Headphone Circuits Patents (Class 381/74)
  • Patent number: 11751000
    Abstract: A method of modeling the human head is provided. The human head model has a width and an aspect ratio. The aspect ratio defines different head shapes independent of the size of the human head model. The method includes the steps of forming a high-frequency head model based on ray-tracing and a plurality of half plane sections, coupling the high-frequency head model with a far-field shadowing filter, coupling the far-field shadowing filter with a near-field compensation filter to compensate for acoustic changes between the far-field and near-field regions and modifying the aspect ratio of the human head model to configure variable geometric models of the human head ranging from a nearly spherical to a very narrow embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Hélène Bahu, David E. Romblom
  • Patent number: 11750965
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a communication device that includes a microphone configured to detect an acoustic signal from an acoustic environment, and a processor, configured to detect an acoustical dampening between the acoustic environment and the microphone, based on a change in a characteristic of the acoustic signal and, responsive to the acoustical dampening, apply a compensation filter to the acoustic signal to form a compensated acoustic signal that is reproduced. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventors: John Usher, Steve Goldstein, John P. Keady
  • Patent number: 11741798
    Abstract: An alert is used to inform a user that their blood glucose level has dropped below a threshold (e.g., the user is hypoglycemic) or has increased above a threshold (e.g., the user is hyperglycemic). There is a hierarchy of alerts from lowest priority to highest priority. The alert is communicated by a user device (e.g., a mobile device), which is, for example, a smartphone, smart watch, home automation device, or the like. The alert is modified in order to increase the likelihood that the user receives or acknowledges the alert within a minimal amount of time. An intensity level (e.g., a volume) of an alert is modified based on, for example, whether the user has acknowledged a previous alert. A modality or a sensory channel of an alert is changed if an initial alert does fails to elicit a response from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ROCHE DIABETES CARE, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Gilmore Mears
  • Patent number: 11733962
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a speaker, a memory, and a processor operatively connected to the speaker and the memory. The processor is configured to: identify whether audio output is provided via the speaker when an external device is detected; determine, based on whether the audio is output via the speaker, whether to apply output conversion effects; and control, based on the determination, the audio output via the external device. Various other embodiments including a method thereof are also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byeongnam Kim, Chanyong Jung, Sangheon Kim, Misun Kim, Mira Seo, Yeunwook Lim
  • Patent number: 11729541
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, an audio device is provided comprising a communications interface configured to be communicatively coupled to an audio source, at least one sensor, and a controller configured to control the audio device to be in a low-power mode, receive, from the sensor(s), information indicative of a presence of a user's body, initiate, via the communications interface responsive to receiving the information, a wireless communication pairing process to establish a wireless communication bond with the audio source prior to determining that the audio device is fully engaged with the user's body, determine, subsequent to initiating the wireless communication pairing process and based on information received from the sensor(s), that the audio device is fully engaged with the user's body, and control, responsive to determining that the audio device is fully engaged with the user's body, the audio device to be in an active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: David Minich, Josue Malaver, Miriam Israelowitz, Alexia Delhoume, Michelle Gelberger
  • Patent number: 11729542
    Abstract: An ear-mountable listening device includes an acoustic package and an electronics package. The acoustic package is configured to emit audio in response to an audio signal. The acoustic package includes a first set of magnets arranged annularly about a central axis of the ear-mountable listening device. The electronics package is electrically coupled to the acoustic package when the ear-mountable listening device is worn to provide the audio signal to the acoustic package. The electronics package includes a second set of magnets arranged annularly about the central axis proximate to a proximal end of the electronics package to removably affix the electronics package to the acoustic package via magnetic forces between the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Iyo Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Carlile, Jason Rugolo
  • Patent number: 11722809
    Abstract: A method performed by an in-ear headphone. Coupled to the in-ear headphone is a first ear tip that is inserted into an ear canal of a user. The method obtains an audio signal from an audio source device paired with the in-ear headphone and uses the signal to drive a speaker of the headphone to output a sound into the ear canal. The method obtains a microphone signal that is responsive to the outputted sound. The method notifies the user to replace the first ear tip with a second ear tip in response to a parameter associated with the microphone signal being less than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Esge B. Andersen, Andrew E. Greenwood, Tom-Davy W. Saux, Baptiste P. Paquier, Hanchi Chen, Raghavendra S. Prabhu
