Hearing Protectors, Electrical Patents (Class 381/72)
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Patent number: 12250517Abstract: A sound system, for a user using a seat of an aircraft, an automobile, or the like, that reproduces sound inaudible to users around, without using earphones or headphones, is provided. A sound system for a user using a seat of an aircraft includes: a reproduction apparatus including an n-th reproduction unit (n=1, . . . , N) that outputs a (2n?1)-th sound signal that is a sound signal obtained based on a subject to be reproduced, and a 2n-th sound signal that is a sound signal with opposite phase to phase of the (2n?1)-th sound signal, N being an integer equal to or larger than one; and a speaker system including an n-th speaker unit pair (n=1, . . . , N) including a speaker unit that emits sound based on the (2n?1)-th sound signal (hereinafter, referred to as the positive speaker unit) and a speaker unit that emits sound based on the 2n-th sound signal (hereinafter, referred to as the negative speaker unit), the speaker system being installed at a place close to a head of the user using the seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATIONInventors: Masahiro Fukui, Kazunori Kobayashi
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Patent number: 12193914Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hearing protection device 10, 10? for protection in different hearing situations A, B, C. The device 10, 10? comprises a microphone 30, 30?, 32, 32?, a sound reproduction unit 38 having a loudspeaker 50, 50?, 52, 52? and a controller 60 for processing an ambient electrical signal. The present disclosure further relates to a controller 60 for such a hearing protection 10, 10?. The present disclosure furthermore relates to a method of switching such a hearing protection device 10, 10? in different hearing situations A, B, C.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2020Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Oscar L. Kårekull, Petter M. Igede
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Patent number: 12115040Abstract: The noise reduction and identification device adapts itself to a predetermined acoustic protection headset comprising two shells interconnected by means of mechanical links mounted on each shell removably at the end of two cylindrical shafts with collinear axes. The device comprises an envelope made of elastic material of internal shape matching part of the external shape of at least one of the shells, said envelope having: openings corresponding to the shafts and around these openings, a thickness less than the distance between the mechanical connection mounted on a shell and said shell. The elastic material constituting the casing has a coefficient of elasticity such that the deformation of the casing necessary for the opening corresponding to a shaft to deviate sufficiently from the shell for this shaft to come out entirely from this opening, is reversible.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2022Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Inventors: Denis Coulon, Hippolyte Nioche
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Patent number: 12086022Abstract: A bus monitoring device and method, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and an electronic device are disclosed. The bus monitoring method may include: arranging monitoring nodes in a bus, with each monitoring node arranged in one of subsystems to be tested of the bus, where the monitoring nodes are connected in series in a ring topology (202); acquiring a test vector and sending a test message according to the test vector to one of the monitoring nodes to transmit the test message across the monitoring nodes, the test vector being configured to instruct each monitoring node to execute the test message and acquire test information of the respective subsystem to be tested, where the test information is configured to indicate information of the bus of the respective subsystem to be tested when the monitoring node executes the test message (204).Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: SANECHIPS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Nian Liu
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Patent number: 12057097Abstract: An earphone system comprises at least one earphone configured to be inserted in an ear of a user, wherein each of the at least one earphone comprises at least one sound reproduction unit, and a remote unit that is separate from each of the at least one earphone, wherein the remote unit comprises at least one microphone configured to capture ambient sound. The remote unit is configured to evaluate, analyze and/or process the ambient sound captured by the at least one microphone, to determine one or more of at least one ambient sound parameter, at least one control parameter, and at least one control command, based at least on the evaluation, analysis and/or processing of the ambient sound, and to send the at least one ambient sound parameter, the at least one control parameter and/or the at least one control command to the at least one earphone.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventor: Genaro Woelfl
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Patent number: 12051398Abstract: A method performed by an audio output device is provided for detecting instabilities and taking mitigating actions. Specifically, an A-weighted dBA level of a raw feedback signal exceeding a threshold level trigger, at least, muting the driver. The described methods apply to detecting instabilities across a broad frequency spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: BOSE CORPORATIONInventors: Douglas George Morton, Emery M. Ku
