With Plural Sound Ports (e.g., Pressure Gradient) Patents (Class 381/357)
  • Patent number: 11854567
    Abstract: One example includes a digital twin of a microphone array. The digital twin acts as a digital copy of a physical microphone array. The digital array allows the microphone array to be analyzed, simulated and optimized. Further, the microphone array can be optimized for performing sound quality operations such as noise suppression and speech intelligibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: EMC IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Danqing Sha, Amy N. Seibel, Eric Bruno, Zhen Jia
  • Patent number: 11638079
    Abstract: Example embodiments described herein involve reducing the formation of ice on external modules by incorporating a heater within the module. The system may include a microphone module for an autonomous vehicle. The microphone module may include a housing and a microphone inside an opening of the housing. The system may further include a cover abutting the opening of the housing. The cover may enclose the microphone within the housing and seal the opening of the housing. The system may also include a heater adjacent to the opening of the housing and configured to prevent ice from forming over the opening. The heater may at least partially surround the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventor: Cheng-Han Wu
  • Patent number: 10775844
    Abstract: A minimum Z height handheld electronic device and methods of assembly is described. The electronic device includes a single seamless housing having a front opening and a cover disposed within the front opening and attached to the seamless housing without a bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Teodor Dabov, HuiLeng Lim, Kyle Yeates, Stephen Brian Lynch
  • Patent number: 10582298
    Abstract: A directional acoustic device with an acoustic source or an acoustic receiver and a conduit to which the acoustic source or acoustic receiver is acoustically coupled and within which acoustic energy travels in a propagation direction from the acoustic source or to the acoustic receiver. The conduit has a radiating portion that has a radiating surface with leak openings that define controlled leaks through which acoustic energy radiated from the source into the conduit can leak to the outside environment or through which acoustic energy in the outside environment can leak into the conduit. The radiating surface has a thin sheet with openings through the sheet, and a cover material with a greater acoustic resistance than an acoustic resistance of an opening. The cover material covers at least parts of at least some of the openings, to define controlled acoustic leaks into or out of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Coffey, Peter C. Santoro, Edwin C. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10567876
    Abstract: A microphone unit includes: a case having an interior space; a unidirectional microphone held in the interior space of the case; a first opening provided in the case; and a second opening provided in the case, wherein the first opening and the second opening are arranged opposite to each other across the microphone and are arranged in a straight line parallel to an axis of sensitivity of the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Fumiyasu Tanoue
  • Patent number: 10516943
    Abstract: Aspects of a microelectromechanical device, an array of microelectromechanical devices, a method of manufacturing a microelectromechanical device, and a method of operating a microelectromechanical device, are discussed herein. The microelectromechanical device may include: a substrate; a diaphragm mechanically coupled to the substrate, the diaphragm comprising a stressed region to buckle the diaphragm into one of two geometrically stable positions; an actuator mechanically coupled to the diaphragm, the actuator comprising a piezoelectric layer over the diaphragm; a controller configured to provide an electrical control signal in response to a digital sound input; wherein the actuator is configured to receive the electrical control signal to exert a mechanical piezoelectric force on the diaphragm via the piezoelectric layer to move the diaphragm to create a sound wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Manuel Dorfmeister, Michael Schneider, Manfred Kaltenbacher, Alfons Dehe, Ursula Hedenig, Thomas Grille, Ulrich Schmid
  • Patent number: 10237646
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention disclosed are configured with a voice translation software, and can be readily used after switching off the microphone of the mobile phone and inserted into the charging port of the mobile phone. In some embodiments, the invention comprises two microphones; when the mobile phone is directed at a speaker, the audio pickup is performed by using a “hypercardioid noise-filtering microphone”, and when the mobile phone is directed at oneself, the audio pickup is performed by using a “cardioid noise-filtering microphone”, such that the surrounding noises can be prevented from being picked up in order to achieve an accurate and fluent voice translation. In other embodiments, when the microphone is used to ask for directions or in communication while travelling abroad in particular, this use enables the user to keep an adequate distance from the opposite party in keeping with the international social etiquette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Shao-Chieh Ting
  • Patent number: 9769559
    Abstract: An apparatus including a housing member and an airflow spreader. The housing member includes an acoustic back cavity for a sound transducer and at least two second cavities in the housing member spaced from the acoustic back cavity. The airflow spreader is connected to the housing member. The airflow spreader includes a conduit system connecting the acoustic back cavity directly with each of the at least two second cavities through the airflow spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Shengrong Shi
  • Patent number: 9743176
