WO2021243095A1

WO2021243095A1 - Smart assistant apparatus with bone conduction audio

Info

Publication number: WO2021243095A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/034635
Authority: WO
Inventors: Max PLOTNICK; Michael Anthony MONTICCIOLO
Original assignee: Plotnick Max; Monticciolo Michael Anthony
Priority date: 2020-05-27
Filing date: 2021-05-27
Publication date: 2021-12-02

Abstract

A smart wearable device configured to interface with a mobile device discreetly to facilitate use of a smart digital assistant by a user via bone conduction audio. The device is contained within a body and is configured to interface with the temporal bone of the wearer via a bone conduction pad disposed on the device exterior. A battery is disposed within the body. A Bluetooth radio is configured to facilitate communication with the mobile to convey and relay interactions with the digital assistant. The device is configured to work with multiple iterations of smart digital assistants so that the user may select the assistant of preference. The device is configured to be integrated within, or in communication with a wearable item viz. helmet, glasses, mask, etc. A mobile device application facilitates voice communication via the device over secure voice channels, and enables the creation and use of virtual rooms.

Description

SMART ASSISTANT APPARATUS WITH BONE CONDUCTION AUDIO

CONTINUITY

This application is a non-provisional PCT application of provisional patent application number 63/030,375, filed on May 27, 2020, and priority is claimed thereto.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of digital smart assistant interfaces, and more specifically relates to a wearable modular audio interface configured to facilitate connection to a mobile communication device and interface with an established voice-based digital smart assistant service and relay feedback via bone conduction audio.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Modem mobile devices are known to come equipped with at least one digital smart assistant configured to facilitate navigation and feedback from the mobile device via voice commands. The digital smart assistants are generally designed to make use of the mobile device easier, even without the need to tangibly interact with the device itself, such as through a vehicle or through a Bluetooth TM connected headset. The programming of the digital assistant is regularly updated via Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, therefore the connected audio/microphone device does not usually require updates.

Unfortunately, a majority of Bluetooth equipped headsets on the market are solely configured to interface with a single digital assistant service. Known digital assistant services include Apple TM Siri, Google TM Google Assistant, and Amazon TM Alexa TM services. If there were a wearable device configured to enable users to select their desired digital assistant service and to change this service at-will, rather than force them to use a single preselected digital assistant service, users would be more likely to use the device and would ultimately be happier using the service of their choice.

Additionally, wearable headsets capable of interfacing with known smart digital assistants are usually conventional headphones or headsets which are primarily geared for listening to music or taking/receiving phone calls first, with the integration of the digital assistant as an afterthought. Nearly all of these are equipped with at least one conventional earbud, configured to be inserted into the ear for use. However, such devices do not lend themselves to a wide variety of settings in which it is not prudent to have one or both ears blocked, be it for safety or to ensure proper audible communication locally such as with coworkers. Additionally, conventional earbud-based devices infringe on the wearer’s ability to wear proper safety gear commonly found in the medical, construction, trade, and similar professions. As such, traditional Bluetooth headsets that happen to be equipped with the ability to call upon a digital assistant are not ideal to be worn in industrial or medical settings, as the user cannot securely and safely wear a mask, helmet, face guard, or other common safety equipment. If there were a better headset configured to interface with a smart digital assistant that was equipped with bone conduction audio which could be worn on glasses, integrated into a helmet, or used in tandem with similar head-based safety gear, more users could enjoy the benefits of a digital assistant without the need to touch their mobile devices.

Similarly, many mobile device owners have found themselves glued to their devices far more often than they would ideally like to be. Digital overstimulation has become a problem for many mobile device owners, and productivity has decreased as a result. Many users wish they could enjoy the benefits of their mobile device without the use of the screen, since it is the screen that tempts the user to peruse social media streams, watch videos, or read news/blogs. If there were a competent headset that, through the use of the integrated smart digital assistant, minimized the need for the user to retrieve and look at the screen of his/her mobile device to respond to texts, take calls, perform simple internet searches, schedule calendar reminders, and perform similar simple tasks via voice alone, both personal and professional productivity would be increased.

