US 20140254842A1
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`a9y United States
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`a2y Patent Application Publication o) Pub. No.: US 2014/0254842 A1l
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`Smith et al.
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`43) Pub. Date: Sep. 11, 2014
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`(54)
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`SITUATIONAL HEARING ENHANCEMENT
`AND PROTECTION
`
`Applicant: SUREFIRE, LLC, Fountain Valley, CA
`Us)
`
`Inventors: Richard C. Smith, Costa Mesa, CA
`(US); Diann Smith, Costa Mesa, CA
`(US); Fred Soria, Corona, CA (US);
`Mark Squire, San Diego, CA (US); Joe
`Saggio, Anaheim Hills, CA (US)
`
`Assignee: Surefire, LL.C, Fountain Valley, CA
`Us)
`
`Appl. No.: 13/789,006
`
`Filed: Mar. 7, 2013
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`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int.CL
`HO4R 25/00 (2006.01)
`
`(52) US.CL
`CPC oo HO4R 25/50 (2013.01)
`161 G 381/317
`
`(57) ABSTRACT
`
`System and methods can provide both hearing enhancement
`and hearing protection. An audiogram can be determined for
`either an individual person or a group of people. A frequency
`spectrum of an environment can be determined for an envi-
`ronment within which hearing enhancement and/or hearing
`protection is needed. The audiogram and the frequency spec-
`trum of the environment can be used to modify an electronic
`signal to attenuate noise and to amplify information. The
`information can be voice, sirens, bells, or anything else that
`the user desires to hear.
`
`PROHLE FOR ASET OF INDIVIDUALS.
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`ASCERTAIN AN AUDIOGRAM OF AN INDIVIDUAL OR A GENERAL HEARING
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`/ 301
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`\ 4
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`USING THE AUDIOGRAM OR THE HEAR
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`FUNCTIONALITY:
`
`FLAT;
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`VOCAL ENHANCEMENT;
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`DSP EXECUTED PROGRAMS HAVING THE FOLLOWING BASE HEARING
`COMPENSATE SUBJECT HEARING TO PROVIDE HUMAN PERCEIVED
`COMPENSATE SUBJECT HEARING TO PROVIDE PERCEIVED FLAT PLUS
`COMPENSATE SUBJECT HEARING TO PROVIDE PERCEIVED FLAT PLUS
`VOCAL & SUBTLE HIGH FREQUENCY ENHANCEMENT; AND
`
`COMPENSATE HEARING TO PROVIDE PERCEIVED FLAT PLUS VOCAL
`PLUS DRASTIC HIGH FREQUENCY ENHANCEMENT.
`
`ING PROFILE CREATE MEMORY BASED,
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`Exhibit 1006
`Page 01 of 18
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`Samsung v. Zophonos
`IPR2026-00083
`Exhibit 1006
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`Sep. 11,2014 Sheet 2 of 8
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Exhibit 1006
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`Page 03 of 18
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`Patent Application Publication Sep. 11,2014 Sheet 3 of 8 US 2014/0254842 A1
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`ASCERTAIN AN AUDIDGRAM OF AN INDIVIDUAL OR A GENERAL HEARING 101
`PROFILE FOR ASET OF INDIVIDUALS. /
`
`h 4
`
`USING THE AUDIOGRAM OR THE HEARING PROFILE CREATE MEMGRY BASED,
`DSP EXECUTED PROGRAMS HAVING THE FOLLOWING BASE HEARING
`FUNCTIONALITY:
`COMPENSATE SUBJECT HEARING TO PROVIDE HUMAN PERCEIVED
`FLAT; 302
`COMPENSATE SUBJECT HEARING TO PROVIDE PERCEIVED FLAT PLUS /
`YOCAL ENHANCEMENT; ’
`COMPENSATE SUBJECT HEARING TG PROVIDE PERCEIVED FLAT PLUS
`VOCAL & SUBTLE HIGH FREQUENCY ENHANCERMENT; AND
`COMPENSATE HEARING TO PROVIDE PERCEIVED FLAT PLUS VOCAL
`PLUS DRASTIC HIGH FREQUENCY ENHANCEMENT.
