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Multi-Body Earpiece

a multi-body, earpiece technology, applied in the field of multi-body earpieces, can solve the problems of cumbersome and uncomfortable wearing a cap for an extended period of time, difficult to obtain high-quality signals, and difficulty in providing a stable arrangement that is both securely and comfortably maintained in the ear, so as to minimize the amount of material required, minimize the occlusion of ambient sound, and maximize the benefit of the wearer

Inactive Publication Date: 2021-10-07
NEXTSENSE INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a sensor system that can be worn for hours or longer to provide benefits to the wearer. It is designed to be secure-fitting and comfortable, while minimizing the interference with ambient sound. This allows the wearer to hear what is going on around them while being unobtrusive and efficient.

Problems solved by technology

However, wearing a cap for an extended period of time can be cumbersome and uncomfortable.
It can also be difficult to obtain high quality signals, especially if the wearer has thick hair.
Unfortunately, even a custom in-ear sensor assembly may have various drawbacks, including difficulty providing a stable arrangement that is both securely and comfortably maintained in the ear.
Other issues can include partially or completely blocking ambient sounds, as well as costly and labor-intensive manufacturing techniques.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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example structures

[0026]An in-ear sensor system will now be described in accordance with aspects of the technology.

[0027]Example multi-body earpiece structure 200 of FIGS. 2A-H has a central flexure affixed at both ends to respective discrete bodies. When placed along the outer ear, the overall structure is “C” shaped, with the flexure curved to fit within along an interior surface of the ear's antihelix. In particular, FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the side of the example structure, while FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view. FIG. 2C is a front view and FIG. 2D is rear view. FIG. 2E is a right side view and FIG. 2F is a left side view. FIG. 2G is a top view and FIG. 2H is a bottom view.

[0028]As shown in FIG. 2A, flexure 202 is a thin, elongated component having one end affixed to a first body 204, and a second end affixed to a second body 206. The flexure 202 has an arcuate shape, for instance for conforming to the portion of the concha along the underside of the antihelix (see FIGS. 5A-B). H...

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PUM

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Abstract

The technology provides a multi-body earpiece suitable for use as an in-ear sensor system, which can be used for biometrics or a human-computer interface. The multi-body earpiece includes two body elements connected together by a flexure. These components provide at least 3 points of contact along different parts of the outer ear, in which the flexure is tethered to the two bodies and arranged to lock them in place during wear. In addition to having stability from moving while minimizing sound occlusion, this arrangement enables any electrodes for the on-board sensor(s) to remain in contact with the skin of the ear, and provide as many contact points in desired areas as the electronics dictate for the signals of interest.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]Wearable sensors have been used to detect bio signals, such as electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, from the wearer's body. These signals can be used for medical or non-medical (e.g., brain control interface) purposes. In the past, caps have been worn on the user's head to capture EEG signals. These caps can capture input via multiple data channels. However, wearing a cap for an extended period of time can be cumbersome and uncomfortable. It can also be difficult to obtain high quality signals, especially if the wearer has thick hair. In-ear sensors, for instance using custom-molded earpieces, have also been considered. Unfortunately, even a custom in-ear sensor assembly may have various drawbacks, including difficulty providing a stable arrangement that is both securely and comfortably maintained in the ear. Other issues can include partially or completely blocking ambient sounds, as well as costly and labor-intensive manufacturing techniques.BRIEF SUMMARY[0002]The t...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A61B5/00H04R1/10
CPCA61B5/6817A61B5/0024A61B2562/02H04R2201/10H04R1/1016A61B5/6803A61B5/002A61B5/245A61B5/291A61B5/384A61B5/01A61B5/02438A61B5/14532A61B5/14551A61B5/1116A61B5/1114A61B2562/0219A61B5/0533H04R1/105H04R2420/07
Inventor ROBERTSON, NICHOLAS
Owner NEXTSENSE INC
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