Ringed-shaped biometric earpiece
Inventors
LeBoeuf, Steven Francis • Stephenson, Shawn M. • Perry, MacIntosh E.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12348925-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
A wearable device includes a ring-shaped housing having a central opening and defining an annular interior volume. The housing is configured to be worn within an ear of a subject such that the subject's ear canal is exposed by the central opening. At least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector are supported within the housing. The housing includes at least one window through which light can be delivered from the at least one optical emitter to the ear, and through which light from the ear can be delivered to the at least one optical detector.
Core Innovation
The invention is a wearable device comprising a ring-shaped housing configured to be worn within an ear of a subject so that an ear canal is exposed by a central opening, while the housing defines an annular interior volume and has an outer annular surface. The housing includes at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector positioned within the housing. Optical windows in the housing permit light delivery from the optical emitter to the ear and permit light from the ear to reach the optical detector.
A stabilizer member protrudes from the outer annular surface and is configured to engage a portion of the ear of the subject, supporting wearable retention through ear engagement. Optical crosstalk barriers and optical isolation barriers are used to reduce optical crosstalk between emitter/detector groupings, and optical emitter and optical detector arrangements may be at separate locations within the housing.
The invention further supports optical signal quality and implementation by optionally using light guiding material and light guides to route light between emitters, windows, the ear, and detectors. Supporting electronics are described, including a processor controlling an optical emitter to emit light and processing signals from the optical detector, with a power source electrically connected to the processor, optical detector, and optical emitter.
Additional wearable features described include rechargeable power structures with a housing charging coil and wireless inductive charging within a predetermined range, optional wireless communication, optional sensors such as motion sensor(s) and environmental sensor(s), optional audio output using a speaker housed in the housing and allowing sound to pass through one or more apertures, conformable materials, removable outer and/or inner annular covers, and magnets for storage/attachment to a mobile phone.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is clm-00001. The claim set includes 4 main inventive elements, with dependent claim coverage adding optical crosstalk and isolation features, control and processing electronics, wireless inductive charging, and optional audio output.
Ring-shaped ear-worn housing exposing the ear canal
A wearable device comprising a ring-shaped housing having a central opening and defining an annular interior volume and an outer annular surface, configured to be worn within an ear of a subject such that an ear canal of the ear is exposed by the central opening.
Optical emitter and optical detector optically coupled through windows
A wearable device comprising at least one optical emitter within the housing and at least one optical detector within the housing, wherein the housing comprises at least one window through which light can be delivered from the at least one optical emitter to the ear, and through which light from the ear can be delivered to the at least one optical detector.
Stabilizer member engaging the ear
A wearable device comprising a stabilizer member protruding from the outer annular surface and configured to engage a portion of the ear of the subject.
Emitter/detector arrangements with optical crosstalk barriers
A wearable device in which first and second pairs of an optical emitter and an optical detector are placed at separate locations in the housing, with an optical crosstalk barrier between each adjacent emitter/detector pair.
Optical isolation between detector/emitter groups using an optical barrier
A wearable device in which the first optical detector and first optical emitter are optically isolated from the second optical detector and second optical emitter using at least one optical barrier.
Processor controlling emission and processing detector signals
A wearable device further includes at least one processor that controls an optical emitter to emit light and processes signals from an optical detector, and a power source electrically connected to the processor, optical detector, and optical emitter.
Wireless inductive charging with predetermined inductive charging range
A wearable device includes at least one rechargeable battery and a housing charging coil that wirelessly transfers electrical charge to the battery when the housing is within a predetermined range of an inductive charging coil.
Speaker with apertures for sound output
A wearable device includes at least one speaker housed in a housing with one or more apertures that allow sound from the speaker to pass through.
Overall, the claim set covers a ring-shaped ear-worn biometric earpiece architecture with a central opening exposing the ear canal, optical emitters and detectors optically coupled through housing windows, and a stabilizer member engaging the ear. Dependent claim coverage further specifies optical crosstalk and optical isolation features, control and processing via a processor with a connected power source, wireless inductive charging defined by a predetermined inductive charging range, and optional speaker output through apertures.
Stated Advantages
Lightweight comfort and availability for long wear without significant discomfort or sound attenuation.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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