Earphone-based game controller and health monitor
US8730048B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08B21/0446
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Design and operation techniques for an earphone-based game controller and health monitor are described herein. In one example, two “ear bud” style earphones are configured as I/O devices, each including a speaker to output sound and an accelerometer to receive an input of motion imparted by a user. The I/O devices may be connected to a mobile device, such as a cellular phone. Accordingly, the I/O devices may be inserted into a user's ears for listening or may be used as game controllers, such as by moving one I/O device in each hand. In a further example, a thermometer may be used in at least one of the I/O devices, and may gather health data by measuring the temperature of the user. And in a further example, a microphone may be used in at least one I/O device to gather heart rate and respiration-quality data regarding the user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.