Abstract

Techniques for providing eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids
• H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries

Abstract

In one embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a lens holder, a first temple with a first end close to the lens holder and a second end, a second temple, an electrical connector and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board with at least one electrical component can be in the first temple. The connector can be close to the first end of the first temple, facing downward, and electrically connected to the at least one electrical component. In an embodiment, a pair of glasses can perform hearing enhanced functions to enhance audio signals for the user to hear. One embodiment is configured to be a headset. One embodiment has audio and/or textual output capabilities for a user to communicate in different ways depending on configuration, user preferences, prior history, etc. In one embodiment, the communication between users is achieved by short audio or textual messages.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04R 25/00 - Deaf-aid sets
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids
• H04R 1/08 - MouthpiecesAttachments therefor

Abstract

In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset with an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector. The headset can also include an area for attachment via magnetic force.

IPC Classes  ?

• G10L 17/22 - Interactive proceduresMan-machine interfaces
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• H04R 1/10 - EarpiecesAttachments therefor
• H04R 5/033 - Headphones for stereophonic communication
• G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase

Abstract

Techniques for providing wearable electronic devices with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear to facilitate audio support including enhanced audio output. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. The wearable electronic devices with electronic components can, for example, provide audio output, audio enhancements, or event-related audio content.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids

Abstract

In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset with an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector. The headset can also include a touch-sensitive input surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04R 3/00 - Circuits for transducers
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
• G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
• G10L 15/22 - Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialog
• H03G 3/00 - Gain control in amplifiers or frequency changers

Abstract

Techniques for providing eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids
• H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries

Abstract

Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear, such as within an extended endpiece or a removable temple (or temple part). The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids

Abstract

In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset with a touch-sensitive input surface and an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector.

IPC Classes  ?

• H03G 3/00 - Gain control in amplifiers or frequency changers
• G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• G10L 15/22 - Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialog
• G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
• H03G 3/20 - Automatic control

Abstract

Techniques for providing wearable electronic devices with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear to facilitate audio support including enhanced hearing. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. The wearable electronic devices with electronic components can, for example, provide audio output, audio enhancements, or event-related audio content.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids

Abstract

In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset at least with a touch-sensitive input surface and an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members

Goods & Services

Earbuds; earphones and headphones; headsets; headsets for mobile telephones; wireless earbuds; wireless earphones; wireless headsets for smartphones

Abstract

In one embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a lens holder, a first temple with a first end close to the lens holder and a second end, a second temple, an electrical connector and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board with at least one electrical component can be in the first temple. The connector can be close to the first end of the first temple, facing downward, and electrically connected to the at least one electrical component. In another embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a first printed circuit board, with at least one electrical component. The first printed circuit board can be connected to an electrical component at the frame via a second printed circuit board. In an embodiment, a pair of glasses can perform hearing enhanced functions to enhance audio signals for the user to hear. One embodiment is configured to be a headset.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04R 25/00 - Deaf-aid sets
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
• H04M 1/05 - Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers specially adapted for use on head, throat or breast
• G10L 15/26 - Speech to text systems
• H04M 1/60 - Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers

Abstract

Techniques for providing wearable electronic devices with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear to facilitate audio support including enhanced hearing. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. The wearable electronic devices with electronic components can, for example, provide audio output, audio enhancements, or event-related audio content.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids

Abstract

Techniques for providing wearable electronic devices with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear to facilitate audio support including enhanced hearing. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. The wearable electronic devices with electronic components can, for example, provide audio output, audio enhancements, or event-related audio content.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members

Goods & Services

Eyeglasses; Eyeglass frames; Smart glasses; Eyewear, namely, sunglasses, virtual reality googles, activity glasses for exercising, augmented reality glasses, protective glasses

Abstract

Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear, such as within an extended endpiece or a removable temple (or temple part). The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids
• H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members

Abstract

Eyewear having monitoring capability, such as for radiation or motion, is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Motion can be measure by a detector, and the measured motion can be used to determine whether the eyewear is being worn.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
• G01J 1/02 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter Details
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G01J 1/44 - Electric circuits
• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons

Abstract

Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear, such as within an extended endpiece. The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids

Abstract

Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear. The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids
• H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries

Abstract

Novel eyewear apparatuses including a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a frame. The frame includes a side region that includes an extendable arm. The first end of the extendable arm is attached to the frame and a second end of the extendable arm is attached to the display. The side region includes a cavity, where the extendable arm is adapted to retract back. The extendable arm is further adapted to extend out of the cavity and orient the display to be visually observable by a user of the eyewear apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a concave reflective and an image source. The image source and the concave reflective surface are oriented to enable a user of the eyewear apparatus to view at least an image from the image source as reflected by the concave reflective surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof

Abstract

Eyewear having monitoring capability, such as for radiation or motion, is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Motion can be measure by a detector, and the measured motion can be used to determine whether the eyewear is being worn.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G01J 1/02 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter Details
• G01J 1/44 - Electric circuits
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons

Abstract

Eyewear having monitoring capability, such as for radiation, is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their exposure to radiation.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G01J 1/02 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter Details
• G01J 1/44 - Electric circuits
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons

Abstract

Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear. The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 1/00 - Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids

Abstract

Eyewear having radiation monitoring capability is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their exposure to radiation.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
• G01J 1/02 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter Details
• G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G01J 1/44 - Electric circuits

Abstract

Novel eyewear apparatuses including a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a frame. The frame includes a side region that includes an extendable arm. The first end of the extendable arm is attached to the frame and a second end of the extendable arm is attached to the display. The side region includes a cavity, where the extendable arm is adapted to retract back. The extendable arm is further adapted to extend out of the cavity and orient the display to be visually observable by a user of the eyewear apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a concave reflective and an image source. The image source and the concave reflective surface are oriented to enable a user of the eyewear apparatus to view at least an image from the image source as reflected by the concave reflective surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof

Abstract

Eyewear having radiation monitoring capability is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their exposure to radiation.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 1/00 - Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars
• G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G01J 1/02 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter Details
• G01J 1/44 - Electric circuits
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons

Abstract

In one embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a lens holder, a first temple with a first end close to the lens holder and a second end, a second temple, an electrical connector and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board with at least one electrical component can be in the first temple. The connector can be close to the first end of the first temple, facing downward, and electrically connected to the at least one electrical component. In another embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a first printed circuit board, with at least one electrical component. The first printed circuit board can be connected to an electrical component at the frame via a second printed circuit board.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 1/00 - Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars

Abstract

In one embodiment, an eyewear for a user includes an eyewear frame, electrical circuitry at least partially in the eyewear frame, and a touch sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the electrical circuitry to perform a function via touching the touch sensitive input surface. In another embodiment, the eyewear includes a switch with at least two operational states. The operational states of the switch can be configured to be changed by sliding a finger across the touch sensitive input surface of the frame.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts

Abstract

Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear. The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 1/00 - Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G02C 5/14 - Side-members
• G02C 11/06 - Hearing aids

Abstract

Eyewear having radiation monitoring capability is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their exposure to radiation.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 1/00 - Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars
• G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof
• G01J 1/02 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter Details
• G01J 1/44 - Electric circuits
• G02C 5/00 - Constructions of non-optical parts
• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons

Abstract

Novel eyewear apparatuses including a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a frame. The frame includes a side region that includes an extendable arm. The first end of the extendable arm is attached to the frame and a second end of the extendable arm is attached to the display. The side region includes a cavity, where the extendable arm is adapted to retract back. The extendable arm is further adapted to extend out of the cavity and orient the display to be visually observable by a user of the eyewear apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a concave reflective and an image source. The image source and the concave reflective surface are oriented to enable a user of the eyewear apparatus to view at least an image from the image source as reflected by the concave reflective surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof

Abstract

Methods and systems to produce audio output signals from audio input signals. In one embodiment, a first portion of the audio input signals can be pre-processed, with the output used to modulate ultrasonic carrier signals, thereby producing modulated ultrasonic signals. The modulated ultrasonic signals can be transformed into a first portion of the audio output signals, which is directional. Based on a second portion of the audio input signals, a standard audio speaker can output a second portion of the audio output signals. Another embodiment further produces distortion compensated signals based on the pre-processed signals. The distortion compensated signals can be subtracted from the second portion of the audio input signals to generate inputs for the standard audio speaker to output the second portion of the audio output signals. In yet another embodiment, noise can be added during pre-processing of the first portion of the audio input signals.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04H 60/27 - Arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
• H04R 25/00 - Deaf-aid sets
• H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers

Abstract

Improved approaches for users of electronic devices to communicate with one another are disclosed. The electronic devices have audio and/or textual output capabilities. The improved approaches can enable users to communicate in different ways depending on device configuration, user preferences, prior history, etc. In one embodiment, the communication between users is achieved by short audio or textual messages.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networksFacilities therefor

Abstract

Eyewear having radiation monitoring capability is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their exposure to radiation.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 1/00 - Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars
• G02C 11/00 - Non-optical adjunctsAttachment thereof

Abstract

Eyewear having radiation monitoring capability is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their exposure to radiation.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 1/00 - Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars

Abstract

A hearing enhancement system that enhances a user's hearing is disclosed. For example, the system can include an interface unit that has a directional speaker and a microphone. The microphone captures input audio signals that are transformed into ultrasonic signals. The speaker transmits the ultrasonic signals, which are transformed into output audio signals by interaction with air. At least a portion of the output audio signals are modified to enhance the hearing of the user. Based on the system, the user's ear remains free from any inserted objects and thus is free from annoying occlusion effects. Compared to existing hearing aids, the system is relatively inexpensive. In another embodiment, the system can also be used as a phone. In yet another embodiment, the system can also access audio signals from other portable or non-portable instruments, wired or wirelessly, such as from home entertainment units, phones, microphones at a conference or speakers at a movie theater.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04R 25/00 - Deaf-aid sets

Abstract

A pair of glasses with a heart-rate monitor according to one embodiment. The heart-rate monitor is configured to measure the heart rate of the user of the glasses. The heart-rate monitor can include a sensor with a radiation transmitter and a radiation receiver. The radiation could be infrared radiation. In one approach, the receiver measures signals transmitted by the transmitter through a body part of the user to measure the user's heart rate. The sensor could be incorporated in a clip to clip onto the body part of the user, such as the ear lobe of the user. In another approach, the receiver measures signals transmitted by the transmitter and reflected by a body part of the user to measure the user's heart rate.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 1/00 - Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars

Abstract

Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear. The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 5/14 - Side-members

Abstract

A pair of glasses with one or more electrical components partially or fully embedded in the glasses is disclosed. In one embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a speaker and an electrical connector, both at least partially embedded in the glasses, with the speaker and the connector electrically coupled together by an electrical conductor. In another embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a storage medium and an electrical connector. In yet another embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a speaker, a coder/decoder, a processor and a storage medium. The glasses can serve as a multimedia asset player. In a further embodiment, some of the electrical components are in a base tethered to a pair of glasses. Instead of just receiving signals, in one embodiment, a pair of glasses also has a microphone and a wireless transceiver. In another embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a preference indicator that allows a user to indicate the user's preference regarding, for example, what is being output by the glasses. In yet another embodiment, there can be one or more control knobs on the glasses. In a further embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a camera and electrical components for wireless connection. In yet a further embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 1/00 - Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars

Abstract

A pair of glasses includes a clock that is at least partially embedded in the glasses. The clock can be in one of the temples of the glasses. In one implementation, the clock can be positioned at a region close to a hinge of the corresponding temple, with the clock facing inward towards the user. The clock can also be in a temple arrangement. Instead of or in addition to a clock, other types of electrical components can be at least partially embedded into a pair of glasses or a temple arrangement of a pair of glasses. For example, the other electrical components can pertain to a RFID tag, a temperature sensor or an eyewear finder.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02C 1/00 - Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars

Abstract

Improved approaches for users of electronic devices to communicate with one another are disclosed. The electronic devices have audio and/or textual output capabilities. The improved approaches can enable users to communicate in different ways depending on device configuration, user preferences, prior history, etc. In one embodiment, the communication between users is achieved by short audio or textual messages.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04M 3/42 - Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers

Abstract

A wireless communication system based on a directional speaker is disclosed. The system can include an interface unit and a base unit. The audio signals from the speaker can be generated by transforming ultrasonic signals in air. This allows the production of directional audio signals even when the aperture of the speaker has dimensions in the order of a few centimeters. The audio signals from the speaker can be heard hands-free. Further, privacy protection is enhanced. In one embodiment, the interface unit can be attached or integrated to a piece of clothing at the shoulder of the user, with the audio signals from the speaker directed towards one of the user's ears. The wireless communication system can be applied to a number of different areas, including a communication device, such as a cell phone; a hearing aid; an entertainment system; and a computation system, such as a personal digital assistant or a computer. The wireless communication system can be personalized to the hearing characteristics of the user, or to the ambient noise level of the environment.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04M 1/00 - Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers

Abstract

A hearing enhancement system that enhances a user's hearing based on a directional speaker is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system can include an interface unit that has a directional speaker and a microphone. The microphone captures input audio signals that are transformed into ultrasonic signals. The speaker transmits the ultrasonic signals, which are transformed into output audio signals by interaction with air. At least a portion of the output audio signals are modified to enhance the hearing of the user. Based on the system, the user's ear remains free from any inserted objects and thus is free from annoying occlusion effects. Compared to existing hearing aids, the system is relatively inexpensive. In another embodiment, the system can also be used as a phone. In yet another embodiment, the system can also access audio signals from other portable or non-portable instruments, wired or wirelessly, such as from home entertainment units, phones, microphones at a conference or speakers at a movie theater.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04R 25/00 - Deaf-aid sets
• H04M 1/00 - Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
• H04B 1/10 - Means associated with receiver for limiting or suppressing noise or interference