In-ear NFMI device with bone conduction Mic communication

The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to PCI Patent Application No. PCT/US19/26423 filed 9 Apr. 2019, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/950,110, filed 10 Apr. 2018, each of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by this reference.

The disclosure generally relates to systems and methods including one or more Near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) in-ear wireless utility devices. Embodiments of the technology can relate to systems and methods pertaining to one or more NFMI In-Ear Wireless Utility Devices with Bone conduction Mic communication. An embodiment of the technology relates to systems and methods that employ in-ear electronics to provide a NMFINFMI in-ear utility device that uses Tri-Ear Buds in the inner ear canal as retention from keeping the NMFI In-Ear Wireless Device with Bone conduction Mic from falling out of the user's ears. Embodiments of the technology can relate to systems and methods of quick rechargeable interchangeable button cell batteries ranging from 20 mAH/40 mAH/50 mAH/60 mAH/80 mAH/, and/or any other suitable capacity, using a quick rechargeable interchangeable button cell batteries.

The following background description includes information that may be useful in understanding context in relation to embodiments described herein. The background description is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the embodiments, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

With the development of modern electronics and portable multimedia device such as Smartphone's, tablets, personal computers, Smart TVs, virtual reality systems, augmented contact lenses (e.g., with capability of displaying digital media through heads-up display capabilities), there has come a need for supplementary audio feedback with minimum downtime that overcomes limitations associated with traditional ear pieces such as earphones and head sets.

Ear pieces can be traditionally bulky and uncomfortable, such as through having a large portion of the devices positioned exterior to a user's ear region. Additionally, ear pieces can limited in their technological abilities for battery longevity and connectivity between the right device and the left device communication. Thus, the prospects for exploring new form factors for ear pieces have conventionally been limited.

Additionally, ear pieces have been traditionally slaved to other electronic devices such as Smartphone's. Similarly, the prospects for exploring new and independent uses (e.g., independent of other user devices such as Smartphone's) for ear pieces have also been limited conventionally. Therefore, a need exists for more advanced in-ear utility devices that can perform an expanded set of tasks at an improved rate of performance over conventional devices.

Embodiments of the technology can include a Near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) wireless in-ear utility device comprising a housing with an oval shape trunk to fit into a user's ear canal within the first bend of the ear canal, the housing having a proximal end configured to reside in the user's ear canal (e.g., at a distance no more than 12 to 16 millimeters from the entrance of the user's ear canal). The NFMI in-ear utility device can additionally or alternatively include a microphone port located on an external surface of the device housing and configured to receive external ambient sounds into the NFMI in-ear utility device processing system. The NFMI in-ear utility device can additionally or alternatively include a microphone in the housing that receives the external ambient sounds via the microphone port, wherein the received external ambient sounds can include sounds representing external sounds in the low/mid/high frequencies (e.g., 20 Hz to 40,000 kHz). The NFMI in-ear utility device can also comprise a communications module fitted into the housing and configured for NFMI communications, wherein the communication module receives second external sounds from another in-ear utility device located in the user's second ear wherein the second external sounds from the another in-ear utility device can include sounds representing all external sounds in the low/mid/high frequencies (e.g., 20 Hz to 40,000 kHz).

Embodiments can function to perform an expanded set of tasks at an improved rate of performance with encrypted communication using NFMI to prevent anyone from being able to listen in through the encrypted short range frequency, such as being that the communication distance is 7 to 20 inches maximum.

The NFMI in-ear utility device can additionally or alternatively include a Bone conduction microphone located in the device housing nearest to the opening of the ear canal and configured to receive resident frequency generated from the inner bone of the jaw/ear canal into the NFMI in-ear utility device Bone conduction microphone. In a specific example, the NFMI in-ear utility device processing system in conjunction with the bone Mic can be tailored to processing resident frequencies from the low/mid/high frequencies (20 Hz to 40,000 kHz). The NFMI in-ear utility device can additionally comprise a communications module fitted into the housing and configured for wireless communications, wherein the communication module receives second in ear bone conduction Mic audio data (e.g., from another in-ear utility device, such as located in the user's second ear, etc.), such as wherein the second internal resident frequencies from the another in-ear utility device include frequencies representing resident frequencies from the low/mid/high frequencies (20 Hz to 40,000 kHz)

The NFMI in-ear utility device can additionally or alternatively include a processing system that calibrates a frequency profile of the user's voice. The NFMI in-ear utility device can additionally include a processing system configured to analyze collected data to recognize the user's voice based on resident frequency generated from the inner bone of the jaw/ear canal, where the processing system can be calibrated to match the voice frequency shaping in order to recognizing the user's voice based off the bone conduction Mic.