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`FIG. 3
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`Exhibit 1006
`Page 04 of 18
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`Patent Application Publication Sep. 11,2014 Sheet 4 of 8 US 2014/0254842 A1
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`401
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`ASSESS SOUND SIGNATURE OF THE USER'S ENVIORNMENT. /
`¥ 402
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`SELECT ONE OF THE PROGRAMS. »
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`A4
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`MEASURE, STORE AND ANALYZE FREQUENCY RESPONSE OF THE SUBIECTS USE /403
`ENVIRONMERNT. ]
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`h 4 ~ 404
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`ATTENUATE UNNECESSARY OR HARMFUL FREQUENCY BANDS, L
`A 4 - 405
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`AMPLIFY NECESSARY ALERT SIGNAL FREQUENCY BANDS. L/
`h 4 406
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`J
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`ASSESS ACOUSTIC TRANSIENT NATURE OF SUBJECTS USE ENVIRONMENT. -
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`MEASURE, STORE AND ANALYZE TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF SUBJECT USE |/
`ENVIRONMENT.
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`CONFIGURE D5P FREQUENCY-SPECIFIC COMPRESSION TO MANAGE ACOUSTIC 408
`TRANSIENTS AND NOMINAL ACOQUSTIC SIGNATURE TO WITHIN /
`PREDETERMINED LIMITS,
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`FiG. 4
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`Exhibit 1006
`Page 05 of 18
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`Patent Application Publication Sep. 11,2014 Sheet 5 of 8 US 2014/0254842 A1
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`Fig. 5A
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`Fig. 5B
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`Exhibit 1006
`Page 06 of 18
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`Patent Application Publication Sep. 11,2014 Sheet 6 of 8 US 2014/0254842 A1
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`Fig. BA
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`Fig. 6B
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`Exhibit 1006
`Page 07 of 18
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`Patent Application Publication Sep. 11,2014 Sheet 7 of 8 US 2014/0254842 A1
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`Fig. 7B
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`Exhibit 1006
`Page 08 of 18
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`Patent Application Publication Sep. 11,2014 Sheet 8 of 8 US 2014/0254842 A1
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`Exhibit 1006
`Page 09 of 18
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`US 2014/0254842 Al
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`SITUATIONAL HEARING ENHANCEMENT
`AND PROTECTION
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] One or more embodiments of the invention relate
`generally to acoustics and, more particularly, to hearing
`enhancement and protection.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Hearing enhancement is well known. Hearing aids
`enhance the hearing of hearing impaired individuals by
`amplifying ambient sound. Amplification of the ambient
`sound can be performed electronically and can be based upon
`the frequency thereof. That is, those frequencies for which the
`user is most impaired can be amplified the most. In this
`manner, an attempt can be made to provide the user with
`approximately normal hearing (human perceived flat hear-
`ing) across a substantial portion of the audible frequency
`range. Hearing enhancement can also be performed for hunt-
`ing, covert operations, battlefield operations, police work,
`and the like.
`
`[0003] Hearing protection is also well known. Hearing pro-
`tection devices attempt to attenuate excessive levels of ambi-
`ent sound, e.g., to provide levels that have been deemed safe
`or at least less harmful. Attenuation of the ambient sound can
`be performed mechanically, by blocking sound before it
`reaches the ear drum. Ear muffs cover or surround the outer
`ear to inhibit sound from entering the ear canal. Ear plugs are
`inserted into the ear canal to inhibit sound from reaching the
`ear drum.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0004] Methods and systems for providing hearing
`enhancement and/or protection are provided for one or more
`embodiments. Such methods and systems can be used in
`military, police, and civilian applications. For example, sol-
`diers and police officers can use such systems to reduce the
`sound of gunfire and explosions while enhancing the ability to
`understand speech and to hear important sounds like those
`associated with furtive movements in urban environments. As
`a further example, hunters can use such systems to reduce the
`sound of gunfire while enhancing the ability to understand
`speech and to hear sounds like those associated with animal
`movements in the brush.
`
`[0005] According to an embodiment, a device can comprise
`an occluding earpiece, a memory, a digital signal processor
`(DSP), a microphone and a speaker. The microphone can be
`configured to receive ambient sound containing environmen-
`tal noise (undesirable and/or harmful sound) and information
`(important, necessary, and/or desirable sound). The memory
`can be configured to store a signature of the environmental
`noise and to store an audiogram (such as an audiogram of a
`person or a group of people). The digital signal processor can
`be configured receive a digital audio signal containing the
`environmental noise and the information, to attenuate the
`environmental noise in the digital audio signal according to
`the environmental noise signature, to compensate the digital
`audio signal for hearing loss according to the audiogram,
`and/or to provide a digitally processed audio signal. The
`digitally processed audio signal can contain enhanced infor-
`mation and mitigated environmental noise. The speaker can
`be configured to provide audio representative of the digitally
`processed audio signal.