    Abstract: A directional sound recording module including a sound-receiving case, a plurality of sound inlet apertures, and a sound-receiving element is provided. The sound-receiving case encircles to form a chamber. A sound inlet opening and a fixing end are respectively formed at two opposite sides of the chamber. The sound inlet opening and the fixing end are communicated with each other. The sound inlet apertures are disposed on a surface of the sound-receiving case and corresponding to the chamber. An extending direction of the sound inlet apertures is perpendicular to the sound inlet opening of the sound-receiving case. The sound-receiving element is disposed at the fixing end of the sound-receiving case. The sound-receiving element is configured to record a sound entering the chamber from the sound inlet opening and the sound inlet apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Merry Electronics(Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Diego Jose Hernandez Garcia, Ming-Yo Hung, Wen-Hong Wang
  • Patent number: 9491557
    Abstract: A connector mating assurance system includes a microphone configured to be located in a vicinity of a mating zone for electrical connectors. The microphone is configured to detect an audible sound when the electrical connectors are mated. An output unit is connected to the microphone and receives audio signals from the microphone. The output unit processes the audio signals for mating assurance. The output unit may provide feedback to an assembler based on the audio signals. The output unit may determine if the electrical connectors are properly mated based on the audio signals. The microphone may be held by the assembler proximate to the assembler's hand when assembling the electrical connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles David Fry, Khalil John Maalouf, Abraham L. Shocket
  • Patent number: 9326054
    Abstract: An apparatus including a housing member and an airflow spreader. The housing member includes an acoustic back cavity for a sound transducer and at least two second cavities in the housing member spaced from the acoustic back cavity. The airflow spreader is connected to the housing member. The airflow spreader includes a conduit system connecting the acoustic back cavity directly with each of the at least two second cavities through the airflow spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Shengrong Shi
  • Patent number: 9185480
    Abstract: A portable electronic device including an outer case having a wall in which a transducer-associated acoustic hole is formed. An inner case may be positioned inside the outer case. The inner case can include an acoustic port that opens to the transducer-associated acoustic hole and a relief port that opens to the outer case. A transducer having a diaphragm facing the acoustic port of the inner case is mounted within the inner case. A valve is further positioned over the relief port. The valve is configured to reduce an impact of an incoming air burst on the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Howes, Kurt R. Stiehl
  • Patent number: 9094746
    Abstract: A microphone port design for a handheld device is disclosed. The microphone port design includes an elongated channel disposed in a first surface of the handheld device. A microphone port is located within the channel to reduce unwanted noise caused by air pressure build up around the microphone port opening due to coverage of the opening by a user's finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Hyun Jin Park, Wade L. Heimbigner, Joseph R. Fitzgerald, Mark A. Cherry, Terry Lee Rickman
  • Patent number: 9071910
    Abstract: An implantable microphone device is provided. The device comprises a hermetically sealed housing (3) having an internal cavity (2). The internal cavity (2) has a microphone assembly arranged to receive sound waves originating from external the housing (3). The device further comprises a pressure sensor arrangement, arranged to detect and determine the differential pressure between the internal cavity (2) and the exterior of the housing (3). The determined differential pressure is used to determine a suitable transfer function to be applied to the output of the microphone assembly to produce a signal representative of the received sound waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Peter Bart Jos Van Gerwen
  • Patent number: 9003637
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microphone assembly having an ear set function includes assembling a mike cell unit; obtaining a region for connection with the mike cell unit on a PCB, mounting only a conductive member in the region, and mounting other remaining components outside the region; adhering the mike cell unit to a corresponding region of the PCB; and sealing an adhering portion between the mike cell unit and the PCB. Assembling the mike cell unit includes inserting a mike cell case having a sound hole and a curing portion into a diaphragm assembly; stacking a spacer on the diaphragm assembly; inserting a back electrode plate into an insulating ring base; mounting the insulating ring base on the spacer; mounting a metal ring base on the insulating ring base; and curing or clamping a curing portion of the mike cell case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: BSE Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Sun Lee, Hyoung Joo Kim
  • Patent number: 9002036
    Abstract: A microphone system has a primary microphone for producing a primary signal, a secondary microphone for producing a secondary signal, and a selector operatively coupled with both the primary microphone and the secondary microphone. The system also has an output for delivering an output audible signal principally produced by one of the to microphones. The selector selectively permits either 1) at least a portion of the primary signal and/or 2) at least a portion of the secondary signal to be forwarded to the output as a function of the noise in the primary signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Invensense, Inc.
