Headgear Patents (Class 455/575.2)
  • Patent number: 8989394
    Abstract: Disclosed are an active delay method and an improved wireless binaural hearing device. The binaural hearing device includes: a first hearing device including a first microphone, an amplifier and a wireless transmitter; and a second hearing device including a second microphone, an amplifier, a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver which receives a signal from the wireless transmitter, an active delay circuit which synchronizes the received signal with a signal acquired by the second microphone, a neural network which synchronizes the delayed signal, and a speaker which converts the synchronized signal into a voice signal. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent incorrect detection of the position of the sound source or paralalia due to a time delay which is produced in the wireless binaural hearing device and reduce noises due to a time difference between both hearing devices, thereby providing a binaural hearing device with high quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kyunpook National University Academic Industry Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Jin Ho Cho, Ki Woong Seong, Jyung Hyun Lee, Myoung Nam Kim, Sang Hyo Woo
  • Patent number: 8989792
    Abstract: A user device obtains motion data from an inertial sensor included in the user device. The user device receives a command to transmit information at a specified transmit power level. The user device determines, based on the motion data, whether the presence of a human body part is detected. When the presence of a human body part is detected, the user device reduces a current transmit power level below the specified transmit power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Depew
  • Patent number: 8983109
    Abstract: A wireless ear-hook headset includes a flexible tube, a receiver and a transceiver. The flexible tube has a cable, a first fixing binder fixed on one end of the cable, a second fixing binder fixed on the other end of the cable, and an outer layer. The cable has at least one shapeable metallic wire, a plurality of signal wires and an insulating cover layer. The outer layer has two ends which are fixedly connected with the first and second fixing binders respectively and fully covering the cable. The receiver is connected to the first fixing binder of the flexible tube. The transceiver is connected to the second fixing binder of the flexible tube. The present invention also discloses the flexible tube structure and a method for manufacturing the flexible tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited, Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Ming Wang, Che-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 8976957
    Abstract: The present arrangements relate to a microphone boom assembly. A first microphone can be positioned proximate to a first aperture defined in a first side of the microphone boom through which acoustic signals propagate to the first microphone, and a second microphone can be positioned proximate to a second aperture defined in a second side of the microphone through which the acoustic signals propagate to the second microphone. The first microphone can be connected to a first side of a flexible printed circuit at a first location and the second microphone connected to a second side of the flexible printed circuit at a second location, the flexible printed circuit mounted into the microphone boom with a bend in the flexible printed circuit positioned between the first location and the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Peter Pavlov, Peng Jiang, Ryan Patrick Rye
  • Patent number: 8964980
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of distributing game play instructions to players during a game, more specifically a system and method for allowing a portable remote terminal and/or a game apparatus to dynamically transmit and/or receive in game instructions in real-time concerning game play instructions to be effected on the field or court, and to be distributed to one, a plurality, or all team players wearing a headgear configured to receive audio transmissions of the game play instructions from a game play apparatus, another headgear and/or the portable remote terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Isaac Sayo Daniel
  • Patent number: 8958745
    Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) device and corresponding operating method are described. The method according to an embodiment includes establishing a NFC link with a different electronic device, which is executing a first application, through an NFC module of the electronic device; obtaining information related to the first application through the NFC link; and executing a second application related to the first application based on the obtained information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sunryang Kim
  • Patent number: 8958571
    Abstract: A personal audio device, such as a wireless telephone, includes noise canceling circuit that adaptively generates an anti-noise signal from a reference microphone signal and injects the anti-noise signal into the speaker or other transducer output to cause cancellation of ambient audio sounds. An error microphone may also be provided proximate the speaker to estimate an electro-acoustical path from the noise canceling circuit through the transducer. A processing circuit uses the reference and/or error microphone, optionally along with a microphone provided for capturing near-end speech, to determine whether one of the reference or error microphones is obstructed by comparing their received signal content and takes action to avoid generation of erroneous anti-noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nitin Kwatra, Jeffrey Alderson, Jon D. Hendrix
