INTEGRATED CAMERA AND HEARING INTERFACE DEVICE

A hearing interface device for generating processed audio signals is disclosed. In one implementation, the hearing interface device may include a housing configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear of a user, a microphone, a camera, and a processor included in the housing. The processor may be configured to receive a captured audio signal representative of sounds captured by the microphone; receive an image captured by the camera; generate a processed audio signal based on analysis of at least one of the captured audio signal or the image; and cause at least a portion of the processed audio signal to be presented to the ear of the user.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This disclosure generally relates to devices and methods for capturing and processing images and audio from an environment of a user, and using information derived from captured images and audio.

Background Information

Today, technological advancements make it possible for wearable devices to automatically capture images and audio, and store information that is associated with the captured images and audio. Certain devices have been used to digitally record aspects and personal experiences of one's life in an exercise typically called “lifelogging.” Some individuals log their life so they can retrieve moments from past activities, for example, social events, trips, etc. Lifelogging may also have significant benefits in other fields (e.g., business, fitness and healthcare, and social research). Lifelogging devices, while useful for tracking daily activities, may be improved with capability to enhance one's interaction in his environment with feedback and other advanced functionality based on the analysis of captured image and audio data.

Even though users can capture images and audio with their smartphones and some smartphone applications can process the captured information, smartphones may not be the best platform for serving as lifelogging apparatuses in view of their size and design. Lifelogging apparatuses should be small and light, so they can be easily worn. Moreover, with improvements in image capture devices, including wearable apparatuses, additional functionality may be provided to assist users in navigating in and around an environment, identifying persons and objects they encounter, and providing feedback to the users about their surroundings and activities. Therefore, there is a need for apparatuses and methods for automatically capturing and processing images and audio to provide useful information to users of the apparatuses, and for systems and methods to process and leverage information gathered by the apparatuses.

SUMMARY

Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide devices and methods for automatically capturing and processing images and audio from an environment of a user, and systems and methods for processing information related to images and audio captured from the environment of the user.

In an embodiment, a hearing interface device for generating processed audio signals may comprise a housing configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear of a user of the hearing interface device; at least one microphone associated with the housing, the at least one microphone being configured to capture sounds from an environment of the hearing interface device; at least one camera associated with the housing, the at least one wearable camera being configured to capture a plurality of images from the environment of the hearing interface device; and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be programmed to receive a captured audio signal representative of the sounds captured by the at least one microphone; receive at least one image of the plurality of images captured by the at least one camera; generate a processed audio signal based on analysis of at least one of the captured audio signal or the at least one image; and cause at least a portion of the processed audio signal to be presented to the ear of the user.

In another embodiment, a method for generating processed audio signals is disclosed. The method may comprise receiving a captured audio signal representative of sounds captured from an environment of the hearing interface device by at least one microphone associated with the housing; receiving at least one image captured from the environment of the hearing interface device by at least one camera associated with the housing; generating a processed audio signal based on analysis of at least one of the captured audio signal or the at least one image; and causing at least a portion of the processed audio signal to be presented to the ear of the user.

Consistent with other disclosed embodiments, non-transitory computer-readable storage media may store program instructions, which are executed by at least one processor and perform any of the methods described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1Aillustrates a user100wearing an apparatus110that is physically connected (or integral) to glasses130, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. Glasses130may be prescription glasses, magnifying glasses, non-prescription glasses, safety glasses, sunglasses, etc. Additionally, in some embodiments, glasses130may include parts of a frame and earpieces, nosepieces, etc., and one or no lenses. Thus, in some embodiments, glasses130may function primarily to support apparatus110, and/or an augmented reality display device or other optical display device. In some embodiments, apparatus110may include an image sensor (not shown inFIG.1A) for capturing real-time image data of the field-of-view of user100. The term “image data” includes any form of data retrieved from optical signals in the near-infrared, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrums. The image data may include video clips and/or photographs.

In some embodiments, apparatus110may communicate wirelessly or via a wire with a computing device120. In some embodiments, computing device120may include, for example, a smartphone, or a tablet, or a dedicated processing unit, which may be portable (e.g., can be carried in a pocket of user100). Although shown inFIG.1Aas an external device, in some embodiments, computing device120may be provided as part of wearable apparatus110or glasses130, whether integral thereto or mounted thereon. In some embodiments, computing device120may be included in an augmented reality display device or optical head mounted display provided integrally or mounted to glasses130. In other embodiments, computing device120may be provided as part of another wearable or portable apparatus of user100including a wrist-strap, a multifunctional watch, a button, a clip-on, etc. And in other embodiments, computing device120may be provided as part of another system, such as an on-board automobile computing or navigation system. A person skilled in the art can appreciate that different types of computing devices and arrangements of devices may implement the functionality of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, in other implementations, computing device120may include a Personal Computer (PC), laptop, an Internet server, etc.

