as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2009/0067661 Al
`
`
`(43) Pub. Date:Keadyet al. Mar. 12, 2009
`
`US 20090067661A1
`
`(54) DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOTE
`ACOUSTIC PORTING AND MAGNETIC
`ACOUSTIC CONNECTION
`Inventors:
`John P. Keady, Boca Raton, FL
`(US); Robert Schulein,
`Schaumburg, IL (US)
`
`(75)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`PERSONICS HOLDINGSINC.
`:
`:
`Ocaoweeoeen 11, Suite 510
`’
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`Personics Holdings Inc., Boca
`Raton, FL (US)
`
`.
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/176,496
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 21, 2008
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/950,864, filed on Jul.
`19, 2007,
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HOAR 25/00
`(52) US. CD. eee ceceeectesesenscneecessescneneeansenees 381/375
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`.
`Lo.
`.
`An earpiece device includes a microphone and a speaker
`having a commonacoustic channel to reduce complexity and
`minimize components in an ear canal region. The earpiece
`device also includes a logic circuit operatively connected into
`an earpiece, where the microphoneis configured to sample an
`acoustic signal traveling from either end of an acoustic chan-
`nel. The earpiece device further includes a selective attenua-
`tion mechanism for varying the acoustic energy from one end
`ofthe acoustic channel or combining the acoustic energies in
`a controlled ratio from both ends of the acoustic channel
`before reaching the microphone.
`
`
`
`118
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1083
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00471
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1083
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00471
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 12,2009 Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 2009/0067661 Al
`
`
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Acoustic Management
`Module 201
`
`
`
`
`
` Interface
`
`
` 212
`
`
`Audio Content (e.g.,
`music, cell phone,
`voice mail)
`
`200
`
`FIG. 2
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 12,2009 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2009/0067661 Al
`
`FIG. 3.
`FIG, 4
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 12, 2009 Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 2009/0067661 Al
`
`FIG. 5
`
`FIG. 6
`
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`500
`
`510
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`512
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`FIG. 7
`
`500
`
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`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`US 2009/0067661 A1
`
`OLS
`
`908
`
`Mar.12, 2009 Sheet 4 of 6
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`8‘SIs
`
`5
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 12,2009 Sheet 5 of 6
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`US 2009/0067661 Al
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Mar. 12, 2009 Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 2009/0067661 A1
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`US 2009/0067661 Al
`
`Mar. 12, 2009
`
`DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOTE
`ACOUSTIC PORTING AND MAGNETIC
`ACOUSTIC CONNECTION
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provi-
`sional patent application No. 60/950,864 filed on 19 Jul.
`2007. The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by ref-
`erencein its entirety.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0009] At least one further exemplary embodiment uses
`magnetic fields to couple detachable acoustic lines to an
`earpiece.
`Further areas of applicability of embodiments ofthe
`[0010]
`present invention will become apparent from the detailed
`description provided hereinafter. It should be understoodthat
`the detailed description and specific examples, while indicat-
`ing exemplary embodimentsofthe invention, are intended for
`purposesofillustration only andare not intendedto limit the
`scope ofthe invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention
`will becomeapparent from the following detailed description
`[0002] The invention relates in general to devices and meth-
`taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
`ods of earpiece configuration, and particularly though not
`
`[0012] FIG.1illustrates an earpiece in accordance with at
`exclusively,is related to an earpiece using an acoustic channel
`least one exemplary embodiment;
`to receive an acoustic signal and deliver an acoustic signal.
`[0013]
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram ofcircuitry and compo-
`nents of an earpiece in accordance withat least one exemplary
`embodiment;
`[0014]
`FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a commonacoustic
`channel for an Ear Canal Receiver and an Ear Canal Micro-
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Present day ear devicesare intended to deliverinfor-
`[0003]
`mation to the ear via off-the-shelf or custom-molded pieces
`that present the information primarily in the outer third of the
`ear canal, often with questionable attention to the actualfit,
`comfort, and consideration of the ear anatomy and physiol-
`ogy.
