Interactive devices and methods
AssigneeViA, Inc.
InventorsDavid W. Carroll, Wendell L. Carroll, James L. Carroll, Steven V. Case, Matthew H. Rust
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A body-wearable interactive device with a retractable earbud and a microphone provides data, audio and voice communication with a wearable personal computing or other remote device. Full voice and display interface with a personal computer can be achieved with the use of a wireless link between the input/output device and computer. The device is adapted for use with a variety of ancillary communications devices to provide flexibility in field and mobile communications scenarios. Corresponding methods are also disclosed by which a wearer can effect communication through and with the interactive device.
Claims40
An interface device, comprising:
- interface electronics;
- a housing substantially covering the interface electronics;
- a retractable earbud operably coupled to the interface electronics and detachably affixed to the housing, the retractable earbud being constructed for audio output to a user of the interface device;
- retraction apparatus constructed to retract the earbud toward the housing;
- and
- at least one microphone operably connected to the interface electronics, the at least one microphone adapted for receiving audio input from the user;
- wherein the at least one microphone comprises;
- a first microphone set positioned at a first location on the housing and a second microphone set positioned at a second location spaced from the first location;
- wherein the first microphone set functions as a receiver and the second microphone set functions to reduce ambient noise.
A wearable interface device, comprising:
- output apparatus comprising a speaker, the output apparatus having an outer casing configured for grasping between fingers of the hand of a human wearer of the interface device, the output apparatus directing audio output to the wearer's ear when the wearer grasps the output apparatus between the fingers;
- base structure, the base structure comprising receiving structure configured to receive and releasably hold the output apparatus when the output apparatus is released from between the fingers;
- tethering apparatus connecting the output apparatus and the base structure, the tethering apparatus being constructed to hold the output apparatus in association with the base structure while allowing free movement of the output apparatus between the fingers and the base structure;
- mounting structure supporting the base structure, the mounting structure being configured for disposition substantially surrounding a limb of the wearer;
- and
- input apparatus, the input apparatus comprising a first microphone and a second microphone, the input apparatus being supported by at least one of the mounting structure and the base structure, the input apparatus receiving audio input from the wearer while the output apparatus is disposed between the fingers, at least one of the first microphone and the second microphone being for noise cancellation.
A method of audio communication comprising:
- extending a speaker from a wearable interface device;
- placing the speaker between the fingers of a human wearer in proximity with an ear of the wearer;
- placing a first microphone supported by the interface adjacent the mouth of the wearer;
- conducting audio communication using the microphone and speaker;
- and
- providing a second microphone operably coupled with the first microphone, at least one of the first and second microphones being for noise cancellation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.