U.S. patent application number 11/774965 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-07 for personal audio assistant device and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Personics Holdings Inc.. Invention is credited to Steven Wayne GOLDSTEIN.
Application Number | 20080031475 11/774965 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38924067 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080031475 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GOLDSTEIN; Steven Wayne |
February 7, 2008 |
PERSONAL AUDIO ASSISTANT DEVICE AND METHOD
Abstract
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an earpiece
comprising: an ambient microphone; an ear canal microphone; an ear
canal receiver; a sealing section; a logic circuit; a communication
module; a memory storage unit,; and a user interaction element,
where the user interaction element is configured to send a play
command to the logic circuit when activated by a user where the
logic circuit reads registration parameters stored on the memory
storage unit and sends audio content to the ear canal receiver
according to the registration parameters.
Inventors: |
GOLDSTEIN; Steven Wayne;
(Delray Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP
1750 TYSONS BOULEVARD, 12TH FLOOR
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
Personics Holdings Inc.
Boca Raton
FL
|
Family ID: |
38924067 |
Appl. No.: |
11/774965 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60806769 |
Jul 8, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
381/151 ;
455/41.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/80 20180201; G06F
3/167 20130101; G10L 15/26 20130101; H04M 1/05 20130101; H04M
1/2471 20130101; H04M 1/6066 20130101; G10L 13/00 20130101; G10L
21/06 20130101; H04R 1/1016 20130101; H04R 3/00 20130101; H04M
1/72442 20210101; G10L 21/00 20130101; G06F 16/60 20190101; G10L
25/48 20130101; G06F 3/165 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/151 ;
455/041.2 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/05 20060101
H04M001/05 |
Claims
1. An earpiece comprising: an ambient microphone; an ear canal
microphone; an ear canal receiver; a sealing section; a logic
circuit; a communication module; a memory storage unit,; and a user
interaction element, where the user interaction element is
configured to send a play command to the logic circuit when
activated by a user where the logic circuit reads registration
parameters stored on the memory storage unit and sends audio
content to the ear canal receiver according to the registration
parameters.
2. The earpiece according to claim 1, where audio content is stored
in the memory storage unit.
3. The earpiece according to claim 2, where the communications
module is a wireless communications module.
4. The earpiece according to claim 1, further comprising: a second
user interaction element configured to alter the volume of the
audio content that is emitted from the ear canal receiver.
5. The earpiece according to claim 1, where one of the registration
parameters is whether the audio content is a sample audio content
or a fully purchased audio content.
6. The earpiece according to claim 1, where one of the registration
parameters is the allowed number of times an audio content can be
played, and a counter value that keeps track of the number of times
the audio content has been played.
7. The earpiece according to claim 6, where an auditory warning is
sounded by the ear canal receiver when the counter value is greater
than or equal to the allowed number of times the audio content can
be played, and where the logic circuit does not send the audio
content to the ear canal receiver.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of 60/806,769,
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), filed 8 Jul. 2006, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates in general to methods and devices for
the storage and recall of audio content via an earpiece, and in
particular, though not exclusively, for the storage and playing of
music or verbal content on a system that is built into a
headphone.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Present audio content playing devices are separated from the
headphone system that normally contains the speakers (also referred
to as receivers). The reason for this has typically been that audio
content has been stored on disks that require a separate playing
system. However, even with the advent of storing audio content on
non-disk RAM (Random Access Memory) storage systems, the audio
content player has been separated from the earpiece system (e.g.,
plug in headphones or earbuds). Combining the capacity for audio
download and playing in an earpiece system is not obvious over
related art since the user interaction system (e.g., play button,
keyboard system) does not readily appear compatible with the size
of an earpiece device and the difficulty of user interaction.
[0004] Additionally, no system currently exists for registration
and download of audio content into an earpiece.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with
the drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates the connection between an earpiece device
(103 and 104) and a communication network;
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates at least one exemplary embodiment where
earpiece devices share information with other earpiece devices
within range (e.g., GPS location and identity);
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of various elements that can
be part of an earpiece device in accordance with at least one
exemplary embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a communication system in
accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment that a user can
use to register via his/her computer;
[0010] FIG. 5A illustrates an earpiece that can store and download
audio content in accordance with at least one exemplary
embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 5B illustrates a block diagram of the earpiece of FIG.
5A; and
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a user interface for setting the
parameters of the Personal Audio Assistant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT
INVENTION
[0013] The following description of exemplary embodiment(s) is
merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit
the invention, its application, or uses.
[0014] Processes, methods, materials and devices known by one of
ordinary skill in the relevant arts can not be discussed in detail
but are intended to be part of the enabling discussion where
appropriate for example the generation and use of transfer
functions.
[0015] Notice that similar reference numerals and letters refer to
similar items in the following figures, and thus once an item is
defined in one figure, it can not be discussed for following
figures.
[0016] Note that herein when referring to correcting or corrections
of an error (e.g., noise), a reduction of the error and/or a
correction of the error is intended.
SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0017] At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a system
for Personalized Services delivered to a Personal Audio Assistant
incorporated within an earpiece (e.g., earbuds, headphones).
Personalized Services include content such as music files (for
preview or purchase) related to a user's preferences, reminders
from personal scheduling software, delivery and text-to-speech,
speech-to-text processing of email, marketing messages, delivery
and text-to-speech of stock market information, medication
reminders, foreign language instruction, academic instruction, time
and date information, speech-to-speech delivery, instructions from
a GPS system and others. A Personal Audio Assistant can be an audio
playback platform for providing the user with Personalized
Services.
[0018] At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a Personal
Audio Assistant system that is included as part of an earpiece
(e.g., Headphone system). The Personal Audio Assistant is capable
of digital audio playback, mitigating the need to carry a personal
music player. Furthermore, a subscription-based service provides
audio content to the user through the Personal Audio Assistant. The
type of audio content, which is automatically provided to the user,
is based on the user's preferences, which are obtained through a
registration process.
