Hands-free Or Loudspeaking Arrangement Patents (Class 455/569.1)
  • Patent number: 9961423
    Abstract: Disclosed is a loudspeaker module applied inside a terminal, wherein, the terminal comprises a terminal housing, and the loudspeaker module is fixed inside the terminal. The loudspeaker module comprises a loudspeaker unit and a module housing for accommodating and fixing the loudspeaker unit. A closed space formed by the loudspeaker unit, an outer wall of the module housing, and the terminal housing is a rear sound cavity. By means of the loudspeaker module provided in the present invention, the usable space inside the terminal can be converted into the rear sound cavity, so that the space of the rear sound cavity is enlarged, and the acoustic performance of the loudspeaker module can be effectively improved. Therefore, the present invention makes full use of the inside space of the terminal to realize the thinning of the loudspeaker module without changing the inside space of the terminal, and achieves good acoustic performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: GOERTEK INC.
    Inventors: Wei Jia, Hua Shi
  • Patent number: 9961435
    Abstract: A set of earphones or other wearable or portable audio equipment may be configured to play relevant sound signals from a speaker provided within a cavity mounted about an ear of a user. The earphones may include one or more microphones for capturing acoustic energy within a vicinity of the earphones, or may be in communication with one or more external microphones. Where one or more of the microphones captures acoustic energy that includes a plurality of sound signals, the signals may be processed to identify one of the signals that is relevant to the user. The relevant signal may be reconstructed and amplified from the speaker, and all other signals may be ignored or attenuated. The signals may be further processed to determine any additional information regarding sources of the signals, including whether such signals are within a vicinity of the user, or may pose a risk to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dushyant Goyal, Pragyana K. Mishra
  • Patent number: 9933985
    Abstract: Various arrangements are presented to facilitate the handoff of presentation of content between a head mounted display (HMD) and another presentation device, such as a television. For example, based upon separate events, video and audio being presented to a user via a presentation device may be handed off to an HMD that the user is wearing for continued presentation. In response to a first reference event occurring, the HMD may initiate continued presentation of the video content that was being viewed by the user on the presentation device. At a later time, in response to a second reference event, the HMD may initiate continued presentation of the audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Babak Forutanpour, Daniel S. Baker, Jose R. Menendez, William E. Kimberly, Shriram Ganesh, Ramachandran Rajagopalan
  • Patent number: 9933920
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for enabling a user to control multiple media playback systems with a single mobile device. The mobile device may connect with a first or second media playback system based on receiving a first or second household identifier (HHID), respectively. If the mobile device receives both the first and second HHIDs, the mobile device may connect with either the first or second media playback system based on a priority of the two systems. If neither the first nor second HHIDs are received by the mobile device, a user may be prompted to add a third media playback system if the mobile device receives a third HHID. The user interface of the mobile device may receive an input to connect the mobile device to the third media playback system, and a connection may be established between the mobile device and the third media playback system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bates, Joni Rafalski Hoadley, Lee Keyser-Allen
  • Patent number: 9924297
    Abstract: A Bluetooth system is comprised of a Bluetooth device and multiple network devices connectable to the Bluetooth device. This Bluetooth device can selectively switch connection pairings with devices in the network based on some triggering event. The switching function automatically occurs between the Bluetooth and network devices without any user intervention. This pairing enables seamless collaboration between devices owned by an owner based on the power settings and usage of the system without needing the user's interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mario Alessandro Maldari, Corville Orain Allen, Paul Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 9913111
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for processing a communication. For example, a method may include a processor of a first mobile device receiving a communication for the first mobile device from a third-party device, the communication including a textual content, modifying the communication based upon a pairing profile associated with a second mobile device to create a modified communication, and forwarding the modified communication to the second mobile device via a wireless connection in accordance with the pairing profile. The method may further include the processor receiving a content responding to the communication from the second mobile device and transmitting a response message including the content to the third-party device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventor: Ginger Chien
  • Patent number: 9913059
    Abstract: A headset having corresponding computer-readable media comprises: a first portion, wherein the first portion comprises a microphone; a second portion, wherein the second portion is rotatably coupled with the first portion; one or more sensors, wherein at least one of the sensors is configured to sense a current difference angle between the first portion and the second portion; a controller configured to generate a message responsive to the current difference angle being outside a range of difference angles, wherein the range of difference angles is associated with acceptable performance of the microphone; wherein the headset is configured to provide the message responsive to the controller generating the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas K Rosener, Luis Villasenor
