CN113366859A

CN113366859A - Personalized directional audio for head-mounted audio projection systems, apparatus and methods

Info

Publication number: CN113366859A
Application number: CN202080011453.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 埃内斯托·卡洛斯·马丁内兹·维拉潘多; 张惠权; 罗国华; 苏超明
Original assignee: Solos Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Solos Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2019-02-05
Filing date: 2020-02-05
Publication date: 2021-09-07
Also published as: JP7295253B2; GB2596648A; JP2022519124A; GB2596648B; WO2020161545A3; GB2596648C; GB202107680D0; GB2596648A8; WO2020161545A2

Abstract

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are taught for providing audio signals from eyewear devices to users using personal projection micro-speaker systems. The method includes generating an audio signal within the chamber. The chamber is a part of the volume of the spectacle device. The audio signal is concentrated for delivery to the user's ear. The audio signal is transmitted to the user's ear through a port in the chamber.

Description

Personalized directional audio for head-mounted audio projection systems, apparatus and methods

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of the U.S. non-provisional patent application entitled "modular eyeglass system, apparatus and method" filed on 12/11/2019, serial No. 16/711, 340, which claims priority rights to the U.S. provisional patent application entitled "modular eyeglass system with interchangeable frame and temple with embedded electronics" filed on 12/2018, and the U.S. provisional patent application entitled "wearable apparatus, system and method" filed on 7/13/2019, serial No. 62/778, 709. U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 16/711, 340, entitled "modular eyewear system, apparatus and method," is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The present application claims priority of a co-pending U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/801, 468, entitled "personalized directional audio for head-mounted audio projection devices with near-eye (electro-) micro-speaker systems," filed on 5.2.2019. U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/801, 468, entitled "personalized directional audio for a head mounted audio projection device with a near-eye (electro) micro-speaker system," is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application claims priority to a co-pending U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/873, 889 entitled "wearable device, system, and method" filed on 7/13/2019. U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/873, 889, entitled "wearable device, system, and method," is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to eyewear devices, and more particularly, to an apparatus, method and system for providing audio signals to a user through an eyewear device.

Background

The modern life rhythm is fast. An individual is often time limited and often in a scenario where both hands are occupied and no information is available. This may cause some problems. Currently available glasses, such as prescription glasses worn during reading or prescription sunglasses, are expensive and are not easily reconfigurable to meet the needs of different users. This may cause some problems. Personalized sound transmission is usually accomplished by means of a closed in-ear device called a headset or an ear plug. Such devices can block the ear canal and can prevent the user from hearing near and far field sounds. This may cause some problems. The clear directionality of an individual's listening to audio is the basis for mobile augmented reality and augmented reality head-mounted eyewear device applications. Current methods of transmitting sound to a user, such as bone conduction techniques, are inefficient and transmit low levels of sound to the user. This may cause some problems. Therefore, there are some problems that require technical solutions that use technical means that can produce technical effects.

Drawings

The invention may best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The present invention is illustrated by way of example in the embodiments and is not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a modular reconfigurable eyewear system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a reconfigurable assembly for an eyeglass apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of reconfigurable components for an eyeglass apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another reconfigurable modular eyewear system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view and a top view of the modular eyewear system from fig. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram of a system architecture for a modular eyeglass apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6B is a schematic diagram of a wireless network corresponding to the system structure for the modular eyeglass device of fig. 6A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of another system configuration for the modular eyeglass apparatus of fig. 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a temple insert module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a modular eyeglass apparatus incorporating a rear neck module assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a nape module assembly configured with a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of interlocking coupling of a temple arm to a temple arm in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view of coupling a nape module to electronics contained in a temple, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a schematic view of a back neck module assembly combined with temple electronics according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a user interface on a nape module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a block diagram of an electronics unit configured for a rear neck electronic pod (ePOD), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a personal projection micro-speaker system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of another personal projection micro-speaker system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a personal projection micro-speaker system using multiple speakers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a personal projection micro-speaker system on a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a schematic view of the inner surface of a sound chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the general shape of a curved surface of an acoustic cavity in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of a variable density structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of a multi-layer sound cavity wall, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24 is a schematic view of a distribution of variable density structures in a temple of an eyewear apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 25 is an exploded view of a personal projection speaker system in a temple of an eyeglass apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 26 is a schematic view of an external sound reflection case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 27-28 are schematic illustrations of additional external sound reflectors and acoustic gains according to embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description of the various embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

In one or more embodiments, methods, devices, and systems are described that provide modularity of eyewear systems for users. As described in the following embodiments, various combinations and configurations of electronic devices are described as being incorporated into eyewear apparatus. Certain electronic devices are configured to be removably coupled to the eyewear apparatus. In some embodiments, the configuration of the electronics is built into the eyewear apparatus. In other embodiments, the rear neck module assembly is removably coupled with the eyeglass apparatus. In various embodiments, the modular reconfigurable eyewear device provides information to a user through the eyewear device. As described in the embodiments, the information includes streaming audio in the form of music, and the information also includes biometric parameters of the user (e.g., physiological biometrics, biomechanics, etc.), such as, but not limited to: heart rate, breathing rate, posture, number of steps, rhythm, etc. The information also includes notifications from digital applications embedded in mobile computing platforms (e.g., smartphones, internet of things (iOT) devices, etc.) or from natural environments or spatial scenes based on external sensory information and information of interest to the user, such as, but not limited to: geo-location data, or vehicle information the user is using, such as: bicycle Revolutions Per Minute (RPM), engine parameters such as RPM, oil pressure, cooling water temperature, wind speed, water depth, air speed, etc. In various embodiments, information is presented to the user by way of the eyewear device, for example, by audio broadcasts heard by the user and video broadcasts played on a display viewed by the user on the eyewear device, or images viewed projected onto the user's pupils. Thus, information will have a broad meaning within the scope of the embodiments taught herein.

Fig. 1 illustrates a modular reconfigurable eyewear system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 1, a modular eyeglass apparatus shown in perspective is indicated generally at 100. The modular eyeglass apparatus 100 has a frame 102. In various embodiments, the frame 102 is ophthalmically configured to provide rim portions that support the

lenses

120 and 122. The

lenses

120 and 122 may provide any functionality provided by the eyewear device, such as, but not limited to, safety glass lenses, prescription lenses, sunglass lenses, solder glass lenses, and the like. The eyeglass apparatus can also comprise a single lens rather than the dual lenses shown in the figures. In some embodiments, a nose pad is provided to provide cushioning to the contact area with the user's nose. In some embodiments, the nose pad is made of a flexible material, such as silicone rubber.

The temple 104 (left temple) and the temple 114 (right temple) are coupled to the frame 102. The

temples

104 and 114 may be flexibly coupled to the frame 102 by hinges as shown in the figures, or the

temples

104 and 114 may have a fixed orientation relative to the frame 102.

In various embodiments, one or more of the temples (104 and 114) and the frame 102 may be mounted with electronics as described below. In the view of 100, left temple 104 is disposed on left Temple Insert Module (TIM)106, and right temple 114 is disposed on right Temple Insert Module (TIM) 116. The Temple Insert Modules (TIMs) are described more fully below in connection with the figures.

With continued reference to fig. 1, a modular eyeglass apparatus is shown at 130 in perspective view. Frame 132 is ophthalmically configured to surround lens 140 and lens 142 with rims to secure lens 140 and lens 142 thereto. The brow web 146 is secured to the frame 132 by assembly fasteners, adhesives, etc. in a variety of ways. The temple 144 includes a left temple connector 152 that rotatably couples with the left frame connector 150. Together, left frame connector 150 and left temple connector 152 form a rotatable mechanical and electrical connection between frame 132 and left temple 144, thereby providing one or more electrical pathways to connect frame 132 to left temple 144. Similarly, right temple 134 is rotatably coupled to frame 132 by a right hinge assembly 148.

It is noted that in some embodiments, the modular eyewear apparatus is configured such that each temple arm is removable from its hinge by an electrical/mechanical connector having one or more electrical contacts, which are not shown for clarity of illustration. These electrical contacts may be made using, for example, pins, points, pads, slots, contact means, and the like. For example, a line denoted by 154 demarcates the boundary where the right temple connector fits with the right temple 134. Similarly, a line indicated by 156 borders the assembly of left temple connector 152 with left temple 144.

The temples are interchangeable with the eyeglass apparatus by providing electrical/mechanical connectors between the temples, e.g. 134, 144, and the frame 132. This feature allows the user to interchange one temple with another. Different temples may be configured with different electronics to provide different functions as described herein. Either temple may be configured to accommodate a variety of electronics configurations. For example, in one or more embodiments, the right interchangeable temple piece houses electronic components that may include one or more of a biometric sensor, a biomechanical sensor, an environmental sensor, a temperature sensor, an acoustic sensor, a motion sensor, a light sensor, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, a velocity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotation sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a cable, a microphone, a micro-speaker, a power supply (battery), a camera, a micro-display, a head-up display (HUD) module, a multi-axis inertial measurement unit, a wireless communication system. It should be noted that TIMs may also include the electronic components and sensors described above. In various embodiments, one or more wireless communication systems are provided that use, for example: near Field Communication (NFC) using industry-science-medical (ISM)13.56MHz frequency, Adaptive Network Topology (ANT) ANT + wireless standard, wireless communication using bluetooth standard, bluetooth low energy standard (BLE), wireless communication using Wi-Fi standard, and wireless communication using mobile phone standard, such as 3G, 4G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, etc., or other wireless standards. In some embodiments, electrical pathways from the electronics exit the temple bar via the sheath cavity, then enter the temple bar sheath and continue into the brow bar sheath cavity. The right interchangeable temple includes a hinge connector 148, the hinge connector 148 secured to the brow bar 146 and the frame 132.

