Patents by Inventor Chuming Zhao

Chuming Zhao 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).

  • Patent number: 12069426
    Abstract: An audio system includes a speaker having a transducer, where the speaker is positioned within an enclosure that forms a front volume and a rear volume on opposite sides of the transducer. The rear part of the enclosure defining the rear volume is formed of an acoustic metamaterial that defines a plurality of channels within the rear volume, where the number and dimensions of the channels is configured to virtual increase the rear volume to amplify a bass portion of sound produced by the speaker. In addition, the channels may be configured to match an impedance of the front volume to serve as an absorber for high frequency audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chuming Zhao, Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Nils Thomas Fritiof Lunner, Calvin Bernard Shaw, Yun Zhou, Xiaochu Yao
  • Publication number: 20240214725
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for detecting sound via a wearable device are described herein. An example system may include a pair of glasses that include a nose pad that, when the pair of glasses are worn by a user, contacts a portion of a nose of the user at a contact point and a vibration sensor, included in the nose pad. The vibration sensor may be configured to receive vibrations produced by the user via the contact point, and convert the received vibrations into an electrical signal representative of the received vibrations. The system may also include a control device configured to receive the electrical signal, and convert the electrical signal into digital audio data. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2023
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: Chuming Zhao, Andrew Chen, Ninus Brodin, Igor Markovsky, Kirk Erik Burgess, Peter Mikael Mogren, Rick Yuan Chao
  • Patent number: 11956588
    Abstract: An electronic device may include one or more terminals configured to provide a voltage signal to an actuator. The electronic device may detect a current associated with the voltage signal provided by the terminal to the actuator. The electronic device may determine an impedance across associated with the actuator based on the voltage signal and the electrical current. The electronic device may compare the impedance to a threshold impedance to determine whether there is sufficient skin contact with the actuator. The electronic device may provide audio via cartilage conduction if there is sufficient contact based on comparing the impedance to the threshold impedance, or may output a notification to the user to adjust placement of the electronic device to improve contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Drew Stone Briggs, Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Chuming Zhao, John Raymond Brodie
  • Publication number: 20240056763
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to an audio system that performs equalization of audio signals based on one or more diffuse field head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) and device-specific data. User-specific data and device-specific data (i.e., transducer-specific data) are applied to an acoustic model to predict an acoustic response for a user. An equalization filter is then determined using the acoustic response and the one or more diffuse field HRTFs. The equalization filter is applied to a processed version of an audio signal to create a modified version of the audio signal. The modified version of the audio signal is presented to the user via a transducer array of the audio system. The audio system can further include a microphone assembly that reduces the Helmholtz resonance effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: David Brokenshire, Chuankeat Kho, Pablo Francisco Faundez Hoffmann, Chuming Zhao
  • Patent number: 11832084
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to an audio system that performs equalization of audio signals based on one or more diffuse field head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) and device-specific data. User-specific data and device-specific data (i.e., transducer-specific data) are applied to an acoustic model to predict an acoustic response for a user. An equalization filter is then determined using the acoustic response and the one or more diffuse field HRTFs. The equalization filter is applied to a processed version of an audio signal to create a modified version of the audio signal. The modified version of the audio signal is presented to the user via a transducer array of the audio system. The audio system can further include a microphone assembly that reduces the Helmholtz resonance effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pablo Francisco Faundez Hoffmann, Chuming Zhao, David Brokenshire, Chuankeat Kho
  • Patent number: 11800279
    Abstract: An audio system comprises an array of transparent piezoelectric transducers on a transparent surface. Each transparent piezoelectric transducer includes one or more piezoelectric layers and one or more conductive layers that are substantially transparent to visible light. A transparent piezoelectric transducer may include, e.g., a first conductive layer, a first piezoelectric layer on the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer on the first piezoelectric layer. Or in another example, the transparent piezoelectric transducer includes many (e.g., 20-30) piezoelectric layers and many (e.g., 20-30) conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chuming Zhao, Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Antonio John Miller
  • Patent number: 11733550
    Abstract: An in-ear device is implemented as part of an audio system to present a user with improved audio content within an artificial reality system. The in-ear device is a fully integrated device with an internal microphone, an external microphone, and a transducer in which portions of the transducer form portions of the body of the device. This integration of transducer into the body of the in-ear device reduces the size of the in-ear device and allows for placement deeper within the ear canal of the user. The transducer generates audio content based on instructions received from an audio system that may be located on a device that is external to the in-ear device. The external microphone provides hear-through functionality, while the internal microphone provides feedback information to the audio system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chuming Zhao, Drew Stone Briggs, Michael Edward Franks, Derek Wallin