Embodiments of the technology comprise one or more methods for operating one or more NFMI in-ear utility device and/or other suitable devices. Embodiments of the method can include receiving ambient external sounds in a microphone port located at the outer portion of the device housing in-ear utility device, where the housing can include a trunk (e.g., that is oval shape to fit into the user's ear canal within the first bend of the ear canal and having a trunk configured to reside in the user's ear canal at a distance no more than 12 to 16 millimeters from the entrance of the user's ear canal, etc.). The method can additionally or alternatively comprise receiving ambient external sounds via a microphone port in a microphone located in the device housing, wherein the received ambient external sounds include sounds representing any and all ambient sounds from the low/mid/high frequencies (e.g., 20 Hz to 40,000 kHz). The method additionally or alternatively comprises receiving second external sounds via a NFMI communications module fitted into the housing from another in-ear utility device located in the user's second ear wherein the second external sounds include sounds representing any and all ambient sounds from the low/mid/high frequencies (e.g., 20 Hz to 40,000 kHz). In embodiments, the NFMI in-ear utility device can include a processing system that calibrates resident frequency generated from the inner bone of the jaw/ear canal into the Bone conduction microphone, gets post processed through the processing system to shape profile of the user's voice. In embodiments, the NFMI in-ear utility device can additionally or alternatively includes a processing system configured to analyze collected data to recognize the user's voice, such as based on frequencies. In an example, the processing system is calibrated to the user's voice, by having the user's repeat a phrase three times then the frequency is captured, and will only recognize the user's voice.

Embodiments of the technology can additionally or alternatively include an adapter cable (e.g., with a 2½ and a 3½ millimeter audio jack), that can be snapped-in place of the rechargeable battery. This can allow the users to be able to listen to audio continuously without the need to be battery powered.

The embodiments of the technology comprise a method for operating a NFMI in-ear utility device, where the method can include receiving ambient external sounds in a microphone port located at the outer portion of the device housing in-ear utility device, these ambient sounds can be sampled by and tuned out or tuned in if the user's chooses a need to listen to certain ambient sounds. Embodiments of the technology can additionally or alternatively facilitate a hearing impaired to adjust the frequencies they are specifically having difficulty hearing (e.g., to improve upon issues with all frequencies being amplified and causing a hearing impaired to over saturate unwanted frequencies that can further damage their hearing; to improve upon safety issues by amplifying the users frequencies need, etc.).

The embodiments of the technology can comprise a method for operating a NFMI in-ear utility device. Embodiments of the method can comprise receiving one tap (e.g., and/or another applied gesture, etc.) on the NFMI in-ear utility device (e.g., device cap, etc.) to answer a phone call and two taps (e.g., and/or another applied gesture, etc.) to ignore the phone call. Such features (e.g., for controlling the device through gestures, etc.) can be selectively enabled or disabled (e.g., enabled in loud environments, enabled in environments satisfying a threshold condition, etc.). In an example, in a quiet environment, the NFMI in-ear utility device can be configured to accept a voice command that allows the user's to simply say “Answer” to pick up the phone call or to say “Ignore”, and the phone call will go to voice mail. Additionally or alternatively, any suitable voice commands can be employed to control functionality of the NFMI in-ear utility device. Such functionality and/or other suitable functionality can use an accelerometer in combination with the bone conduction Mic. The accelerometer can measure the position of the user's head at all times (and/or selectively, such as for preserving battery life). Analyses based on accelerometer data can be used for safety and/or driving awareness, and the accelerometer can additionally or alternatively collect data that can be used to measure impact, such as to detect if the user's had an unexpected fall or was in a vehicle accident

Figures provided herein may or may not be provided to scale. The relative dimensions or proportions may vary. Embodiments can be sized to fit within an extra small ear canal of a user from the age of 14 and above, without discomfort.

FIG. 1 is a geometrical representation of an example of the in-ear utility device length 100 a and indicating penetrating distance from the ear canal entrance (e.g., 201 b ) that is 12 to 16 millimeters, according to an embodiment of the technology. FIG. 1 additionally illustrates an in-ear utility device 102 a having a flexible Tri-Ear Buds 101 a that covers a portion of the in-ear utility device 102 a.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user's ear canal (e.g., the ear canal 202 b ) that the in-ear utility device 102 a is inserted into during normal use, according to an embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 3 illustrates the in-ear utility device 300 inserted into an ear canal 302 , and with the in-ear utility device 300 and the Tri-Ear Buds 301 anchored in 302 by a compression of 3% to 15%, according to an embodiment of the technology. FIG. 3 additionally illustrates the in-ear utility device 300 resting against 302 the inner ear canal, which can allow for the resident frequency to vibrate into in-ear utility device 300 , therefore enabling the Bone conduction Mic to pick up the user's voice, such as based off of resident frequency vibrations from the low/mid/high frequency 20 Hz to 40,000 kHz, according to an embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 3 additionally illustrates an embodiment of an in-ear utility device 300 configured to stream music NFMI transmitted from the right in-ear to the left in-ear utility device (and/or vice versa, etc.), from other NFMI devices to the NFMI in-ear utility device for communication and/or streaming music, where the data can be transmitted from a relay Host device that has Bluetooth capability (and/or other wireless communication capability) to communicate to a Smartphone and relay to both in-ear utility devices from the right and left in-ear utility device separately or to the right only (or left only) then the right in-ear utility device (or left in-ear utility) sends the data to the left in-ear utility device (or right in-ear utility device), according to an embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 3 additionally illustrates an embodiment of an in-ear utility device 300 configured to provide enhanced low/mid/high frequencies 20 Hz to 40,000 kHz to allow the user's to adjust the frequencies to enhance their hearing lost on the frequencies they are having a need to boost or suppress certain signals based on loud environments. In quiet environments, the users can also have the capabilities to enhance the sounds they wish to focus on, according to an embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 3 additionally illustrates an embodiment of an in-ear utility device 300 configured to provide a multi-function communication (hands free) by voice commands or a series of taps, according to an embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 3 additionally illustrates an embodiment of an in-ear utility device 300 configured as a multi, integrated body rather than as one single-pieced body, example 503 is detachable to maintain good ear health and high performance. The battery can also be interchangeable to minimize user downtime, and the Tri-Ear buds 301 are interchangeable, so that the users can choose the right size Tri-Ear buds, and to replace them with a fresh one to maintain good ear health.