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Patent number: 12010480Abstract: The present invention relates to a hearing protection device comprising two sound insulation bodies (1), two microphones (2) and two loudspeakers (4). Each of the two sound insulation bodies (1) is configured to close an ear canal (100) of an ear of a user; each of the two microphones (2) is arranged at a distal side of one of the two sound insulation bodies (1); and each of the two loudspeakers (4) is arranged at a proximal side of one of the two sound insulation bodies (1). Each of the two sound insulation bodies (1) is equipped with one of the two microphones (2) and one of the two loudspeakers (4).Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2020Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Inventor: Sandra Maria Frey
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Patent number: 12008290Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces and techniques for managing and visualizing sound reduction using a computer system. In accordance with some embodiments, the computer system displays an indication that a second noise level is less than a first sound level when the computer system is using a sound reduction device. In accordance with some embodiments, the computer system displays a representation of a noise level at a plurality of different times that indicates a first noise level when a sound reduction effect was in effect, and that indicates a second noise level when the sound reduction effect was not in effect. In accordance with some embodiments, the computer system displays a representation of a sound reduction level for a first time period and receives an input selling a second time period different from the first time period, and in response to the input, the computer system displays a representation of the sound reduction level for the second time period.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2023Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nicholas D. Felton, Tyrone T. Chen, Ian M. Fisch, Ruchi N. Goswami, Andrew E. Greenwood
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Patent number: 11978469Abstract: Signal to noise ratio, SNR, is determined in an acoustic ambient environment of an against-the-ear audio device worn by a user, wherein the acoustic ambient environment contains speech by a talker. When the SNR is above a threshold, dynamic range control is applied, as positive gain versus input level, to an audio signal from one or more microphones of the audio device. When the SNR is below the threshold, the dynamic range control applies as zero gain or negative gain to the audio signal. Other aspects are also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John Woodruff, Yang Lu, Tom-Davy W. Saux
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Patent number: 11944517Abstract: A system including an acoustic barrier suitable for wearing in or on an ear of an individual mammalian subject, and a processor. The acoustic barrier defines at least one sound path therethrough and includes a microphone for measuring sound pressure inside the acoustic barrier. The processor is arranged to receive measurements from the microphone and determine a risk that a sound dose limit will be reached before a predetermined time associated with the dose limit. The system is arranged to provide an indication of the determined risk.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2020Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Minuendo ASInventors: Olav Kvaløy, Tom Trones
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Patent number: 11944898Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for gaming headset with enhanced off-screen awareness. An audio system that is used for outputting audio signals to a user may be configured for identifying in audio signals, based on parameters or criteria associated with a user of the system, one or more components in the audio signals; determining characteristics of the one or more components based on perception of the audio signals by the user; and adjusting based on the characteristics of the one or more components, the one or more components and/or one or more other components in the audio signals. The audio system may include circuits for handling the required functions. The circuits may include a detection circuit configured for identify the one or more components, one or more adjustment circuits for applying the adjustments, and a controller circuit for controlling applying the adjustments.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Shobha Devi Kuruba Buchannagari
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Patent number: 11941968Abstract: An electronic device includes a processor, and a memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to learn a sound emitted by a legacy device and to issue an output when the electronic device subsequently hears the sound. For example, the electronic device can receive a training input and extract a compact representation of a sound in the training input, which the device stores. The device can receive an audio signal corresponding to an observed acoustic scene and extract a representation of the observed acoustic scene from the audio signal. The electronic device can determine whether the sound is present in the observed acoustic scene at least in part from a comparison of the representation of the observed acoustic scene with the representation of the sound. The electronic device emits a selected output responsive to determining that the sound is present in the acoustic scene.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2023Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Hyung-Suk Kim, Daniel C. Klingler, Miquel Espi Marques, Carlos M. Avendano
