Patents by Inventor William R. Saunders
William R. Saunders 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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Patent number: 8285408Abstract: A method for designing an ear insert device using anatomical information relating to the ear. A user record is that includes anatomical information relating to an ear of a user is received. The anatomical information comprises at least one sub-dermal feature of an ear canal. The user record is processed to obtain an ear insert device design record. The ear insert device design record comprises a three dimensional representation of a bounding surface shape having surface boundaries that substantially conform to surface boundaries of the ear canal and the at least one sub-dermal feature of the ear canal. An ear insert device may be produced using the ear insert design record.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Adaptive Technologies Inc.Inventors: Ean H. Schiller, William R. Saunders
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Patent number: 8284960Abstract: A method for processing audio signals optimizes the listening experience for hearing impaired listeners, as well as non-hearing impaired listeners, without forcing hearing impaired individuals to feel stigmatized by requiring them to employ special hearing-impaired equipment. A user actuated controller controls a mixture of a preferred audio signal and a remaining audio signal across a range sufficiently wide enough to encompass all individuals. The preferred audio is recorded and maintained separate from all remaining audio and delivered to the listener in a manner that maintains the separateness of the preferred audio and the remaining audio. The user actuated controller includes the capability of automatically maintaining the listener established ratio in the face of changes in the audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Akiba Electronics Institute, LLCInventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders, Ronald D. Blum
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Patent number: 8170884Abstract: Systems provide an audio/visual output to each of a plurality of listeners in a manner that permits individualized audio adjustment, wherein audio comprises a first signal that is substantially voice and a second signal that is substantially other than voice. The systems may include a video device, a storage medium, and a transmitter that transmits the first and second signals to a plurality of personal listening devices. Each of the plurality of personal listening devices may include first and second receivers, first and second adjustment devices, an audio signal combining device, and one or more transducers, wherein the systems permit each of the plurality of listeners to adjust the first and second signals independently of other ones of the plurality of listeners in an audience.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Akiba Electronics Institute LLCInventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders
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Patent number: 8108220Abstract: The invention enables the inclusion of voice and remaining audio information at different parts of the audio production process. In particular, the invention embodies special techniques for VRA-capable digital mastering, accommodation of PCPV/PCA and/or SCRA signals in audio CODECs, VRA-capable encoders and decoders, and VRA in DVD and other digital audio file formats. The invention facilitates an end-listener's voice-to-remaining audio (VRA) adjustment upon the playback of digital audio media formats by focusing on new configurations of multiple parts of the entire digital audio system, thereby enabling a new technique intended to benefit audio end-users (end-listeners) who wish to control the ratio of the primary vocal/dialog content of an audio program relative to the remaining portion of the audio content in that program.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Akiba Electronics Institute LLCInventors: William R. Saunders, Michael A. Vaudrey
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Publication number: 20100318208Abstract: A method for designing an ear insert device using anatomical information relating to the ear. A user record is that includes anatomical information relating to an ear of a user is received. The anatomical information comprises at least one sub-dermal feature of an ear canal. The user record is processed to obtain an ear insert device design record. The ear insert device design record comprises a three dimensional representation of a bounding surface shape having surface boundaries that substantially conform to surface boundaries of the ear canal and the at least one sub-dermal feature of the ear canal. An ear insert device may be produced using the ear insert design record.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Ean H. Schiller, William R. Saunders
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Publication number: 20090245539Abstract: A method for processing audio signals optimizes the listening experience for hearing impaired individuals to feel stigmatized by requiring them to employ special hearing-impaired equipment. A user actuated controller controls a mixture of a preferred audio signal and a remaining audio signal across a range sufficiently wide enough to encompass all individuals. The preferred audio is recorded and maintained separate from all remaining audio and delivered to the listener in a manner that maintains the separateness of the preferred audio and the remaining audio. The user actuated controller includes the capability of automatically maintaining the listener established ratio in the face of changes in the audio signal. The user actuated controller enables the user to specify a range about the ratio in which the audio may vary, which permits the listener to expand the audio across a continuous range to whatever dynamic range his hearing can accommodate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders, Ronald D. Blum