`[0004] Additionally, in other earpiece designs, a transducer
`is suspendedoverthe ear canal opening. Ambient sound from
`the surrounding environment enters the ear canal with the
`audio content from the transducer. Environmental sounds
`
`such astraffic, construction, and nearby conversations can
`degrade the quality of the communication experience. It can
`be difficult to communicate using an earpiece or earphone
`device in the presence of high-level background sounds.
`[0005] Although audio processing technologies can sup-
`press somenoise, the earpiece is generally sound agnostic and
`cannot differentiate sounds. Thus, one method to prevent
`ambient sound from entering the ear is to seal or provide an
`acoustic barrier at the opening of the ear canal. Sealing
`ensures minimum background noise entering the ear canal
`under high background noise conditions. Earpiece systems
`mayrequire some minimum noiseisolation from the ambient
`to provide adequate performanceto the user.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0006] At least one exemplary embodimentis related to an
`earpiece (e.g., earphone, earbud, or other devices configured
`to direct acoustic signals to the ear) insertedinto the ear canal,
`where a microphone and a speaker share a commonacoustic
`channel a distance down the acoustic channels.
`
`In yet at least one other exemplary embodimentthe
`[0007]
`acoustic energy from a receiver is directed via an acoustic
`channel from or nearthe aperture ofthe ear canal to a position
`closer to the ear drum,
`likewise a microphone measures
`acoustic energy from a region near the ear drum, where the
`acoustic energy is channeled via an acoustic channel to the
`microphone.
`is
`least one further exemplary embodiment
`[0008] At
`directed to an earpiece that uses one microphoneto acousti-
`cally sample between an ambient region and an ear canal of
`the user. This is achieved by blockingorpartially blocking the
`acoustic channelto receive acoustic energy from either the ear
`canal of the user or the ambient region outside the ear.
`
`phonein an earpiece;
`[0015]
`FIG. 4 illustrates a single transducer coupled to an
`acoustic channel having three ports, thus sampling either the
`ambient environmentor the ear canal environment;
`[0016] FIG.5is across-section of an acoustic channel with
`a memsactuator in accordance with at least one exemplary
`embodiment;
`[0017]
`FIG. 6is across-section showing the memsactuator
`partially blocking the acoustic channel in accordance with at
`least one exemplary embodiment;
`[0018]
`FIG. 7is across-section showing the memsactuator
`fully blocking the acoustic channelin accordance with atleast
`one exemplary embodiment;
`[0019]
`FIG. 8 is a cross-section of an acoustic channel and
`a blocking mechanism in accordance with at least one exem-
`plary embodiment;
`[0020]
`FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary embodi-
`mentof a battery replacement module of an earpiece; and
`[0021]
`FIG. 10isacross-section ofthe battery replacement
`module.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY
`EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT
`INVENTION
`
`[0022] The following description of exemplary embodi-
`ment(s) is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way
`intendedto limit the invention,its application, or uses.
`[0023] Exemplary embodiments are directed to or can be
`operatively used on various wired or wireless earpieces
`devices (e.g., earbuds, headphones, ear terminal, behind the
`ear devices or other acoustic devices as known by one of
`ordinary skill, and equivalents).
`[0024]
`Processes, techniques, apparatus, and materials as
`knownbyoneof ordinary skill in the art may not be discussed
`in detail but are intendedto be part ofthe enabling description
`where appropriate. For example specific computer code may
`not be listed for achieving each of the steps discussed, how-
`ever one of ordinary skill would be able, without undo experi-
`mentation, to write such code given the enabling disclosure
`herein. Such code is intended to fall within the scope of at
`least one exemplary embodiment.