  • Patent number: 11727769
    Abstract: A sensor system includes an actuator, an accelerometer coupled with the actuator, a rigid member, a transducer, and one or more processors. The actuator generates motion. The accelerometer outputs an acceleration signal responsive to at least the motion of the actuator. The rigid member extends from a first end coupled with the accelerometer to a second end. The transducer is coupled with the second end of the rigid member. The transducer can be configured to couple with a load, and can output a force signal responsive to at least a portion of the motion of the actuator transmitted to the transducer via the rigid member. The one or more processors determine a mechanical impedance of the load based at least on the acceleration signal and the force signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Chuming Zhao, Scott Porter
  • Publication number: 20230239626
    Abstract: A coil assembly for integration into a transducer is presented. The coil assembly may include a metal bobbin assembly, a wire coil, and one or more nonconductive printed circuit board (PCB) stiffeners. A speaker that renders micro noise in an artificial reality environment for improving simulated presence is further presented. The speaker may generate a plurality of micro noises based in part on the determined state of the virtual object. The speaker may spatialize the plurality of micro noises, such that the plurality of micro noises appears to originate from the virtual object. A speaker for speaker diaphragm motion detection using optical MEMS sensors is further presented. Optical MEMS sensors are used to optically monitor displacement of one or more portions of a speaker diaphragm. The speaker may be configured to determine that a speaker diaphragm is in rocking mode and move the speaker diaphragm out of rocking mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Limin Zhou, Chuming Zhao, Rex Pinegar Price, Mekell Jiles, Kevin Connor
  • Patent number: 11700489
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) coil assembly is presented herein. In some embodiments, the MEMS coil assembly includes a foldable substrate and a plurality of coil segments. Each coil segment includes a portion of the substrate, two conductors arranged on the portion of the substrate. The substrate can be folded to stack the coil segments on top of each other and to electrically connect first and second conductors of adjacent coil segments. In some other embodiments, the MEMS coil assembly includes a plurality of coil layers stacked onto each other. Each coil layer includes a substrate and a conductor to form a coil. The conductors of adjacent coil layers are connected through a via. The MEMS coil assembly can be arranged between a pair of magnets. An input signal can be applied to the MEMS coil assembly to cause the MEMS coil assembly to move orthogonally relative to the magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Porter, Chuming Zhao, Antonio John Miller, Peter Daniel Clyde
  • Patent number: 11678103
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to an audio system configured to provide enhancement of low audio frequencies. The audio system includes a tissue transducer and a speaker coupled to the tissue transducer. The tissue transducer is configured to be coupled to a tissue of a user (e.g., pinna of a user's ear). The speaker includes a diaphragm having a first surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface. The first surface is configured to generate a first set of airborne acoustic pressure waves, and the second surface is configured to generate a backpressure. The tissue transducer is driven by the backpressure to vibrate the tissue to form a second set of acoustic pressure waves. The first set of airborne acoustic pressure waves and the second set of acoustic pressure waves together form audio content that is presented to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Raymond Brodie, Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Chuming Zhao, Drew Stone Briggs
  • Publication number: 20230156396
    Abstract: An electronic device may include one or more terminals configured to provide a voltage signal to an actuator. The electronic device may detect a current associated with the voltage signal provided by the terminal to the actuator. The electronic device may determine an impedance across associated with the actuator based on the voltage signal and the electrical current. The electronic device may compare the impedance to a threshold impedance to determine whether there is sufficient skin contact with the actuator. The electronic device may provide audio via cartilage conduction if there is sufficient contact based on comparing the impedance to the threshold impedance, or may output a notification to the user to adjust placement of the electronic device to improve contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Drew Stone Briggs, Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Chuming Zhao, John Raymond Brodie
  • Publication number: 20230083937
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to an audio system configured to provide enhancement of low audio frequencies. The audio system includes a tissue transducer and a speaker coupled to the tissue transducer. The tissue transducer is configured to be coupled to a tissue of a user (e.g., pinna of a user's ear). The speaker includes a diaphragm having a first surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface. The first surface is configured to generate a first set of airborne acoustic pressure waves, and the second surface is configured to generate a backpressure. The tissue transducer is driven by the backpressure to vibrate the tissue to form a second set of acoustic pressure waves. The first set of airborne acoustic pressure waves and the second set of acoustic pressure waves together form audio content that is presented to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: John Raymond Brodie, Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Chuming Zhao, Drew Stone Briggs
  • Patent number: 11570538