  • Patent number: 11716567
    Abstract: A wearable device can provide an audio module that is operable to provide audio output from a distance away from the ears of the user. For example, the wearable device can be worn on clothing of the user and direct audio waves to the ears of the user. Such audio waves can be focused by a parametric array of speakers that limit audibility by others. Thus, the privacy of the audio directed to the user can be maintained without requiring the user to wear audio headsets on, over, or in the ears of the user. The wearable device can further include microphones and/or connections to other devices that facilitate calibration of the audio module of the wearable device. The wearable device can further include user sensors that are configured to detect, measure, and/or track one or more properties of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Joshua A. Hoover, Nicholas R. Trincia, Yue Chen, Seul Bi Kim, Chad J. Miller, Kristen L. Cretella, Yi Zou, William Leith
  • Patent number: 11710473
    Abstract: Earpieces and methods for acute sound detection and reproduction are provided. A method can include measuring an external ambient sound level (xASL), monitoring a change in the xASL for detecting an acute sound, estimating a proximity of the acute sound, and upon detecting the acute sound and its proximity, reproducing the acute sound within an ear canal, where the ear canal is at least partially occluded by an earpiece. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Staton Techiya LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wayne Goldstein, John Usher, Marc Andre Boillot
  • Patent number: 11706555
    Abstract: A method performed by a programmed processor of an in-ear headphone that is to be worn by a user. The method obtains, over a wireless communication link and via a first wireless connection that uses an accessory profile, a first request, from an audio source device, to start a measurement process. In response to obtaining the request, the method 1) establishes, over the link, a second wireless connection that uses an audio distribution profile between the headphone and the source device, 2) obtains, via the second wireless connection, an audio signal for driving a speaker of the headphone to output sound, 3) responsive to the outputted sound, determining a fit parameter, and 4) transmitting the fit parameter to the source device via the first wireless connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kang Sun, Sriram Hariharan, Robert D. Watson, Sarang S. Ranade, Kevin Durfee
  • Patent number: 11690428
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Arun D. Chawan, Kurt Stiehl, Benjamin A. Cousins, Jonathan S. Aase, Yacine Azmi, Paul Choiniere, Scott W. Slabaugh
  • Patent number: 11695381
    Abstract: A system comprising audio processing circuitry is provided. The audio processing circuitry is operable to receive audio signals. The audio processing circuitry is operable to process the audio signals to detect strength of a chat component of the audio signals and strength of a game component of the audio signals. The audio processing circuitry is operable to automatically control a volume setting based on one or both of: the detected strength of the chat component, and the detected strength of the game component. The combined-game-and-chat audio signals may comprise a left channel signal and a right channel signal. The processing of the combined-game-and-chat audio signals may comprise measuring strength of a vocal-band signal component that is common to the left channel signal and the right channel signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Shobha Devi Kuruba Buchannagari, Carmine Bonanno
  • Patent number: 11689841
    Abstract: An earbud includes an earbud speaker, a microphone array including a plurality of microphones, an orientation sensing subsystem, and a beamforming subsystem. The orientation sensing subsystem is configured to output an orientation signal indicating an orientation of the earbud. The beamforming subsystem is configured to output a beamformed signal. The beamformed signal is based at least on the orientation signal and a plurality of microphone signals from the plurality of microphones in the microphone array. The beamformed signal spatially selectively filters the plurality of microphone signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Amir Zyskind, Eliza C. Arango-Vargas, Olli-Pekka Ahokas
  • Patent number: 11683654
    Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatuses, components, methods, and techniques for providing media content to a media playback system are provided. The techniques provide for determining whether a playback system is connected, or otherwise associated with, a playback device suitable for 3D audio playback. Upon determining that a playback system is or is not connected or otherwise associated with a playback device suitable for 3D audio playback, audio content in a corresponding format may then be transferred and/or played by a requesting system. In some examples, one or more filters may be applied to requested audio content to compensate for determined user head movement and/or to create simulated 3D audio from generic two-channel recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Spotify AB
    Inventor: Rachel Bittner
  • Patent number: 11681489
    Abstract: A circuit and a method for controlling an audio adapter are provided. The audio adapter includes a button and a microphone, and the microphone is adapted for generating a recorded data. The control circuit includes a button detection circuit, a first-in, first-out (FIFO) data buffer, a USB endpoint buffer, a mute circuit and a USB endpoint control circuit. The button detection circuit is used for detecting whether the button is triggered. The FIFO data buffer is used for storing the recorded data. The USB endpoint buffer is used for storing the recorded data. The mute circuit is used for controlling whether the recorded data is transmitted to the USB endpoint buffer according to whether the button is triggered. The USB endpoint control circuit is used for controlling whether the audio adapter outputs the recorded data according to whether the button is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: REALTEK SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ko-Wei Chen, Chao-Wei Liu, Shu-Yeh Chiu, Sheng-Nan Chiu