`
`8
`
`

`

`US 2009/0067661 Al
`
`Mar. 12, 2009
`
`[0025] Additionally exemplary embodiments are not lim-
`ited to earpieces, for example some functionality can be
`implemented on other systems with speakers and/or micro-
`phones for example computer systems, PDAs, Blackberrys,
`cell and mobile phones, and any other device that emits or
`measures acoustic energy. Additionally, exemplary embodi-
`ments can be used with digital and non-digital acoustic sys-
`tems. Additionally various receivers and microphones can be
`used, for example MEMstransducers, diaphragm transduc-
`ers, for examples Knowle’s FG and EGseries transducers.
`[0026] Notice that similar reference numerals andletters
`refer to similar items in the following figures, and thus once
`an item is defined in one figure, it may not be discussed or
`further defined in the following figures.
`[0027]
`In all of the examples illustrated and discussed
`herein, any specific values, for example the sound pressure
`level change, shouldbe interpreted to be illustrative only and
`non-limiting. Thus, other examples ofthe exemplary embodi-
`ments could have different values.
`
`[0028] Note that herein when referring to correcting or
`preventing an error or damage (e.g., hearing damage), a
`reduction of the damageorerror and/or a correction of the
`damageorerror are intended.
`[0029]
`Processes, methods, materials and devices known
`by one of ordinary skill in the relevant arts may not be dis-
`cussed in detail but are intended to be part of the enabling
`discussion where appropriate. For example an example is
`provided using a MEMSactuator to close off the acoustic
`channel at certain portions, however any type of mechanism
`automatedor user selected, as knownbyoneofordinary skill
`in the relevantart, can be usedto selectively close offportions
`ofthe acoustic channel.
`
`[0030] Additionally, the size of structures used in exem-
`plary embodiments are not limited by any discussion herein
`(e.g., the sizes of structures can be macro (centimeter, meter),
`micro (micro meter), nanometer size and smaller). For
`example although manyofthe figures may not contain dimen-
`sions, one of ordinary skill would realize that the core struc-
`ture of the devices can be dimensioned to conform with a
`
`minimal cross-section to fit the majority of ear canalsizes.
`[0031] Atleast one exemplary embodimentofthe invention
`is directed to an earpiece that directs acoustic energy into the
`ear canal and samples acoustic energy from the ear canal.
`Reference is made to FIG. 1 in which an earpiece device,
`generally indicated as earpiece 90, is constructed and oper-
`ates in accordance withat least one exemplary embodimentof
`the invention. As illustrated, earpiece 90 comprises an elec-
`tronic housing unit 100 and a sealing unit 108. Earpiece 90
`depicts an electro-acoustical assembly for an in-the-ear
`acoustic assembly, as it would typically be placed in an ear
`canal 124 of a user 130. The earpiece 90 can be an in the ear
`earpiece, behind the ear earpiece, receiver in the ear, partial-
`fit device, or any othersuitable earpiece type. The earpiece 90
`can be partially or fully occluded in ear canal 124, and is
`suitable for use with users having healthy or abnormal audi-
`tory functioning.
`[0032]
`Inoneexemplary embodiment, earpiece 90 includes
`an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) 120 to capture (mea-
`sure) ambient sound(acoustic energy), an Ear Canal Receiver
`(ECR) 114 to deliver audio (acoustic energy) to an ear canal
`124, and an Ear Canal Microphone (ECM)106 to capture and
`assess a sound exposure level within the ear canal 124. The
`earpiece 90 can partially or fully occludethe ear canal 124 to
`provide various degrees of acoustic isolation. The assemblyis
`
`designed to be inserted into the user’s ear canal 124, and to
`form an acoustic seal with the walls of the ear canal 124 at a
`location between the entrance to the ear canal 124 and the
`tympanic membrane(or ear drum). In general, such a seal is
`typically achieved by meansof a soft and compliant housing
`of sealing unit 108.