  • Patent number: 9906252
    Abstract: An electronic device with a Frequency Modulation (FM) antenna includes an earphone jack, an FM chip, a switching unit, and a processing unit. The earphone jack includes a left channel pin, a right channel pin, and a ground pin. The FM chip receives an FM signal and outputs a Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value of the FM signal to the processing unit. The processing unit receives the RSSI value, compares the RSSI value with a predetermined value, and controls the switching unit to select the left and right channel pins as a signal receiving point of the FM antenna or select the ground pin as the signal receiving point of the FM antenna according to a result of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Chiun Mai Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Ping Liu
  • Patent number: 9906851
    Abstract: A case for storing a mobile computing device and a wireless earbud includes a back panel; a front panel defining a viewing aperture which extends through the front panel; a plurality of sidewalls extending around a perimeter of the back panel and configured to couple the perimeter of the back panel to a perimeter portion of the front panel; a dividing layer between the front panel and the back panel, such that the front panel and the dividing layer together define a first housing configured to receive and restrain a mobile computing device, and the dividing layer and the back panel together define a second housing; and a wireless earbud charging contact disposed within the second housing and configured to contact and charge the wireless earbud when the wireless earbud is positioned in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Evolved Audio LLC
    Inventor: Paul Schrems
  • Patent number: 9865256
    Abstract: A voice controlled medical system with improved speech recognition includes a microphone in an operating environment and a medical device. The voice controlled medical system further includes a controller in communication with the microphone and the medical device that operates the medical device by executing audio commands received by the microphone. The voice controlled medical system further includes a calibration signal indicative of distortion in the operating environment which is generated by comparing an audio signal played in the operating environment with a sound signal received by the microphone. The controller uses the calibration signal to interpret audio commands received by the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Storz Endoskop Produktions GmbH
    Inventors: Sankaran Panchapagesan, Matteo Contolini, Ted Applebaum
  • Patent number: 9860354
    Abstract: A speakerphone system integrated in a mobile device is automatically controlled based on the current state of the mobile device. In one implementation, the mobile device is controlled based on an orientation or position of the mobile device. In another implementation, the control of the speakerphone includes automatically controlling one or more graphical user interfaces associated with the speakerphone system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John O. Louch
  • Patent number: 9848088
    Abstract: A vehicle communication system including a data communication module (DCM) that, upon detecting that a user's mobile telephone is not present onboard a vehicle, is configured to instruct a telecommunications server to forward calls made to the user's mobile telephone to the DCM of the vehicle. The DCM is further configured to instruct the telecommunications server to connect a telephone call that has been initiated by the user at the vehicle using the DCM of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gareth Webb, Jay Gloomis, Cary Horvath, Marc Arceo, Doua Vang
  • Patent number: 9848079
    Abstract: A connection manager manages connections for associated user devices by determining whether an incoming connection has been answered at a user device, and if so then generating and transmitting silencing commands to associated user devices using first and second wireless communication modes, with one mode being faster. Connections can comprise phone calls, and modes can comprise push and Bluetooth® messaging. The connection manager can instruct device outputs to provide connection alerts, limited to visual alerts when an associated user device is active, listen for associated user device communications, and instruct device outputs to stop providing alerts when a silencing command is received. Further, a connection manager can receive a signal regarding a headset status, route an outside connection from a phone to the headset when the headset is active or to another device when the headset is not active, detect a change in headset status, and reroute the connection accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Rauenbuehler, Nicholas M. Fraioli
  • Patent number: 9846750
    Abstract: A software application having a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays content tiles along with the use of an electronic device to add tiles to the GUI is described in this disclosure. A predefined key on an input device is selected to indicate to display available tiles. One of the displayed available tiles is selected and the user designates a location on the display of the content tiles where to place the selected displayed available tiles. The selected tile is then inserted into the display with the plurality of tiles at the designated location and a tile previously at the designation location on the display is deleted and placed in a delete directory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Adriana Moscatelli, John SanGiovanni
  • Patent number: 9836270
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a visual component generator configured to determine at least one display component and an audio component with an associated location relative to an apparatus display; an orientation determiner configured to determine an orientation of the display; and a component locator configured to determine the location of the at least one display component and audio component on the display dependent on the orientation of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Marko Tapani Yliaho
  • Patent number: 9716944