Thus, there is a need for a new form of digital assistant interface device configured to be worn on the head of the user which employs bone conduction audio for safety, privacy, and comfort. Such an apparatus is preferably configured to enable the wearer to easily and safely access the benefits of a digital smart assistant without the need to retrieve and access his/her mobile device. Additionally, such a device is preferably configured to be worn by the user without infringing on the user’ s ability to wear occupational gear, including, but not limited to glasses, face shields, face masks, respirators, helmets, hats, and similar equipment. Few devices are found in the prior art which are similar to that of the present invention. Other devices use speakers or insert within the user's ear which either blocks out or prevents background noise. Which is important in situations such as construction sites, operating rooms, or manufacturing floors. The device of the present invention is also not a piece of protective equipment but instead, an attachment that connects to any existing equipment or that can wrap around the user's ear. Hearing aids do not use smart voice engines, unlike the present invention, and are not a tool for searching the internet, acting as an intercom in certain situations, or making voice commands such as setting reminders, making calls, texts, etc. The allowance for having proprietary secure and encrypted voice channels also means that there is the ability to create virtual rooms for communication. While other devices are purely hardware, the device of the present invention is bundled in with companion mobile device software, which allows for more security, features and a general better ecosystem.

Hearing aids, which are the only other device that uses bone conduction, do not act as an intercom for users in loud environments and do not connect to the internet. Bone conduction also allows the noise from the device to be private and whereas competitors use regular speakers which are not private and are also not designed to be an accessory that can either be worn or attached to other existing equipment. These other systems also are based around being an accessory, rather than a device. Other smart glasses require a frame, and other bone conduction headphones are purely made for listening to music/audio.

In contrast, the present invention allows healthcare, construction, and manufacturing to no longer need to use their hands to either operate cumbersome devices or manage their work. Because Kai combines voice and bone conduction technology to act as the employee's smart device, allowing for work to be continued without the need to physically interact with another device. With the present invention, users can hear the audio from the device, as well as the crucial environment around them. The device of the present invention is also preferably able to deliver clear and private audio in the loudest of environments, therefore making it far superior to obstructive headphones or other invasive devices.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is a headset device configured for use by a user as a companion apparatus for a mobile communication device. The apparatus primarily focused on acting as an effective and easy conduit for the user to access a smart digital assistant such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Siri (Apple) conventionally present on modern mobile devices. The apparatus is outfitted with bone conduction audio technology which facilitates use of the present invention by the user without the need for the headset to be physically placed within the ear of the user. As such, the headset of the present invention is comfortable to wear, and can be worn even while using safety equipment such as masks, helmets, face shields, and similar protective gear. Some embodiments of the present invention are configured to attach to an arm of the user’s glasses, whereas others may be integrated (removably or otherwise) into a helmet. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are configured to be worn via a standalone attachment which rests behind the ear of the wearer. A charging case, configured to house and charge the headset device is included, and exhibits a secondary battery for charging the headset device even when away from AC power. A multi-functional button disposed on the body of the apparatus facilitates activation of the digital smart assistant, as well as powers on/off the apparatus.

The following brief and detailed descriptions of the drawings are provided to explain possible embodiments of the present invention but are not provided to limit the scope of the present invention as expressed herein this summary section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a view of the apparatus of the present invention as seen from the front and side.

FIG. 2 exhibits a view of the apparatus of the present invention as seen from the side, shown disposed on the arm of a pair of eyeglasses.

FIG. 3 depicts a view of the apparatus of the present invention shown from the top and side, disposed within the companion charging case. FIG. 4 shows a flow chart detailing the process of use of the present invention by a user on glasses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment s).