[0019] The audio content, which is seamlessly downloaded to the
Personal Audio Assistant in the background, is managed from a
Server system and is only available on the Personal Audio Assistant
for a predetermined period of time or for a fixed number of
playback counts. However, the user can purchase any music file or
electronic book directly from the Personal Audio Assistant with a
simple one-click control interface, storing the purchased audio
content on the Personal Audio Assistant as well as storing the
content permanently in a user storage lock-box location on the
Server system.
[0020] The system provides for audio content to be new and "fresh"
each time the user auditions the content. As such, the content is
typically auditioned in a first-in:first-out scenario. In one such
example, the user has turned on the Personal Audio Assistant at
8:00 am and by 10:00 am has auditioned 2 hours of content that were
created for the user as a manifestation of the user's choices of
their preferences of genre, artist, their demographics, day of the
week, time of day and purchase history. The system also provides
for the elimination of a particular song or playlist in situ.
[0021] As the user's Listening History Envelope is updated based on
experience, subsequent downloads will only contain content
incorporating these revised preferences. The Personal Audio
Assistant provides for ample memory, thus permitting hours of
uninterrupted playback without the need to download additional
content from the server. When in need, the Personal Audio Assistant
automatically interrogates various communication platforms as it
searches for connections. Once a connection is made, the Listener
History Envelope file is uploaded to the server, and a new set of
personalized playlist content is downloaded to the Personal Audio
Assistant. Accordingly, as the Personal Audio Assistant content is
auditioned and thus depleted, the communications system provides
for constant replenishment.
[0022] In another embodiment, the Personal Audio Assistant also
provides for a new set of business solutions to be offered to the
music industry. As the personalized audio content is only available
for audition for a limited period of time, and can not be sent to
the user again from for weeks to months, the user's purchasing
behavior can be demonstrated as spontaneous. The basic model of
"Try before you buy" is the expected outcome. In another iteration,
the distributor of the music can choose to offer discounts, which
can be time-sensitive or quantity-sensitive in nature, in effect
promoting greater purchase activity from the user.
[0023] In another iteration, while in audition a user can wish to
place the desired content in a hold status. The hold status forms
the basis of a "wish list," thus allowing the user to hold for
future consideration audio content while it is being auditioned.
This content resides in the memory of the Personal Audio Assistant
for a defined period, and is automatically erased, or the user can
do so manually. The selected content will also appear on the user's
computer via a URL address; here it resides on the server ready for
audition or purchase and download.
[0024] The system is designed to operate as simply as possible.
Using a single button, which has multiple contacts, the interface
allows the user to purchase, delete, skip to next, and adds to wish
list and even control listening level.
[0025] In another iteration, the user can download their own music
to the Personal Audio Assistant for audition. The Personal Audio
Assistant system is capable of text-to-speech processing and can
interface with personal scheduling software to provide auditory
schedule reminders for the user. Auditory reminders relating to the
user's medication schedule are also generated by the system.
[0026] At least one exemplary embodiment includes input Acoustic
Transducers (microphones) for capturing user's speech as well as
Environmental Audio. In further embodiments, stereo input Acoustic
Transducers capture Environmental Audio, and, mixing it with the
audio signal path, present the ambient sound field to the user,
mitigating the need to remove the Headphone apparatus for normal
conversation.
[0027] Additional exemplary embodiments are directed to various
scenarios for the delivery and consumption of audio content. The
Personal Audio Assistant can store and play back audio content in
compressed digital audio formats. In one embodiment, the storage
memory of the Personal Audio Assistant is completely closed to the
end-user and controlled from the Server. This allows for audio
content to be distributed on a temporary basis, as part of a
subscription service. In another iteration of the present
invention, the storage memory of the Personal Audio Assistant is
not completely closed to the end-user, allowing the user to
transfer audio content to the Personal Audio Assistant from any
capable device such as a Personal Computer or a Personal Music
Player.
[0028] In at least one exemplary embodiment the Personal Audio
Assistant automatically scans for other Bluetooth-enabled audio
playback systems and notifies the user that additional devices are
available. These additional devices can include a Bluetooth video
system, television system, personal video player, video camera,
cell phone, another Personal Audio Assistant and others.
[0029] In another iteration, the Personal Audio Assistant can be
directly connected to a Terrestrial Radio receiver, or have such a
receiver built in to the system.
[0030] In another exemplary embodiment, a technique known as
Sonification can be used to convey statistical or other numerical
information to a headphone. For example, the user would be able to
receive information about the growth or decline of a particular
stock, groups of stocks or even sectors of the markets though the
Personal Audio Assistant. Many different components can be altered
to change the user's perception of the sound, and in turn, their
perception of the underlying information being portrayed. An
increase or decrease in some level of share price or trading levels
can be presented to the user. A stock market price can be portrayed
by an increase in the frequency of a sine tone as the stock price
rose, and a decline in frequency as it fell. To allow the user to
determine that more than one stock was being portrayed, different
timbres and spatial locations might be used for the different
stocks, or they can be played to the user from different points in
space, for example, through different sides of their headphones.
The user can act upon this auditory information and use the
controls built-in to the headphone to either purchase or sell a
particular stock position.
[0031] Furthermore, specific sonification techniques and
preferences can be presented to the user as "themes" from which the
user can select. For example, one theme might auralize the current
trading price of one stock with an ambient sine tone in the left
ear, the price of another stock in the right ear, their respective
trade volumes as perceived elevation using personalized
head-related transfer function binauralization, and the current
global index or other market indicator as the combined perceptual
loudness of both tones. Such a scheme affords ambient auditory
display in this example of five dimensions of financial data
without compromising the user's ability to converse or work on
other tasks. In another embodiment, the system affords users the
ability to customize themes to their liking and to rapidly switch
among them using simple speech commands. Additionally, the user can
search the web from voice commands and receive results via text to
speech synthesizer.
[0032] In yet another exemplary embodiment the PAA functions as a
dictation device for medical professionals for dictating clinical
information to a patient's medical record, or write prescriptions
for medication or devices. Conversely, the PAA can function as
text-to-speech allowing the clinician to audition information from
a medical record, rather than reading. BF thought: can save
considerable time preparing clinician interaction with
patient.]