In one or more embodiments, the right interchangeable temple arm is secured to the front of the frame by a hinge connector that allows power and data to be transmitted to the left interchangeable temple arm through the modular brow web. The hinge connector mechanically interlocks with the frame and allows for power/data connection with the electrical pin conductors. In one or more embodiments, the hinged connector senses the open state of the device when in the open orientation of wear, allowing for power or data transfer. When in the closed position (temple folded inward), the hinge connector, in combination with signals received from the one or more proximity sensors and motion sensor, will allow the system to sense the user-device interaction status and turn off power or data transmission. Further, in the open position, in some embodiments, a sensor, such as, but not limited to, a proximity sensor, may detect when the device is worn by a user and may therefore operate in its active (on) state. This function can reduce power consumption when folded and stowed, and can automatically power on when the user wears the device on his or her head. The hinged connector may provide flexible circuits and wired microconnectors in addition to switchable data or power transmission to provide stable uninterrupted power and/or data transmission.

In some embodiments, it is convenient to route electrical pathways within the volume of the brow web 146. In some embodiments, the brow web 146 is configured to provide a channel along its length within which to route electrical pathways. Thus, the brow web 146 provides one or more sheaths, channels, etc., along its length in which electrical pathways and sensors may be incorporated. Examples of electrical paths are, but not limited to: wires, printed circuit boards, flexible printed circuit boards, and the like. In various embodiments, one or more sensors are preferably mounted to the brow web 146 to form an electrical subassembly for the frame 132. In some embodiments, additional electrical pathways from the frame 132 are connected with electrical pathways contained in the brow web 146. In some embodiments, the flexible electronic circuit is attached to the underside top surface of the brow web and exits the brow web via the left and right sheath cavities. Alternatively, or in combination, a fully embedded flexible electronic device may be cast into the brow web and integrated contact points may be brought out of the brow web near the hinges. These integrated contact points on both sides of the brow web allow for the transmission of data or power when in contact with the integrated contact points of the left and right temples. In addition to facilitating connection with the electronics, the brow web may also hide the optional pupil module via the mounting flange and allow the user to view the microdisplay through the brow web pupil aperture.

In a similar manner, the left temple is configured as a left interchangeable temple, connected to the front frame of the eyeglasses by a left hinge connector. In various embodiments, the left interchangeable temple arm may contain the same electronics configuration/function as the right interchangeable temple arm, or the interchangeable temple arm may contain a different electronics configuration and a different function.

With continued reference to fig. 1, left temple 164 and right temple 174 are configured as shown at 160. Each of the

temples

164 and 174 contain electronics configured to provide information and functionality to a user of the eyewear system. As shown at 160, the left temple 164 has a temple door (not shown) that is removed to expose an electronic component, indicated at 186. The temple door protects the electronics from environmental exposure and hazards. The temple door is fastened to the temple assembly using suitable mechanical fasteners for the particular application. In some embodiments, the temple door provides a rating for water intrusion via an IP code from international protection mark IEC standard 60529. The power source (battery) is indicated at 184 and the audio speaker and port are indicated at 182. The audio speaker and port 182 is typically located at the end of the temple, and in some embodiments is an integrated directional projection speaker that may privately direct sound to the user's ear. The projecting stereo speakers may communicate various audio signals to the user, such as, but not limited to, voice prompts, streaming music, intelligent audio aids, data, and the like. Notably, the projection speaker is not designed to obstruct the user's ear. Thus, the user can hear far-field sounds, and the sound quality of the far-field sounds is not degraded as with currently available earbud headphones that can block the user's ear.

The right temple 174 also has electronic components (not shown) disposed thereon, which are contained within the right temple 174. The right temple has an audio speaker disposed thereon, which may be an integrated directional projection speaker, with an audio speaker port 184. In one or more embodiments, right temple 174 is configured to receive an external component 190 that includes a microdisplay component 192. Similarly, the left temple may also be configured for the external component 190 and the microdisplay component 192.

In various embodiments, the microdisplay assembly, e.g., 192, is a head-up display (HUD) pupil^TMAn optical module in which an optical device constituting an optical system is accommodated,Electronic devices and microdisplays. The pupil mechanism may also house cables, flexible circuit boards or wires that exit the housing and enter the contact paths of the electronics. In one or more embodiments, these electrical pathways are connected to one side of left temple 174 to provide the user with a transparent heads-up display external attachment to enhance the visual components of the motion-assisted and/or augmented reality experience.

In one or more embodiments, wiring from the brow web is hidden in the left and right sheaths of the temple arms and enters the left and right temple arms via the sheath cavities, thereby protecting the wiring from the environment. The vicinity of the contact point path may also house a motion mechanism for customizing the interpupillary distance of the head-up microdisplay module.

In various embodiments, the front frame section, such as 102 or 132 (fig. 1) or any similar structure in the following figures, and the right and left temple sections, such as 104, 114, 134, 144, 164, 174 (fig. 1) or any similar structure in the following figures, may be part of a set of interchangeable front frame and temple sections, each having the same or different devices, accessories, capabilities and/or combinations of functions. At least one of an electronic board, a microphone, a speaker, a battery, a camera, a head-up display module, a wireless Wi-Fi radio, a GPS chipset, an LTE cellular radio, a multi-axis inertial measurement unit, a motion sensor, a touch sensor, light and proximity sensors, etc. may be included in the desired combination. Further, the electronic device may further comprise an electronic device allowing a user to perform at least one of: wireless connectivity to cellular services, smart phones, smart watches, smart bands, mobile computers, and sensor peripherals. The electronic device may further include the following capabilities: see-through augmented reality images through a modular head-up display (HUD), providing stereo audio content, voice and audio notifications including music through one or more integrated projecting micro-speakers. The front frame electrical contact means and the temple arm electrical contact means may comprise electrical contact points located within or near the respective hinge connectors for removable electrical contact with each other for electrically transmitting at least one of: a power source, electrical signals and data between the temple portion and the front frame portion when the contacts are in the electrically closed position. In some embodiments, the front frame hinge connector, the front frame electrical contact means, the temple hinge connector and the temple electrical contact means may form an electromechanical hinge, hinge connector, assembly or device when assembled together. In some embodiments, the system power may be turned off by folding the temple portion to the storage position, thereby disconnecting the contact points.

In some embodiments, at least one of the front frame electronics and temple arm electronics may include a battery, a camera, a heads-up display module, a controller, digital storage electronics, a CPU, a projection micro-speaker, a microphone, a wireless Wi-Fi radio, a GPS chipset, an LTE cellular radio, a multi-axis inertial measurement system or unit, and at least one of a sensation, motion, touch, light, proximity, temperature and pressure sensor, and the like.

In some embodiments, at least one temple may include a temple module insert (TIM) containing selected temple electronics mounted thereon. In other embodiments, the neck smart cord is electrically connected to the rear neck electronic module. The neck smart cord has right and left connectors or connector ends for mechanically and/or electrically interconnecting the rear neck electronic module with the right and left temples of the eyeglass apparatus.

Figure 2 illustrates a reconfigurable assembly for an eyeglass apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 2 at 200, a temple 202 has an engagement portion 204 disposed thereon. In the description of the present embodiment, the temple insert module, indicated by 210, is referred to as a "TIM" and is configured to removably couple with the engagement portion 204 of the temple 202. TIM210 is mounted in temple 202 as indicated by

arrows

212a and 212 b. In various embodiments, the joint 204 is achieved by a mechanical connection, such as, but not limited to: press fit, clips, mechanical interlocks, hook and loop, magnetic surfaces, external clips of the temple, flanges and mechanical connections to the temple, and the like. In other embodiments, the joint 204 and the TIM210 utilize magnetic surfaces to magnetically secure the TIM 210. The profile of the joint shown at 204, as well as the profile of any joint shown elsewhere in the figures presented herein, is for illustration only and does not constitute a limitation on embodiments of the invention. In the view shown at 200, the TIM210 is only mechanically coupled to the temple 202, and there is no electrical connection between the TIM210 and the temple 202.

In some embodiments, a speaker and speaker port 214, which may be a miniature projection speaker, is disposed on the TIM 210. The speaker provides information to the user through a directional audio broadcast. It is noted that the speaker provided herein is a speaker located outside the user's ear and therefore not inserted into the user's ear as in an insert-type ear plug. The TIM210 is configured with electronic components including a processor, memory, a power source, and one or more wireless communication protocols that enable the TIM210 to wirelessly communicate 222 with one or more devices 220. The device 220 may be an external sensor such as, but not limited to: a biosensor or vehicle sensor, a local user device, a network node, such as a wireless router, a remote network or a remote user device, such as a mobile phone accessed through a network. The various sensors, networks, and remote devices are described more fully below in connection with the accompanying figures.

Following the structure shown at 200 in fig. 2, in some embodiments, a second temple and a second TIM are provided. Two TIMs in such a system may participate in wireless communication between the devices 220 and themselves as needed to provide a degree of design functionality to the user. For example, in one embodiment, the left TIM includes wireless network capabilities sufficient to communicate with the remote device 220 using a first network protocol. In addition, the left TIM and the right TIM have wireless network capabilities that support communication using a second network protocol. To conserve power, the first network protocol has a greater range than the second network protocol because the distance between the left TIM and the remote device is greater than the separation distance (nominally the width of the user's head) between the left TIM and the right TIM. The structure shown at 200 is referred to as truly wireless because there is no wired connection between the left and right TIMs. In one or more embodiments, an audio stream is provided from a user device to a first TIM using a first wireless network. A second wireless audio stream is then provided from one TIM to another TIM using a second wireless network to provide the audio stream to each of the left and right projection speakers of the eyewear device.

As described in connection with the figures herein, the temples and TIMs described at 200 provide reconfigurable components for eyewear apparatus. The front end 206 of the temple 202 may be engaged with a frame of an eyeglass apparatus as described above, with or without a connector between the temple and the frame. Thus, depending on the intended design of the eyeglasses, the temple arm 202 may attain a fixed position relative to the frame or the temple arm may be rotatably connected to the frame.