  • Patent number: 11678132
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to hearing protection devices which incorporate a calibration mode which allows the user to perform a calibration test to determine an individualized hearing threshold. Embodiments of the device may also comprise a normal mode to prevent input signals greater than the individualized hearing threshold from being transmitted to the user's ear canal. In addition, embodiments may comprise a normal mode configured to limit input signals to less than or equal to a standard industry threshold in the case no calibration test has been completed by the user. This may increase user comfort and prevent hearing damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Muneeswaran Mahalingam, Mehabube Rabbanee Shaik, Srinivasa Rao Bommana
  • Patent number: 11665392
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for providing to filter unwanted sounds from a media asset. Voice profiles of a first character and a second character are generated based on a first voice signal and a second voice signal received from the media device during a presentation. The user provides a selection to avoid a certain sound or voice in association with the second character. During a presentation of the media asset, a second audio segment is analyzed to determine, based on the voice profile of the second character, whether the second voice signal includes the voice of a second character. If so, the second voice signal output characteristics are adjusted to reduce the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: ROVI GUIDES, INC.
    Inventors: Padmassri Chandrashekar, Daina Emmanuel, Reda Harb, Jayshil Parekh
  • Patent number: 11659339
    Abstract: A battery module for a hearing device includes a secondary cell and two contact elements for making contact with the secondary cell at two different potential areas. A fuse which is arranged at a short distance from the contact element that is assigned to a positive potential. A copper jacket surrounds the secondary cell, and a ferrite jacket is arranged on the outside of the copper jacket. An induction coil is arranged on the outside of the ferrite jacket and is configured to inductively receive energy for charging the battery module. A resonant capacitor is coupled to the induction coil at a short distance from the latter. A thermistor for monitoring a cell temperature is arranged with electrical insulation from the secondary cell but is coupled to the latter with low thermal resistance using heat-transfer capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Nishshanka Bandara Narampanawe, Heng Goh Yap, Anand Ganapathy, Ruban Sundara Raj Thasapparaj, Gee Heng Ler
  • Patent number: 11659314
    Abstract: Disclosed is a headset for audio transmission. The headset is configured to be worn by a user. The headset comprises a speaker for sound transmission into the users ear. The headset comprises a wireless communication unit for communication with an external device. The headset comprises a connection to a location-based service software, the location-based service software is configured for controlling at least one headset feature based on location data of the headset. The headset comprises a processing unit. The processing unit is configured for obtaining current location data of the headset. The processing unit is configured for enabling the location-based service software to detect if the current location data of the headset corresponds to a geographic region for which a first geo-fence is defined by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: GN AUDIO A/S
    Inventor: Lisa Roerbaek Kamstrup
  • Patent number: 11653168
    Abstract: An audio navigation device comprising an input means for inputting two or more audio pieces into the navigation device; a spatialization means for allocating a position in the form of a unique spatial coordinate to each audio piece and arranging the audio pieces in a multi-dimensional arrangement; a generating means for generating a binaural audio output for each audio piece, wherein the audio output simulates sounds that would be made by one or more physical sources located at the given position of each audio piece; an output means for simultaneously outputting multiple audio pieces as binaural audio output to a user; a navigation means for enabling a user to navigate around the audio outputs in the multi-dimensional arrangement; and a selection means for allowing a user to select a single audio output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: III Holdings 1, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Brian Sandler, Rebecca Lynne Stewart
  • Patent number: 11653138
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically and dynamically controlling the output (e.g., volume) of an audio headphone device is disclosed, which includes detecting the invocation of the acoustic reflex with an audio headphone device. The disclosed system can measure the response of the tympanic membrane and middle ear to various SPL and frequencies. That information may be used for automated or customized warning or limiting levels either within the headphone, or at the audio playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: David Patrick Warner
  • Patent number: 11647353
