Patents by Inventor Michael A. Jessup

Michael A. Jessup 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).

  • Publication number: 20240129700
    Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for auto-pairing of audio output devices. An audio device having at least an audio output component, which is configurable to process audio for a player participating in an online game, may be configured to communicate signals with an audio basestation based on the audio device coming within a determined distance of the audio basestation, determine based on the communicated signals whether to pair with the audio basestation, in response to a determination to proceed with the pairing, pair with the audio basestation, and communicate audio via the audio basestation. The pairing may include configuring a communication link based on one or more communication related parameters obtained from or based on the communicated signals, such as a frequency of a channel, a time slot in a time division multiple access channel, and/or a spreading code for a code division multiple access channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup
  • Publication number: 20240071410
    Abstract: A gaming headset receives a plurality of audio channels comprising game audio channels and a chat audio channel during play of a particular game. The gaming headset monitors the received audio channels for predefined words that are associated with particular sounds in a data structure, and in response to detecting predefined words, filters out at least a portion of the detected predefined words from the received plurality of audio channels. The monitoring compares sounds on the received audio channels with the particular sounds in the data structure and also performs signal analysis on the audio channels during game play to detect the occurrence of the predefined words. The filtering mutes one or more of the plurality of audio channels so that the detected occurrence of the one of the predefined words is not output via speakers of the gaming headset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup
  • Publication number: 20240030882
    Abstract: An electronic device receives audio from an audio source and outputs the audio via speakers of the device. While outputting the audio via the speakers, the device senses its surrounding environment, and adjusts its operation, based on the sensed environment, to alert a listener wearing the device. The adjustment may comprise generation of one or more audio, visual, and/or vibration notifications to the listener using the device. A volume of the audio output via the speakers may be adjusted based on the sensed surrounding environment. The device may detect whether a first condition is present in the surrounding environment, decrease the volume when the first condition is detected in the surrounding environment, and increase the volume when the first condition is not detected in the surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael Jessup
  • Patent number: 11856496
    Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for auto-pairing of audio output devices, such as headsets. An audio device that includes at least an audio output component, which is configurable to process audio for a player participating in an online game, may be configured to communicate signals with an audio basestation associated with a game console used in supporting the online game, based on the audio device coming within a determined distance of the audio basestation, validate one or both of the player and the audio basestation based on the communicated signals, pair with the audio basestation based on the validating, and communicate audio with the game console via the audio basestation. The determined distance may correspond to physical contact between the audio device and the audio basestation. The audio device may be a headset. The audio basestation is integrated into the game console or may be a stand-alone device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: VOYETRA TURTLE BEACH, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup
  • Publication number: 20230372826
    Abstract: A gaming headset receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game, determines an identity and/or an age of a gamer that is wearing the gaming headset, and configures operation of the gaming headset based on the determined identity and/or age of the gamer. The gaming headset logs into the particular game using credentials associated with the determined identity and/or age, and selects settings based on the determined identity and/or age of the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset. One or more sensors communicatively coupled to the gaming headset may be activated and information received from the sensors is utilized to determine the identity and/or the age of the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset. The sensors determine, for example, the head size, ear size, voice characteristics and/or biometric information for the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup
  • Patent number: 11810594
    Abstract: A gaming headset receives a plurality of audio channels comprising game audio channels and a chat audio channel during play of a particular game. The gaming headset monitors the received audio channels for predefined words that are associated with particular sounds in a data structure, and in response to detecting predefined words, filters out at least a portion of the detected predefined words from the received plurality of audio channels. The monitoring compares sounds on the received audio channels with the particular sounds in the data structure and also performs signal analysis on the audio channels during game play to detect the occurrence of the predefined words. The filtering mutes one or more of the plurality of audio channels so that the detected occurrence of the one of the predefined words is not output via speakers of the gaming headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup
  • Patent number: 11791790