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Patent number: 11936414Abstract: The present invention discloses an MRI communication device, which is provided with a control room communication module and a scan room communication module. The scan room communication module includes a receiver, delivering the received first audio signals to the first air tube, while the control room communication module comprises a first sound device, through which the first audio signals are amplified and broadcast. The present invention realizes free bidirectional communication for the control room and the scan room, wherein the receiver can transmit the sound messages to the operator in the control room, making it possible for the technician to manage emergencies of making sounds in the scan room; the air tube is used to transmit audio signals, ensuring the proper operation during MRI exams and preventing them from the influence of the audio signal electromagnetic field from voice calls during MRI scans.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2020Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Inventor: Aidao Zhu
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Patent number: 11925232Abstract: In some examples, a system (1900) includes a hearing protector (1920); at least one position sensor; at least one sound monitoring sensor; at least one computing device configured to: receive, from the at least one sound monitoring sensor and over a time duration, indications of sound levels to which a worker is exposed; determine, from the at least one position sensor and during the time duration, that the hearing protector is not positioned at one or more ears of the worker to attenuate the sound levels; and generate, in response to the determination that at least one of the sound levels satisfies an exposure threshold during the time duration and the hearing protector is not positioned at one or more ears of the worker to attenuate the sound levels, an indication for output.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Steven T. Awiszus, Kiran S. Kanukurthy, Eric C. Lobner, Robert J. Quintero, Micayla A. Johnson, Madeleine E. Filloux, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Paul A. Martinson
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Patent number: 11890168Abstract: A hearing protection and situational awareness system includes a wearable device, speakers, one or more beamformers, a microphone array, and a computation unit. The system generates a three-dimensional (3D) binaural sound for enhanced situational awareness; provides hearing protection by active noise cancelation; provides hearing enhancement by automatic gain control; and performs background noise reduction and cancelation. The system performs automated sound detection, identification, and localization, with automated voice assistance, and facilitates clear two-way communications. Each beamformer(s) outputs a sound track associated with a sound captured by the microphone array in a direction(s) of an acoustic beam pattern(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2023Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Inventors: Qi Li, Yin Ding
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Patent number: 11863948Abstract: An acoustic signal processing system and method includes classification technology to classify a relationship between at least two sound components of a received sound signal. The exemplary sound components are ambient noise and localized noise. The classification technology dynamically determines a classification value that represents the relationship between the sound components and processes the sound signal in accordance with the acoustic signal classification to modify the sound signal. In at least one embodiment, dynamic classification of the relationship between sound components in a sound signal and responsive signal processing improve performance of systems, such as an active noise cancellation (ANC) system, by, for example, attenuating at least one of the sound components and/or enhancing at least one of the sound components. In an ANC system context, the sound components generally include noise components such as ambient noise and noise localized to a microphone.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2019Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.Inventors: Nitin Kwatra, Jeffrey D. Alderson
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Patent number: 11818532Abstract: A remote controller for a sound delivery system such as hearing aids and headsets is shown and described. The remote controller has control buttons corresponding to control functions of the sound delivery system, a signal generator, a signal transmitter, and a power supply. The sound delivery system is worn on the head or ears, and includes speakers, sounding controlling elements, a signal receiver for communication with the remote controller, a power supply, and audible and/or visible beacons for implementing a locator function if misplaced or lost. The remote controller may be a stand alone, dedicated component physically separate from the sound delivery system, or alternatively, may be implemented as an application downloadable to a cellular telephone. The application causes manual controls corresponding to those of a hearing aid or stereophonic controls to appear on a screen of the cellular telephone.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2023Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Inventor: Curt Davidson
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Patent number: 11800272Abstract: A headphone device includes a housing, a sound generator and a tube. The housing includes a main body and a cover plate. The cover plate includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is disposed towards the main body and connected to the main body to form an internal space. The second surface is disposed opposite to the first surface. The sound generator is disposed in the internal space. The tube includes a tubular body, a first end and a second end. The tubular body is disposed between the first end and the second end. The tubular body has a cross section which is in a closed shape. The second surface of the cover plate is disposed towards the tubular body. The tubular body and the second surface are disposed in parallel or have an included angle less than twenty degrees.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignees: SINTAI OPTICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., ASIA OPTICAL CO., INC.Inventors: Takayuki Karasawa, Tomoya Takahashi
