Patents by Inventor Michael Kai Morishita

Michael Kai Morishita 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: 10506321
    Abstract: A wearable audio component includes a first cable and an audio source in electrical communication with the first cable. A housing defines an interior and an exterior, the audio source being contained within the interior thereof. The exterior includes an ear engaging surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the front and outer surfaces. The peripheral surface includes a channel open along a length to surrounding portions of the peripheral surface and having a depth to extend partially between the front and outer surfaces. A portion of the channel is covered by a bridge member that defines an aperture between and open to adjacent portions of the channel. The cable is connected with the housing at a first location disposed within the channel remote from the bridge member and is captured in so as to extend through the aperture in a slidable engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Haley Toelle, Jianchun Dong, Michael Kai Morishita, Eliot Kim, Hayes Solos Raffle, Livius Dumitru Chebeleu
  • Publication number: 20190246193
    Abstract: A wearable audio component includes a first cable and an audio source in electrical communication with the first cable. A housing defines an interior and an exterior, the audio source being contained within the interior thereof. The exterior includes an ear engaging surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the front and outer surfaces. The peripheral surface includes a channel open along a length to surrounding portions of the peripheral surface and having a depth to extend partially between the front and outer surfaces. A portion of the channel is covered by a bridge member that defines an aperture between and open to adjacent portions of the channel. The cable is connected with the housing at a first location disposed within the channel remote from the bridge member and is captured in so as to extend through the aperture in a slidable engagement therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Haley Toelle, Jianchun Dong, Michael Kai Morishita, Eliot Kim, Hayes Solos Raffle, Livius Dumitru Chebeleu
  • Patent number: 10325614
    Abstract: An example implementation may involve driving an audio output module of a wearable device with a first audio signal and then receiving, via at least one microphone of wearable device, a second audio signal comprising first ambient noise. The device may determine that the first ambient noise is indicative of user speech and responsively duck the first audio signal. While the first audio signal is ducked, the device may detect, in a subsequent portion of the second audio signal, second ambient noise, and determine that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech. Responsive to the determination that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech, the device may continue the ducking of the first audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Simon Robert Prakash, Michael Kai Morishita, Shijing Xian, Chad Seguin
  • Patent number: 10321231
    Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for analyzing, by a computing system, one or more signals transmitted to an audio transducer. The computing system determines, based on the analyzing the one or more signals, an inductance of electronic components affecting the one or more signals. The computing system modifies, based on using the determined inductance to determine that atypical displacement of the membrane of the audio transducer has occurred, the one or more signals to compensate for the atypical displacement of the membrane of the audio transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Josef Osterneck, Michael Kai Morishita, Chad Georges Seguin, Michael Scot Pate, Moonseok Kim
  • Publication number: 20190098403
    Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for analyzing, by a computing system, one or more signals transmitted to an audio transducer. The computing system determines, based on the analyzing the one or more signals, an inductance of electronic components affecting the one or more signals. The computing system modifies, based on using the determined inductance to determine that atypical displacement of the membrane of the audio transducer has occurred, the one or more signals to compensate for the atypical displacement of the membrane of the audio transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Josef Osterneck, Michael Kai Morishita, Chad Georges Seguin, Michael Scot Pate, Moonseok Kim
  • Patent number: 10194229
    Abstract: A wearable audio component includes a first cable and an audio source in electrical communication with the first cable. A housing defines an interior and an exterior, the audio source being contained within the interior thereof. The exterior includes an ear engaging surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the front and outer surfaces. The peripheral surface includes a channel open along a length to surrounding portions of the peripheral surface and having a depth to extend partially between the front and outer surfaces. A portion of the channel is covered by a bridge member that defines an aperture between and open to adjacent portions of the channel. The cable is connected with the housing at a first location disposed within the channel remote from the bridge member and is captured in so as to extend through the aperture in a slidable engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Haley Toelle, Jianchun Dong, Michael Kai Morishita, Eliot Kim, Hayes Solos Raffle, Livius Dumitru Chebeleu
  • Patent number: 10187720
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an earphone device with sound adjustment capability that allows a user to dynamically adjust sound acoustics resonating from the device. In one aspect, the earphone device includes a housing having an acoustic output port. The acoustic output port is adapted to receive an audio signal. In this regard, sound resonates from the acoustic output port based on the audio signal. The earphone device also includes a telescopic portion having a hollow tube portion attached to the housing. The hollow tube portion may be in communication with the acoustic output port. The telescopic portion is configured to receive a fitting member. The fitting member is configured to adjust a bass range of the outputted sound resonating from the acoustic output port by passing through the telescopic portion so as to adjust a length of the hollow tube portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Eliot Kim, Jianchun Dong, Michael Kai Morishita