    Abstract: An electronic device may include one or more terminals configured to provide a voltage signal to an actuator. The electronic device may detect a current associated with the voltage signal provided by the terminal to the actuator. The electronic device may determine an impedance across associated with the actuator based on the voltage signal and the electrical current. The electronic device may compare the impedance to a threshold impedance to determine whether there is sufficient skin contact with the actuator. The electronic device may provide audio via cartilage conduction if there is sufficient contact based on comparing the impedance to the threshold impedance, or may output a notification to the user to adjust placement of the electronic device to improve contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Drew Stone Briggs, Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Chuming Zhao, John Raymond Brodie
  • Publication number: 20220365375
    Abstract: An in-ear device is implemented as part of an audio system to present a user with improved audio content within an artificial reality system. The in-ear device is a fully integrated device with an internal microphone, an external microphone, and a transducer in which portions of the transducer form portions of the body of the device. This integration of transducer into the body of the in-ear device reduces the size of the in-ear device and allows for placement deeper within the ear canal of the user. The transducer generates audio content based on instructions received from an audio system that may be located on a device that is external to the in-ear device. The external microphone provides hear-through functionality, while the internal microphone provides feedback information to the audio system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Chuming Zhao, Drew Stone Briggs, Michael Edward Franks, Derek Wallin
  • Publication number: 20220329933
    Abstract: An audio system comprises an array of transparent piezoelectric transducers on a transparent surface. Each transparent piezoelectric transducer includes one or more piezoelectric layers and one or more conductive layers that are substantially transparent to visible light. A transparent piezoelectric transducer may include, e.g., a first conductive layer, a first piezoelectric layer on the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer on the first piezoelectric layer. Or in another example, the transparent piezoelectric transducer includes many (e.g., 20-30) piezoelectric layers and many (e.g., 20-30) conductive layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Chuming Zhao, Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Antonio John Miller
  • Publication number: 20220321999
    Abstract: A dipole speaker assembly comprises a transducer section, a front volume section, and a rear volume section. The transducer section includes a frame and piezoelectric actuators coupled to the frame. The piezoelectric actuators are configured to generate an acoustic pressure wave. The transducer section includes a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite the first side. The front volume section is coupled to the first side to form a front cavity, the front volume section including an aperture from which the generated acoustic pressure wave exits the front volume section towards an ear canal of a user. The rear volume section is coupled to the second side to form a rear cavity. The generated acoustic pressure wave exiting the rear volume section cancels the generated acoustic pressure wave exiting the front volume section in the far field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Chuming Zhao, John Raymond Brodie, Rex Pinegar Price, Michael Smedegaard, Antonio John Miller, Tetsuro Oishi
  • Patent number: 11422392
    Abstract: An in-ear device is implemented as part of an audio system to present a user with improved audio content within an artificial reality system. The in-ear device is a fully integrated device with an internal microphone, an external microphone, and a transducer in which portions of the transducer form portions of the body of the device. This integration of transducer into the body of the in-ear device reduces the size of the in-ear device and allows for placement deeper within the ear canal of the user. The transducer generates audio content based on instructions received from an audio system that may be located on a device that is external to the in-ear device. The external microphone provides hear-through functionality, while the internal microphone provides feedback information to the audio system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chuming Zhao, Drew Stone Briggs, Michael Edward Franks, Derek Wallin
  • Patent number: 11405720
    Abstract: An audio system comprises an array of transparent piezoelectric transducers on a transparent surface. Each transparent piezoelectric transducer includes one or more piezoelectric layers and one or more conductive layers that are substantially transparent to visible light. A transparent piezoelectric transducer may include, e.g., a first conductive layer, a first piezoelectric layer on the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer on the first piezoelectric layer. Or in another example, the transparent piezoelectric transducer includes many (e.g., 20-30) piezoelectric layers and many (e.g., 20-30) conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chuming Zhao, Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Antonio John Miller
  • Publication number: 20220232342
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an audio system for artificial reality applications. One or more transducers of the audio system output, in accordance with audio instructions, one or more ultrasonic pressure waves simulating a virtual audio source near an ear of a user of the headset. A controller of the audio system generates the audio instructions such that the one or more ultrasonic pressure waves form at least a portion of audio content for presentation to the user. An array of microphones of the audio system detects audio signals in a local area. A deep neural network of the audio system processes the detected audio signals to generate enhanced audio content, and the one or more transducers present the enhanced audio content to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Ashutosh Pandey, Buye Xu, FNU Anurag Kumar, Jacob Ryan Donley, Paul Thomas Calamia, DeLiang Wang, Chuming Zhao, Nils Thomas Fritiof Lunner, Antonio John Miller, Manoel Francisco Soares Neto