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Patent number: 11626097Abstract: Systems and methods for audio listening devices, comprise a speaker coupled to a first housing, a sound port having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the first housing, and the second end is configured to be inserted in an ear canal of a person such that sound waves emitted from the speaker propagates via a secondary path to the ear canal through the sound port, active noise cancellation (ANC) components configured to generate anti-noise signals through the micro-speakers to cancel external noise, and a first microphone disposed within the sound port at the second end of the sound port such that the first microphone is configured to detect the anti-noise signal that propagates through the sound port via the secondary path and the external noise that propagates via a primary path.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Wensen Liu, Govind Kannan, Jayvon Timmons, Trausti Thormundsson
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Patent number: 11589174Abstract: Systems and methods for improved control and performance of cochlear implants are disclosed. In an embodiment, the audio environment is sampled, and a neural network determines suggested filter setting for the cochlear implant. The process is repeated such that, as the user moves through various audio environments having differing noise levels, satisfactory performance of the cochlear implant is maintained for the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventors: Aymard Irakoze, Brian Lambert, Matthew Edick, J. Nathan Gross, Noel Robles, Jitendran Muthuswamy
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Patent number: 11568731Abstract: An electronic device includes a processor, and a memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to learn a sound emitted by a legacy device and to issue an output when the electronic device subsequently hears the sound. For example, the electronic device can receive a training input and extract a compact representation of a sound in the training input, which the device stores. The device can receive an audio signal corresponding to an observed acoustic scene and extract a representation of the observed acoustic scene from the audio signal. The electronic device can determine whether the sound is present in the observed acoustic scene at least in part from a comparison of the representation of the observed acoustic scene with the representation of the sound. The electronic device emits a selected output responsive to determining that the sound is present in the acoustic scene.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Hyung-Suk Kim, Daniel C. Klingler, Miquel Espi Marques, Carlos M. Avendano
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Patent number: 11496852Abstract: Example systems, devices, media, and methods are described for efficiently processing an audio track of a virtual object with a head-related transfer function (HRTF). Audio tracks are processed by determining a current position (direction and optionally distance) of the virtual object with respect to the head of a user, identifying a current audio zone from predefined audio zones responsive to the determined current position where each of the audio zones has a corresponding left predefined filter and a corresponding right predefined filter, applying the left and the right predefined filters corresponding to the current audio zone to the audio track to produce a left audio signal and a right audio signal, and presenting the left audio signal with a first speaker and the right audio signal with a second speaker.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Snap Inc.Inventors: Ashwani Arya, Tejas Bahulkar, Dunxu Hu, Daniel C. Wiggins
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Patent number: 11285046Abstract: A passive non-linear earplug can include: a tapered body having a channel extending from a wider distal end to a narrower proximal end, the tapered body having shape memory and size adapted for being received into an ear canal of a human subject; and a disk attached to the wider distal end of the tapered body, the disk having one or more holes aligned with the channel. A structural tube can be located in the channel. A handle can be attached to the tapered body and/or disk. An annular member can be coupled to the disk opposite of the tapered body, the annular member having an aperture that at least partially aligns with the channel. A tube member can be coupled to the disk opposite of the tapered body. The earplug can attenuate loud sounds while allowing normal sounds to be heard, which provides for the non-linearity.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: CFD Research CorporationInventors: Vincent Johannes Harrand, David Keith Sedberry, Jr., Phillip Edward Whitley, Xiangguang Gary Tan, Andrzej Przekwas
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Patent number: 11252496Abstract: A hearing protection system comprising a hearing protection device and a communication device is disclosed, the hearing protection device comprising a first connector; a first ear protector comprising a first sound attenuation body, a first primary microphone, and a first receiver, wherein the first primary microphone and the first receiver are electrically connected to a first primary terminal and a first receiver terminal of the first connector, respectively, and wherein the first sound attenuation body is configured to cover an outer ear of a user; and a second ear protector comprising a second sound attenuation body, a second primary microphone, and a second receiver, wherein the second primary microphone and the second receiver are electrically connected to a second primary terminal and a second receiver terminal of the first connector, respectively, and wherein the second sound attenuation body is configured to cover an outer ear of a user.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventor: Casper Silbo Raft