    Abstract: A system including: an electronic memory device and a processor. The processor is configured to: control a communication device to receive first input information indicating a first instruction, the first instruction corresponding to control of sound associated with at least one first sound source; control a transmitter of the communication device to transmit first information to an audio output device, the first information corresponding to the first input information indicating the first instruction; control the communication device to receive second input information indicating a second instruction corresponding to control of sound associated with the at least one second sound source; and control the transmitter to transmit second information to the audio output device, the second information including or corresponding to an audio signal associated with the at least one second sound source and processed according to the second input information indicating the second instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Ueno
  • Patent number: 11641542
    Abstract: The earpiece with internal UV cleaning source includes one or more internal UV light sources, specifically emitting UVC light. The UVC light is emitted during charging of the earbud, thus conserving battery power by only emitting during periods of ample power availability. In a preferred embodiment, the UV light is emitted behind the speaker, passing through and bouncing around the clear speaker mounting bracket, or through holes in the housing/frame bracket. The result is that all internal sections of the earpiece that could harbor bacteria or viruses are exposed to the UV light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Backe
  • Patent number: 11633303
    Abstract: An acoustic earmuff device comprising a pair of earmuff cup assemblies such that each is configured to be arranged at a location proximate to an ear of an user, wherein each earmuff cup assembly comprises means (320) for adapting a pressure applied to the location proximate to the ear so that the pressure around the ear is evenly distributed and a even seal is achieved, wherein the means for adapting a pressure comprises an adaptive layer (324) that is configured to apply the pressure around the ear evenly regardless whether that location comprises any protruding element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Alexander Persson, Cornelia Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 11638113
    Abstract: An audio signal output system including a first audio signal path, a second audio signal path and control electronics that provide a mixed sound from sound sources to the first and second audio signal paths, and control the mixed sound in accordance with a position at which a sound image associated with at least one of the sound sources is localized relative to an orientation of a user's head. The control electronics provide one or more signals corresponding to the mixed sound to the first and second audio signal paths based on one or more transfer functions associated with one or more values corresponding to at least one of a distance from the user to the at least one sound source, an angle of the user with respect to the at least one sound source, and a size of a space in which the user is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Ueno
  • Patent number: 11632616
    Abstract: Wireless earphones comprising a first antenna module, at least one second antenna module, a radio frequency module, a sensing module, a speaker module and a processing module. The radio frequency module is used to receive or transmit radio frequency signals by the first antenna module or the second antenna module; the sensing module is used to sense a capacitance value of a first parasitic capacitance of the first antenna module and generate a corresponding first sensing signal and used to sense a capacitance value of a second parasitic capacitance of the second antenna module and generate a corresponding second sensing signal; the speaker module is used to play audio signals; and the processing module is used to generate a control signal according to the radio frequency signal, the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal to control the speaker module to play the audio signal corresponding to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: NANJING SILERGY MICRO (HK) CO., LIMITED
    Inventor: Chia-Lin Chang
  • Patent number: 11632614
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating a pair of earbuds based whether the earbuds are being worn by the same user or different users. In this regard, one or more processors may determine, based on sensor signals from the pair of earbuds, whether the pair of earbuds are being worn by a same user or different users. Based on determining that the pair of earbuds are being worn by the same user, the pair of earbuds may be operated in a first mode so that one or more functions are controlled based on a first set of input settings. Based on determining that the pair of earbuds are being worn by different users, the pair of earbuds may be operated in a second mode so that the one or more functions of the pair of earbuds are controlled based on a second set of input settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Basheer Tome, Sandeep Singh Waraich
  • Patent number: 11627088
    Abstract: A computer software application running on a wireless communication device determines whether an application scenario is urgent or nonurgent, and determines whether the user state is interest, uninterested or absent. The application sends the application scenario and the user state to a wireless networking device. The wireless networking device determines the user roles of different wireless communication devices. It further adjusts priorities of data packets destined to the wireless communication device based on the application scenario, the user state and the user role when downlink to the wireless communication device is congested. The priority is decreased when the application scenario is unurgent, the user role is a listener, and the user state is uninterested or absent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Agora Lab, Inc.
