Patents by Inventor Chad Seguin
Chad Seguin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230403451Abstract: A device including a display including a main portion, a first region and a second region being in different positions within a boundary of the main portion, the first region having a first structure of light-blocking, and the second region having a second structure of light-blocking elements, a first light sensor positioned under the first region, the first light sensor being configured to capture a first image having at least one first characteristic, wherein the first characteristic depends on the first structure, a second light sensor positioned under the second region, the second light sensor being configured to capture a second image having at least one second characteristic, wherein the second characteristic depends on the second structure, and a memory including code that when executed by a processor causes the processor to generate a third image based on the first image and the second image.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2020Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Chung Chun WAN, Chad SEGUIN
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Patent number: 10536761Abstract: A portable electronic device may have acoustic ports such as microphone and speaker ports. Acoustic devices such as microphones and speakers may be associated with the acoustic ports. An acoustic port may have an opening between an interior and exterior of the portable electronic device. The opening may be covered by a metal mesh. An acoustic fabric may be interposed between the metal mesh and the opening. The opening may be formed from a hole in a glass member having outer and inner chamfers. A microphone boot may be provided that forms front and rear radial seals with a housing of the device and a microphone unit respectively. The microphone boot may also form multiple face seals with the microphone unit. A speaker for the speaker port may be enclosed in a sealed speaker enclosure. The speaker enclosure may have a pressure-equalizing vent slit covered with an acoustic mesh.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Adam Mittleman, Richard P. Howarth, Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 10325614Abstract: An example implementation may involve driving an audio output module of a wearable device with a first audio signal and then receiving, via at least one microphone of wearable device, a second audio signal comprising first ambient noise. The device may determine that the first ambient noise is indicative of user speech and responsively duck the first audio signal. While the first audio signal is ducked, the device may detect, in a subsequent portion of the second audio signal, second ambient noise, and determine that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech. Responsive to the determination that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech, the device may continue the ducking of the first audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Simon Robert Prakash, Michael Kai Morishita, Shijing Xian, Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 10178469Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure relate to vibration transducers. Such a transducer includes an electromagnet having a conductive coil. The conductive coil is configured to be driven by an electrical input signal to generate magnetic fields. The transducer further includes a magnetic diaphragm that is configured to mechanically vibrate in response to the generated magnetic fields. Additionally, the transducer includes a pair of cantilevered arms formed from damping steel. The cantilevered arms couple the magnetic diaphragm to a frame. The magnetic diaphragm vibrates with respect to the frame when the electromagnet is driven by the electrical input signal. Additionally, the pair of flexible support arms are connected to opposing sides of the magnetic diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Michael Asfaw, Chad Seguin
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Publication number: 20180286424Abstract: An example implementation may involve driving an audio output module of a wearable device with a first audio signal and then receiving, via at least one microphone of wearable device, a second audio signal comprising first ambient noise. The device may determine that the first ambient noise is indicative of user speech and responsively duck the first audio signal. While the first audio signal is ducked, the device may detect, in a subsequent portion of the second audio signal, second ambient noise, and determine that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech. Responsive to the determination that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech, the device may continue the ducking of the first audio signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2018Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Simon Robert Prakash, Michael Kai Morishita, Shijing Xian, Chad Seguin
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Publication number: 20180279028Abstract: A portable electronic device may have acoustic ports such as microphone and speaker ports. Acoustic devices such as microphones and speakers may be associated with the acoustic ports. An acoustic port may have an opening between an interior and exterior of the portable electronic device. The opening may be covered by a metal mesh. An acoustic fabric may be interposed between the metal mesh and the opening. The opening may be formed from a hole in a glass member having outer and inner chamfers. A microphone boot may be provided that forms front and rear radial seals with a housing of the device and a microphone unit respectively. The microphone boot may also form multiple face seals with the microphone unit. A speaker for the speaker port may be enclosed in a sealed speaker enclosure. The speaker enclosure may have a pressure-equalizing vent slit covered with an acoustic mesh.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Adam Mittleman, Richard P. Howarth, Chad Seguin
