Patents by Inventor Michael Asfaw
Michael Asfaw 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).
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Publication number: 20200314577Abstract: Head-wearable apparatus to generate binaural audio content includes a first stem coupled to a first microphone housing that encases first front microphone and first rear microphone that generates acoustic signals, respectively. First microphone housing includes a first front port that faces downward and a first rear port that faces backwards. Apparatus includes second stem coupled to second microphone housing that encases second front microphone and second rear microphone that generate acoustic signals, respectively. Second microphone housing includes second front port that faces downward and second rear port that faces backwards. Apparatus includes binaural audio processor that includes beamformer and storage device. Beamformer generate first beamformer signal based on acoustic signals from first front microphone and first rear microphone, and second beamformer based on acoustic signals from second front microphone and second rear microphone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Michael Asfaw, Dunxu Hu, Patrick Timothy McSweene Simons, Victoria Lulu Wang Limketkai
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Publication number: 20200304916Abstract: An audio device includes a speaker array and a controller for beam-steering audio output by the speaker array to localize sound in different locations in a local area around the audio device. The audio device also includes a microphone array or a set of cameras configured to detect an object, such as a human, in the local area around the audio device. From data captured by the microphone array or the set of cameras, the audio device determines a location of the object in the local area and steers the audio output by the speaker array towards the determined location of the object. As the object moves within the local area, the audio device dynamically steers the audio output to move along with the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2019Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Michael Asfaw, Michael Xingyi Yu, Stefan Mag, Michael Smedegaard
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Patent number: 10721565Abstract: An audio device includes a speaker array and a controller for beam-steering audio output by the speaker array to localize sound in different locations in a local area around the audio device. The audio device also includes a microphone array or a set of cameras configured to detect an object, such as a human, in the local area around the audio device. Additionally, the audio device includes a subwoofer for outputting low frequencies. Different speakers are included in different chambers, with the subwoofer also included in a chamber. The audio device opens or closes valve doors separating adjacent chambers to alter audio output. Opening the valve doors allows the audio device to better output low frequencies, while closing the valve door allows the audio device to direct audio output by the speakers to locations in the local area.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Facebook, Inc.Inventors: Michael Asfaw, Michael Xingyi Yu, Michael Smedegaard
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Patent number: 10687146Abstract: A speaker assembly including a frame and a magnet assembly positioned within the frame. The magnet assembly may include a magnet and a top plate. The assembly further including a sound radiating surface suspended over the magnet assembly. The sound radiating surface includes a flexible circuit. A suspension suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly is further provided. The suspension may be over molded to the sound radiating surface and the frame. A voice coil extends from a bottom side of the sound radiating surface and electrically connects to the flexible circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Anthony P. Grazian, Christopher Wilk, Hongdan Tao, Scott P Porter, Michael Asfaw
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Patent number: 10567898Abstract: Head-wearable apparatus to generate binaural audio content includes a first stem coupled to a first microphone housing that encases first front microphone and first rear microphone that generates acoustic signals, respectively. First microphone housing includes a first front port that faces downward and a first rear port that faces backwards. Apparatus includes second stem coupled to second microphone housing that encases second front microphone and second rear microphone that generate acoustic signals, respectively. Second microphone housing includes second front port that faces downward and second rear port that faces backwards. Apparatus includes binaural audio processor that includes beamformer and storage device. Beamformer generate first beamformer signal based on acoustic signals from first front microphone and first rear microphone, and second beamformer based on acoustic signals from second front microphone and second rear microphone.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Snap Inc.Inventor: Michael Asfaw
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Publication number: 20190149925Abstract: A speaker assembly including a frame and a magnet assembly positioned within the frame. The magnet assembly may include a magnet and a top plate. The assembly further including a sound radiating surface suspended over the magnet assembly. The sound radiating surface includes a flexible circuit. A suspension suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly is further provided. The suspension may be over molded to the sound radiating surface and the frame. A voice coil extends from a bottom side of the sound radiating surface and electrically connects to the flexible circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2018Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Anthony P. Grazian, Christopher Wilk, Hongdan Tao, Scott P. Porter, Michael Asfaw
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Publication number: 20190104368Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-purpose tweeter yoke. In particular, the yoke can comprise a continuous body. The body can serve as a magnetic flux director and can be shaped to increase surface area such that the yoke serves as a heat sink. In some embodiments, the body can comprise one or more fins that contribute at least in part to the heat sink. The fin(s) can be cylindrically shaped. In some embodiments, the fin(s) can include multiple cylindrically shaped fins that are concentric and define at least one cavity that provides at least a portion of the surface area.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2017Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Michael Asfaw, Michael Smedegaard
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Patent number: 10194248Abstract: A speaker assembly including a frame and a magnet assembly positioned within the frame. The magnet assembly may include a magnet and a top plate. The assembly further including a sound radiating surface suspended over the magnet assembly. The sound radiating surface includes a flexible circuit. A suspension suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly is further provided. The suspension may be over molded to the sound radiating surface and the frame. A voice coil extends from a bottom side of the sound radiating surface and electrically connects to the flexible circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Anthony P. Grazian, Christopher Wilk, Hongdan Tao, Scott P Porter, Michael Asfaw