`
`Exhibit 1006
`Page 10 of 18
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`Sep. 11, 2014
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`[0006] According to an embodiment, a method can com-
`prise determining an audiogram and determining a frequency
`spectrum of an environment. The audiogram and the fre-
`quency spectrum of the environment can be used to modify an
`electronic signal to attenuate noise and to amplify informa-
`tion.
`
`[0007] The scope of the invention is defined by the claims,
`which are incorporated into this Summary by reference. A
`more complete understanding of embodiments of the inven-
`tion will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a
`realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consider-
`ation of the following detailed description of one or more
`embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets
`of drawings that will first be described briefly.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0008] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a device
`for hearing enhancement and protection, in accordance with
`an embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0009] FIG. 2A shows a block diagram illustrating further
`detail of the device for hearing enhancement and protection,
`in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0010] FIG. 2B shows a block diagram illustrating further
`detail of the device for hearing enhancement and protection,
`in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0011] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for
`hearing enhancement and protection, in accordance with an
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0012] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart illustrating further detail
`of the method for hearing enhancement and protection, in
`accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0013] FIGS. 5A and 5B are charts related to use of the
`hearing enhancement and protection system by a person with
`substantially normal hearing, in accordance with an embodi-
`ment of the invention.
`
`[0014] FIGS. 6A and 6B are charts related to use of the
`hearing enhancement and protection system by a person
`requiring increased mid frequency response, in accordance
`with an embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0015] FIGS. 7A and 7B are charts related to use of the
`hearing enhancement and protection system with a substan-
`tially flat response, in accordance with an embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`[0016] FIGS. 8A and 8B are charts related to use of the
`hearing enhancement and protection system with substan-
`tially enhanced high frequency response, in accordance with
`an embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0017] Embodiments of the invention and their advantages
`are best understood by referring to the detailed description
`that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference
`numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one
`or more of the figures.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0018] Systems and methods can provide both hearing
`enhancement and hearing protection, according to embodi-
`ments. Hearing enhancement and hearing protection can be
`provided simultaneously. In this manner, hearing can tend to
`be optimized. That is, harmful and/or undesirable sounds can
`be mitigated, e.g., attenuated, while important, necessary,
`and/or desirable sounds can be enhanced, e.g., amplified.
`
`[0019] An audiogram can be determined for either an indi-
`vidual person or a group of people. A frequency spectrum of
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`US 2014/0254842 Al
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`an environment can be determined for an environment within
`which hearing enhancement and/or hearing protection is
`desired. The audiogram and the frequency spectrum of the
`environment can be used to modify an electronic signal to
`attenuate noise and to amplify information. The noise can be
`gunfire, explosions, car motors, aircraft engines, or genera-
`tors, for example. The noise can be any sound that is either
`harmful (such as to the ear) or that is undesirable for the user
`to hear (such as sounds that may distract or annoy the user and
`such as sounds that may inhibit the user from hearing and/or
`understanding desired sounds). The information can be
`human voice, dog barking, sirens, bells, alarms, or anything
`else that the user desires to hear. The gain of the situation
`hearing enhancement and protection system can be varied on
`a frequency basis such that the gain is reduce for noise and
`increased (within predefined limits) for information.
`
`[0020] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a device
`for hearing enhancement and protection, in accordance with
`an embodiment of the invention. A fully occluding earpiece
`101 can substantially contain a microphone 102, electronics
`103, aconnector 104, and a speaker 105. The microphone 102
`can pick up ambient sound and can transduce the sound into
`a signal, such as an analog electronic signal. The signal can be
`provided to the electronics 103. The electronics 103 can pro-
`cess the signal and provide a processed signal to the speaker
`105. The speaker 105 can transduce the processed electronic
`signal to provide sound to the user’s eardrum. The connector
`104 can be used to input an external signal, such as from a
`radio.
`
`[0021] The fully occluding earpiece 101 can define an ear-
`plug. The fully occluding earpiece 101 can substantially miti-
`gate the communication of environment sound to the user’s
`eardrum. Thus, fully occluding earpiece 101 can mechani-
`cally or passively provide desirable hearing protection. Addi-
`tionally, the fully occluding earpiece 101 can electronically
`provide desirable hearing protection, as discussed herein.