    Abstract: Adjustable audio beamforming of a device having a plurality of microphones is disclosed. A method for forming an audio beam of a device having a plurality of microphones, wherein the device is a deformable device, comprises: recognizing a deforming state of the device; and forming the audio beam according to the recognized deforming state of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Marko Yliaho, Ari Koski
  • Patent number: 9716969
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for controlling, by a first device, a second device in a wireless communication system. There are provided a method and apparatus, including transmitting an advertising message including supportable service information to the second device, receiving a connection request message for a BLE connection from the second device, transmitting a request command to indicate a specific operation related to a specific service included in the service information to the second device, and receiving a response command in response to the request command from the second device. The service information includes at least one of a phone call service related to an incoming call or an outgoing call, a listening audio service related to audio streaming, or an alert service related to a transmission and reception of an urgent message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jonghun Song
  • Patent number: 9697850
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for drone detection and classification are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a sound signal in a microphone and recording, via a sound card, a digital sound sample of the sound signal, the digital sound sample having a predetermined duration. The method also includes processing, via a processor, the digital sound sample into a feature frequency spectrum. The method further includes applying, via the processor, broad spectrum matching to compare the feature frequency spectrum to at least one drone sound signature stored in a database, the at least one drone sound signature corresponding to a flight characteristic of a drone model. The method moreover includes, conditioned on matching the feature frequency spectrum to one of the drone sound signatures, transmitting, via the processor, an alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Droneshield, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Hearing, John Franklin
  • Patent number: 9681290
    Abstract: A user is enabled to change state on a mobile phone through a peripheral device, such as a vehicle or headset. The mobile phone is coupled with the peripheral device by a communication link. Contacts stored by the mobile phone are copied to the peripheral device. The contacts include contact names and corresponding dummy phone numbers. Each contact name and corresponding dummy phone number is associated with a corresponding mobile phone state. A user can interact with the peripheral device to select a contact name of the contacts as if initiating a phone call with the corresponding dummy phone number to cause the corresponding mobile phone state to be activated at the mobile phone. Examples of mobile phone state activations/changes include activating an application in the mobile phone, or activating a particular SIM (subscriber identity module) of multiple SIMs of the mobile phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kelley
  • Patent number: 9672842
    Abstract: A terminal includes: a communication unit configured to communicate with a hands-free device and an audio device provided in a place in which speech is produced; and a control unit configured to perform control such that: i) when a filter generation mode is selected, a test signal is generated, ii) when a microphone signal transmitted from the hands-free device is received, the received microphone signal and the generated test signal are mixed, and the mixed signal is transmitted to the audio device, and iii) when a feedback signal transmitted from the hands-free device is received, a sound feedback removing filter is generated based on the received feedback signal, and the generated sound feedback removing filter is transmitted to the audio device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: BuGeun Yeo
  • Patent number: 9674694
    Abstract: Methods and systems of communication using a mobile device that include detecting a movement of the mobile device associated with transitioning from speaker phone mode to earpiece mode, or vice versa, and in response to detecting such movement, automatically transitioning the device to a different mode of operation. The detected action may be the motion and/or positioning of the device handset, such as the movement of the handset towards or away from the user's ear, and/or the placement of the handset on a surface in a face-up or face-down position. Further methods and systems for transitioning between communication pathways and security modes in response to a detected movement of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Shobha M. Subbaramoo, Mark A. Lindner
  • Patent number: 9673852
    Abstract: A system for recharging a mobile phone battery. The system includes a phone case configured to secure to the mobile phone; a cord winding mechanism rotatably attached to the phone case and disposed within a first housing; a resistor and regulator assembly disposed within a second housing, the resistor and regulator assembly is configured to regulate the power to a mobile phone battery; and a cord wrapped around the winding mechanism and conductively coupled to the resistor and regulator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Chase Crossley
  • Patent number: 9618353
    Abstract: A device 20 for requesting a vehicle to a location associated with the device. The device 20 comprises input means 126 arranged to generate a vehicle request upon receipt of a user input, said device 20 being arranged to allow at least a second vehicle request to be generated using the input means before the vehicle associated with a first vehicle request has departed from the location associated with the device. The device 20 is arranged, for each vehicle request, to generate a message indicative of the status of the vehicle request and to display the generated message on a display 124. The device is arranged to stop displaying the message on the display 124 when the requested vehicle departs from the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TomTom International B.V.