FIG.1Billustrates user100wearing apparatus110that is physically connected to a necklace140, consistent with a disclosed embodiment. Such a configuration of apparatus110may be suitable for users that do not wear glasses some or all of the time. In this embodiment, user100can easily wear apparatus110, and take it off.

FIG.1Cillustrates user100wearing apparatus110that is physically connected to a belt150, consistent with a disclosed embodiment. Such a configuration of apparatus110may be designed as a belt buckle. Alternatively, apparatus110may include a clip for attaching to various clothing articles, such as belt150, or a vest, a pocket, a collar, a cap or hat or other portion of a clothing article.

FIG.1Dillustrates user100wearing apparatus110that is physically connected to a wrist strap160, consistent with a disclosed embodiment. Although the aiming direction of apparatus110, according to this embodiment, may not match the field-of-view of user100, apparatus110may include the ability to identify a hand-related trigger based on the tracked eye movement of a user100indicating that user100is looking in the direction of the wrist strap160. Wrist strap160may also include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other sensor for determining movement or orientation of a user's100hand for identifying a hand-related trigger.

FIG.2is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system200including a wearable apparatus110, worn by user100, and an optional computing device120and/or a server250capable of communicating with apparatus110via a network240, consistent with disclosed embodiments. In some embodiments, apparatus110may capture and analyze image data, identify a hand-related trigger present in the image data, and perform an action and/or provide feedback to a user100, based at least in part on the identification of the hand-related trigger. In some embodiments, optional computing device120and/or server250may provide additional functionality to enhance interactions of user100with his or her environment, as described in greater detail below.

According to the disclosed embodiments, apparatus110may include an image sensor system220for capturing real-time image data of the field-of-view of user100. In some embodiments, apparatus110may also include a processing unit210for controlling and performing the disclosed functionality of apparatus110, such as to control the capture of image data, analyze the image data, and perform an action and/or output a feedback based on a hand-related trigger identified in the image data. According to the disclosed embodiments, a hand-related trigger may include a gesture performed by user100involving a portion of a hand of user100. Further, consistent with some embodiments, a hand-related trigger may include a wrist-related trigger. Additionally, in some embodiments, apparatus110may include a feedback outputting unit230for producing an output of information to user100.

As discussed above, apparatus110may include an image sensor220for capturing image data. The term “image sensor” refers to a device capable of detecting and converting optical signals in the near-infrared, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrums into electrical signals. The electrical signals may be used to form an image or a video stream (i.e. image data) based on the detected signal. The term “image data” includes any form of data retrieved from optical signals in the near-infrared, infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrums. Examples of image sensors may include semiconductor charge-coupled devices (CCD), active pixel sensors in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), or N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS, Live MOS). In some cases, image sensor220may be part of a camera included in apparatus110.

Apparatus110may also include a processor210for controlling image sensor220to capture image data and for analyzing the image data according to the disclosed embodiments. As discussed in further detail below with respect toFIG.5A, processor210may include a “processing device” for performing logic operations on one or more inputs of image data and other data according to stored or accessible software instructions providing desired functionality. In some embodiments, processor210may also control feedback outputting unit230to provide feedback to user100including information based on the analyzed image data and the stored software instructions. As the term is used herein, a “processing device” may access memory where executable instructions are stored or, in some embodiments, a “processing device” itself may include executable instructions (e.g., stored in memory included in the processing device).

In some embodiments, the information or feedback information provided to user100may include time information. The time information may include any information related to a current time of day and, as described further below, may be presented in any sensory perceptive manner. In some embodiments, time information may include a current time of day in a preconfigured format (e.g., 2:30 pm or 14:30). Time information may include the time in the user's current time zone (e.g., based on a determined location of user100), as well as an indication of the time zone and/or a time of day in another desired location. In some embodiments, time information may include a number of hours or minutes relative to one or more predetermined times of day. For example, in some embodiments, time information may include an indication that three hours and fifteen minutes remain until a particular hour (e.g., until 6:00 pm), or some other predetermined time. Time information may also include a duration of time passed since the beginning of a particular activity, such as the start of a meeting or the start of a jog, or any other activity. In some embodiments, the activity may be determined based on analyzed image data. In other embodiments, time information may also include additional information related to a current time and one or more other routine, periodic, or scheduled events. For example, time information may include an indication of the number of minutes remaining until the next scheduled event, as may be determined from a calendar function or other information retrieved from computing device120or server250, as discussed in further detail below.

