Patents by Inventor Peter John Blamey
Peter John Blamey 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: 20210084420Abstract: Systems and method for pre-fitting a sound processing device for a user in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In many embodiments, systems and methods can be executed by a computing device and include obtaining a hearing map representing the user's hearing, establishing a virtual signal processing path in the computing device which reflects a signal processing function of the sound processing device, updating parameters of the virtual signal processing path based on said hearing map, and passing an audio signal through the virtual signal processing path and playing back the processed audio signal to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2020Publication date: March 18, 2021Applicant: Sonova AGInventors: Peter John Blamey, Henry Carter Smith, David Wright
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Publication number: 20200120434Abstract: Systems and method for pre-fitting a sound processing device for a user in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In many embodiments, systems and methods can be executed by a computing device and include obtaining a hearing map representing the user's hearing, establishing a virtual signal processing path in the computing device which reflects a signal processing function of the sound processing device, updating parameters of the virtual signal processing path based on said hearing map, and passing an audio signal through the virtual signal processing path and playing back the processed audio signal to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: Blamey & Saunders Hearing Pty LTD.Inventors: Peter John Blamey, Henry Carter Smith, David Wright
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Patent number: 10511921Abstract: Systems and method for pre-fitting a sound processing device for a user in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In many embodiments, systems and methods can be executed by a computing device and include obtaining a hearing map representing the user's hearing, establishing a virtual signal processing path in the computing device which reflects a signal processing function of the sound processing device, updating parameters of the virtual signal processing path based on said hearing map, and passing an audio signal through the virtual signal processing path and playing back the processed audio signal to the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Blamey & Saunders Hearing Pty Ltd.Inventors: Peter John Blamey, Henry Carter Smith, David Wright
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Publication number: 20160192093Abstract: Systems and method for pre-fitting a sound processing device for a user in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In many embodiments, systems and methods can be executed by a computing device and include obtaining a hearing map representing the user's hearing, establishing a virtual signal processing path in the computing device which reflects a signal processing function of the sound processing device, updating parameters of the virtual signal processing path based on said hearing map, and passing an audio signal through the virtual signal processing path and playing back the processed audio signal to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2015Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Peter John Blamey, Henry Carter Smith, David Wright
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Patent number: 9314626Abstract: Visual prosthesis apparatus includes an image receiver, a processor coupled to the image receiver, a stimulation device coupled to the processor, and an eye monitoring device coupled to the processor. The image receiver receives a sequence of images and the processor produces a stimulation signal at least partially in accordance with the received images. The stimulation device receives the stimulation signal and stimulates visual neurons of a user accordingly to provide the user with a visual percept. The eye monitoring device monitors one or more ocular parameters at an eye region of the user, wherein one or more control functions are associated with the monitored ocular parameters. The processor controls the visual prosthesis apparatus in accordance with the monitored ocular parameters and the associated control functions. The one or more ocular parameters can include pupil size, state of closure of the user's eyelid and direction of eye gaze.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: The Bionics Institute of AustraliaInventors: Hugh Joseph McDermott, Peter John Blamey, Nicholas Campbell Sinclair, Kyle Damon Slater
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Patent number: 9253583Abstract: Fitting a sound processing device for an individual is automated using a computer. Fitting and customization is carried out using natural sounds without specialized audiometric equipment or audiological expertise. Software for this purpose is downloaded from an internet portal. The computer plays back acoustic signals, and obtains user input reflecting the user's perceptions of the acoustic signals, from which a hearing map is derived, representing the user's hearing. An algorithm updates the device fitting based on the hearing map. Also provided is pre-sale virtual device fitting, whereby a virtual signal processing path is established in the computer, reflecting a signal processing function of a sound processing device of interest to the user. An algorithm updates parameters of the virtual processing path, based on the hearing map. Audio signals passed through the virtual processing path are played back to the user, giving the user an acoustic indication of future device performance.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Blamey & Saunders Hearing Pty LTD.Inventors: Peter John Blamey, Henry Carter Smith, David Wright
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Patent number: 9192765Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for electrically stimulating a patient's retina with an electrode array (32) implanted in the patient's eye, wherein one or more images are captured; at least one line and/or edge in the images is determined (21), a line of electrodes in the electrode array corresponding to a detected line and/or edge is identified (24); and electrical current is applied simultaneously to electrodes of the identified line of electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: The Bionics Institute of AustraliaInventors: Mohit Naresh Shivdasani, Christopher Edward Williams, Peter John Blamey