    Inventors: Godert Otto Anthony Ruys, Tako Jelle Bruinsma, Steven Hans Jan Blom
  • Patent number: 9615391
    Abstract: A vehicle may be configured to prompt for a gesture-based identifying action, the action to be performed via moving a device, thereby identifying the device for association as the driver device; identify movement of the device in accordance with the gesture-based identifying action; and associate the device, moved in accordance with the gesture-based identifying action, as the driver device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joel J. Fischer
  • Patent number: 9615176
    Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided having an audio subsystem with a plurality of audio devices, each of which is coupled to a logic subsystem via its own audio path. The portable electronic device may also include a display configured to present visual content, with the display being fixed in position relative to the plurality of audio devices. The portable electronic device further includes an orientation sensor electronically coupled to the logic subsystem, the logic subsystem being configured, using data received from the orientation sensor, (i) to determine whether the portable electronic device has been reoriented; and (ii) in response to such determination, vary operation of one or more of the audio paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: NVIDIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark Pereira
  • Patent number: 9596333
    Abstract: A speakerphone system integrated in a mobile device is automatically controlled based on the current state of the mobile device. In one implementation, the mobile device is controlled based on an orientation or position of the mobile device. In another implementation, the control of the speakerphone includes automatically controlling one or more graphical user interfaces associated with the speakerphone system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John O. Louch
  • Patent number: 9591421
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a detection system configured to identify a type of a pole of a four-pole audio jack using first and second comparators. The detection system can include a bias circuit configured to bias a detection input coupled to the pole, and first and second comparators configured to compare the detection input to respective first and second thresholds to provide an indication of the type of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seth M. Prentice, Julie Lynn Stultz, Yongliang Li, Graham L S Connolly, Shawn Barden
  • Patent number: 9516398
    Abstract: A method of extending battery life of a wireless microphone unit includes muting the wireless microphone unit responsive to a mute signal from a base station unit, transmitting, by the wireless microphone unit, compressed muted audio data, wherein the compressed muted audio data is compressed via a first compression scheme, determining, by the wireless microphone unit, whether an unmute signal has been received from the base station unit, and responsive to a determination that the unmute signal has been received, unmuting the wireless microphone unit. The method further includes discontinuing transmission of the compressed muted audio data and transmitting compressed audio data via a second compression scheme, wherein the first transmitting step causes the wireless microphone unit to consume less power per unit of transmission time than the second transmitting step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Enforcement Video, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Cilia
  • Patent number: 9507974
    Abstract: Indicia-reading systems that interface with a user's nervous system include a device with electrodes capable of detecting electromagnetic signals produced in the brain or skeletal muscles of a user. The systems also include a computer with a processor and memory. The computer is configured to monitor the electromagnetic signals that are detected by the electrodes. The computer is also configured to perform operations in response to certain monitored electromagnetic signals. The computer may be an indicia-reading device configured to acquire indicia information in response to certain detected electromagnetic signals. The computer may also be a vehicle-mounted computer configured to sound an alarm in response to certain detected electromagnetic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Todeschini
  • Patent number: 9479850
    Abstract: A speaker module for a mobile device is provided. The speaker module changes a shape of an opening surface of a duct to which a protection member for preventing a foreign substance from entering is attached. The speaker module includes a speaker for outputting a sound signal, a body in which the speaker is mounted, a duct connected to the body for forming a radiation path of a sound signal output from the speaker, and a protection member attached to an opening surface of the duct for preventing a foreign substance from entering the speaker module, wherein the opening surface has an area larger than that of a cross-sectional opening surface formed vertically with respect to a length direction of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byounghee Lee, Kiwon Kim
  • Patent number: 9467763
