Distributed acoustic conversation shielding system
US8229130B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W84/18
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A conversation shielding system comprises sensors that detect the location of a confidential conversation and the presence and location of a potential eavesdropper, audio output devices that produce masking sounds to shield the conversation from the eavesdropper, and a controller that automatically controls the operation of the output devices in response to data from the sensors. An optional portable controller may manually engage the system. A method for shielding conversation comprises identifying a conversation to be shielded, detecting a potential eavesdropper, automatically determining masking sound types, locations and volume that will shield the conversation, directing emission of masking sounds from at least one audio output device in order to shield the conversation, including adjusting the masking sound type, location, and volume in response to movement of the conversation or the eavesdropper, and continuing to shield the conversation until it ends or the eavesdropper is no longer detected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.