Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
  • H04R1/1083—Reduction of ambient noise
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
  • G02C11/00—Non-optical adjuncts; Attachment thereof
  • G02C11/10—Electronic devices other than hearing aids
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
  • H04R25/02—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception adapted to be supported entirely by ear
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
  • H04R1/1016—Earpieces of the intra-aural type
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
  • H04R1/1025—Accumulators or arrangements for charging
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
  • H04R1/1041—Mechanical or electronic switches, or control elements
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
  • H04R1/105—Earpiece supports, e.g. ear hooks
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R2201/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R1/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
  • H04R2201/10—Details of earpieces, attachments therefor, earphones or monophonic headphones covered by H04R1/10 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
  • H04R2201/107—Monophonic and stereophonic headphones with microphone for two-way hands free communication
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R2410/00—Microphones
  • H04R2410/05—Noise reduction with a separate noise microphone
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R2420/00—Details of connection covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
  • H04R2420/07—Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
  • H04R3/005—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones for combining the signals of two or more microphones
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
  • H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
  • H04R5/033—Headphones for stereophonic communication

Definitions

• the present invention is directed to a communication eyewear assembly that is structured be worn on a person' s head so as to protect the person's eyes and also to permit hands-free wireless multimedia communication.
• the communication eyewear assembly is additionally structured to facilitate such communication in a noisy environment.
• the assembly is structured to enhance incoming and/or outgoing audio signals to overcome the inherent difficulties presented by ambient noise.
• the assembly is structured to permit the wearer to hear others speaking directly to the wearer without having to first remove or otherwise manually adjust the fit of the assembly.
• eyewear particularly protective eyewear, such as sunglasses or safety glasses
• various types of communication devices such as radios, telephones, personal digital assistants, portable music players, etc.
• attempts have been made to combine certain features of each of these types of equipment to address the needs of persons who require both eye protection and audiovisual communicability, such as people working in industrial, mining, construction, or military settings.
• current technologies have failed to address many significant challenges.
• the speakers or earphones, etc. are physically connected to the rest of the device. In some cases, this can be extremely inconvenient in terms of comfort, as it can be difficult or even impossible to adjust or position the eye protection components independently from the speakers or earphones.
• the listening mechanisms are connected to the rest of the device by sound transmitting cords. Although such cords may permit some independent adjustment, they are also prone to getting snagged or tangled, and are thus susceptible to damage.
• a communication eyewear assembly that comprises wireless earphones
• existing pairs of wireless earphones are physically connected to one another, which inhibits independent adjustment of the earphones and creates similar comfort and clutter issues to those described above.
• existing wireless earphones such as those commonly used in conjunction with cellular telephones, are structured to directly receive and transmit voice communication signals, requiring the use of high power transceivers and other bulky components.
• such technology is not adaptable for use with communication eyewear. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a communication eyewear assembly that comprises wireless earphones which do not require high power transceivers or other bulky components, and which are not tethered to each other.
• the present invention is directed towards a communication eyewear assembly which is structured to be worn on a person' s head so as to protect the person's eyes and also to permit hands-free multimedia wireless communication.
• the communication eyewear assembly is additionally structured to facilitate such communication in a noisy environment.
• the assembly is structured to enhance incoming and/or outgoing audio signals to overcome the inherent difficulties presented by the ambient noise of such environments.
• the assembly is structured to permit the wearer to hear others speaking directly to the wearer without having to first remove or otherwise manually adjust the fit of the assembly.
• the communication eyewear assembly comprises a frame assembly which is structured to be worn on a person's head.
• the frame assembly is structured to be supportably disposed on the wearer so as to maintain at least one substantially transparent eye panel in a generally shielding position in front of the wearer's eyes.
• the frame assembly comprises a front frame member and two eye panels coupled thereto.
• the frame assembly additionally comprises a pair of legs structured to effectively retain and position the front frame member in front of the wearer's eyes.
• the eye panels can be tinted.
• the eye panels can include ultraviolet protection such as UV coatings.
• the eye panels can also be polarized for protective purposes and/or for viewing enhancement purposes.
• the eye panels can also comprise prescription lenses.
• the eye panels can also comprise a shatterproof material of construction for additional protection in the event of significant impact to the eye panels by a foreign object.
• the communication eyewear assembly further comprises a processor which is coupled to the frame assembly.
