Patents by Inventor Tetsuro Oishi

Tetsuro Oishi 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: 20170048638
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. One embodiment may involve receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device; detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of the playback device based on the indication of the barrier proximate to the playback device; in response to the detecting, setting a playback configuration of the playback device; and causing the playback device to play an audio content according to the playback configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H Bush
  • Patent number: 9549260
    Abstract: Headphones for stereo tactile vibration, and related systems and methods are disclosed. A headphone comprises a first speaker assembly including a first audio driver and a first tactile bass vibrator. The headphone also comprises a second speaker assembly including a second audio driver and a second tactile bass vibrator. The headphone further comprises a signal processing circuit configured to generate a first tactile vibration signal and a second tactile vibration signal from an audio signal to be received by the headphone. The first tactile vibration signal differs from the second tactile vibration signal. A method of operating the headphone includes generating the first tactile vibration signal and the second tactile vibration signal, and driving vibration of the first and second tactile bass vibrators with the first and second tactile vibration signals, respectively. A stereo tactile vibrator system includes the headphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Skullcandy, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, John Timothy, Sam Noertker
  • Patent number: 9521488
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. In an example embodiment, a playback device causes one or more speakers to emit audio and then receives audio data representing at least a portion of the emitted audio. The playback device determines, based on the received audio data, that a barrier is distorting audio output of the playback device by at least a distortion threshold. In response to determining that the barrier is distorting audio output of the playback device beyond the distortion threshold, the playback device applies a playback configuration that at least partially offsets the distortion. The playback device may cause the one or more speakers to play back audio content according to the playback configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H Bush
  • Patent number: 9521487
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. An example implementation may involve configuring the playback device for audio output in a given environment by calibrating the playback device to at least partially offset acoustic effects of the given environment. After the playback device is configured for audio output, the playback device may detect a barrier within proximity of the playback device by detecting a change in the acoustic effects of the given environment. In response to detecting the barrier within proximity of the playback device, the playback device may adjust the calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H Bush
  • Patent number: 9516419
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier remaining in proximity to the playback device until a gating condition is satisfied. In an example embodiment, a playback device receives sensor data, and determines, based on the received sensor data, that a barrier has remained within a threshold proximity to the playback device for at least a threshold duration of time. In response to determining that the barrier has remained within the threshold proximity to the playback device for at least the threshold duration time, a playback configuration is applied to the playback device. This playback device may adjusts audio output of the playback device at one or more frequency ranges. After applying the playback configuration, the playback device play backs audio content according to the playback configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H Bush
  • Publication number: 20160353191
    Abstract: Headphones include removable audio drivers electrically coupled with electrical conductors using solderless and detachable interconnections. Driver assemblies for headphones include an audio driver and a driver unit housing. An acoustical cavity is defined between the driver unit housing and the audio driver, and a port extends through the driver unit housing between the acoustical cavity and the exterior of the driver assembly. The driver unit housing is configured to be secured within an outer ear-cup housing of a headphone such that the port is open to the exterior of the headphone without communicating acoustically with a volume outside the driver unit housing and within the outer ear-cup housing. Headphones include such driver assemblies. Methods are used to form such headphones and driver assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, Rex Price, Matthew Windt, Thomas Burton
  • Publication number: 20160302008
    Abstract: A system for tuning an audio reproduction device is disclosed. The system includes: an audio signal generator for generating an audio signal to be played back in an audio reproduction device and sending the audio signal to the audio reproduction device; a microphone signal module for receiving a microphone signal from a microphone, the microphone signal recording a sound wave reproduced by the audio reproduction device when the audio signal is played back in the audio reproduction device; a comparison module for determining whether the microphone signal matches target sound signature data; and a filter module for applying a digital filter to emulate a target sound signature responsive to determining that the microphone signal does not match the target sound signature data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventor: Tetsuro Oishi
  • Patent number: 9439021
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. One embodiment may involve receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device; detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of the playback device based on the indication of the barrier that is proximate to the playback device; in response to the detecting, setting a playback configuration of the playback device; and causing the playback device to play an audio content according to the playback configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H. Bush
  • Patent number: 9439022
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. One embodiment may involve causing the playback device to play an audio content, where a first speaker of the playback device is arranged to output in a first direction and configured to play a component of the audio content; receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to the playback device; detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to the first speaker of the playback device; based on the detecting, causing the first speaker to be deactivated; and causing a second speaker of the playback device to play at least the component of the audio content, where the second speaker arranged to output in a second direction that is different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H. Bush
  • Patent number: 9414145
    Abstract: Headphones include removable audio drivers electrically coupled with electrical conductors using solderless and detachable interconnections. Driver assemblies for headphones include an audio driver and a driver unit housing. An acoustical cavity is defined between the driver unit housing and the audio driver, and a port extends through the driver unit housing between the acoustical cavity and the exterior of the driver assembly. The driver unit housing is configured to be secured within an outer ear-cup housing of a headphone such that the port is open to the exterior of the headphone without communicating acoustically with a volume outside the driver unit housing and within the outer ear-cup housing. Headphones include such driver assemblies. Methods are used to form such headphones and driver assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Skullcandy, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, Rex Price, Matt Windt, Thomas C. Burton