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Publication number: 20180255401Abstract: A bone conduction transducer includes a yoke having a pair of arms, a layer of high permeability steel on a surface of the yoke between the arms, a metal coil, a metallic post that extends into a center portion of the metal coil, a diaphragm, an anvil attached to a surface of the diaphragm, a pair of permanent magnets attached to an opposite surface of the diaphragm, and a pair of springs. A first end of each spring is attached to a respective one of the arms of the yoke, and a second end of each spring is coupled to the diaphragm. The diaphragm is configured to vibrate in response to a signal supplied to the metal coil. The diaphragm could be formed from a from a permanent magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2017Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Michael Asfaw, Stephen Thompson, Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 10015573Abstract: A portable electronic device may have acoustic ports such as microphone and speaker ports. Acoustic devices such as microphones and speakers may be associated with the acoustic ports. An acoustic port may have an opening between an interior and exterior of the portable electronic device. The opening may be covered by a metal mesh. An acoustic fabric may be interposed between the metal mesh and the opening. The opening may be formed from a hole in a glass member having outer and inner chamfers. A microphone boot may be provided that forms front and rear radial seals with a housing of the device and a microphone unit respectively. The microphone boot may also form multiple face seals with the microphone unit. A speaker for the speaker port may be enclosed in a sealed speaker enclosure. The speaker enclosure may have a pressure-equalizing vent slit covered with an acoustic mesh.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Adam Mittleman, Richard P. Howarth, Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 10013999Abstract: An example implementation may involve driving an audio output module of a wearable device with a first audio signal and then receiving, via at least one microphone of wearable device, a second audio signal comprising first ambient noise. The device may determine that the first ambient noise is indicative of user speech and responsively duck the first audio signal. While the first audio signal is ducked, the device may detect, in a subsequent portion of the second audio signal, second ambient noise, and determine that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech. Responsive to the determination that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech, the device may continue the ducking of the first audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Simon Robert Prakash, Michael Kai Morishita, Shijing Xian, Chad Seguin
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Publication number: 20180020313Abstract: The present disclosure relates to managing audio signals within a user's perceptible audio environment or soundstage. That is, a computing device may provide audio signals with a particular apparent source location within a user's soundstage. Initially, a first audio signal may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in a first soundstage zone. In response to determining a high priority notification, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a second soundstage zone and an audio signal associated with the notification may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in the first soundstage zone. In response to determining user speech, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a different soundstage zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2017Publication date: January 18, 2018Inventors: Michael Kai Morishita, Chad Seguin
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Publication number: 20170353784Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure relate to vibration transducers. Such a transducer includes an electromagnet having a conductive coil. The conductive coil is configured to be driven by an electrical input signal to generate magnetic fields. The transducer further includes a magnetic diaphragm that is configured to mechanically vibrate in response to the generated magnetic fields. Additionally, the transducer includes a pair of cantilevered arms formed from damping steel. The cantilevered arms couple the magnetic diaphragm to a frame. The magnetic diaphragm vibrates with respect to the frame when the electromagnet is driven by the electrical input signal. Additionally, the pair of flexible support arms are connected to opposing sides of the magnetic diaphragm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Michael Asfaw, Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 9774979Abstract: The present disclosure relates to managing audio signals within a user's perceptible audio environment or soundstage. That is, a computing device may provide audio signals with a particular apparent source location within a user's soundstage. Initially, a first audio signal may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in a first soundstage zone. In response to determining a high priority notification, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a second soundstage zone and an audio signal associated with the notification may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in the first soundstage zone. In response to determining user speech, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a different soundstage zone.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Michael Kai Morishita, Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 9766481Abstract: An example method may be performed by a wearable computing device (WCD) that includes a bone conduction transducer (BCT). The method includes providing, to the BCT, an input signal that represents audio content. The method further includes sensing a time-varying voltage of the input signal and a time-varying current of the input signal. The method further includes determining an operating mode based on the time-varying voltage and the time-varying current. The method further includes processing the audio content according to the determined operating mode and using the processed audio content to continue providing the input signal to the BCT.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Michael Asfaw, Chad Seguin, David Breece, III