• the processor is structured and disposed to receive an incoming audio signal, typically from a remote location.
• the incoming audio signal comprises real-time voice data, such as from another person with whom the wearer is communicating.
• the incoming audio signal comprises music data, such as from a remotely stored and transmitted music file.
• the processor is further structured and disposed to transmit an outbound audio signal to another entity, such as real-time voice data from the wearer to another person with whom the wearer is communicating .
• the communication eyewear assembly also comprises a power supply structured and disposed to provide power to the processor.
• the power supply can also be structured to supply power to other components of the assembly.
• the power supply can also be rechargeable.
• the power supply comprises a rechargeable battery pack that can be charged by an external power source that has been removably coupled to the assembly.
• the communication eyewear assembly additionally comprises at least one earpiece structured to be disposed in wireless communication with the processor and further structured to be disposed at one of the wearer's ears.
• the processor retransmits the received incoming audio signal to at least one earpiece, which in turn communicates the incoming audio signal to the wearer via a speaker assembly.
• the communication eyewear assembly comprises two earpieces, each of which is structured to be disposed at a different one of the wearer's ears.
• the earpieces are additionally structured to substantially muffle ambient noise, further facilitating communication.
• the earpieces are structured to be removably secured to the frame assembly for storage.
• each earpiece comprises a clip structured to removably secure the earpiece to the frame assembly when the earpiece is not in use.
• the earpiece and the frame assembly can also be cooperatively structured to charge a rechargeable earpiece power supply when the earpiece is disposed in a stored orientation.
• the communication eyewear assembly is further structured to enhance the incoming audio signal based on an ambient audio signal.
• the ambient audio signal will typically comprise the background sounds generated by the surrounding environment.
• an ambient microphone assembly is disposed and structured to pick up an ambient audio signal and transmit the ambient audio signal to the processor.
• the ambient microphone assembly is coupled to the earpiece.
• the ambient microphone assembly is coupled to the frame assembly.
• the processor is further structured to enhance the incoming audio signal based on the ambient audio signal.
• the processor is structured to adjust a volume level of the incoming audio signal relative to a volume level of the ambient audio signal.
• the communication eyewear assembly further comprises an outbound microphone assembly disposed and structured to pick up an outbound audio signal from the wearer and transmit the outbound audio signal to the processor.
• the processor is structured transmit to another entity the outbound audio signal received from the outbound microphone assembly.
• the processor is also structured to enhance the outbound audio signal based on the ambient audio signal.
• the processor is structured to strengthen the outbound audio signal relative to the ambient audio signal. More specifically, the processor is structured to reduce an ambient noise component of the outbound audio signal and strengthen the voice component of the outbound audio signal based on the characteristics of the ambient audio signal .
• the processor is further structured to identify a voice component of the ambient audio signal which has been picked up by the ambient microphone assembly and sent to the processor. This can occur, for example, when another person speaks directly to the wearer without using another communication device. As such, the processor is further structured to transmit the identified voice component of the ambient signal to at least one earpiece. Accordingly, the wearer can listen to the other person' s direct verbal communication without having to first remove or otherwise manually adjust the fit of the communication eyewear assembly. In a further embodiment, such as in a high noise environment wherein the other person directs their speech toward a specific one of the wearer's earpieces, the processor is further structured to transmit the identified voice component to the corresponding earpiece .
• the communication eyewear assembly additionally comprises a camera assembly disposed and structured to pick up an outbound visual signal, which may comprise image data and/or video data. Because the assembly is worn on a wearer's head, the outbound visual signal will typically reflect the view as seen from the wearer's perspective, although other views may also be captured including, but not limited to, views directed behind the wearer.
• the camera assembly is further structured to transmit the outbound visual signal to the processor. Accordingly, the processor is structured to transmit to another entity the outbound visual signal received from the camera assembly.
• the processor is also structured to receive an incoming visual signal from a remote location.
• the incoming visual signal may comprise image data and/or video data, such as pictures or movies from a remotely stored and transmitted data file.
• the communication eyewear assembly further comprises a display assembly disposed and structured to display the incoming visual signal received by the processor. More specifically, the display assembly includes at least one display unit disposed and structured to display the incoming visual signal to the wearer.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a communication eyewear assembly in accordance with the present invention.
• - Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a transceiver configuration in accordance with the present invention .
• FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an audio signal enhancement configuration in accordance with the present invention.
• Figure 4 is a cross section view of one embodiment of an earpiece in accordance with the present invention.
• Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a communication eyewear assembly in accordance with the present invention.
• Figure 6 is a cross section view of another embodiment of an earpiece in accordance with the present invention.
• Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of earpiece clips operatively disposed in accordance with the present invention .
• Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of earpiece charging contacts in accordance with the present invention .
• Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of a communication eyewear assembly having a display assembly which includes two different types of display units.
• the present invention is directed towards a communication eyewear assembly generally indicated as 10.
• the communication eyewear assembly 10 is structured to be worn on a person' s head so as to protect the person' s eyes and also to permit hands- free wireless multimedia communication.
• the communication eyewear assembly 10 is additionally structured to facilitate such communication in a noisy environment, such as that of a loud, industrial environment, or that found in a variety of other situations, such as, but not limited to, military operations, fire and rescue operations, public safety operations, sports activities, etc.
• the assembly 10 is structured to enhance incoming and/or outgoing audio signals to overcome the inherent difficulties presented by the ambient noise of such environments.
• the assembly 10 is structured to permit the wearer to hear others speaking directly to the wearer without having to first remove or otherwise manually adjust the fit of the assembly.
• the communication eyewear assembly 10 comprises a frame assembly 20 which is structured to be worn on a person's head. Accordingly, the frame assembly 20 is structured to be supportably disposed on the wearer so as to maintain at least one substantially transparent eye panel 25 in a generally shielding position in front of the wearer's eyes.
• the frame assembly 20 comprises a front frame member 21 and two eye panels 25 coupled thereto.
• each eye panel 25 is structured to substantially shield the front of a different corresponding eye of the wearer while also permitting clear vision therethrough.
• the eye panels 25 can be tinted.
• the eye panels 25 can include ultraviolet protection such as UV coatings.
• the eye panels 25 can also be polarized for protective purposes and/or for viewing enhancement purposes.
• the eye panels 25 can also comprise prescription lenses.
• the eye panels 25 can also comprise a shatterproof material of construction for additional protection in the event of significant impact to the eye panels 25 by a foreign object.
• the frame assembly 20 further comprises at least one leg 23, 24 structured to effectively retain and position the front frame member 21 in front of the wearer's eyes during activity of the wearer.
• the frame assembly 20 comprises a first leg 23 and a second leg 24, each leg 23, 24 structured to extend from opposite sides of the front frame member 21 towards a rear thereof.
• the legs 23, 24 are disposed in a generally perpendicular relation to the front frame member 21 so as to extend over and grip the wearer's ears when the front frame member 21 is operatively disposed in front of the wearer's eyes.
• the frame assembly 20 further comprises pair of side eye panels 27. Each side eye panel 27 is disposed and structured to substantially shield a different eye of the wearer.
• the side eye panels 27 can be further structured to permit clear peripheral vision therethrough. As shown in Figure 1, in at least one embodiment, the side eye panels 27 are each coupled to a different leg 23, 24. As with the eye panels 25, the side eye panels 27 can be tinted, UV coated, and/or polarized. The side eye panels 27 can also comprise a shatterproof material of construction.
• the communication eyewear assembly 10 provides for wireless communication between a wearer and other entities, such as, but not limited to, other wearers, control stations, broadcast stations, etc.
• the wireless communication could involve a wearer located on a factory floor communicating with a manager located in a control station.
• the wireless communication could involve the wearer listening to music being broadcast from a broadcast station.
• these examples are meant for illustrative purposes only, as the present invention can apply to a variety of other applications and circumstances.
• the communication eyewear assembly 10 comprises a processor 40 which is coupled to the frame assembly 20.
• the processor 40 is structured and disposed to receive an incoming audio signal, typically from a remote location.
• the incoming audio signal comprises real-time voice data, such as from another person with whom the wearer is communicating.
• the incoming audio signal comprises music data, such as from a remotely stored and transmitted music file.
• the processor 40 is further structured and disposed to transmit an outbound audio signal to another entity, such as real-time voice data from the wearer to another person with whom the wearer is communicating. Further details as to the multimedia communication capabilities of the processor 40 including with regard to incoming and outbound visual signals, are discussed in more detail below.
• the processor 40 is structured and disposed to fit inside of the frame assembly 20.
• the processor 40 is disposed inside of the first leg 23. It should be noted, however, that it is within the scope and intent of the present invention that the processor 40 can be structured and disposed to fit inside of other portions of the frame assembly 20, including, but not limited to, the second leg 24, the front frame member 21, etc.
• the communication eyewear assembly 10 further comprises a power supply 90 structured and disposed to provide power to the processor 40.
• the power supply 90 can also be structured to supply power to other components of the assembly 10.
• the power supply 90 is structured and disposed to fit inside of the frame assembly 20.
• the power supply 90 is disposable inside of the second leg 24. It should be noted, however, that it is within the scope and intent of the present invention that the power supply 90 can be structured and disposed to fit inside of other portions of the frame assembly 20, including, but not limited to, the first leg 23, the front frame member 21, etc.
• the power supply 90 can also be rechargeable.
• the power supply 90 comprises a rechargeable battery pack that can be charged by an external power source that has been removably coupled to the assembly 10.
• the communication eyewear assembly 10 further comprises at least one earpiece 60 structured to be disposed in wireless communication with the processor 40 and further structured to be disposed at one of the wearer's ears.
• the processor 40 retransmits the received incoming audio signal to at least one earpiece 60, which in turn communicates the incoming audio signal to the wearer.
• the communication eyewear assembly 10 comprises two earpieces 60, each of which are structured to be disposed at a different one of the wearer's ears.
• the earpieces 60 are further structured to be at least partially inserted into the wearer's ears when disposed in their respective operative orientations.
• the processor 40 comprises at least one transceiver structured to facilitate wireless communication.
• the processor 40 comprises a first transceiver 42 and a second transceiver 44.
• the first transceiver 42 is structured to receive an incoming audio and/or visual signal from a remote source, and is also structured to transmit an outbound audio and/or visual signal to a remote destination.
• the first transceiver utilizes radio frequency communication. It is, however, within the scope and intent of the present invention that other suitable wireless technologies may also be utilized.
• the outbound audio signal will ordinarily correspond to the wearer' s voice which has been picked up by an outbound microphone assembly 70, such as the one shown in Figure 1 and described in greater detail below.
• the outbound visual signal will ordinarily correspond to an image captured by a camera assembly 103, also described in greater detail below.
• the second transceiver 44 is structured to wirelessly communicate with the earpieces 60.
• the second transceiver utilizes radio frequency communication technology.
• the second transceiver utilizes magnetic induction communication technology. It is, however, within the scope and intent of the present invention that other suitable wireless technologies may also be utilized.
• the processor 40 comprises a single transceiver structured to communicate with remote entities as well as with the earpieces 60.
• each earpiece 60 comprises an earpiece transceiver 64 structured to facilitate communication with the processor 40.
• the earpiece transceivers 64 are each disposed in wireless communication with the second transceiver 44.
• the specific communication technology of the earpiece transceivers 64 matches that of the second transceiver 44, such as, but not limited to, radio frequency technology, magnetic induction technology, etc.
• each earpiece transceiver 64 is uniquely identifiable by the processor 40.
• each earpiece transceiver 64 comprises a unique signature, such as a radio or magnetic identification, which is recognizable by the processor 40.
• the processor 40 can transmit different content to each earpiece transceiver 64. For instance, in one embodiment, the processor 40 can transmit a first stereo music channel component of the incoming audio signal to one identified earpiece transceiver 64, and transmit a second stereo music channel component of the incoming audio signal to the other identified earpiece transceiver 64.
• the communication eyewear assembly 10 is further structured to enhance the incoming audio signal based on an ambient audio signal.
• the ambient audio signal will typically comprise the background sounds generated by the surrounding environment.
• an ambient microphone assembly 75 is disposed and structured to pick up an ambient audio signal and transmit the ambient audio signal to the processor 40.
• the ambient microphone assembly 75 is coupled to the earpiece 60.
• the ambient microphone assembly 75 comprises an earpiece microphone assembly 66 disposed and structured to pick up an ambient audio signal and transmit the ambient audio signal to the processor 40.
• the ambient microphone assembly 75 can comprise one or more frame microphone assemblies 76, such as those described in more detail in Figure 5, below.
• the processor 40 is further structured to enhance the incoming audio signal based on the ambient audio signal, and to transmit the enhanced incoming audio signal to the earpiece 60.