FIG. 4A illustrates the top view of the user's head 400 a where (180) is the front and (0) is the rear of the user's head, where NFMI can go through the head being the frequency is in the range of 12 MHz to 50 MHz, to allow for the in-ear utility device 300 FIG. 3 from the user's right and left ear in-ear utility device to communicate without the user's head blocking the antenna signals from each device.

FIG. 4B shows an NFMI signal crossing and going through the head 400 b and 402 b in front of the user's face 400 b , according to an embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the in-ear utility device 501 residing mainly in the Concha bowl 502 (Outer Ear) and does not require any anchoring, the anchoring, the retention 503 Tri-Ear Buds in the ear canal 500 of a compression force of 2% to 15% is applied by 503 against 504 (e.g., which can allow for the user to experience extreme comfort by keeping the compression at 2% to 15% plus or minus 4% compression force, etc.) according to an embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 6 illustrates the in-ear utility device 602 which includes a cable adapter 605 , used to snap in 604 a and 604 b snap into 602 , and the 601 can plug into a 2½ or 3½ audio female jack, according to an embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 7 illustrates an in-ear utility device 701 that has Bluetooth and streams to a second in-ear utility device 702 using NFMI, where 702 can be 20% smaller (and/or any suitable size smaller) from 701 being that it only uses NFMI and lesser power and could run for 12 hours, where a third in-ear utility device 703 can be 30% smaller (and/or any suitable size smaller) and could run for 6 hours before needing to swap out the batteries, and in examples, being that it is smaller there is a need for a special tool or a special feature attached to the device that is within 703 so that it can be easily removed by hand from the ear, according to an embodiment of the technology.

The following description of the embodiments (e.g., including variations of embodiments, examples of embodiments, specific examples of embodiments, other suitable variants, etc.) is not intended to be limited to these embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use.

Embodiments of the technology can include a NFMI in-ear utility device comprising an acoustic speaker chamber positioned away from the user's eardrum (e.g., at a distance closer than that of examples of conventional sound-delivery devices but farther than that of examples of medically-regulated hearing aids, etc.). Embodiments of the in-ear utility device may be used for a variety of purposes and can include a variety of electronic packages, such as for use as a hearable device, for use as a Streaming Music transmitted via NFMI and for communication, also can be used as a headphone device, and for use with various external health-monitoring and safety awareness application devices.

Embodiments of the technology can provide a NFMI in-ear utility device configured to have a variety of electronic packages. The electronic packages may serve a variety of functions, such as connectivity between two in-ear devices, a bone conduction microphone for 100% noise isolation that allows the user to eliminate all external sounds also including all types of wind noise during communication, an external health-monitoring device, and a fitness device, each embodiment having the sensors and electronic configuration needed to carry out its mission. Embodiments of the connectivity between two in-ear utility devices may include an external electronic package that supports the Internet communication, defined as a network of physical objects embedded with electronics, firmware, phone apps, external sensors, and network connectivity, which enables the collection and exchange data between two in-ear utility devices and other devices and/or the user. Embodiments can be used with existing network infrastructure, allowing more direct integration with the physical phone apps, VR, glasses with display communication or contact lens that have the capability of transmitting any type of display, tablets and/or computer-based systems, by using NFMI communication (e.g., only NFMI communication, etc.) for audio, and/or voice commands using a bone conduction Mic for clear communication.

FIG. 3 illustrates an in-ear utility device 300 inserted into an ear 302 , according to an embodiment of the technology. The in-ear utility device 300 includes an electronics package, such as the electronics component package Bone conduction Mic and acoustic speaker chamber. Embodiments of the in-ear utility device 300 may include a disposable Tri-Ear Buds with built in micro filter guard in the body of Tri-Ear Buds 301 .