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Patent number: 11234077Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces and techniques for managing audio exposure using a computer system (e.g., an electronic device). In accordance with some embodiments, the electronic device displays a graphical indication of a noise exposure level over a first period of time with an area of the graphical indication that is colored to represent the noise exposure level, the color of the area transitioning from a first color to a second color when the noise exposure level exceeds a first threshold. In accordance with some embodiments, the electronic device displays noise exposure levels attributable to a first output device type and a second output device type and, in response to selecting a filtering affordance, visually distinguishes a set of noise exposure levels attributable to the second output device type.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2020Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Felton, Tyrone Chen, Elizabeth Caroline Cranfill, Ian M. Fisch, Eamon Francis Gilravi, Pedro Mari, John Woodruff, Jing Xia
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Patent number: 11172284Abstract: A hearing protection system, a hearing protection device and related method, the hearing protection device comprising an earpiece device comprising a first connector, a first earpiece, and a second earpiece, the first earpiece comprising a first primary microphone and a first receiver wired to the first connector and the second earpiece comprising a second primary microphone and a second receiver wired to the first connector; and a processing device comprising a processor, an earpiece interface, and a wireless communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to receive a first microphone input signal from the first primary microphone; process the first microphone input signal for provision of a first primary output signal for the first receiver based on the first microphone input signal; receive a communication request from a communication device via the communication interface; and in response to receipt of the communication request, communicate with the communication device via the communicationType: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: GN Hearing A/SInventor: Casper Silbo Raft
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Patent number: 11102569Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology comprise a method and apparatus for a microphone system. Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a first microphone connected to a first high pass filter and a second microphone connected to a second high pass filter. The microphone system may further comprise a frequency controller configured to selectively activate the first high pass filter and the second high pass filter according to detected wind noise. The first and second high pass filters may be arranged to filter sound data from the first and second microphone prior to processing the sound data using beamforming.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Kozo Okuda
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Patent number: 10978041Abstract: An ambient sound processing method provided includes determining a time-frequency spectrum of an ambient sound in preset duration. A matching scenario is determined from at least one preset scenario according to the time-frequency spectrum of the ambient sound in the preset duration, where a time-frequency spectrum of the matching scenario matches the time-frequency spectrum of the ambient sound in the preset duration. Operation information corresponding to the matching scenario is determined as the operation information to be executed, and an operation is performed according to the operation information to be executed and a subsequently received ambient sound, and an operated signal is determined. The operated signal is mixed to obtain a mixed signal, and the mixed signal is transmitted to a headset, where the mixed signal includes at least an audio signal played by user equipment of a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventor: Liang Wang
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Patent number: 10969871Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for providing substantially synchronised haptic and audio outputs. The system includes a signal processor which is configured to receive an audio signal from a main processor of the system and to receive a haptic signal, which may be received from the main processor, or may be retrieved from memory, or else may be generated in real-time by the signal processor. The signal processor calculates a delay to be applied to the haptic signal or the audio signal and outputs a delayed version of the audio signal and the haptic signal, or a delayed version of the haptic signal and the audio signal, to appropriate output stages.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2020Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Robert David Rand, Tony Stephen Doy, Thomas Ivan Harvey
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Patent number: 10935647Abstract: An acoustic sensor system for an aircraft, and method for operating the same, includes a transmitter, at least one microphone, and a control circuit. The transmitter is configured to emit acoustic signals external to the aircraft. The at least one microphone is positioned on an exterior of the aircraft and configured to sense the acoustic signals as sensed data. The control circuit is configured to receive the sensed data and control the transmitter through a drive circuit, and is configured to detect an environmental condition and control the transmitter to emit the acoustic signals at a reduced intensity based on the detected environmental condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventors: Jaime Sly, Joshua Boelman