    Inventors: Kieran P. Harney, Jason Weigold, Gary Elko
  • Patent number: 8983105
    Abstract: A microphone is disclosed in which a housing is formed by a cap (13) sealed to a substrate (11). A MEMS die (10) is mounted on the substrate (11), the MEMS die (10) incorporating a membrane (12). The membrane (12) has a first surface facing the substrate and in fluid communication with an acoustic inlet port (14) in the cap (13) via an acoustic path (17) and a second surface facing the inner surface of the cap, which second surface along with part of the inner surface of the cap (13) defines at least part of a sealed chamber (19) within which a volume of air is trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Knowles IPC (M) Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventor: Friedrich Reining
  • Patent number: 8983106
    Abstract: A narrow directional microphone including a film for suppressing wind noise capable of being displaced by a wind pressure, a unidirectional microphone unit having a front acoustic terminal, a cylindrical acoustic tube having a prescribed axial length, and an acoustic resistor disposed at a position which is on an outward side of the film and at which the resistor does not come into contact with the film even when the film is displaced by the wind pressure. A rear end of the acoustic tube is coupled to a side of the front acoustic terminal of the unidirectional microphone unit, and a front end opening of the acoustic tube is covered with the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino
  • Patent number: 8958592
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a case, a microphone array housing consists of a first acoustic extending structure, a second acoustic extending structure, an interface IC, a first membrane and a second membrane. The case includes a first acoustic opening and a second acoustic opening. The first acoustic extending structure is connected to the first acoustic opening. The second acoustic extending structure is connected to the second acoustic opening. The first membrane receives a first acoustic signal via the first acoustic opening and the first acoustic extending structure. The second membrane receives a second acoustic signal via the second acoustic opening and the second acoustic extending structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fortemedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Yen-Son Paul Huang, Iou-Din Jean Chen, James Juei Son Lin
  • Patent number: 8948432
    Abstract: A microphone unit includes a case; a diaphragm arranged inside the case; and an electric circuit unit that processes an electric signal generated in accordance with vibration of the diaphragm. The case has a first sound introducing space that introduces a sound from outside of the case to a first surface of the diaphragm via a first sound hole; and a second sound introducing space that introduces a sound from outside of the case to a second diaphragm, via a second sound hole. A resonance frequency of the diaphragm is set in the range of ±4 kHz based on the resonance frequency of at least one of the first sound introducing space and the second sound introducing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Funai Electric Co., Ltd., Funai Electric Advanced Applied Technology Research Institute Inc.
    Inventors: Fuminori Tanaka, Ryusuke Horibe, Takeshi Inoda, Masatoshi Ono, Rikuo Takano, Toshimi Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 8929584
    Abstract: Measures for dynamically regulating the microphone sensitivity of a MEMS microphone component at low frequencies by way of variable roll-off behavior are proposed. The micromechanical microphone structure of the component, which is implemented in a layer structure on a semiconductor substrate, encompasses an acoustically active diaphragm having leakage openings which spans a sound opening in the substrate back side, and a stationary acoustically permeable counterelement having through openings which is disposed in the layer structure above/below the diaphragm. The component furthermore encompasses a capacitor assemblage for signal sensing, having at least one deflectable electrode on the diaphragm and at least one stationary electrode on the counterelement, and an arrangement for implementing a relative motion between the diaphragm and counterelement parallel to the layer planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Zoellin, Christoph Schelling
  • Patent number: 8879767
    Abstract: A microphone assembly comprising includes a base, at least one side wall, and a cover. The side wall is disposed on the base. The cover is coupled to the at least one side wall. The base, the side wall, and the cover form a cavity and the cavity has a MEMS device disposed therein. A top port extends through the cover and a first channel extends through the side wall. The first channel is arranged so as to communicate with the top port. A bottom port extends through the base. The MEMS device is disposed over the bottom port. A second channel is formed and extends along a bottom surface of the base. The second channel extends between and communicates with the first channel and the bottom port. Sound received by the top port is received at the MEMS device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy K. Wickstrom
  • Patent number: 8861764
    Abstract: An enclosure (10) of a microphone unit (1) includes a mounting portion (11) which has a mounting surface (11a) where a first vibration portion (13) and a second vibration portion (15) are mounted and in which, in the back surface (11b) of the mounting surface (11a), a first sound hole (23) and a second sound hole (25) are provided; in the enclosure (10), a first sound path (41) is provided that transmits sound waves input through the first sound hole (23) to one surface of a first diaphragm (134) and that also transmits the sound waves to one surface of a second diaphragm (154) and a second sound path (42) is provided that transmits sound waves input through the second sound hole to the other surface of the second diaphragm (154).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fuminori Tanaka, Takeshi Inoda, Ryusuke Horibe