`[0033]
`Sealing unit 108 can be an acoustic barrier (e.g.,
`producing acoustic isolation or reducing acoustic energy
`across the sealing unit), having a first side coupledto ear canal
`124 and a second side coupled to the ambient region or
`ambient environment. In at least one exemplary embodiment,
`sealing unit 108 includes at least one acoustic tube. The at
`least one acoustic tube is an acoustic pathwayfor receiving or
`delivering audio content. Sealing unit 108 can create a closed
`cavity of (e.g., approximately 5 cc) betweenthefirst side of
`sealing unit 108 and the tympanic membranein ear canal 124.
`As a result ofthis sealing, the ECR (speaker) 114 is able to
`generate a full range bass response when reproducing sounds
`for the user. This seal also serves to significantly reduce the
`sound pressure levelat the user’s eardrum resulting from the
`soundfield at the entrance to the ear canal 124. This seal is
`
`also a basis for a passive soundisolating performance of the
`electro-acoustic assembly.
`[0034]
`In at
`least one exemplary embodiment and in
`broader context, the second side of sealing unit 108 corre-
`sponds to earpiece 90, and is operatively connected to elec-
`tronic housing unit 100, and ambient sound microphone 120
`that is exposed to the ambient environment. Ambient sound
`microphone 120 receives ambient sound from the ambient
`region aroundthe user.
`[0035] Electronic housing unit 100 houses system compo-
`nents such as a microprocessor 116, memory 104, battery
`102, ECM 106, ASM 120, ECR,114, and userinterface 120.
`Microprocessor 116 can be a logic circuit, a digital signal
`processor, controller, or the like for performing calculations
`and operations for earpiece 90. Microprocessor 116 is opera-
`tively coupled to memory 104, ECM 106, ASM 120, ECR
`114, and user interface 120. A wire 118 provides an external
`connection to earpiece 90. Battery 102 powers the circuits
`and transducersof earpiece 90. Battery 102 can be a recharge-
`able or replaceable battery.
`[0036] One function of ECM 106 is that of measuring the
`sound pressure level in the ear canal cavity 124 as a part of
`testing the hearing acuity of the user as well as confirming the
`integrity of the acoustic seal and the working condition ofthe
`earpiece 90. In one arrangement, ASM 120 is housed in an ear
`seal of earpiece 90 to monitor soundpressure at the entrance
`to the occludedorpartially occluded ear canal 124. All trans-
`ducers shown can receive or transmit audio electrical signals
`to microprocessor 116 (hereinafter processor 116) that under-
`takes audio signal processing and provides a transceiver for
`audio via the wired (wire 118) or a wireless communication
`path.
`In at least one exemplary embodiment, earpiece 90
`[0037]
`can actively monitor a soundpressure level both inside and
`outside an ear canal 124 and enhancespatial and timbral
`sound quality while maintaining supervision to ensure safe
`sound reproduction levels. The earpiece 90 in various
`embodiments can conductlisteningtests, filter sounds in the
`environment, monitor warning sounds in the environment,
`present notification based on identified warning sounds,
`maintain constant audio content to ambient soundlevels, and
`filter sound in accordance with a Personalized Hearing Level
`(PHL).
`
`9
`
`

`

`US 2009/0067661 Al
`
`Mar. 12, 2009
`
`[0038] The earpiece 90 can generate an Ear Canal Transfer
`Function (ECTF) to model the ear canal 124 using ECR 114
`and ECM 106, as well as an Outer Ear Canal Transfer func-
`tion (OETF) using ASM 120. For instance, the ECR 114 can
`deliver an impulse within the ear canal 124 and generate the
`ECTFvia cross correlation of the impulse with the impulse
`responseofthe ear canal 124. The earpiece 90 can also deter-
`mine a sealing profile with the user’s ear to compensate for
`any leakage. It also includes a Sound Pressure Level Dosim-
`eter to estimate sound exposure and recovery times. This
`permits the earpiece 90 to safely administer and monitor
`sound exposureto the ear.