The system (e.g., one or more in-ear utility devices, one or more remote computing systems, etc.) and/or portions of the system can entirely or partially be executed by, hosted on, communicate with, and/or otherwise include: one or more in-ear utility devices, a remote computing system (e.g., a server, at least one networked computing system, stateless, state full; etc.), a local computing system, a user device, databases (e.g., storing user audio profiles, storing user preferences, etc.), and/or any suitable component. Communication by and/or between any components of the system can include wireless communication (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, radiofrequency, etc.), wired communication, and/or any other suitable types of communication. The components of the system can be physically and/or logically integrated in any manner (e.g., with any suitable distributions of functionality across the components, such as in relation to portions of the method; etc.). However, the system and method can be configured in any suitable manner.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , some embodiments of the in-ear device 102 a are designed to rest in the ear 201 b FIG. 2 entrance of the ear canal 12 to 16 mm deep in the canal (e.g., while maintaining a suitable distance from the user's tympanic membrane (eardrum, etc.). However, the in-ear design can rest in the ear at any suitable depth into the canal, and/or can be positioned at any suitable position relative different regions of the ear. In examples, to satisfy health and safety regulations, the in-ear utility device 102 a when placed properly in the ear canal 202 b has a proximal tip 103 a (along with the speaker 104 a ) that lies from 12 to 16 mm from the outer edge 201 b of the ear canal along a longitudinal axis 104 a , according to an embodiment of the technology. Studies have shown that the length of the typical human ear canal 202 b varies from 25 mm to 50 mm measured along a curved center axis. Thus, embodiments of the in-ear utility device 102 a can reside well away from the eardrum 203 b.

The distance of the in-ear utility device 102 a to a given user's ear canal 202 b varies based on the depth of the user's ear canal 202 b . Some users have shallow ear canals while other users have deep ear canals. Therefore, the distance of the in-ear utility device 102 a may vary in depth from user to user, but can be configured to reside at any suitable depth in relation to the ear canal and/or other suitable regions of the ear. The in-ear utility device 102 a comprises of the longitudinal axis 104 a extending on the proximal tip 103 a . The distal end of the in-ear utility device 102 a can reside just outside the user's ear so that the in-ear utility device 102 a may be easily removed by hand and/or other physical means, according to an embodiment of the technology.

In specific examples, FIG. 7 illustrates an in-ear utility device 701 that has Bluetooth and streams to a second in-ear utility device 702 using NFMI, where 702 can be 20% smaller (and/or any suitable size smaller) from 701 being that it only uses NFMI and lesser power and could run for 12 hours, where a third in-ear utility device 703 can be 30% smaller (and/or any suitable size smaller) and could run for 6 hours before needing to swap out the batteries, and in examples, being that it is smaller there is a need for a special tool or a special feature attached to the device that is within 703 so that it can be easily removed by hand from the ear, according to an embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the technology where components of the NFMI in-ear utility device are designed with form factor adapted to the shape of the Concha bowl of the ear 204 b , which can function to eliminate one or more pressure points. In specific examples, the in-ear utility device been designed to be well within the shape of the Concha bowl of the ear (e.g., see 702 and 703 ) eliminating pressure points (e.g., all pressure points, etc.) and based on the battery module size the in-ear utility device would be able to be reduced in size incrementally by 10% to 15% in overall size (e.g., where the electronics are housed, etc.) therefore making the in-ear utility device significantly smaller and inconspicuous in the user's ears.

The Tri-Ear Buds 101 a can facilitate the portion of the device body 102 a to rest in the user's Concha bowl 204 b . Thus, the body 102 a that includes the electronic package can be configured to not touch the user's ear canal 202 b . The presence of the Tri-Ear Buds 101 a can protect the user against malfunctions of the electronics package. For example, in the event of a short, the user can be protected from shock and heat because of the presence of the Tri-Ear Buds 101 a . In examples, the user is protected by the Tri-Ear Buds 101 a in part because certain embodiments of the Tri-Ear Buds 101 a are constructed from a Bio-compatible medical grade material. Additionally or alternatively, any suitable components of the in-ear utility device can be constructed of Bio-compatible medical grade material, and/or any other suitable adapted for biocompatibility.

The Tri-Ear Buds 101 a may also include six to twelve (and/or any suitable number) of channels configured for ear breathability, which can allow the in-ear utility device 102 a to be worn comfortably by the user for extended periods of time. The channels can also provide the user with non-occluded aural access to ambient outside sounds in the low frequencies 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz (and/or of any suitable frequencies), according to an embodiment of the technology.

Thus, portions of the user's ear canal 202 b can remain non-occluded by the in-ear utility device 102 a due, in part, to the channels. A user of the in-ear utility device 102 a can hear sounds external to the in-ear utility device 102 a while being shielded from increased pressure in the ear canal 202 b due to the presence of the in-ear utility device 102 a in the user's ear canal 202 b.

The material selection for the in-ear utility device 102 a may facilitate the in-ear utility device 102 a in entering the ear 202 b while facilitating retention 301 of the in-ear utility device 102 a in the ear for long periods of time (e.g. while exercising, performing other physical activities, etc.). Embodiments of the technology provide an in-ear utility device 102 a covered in (e.g., the Tri-Ear buds 101 a ) (or composed of) a flexible material that is comfortable to wear for a long period of time and can facilitate retention in the ear canal without a need for additional customization.

In specific examples, the Tri-Ear buds include channels allowing for breathability, prevent suction and backpressure caused by loud music, and/or the channels allow for the pressure to escape, therefore eliminating pressure against the ear drum that can be painful.