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Publication number: 20140236260Abstract: Visual prosthesis apparatus includes an image receiver, a processor coupled to the image receiver, a stimulation device coupled to the processor, and an eye monitoring device coupled to the processor. The image receiver receives a sequence of images and the processor produces a stimulation signal at least partially in accordance with the received images. The stimulation device receives the stimulation signal and stimulates visual neurons of a user accordingly to provide the user with a visual percept. The eye monitoring device monitors one or more ocular parameters at an eye region of the user, wherein one or more control functions are associated with the monitored ocular parameters. The processor controls the visual prosthesis apparatus in accordance with the monitored ocular parameters and the associated control functions. The one or more ocular parameters can include pupil size, state of closure of the user's eyelid and direction of eye gaze.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: The Bionics Institute of AustraliaInventors: Hugh Joseph McDermott, Peter John Blamey, Nicholas Campbell Sinclair, Kyle Damon Slater
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Publication number: 20130066397Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for electrically stimulating a patient's retina with an electrode array (32) implanted in the patient's eye, wherein one or more images are captured; at least one line and/or edge in the images is determined (21), a line of electrodes in the electrode array corresponding to a detected line and/or edge is identified (24); and electrical current is applied simultaneously to electrodes of the identified line of electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2010Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: The Bionics Institute of AustraliaInventors: Mohit Naresh Shivdasani, Christopher Edward Williams, Peter John Blamey
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Publication number: 20120224733Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for customising a sound processing device for an individual listener including presentation of one or more sounds to the listener directly from the sound processing device, each sound comprising a collection of two or more harmonically related tones, spectrally positioned about a frequency of interest, and having a temporal envelope consisting of a rise time, sustain time, and decay time, obtaining information from the listener, adjusting the level of the sounds, and using the adjusted levels to set up the sound processing device for the listener.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2010Publication date: September 6, 2012Inventor: Peter John Blamey
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Publication number: 20120051569Abstract: Fitting a sound processing device for an individual is automated using a computer. Fitting and customisation is carried out using natural sounds without specialised audiometric equipment or audiological expertise. Software for this purpose is downloaded from an internet portal. The computer plays back acoustic signals, and obtains user input reflecting the user's perceptions of the acoustic signals, from which a hearing map is derived, representing the user's hearing. An algorithm updates the device fitting based on the hearing map. Also provided is pre-sale virtual device fitting, whereby a virtual signal processing path is established in the computer, reflecting a signal processing function of a sound processing device of interest to the user. An algorithm updates parameters of the virtual processing path, based on the hearing map. Audio signals passed through the virtual processing path are played back to the user, giving the user an acoustic indication of future device performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Peter John Blamey, Henry Carter Smith, David Wright
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Publication number: 20100062713Abstract: Distributing signal processing for a headset. The system comprises a headset and base device. The headset has one or more microphones, and one or more speakers. The headset communicates with the base device via a bidirectional wireless communications link such as Bluetooth. The headset has an on-board digital signal processor for processing at least one of electrical signals passing to the speaker and electrical signals passing from the microphone. The base device has a processor which can carry the burden of any or all processing functions which do not require short latency. And/or the base device's processor can control at least one aspect of digital signal processing of the digital signal processor of the headset, and effect such control via the wireless communications link.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Peter John Blamey, Bonar Dickson, Anthony John Shilton
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Publication number: 20090161896Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an envelope of an audio signal, and a method and apparatus for enhancing the pitch cue of an audio signal perceived by a cochlear implant patient where the audio signal is processed and input to an implant device of the recipient. The methods and apparatuses use techniques such as filtering, rectifying, detecting peak values, sampling, resetting, comparing and multiplying various signals to detect the envelope or enhance the pitch cue of the audio signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: COCHLEAR LIMITEDInventors: Brett Anthony Swanson, Peter John Blamey, Hugh McDermott, James F. Patrick