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Patent number: 10872616Abstract: A system comprises an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer. The ear-worn electronic device comprises a processor and memory coupled to the processor. The memory is configured to store an annoying sound dictionary representative of a plurality of annoying sounds pre-identified by the wearer. A microphone is coupled to the processor and configured to monitor an acoustic environment of the wearer. A speaker or a receiver is coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to identify different background noises present in the acoustic environment, determine which of the background noises correspond to one or more of the plurality of annoying sounds, and attenuate the one or more annoying sounds in an output signal provided to the speaker or receiver.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Ritwik Giri, Karim Helwani, Tao Zhang
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Patent number: 10827253Abstract: An improved earphone which has stereophonic microphones and which is better suited for connection to such a multimedia device includes two ear units to be worn in or on the ear, which each include at least one sound generator and a microphone for binaural recording of ambient sound, a microphone unit which includes at least one further microphone, an operating unit which is connected via cable to the two ear units and the microphone unit, and a connection unit as interface, which is suitable for connecting the earphone to the multimedia device. For easy handling the earphone has at least two different function modes between which switching can take place both automatically and manually.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. LGInventors: Sven Boetcher, Kai Lange, Nicole Fresen, Hatem Röschmann-Foudhaili
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Patent number: 10817252Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of earphone feature control by using a graphic user interface on a device wirelessly linked to the earphone.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLCInventors: John Usher, John P. Keady
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Patent number: 10805706Abstract: A battery changeable-type earbud includes a body from which an acoustic signal is provided to a user, including: a slot with which a battery of the earbud is removably disposed, and an inlet of the slot open at an outer surface of the body and through which the battery is removably disposed with the slot; and an insertion unit protruded from the body, which is insertable to an orifice of the user and through which the acoustic signal is provided from the body of the earbud to the orifice of the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Huisu Jeong, Kyounghwan Kim, Hwiyeol Park, Jeongkuk Shon, Jaemyung Lee, Junhyeong Lee, Sungjin Lim, Jin S. Heo
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Patent number: 10789037Abstract: A hearing protection method, an apparatus and a system are provided. the start command input by the user is received by the hearing protection apparatus to activate the hearing protection mode; the sound data in multiple dimensions is collected and whether the sound data in any of the dimensions is within a corresponding preset threshold is determined; and corresponding prompt information is sent when the sound data in any of the dimensions exceeds the corresponding preset threshold Thus, various prompting manners are provided to remind the user to make corresponding adjustments, thereby achieving the purpose of hearing protection, and effectively adapting to the needs of specific users.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: SHENZHEN GRANDSUN ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhenli Wang, Shiwen Guo, Xin Yu, Haiquan Wu, Ruiwen Shi
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Patent number: 10791404Abstract: A device and method for improving hearing devices by using computer recognition of words and substituting either computer generated words or pre-recorded words in streaming conversation received from a distant speaker. The system may operate in multiple modes such as a first mode being amplification and conditioning of the voice sounds; a second mode having said microphone pickup up the voice sounds from a speaker, a processor configured to convert voice sounds to discrete words corresponding to words spoken by said speaker, generating a synthesized voice speaking said words and outputting said synthesized voice to said sound reproducing element, which is hearable by the user. Other modes include translation of foreign languages into a user's ear and using a heads up display to project the text version of words which the computer had deciphered or translated. The system may be triggered by eye moment, spoken command, hand movement or similar.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Inventor: Michael B. Lasky
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Patent number: 10785552Abstract: An intra-aural audio device includes an outer layer shaped to define separate ear canal, concha bowl, and concha cymba portions. An inner layer is disposed within the outer layer, the inner layer having a durometer different than that of the outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: David Clark Company IncorporatedInventors: Mark Estabrook, Richard Urella