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The present invention is a headset device apparatus configured to facilitate and expedite a user’s access to a digital smart assistant such as Siri TM, Google Assistant, and Alexa. The apparatus is equipped with a body (10) exhibiting a housing, an interior of the body (10) containing bone conduction audio provided via at least one bone conduction pad (20), an internal rechargeable battery (30), and a Bluetooth radio (40) disposed in communication with a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or similar Portable Logic Controller (PLC) and/or System on a Chip (SOC). An exterior of the body (10) is equipped with a multi-purpose button (50) and charging contacts (60). The apparatus of the present invention is preferably bundled with a charging case (70) which is equipped with a larger secondary internal battery (80) which is configured to charge the headset device while on-the-go. An exterior of the charging case (70) is preferably equipped with at least one USB port (90) or similar DC input configured to enable direct charging of the charging case (70).

Some embodiments the present invention may be configured to employ inductive charging. In such embodiments, the charging contacts (60) are instead replaced with a resonant inductive coupling disposed within the body (10) of the headset device. Similarly, some embodiments of the charging case (70) may alternately be configured to be charged via induction, however it is envisioned that the at least one USB port (90) or similar DC input is still present in the event that an inductive charger is inaccessible.

The body (10) of the apparatus is preferably sealed, and is equipped with at least one O- ring to prevent corrosion from sweat or light rain. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is not configured for use while swimming. At least one microphone (85) is preferably present on an outer rim of the exterior of the body (10), and is focused directionally at the mouth of the user.

The process of installation and use of the system and apparatus of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, is preferably as follows: The user purchases the apparatus of the present invention from an authorized retailer or online e-retailer. (100) The user opens the packaging and inspects the contents to ensure no pieces are missing. The user places the headset in the charging base and connects the charging base to a power supply to charge the charging base and headset until they are fully charged. (110) The user downloads the companion mobile device application to his/her mobile device and selects their desired digital smart assistant to be used with the headset. (120) The user retrieves the headset from the charging base and connects it to his/her glasses. The headset is attached to the rear of the right arm of the glasses via the glasses attachment socket of the apparatus. (130) Alternately, the headset may be attached to a helmet or similar headwear, or may be affixed to a standalone attachment configured to position the device around the ear of the user. The user turns on the headset via the power button. (140) The user pairs the headset to his/her mobile device. (150) The user puts on the glasses equipped with the headset device and ensures that the bone conduction pad of the body of the device is resting against the temporal bone of the user. (160) Alternately, the user puts on the item equipped with the headset of the present invention, such as a helmet, hat, or similar headwear item. The user is now free to call upon their selected digital smart assistant via use of the wake word or phrase, or alternately may tap the power button once to prompt the digital smart assistant. (170) Upon reaching a low battery state, the device will alert the user via voice or an audible alert to indicate that the headset should be charged. (180) Additionally, the battery status of the headset can be seen via the companion mobile device application on the user’s paired mobile device.

10. The user removes the headset from the glasses arm and places the headset device into the charging base to be charged. An LED light disposed on the charging base illuminates when the headset device has been fully charged and is ready for use. (190) Alternately, the user removes the headset from the used attachment medium (hat, helmet, glasses, respirator, visor, other headwear, etc), and places the headset into the charging base for charging.

The present invention is engineered to allow Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR’s) users in the medical, bio-medical, manufacturing, clean room, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, biotech, oil and gas, and any other industry using a powered air-purifying respirator of any kind industries, to hear and communicate amongst each other with the addition of smart-features and voice commands. The goal is to make PAPR units voice-automated, converting them to smart- PAPR’s similar to how phones are now “smart-phones.” The reason the apparatus of the present invention uses bone-conduction technology in these situations is that PAPR units contain fans, and the noise from the fans makes communication hard to accomplish without something like bone conduction. Air conduction or everyday headphones or earphones would not be a suitable substitute in this situation.

The apparatus of the present invention employs a method of attachment featuring a spring which rests between the user's skull and the device so that the device can always stay secure no matter the size, angle, or shape of the user's head. The present invention has a hearing aid-like design allowing it to rest around and against the temporal bone on either side of the user's ear and again uses a spring so any shape or size of the user's head or the PAPR can be fitted and work with the present invention. Some embodiments of the present invention may be equipped with a forward/backward sliding mechanism, making Kai in any helmet (not just a PAPR) work, as the spring mechanism allows for ideal pressure, and the forward/backward sliding mechanism allows for it to fit to any head size. The physical design of the sliding mechanism and device of the present invention is still subject to change.