  • Patent number: 8861753
    Abstract: An acoustic sensor includes: a semiconductor substrate; a vibrating membrane, formed above the semiconductor substrate, which includes a vibrating electrode; and a fixed membrane, formed on an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, which includes a fixed electrode, the acoustic sensor detecting an acoustic wave according to a change in capacitance between the vibrating electrode and the fixed electrode. The fixed membrane has a plurality of sound hole portions formed therein in order to allow the acoustic wave to reach the vibrating membrane from outside, and the fixed electrode is formed so that a boundary of an edge portion of the fixed electrode does not intersect the sound hole portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: OMRON Corporation, STMicroelectronics Srl
    Inventors: Takashi Kasai, Yuki Uchida, Yasuhiro Horimoto, Sebastiano Conti
  • Patent number: 8842858
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electret condenser microphone which comprises an exterior sidewall structure attached to a carrier. The exterior sidewall structure comprises a non-conductive base material carrying first and second electrical wiring patterns electrically connected to first and second electrical traces, respectively, of the carrier. A diaphragm holder, carrying a conductive microphone diaphragm is attached to the sidewall structure to establish electrical connection between a conductive microphone diaphragm and one of the first and second electrical wiring patterns of the sidewall structure. A conductive perforated backplate is arranged in spaced relationship to the conductive microphone diaphragm. The conductive perforated backplate is electrically connected to another one of the first and second wiring patterns of the sidewall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Invensense, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Lillelund
  • Patent number: 8823115
    Abstract: A microphone unit converts voice into an electric signal based on the vibration of a diaphragm contained in an MEMS chip. The microphone unit includes a substrate on which the diaphragm is mounted (the MEMS chip is mounted); a cover member, having sound holes, that is disposed above the substrate so that the diaphragm is contained within the inner space formed between the cover member and the substrate; and a holding member that holds only the substrate or both of the substrate and the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Inoda, Ryusuke Horibe, Fuminori Tanaka, Akira Funatsu, Michitomo Shibutani
  • Patent number: 8818009
    Abstract: A dual diaphragm dynamic type microphone transducer that, among other things, provides control of source/receiver proximity effects without sacrificing professional level dynamic microphone performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Gilbert, Charles S. Argento, Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Patent number: 8811645
    Abstract: Disclosed is a differential microphone unit which can improve the characteristics of a microphone unit and widen the directional range thereof. The disclosed differential microphone unit (100) is provided with: a microphone housing (20) which is provided with a pair of first sound holes (22a, 22b) on the same major surface (20a); a vibrating portion (11) which is disposed in the microphone housing and which vibrates according to differences in sound pressure transmitted via each of the pair of first sound holes; and sealing members (30, 130), which are disposed on the major surface of the microphone housing and which each contain a pair of second sound holes (31a, 31b, 131a, 131b) disposed so as to be in respective contact with the pair of first sound holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Inoda, Ryusuke Horibe, Fuminori Tanaka, Syuzi Umeda
  • Patent number: 8804982
    Abstract: A transducer assembly utilizing at least two MEMS transducers is provided, the transducer assembly preferably defining either an omnidirectional or directional microphone. In addition to at least first and second MEMS transducers, the assembly includes a signal processing circuit electrically connected to the MEMS transducers, a plurality of terminal pads electrically connected to the signal processing circuit, and a transducer enclosure housing the first and second MEMS transducers. The MEMS transducers may be electrically connected to the signal processing circuit using either wire bonds or a flip-chip design. The signal processing circuit may be comprised of either a discrete circuit or an integrated circuit. The first and second MEMS transducers may be electrically connected in series or in parallel to the signal processing circuit. The first and second MEMS transducers may be acoustically coupled in series or in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Dean Michel, Jeffrey Phillip McAteer, John Charles Baumhauer, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140161295
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a case, an acoustic boot, a first microphone and a second microphone. The case includes a first acoustic opening, a second acoustic opening, or an opening to hold the acoustic boot. wherein the acoustic boot comprises a first duct and a second duct, the first duct is connected to the first acoustic opening, and the second duct is connected to the second acoustic opening. The first microphone is connected to the first duct. The second microphone is connected to the second duct. The ducts of the case if exist and the ducts of the acoustic boot combined together to extend the sound inlet distance to each microphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FORTEMEDIA, INC.
