Earbud for detecting biosignals from and presenting audio signals at an inner ear canal and method therefor
US11234069B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2460/15
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An earbud for detecting biosignals from and presenting audio signals at an inner ear canal and method therefor are disclosed. The earbud includes a nozzle and a housing including a body. The nozzle extends from the housing body and has a proximal end arranged for positioning within an inner ear canal of an individual. An earbud tip of the earbud attaches to the proximal end of the nozzle and is adapted to engage the inner ear canal. The earbud includes a speaker and various sensors including an infrasonic/vibration sensor. The infrasonic/vibration sensor detects the biosignals including infrasonic signals from the body of the individual in the canal, and the speaker transmits sound from an audio source into the canal via the nozzle. The earbud preferably seals the inner ear canal to block external sound while also decreasing an acoustic volume of the canal that amplifies the biosignals prior to detection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.