`[0022] The fully occluding earpiece 101 can be watertight
`and/or airtight. In this manner, the electronics 103 and other
`items disposed within the fully occluding earpiece 101 can be
`protected from moisture, ear wax, and other contaminants
`that might interfere with the proper operation of the system
`for environmental hearing enhancement and protection.
`[0023] The fully occluding earpiece 101 can include a
`housing or shell 111 that is configured to fit in a human ear
`canal. The shell 111 can be formed of a biocompatible mate-
`rial. The shell 111 can be custom fit to a particular user’s ear
`canal. The shell 111 can comprise a hard plastic material,
`such as polyurethane or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
`(ABS). The shell 111 can comprise a soft, compliant material
`such as silicone. The shell 111 can comprise a hard plastic
`material covered with a soft, compliant material.
`
`[0024] The fully occluding earpiece 101 can include a
`housing or shell 111 that is configured to fit in an animal, e.g.,
`non-human, ear canal. For example, the fully occluding ear-
`piece 101 can include a housing or shell 111 that is configured
`to fit in a canine ear canal. Thus, for example, the situational
`hearing enhancement and protection system can be used for
`KO applications. Such use may be particularly helpful due to
`the more sensitive hearing of dogs. Sounds that would tend to
`distract the dog or interfere with desired hearing by the dog
`can be attenuated. Desired sounds can be amplified, as nec-
`essary. Thus, when use by or configuration for a human is
`discussed herein, such discussion can generally also apply to
`animals, such as K9 dogs.
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`Exhibit 1006
`Page 11 of 18
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`Sep. 11, 2014
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`[0025] More than one microphone 102 can be used. Each
`microphone 102 can be comparatively more sensitive to a
`different portion of the audio spectrum. Thus, a plurality of
`different microphones 102 can provide desired sensitivity to
`substantially all or to some desired portion(s) of the audio
`spectrum.
`
`[0026] One or more microphones 102 can be sensitive to
`one or more portions of the audio spectrum that are consid-
`ered to be outside of the audible range. For example, one
`microphone 102 can be sensitive to infrasound (such as sound
`having a frequency less than 20 Hz) and another microphone
`102 can be sensitive to ultrasound (such as sound having a
`frequency greater than 20 kHz). Such sounds outside of the
`audible range can be converted to the audible range for
`enhanced hearing. Thus, infrasound can be up converted in
`frequency and ultrasound can be down converted in fre-
`quency to facilitate processing and/or human hearing.
`
`[0027] The situation hearing and enhancement system can
`alert the user to otherwise inaudible sounds. Such sounds can
`be inaudible due to their frequency content and/or amplitude.
`Such inaudible sounds can be reproduced at an increased
`amplitude and/or different frequency so that they can be heard
`by the user. Such inaudible sounds can be replaced with other
`sounds, such as a warning, voice identification or other iden-
`tification. For example, an inaudible sound that is character-
`ized as a handgun being cocked can result in a voice notifi-
`cation that such a sound has been identified or can result in a
`distinctive siren or other indication.
`
`[0028] Such inaudible sounds or sound signatures repre-
`sentative thereof can be stored in a database (such as in the
`manner of environmental signatures). Thus, either frequency
`signatures (Fourier transform data) or the sounds themselves
`(waveforms) can be stored in the database.
`
`[0029] Then, subsequently received inaudible sounds or
`their sound signatures can be compared to the sounds or
`sound signatures stored in the database. When a match is
`determined, the appropriate indication can be provided to the
`user.
`
`[0030] The fully occluding earpiece 101 can be configured
`to fit at least partially within a user’s ear canal. For example,
`the fully occluding earpiece 101 can be configured to fit
`entirely with the user’s ear canal. A portion of the fully
`occluding earpiece can extend from the user’s ear canal.
`
`[0031] A portion of the fully occluding earpiece can be
`dispose remotely upon the user with respect to the user’s ear
`canal. For example, the electronics 103 can be worn on the
`user’s belt.
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`[0032] A portion of the electronics can be disposed
`remotely with respect to the user. For example, digital pro-
`cessing of the signal can be performed on a computer that is
`located many miles away from the user. Communications
`between the local electronics 103 and any remote electronics
`can accomplished be via a network, such as a cellular tele-
`phone network, a satellite network, and/or a computer net-
`work (such as the Internet). Processing by the remote elec-
`tronics can occur substantially in real time.
`
`[0033] The fully occluding earpiece 101 can be configured
`to fully occlude the ear canal and thus substantially attenuate
`environmental sound entering the ear and traveling toward the
`user’s eardrum. The fully occluding earpiece 101 can be
`watertight and/or airtight with respect to the ear canal. Thus,
`the fully occluding earpiece 101 can inhibit sound, water, dirt,
`and the like from undesirable entering the ear canal. It is not
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`US 2014/0254842 Al
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`necessary that the fully occluding earpiece 101 be watertight
`and/or airtight with respect to the ear canal.
`
`[0034] According to an embodiment, the microphone 102,
`the electronics 103, the connector 104, and/or the speaker
`105, as well as a battery, can all be disposed within the fully
`occluding earpiece 101. Thus, the situational hearing
`enhancement and protection device can be autonomous or
`fully self-contained.
`
`[0035] According to an embodiment, the microphone 102,
`the electronics 103, the connector 104, and/or the speaker 105
`can be disposed outside or partially outside of the fully
`occluding earpiece 101. Thus, at least some of the micro-
`phone 102, the electronics 103, the connector 104, and/or the
`speaker 105 can be located remotely with respect to the fully
`occluding earpiece 101. For example, the microphone 102,
`the electronics 103, and/or the connector 104 can be located
`outside of the fully occluding earpiece 101 and can be dis-
`posed within a separate housing that is part of a cable assem-
`bly and/or is attached to the clothing (such as the belt).
`
`[0036] The fully occluding earpiece 101 can receive sound
`signals wirelessly from microphones that are not part of the
`fully occluding earpiece 101 and that are not located upon the
`user. Such microphones can be located remotely with respect
`to the user. For example, the fully occluding earpiece 101 can
`contain a radio receiver for receiving two-way radio commu-
`nications and/or for receiving a signal from surveillance
`microphones.
`
`[0037] Two occluding earpieces 101 can be used to provide
`binaural hearing, such as for the localization of sound
`sources. Two microphones 102 can be locate on the user to
`better facilitate or exaggerate binaural hearing. For example,
`one microphone 102 can be attached to the user’s belt on the
`left side of the user and can provide a signal to the occluding
`earpiece 101 for the left ear and another microphone 102 can
`be attached to the user’s belt on the right side of the user and
`can provide a signal to the occluding earpiece 101 for the right
`ear. Such enhance binaural hearing can better facilitate local-
`ization of sound sources.
`
`[0038] FIG. 2A shows a block diagram illustrating further
`detail of the device for hearing enhancement and protection,
`in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The
`electronics 103 can comprise an analog-to-digital convertor
`(ADC) 201, a digital signal processor (DSP) 202, a digital-
`to-analog converter (DAC) 203, an amplifier 204, a micro-
`processor (pP) 207, and a memory 208. The microprocessor
`207 can include an application specific integrated circuit
`(ASIC), a microcontroller unit (MCU) and/or a program-
`mable intelligent computer (PIC) such as that manufactured
`by Microchip Technology Inc. of Chandler, Ariz.
`
`[0039] The analog-to-digital convertor 201 can receive an
`analog electronic signal from the microphone 102 and can
`provide a digital electronic signal to the digital signal proces-
`sor 202. The digital signal processor 202 can perform digital
`signal processing upon the digital electronic signal and can
`provide a processed digital electronic signal to the digital-to-
`analog convertor 203. The digital signal processing can
`include filtering, attenuation, and/or compression of noise as
`well as amplification of information, as discussed herein.
`
`[0040] The digital-to-analog convertor 203 can convert the
`processed digital electronic signal into a processed analog
`electronic signal and can provide the processed analog elec-
`tronic signal to the amplifier 204. The amplifier 204 can
`amplify the analog electronic signal to a level suitable for
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`Exhibit 1006
`Page 12 of 18
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`Sep. 11, 2014
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`listening to after the analog electronic signal has been trans-
`duced into sound by the speaker 105.
`
`[0041] The memory 208 can be in communication with the
`microprocessor processor 207 and can store sound signatures
`211 and/or program instructions 212. The memory 208 can
`store any desired information. The memory 208 can be in
`communication with the digital signal processor 202, either
`directly or via the microprocessor 207. The memory 208 can
`be a random access memory (RAM), read only memory
`(ROM), or any other type of memory. The use of a random
`access memory can facilitate dynamic, real-time acquisition
`and processing of sound signatures. The use of a read only
`memory can facilitate the use of pre-defined sound signa-
`tures. The memory 208 can contain firmware for operating
`the digital signal processor 202. The program instructions can
`be executed by any combination of hardware, software, and
`firmware.
`
`[0042] The sound signatures 211 can include sound signa-
`tures of undesirable sounds that are to be mitigated. The
`sound signatures can be predefined or obtained substantially
`in real time.
`
`[0043] The sound signatures can include frequency infor-
`mation regarding the undesirable sounds. For example, the
`sound signatures can include Fourier transforms of the unde-
`sirable sounds. The frequency information can be used by the
`digital signal processor to attenuate the undesirable sounds.
`The sound signatures can include waveforms of the undesir-
`able sounds. The waveforms can be used by the digital signal
`processor to attenuate the undesirable sounds.
`
`[0044] The sound signatures 211 can include sound signa-
`tures of desirable sounds that are to be enhanced. The sound
`signatures can include frequency information regarding the
`desirable sounds. For example, the sound signatures can
`include Fourier transforms of desirable sounds. The fre-
`quency information can be used by the digital signal proces-
`sor to increase the level of the desirable sounds. The sound
`signatures can include waveforms of the desirable sounds.
`The waveforms can be used by the digital signal processor to
`amplify the desirable sounds.
`
`[0045] The program instructions 212 can facilitate opera-
`tion of the situational hearing enhancement and protection
`system. For example, the program instructions 212 can
`include algorithms for use by the digital signal processor 202
`to enhance desired sounds and to mitigate undesired sounds.
`In accordance with embodiments, various conventional algo-
`rithms can be used by the digital signal processor 202, as
`would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
`
`[0046] The desired sounds can be enhanced by amplifica-
`tion, regenerative feedback, or any other desired method. The
`undesired sounds can be mitigated by compression, filtering,
`degenerative feedback, noise cancellation (such as be creat-
`ing a complimentary, out-of-phase signal that is combined
`with the noise signal to effect cancellation), or by any other
`method. The desired sounds can be enhanced by mitigating
`theundesired sounds and then amplifying the resulting signal.
`
`[0047] Low level desirable sounds, e.g., information, can
`be replaced with artificial sounds. For example, when the
`signal-to-noise level is too high to facilitate sufficient ampli-
`fication, low level desirable sounds can be substantially
`removed and artificial sounds representative thereof can be
`added in their place. Such artificial sounds can be similar, e.g.,
`can sound like, the sounds they are replacing or can be sub-
`stantially different with respect thereto.
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`[0048] The digital signal processor 202 can be a general
`purpose processor (such as the microprocessor 207) that is
`configured to perform digital signal processing functions.
`The digital signal processor 202 can be a dedicated digital
`signal processor.
`
`[0049] The digital signal processor 202 can apply digital
`filtering to remove undesirable frequency components from
`sound received by the microphone 102. Thus, such undesir-
`able sound can be attenuated before the sound is reproduced
`by the speaker 105.
`
`[0050] Thedigital signal processor 202 can facilitate analy-
`sis of sound received by the microphone 102. For example,
`the microprocessor 202 and/or the digital signal processor
`202 can execute a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) or a fast
`Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm stored as program instruc-
`tions 212 in the memory 208. The digital signal processor 202
`can include a hardware design that is optimized and/or dedi-
`cated to the performance of digital filtering and/or FFT per-
`formance.
`
`[0051] The digital signal processor 202 can be a separate,
`dedicated digital signal processor. The digital signal proces-
`sor 202 can include or can be the microprocessor 207. Thus,
`digital signal processing functions can be performed by a
`general purpose microprocessor, for example.
`
`[0052] FIG. 2B shows a block diagram illustrating further
`detail of the device for hearing enhancement and protection,
`in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The
`device can include an analog-to-digital-converter 205 and a
`switch 206.
`
`[0053] The analog-to-digital converter 205 can convert an
`analog communications signal, such as from a radio, into a
`digital communications signal for processing by the digital
`signal processor 202. The digital signal processor 202 can
`enhance the digital communications signal as well as the
`microphone signal, as discussed herein.
`
`[0054] A switch 206 can bypass the analog-to-digital con-
`vertor 205, such as to facilitate communication of a digital
`communications signal to the digital signal processor 202
`without analog-to-digital conversion. Thus, the analog-to-
`digital convertor 205 can be used when needed (such as when
`the communications signal is analog) and can be omitted
`when not needed (such as when the communications signal is
`digital).