Referring to 250 in fig. 2, temple 252 has an engagement 254 disposed thereon. Temple insert module TIM at 260 is configured to removably couple with engagement 254 of temple 252. TIM260 is mounted in temple 252 as indicated by

arrows

262a and 212 b. In various embodiments, the joint 204 is implemented by a combination of electrical and mechanical connections. The mechanical connection may be as described in connection 210/204, for example but not limited to: press fit, clips, mechanical interlocks, hook and loop, and the like. In other embodiments, the engagement 254 and the TIM260 utilize magnetic surfaces to magnetically secure the TIM 210. For purposes of illustration, a plurality of electrical contacts 280 are provided, but this is not meant to be limiting. Electrical contacts 280 mate with corresponding electrical contacts in temple 252 to provide an electrical connection with one or more electrical pathways (not shown) in temple 252. Electrical pathways within temple 252 facilitate electrical connection between TIM260 and one or

more sensors

272 and 274, which

sensors

272 and 274 may also represent a source of signals provided to the display. The

sensors

272 and 274 may be acoustic sensors, such as microphones or any of the sensors described herein, for use in conjunction with electronic components configured with eyewear apparatus. In one or more embodiments, one or more of 272 and 274 provide a signal to a display, such as a HUD.

In some embodiments, a speaker and speaker port 264, which may be a miniature projection speaker, is provided on the TIM 260. The speaker provides information to the user through an open-ear audio broadcast.

Following the structure shown at 250 in fig. 2, in some embodiments, a second temple and a second TIM are provided as shown in fig. 3 below. Two TIMs in such a system may participate in wireless communications between devices 220 and themselves as needed to provide a degree of design functionality to a user. As described in connection with the figures herein, the temple and TIM described at 250 provide a reconfigurable assembly for eyewear devices. For example, the forward end 256 of the temple 252 may be engaged with a frame of an eyeglass apparatus as described above, with or without a connector between the temple and the frame. Thus, depending on the intended design of the eyeglasses, the temple arm 252 may attain a fixed position relative to the frame or the temple arm may be rotatably connected to the frame.

Fig. 3 illustrates a plurality of reconfigurable components for an eyeglass apparatus at 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 3 at 300, the left reconfigurable assembly 250 from fig. 2 is shown with an accompanying right reconfigurable assembly for an eyeglass apparatus. Right temple 352 has an engagement that is not shown in fig. 3, but is similar to engagement 254 of left temple 252. Temple insert module TIM at 360 is configured to removably couple with an engagement portion of temple 352. TIM360 is mounted in temple 352 as indicated by

arrows

362a and 362 b. In various embodiments, the engagement of the temple 352 is achieved through a combination of electrical and mechanical connections. This mechanical connection may be provided in combination 210/204 as described above, such as but not limited to: press fit, clips, mechanical interlocks, hook and loop, and the like. In other embodiments, the engagement of temple 352 and TIM360 utilize magnetic surfaces to magnetically secure TIM 360. For purposes of illustration, a plurality of electrical contacts 380 are provided, but this is not meant to be limiting. The electrical contacts 380 mate with corresponding electrical contacts in the temple arm 352 to provide an electrical connection with one or more electrical pathways (not shown) in the temple arm 352. Electrical pathways within temple 352 facilitate electrical connection between TIM360 and one or

more sensors

372 and 374. The

sensors

372 and 374 may be acoustic sensors, such as microphones or any of the sensors or displays described herein, for use in conjunction with electronic components configured with the eyewear apparatus. In various embodiments, TIM360 is configured with electronic components including a processor, memory, a power source, and one or more wireless communication systems using protocols that enable TIM360 to wirelessly communicate with one or more devices 220 as shown at 222. Further, TIM360 and TIM260 may be configured with wireless communication capabilities that allow wireless communication between the TIMs, such as wireless transmission as shown at 382. In some embodiments, a speaker and speaker port 364, which may be a miniature projection speaker, is disposed on the TIM 360. The speaker provides information to the user through audio broadcasting.

Referring to view 390 of FIG. 3, an electrical schematic diagram of each TIM260 and TIM360 is shown. The TIM260 is electrically connected to the sensor 272 by electrical vias 394. Similarly, the TIM260 is electrically coupled to the sensor 274 via electrical vias 392. The connectivity shown between the TIM260 and the sensors constitutes a left temple electrical schematic 384. It is noted that the left temple electrical schematic 384 may be more or less complex than illustrated. Accordingly, the left temple electrical schematic is for illustration only and is not meant to be limiting.

Similarly, the TIM360 is electrically coupled to the sensor 372 via electrical path 398. The TIM360 is electrically coupled to the sensor 374 through electrical paths 396. The connectivity shown between the TIM360 and the various sensors constitutes a right temple electrical schematic 386. It is noted that the right temple electrical schematic 386 may be more or less complex than illustrated. Accordingly, the right temple electrical schematic is for illustration only and is not meant to be limiting.

Two TIMs in such a system participate in wireless communication between the devices 220 and themselves as needed to provide a degree of design functionality to the user. For example, in one embodiment, the left TIM includes wireless network capabilities sufficient to communicate with the remote device 220 using a first network protocol. In addition, the left TIM and the right TIM have wireless network capabilities to support wireless communications as shown at 382. Wireless communication 382 may be performed using a second network protocol that is different from the protocol used at 222. To conserve power, the first network protocol (222) has a greater range than the second network protocol (382) because the separation distance between the left TIM260 and the remote device 220 is greater than the separation distance between the left TIM260 and the right TIM360, the latter being nominally the width of the user's head, while the former may be as far as the mobile phone cell tower.

FIG. 4 illustrates another reconfigurable modular eyewear system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to fig. 4, one or more of the sensors, power components and computing units are distributed throughout the eyewear apparatus, including throughout the frame, such as 402. The frame 402 is ophthalmically configured to surround the lens 440 with a rim, thereby securing the lens 440 thereto. The left lens 404 is the right lens 414 attached to the frame 402 to form an eyeglass apparatus. The left lens 404 is configured with a joint shown at 408. Left Temple Insert Module (TIM)406 is configured to engage with engagement 408 as described above, thereby providing a mechanical and electrical connection between TIM 406 and temple 404. Similarly, as shown, the right temple 426 is engaged with the right temple engagement portion 414. The TIM 406 includes audio speakers and audio ports as shown at 410, and the TIM 426 includes audio speakers and audio ports as shown at 430. In various embodiments,

audio speakers

410 and 430 are projection speakers. The eyewear apparatus includes a plurality of sensors and displays 462, 464, 466, 468 and 470 that are integrated into an electrical pathway that passes from the left temple 404 and then through the frame 402 to the right temple 414. In various embodiments, there may be more sensors or fewer sensors than shown in FIG. 4. The sensors and the locations of the sensors shown in FIG. 4 are provided as examples only and do not constitute a limitation on embodiments of the invention. As described above in connection with the previous figures, at least one of the temple insert modules 406 and/or 426 has a set of electronics provided thereon necessary to provide the wireless connection 222 to the device 220.

In the eyeglass apparatus 400, a high-level view of an electrical path schematic is shown at 480. Referring to 480, left TIM 406 and right TIM 426 are electrically coupled to

sensors

462, 464, 466, 468 and 470 via

electrical path elements

482, 484, 486, 488, 490 and 492. An electrical path element, such as 484, is electrically connected to the sensor 464. 480, collectively provide a modular, reconfigurable set of components for the eyeglass apparatus. In one or more embodiments, one or more acoustic sensors are located in at least one of the frame 402, the left temple 404, and the right temple 414. Thus, the acoustic sensor may be located anywhere on the temple (left or right) or frame of the eyewear apparatus.

Fig. 5 shows perspective and top views of the modular eyewear system from fig. 4, generally at 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 5, a modular eyeglass apparatus is shown at 502 in perspective view. The modular nose pads 504 are removably coupled with the modular eyeglass apparatus 502 as shown at 506. The modularity of the nose pads allows the user to replace the nose pads to improve the fit between the eyeglasses and the nose and face structures of the user. Greater comfort can be achieved by modularizing the nose pads of the eyeglass apparatus. In addition, other sensors, such as biosensors, may be provided in the nasal cushion.

Fig. 6A illustrates a system architecture for a modular eyeglass apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, generally at 600. Referring to fig. 6A, in various embodiments, the modular reconfigurable eyewear apparatus may include more than one wireless communication system. In various embodiments, eyewear device 602 has a high-level block diagram structure as shown at 604. In various embodiments, the eyewear device 602 is configured to communicate with the wireless sensor 640 and the mobile device 670. The wireless sensor 640 may comprise a single sensor or a plurality of sensors. The wireless sensor 640 may include, without limitation, any one or more of the sensors listed herein. For example, wireless sensors 640 may include biometric or biomechanical sensors configured for use with a user, or sensors configured for use with a vehicle or building. Some examples of biosensors are, but are not limited to: heart rate monitors, perspiration sensors, temperature sensors, etc. Some examples of vehicle sensors are, but not limited to: speed sensors, acceleration sensors, global positioning system signals, vehicle engine parameters, wind speed indicators, and the like. Some examples of sensors used with buildings are, but not limited to: thermostat temperature readings, water pressure values, etc. Some non-limiting examples of vehicles are, but not limited to: a scooter, bicycle, car, boat, yacht, boat, airplane, military vehicle, wing suit, and the like. In some embodiments, data is received from the special purpose network at 640 and/or 616. An example of a special purpose network, for illustration and not for imitation purposes, is the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) NMEA 2000 network, which is designed for vessels such as yachts (power or sails). NMEA 2000, also known in the art as "NMEA 2 k" or "N2K", is standardized as International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61162-1. The NMEA 200 is a plug and play communications standard for interfacing with marine sensors and display units in ships, boats, yachts, etc. The mobile device 670 may be any one or more of the mobile devices listed herein without limitation. For example, the mobile device may be a mobile phone, a watch, a wristband, a bracelet, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop, a car computer, and so on.

The eyewear device 602 has a high-level structure, represented at 604, that includes a speaker 606, a central processing unit 608, a power supply 610, an acoustic sensor 608, a storage device 614, and a wireless communication system 616. The wireless communication system 616 may include one or more of the following wireless communication systems: for example: a near field communication system 618, a wireless communication system utilizing a bluetooth communication protocol 620, a wireless communication system utilizing a Wi-Fi communication protocol at 624, a mobile phone communication protocol 622. The wireless communication protocol, denoted at 622 by LTE, is given only as an example of a wireless device and does not constitute a limitation on embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more antennas are included in the wireless communication system block 616, but are not shown for clarity.

The wireless sensor 640 has a high-level architecture, indicated at 642, that includes one or more sensors 644 and a wireless communication system 646. The wireless communication system 646 may be a low data rate communication system such as a near field communication system, BLE, ANT +, or the like. Alternatively, the wireless communication system 646 may be provided as a higher data rate system as required by the sensor 644.

The mobile device 670 has a high-level architecture, represented at 672, that includes a central processing unit 674, a power supply 676, a memory 678, and one or more wireless communication systems, represented by block 680. The mobile device 670 may optionally be configured to reach a remote network as shown by the cloud 689. Wireless communication block 680 may include one or more of the following wireless communication systems: for example: a near field communication system 682, a wireless communication system utilizing a bluetooth communication protocol 684, a wireless communication system utilizing a Wi-Fi communication protocol 686, and a mobile phone communication protocol 688. The wireless communication protocol, denoted by LTE at 688, is given only as an example of a communication system for mobile devices and does not constitute a limitation of embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more antennas are included in the wireless communication system blocks 680 and 642, but are not shown for clarity.

In some embodiments, the wireless sensor system 642 and eyewear device 602 are initially configured by the mobile device 670 and a user of the mobile device user interface, as shown by

pathways

652a and 652 b. In operation, the eyewear apparatus 602 wirelessly receives data from a suitable wireless communication system, such as the near field communication system 618, as shown at 650. The wireless data obtained from the wireless sensor system 642 may be communicated to the user device 670/672 via another wireless communication system as shown at 654. The wireless communication shown at 654 may be accomplished using a higher data rate channel using, for example, the bluetooth protocol at 620/684, or the Wi-Fi network protocol at 624/686, or the mobile phone communication protocol shown at 622/688. In various embodiments, the data transmitted from the eyewear device 602 may be stored and analyzed on the user device 670 and have different applications.

Fig. 6B illustrates a wireless network corresponding to the system architecture for the modular eyewear system of fig. 6A, generally at 690, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 6B, the wireless communication block 616 may be connected to a plurality of devices as shown. For example, one or more wireless sensors 640 may be connected to the wireless communication block 616 using a low data rate near field communication network as shown at 618. One or more user devices 670 may communicate wirelessly with the wireless communication block using a bluetooth communication protocol as shown at 620. One or more wireless nodes, such as Wi-Fi node illustrated at 692, may communicate wirelessly as illustrated at 624 with wireless communication block 616. One or more remote networks 694 can wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication block 616 using a cellular communication protocol as shown at 622. Accordingly, the reconfigurable eyewear apparatus may incorporate one or more wireless communication systems shown at 690. The eyewear device may be reconfigured for different wireless communications by, for example, replacing one TIM module with another. Alternatively, one or more temples may be interchangeable with the frame described above to provide customized functionality to the eyeglass apparatus.

Fig. 7 illustrates another system configuration for the modular eyeglass apparatus of fig. 4, generally at 700, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 7, the wireless communication module 616 of the eyewear device 602 may be configured to communicate cellular directly via a mobile phone network without requiring the user device to act as an intermediary. For example, in 700, the eyewear device 602 is configured to communicate with the remote device 702 over the wireless communication system 622, where the remote device 702 may be a mobile phone, connecting directly with the remote device 702 over an external network as shown by the cloud 704. No intermediate user mobile devices are required to support such communication lines. This configuration of the eyeglass device allows a user of the eyeglass device to place a call from the eyeglass device with the aid of an interface, such as a voice interface, one or more tactile interfaces like buttons, or the like. The voice interface provides for command and control of a telephone call by converting a user's voice signals into commands that the apparatus uses to cause operation of the wireless network for the telephone call. Examples of such commands are, but not limited to: selecting a caller, making a call, turning up the volume, turning down the volume, ending the call, etc.

Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of a Temple Insert Module (TIM) generally at 800, according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to fig. 8, a TIM, as used in the description of the present embodiment, may be based on a device, such as a computer, in which embodiments of the present invention may be used. The block diagram is a high-level conceptual representation that may be implemented in various ways and with various architectures. Bus system 802 interconnects Central Processing Unit (CPU)804 (or a processor as referred to herein), Read Only Memory (ROM)806, Random Access Memory (RAM)808, memory 810, audio 822, user interface 824, and communications 830. The RAM808 also may represent Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) or other forms of memory. In various embodiments, user interface 824 may be a voice interface, a touch interface, a physical button, or a combination thereof. It should be understood that memory (not shown) may be included in the central processor block 804. The bus system 802 may be, for example, one or more buses such as a system bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard No. 994(FireWire), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Integrated Circuit (I2C), and so forth. The central processor 804 may be a single, multiple, or even a distributed computing resource. The memory 810 may be a flash memory or the like. It should be noted that a TIM may include some, all, more, or a rearrangement of components in a block diagram, depending on the actual implementation of the TIM. Thus, many variations of the system of FIG. 8 are possible.

A connection to one or more wireless networks 832 is obtained through a Communication (COMM)830, which enables the TIM800 to wirelessly communicate with local sensors, local devices, and remote devices on remote networks. In some embodiments 832/830 provides access to a remote speech to text conversion system, which may be located, for example, at a remote cloud-based location. 832 and 830 are flexible in various implementations to represent wireless communication systems and may represent various forms of telemetry, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), ethernet, Wide Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network (LAN), internet connection, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, ZigBee, infrared, bluetooth, near field communication, mobile phone communication systems such as 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, etc., and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, a touch interface is optionally provided at 824. Signals from one or more sensors are input to the system via 829 and 828. Global Positioning System (GPS) information is received and input to the system at 826. Audio 822 may represent a speaker, such as a projection speaker or a projection microspeaker as described herein.

In various embodiments, different wireless protocols are used in the network to provide the system described in the above figures, depending on the hardware configuration. One non-limiting example of a technique for wireless signal transmission is the bluetooth wireless technology standard, which is also commonly referred to as the IEEE 802.15.1 standard. In other embodiments, a wireless signaling protocol known as Wi-Fi is used, which uses the IEEE 802.11 standard. In other embodiments, a zigbee communication protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard is used. These examples are given for illustration only and do not constitute a limitation on the different embodiments. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) are also used in different embodiments. Embodiments are not limited to the data communication protocols listed herein and are readily usable with other data communication protocols not specifically listed herein.

In various embodiments, the components in the system, as well as the systems described in the previous figures (e.g., Temple Insert Module (TIM)), are implemented in an integrated circuit device, which may include an integrated circuit package containing an integrated circuit. In some embodiments, the components in the system and the system are implemented in a single integrated circuit die. In other embodiments, components in the system and the system are implemented in more than one integrated circuit die of an integrated circuit device, which may include a multi-chip package containing the integrated circuit.

Fig. 9 illustrates a modular eyeglass apparatus equipped with a nape module assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 9, at 900, the nape module assembly is mounted to a pair of passive eyeglasses. Passive glasses indicate that there are no electronics in the glasses. Alternatively, the eyewear may be active or active eyewear, configured with electronic components encapsulated into one or more temples or Temple Insert Modules (TIMs), as described herein. The eyeglasses have a frame 902 that includes a lens 906. The left temple 904 and the right temple 914 are attached to the frame 902. The nape module assembly includes a nape electronics pod (ePOD)924, a left temple interlock 920, a right temple interlock 922, a left smart cord 926, and a right smart cord 928. A left smart cord 926 electrically and mechanically couples the ePOD 924 to the left temple interlock 920 and a right smart cord electrically and mechanically couples the ePOD 924 to the right temple interlock 922.

Left temple interlock 920 contains an acoustic cavity, an audio speaker, and an acoustic port. The acoustic port of the left audio speaker is denoted by 930. The left smart cord 926 contains electrical conductors that provide audio signals to audio speakers contained within the left temple interlock 920. In one or more embodiments, the audio speaker included in the left temple interlock is a miniature projection speaker. Similarly, the acoustic port of the right audio speaker is identified with 932. The right smart cord 928 contains an electrical conductor that provides an audio signal to an audio speaker contained within the right temple interlock 922. In one or more embodiments, the audio speaker included in the right temple interlock is a miniature projection speaker.

In various embodiments, the ePOD 924 contains an electronic unit. The electronic unit contains the electronic components and functionality described herein for the Temple Insert Module (TIM). In other words, the electronic unit is a TIM for the mechanical and electrical packaging of the nape module assembly.

Electronic units having different electronic configurations and functions can be changed in and out of the ePOD in a manner similar to the way different TIMs are changed in and out of temples of the eyeglass apparatus.

At 950, length adjustment is provided to shorten or lengthen the right and left smart cords. A rear neck electronic pod (epo) 954 is configured with a left smart cord 956 and a right smart cord 958 leading from the same end of the epo 954. This configuration of

smart cords

956 and 958 allows slider 960 to move away from or toward the ePOD. Moving the slider 960 away from the ePOD 954 shortens the available free length of the smart cord 965/958. Moving the slider 960 toward the ePOD 954 increases the available free length of the smart cord 956/958.

In one or more embodiments, in operation, when in the "on" state, audio data is streamed to the electronic unit in the ePOD 924 and directed to the left and right speakers for broadcasting to the user when the rear neck module assembly is mounted on the eyewear device and the user is wearing the eyewear device.

Fig. 10 illustrates, generally at 1000 in perspective view, a nape module assembly configured with a wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 10, a first sensor 1050 is shown on the ePOD 924. A second sensor 1052 is shown incorporated into the right temple interlock 922. A third sensor 1054 is shown incorporated into left temple interlock 920. The

sensors

1050, 1052, and 1054 may be any of the sensors previously described herein for TIMs or directly for electronics built into the temple.

