Electro-acoustic Audio Transducer Patents (Class 381/150)
  • Patent number: 12028697
    Abstract: Provided is a method and system of sound processing for a mobile terminal based on hand-holding and orientation detection. The method includes: detecting whether the mobile terminal is held by hand; in response to determination of the mobile terminal being held by hand, detecting whether it is one-hand holding or two-hand holding; in response to determination of one-hand holding, detecting whether it is landscape holding or portrait holding, and conducting corresponding frequency response equalization and stereo processing control; and in response to determination of two-hand holding, determining whether the mobile terminal is in an interaction procedure, and conducting corresponding frequency response equalization and stereo processing control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: AAC Microtech (Changzhou) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Juha Backman, Lauri Veko
  • Patent number: 12003931
    Abstract: An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a housing including a first housing and a second housing; a hinge unit rotatably connected to the first housing and the second housing; a display; a first speaker disposed in the first housing; a second speaker disposed in the second housing; at least one sensor; and a memory. The memory may store instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to: receive an event related to audio data; identify a state of the electronic device on the basis of information obtained through the at least one sensor; determine at least one speaker to output the audio data, among the first speaker and the second speaker, on the basis of the state of the electronic device; and output the audio data through the at least one speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woosung Chun, Dongyup Lee, Hokeun Kwak, Chanyoung Moon, Doosik Park, Mooyoung Kim, Kihuk Lee
  • Patent number: 11943595
    Abstract: A cell includes a membrane and an actuating layer. The membrane includes a first membrane subpart and a second membrane subpart, wherein the first membrane subpart and the second membrane subpart are opposite to each other. The actuating layer is disposed on the first membrane subpart and the second membrane subpart. The first membrane subpart includes a first anchored edge which is fully or partially anchored, and edges of the first membrane subpart other than the first anchored edge are non-anchored. The second membrane subpart includes a second anchored edge which is fully or partially anchored, and edges of the second membrane subpart other than the second anchored edge are non-anchored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: xMEMS Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Chiung C. Lo, Hao-Hsin Chang, Wen-Chien Chen, Chun-I Chang
  • Patent number: 11930321
    Abstract: The present invention provides a micro-speaker device. The device has a movable diaphragm device comprising a thickness of material which has a first surface and a second surface opposite of the first surface. In an example, the device has a shaft device having a first end and a second end, where the first end coupled to the second surface. In an example, the device has an actuator device coupled to the second end and configured to drive the shaft device in a piston action to pull and push the movable diaphragm. The device has a housing enclosing the movable diaphragm device, the shaft device, and the actuator device. The device has a vented enclosure opposite of the movable diaphragm to allow air to move in and out of the one or more vent openings to generate a sound pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Vibrant Microsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Nasiri, Sanjay Bhandari, Ali Joseph Rastegar
  • Patent number: 11762624
    Abstract: Playback devices can include touch sensor assemblies with one or more integrated antennas. Such touch sensor assemblies can be incorporated into a playback device such as a headphone device. The playback device can include an electrode comprising a first conductor, a second conductor, and a filter coupled between the first and second conductors, a capacitive-touch circuit coupled to the electrode, and a wireless radio coupled to the second conductor. The capacitive-touch circuit is configured to deliver a capacitive sensing signal to the electrode. The wireless radio is configured to facilitate communication over at least one wireless network via the second conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels van Erven, Kasra Payandehjoo, Nicholas D'Amato
  • Patent number: 11711653
    Abstract: A sound producing cell includes a membrane and an actuating layer. The membrane includes a first membrane subpart and a second membrane subpart, wherein the first membrane subpart and the second membrane subpart are opposite to each other. The actuating layer is disposed on the first membrane subpart and the second membrane subpart. The first membrane subpart includes a first anchored edge which is fully or partially anchored, and edges of the first membrane subpart other than the first anchored edge are non-anchored. The second membrane subpart includes a second anchored edge which is fully or partially anchored, and edges of the second membrane subpart other than the second anchored edge are non-anchored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: xMEMS Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Chiung C. Lo, Hao-Hsin Chang, Wen-Chien Chen, Chun-I Chang
