communication device.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Widex A/SInventor: Morten Kjaer Johansen
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Patent number: 10635391Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing including a portion configured to detachably couple with a part of a user's ear, a sensor installed on an outer surface of the housing or in the housing, a communication circuit installed on the outer surface of the housing or in the housing, a speaker installed on the outer surface of the housing, exposed toward an eardrum of the ear, and electrically connected to the communication circuit, a processor electronically connected to the sensor, the communication circuit, and the speaker, and a memory electrically connected to the processor.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyunseok Shin, Yongsang Yun, Sangwook Kim, Seungnyun Kim, Eunsuk Kwon, Changryong Heo
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Patent number: 10638217Abstract: An audio appliance includes a microphone transducer having an acoustically sensitive region to convert incident acoustic energy to a corresponding output signal and a barometric transducer having a pressure-responsive region to convert an ambient pressure to a corresponding output signal. The audio appliance also has an acoustic housing defining a chamber to fluidly couple the microphone transducer with the barometric transducer, together with a processor and a memory containing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the audio appliance to determine a presence or an absence of an ambient impairment to the microphone transducer based at least in part on the output signal from the barometric transducer. Responsive to a determined presence of an ambient impairment to the microphone transducer, the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the audio appliance to mitigate effects of the ambient impairment.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Kang Hou, Guohua Sun, Xiang Zhou, Yu-Chun Hsu, Junye Wang
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Patent number: 10631109Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer. The device comprises an enclosure configured to be supported by or in an ear of the wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the enclosure and comprises a wireless transceiver. An antenna is situated in or on the enclosure and coupled to the wireless transceiver. The antenna comprises a first antenna element, a second antenna element, and a strap comprising a reactive component connected to the first and second antenna elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Greg Haubrich
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Patent number: 10623872Abstract: A hearing system includes first and second hearing devices. The first hearing device is configured to render streaming audio from an audio source by establishing a wireless link with the audio source and receiving audio packets transmitted from the audio source over the wireless link in accordance with an acknowledgement-based transmission protocol. The second hearing device is configured to render the streaming audio from the audio source by eavesdropping on the wireless link to receive and store the audio packets in a buffer. The buffer has a playback duration based on a total number of audio packets currently stored in the buffer. To stop the second hearing device from rendering the streaming audio, the first hearing device abstains, for a time period at least equal to the playback duration of the buffer, from acknowledging successful receipt of an audio packet transmitted by the audio source over the wireless link.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Alessandro Gallo, Federico Ferrari
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Patent number: 10609483Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sound effect compensation, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and a terminal device are provided. The method includes the following. An acoustic transmission function of an audio processing device in an ear canal of a user is determined according to an audio signal currently output from the audio processing device. Compensate for the audio signal according to the acoustic transmission function.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.Inventor: Bixiang Yan
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Patent number: 10587964Abstract: The present disclosure describes examples of systems and methods of wireless remote control of appliances and medical devices using a canal hearing device upon manual activation of a switch placed in the concha cavity behind the tragus. The manual activation of the switch may be by applying a force to the tragus by a finger of a user of the canal hearing device. In one embodiment the lateral end comprises one or more manually activated switches, a wireless antenna, and a battery cell. In some examples, the wireless electronics include low energy Bluetooth. The appliance may be any device with wireless capabilities, for example an electronic lock, a thermostat, an electronic lighting, a telephone, a kitchen appliance, a medical alert system, a television, a medical device, and a smart glass. The inconspicuous and secure wear of the hearing device allows for active lifestyle, including exercise, and more discrete communications.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.Inventor: Adnan Shennib
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Patent number: 10582314Abstract: A hearing device, e.g. a hearing aid, adapted for being located at or in an ear of a user and/or for being fully or partially implanted in the head of the user, comprises A multitude of input units each providing an electric input signal representing a mixture of an audio signal from an audio signal source and possibly acoustic signals from other acoustic signal sources around the hearing device as received at the input unit in question; A wireless receiver for receiving and providing a direct representation of the audio signal; A beamformer filtering unit configured to receive said multitude of electric input signals, and providing a beamformed signal; A combination unit for providing a mixed signal comprising a combination of said direct representation of the audio signal and said beamformed signal, or signals originating therefrom; An output unit for presenting stimuli perceivable to the user as sound based on said mixed signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Oticon A/SInventors: Michael Syskind Pedersen, Jesper Jensen, Svend Oscar Petersen, Anders Thule
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Patent number: 10582312Abstract: A mobile communication device (50) receives an audio stream as input and delivers a processed audio stream as output. The mobile communication device has a data connection providing access to the Internet, and a short range data connection for delivering a processed audio stream as output to a specific hearing aid (10). The mobile communication device acquires a data set containing hearing aid settings for the specific hearing aid from a remote server (71), and adjusts the emulation software application by means of the data set containing hearing aid settings for the specific hearing aid (10). The mobile communication device transmits the control signals and a processed audio stream to the specific hearing aid via the short range data connection and the specific hearing aid outputs the audio signal to the user without additional amplification. The invention also provides a method of signal processing in a mobile communication device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: WIDEX A/SInventors: Michael Ungstrup, Mike Lind Rank