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Patent number: 10681452Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for signal processing are described. Generally, as provided for by the described techniques, a wearable device may receive an input audio signal (e.g., including both an external signal and a self-voice signal). The wearable device may detect the self-voice signal in the input audio signal based on a self-voice activity detection (SVAD) procedure, and may implement the described techniques based thereon. The wearable device may perform beamforming operations or other separation procedures to isolate the external signal and the self-voice signal from the input audio signal. The wearable device may apply a first filter to the external signal, and a second filter to the self-voice signal. The wearable device may then mix the filtered signals, and generate an output signal that sounds natural to the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Qualcomm IncorporatedInventors: Lae-Hoon Kim, Dongmei Wang, Fatemeh Saki, Taher Shahbazi Mirzahasanloo, Erik Visser, Rogerio Guedes Alves
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Patent number: 10607592Abstract: A noise reducing device includes: an acoustic-to-electric conversion section for collecting noise and outputting an analog noise signal; an analog-to-digital conversion section for converting the analog noise signal into a digital noise signal; and a digital processing section for generating a digital noise reducing signal on a basis of the digital noise signal and a desired parameter. The device further includes: a retaining section for retaining a plurality of parameters corresponding to a plurality of kinds of noise characteristics; a setting section for setting one of the plurality of parameters as the desired parameter of the digital processing section; a digital-to-analog conversion section for converting the digital noise reducing signal into an analog noise reducing signal; and an electric-to-acoustic conversion section for outputting noise reducing sound on a basis of the analog noise reducing signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Kohei Asada
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Patent number: 10249287Abstract: A headphone includes a feedback microphone that receives a front air chamber sound including an external sound, the feedback microphone being provided on a front air chamber side, a driver unit that emits a noise-canceling sound into the front air chamber, the noise-canceling sound canceling at least a part of the sound included in the front air chamber sound received by the feedback microphone, a balanced microphone that receives the noise-canceling sound emitted from the driver unit, the balanced microphone being provided in a region on a side of the driver unit opposite the front air chamber, and a sound generating part that generates the noise-canceling sound by adding a signal based on the noise-canceling sound received by the balanced microphone to a signal based on the front air chamber sound received by the feedback microphone.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA AUDIO-TECHNICAInventors: Koji Otsuka, Yumi Shimazaki, Daisuke Yoneyama
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Patent number: 10242657Abstract: A kit for attenuation of noise includes a noise source audio transducer, two ear pieces, and a control unit. The two ear pieces have respective resilient bodies that engage outer portions of ear canals of respective ears of a user while respective in-ear transducers of the two ear pieces are respectively positioned in inner portions of the ear canals. The respective in-ear transducers detect discrepancies (e.g., incomplete superpositioning) between the noise and the anti-noise. The respective in-ear transducers optionally detect respective secondary path effects in the ear canals. The noise source audio transducer detects noise generated by a noise source (e.g., snoring noise). The control unit configures an adaptive filter based at least in part on an error signal, and optionally based in part on secondary path effects. The control unit generates signals representative of anti-noise. The two ear pieces produce the anti-noise responsive to the signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: SNOREHAMMER, INC.Inventors: Kathleen Marie O'Leary Stickney, Mark A. Haun, Mark Samuel Freeman
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Patent number: 10238546Abstract: An earpiece adapts to the acoustics characteristics and needs of its user to provide a perceptually transparent hearing protection, apart from uniform loudness reduction. An occlusion effect (OE) active noise control (ANC) system reduces the augmented perception of one's own voice while occluded. This occlusion effect active control adapts to the specific acoustic characteristics of the user to provided better control of the details occlusion effect reduction, and enhanced performances relative to fixed or one-size-fits-all solutions. An isolation effect (IE) filtering algorithm adapts itself to the user's acoustic characteristics to provide a uniform attenuation either in dB or in phons. Additionally, the device may be used as an in-ear monitor that also adapts to its user characteristics to provide in-ear quality sound.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: EERS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Antoine Bernier, Jérémie Voix
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Patent number: 10219084Abstract: A BTE prosthetic device for use in a medical system or prosthesis comprises a connector configured to mechanically attach an auxiliary device of the system to the BTE prosthetic device. The connector is electrically connected to an transceiver of the BTE prosthetic device. The connector operates as an electromagnetic antenna for transmitting and/or receiving signals between the BTE prosthetic and other components of the medical system.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventors: Werner Meskens, Tadeusz Jurkiewicz, Steve Winnall, Limin Zhong