  • Patent number: 8948825
    Abstract: A portable terminal device includes: a converting portion converting one of sound and an electrical signal into the other thereof; and a chassis defining: an opening; a passageway portion communicating the opening and the converting portion with each other; and a retainer portion retaining water that has entered the passageway portion, divaricated from the passageway portion, and the converting portion being arranged within the chassis apart from an axis of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Manabu Matsushima, Manabu Takase, Kensuke Yamada, Hiroshi Kubo, Hiroyuki Takita, Yoshifumi Kajiwara, Haruyoshi Yada, Kenta Sugimori
  • Patent number: 8942404
    Abstract: The adjustable headset is an all in one device that includes an adjustable support band, a display system, a first and second ear cover, a computer system, a communications system, and a power source. The adjustable support band connects to each ear cover, with the ear covers being adjacent to a user's ears. The display system uses image projecting devices that use optics to refract images from through image refocusing devices and focus the projected image on a retina. The display system is attached to the ear covers by adjustable screen bars, which allow a user to change the general orientation of the display system. The computer system is capable of storing and running software programs and interfacing with connected devices by means of a set of connection ports or the communications system. The virtual goggles can adjust to meet individual comfort needs and interface with a variety of technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Lee Serota
  • Patent number: 8941747
    Abstract: Video recording where an input image signal is received with one or more optical sensor disposed in a hands-free video recorder. The input image signal is processed into an encoded video data stream with one or more processor disposed in the hands-free video recorder. First frames of the video data stream are relayed over a wireless communication link to a cellular-enabled wireless telephony handset and presented on a display screen of the handset along with a graphical user video control interface. Video control commands are wirelessly sent to the recorder in response to receiving a first input through the video control interface. Second frames of the video data stream are directed by the video control commands to at least one of a plurality of destinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Venture Lending & Leasing VI, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Boland, Romulus Pereira, Narayan Mohanran
  • Patent number: 8934937
    Abstract: A user device transmits data at a first transmit power level. The user device detects a presence of a human body part within a predetermined distance from an antenna of the user device using one or more sensors disposed at a back side of the user device. In response to the detection of the presence of the human body part, the user device transmits information at a second transmit power level that is less than the first transmit power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg Zehr, Subram Narasimhan, Varadarajan Gopalakrishnan, David C. Buuck, John Depew, In Chul Hyun
  • Patent number: 8918149
    Abstract: A mobile telephone includes a cartilage conduction unit for making contact with the ear cartilage. The cartilage conduction unit is provided to at least one of two corner parts at an upper side of the mobile telephone. The mobile telephone can include a surface of an outer wall and a cartilage conduction vibration source arranged inward from the surface of the outer wall, the vibration of the cartilage conduction vibration source being transmitted to the surface of the outer wall, wherein when the surface of the outer wall is brought into contact with at least a part of the ear cartilage around the entrance part to the external auditory meatus without making contact with the auricular helix, the sound pressure inside the external auditory meatus at about 1 cm from the entrance part of the external auditory meatus has an at least 10 dB increase compared to the non-contact state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignees: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hosoi, Yoji Hosoi, Masashi Morimoto, Masahide Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8903463
    Abstract: A mobile communication terminal is provided including an audio processing unit, a speaker, a connecting unit that connects to an external audio output device and indicates whether the external audio output device is connected, and a control unit configured to, while in a silent mode, control the audio processing unit to reproduce a music file and to output audio signals, corresponding to the reproduced music file, through the speaker, the silent mode being a mode wherein a vibration signal is generated upon receiving an incoming call, if the external audio output device is connected to the connecting unit, output the audio signals to the external audio output device, and if the external audio output device is disconnected from the connecting unit while the audio signals are being output to the external audio output device, control the display unit to display a user interface for continuing reproduction of the music file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Sub Lee, Kyoung-Ae Lim, Kyoung-Shin Lee, Seung-Chul Choi
  • Patent number: 8903102
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting an electronic device to receive digital television broadcast signals is disclosed. The device comprises a switch commandable to interpose one or more matching networks as in the RF signal path according to a channel command to match an integrated headset antenna to the tuner receiving the RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Digital Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Winston Caldwell, Robert Evans Wetmore