  • Patent number: 11595758
    Abstract: A MEMS speaker can include an electrostatically driven, corrugated MEMS structure to move air without a magnet, coil, or traditional speaker membrane, and thus provide a low-power, compact speaker with a large acoustically active area in a small volume. Neighboring folds in the corrugated MEMS structure may form pairs of MEMS electrodes that can be pushed together and/or pulled apart to deform the MEMS structure in a breathing motion that generates pressure differentials on opposing sides of the corrugated MEMS structure to generate sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gokhan Hatipoglu, Onur I. Ilkorur, Pablo Seoane Vieites, Christopher Wilk, Peter C. Hrudey
  • Patent number: 11524890
    Abstract: A semiconductor device package includes a redistribution layer structure, a lid, a sensing component and an encapsulant. The lid is disposed on the redistribution layer structure and defines a cavity together with the redistribution layer structure. The sensing component is disposed in the cavity. The encapsulant surrounds the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventors: Yung-Hsing Chang, Yueh-Ju Lin
  • Patent number: 11425488
    Abstract: The present invention provides a duct structure of an earphone speaker unit comprising: a diaphragm; a speaker module located at a back of the diaphragm, comprising an acoustic coil, a magnet, and a yoke, and generating sound of the diaphragm, and a frame member surrounding the yoke, wherein the frame member forms a donut-shaped duct space along circumference of the yoke, and wherein the frame member comprises: an inflow hole formed to enable sound generated from the speaker module to flow into the duct space; an outflow hole formed to enable sound inside the duct space to flow out to the outside; a partition wall blocking a path of sound in a vertical direction inside the duct space; a tuning hole formed to penetrate through the partition wall; and a mesh member installed to block the tuning hole, thereby enabling acoustic tuning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: BUJEON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minkoo Park, Seungcheol Lee
  • Patent number: 11399228
    Abstract: An acoustic transducer is configured to perform an acoustic transformation. The acoustic transducer is disposed within a wearable sound device or to be disposed within the wearable sound device. The acoustic transducer includes at least one anchor structure, a film structure and an actuator. The film structure is disposed within a first layer and anchored by the anchor structure disposed within a second layer. The actuator is disposed on the film structure, and the actuator is configured to actuate the film structure to form a vent temporarily. The film structure partitions a space into a first volume to be connected to an ear canal of a wearable sound device user and a second volume to be connected to an ambient of the wearable sound device. The ear canal and the ambient are to be connected via the vent temporarily opened when the film structure is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: xMEMS Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jemm Yue Liang, Chiung C. Lo, Martin George Lim, Wen-Chien Chen, Michael David Housholder, David Hong
  • Patent number: 11237602
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a first plate disposed to face a first direction, a second plate disposed to face a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side member enclosing at least part of a space between the first and second plates and having at least one speaker hole constructed thereon, and a speaker device disposed between the first and second plates to emit a sound through the speaker hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Changshik Yoon, Myungcheol Lee, Minsu Rhee, Joonrae Cho, Choonghyo Park, Woojong Jeong, Kiwon Kim, Taeeon Kim, Youngbae Park, Woojin Cho, Hochul Hwang
  • Patent number: 11221114
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of neon lights, and in particular to a high-voltage neon light string. The high-voltage neon light string of the present invention is formed by connecting a controller and a plurality of light bars end to end. The number of light bars connected is determined according to a user's needs, and it is convenient for assembly and disassembly. The user can control a transmitter by keys or wirelessly to send signals with different pulse widths to the light bars, and LED units on the light bars receive the input signals and then display different colors according to data of the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: DONGGUAN GATEWAY PLASTIC AND HARDWARE LIGHTING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: James Lee
  • Patent number: 11202163
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an audio output method, including acquiring attribute information and location information of at least one object from an environment in which a user is located; determining, based on the attribute information, at least one piece of audio information that corresponds to the at least one object; determining, based on the location information, a relative spatial relationship between the at least one object and the user; adjusting, based on the relative spatial relationship, an output parameter of the at least one piece of audio information; and outputting, based on the output parameter, the at least one piece of audio information indicative of the location information of the at least one object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: LENOVO (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiangtao Gong