    Abstract: An electronic device receives audio from an audio source and outputs the audio via speakers of the device. While outputting the audio via the speakers, the device senses its surrounding environment, and adjusts its operation, based on the sensed environment, to alert a listener wearing the device. The adjustment may comprise generation of one or more audio, visual, and/or vibration notifications to the listener using the device. A volume of the audio output via the speakers may be adjusted based on the sensed surrounding environment. The device may detect whether a first condition is present in the surrounding environment, decrease the volume when the first condition is detected in the surrounding environment, and increase the volume when the first condition is not detected in the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael Jessup
  • Patent number: 11731055
    Abstract: A gaming headset receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game, determines an identity and/or an age of a gamer that is wearing the gaming headset, and configures operation of the gaming headset based on the determined identity and/or age of the gamer. The gaming headset logs into the particular game using credentials associated with the determined identity and/or age, and selects settings based on the determined identity and/or age of the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset. One or more sensors communicatively coupled to the gaming headset may be activated and information received from the sensors is utilized to determine the identity and/or the age of the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset. The sensors determine, for example, the head size, ear size, voice characteristics and/or biometric information for the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup
  • Publication number: 20220345837
    Abstract: A game headset receives a game audio during play of a particular game, monitors the game audio and detects an occurrence of one or more particular sounds in the game audio during the monitoring of the one or more of the plurality of audio channels. In response to the detecting, the game headset triggers playback of one or more of a plurality of voice commands that corresponds to the one or more particular sounds. The voice commands may be predefined and associated with the one or more particular sounds in a data structure. The voice commands may instruct the listener of the game headset to perform an action in the particular game. The characteristics of the one or more sounds may include direction, intensity, and/or frequency of the particular one or more sounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup, Kevin Arthur Robertson
  • Patent number: 11412335
    Abstract: A game headset receives a game audio during play of a particular game, monitors the game audio and detects an occurrence of one or more particular sounds in the game audio during the monitoring of the one or more of the plurality of audio channels. In response to the detecting, the game headset triggers playback of one or more of a plurality of voice commands that corresponds to the one or more particular sounds. The voice commands may be predefined and associated with the one or more particular sounds in a data structure. The voice commands may instruct the listener of the game headset to perform an action in the particular game. The characteristics of the one or more sounds may include direction, intensity, and/or frequency of the particular one or more sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup, Kevin Arthur Robertson
  • Publication number: 20220197594
    Abstract: In an audio setup comprising at least one audio headset configurable to process audio for a user (e.g., when participating in an online multiplayer game), input audio and/or output audio in the audio headset may be monitored, and when the audio matches triggering criteria, one or more update messages may be triggered via a social networking service. The triggering criteria may comprise (or be set based on) identity of the speaker, content of the audio, and/or conditions association with the audio. Different triggering criteria may be associated with different applications (e.g., different video games). The update messages may be made available to one or more other users, who may be selected based on matching particular user selection criteria and/or based on successful user validation. The user selection criteria may comprise participation in the same online multiplayer game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup, Kevin Arthur Robertson
  • Publication number: 20220161141
    Abstract: A gaming headset receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game, determines an identity and/or an age of a gamer that is wearing the gaming headset, and configures operation of the gaming headset based on the determined identity and/or age of the gamer. The gaming headset logs into the particular game using credentials associated with the determined identity and/or age, and selects settings based on the determined identity and/or age of the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset. One or more sensors communicatively coupled to the gaming headset may be activated and information received from the sensors is utilized to determine the identity and/or the age of the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset. The sensors determine, for example, the head size, ear size, voice characteristics and/or biometric information for the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup
  • Patent number: 11334314
    Abstract: In an audio setup comprising at least one audio headset configurable to process audio for a user (e.g., when participating in an online multiplayer game), input audio and/or output audio in the audio headset may be monitored, and when the audio matches triggering criteria, one or more update messages may be triggered via a social networking service. The triggering criteria may comprise (or be set based on) identity of the speaker, content of the audio, and/or conditions association with the audio. Different triggering criteria may be associated with different applications (e.g., different video games). The update messages may be made available to one or more other users, who may be selected based on matching particular user selection criteria and/or based on successful user validation. The user selection criteria may comprise participation in the same online multiplayer game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael Jessup, Kevin Arthur Robertson
  • Publication number: 20220116721