For example, the Tri-Ear Buds 101 a covering the in-ear utility device 102 a can possess a shape, form-factor, a material construction, and/or other suitable characteristics that can account for variations in size of user's ear canals (e.g., extra small, small, medium, large and extra-large). In variations, different variants of the tri-ear buds can be constructed to account for physical differences in user's ear regions.

Embodiments of the in-ear utility device 102 a may be waterproof and worn in many environments, such as during swimming or while bathing. The in-ear utility device 102 a may also be worn during sleep without discomfort. This may allow the in-ear utility device 102 a to be utilized during times when conventional sound devices are uncomfortable, do not work, are painful to use, and/or are otherwise unsuitable for such contexts.

However, the tri-ear buds can be configured in any suitable manner.

Electronic Component Package

The electronic component package 102 a (and/or in-ear utility device generally) may include one or more electronic components such as a microphone, a port for a microphone to listen to ambient sounds and/or other sounds, NFMI for communication between both in ear utility devices that communicates with an exterior communication relay host device that communications to a Smartphone's via Bluetooth (and/or other suitable wireless communication, etc.), other connectivity between both module and Smartphone's, an acoustic speaker chamber, a replaceable rechargeable battery, a DSP/CODEC processing system, a bone conduction microphone (e.g., for voice recognition, etc.), a gyro sensor, accelerometer, various external sensors, and/or any other suitable components according to an embodiment of the technology. The in-ear utility device can include any number of electronic component packages, and an electronic component package can include any number of components and/or type of components (e.g., one microphone and one bone conduction Mic, to provide expanded capabilities; any suitable number of microphones and/or sensors; etc.). The individual components in the electronic component package can be integrated with PC board circuitry to provide functionality for such components, such as in a manner known to ordinarily skilled artisans, except when noted herein, etc.)

In examples, the small form factor for the in-ear utility device 102 a requires the application of smaller electronic components than the components typically found in other head-mounted devices, such as Classic Bluetooth devices, where the in-ear utility device can be NFMI only and communicating to an external relay host device that can be used on a user's neck, chest, pocket, or any other suitable region on the body, for communication with 4.0 Classic Bluetooth and up (and/or other suitable wireless communication protocol, etc.) to communicate to a Smartphone (and/or other device), then to an in-ear utility device. Additionally or alternatively, the in-ear utility device and/or components thereof can have any suitable form factor, size, and shape. In examples, the circuit connecting the electronic components suggests the application of rigid and flexible PCB circuitry, but any suitable circuitry construction can be applied in operating the components of the in-ear utility device. The micro miniature components provide a means for assembling to a miniature substrate PCB, such as where the size of the PCB and/or other suitable components can facilitate keeping the in-ear utility devices comfortable in the users' ears for extended periods of time.

However, the in-ear utility device can include any number of electronic component packages, and electronic component packages can be configured in any suitable manner.

Bone Conduction Microphone and Acoustic Speaker Chamber

The Bone conduction microphone functions to communicate with the acoustic speaker chamber. The bone conduction microphone can pick up low/Mid/High resident frequencies 20 Hz to 40,000 kHz from the inner jaw/ear canal transmitted into the digital signal processing system (DSP/Codec), and can subsequently be outputted into the acoustic speaker chamber.

The hearing aid microphone can be a significantly stronger microphone (e.g., such as in relation to the range of detection for sound decibels; such as of a greater strength than typically found in conventional ear devices, etc.). For example, the hearing aid microphone may operate in the range of 20 Hz to 40,000 kHz. In examples, the hearing aid microphone can detect the whole spectrum of human hearing, according to an embodiment of the technology.

Because the microphone can include an increased sensitivity for picking up low/mid/high frequencies compared to similar components found in hearing aids, the in-ear utility device 102 a can filter out unwanted noise or tune in sounds that the user wishes to focus on, especially given the microphone of increased power, while noise removal can be accomplished by means of an appropriate hardware configuration and the tuning of the signal processing system DPS.

The microphone does not need to communicate with the speaker, exclusively, or at all in various embodiments of the technology. The microphone may be employed for tasks not directly connected with the speaker and vice versa. Additionally or alternatively, any suitable components of the in-ear utility device 102 a can communicate with, be integrated with, operate independently of, and/or be otherwise associated or independent of other components of the in-ear utility device 102 a . In an embodiment of the technology, the microphone can take a sample of the noise environment and filter out the unwanted noise, and can sample other user's language and translate it to the owner languages for a two way communication in any language vice versa. Additionally or alternatively, language translation and/or any other suitable modifications to audio input sampled at the microphone can be performed in any suitable manner (e.g., through employing artificial intelligence algorithms and/or other suitable techniques at the processing system, etc.).

The speaker can reside farther away from the user's eardrum (e.g., the eardrum 203 b shown in FIG. 2 ) than the microphone, but can be positioned relative one or more microphones and/or the user's eardrum in any suitable configuration. As shown in FIG. 5 , the speaker 504 port can be disposed at the proximal tip of the body of the in-ear utility device 501 while the microphone is disposed in the distal portion of the in-ear utility device 501 . The microphone may be external to the ear and/or otherwise positioned relative the ear region.