    Inventors: Guang Yu, Yue Cao, Zhaoxu Wang, Liang Si
  • Patent number: 11616871
    Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a mobile system including a mobile base station and a wireless earbud. The base station comprising a connection hole, a user input button, at least one processor, at least one memory, and circuitry. The wireless earbud is configured for plugging into the connection hole of the base station to form an integrated body with the base station. The system establishes a wireless Bluetooth pairing between a smartphone and the wireless earbud using two-way wireless communication to produce Bluetooth communication between the smartphone and the wireless earbud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Pinn, Inc.
    Inventor: Seung Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 11611852
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modular teleconference system that provides the convenience of a wireless headset for teleconference participants and the determinism associated with a physical connection between the headset and teleconferencing system. Some embodiments include a teleconference adaptor or mini-hub-device that is able to maintain a wireless connection even when disconnected from a teleconference hub device. The hub-device provides one or more cradles, each of which provides a physical connection to a mini hub. When a mini hub is placed in a cradle of a hub-device, the audio channels of the wireless headset are connected to audio channels of the hub-device. The hub-device in turn is connected to a teleconferencing application running on a computing device, such as a personal computer. For each mini hub placed in a cradle of the hub-device, audio from the corresponding wireless headset is integrated with the teleconference audio channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Syed Irfan Chanth Basha
  • Patent number: 11611821
    Abstract: This invention provides an earphone with a low light transmittance and a non-porous sensor cover. Covering the sensing cover on the proximity sensing device can reduce the interference of most of the ambient light and improve measurement accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: LUXSENTEK MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Lin, Sheng-Cheng Lee, Wen-Sheng Lin, Chen-Hua Hsi
  • Patent number: 11605456
    Abstract: An acquisition system includes a processor, one or more sensors operatively coupled to the processor where the one or more sensors acquire at the ear, on the ear or within an ear canal, one or more of acceleration, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure or heart-rate, and the one or more sensors configured to monitor a biological state or a physical motion or both for an event. The event can be a detection of a discrepancy when compared with a set of reference data by the one or more sensors or the biological state or the event can be one of a detection of an abrupt movement of a headset operatively coupled to the processor, a change in location of an earpiece operatively coupled the processor, a touching of the headset, a recognizing of a voice command, a starting or ending of a phone call, or a scheduled time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Goldstein, John Usher, Marc Andre Boillot
  • Patent number: 11601764
    Abstract: An audio analysis and processing system with a processor configured with an audio array input thread connected to a plurality of audio input channels each corresponding to an audio input sensor. An audio input sensor may be positionally related to a position of other audio input sensors and a source input thread may be configured to be connected to a microphone audio input channel. An audio output thread may be configured to be connected to a speaker output channel and a beamformer thread may be responsive to the audio array input thread. A beam analysis and selection thread may be connected to an output of the beamformer thread and a mixer thread may have a first input connected to an output of the source input thread and a second input connected to an output of the beam analysis and selection thread and may have an output connected to the audio output thread. The audio input channel may be connected to the personal communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Benattar, Alexander Khusidman, Christopher A. Magner, Oya Gumustop Yuksel
  • Patent number: 11599189
    Abstract: Various implementations include devices, systems and approaches for tracking user orientation. In some cases, a wearable audio device includes: an electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output; an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for indicating motion of the wearable audio device; a set of distance sensors; and a controller coupled with the electro-acoustic transducer, the IMU and the set of distance sensors, the controller configured to: determine an orientation of a user of the wearable audio device based on the indication of motion from the IMU; verify the orientation of the user as detected by the IMU, using data from the set of distance sensors; and execute an orientation-based action in response to verifying the orientation of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Claude Bernard Landemaine, Andrew Farrell
  • Patent number: 11595748
    Abstract: Embodiments of active noise control (ANC) headphones and operating methods thereof are disclosed herein. In one example, a headphone includes a speaker, an internal microphone, and a processor. The speaker is configured to play an audio of interest based on an audio source signal. The internal microphone is configured to obtain a mixed audio signal including a noise signal and the audio of interest played by the speaker. The processor is configured to determine a first current system parameter of the headphone based on the mixed audio signal at a first time point, and determine if the first current system parameter of the headphone is higher than a predetermined threshold to determine if the headphone is worn by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: BESTECHNIC (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weifeng Tong, Liang Zhang, Qian Li, Mingliang Xu
  • Patent number: 11595754