  • Publication number: 20180286424
    Abstract: An example implementation may involve driving an audio output module of a wearable device with a first audio signal and then receiving, via at least one microphone of wearable device, a second audio signal comprising first ambient noise. The device may determine that the first ambient noise is indicative of user speech and responsively duck the first audio signal. While the first audio signal is ducked, the device may detect, in a subsequent portion of the second audio signal, second ambient noise, and determine that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech. Responsive to the determination that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech, the device may continue the ducking of the first audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Simon Robert Prakash, Michael Kai Morishita, Shijing Xian, Chad Seguin
  • Patent number: 10013999
    Abstract: An example implementation may involve driving an audio output module of a wearable device with a first audio signal and then receiving, via at least one microphone of wearable device, a second audio signal comprising first ambient noise. The device may determine that the first ambient noise is indicative of user speech and responsively duck the first audio signal. While the first audio signal is ducked, the device may detect, in a subsequent portion of the second audio signal, second ambient noise, and determine that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech. Responsive to the determination that the second ambient noise is indicative of ambient speech, the device may continue the ducking of the first audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Simon Robert Prakash, Michael Kai Morishita, Shijing Xian, Chad Seguin
  • Publication number: 20180020313
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to managing audio signals within a user's perceptible audio environment or soundstage. That is, a computing device may provide audio signals with a particular apparent source location within a user's soundstage. Initially, a first audio signal may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in a first soundstage zone. In response to determining a high priority notification, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a second soundstage zone and an audio signal associated with the notification may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in the first soundstage zone. In response to determining user speech, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a different soundstage zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Kai Morishita, Chad Seguin
  • Patent number: 9774979
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to managing audio signals within a user's perceptible audio environment or soundstage. That is, a computing device may provide audio signals with a particular apparent source location within a user's soundstage. Initially, a first audio signal may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in a first soundstage zone. In response to determining a high priority notification, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a second soundstage zone and an audio signal associated with the notification may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in the first soundstage zone. In response to determining user speech, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a different soundstage zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kai Morishita, Chad Seguin
  • Publication number: 20170257723
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to managing audio signals within a user's perceptible audio environment or soundstage. That is, a computing device may provide audio signals with a particular apparent source location within a user's soundstage. Initially, a first audio signal may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in a first soundstage zone. In response to determining a high priority notification, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a second soundstage zone and an audio signal associated with the notification may be spatially processed so as to be perceivable in the first soundstage zone. In response to determining user speech, the apparent source location of the first audio signal may be moved to a different soundstage zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Kai Morishita, Chad Seguin
  • Publication number: 20170171656
    Abstract: A wearable audio component includes a first cable and an audio source in electrical communication with the first cable. A housing defines an interior and an exterior, the audio source being contained within the interior thereof. The exterior includes an ear engaging surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the front and outer surfaces. The peripheral surface includes a channel open along a length to surrounding portions of the peripheral surface and having a depth to extend partially between the front and outer surfaces. A portion of the channel is covered by a bridge member that defines an aperture between and open to adjacent portions of the channel The cable is connected with the housing at a first location disposed within the channel remote from the bridge member and is captured in so as to extend through the aperture in a slidable engagement therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Haley Toelle, Jianchun Dong, Michael Kai Morishita, Eliot Kim, Hayes Solos Raffle, Livius Dumitru Chebeleu
  • Patent number: 9668042
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an earphone device with sound adjustment capability that allows a user to dynamically adjust sound acoustics resonating from the device. In one aspect, the earphone device includes a housing having an acoustic output port. The acoustic output port is adapted to receive an audio signal. In this regard, sound resonates from the acoustic output port based on the audio signal. The earphone device also includes a telescopic portion having a hollow tube portion attached to the housing. The hollow tube portion may be in communication with the acoustic output port. The telescopic portion is configured to receive a fitting member. The fitting member is configured to adjust a bass range of the outputted sound resonating from the acoustic output port by passing through the telescopic portion so as to adjust a length of the hollow tube portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Eliot Kim, Jianchun Dong, Michael Kai Morishita