`[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram 200 of the
`earpiece 90 in accordance with an exemplary embodimentis
`shown.Asillustrated, the earpiece 90 can includethe proces-
`sor 116 operatively coupled to the ASM 120, ECR 114, and
`ECM 106 via one or more Analog to Digital Converters
`(ADC) 202 and Digital to Analog Converters (DAC) 203. The
`processor 116 is configured operatively with storage memory
`208 whereby storage memory 208 can be a Flash, ROM,
`RAM, SRAM, DRAMorother storage methods as know by
`one of ordinary skill. The processor 116 can also include a
`clock to record a time stamp.
`[0040]
`Asillustrated, the earpiece 90 can include an acous-
`tic management module 201 to mix sounds captured at the
`ASM 111 and ECM 123 to produce a mixed sound. The
`processor 116 can then provide the mixed signal to one or
`more subsystems, such as a voice recognition system, a voice
`dictation system, a voice recorder, or any other voice related
`processor or communication device. The acoustic manage-
`ment module 201 can be a hardware component implemented
`by discrete or analog electronic components or a software
`component. In one arrangement,
`the functionality of the
`acoustic management module 201 can be provided by way of
`software, such as program code, assembly language, or
`machine language.
`[0041] The memory 208 can also store program instruc-
`tions for execution on the processor 116 as well as captured
`audio processing data and filter coefficient data. The memory
`208 can be off-chip and external to the processor 208, and
`include a data buffer to temporarily capture the ambient
`sound and the internal sound, and a storage memory to save
`from the data buffer the recent portion of the history in a
`compressed formatresponsive to a directive by the processor.
`The data buffer can be a circular buffer that temporarily stores
`audio sound ata current time point to a previous time point. It
`should also be noted that the data buffer can in one configu-
`ration reside on the processor 116 to provide high speed data
`access. The storage memory can be non-volatile memory
`such as SRAM tostore captured or compressed audio data.
`[0042] The earpiece 90 can include an audio interface 212
`operatively coupled to the processor 116 and acoustic man-
`agement module 201 to receive audio content, for example
`from a media player,cell phone, or any other communication
`device, and deliver the audio content to the processor 116.
`The processor 116 is responsive to detecting spoken voice
`from the acoustic management module 201 and can adjust the
`audio content delivered to the ear canal. For instance, the
`processor 116 (or acoustic management module 201) can
`lower a volumeofthe audio content responsive to detecting a
`spoken voice. The processor 116 by way ofthe ECM 106 can
`also actively monitor the sound exposurelevel inside the ear
`canal and adjust the audio to within a safe and subjectively
`
`optimizedlistening level range based on voice operating deci-
`sions made by the acoustic management module 201.
`[0043] The earpiece 100 can further include a transceiver
`204 that can support singly or in combination any numberof
`wireless access technologies including without limitation
`Bluetooth™, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Worldwide Interoper-
`ability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and/or other short
`or long range communication protocols. The transceiver 204
`can also provide support for dynamic downloading over-the-
`air to the earpiece 90. It should be noted also that next gen-
`eration access technologies can also be applied to the present
`disclosure.
`
`[0044] The location receiver 232 can utilize commontech-
`nology such as a common GPS (Global Positioning System)
`receiver that can intercept satellite signals and therefrom
`determine a location fix of the earpiece 90.
`[0045]
`In at least one exemplary embodiment, the power
`source(e.g., battery) 102 can be a rechargeable or replaceable
`battery but more generally it can be a power source utilizing
`common power management technologies such as supply
`regulation technologies, and charging system technologies
`for supplying energyto the components ofthe earpiece 90 and
`to facilitate portable applications. A motor (not shown) can be
`a single supply motor driver coupled to the power supply 210
`to improvesensory input via haptic vibration. As an example,
`the processor 116 can direct the motorto vibrate responsive to
`an action, such as a detection of a warning sound or an
`incoming voicecall.