    Abstract: An integrated wireless electronic system comprises an electronic device, a headset, a charger, and an accessory. The electronic device includes a charger port and a headset port for connecting the charger and the headset to the electronic device. The headset includes a speaker and an earpiece that are retractable into an interior chamber of the headset for inserting the headset into the electronic device. The headset includes a connector end for simultaneously charging the electronic device and the headset with the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Jason David Beal
  • Patent number: 9460735
    Abstract: In one example a controller comprises logic, at least partially including hardware logic, configured to detect a key phrase in a received audio signal, and in response to the key phrase, to transmit a signal to a personal assistant in a remote electronic device, determine whether an audio input was received, and in response to a determination that additional audio input was received prior to receiving a response from the personal assistant in the remote electronic device, to buffer the audio input in a memory and forward the audio input to the personal assistant in the remote electronic device. Other examples may be described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Saurabh Dadu, Saurin Shah, Francis M. Tharappel, Lakshman Krishnamurthy, Brian K. Vogel, Swarnendu Kar
  • Patent number: 9456073
    Abstract: An electronic device and method are provided. The electronic device includes a built-in microphone; a Bluetooth communication module configured to wirelessly connect to a first wireless external device including a speaker and a second wireless external device including a speaker; and a controller configured to detect a call establishment, if the call establishment is detected while one of the first and second wireless external devices is connected to the electronic device, operate the built-in microphone to receive sound based on information regarding the connected one of the first and second wireless external devices, and if the call establishment is detected while both of the first and second wireless external devices are connected to the electronic device, provide an incoming call audio signal received via the call establishment to one of the first and second wireless external devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Sang-Kyu Park, Seung-Yup Lee, Jung-Ho Park, Soo-Ho Song
  • Patent number: 9444943
    Abstract: A multimedia device and method provide a hands-free service to automatically or manually perform hands-free connection according to a driver's situation. The multimedia device includes a communication unit configured to perform BLUETOOTH communication with a mobile terminal, a sensor unit including a sensor configured to sense opening and closing of a door of a vehicle and sense a change in pressure generated in seats provided in the vehicle, and a controller, when BLUETOOTH communication is connected to the mobile terminal which is performing call communication, configured to switch the call to a hands-free service upon determining whether the door is opened or closed and a change in pressure generated in a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Soo Young Shin
  • Patent number: 9439010
    Abstract: An audio tuning system including: an interface configured to provide a test signal to a reference device and to a target device; and a controller configured to acquire a result of audio processing in response to the test signal from the reference device and a result of audio processing in response to the test signal from the target device; compare the results; and adjust an audio processing characteristic value of the target device to match that of the reference device based on a result of the comparison. The audio tuning system may automatically tune the audio characteristic of the target device to match the reference device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-min Choi, Young-suk Song, Nak-jin Choi, Hae-kwang Park, Joon-ho Son
  • Patent number: 9426567
    Abstract: An electronic device manages a plurality of microphones comprising a first microphone unit installed in a front side of the electronic device, a second microphone unit installed in a back side of the electronic device and a third microphone unit installed at a position within the electronic device. At least one sensor installed in the electronic device senses a usage condition of the electronic device comprising a physical orientation of the electronic device relative to a plane. A processor selectively operates at least two of the first, second and third microphone units in response to the sensed usage condition of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Tae Lee
  • Patent number: 9413790
    Abstract: A telephone headset is provided which includes a presence status indicator thereon for signaling to other persons the user's availability and/or willingness to communicate face-to-face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: VXi Corporation
    Inventors: Philip John Pane, Thomas F. Terrien, Jr., David Alden Jaques, William J. Blank, Jr., Brian J. Cole
  • Patent number: 9413410