• the processor 40 includes a volume adjustment circuit 45 structured to adjust a volume level of the incoming audio signal relative to a volume level of the ambient audio signal.
• the processor 40 is further structured to independently adjust the volume level of the incoming audio signal transmitted to each earpiece relative to the volume level of the ambient audio signal picked up from each respective side of the wearer .
• the earpiece 60 further comprises a speaker assembly 68 structured and disposed to audibly communicate the enhanced incoming audio signal to the wearer.
• the speaker assembly 68 is structured to be at least partially inserted into the ear of the wearer when disposed in an operative orientation.
• the earpiece 60 is additionally structured to substantially muffle ambient noise, further facilitating communication. As shown in the embodiment of Figure 4, at least a portion of the earpiece 60 is structured to be inserted into the wearer's ear so as to substantially muffle the ambient noise. More specifically, the earpiece 60 of Figure 4 additionally comprises a disposable insert 62 structured to substantially muffle the ambient noise.
• the disposable insert 62 can be formed, for instance, from a sound-deadening, compressible material, such as high density foam, although a variety of other suitable materials may also be utilized. For- at least sanitary purposes, the disposable insert 62 can be discarded and replaced after use.
• the earpiece transceiver 64 which is communicably coupled to both the speaker assembly 68 and the earpiece microphone assembly 66.
• the earpiece transceiver 64 is structured to facilitate communication between the respective earpiece components 66, 68 and the processor 40.
• the earpiece 60 further comprises an earpiece power supply 92 structured and disposed to provide power to the speaker assembly 68 and the earpiece microphone assembly 66, as well as to the earpiece transceiver 64.
• the earpiece power supply 92 can be rechargeable.
• the communication eyewear assembly 10 further comprises an outbound microphone assembly 70 disposed and structured to pick up an outbound audio signal from the wearer and transmit the outbound audio signal to the processor 40.
• the outbound microphone assembly 70 comprises an adjustable elongate segment 71 which extends from the first leg 23 of the frame assembly 20.
• the adjustable elongate segment 71 is structured to permit adjustment of the microphone assembly 70 in front of the wearer's mouth to better pick up the outbound audio signal, which, in at least one embodiment, comprises real-time voice data of the wearer's spoken voice.
• the outbound microphone assembly 70 is in disposed in wired communication with the processor 40.
• the outbound microphone assembly 70 can be disposed in wireless communication with the processor 40, such as with the second transceiver 44.
• the processor 40 is structured to transmit to another entity the outbound audio signal received from the outbound microphone assembly 70. Moreover, the processor 40 is additionally structured to enhance the outbound audio signal based on the ambient audio signal, and further structured and disposed to transmit the enhanced outbound audio signal to another entity. For example, because the outbound signal can be generated in the same environment as the ambient signal, the outbound audio signal, itself, may comprise some ambient noise in addition to the wearer's voice. As such, in at least one embodiment, the processor 40 is structured to strengthen the outbound audio signal relative to the ambient audio signal.
• the processor 40 includes a signal strengthening circuit 47 structured to reduce an ambient noise component of the outbound audio signal and strengthen the voice component of the outbound audio signal based on the characteristics of the ambient audio signal.
• the processor 40 can be additionally structured to enhance the outbound audio signal based on the ambient audio signal picked up from each respective side of the wearer .
• the processor 40 is further structured to identify a voice component of the ambient audio signal which has been picked up by the ambient microphone assembly 75 and sent to the processor 40. This can occur, for example, when another person speaks directly to the wearer without using another communication device.
• the processor 40 includes a voice identification circuit 46 structured to identify a voice component of the ambient audio signal.
• the processor 40 is further structured to transmit the identified voice component of the ambient signal to at least one earpiece 60 to audibly communicate the voice component of the ambient audio signal to the wearer via the speaker assembly 68.
• the wearer can listen to the other person' s direct verbal communication without having to first remove or otherwise manually adjust the fit of the communication eyewear assembly 10.
• the processor 40 is further structured to transmit the identified voice component to the corresponding earpiece 60.
• the processor 40 can also be structured to pause the enhancement of at least one type of audio signal upon identification of the voice component of the ambient audio signal.
• the processor 40 is structured to pause the enhancement of the incoming audio signal when the voice component of the ambient audio signal is identified so that the processor 40 can transmit the voice component of the ambient signal to the earpiece 60 instead of transmitting an enhanced incoming audio signal to the earpiece 60.
• the processor 40 is structured to resume the enhancement of at least one type of audio signal after the enhancement has been paused.
• the processor 40 is structured to resume the enhancement of the incoming audio signal upon disappearance of the voice component of the ambient audio signal. This can occur, for example, when the other person stops speaking, thus causing the voice component of the ambient audio signal to disappear.
• the processor 40 is structured to resume the enhancement of the incoming audio signal after a predetermined period of time.
• the predetermined period of time could comprise about five (5) seconds, although it is within the scope and intent of the present invention that a variety of other suitable periods of time could also be utilized.
• the processor 40 is structured to resume the enhancement of the incoming audio signal upon receipt of an outbound audio signal, such as that of the wearer's voice. In still another embodiment, the processor 40 is structured to resume the enhancement of the incoming audio signal upon engagement of an audio enhancement switch 80, discussed next.
• the communication eyewear assembly 10 further comprises an audio enhancement switch 80.
• the audio enhancement switch is structured and disposed to permit selective control of at least one type of audio signal enhancement performed by the processor 40. More specifically, the audio enhancement switch 80 is disposed in communication with the processor 40 and structured to pause and/or resume the audio enhancement performed by the processor 40. In one embodiment, the audio enhancement switch 80 can be structured to control the enhancement of the incoming audio signal. In another embodiment, the audio enhancement switch 80 can be structured to control the enhancement of the outbound audio signal.
• the audio enhancement switch 80 can be disposed in a variety of suitable locations, such as on the frame assembly 20 or on at least one of the earpieces 60. In the embodiment of Figure 1, for instance, the audio enhancement switch 80 is disposed on the first leg 23. In addition, the audio enhancement switch 80 depicted in Figure 1 comprises a touch sensitive configuration such that the audio enhancement switch 80 is engaged and/or disengaged by the wearer's touch. It is, however, within the scope and intent of the present invention that the audio enhancement switch 80 may also utilize other configurations including, but not limited to, toggles, push buttons, rockers, etc.
• the ambient microphone assembly 75 is coupled to the frame assembly 20.
• the ambient microphone assembly 75 comprises two frame microphone assemblies 76 each disposed on a different side of the front frame member 21.
• the frame microphone assemblies 76 are disposed and structured to pick up an ambient audio signal and transmit the ambient audio signal to the processor 40.
• a distance of several inches, preferably about four to five inches (4"-5"), which separates the frame microphone assemblies 76 from one another provides sufficient separation such that disparate sources of sound can be geometrically differentiated by the processor 40 based on the variations in the audio signals picked up by each individual frame microphone assembly 76.
• the frame microphone assemblies 76 are in disposed in wired communication with the processor 40.
• the frame microphone assemblies 76 can be disposed in wireless communication with the processor 40, such as with the second transceiver 44.
• the ambient microphone assembly 75 could comprise other numbers of frame microphone assemblies 76, including, for example, just a single frame microphone assembly 76.
• the frame microphone assemblies 76 can also be disposed at other suitable locations, such as on the legs 23, 24, or elsewhere.
• the earpieces 60' utilized with the embodiment of Figure 5 do not need to include any earpiece microphone assemblies 66, as the frame microphone assemblies 76 are structured to perform substantially the same functions as the earpiece microphone assemblies 66.
• the ambient microphone assembly 75 could comprise any combination of frame microphone assemblies 76 and earpiece microphone assemblies 66.
• the earpieces 60 are further structured to be removably secured to the frame assembly 20 for storage.
• each earpiece 60 comprises a clip 69 structured to removably secure the earpiece 60 to the frame assembly 20 when the earpiece 60 is not in use.
• the two earpieces 60 are removably secured to the first leg 23, each disposed in a stored orientation. It is within the scope and intent of the present invention, however, that the earpieces 60 may also be removably secured to other portions of the frame assembly, including, but not limited to, the second leg 24, the front frame member 21, etc.
• the earpiece 60 and the frame assembly 20 are cooperatively structured to charge a rechargeable earpiece power supply 92 when the earpiece 60 is disposed in a stored orientation.
• one or more charging contacts 28 are disposed on the frame assembly 20 and structured to facilitate the charging of the earpiece power supply 92.