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Patent number: 7415120Abstract: A method for processing audio signals optimizes the listening experience for hearing impaired listeners, as well as non-hearing impaired listeners, without forcing hearing impaired individuals to feel stigmatized by requiring them to employ special hearing-impaired equipment. A user actuated controller controls a mixture of a preferred audio signal and a remaining audio signal across a range sufficiently wide enough to encompass all individuals. The preferred audio is recorded and maintained separate from all remaining audio and delivered to the listener in a manner that maintains the separateness of the preferred audio and the remaining audio. The user actuated controller includes the capability of automatically maintaining the listener established ratio in the face of changes in the audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Akiba Electronics Institute LLCInventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders, Ronald D. Blum
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Publication number: 20080130924Abstract: Systems provide an audio/visual output to each of a plurality of listeners in a manner that permits individualized audio adjustment, wherein audio comprises a first signal that is substantially voice and a second signal that is substantially other than voice. The systems may include a video device, a storage medium, and a transmitter that transmits the first and second signals to a plurality of personal listening devices. Each of the plurality of personal listening devices may include first and second receivers, first and second adjustment devices, an audio signal combining device, and one or more transducers, wherein the systems permit each of the plurality of listeners to adjust the first and second signals independently of other ones of the plurality of listeners in an audience.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2008Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders
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Patent number: 7337111Abstract: Systems provide an audio/visual output to each of a plurality of listeners in a manner that permits individualized audio adjustment, wherein audio comprises a first signal that is substantially voice and a second signal that is substantially other than voice. The systems may include a video device, a storage medium, and a transmitter that transmits the first and second signals to a plurality of personal listening devices. Each of the plurality of personal listening devices may include first and second receivers, first and second adjustment devices, an audio signal combining device, and one or more transducers, wherein the systems permit each of the plurality of listeners to adjust the first and second signals independently of other ones of the plurality of listeners in an audience.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Akiba Electronics Institute, LLCInventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders
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Patent number: 7308106Abstract: A tailored active noise control design method is presented that provides for improved noise attenuation performance for each individual user and improved hearing protection in a specified noise field as a function of a specified metric indicative of a noise reduction objection. Characteristics of individual users, behavior of the associated passive hearing protection, and the external noise environment are all concurrently accounted for in an automatic method for designing an active controller that limits the exposed noise level for a specific individual. The controller manufacturing process and implementation may be performed in-situ for each individual automatically. The design method may also account for actuator limitations and can be applied equally well to any passive/active noise control devices including headphones and earplugs.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Adaptive Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders, Andre Goldstein, William T. Baumann
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Patent number: 7289636Abstract: An electronic earplug for wideband control of pressures at the tympanic membrane is presented. A unique methodology of determining effective component placement inside an earplug that provides acoustic isolation between the ambient noise and tympanic membrane is explained. Methods for providing accurate dosimetry and improved active control result from the unique earplug design process, leading to very wideband active noise reduction at the tympanic membrane.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Adaptive Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Saunders, Michael A. Vaudrey, Andre Goldstein
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Patent number: 7266501Abstract: The invention enables the inclusion of voice and remaining audio information at different parts of the audio production process. In particular, the invention embodies special techniques for VRA-capable digital mastering, accommodation of PCPV/PCA and/or SCRA signals in audio CODECs, VRA-capable encoders and decoders, and VRA in DVD and other digital audio file formats. The invention facilitates an end-listener's voice-to-remaining audio (VRA) adjustment upon the playback of digital audio media formats by focusing on new configurations of multiple parts of the entire digital audio system, thereby enabling a new technique intended to benefit audio end-users (end-listeners) who wish to control the ratio of the primary vocal/dialog content of an audio program relative to the remaining portion of the audio content in that program.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Akiba Electronics Institute LLCInventors: William R. Saunders, Michael A. Vaudrey