[0033] In another iteration, the Personal Audio Assistant can
function as a tool to locate other users of Personal Audio
Assistant who share common interests, or who are searching for
particular attributes of other users. Whereas the 1.sup.st user has
stored specific personal information in the Public Data memory of
the Personal Audio Assistant, an example of which might be related
to schools attended, marital status, profession etc, or the
1.sup.st user can be in search of an another user with these
attributes and whereas 2nd user of a Personal Audio Assistant comes
within communication range of the 1.sup.st user, the individual
Personal Audio Assistants communicate with each other, access the
personal information stored in each of their respective Public Data
memory's to ascertain if these users have common interests. If a
match occurs, each unit can contain both audible and visual
indicators announcing that a match has been made and thus each user
can start dialog either physically or electronically via the
environmental microphones.
Examples of Terminology
[0034] Note that the following non-limiting examples of terminology
are soley intended to aid in understanding various exemplary
embodiments and is not intended to be restrictive of the meaning of
terms nor all inclusive.
[0035] Acoustic Isolation Cushion: An "Acoustic Isolation Cushion"
shall be defined as a circum-aural or intra-aural device that
provides acoustic isolation from Environmental Noise. Acoustic
Isolation Cushions can be included as part of a Headphones system,
allowing the output of the acoustical transducers to reach the ear
unimpeded, but still providing acoustic isolation from
Environmental Noise.
[0036] Acoustic Transducer: An "Acoustic Transducer" shall be
defined as a device that converts sound pressure level variations
into electronic voltages or vice versa. Acoustic Transducers
include microphones, loudspeakers, Headphones, and other
devices.
[0037] Audio Playback: "Audio Playback" shall be defined as the
auditory stimuli generated when Playback Hardware reproduces audio
content (music, speech, etc) for a listener or a group of listeners
listening to Headphones.
[0038] Audition: "Audition" shall be defined as the process of
detecting sound stimulus using the human auditory system. This
includes the physical, psychophysical, psychoacoustic, and
cognitive processes associated with the perception of acoustic
stimuli.
[0039] Client: A "Client" shall be defined as a system that
communicates with a Server, usually over a communications network,
and directly interfaces with a user. Examples of Client systems
include personal computers and mobile phones.
[0040] Communications Port: A Communication Port shall be defined
as an interface port supporting bidirectional transmission
protocols (TCP/IP, USB, IEEE 1394, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, A2SP,
GSM, CDMA, or others) via a communications network (e.g., the
Internet, cellular networks).
[0041] Control Data: "Control Data" shall be defined as information
that dictates the operating parameters for a system or a set of
systems.
[0042] Earcon: An Earcon shall be defined as a Personalized Audio
signal that informs the User of a pending event typically inserted
in advance of the upcoming audio content.
[0043] Ear Mold Style: "Ear Mold Style" shall be defined as a
description of the form factor for an intra-aural device (e.g.,
hearing aids). Ear Mold Styles include completely in the canal
(CIC), in the canal (ITC), in the ear (ITE), and behind the ear
(BTE).
[0044] Environmental Audio: "Environmental Audio" shall be defined
as auditory stimuli of interest to the user in the environment
where the user is present. Environmental Audio includes speech and
music in the environment.
[0045] Environmental Noise: "Environmental Noise" shall be defined
as the auditory stimuli inherent to a particular environment where
the user is present and which the user does not wish to audition.
The drone of highway traffic is a common example of Environmental
Noise. Note that Environmental Noise and Audio Playback are two
distinct types of auditory stimuli. Environmental Noise does not
typically include Music or other audio content.
[0046] E-Tailing System: An "E-tailing System" shall be defined as
a web-based solution through which a user can search, preview and
acquire some available product or service. Short for "electronic
retailing," E-tailing is the offering of retail goods or services
on the Internet. Used in Internet discussions as early as 1995, the
term E-tailing seems an almost inevitable addition to e-mail,
e-business, and e-commerce. E-tailing is synonymous with
business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions. Accordingly, the user can
be required to register by submitting personal information, and the
user can be required to provide payment in the form of Currency or
other consideration in exchange for the product or service.
Optionally, a sponsor can bear the cost of compensating the
E-tailer, while the user would receive the product or service.
[0047] Generic HRTF: A "Generic HRTF" shall be defined as a set of
HRTF data that is intended for use by any Member. A Generic HRTF
can provide a generalized model of the parts of the human anatomy
relevant to audition and localization, or simply a model of the
anatomy of an individual other than the Member. The application of
Generic HRTF data to Audio Content provides the least convincing
Spatial Image for the Member, relative to Semi-Personalized and
Personalized HRTF data. Generic HRTF data is generally retrieved
from publicly available databases such as the CIPIC HRTF
database.
[0048] Headphones: "Headphones" (also known as earphones, earbuds,
stereophones, headsets Canalphones, or the slang term "cans") are a
pair of transducers that receive an electrical signal from a media
player, communication receivers and transceivers, and use speakers
placed in close proximity to the ears (hence the name earphone) to
convert the signal into audible sound waves. Headphones are
intended as personal listening devices that are placed either
circum-aural or intra-aural according to one of the Ear Mold
Styles, as well as other devices that meet the above definition
such as advanced eyewear that includes Acoustical Transducers (i.e.
Dataview). Headphones can also include stereo input Acoustic
Transducers (microphones) included as part of the Ear Mold Style
form factor.
[0049] HRTF: "HRTF" is an acronym for head-related transfer
function--a set of data that describes the acoustical reflection
characteristics of an individual's anatomy relevant to audition.
Although in practice they are distinct (but directly related), this
definition of HRTF encompasses the head-related impulse response
(HRIR) or any other set of data that describes some aspects of an
individual's anatomy relevant to audition.