• two charging contacts 28 are disposed on the first leg 23 such that when the earpieces 60 are disposed in the stored orientation of Figure 7, contact between the charging contacts 28 and the respective earpieces 60 facilitates charging of the respective earpiece power supplies 92.
• the earpiece power supplies 92 are charged by the main power supply 90 of the assembly 10.
• the earpiece power supplies 92 can also be charged by an external power source that has been removably coupled to the assembly 10.
• the assembly 10 further includes a camera assembly 103 disposed and structured to pick up an outbound visual signal, which may comprise image data and/or video data.
• the camera assembly 103 comprises a single camera 105 disposed on a central area of the front frame member 21 and facing towards a field of view from the wearer's perspective. It should be noted, however, that it is within the scope and intent of the present invention that a plurality of cameras 105 may be utilized, and further, that one or more cameras 105 may be disposed on a variety of other suitable portions of the assembly 10, including, but not limited to, other positions on the front frame member, on the legs 23, 24, etc.
• the outbound visual signal will typically reflect the view as seen from the wearer's perspective, although other views may also be captured including, but not limited to, views directed behind the wearer.
• the camera assembly 103 will typically pick up visual signals in the visible spectrum.
• the camera assembly 103 can pick up visual signals in other spectra, including, but not limited to, the infrared spectrum.
• the camera assembly 103 is further structured to transmit the outbound visual signal to the processor 40.
• the processor 40 is structured to transmit to another entity the outbound visual signal received from the camera assembly 103.
• the processor 40 is also structured to receive an incoming visual signal from a remote location.
• the incoming visual signal may comprise image data and/or video data, such as pictures or movies from a remotely stored and transmitted data file.
• the assembly 10 further comprises a display assembly 22 disposed and structured to display the incoming visual signal received by the processor 40.
• the display assembly 22 includes at least one display unit 26 disposed and structured to display the incoming visual signal to the wearer.
• the display assembly 22 comprises a single display unit 26 which is at least partially disposed on an exterior surface of one of the eye panels 25.
• the display unit 26 is further structured to project an image of the received incoming visual signal towards the wearer's eye.
• the display unit 26 is structured to project an image of the received incoming visual signal onto the eye panel 25 such that the wearer's eye can perceive the displayed visual signal as emanating from the interior and/or exterior surface of the eye panel 25.
• the embodiment of Figure 1 depicts the display unit 26 positioned on the exterior surface of the eye panel 25, the display unit 26 may alternatively be disposed on the interior surface of the eye panel 25, or within the eye panel 25.
• the display assembly 22 includes at least one display unit 26 corresponding to each eye panel 25.
• the embodiment of Figure 9 depicts two other variations of the display unit 26' , 26' ' , each coupled to a respective eye panel 25.
• a first display unit 26' is disposed on the interior surface of one eye panel 25, and is further structured to display the incoming visual signal in a partial field of vision defined by the eye panel 25.
• the second display unit 26' ' is disposed within the other eye panel 25' , and is further structured to display the incoming visual signal in substantially the entire field of vision defined by the eye panel 25' .
• the display unit 26 may comprise a variety of suitable materials and structures.
• the display unit 26 may comprise flat panel display technology, such as, but not limited to, liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, organic light emitting diode (OLED) display technology, etc.
• the display unit 26 can be further structured to at least partially correspond to the contour of the eye panel 25.
• the display unit 26 can be additionally structured to maintain a substantially transparent state until receipt of the incoming visual signal from the processor 40, whereupon the display unit 26 will display the visual signal accordingly.
• the display of the incoming visual signal is physically triggered by an electrical input received by the display unit 26 from the processor 40.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Otolaryngology (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Neurosurgery (AREA)
• Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
• Eyeglasses (AREA)
• Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
• Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
• Telephone Function (AREA)

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• 2010
  • 2010-03-10 CA CA2791531A patent/CA2791531A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2010-03-10 JP JP2012557012A patent/JP5766219B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2010-03-10 EP EP10847582.3A patent/EP2545718A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2010-03-10 WO PCT/US2010/000717 patent/WO2011112165A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2010-03-10 AU AU2010347741A patent/AU2010347741A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2010-03-10 CN CN2010800652024A patent/CN102783186A/zh active Pending
  • 2010-03-10 KR KR1020127023357A patent/KR20130071419A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation

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