    Abstract: A radio-frequency device for a wireless communication device includes an antenna, a capacitive sensing unit, a connecting unit comprising a first terminal electrically connected to a radiating element of the antenna, a second terminal and a third terminal, conducting to each other, a direct-current (DC) blocking element for cutting off a DC signal route between the second terminal of the connecting unit and a signal feed-in unit of the antenna, a sensing auxiliary unit including a high-frequency blocking element for blocking a high-frequency signal route between the third terminal of the connecting unit and the capacitive sensing unit, and at least a capacitor connected to the high-frequency blocking element in series and electrically connected between the third terminal of the connecting unit and the capacitive sensing unit, for decreasing an equivalent capacitance from the connecting unit to the radiating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corporation
    Inventors: Shang-Sian You, Yu-Sheng Fan
  • Patent number: 9401979
    Abstract: A method transmits data between a mobile telephone and a motor vehicle. A first wireless communication connection is automatically established between the mobile telephone and the motor vehicle when a communication interface of the mobile telephone is activated in a corresponding manner, and driver-specific user data is transmitted from the mobile telephone to the motor vehicle, at least some of the user data being transmitted to the motor vehicle exclusively via a second communication connection according to the NFC standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Malte Moeller, Rainer Stahlmann
  • Patent number: 9369559
    Abstract: A speaker system connects to a Smartphone by utilizing Bluetooth for amplifying the sound quality from the Smartphone. In the case of the Bluetooth speaker system, the Smartphone or other device transmits to the speaker system which uses its built-in amplifier and speaker for playback. This allows the user to enjoy much better sound quality than what's produced by tiny built-in speakers on the Smartphone. The speaker system is portable and also functions as a cradle to secure the Smartphone thereto. The speaker system can be a hands free device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Robert D. Leventhal
  • Patent number: 9363357
    Abstract: Discussed are various systems, computer-readable mediums, and methods for determining a vehicle is of interest, referred to as a targeted vehicle, based on an image capture of the car. A user may position a mobile computing device on the dash of his or her vehicle. While the user is driving, the mobile computing device may collect image frames of other vehicles and transmit them to a remote server. The remote server may identify a vehicle as a targeted vehicle and notify one or more users of the identification including details regarding why the vehicle is targeted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Mirsani, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Anthony Hansen
  • Patent number: 9338340
    Abstract: A system includes a wearable device (102) such as a smartwatch and a wireless device (104) such as a smartphone. A user provides to the wearable device a user input indicating a user desire to launch a camera of the wireless device. The wearable device is separate from the wireless device but communicates wirelessly with the wireless device. The user input can take various forms such as a particular gesture (e.g., the user shaking his or her wrist back and forth twice). In response to the user input, an indication is sent to the wireless device to launch the camera of the wireless device. In response to receipt of the indication from the wearable device, the wireless device launches the camera of the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Jason Freund
  • Patent number: 9335868
    Abstract: Devices having one or more sensors located outside a viewing area of a touch screen display are disclosed. The one or more sensors can be located behind an opaque mask area of the device; the opaque mask area extending between the sides of a housing of the device and viewing area of the touch screen display. In addition, the sensors located behind the mask can be separate from a touch sensor panel used to detect objects on or near the touch screen display, and can be used to enhance or provide additional functionality to the device. For example, a device having a sensor located outside the viewing area can be used to detect objects in proximity to a functional component incorporated in the device, such as an ear piece (i.e., speaker for outputting sound). The sensor can also output a signal indicating a level of detection which may be interpreted by a controller of the device as a level of proximity of an object to the functional component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Porter Hotelling, Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, David T. Amm, Omar S. Leung
  • Patent number: 9332104
    Abstract: A speakerphone system integrated in a mobile device is automatically controlled based on the current state of the mobile device. In one implementation, the mobile device is controlled based on an orientation or position of the mobile device. In another implementation, the control of the speakerphone includes automatically controlling one or more graphical user interfaces associated with the speakerphone system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: John O. Louch