  • Patent number: 9412129
    Abstract: A system for interacting with an audio reproduction device and a user using the audio reproduction device is disclosed. The system includes: an image capture module capturing an image depicting an audio reproduction device used by a user; an image recognition module performing image recognition to extract recognition data from the image, the recognition data including data describing the audio reproduction device and one or more deteriorating factors that deteriorate a sound quality in the audio reproduction device; a filter module estimating a sound degradation in the audio reproduction device that is caused by the one or more deteriorating factors, the filter module applying a digital filter to compensate the sound degradation in the audio reproduction device; an aggregation module aggregating data associated with the user, the aggregated data including the recognition data; and a recommendation module providing one or more recommended items to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Skullcandy, Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Oishi
  • Publication number: 20160198260
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier remaining in proximity to the playback device until a gating condition is satisfied. In an example embodiment, a playback device receives sensor data, and determines, based on the received sensor data, that a barrier has remained within a threshold proximity to the playback device for at least a threshold duration of time. In response to determining that the barrier has remained within the threshold proximity to the playback device for at least the threshold duration time, a playback configuration is applied to the playback device. This playback device may adjusts audio output of the playback device at one or more frequency ranges. After applying the playback configuration, the playback device play backs audio content according to the playback configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H Bush
  • Publication number: 20160192099
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. In an example embodiment, a playback device causes one or more speakers to emit audio and then receives audio data representing at least a portion of the emitted audio. The playback device determines, based on the received audio data, that a barrier is distorting audio output of the playback device by at least a distortion threshold. In response to determining that the barrier is distorting audio output of the playback device beyond the distortion threshold, the playback device applies a playback configuration that at least partially offsets the distortion. The playback device may cause the one or more speakers to play back audio content according to the playback configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H. Bush
  • Publication number: 20160192098
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. An example implementation may involve configuring the playback device for audio output in a given environment by calibrating the playback device to at least partially offset acoustic effects of the given environment. After the playback device is configured for audio output, the playback device may detect a barrier within proximity of the playback device by detecting a change in the acoustic effects of the given environment. In response to detecting the barrier within proximity of the playback device, the playback device may adjust the calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H. Bush
  • Patent number: 9344829
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. One embodiment may involve receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device; detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of the playback device based on the indication of the barrier that is proximate to the playback device; in response to the detecting, setting a playback configuration of the playback device; causing the playback device to play an audio content according to the playback configuration; and sending, to a controller of a media playback system, an indication of the barrier that is proximate to the playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H. Bush
  • Patent number: 9319770
    Abstract: Audio devices may include a first audio accessory and a speaker assembly configured for releasable attachment to the first audio accessory. The speaker assembly may include a speaker and a speaker housing coupled to the speaker, the speaker housing shaped to form an acoustic cavity proximate at least a portion of the speaker. The speaker assembly may be configured to produce a first emitted sound pressure level (SPL) profile over a range of frequencies when the speaker assembly is attached to the first audio accessory, and to produce a different second emitted SPL profile over the range of frequencies when the speaker assembly is not attached to the first audio accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Skullcandy, Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Oishi
  • Publication number: 20160044406
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. One embodiment may involve causing the playback device to play an audio content, where a first speaker of the playback device is arranged to output in a first direction and configured to play a component of the audio content; receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to the playback device; detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to the first speaker of the playback device; based on the detecting, causing the first speaker to be deactivated; and causing a second speaker of the playback device to play at least the component of the audio content, where the second speaker arranged to output in a second direction that is different from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H. Bush
  • Publication number: 20160044437
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. One embodiment may involve receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device; detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of the playback device based on the indication of the barrier that is proximate to the playback device; in response to the detecting, setting a playback configuration of the playback device; and causing the playback device to play an audio content according to the playback configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H. Bush
  • Publication number: 20160041810
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. One embodiment may involve receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device; detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of the playback device based on the indication of the barrier that is proximate to the playback device; in response to the detecting, setting a playback configuration of the playback device; causing the playback device to play an audio content according to the playback configuration; and sending, to a controller of a media playback system, an indication of the barrier that is proximate to the playback device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, William H. Bush
  • Patent number: 9237395
    Abstract: Modular audio systems comprise two speaker assemblies and a wiring system. Each speaker assembly may comprise a speaker and an audio jack integral to each speaker assembly. The wiring system comprises a first wiring assembly comprising two audio jacks configured to connect to the audio jacks of the two speaker assemblies and two wires connected to the two audio jacks at first ends of the two wires. Headphone assemblies may comprise two speaker assemblies and a headband configured for removable attachment to the speaker assemblies. Each speaker assembly may comprise an attachment structure configured for attachment to another device or structure, wherein the attachment structure of each speaker assembly of the two speaker assemblies comprises a frustoconical surface and two first attachment features comprising elongated features on the frustoconical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Skullcandy, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Sze, Zack Leader, Jon Lee Anderson, Peter M. Kelly, Tetsuro Oishi, Thomas C. Burton