    Abstract: Audio processing for a headworn device can include obtaining ear geometry of a user. A frequency response or transfer function can be determined, based on the ear geometry of the user and a model of the headworn device, where the frequency response or transfer function characterizes an effect of a path between a speaker of the headworn device and an ear canal entrance of the user on sound. An equalization filter profile can be generated based on the based on the frequency response or transfer function. The equalization filter profile can be applied to an audio signal, and the audio signal can be used to drive the speaker of the headworn device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Martin E. Johnson, Darius A. Satongar, Antti J. Vanne, Tomi A. Huttunen
  • Patent number: 11586280
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for head motion prediction for spatial audio applications. In an embodiment, a method comprises: obtaining motion data from a source device and a headset; obtaining transmission delays from a wireless stack of the source; estimating relative motion from the relative source device and headset motion data; calculating a first derivative of the relative motion data; forward predicting the estimated relative motion over the time delays using the first derivative and second derivative of relative motion; determining, using a head tracker, a head pose of the user based on the forward predicted relative motion data; and rendering, using the head pose, spatial audio for playback on the headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Evan G. Kriminger, Xiaoyuan Tu, Alexander Singh Alvarado
  • Patent number: 11589183
    Abstract: During an initialization of a head pose tracker for a spatial audio system, a spatial audio ambience bed is rotated about a boresight vector to align the boresight vector with a center channel of the ambience bed. The boresight is computed using source device motion data and headset motion data. The ambience bed includes the center channel and one or more other channels. An ambience bed reference frame is aligned with a horizontal plane of a headset reference frame, such that the ambience bed is horizontally level with a user's ears. A first estimated gravity direction is fixed (made constant) in the ambience bed reference frame. During head pose tracking, the ambience bed reference frame is rolled about the boresight vector to align a second estimated gravity direction in the headset reference frame with the first estimated gravity direction fixed in the ambience bed reference frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyuan Tu, Margaret H. Tam, Alexander Singh Alvarado, Johahn Leung, Simon Woollard
  • Patent number: 11576587
    Abstract: An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a speaker capable of outputting a sound wave, a sensor capable of acquiring an optical signal related to blood flow at a measured part of a user, and a controller configured to measure blood flow information of the measured part based on the optical signal. The controller estimates a sleep state of the user based on the blood flow information and controls, based on the sleep state, a sound wave outputted from the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11580949
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating information related to a wearable device are disclosed. Exemplary information includes audio information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Steven B. Elgee
  • Patent number: 11564031
    Abstract: An earphone body includes an internal chamber, a transducer housed in the internal chamber, a first tuned vent and a second tuned vent. The transducer has a front surface facing a direction of insertion of the earphone body in use and a rear surface 6B. The internal chamber provides a proximal acoustic volume adjacent the front surface of the transducer and a distal acoustic volume adjacent the rear surface of the transducer. The first tuned vent and the second tuned vent each extend between the distal acoustic volume and the ambient environment and are adapted to provide fluid communication between the distal acoustic volume and the ambient environment. The first tuned vent is tuned to a first frequency and the second tuned vent is tuned to a second frequency, the first frequency being lower than the second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: TYMPHANY ACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Thomas Pieter J. Peeters
  • Patent number: 11558687
    Abstract: An interactive control method and device of earphones, an earphone and a storage medium are disclosed. The earphones include a first earphone and a second earphone. The method comprises: acquiring putting-on sequential order information or taking-off sequential order information of the first earphone and/or the second earphone; determining a first functional instruction corresponding to the putting-on sequential order information or a second functional instruction corresponding to the taking-off sequential order information according to a preset correspondence between the putting-on sequential order information or the taking-off sequential order information and functional instructions of a mobile terminal; and sending the first functional instruction or the second functional instruction to the mobile terminal, so that the mobile terminal executes the first functional instruction or the second functional instruction to realize a first interaction function or a second interaction function with the earphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: GOERTEK INC.
    Inventor: Jifu Zhao
  • Patent number: 11544036
    Abstract: The systems and methods described relate to the concept that smart devices can be used to: sense various types of phenomena like sound, blue light exposure, RF and microwave radiation, and, in real-time, analyze, report and/or control outputs (e.g., displays or speakers). The systems are configurable and use standard computing devices, such as wearable electronics (e.g., smart glasses), tablet computers, and mobile phones to measure various frequency bands across multiple points, allowing a single user to visualize and/or adjust environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: ZOPHONOS INC.