    Inventors: Yen-Son Paul HUANG, Iou-Din Jean CHEN, James Juei Son LIN
  • Patent number: 8750552
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to controlling frequency response in speaker assemblies. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a speaker assembly including a speaker, a body supporting the speaker in such a manner as to define a back chamber between the speaker and the body, and a vent port formed in the body and extending through the body, the vent port comprising a first stage having a first diameter, a second stage having a second diameter different than the first diameter, and a step between the first stage and the second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Barinaga, Carlos Manzanedo
  • Patent number: 8737602
    Abstract: A passive, non-amplified audio switch for a computer telephony system is provided. The passive, non-amplified audio switch provides a first telephone jack to receive audio in and send audio out to a first user. The passive, non-amplified audio switch provides a second telephone jack to receive audio in and send audio out to a second user. The passive, non-amplified audio switch further provides audio out and receives audio in from a voice platform, which transcribes audio using a speech to text engine. The passive, non-amplified audio switch provides that audio in from the second user is always provided to the voice platform for transcription.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: NVOQ Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles Corfield, David Mondragon, Daniel Morley
  • Patent number: 8724839
    Abstract: A unidirectional microphone includes a cylindrical capsule, a front plate blocking one end of the cylindrical capsule, a front plate sound hole formed in the front plate, a vibrating membrane and a first rear pole plate that are housed in the cylindrical capsule and form capacitance, a substrate blocking another open end of the capsule, and a rear plate sound hole formed in the substrate. The front plate sound hole and the rear plate sound hole are placed on mutually opposite sides of a central axis of the capsule so as to be offset relative to the central axis. The directional axis can be significantly offset relative to the central axis of the microphone using the microphone alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Harano, Hiroshi Yamagata, Kazuo Ono, Kensuke Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8724836
    Abstract: The invention regards a hearing device with two or more microphone units each having a conduit leading from a respective sound inlet in the hearing-device housing to a respective transducer, wherein the lengths of the conduits may differ without causing a difference in the frequency characteristics of the microphone units and wherein ultrasonic frequencies may be dampened, while at the same time providing higher freedom in the physical layout of the hearing device. This is achieved in that each conduit comprises a chamber and a pipe forming a resonator, and in that the frequencies of resonance (f1, f2) of the resonators are equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventor: Martin Larsen
  • Patent number: 8649545
    Abstract: To provide a downsized microphone unit in which a differential microphone is densely mounted thereon. The microphone unit has a cover portion 30 and a microphone substrate 10, in which a first substrate internal space 15 is communicated with a cover portion internal space 32 via a first substrate opening 11 and a cover portion opening 31, and is communicated with the outside via a second substrate opening 12, a second substrate internal space 16 is communicated with the cover portion internal space 32 via a third substrate opening 13 and a cover portion opening 31, and is communicated with the outside via a fourth substrate opening 14, a partition portion 20 covers a communication aperture between the first substrate opening 11 and the cover portion opening 31, and a diaphragm 22 covers at least a part of the communication aperture between the first substrate opening 11 and the cover portion opening 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignees: Funai Electric Co. Ltd., Funai Electric Advanced Applied Technology Research Institute Inc.
