Electrical Hardware Feature Patents (Class 381/384)
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Patent number: 12262166Abstract: The present disclosure provides an earphone including a core module. The core module may include a core housing and a core. The core housing may include a bottom wall and an annular peripheral wall. When a user wears the earphone, the bottom wall may face the head of the user. One end of the annular peripheral wall may be integrally connected with the bottom wall, the other end of the annular peripheral wall that is away from the bottom wall includes an opening, and the core may be disposed in the core housing through the opening. The core may include a magnet configured such that the core module is attachable to a magnetic object through one side of the bottom wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2022Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhen Wang, Zhiqing Liu, Yonggen Wang, Xinnan Mao, Fen You
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Patent number: 12160698Abstract: Portable ear-worn acoustic devices having a wingtip anchor for improved anchoring for active users and to accommodate a wide range of ear sizes and shapes are provided herein. Such acoustic devices an include an earbud device body and a wingtip anchor that extends from an outer face of the device body. The wingtip anchor can include a base portion and a protruding portion that extends upwards and is angled or curved inwardly so as to engage the upper concha of the ear. The wingtip anchor can be flexible so that engagement of a distal portion of the anchor exerts an inwardly directed spring force on the device body to maintain the earbud device body within the ear. Such acoustic devices can further include a multi-function button that is integrated with the wingtip anchor such that the base portion of the wingtip anchor is a faceplate for the multi-function button.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2022Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Vijay Karthik Koneru, Robert A. Boyd, Matthew Costello, Duy P. Le, Joseph F. Dembs, Guillaume Raoult, Elvin Chu, Christopher Kuh
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Patent number: 12155987Abstract: A headband for a wearable electronic device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion disposed between the first and second end portions. The first end portion is connected to the central portion by an extension mechanism for adjusting a length of the headband, and the first end portion includes a battery compartment for receiving a battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2021Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: Dyson Technology LimitedInventors: Ben Lowson, Gordon Douglas Bryan Dowdey, Simon Brian McNamee
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Patent number: 12133044Abstract: An earcup for a headphone, comprising at least one earcup comprising a front opening adapted to be adjacent to the ear of a user of the headphone, a baffle disposed within the earcup to define front and rear cavities, an outer cup arranged to accommodate the rear cavities, a first inner cup arranged within the rear cavity surrounding the front opening, a transducer and an earpad extending around the periphery of the front opening of the earcup arranged to accommodate the front cavity and the ear of the user, and wherein the earcup comprises a second inner cup arranged between the outer cup and the back-volume cup for providing an acoustic barrier between outside noise and the ear of the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2023Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: EPOS Group A/SInventors: Anders Røser Hansen, Peter Vestergaard Værum, Klaus Sommer Ipsen, Johan Grundtvig, Morten Hessilt Kjær, Giovanni Ferranti
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Patent number: 12114122Abstract: A wireless earphone, a wireless earphone box, and a wireless earphone device. The wireless earphone includes a first body and a second body. A first end face of the first body is provided with a first magnetic member. A second end face of the second body is provided with a second magnetic member. An outer surface of the second body is provided with a third contact. The second body includes a first battery. The third contact is energized to cause the first body and the second body to be in a connected state or separated state.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2022Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: VIVO MOBILE COMMUNICATION CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhen Sun, Xinyang Shangguan
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Patent number: 12088989Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an earphone. The earphone may include a hook-shaped component, a connecting component, and a holding component. When the earphone is in a wearing state, the hook-shaped component may be configured to hang between a rear side of an ear of a user and a head of the user. The holding component may be configured to contact a front side of the ear. The connecting component may be configured to connect the hook-shaped component and the holding component and extend from the head to an outside of the head to cooperate with the hook-shaped component to provide the holding component with a pressing force on the front side of the ear.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2021Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Zeying Zheng, Jiang Xu, Yonggen Wang, Haofeng Zhang, Gan Lai, Chong Wang, Liwei Wang, Ruixin Han, Lei Zhang, Junjiang Fu
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Patent number: 12041424Abstract: A method includes determining one or more audio characteristics of a first digital signal representing a first portion of streaming media content provided by a media playback application to an audio output component; playing the first portion of the media content into an environment; capturing, by an audio output component, a second digital signal representing the first portion of the media content as played; determining, based on the captured second digital signal, one or more detected audio characteristics of the media content as played into the environment; determining a difference between the one or more audio characteristics of the media content and the one or more detected audio characteristics; calibrating a second portion of the media content based on the difference and based on a determination that the second portion is to be calibrated; and playing, by the audio output component into the environment, the second portion as calibrated.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2022Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Ricardo Antonio Garcia, Gustav David Gunnar Sennton, Bich Ha Lo, Nicholas James Clark, Nicole Laure McWilliams, Richard Ledley, Alex Florescu, Jamie Garside
