Optically coupled bone conduction systems and methods
US8715153B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2225/0216
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hearing device can allow a user to determine from side which a sound originates with bone conduction vibration of the cochlea and the user can also receive sound localization cues from the device, as feedback can be substantially inhibited with bone conduction vibration of the cochlea. An output transducer assembly can be positioned on a first side of the user to vibrate a first bone tissue near a first cochlea with a first amount of energy, such vibration of a second cochlea on a second side with a second amount of energy is attenuated substantially, for example at least about 6 db, such that the user can localize the sound to the first side. A microphone may be located on the first side and coupled to the output transducer assembly, such that the user localizes the sound to the first side detects sound localization cues.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.