    Inventors: Fuminori Tanaka, Ryusuke Horibe, Takeshi Inoda, Rikuo Takano, Kiyoshi Sugiyama, Toshimi Fukuoka, Masatoshi Ono
  • Patent number: 8648431
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an acoustic semiconductor device includes an element unit, and a first terminal. The element unit includes an acoustic resonance unit. The acoustic resonance unit includes a semiconductor crystal. An acoustic standing wave is excitable in the acoustic resonance unit and is configured to be synchronously coupled with electric charge density within at least one portion of the semiconductor crystal via deformation-potential coupling effect. The first terminal is electrically connected to the element unit. At least one selected from outputting and inputting an electrical signal is implementable via the first terminal. The electrical signal is coupled with the electric charge density. The outputting the electrical signal is from the acoustic resonance unit, and the inputting the electrical signal is into the acoustic resonance unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kazuhide Abe, Tadahiro Sasaki, Atsuko Iida, Kazuhiko Itaya, Takashi Kawakubo
  • Patent number: 8644533
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes an apparatus, including: a microphone to convert sound into a signal; and an electrically adjustable shutter including conductive polymer, the shutter in acoustic communication with the microphone and configured to provide an adjustable acoustic resistance to the microphone. Variations include conductive traces adapted to apply an electric signal to the conductive polymer. In some embodiments a diaphragm in acoustic communication with the shutter configured to detect acoustic energy is included. The present subject matter also provides methods including, but not limited to a method for operating a microphone in a hearing assistance device, including measuring acoustic energy detected by a diaphragm in acoustic communication with a shutter via a conduit, and controllably adjusting an acoustic resistance of the shutter with an electric signal to change directionality of the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Howard Burns
  • Patent number: 8630685
    Abstract: A communication device including multiple microphones is provided. The communication device includes at least two microphones. The communication device further includes a sidetone feedback notifier for producing a notification signal. The sidetone feedback notifier is coupled to the microphones. The notification signal is based on the combination of, a first input audio signal provided for by a first microphone, and a second input audio signal provided for by a second microphone. The sidetone feedback notifier is coupled to a notification device for providing a feedback signal to a user based on the notification signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeremy Schrage
  • Patent number: 8588450
    Abstract: An acoustic transformer includes at least one outer boundary wall. A plurality of inner walls are disposed within the outer boundary wall. The outer boundary wall and the inner walls define an input opening divided by at least some of the inner walls into a plurality of input sections. A substantially annular output opening is divided by at least some of the inner walls into a plurality of circumferentially-spaced output sections. Each of the output sections has an inner circumferential side and an outer circumferential side. Each of a plurality of acoustic paths interconnects a respective one of the input sections with a respective one of the output sections. Each of the paths has a substantially equal path length and a substantially equal expansion rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Matthew A Donarski
  • Patent number: 8588452
    Abstract: A cap body 3 is provided for covering a housing of a microphone body 2. The cap body 3 has an insertion hole 32 into which the housing is inserted, sound collecting holes 31a and 31b through which the exterior of the cap body 3 is in communication with the insertion hole 32. While the housing is inserted into the insertion hole 32, a sound collector 21 lies in the insertion hole 32, and the axis line direction of the sound collecting holes 31a and 31b are different from the directive axis of the microphone body 2 of which the housing is inserted in the insertion hole 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventors: Noriko Matsui, Hiroshi Akino
  • Patent number: 8559664
    Abstract: A microphone unit comprises a microphone, leg members and a base. The microphone comprises a diaphragm for detecting sound and a housing for containing the diaphragm. The leg members project outwardly from a rear wall of the housing, and are provided near a second through-hole which connects a second inner space to outer space. The base is connected to the leg members to form a gap between the housing and the base. When the microphone unit thus formed in a simple structure and reduced thickness is mounted in a product, the gap allows the outer space to be connected to the second inner space through the second through-hole, making it possible to efficiently guide sound to the second inner space and obtain good differential characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Inoda, Ryusuke Horibe, Fuminori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8553920
    Abstract: An arrangement includes a circuit carrier and a housed microphone. A mounting side of the housed microphone is mounted on a top side of the circuit carrier. The housed microphone includes solderable contacts on the mounting side and a sound entry opening facing the circuit carrier. An acoustic channel connects the sound entry opening and surroundings above the circuit carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Gregor Feiertag, Anton Leidl
  • Patent number: 8509459
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a noise canceling microphone and microphone system are disclosed. The system generally includes a housing with a printed circuit board forming a surface of the housing. Electrical terminals are located on an exterior side of the printed circuit board. A diaphragm is disposed within the housing. A first port in the housing remote from the printed circuit board provides access to one face of the diaphragm first face and a second port disposed in the housing remote from the printed circuit board provides access to a second face of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Osman K. Isvan