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Patent number: 11985462Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2022Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Edward Siahaan, Daniel R. Bloom, Lee M. Panecki, Phillip Qian, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene A. Whang, David H. Narajowski, Scott Y. Oshita, Dustin A. Hatfield, Zachary G. Segraves, Sean J. Docherty
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Patent number: 11962162Abstract: An accessory device is disclosed. The accessory device may include multiple pockets, or sleeves, designed to carry items, such as an electronic device and a user's personal items (e.g., credits cards, cash, etc.). The accessory device also includes a magnet embedded in a back section, with the magnet designed to align an inductive charging mechanism that can charge the electronic device's battery when the electronic device is positioned within the accessory device. To improve charging efficiency, the back section also includes a structural layer designed to keep the back section flat when the electronic device is positioned within the accessory device. The structural layer can hide/obscure the magnet and other structures. Also, the accessory device includes a wireless communication circuit that can communicate with a corresponding wireless communication circuit in the electronic device, and provide information (e.g., openings and dimensional information of the accessory device) to the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Apple, Inc.Inventors: Bryan A. Cloyd, Linda D. Benavente-Notaro, Chengrui Zhang, Sara Rusignuolo
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Patent number: 11944172Abstract: An earbud includes a housing that includes a driver assembly positioned within the housing forming a front volume in front of the driver and a back volume behind the driver. An acoustic insert is positioned behind the driver assembly and attached to an interior surface of the housing such that it forms a bass channel that is routed from the back volume to a vent in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Arun D. Chawan, Kurt Stiehl, Benjamin A. Cousins, Jonathan S. Aase, Yacine Azmi, Paul Choiniere, Scott W. Slabaugh
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Patent number: 11937037Abstract: A housing has a bud portion abutting an elongated stem portion. The bud portion is to fit within an ear. The bud portion has a primary sound outlet at its far end that is to be inserted into an outer ear canal, and abuts the stem portion at its near end. A speaker driver is inside the bud portion. Electronic circuitry inside the housing includes a wireless communications interface to receive audio content over-the-air and in response provides an audio signal to the speaker driver. A rechargeable battery as a power source for the electronic circuitry is located inside a cavity of the stem portion. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zachary C. Rich, Kurt R. Stiehl, Arun D. Chawan, Michael B. Howes, Jonathan S. Aase, Esge B. Andersen, Yacine Azmi, Jahan C. Minoo, David J. Shaw, Aarti Kumar, Augustin Prats, Robert D. Watson, Baptiste P. Paquier, Axel D. Berny, Benjamin W. Cook, Jerzy S. Guterman, Benjamin Adair Cousins
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Patent number: 11937039Abstract: Disclosed are a TWS earphone, a method and apparatus for reducing earphone energy consumption, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method for reducing earphone energy consumption comprises: determining whether a target earphone is in an off-ear state and is not placed in a charging case; if so, acquiring a timekeeping duration since the target earphone is taken off of an ear; determining whether the timekeeping duration exceeds a first preset threshold value; and if the timekeeping duration exceeds the first preset threshold value, performing energy consumption reduction processing on the earphone.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: GOERTEK INC.Inventor: Dezheng Hu
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Patent number: 11908469Abstract: An embodiment dashboard voice control system for a motorcycle comprises receiver circuitry to receive voice-generated signals, command recognition circuitry to recognize voice-generated command signals for a motorcycle dashboard out of the voice-generated signals received at the receiver circuitry as well as command implementation circuitry to implement motorcycle dashboard actions as a function of voice-generated command signals recognized by the command recognition circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Nicola Magistro, Alessandro Mariani, Riccardo Parisi
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Patent number: 11805347Abstract: A display system includes a head-mounted display unit and a detachable speaker unit. The head-mounted display unit outputs visual content to a user and provides a visual pass-through of a real environment to the user. The detachable speaker unit is detachably coupleable to the head-mounted display unit for providing aural content to the user. At least one of the visual content or the aural content is changed according to a position of the detachable speaker unit relative to the head-mounted display unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2020Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Neal D. Evans, James W. VanDyke, Andrew M. Hulva, Robert D. Silfvast, Christopher T. Eubank
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Patent number: 11770646Abstract: A communication headset includes an earcup, a headband, and a microphone boom assembly. The microphone boom assembly includes a microphone boom, a gear assembly disposed on the earcup and supporting the microphone. The gear assembly enables a rotation of the microphone boom.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventor: Wen Tang