As shown in the embodiment of fig. 10, each temple interlock module, e.g., 920 and 922, contains a through hole into which the temple of the eyeglasses is inserted. In this embodiment,

temple interlock modules

920 and 922 are made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer or rubber that allows sufficient elongation to allow insertion of the temple arm therein. For example, left temple interlock 920 comprises a through-hole 1040 into which left temple 904 is inserted. The right temple interlock 922 includes a through hole 1042 into which the right temple 914 is inserted. The temple interlocks 920 and 922 are positioned on a pair of compatible eyeglasses such that the

speaker ports

930 and 932 are positioned in front of and proximate to the user's ears. Compatible eyeglasses are eyeglasses that are compatible with mechanical attachments provided by the interlocking temples.

Figure 11 illustrates coupling a temple arm interlock to a temple arm according to an embodiment of the present invention generally at 1100 and 1150. Referring to fig. 11, a magnetic temple interlock is shown at 1100. The magnetic temple interlock includes a magnetic region 1108 on the temple 1102 of the eyeglass apparatus. Temple interlock 1104 has a corresponding magnetic region 1106. In operation,

magnetic regions

1106 and 1108 are brought together, thereby causing

magnetic regions

1106 and 1108 to attract one another, thereby providing a clamping force between temple interlock 1104 and temple 1102. The port containing the acoustic cavity of the speaker is denoted by 1110.

Another clamping method is shown at 1150. Temple interlock 1152 includes a slot 1158 between a first side 1156a and a second side 1156b of a flexible material. 1158. The geometry of 1156a and 1156b forms a U-shape that is insertable into a temple of an eyewear apparatus. The elasticity of the material 1152 provides a removable coupling between the temple interlock 1152 and the temple (not shown) of the eyeglasses. The acoustic port of the acoustic cavity housing the speaker is denoted by 1154.

Fig. 12 illustrates coupling a nape module to electronics in a temple, according to an embodiment of the present invention, generally at 1200. Referring to fig. 12, the nape module assembly is coupled to electronics contained in the temple. A portion of the nape module assembly is shown with a nape electronics pod (ePOD)1220, a left smart cord 1222, and a left temple interlock 1210. As previously mentioned, any electronics contained in the temple arm may be directly contained in the temple arm without the need for a temple arm insert module (TIM). Alternatively, the electronics contained in the temple may be electronics that are part of a TIM, optionally as shown at 1204. A sound port 1230 is shown within the temple 1202. The sound port 1230 allows sound generated by a speaker located behind to be emitted therethrough to be listened to by a user. Alternatively, the sound port 1230 may be located within the TIM 1204. In various embodiments, a plurality of electrical contacts are provided on temple 1202, as shown at 1206. A corresponding number of electrical contacts 1208 are provided in the left temple interlock 1210. A mechanical interlock is provided between the temple 1202 and the left temple interlock 1210 to enable the connection between 1210 and 1202 to be removably coupled. In one or more embodiments, a magnetic coupling is provided near or at 1206/1208 to provide a detachable coupling.

Fig. 13 illustrates a schematic diagram, generally at 1300, of combining a nape module assembly with temple electronics, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13, an outline of the eyeglass apparatus is shown at 1302. The eyewear apparatus 1302 includes electronics and/or electronic pathways in the left temple, the right temple, and the frame. The profile 1302 includes a frame, a left temple and a right temple. In the system shown in the figures, electronic pathway 1308 extends between the left and right temples of eyewear device 1302.

The eyewear apparatus includes a left Temple Insert Module (TIM)1304 located at the left temple and a right temple insert module 1306 located at the right temple. A rear neck module assembly configured with an electronic unit (ePOD) is indicated at 1310. The left smart cord 1312 provides an electrical path between the ePOD 1310 and the left TIM 1304. The right smart cord 1314 provides an electrical path between the ePOD 1310 and the right TIM 1306. In various embodiments, both the left TIM 1304 and the right TIM 1306 are configured with one or more wireless communication network systems that allow wireless communication between the left TIM 1304 and the right TIM 1306, as depicted at 1316. Remote device 1320 represents one or more wireless sensors or wireless user devices, as described above in connection with the preceding figures. Wireless communication 1322 is accomplished between a remote device 1320 and at least one of the left TIM 1304, right TIM 1306, and epo 1310. The above description of all electronic system functions for a TIM applies to an ePOD, such as the ePOD 1310.

In some embodiments, the left temple arm is not electrically connected to the right temple arm, such as where electrical path 1308 is removed from the electrical schematic shown in 1300.

FIG. 14 illustrates generally at 1400 a user interface on a nape module assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 14, a rear neck electronic pod (ePOD) is indicated by 1402. The epo 1402 has a display interface 1404. In different embodiments, the display interface 1404 can be implemented in various ways. In some embodiments, the user interface is a tactile surface button. In some embodiments, the user interface is implemented using a touch screen, such as a capacitive touch screen that presents one or more controls to the user. In some embodiments, the user interface communicates information to a user. In other embodiments, the user interface communicates information to a person viewing the user interface 1404 from behind a user wearing the epo 1402. An example of this information is, but is not limited to, emoticons, emotional states, icons, etc., as shown at 1406.

Fig. 15 shows a block diagram of an electronics unit for an aft neck electronics pod (ePOD), generally at 1500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 15, as used in the description of the present embodiment, the nape electronics unit may be based on a device, such as a computer, in which embodiments of the present invention may be used. The block diagram is a high-level conceptual representation that may be implemented in various ways and with various architectures. The bus system 1502 interconnects a Central Processing Unit (CPU)1504 (or processor as referred to herein), a Read Only Memory (ROM)1506, a Random Access Memory (RAM)1508, a memory 1510, audio 1522, a user interface 1524, and communications 1530. The RAM 1508 may also represent Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) or other form of memory. In various embodiments, the user interface 1524 may be a voice interface, a touch interface, a physical button, or a combination thereof. It should be understood that a memory (not shown) may be included in the central processor block 1504. The bus system 1502 may be, for example, one or more of a system bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard No. 994(FireWire), Universal Serial Bus (USB), Universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), and the like. The central processor 1504 may be a single, multiple, or even a distributed computing resource. The memory 1510 may be a flash memory or the like. It should be noted that the nape electronics unit may include some, all, more, or a rearrangement of components in the block diagram, depending on the actual implementation of the nape electronics unit. Thus, many variations of the system of FIG. 15 are possible.

Connection to one or more wireless networks 1532 is obtained through Communications (COMM)1530, which enables the nape electronics unit 1500 to communicate wirelessly with local sensors, local devices, and remote devices on remote networks. In some embodiments 1532/1530 provides access to a remote speech to text conversion system, which may be located, for example, at a remote cloud-based location. 1532 and 1530 are flexible in various implementations to represent wireless communication systems and may represent various forms of telemetry, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), ethernet, Wide Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network (LAN), internet connection, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, ZigBee, infrared, bluetooth, near field communication, mobile phone communication systems such as 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, etc., and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, a touch interface is optionally provided at 1524. An optional display is provided at 1520. Signals from one or more sensors are input to the system via 1529 and 1528. At 1526, Global Positioning System (GPS) information is received and input to the system. Audio 1522 may represent a speaker, such as a projection speaker or projection microspeaker as described herein.

In various embodiments, the components in the system and the systems (e.g., the back neck electronics unit) described in the previous figures are implemented in an integrated circuit device, which may include an integrated circuit package containing an integrated circuit. In some embodiments, the components in the system and the system are implemented in a single integrated circuit die. In other embodiments, components in the system and the system are implemented in more than one integrated circuit die of an integrated circuit device, which may include a multi-chip package containing the integrated circuit.

In various embodiments, the description of the embodiments provided herein provides a reconfigurable component for a head-wearable device. Reconfigurable components for head wearable devices include, but are not limited to including: detachable temple bars, detachable temple bar insertion modules (TIMs), a nape module assembly, an electronic pod ePOD for the nape module assembly, and a removable electronic unit for the ePODs.

In various embodiments, running on the data processing system created for the various TIMs (800 in fig. 8) or for the various back neck electronics units (1500 in fig. 15) are one or more algorithms that provide useful functionality to the user. These algorithms are described below in conjunction with the following figures as a flow chart or synonymously method, and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these algorithms can run on hardware distributed in different ways across the system. For example, in some embodiments, the algorithm will run on hardware contained within the TIM or contained within the back neck electronics unit. In other embodiments, the algorithm or portions of the algorithm will run on a combination of a TIM and a device, such as

devices

220, 670, 702, 1320, etc., as shown in the above figures, or on a combination of a TIM, a device (220, 670, 702, 1320, etc.), and cloud-based hardware and services available over one or more communication networks as described above in connection with the previous figures. Similarly, in other embodiments, the algorithm or portions of the algorithm will run on a combination of the back neck electronics and devices such as

devices

220, 670, 702, 1320, etc., as shown in the above figures, or on a combination of the back neck electronics, devices (220, 670, 702, 1320, etc.), and cloud-based hardware and services available over one or more communication networks as described above in connection with the previous figures.

Figure 16 illustrates a Personal Projection Microspeaker System (PPMS) in cross-section, generally at 1600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 16, the chamber 1602 is defined by an inner surface 1604. The chamber wall 1608 has an outer surface 1606 and a sound port 1610. The micro-speaker 1612 is mounted within the chamber 1602 and is configured to receive an electrical signal that is then converted to an airborne acoustic signal by the active surface of the micro-speaker 1612. The airborne acoustic signal is equivalently referred to in the art as an "acoustic wave" as shown at 1614. The terms "airborne acoustic signal" and "acoustic signal", "audio signal", "sound wave" and the like are used synonymously in the description of the present embodiment. The acoustic signal 1614 is directed by the system 1600 to the user's ear as shown at 1616 to provide the user with a personal listening experience while minimizing the acoustic signal 1614 that other people near the user can hear. The chamber 1602 is also synonymously referred to herein as a microchamber or a micro-sonic chamber, etc. In the description of the present embodiment, all these terms are used interchangeably. The micro-speakers 1612 are synonymously referred to herein as micro-projection speakers or simply speakers. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the chamber is a small chamber designed to house small speakers in order to provide a personalized listening experience to a user through a personal projection micro speaker system (PPMS).

