Acoustic quadrupole system for head mounted wearable device
US10950217B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2460/13
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A head-mounted wearable device (HMWD) provides audio output using acoustic quadrupole units (AQU). The AQU produces an acoustic pattern having a first region and a second region. The first region has a first phase and the second region has a second phase that is opposite the first phase. A major axis extending through the regions is directed generally upwards from the ear canal of the user. The ear of the user is within the first region. The second region is directed upward. Bystanders are within an acoustically null region of the acoustic pattern. The acoustically null region is perpendicular to the major axis. Within the acoustically null region, the sound intensity is reduced due to destructive interference between the first phase and the second phase. As a result, the user wearing the HMWD is able hear audio output while audio amplitude perceived by the bystanders is significantly reduced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.