  • Patent number: 8897463
    Abstract: A canalphone system may include a canalphone housing, and a first high frequency driver carried within the canalphone housing. The system may also include a second high frequency driver carried within the canalphone housing where the second high frequency driver is tuned with the first high frequency driver to deliver lower distortion than a standard canalphone high frequency driver and/or lower distortion than two standard canalphone high frequency drivers that are not tuned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry Harvey
  • Patent number: 8896992
    Abstract: A wearable computer system that provides for convenient and efficient use of all fingers while the user is standing, reclining or using hands intermittently for other tasks. The central unit hangs from a neck strap and communicates with a head mounted display. The central unit's front surface has keys, accessible from opposite edges by each hand. Typing is similar to the traditional, but rotated 90 degrees on each side. Keys are individually assignable to any letter, symbol, musical note, color, action, or macro. Back panels have thumb keys and controls, and can be modified to accept alternate thumb controls and additional hardware, such as sensors, circuits, cameras, and auxiliary connectors for specific tasks such as musical instrument performance or augmented reality game play. Smartphones, can be incorporated within or connected to the central unit. Desktop use can be accomplished by unfolding the panels of one embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: SOLATIDO Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Mallory Sherlock
  • Patent number: 8886263
    Abstract: The present specification discloses an incoming/outgoing-talk unit having an ear-hook unit, a cartilage conduction vibration unit that makes contact with ear cartilage in a state where the hook unit is hooked to the ear, an outgoing-talk unit, and a unit for performing short-range wireless communication with the mobile telephone. Further disclosed is an incoming-talk unit having an ear-hook unit, and a cartilage conduction vibration unit for transmitting cartilage conduction from outside of ear cartilage in a state where the hook unit is hooked to the ear. Also disclosed is an incoming-talk unit having a three-dimensional viewing adjustment unit, a temple having a unit for adjusting contact of eyesight-adjusting eyeglasses with the temple when the unit is superposedly mounted on the eyesight-adjusting eyeglasses; and an audio information output unit provided to the temple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignees: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hosoi, Yoji Hosoi, Masashi Morimoto, Masahide Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8886247
    Abstract: Methods and systems for delaying a determination to adjust a first power transmit level when a presence of a human body part is detected proximate to a user device are described. A user device detects a presence of a human body part and, in response, determines whether to adjust the first transmit power level to a second transmit power level, and delays the determination by a specified amount of time that is programmable. The user device transmits the information using the second transmit power level when the presence of the human body part is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Price, Jay P. Desai, Kiran K. Edara
  • Patent number: 8880130
    Abstract: A method for reproducing a music file of a mobile communication terminal includes outputting a confirmation message for determining whether a music file is to be reproduced if reproduction of the music file is requested during the manner mode of the mobile communication terminal, and reproducing the music file if an external output device is connected to the mobile communication terminal. Since a user can reproduce music files without any complex key manipulation, even during the manner mode of the mobile communication terminal, the user can listen to desired music easily, thereby improving the convenience of the mobile communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Sub Lee, Kyoung-Ae Lim, Kyoung-Shin Lee, Seung-Chul Choi
  • Patent number: 8879722
    Abstract: An apparatus is a wireless communication earpiece. The wireless communication earpiece includes an earmount portion that is capable of positioning the apparatus at an ear of a user, a movable portion that is movable to one of a plurality of positions with reference to the earmount portion, a position sensor that detects a selected position of the plurality of positions of the earmount portion, a plurality of microphones, and a digital signal processing function. The digital signal processing function selects one of a plurality of digital signal processes in response to the selected position and uses the selected one of the digital signal processes to process audio signals from the plurality of microphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Dennis D. Wang, Vijay L. Asrani
  • Patent number: 8873774
    Abstract: Managing audio of a device including transmitting a signal through a port of the device in response to an audio device coupling to the port, initializing an audio mixer of the device in response to detecting the signal, and configuring the audio mixer to manage audio transferred between the device and the audio device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher Rijken, Michael Durham, Mark Tupa
  • Patent number: 8868137
