Earmounted electronic device and method
US7805171B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/70
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a wireless communication device capable of being positioned in a wearable position adjacent a user's head. The wireless communication device may include a housing and an arcuate earmount coupled to the housing. The earmount may be configured so that it includes an overhanging portion and a hinge portion, the hinge portion electrically and mechanically coupling the earmount to the housing. A proximity sensor can be positioned on the overhanging portion and configured to detect proximity of a user's skin behind the user's ear. The sensor location for earmounted devices can provide that the sensor may be trapped between the user's ear auricle and the user's head as the earmount sits down on the top portion of the ear, which may result in accurate sensing activation. The device may be further configured to, for example, change a state based on whether the proximity sensor detects proximity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.