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Patent number: 10206043Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for audio pass-through are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of operating a wearable audio device may involve receiving an ambient audio signal, detecting a first audio signal from within the received ambient audio signal, and determining that the first audio signal meets a first metric for pass-through to a user of the wearable audio device. The first metric may be indicative of a first priority level of the first audio signal to the user. The method may further involve isolating the first audio signal based on filtering the ambient audio signal in response to determining that the first audio signal meets the first metric and adjusting playback of the isolated first audio signal for the user via a speaker.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.Inventors: Michael Pate, Morgan Pate
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Patent number: 10200786Abstract: One general aspect includes a method of remote volume adjustment through a telematics unit of a vehicle, the method including: establishing a short-range wireless connection (SRWC), via the telematics unit, with a wireless device present within the interior of the vehicle; receiving, via the telematics unit, one or more commands to set a maximum volume level for the wireless device; and limiting, via the telematics unit, the audio output directed to the wireless device to the maximum volume level.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Mark P. Friedrich, Gregg R. Kittinger
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Patent number: 10170095Abstract: Aspects are generally directed to headphone systems that adjust Active Noise Reduction operations based on measurements of environmental conditions. In one example, a headphone system includes an earpiece having an interior volume, the earpiece configured to couple to an ear and define an acoustic volume including the interior volume and a volume within the ear, a speaker to provide acoustic energy to the acoustic volume based on a received driver signal, a feedback microphone to detect at least residual noise within the acoustic volume and generate a feedback audio signal indicative of the residual noise, and a control circuit including a sensor interface configured to receive an atmospheric pressure signal, the control circuit coupled to the feedback microphone to receive the feedback audio signal, and the control circuit configured to adjust the driver signal based at least in part on the feedback audio signal and the atmospheric pressure signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: BOSE CORPORATIONInventor: Paul Yamkovoy
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Patent number: 10165345Abstract: Presented here is an apparatus and method to increase a listener's enjoyment of sound by combining in-ear headphones with either over-ear headphones or on-ear headphones. One embodiment is headphones that include an ear-cup with an ear-bud protruding toward the listener's ear-canal. The ear-cup substantially surrounds the listener's ear and delivers sub sonic and low-frequency vibrations to the listener's skin stimulating a vibrotactile response. The ear-bud is disposed within the listener's ear canal and delivers a full range of audible frequencies. Additionally, the headphones, along with the ear-cup in the ear-bud, provide both passive and active noise cancellation.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: NURA HOLDINGS PTY LTDInventors: Kyle Damon Slater, Luke John Campbell, Dragan Petrovic
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Patent number: 10031718Abstract: Methods and systems for augmenting an audio signal are provided for herein. In some embodiments, a method can be performed by a sound processing system of a computing device. In such embodiments, the sound processing system can receive a captured audio signal from a microphone coupled with the sound processing system. The sound processing system can then produce an augmented audio signal by selectively filtering the captured audio signal based on a physical location of the computing device. This resulting augmented audio signal can reflect an effect associated with the physical location of the computing device. The augmented audio signal can then be output, by the sound processing system, to a speaker coupled with the computing device to enable consumption of the augmented audio signal by a user of the computing device. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed herein.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: James Dack, Jeffrey Kohler, Shawn Wright, Denise Ng
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Patent number: 9955264Abstract: Systems and methods of alert and notification transmission are contemplated in which a transceiver provides an alert/notification to a user(s) wearing a headset that provides hearing protection device with an integrated transceiver (e.g., radio) and on-board siren-voice alert function board. Typically, this device would be used in a loud noise area (>+70 dB) that would otherwise prevent the user from hearing an alert and notification, such as a siren tone and/or Public Address announcement. While the alert and notification is silent, the device is contemplated to provide sufficient hearing protection (>+15 dB) from the ambient surroundings. It is also contemplated that it could play local music through an audio input port/other receiving method. When an alert and notification command is communicated to a headset device's address (or globally) through the transceiver, the device(s) would then proceed to play, within the headset, the desired alert and notification message.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Inventor: Darryl Dwight Brayton
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Patent number: RE47938Abstract: A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field evaluation tests.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeremie Voix, Frederic Laville