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Patent number: 10178469Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure relate to vibration transducers. Such a transducer includes an electromagnet having a conductive coil. The conductive coil is configured to be driven by an electrical input signal to generate magnetic fields. The transducer further includes a magnetic diaphragm that is configured to mechanically vibrate in response to the generated magnetic fields. Additionally, the transducer includes a pair of cantilevered arms formed from damping steel. The cantilevered arms couple the magnetic diaphragm to a frame. The magnetic diaphragm vibrates with respect to the frame when the electromagnet is driven by the electrical input signal. Additionally, the pair of flexible support arms are connected to opposing sides of the magnetic diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Michael Asfaw, Chad Seguin
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Publication number: 20180255401Abstract: A bone conduction transducer includes a yoke having a pair of arms, a layer of high permeability steel on a surface of the yoke between the arms, a metal coil, a metallic post that extends into a center portion of the metal coil, a diaphragm, an anvil attached to a surface of the diaphragm, a pair of permanent magnets attached to an opposite surface of the diaphragm, and a pair of springs. A first end of each spring is attached to a respective one of the arms of the yoke, and a second end of each spring is coupled to the diaphragm. The diaphragm is configured to vibrate in response to a signal supplied to the metal coil. The diaphragm could be formed from a from a permanent magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2017Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Michael Asfaw, Stephen Thompson, Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 10028045Abstract: A computing device may include a multi-functional port in a base housing of the device. The multi-functional port may include an audio input device that can receive and process external audio input signals through an opening in the base housing. The multi-functional port may include a light source that can output light through the opening in the base housing. The multi-functional port may include a microphone boot. The microphone boot may guide external audio input signals into to the audio input device for processing. The microphone boot may also guide light, emitted by the light source, out of the base housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Vivek Saini, Michael Asfaw, Leng Ooi, Lawrence Lam
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Patent number: 9998829Abstract: A bone conduction transducer includes a yoke having a pair of arms, a layer of high permeability steel on a surface of the yoke between the arms, a metal coil, a metallic post that extends into a center portion of the metal coil, a diaphragm, an anvil attached to a surface of the diaphragm, a pair of permanent magnets attached to an opposite surface of the diaphragm, and a pair of springs. A first end of each spring is attached to a respective one of the arms of the yoke, and a second end of each spring is coupled to the diaphragm. The diaphragm is configured to vibrate in response to a signal supplied to the metal coil. The diaphragm, anvil, and/or metallic post could be formed from a high permeability steel.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Michael Asfaw
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Patent number: 9936301Abstract: An embodiment discloses the present disclosure includes a transducer having a yoke. The yoke includes a pair of arms. The yoke further includes a layer high permeability steel located between the pair of arms. The yoke also includes a metal coil wrapped around a post located at a central location on the layer of high permeability steel. The apparatus also includes a pair of permanent magnets attached to the single layer high permeability steel, where the permanent magnets each flank the post. The apparatus further includes a pair of springs, each includes a first end and second end, where the first end of each spring is attached to one of the respective arms. Yet further, the apparatus includes a diaphragm coupled to the second end of each spring configured to vibrate in response to a signal supplied to the metal coil.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Michael Asfaw
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Publication number: 20170374470Abstract: A bone conduction transducer includes a yoke having a pair of arms, a layer of high permeability steel on a surface of the yoke between the arms, a metal coil, a metallic post that extends into a center portion of the metal coil, a diaphragm, an anvil attached to a surface of the diaphragm, a pair of permanent magnets attached to an opposite surface of the diaphragm, and a pair of springs. A first end of each spring is attached to a respective one of the arms of the yoke, and a second end of each spring is coupled to the diaphragm. The diaphragm is configured to vibrate in response to a signal supplied to the metal coil. The diaphragm, anvil, and/or metallic post could be formed from a high permeability steel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventor: Michael Asfaw
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Publication number: 20170353784Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure relate to vibration transducers. Such a transducer includes an electromagnet having a conductive coil. The conductive coil is configured to be driven by an electrical input signal to generate magnetic fields. The transducer further includes a magnetic diaphragm that is configured to mechanically vibrate in response to the generated magnetic fields. Additionally, the transducer includes a pair of cantilevered arms formed from damping steel. The cantilevered arms couple the magnetic diaphragm to a frame. The magnetic diaphragm vibrates with respect to the frame when the electromagnet is driven by the electrical input signal. Additionally, the pair of flexible support arms are connected to opposing sides of the magnetic diaphragm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Michael Asfaw, Chad Seguin
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Patent number: 9766481Abstract: An example method may be performed by a wearable computing device (WCD) that includes a bone conduction transducer (BCT). The method includes providing, to the BCT, an input signal that represents audio content. The method further includes sensing a time-varying voltage of the input signal and a time-varying current of the input signal. The method further includes determining an operating mode based on the time-varying voltage and the time-varying current. The method further includes processing the audio content according to the determined operating mode and using the processed audio content to continue providing the input signal to the BCT.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Michael Asfaw, Chad Seguin, David Breece, III
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Publication number: 20170245057Abstract: A speaker assembly including a frame and a magnet assembly positioned within the frame. The magnet assembly may include a magnet and a top plate. The assembly further including a sound radiating surface suspended over the magnet assembly. The sound radiating surface includes a flexible circuit. A suspension suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly is further provided. The suspension may be over molded to the sound radiating surface and the frame. A voice coil extends from a bottom side of the sound radiating surface and electrically connects to the flexible circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2016Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: Anthony P. Grazian, Christopher Wilk, Hongdan Tao, Scott P Porter, Michael Asfaw