Patents by Inventor John A. Usher

John A. Usher 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).

  • METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VOICE OPERATED CONTROL CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20200196054
    Abstract: Methods and devices for processing and voice operated control are provided. The method can include performing a non-difference comparison between a first received sound and a second received sound, determining if speech exists based on the comparison, and transmitting or providing a decision that the speech is present to at least one among the device, a cell phone, a media player, or a portable computing device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: Staton Techiya LLC
    Inventors: John Usher, Steven Goldstein, Marc Boillot
  • METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SPECTRAL EXPANSION FOR AN AUDIO SIGNAL
    Publication number: 20200194026
    Abstract: A method and device for automatically increasing the spectral bandwidth of an audio signal including generating a “mapping” (or “prediction”) matrix based on the analysis of a reference wideband signal and a reference narrowband signal, the mapping matrix being a transformation matrix to predict high frequency energy from a low frequency energy envelope, generating an energy envelope analysis of an input narrowband audio signal, generating a resynthesized noise signal by processing a random noise signal with the mapping matrix and the envelope analysis, high-pass filtering the resynthesized noise signal, and summing the high-pass filtered resynthesized noise signal with the original an input narrowband audio signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: Staton Techiya LLC
    Inventors: John Usher, Dan Ellis
  • METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SPECTRAL EXPANSION OF AN AUDIO SIGNAL
    Publication number: 20200176013
    Abstract: A method and device for automatically increasing the spectral bandwidth of an audio signal including generating a “mapping” (or “prediction”) matrix based on the analysis of a reference wideband signal and a reference narrowband signal, the mapping matrix being a transformation matrix to predict high frequency energy from a low frequency energy envelope, generating an energy envelope analysis of an input narrowband audio signal, generating a resynthesized noise signal by processing a random noise signal with the mapping matrix and the envelope analysis, high-pass filtering the resynthesized noise signal, and summing the high-pass filtered resynthesized noise signal with the input narrowband audio signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: Staton Techiya LLC
    Inventors: John Usher, Dan Ellis
  • Method and Device for Voice Operated Control
    Publication number: 20200152185
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method and device for voice operated control with learning. The method can include measuring a first sound received from a first microphone, measuring a second sound received from a second microphone, detecting a spoken voice based on an analysis of measurements taken at the first and second microphone, learning from the analysis when the user is speaking and a speaking level in noisy environments, training a decision unit from the learning to be robust to a detection of the spoken voice in the noisy environments, mixing the first sound and the second sound to produce a mixed signal, and controlling the production of the mixed signal based on the learning of one or more aspects of the spoken voice and ambient sounds in the noisy environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventors: John Usher, Steve Goldstein, Marc Boillot
  • Always on headwear recording system
    Patent number: 10635382
    Abstract: An analysis system has at least one monitoring assembly that includes at least one microphone to monitor an acoustic field proximate the monitoring assembly. The at least one microphone produces at least one microphone signal responsive to the acoustic field. The analysis system further includes a data storage device configured to buffer the at least one microphone signal and an audio analysis system configured to analyze a content of the data storage device where the audio analysis system is configured to analyze the content of the buffer to process at least a sound into a response or action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wayne Goldstein, John Usher
  • Method and device for spectral expansion for an audio signal
    Patent number: 10636436
    Abstract: A method and device for automatically increasing the spectral bandwidth of an audio signal including generating a “mapping” (or “prediction”) matrix based on the analysis of a reference wideband signal and a reference narrowband signal, the mapping matrix being a transformation matrix to predict high frequency energy from a low frequency energy envelope, generating an energy envelope analysis of an input narrowband audio signal, generating a resynthesized noise signal by processing a random noise signal with the mapping matrix and the envelope analysis, high-pass filtering the resynthesized noise signal, and summing the high-pass filtered resynthesized noise signal with the original an input narrowband audio signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventors: John Usher, Dan Ellis
  • Method and device for voice operated control
    Patent number: 10631087
    Abstract: Methods and devices for processing and voice operated control are provided. The method can include performing a non-difference comparison between a first received sound and a second received sound, determining if speech exists based on the comparison, and transmitting or providing a decision that the speech is present to at least one among the device, a cell phone, a media player, or a portable computing device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventors: John Usher, Steven Goldstein, Marc Boillot
  • Method and device for spectral expansion for an audio signal
    Patent number: 10622005
    Abstract: A method and device for automatically increasing the spectral bandwidth of an audio signal including generating a “mapping” (or “prediction”) matrix based on the analysis of a reference wideband signal and a reference narrowband signal, the mapping matrix being a transformation matrix to predict high frequency energy from a low frequency energy envelope, generating an energy envelope analysis of an input narrowband audio signal, generating a resynthesized noise signal by processing a random noise signal with the mapping matrix and the envelope analysis, high-pass filtering the resynthesized noise signal, and summing the high-pass filtered resynthesized noise signal with the input narrowband audio signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventors: John Usher, Dan Ellis