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Publication number: 20080123883Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for processing sound includes a means (401) for analysing a sound signal into a number of frequency bands and a means (403) for applying variable gain to each frequency band independently. Gain in applied under control of a number of gain comparator means (409) each of which generates a number of statistical distribution estimates in respect of each signal and compares those estimates to predetermined hearing response parameters stored in memory (411). The numerous gain compensated frequency bands are then combined (415) in order to generate a single sound signal. The apparatus may be implemented in dedicated hardware embodiment or by software running on a microprocessor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2008Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: COCHLEAR LIMITEDInventors: Peter John Blamey, Christopher John James, Hugh Joseph McDermott, Lois Martin, Konrad Wildi
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Patent number: 7366315Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for processing sound includes a means (401) for analysing a sound signal into a number of frequency bands and a means (403) for applying variable gain to each frequency band independently. Gain in applied under control of a number of gain comparator means (409) each of which generates a number ot statistical distribution estimates in respect of each signal and compares those estimates to predetermined hearing presponse parameters stored in memory (411). The numerous gain compensated frequency bands are then combined (415) in order to generate a single sound signal. The apparatus may be implemented in dedicated hardware embodiment or by software running on a microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Hearworks PTY, LimitedInventors: Peter John Blamey, Christopher John James, Hugh Joseph McDermott, Lois Martin, Konrad Wildi
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Patent number: 7302070Abstract: The invention relates to oscillation detection and, more particularly, concerns a method and apparatus for identifying oscillation in a signal due to feedback, permitting appropriate action to be taken to suppress the oscillation. The method involves using an FFT device or similar to convert a signal at each of a series of successive time windows into the frequency domain, calculating, for each of a plurality of frequency bands, the change in signal phase from a time window to a subsequent time window, and comparing, for some or all of said frequency bands, the results of the calculation step to one or more defined criteria to provide a measure of whether oscillation due to feedback is present in the signal. For additional discrimination, the change in signal amplitude from a time window to a subsequent time window may also be calculated for each of the frequency bands, and the result compared with one or more further defined criteria. The invention has particular application in hearing aid devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Dynamic Hearing Pty LtdInventors: Peter John Blamey, Benjamin John Smith
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Patent number: 7171272Abstract: A sound processing method for auditory prostheses, such as cochlear implants, which is adapted to improve the perception of loudness by users, and to improve speech perception. The overall contribution of stimuli to simulated loudness is compared with an estimate of acoustic loudness for a normally hearing listener based on the input sound signal. A weighting is applied to the filter channels to emphasize those frequencies which are most important to speech perception for normal hearing listeners when selecting channels as a basis for stimulation.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: University of MelbourneInventors: Peter John Blamey, Collette McKay, Hugh McDermott
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Patent number: 7082332Abstract: The sound processor and method uses a model of basilar membrane motion to select stimuli, based upon the predicted motion which the acoustic signal presented would produce in an acoustically excited normally hearing cochlea. The filter; used, in contrast to single channel per electrode approaches, cover multiple channels and overlap with each other. Consequently the stimuli presented produce a neural excitation pattern which approximates the spatio-temporal travelling wave observed on the basilar membrane in an acoustically excited normally hearing cochlea. Preferably, the predicted electrode stimuli are based upon the instantaneous predicted amplitude of the electrode location.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Peter John Blamey, Brett Anthony Swanson, Hugh McDermott, James F. Patrick, Graeme Clark
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Patent number: 6731767Abstract: In one embodiment an apparatus for processing sound includes a means (401) for analyzing a sound signal into a number frequency bands and a means (403) for applying variable gain to each frequency band independently. Gain is applied under control of a number of gain comparator means (409) each of which generates a number of statistical estimates in respect of each signal and compares those estimates to predetermined hearing response parameters stored in memory (411). The numerous gain compensated frequency bands are then combined (415) in order to generate a single sound signal. The apparatus may be implemented in dedicated hardware embodiment or by software running on a microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: The University of MelbourneInventors: Peter John Blamey, Christopher John James, Konrad Wildi, Hugh Joseph McDermott, Lois Martin
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Publication number: 20030171786Abstract: The sound processor and method uses a model of basilar membrane motion to select stimuli, based upon the predicted motion which the acoustic signal presented would produce in an acoustically excited normally hearing cochlea. The filter; used, in contrast to single channel per electrode approaches, cover multiple channels and overlap with each other. Consequently the stimuli presented produce a neural excitation pattern which approximates the spatio-temporal travelling wave observed on the basilar membrane in an acoustically excited normally hearing cochlea. Preferably, the predicted electrode stimuli are based upon the instantaneous predicted amplitude of the electrode location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Peter John Blamey, Brett Anthony Swanson, Hugh McDermott, James F Patrick, Graeme Clark