`[0046] The earpiece 90 can further represent a single opera-
`tional device or a family of devices configured in a master-
`slave arrangement, for example, a mobile device and an ear-
`piece. In the latter embodiment,
`the components of the
`earpiece 90 can be reused in different form factors for the
`master and slave devices.
`
`[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, an earpiece 300 is illustrated
`which can seal an ear canal 302 of a user. Earpiece 300 can
`include an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) 304, an Ear
`Canal Microphone (ECM)306, an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR)
`308, a microprocessor 310, a power source 312, an acoustic
`channel 314, and a sealing section 318. ECM 306 and ECR
`308 are acoustically coupled to ear canal 302 whichis a first
`volume. ASM 304 is acoustically coupled to an ambient
`region 316 which is a second volume. Sealing section 318
`comprises a portion of earpiece 300 placed in the ear canal.
`Sealing section 318 is an acoustic barrier between the first
`volume (ear canal 302) and the second volume (ambient
`region 316). In general, sealing section 318 isolates ear canal
`302 from the ambient and attenuates or blocks acoustic
`
`sounds in ambient region 316 from passing into ear canal 302.
`[0048]
`Inan exemplary embodiment, acoustic channel 314
`is a single or common acoustic channel that acoustically
`couples ECM 306, ECR 308, and ear canal 302 together. For
`example the acoustic channels from ECR 308 and from ECM
`306 can combine a distance into a common channel 314, for
`example 10 mm along their lengths. Acoustic channel 314
`comprisesa first channel portion 320, a second channel por-
`tion 322, and a third channel portion 324. ECM 306is opera-
`tively coupledto a port of first channel portion 320 for receiv-
`ing an acoustic signal. ECR 308 is operatively coupled to a
`port of second channelportion 322 for delivering an acoustic
`signal. Third channel portion 324 operatively couples to first
`channel portion 320 and second channel 322 and extends
`through sealing section 318 exposing a port that is acousti-
`cally coupled to ear canal 302.
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US 2009/0067661 Al
`
`Mar. 12, 2009
`
`[0049] Having a common acoustic channel for ECR 308
`and ECM 306 to ear canal 302 removesthe need for structur-
`
`ally separated acoustic transmission channels as used in con-
`ventional devices. Dimensionally, acoustic channel 314 is
`typically less than 3 mm in diameter. The length from port to
`ear canalport of the acoustic channel 314 is dependent on the
`design of housing of earpiece 300 but is in a range of 15-20
`mm in length for somedesigns. In an exemplary embodiment,
`third channel portion 324 of acoustic channel 314 is the only
`acoustic tube in sealing section 318 of earpiece 300. Having
`only third channel portion 324 in sealing section 318 aids in
`keeping the cross-section of earpiece 300 to a minimum,
`allowing closer placement
`toward the eardrum thereby
`increasing performance. Note that acoustic channel 314
`allows the placement of ECM 306 and ECR 308 away from a
`narrow portionofear canal 302 wherethere is increased space
`for the components. Moreover, acoustic channel 314 simpli-
`fies manufacture of earpiece 300 and lowerscost.
`[0050]
`In an exemplary embodiment,first channel portion
`320 is formedat an acute angle with second portion 322. Both
`ECR 308 and ECM 306 are acoustically coupled to ear canal
`302. Processor 310 is operatively coupled to ECR 308 and
`ECM 306. Processor 310 provides audio content in the form
`of an electrical signal to ECR 308. ECR 308 converts the
`electrical signal to an acoustic signal that is provided to
`acoustic channel 314. The acoustic signal generated by ECR
`308 propagates through acoustic channel 314 and into ear
`canal 304.
`
`[0051] ECM 306is acoustically coupled to both ECR 308
`andear canal 302. Thus, ECM 306 receives a combination or
`mixture of acoustic signals from ear canal 302 and ECR 308.