    Abstract: A game headset receives a game audio during play of a particular game, monitors the game audio and detects an occurrence of one or more particular sounds in the game audio during the monitoring of the one or more of the plurality of audio channels. In response to the detecting, the game headset triggers playback of one or more of a plurality of voice commands that corresponds to the one or more particular sounds. The voice commands may be predefined and associated with the one or more particular sounds in a data structure. The voice commands may instruct the listener of the game headset to perform an action in the particular game. The characteristics of the one or more sounds may include direction, intensity, and/or frequency of the particular one or more sounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup, Kevin Arthur Robertson
  • Publication number: 20220103955
    Abstract: A game headset receives a game audio during play of a particular game, monitors the game audio and detects an occurrence of one or more particular sounds in the game audio during the monitoring of the one or more of the plurality of audio channels. In response to the detecting, the game headset triggers playback of one or more of a plurality of voice commands that corresponds to the one or more particular sounds. The voice commands may be predefined and associated with the one or more particular sounds in a data structure. The voice commands may instruct the listener of the game headset to perform an action in the particular game. The characteristics of the one or more sounds may include direction, intensity, and/or frequency of the particular one or more sounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup, Kevin Arthur Robertson
  • Publication number: 20220103956
    Abstract: A game headset receives a game audio during play of a particular game, monitors the game audio and detects an occurrence of one or more particular sounds in the game audio during the monitoring of the one or more of the plurality of audio channels. In response to the detecting, the game headset triggers playback of one or more of a plurality of voice commands that corresponds to the one or more particular sounds. The voice commands may be predefined and associated with the one or more particular sounds in a data structure. The voice commands may instruct the listener of the game headset to perform an action in the particular game. The characteristics of the one or more sounds may include direction, intensity, and/or frequency of the particular one or more sounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup, Kevin Arthur Robertson
  • Patent number: 11278815
    Abstract: A gaming headset receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game, determines an identity and/or an age of a gamer that is wearing the gaming headset, and configures operation of the gaming headset based on the determined identity and/or age of the gamer. The gaming headset logs into the particular game using credentials associated with the determined identity and/or age, and selects settings based on the determined identity and/or age of the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset. One or more sensors communicatively coupled to the gaming headset may be activated and information received from the sensors is utilized to determine the identity and/or the age of the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset. The sensors determine, for example, the head size, ear size, voice characteristics and/or biometric information for the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup
  • Publication number: 20210399707
    Abstract: An electronic device receives audio from an audio source and outputs the audio via speakers of the device. While outputting the audio via the speakers, the device senses its surrounding environment, and adjusts its operation, based on the sensed environment, to alert a listener wearing the device. The adjustment may comprise generation of one or more audio, visual, and/or vibration notifications to the listener using the device. A volume of the audio output via the speakers may be adjusted based on the sensed surrounding environment. The device may detect whether a first condition is present in the surrounding environment, decrease the volume when the first condition is detected in the surrounding environment, and increase the volume when the first condition is not detected in the surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael Jessup
  • Publication number: 20210327457
    Abstract: A gaming headset receives a plurality of audio channels comprising game audio channels and a chat audio channel during play of a particular game. The gaming headset monitors the received audio channels for predefined words that are associated with particular sounds in a data structure, and in response to detecting predefined words, filters out at least a portion of the detected predefined words from the received plurality of audio channels. The monitoring compares sounds on the received audio channels with the particular sounds in the data structure and also performs signal analysis on the audio channels during game play to detect the occurrence of the predefined words. The filtering mutes one or more of the plurality of audio channels so that the detected occurrence of the one of the predefined words is not output via speakers of the gaming headset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael A. Jessup
  • Patent number: 11128275
    Abstract: An electronic device receives audio from an audio source and outputs the audio via speakers of the device. While outputting the audio via the speakers, the device senses its surrounding environment, and adjusts its operation, based on the sensed environment, to alert a listener wearing the device. The adjustment may comprise generation of one or more audio, visual, and/or vibration notifications to the listener using the device. A volume of the audio output via the speakers may be adjusted based on the sensed surrounding environment. The device may detect whether a first condition is present in the surrounding environment, decrease the volume when the first condition is detected in the surrounding environment, and increase the volume when the first condition is not detected in the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Michael Jessup