Patents by Inventor Drew Stone Briggs

Drew Stone Briggs 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: 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
  • Patent number: 11758314
    Abstract: A wearable audio device in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology includes an earpiece, a speaker, an antenna, and processing circuitry. The earpiece includes a housing within which the speaker and the processing circuitry are disposed. The antenna conformably extends along a perimeter portion of the housing. The processing circuitry is configured to receive audio content from an audio player via the antenna. The processing circuitry is also configured to generate sound corresponding to the audio content via the speaker. The antenna is exposed and is not a loop antenna. The audio device also includes a circuit board supporting at least some of the processing circuitry within the housing. The audio content travels from the antenna to the circuit board without travelling through any flexible wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: New Audio LLC
    Inventor: Drew Stone Briggs
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 11561419
    Abstract: A design system generates a design for an eyewear frame customized for a user. The eyewear frame provides audio content to the user. The design system captures anthropometric data of the user. Using machine learning techniques, the design system determines features of the user from the anthropometric data and generates a three dimensional (3D) geometry of the portion of the user's head. A design for the customized eyewear frame is generated based on the 3D geometry of the portion of the user's head. The design of the customized eyewear frame includes design parameters that describe a shape of a coupling element that ensures the eyewear frame is customized to the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Drew Stone Briggs
  • 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: 20220353597
    Abstract: A wearable audio device in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology includes an earpiece, a speaker, an antenna, and processing circuitry. The earpiece includes a housing within which the speaker and the processing circuitry are disposed. The antenna conformably extends along a perimeter portion of the housing. The processing circuitry is configured to receive audio content from an audio player via the antenna. The processing circuitry is also configured to generate sound corresponding to the audio content via the speaker. The antenna is exposed and is not a loop antenna. The audio device also includes a circuit board supporting at least some of the processing circuitry within the housing. The audio content travels from the antenna to the circuit board without travelling through any flexible wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventor: Drew Stone Briggs
  • Patent number: 11484250
    Abstract: A cartilage conduction system may include (1) a transducer that generates mechanical energy and (2) a functionally graded material (FGM) interface dimensioned to be coupled between the transducer and cartilage located on an outer ear of a user, wherein the FGM interface (1) exhibits a gradation of at least one characteristic from one side of the FGM interface to another side of the FGM interface and (2) facilitates transferring the mechanical energy across the gradation of the characteristic from the transducer to the cartilage. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Janav Parag Udani, Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Drew Stone Briggs, Peter Gottlieb
  • 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: 11303983
    Abstract: A wearable audio device in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology includes an earpiece, a speaker, an antenna, and processing circuitry. The earpiece includes a housing within which the speaker and the processing circuitry are disposed. The antenna conformably extends along a perimeter portion of the housing. The processing circuitry is configured to receive audio content from an audio player via the antenna. The processing circuitry is also configured to generate sound corresponding to the audio content via the speaker. The antenna is exposed and is not a loop antenna. The audio device also includes a circuit board supporting at least some of the processing circuitry within the housing. The audio content travels from the antenna to the circuit board without travelling through any flexible wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: New Audio LLC
    Inventor: Drew Stone Briggs
  • Publication number: 20220107515
    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: December 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Chuming Zhao, Drew Stone Briggs, Michael Edward Franks, Derek Wallin
  • Publication number: 20220078540
    Abstract: An in-ear device 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 drum of a user. The rear volume section is coupled to the second side to form a rear cavity. The transducer section, the front volume section, and the rear volume section are configured to fit entirely within the ear canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Chuming Zhao, Scott Porter, Drew Stone Briggs, Antonio John Miller
  • Publication number: 20220057658
    Abstract: A design system generates a design for an eyewear frame customized for a user. The eyewear frame provides audio content to the user. The design system captures anthropometric data of the user. Using machine learning techniques, the design system determines features of the user from the anthropometric data and generates a three dimensional (3D) geometry of the portion of the user's head. A design for the customized eyewear frame is generated based on the 3D geometry of the portion of the user's head. The design of the customized eyewear frame includes design parameters that describe a shape of a coupling element that ensures the eyewear frame is customized to the user's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventor: Drew Stone Briggs
  • Patent number: 11202138
    Abstract: An in-ear device 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 drum of a user. The rear volume section is coupled to the second side to form a rear cavity. The transducer section, the front volume section, and the rear volume section are configured to fit entirely within the ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Churning Zhao, Scott Porter, Drew Stone Briggs, Antonio John Miller
  • Patent number: D937809
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: New Audio, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Levine, Drew Stone Briggs, Thomas C. Wilson, David Adjaye
  • Patent number: D967021
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: New Audio LLC
    Inventors: Drew Stone Briggs, Nicholas Slaney, Thomas C. Wilson, Marten Wallby, Jonathan E. Levine
  • Patent number: D967762
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: New Audio LLC
    Inventors: Drew Stone Briggs, Nicholas Slaney, Thomas C. Wilson, Marten Wallby, Jonathan E. Levine