  • ACOUSTIC DAMPENING COMPENSATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200077177
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a communication device that includes a microphone configured to detect an acoustic signal from an acoustic environment, and a processor, configured to detect an acoustical dampening between the acoustic environment and the microphone, based on a change in a characteristic of the acoustic signal and, responsive to the acoustical dampening, apply a compensation filter to the acoustic signal to form a compensated acoustic signal that is reproduced. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Applicant: Staton Techiya LLC
    Inventor: John Usher
  • METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ACUTE SOUND DETECTION AND REPRODUCTION
    Publication number: 20200066247
    Abstract: Earpieces and methods for acute sound detection and reproduction are provided. A method can include measuring an external ambient sound level (xASL), monitoring a change in the xASL for detecting an acute sound, estimating a proximity of the acute sound, and upon detecting the acute sound and its proximity, reproducing the acute sound within an ear canal, where the ear canal is at least partially occluded by an earpiece. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: Staton Techiya LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wayne Goldstein, John Usher, Marc Andre Boillot
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM TO DETERMINE A SOUND SOURCE DIRECTION USING SMALL MICROPHONE ARRAYS
    Publication number: 20200037067
    Abstract: Herein provided is a method and system to determine a sound source direction using a microphone array comprising at least four microphones by analysis of the complex coherence between at least two microphones. The method includes determining the relative angle of incidence of the sound source and communicating directional data to a secondary device, and adjusting at least one parameter of the device in view of the directional data. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventor: John Usher
  • Earphone Sensors, Systems And Methods Therefore
    Publication number: 20200025732
    Abstract: The application discloses using sensors on eartips and/or earphones to monitor biometrics of a user and/or the ambient environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: Staton Techiya LLC
    Inventors: John Usher, John P. Keady
  • Method and device for acute sound detection and reproduction
    Patent number: 10535334
    Abstract: Earpieces and methods for acute sound detection and reproduction are provided. A method can include measuring an external ambient sound level (xASL), monitoring a change in the xASL for detecting an acute sound, estimating a proximity of the acute sound, and upon detecting the acute sound and its proximity, reproducing the acute sound within an ear canal, where the ear canal is at least partially occluded by an earpiece. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wayne Goldstein, John Usher, Marc Andre Boillot
  • AUTOMATIC KEYWORD PASS-THROUGH SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20190387307
    Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a method for automatically activating ambient sound pass-through in an earphone in response to a detected keyword in the ambient sound field of the earphone user, the steps of the method comprising at least receiving at least one ambient sound microphone (ASM) signal; receiving at least one audio content (AC) signal; and comparing the ASM signal to a keyword and if the ASM signal matches a keyword then an AC gain is created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventor: John Usher
  • Acoustic dampening compensation system
    Patent number: 10506329
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a communication device that includes a microphone configured to detect an acoustic signal from an acoustic environment, and a processor, configured to detect an acoustical dampening between the acoustic environment and the microphone, based on a change in a characteristic of the acoustic signal and, responsive to the acoustical dampening, apply a compensation filter to the acoustic signal to form a compensated acoustic signal that is reproduced. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventors: John Usher, Steve Goldstein
  • Location based audio signal message processing
    Publication number: 20190373396
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to modifying audio content using location specific spatial impulse responses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Bruce Walker, John Usher, John P. Keady
  • HEARING SENSITIVITY ACQUISITION METHODS AND DEVICES
    Publication number: 20190364354
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of determining hearing loss using audio cues whose spectrum is orthogonal to each other to identify a wearer's hearing loss, and using the information to adjust audio to normal listening levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: John Patrick Keady, John Usher
  • METHOD TO ACQUIRE PREFERRED DYNAMIC RANGE FUNCTION FOR SPEECH ENHANCEMENT
    Publication number: 20190313196
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of generating preferred dynamic range function to process audio reproduced by an earphone device. The function includes processing the audio to improve speech intelligibility. The function is acquired with a self-administered hearing test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Applicant: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventor: John Usher
  • Method and system to determine a sound source direction using small microphone arrays
    Patent number: 10433051
    Abstract: Herein provided is a method and system to determine a sound source direction using a microphone array comprising at least four microphones by analysis of the complex coherence between at least two microphones. The method includes determining the relative angle of incidence of the sound source and communicating directional data to a secondary device, and adjusting at least one parameter of the device in view of the directional data. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventor: John Usher
  • EARPHONE SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
    Publication number: 20190278556
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of earphone feature control by using a graphic user interface on a device wirelessly linked to the earphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: John Usher, John P. Keady