Method for detecting voluntary movements of structures in the ear to trigger user interfaces
AssigneeEarswitch Ltd.
InventorNicholas Gompertz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sensor which detects voluntary movements of ear structures, including the ear drum complex, which triggers user interfaces of electronic devices to enable communication and other activities by interaction with assistive technology. The method of detecting this voluntary movement may also be used to trigger and control user interfaces in connected devices such as mobile telephones and incorporated into multi-function earphones.
Claims24
A method of triggering electronic switch and user interfaces by a sensor located in the ear canal or near to the ear canal, said method comprising:
- detecting effects of:
- (i) voluntary contraction of a tensor tympani muscle, by detecting resultant movements of, or changes in position or shape of, a tympanic membrane or a malleus using the sensor;
- and
- (ii) involuntary movements of, or changes in position or shape of, the tympanic membrane or the malleus using the sensor;
- communicating the effects resulting from voluntary contractions and involuntary movements, changes in position or shape to a processor;
- excluding, by the processor, the effects resulting from involuntary movements, changes in position or shape;
- and
- generating an output by the processor, based upon the effects resulting solely from the voluntary contractions, to affect the function of a connected device.
An apparatus for triggering electronic switch and user interfaces, said apparatus comprising:
- a processor;
- and
- a sensor that is locatable in, or near to, an ear canal,
- wherein the sensor is configured to detect effects of:
- (i) voluntary contraction of a tensor tympani muscle, by detecting resultant movements of, or changes in position or shape of, a tympanic membrane or a malleus;
- and
- (ii) involuntary movements of, or changes in position or shape of, the tympanic membrane or the malleus;
- wherein the sensor is configured to communicate the effects resulting from voluntary contraction and involuntary movements, changes in position or shape as an input to the processor;
- wherein the processor is configured to exclude the effects resulting from involuntary movements, changes in position or shape;
- and
- wherein the processor is configured to generate an output, based upon the effects resulting solely from the voluntary contractions, to affect a function of a connected device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.