  • Patent number: 11044695
    Abstract: The systems, methods, and devices disclose a transducer system located in a room or in an area to provide an alert to one or more persons. The transducer system includes at least a receiver, a processor and a speaker. The receiver receives an alert message sent from an alarm system or from another transducer system. The processor is configured to determine, from a plurality of notification messages, a notification message based on the alert event indicated by the alert message. Each of the plurality of notification messages corresponds to a different alert event, and each of the plurality of notification messages includes information to vibrate a speaker according to a different pre-determined vibration pattern. The speaker is moveable to generate a vibration pattern according to the determined notification message to inform a person about the alert event, wherein the speaker generates the vibration pattern in a low-frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventor: Patrick R. Kelley
  • Patent number: 10863264
    Abstract: A vibration inducing tactile apparatus is configured for introducing audio-based vibrations into them body of a user. The apparatus includes a housing, with the housing having a top panel for supporting the user. A digital sound processor is installed in the housing, with the digital sound processor in communication with a controller. The housing further includes a speaker array and a low pass filter in communication with the digital sound processor, with the low pass filter in communication with a primary amplifier. A speaker array is driven by a secondary amplifier, and a first transducer and a second transducer are driven by the primary amplifier. The digital sound processor modifies a first signal sent to the first transducer relative to a second signal sent to the second transducer, such that the audio-based vibrations have resonating frequencies and are transferred from the apparatus to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: David Sampson
  • Patent number: 10793424
    Abstract: A device with a first MEMS device and a second MEMS device is disclosed. The first MEMS device is configured to sense at least one external influence. The second MEMS device is responsive to the at least one external influence. The first MEMS device is configured to change a state when the at least one external influence exceeds a threshold value. The first MEMS device is configured to retain the state below the threshold value, wherein the change in state of the first MEMS device is done passively and wherein the state of the first MEMS device is indicative of a status of the second MEMS device. In one example, the first MEMS device further comprises a normally open switch that closes when the external influence exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Julian Thompson, Stephen Lloyd, Joseph Seeger
  • Patent number: 10764687
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sound generator, includes a frame with an accommodating space, a magnetic circuit system and a vibration system. The magnetic yoke includes a bottom wall, a side wall and a supporting plate bending and extending from the side wall. The frame includes an upper surface close to the diaphragm and a lower surface provided with a fixing post. The spring includes an inner edge close to the accommodating space and an outer edge opposite to the inner edge and far away from the accommodation space. The fixing post is provided between the inner edge of the spring and the side wall. Compared to the relate art, the spring of the present invention can make more effective use of space, ensure the spring size, thus reducing the low-frequency response of the sound generator to further improve the acoustic performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: AAC Technologies Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiasheng Zhou, Long Zhang
  • Patent number: 10647150
    Abstract: A three-dimensional sticker has an adhering layer removably attaching the three-dimensional sticker to an object. A filler material is positioned on an interior surface of the adhering layer, the filler material forming a three-dimensional configuration. A recording device is positioned on the interior surface of the adhering layer allowing the three-dimensional sticker to play a pre-recorded message and record a new message. A cover layer is positioned over the interior surface of the adhering layer enclosing the filler material and the recording device between the interior surface of the adhering layer and the cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Deanna Zitzmann
  • Patent number: 10580411
    Abstract: A change in the phase pattern of the inter-mic impulse response (IMIR), determined by a cross power spectral density, may be used to detect the appearance of a new talker or a dramatic movement of the current talker. For example, the phase of the IMIR is dependent on a location of the sound source relative to the microphone array. Any signal originating from a specific location has a specific phase pattern on the IMIR across the frequency domain. By comparing phase patterns of the current cross power spectral density with a recorded talker phase profile, a talker change can be detected. This detection can be used to control signal processing algorithms. For example, when talker change is detected, the step size of an adaptive filter can be increased to track the changes efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ying Li, Ghassan Maalouli, Narayan Kovvali, Seth Suppappola