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Patent number: 10575108Abstract: A portable body carried device, including a mobile computer having a display, wherein the portable body carried device is configured to receive data from a hearing prosthesis, such as a cochlear implant, and present an interface display on the display from among a plurality of different interface displays based on the received data.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Ivana Popovac, Victor Manuel Rodrigues, Rishubh Verma, Kenneth Oplinger, Jan Patrick Frieding, Adam Schindhelm
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Patent number: 10575106Abstract: A hearing aid for comprises an ITE-module and a BTE-module. The ITE module is adapted for being located at or in an ear canal of a user and comprises functional elements for providing a normal function of the hearing aid. The BTE-module is adapted for being located at or behind an ear of the user and comprises a rechargeable battery for providing electric energy to the ITE-module. The hearing aid further comprises a connecting part for mechanically and electrically connecting the ITE-module and the BTE-module. The connecting part comprises at least two electric conductors connected to the rechargeable battery and to the ITE-module to allow provision of electric energy to the ITE-module. The BTE-module may comprise a wireless interface to another device.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: OTICON A/SInventors: Martin Bergmann, Poul Henriksen
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Patent number: 10567891Abstract: An ear-wearable device includes a shell shaped for wearing in a user's ear. The shell comprises a tunnel wall shaped to define a tunnel that passes through the ear-wearable device. The ear-wearable device includes a receiver coil that is formed in or around the tunnel wall of the tunnel. The receiver coil is configured to inductively couple with a power coil via the tunnel and to inductively receive electromagnetic power from the power coil, and the receiver coil is configured to convert the electromagnetic power to an electrical current. The ear-wearable device includes one or more electrical components encased within the shell and configured to receive the electrical current from the receiver coil.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Jay Stewart, Michael Karl Sacha
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Patent number: 10555096Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hearing instrument including a housing to be worn at an ear of a person. The hearing instrument including an antenna unit having a slot. Further, the antenna unit comprises a loading wing arranged so as to focus the nearfield of the inside the hearing instrument.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: OTICON A/SInventors: Rune Sø, Jens Troelsen
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Patent number: 10555097Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an RF antenna adapted to receive and/or transmit electromagnetic RF signals within a first frequency range enclosing a first frequency of resonance of the RF antenna, the RF antenna comprising: an electrically conductive antenna element having a feed for electrically connecting to an RF transmitter and/or an RF receiver; an electronic component adapted to receive and/or provide one or more electric signals from/to an electronic circuit within a second frequency range not overlapping the first frequency range; and one or more electric leads electrically connected to lead the one or more electric signals between the electronic component and the electronic circuit, each of the one or more electric leads being electrically connected to the electronic circuit through a respective inductor adapted to reflect and/or attenuate signals within the first frequency range and pass signals within the second frequency range.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2019Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: OTICON A/SInventors: Jens Troelsen, Oliver Sundberg, Kåre Tais Christensen, Henning Knak Poulsen
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Patent number: 10547957Abstract: Hearing aids having example antennas tuned to transmit and receive signals having a frequency greater than or equal to 2.4 GHz are described. The antenna includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is configured to fit inside a housing of the hearing aid and to be within the ear canal when the hearing aid is inserted into an ear of a wearer. The second segment is configured to be within the housing and disposed near a side of the housing facing toward an outside of the ear canal when the hearing aid is inserted into the ear of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Karl Hilde, Zhenchao Yang
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Patent number: 10542356Abstract: A hearing instrument includes: a microphone for providing a first audio signal; a signal processor for processing the first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of the hearing instrument; a speaker connected to an output of the signal processor for converting the second audio signal into an output sound signal; a wireless communication unit configured for wireless data communication; and an antenna for electromagnetic field emission and/or reception, the antenna having a first antenna element and additional antenna elements, the first antenna element having a first branch and a second branch being connected with the wireless communication unit, the first branch having a first connecting region and the second branch having a second connecting region; wherein one or each of the additional antenna elements interconnects the first connecting region and the second connecting region.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: GN Hearing A/SInventor: Søren Kvist
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Patent number: 10506351Abstract: There is provided a hearing assistance device to be worn by a user, comprising: a microphone arrangement (12) for capturing audio signals from ambient sound, an audio signal processing unit (14) for processing the captured audio signals, and an ear-level output transducer (16) for stimulating the user's hearing according to the processed audio signals, at least one wireless interface (18, 20, 42, 44) for signal reception from an external device (11, 40), a context detection unit (46) for determining, by regularly analyzing signals received via the at least one wireless interface, present values of a set of context parameters, the context parameters being indicative of the present location of the hearing assistance device (10), with the context detection unit being configured to select, based on the determined location, one location context out of a plurality of location contexts as the presently valid location context, and a security control unit (48) for controlling security aspects of the hearing assistanceType: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Michele Mazzucchi, Pascal Magnenat