Feedback outputting unit230may include one or more feedback systems for providing the output of information to user100. In the disclosed embodiments, the audible or visual feedback may be provided via any type of connected audible or visual system or both. Feedback of information according to the disclosed embodiments may include audible feedback to user100(e.g., using a Bluetooth™ or other wired or wirelessly connected speaker, or a bone conduction headphone). Feedback outputting unit230of some embodiments may additionally or alternatively produce a visible output of information to user100, for example, as part of an augmented reality display projected onto a lens of glasses130or provided via a separate heads up display in communication with apparatus110, such as a display260provided as part of computing device120, which may include an onboard automobile heads up display, an augmented reality device, a virtual reality device, a smartphone, PC, table, etc.

The term “computing device” refers to a device including a processing unit and having computing capabilities. Some examples of computing device120include a PC, laptop, tablet, or other computing systems such as an on-board computing system of an automobile, for example, each configured to communicate directly with apparatus110or server250over network240. Another example of computing device120includes a smartphone having a display260. In some embodiments, computing device120may be a computing system configured particularly for apparatus110, and may be provided integral to apparatus110or tethered thereto. Apparatus110can also connect to computing device120over network240via any known wireless standard (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, etc.), as well as near-filed capacitive coupling, and other short range wireless techniques, or via a wired connection. In an embodiment in which computing device120is a smartphone, computing device120may have a dedicated application installed therein. For example, user100may view on display260data (e.g., images, video clips, extracted information, feedback information, etc.) that originate from or are triggered by apparatus110. In addition, user100may select part of the data for storage in server250.

Network240may be a shared, public, or private network, may encompass a wide area or local area, and may be implemented through any suitable combination of wired and/or wireless communication networks. Network240may further comprise an intranet or the Internet. In some embodiments, network240may include short range or near-field wireless communication systems for enabling communication between apparatus110and computing device120provided in close proximity to each other, such as on or near a user's person, for example. Apparatus110may establish a connection to network240autonomously, for example, using a wireless module (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular). In some embodiments, apparatus110may use the wireless module when being connected to an external power source, to prolong battery life. Further, communication between apparatus110and server250may be accomplished through any suitable communication channels, such as, for example, a telephone network, an extranet, an intranet, the Internet, satellite communications, off-line communications, wireless communications, transponder communications, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and a virtual private network (VPN).

As shown inFIG.2, apparatus110may transfer or receive data to/from server250via network240. In the disclosed embodiments, the data being received from server250and/or computing device120may include numerous different types of information based on the analyzed image data, including information related to a commercial product, or a person's identity, an identified landmark, and any other information capable of being stored in or accessed by server250. In some embodiments, data may be received and transferred via computing device120. Server250and/or computing device120may retrieve information from different data sources (e.g., a user specific database or a user's social network account or other account, the Internet, and other managed or accessible databases) and provide information to apparatus110related to the analyzed image data and a recognized trigger according to the disclosed embodiments. In some embodiments, calendar-related information retrieved from the different data sources may be analyzed to provide certain time information or a time-based context for providing certain information based on the analyzed image data.

An example of wearable apparatus110incorporated with glasses130according to some embodiments (as discussed in connection withFIG.1A) is shown in greater detail inFIG.3A. In some embodiments, apparatus110may be associated with a structure (not shown inFIG.3A) that enables easy detaching and reattaching of apparatus110to glasses130. In some embodiments, when apparatus110attaches to glasses130, image sensor220acquires a set aiming direction without the need for directional calibration. The set aiming direction of image sensor220may substantially coincide with the field-of-view of user100. For example, a camera associated with image sensor220may be installed within apparatus110in a predetermined angle in a position facing slightly downwards (e.g., 5-15 degrees from the horizon). Accordingly, the set aiming direction of image sensor220may substantially match the field-of-view of user100.