In specific examples, the microphone may be external to the ear, being that the speaker port resides in the users ear canal, where reversing the power polarity could turn the speaker into a microphone and pick up the heartbeat, therefore having the capability of measuring the heart beats per minute (BPM) more accurately.

In some embodiments, the distance between the acoustic speaker chamber and the microphone are such that the components are isolated from each other, which can lower likelihood of feedback between the microphone and the acoustic speaker chamber. This allows for the acoustic speaker chamber and the microphone to be placed closer together without feedback between the two components, according to an embodiment of the technology.

In specific examples, audio received by an external device communicating Smartphone via Bluetooth to the in-ear utility devices using NFMI signal to be transmitted through the DSP and to the acoustic speaker port may come from an external Bluetooth communications module, such as when the external communications module is configured for Classic Bluetooth® communications 3.0, 4.0 up to 4.2 and up, where the external relay host module can be placed anywhere on the body to communicate to the Smartphone then to the in-ear utility device through NFMI.

In variations, the in-ear utility device can include any suitable number of audio sensors (e.g., any suitable number of microphones) for collecting audio inputs from the environment.

However, the bone conduction microphone(s) and acoustic speaker chamber(s) can be configured in any suitable manner (e.g., for facilitating improved audio collection and playback, etc.).

Processing System and Communication

In some embodiments, the in-ear utility device 501 includes an internal processing system, which can function to process data (e.g., audio inputs collected at microphones), output data (e.g., user identification based on voice, etc.), control components (e.g., control operation of sensors, the acoustic speaker chamber, and/or other suitable components), communicate with other suitable components (e.g., integrate with the electronic component package for sending instructions via the communications module to external wireless devices such as contact lens (e.g., that have the capability of head up display, etc.) and/or other suitable devices such as exterior biometrics devices (e.g., for display and/or give audio feedback through the in-ear utility device), and/or a remote computing system, etc.).

The internal processing system in the in-ear utility device 501 can access data and/or execute firmware applications, according to an embodiment of the technology. The data and firmware applications can be shared with external communication devices/or delivered to the processing system via the communications with external module that have a remote storage device located away from the in-ear utility device 501 . For example, the processing system might execute a firmware application that resides on a mobile phone or cloud-based device linked to the in-ear utility device 501 . A skilled artisan will appreciate that multiple applications known in the art may be utilized by the processing system. A variety of different data and firmware applications herein have been labeled, as an indication that the data and/or firmware applications are stored in the data storage component and/or cloud based. In variations, distribution of processing functionality for performing operations described herein can be allocated across the processing system and one or more other suitable components (e.g., external processing systems; remote computing systems; other in-ear utility devices; other user devices such as mobile phones; other in-ear processors of the processing systems, etc.)

In variations, the processing system may be configured to perform operations to distinguish meaningful speech, from bone conduction. Such instructions may perform operations for receiving low frequency signals from the bone conduction microphone, determining whether the sound signals represent meaningful speech, according to various criteria of the voice being calibrated and in the data storage of the processing system, providing signals representing meaningful speech, and filtering the sounds from the DSP processing system to the acoustic speaker chamber. Such instructions for a speech detection program may be present in the data processing system of the in-ear utility device 501 or a coupled external computing device, which in a specific example has the capability of displaying any data, using a form of heads up display method from a VR Glasses, VR Headset, and/or a VR contact lens and contact lens that have the capability to have a heads up display, that could relay through a host device to send audio to an in-ear utility device for audio feedback.

The processing system 207 may comprise a DSP/CODEC, or a like computing device, or may alternatively comprise a simple circuit that directs the operations of the various components in the electronic component package, according to an embodiment of the technology.

In some embodiments, the processing system 207 may be a significantly more powerful computing device than conventionally found in hearing aids. For example, the processing system DSP/CODEC are solutions with wireless connectivity, includes true noise cancellation through bone conduction Mic. For example, the processor DSP and having more than one CODEC, can include true noise cancellation through bone conduction Mic. Thus, in some embodiments of the technology, the processing system may include some of the other components. The processing system may require higher power than the typical hearing aid processing system, where having NFMI communication (e.g., only NFMI communication, etc.) is not common in hearing aids and/or other in-ear bud devices, where the power requirements can be satisfied by the batteries and/or other suitable power provision mechanism.

In examples, the processor 207 may alternatively comprise a simple circuit that directs the operations of the various component sin the electronic component package.

However, the processing system can be configured in any suitable manner.

NFMI Communication Module.

