Abstract: We disclose an arrayed antenna for reception of electromagnetic radiation from a millimeter-wave or terahertz range. In an example embodiment, individual antenna cells in the arrayed antenna are configured for coherent detection of the received electromagnetic radiation and are electrically connected with one another in a manner that causes each of the antenna cells to positively contribute to the overall gain of the arrayed antenna. In some embodiments, the arrayed antenna may have a network of electrical conductors that is configured to (i) collect and deliver the electrical output signals generated by the individual antenna cells to an output terminal of the arrayed antenna, (ii) deliver an electrical local-oscillator signal from a common local-oscillator source to the individual antenna cells, and (iii) deliver electrical DC power from a common power supply to electrical circuits in the individual antenna cells.

Abstract: We disclose an arrayed antenna for reception of electromagnetic radiation from a millimeter-wave or terahertz range. In an example embodiment, individual antenna cells in the arrayed antenna are configured for direct detection of the received electromagnetic radiation and are electrically connected in series or in parallel with one another in a manner that causes each of the antenna cells to positively contribute to the overall gain of the arrayed antenna. In some embodiments, individual antenna cells may have antenna structures that cause the arrayed antenna to have relatively low directivity. The total number of antenna cells in the arrayed antenna may be relatively large to cause the arrayed antenna to have a relatively high gain.

Abstract: We disclose an arrayed antenna for reception of electromagnetic radiation from a millimeter-wave or terahertz range. In an example embodiment, individual antenna cells in the arrayed antenna are configured for coherent detection of the received electromagnetic radiation and are electrically connected with one another in a manner that causes each of the antenna cells to positively contribute to the overall gain of the arrayed antenna. In some embodiments, the arrayed antenna may have a network of electrical conductors that is configured to (i) collect and deliver the electrical output signals generated by the individual antenna cells to an output terminal of the arrayed antenna, (ii) deliver an electrical local-oscillator signal from a common local-oscillator source to the individual antenna cells, and (iii) deliver electrical DC power from a common power supply to electrical circuits in the individual antenna cells.

Abstract: A biometric-sensor assembly, e.g., for acoustic reflectometry of the vocal tract. In one embodiment, the sensor assembly includes a dental appliance for in-mouth mounting, an acoustic sensor attached to the dental appliance, and an optional headset. The dental appliance enables secure placement of the acoustic sensor in the mouth of the user, e.g., for tracking movements of the tongue and/or other internal articulators of the vocal tract. A boom arm of the headset can be used for holding an additional acoustic sensor and/or a miniature video camera, e.g., for tracking movements of the lips.

Abstract: A human/machine (HM) interface that enables a human operator to control a corresponding machine using the geometric degrees of freedom of the operator's vocal tract, for example, using the tongue as a virtual joystick. In one embodiment, the HM interface has an acoustic sensor configured to monitor, in real time, the geometry of the operator's vocal tract using acoustic reflectometry. A signal processor analyzes the reflected acoustic signals detected by the acoustic sensor, e.g., using signal-feature selection and quantification, and translates these signals into commands and/or instructions for the machine. Both continuous changes in the machine's operating parameters and discrete changes in the machine's operating configuration and/or state can advantageously be implemented.

Abstract: A biometric-sensor assembly, e.g., for acoustic reflectometry of the vocal tract. In one embodiment, the sensor assembly includes a dental appliance for in-mouth mounting, an acoustic sensor attached to the dental appliance, and an optional headset. The dental appliance enables secure placement of the acoustic sensor in the mouth of the user, e.g., for tracking movements of the tongue and/or other internal articulators of the vocal tract. A boom arm of the headset can be used for holding an additional acoustic sensor and/or a miniature video camera, e.g., for tracking movements of the lips.

Abstract: A voice-estimation device that probes the vocal tract of a user with sub-threshold acoustic waves to estimate the user's voice while the user speaks silently or audibly in a noisy or socially sensitive environment. The waves reflected by the vocal tract are detected and converted into a digital signal, which is then processed segment-by-segment. Based on the processing, a set of formant frequencies is determined for each segment. Each such set is then analyzed to assign a phoneme to the corresponding segment of the digital signal. The resulting sequence of phonemes is converted into a digital audio signal or text representing the user's estimated voice.

Abstract: An apparatus having a voice-estimation (VE) interface that probes the vocal tract of a user with sub-threshold acoustic waves to estimate the user's voice while the user speaks silently or audibly in a noisy or socially sensitive environment. In one embodiment, the VE interface is integrated into a cell phone that directs an estimated-voice signal over a network to a remote party to enable (i) the user to have a conversation with the remote party without disturbing other people, e.g., at a meeting, conference, movie, or performance, and (ii) the remote party to more-clearly hear the user whose voice would otherwise be overwhelmed by a relatively loud ambient noise due to the user being, e.g., in a nightclub, disco, or flying aircraft.