    Abstract: A system includes an active noise-reducing headset and an alert processor. The active noise reducing headset includes a communication module that establishes a wireless communication link, a microphone that generates a microphone signal in response to ambient noise, a speaker, a noise reduction circuit that generates a noise reduction signal in response to the microphone signal, and a control circuit that receives an incoming alert signal from the communication module and plays the alert signal over the speaker. The alert processor includes a second communication module that establishes the wireless link with the active noise-reducing headset, and a controller that receive an incoming alert signal, generates an alert notification in response to the alert signal, and transmits the alert notification to the active noise-reducing headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 8867527
    Abstract: There are provided with an IP telephone system having both convenience of the softphone and durability of the hardphone, and a speech processing peripheral device (10) for the IP telephone system. The speech processing peripheral device as a peripheral device of an information processing device (20) is connected to the information processing device (20) for executing a call control program and functioning as a call controller. This speech processing peripheral device (10) includes a host connection means for sending/receiving an audio signal to/from the information processing device (20) and a speech processing means for executing speech processing in IP telephone communication. The IP telephone system according to the present invention includes the information processing device (20) for executing the call control program and functioning as the call controller and the speech processing peripheral device (10) according to the present invention, connected to the information processing device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromi Aoyagi, Shinji Usuba, Hiroshi Hashizume, Hiroshi Kuboki
  • Patent number: 8867748
    Abstract: A personal listening system uses the FM broadcast band for transmission and reception. The system includes a base unit and physically separate right- and left-ear listening units. The base unit includes an FM stereo transmitter. Each listening unit demodulates and amplifies the received signal, but the right-ear unit only amplifies the right channel and the left-ear unit only amplifies the left channel. The base unit may be a digital music player, book reader, video player, smart cellular telephone, or any other portable device. The base unit may include a display for displaying the selected FM frequency. The base unit may be a self-contained or integrated unit, or a device that couples to a digital music player, smart cellular telephone or other device to receive the audio signal therefrom. The right- and left-ear listening units may be any type of on-ear, in-ear or around-ear sound delivery devices including earbuds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: John G. Posa
  • Patent number: 8862058
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the emission of radiation by wireless headsets during sleep mode are provided. One system comprises a mobile device and a wireless headset. The mobile device includes a transmission module for transmitting data or voice signals over a microwave frequency band. The wireless headset comprises a transceiver that enables the wireless headset to wirelessly communicate with the mobile device during a time when the mobile device and wireless headset are linked within a personal area network (PAN). The wireless headset is configured to receive instructions from the mobile device to enter a sleep mode, wherein the transceiver is turned off during the sleep mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Leigh M. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 8848934
    Abstract: Method, user terminal and computer program product for controlling audio signals at the user device during a communication session between the user device and a remote node, in which a primary audio signal is received at audio input means of the user device for transmission to the remote node in the communication session. It is determined whether the user device is operating in (i) a first mode in which secondary audio signals output from the user device are likely to disturb the primary audio signal received at the audio input means, or (ii) a second mode in which secondary audio signals output from the user device are not likely to disturb the primary audio signal received at the audio input means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Skype
    Inventor: Nils Ohlmeier
  • Patent number: 8843068
    Abstract: A supervisory mobile communication headset system comprises of a first mobile communication device and a mobile headset, each having an RF transceiver used to establish RF audio and RF supervisory communication between the first mobile communication device and the mobile headset, wherein when both devises carried by the user are within near communication proximity of the other. When the first mobile communication device moves away from communication proximity of the headset, the first mobile communication device in response to RF communication signal lose, it generates warning alarm signal(s) to remind the user to carry the mobile headset. The mobile communication device may securely be attached to the user limp with removal tamper detection circuitry. Further the mobile communication device may contain a GPS receiver used for a monitoring station to track the location of the mobile communication device, and establish communication with the headset user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventors: Ohanes D. Ghazarian, John Patrick Ghazarian
  • Patent number: 8842850