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Patent number: 10475080Abstract: A radio communication apparatus performing radio communication based on either role, a master or a slave, includes: a role change receiver receiving a role change request from a master to a slave when the radio communication apparatus has a role of master and has established connection to another radio communication apparatus operating as a slave; and an identification information transmitter transmitting identification information to the other radio communication apparatus on a given channel at shorter time intervals when the role change receiver receives the change request than a given comparison criterion for when the role change receiver does not receive the change request.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.Inventors: Tsutomu Terazaki, Toshihiro Takahashi, Ryo Okumura, Takahiro Tomida
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Patent number: 10462581Abstract: A method for detecting a defect in a hearing instrument that has at least one first input transducer and at least one output transducer. A first transfer function of a first acoustic system, which includes the output transducer and the first input transducer, is determined, and at least a first reference function for the first transfer function is determined. The first transfer function is compared with the first reference function and a defect in the hearing instrument is detected based on the comparison. A hearing instrument with an input transducer and an output transducer is set up to carry out the method.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Tobias Wurzbacher, Tobias Daniel Rosenkranz
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Patent number: 10462585Abstract: A hearing system includes at least one hearing aid (10) and a personal communication device (17) both having a short range radio transceiver for providing a short range radio communication link. The personal communication device includes application software for controlling the operation of said at least one hearing aid. The at least one hearing aid has a user operable control for opening the user interface of the application software on said personal communication device.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Widex A/SInventor: Morten Kjaer Johansen
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Patent number: 10433788Abstract: An earpiece includes an earpiece housing, at least one biometric sensor disposed within the earpiece, a wireless transceiver disposed within the earpiece for voice communications, an intelligent control operatively connected to the at least one biometric sensor and the wireless transceiver, a speaker operatively connected to the intelligent control, and at least one microphone operatively connected to the intelligent control. The earpiece is configured to monitor biometrics of a user using the at least one biometric sensor, communicate biometric data to the user, detect a crisis level event, and communicate occurrence of the crisis level event using the wireless transceiver.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: BRAGI GmbHInventor: Peter Vincent Boesen
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Patent number: 10425749Abstract: A hearing instrument comprises a microphone for reception of sound and conversion of the sound into a first audio signal, a signal processor for processing the first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of the hearing aid, a speaker connected to an output of the signal processor for converting the second audio signal into an output sound signal and a wireless communication unit connected to the signal processor for wireless communication interconnected with an antenna system for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field. The antenna system comprises a plurality of antenna elements and a switching device. The switching device is configured to connect a first antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements to the wireless communication unit, and at least a second antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements to a ground potential in response to switch control information.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2018Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventor: Jesper Thaysen
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Patent number: 10418862Abstract: A headpiece included within a cochlear implant system includes a housing, an interface assembly disposed within the housing and communicatively coupled to a sound processor, and electronic circuitry disposed within the housing. The interface assembly receives, from the sound processor, direct current (DC) power and a self-clocking differential signal comprising a data signal encoded with a clock signal at a clock frequency. The electronic circuitry is configured to recover the data signal and the clock signal from the self-clocking differential signal, to generate synthesized clock signals at first and second carrier frequencies based on the recovered clock signal, to wirelessly transmit alternating current (AC) power at the first carrier frequency based on the DC power, and to wirelessly transmit a data-modulated AC signal at the second carrier frequency based on the recovered data signal. The AC power and data are transcutaneously transmitted to a cochlear implant implanted within a patient.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Advanced Bionics AGInventor: R. Tissa Karunasiri
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Patent number: 10405109Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for modular circuit component for a hearing assistance device flex antenna. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a universal apparatus for use with multiple hearing assistance devices. The apparatus includes a circuit module including an outer radial surface, the circuit module configured to provide electronics for a hearing assistance device. A flex circuit loop antenna is configured to be affixed to the outer radial surface, and the antenna is configured for wireless communication for the hearing assistance device. After the antenna is affixed to the outer radial surface, the circuit module is configured to be inserted into a plurality of different main hearing assistance device chassis. In various embodiments, the circuit module includes a retention feature and the antenna includes an opening configured to align with and receive the retention feature to affix the antenna to the circuit module.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Blaise Bergner, Jay Rabel
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Patent number: 10396835Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing effects of time-division multiplexing noise in mobile communications devices. When cellular communication with time-division multiplexing is detected, such as Global System for Mobiles (GSM) communication with Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) protocol, total energy and energy at a repetition frequency of the time division multiplexing is measured in audio signals received from several microphones located in the device. A control signal indicating microphones affected by TDMA noise is provided to signal processing subsystems that receive audio signals from the microphones. A beam former circuit may combine two or more audio signals to produce beam formed signals. The control signal may further indicate beam formed signals affected by TDMA noise based on a ratio of the energy from the repetition frequency to the total energy in the beam formed signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ruchir M. Dave, Ashrith Deshpande, Vasu Iyengar