  • Patent number: 9326119
    Abstract: Communications between a mobile phone and a vehicle based computer in a vehicle is disclosed. Contact information and a text message, received over a cellular network, may be provided by the mobile phone to the vehicle based computer. The text message may be subsequently displayed on a display in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Tamiras Per. Pte. Ltd., LLC
    Inventor: Richard B. Himmelstein
  • Patent number: 9319505
    Abstract: The present invention provides a terminal equipment with a built-in retractable headset, comprising a case body (1) of the terminal equipment which includes an accommodation space; a headset which is arranged in the accommodation space and includes a headset assembly (2) and a headset line (3) which both can be pulled out of the accommodation space; and a headset line retraction device (4) which is arranged in the accommodation space and with which the headset assembly (2) communicates via the headset line (3). A signal line led from the headset line retraction device (4) communicates with an audio signal of the terminal equipment, and the headset assembly (2) and the headset line (3) can be retracted from the outside of the accommodation space via the headset line retraction device (4). As a result, it is able to effectively reduce the harm of electromagnetic wave to human body and to facilitate the user to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: XINJIANG TIANDI GROUP
    Inventor: Daqing Zheng
  • Patent number: 9319089
    Abstract: An apparatus for interconnecting a radio communication equipment connector with non-Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) accessories includes a pass through portion including a first connector and a second connector having the same type and an opposing gender with respect to the first connector. A conversion portion is coupled adjacent the pass through portion and is configured to electrically interface with one of the plurality of the contacts of the first connector or the second connector. The conversion portion is further configured to transmit a signal from one of the plurality of contacts of the first connector or the second connector to a non-OEM accessory. Additionally, the apparatus is configured to concurrently maintain the functionality between an OEM accessory and a radio connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as requested by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Gregory M. Burnett, Peter Voland, Matthew Stechschulte
  • Patent number: 9302676
    Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide an improved system that simulates a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of user interfaces, wherein each of the plurality of user interfaces is affiliated with a platform, and determining if a smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms. If it is determined that the smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms, the method further comprises the steps of retrieving the user interface affiliated with the matched platform, and using the matched user interface on the vehicle head unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wes A. Nagara, Theodore C. Wingrove
  • Patent number: 9282434
    Abstract: An approach, carried out by one or more processors, for providing volume information to communication devices. The approach may further comprise receiving a query for a set of volume information for a first communication device. The volume information includes at least a volume range for audible communicating. The approach may further comprise determining if a second communication device is in a vicinity of the first communication device. Responsive to determining the second communication device is in the vicinity of the first communication device, the approach may further comprise determining a first location and a second location for the respective first communication device and second communication device. The approach may further comprise determining the set of volume information for the first communication device based on at least the second location of the second communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Denise A. Bell, Lisa Seacat DeLuca, Jana H. Jenkins, Jeffrey A. Kusnitz
  • Patent number: 9276541
    Abstract: Content is presented by media devices to a user. Described herein are techniques and systems for determining occurrence of one or more events at, or proximate to, the media device. Once an event is determined, one or more actions to modify presentation of the content may be initiated. The actions may include starting presentation of the content, stopping presentation of the content, applying noise mitigation techniques to the content, and so forth. The noise mitigation techniques may include modification of an intended signal from the content to produce a noise mitigation zone 118 proximate to, or encompassing, at least a portion of the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnaud Marie Froment, Kenneth Paul Kiraly, Jonathan White Keljo, Srinivasan Sridharan, Levon Dolbakian, Nadim Awad, Michael David Dumont