    Abstract: An input device of an electronic apparatus including an input detection unit which is provided on the electronic apparatus at a position that is difficult to be seen by a user who uses the input device, and which detects an input operation of the user; a movement distance detection unit that detects a movement distance of an input position over the input detection unit; and an action control unit that controls a predetermined action of the electronic apparatus based on the movement distance detected by the movement distance detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Akaike, Takahiro Muraguchi
  • Patent number: 8838029
    Abstract: A headset system (1; 94) comprising a wireless headset (3; 32) and a headset base unit (2). The wireless headset (3; 32) comprises a headset transceiver (51) for wireless connectivity to the headset base unit (2), a speaker (43) and a microphone (44) and a headset user interface (52, 53). The headset base unit (2) comprises a base housing (4), a headset holder (5, 38), a first connection device (7), by means of which the headset base unit (2) is connectable to at least one telecommunication device (9, 10, 11), such as a PSTN phone (9), a PC phone (10) and a mobile phone (11). In addition, the headset base unit (2) comprises a first base transceiver (27) for wireless connectivity to the wireless headset (3; 32) and a base user interface (6). At least one audio characteristic, such as microphone audio volume, microphone audio equalization, speaker audio volume and speaker audio equalization, can be adjusted equally by the headset user interface (52, 53) and the base user interface (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventors: Tomasz Goldman, Claus Tondering, Henning Toft Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8831952
    Abstract: A voice input device includes: a mastery level identifying device identifying a mastery level of a user with respect to voice input; and an input mode setting device switching a voice input mode between a guided input mode and an unguided input mode. In the guided input mode, preliminary registered contents of the voice input are presented to the user. The input mode setting device sets the voice input mode to the unguided input mode at a starting time when the voice input device starts to receive the voice input. The input mode setting device switches the voice input mode from the unguided input mode to the guided input mode at a switching time. The input mode setting device sets a time interval between the starting time and the switching time in proportion to the mastery level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yuki Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 8827074
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a case for an electronic device. Other embodiments of related cases and methods of providing and using the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Law, Oliver Duncan Seil, Juliana S. Hung
  • Patent number: 8825121
    Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus that includes two panels pivotally connected together. The panels can pivot from an open arrangement where the two panels lay side by side to a closed arrangement where the two panels lay one on top of another. The apparatus also includes a flexible display connected to the two panels and having a portion that is mechanically free from the two panels. The apparatus further includes a cavity to receive at least a portion of the free portion of the display when the panels are pivoted into the closed arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Aoki, Allison G. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 8818466
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating home information. An earpiece is linked with a router for wireless communications. The earpiece is alerted of incoming communications through a wire telephone in communication with the router. The earpiece is connected to the wire telephone for enabling voice communications in response to user input to accept a call. A status of one or more appliances in communication with the router is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Jill Brunton, Larry Harris
  • Patent number: 8818467
    Abstract: A headset system (10) comprising a headset unit (1) and a detachable wearing device (4). The headset unit (1) comprises a microphone arm (3), which is movable between a compact position and an extended position. A proximity sensor (29; 33) in the headset unit (1) detects whether the microphone arm (3) is in the compact position or the extended position. The headset unit (1) and the wearing device (4) are adapted to be movably attached to each other, so that the headset unit (1) can be moved between a use position and a rest position. The proximity sensor (29; 33) detects, when the headset unit (1) is moved into the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventor: Michael Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8816839
    Abstract: A seat belt alarm system to alert users to the presence of an infant or child, or disabled, infirm or elderly person in a vehicle. The seat belt alarm utilizes a portable bracket configured to removably attach to a female receptacle of a seat belt system. The bracket includes a tension mechanism positioned to be acted upon by a male buckle of a seat belt system when the male buckle of the seat belt mates with the female receptacle of the seat belt system. In a depressed state, the tension mechanism activates a signal transmitter configured to transmit a local signal received by a signal receiver integrated in a keychain fob. When the keychain fob moves outside of a signal range (e.g., 10 feet) while the tension mechanism remains in a depressed state, an alarm and/or red indicator light on the keychain fob is/are activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: William K. Rick