[0050] Informed Consent: "Informed Consent" shall be defined as a
legal condition whereby a person can be the to have given formal
consent based upon an appreciation and understanding of the facts
and implications associated with a specific action. For minors or
individuals without complete possession of their faculties,
Informed Consent includes the formal consent of a parent or
guardian.
[0051] Listening History Envelope: "Listening History Envelope"
shall be defined as a record of a user's listening habits over
time. The envelope includes system data, time system was turned
off, time system is presenting [BF thought: system doesn't
audition, system transducers, and user auditions] content, time
stamp of content being auditioned, content which is: skipped,
deleted played multiple times, saved in the Wish List, and time
between listening sessions.
[0052] Music: "Music" shall be defined as a form of expression in
the medium of time using the structures of tones and silence to
create complex forms in time through construction of patterns and
combinations of natural stimuli, principally sound. Music can also
be referred to as audio media or audio content.
[0053] Playback Hardware: Any device used to play previously
recorded or live streaming audio. Playback Hardware includes
Headphones, loudspeakers, personal music players, mobile phones,
and other devices.
[0054] Personal Audio Assistant: A "Personal Audio Assistant" shall
be defined as a portable system capable of interfacing with a
communications network, directly or through an intermediate, to
transmit and receive audio signals and other data.
[0055] Personal Computer: "Personal Computer" shall be defined as
any piece of hardware that is an open system capable of compiling,
linking, and executing a programming language (such as C/C++, java,
etc.).
[0056] Personal Music Player: "Personal Music Player" shall be
defined as any portable device that implements perceptual audio
decoder technology but is a closed system in that users are not
generally allowed or able to write software for the device.
[0057] Personalized HRTF: A "Personalized HRTF" shall be defined as
a set of HRTF data that is measured for a specific Member and
unique to that Member. The application of Personalized HRTF data to
Audio Content creates, by far, the most convincing Spatial Image
for the the Member (Begault et. al. 2001, D. Zotkin, R. Duraiswami,
and L. Davis 2002).
[0058] Personalized Services: "Personalized Services" shall be
defined as services customized to better meet the needs of an
individual. Personalized Services include media content (for
preview or purchase) related to a user's preferences, reminders
from personal scheduling software, delivery and text-to-speech
processing of email, marketing messages, delivery and
text-to-speech of stock market information, medication reminders,
foreign language instruction [real-time foreign language
translation?], academic instruction, time and date information, and
others.
[0059] Public Data: "Public Data" shall be defined as data which
contains specific and personal information about the registered
user of the Personal Audio Assistant. The registered user chooses
which portions of their complete Registration Process data they
wish to include in this subset. This data becomes distributed to
other users who have compliant devices thus allows other users to
know specific details of the registered user.
[0060] Registration Process: "Registration Process" includes the
acquisition of the user's preference via a web page. Typically, the
process would include the items to be captured: Age, demographics,
email, gender, Relative Audiogram, Personal Preferences, banking
information, credit card information, wake-up and sleep times,
music preferences by genre, artist, preferences for writers and
authors, desire to receive advertising, turn-on listening level,
equalization, email preferences, parental control setup as well as
other user-controlled settings.
[0061] Relative Audiogram: A "Relative Audiogram" shall be defined
as a measured set of data describing a specific individual's
hearing threshold level as a function of frequency. A Relative
Audiogram is only an approximate Audiogram, leaving more complete
Audiogram analysis to qualified audiologists.
[0062] Semi-Personalized HRTF: A "Semi-Personalized HRTF" shall be
defined as a set of HRTF data that is selected from a database of
known HRTF data as the "best-fit" for a specific user.
Semi-Personalized HRTF data is not necessarily unique to one user;
however, interpolation and matching algorithms can be employed to
modify HRTF data from the database to improve the accuracy of a
Semi-Personalized HRTF. The application of Semi-Personalized HRTF
data to Audio Content provides a Spatial Image that is improved
compared to that of Generic HRTF data, but less effective than that
of Personalized HRTF data. The embodiments within speak to a
variety of methods for determining the best-fit HRTF data for a
particular Member including anthropometrical measurements extracted
from photographs and deduction.
[0063] Server: A "Server" shall be defined as a system that
controls centrally held data and communicates with Clients.
[0064] Sonification: "Sonification" shall be defined as the use of
non-speech audio to convey information or to aurally perceptualize
non-acoustic data (auralize). Due to a variety of phenomena
involving human cognition, certain types of information can be
better or more efficiently conveyed using auditory means than, for
example, visual means.
Exemplary Embodiments
[0065] FIG. 1 illustrates the connection between an earpiece device
(103 and 104) and a communication network (101), which can be
operatively (via wire or wireless) to a server system (100) and/or
an e-mail server (105). Additionally a radio signal (e.g.,
satellite radio) can be input into the earpiece 500 via a
communication module (e.g., bluetooth wireless module 515).
[0066] FIG. 2 illustrates at least one exemplary embodiment where
earpiece devices share information with other earpiece devices
within range (e.g., GPS location and identity). For example
multiple users (e.g., 202, 203, 204, and 206) can send signals to
each individual earpiece (e.g., 500) when in range (e.g., via a
wireless connection 205) or to a mobile audio communications device
200 via a wireless connection (201) with each earpiece (500).
Additionally a information (e.g., audio content, software download)
can be sent via a client's computer 207 to each earpiece, either
directly (e.g., 205), or via 200. For example audio content can be
retrieved on a user's computer and sent to the earpieces that have
authorization to use it.
[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of various elements that can
be part of an earpiece device in accordance with at least one
exemplary embodiment. The earpiece can include all or some of the
elements illustrated in FIG. 3. For example the logic circuit 570
or the operatively connected memory storage device 585, can include
spatial enhancement software 329, a DSP code 330, a speech
synthesis and recognition system 311, and a digital timer 312.
Additional elements can be connected to the logic circuit 570 as
needed, for example a software communication interface 307 (e.g.,
wireless module 515), data port interface 306, audio input buffers
300 connected to digital audio input 302 and/or analog audio input
converted to digital via an ADC 301, environmental audio input
acoustic transducer(s) 321 converted to digital via an ADC 316,
user control 324, digital audio output 328, output acoustic
transducers 319, display systems 318, communication buffers 325 as
well as other electronic devices as known by one of ordinary skill
in the relevant arts.
