Abstract: An audio system configured to authenticate a user. The system detects, via a microphone array, airborne acoustic waves corresponding to a vocalization of a user. The system also detects, via a vibration measurement assembly, vibration of tissue of the user caused by the vocalization. The system generates an authentication dataset using the detected airborne acoustic waves and the detected vibration of tissue. The system may authenticate the user based in part on the authentication dataset.

Abstract: An electronic device may include one or more terminals configured to provide a voltage signal to an actuator. The electronic device may detect a current associated with the voltage signal provided by the terminal to the actuator. The electronic device may determine an impedance across associated with the actuator based on the voltage signal and the electrical current. The electronic device may compare the impedance to a threshold impedance to determine whether there is sufficient skin contact with the actuator. The electronic device may provide audio via cartilage conduction if there is sufficient contact based on comparing the impedance to the threshold impedance, or may output a notification to the user to adjust placement of the electronic device to improve contact.

Abstract: An artificial-reality device for audio playback is provided. The artificial-reality device includes: (i) a head-mounted display including at least one lens, and (ii) one or more transducers, coupled to the head-mounted display. The transducers are configured to generate signals that vibrate the at least one lens of the head-mounted display. The at least one lens generates acoustic waves that correspond to media presented by the head-mounted display when vibrated by the one or more transducers. Characteristics of the signals generated by the one or more transducers cause the acoustic waves generated by the at least one lens to be directed towards at least one ear of a user of the artificial reality device. Values of the characteristics for the signals are determined based on: (i) the media presented by the head-mounted display and (ii) characteristics of the at least one lens.

Abstract: An audio system is described for calibrating one or more transducers for a user using the auditory steady state response (ASSR) of the user. The audio system presents an audio calibration signal to the user via a transducer array in the headset. The system measures electrical signals that are generated in the auditory cortex of the brain of the user in response to the presented audio calibration signal. The audio system determines an ASSR of the user based on the measured electrical signals. The audio system determines a value for one or more sound filter parameter based on the determined ASSR and a model. The audio system calibrates the transducer array using the determined sound filter parameters. The calibrated transducer array is used to present audio content to the user.

Abstract: A cognitive load estimation system. The system includes an-in ear device (IED) configured to be placed within an ear canal of a user. The IED includes a first set of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) optodes that are configured to capture first fNIRS signal data representing hemodynamic changes in a brain of the user. The system further includes at least one electroencephalography (EEG) electrode configured to capture electrical signals corresponding to brain activity of the user. The system further includes a controller configured to filter the first fNIRS signal data based in part on the electrical signals to generate filtered fNIRS signal data. The controller is further configured to estimate a cognitive load of the user based on the filtered fNIRS signal data.

Abstract: An audio system comprises an array of transparent piezoelectric transducers on a transparent surface. Each transparent piezoelectric transducer includes one or more piezoelectric layers and one or more conductive layers that are substantially transparent to visible light. A transparent piezoelectric transducer may include, e.g., a first conductive layer, a first piezoelectric layer on the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer on the first piezoelectric layer. Or in another example, the transparent piezoelectric transducer includes many (e.g., 20-30) piezoelectric layers and many (e.g., 20-30) conductive layers.

Abstract: An in-ear device occludes an ear canal of an ear of a user. The in-ear device is configured to be calibrated such that the user perceives audio content as though the in-ear device is not occluding the ear canal. A transducer of the in-ear device presents audio content, and an inner microphone of the in-ear device detects sound pressure data within the ear canal. A controller of the in-ear device determines a blocked sound pressure at the entrance to the ear canal based on sound pressure data from an outer microphone. The controller generates sound filters custom to the user based in part on the detected sound pressure within the ear canal and the blocked sound pressure at the entrance to the ear canal. The controller adjusts audio content using the sound filter, and the transducer presents the adjusted audio content to the user.

Abstract: A real-time in-ear EEG signal verification system. The system includes an in-ear device (IED) configured to be placed within an ear canal of a user and a controller. The IED includes a speaker configured to present a calibration audio signal to the user, the calibration audio signal being embedded with a predetermined audible feature, and an in-ear electrode configured to be in contact with an inner surface of the ear canal. The controller is configured to instruct the speaker to present the calibration audio signal to the user, and generate neural signal data based on electrical signals from the in-ear electrode. The electrical signals correspond to brain activity of the user in response to the predetermined audible feature. The controller is configured to determine a quality of the generated neural signal data, and perform an action based on the quality of the neural signal data.

Abstract: A design system generates a design for an in-ear device customized for a user. The in-ear device produces audio content for the user. The design system captures anthropometric data of the user. Using machine learning techniques, the design system determines features of an ear of the user from the anthropometric and generates a three dimensional (3D) geometry of the user's ear. A design for the in-ear device is generated based on the 3D geometry of the user's ear and includes a shell configured to fit in at least a portion of an ear canal of the user.

Abstract: A device for in-ear use is provided. The device includes an in-ear fixture configured to seal an ear canal of a user, an internal microphone coupled to receive an internal acoustic signal, propagating through the ear canal of the user, an external microphone coupled to receive an external acoustic signal, propagating through an environment of the user, and a processor that is coupled to an augmented reality headset, the processor configured to identify a vital sign of the user based on at least one of the internal acoustic signal and the external acoustic signal. A memory storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a method for use of the above device to identify a vital sign of a user, the memory, the processor, and the method are also provided.