    Inventor: Levaughn Denton
  • Patent number: 11545171
    Abstract: Voice responsive in-wall devices are provided. In one example implementation, a power switch includes a housing mountable on or at least partially within a surface. The housing can have a front panel. The power switch can include an interface element disposed on the front panel and operable to receive a user input. The power switch can include a power interrupter operable to control power delivery to the powered load based at least in part on interaction with the interface element. The power switch can include one or more microphones operable to obtain audio input. The power switch can include one or more speakers configured to provide audio output. The power switch can include a communications interface operable to communicate data associated with the audio input over a communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Shawn Monteith, Michael Tetreault, Daniel Gould, Nicholas Kraus
  • Patent number: 11533534
    Abstract: Techniques for enabling the display of video content is a specified display mode, such as the Ultra-High Definition Alliance Specified Reference Mode (UHDA-SRM). A video source device receives video content as a bitstream in one format that includes a specification of a display mode for the video content. The video source also receives information from a display device or other video sink on the display modes that it supports. If the display device supports the specified display mode, the video provides the video content to the display in a second format, such as HDMI, as a series of frames the specification of the display mode embedded in a blanking interval in each of the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiong Huang, Laurence Thompson
  • Patent number: 11528973
    Abstract: A case for an electronic device. The case includes a lower housing having a cavity to receive the electronic device, and an electrical connector configured to couple to the electronic device. A lid is attached to the lower housing with a pivotable joint allowing the lid to rotate between a closed position where the lid is aligned over the cavity and an open position where the lid is angularly displaced allowing the electronic device to be removed from the cavity. The case also includes a hinge that provides the pivotable joint. The hinge is configured such that, when the lid is in the closed position, it is biased to remain closed via a detent, and, such that the lid has one or more stable positions between the fully open and fully closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Dallas Robert Tharrett, Donna Marie Sullivan, Mark James Joseph McCauley, Christopher Glenn Donaldson
  • Patent number: 11528550
    Abstract: In an example implementation, a self-cooling headset includes an ear cup to form an ear enclosure when placed over a user's ear. A first check valve on the ear cup is to open and release a volume of air from the ear enclosure when a positive pressure within the ear enclosure overcomes a cracking pressure of the first check valve. A second check valve on the ear cup is to open and admit a volume of air into the ear enclosure when a partial vacuum within the ear enclosure causes an external pressure to overcome a cracking pressure of the second check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jon R Dory, James Glenn Dowdy, David H Hanes
  • Patent number: 11528549
    Abstract: Wireless headphones with battery life effectively extended includes first and second headphones. The first and second headphones each with respective low battery levels remaining or very different battery levels remaining receive audio signals from an electronic device and output the sound of the audio signal after adjustments are applied to volume level and to sound quality on one side or on both sides, to reduce the consumption of battery level. Each of the first and second headphones carries a processor for intercommunication in addition to communication with the electronic device performing playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Nanning FuLian FuGui Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Te Wu
  • Patent number: 11527229
    Abstract: Systems for magnetoacoustically transferring sound across an acoustic barrier include first and second acoustic resonators positioned on opposite sides of the barrier. Each of the first and second resonators includes an attached magnet. Via magnetic coupling between the magnets, an acoustic oscillation at the first resonator induces an oscillation of the same frequency at the second resonator. Thus sound waves absorbed at the first resonator are magnetically transferred across the barrier to the second resonator, from which they are emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Taehwa Lee, Hideo Iizuka
  • Patent number: 11528563
    Abstract: A hybrid receiver includes a dynamic driver including a frame, magnetic circuit, voice coil vibrated by the magnetic circuit and a mutual electromagnetic force, and a diaphragm to which the voice coil is attached to vibrate, a balanced armature driver including a housing, a magnetic circuit, a coil, an armature magnetized by a magnetic field of the coil to interact with the magnetic circuit, a rod vertically connected to the armature, and a diaphragm vibrated by the rod, and a bracket coupled to an upper portion of the diaphragm of the dynamic driver and having a sound emission port configured to emit sound of the dynamic driver. The bracket has a balanced armature driver accommodation space on an upper surface thereof. The balanced armature driver is disposed such that the diaphragm is parallel to the upper surface of the bracket. The housing has a sound emission hole above the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: EM-TECH Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Ju Ji, Jun Hee Han