[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a communication system in
accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment that a user can
use to register via his/her computer 419, via a communication
network 400 (e.g., internet connection) connected to many various
database and registration systems as illustrated and labeled in
FIG. 4.
[0069] FIG. 5A illustrates an earpiece that can store and download
audio content in accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment.
The earpiece 500, can include a first user interaction element 530
(e.g., a button), that can be used to turn the earpiece 500 on, or
if on then activate an audio play command to start playing saved
audio content. The earpiece 500 can also include a second user
interaction element 550 (e.g., a slide control) that can be used
for example to control the volume. The earpiece can also include
recharge ports, that can accept two wires of varying voltage that
can be inserted into the recharge ports 570 to recharge any
batteries in the earpiece 500. The earpiece can include an ambient
microphone 520 and an optional communication antenna 510, that if
needed can aid in the communication between the earpiece 500 and a
communication network.
[0070] FIG. 5B illustrates a block diagram of the earpiece of FIG.
5A, illustrating the first user interaction element 530, the
ambient microphone (AM) 520, that can be used to pick up ambient
audio content, an ear canal microphone (ECM) 570 that can pick up
audio in the ear canal region, an ear canal receiver (ECR) 580 that
can direct audio content to the ear drum, all of which can be
connected operatively to a logic circuit 570. A memory storage
device can be operatively connected to the logic circuit (LC) 570,
and can store data such as registration, preference, and audio
content data. The optional communication antenna 510 can be
connected to a communication module (e.g., wireless module 515),
and can receive or transmit information 560 to a communication
network.
[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates a user interface for setting the
parameters stored in the memory storage device 585. For example a
user can use his/her computer 419 to communicate with a server 401
(e.g., via a communication network 400) to start the user's
registration (e.g., with an audio content provider). The
registration information can then be transmitted 600 to set the
stored parameters in the memory storage device 585 of the earpiece
500. Additionally a requested (e.g., bought) audio content can be
downloaded 610 into the memory storage device 585 of the earpiece
500.
[0072] At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an earpiece
comprising: an ambient microphone; an ear canal microphone; an ear
canal receiver; a sealing section; a logic circuit; a communication
module; a memory storage unit; and a user interaction element,
where the user interaction element is configured to send a play
command to the logic circuit when activated by a user where the
logic circuit reads registration parameters stored on the memory
storage unit and sends audio content to the ear canal receiver
according to the registration parameters.
[0073] In at least one exemplary embodiment the audio content is
stored in the memory storage unit. The earpiece according to claim
2, where the communications module is a wireless communications
module. Additionally the earpiece can include a second user
interaction element configured to alter the volume of the audio
content that is emitted from the ear canal receiver.
[0074] Upon a play command being received by the logic circuit the
logic circuit can check registration parameters stored in the
memory storage device for example one of the registration
parameters can be whether the audio content is a sample audio
content or a fully purchased audio content, or the allowed number
of times an audio content can be played, and a counter value that
keeps track of the number of times the audio content has been
played.
[0075] The earpiece can send an auditory warning to be emitted by
the ear canal receiver when the counter value is greater than or
equal to the allowed number of times the audio content can be
played, and where the logic circuit does not send the audio content
to the ear canal receiver.
Further Exemplary Embodiments
[0076] At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a system
for the delivery of Personalized Services to Personal Audio
Assistants, the system comprising: a Personal Audio Assistant
system for presenting Personalized Services to the user as Audio
Playback; a Server system for user registration, Personalized
Service management, and communication; a Registration Process for
collecting detailed registration information from users, including
the information necessary for creating Personalized Services; a
communications protocol (TCP/IP, USB, IEEE 1394, IEEE 802.11,
Bluetooth, A2SP, GSM, CDMA, or other) and a communications network
(i.e. the Internet, cellular networks) connecting the Personal
Audio Assistant to the Server or connecting the Personal Audio
Assistant to other Personal Audio Assistants (peer-to-peer
behavior).
[0077] In at least one exemplary embodiment a Personal Computer
acts as an intermediate, connecting to the Server system over a
communications network and connecting to the Personal Audio
Assistant over a local connection. At least one exemplary
embodiment includes a Personal Hearing Damage Intervention System
(e.g., USPTO--60/805985--Goldstein).
[0078] In at least one exemplary embodiment a Personal Audio
Assistant system included as part of a Headphone system, the system
comprising: a Communications Port supporting a communications
protocol enabling communication with the Server system, peer
devices, and other capable devices; a non-volatile program memory
storage system for storing Control Data, dictating system behavior;
a data memory storage system for storing data and audio content; an
analog audio input/output and corresponding ADC/DAC; a digital
audio input/output and a digital audio signal path; a user control
system allowing the user to adjust the level of the audio output
and control the behavior of the system; a user control system
allowing the user to purchase the content being auditioned in real
time; a user control system allowing the user to control, delete,
fast forward, output level control, scan, advance, the date stored
both stored in memory as well as new streaming data emails and
reminders; a display system for presenting information to the
user(s) visually using any method familiar to those skilled in the
art (LED, LCD, or other); a display system for presenting
information to the user(s) (e.g., using Earcons and other sound
files); a speech synthesis system for converting text-to-speech and
generating speech signals; a speech recognition system for
converting speech to-text to respond and send emails and to
interface with the control language as to provide navigational
commands; a digital timer system; a power supply system in the form
of a battery; a unique identification number for each Personal
Audio Assistant; an Input Acoustic Transducers; an Output Acoustic
Transducers; an Audio amplification system; an Acoustic Isolation
Cushions conforming to one of the Ear Mold Styles (CIC, ITC, ITE,
or BTE; see definitions) and other elements common to Headphone
systems; a digital signal processor (DSP) system; and a CODEC
processor capable of improving the perceptual sound quality of the
content to be auditioned while governed by delivering the correct
SPL dose.