In some embodiments of the technology, the in-ear utility device 501 can communicate only through NFMI. In such embodiments, the NFMI communications module 501 may comprise of using an external module such as a Classic Bluetooth® digital wireless protocol such that the in-ear utility device 501 may communicate with a remote computing device like contact lens that have the capability of heads up display or VR glasses, VR headset, and VR contact lens that have heads up display capabilities, and/or other suitable components described herein. Classic Bluetooth® technology provides a communication link. The Classic Bluetooth® transceiver in an embodiment of the wireless communications module 501 may be configured to establish a wireless data link with a suitably equipped mobile computing external devices that can be worn anywhere on the body to communicate to a smartphone for a variety of commands or exterior Biometric data transfer, and/or other in-ear utility devices. Additionally or alternatively, any suitable communication mechanism can be used for communication by and/or between any components described herein (e.g., through WiFi, cellular network, other types of Bluetooth, radiofrequency, wired communication, etc.). Alternatively, the in-ear utility device 501 can communicate through NFMI and/or other suitable communication mechanisms.

The in-ear utility device 501 may also include functionality (e.g., the NFMI communication module 501 ) to communicate via a short-range NFMI network through the human head or neck. In one embodiment, the short-range NFMI network includes a cellular network. In another embodiment, the long-range wireless network includes a multimedia communications network. In another embodiment, the long-range wireless network includes short-range NFMI wireless technologies.

The wireless communications module 105 is configured to communicate with a remote server or network, and/or the remote network cloud platform. In one embodiment, the remote network cloud platform can communicate with the processor of the in-ear utility device by way of the wireless communication module in order to facilitate operations described herein (e.g., voice recognition, ambient sound detection, controlling sensor operation, storing and/or retrieving user data, data analysis, etc.).

However, the wireless communication module can be configured in any suitable manner.

Sensors and External Sensor Arrays.

In embodiments, the in-ear utility device 501 may include one or more sensors configured to detect and/or measure various phenomena (e.g., inputs, stimuli, etc.). In one embodiment, the in-ear utility device 501 operates with one or more external sensors configured to detect a physiological parameter of the user. Physiological external parameters detected or measured by the sensors may include body temperature, pulse, heart rate, VO2 Max (also known as maximal oxygen consumption), pulse oximetry data, respiratory rate, respiratory volume, maximum oxygen consumption, cardiac efficiency, heart rate variability, metabolic rate, blood pressure, EEG data, galvanic skin response data, and/or EKG/ECG. Thus, the sensors may detect, for example, the ambient temperature, humidity, motion, GPS/location, pressure, altitude and blood analysts such as glucose and the sun UV of the user of the in-ear utility device 501 . The sensors can be sized to fit within an in-ear utility device and can be configured with power requirements adapted to the characteristics of the in-ear utility device. In a variation, sensor data collected by sensors external to the in-ear utility device can be communicated to a user by way of the in-ear utility device (e.g., through communication of the sensor data and/or analyses derived from the sensor data, from an external user device including the sensors, to the in-ear utility device, etc.). In specific examples, the biometrics are measured via external devices and communicated to the user via NFMI to the in-ear utility devices, and in a specific example, the UV is measured from the sun it could also recommend the proper UV protection within minutes. In variations, sensors of the in-ear utility device, and/or any other suitable sensors associated with the in-ear utility device (e.g., sensors of a user device configured to communicate with an in-ear utility device), can additionally or alternatively include, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, volatile compound sensors, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and/or all types of gesture control, etc.), humidity sensors, depth sensors, location sensors (e.g., GPS sensors, etc.), flow sensors, power sensors, and/or any other suitable sensors.

However, sensors of the in-ear utility device and/or any suitable described herein can be configured in any suitable manner.

Voice Recognition and Ambient Sound.

The bone conduction microphone can focus on picking up the voice of the user only, while the second microphone can be focused on detecting ambient sound, according to an embodiment of the technology. Additionally or alternatively, audio detection functionality can be distributed across components of the in-ear utility device in any suitable manner.

The voice recognition (e.g., through analysis by the processing system, etc.) can be configured to perform operations to distinguish the user's voice from ambient noise. The voice recognition can be received by low resident frequencies signals from inner jaw/ear canal, determine whether the frequency represent the user's voice, processed through the DSP processing system when the frequency signals represent meaningful sound, and the sounds are delivered to the acoustic speaker chamber, according to an embodiment of the technology. As an alternative, the in-ear utility device 501 includes a DSP processing system, such as the DSP processing system that has been configured to execute a program that performs operations to distinguish meaningful sound from ambient noise, such as using the bone conduction microphone for improved accuracy and clear communication.

However, analyses associated with voice recognition, distinction from ambient noise, and/or other suitable audio analysis can be performed in any suitable manner.

Quick Interchangeable Button Cell Batteries

Embodiments of the technology can include quick interchangeable batteries for the NFMI in-ear wireless devices. In an example, the user can place the NFMI in-ear wireless devices in a charger case to charge for a minimum of 15 minutes to 3 hours (and/or any suitable amount of time), where operation of the in-ear utility devices can depend on the state of charge (e.g., where users are not able to use their devices till they are fully charged, etc.)

In embodiments, the in-ear utility device 501 , has a quick interchangeable silver oxide/lithium-ion button cell battery NFMI in-ear wireless devices, that requires no downtime the user's snaps off the battery from the NFMI in-ear wireless devices and swaps out with a fully charged battery from the charger case that's fully charged, into the NFMI in-ear wireless devices, and the users have no downtime. Using this approach can allow the users to use the in-ear utility devices continuously (e.g., 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and/or in any suitable context (e.g., on the go performing daily activities, etc.), which can aid with provision of a device operable to improve hearing at all times (e.g., which can aid in industries and contexts requiring constant communication), according to an embodiment of the technology.