An end view of the PPMS system is shown at 1650. Note that the outer dimensions of the chamber wall 1608 are nominally represented in fig. 16 as: width "W", height "H", length "L". In various embodiments, the size of the chamber 1602 may be determined as desired for various applications using the PPMS system. Thus, the dimensions of the chamber are qualitative in nature and do not constitute a limitation on embodiments of the invention. The absolute or relative absolute value of the chamber dimensions should not be inferred therefrom. For example, the PPMS system is used within the temple of an eyeglass apparatus, the temple of an eyeglass apparatus is inserted within a module, or the temple interlocks used in conjunction with a nape module and configured as desired for such applications, as described in connection with the above figures. It is noted that the PPMS system may be incorporated into an eyewear device having a removable component, and the PPMS system may be incorporated into an eyewear device configured with a non-removable component. In various embodiments, the acoustic signals transmitted by the PPMS system are provided in a stereo mode or a mono mode.

The inner surface 1604 forms a generally concave surface relative to the speaker 1612. In some embodiments, the surface is generally parabolic. In other embodiments, the chamber is generally rectangular. In the description of the embodiments presented herein, the various chambers are shown with different internal shapes. These different shapes are provided as examples and do not constitute a limitation on embodiments of the invention. It is also noted that a chamber, such as 1602, may be partitioned into multiple chambers, where each chamber is configured with one or more micro-speakers. For example, in some embodiments, there may be a first chamber housing a speaker for generating a low range of sound wave frequencies and a second chamber housing a speaker for generating a higher range of sound wave frequencies. In some embodiments, there are multiple chambers, wherein one or more chambers have no speakers mounted therein and one or more chambers have speakers mounted therein.

The chamber wall 1608 is shown in one layer in fig. 16. However, in various embodiments, the chamber is made of multiple layers, and the multiple layers may have different acoustic properties. For example, in one or more embodiments, the materials of the chamber wall 1608 and the inner surface 1604 are selected during fabrication to provide high acoustic reflectivity for incident acoustic energy, thereby facilitating reflection and concentration of the acoustic signal 1614 emitted through the acoustic port 1610. Some examples of materials with high acoustic reflectivity and hypoallergenic properties are, but not limited to: plastics, such as: thermoplastics, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), cellulose acetate, polyamides, nylon, polycarbonate, carbon epoxy, metals including titanium, aluminum, and the like. The temple arms, TIMs, temple arm interlocks may be manufactured using injection molding manufacturing techniques. Thermoplastics may also be used in the injection molding process to produce temple arms, TIMs, or temple arm interlocks. In some embodiments, the temples, TIMs, or temple interlocks described herein are made using a plastic such as acetate.

In some embodiments, outer surface 1606 is coated with a layer of material designed to absorb vibrational energy, thereby isolating the user from undesirable vibrations in chamber 1608 that may be generated by speaker 1612. This material is characterized by a high mechanical loss factor and a low young's modulus. Examples of some materials that absorb vibrational energy are, but are not limited to: elastomers, polyurethane foams, melamine sponges, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, and the like.

Figure 17 illustrates another personal projection micro-speaker system, shown generally at 1700 in cross-sectional view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 17, the chamber wall 1708 has an inner surface 1704 and an outer surface 1706. The interior surface 1704 defines a chamber 1702 within which a speaker 1712 is mounted. In various embodiments, the speaker 1712 is mounted to the inner surface 1704 of the chamber wall 1708 by a bracket, which is not shown to maintain clarity of illustration. The chamber wall 1708 has an acoustic port 1710 for emitting an acoustic signal 1714.

In operation, the micro-speaker 1712 is configured to receive electrical signals that are then converted to airborne acoustic signals by the active surface of the micro-speaker 1712. The inner surface 1704, in conjunction with the acoustic port 1710, focuses the acoustic signal 1714 in the direction of the user 1716. The direction a of the acoustic signal relative to the user 1716, shown by 1718, is measured from reference line 1720. It should be noted that α may span a range of angles and is not limited to those shown in the figures. Alpha is shown in fig. 16 as being approximately equal to zero. Whereas alpha nominal shown in fig. 17 is in the range of 0 to 90 degrees. Preferably, α is selected based on the given geometry of the system 1700 in relation to the placement on the user's head.

End view "a" corresponds to the cross-sectional view in 1700 and shows an end view of an eyeglass apparatus incorporating a PPMS system. The system may be embedded in a temple of an eyewear apparatus, a Temple Insert Module (TIM) of an eyewear apparatus, a temple interlock module, and the like.

Figure 18 illustrates a personal projection micro-speaker system using multiple speakers in cross-section generally at 1800 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 18, the chamber wall 1808 has an inner surface 1804 and an outer surface 1806. The inner surface 1804 defines a chamber 1802 within which speakers 1812a to 1812b are mounted. In various embodiments, the speakers 1812a to 1812b are mounted to the inner surface 1804 of the chamber wall 1808 by brackets, which are not shown to maintain clarity of illustration. The chamber wall has a sound port 1810 for emitting an acoustic signal 1814.

In operation, the micro-speakers 1812 a-1812 b are configured to receive electrical signals that are then converted to airborne acoustic signals by the active surfaces of the micro-speakers 1812 a-1812 b. The inner surface 1804, in conjunction with the sound port 1810, focuses the acoustic signal 1814 in the direction of the user 1816. The direction a of the acoustic signal relative to the user 1816, shown by 1818, is measured from reference line 1820. It is noted that as described above in connection with the previous figures, α may span a range of angles and is not limited to those shown in the figures. For example, α shown in fig. 16 is approximately equal to zero. The alpha nominal shown in fig. 17 and 18 is in the range of 0 to 90 degrees. Preferably, α is selected based on the given geometry of the system 1700 in relation to the placement on the user's head.

The symbol "N" on 1812b indicates the general number of speakers. One or more speakers constitute the speaker apparatus and are provided within the chamber 1802 as described above. It is noted that the loudspeakers are shown as rectangles in the figure, but this is not meant to be limiting. In various embodiments, the speaker may have a square shape, a rectangular shape, a circular shape, and the like. The speakers used in embodiments taught herein are commonly referred to in the art as electro-dynamic speakers. Some non-limiting examples of speakers suitable for use herein are, but are not limited to, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) speakers, high performance, high fidelity, and low distortion micro-speakers, and the like.

Figure 19 illustrates a personal projection micro-speaker system on a user, generally at 1900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 19, eyewear device 1904 is configured with a personal projection micro-speaker system and is shown as being worn by user 1902. In the configuration of 1900, the PPMS system is incorporated into the temple or TIM of the eyewear apparatus. An acoustic signal 1906 is collected and emitted from the chamber of the PPMS system and then incident on the user's ear at 1908. During design of system 1900, the geometry of the PPMS system and the angle α are selected together to project the acoustic signal to the ear canal of the user. Thus, the maximum number of desired acoustic signals is transmitted to the user's ear by system 1900.

Fig. 20 shows generally 2000 an interior surface of an acoustic chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 20, the eyewear device 2004 has a PPMs system embedded therein at 2006. An enlarged view of 2006 is shown in cross-section at 2050. In various embodiments, chamber 2052 is configured with an acoustically reflective surface 2054 that is substantially parabolic in shape. One or more speakers are located at or about the focal point 2056 of the generally parabolic shape of concave acoustic reflecting surface 2054. In operation, sound waves are directed or enter the surface 2054, and then the surface 2054 reflects and concentrates the sound waves into a generally parallel train of sound waves that is directed away from the surface 2054 and out of the audio port 2060 (e.g., 1908 in fig. 19) in the direction of the user's ear canal.

Fig. 21 illustrates generally in cross-section the general shape of a curved surface of an acoustic cavity, generally at 2100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 21, chamber wall 2108 has an inner surface 2104 and an outer surface 2106. The inner surface 2104 defines a chamber 2102 within which the micro-speaker device 2112 is mounted. In various embodiments, the micro-speaker device 2112 is mounted to the inner surface 2104 of the chamber wall 1708 by a bracket, which is not shown to preserve clarity of illustration. The chamber wall has a sound port 2110 for emitting an acoustic signal 2114.

In operation, the micro-speaker device 2112 is configured to receive an electrical signal that is subsequently converted to an airborne acoustic signal by the active surface of the micro-speaker device 2112. The inner surface 2104, together with the sound port 2110, focuses the acoustic signal 2114 in the direction of the user 2116.

In various embodiments, chamber 2102 is configured with an acoustically reflective surface 2104 that is substantially parabolic in shape. One or more speakers form a micro-speaker device 2112, and the micro-speaker device 2112 is located at or about the focal point 2114 of the generally parabolic shape of the concave acoustic reflecting surface 2104. The shape of the surface is denoted by f (x, y, z) and is typically a curved shape, where 2104 is representative of one or more embodiments and does not constitute a limitation on embodiments of the invention. In operation, sound waves are directed or enter the surface 2104, and then the surface 2104 reflects and concentrates the sound waves 2118 into a generally parallel sound wave train that exits the audio port 2110 away from the surface 2104 and toward the user's ear canal as shown at 2116.

Fig. 22 illustrates a variable density structure, generally indicated at 220, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 illustrates a cross-section of a multi-layer sound cavity wall, generally 2300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 24 illustrates generally by 2400 a distribution of variable density structures in a temple of an eyewear apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring also to fig. 22-24, in various embodiments, each PPMS system used in conjunction with an eyewear device may have various materials with different material properties to provide good acoustic signal reflection and emission, as well as acoustic or vibrational energy, in the direction of the user's ear canalThe amount decays in different directions. For example, a temple portion or TIM of an eyeglass apparatus may be configured with a region of vibration damping material between a speaker apparatus and a front frame portion of the eyeglass apparatus. For example, in fig. 22, the damping material is represented by 2208 extending from the acoustic cavity 2204 towards the front frame portion 2202. Likewise, in fig. 24, the temple portion 2410 is positioned forward of the acoustic chamber portion 2404. 2412 acoustic characteristics ρ₁The density of the temple portion 2410, as measured, is selected to be less than the acoustic characteristic ρ 2406_ACThe relationship between the densities, such as the density of the chamber portion 2404 housing the speaker device of the PPMS system, is given by the equation at 2424. This damping material 2412 minimizes the transmission of mechanical vibrations in front of the speaker device, thereby reducing the effect of mechanical vibration noise on the sensor that may be located in such front portion. In addition, such damping material reduces vibrations through the eyeglass apparatus that may cause annoyance to a user. The damping material will also attenuate acoustic signals that leak in the unwanted positive direction of the eyeglass apparatus.

Likewise, the temple portion or TIM of the eyeglass apparatus may be configured with a region of vibration damping material between the speaker apparatus and the rear temple portion of the eyeglass apparatus. Acoustic characteristic ρ represented by 2422₂As the density of the rear temple portion 2420, is selected to be less than the acoustic characteristic ρ represented by 2406_ACThe relationship between the densities, such as the density of the chamber portion 2404 housing the speaker device of the PPMS system, is given by the equation at 2424. The damping material minimizes the transmission of mechanical vibration energy in the direction behind the speaker apparatus, thereby reducing the effect of mechanical vibration noise on sensors that may be located at such rear portions. In addition, such damping material reduces vibrations through the eyeglass apparatus that may cause annoyance to the user, such as itching of the user's ears. The damping material will also attenuate acoustic signals that leak in unwanted directions.

The chamber walls of the PPMS system may be made of multiple layers, as shown in cross-section a-a illustrated in fig. 23. In various embodiments, chamber 2302 utilizes inner layer 2308, with inner layer 2308 providing high acoustic reflectivityTo enhance sound concentration, emission, and projection of acoustic signals toward the user's ear. Outer layer 2310, which is coupled to inner layer 2308, may be made of a material selected for absorption and attenuation of acoustic energy. As mentioned above, materials providing high acoustic reflectivity are characterized by high density. Materials that provide sound absorption are characterized by low density, some of which have been described above. In one or more embodiments, the relationship between the layers of the chamber is given by equation 2424 (fig. 24). Speaker apparatus 2312 is mounted to chamber wall 2304 by brackets 2314a and 2314 b. The brackets 2314a and 2314b may provide vibration isolation between the speaker 2312 and the chamber wall 2303 to minimize vibration energy transferred to the chamber wall 2304 when the speaker 2312 generates an acoustic signal. In some embodiments, one or more of the outer layer 2310, the acoustic chamber 2404, the front temple portion 2410, and the rear temple portion 2420 are made of multiple layers that may each have different acoustic properties from one another, as at 2208 (fig. 22) by: { rho₁，ρ₂，ρ₃，…ρ_NWhere ρ is₁Representing a material property, p, of the first layer_NIndicating the material properties of the nth layer. Thus, in some embodiments, the material properties vary in a non-linear manner in the eyeglass apparatus in order to maximize the projection of the acoustic signal to the ear canal of the user. It should be noted that the design of the PPMS system is intended to focus and project acoustic signals, as shown at 2206 (fig. 22), in the direction of the user's ear, and to attenuate acoustic energy and vibrations in other directions, in order to provide a comfortable and personal listening experience to the user.

The material of the inner wall of the temple, which houses the electronics and the sealed micro-speaker, in addition to the internal structural design of the sound chamber, serves to enhance the directionality of the audible sound emitted toward the user. The inner wall material of the entire temple or TIM housing may have its acoustic properties (e.g., density, modulus of elasticity, etc.) varied to maximize the attenuation and reflection effects of the sound waves emitted by the micro-speaker. These materials may have non-linear variations to optimize acoustic directivity characteristics, taking into account the position of the material relative to the ear canal. For example, material remote from the ear canal (i.e., near the front of the eyeglass device frame) may have increased damping characteristics, and the area surrounding the speaker box (acoustic cavity) and micro-speakers (near the ear canal) is designed to increase acoustic reflectivity to enhance the acoustic energy emitted from the acoustic cavity.

The damping action of the material near the front of the frame minimizes mechanical vibrations that can be converted into leaked sound caused by, for example, resonance of the enclosed speaker when emitting audible sound. Further, the damping material layer may act as an insulator to minimize the tactile effect such vibrations have on the listener's body when in contact with the device when worn. The use of layers or layering of materials in the surrounding area of the micro-speaker enclosure may maximize the reflectivity of the emitted audible sound and focus the sound towards the listener's ear canal. The combination of the layering of variable density material in combination with the sealed acoustic cavity design maximizes the directivity of the projected sound. The material facing the outside of the temple is also designed to act as an insulating element to avoid leakage of audible sound through the rest of the frame.

Fig. 25 illustrates an exploded view of a personal projection micro-speaker (PPMS) system, generally at 2500, in a temple of an eyewear apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 25, in one embodiment, an assembly of a set of temples adapted to receive an eyewear apparatus of a PPMS system is shown. Although described with the term right temple, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the description applied to FIG. 25 applies to the left temple as well.

Right temple body 2508 is configured to receive speaker 2510. Right temple cover 2507 is configured to mate with right temple body 2508. The right sound cavity is made up of a section 2520 of the right temple body 2508, a section 2500 of the right temple cover, and the right chamber cover 2509. The right chamber cover 2509 provides a closure between the right temple body 2508 and the right temple cover 2507. In one or more embodiments, a speaker bracket is used to secure speaker 2510 to right temple body 2508. In one non-limiting embodiment, double-sided tape 2504 is used as a speaker support. In one non-limiting embodiment, speaker stabilizer 2505 is located between speaker 2510 and right temple cover 2507. In one non-limiting embodiment, the speaker stabilizer is made using Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam. In a non-limiting embodiment, right chamber cover 2509 is secured to right temple 2508 using double-sided tape 2503. In a non-limiting embodiment, right chamber cover 2509 is reinforced with stabilizer 2506, which may be made of EVA foam, and in a non-limiting embodiment, right sound chamber having a length represented by 2520 is divided into two chambers using divider 2501. Divider 2501 has a slot that allows air to flow from the front chamber housing speaker 2510 to the rear chamber housing sound port 2530. In one non-limiting embodiment, waterproof mesh 2501 is disposed around its perimeter and mounted over sound port 2530, thereby providing a waterproof chamber to isolate water, moisture, dust, dirt, and the like from the right sound chamber. The EVA foam dampens vibrations, which may minimize vibrations transmitted from the speaker to the right temple body 2508 and the right temple cover 2507. In one non-limiting embodiment, a piece of foam 2502 is positioned between the speaker 2510 and the divider 2501. In one embodiment, the right temple body 2508 and right temple cover 2507 are made of molded plastic that is high density, hard material, highly reflective to acoustic energy, and provides efficient transmission of vibrational energy. To mitigate the adverse effects of acoustic energy leakage and vibration propagation, a closed cell energy absorbing foam, such as EVA, is used around the speaker 2510 as shown in fig. 25.

Fig. 26 illustrates an external sound reflection housing, generally 2600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At 2650, the eyewear device from 2600 is displayed on the user. As used in the description of the present embodiment, the terms "external sound enclosure", "external sound reflector", "external reflection enclosure", "sound enclosure", "audio reflector", "boss" and "mask" are synonymous in the description of the present embodiment. Referring to fig. 2600, an eyewear device 2602 has a right outer reflector 2606 secured to a right temple and a left outer reflector 2604 secured to a left temple. The external reflector or boss may be permanently added to the eyewear apparatus or may be a removable attachment. The outer reflector may also be hinged. The external reflex housing further enhances the personal audio listening experience by increasing the directivity and the sound vector of the emitted sound towards the target listener, i.e. the user. The reflex housing minimizes audio signals generated by the speaker and emitted from the sound cavity that are not transmitted to the ear canal of the user. Thereby reducing audible sounds that are noisy to non-target listeners, i.e., bystanders.

The reflector may be permanently attached and hinged to the temple of the eyeglass apparatus. The listener can rotate the mask and further provide a reflective surface to direct sound towards his or her ear canal. When not in use, the listener can retract or move the mask back to the temple or remove it completely. The reflection case may be made of the same material used for manufacturing temples of the glass apparatus. The user may be provided with a fully removable reflective cover of various sizes, whereby the user selects a particular size for use according to his or her own needs.

The external reflector provides additional benefits by keeping wind-borne turbulent noise away from the audio signal broadcast by the sound port of the chamber and the ear canal of the user. In other words, the external reflector may reduce the effects of headwind and associated turbulence induced noise when the listener is using the eyeglass apparatus in a dynamic mobile environment where wind conditions may adversely affect the audio performance and directivity of the audio signal. Wind turbulence from the environment is considered to be a noise to a user of the PPMS system, and the purpose of the external reflector is to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the PPMS system by reducing the amplitude of wind borne turbulence noise audible to the user.

Fig. 27-28 illustrate generally by 2700 an additional external sound reflector and sound gain in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 27, the temples 2702 of the eyeglass apparatus have sound ports 2704. The external reflector 2706 is attached to the temple 2702 by an attachment 2710. Accessory 2710 is implemented in a variety of ways, one non-limiting example being accomplished with one or more magnetic contacts. In one or more embodiments, the magnetic contacts are used to attach the audio reflector 2706 to the outer surface of the temple or temple tip of the smart eyewear. In other embodiments, different attachment methods other than magnetic are employed. Other different attachment methods are, but not limited to: hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, and the like. The audio reflector 2706 is used to reflect audio signals from the sound port (speaker outlet) 2704 to the user's ear 2708. A user may attach a single audio reflector to either the left or right temple of the head-wearable device, or the user may use two audio reflectors (one attached to the left temple and the other attached to the right temple) to improve sound quality and/or clarity. This is particularly useful in noisy environments, however, by using an audio reflector, sound quality, clarity and volume can be improved in any environment.

Fig. 28 illustrates, without any implied limitation, a direct wave path 2802 and a reflected wave path 2804 for various embodiments of the present invention. Considering that the reflected wave path 2804 from the audio reflector 2806 and the direct wave path 2804 from the speaker are at the same phase or approximately the same phase, an external sound enclosure is designed or alternatively described as audio reflector 2806 to coherently combine to increase the amplitude of the acoustic signal received at the user's ear. Since the distance from the speaker contained in the sound cavity of the temple 2702 to the user's ear (direct path) is very close to the distance from the speaker to the user's ear after reflection from the distal end of the sound reflector, the direct and reflected sound waves have substantially the same phase. Thus, the waves combine coherently in phase, resulting in an increase in sound pressure level of about 4 to 5 decibels. The increase in sound pressure level may be up to 6 db, i.e. 2 times, depending on the frequency range of the acoustic signal. Thus, direct path 2802 and reflected path 2804 (2800 in fig. 28) are functionally equivalent to acoustic signal 2852 shown at 2850 in fig. 28.

In various embodiments, audio reflector 2806 is comprised of an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion or surface of audio reflector 2806 causes reflection of the audio signal from the speaker and provides a coherent increase in signal amplitude as described above. The outer portion or surface of audio reflector 2806 is used to reflect ambient noise away from the user's ear. Alternatively, the outer surface of the audio reflector may be made of a material that absorbs acoustic energy. Thus, when an unwanted acoustic signal from the environment is incident on the outer surface of the audio reflector, the signal is absorbed by the outer surface. In both cases, the audio reflector blocks acoustic signals from the environment from reaching the user's ear by reflection or absorption, depending on the given design. The acoustic signal from the environment is considered to be a noise to the user of the PPMS system, and therefore, the use of the audio reflector increases the signal-to-noise ratio of the PPMS system.

In one or more embodiments, the inner portion and/or surface and the outer portion and/or surface are made of one or more materials that provide good reflection of acoustic signals incident thereon. Some examples of sound reflective materials are, but are not limited to, coated tight fabrics such as vinyl coated polyester, teflon coated fabrics, molded plastics, and the like.

For the purposes of discussion and understanding of the various embodiments, it is understood that various terms are used by those skilled in the art to describe techniques and methods. Furthermore, in the description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the various embodiments. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Some portions of the description may be presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within, for example, a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of acts leading to a desired result. The acts are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing" or "computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" or the like, may refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

An apparatus for performing the operations herein may implement the present invention. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. The computer program may be stored on a computer readable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), Random Access Memories (RAMs), Dynamic Random Access Memories (DRAMs), electrically programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), flash memories, magnetic or optical cards, RAID, or the like, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions local to or remote from a computer.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the required method. For example, any of the methods according to the embodiments may be implemented by a hard-wired circuit obtained by programming a general-purpose processor, or by any combination of hardware and software. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be practiced with other computer system configurations than those described, including: handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) devices, set top boxes, network personal computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network.

The methods herein may be implemented using computer software. If written in a programming language conforming to a recognized standard, sequences of instructions designed to implement the methods can be compiled for execution on a variety of hardware platforms and for interface to a variety of operating systems. In addition, embodiments are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It should be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the embodiments described herein. Additionally, it is common in the art to speak of software, in one form or another (e.g., program, procedure, application, driver … …) as taking an action or causing a result. Such expressions are merely a shorthand way of saying that execution of the software by a computer causes the processor of the computer to perform an action or produce a result.

It is to be understood that various terms and techniques are used by those skilled in the art to describe communications, protocols, applications, implementations, mechanisms, and the like. A similar technique is to describe the implementation of the technique in terms of algorithms or mathematical expressions. That is, although a technique may be implemented, for example, as executing code on a computer, an expression of the technique may be more aptly and succinctly conveyed or conveyed as a formula, algorithm, or mathematical expression. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the implementation of a + B ═ C as a block of an addition function, in hardware and/or software, will take two inputs (a and B) and produce one summed output (C). Thus, the use of formula, algorithm, or mathematical expression as descriptions is to be understood as having a physical representation of, at least, hardware and/or software (e.g., a computer system in which the techniques of the present invention may be implemented and realized as embodiments).

A non-transitory machine-readable medium is understood to include any mechanism for storing information (e.g., program code, etc.) in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a machine-readable medium, synonymously referred to as a computer-readable medium, includes Read Only Memory (ROM); random Access Memory (RAM); a magnetic disk storage medium; an optical storage medium; a flash memory device; electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of information transfer, other than by way of a propagated signal (e.g., a carrier wave, an infrared signal, a digital signal, etc.); and so on.

As used in this specification, the word "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or similar phrases means that the feature being described is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. References to "one embodiment" in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, however, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Nor does "one embodiment" imply that there is only one embodiment of the invention. For example, features, structures, acts, etc. described in connection with one embodiment may be included in other embodiments. Thus, the invention may include various combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

While the invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting.

Claims

1. A method of providing an audio signal from an eyewear device to a user, comprising:

generating an audio signal within a chamber, the chamber being a portion of a volume of the eyewear apparatus;

concentrating the audio signal for transmission to the user's ear; and

transmitting the audio signal to the user's ear, the audio signal being transmitted through a port in the chamber.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the shape of the chamber facilitates the concentrating.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the shape provides an arcuate surface for a speaker, the speaker being used for the generating.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the shape is generally parabolic.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of the chamber has a first acoustic reflectivity and at least a portion of the eyewear apparatus has a second acoustic reflectivity, the first acoustic reflectivity being greater than the second acoustic reflectivity.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the portion absorbs vibrational energy.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the portion is a front portion of the chamber.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the portion is a rear portion of the chamber.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the portion is an outer surface of the chamber.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the focusing is facilitated by an external acoustic enclosure attached to the eyewear apparatus.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein a speaker is used for the generating.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the speaker is located within a temple of the eyewear apparatus.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the speaker is located within a temple insert module of the eyewear apparatus.

14. An apparatus for providing an audio signal from an eyewear device to a user, comprising:

a chamber defined by an inner surface, the chamber being a portion of a volume of the eyewear apparatus, the chamber further comprising:

at least one speaker for generating audio signals, the at least one speaker contained within the volume;

a sound port located in a wall of the chamber to emit the audio signal from the chamber centrally in the direction of the user's ear when the eyewear device is worn by the user; and

an outer surface outward of the inner surface.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the acoustic reflectivity of the inner surface is greater than the acoustic reflectivity of the outer surface.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the outer surface is coated with a material that absorbs acoustic energy.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the inner surface forms a curved shape around the at least one speaker.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the curved shape is generally parabolic in shape.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising:

an external sound enclosure having an inner surface and an outer surface, the external sound enclosure configured to be attached to the eyewear apparatus, wherein in operation, the audio signals emitted from the sound port are reflected from the inner surface to the user's ears.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a first material for the inner surface substantially provides reflection of the audio signal and a second material for the outer surface substantially provides absorption of acoustic energy.

[ shape of external Sound cover ]

21. The device of claim 19, wherein the external sound shield is shaped to be recessed toward the user's ear.

22. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the chamber is located within a temple of the eyewear apparatus.

23. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the chamber is located within a temple insert module of the eyewear apparatus.

24. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein an inner surface of the chamber has a first acoustic reflectivity and at least a portion of the eyewear apparatus has a second acoustic reflectivity, the first acoustic reflectivity being greater than the second acoustic reflectivity.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the portion absorbs vibrational energy.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the portion is a front portion of the chamber.

27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the portion is a rear portion of the chamber.

28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the portion is an outer surface of the chamber.

29. An apparatus for providing an audio signal to a user from a temple interlock, comprising:

a chamber defined by an interior surface, the chamber contained within the volume in which the temples interlock; the chamber further comprises:

at least one speaker for generating audio signals, the at least one speaker contained within the volume; and

a sound port located in a wall of the chamber to emit the audio signal from the chamber centrally in a direction of the user's ear when the temple arm is interlockingly attached to the eyewear device and the user wears the eyewear device; and

an outer surface outward of the inner surface.

[ variable Material Properties in the eyeglass device ]

30. The apparatus according to claim C1, wherein the interior surface of the chamber has a first acoustic reflectivity and at least a portion of the eyewear device has a second acoustic reflectivity, the first acoustic reflectivity being greater than the second acoustic reflectivity.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30 wherein the portion absorbs vibrational energy.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the portion is a front portion of the chamber.

33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the portion is a rear portion of the chamber.

34. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the portion is an outer surface of the chamber.

35. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the inner surface forms a curved shape around the at least one speaker.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the curved shape is generally parabolic in shape.

37. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising:

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein a first material for the inner surface substantially provides reflection of the audio signal and a second material for the outer surface substantially provides absorption of vibrational energy.

39. The device of claim 37, wherein the external sound shield is shaped to be recessed toward the user's ear.

40. A method for providing an audio signal to a user from a temple interlock, comprising:

generating an audio signal within a chamber, the chamber being a portion of a volume in which the temples interlock;

concentrating the audio signal for transmission to the user's ear; and

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the shape of the chamber facilitates the concentrating.

42. A method as recited in claim 41, wherein the shape provides an arcuate surface for a speaker, the speaker being used for the generating.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein the shape is generally parabolic.

44. The method of claim 40, wherein an interior surface of the chamber has a first acoustic reflectivity and at least a portion of the temple interlock has a second acoustic reflectivity, the first acoustic reflectivity being greater than the second acoustic reflectivity.

45. A method according to claim 44 wherein the portion absorbs vibrational energy.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the portion is an outer surface of the chamber.

47. The method of claim 40, wherein an external sound cover facilitates said concentrating, said external sound cover being attached to said temple interlock.

48. An apparatus for improving the signal-to-noise ratio of an audio signal directed at a user's ear, comprising:

an external sound enclosure, the external sound enclosure further comprising:

an inner surface; and

an exterior face, the exterior sound shield configured to attach to a temple of the eyewear apparatus, wherein in operation, audio signals emitted from a sound port of the eyewear apparatus reflect off the interior face and are directed toward the user's ears therefrom.

49. The device of claim 48, wherein the material properties of the outer surface are selected to absorb acoustic energy incident thereon to increase a signal-to-noise ratio of the audio signal.

50. The device of claim 48, wherein the material properties of the outer surface are selected to reflect acoustic energy incident thereon away from the user to increase a signal-to-noise ratio of the audio signal.

51. The device of claim 48, wherein, in operation, the external acoustic shroud inhibits wind turbulence from striking the user's ear, thereby increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of the audio signal.