[0079] In at least one exemplary embodiment the system is
independent of a Headphone array or can be included and imbedded as
part of a Personal Computer system, a Personal Music Player system,
a personal monitoring system, an automotive audio system, a home
audio system, an avionics audio system, a personal video system, a
mobile cell phone system, a personal digital assistant system, a
standalone accessory, or an advanced eye-wear system with
acoustical transducers.
[0080] In at least one exemplary embodiment the various processing
needed to derive the intended functions are distributed among any
combination of a Server system, a Personal Computer system, a
Personal Music Player system, a personal monitoring system, an
automotive audio system, a home audio system, an avionics audio
system, a personal video system, a mobile cell phone system, a
personal digital assistant system, a standalone accessory, or an
advanced eye-wear system with acoustical transducers.
[0081] In at least one exemplary embodiment the Personal Audio
Assistant system can exchange audio signals with a mobile phone via
the Communications Port, allowing the Personal Audio Assistant to
function as a mobile phone accessory.
[0082] In at least one exemplary embodiment a communications buffer
is included. For example when a network connection is available,
the communications buffer uploads stored content (e.g., Listening
Habits Envelope) and stores incoming transmissions (e.g., music,
electronic books, and updates to the firmware or operating system)
from the Communications Port; The contents of the communications
buffer are then transmitted whenever a network connection becomes
available. At least one exemplary embodiment includes a perceptual
audio codec decoding technology in the DSP, enabling the storage
and playback of compressed digital audio formats (e.g., MP3, MC,
FLAC, etc.). At least one exemplary embodiment is compliant and
compatible with DRM, FairPlay and other forms of digital content
governance.
[0083] At least one exemplary embodiment includes a user control
system for selecting and playing back audio content stored in
memory that operates using any combination of the following
methods: a button or tactile interface which upon auditioning song
can be pressed to order content; a button, tactile and/ or voice
controlled interface which, when pressed once, to commanded to,
activates playback of short audio clips or audio thumbnails of the
audio content stored in memory; When the button is pressed again
during audio thumbnail playback, the current audio content
selection is played in its entirety; The behavior of this interface
is similar to the "scan" button interface common in FM/AM radio
devices; a button, tactile and/or voice controlled interface that,
when pressed or commanded to, skips to the next piece of audio
content, which is selected randomly from all available audio
content that has a play count equal to or less than the play count
of the piece of audio content currently playing; The behavior of
this interface is similar to the "shuffle" behavior found in some
personal music players; an interface for browsing audio content
storage devices familiar to those skilled in the art; and a process
to allow for increased data memory storage capacity for storing
audio content.
[0084] In at least one exemplary embodiment the contents of the
data memory are encrypted and controlled by the Server system only,
prohibiting the end-user from loading unauthorized audio content
into the data memory. Further the contents of the data memory can
be manipulated by the end-user, allowing the user to transfer audio
content to the Personal Audio Assistant system from any device
capable of interfacing with the communications port; For example,
audio content can be transferred to the system from a Personal
Music Player or a Personal Computer. At least one exemplary
embodiment audio content (or other media content) updates are
retrieved from the Server system any time a connection is detected
by the communications port. Furthermore can include an acoustical
and or visual indicator informing the user when a transfer of data
is activated.
[0085] In at least one exemplary embodiment radio wave
transmissions are used to implement some communications protocol
and the communications port acts as a radio receiver. Additionally
the Personal Audio Assistant can include: interfaces with some
personal scheduling software through the communications port; a
speech synthesis system which generates speech-signal reminders
corresponding to information from the scheduling software, where
the digital timer system triggers the presentation of the
speech-signal reminders at the appropriate time.
[0086] Additionally the Personal Audio Assistant can interface with
an email platform through the communications port; The speech
synthesis system converts the email in text to speech and provides
email to the user in aural presentation format. The system further
comprising: a process in the Registration engine allowing the user
to optimize their personalization process of incoming emails by
associating a specific Earcon with the importance of the incoming
email, As such, normal priority email contains a introduction sound
announcing to the user the level of importance the sender
associated with their email; a speech recognition system for
converting speech-to-text which interfaces with the control
language as to provide navigational commands allowing the user to
respond and send emails.
[0087] In at least one exemplary embodiment the communications port
system makes use of some wireless communications protocol (802.11,
Bluetooth, A2SP, or other) to transmit and receive digital audio
data for playback, the system further comprising: an audio codec to
encode and decode digital audio transmissions; a wireless
communications system (802.11, Bluetooth, A2SP etc.) for
transmitting and receiving data (digital audio transmissions,
Control Data, etc.); a method for pairing two or more Personal
Audio Assistants through a wireless communications protocol to
provide a secure exchange of audio content, data such as the user's
Public Data; an audio warning signal or visual display system
output that notifies the user anytime a compatible transmission
becomes available; and a user control system enabling the user to
switch between available compatible transmissions.
[0088] In at least one exemplary embodiment the system enables
listeners to share digital audio transmissions, the system further
comprising: a method for scanning for available digital audio
transmissions within range; a user control interface for specifying
digital audio transmission behavior; a method for employing the
system as a relay to other compliant devices; re-broadcasting
digital audio transmissions to increase wireless range. In at least
one exemplary embodiment multiple systems are capable of sharing
the contents of their program and data memory using the wireless
communications protocol.
[0089] In at least one exemplary embodiment the system the input
Acoustic Transducer is used to record audio content to the data
memory storage system, the system further comprising: an
implementation of some perceptual audio codec technology in the
DSP, enabling the storage of compressed audio formats (e.g., MP3,
AAC, FLAC, etc); and an increased data memory storage capacity for
storing recorded audio content.
