Mobile wireless audio device

• US 8,251,875 B2
• Filed: 11/13/2009
• Issued: 08/28/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Adidas AG
• Original Assignee: Celume Development, LLC
• Inventors: Ellis, Michael, Ellis, Caron
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US12/617,777
• Publication Number:
  US 20100062740A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,019 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482/902, 381/150, 381/374, 381/309, 381/370
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2005/008 Hand articles fastened to the wrist or to the arm or to the leg
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0024 for multiple sensor units attached to the patient, e.g. using a body or personal area network
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0833 Measuring rate of oxygen consumption
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1038 Measuring plantar pressure during gait
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4836 Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods A61B5/0036 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7475 User input or interface means, e.g. keyboard, pointing device, joystick
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0012 Comparing movements or motion sequences with a registered reference
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0025 Tracking the path or location of one or more users, e.g. players of a game
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0065 Evaluating the fitness, e.g. fitness level or fitness index
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0627 when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0658 Position or arrangement of display
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0661 arranged on the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0663 worn on the wrist, e.g. wrist bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0076 : Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system seats moving during exercise A63B22/0087; training appliances for rowing or sculling on boats A63B69/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 : with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/12 : Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/14 : Geo-tagging, e.g. for correlating route or track location data with specific information related to that specific location
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 : Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/20 : Distances or displacements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/22 : Stride length
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 : Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 : Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 : with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 : with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/60 : Apparatus used in water
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/685 : for electronic devices, e.g. phone, PDA, GPS device, notebook
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/04 : heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/202 : glucose
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/207 : P-O2, i.e. partial O2 value
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/30 : blood pressure A63B2230/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/42 : rate
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/50 : temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/65 : skin conductivity
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/70 : body fat
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2244/20 : Swimming
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 : Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 : Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0075 : Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0084 : Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0028 : for running, jogging or speed-walking movable endless bands A63B22/02
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/16 : for cycling , i.e. arrangements on or for real bicycles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 : Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0686 : Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/20 : Instruments for performing navigational calculations G01C21/24, G01C21/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/19 : Sporting applications
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/328 : Computer systems status display G06F11/327 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 17/40 : Data acquisition and logging for input to computer G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/16 : Sound input; Sound output speech processing G10L
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 : Sports
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0092 : Nutrition
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/02 : with visual presentation of the material to be studied, e.g. using film strip
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/06 : with both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/20 : for electronic clinical trials or questionnaires
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/00 : ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/10 : relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/40 : relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/60 : relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 : Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/385 : Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0236 : Filtering by address, protocol, port number or service, e.g. IP-address or URL
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 : wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 : for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/1408 : by monitoring network traffic monitoring network traffic per se H04L43/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6041 : Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 : including a Bluetooth interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/02 : Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 : Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/024 : Guidance services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 : Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 : Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/901 : having computer circuitry

Abstract

We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.

Claims

1. A mobile audio output device worn by a user for outputting audio information generated by a separate device worn or carried by the same user and transmitted wirelessly between the devices comprising:

(a) a wireless receiver for receiving audio information from another device worn or carried by the user;

(b) a speaker that outputs the audio information received by the wireless receiver; and

(c) means for mounting the mobile audio device to a single item of clothing worn by the user and selected from the group consisting of a hat, a headband, and a helmet, wherein the wireless receiver and the device that generates the audio information communicate using a wireless network.

2. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 further configured to receive audio information from a plurality of devices.

3. The mobile audio output device of claim 2 wherein the output of audio from one of the plurality of devices is muted while the audio from a second of the plurality of devices is output.

4. The mobile audio output device of claim 2 wherein the output of audio from one of the plurality of devices is paused while the audio from a second of the plurality of devices is output.

5. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 wherein the audio information comprises a digitized audio signal.

7. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 wherein the audio information comprises a reference to a predefined audio segment to be output.

8. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 wherein the audio information comprises a reference to a tone to be output.

9. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 further configured to receive updated software to modify its functionality.

10. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 further configured to synthesize speech.

11. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 further configured to recognize multiple audio formats.

12. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 further configured to decrypt audio data that has been encrypted.

13. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 further configured to generate predefined audio tones or segments.

14. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 further comprising a second speaker.

15. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 further configured to function in parallel with a second mobile audio output device, wherein the one mobile audio output device receives and outputs a left channel and the second mobile audio output device receives and outputs a right channel.

16. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 further configured to be worn inside a user'"'"'s ear.

17. The mobile audio output device of claim 1 further configured to be worn near a user'"'"'s ear and to transmit sound via conduction through the user'"'"'s skull.

18. The mobile audio output device of claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver and the device that generates the audio information are configured such that the wireless communication between the wireless receiver and the device that generates the audio information occurs in accordance with a wireless communication protocol.

19. The mobile audio output device of claim 18, wherein the wireless communication protocol comprises defined types of information that may be communicated.

20. The mobile audio output device of claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver and the device that generates the audio information are configured such that they are capable of wirelessly communicating information that identifies one of the audio output device or the device that generates the audio information to the other of the audio output device or the device that generates the audio information.

21. The mobile audio output device of claim 1, wherein audio information comprises music audio information and athletic workout feedback audio information.

22. The mobile audio output device of claim 2 wherein one of the plurality of devices provides music audio while a second of the plurality of devices provides athletic workout feedback audio.

6. The mobile audio output device of claim l wherein the audio information comprises words or phonemes to be synthesized as speech.

23. A method of providing mobile audio information to a user comprising:

(a) mounting a mobile audio device to a single item of clothing worn by the user and selected from the group consisting of a hat, a headband, and a helmet;

(b) receiving audio information wirelessly to the mobile audio device from another device worn or carried by the user; and

(c) Outputting the received audio information using a speaker, wherein in step (b), the audio information is received wirelessly using a wireless network.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein (b) further comprises receiving audio information wirelessly from a plurality of devices.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the output of audio from one of the plurality of devices is muted while the audio from a second of the plurality of devices is output.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the output of audio from one of the plurality of devices is paused while the audio from a second of the plurality of devices is output.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein the wireless reception of audio information occurs in accordance with a wireless communication protocol.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the wireless communication protocol comprises defined types of information that may be communicated.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of wirelessly receiving information that identifies the device that generates the audio information.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein audio information comprises music audio information and athletic workout feedback audio information.

31. The method of claim 24, wherein one of the plurality of devices provides music audio while a second of the plurality of devices provides athletic workout feedback audio.