In embodiments, the in-ear utility device 602 in FIG. 6 includes a cable adapter 605 , used to snap in 604 a and 604 b snap into 602 , and the 601 can plug into a 2½ or 3½ audio female jack, example if a user's is on a 12 hour flight and would like to listen to the audio from the TV on the airplane, they can simply plug in the audio adapter into the female audio port from the TV and not have to depend on battery power.

However, the interchangeable button cell batteries, other power provision components, adapters, and/or other related components can be configured in any suitable manner.

Method.

Embodiments of a method for operating an NFMI in-ear utility device can include receiving first external ambient sounds at a microphone port located at an outer end of a housing of the in-ear utility device, and at bone conduction Mic configured to focus to the user's voice based on frequency shaping through bone conduction, such as wherein the housing comprises an oval shaped trunk portion configured to fit into a user's ear canal, wherein the housing can further comprises a proximal end configured to reside in the user's ear canal at a distance less than 16 millimeters from the entrance of the user's ear canal; receiving second external ambient sounds via a wireless communications module fitted into the housing, such as from a second in-ear utility device located in the user's second ear, wherein the second external ambient sounds comprise sounds representing the user's voice; retrieving a voice profile of the user's voice frequency shape (e.g., from a processing system; etc.); and/or recognizing the user's voice based on a post processing of a user frequency profile shape and at least one of the first external ambient sounds and the second external ambient sounds, such as wherein the user frequency profile shape is associated with the low/mid/high frequencies (20 Hz to 40,000 kHz).

Data described herein (e.g., audio data, voice data, ambient sound data, user profile data, etc.) can be associated with any suitable temporal indicators (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, etc.) including one or more: temporal indicators indicating when the data was collected, determined, transmitted, received, and/or otherwise processed; temporal indicators providing context to content described by the data; changes in temporal indicators (e.g., data over time; change in data, such as changes in user frequency shape profiles; data patterns; data trends; data extrapolation and/or other prediction; etc.); and/or any other suitable indicators related to time.

Additionally or alternatively, parameters, metrics, inputs, outputs, and/or other suitable data can be associated with value types including: scores (e.g., for the similarity between a calibrated frequency shape profile of the user's voice and a newly determined frequency shape derived from collected audio data, etc.), binary values, classifications (e.g., user identifications; etc.), confidence levels, values along a spectrum, and/or any other suitable types of values. Any suitable types of data described herein can be used as inputs (e.g., for different operations described herein; for portions of the method; etc.), generated as outputs (e.g., of computational models), and/or manipulated in any suitable manner for any suitable components associated with the method and/or system.

One or more instances and/or portions of the method and/or processes described herein can be performed asynchronously (e.g., sequentially), concurrently (e.g., in parallel; concurrently on different threads for parallel computing to improve system processing ability for processing audio data; etc.), in temporal relation to a trigger event (e.g., performance of a portion of the method 100 ), and/or in any other suitable order at any suitable time and frequency by and/or using one or more instances of the system, components, and/or entities described herein.

Other.

Although omitted for conciseness, the embodiments include every combination and permutation of the various system components and the various method processes, including any variations, examples, and specific examples, where the method processes can be performed in any suitable order, sequentially or concurrently using any suitable system components.

Any of the variants described herein (e.g., embodiments, variations, examples, specific examples, illustrations, etc.) and/or any portion of the variants described herein can be additionally or alternatively combined, excluded, and/or otherwise applied.

The system and method and embodiments thereof can be embodied and/or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions are preferably executed by computer-executable components preferably integrated with the system. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer-readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component is preferably a general or application specific processor, but any suitable dedicated hardware or hardware/firmware combination device can alternatively or additionally execute the instructions.

Various embodiments of the technology have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. References made to particular examples and implementations are for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology or the claims.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications of the in-ear utility device besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except by the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context.

Headings and sub-headings provided herein have been provided as assistance to the reader and are not meant to limit the scope of the technology disclosed herein. Headings and sub-headings are not intended to be the sole or exclusive location for the discussion of a particular topic.

While specific embodiments of the technology have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the technology is not limited to these embodiments only. Embodiments of the technology discussed herein may have generally implied the use of materials from certain named equipment manufacturers; however, the technology may be adapted for use with equipment from other sources and manufacturers. Equipment used in conjunction with the technology may be configured to operate according to conventional protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and/or may be configured to operate according to specialized protocols. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology as described in the claims. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, but should be construed to include all variants that operate under the claims set forth herein below. Thus, it is intended that the technology covers the modifications and variations of this technology provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms “ambient noise” and “ambient sound” have been used synonymously. Similarly, “sound” and “noise” have been used synonymous, except where the context shows a difference in meaning, e.g., “meaningful sound from mere noise.”

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope defined in the following claims.