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Patent number: 7248708Abstract: An improved noise canceling microphone is provided including robust design features and advanced noise control and speech discrimination convergence characteristics. Two adaptive controllers are used to ensure robust performance in quickly changing acoustic environments ensuring an acceptable minimum performance characteristic. Additionally, a new real-time spectral estimation procedure is applied to a noise canceling communications microphone platform that permits continued and optimal adaptation of non-voice bandwidth frequencies during speech transients.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Adaptive Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders
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Patent number: 7206425Abstract: An actuator for use with active noise control (ANR). The present invention satisfies design goals commensurate with active noise reduction devices used in small enclosed volumes and moderate-to-high noise environments. An ANR voice coil speaker is cylindrical in shape, with a diaphragm to motor diameter less than unity and fits into the ear canal. The rear cavity volume is on the same order of magnitude as the volume of the front cavity defined by the space between the diaphragm and the eardrum. The relatively balanced front/back volume of the ANR speaker reduces the required force to achieve a specific displacement required for high sound pressure output. An ANR balanced armature actuator uses a modified cabinet design, and a segmented or stiffened diaphragm made of light materials, and a sheet-type coupling between the armature and the diaphragm to reduce or eliminate resonances and phase lag within a desired control band.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Adaptive Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders, Andre Goldstein
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Patent number: 7024010Abstract: An electronic earplug for wideband control of pressures at, the tympanic membrane is presented. A unique methodology of determining effective component placement inside an earplug that provides acoustic isolation between the ambient noise and tympanic membrane is explained. Methods for providing accurate dosimetry and improved active control result from the unique earplug design process, leading to very wideband active noise reduction at the tympanic membrane.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Adaptive Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Saunders, Michael A. Vaudrey, Andre Goldstein
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Patent number: 6985594Abstract: An integrated individual listening device and decoder for receiving an audio signal including a decoder for decoding the audio signal by separating the audio signal into a voice signal and a background signal, a first end-user adjustable amplifier coupled to the voice signal and amplifying the voice signal; a second end-user adjustable amplifier coupled to the background signal and amplifying the background signal; a summing amplifier coupled to outputs of said first and second end-user adjustable amplifiers and outputting a total audio signal, said total signal being coupled to an individual listening device.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Hearing Enhancement Co., LLC.Inventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders
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Patent number: 6963649Abstract: An improved noise canceling microphone is provided including robust design features and advanced noise control and speech discrimination convergence characteristics. Two adaptive controllers are used to ensure robust performance in quickly changing acoustic environments ensuring an acceptable minimum performance characteristic. Additionally, a new real-time spectral estimation procedure is applied to a noise canceling communications microphone platform that permits continued and optimal adaptation of non-voice bandwidth frequencies during speech transients.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Adaptive Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders
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Patent number: 6912501Abstract: A method for providing multiple users with voice-to-remaining audio (VRA) adjustment capability includes receiving at a first decoder a voice signal and a remaining audio signal and simultaneously receiving at a second decoder, the voice signal and the remaining audio signal, wherein the voice signal and the remaining audio signal are received separately; and separately adjusting by each of the decoders, the separately received voice and remaining audio signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Hearing Enhancement Company LLCInventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders
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Publication number: 20040234094Abstract: An electronic earplug for wideband control of pressures at the tympanic membrane is presented. A unique methodology of determining effective component placement inside an earplug that provides acoustic isolation between the ambient noise and tympanic membrane is explained. Methods for providing accurate dosimetry and improved active control result from the unique earplug design process, leading to very wideband active noise reduction at the tympanic membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: William R. Saunders, Michael A. Vaudrey, Andre Goldstein
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Patent number: RE42737Abstract: An integrated individual listening device and decoder for receiving an audio signal including a decoder for decoding the audio signal by separating the audio signal into a voice signal and a background signal, a first end-user adjustable amplifier coupled to the voice signal and amplifying the voice signal; a second end-user adjustable amplifier coupled to the background signal and amplifying the background signal; a summing amplifier coupled to outputs of said first and second end-user adjustable amplifiers and outputting a total audio signal, said total signal being coupled to an individual listening device.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Akiba Electronics Institute LLCInventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders