IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,313,913

Granted Patent B1

US 12,313,913 · App. 18/597,874 · Granted May 27, 2025

System for powering head-worn personal electronic apparatus

Inventors: Thomas A. Howell (San Jose, CA); David Chao (Saratoga, CA); C. Douglass Thomas (Saratoga, CA); Peter P. Tong (Mountain View, CA)

Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC

G02C11/10 G02C5/143 G02C5/146 G02C11/06 H02J7/0045 G02C2200/08

View Patent ↗

Loading inventors, assignments & file history…

Monitor This Case

Get email alerts when status or documents change.

Order Certified Copies

Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.

Order via The Patent Place →

Pre-filled with this patent's details

Quick Facts

Patent No.: US 12,313,913
App. No.: 18/597,874
Granted: May 27, 2025
Kind: B1

External Links

USPTO Patent Center↗ Full Patent PDF↗

Abstract

Techniques for providing eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.

Claims (363)

1. A system, comprising:

a head-worn personal electronic apparatus, including at least:

a head-worn structure configured to be worn by a user;

a speaker at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the speaker being configured to be worn proximate to an ear of the user when the head-worn structure is being worn by the user;

a motion detector at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to provide motion data pertaining to the head-worn personal electronic apparatus;

a first microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the first microphone being positioned to pick up at least audio input from at least the user;

a second microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure;

a piezoelectric device configured to receive a user input based on a force induced on the piezoelectric device, the piezoelectric device being contained within the head-worn structure, wherein the received user input operating to at least alter an operation of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus;

a rechargeable battery contained within the head-worn structure;

electronic circuitry contained within the head-worn structure, the electronic circuitry being electrically connected to at least the rechargeable battery;

wireless communication circuitry at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the wireless communication circuitry being electrically connected to at least the rechargeable battery; and

at least one conductive element at least partially included within the head-worn structure, the at least one conductive element being at least partially exposed to enable interconnection therewith, the at least one conductive element being electrically connected to at least the rechargeable battery; and

a charging apparatus having at least a charging connector,

wherein on placement of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus at least partially in the charging apparatus, electrical connection is configured to result at least from the at least one conductive element connecting with the charging connector, and thereby the rechargeable battery of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is able to be recharged while the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is placed at least partially in the charging apparatus.

2. A system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the head- worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to support audio output to the user via the speaker, and

wherein the operation of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus being altered concerns control of the audio output being provided to the user.

3. A system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the head- worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to support voice calls to the user, and

wherein the operation of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus being altered concerns at least accepting or declining a voice call to the user.

4. A system as recited in claim 1 ,

wherein the system comprises:

a mobile communication device at least for supporting audio output, the mobile communication device configured to store at least a hearing profile associated with the user, the stored hearing profile associated with the user at least characterizes hearing impairment regarding the user's ability to hear, the mobile communication device configured to produce audio output signals customized for the user based on at least the stored hearing profile associated with the user such that the customized audio output signals at least compensate for the hearing impairment regarding the user's ability to hear, and the mobile communication device configured to transmit the customized audio output signals to the head-worn personal electronic apparatus,

wherein the speaker is configured to generate at least a portion of the customized audio output for the user in accordance with at least the portion of the customized audio output signals being received by the head-worn personal electronic apparatus.

5. A system as recited in claim 4 , wherein the mobile communication device is configured to support establishment of the hearing profile for the user.

6. A system as recited in claim 5 , wherein the hearing profile for the user is established by the mobile communication device at least via generating audio tones and outputting such to at least the speaker and receiving a user indication corresponding to the user's ability to hear the generated audio tones.

7. A system as recited in claim 4 , wherein the mobile communication device is configured to produce the customized audio output signals using frequency-dependent amplification.

8. A system as recited in claim 4 ,

wherein the mobile communication device is or includes a mobile phone, and

wherein the customized audio output includes music.

9. A system as recited in claim 4 ,

wherein the mobile communication device is or includes a mobile phone, and

wherein the customized audio output includes a voice conversation.

10. A system as recited in claim 4 , wherein the customized audio output signals are produced based on amplifying or attenuating different frequency bands differently according to at least the stored hearing profile.

11. A system as recited in claim 4 ,

wherein the mobile communication device includes computing capabilities and a storage device, the storage device storing at least a software program executed by the mobile communication device to enable the user to establish the hearing profile associated with the user, and

wherein the mobile communication device is configured to establish the hearing profile associated with the user via the software program executed by the mobile communication device based on the user interacting with the software program via the mobile communication device.

12. A system as recited in claim 11 , wherein the software program at least interactively guides the user to establish the hearing profile for the user.

13. A system as recited in claim 12 , wherein the software program at least interactively guides the user to establish the hearing profile for the user by at least causing various audio tones to be output to the user via at least the speaker, prompting the user to provide a hearing input with respect to one or more of the various audio tones being output, and receiving the hearing input pertaining to one or more of the various audio tones being output.

14. A system as recited in claim 13 , wherein the mobile communication device is configured to wirelessly communicate with the head-worn personal electronic apparatus over a wireless network using the wireless communication circuitry.

15. A system as recited in claim 4 , wherein the head- worn personal electronic apparatus includes a plurality of circuit boards, each of the plurality of circuit boards including at least one integrated circuit mounted thereto.

16. A system as recited in claim 15 , wherein at least one of the plurality of circuit boards is a flexible printed circuit board.

17. A system as recited in claim 15 , wherein at least one of the plurality of circuit boards has at least one integrated circuit mounted on a first side of the at least one of the plurality of circuit boards, and at least one integrated circuit mounted on a second side of the at least one of the plurality of circuit boards.

18. A system as recited in claim 4 , wherein the head- worn structure comprises:

an infrared emitter configured to at least direct infrared signals towards the user when at least the head-worn structure of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn; and

an infrared detector configured to detect infrared radiation reflected back from the user when at least the head-worn structure of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn.

19. A system as recited in claim 18 , wherein the electronic circuitry within the head-worn structure is configured to facilitate determining whether the head-worn structure is being worn by the user based on at least the detected infrared radiation.

20. A system as recited in claim 4 , wherein the head- worn structure comprises:

21. A system as recited in claim 20 , wherein the acquired data by the physical condition sensor includes data regarding temperature of the user.

22. A system as recited in claim 20 , wherein the acquired data by the physical condition sensor includes data regarding vital signs of the user.

23. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus, comprising:

a head-worn structure configured to be worn by a user;

a speaker at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the speaker being configured to be worn proximate to an ear of the user when the head-worn structure is being worn by the user;

a motion detector at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to provide motion data pertaining to the head-worn personal electronic apparatus;

a first microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the first microphone being positioned to pick up at least audio input from at least the user;

a second microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure;

a force sensing device configured to receive a user input based on a force induced on the force sensing device, the force sensing device being an electrical component configured to sense force, the force sensing device being contained within the head-worn structure, wherein the received user input operating to at least alter an operation of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus;

a rechargeable battery contained within the head-worn structure;

electronic circuitry contained within the head-worn structure, the electronic circuitry being electrically connected to at least the rechargeable battery; and

wireless communication circuitry at least partially contained within the head-worn structure.

24. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

25. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to support audio output to the user via the speaker, and

wherein the operation of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus being altered concerns control of the audio output being provided to the user.

26. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to support voice calls to the user, and

wherein the operation of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus being altered concerns at least accepting or declining a voice call to the user.

27. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 ,

wherein the second microphone is configured to pick-up an environmental audio input, and

wherein the environmental audio input picked-up from at least the second microphone is used at least for noise cancelation, and at least a portion of the environmental audio input picked-up from the second microphone is subtracted from the audio input picked-up from the first microphone.

28. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 ,

wherein the second microphone is configured to pick-up an environmental audio input, and

wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to receive audio output signals to be output to the user via the speaker, and modify the audio output signals to be output to the user via the speaker to cancel at least a portion of noise associated with the environment, the modification of the audio output signals being dependent at least in part on the environmental audio input picked-up via the second microphone.

29. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 28 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

wherein the acquired data by the physical condition sensor includes data regarding vital signs or temperature of the user.

30. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 28 , wherein the environmental audio input picked-up from at least the second microphone is used at least for noise cancelation, and at least a portion of the environmental audio input picked-up from the second microphone is used to remove undesired noise from the audio input picked-up from the first microphone.

31. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to:

determine an ambient noise level based on at least signals picked-up from at least the second microphone; and

modify at least a portion of audio output signals to be output to the user via the speaker, with the modification being at least in part dependent on the ambient noise level.

32. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the first microphone faces the user when the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn.

33. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 32 , wherein the second microphone faces away from the user when the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn.

34. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 33 ,

wherein the second microphone is configured to pick-up an environmental audio input, and

35. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 33 ,

wherein the second microphone is configured to pick-up an environmental audio input, and

wherein the environmental audio input picked-up from at least the second microphone is used at least for noise cancelation, and at least a portion of the environmental audio input picked-up from the second microphone is used to remove undesired noise from the audio input picked-up from the first microphone.

36. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 33 , wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to:

determine an ambient noise level based on at least signals picked-up from at least the second microphone; and

modify at least a portion of audio output signals to be output to the user via the speaker, with the modification being at least in part dependent on the ambient noise level.

37. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to receive a voice input from the user via at least the first microphone, support or receive determination of a requested operation from the voice input using voice recognition, and control operation by the head-worn personal electronic apparatus based on the requested operation.

38. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

an optical sensor contained within the head-worn structure and configured to capture optical sensor data,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to determine whether the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn by the user based on the optical sensor data captured by the optical sensor.

39. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 38 , wherein the optical sensor is configured to sense at least infrared radiation, and wherein the optical sensor data captured includes at least infrared radiation data.

40. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a radiation emitter at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to at least direct radiation towards the user when the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn; and

a radiation detector at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to detect a portion of the radiation directed towards the user that is reflected back from the user when the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn.

41. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 40 , wherein the radiation detector comprises a photodetector.

42. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

an optical sensor at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to capture data, the captured data being indicative of whether the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn by the user,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to at least alter operation of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus based at least in part on the captured data.

43. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 42 , wherein the optical sensor is configured to sense at least infrared radiation.

44. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

an infrared emitter contained within the head-worn structure and configured to emit infrared radiation towards the user when the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn.

45. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

at least a portion of a Hall effect detector at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the Hall effect detector being configured to capture data associated with a magnetic characteristic.

46. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is operable to at least output customized audio output,

wherein the wireless communication circuitry includes at least a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive audio output signals to be output to the user via the speaker,

wherein the electronic circuitry including at least an integrated circuit, the electronic circuitry being configured to (i) store hearing characteristics associated with the user; (ii) customize the received audio output signals to produce customized audio output signals for the user based on at least a portion of the stored hearing characteristics associated with the user such that the customized audio output signals at least compensate for hearing impairment regarding the user's ability to hear; and (iii) output the customized audio output signals to the speaker, and

wherein the speaker is configured to generate at least a portion of the customized audio output for the user in accordance with at least the portion of the customized audio output signals.

47. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 46 , wherein the received audio output signals are wirelessly received from a mobile communication device associated with the user.

48. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is operable to at least output customized audio output,

wherein the wireless communication circuitry includes at least a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive audio output signals to be output to the user via the speaker,

wherein the electronic circuitry including at least an integrated circuit, the electronic circuitry being configured to (i) store attributes associated with the user;

(ii) customize the received audio output signals to produce customized audio output signals for the user based on at least a portion of the stored attributes associated with the user; and (iii) output the customized audio output signals to the speaker, and

wherein the speaker is configured to generate at least a portion of the customized audio output for the user in accordance with at least the portion of the customized audio output signals.

49. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 48 , wherein the received audio output signals are wirelessly received from a mobile communication device associated with the user.

50. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 49 ,

wherein the second microphone is configured to pick up at least ambient noise associated with an environment in the vicinity of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus, and

wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to:

determine an ambient noise level based on at least the ambient noise; and

modify at least a portion of the audio input picked-up via the first microphone, with the modification being at least in part dependent on the ambient noise level.

51. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 49 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a radiation emitter at least partially contained within the head-worn personal electronic apparatus and configured to at least direct radiation towards the user when at least the head-worn personal electronic apparatus of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn; and

a radiation detector at least partially contained within the head-worn personal electronic apparatus and configured to detect a portion of the radiation directed towards the user that is reflected back from the user when the head-worn structure of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn,

wherein the radiation detector is operatively connected to the electronic circuitry, and wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to facilitate determining whether the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn by the user based on at least the detected radiation.

52. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 51 , wherein the detected radiation is at least infrared radiation.

53. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 52 , wherein the speaker is configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear of the user.

54. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 49 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to receive a voice input, support a determination of a requested operation from the voice input using voice recognition, and control operation by the head-worn personal electronic apparatus based on the requested operation.

55. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 49 , wherein the customized audio output includes music that was wirelessly received via the wireless receiver.

56. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 49 , wherein the customized audio output signals result from amplifying or attenuating different frequency bands differently according to at least the predetermined hearing characteristics associated with the user.

57. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 56 ,

wherein the second microphone is positioned to pick up at least environmental audio input associated with an environment around the head-worn personal electronic apparatus, and

wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to modify the customized audio output signals to be output to the user via the at least one speaker to cancel at least a portion of noise associated with the environment, the modification of the customized audio output signals being dependent at least in part on the environmental audio input picked-up via the second microphone.

58. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is operable to at least output customized audio output,

wherein the wireless communication circuitry includes at least a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive customized audio output signals for the user, the customized audio output signals having been customized based on at least predetermined hearing characteristics associated with the user such that the customized audio output signals at least compensate for hearing impairment regarding the user's ability to hear, and

wherein the speaker is configured to generate at least a portion of the customized audio output for the user in accordance with at least the portion of the customized audio output signals.

59. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 58 , wherein the customized audio output signals are wirelessly received from a mobile communication device associated with the user.

60. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 58 ,

wherein the first microphone is positioned to be directed towards the user when the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn by the user; and

wherein the second microphone is configured to pick up at least ambient sound input associated with an environment in the vicinity of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus, the second microphone being positioned to be directed away from the user when the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn by the user.

61. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 58 ,

wherein the second microphone is configured to pick up at least ambient sound input associated with an environment in the vicinity of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus, and

wherein the second microphone is positioned to be further away from mouth of the user than the first microphone when the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn.

62. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 61 ,

wherein the first microphone is positioned so as to be directed towards the user of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus, and

wherein the second microphone is positioned so as to be directed away from the user of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus, relative to the first microphone.

63. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 62 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a physical condition sensor configured to acquire data pertaining to at least a physical condition of the user, the physical condition sensor being provided at least partially internal to the head-worn structure, the acquired data by the physical condition sensor includes (i) data regarding temperature of the user, or (ii) data regarding vital signs of the user.

64. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 58 ,

wherein the second microphone is configured to pick up at least environmental audio input associated with an environment in the vicinity of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus, and

wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to process the audio input from at least the user picked-up via the first microphone to remove at least a portion of the environmental audio input associated with the environment picked-up via the second microphone.

65. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a bone conducting electronic element at least partially contained within the head-worn structure.

66. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 65 ,

wherein the bone conducting electronic element associated with vibrations, and

wherein the bone conducting electronic element having electrical signals associated with the vibration.

67. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the motion detector includes at least an accelerometer.

68. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the wireless receiver is configured to operate with a Bluetooth network.

69. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the electronic circuitry includes at least a microprocessor.

70. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 23 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

an antenna contained within the head-worn structure of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus.

71. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus, comprising:

a head-worn structure configured to be worn by a user;

a speaker at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the speaker being configured to be worn proximate to an ear of the user when the head-worn structure is being worn by the user;

a motion detector contained within the head-worn structure and configured to provide motion data pertaining to the head-worn personal electronic apparatus;

a first microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the first microphone being positioned to pick up at least audio input from at least the user;

a second microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure;

a force sensing device configured to receive a user input based on a force induced on the force sensing device, the force sensing device being contained within the head-worn structure, wherein the received user input operating to at least alter an operation of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus;

a rechargeable battery contained within the head-worn structure;

electronic circuitry contained within the head-worn structure, the electronic circuitry being electrically connected to at least the rechargeable battery;

wireless communication circuitry contained within the head-worn structure;

a radiation detector at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to capture radiation data,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to determine whether the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn by the user based on the radiation data captured by the radiation detector, and

wherein the second microphone is configured to at least pick-up an environmental audio input.

72. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 71 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to receive a voice input from the user via at least the first microphone, support or receive determination of a requested operation from the voice input using voice recognition, and control operation by the head-worn personal electronic apparatus based on the requested operation.

73. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 72 ,

wherein the wireless communication circuitry includes at least a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive audio output signals to be output to the user via the speaker, and

wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to modify the audio output signals to be output to the user via the speaker to cancel at least a portion of environmental noise, the modification of the audio output signals being dependent at least in part on the environmental audio input picked-up via the second microphone.

74. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 73 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is operable to at least output customized audio output,

wherein the electronic circuitry includes at least an integrated circuit, and the electronic circuitry being configured to (i) store hearing characteristics associated with the user; (ii) customize the received audio output signals to produce customized audio output signals for the user based on at least a portion of the stored hearing characteristics associated with the user such that the customized audio output signals at least compensate for hearing impairment regarding the user's ability to hear; and (iii) output the customized audio output signals to the speaker, and

wherein the speaker is configured to generate at least a portion of the customized audio output for the user in accordance with at least the portion of the customized audio output signals.

75. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 74 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

wherein the radiation detector at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to detect a portion of the radiation directed towards the user by the radiation emitter that is reflected back from the user when the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn.

76. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 75 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to support control of (i) audio output to the user via the speaker and (ii) voice calls to the user, and

wherein the operation of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus being altered concerns at least control of the audio output being provided to the user and/or accepting or declining a voice call to the user.

77. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 76 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

at least a portion of a Hall effect detector at least partially contained within the head-worn personal electronic apparatus, the Hall effect detector being configured to capture data associated with a magnetic characteristic.

78. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 77 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a bone conducting electronic element at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the bone conducting electronic element being associated with vibrations, and the bone conducting electronic element utilizing electrical signals associated with the vibration.

79. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 71 ,

wherein the wireless communication circuitry includes at least a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive audio output signals to be output to the user via the speaker, and

80. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 79 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is operable to at least output customized audio output,

wherein the electronic circuitry includes at least an integrated circuit, and the electronic circuitry being configured to (i) store attributes associated with the user; (ii) customize the received audio output signals to produce customized audio output signals for the user based on at least a portion of the stored attributes associated with the user; and (iii) output the customized audio output signals to the speaker, and

wherein the speaker is configured to generate at least a portion of the customized audio output for the user in accordance with at least the portion of the customized audio output signals.

81. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 80 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

82. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 81 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a plurality of circuit boards, each of the plurality of circuit boards including at least one electrical component mounted thereto, at least one of the plurality of circuit boards being a flexible printed circuit board, at least one of the plurality of circuit boards has at least one integrated circuit mounted on a first side of the at least one of the plurality of circuit boards, and at least one integrated circuit mounted on a second side of the at least one of the plurality of circuit boards.

83. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 81 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to support control of (i) audio output to the user via the speaker and (ii) voice calls to the user, and

84. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 83 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

85. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 83 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

86. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 85 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

87. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 83 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a plurality of circuit boards, each of the plurality of circuit boards including at least one electrical component mounted thereto.

88. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 87 , wherein at least one of the plurality of circuit boards is a flexible printed circuit board.

89. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 87 , wherein at least one of the plurality of circuit boards has at least one integrated circuit mounted on a first side of the at least one of the plurality of circuit boards, and at least one integrated circuit mounted on a second side of the at least one of the plurality of circuit boards.

90. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 81 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a touch sensitive surface at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to sense a touch input associated with the user,

wherein at least the electronic circuitry is configured to facilitate determination at least whether the touch input associated with the user pertains to a first sliding direction or a second sliding direction with respect to the touch sensitive surface.

91. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 90 , wherein the touch input by the touch sensitive surface operates to at least control audio volume level of the customized audio output for the user via the speaker.

92. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 71 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a touch sensitive surface at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to sense a touch input associated with the user,

93. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 92 ,

wherein the touch sensitive surface senses the touch input by at least sensing capacitance, and

wherein the touch input by the touch sensitive surface operates to at least control audio volume level of audio output configured to be provided to the user via the speaker.

94. A system, comprising:

a head-worn personal electronic apparatus, including at least:

a head-worn structure configured to be worn by a user;

a speaker at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the speaker being configured to be worn proximate to an ear of the user when the head-worn structure is being worn by the user;

a motion detector at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to provide motion data pertaining to the head-worn personal electronic apparatus;

a first microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the first microphone being positioned to pick up at least audio input from at least the user;

a second microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure;

a rechargeable battery contained within the head-worn structure;

electronic circuitry contained within the head-worn structure, the electronic circuitry being electrically connected to at least the rechargeable battery;

a charging apparatus having at least a charging connector; and

a mobile communication device at least for supporting audio output, the mobile communication device configured to store at least a hearing profile associated with the user, the stored hearing profile associated with the user at least characterizes hearing impairment regarding the user's ability to hear, the mobile communication device configured to produce audio output signals customized for the user based on at least the stored hearing profile associated with the user such that the customized audio output signals at least compensate for the hearing impairment regarding the user's ability to hear, and the mobile communication device configured to wirelessly transmit the customized audio output signals to the head-worn personal electronic apparatus,

wherein the customized audio output signals are produced based on amplifying or attenuating different frequency bands differently according to at least the stored hearing profile.

95. A system as recited in claim 94 ,

96. A system as recited in claim 95 , wherein the software program at least interactively guides the user to establish the hearing profile for the user by at least causing various audio tones to be output to the user via at least the speaker, prompting the user to provide a hearing input with respect to one or more of the various audio tones being output, and receiving the hearing input pertaining to one or more of the various audio tones being output.

97. A system as recited in claim 95 , wherein the head-worn structure comprises:

an infrared emitter configured to at least direct infrared signals towards the user when at least the head-worn structure of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn; and

an infrared detector configured to detect infrared radiation reflected back from the user when at least the head-worn structure of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn.

98. A system as recited in claim 97 , wherein the electronic circuitry within the head-worn structure is configured to facilitate determining whether the head-worn structure is being worn by the user based on at least the detected infrared radiation.

99. A system as recited in claim 97 ,

wherein the second microphone is configured to pick-up an environmental audio input, and

wherein the environmental audio input picked-up from at least the second microphone is used at least for noise cancelation, and at least a portion of the environmental audio input picked-up from the second microphone is canceled from the audio input picked-up from the first microphone.

100. A system as recited in claim 97 ,

wherein the second microphone is configured to pick-up an environmental audio input, and

101. A system as recited in claim 95 ,

wherein the second microphone is configured to pick-up an environmental audio input, and

wherein the environmental audio input picked-up from at least the second microphone is used at least for noise cancelation, and at least a portion of the environmental audio input picked-up from the second microphone is used to remove undesired noise from the audio input picked-up from the first microphone.

102. A system as recited in claim 95 , wherein the head-worn structure comprises:

a radiation emitter at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to at least direct radiation towards the user when the head-worn structure is being worn, and

a radiation detector at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to detect a portion of the radiation directed towards the user by the radiation emitter that is reflected back from the user when the head-worn structure is being worn.

103. A system as recited in claim 95 , wherein the head-worn structure comprises:

104. A system as recited in claim 95 , wherein the head-worn structure comprises:

105. A system as recited in claim 95 , wherein the head-worn structure comprises:

a touch sensitive surface at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to sense a touch input associated with the user,

wherein the touch input by the touch sensitive surface operates to at least control audio volume level of the customized audio output for the user via the speaker.

106. A system as recited in claim 105 , wherein the head-worn structure comprises:

a radiation emitter at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to at least direct radiation towards the user when the head-worn structure is being worn, and

107. A system as recited in claim 106 , wherein the system comprises:

a Hall effect detector configured to capture data associated with a magnetic characteristic.

108. A system as recited in claim 107 , wherein the head-worn structure comprises:

109. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus, comprising:

a head-worn structure configured to be worn by a user;

a speaker at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the speaker being configured to be worn proximate to an ear of the user when the head-worn structure is being worn by the user;

a motion detector contained within the head-worn structure and configured to provide motion data pertaining to the head-worn personal electronic apparatus;

a first microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the first microphone being positioned to pick up at least audio input from at least the user;

a second microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure;

a rechargeable battery contained within the head-worn structure;

electronic circuitry contained within the head-worn structure, the electronic circuitry being electrically connected to at least the rechargeable battery;

wireless communication circuitry contained within the head-worn structure;

a radiation detector at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to capture radiation data, wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to determine whether the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn by the user based on the radiation data captured by the radiation detector, and wherein the second microphone is configured to at least pick-up an environmental audio input.

110. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 109 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a touch sensitive surface at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to sense a touch input associated with the user,

111. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 110 ,

wherein the touch sensitive surface senses the touch input by at least sensing capacitance, and

wherein the touch input by the touch sensitive surface operates to at least control audio volume level of audio output configured to be provided to the user via the speaker.

112. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 111 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

113. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 112 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a plurality of circuit boards, each of the plurality of circuit boards including at least one electrical component mounted thereto, at least one of the plurality of circuit boards being a flexible printed circuit board, at least one of the plurality of circuit boards has at least one integrated circuit mounted on a first side of the at least one of the plurality of circuit boards, and at least one integrated circuit mounted on a seco 139 nd side of the at least one of the plurality of circuit boards.

114. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 112 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to support control of (i) audio output to the user via the speaker and (ii) voice calls to the user, and

115. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 114 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

116. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 111 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

an infrared radiation emitter at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to at least direct infrared radiation towards the user when the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn, and

wherein the radiation detector at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to detect a portion of the infrared radiation directed towards the user by the infrared radiation emitter that is reflected back from the user when the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is being worn.

117. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus, comprising:

a head-worn structure configured to be worn by a user;

a speaker at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the speaker being configured to be worn proximate to an ear of the user when the head-worn structure is being worn by the user;

a motion detector contained within the head-worn structure and configured to provide motion data pertaining to the head-worn personal electronic apparatus;

a first microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure, the first microphone being positioned to pick up at least audio input from at least the user;

a second microphone at least partially contained within the head-worn structure;

a stress sensing device configured to receive a user input based on a force induced on the stress sensing device, the stress sensing device being contained within the head-worn structure and configured to produce an electrical signal indicative of stress, wherein the received user input operating to at least alter an operation of the head-worn personal electronic apparatus;

a rechargeable battery contained within the head-worn structure;

electronic circuitry contained within the head-worn structure, the electronic circuitry being electrically connected to at least the rechargeable battery;

wireless communication circuitry contained within the head-worn structure;

a radiation detector at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to capture radiation data,

118. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 117 ,

wherein the second microphone is configured to at least pick-up an environmental audio input,

wherein the wireless communication circuitry includes at least a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive audio output signals to be output to the user via the speaker, and

119. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 118 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

120. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 119 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is operable to at least output customized audio output,

wherein the speaker is configured to generate at least a portion of the customized audio output for the user in accordance with at least the portion of the customized audio output signals.

121. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 120 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

122. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 119 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is configured to support control of (i) audio output to the user via the speaker and (ii) voice calls to the user, and

123. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 122 ,

wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus is operable to at least output customized audio output,

wherein the speaker is configured to generate at least a portion of the customized audio output for the user in accordance with at least the portion of the customized audio output signals.

124. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 117 , wherein the head-worn personal electronic apparatus comprises:

a touch sensitive surface at least partially contained within the head-worn structure and configured to sense a touch input associated with the user,

125. A head-worn personal electronic apparatus as recited in claim 124 ,

wherein the touch sensitive surface senses the touch input by at least sensing capacitance, and

wherein the touch input by the touch sensitive surface operates to at least control audio volume level of audio output configured to be provided to the user via the speaker.

Continuity (23)

Continuation 18375893 · Oct 2, 2023

Continuation 16182969 · Nov 7, 2018

Continuation 16127957 · Sep 11, 2018

Continuation 16049120 · Jul 30, 2018

Continuation 15409723 · Jan 19, 2017

Continuation 15375423 · Dec 12, 2016

Continuation 14715501 · May 18, 2015

Continuation 14557409 · Dec 1, 2014

Continuation 13955336 · Jul 31, 2013

Continuation 13831512 · Mar 14, 2013

Continuation 13367346 · Feb 6, 2012

Continuation 13085402 · Apr 12, 2011

Continuation 12806312 · Aug 10, 2010

Continuation In Part 12462286 · Jul 31, 2009

Continuation 12462286 · Jul 31, 2009

Continuation In Part 12317043 · Dec 18, 2008

Continuation 12214435 · Jun 19, 2008

Continuation 11891411 · Aug 9, 2007

Continuation 11580222 · Oct 11, 2006

Provisional Application 60846150 · Sep 20, 2006

Provisional Application 60787850 · Apr 1, 2006

Provisional Application 60725896 · Oct 11, 2005

Provisional Application 60725999 · Oct 11, 2005

References Cited (400)

US 320558A · Hull · 1885 [cited by applicant]

US 669949A · Underwood · 1901 [cited by applicant]

US 1255265A · Zachara · 1918 [cited by applicant]

US 1917745A · Weiss · 1933 [cited by applicant]

US 2249572A · Lieber · 1941 [cited by applicant]

US 2638532A · Brady · 1953 [cited by applicant]

US 2725462A · Vorgang · 1955 [cited by applicant]

US 2794085A · De Angelis · 1957 [cited by applicant]

US 2818511A · Ullery et al. · 1957 [cited by applicant]

US 2830132A · Borg · 1958 [cited by applicant]

US 2874230A · Carlson · 1959 [cited by applicant]

US 2904670A · Calmes · 1959 [cited by applicant]

US 3060308A · Fortuna · 1962 [cited by applicant]

US 3104290A · Rosemond et al. · 1963 [cited by applicant]

US 3119903A · Rosemond et al. · 1964 [cited by applicant]

US 3597054A · Winter · 1971 [cited by applicant]

US 3710115A · Jubb · 1973 [cited by applicant]

US 3858001A · Bonne · 1974 [cited by applicant]

US 3883701A · Delorenzo · 1975 [cited by applicant]

US 4165487A · Corderman · 1979 [cited by applicant]

US 4254451A · Cochran, Jr. · 1981 [cited by applicant]

US 4283127A · Rosenwinkel et al. · 1981 [cited by applicant]

US 4322585A · Liautaud · 1982 [cited by applicant]

US 4348664A · Boschetti et al. · 1982 [cited by applicant]

US 4389217A · Baughman et al. · 1983 [cited by applicant]

US 4516157A · Campbell · 1985 [cited by applicant]

US 4526473A · Zahn, III · 1985 [cited by applicant]

US 4535244A · Burnham · 1985 [cited by applicant]

US 4608492A · Burnham · 1986 [cited by applicant]

US 4683587A · Silverman · 1987 [cited by applicant]

US 4751691A · Perera · 1988 [cited by applicant]

US 4757714A · Purdy et al. · 1988 [cited by applicant]

US 4773095A · Zwicker et al. · 1988 [cited by applicant]

US 4806011A · Bettinger · 1989 [cited by applicant]

US 4822160A · Tsai · 1989 [cited by applicant]

US 4822161A · Jimmy · 1989 [cited by applicant]

US 4851686A · Pearson · 1989 [cited by applicant]

US 4852988A · Velez et al. · 1989 [cited by applicant]

US 4856086A · McCullough · 1989 [cited by applicant]

US 4859047A · Badewitz · 1989 [cited by applicant]

US 4882598A · Wulf · 1989 [cited by applicant]

US 4882769A · Gallimore · 1989 [cited by applicant]

US 4902120A · Weyer · 1990 [cited by applicant]

US 4904078A · Gorike · 1990 [cited by applicant]

US 4942629A · Stadlmann · 1990 [cited by applicant]

US 4962469A · Ono et al. · 1990 [cited by applicant]

US 4967268A · Lipton et al. · 1990 [cited by applicant]

US 4975584A · Benjamin et al. · 1990 [cited by applicant]

US 4985632A · Bianco et al. · 1991 [cited by applicant]

US 5008548A · Gat · 1991 [cited by applicant]

US 5015086A · Okaue et al. · 1991 [cited by applicant]

US 5020150A · Shannon · 1991 [cited by applicant]

US 5026151A · Waltuck et al. · 1991 [cited by applicant]

US 5036311A · Moran et al. · 1991 [cited by applicant]

US 5050150A · Ikeda · 1991 [cited by applicant]

US 5064410A · Frenkel et al. · 1991 [cited by applicant]

US 5093576A · Edmond et al. · 1992 [cited by applicant]

US 5106179A · Kamaya et al. · 1992 [cited by applicant]

US 5144344A · Takahashi et al. · 1992 [cited by applicant]

US 5148023A · Hayashi et al. · 1992 [cited by applicant]

US 5151600A · Black · 1992 [cited by applicant]

US 5161250A · Ianna et al. · 1992 [cited by applicant]

US 5172256A · Sethofer et al. · 1992 [cited by applicant]

US 5184156A · Black et al. · 1993 [cited by applicant]

US 5264877A · Hussey · 1993 [cited by applicant]

US 5306917A · Black et al. · 1994 [cited by applicant]

US 5353378A · Hoffman et al. · 1994 [cited by applicant]

US 5359370A · Mugnier · 1994 [cited by applicant]

US 5359444A · Piosenka et al. · 1994 [cited by applicant]

US 5367345A · da Silva · 1994 [cited by applicant]

US 5379464A · Schleger et al. · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5382986A · Black et al. · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5394005A · Brown et al. · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5444876A · Cooper et al. · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5452026A · Marcy, III · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5452480A · Ryden · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5455637A · Kallman et al. · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5455638A · Kallman et al. · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5455640A · Gertsikov · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5457751A · Such · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5463428A · Lipton et al. · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5475798A · Handlos · 1995 [cited by applicant]

US 5495576A · Ritchey · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5500532A · Kozicki · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US D369167S · Hanson et al. · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5510961A · Peng · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5513384A · Brennan et al. · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5519781A · Kurkurudza · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5533130A · Staton · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5541641A · Shimada · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5581090A · Goudjil · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5583795A · Smyth · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5585871A · Linden · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5589398A · Krause et al. · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5590417A · Rydbeck · 1996 [cited by applicant]

US 5606743A · Vogt et al. · 1997 [cited by applicant]

US 5608808A · da Silva · 1997 [cited by applicant]

US 5632002A · Hashimoto et al. · 1997 [cited by applicant]

US 5634201A · Mooring · 1997 [cited by applicant]

US 5671035A · Barnes · 1997 [cited by applicant]

US 5686727A · Reenstra et al. · 1997 [cited by applicant]

US 5694475A · Boyden · 1997 [cited by applicant]

US 5715323A · Walker · 1998 [cited by applicant]

US 5729604A · Van Schyndel · 1998 [cited by applicant]

US 5737436A · Boyden et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]

US 5742263A · Wang et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]

US 5777715A · Kruegle et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]

US 5790311A · Togino · 1998 [cited by applicant]

US 5818381A · Williams · 1998 [cited by applicant]

US 5819183A · Voroba et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]

US 5835185A · Kallman et al. · 1998 [cited by applicant]

US 5841507A · Barnes · 1998 [cited by applicant]

US 5900720A · Kallman et al. · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5903395A · Rallison et al. · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5923398A · Goldman · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5941837A · Amano et al. · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5946071A · Feldman · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5949516A · McCurdy · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5966680A · Butnaru · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5966746A · Reedy et al. · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5980037A · Conway · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5988812A · Wingate · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5991085A · Rallison et al. · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5992996A · Sawyer · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 5995592A · Shirai et al. · 1999 [cited by applicant]

US 6010216A · Jesiek · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6013919A · Schneider et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6028627A · Helmsderfer · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6046455A · Ribi et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6060321A · Hovorka · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6061580A · Altschul et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6091546A · Spitzer · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6091832A · Shurman et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6099124A · Hidaji · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6115177A · Vossler · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6132681A · Faran et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6145983A · Schiffer · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6154552A · Koroljow et al. · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6163281A · Torch · 2000 [cited by applicant]

US 6176576B1 · Green et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6181304B1 · Robinson et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6225897B1 · Doyle et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6231181B1 · Swab · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6236969B1 · Ruppert et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6243578B1 · Koike · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6244703B1 · Resnikoff et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6259367B1 · Klein · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6270466B1 · Weinstein et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6292213B1 · Jones · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6292685B1 · Pompei · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6301050B1 · DeLeon · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6301367B1 · Boyden et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6307526B1 · Mann · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6311155B1 · Vaudrey et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 6343858B1 · Zelman · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6346929B1 · Fukushima et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6349001B1 · Spitzer · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6349422B1 · Schleger et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6369952B1 · Rallison et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6409335B1 · Lipawsky · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6409338B1 · Jewell · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6426719B1 · Nagareda et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6431705B1 · Linden · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6433760B1 · Vaissie et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6474816B2 · Butler et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6478736B1 · Mault · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6491391B1 · Blum et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 6506142B2 · Itoh et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6511175B2 · Hay et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6513532B2 · Mault et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6517203B1 · Blum et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6529331B2 · Massof et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6539336B1 · Vock et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6542081B2 · Torch · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6546101B1 · Murray et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6554763B1 · Amano et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6563532B1 · Strub et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6582075B1 · Swab et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6619799B1 · Blum et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6629076B1 · Haken · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 6678381B1 · Manabe · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6717737B1 · Haglund · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6729726B2 · Miller et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6736759B1 · Stubbs et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6764194B1 · Cooper · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6769767B2 · Swab et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6771294B1 · Pulli et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6771423B2 · Geist · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6788309B1 · Swan et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6792401B1 · Nigro et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6816314B2 · Shimizu et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6824265B1 · Harper · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 6847336B1 · Lemelson et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 6857741B2 · Blum et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 6871951B2 · Blum et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 6879930B2 · Sinclair et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 6912386B1 · Himberg et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 6929365B2 · Swab et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 6932090B1 · Reschke et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 6943754B2 · Aughey et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 6947219B1 · Ou · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 6977776B2 · Volkenandt et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 7004582B2 · Jannard et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7013009B2 · Warren · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7023594B2 · Blum et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7030902B2 · Jacobs · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7031667B2 · Horiguchi · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7033025B2 · Winterbotham · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7059717B2 · Bloch · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7073905B2 · Da Pra' · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7079876B2 · Levy · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7123215B2 · Nakada · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7148489B2 · Yagi · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7150526B2 · Jannard et al. · 2006 [cited by applicant]

US 7181297B1 · Pluvinage et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]

US 7187960B2 · Abreu · 2007 [cited by applicant]

US 7192136B2 · Howell et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]

US 7255437B2 · Howell et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]

US 7265358B2 · Fontaine · 2007 [cited by applicant]

US 7274292B2 · Velhal et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]

US 7278734B2 · Jannard et al. · 2007 [cited by applicant]

US 7289767B2 · Lai · 2007 [cited by applicant]

US 7312699B2 · Chornenky · 2007 [cited by applicant]

US 7331666B2 · Swab et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]

US 7347551B2 · Fergason et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]

US 7376238B1 · Rivas et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]

US 7380936B2 · Howell et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]

US 7401918B2 · Howell et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]

US 7405801B2 · Jacobs · 2008 [cited by applicant]

US 7429965B2 · Weiner · 2008 [cited by applicant]

US 7430299B2 · Armstrong et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]

US 7438409B2 · Jordan · 2008 [cited by applicant]

US 7438410B1 · Howell et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]

US 7445332B2 · Jannard et al. · 2008 [cited by applicant]

US 7481531B2 · Howell et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]

US 7488294B2 · Torch · 2009 [cited by applicant]

US 7500746B1 · Howell et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]

US 7500747B2 · Howell et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]

US 7512414B2 · Jannard et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]

US 7517083B2 · Blum et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]

US 7527374B2 · Chou · 2009 [cited by applicant]

US 7543934B2 · Howell et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]

US 7581833B2 · Howell et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]

US 7621634B2 · Howell et al. · 2009 [cited by applicant]

US 7648236B1 · Dobson · 2010 [cited by applicant]

US 7651220B1 · Pattikonda · 2010 [cited by applicant]

US 7677723B2 · Howell et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]

US 7760898B2 · Howell et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]

US 7771046B2 · Howell et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]

US 7787647B2 · Hagen et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]

US 7792552B2 · Thomas et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]

US 7801570B2 · Cheung et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]

US 7806525B2 · Howell et al. · 2010 [cited by applicant]

US 7922321B2 · Howell et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]

US 7976159B2 · Jacobs et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]

US 8009849B2 · Enzmann · 2011 [cited by applicant]

US 8109629B2 · Howell et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]

US 8142015B2 · Paolino · 2012 [cited by applicant]

US 8174569B2 · Tanijiri et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]

US 8175886B2 · Odinak · 2012 [cited by applicant]

US 8251875B2 · Ellis et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]

US 8337013B2 · Howell et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]

US 8408699B2 · Blum et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]

US 8430507B2 · Howell et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]

US 8434863B2 · Howell et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]

US 8465151B2 · Howell et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]

US 8485661B2 · Yoo et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]

US 8500271B2 · Howell et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]

US 8571241B2 · Larsen · 2013 [cited by applicant]

US 8582789B2 · Cheung et al. · 2013 [cited by applicant]

US 8620208B2 · Slotznick · 2013 [cited by applicant]

US 8626246B2 · Shostak · 2014 [cited by applicant]

US 8770742B2 · Howell et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]

US 8849185B2 · Cheung et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]

US 8905542B2 · Howell et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]

US 8931896B2 · Blum et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]

US 9033493B2 · Howell et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]

US 9183351B2 · Shusterman · 2015 [cited by applicant]

US 9244292B2 · Swab et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]

US 9369814B2 · Victorian et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]

US 9400390B2 · Osterhout et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]

US 9405135B2 · Sweis et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]

US 9488520B2 · Howell et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]

US 9547184B2 · Howell et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]

US 9690121B2 · Howell et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]

US 9922236B2 · Moore et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]

US 10042186B2 · Chao et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]

US 10060790B2 · Howell et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]

US 10061144B2 · Howell et al. · 2018 [cited by applicant]

US 10310296B2 · Howell et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]

US 10345625B2 · Howell et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]

US 10359311B2 · Howell et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]

US 10515623B1 · Grizzel · 2019 [cited by applicant]

US 10539459B2 · Howell et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]

US 10571715B2 · Rizzo, Iii et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]

US 10624790B2 · Chao et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]

US 10777048B2 · Howell et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]

US 10802582B1 · Clements · 2020 [cited by applicant]

US 10964190B2 · Peyrard · 2021 [cited by applicant]

US 11042045B2 · Chao et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]

US 11069358B1 · Harper · 2021 [cited by applicant]

US 11086147B2 · Howell et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]

US 11204512B2 · Howell et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]

US 11243416B2 · Howell et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]

US 11326941B2 · Howell et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]

US 11480802B1 · Tombelli · 2022 [cited by applicant]

US 11513371B2 · Howell et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]

US 11536988B2 · Howell et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]

US 11630331B2 · Howell et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]

US 11644361B2 · Howell et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]

US 11644693B2 · Howell et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]

US 11721183B2 · Howell et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]

US 11733549B2 · Howell et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]

US 11762224B2 · Howell et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]

US 11803069B2 · Howell et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]

US 11829518B1 · Howell et al. · 2023 [cited by applicant]

US 12001599B2 · Howell et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]

US 12025855B2 · Howell et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]

US 12044901B2 · Howell et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]

US 12078870B2 · Howell et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]

US 12140819B1 · Howell et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]

US 12238494B1 · Howell et al. · 2025 [cited by applicant]

US 12242138B1 · Howell et al. · 2025 [cited by applicant]

US 12248198B2 · Howell et al. · 2025 [cited by applicant]

US 20010005230A1 · Ishikawa · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 20010028309A1 · Torch · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 20010043266A1 · Robinson et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 20010050754A1 · Hay et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]

US 20020017997A1 · Felkowitz · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020021407A1 · Elliott · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020081982A1 · Schwartz et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020084990A1 · Peterson, III · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020089469A1 · Cone et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020089639A1 · Starner et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020090103A1 · Calisto, Jr. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020098877A1 · Glezerman · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020101510A1 · Basson et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020101568A1 · Eberl et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020109600A1 · Mault et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020136414A1 · Jordan et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020140899A1 · Blum et al. · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020146097A1 · Vuori · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020159023A1 · Swab · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20020197961A1 · Warren · 2002 [cited by applicant]

US 20030018274A1 · Takahashi et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030022690A1 · Beyda et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030030597A1 · Geist · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030032449A1 · Giobbi · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030045283A1 · Hagedoorn · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030062046A1 · Wiesmann et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030063763A1 · Allred et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030064746A1 · Rader et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030065257A1 · Mault et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030067585A1 · Miller et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030068057A1 · Miller et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030083591A1 · Edwards et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030091200A1 · Pompei · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030214630A1 · Winterbotham · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030226978A1 · Ribi et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20030231293A1 · Blum et al. · 2003 [cited by applicant]

US 20040000733A1 · Swab et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040005069A1 · Buck · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040013280A1 · Niederdrank · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040029582A1 · Swab et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040040948A1 · Mandell et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040059212A1 · Abreu · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040063378A1 · Nelson · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040096078A1 · Lin · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040100384A1 · Chen et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040101178A1 · Fedorovskaya et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040104864A1 · Nakada · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040114770A1 · Pompei · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040128737A1 · Gesten · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040150986A1 · Chang · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040156012A1 · Jannard et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040157649A1 · Jannard et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040160571A1 · Jannard · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040160572A1 · Jannard · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040160573A1 · Jannard et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040178970A1 · El Sayed et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040197002A1 · Atsumi et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040209489A1 · Clapper · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20040227219A1 · Su · 2004 [cited by applicant]

US 20050012683A1 · Chen · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050036103A1 · Bloch · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050052537A1 · Mizusawa · 2005 [cited by examiner]

US 20050067580A1 · Fontaine · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050078274A1 · Howell et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050088365A1 · Yamazaki et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050090295A1 · Ali et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050201585A1 · Jannard et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050213026A1 · Da Pra' · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050230596A1 · Howell et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050238194A1 · Chornenky · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050239502A1 · Swab et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050248717A1 · Howell et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050248718A1 · Howell et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050248719A1 · Howell et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050264752A1 · Howell et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

US 20050275714A1 · Ishikawa et al. · 2005 [cited by applicant]

Cited By (1)

US 12,535,698