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Patent number: 11706553Abstract: A headphone device includes a covering member, a sound chamber casing and a speaker unit. The sound chamber casing is combined with the covering member, so that a sound chamber is formed. The speaker unit is installed within the sound chamber. The sound chamber includes a gas channel. The gas channel has a bend portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2022Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Yung-Tai Pan, Ting-Shuo Ku, Chun-Hsien Wu
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Patent number: 11678104Abstract: An earcup for a headphone, comprising at least one earcup comprising a front opening adapted to be adjacent to the ear of a user of the headphone, a baffle disposed within the earcup to define front and rear cavities, an outer cup arranged to accommodate the rear cavities, a first inner cup arranged within the rear cavity surrounding the front opening, a transducer and an earpad extending around the periphery of the front opening of the earcup arranged to accommodate the front cavity and the ear of the user, and wherein the earcup comprises a second inner cup arranged between the outer cup and the back-volume cup for providing an acoustic barrier between outside noise and the ear of the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: EPOS Group A/SInventors: Anders Røser Hansen, Peter Vestergaard Værum, Klaus Sommer Ipsen, Johan Grundtvig, Morten Hessilt Kjær, Giovanni Ferranti
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Patent number: 11675422Abstract: A device includes a display and an internal strap coupled to the display, the internal strap being adjustable to secure the device to the user. The device also includes a deformable material coupled to a portion of the internal strap and configured to contact the user when the device is secured to the user and a backing layer disposed against the deformable material, the backing layer including an aperture therein. The device further includes a switch coupled to the backing layer and configured such that at least a portion of the switch is insertable in the aperture of the backing layer, wherein the deformable material is configured to deform when the device is secured to the user, thereby causing the switch to be positioned in a first position when the device is secured to the user and a second position when the device is removed from the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Coleman Skelton, Blake Francis Andersen
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Patent number: 11678100Abstract: A wireless control pod stores a headset for charging when not in use. When the headset is in signal communication with a smart device, a user can use the wireless control pod to control one or more functions of the smart device. When the headset is docked with a secondary headset, the audio to the speakers of the headset is adjusted for broadcast by the secondary headset.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: PLANTRONICS, INC.Inventor: Arun Rajasekaran
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Patent number: 11660530Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for independent audio volume control. An example audio system may include a circuit for controlling one or both of generation and output of combined audio, with the circuit being configured to determine, based on user input, a mix setting applicable in the audio system to mixing of a first audio and a second audio when generating the combined audio, with the combined audio including at least a portion of each of the first audio and the second audio; determine a corresponding volume setting applicable at an audio output element of the audio system during outputting of the combined audio; and determine a corresponding delay applicable to one or both of the mix setting and the volume setting.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: VOYETRA TURTLE BEACH, INC.Inventors: Shobha Devi Kuruba Buchannagari, Kevin Robertson, Scott Warren
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Patent number: 11638075Abstract: One or more sensors are configured to contextualize a series of user generated movements to control one or more electronic devices. For example, a set of earphones comprises one or more sensors for sensing a location of the earphones. The one or more sensors enable earphones such as a pair of bluetooth or earphones wirelessly coupled to a bluetooth enabled electronic device, the capability to understand the configuration of use of the earphones. Based on a location and use or non-use of the earphones, one or more contextual responses is able to be applied for a given action. In addition, a garment comprises one or more sensors for sensing a motion of a user as the garment is being used. The one or more sensors allow the user to control one or more electronic devices through a series of user generated movements.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Snik LLCInventor: Rob Honeycutt
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Patent number: 11622186Abstract: The present disclosure provides an acoustic output apparatus. The acoustic output apparatus may include an acoustic output component and a supporting structure forming an acoustically open structure that allows the acoustic output component to acoustically communicate with the surroundings. The acoustic output component may include a plurality of acoustic drivers, each of which may be configured to output a sound with a frequency range. At least one of the acoustic drivers may include a magnetic system for generating a first magnetic field. The magnetic system may include a first magnetic component for generating a second magnetic field and at least one second magnetic component. A magnetic gap may be formed between the first magnetic component and the at least one second magnetic component. A magnetic field intensity of the first magnetic field in the magnetic gap may be greater than that of the second magnetic field in the magnetic gap.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Lei Zhang, Junjiang Fu, Bingyan Yan, Fengyun Liao, Xin Qi