FIG.3Bis an exploded view of the components of the embodiment discussed regardingFIG.3A. Attaching apparatus110to glasses130may take place in the following way. Initially, a support310may be mounted on glasses130using a screw320, in the side of support310. Then, apparatus110may be clipped on support310such that it is aligned with the field-of-view of user100. The term “support” includes any device or structure that enables detaching and reattaching of a device including a camera to a pair of glasses or to another object (e.g., a helmet). Support310may be made from plastic (e.g., polycarbonate), metal (e.g., aluminum), or a combination of plastic and metal (e.g., carbon fiber graphite). Support310may be mounted on any kind of glasses (e.g., eyeglasses, sunglasses, 3D glasses, safety glasses, etc.) using screws, bolts, snaps, or any fastening means used in the art.

In some embodiments, support310may include a quick release mechanism for disengaging and reengaging apparatus110. For example, support310and apparatus110may include magnetic elements. As an alternative example, support310may include a male latch member and apparatus110may include a female receptacle. In other embodiments, support310can be an integral part of a pair of glasses, or sold separately and installed by an optometrist. For example, support310may be configured for mounting on the arms of glasses130near the frame front, but before the hinge. Alternatively, support310may be configured for mounting on the bridge of glasses130.

In some embodiments, apparatus110may be provided as part of a glasses frame130, with or without lenses. Additionally, in some embodiments, apparatus110may be configured to provide an augmented reality display projected onto a lens of glasses130(if provided), or alternatively, may include a display for projecting time information, for example, according to the disclosed embodiments. Apparatus110may include the additional display or alternatively, may be in communication with a separately provided display system that may or may not be attached to glasses130.

In some embodiments, apparatus110may be implemented in a form other than wearable glasses, as described above with respect toFIGS.1B-1D, for example.FIG.4Ais a schematic illustration of an example of an additional embodiment of apparatus110from a front viewpoint of apparatus110. Apparatus110includes an image sensor220, a clip (not shown), a function button (not shown) and a hanging ring410for attaching apparatus110to, for example, necklace140, as shown inFIG.1B. When apparatus110hangs on necklace140, the aiming direction of image sensor220may not fully coincide with the field-of-view of user100, but the aiming direction would still correlate with the field-of-view of user100.

FIG.4Bis a schematic illustration of the example of a second embodiment of apparatus110, from a side orientation of apparatus110. In addition to hanging ring410, as shown inFIG.4B, apparatus110may further include a clip420. User100can use clip420to attach apparatus110to a shirt or belt150, as illustrated inFIG.1C. Clip420may provide an easy mechanism for disengaging and re-engaging apparatus110from different articles of clothing. In other embodiments, apparatus110may include a female receptacle for connecting with a male latch of a car mount or universal stand.

In some embodiments, apparatus110includes a function button430for enabling user100to provide input to apparatus110. Function button430may accept different types of tactile input (e.g., a tap, a click, a double-click, a long press, a right-to-left slide, a left-to-right slide). In some embodiments, each type of input may be associated with a different action. For example, a tap may be associated with the function of taking a picture, while a right-to-left slide may be associated with the function of recording a video.

Apparatus110may be attached to an article of clothing (e.g., a shirt, a belt, pants, etc.), of user100at an edge of the clothing using a clip431as shown inFIG.4C. For example, the body of apparatus100may reside adjacent to the inside surface of the clothing with clip431engaging with the outside surface of the clothing. In such an embodiment, as shown inFIG.4C, the image sensor220(e.g., a camera for visible light) may be protruding beyond the edge of the clothing. Alternatively, clip431may be engaging with the inside surface of the clothing with the body of apparatus110being adjacent to the outside of the clothing. In various embodiments, the clothing may be positioned between clip431and the body of apparatus110.

An example embodiment of apparatus110is shown inFIG.4D. Apparatus110includes clip431which may include points (e.g.,432A and432B) in close proximity to a front surface434of a body435of apparatus110. In an example embodiment, the distance between points432A,432B and front surface434may be less than a typical thickness of a fabric of the clothing of user100. For example, the distance between points432A,432B and surface434may be less than a thickness of a tee-shirt, e.g., less than a millimeter, less than 2 millimeters, less than 3 millimeters, etc., or, in some cases, points432A,432B of clip431may touch surface434. In various embodiments, clip431may include a point433that does not touch surface434, allowing the clothing to be inserted between clip431and surface434.

