Earpiece 3D Sound Localization Using Mixed Sensor Array for Virtual Reality System and Method

• US 20170109131A1
• Filed: 10/11/2016
• Published: 04/20/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/20/2015
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Bragi GmbH
• Original Assignee: Bragi GmbH
• Inventors: Boesen, Peter Vincent
• Application Number:
  US15/290,845
• Publication Number:
  US 20170109131A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/011 Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality blind teaching G09B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/012 Head tracking input arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0346 with detection of the device orientation or free movement in a 3D space, e.g. 3D mice, 6-DOF [six degrees of freedom] pointers using gyroscopes, accelerometers or tilt-sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/167 Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1016 Earpieces of the intra-aural type
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1091 Details not provided for in groups H04R1/1008 - H04R1/1083
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/07 Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones

Abstract

A system and method for communicating with a virtual reality headset. The wireless earpieces are linked with the virtual reality headset. Playback of audio content is synchronized with visual content displayed by the virtual reality headset. The audio content is played in response to receiving the audio content from the virtual reality headset.

Claims

1. A method for communicating with a virtual reality headset, comprising:

linking wireless earpieces with the virtual reality headset;

synchronizing playback of audio content with visual content displayed by the virtual reality headset; and

playing the audio content in response to receiving the audio content from the virtual reality headset.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless earpieces are coupled to the virtual reality headset through magnetic induction.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

performing sensor measurements from the wireless earpieces; and

communicating the sensor measurements from the wireless earpieces to the virtual reality headset.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising sensing inertial data at one or more of the wireless earpieces to determine an orientation ardor position of the head of a user utilizing the virtual reality headset and the wireless earpieces.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the audio content is played in response to the orientation and/or position of the head of the user.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving additional sensor measurements from the virtual reality headset; and

playing the audio content in response to the additional sensor measurements.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

performing biometric, analysis of a user utilizing one or more biometric sensors of the wireless earpieces, wherein the playing is performed in response to the biometric analysis.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more biometric sensors include at least one of a pulse oximeter and a temperature sensor.

9. A set of wireless earpieces, comprising:

a left earpiece and a right ear piece, each of the left earpiece and the right earpiece comprising an ear piece housing, a processor disposed within the earpiece housing for executing a set of instructions; and

a memory for storing the set of instructions, wherein the set of instructions are executed to;

link the wireless earpieces with the virtual reality headset;

link the left earpiece and the right earpiece;

synchronize playback of audio content with visual con tent displayed by the virtual reality headset; and

play the audio content in response to receiving the audio content from the virtual reality headset.

11. The wireless earpieces of claim 11, wherein the set of instructions are further executed to:

perform sensor measurements from sensors of the wireless earpieces; and

communicate the sensor measurements from the wireless earpieces to the virtual reality headset.

10. The wireless earpieces of claim 11, wherein the wireless earpieces are in operative communication with the virtual reality headset through magnetic induction.

13. A virtual reality system, comprising:

a virtual reality headset for displaying a virtual reality environment to a user;

wireless earpieces playing audio content associated with the virtual reality environment to the user, wherein the wireless earpieces are coupled to the virtual reality headset by connectors through magnetic induction.

12. The wireless earpieces of claim 13, wherein the sensors include at least gyroscopes and accelerometers for determining an orientation and position of the head of a user utilizing the virtual reality headset and a pulse oximeter and thermometer.

16. The virtual reality system of claim 16, wherein the wireless earpieces perform biometric analysis of the user utilizing one or more biometric sensors of the wireless earpieces, wherein the playing is performed in response to the biometric analysis.

14. The virtual reality system of claim 15, wherein the wireless earpieces include at least one inertial sensor for determining an orientation and/or position of the head of a user utilizing the virtual reality headset and at least one biometric sensor.

15. The virtual reality system of claim 16 wherein the at least one biometric sensor comprises at least one of a pulse oximeter and a temperature sensor.