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Patent number: 11576002Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for a hearing assistance device with a sensor hub. Various aspects of the present subject matter include a method of using a hearing assistance device. A method includes sensing biometric signals from a wearer of a hearing assistance device using one or more sensor modules included in or on a receiver housing of the hearing assistance device, the receiver housing configured to connect to an end of a cable and configured to be placed in or near an ear canal of the wearer. The method also includes transmitting data indicative of the sensed biometric signals from the one or more sensor modules to a sensor hub in a connector of the cable, and processing the data using the sensor hub.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2020Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Sudeep Sunder Bhat
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Patent number: 11515620Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include headphone devices with spatially diverse antennas employing multiple operational modes and antenna switching policies. The headphone device may identify a current mode of operation and wirelessly communicate with at least one external device based at least in part on the current mode of operation. Further, operating in a first mode of operation, the headphone device may cause switching circuitry to selectively couple a first antenna to the common port in accordance with a first antenna switching policy. While operating in the second mode of operation, the headphone device may cause circuitry to selectively couple a second antenna to the common port in accordance with a second antenna switching policy that is different from the first antenna switching policy.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Niels van Erven, Kasra Payandehjoo, Michael Frey, Anthony Maglio, Ron Roberts
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Patent number: 11516568Abstract: A wireless microphone structure includes a wireless microphone, a power bank, and a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver is electrically connected with a cell phone and an electronic appliance respectively by a cell phone transmission port and a sound source transmission port, so that the wireless microphone provides a sound source signal to the cell phone and the electronic appliance. The power bank has a top face provided with a recessed charging seat and a bottom face provided with a retaining groove. The wireless microphone is mounted on the charging seat by magnetically attractive connection. The cell phone transmission port protrudes from the top of the wireless receiver and is inserted into and positioned in the retaining groove. The power bank charges the wireless microphone and the wireless receiver constantly after the power bank is charged.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Chiayo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Te-Wei Kung, Yu-Chang Chiang, Yu-Chen Chang, Shi-Ka Tseng, Hann-Sheng Huang
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Patent number: 11365086Abstract: A device used to release, retract, and store a cable or a cable-like structure that provides an easy solution for cable or cable-like structure applications. The device can be used for all kinds of electronic devices in private entities and public facilities tidily and safely. Applying the devices within the present patent application will significantly reduce safety hazards caused by ill-placed or tangled cables or cable-like structures while also storing said cables or cable-like structures when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Inventors: Tian Li David Liu, Jensen Siyuan Xi, Rui Li
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Patent number: 11363359Abstract: This document describes techniques and systems that enable a range extender device. The techniques and systems include a user device that includes a housing with an audio sensor, a heat sink assembly, a circuit board assembly, and a speaker assembly positioned within the housing. The housing includes a top housing member connected to a bottom housing member. The top housing member includes a concave-down top-end portion connected to a generally-cylindrical vertical wall via rounded corners. The heat sink assembly includes a heat sink and one or more antennas positioned proximate to an inner surface of the vertical wall. The circuit board assembly is positioned within the housing and proximate to the heat sink assembly, and the speaker assembly is positioned within the housing and connected to the circuit board assembly. Also, a light ring assembly is connected to a bottom exterior surface of the bottom housing member.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Vivian W. Tang, Li Ya Wang, Yu-Ming Chen, Mihika Hemmady, DuanYing Lin, Yau-Shing Lee, Frédéric Heckmann
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Patent number: 11310594Abstract: Various aspects include a speaker including: an acoustic transducer for providing an audio output; a set of microphones for detecting a user voice command; and a controller coupled with the acoustic transducer and the set of microphones, wherein the controller is configured to: in response to detecting a power down command, switch the set of microphones from an active listening mode to a standby mode for a parking period, in response to detecting a power up command during the parking period, switch the set of microphones from the standby mode to the active listening mode after a first time period, and in response to detecting the power up command after expiration of the parking period switch the set of microphones from the standby mode to the active listening mode after a second time period that is greater than the first time period.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2019Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: John Edward Fraize, Jr., Dylan Maxwell Reilly, Jonathan Hilton Cooper, Karthik Ramana Sankar, Hector Andres Saint-Hilaire, Kenneth Andrew Taylor, David Gerard Burkhardt, Ajay Shrikar Khambadkone, Wen Shi, Isabel Anna Dunning, Paul William Larsen
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Patent number: 11282527Abstract: A method and processing system for validating an audio signal is disclosed. A valid audio signal is an audio signal that has been determined to originate from a microphone and has not been provided by a digital audio source. In some implementations, one or more speakers may generate a sequence of one or more subaudible tones. Simultaneously, a microphone near the one or more speakers captures an audio signal. If the captured audio signal includes the one or more subaudible tones from the speakers, then the audio signal is a validated.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATEDInventor: Raymond Alexander Trent, Jr.