`
`[0055] The digital signal processor 202 can process the
`communications signal, as desired. For example, the digital
`signal processor 202 can vary the volume of the communica-
`tions signal and/or can filter or shape the frequency spectrum
`of the communications signal. Thus, the digital signal pro-
`cessor 202 can enhance the communications signal by
`increasing frequencies that better facilitate desired commu-
`nications and by mitigating noise.
`
`[0056] The digital signal processor 202 can mix other sig-
`nals with the communications signal. For example, the digital
`signal processor 202 can mix ambient sound with the com-
`munications signal. The ambient sound can be filtered so that
`only voice is substantially mixed with the communications
`signal.
`
`[0057] The digital signal processor 202 can pass the com-
`munications signal therethrough substantially unaltered. For
`example, a digital communications signal can pass through
`the digital signal processor 202 without substantial alteration
`when the digital communications signal is present and an
`ambient signal can be processed by the digital signal proces-
`sor 202 when no digital communications signal is present.
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`Exhibit 1006
`Page 13 of 18
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`Sep. 11, 2014
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`[0058] The components of the situational hearing protec-
`tion and enhancement device can be either collocated, dis-
`tributed, or some combination of collocated and distributed.
`Thus, the components do not necessarily have to be in the
`shell 111. Rather, some components can be in the shell 111
`and other components can be worn on a belt clip, for example.
`[0059] As a further example, a battery can be located either
`within the shell 111 or outside of the shell 111. The battery
`can be outside of the ear, such as behind the ear or on a belt
`clip, for example.
`
`[0060] As yet a further example, the microphone 102, the
`digital signal processor 202, the amplifier 204, and the
`speaker 105 can be in the shell ill, while the microprocessor
`207, a push-to-talk switch (not shown), an input port 104, and
`the battery are not in the shell 111. The microprocessor 207,
`the push-to-talk switch, the input port 104, and the battery can
`be in a body-worn housing, for example.
`
`[0061] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for
`hearing enhancement and protection, in accordance with an
`embodiment of the invention. An audiogram of an individual
`or a general hearing profile for a set of individuals can be
`ascertained, as shown in step 301.
`
`[0062] Theaudiogram can be for an individual person. That
`is, the audiogram can be an audiogram acquired by perform-
`ing a hearing test on the person who is to use the system. In
`this manner, the system can be custom tailored for a specific
`user.
`
`[0063] The general hearing profile can be an audiogram for
`a group of people. For example, the general hearing profile
`can be an average of audiograms for a group of people.
`Different general hearing profiles can be used for different
`age groups of users. Different general hearing profiles can be
`used for men and women. Different general hearing profiles
`can be used for different environments. Thus, the hearing
`profile can depend upon particulars of the individual (such as
`age and gender), as well as upon particulars of the environ-
`ment (such as the noise character thereof).
`
`[0064] Rather than an average, the general hearing profile
`can be configured so as to compensate for the worst hearing of
`the group. That is, the general hearing profile can reflect the
`worst hearing of the individuals of the group on a frequency
`band-by-frequency band basis. Thus, the general hearing pro-
`file can be a worst case audiogram. The general hearing
`profile can be any combination of an average and worst case
`audiogram.
`
`[0065] The general hearing profile can be an exponential
`group audiogram that expresses outliers (frequency bands
`where extreme hearing loss is exhibited by only a few indi-
`viduals) substantially less than more average hearing loss
`(such as the hearing loss exhibited by more individuals).
`[0066] The general hearing profile can be a synthetic audio-
`gram. The synthetic audiogram can be configured so as to
`reflect typical or other hearing loss. The synthetic audiogram
`can be configured so as to result in any desired hearing
`enhancement and/or protection. For example, the synthetic
`audiogram can be configured so as to result in hearing
`enhancement in extremely high frequencies, in extremely low
`frequencies, and/or in any desired bands of frequencies. The
`synthetic audiogram can be configured to enhance hearing in
`some desired frequency ranges and to mitigate sound in other,
`undesired frequency ranges.
`
`[0067] Synthetic audiograms can be configured for specific
`environments and/or for specific users. Thus, audiograms can
`be made that provide desired hearing enhancement and/or
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`hearing protection based upon expected noise exposures and/
`or based upon expect user characteristics. For example, if
`excessive noise is expected in a