`As mentioned previously, processor 310 is operatively
`coupled to ECM 306. ECM 306 measuresacoustic content in
`ear canal 302 and converts the acoustic contentto an electrical
`signal provided to processor 310. Processor 310 can process
`and use the audio content as is common in an earpiece such as
`providing speech to the user, speech detection, echo cancel-
`lation, measuring sound level, and mixing with other audio
`content.
`
`[0052] ASM 304is located in earpiece 300 to acoustically
`couple to ambient region 316. Processor 310 is operatively
`coupled to ASM 304. ASM 304 measures acoustic content in
`ambient region 316 and converts the acoustic content to an
`electrical signal provided to processor 310. Processor 310 can
`process the audio content from ear canal 302, ambient region
`316, and other inputs (portable media player, cell phone, other
`earpieces, etc... . ) to provide to the user through ECR 308.
`For example, if the user is speaking, processor 310 can con-
`trol the mix of the acoustic signals received from ambient
`region 316 and ear canal 302 sent to a communication device
`such as a cell phonefor transmission.
`[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, a diagram of an earpiece 400 is
`illustrated having a single acoustic channel 414. Earpiece 400
`includesa transducer 406, an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR) 408,
`a microprocessor 410, a power source 412, an acoustic chan-
`nel 414, and a sealing section 418. Earpiece 400 is shown
`fitted in the ear of the user thereby sealing or partially sealing
`ear canal 402. As disclosed hereinabove, sealing section 418
`isolates ear canal 402 and attenuates or blocks acoustic
`sounds in ambient region 416 from passing into ear canal 402
`(and vice versa).
`[0054]
`Inanexemplary embodiment, acoustic channel 414
`is a single or commonacoustic channel for acoustic coupling
`ambient region 416, ear canal 402,or both to transducer 406.
`
`Acoustic channel 414 includes a port 420, a port 422, anda
`port 428. Port 420 is located on earpiece 400 to acoustically
`couple to ambient region 416. Port 428 is located on sealing
`section 418 to acoustically couple to ear canal 402. ECR 408
`is operatively configured to acoustically couple to port 422. In
`an exemplary embodiment, port 422 is located between port
`420 and port 428.
`[0055] Having a common acoustic channel 414 removes
`the need for a separate ear canal microphone and an ambient
`sound microphone that are used in conventional devices.
`Thus, a single microphone(transducer 406) is used in con-
`junction with acoustic channel 414 and more generally to
`earpiece 400. A mechanical device is used to block or par-
`tially block sections of acoustic channel 414to direct acoustic
`coupling from oneport to another. In an exemplary embodi-
`ment, a mems(micro-electrical mechanical system) actuator
`424 and a memsactuator 426 are used to block orpartially
`block portions of acoustic channel 414.
`[0056] Actuator 424 (e.g., MEMS) and memsactuator 426
`are a plunger type device operatively configured to block
`acoustic channel 414. Each memsactuator has a correspond-
`ing opening in acoustic channel 414 whereby the plunger
`mechanism couples through the opening to form a physical
`barrier within acoustic channel 414. More specifically, the
`plunger of a memsactuator is an acoustic barrier to an acous-
`tic signal.
`[0057]
`In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator 424 is
`placed between port 422 and port 428. Transducer 406 is
`acoustically coupled to ear canal 402 when the plunger of
`memsactuator 424is fully retractedor partially blocks acous-
`tic channel 414. Conversely, transducer 406 is acoustically
`decoupled from ear canal 402 when the plunger of actuator
`424 is extended to block acoustic channel 414 between ports
`422 and 428.
`
`In an exemplary embodiment, actuator 426 is
`[0058]
`located on acoustic channel 414 between ports 420 and 422.
`Transducer 406 is acoustically coupled to ambient region 416
`whenthe plungerof actuator 426 is fully retractedor partially
`blocks acoustic channel 414. Conversely, transducer 406 is
`acoustically decoupled from ambient region 416 when the
`plungerof actuator 426 is extended to block acoustic channel
`414 between ports 420 and 422.