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Patent number: 11200880Abstract: Provided is an information processor including a signal processing section that acquires a first signal to be detected by an acoustic input section of a first unit including the acoustic input section disposed within a predetermined distance from one ear hole of a user in a state of being worn by the user, acquires a second signal, which indicates a noise generated from a noise source, to be acquired by a second unit, and generates a noise cancellation signal directed to the noise on the basis of the first signal and the second signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Kenichi Makino, Kohei Asada, Tetsunori Itabashi, Shigetoshi Hayashi, Go Igarashi
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Patent number: 11153671Abstract: One or more sensors are configured to contextualize a series of user generated movements to control one or more electronic devices. For example, a set of earphones comprises one or more sensors for sensing a location of the earphones. The one or more sensors enable earphones such as a pair of bluetooth or earphones wirelessly coupled to a bluetooth enabled electronic device, the capability to understand the configuration of use of the earphones. Based on a location and use or non-use of the earphones, one or more contextual responses is able to be applied for a given action. In addition, a garment comprises one or more sensors for sensing a motion of a user as the garment is being used. The one or more sensors allow the user to control one or more electronic devices through a series of user generated movements.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Snik LLCInventor: Rob Honeycutt
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Patent number: 11134328Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jared M. Kole, Daniel R. Bloom, Audrey L. Sheng, Tian Shi Li, Eugene Antony Whang, Edward Siahaan, Phillip Qian, Alex C. Hellwig, Oliver M. Hewitt, Yuta Kuboyama, Christopher S. Erickson, Sneha Kadetotad, Edwin J. Corona Aparicio, Rajesh Anantharaman, Jacob E. Mattingley, Tsu-Hui Lin, Robert D. Zupke, Dustin A. Hatfield, Axit H. Patel
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Patent number: 11044543Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to earphone device supports and earphone support cases. In embodiments described herein, an earphone support is configured to be securely positioned over an earphone device. The earphone support includes a main body with a supporting element extending therefrom. The supporting element has a curvature shaped to follow a contour of the earphone device such that it clips onto to the earphone device. In additional embodiments described herein, an earphone support case is configured to securely store the earphone supports and mate with an earphone device case. The earphone support case has a main body coupled to a lid by a hinge. The main body includes a plurality of earphone support mounts. Each of the earphone support mounts are configured to support one of a plurality of earphone supports such that each earphone support is securely positioned within the earphone support case.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2020Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: LOGITECH EUROPE S.A.Inventors: Navi Cohen, Jose Froilan P. Lomotan, Jonathan Thuot
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Patent number: 10911859Abstract: The present disclosure relates to audio systems for streaming audio data to wireless audio devices from a portable charging case. The portable charging case is arranged to wirelessly charge first and second wireless audio devices as well as stream audio data to the first and second wireless audio devices. The portable charging case can store audio files/audio data within an internal memory, or receive audio data from an external source, e.g., a cable arranged to transmit digital or analog audio data. The portable charging case is further arranged to automatically start streaming audio data to the first and/or second wireless audio devices when a cable is connected to the portable charging case.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2020Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Naren Reddy Palupunoori, Taylor Russell, Douglas Warren Young
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Patent number: 10892625Abstract: This application relates to a case for retaining a portable electronic device and an accessory. The case can include a main body that includes a back panel and sidewalls for retaining a portable electronic device. The case can also include a receptacle coupled to the main body. The receptacle can have a cavity that generally corresponds to the dimension of an accessory for retaining the accessory. The case can further include a first terminal, a second terminal, and a battery. The first terminal can receive electrical energy from the portable electronic device to charge the battery. And the electrical energy stored in the battery can be transferred to the accessory through the second terminal. The case and the portable electronic device may communicate via near-field communication. The case can further include a slotted compartment to store money and credit cards.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jeremy C. Franklin, Yoonhoo Jo, Nicholas R. Trincia, Paul M. Baker, Jessica J. Lu, Hao Zhu, Samuel Gilkison Smith, Amit S. Barve