[0090] In at least one exemplary embodiment the stereo input
Acoustic Transducers are ultimately connected to the audio signal
path at the DSP, allowing the user to audition Environmental Audio
(e.g., speech or music) and mitigating the need for the user to
remove the Headphone apparatus to audition Environmental Audio, the
system further comprising: a stereo pair of input Acoustic
Transducers placed close to the user's ear canal input, conforming
to one of the Ear Mold Styles (CIC, ITC, ITE, or BTE, see
definitions); and by mounting the input Acoustic Transducers in a
CIC or ITC configuration, spatial-acoustic cues are preserved,
creating a spatially-accurate Environmental Audio input
signal--essentially a personal binaural recording; a method for
acoustically compensating for the non-linear frequency response
characteristics of the Acoustical Isolation Cushions of a given
Headphone system by applying corresponding inverse filters to the
Environmental Audio input signal at the DSP; With this method, the
system acts as a linear-frequency-response hearing protection
apparatus (e.g., USPTO--60805985--Goldstein).
[0091] At least one exemplary embodiment includes a system for
first attenuating Audio Playback and then mixing the Environmental
Audio input signals, at a louder listening level, with the audio
signal path using the DSP, where the system is activated by any
combination of the following methods: a manual switch to
activate/deactivate the system; a speech-detection apparatus to
activate the system when speech is detected as the principal
component of the Environmental Audio input; and a music-detection
apparatus to activate the system when music is detected as the
principal component of the Environmental Audio input.
[0092] At leas one exemplary embodiment can include active noise
reduction, echo cancellation and signal conditioning that can be
environmentally customized through the registration process to
better meet the user's specific needs (i.e., occupation-related
noise cancellation); A typical application would be a special set
of noise cancellation parameters tuned to the drilling equipment
used by a dentist.
[0093] In at least one exemplary embodiment the input Acoustic
Transducers are instead mounted within circum-aural, intra-aural
BTE, or intra-aural ITE molds (see Ear Mold Style), the system
further comprising: a spatial audio enhancement system for
supplementing the spatial-acoustic cues captured by the stereo pair
of input Acoustical Transducers to provide improved spatial
perception of Environmental Audio using any combination of the
following methods: the application of Generic, Semi-Personalized,
or Personalized HRTF data to the Environmental Audio input signal;
the application of binaural enhancement algorithms, familiar to
those skilled in the art, to the Environmental Audio input signals;
the application of a pinna simulation algorithm to the
Environmental Audio input signal; and a synthetic pinna apparatus
placed just before the stereo input Acoustic Transducers.
[0094] At least one exemplary embodiment includes a Server system
for the creation, Registration, management, and delivery of
Personalized Services, the system comprising: a communications
system for interfacing with public communication networks to
exchange data with Personal Audio Assistants, Client's computer,
Mobil phones, PDA or other capable devices; a database and database
management system for storing and retrieving information relating
to user Registration, Personalized Services, audio content, Control
Data, and other data; a Registration interface system for
collecting, storing, and applying information provided by users; a
method for creating Personalized Services based on user
Registration information; an end-user audio content Lock-Box
storage system, providing every registered user access to their
purchased media content; a business-to-business interface system
for acquiring audio content with record labels, copyright holders,
and other businesses; an E-tailing system including an electronic
transactions system enabling users to purchase content, items
offered for sale or pay subscription fees electronically; an
E-Payment system compensating the various copyholders upon purchase
of content by user; a Playlist engine, which acquires the users
Registration information, Listening History Envelope and then
creates audio playlists, which is optimized for the user
preferences and further refinements; and an Email server, which
distributes communications to the user and others, regarding
marketing data, the status of the user weekly SPL dose, and other
information.
[0095] At least one exemplary embodiment includes machine-learning
techniques are employed to better optimize the users' preferences
relating to audio content and other media content, the system
further comprising: a method for tracking the purchase history of
each user, relating the purchase history to media content
preferences, and using the purchase history to make media content
recommendations; a method for examining a user's digital media
library, stored on a Personal Computer, Personal Music Player, or
Personal Audio Assistant, from the Server system, and relating
media content preferences and media content recommendations to the
user's digital media library; and a method for examining a user's
Listening History Profile.
[0096] At least one exemplary embodiment includes a Registration
system for collecting a wide variety information from users,
including information necessary for creating Personalized Services,
the system comprising: a Server system; an interface system for
querying the user to collect registration information including
demographics (age, gender), Playback Hardware information,
Headphone information, occupational information, home and work
locations, medication information, music-related preferences,
video-related preferences, and other information; a method for
customizing Control Data based on registration information; and a
method for creating Personalized Services based on registration
information.
[0097] In at least one exemplary embodiment a fast HRTF acquisition
process is included as part of the Registration process, the system
further comprising a method for the fast acquisition of
Semi-Personalized HRTF data via a deduction process, the method
comprising: a database system containing indexed, clustered HRTF
data sets; an auditory test signal with distinctive spatial
characteristics, where two or more distinct sound source locations
exist; a system for the application of potential HRTF matches to
the auditory test signal; and a feedback system, allowing the user
to select the best listening experience from a number of candidate
listening experiences, based on the spatial quality perceived in
the HRTF-processed auditory test signal.
[0098] In at least one exemplary embodiment Personalized HRTF data
is measured and used instead of Semi-Personalized HRTF data, by any
method familiar to those skilled in the art.
[0099] In at least one exemplary embodiment the user is provided
some Personal Audio Assistant free-of-charge or at a discount,
given the user agrees to a subscription service commitment to
receive Personalized Services for a certain amount of time.
[0100] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as part of the
Personalized Services, the user is provided with temporary audio
content corresponding to the preferences indicated during the
registration process; Further, the user is given the option to
purchase the audio content permanently; Otherwise, the audio
content is replaced with new audio content from the Server, after a
predetermined amount of time or a predetermined number of playback
counts, the system comprising: a Personal Audio Assistant with an
enhanced user control system, enabling a registered user to
purchase media content directly from the Personal Audio Assistant
with a button; and a Personal Audio Assistant with an enhanced user
control system, enabling a registered user to store a reference to
media content that can be purchased by the user at a later
time.
[0101] In at least one exemplary embodiment, video or gaming
content is included as well as audio content, the system further
comprising: a Personal Audio Assistant with an enhanced visual
display system, capable of playing video and/or gaming content.