`[0059] As mentionedpreviously, a single acoustic channel
`in sealing section 418 aids in keeping the cross-section of
`earpiece 400 to a minimum, allowing closer placement
`toward the eardrum to increase performance. Note that trans-
`ducer 406, memsactuator 424, and actuator 426 can be placed
`away from a narrow portion of ear canal 402 where there is
`more space for components. Moreover, acoustic channel 414
`simplifies manufacture of earpiece 400 and lowers cost by
`eliminating a second transducer.
`[0060]
`Processor 410 is operatively coupled to transducer
`406, ECR 408, and memsactuator 424 and actuator 426.
`Processor 410 provides audio contentin the form ofan elec-
`trical signal to ECR 408. ECR 408 converts the electrical
`signal to an acoustic signal provided to ear canal 402. The
`audio content can come from external components such as a
`media player or cell phone. Transducer 406 can also provide
`audio content to processor 410 from ambient region 416 or
`ear canal 402.
`
`In one exemplary embodiment, transducer 406 is
`[0061]
`acoustically coupled to either ambient region 416 or ear canal
`402 by blocking acoustic channel 414 with actuator 426 or
`memsactuator 424. In a first mode, transducer 406 measures
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`acoustic content in ear canal 402 and converts the acoustic
`contentto an electrical signal provided to processor 410. Ina
`second modeof operation transducer 406 measures acoustic
`content in ambient region 416 and provides the content to
`processor 410.
`[0062]
`In an exemplary embodiment, earpiece 400 is used
`for speech communication in full duplex mode via a cellular
`network with one or more people. The user and the other
`listeners would have difficulty hearing if user speech was
`sampled from ambient region 416 when background noise
`levels were high. In this situation, processor 410 actuates
`memsactuator 426 to block the acoustic path from ambient
`region 416 to transducer 406. Actuator 424 does not block
`acoustic channel 414. Thus, transducer 406 is acoustically
`coupled to ear canal 402. In this example, speech content in
`the ear canal 402 has a low backgroundnoise level in com-
`parison to ambient region 416 and thus is more intelligible
`when transmitted to others or provided to the user through
`ECR408. Speech received from ear canal 402 may lack some
`high frequency characteristics as is well knownto oneskilled
`in the art when compared to speech transmitted from the
`mouth andinto the ambient.
`
`Inanother exemplary embodimentofproviding user
`[0063]
`speech, processor 410 actuates actuator 424 when back-
`groundnoise level is low in ambient region 416. Actuator 424
`blocksthe acoustic path from ear canal 402 to transducer 406.
`Actuator 426 does not block acoustic channel 414. User
`
`speechis provided from ambient region 416 through acoustic
`channel 414 to transducer 406. Using speech received from
`the ambientina low backgroundnoise situation allows amore
`realistic sounding voice to be transmitted or provided to the
`user through ECR 408.
`[0064]
`In a further exemplary embodiment of providing
`user speech, actuators 424 and 426 can be controlled with
`more precision than merely blocking or leaving open acoustic
`channel 414. Processor 410 is operatively configured to
`actuators 424 and 426 to adjust the depth of each plunger such
`that each actuator can restrict and vary the cross-sectional
`area of acoustic channel 414. Adjusting or varying an opening
`size in acoustic channel 414 restricts acoustic propagation
`through acoustic channel 414 thus affecting the acoustic
`energy reaching transducer 406. Actuators 424 and 426 can
`both be partially open allowing a combinationofsignals from
`ambient region 416 and ear canal 402 to be provided to
`transducer 406. The ratio of the energies received from ambi-
`ent region 416 and ear canal 402 corresponds to the cross-
`sectional area created by actuators 424 and 426 in the area that
`they are located. In an exemplary embodiment, processor 410