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Patent number: 10886761Abstract: A mobile phone cover is provided comprising: a holder 120, 1120, 2120, 3120 for receiving and retaining a mobile phone 108, the mobile phone comprising an energy supply; a portable charging device 106, 1106, 2106, 3106 having two or more charging stations 110, 1110, 2110, 3110, each charging station 110, 1110, 2110, 3110 being configured and arranged for receiving and retaining a rechargeable instrument 104, the rechargeable instrument 104 comprising an energy storage; the portable charging device 106, 1106, 2106, 3106 being further configured and arranged: to transfer energy, in use, from the energy supply of the mobile phone 108, placed in the holder, to the two or more charging stations 110, 1110, 2110, 3110; and to transfer energy, in use, from the charging stations 110, 1110, 2110, 3110 to the energy storage of the rechargeable instrument 104 placed in the respective charging station 110, 1110, 2110, 3110.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Inventors: Daniël Willem Elisabeth Schobben, Hubert Cécile François Martens, Marjolein Wilhelmina Maria Schets
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Patent number: 10880630Abstract: An earbud includes a housing that includes a driver assembly positioned within the housing forming a front volume in front of the driver and a back volume behind the driver. An acoustic insert is positioned behind the driver assembly and attached to an interior surface of the housing such that it forms a bass channel that is routed from the back volume to a vent in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Arun D. Chawan, Kurt Stiehl, Benjamin A. Cousins, Jonathan S. Aase, Yacine Azmi, Paul Choiniere, Scott W. Slabaugh
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Patent number: 10873798Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems, devices, and techniques related to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud or other device that is configured to detect inputs and change the operation of the wearable audio device in accordance with the inputs. In some embodiments, the wearable audio device is disposed in a structure and detects signals propagating through or within the structure. Various inputs may cause one or more signals to propagate through or within the structure, outside the structure, or some combination thereof. The wearable audio device may determine whether a detected signal was generated by an input and, if so, change its operation in accordance with the input.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
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Patent number: 10796682Abstract: A handsfree voice system has a microphone mounted in a fixed location in a passenger cabin. An audio signal from the microphone can be used by a voice recognition system to detect spoken commands of a driver or can be used by a cellular telephone transceiver to transmit sounds for a spoken conversation over a phone call. A pair of speakers is mounted at a periphery of the microphone. A plurality of noise sensors are configured to characterize intrusive noises into the cabin. An active noise cancellation controller is responsive to the noise sensors for generating anti-noise to be output by the speakers establishing a quiet zone centered on the microphone.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Joshua R. Wheeler, Scott A. Amman
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Patent number: 10764699Abstract: An audio system comprises: a first earpiece comprising at least one acoustic driver, and circuitry that comprises at least one microphone; a housing configured to receive the first earpiece and enclose around the first earpiece; an acoustic cavity within the housing configured to provide a predetermined volume that is acoustically coupled to the acoustic driver when the first earpiece is housed within the housing. The first earpiece or the housing comprises circuitry configured to: (1) measure a response from the microphone to an acoustic wave, and (2) calibrate the circuitry based at least in part on the measured response.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Inventor: John Rule
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Patent number: 10638212Abstract: A personal listening apparatus is disclosed herein. The personal listening apparatus includes a housing, a main audio input, a splitter, a first headset, a second headset, and a first means for stowing the first headset. The personal listening apparatus allows a plurality of users to listen to an electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2019Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Inventor: Melody Anderson
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Patent number: 10536765Abstract: An earphone case includes a shell, a rotating drum received in the shell, a driving assembly coupled to the rotating drum and configured for rotating the rotating drum, and a back cover latchable with the shell and receiving the driving assembly in a receiving space defined therein. The rotating drum is driven by the driving assembly to rotate to wind a wire of at least one pair of earphones.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Juan Wang, Jun-Liang Zhang, Tao Jiang, Tai-Shan Zhu, Chien-Chih Kuo
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Patent number: 10506404Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosed principles, a modular portable device includes a first module acting as a traditional high-function phone or “smartphone” and a second module that adds enhanced functionality to the first module. When the modules are separated, they may operate independently of each other. In an embodiment, when the first module and the second module are docked together and a voice call is placed with the first module, the earpiece speaker, microphone, and cellular connection of the first module are utilized. During the voice call, a Bluetooth connection between the first module and the second module may be established in anticipation of an undocking event to eliminate a delay in audio transfer from the first module to the second module.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLCInventors: Michael J Lombardi, Joseph L Allore, Paul Fordham