  • Patent number: 9596536
    Abstract: The present application describes bone conduction microphone (BCM) systems and applications thereof. An example apparatus includes: (a) an enclosing structure having a cavity therein, wherein a first portion of the enclosing structure is formed by an elastic material, and wherein the elastic material is moveable to transfer vibration from an exterior source to gas within the cavity; and (b) a microphone coupled to the enclosing structure and located within the gas-filled cavity, wherein gas in the cavity separates the microphone from the first portion of the enclosing structure, such that the vibration transferred from the exterior source to the gas in the cavity is detectable by the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Farhad Farzbod, Michael Kai Morishita, Jianchun Dong, Richard Daniel Herr
  • Publication number: 20170026744
    Abstract: The present application describes bone conduction microphone (BCM) systems and applications thereof. An example apparatus includes: (a) an enclosing structure having a cavity therein, wherein a first portion of the enclosing structure is formed by an elastic material, and wherein the elastic material is moveable to transfer vibration from an exterior source to gas within the cavity; and (b) a microphone coupled to the enclosing structure and located within the gas-filled cavity, wherein gas in the cavity separates the microphone from the first portion of the enclosing structure, such that the vibration transferred from the exterior source to the gas in the cavity is detectable by the microphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Farhad Farzbod, Michael Kai Morishita, Jianchun Dong, Richard Daniel Herr
  • Patent number: 9456284
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for minimizing mechanical-vibration-induced noise in audio signals. In one aspect, a microphone is disclosed that includes a first backplate, a first diaphragm, a second backplate, and a second diaphragm. The first diaphragm moves relative to the first backplate in response to acoustic pressure waves in an environment and mechanical vibrations of the microphone, thereby causing a first capacitance change between the first diaphragm and the first backplate. The second diaphragm is substantially acoustically isolated from the acoustic pressure waves, and moves relative to the second backplate in response to the mechanical vibrations of the microphone, thereby causing a second capacitance change between the second diaphragm and the second backplate. The microphone further includes or is communicatively coupled to an integrated circuit configured to generate an acoustic signal based on the first capacitance and the second capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kai Morishita, Jianchun Dong
  • Publication number: 20160165357
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for minimizing mechanical-vibration-induced noise in audio signals. In one aspect, a microphone is disclosed that includes a first backplate, a first diaphragm, a second backplate, and a second diaphragm. The first diaphragm moves relative to the first backplate in response to acoustic pressure waves in an environment and mechanical vibrations of the microphone, thereby causing a first capacitance change between the first diaphragm and the first backplate. The second diaphragm is substantially acoustically isolated from the acoustic pressure waves, and moves relative to the second backplate in response to the mechanical vibrations of the microphone, thereby causing a second capacitance change between the second diaphragm and the second backplate. The microphone further includes or is communicatively coupled to an integrated circuit configured to generate an acoustic signal based on the first capacitance and the second capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kai Morishita, Jianchun Dong
  • Publication number: 20160080850
    Abstract: A wearable audio component includes a first cable and an audio source in electrical communication with the first cable. A housing defines an interior and an exterior, the audio source being contained within the interior thereof. The exterior includes an ear engaging surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the front and outer surfaces. The peripheral surface includes a channel open along a length to surrounding portions of the peripheral surface and having a depth to extend partially between the front and outer surfaces. A portion of the channel is covered by a bridge member that defines an aperture between and open to adjacent portions of the channel. The cable is connected with the housing at a first location disposed within the channel remote from the bridge member and is captured in so as to extend through the aperture in a slidable engagement therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Haley Toelle, Jianchun Dong, Michael Kai Morishita, Eliot Kim, Hayes Solos Raffle, Livius Dumitru Chebeleu
  • Patent number: 9241209
    Abstract: A wearable audio component includes a first cable and an audio source in electrical communication with the first cable. A housing defines an interior and an exterior, the audio source being contained within the interior thereof. The exterior includes an ear engaging surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the front and outer surfaces. The peripheral surface includes a channel open along a length to surrounding portions of the peripheral surface and having a depth to extend partially between the front and outer surfaces. A portion of the channel is covered by a bridge member that defines an aperture between and open to adjacent portions of the channel. The cable is connected with the housing at a first location disposed within the channel remote from the bridge member and is captured in so as to extend through the aperture in a slidable engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Haley Toelle, Jianchun Dong, Michael Kai Morishita, Eliot Kim, Hayes Solos Raffle, Livius Dumitru Chebeleu