  • Patent number: 10575089
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed for a waveguide for a loudspeaker, the waveguide including a first and second outer shell coupled to one another, and a first and second inner shell coupled to one another and positioned within an air gap between the first and second outer shells, a plurality of sound paths being formed between an exterior surface of the first inner shell and an interior surface of the first outer shell and between an exterior surface of the second inner shell and an interior surface of the second outer shell, each of the plurality of sound paths having an equal path length in a plurality of planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jacques Spillmann, Steven Patrick Riemersma, Mark Thomas DeLay
  • Patent number: 10567897
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer comprises a sleeve extending along a longitudinal axis; a diaphragm coupled to the sleeve at a first end of the sleeve; a subassembly in the sleeve; and an alignment element extending from the subassembly in a direction substantially away from the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: BOSE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher A. Pare, David W. Beverly
  • Patent number: 10492003
    Abstract: A content output system is provided. The content output system includes a display apparatus configured to display a user interface (UI) for guiding a user input for setting a speaker corresponding to each of a plurality of channels according to a predetermined event and a plurality of speaker apparatuses configured to, in response to a user input corresponding to the user input guide being received, transmit a first signal corresponding to the user input to the display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-seon Baek, Je-ik Kim, Ho-jin Eo, Kwan-soo Lee, Seung-pyo Hong
  • Patent number: 10477318
    Abstract: A method includes, with a portable, wireless transceiver, detecting a predetermined motion pattern of the transceiver; and in response to detecting the predetermined motion pattern of the transceiver, transmitting a wireless wake signal from the portable transceiver to a sleeping computer. A corresponding portable transceiver unit includes: a microphone to receive spoken voice commands from a user; a wireless transceiver to wirelessly communicate with a separate computer; and a motion sensor to detect a predetermined motion pattern at the portable transceiver unit. The wireless transceiver, in response to the motion sensor detecting the predetermined motion pattern of the transceiver, wirelessly transmits a wake signal to the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: David H. Hanes
  • Patent number: 10455338
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing dust in a sound outlet hole of a loudspeaker and a terminal device are disclosed. The method includes reading a prestored audio frequency for removing dust; and playing the audio file for removing dust. When the loudspeaker plays the audio file for removing dust, a wind speed in the sound outlet hole is at a maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ling Ouyang
  • Patent number: 10419858
    Abstract: A non-uniform stress distribution of a MEMS microphone having a non-circular shape is compensated by a structured back plate that has a compensating structure to provide a stress distribution opposite to that of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Tue Ravnkilde, Dennis Mortensen, Morten Ginnerup
  • Patent number: 10375462
    Abstract: A silica gel diaphragm, a receiver module, and a method for processing a silica gel diaphragm. Two metal pieces are integrally injection-molded on the diaphragm, and symmetrically embedded into the diaphragm, and either end of each of the metal pieces is provided with first and second soldering portions; each of the first soldering portions is embedded into a planar portion of the diaphragm, and is used for soldering a winding tap of a voice coil on an inner side of the voice coil; each of the second soldering portions protrudes from or is embedded into the fixing portion of the diaphragm, and is used for soldering a bonding pad on a housing; and middle portions connecting the first soldering portions and the second soldering portions are embedded into the diaphragm to form an electrically conductive path. This technical solution increases the product stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Goertek Inc.
    Inventors: Chunfa Liu, Xiaodong Guo
  • Patent number: 10362404
    Abstract: A frame is coupled to a magnetic circuit. The frame includes a plurality of holes which are formed outside the coupling portion and opened toward the magnetic circuit. A case covers the magnetic circuit and the frame, and is opened on a sound radiation direction side. An outer circumferential portion of the case is located on the sound radiation direction side beyond the plurality of holes and forms a first gap with respect to the frame. The first gap is communicated with an opening of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignees: PIONEER CORPORATION, TOHOKU PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Junicho, Kazuyuki Tamaya, Satoshi Chiba, Yohji Ogata, Natsumi Ota
  • Patent number: 10334339