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Patent number: 10448520Abstract: A voice-activated electronic device including a first portion with a first internal surface having a first attachment structure, and a second portion with a second internal surface having a second attachment structure. The first and second internal surfaces have compatible shapes that permit the first and second portions to be moved from a separated position to a joined position, where when the first portion and the second portion are in the joined position the first and second internal surfaces form a nested arrangement. The first and second attachment structures form a secure but separable connection to one another when the first and second portions are in the joined position. The first and second portions are configured to be joined securely and separated through manual human manipulation of one or both of the first portion and the second portion to move the first and second portions between separated and joined positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Jung guen Tak, Amy Martin, Willard McClellan
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Patent number: 10397688Abstract: A system and method for managing wireless earpieces. Circuitry of the wireless earpieces are powered utilizing a high-power mode in response to detecting a magnetic field is not applied to one or more of the wireless earpieces. The power sent to the circuitry of the wireless earpieces is altered to a low power mode in response to detecting the magnetic field is applied to one or more of the wireless earpieces.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: BRAGI GmbHInventors: Eric Christian Hirsch, Peter Vincent Boesen
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Patent number: 10397683Abstract: A case for a listening device includes a housing and a lid attached to the housing with a pivotable joint allowing the lid to rotate between a closed position and an open position. An over center mechanism for the lid includes a torsion spring that impels the lid to either the open or the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jason J. LeBlanc, Lee M. Panecki
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Patent number: 10021477Abstract: A backward compatible system and method for using 4P audio jack in an electronic device to provide power and signal to headset with active noise cancellation (ANC) as well as accessories that require an external power are disclosed. The method involves automatically deciding at the electronic device accessory type after accessory insertion detected and choosing proper accessory communication mode based at least on the decided accessory type and accessory input signal. The accessory communication mode may be an accessory power mode or an accessory microphone mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventor: Sang Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 10003881Abstract: An earbud includes a housing having a touch sensitive region at an exterior surface of the housing. A capacitive sensor insert is disposed within the housing and has metallized circuitry formed on a first surface that is positioned adjacent an interior surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Benjamin A. Cousins, Arun D. Chawan, Zachary C. Rich, Jonathan S. Aase, Marcus Albonico
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Patent number: 9871553Abstract: Disclosed are audio apparatuses and audio communication channel circuits. The circuit includes an audio connector, an identification circuit, a first and a second audio communication channel. An output terminal of the first channel is connected to one of a first and a second pin, an output terminal of the second channel is connected to the other, a first terminal of the identification circuit is connected to one of the first and second pin, and a second terminal of the identification circuit is connected to the other. The circuit further includes: a first pull-down resistor with a first terminal connected to the first channel and a second terminal connected to ground; and a second pull-down resistor with a first terminal connected to the second channel and a second terminal connected to ground. With the present disclosure, the type of hosts that may be compatible with the audio apparatus is enlarged.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: TENDYRON CORPORATIONInventor: Dongsheng Li
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Patent number: 9854359Abstract: A pop-free headset detection circuit includes a socket unit, a first operational amplifier, a second operational amplifier and a detection and control circuit. An inverting input end of the first operational amplifier is connected to a left-channel audio source. A non-inverting input end of the first operational amplifier receives a first reference voltage. An inverting input end of the second operational amplifier is connected to a right-channel audio source. A non-inverting input end of the second operational amplifier receives a second reference voltage. When there is a headset plug of a headset plugged into the socket unit, the detection and control circuit controls the first operational amplifier and the second operational amplifier to be in a Hi-Z state, disconnects the first operational amplifier and the second operational amplifier and their feedback resistors, and then determines the type of the headset.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2017Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: ANPEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventor: Ming-Hung Chang