  • Patent number: 8503693
    Abstract: A system and method for sensing acoustic sounds is provided having at least one directional sensor, each directional sensor including at least two compliant membranes for moving in reaction to an excitation acoustic signal and at least one compliant bridge. Each bridge is coupled to at least a respective first and second membrane of the at least two membranes for moving in response to movement of the membranes it is coupled to for causing movement of the first membrane to be related to movement of the second membrane when either of the first and second membranes moves in response to excitation by the excitation signal. The directional sensor is controllably rotated to locate a source of the excitation signal, including determining a turning angle based on a linear relationship between the directionality information and sound source position described in experimentally calibrated data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: University of Maryland
    Inventors: Miao Yu, Haijun Liu
  • Patent number: 8488829
    Abstract: A device includes a windscreen in a first surface, a gradient microphone housed in a capsule having first and second outlets coupled to openings in a second surface displaced from the first surface, a pressure microphone mounted between the first and second surfaces, and circuitry coupled to the gradient microphone and the pressure microphone and operable to combine the signals of the microphones and provide a combined microphone signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporartion
    Inventor: Martin David Ring
  • Patent number: 8483421
    Abstract: A narrow-angle directional microphone having an acoustic tube, accommodated in a cylindrical microphone case, in a circumferential wall of which an opening is formed to be covered with an acoustic resistor and to a rear end of which a microphone unit is attached, prevents abnormal noise from occurring. The narrow-angle directional microphone includes a first acoustic resisting material provided on an outer circumferential surface of the acoustic tube and covering the opening; and a second acoustic resisting material provided between the first acoustic resisting material and an inner circumferential surface of the microphone case, having a predetermined elastic force in a thickness direction. The second acoustic resisting material covers the first acoustic resisting material, and is fixed to the acoustic tube; and presses the outer circumferential surface of the acoustic tube and the inner circumferential surface of the microphone case by the elastic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ikeda, Hiroshi Akino
  • Patent number: 8472639
    Abstract: A microphone arrangement includes multiple pressure gradient transducers having an acoustic center, a first sound inlet opening leading to a front of a diaphragm, and a second sound inlet opening leading the back of the diaphragm. A directional characteristic of the pressure gradient transducers includes an omni portion and a figure-eight portion. The pressure gradient transducers have a direction of maximum sensitivity in a main direction. Each main direction of the pressure gradient transducers is inclined. The acoustic center of a pressure transducer and the pressure gradient transducers are positioned within an imaginary sphere having a radius that corresponds to double the largest dimension of the diaphragm of one of the transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: AKG Acoustics GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Reining
  • Patent number: 8467558
    Abstract: There is provided a dynamic microphone in which vibration noise generated by the rolling of a microphone unit caused by a vibration component perpendicular to the principal axis direction of the microphone is reduced effectively. In the dynamic microphone including a microphone unit 110, an inner cylinder 120 having a back air chamber in the structure thereof constituting a microphone body 10 together with the microphone unit 110, and a microphone casing 20 serving as an outer cylinder, in which a part of the inner cylinder 120 of the microphone body 10 is supported by a floating type vibration-proof structure using an elastic member 30, a weight 40 for causing the center of gravity O of the microphone body 10 to coincide with a supporting point S using the elastic member 30 is attached to the inner cylinder 120 so as to be preferably movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Shioto Okita
  • Patent number: 8457342
    Abstract: A differential microphone includes a housing having a first space and a second space formed therein, and a first diaphragm arranged within the housing. A first opening connecting the first space to outside and a second opening connecting the second space to the outside are formed in the housing. A dimension of the first opening and the second opening in a first direction perpendicular to a straight line passing through centers of both openings is longer than a dimension of the first opening and the second opening in a second direction parallel to the straight line passing through the centers of both openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Funai Electric Co., Ltd., Funai Electric Advanced Applied Technology Research Institute Inc.
    Inventors: Fuminori Tanaka, Ryusuke Horibe, Takeshi Inoda, Rikuo Takano, Kiyoshi Sugiyama, Toshimi Fukuoka, Masatoshi Ono
  • Patent number: 8442256
    Abstract: A base having a flat shape; a support provided on a bottom surface of the base; a microphone unit incorporated in the base and converts sound into an electric signal; and a pressure sensitive switch with which an output signal from the microphone unit is turned on and off are included. At least one such pressure sensitive switch is provided to be pressed between the base and the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Satoshi Yoshino