  • Patent number: 8812063
    Abstract: In a signal-based gain control scheme, one or more gain levels used for processing signals are selected based on characteristics of previously received signals. For example, different gain levels may be used to receive sets of signals whereupon certain characteristics of the received sets of signals are determined. One or more gain levels are then selected based on these characteristics whereby another signal is processed based on the selected gain level(s). In some aspects, the signal-based gain control scheme may be employed to facilitate two-way ranging operations between two devices. For example, leading edge detection may involve determining a characteristic of a received signal, determining a threshold based on the characteristic, and identifying a leading edge associated with the received signal based on the threshold. In some aspects, the signal-based gain control scheme may be employed in an ultra-low power pulse-based communication system (e.g., in ultra-wideband communication devices).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Petru Cristian Budianu, David Jonathan Julian, Amal Ekbal
  • Patent number: 8812064
    Abstract: The invention is directed at a headset for a mobile communication device having a multi-button control and is implemented with a standard headset jack. The multi-button control is decoded by a microprocessor after which an encoded signal is then transmitted from the processor to the handset. In this manner, by using the standard jack, no additional hardware is required on the handset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Robert J. Lowles, Edward Hui, David Mak-Fan
  • Patent number: 8811022
    Abstract: An electronic device with a guiding mechanism for guiding a flexible printed circuit board includes a base, a cover, two guiding members, a pushing member, the flexible printed circuit board (FPC) and a rotating member. A through hole is formed on the base. The cover is movably disposed on a first side of the base. The two guiding members are disposed on the second side of the base in parallel. The pushing member is slidably disposed on the two guiding members and has a guiding surface. An end of the FPC is connected to the cover and an other end of the FPC passes through the through hole and surrounds the guiding surface of the pushing member so as to be connected to the base. The rotating member is rotatably disposed on the second side of the base and has a pushing portion abutting against the pushing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Yi Liang, Cheng-Hsiang Chuang, Chun-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 8811034
    Abstract: A portable electronic device including a first body and a second body is provided. The first body has a first operating surface. The second body covers the first operating surface and includes a back cover and a main body. The back cover is slidably disposed on the first body along a first axis. The back cover is suitable for sliding relative to the first body, such that the first operating surface is exposed by the second body. The main body is pivoted to the back cover along a second axis and has a second operating surface. The main body is suitable for pivoting relative to the back cover to change a relative position between the first operating surface and the second operating surface. The first axis is parallel to the second operating surface, and the second axis is perpendicular to the second operating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Hung-Yi Lee
  • Patent number: 8804992
    Abstract: A headset for use with electronic communications devices such as a cellular telephone and which includes a unitary, one-piece headband that includes a hair comb. The one-piece headband also includes a volume control and an on/off switch and an aerial wire intertwined with the teeth of the comb. Earbuds are also attached to the one-piece headband to be integral and unitary therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Melissa P. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8805692
    Abstract: A wearable device includes a housing for the wearable device, a first microphone within or on the housing, a communication module within or on the housing, a logic circuit communicatively coupled to the first microphone, a memory storage unit communicatively coupled to the logic circuit and an interaction element. The interaction element and logic circuit cooperatively initiate control of media content or initiate operations of the wearable device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Personics Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Wayne Goldstein
  • Patent number: 8798693
    Abstract: An ear-level device which can be operable in multiple modes supports a voice menu by which more complex functions executable by the ear-level device or by a companion module can be selected using input at the ear-level device. By pushing a button on an earpiece for example, a voice menu is activated announcing a set of functions such as voice dial, last number redial and so on. When the function that the user wants is announced, the user presses the same button which activates the execution of the function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Sound ID
    Inventors: Ephram Cohen, Nicholas R. Michael, Caslav V. Pavlovic, Michael R. Jones
  • Patent number: 8798692
    Abstract: A wireless headphone assembly has left and right speakers attached to ends of a headphone body, and at least two antennas, e.g., one located at each speaker. Since multiple antennas are used, reception can be improved using one of several approaches, e.g., simple selection of the “best” antenna, multiplexing antenna input, using diversity algorithms such as multiple input multiple output (MIMO) algorithms, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Xavier Estrada