    Abstract: A MEMS transducer package (1) comprises a semiconductor die element (3) and a cap element (23). The semiconductor die element (3) and cap element (23) have mating surfaces (9, 21). The semiconductor die element (3) and cap element (23) are configured such that when the semiconductor die element (3) and cap element (4) are conjoined, a first volume (7, 27) is formed through the semiconductor die element (3) and into the semiconductor cap element (23), and an acoustic channel is formed to provide an opening between a non-mating surface (11) of the semiconductor die element (3) and a side surface (10, 12) of the transducer package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: John Laurence Pennock, Tsjerk Hoekstra, David Talmage Patten
  • Patent number: 10292626
    Abstract: A screening device for conducting a tone audiometry includes a tone generator, an input device, and a controller device. The controller device is arranged to repeatedly perform: selecting a test stimulus from a group of test stimuli; applying the selected test stimulus to a test person; receiving via the input device from the test person a response indicating which test stimulus was heard by the test person; and adjusting an intensity according to the received response for selecting a next test stimulus. The group of test stimuli includes (i) no tone at all, (ii) a single tone with a first frequency and a first given intensity, and (iii) a multitude of tones of a second frequency and a second given intensity. The second frequency is higher than the first frequency and the multitude of tones have a duration shorter than the duration of the single tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: JACOTI BVBA
    Inventor: Karin Coninx-Wittgens
  • Patent number: 10271144
    Abstract: A speaker unit according to an embodiment includes a diaphragm, a frame, and a current plate. The frame supports an outer circumferential portion of the diaphragm. The current plate is provided in the frame so as to be located at a backside of the diaphragm, and its principal surface is arranged in a direction along an amplitude direction of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
    Inventors: Yuichi Nakajima, Kayo Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 10110987
    Abstract: Described are a headphone and a method for controlling an audio system. The method includes tapping a headphone or head of a user to cause an acoustic pressure change in an ear canal of the user wherein the ear canal is sealed by an acoustic noise reduction (ANR) headphone having an ANR module. A current provided to the ANR module is sensed. A peak value of the sensed current is determined and compared to a value of an adaptive threshold to determine if a tap occurred. If a tap is determined to have occurred, an updated value for the adaptive threshold is determined based on the peak value and at least on prior peak value. A mode of operation of the audio system or an attribute of an audio input signal may be changed in response to the determination of an occurrence of a tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: BOSE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Paul Yamkovoy
  • Patent number: 10015599
    Abstract: Disclosed is a micro speaker, comprising a vibration system, a magnetic circuit system and a support system; the vibration system comprises a vibrating diaphragm; a dodging groove is provided on a dome portion of the vibrating diaphragm opposite to a groove structure of an upper housing; the depth of the dodging groove is not less than that of the groove structure; an orthographic projection area of the dodging groove covers that of the groove structure; a dodging structure is provided on a washer of the magnetic circuit system opposite to the dodging groove; the depth of the dodging structure is not less than that of the dodging groove; and the orthographic projection area of the dodging structure covers that of the dodging groove. This structure ensures the normal operation of a product and acoustic performance of a micro speaker while preventing collision of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GOERTEK INC.
    Inventors: Shuangshuang Fan, Gang Chen, Yun Yang, Xinxiang Huo, Dan Han
  • Patent number: 9913046
    Abstract: A sound generator includes a housing (20), a piezoelectric vibrator (60) including a piezoelectric element (61), at least a portion of the piezoelectric vibrator (60) protruding from the housing (20), and an anchor (10) applying a load to the piezoelectric vibrator (60). A portion or all of the piezoelectric vibrator (60) withdraws into the housing (20) under a force of a predetermined load or greater. While the load from the anchor (10) is being applied to the piezoelectric vibrator (60), the piezoelectric vibrator (60) deforms in response to a sound signal, and deformation of the piezoelectric vibrator (60) vibrates a contact surface contacted by the piezoelectric vibrator (60), causing sound to be emitted from the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Fukami, Hiroshi Taimura, Kazuchika Suzuki, Seiji Horii
  • Patent number: 9783408
    Abstract: A structure of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) electroacoustic transducer is disclosed. The MEMS electroacoustic transducer includes a substrate having a MEMS device region, a diaphragm having openings and disposed in the MEMS device region, a silicon material layer disposed on the diaphragm and sealing the diaphragm, and a conductive pattern disposed beneath the diaphragm in the MEMS device region. Preferably, a first cavity is also formed between the diaphragm and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Bang-Chiang Lan, Ming-I Wang, Li-Hsun Ho, Hui-Min Wu, Min Chen, Chien-Hsin Huang