It should be noted that the present invention is preferably bundled with a companion mobile device application which facilitates the connection between the device and a mobile device of the user. The companion application allows for the creation of virtual rooms in which users can join. These virtual rooms function and act like a real (tangible) room in which one can converse with the others in the room. For example, a specific hospital room would be assigned its own virtual room. In the room, users can hear each other as if they were right next to each other, as well as hear the rest of the room. This will work using a walkie-talkie/phone like system. This will also be extended over time, with plans to have devices interact directly with each other. With this system, one will be able to enter a (tangible) room and be suggested that they join the virtual room. While in the virtual room, the digital assistant feature of the present invention exhibits the ability to provide extra functions to the user, such as view patient records, by using the companion application to expand pre-existing assistant’s abilities.

It should be noted that some alternate embodiments of the present invention may include variations on the color, texture, size, and shape of the body (10). For example, some users may prefer a skin-tone colored embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, it is envisioned that the apparatus of the present invention may be integrated into other wearable items such as various articles of clothing including, but not limited to: beanies, hats, scarves, balaclavas, and visors, as well as other equipment wearable by the human body such as backpacks, bodysuits, etc. The present invention may also be equipped with a transparent or translucent outer shell.

Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. A wearable communication device for use by a user via a mobile device for use of a digital assistant comprising: a body, said body having an interior and an exterior; wherein said body is a housing; at least one bone conduction pad, said at least one bone conduction pad disposed within said interior of said body, in fixed communication with said housing; a microphone, said microphone present on an outer rim of said exterior of said body; wherein said microphone is directionally focused down and away from the at least one bone conduction pad; a PCB, said PCB disposed within said interior of said housing in communication with said at least one bone conduction pad and said microphone; a Bluetooth module, said Bluetooth module disposed in communication with said

PCB; wherein said Bluetooth module facilitates a wireless connection to the mobile device; charging contacts, said charging contacts disposed on said exterior of said housing; a first rechargeable battery, said first rechargeable battery disposed in communication with said charging contacts and said PCB; a multi-purpose button, said multi-purpose button disposed on said exterior of said housing; and wherein said multi-purpose button is configured to summon the digital assistant, answer calls, and end phone calls of the mobile device when pressed by the user.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said rechargeable battery is disposed within said interior of said body.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one bone conduction pad is configured to relay audio to the user via bone conduction.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a companion mobile device application, said companion mobile device application running on the mobile device of the user; and wherein said companion mobile device application facilitates the connection of said PCB to the mobile device via said Bluetooth radio.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said companion mobile device application provides for the selection of the digital assistant from a list of available digital assistants.

6. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a case, said case configured to house said body when not in use; a second rechargeable battery, said second rechargeable battery disposed within said case; wherein said second rechargeable battery has a larger capacity than said first rechargeable battery; and wherein said second rechargeable battery is configured to recharge said first rechargeable battery when said body is disposed within said case for storage.

7. The device of claim 6, further comprising: a USB port, said USB port disposed on a side of said case; and wherein said USB port is disposed in communication with said second rechargeable battery to facilitate charging of said second rechargeable battery when connected to a power source via a USB cable.

8. The device of claim 3, further comprising: a companion mobile device application, said companion mobile device application running on the mobile device of the user; and wherein said companion mobile device application facilitates the connection of said PCB to the mobile device via said Bluetooth radio.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein said companion mobile device application provides for the selection of the digital assistant from a list of available digital assistants.

10. The device of claim 9, further comprising: a case, said case configured to house said body when not in use; a second rechargeable battery, said second rechargeable battery disposed within said case; wherein said second rechargeable battery has a larger capacity than said first rechargeable battery; and wherein said second rechargeable battery is configured to recharge said first rechargeable battery when said body is disposed within said case for storage.