Abstract: An audio system for providing content to a user. The system includes a first and a second transducer assembly of a plurality of transducer assemblies, an acoustic sensor, and a controller. The first transducer assembly couples to a portion of an auricle of the user's ear and vibrates over a first range of frequencies based on a first set of audio instructions. The vibration causes the portion of the ear to create a first range of acoustic pressure waves. The second transducer assembly is configured to vibrate over a second range of frequencies to produce a second range of acoustic pressure waves based on a second set of audio instructions. The acoustic sensor detects acoustic pressure waves at an entrance of the ear. The controller generates the audio instructions based on audio content to be provided to the user and the detected acoustic pressure waves from the acoustic sensor.

Abstract: A sensor system includes an actuator, an accelerometer coupled with the actuator, a rigid member, a transducer, and one or more processors. The actuator generates motion. The accelerometer outputs an acceleration signal responsive to at least the motion of the actuator. The rigid member extends from a first end coupled with the accelerometer to a second end. The transducer is coupled with the second end of the rigid member. The transducer can be configured to couple with a load, and can output a force signal responsive to at least a portion of the motion of the actuator transmitted to the transducer via the rigid member. The one or more processors determine a mechanical impedance of the load based at least on the acceleration signal and the force signal.

Abstract: An in-ear device for immersive reality applications is provided. The device includes an in-ear fixture configured to fit in an ear canal of a user, a motion sensor mounted on the in-ear fixture and configured to provide a motion signal indicative of an inner body motion or a bulk body motion of the user, a speaker coupled to provide an audio signal to the user, and a processor that is coupled to an augmented reality headset, the processor configured to identify a health condition of the user based on the motion signal. A method for using the above device, a memory and a processor for storing and executing instructions to perform the method are also provided.

Abstract: A computer method for managing, processing and handling sensor signals from an in-ear monitor for immersive reality applications is provided. The method includes receiving, from a first electrode, a first electronic signal from a skin in a first ear canal of a user of an in-ear device, receiving, from a first microphone, a first acoustic signal from the first ear canal of the user of the in-ear monitor, and a second acoustic signal from a second ear canal of the user (binaural data capture), forming an acoustic waveform with the first acoustic signal, forming an electronic waveform with the first electronic signal, and identifying a health condition of the user based on the acoustic waveform and the electronic waveform. A device including a memory storing instructions and processors to execute the instructions to perform the above method are also provided.

Abstract: An in-ear device for immersive reality applications is provided. The device includes an in-ear fixture configured to seal an ear canal of a user, a temperature sensor mounted on the in-ear fixture and configured to receive a temperature signal from the ear canal of the user, and a processor that is coupled to an augmented reality headset, the processor configured to identify a health condition of the user based on the temperature signal. A method for using the above device, a memory storing instructions and a processor that executes the instructions to perform the method are also provided.

Abstract: A device for performing electrical measurements for in-ear monitoring is provided. The device includes an in-ear fixture configured to fit in an ear canal of a user, a first electrode mounted on the in-ear fixture and configured to receive an electronic signal from the skin, and an internal microphone to receive an acoustic signal, propagating through the ear of the user. The device also includes an external microphone coupled to receive an external acoustic signal, propagating through an environment, and a processor that is coupled to an augmented reality headset, the processor identifies a cardiovascular condition, or a neurologic condition of the user based on at least one of the electronic signals, the internal acoustic signal, and the external acoustic signal. A memory storing instructions which, when executed by a processor cause a method of use of the above device. The memory, the processor and the method are also provided.

Abstract: An in-ear device for immersive reality applications is provided. The device includes a fixture configured to fit in an ear canal of a user, an emitter mounted on the in-ear fixture and configured to emit a first electromagnetic radiation onto the ear canal of the user, a detector configured to provide a signal indicative of a second electromagnetic radiation from the ear canal of the user, and a processor that is coupled to an augmented reality headset, the processor configured to identify a health condition of the user based on the signal, wherein the second electromagnetic radiation includes at least a portion of the first electromagnetic radiation reflected from a tissue in the ear canal of the user. A memory storing instructions to cause processors in a system to perform a method for use of the above in-ear device, the memory, the processor, the system and the method are also provided.

Abstract: A system provides ECG monitoring for a user. The system includes an in-ear device and processor. The in-ear device includes in-ear electrodes that capture electrical signals of the pulses of the heartbeat of the user from within the user's ear canal, and an out-of-ear electrode that does not contact any surface of the user's ear or ear canal, and captures electrical signals of pulses of the heartbeat of the user from a fingertip of the user when the user contacts the out-of-ear electrode with their fingertip. The processor generates ECG data using captured electrical signals responsive to a determination that the user has positioned a finger to touch the out-of-ear electrode on the in-ear device. This configuration allows the out-of-ear electrode to, when touched by the user's fingertip, effectively function as an arm electrode, allowing for ECG data to be measured from two different angles, through a path that passes through the user's heart.

Abstract: An audio system presented herein includes a transducer array, sensor array, and a controller. The controller control tactile content imparted to a user via actuation of at least one transducer in the transducer array while presenting audio content to the user. The transducer array presents the audio content with the tactile content to the user. The audio system can be part of a headset.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an audio system configured to provide enhancement of low audio frequencies. The audio system includes a tissue transducer and a speaker coupled to the tissue transducer. The tissue transducer is configured to be coupled to a tissue of a user (e.g., pinna of a user's ear). The speaker includes a diaphragm having a first surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface. The first surface is configured to generate a first set of airborne acoustic pressure waves, and the second surface is configured to generate a backpressure. The tissue transducer is driven by the backpressure to vibrate the tissue to form a second set of acoustic pressure waves. The first set of airborne acoustic pressure waves and the second set of acoustic pressure waves together form audio content that is presented to the user.