  • Patent number: 9756159
    Abstract: A handphone is configured to receive a first audio signal of a telecommunication conversation from a telecommunication device and send a second audio signal of the telecommunication conversation to the telecommunication device. A modulated ultrasound frequency audio signal that is directional is created from the first audio signal of the telecommunication conversation. The modulated ultrasound frequency audio signal is output via a loudspeaker. A direction of the modulated ultrasound frequency audio signal is controlled by a physical object and a location of the loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Tae Hong Park
  • Patent number: 9749761
    Abstract: An example implementation may involve a playback device assigning, to the playback device, a zone property that is assigned to a device base (e.g., a charging base) that the playback device is placed upon. For instance, a playback device may identify a particular base onto which the playback device is placed. The playback device may determine that the particular base is assigned a zone property that is associated with a first zone of a media playback system. The playback device may assign, to the playback device, the zone property that is assigned to the particular base. By acquiring the zone property, the playback device may join the first zone of the media playback system. Other example implementations may involve assigning a zone property to a device base, or modify a zone property of a device base, among other examples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Rappoport
  • Patent number: 9735747
    Abstract: Techniques related to balancing audio for mobile devices are discussed. Such techniques may include detecting a speaker of the device is at least partially obstructed, determining an audio output from the device is impeded due to the speaker being at least partially obstructed, and increasing an output from the speaker and/or an alternative speaker based on the audio output from the device being impeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tomer Rider, Shahar Taite, Igor Ljubuncic, Raphael Sack
  • Patent number: 9621980
    Abstract: A dynamic microphone includes: a diaphragm; a voice coil fixed to the diaphragm; a magnetic circuit which includes a magnetic gap in which the voice coil is arranged and generates a magnetic field in the magnetic gap; a volume reducing member which is attached to the magnetic circuit, is arranged in a back surface space of the diaphragm, and reduces a volume in an air chamber in the back surface space; a communication passage which is formed along between the volume reducing member and the magnetic circuit and communicates the back surface space with a back side air chamber; and an acoustic resistance which is attached to the magnetic circuit and intervenes between the communication passage and the back side air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA AUDIO-TECHNICA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino
  • Patent number: 9544701
    Abstract: An example implementation may involve a playback device assigning, to the playback device, a zone property that is assigned to a device base (e.g., a charging base) that the playback device is placed upon. For instance, a playback device may identify a particular base onto which the playback device is placed. The playback device may determine that the particular base is assigned a zone property that is associated with a first zone of a media playback system. The playback device may assign, to the playback device, the zone property that is assigned to the particular base. By acquiring the zone property, the playback device may join the first zone of the media playback system. Other example implementations may involve assigning a zone property to a device base, or modify a zone property of a device base, among other examples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Rappoport
  • Patent number: 9471698
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for embedding, transmitting and receiving a Quick Response (QR) code in an audio file. Initially, a set of data representing a QR Code and an audio file is received. A third file is generated based on a combination of the QR code and the audio file. The third file is broadcasted and received by a device. Data representing the QR code is extracted from the third file and displayed as an object on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ju Ling Liu, Yi Liu, Yicen Pan
  • Patent number: 9408009
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device is discussed. The device has a housing and a processor in the housing. The processor can enable the wearer of the device to select different operations from an onscreen display. The device also has a communication circuit in the housing to transmit wirelessly to another device cooperating with the electronic device. The device has a microphone hole penetrating the housing to a microphone, a microphone seal component, and a waterproof material in the housing. The microphone seal component has channels and when compressed against the waterproof material can i) allow sound waves in air to pass through to the microphone inside the housing behind the waterproof material and the microphone seal component, ii) form a water tight seal for the microphone hole penetrating the housing, and iii) provide an air pressure equalization mechanism between internal pressure inside the housing and atmospheric pressure external to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Pebble Technology, Corp.