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Publication number: 20170257723Abstract: The present disclosure relates to managing audio signals within a user's perceptible audio environment or soundstage. That is, a computing device may provide audio signals with a particular apparent source location within a user's soundstage. Initially, a first audio signal may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in a first soundstage zone. In response to determining a high priority notification, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a second soundstage zone and an audio signal associated with the notification may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in the first soundstage zone. In response to determining user speech, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a different soundstage zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2016Publication date: September 7, 2017Inventors: Michael Kai Morishita, Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 9722562Abstract: The present application describes signal enhancements to reduce bone conduction sensations of a wearable computing device and applications thereof. An example apparatus includes a wearable computing device comprising a bone conduction transducer (BCT) configured to receive and be driven by an audio signal, a processor, and a data storage comprising instructions executable by the processor to: (1) determine an input gain level of the audio signal at a frequency range; (2) compare the determined input gain level at the frequency range to a threshold gain level at the frequency range; (3) based on the comparison, apply a multi-band compressor (MBC) configured to process the audio signal to reduce gain in at least a portion of a mid-band frequency range of the audio signal; and (4) drive the BCT with the processed audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 9699554Abstract: The present technology substantially reduces undesirable effects of multi-level noise suppression processing by applying an adaptive signal equalization. A noise suppression system may apply different levels of noise suppression based on the (user-perceived) signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) or based on an estimated echo return loss (ERL). The resulting high-frequency data attenuation may be counteracted by adapting the signal equalization. The present technology may be applied in both transmit and receive paths of communication devices. Intelligibility may particularly be improved under varying noise conditions, e.g., when a mobile device user is moving in and out of noisy environments.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLCInventors: Sangnam Choi, Chad Seguin
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Publication number: 20170078777Abstract: A portable electronic device may have acoustic ports such as microphone and speaker ports. Acoustic devices such as microphones and speakers may be associated with the acoustic ports. An acoustic port may have an opening between an interior and exterior of the portable electronic device. The opening may be covered by a metal mesh. An acoustic fabric may be interposed between the metal mesh and the opening. The opening may be formed from a hole in a glass member having outer and inner chamfers. A microphone boot may be provided that forms front and rear radial seals with a housing of the device and a microphone unit respectively. The microphone boot may also form multiple face seals with the microphone unit. A speaker for the speaker port may be enclosed in a sealed speaker enclosure. The speaker enclosure may have a pressure-equalizing vent slit covered with an acoustic mesh.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Adam Mittleman, Richard P. Howarth, Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 9497527Abstract: A portable electronic device may have acoustic ports such as microphone and speaker ports. Acoustic devices such as microphones and speakers may be associated with the acoustic ports. An acoustic port may have an opening between an interior and exterior of the portable electronic device. The opening may be covered by a metal mesh. An acoustic fabric may be interposed between the metal mesh and the opening. The opening may be formed from a hole in a glass member having outer and inner chamfers. A microphone boot may be provided that forms front and rear radial seals with a housing of the device and a microphone unit respectively. The microphone boot may also form multiple face seals with the microphone unit. A speaker for the speaker port may be enclosed in a sealed speaker enclosure. The speaker enclosure may have a pressure-equalizing vent slit covered with an acoustic mesh.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Adam Mittleman, Richard P. Howarth, Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 9058819Abstract: A system and method for reducing uplink noise in a mobile communications device, the system including: a noise estimator for estimating noise in proximity to the mobile communication device; an adjustable filter for receiving a signal from a microphone of the mobile communication device; an adjustable attenuation block for receiving a filtered signal from the adjustable filter; a controller configured to: monitor the estimated noise; and adjust the adjustable filter and adjustable attenuation block based on the estimated noise. In particular, the controller may be configured to adjust the adjustable filter by increasing the depth of the filtering for higher estimated noise levels and adjust the attenuation by increasing the attenuation for higher estimated noise levels.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: BLACKBERRY LIMITEDInventors: George Mankaruse, Chad Seguin, Sean Simmons
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Patent number: 8798290Abstract: The present technology minimizes undesirable effects of multi-level noise suppression processing by applying an adaptive equalization. A noise suppression system may apply different levels of noise suppression based on the (user-perceived) signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR). The resulting high-frequency data attenuation may be counteracted by adapting the signal equalization. The present technology may be applied in both transmit and receive paths of communication devices. Intelligibility may particularly be improved under varying noise conditions, e.g. when a cell phone user is moving in and out of noisy environments.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Audience, Inc.Inventors: Sangnam Choi, Chad Seguin