[0102] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as part of the
Personalized Services, the user receives medication reminders in
the form of speech signals, audio signals, text, or graphics on the
user's Personal Audio Assistant; Medication reminders are generated
by the Server system based on the user's registration
information.
[0103] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as part of the
Personalized Services, the user receives stock market information
in the form of speech signals, audio signals, text, or graphics on
the user's Personal Audio Assistant; The stock market information
is selected by the Server system based on the user's registration
information, the system further comprising: the user having
successfully registered their Personal Audio Assistant with a
brokerage firm, or other stock trading engines, the user can then
purchase or sell a stock by use of user button or speech
command.
[0104] Further in at least one exemplary embodiment, the user is
able to request specific media content to be transferred
temporarily or permanently to the user's Personal Audio Assistant,
the system further comprising: an interface system operating on the
Server allowing users to request specific media content by artist,
title, genre, format, keyword search, or other methods familiar to
those skilled in the art; and media content search engine
system.
[0105] In at least one exemplary embodiment a Relative Audiogram
compensation filter is applied to audio signal path by the digital
signal processor, the system either (e.g.,
USPTO--60805985--Goldstein): (a) Retrieves Relative Audiogram
compensation information from a remote Server after a registration
process (during transmission, the information can include HIPAA
compliant encoding); or (b) calculates a compensation filter from
Relative Audiogram information obtained by the system local. For
example U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,908--Edwards, and U.S. Pat. No.
6,379,314--Horn, discuss methods for the acquisition of an
individual's Relative Audiogram.
[0106] In at least one exemplary embodiment a Satellite Radio
transmitter/receiver (transceiver) is incorporated within the
Headphone proper, allowing the user to at least: receive XM, Sirius
and other broadcasts for playback over the system; select radio
stations for playback over the system via the control system, the
control system comprising either a single-click tactile interface
or the speech-controlled circuitry; store selected portions of such
broadcasts in memory for later recall and playback via the control
systems; engage a novel commercial-skip feature for attenuating the
playback level of suspected sales commercials broadcasts; and
engage a speech-skip feature for attenuating the playback of speech
(e.g., news, announcements, etc.).
[0107] At least one exemplary embodiment includes a Walkie-Talkie
mode, which broadcasts input to the system's built-in microphone,
whereby the user's speech can be detected by the input acoustic
transducer and remotely broadcast where at least one of the
following occurs: the Walkie-Talkie mode receives input via AM/FM
broadcasts (as well as digital communications protocols) from a
nearby user; the Walkie-Talkie mode allows nearby users to engage
in conversation with increased perceptual clarity in noisy
environments (e.g., aircraft cockpits), using for example a
noise-cancellation system; selectively engage and disengage the
Walkie-Talkie mode using the control system; detect other users of
the system within a given range; and alert the user of the system
when other detected systems contain certain Public Data and contain
a predefined Public Message Key (e.g., "If the detected system
belongs to a single male between the ages of 25 and 30 and whose
favorite sport is tennis, then broadcast the message, `I like
tennis also; would you like to have coffee?"` or "If the detected
system belongs to a user who attended Princeton University, then
broadcast the message, `Go Tigers!"").
[0108] At least one exemplary embodiment can use other
communications to accomplish this service rather than AM/FM; as
such the system can incorporate communications t (TCP/IP, USB, IEEE
1394, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, A2SP, GSM, CDMA, or other) and a
communications network (i.e. the Internet, cellular networks)
connecting the Personal Audio Assistant to other Personal Audio
Assistants. At least one exemplary embodiment can selectively
control the broadcast of public data and public message keys via
the control system.
[0109] At least one exemplary embodiment includes a Sonification
algorithm within the Headphone, which enables auditory display of
digitally received data, including for example financial data,
news, GPS data, the system further containing a variety of
sonification "themes" selected during the registration process that
map requested data (e.g., current average trading price of AAPL
stock, the DOW Jones Industrial Index, and the NASDAQ Composite) to
corresponding audio content (e.g., the frequency of a sine tone
presented in the left ear, the frequency of a sine tone presented
in the right ear, and the global amplitude of both sine tones,
respectively).
[0110] At least one exemplary embodiment includes an auditory
display, which is synthesized by the onboard Digital Signal
Processor. In at least one exemplary embodiment the auditory
display is created through the digital audio signal processing
effects applied to any other acoustic data the system is capable of
reproducing (e.g., terrestrial radio, prepurchased audio content in
the user's digital library, electronic books, etc.); For example, a
sudden listening level increase in the playback level of a song to
which the user was listening can be triggered by a predefined alert
condition (e.g., NASDAQ composite has exceeded 2200 points).
[0111] At least one exemplary embodiment includes the ability to
create themes using a computer program and uploading a file to the
Headphone system.
[0112] At least one exemplary embodiment includes a speech
recognition system for converting speech to HTML, (Voice Browser),
whereby the user can access the Internet, provide navigational
commands, perform searches and receive results via the Headphones
through a text (HTML)-speech synthesize.
[0113] Additionally, the Personal Audio Assistant can be totally
incorporated with a mobile cell phone, or any portable technology
which incorporates any of the following protocols, TCP/IP, USB,
IEEE 1394, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, A2SP, GSM, CDMA, or others known
to those of ordinary skill in the arts via a communications network
(e.g., the Internet, cellular networks), the system further
comprising: an Acoustic Transducer constructed as part of the
mobile cell phone or a series of Acoustic Transducers, which are
constructed as part of mobile cell phone; a commutations path
incorporated into the mobile cell phone providing for bidirectional
communication with a Headphone array; the incorporation of the
mobile cell phone's microphone(s) to act as the Environmental Audio
Acoustical Transducer(s); and the incorporation of the mobile cell
phone's keyboard or touch sensitive screen to function as a manual
input or to complement speech commands and that can act in a way to
respond to Personalized Services offered to a user.
[0114] While the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent structures and functions.
* * * * *