    Inventors: Andrew James Witte, Sean Eugene Daley, Tien Ching Li, Zinovy Dolgonosov, Steven William Johns
  • Patent number: 9337883
    Abstract: A protection case for a mobile communication device includes a main body for receiving the mobile communication device, a main circuit board with an amplifier installed thereon, and a vibrator electrically connected to the amplifier. The amplifier comprises audio signal input terminals for receiving audio signals from the mobile communication device, and audio signal output terminals for outputting the audio signals which are amplified by the amplifier to the vibrator; the vibrator is driven to vibrate in accordance with the audio signals output by the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: AAC Technologies Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongxing Wang, Rongguan Zhou
  • Patent number: 9232311
    Abstract: The method comprises the determination of an observation vector that comprises only electrical measurements of the voltage (Umes) at the loudspeaker terminals and of the current (i) passing through the loudspeaker, and a state vector (X) whose components comprise: values of linear parameters of the loudspeaker response such as the electrical (Re) and mechanical (Req) resistance, and polynomial coefficients of nonlinear parameters such as the force factor (BI), the equivalent stiffness (Keq) and the electrical inductance (Le). The voltage and current measurements are applied to an estimator with a predictive filter of the extended Kalman filter incorporating a representation of a dynamic model of the loudspeaker. This filter operates a prediction of the state vector (X) and readjusts this prediction by calculation of an estimate (Uest) of the voltage based on the state vector and on the measured current and comparison of this estimate with the measurement (Umes) of the voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Parrot
    Inventor: Vu Hoang Co Thuy
  • Patent number: 9210491
    Abstract: An electronic amplifier device amplifies magnetic audio signals emanating from a portable electronic device placed thereon. The electronic amplifier device includes a housing having a designated area for placement of the portable electronic device thereon, an amplifier circuit, and at least one loudspeaker electrically coupled to the amplifier circuit. A wireless audio coupler circuit situated within the electronic amplifier device includes a magnetic signal pick-up coil which is situated in close proximity to the designated area on the housing. The magnetic signal pick-up coil senses magnetic signals emanating from the portable electronic device placed on the designated area of the housing, and the electronic amplifier device amplifies these signals and provides them to the loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
    Inventors: Prapan Paul Tinaphong, John Anthony Andrews, Songling Zhao, Nathan T. Frame, S Ian Geise, David A. Benedetti, Kevin Kei Kwan Lee
  • Patent number: 9053709
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a program capable of improving operability with a simpler configuration. A reproducing apparatus 11 which reproduces sound such as music includes earphones 21 which are worn by a user on the ears and a body 22. A sound pickup unit 31 collects sounds around the reproducing apparatus 11, and a determination unit 34 extracts future amounts from the collected sound and determines whether the sound corresponds to an operation sound generated when the sound pickup unit 31 is directly tapped by the user. A controller 35 executes a process in accordance with a result of the determination performed by the determination unit 34. For example, when a sound pickup unit 31-1 is tapped once within a predetermined period of time, the controller 35 instructs a reproduction controller 39 to stop reproduction of music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Chinen, Yuki Yamamoto, Mitsuyuki Hatanaka
  • Publication number: 20150139452
    Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer includes a plurality of elements that each includes a plurality of cells. The plurality of cells includes at least two membranes that have different thicknesses. The respective frequency bands of the plurality of elements are broader than respective frequency bands of the plurality of cells that configure the plurality of elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-ha PARK, Sung-chan KANG, Dong-kyun KIM, Seog-woo HONG
  • Publication number: 20150139453
    Abstract: A microphone comprises a microphone unit; and a HOT terminal and a COLD terminal that produce a balanced output of output signals of the microphone unit, and no filter circuit is disposed between the microphone unit and the HOT terminal and a low-pass filter is disposed only between the microphone unit and the COLD terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA AUDIO-TECHNICA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino
  • Patent number: 9036835
    Abstract: An apparatus is described that includes an audio power amplifier having an input and an output. An alternating-current to direct-current power converter is coupled to the audio power amplifier in a single package to supply power to the audio power amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: AliphCom
    Inventor: David C. Buuck
  • Patent number: 9029179
    Abstract: A method for producing a MEMS device having improved charge elimination characteristics includes providing a substrate having one or more layers, and applying a first charge elimination layer onto at least one portion of one given layer of the substrate. The method may then (1) apply a sacrificial layer onto the first charge elimination layer, (2) apply a second charge elimination layer onto at least a portion of the sacrificial layer, and (3) deposit a movable layer onto at least a portion of the second charge elimination layer. To form a structure within the movable layer the method may etch the movable layer. The method may then etch the sacrificial layer to release the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Fang Liu, Kuang L. Yang
  • Patent number: 9030409
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method for controlling a portable device connected to an earphone having a coil includes detecting removal of one of left and right units of the earphone worn by a user, generating an electromagnetic pattern corresponding to an Identifier(ID) of the portable device at the removed unit of the earphone, and receiving data from the external device in correspondence with the ID of the portable device. According to an embodiment, a method for controlling a display device includes displaying a Graphic User Interface on a display unit, sensing an earphone within a detection area of the display unit, sensing an electromagnetic pattern of the earphone within a detection area of the display unit, acquiring an ID of an external device connected to the earphone from the sensed electromagnetic pattern, and transmitting data to the external device identified by the acquired ID of the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jihwan Kim, Jungbin Yim, Sihwa Park