  • Patent number: 8774863
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a built-in microphone of a portable terminal is provided. The method includes detecting a call connection event when a call connection request is received or transmitted; checking information on a currently connected connection device upon detecting the call connection event; and when the information shows that the connected connection device is an earphone, activating a speaker included in the earphone and activating the built-in microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Sang-Kyu Park, Seung-Yup Lee, Jung-Ho Park, Soo-Ho Song
  • Patent number: 8755748
    Abstract: A wireless telephone system with headset-handset assembly which comprises a base station connected to a public telephone network and/or an internet; one or more than one wireless headset-handset assembly movably connected with the base station, and each of the wireless headset-handset assembly comprises a headset and a handset hand-held receiver movably connected with each other; the headset and the base station are connected wirelessly in order to receive signals and data from the base station and transmit signals and data to the base station to achieve wireless communication; the headset is provided with a headset signal transmission end; the handset hand-held receiver comprises a handset signal transmission end to receive signals and data from the headset and transmit signals and data to the headset, and the handset signal transmission end is electronically connected with the headset signal transmission end when it is connected with the headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Skymotion Technology Limited
    Inventors: Man To Li, Wai Keung Cheung, Ho Hing Ng
  • Patent number: 8755747
    Abstract: Techniques to control shared antenna architectures for multiple co-located radio modules are disclosed. The shared antenna architecture may include a combiner and at least one bypass switch for enabling simultaneous operations or mutually-exclusive operations of multiple transceivers. Dynamic gain control is employed to accommodate different front-end losses associated with a variety of signal paths that are achievable using the switch and combiner. Such dynamic gain control can include selecting from multiple sets of amplifier gain values that are tailored to meet the needs of the particular applications that are active at a particular time. Gain values can be chosen based upon received gain information including characteristics including a desired path loss, an application demand, a radio module type, a path configuration, and a mode of operation. By providing dynamic selection of gain values based on application demands, range and throughput of the transceivers can be attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Mike Robinson, James Beninghaus
  • Patent number: 8755845
    Abstract: Wireless audio headset systems and methods for automatically activating target application programs on an attached processor-based host are disclosed. The system generally includes a headset base to communicate with the host executing a headset integrator application, a wireless headset in wireless communication with the headset base and configured to transmit audio signals to and from the headset integrator application via the headset base, and a program activation mechanism provided by the wireless headset that, upon activation of the mechanism, activates a target application program on the processor-based host via the headset base and the headset integrator application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark P. Clark, Keith J. Derrick, Steve C. Evans, Ilia V. Langouev
  • Patent number: 8755743
    Abstract: An earpiece designed to be wirelessly connected to an associated electronic device. The earpiece detects loss of connectivity with the associated electronic device and restoration of connectivity with the electronic device. The earpiece may disable and re-enable communications with the electronic device and/or audibly output a message to a user depending on the detected loss of connectivity or restoration of connectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Naganagouda B. Patil
  • Patent number: 8750800
    Abstract: A Bluetooth device is provided, which comprises a body used for connecting with an earphone; a rotating member, rotating between a first position and a second position relative to the body, so as to control power on or off of the Bluetooth device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Merry Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Yu Tsai, Chung-Yi Huang, I-Chang Liu, Chung-Ming Hung
  • Patent number: RE45172
    Abstract: A neckpad communications system for a helmet includes a neckpad body that includes coupling members for detachably coupling the neckpad body to a surface of the helmet. The system includes a communications unit having a first part that is disposed within and covered by the neckpad body and is configured to permit audio communication with another remote device and a second part including audio transducers located at least partially outside the neckpad body. The audio transducers are operatively connected to the communications unit and can include at least one speaker and a microphone. The neckpad body includes cushioning to allow it to be worn against a user's body and includes controls associated with the communications unit that are accessible exteriorly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cardo Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Abraham Kushnirov