FIG.4Dshows schematically different views of apparatus110defined as a front view (F-view), a rearview (R-view), a top view (T-view), a side view (S-view) and a bottom view (B-view). These views will be referred to when describing apparatus110in subsequent figures.FIG.4Dshows an example embodiment where clip431is positioned at the same side of apparatus110as sensor220(e.g., the front side of apparatus110). Alternatively, clip431may be positioned at an opposite side of apparatus110as sensor220(e.g., the rear side of apparatus110). In various embodiments, apparatus110may include function button430, as shown inFIG.4D.

Various views of apparatus110are illustrated inFIGS.4E through4K. For example,FIG.4Eshows a view of apparatus110with an electrical connection441. Electrical connection441may be, for example, a USB port, that may be used to transfer data to/from apparatus110and provide electrical power to apparatus110. In an example embodiment, connection441may be used to charge a battery442schematically shown inFIG.4E.FIG.4Fshows F-view of apparatus110, including sensor220and one or more microphones443. In some embodiments, apparatus110may include several microphones443facing outwards, wherein microphones443are configured to obtain environmental sounds and sounds of various speakers communicating with user100.FIG.4Gshows R-view of apparatus110. In some embodiments, microphone444may be positioned at the rear side of apparatus110, as shown inFIG.4G. Microphone444may be used to detect an audio signal from user100. It should be noted, that apparatus110may have microphones placed at any side (e.g., a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a top side, or a bottom side) of apparatus110. In various embodiments, some microphones may be at a first side (e.g., microphones443may be at the front of apparatus110) and other microphones may be at a second side (e.g., microphone444may be at the back side of apparatus110).

FIGS.4H and4Ishow different sides of apparatus110(i.e., S-view of apparatus110) consisted with disclosed embodiments. For example,FIG.4Hshows the location of sensor220and an example shape of clip431.FIG.4Jshows T-view of apparatus110, including function button430, andFIG.4Kshows B-view of apparatus110with electrical connection441.

The example embodiments discussed above with respect toFIGS.3A,3B,4A, and4B are not limiting. In some embodiments, apparatus110may be implemented in any suitable configuration for performing the disclosed methods. For example, referring back toFIG.2, the disclosed embodiments may implement an apparatus110according to any configuration including an image sensor220and a processor unit210to perform image analysis and for communicating with a feedback unit230.

FIG.5Ais a block diagram illustrating the components of apparatus110according to an example embodiment. As shown inFIG.5A, and as similarly discussed above, apparatus110includes an image sensor220, a memory550, a processor210, a feedback outputting unit230, a wireless transceiver530, and a mobile power source520. In other embodiments, apparatus110may also include buttons, other sensors such as a microphone, and inertial measurements devices such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, temperature sensors, color sensors, light sensors, etc. Apparatus110may further include a data port570and a power connection510with suitable interfaces for connecting with an external power source or an external device (not shown).

Processor210, depicted inFIG.5A, may include any suitable processing device. The term “processing device” includes any physical device having an electric circuit that performs a logic operation on input or inputs. For example, processing device may include one or more integrated circuits, microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors, all or part of a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other circuits suitable for executing instructions or performing logic operations. The instructions executed by the processing device may, for example, be pre-loaded into a memory integrated with or embedded into the processing device or may be stored in a separate memory (e.g., memory550). Memory550may comprise a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetic medium, a flash memory, other permanent, fixed, or volatile memory, or any other mechanism capable of storing instructions.

Although, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.5A, apparatus110includes one processing device (e.g., processor210), apparatus110may include more than one processing device. Each processing device may have a similar construction, or the processing devices may be of differing constructions that are electrically connected or disconnected from each other. For example, the processing devices may be separate circuits or integrated in a single circuit. When more than one processing device is used, the processing devices may be configured to operate independently or collaboratively. The processing devices may be coupled electrically, magnetically, optically, acoustically, mechanically or by other means that permit them to interact.

In some embodiments, processor210may process a plurality of images captured from the environment of user100to determine different parameters related to capturing subsequent images. For example, processor210can determine, based on information derived from captured image data, a value for at least one of the following: an image resolution, a compression ratio, a cropping parameter, frame rate, a focus point, an exposure time, an aperture size, and a light sensitivity. The determined value may be used in capturing at least one subsequent image. Additionally, processor210can detect images including at least one hand-related trigger in the environment of the user and perform an action and/or provide an output of information to a user via feedback outputting unit230.

In another embodiment, processor210can change the aiming direction of image sensor220. For example, when apparatus110is attached with clip420, the aiming direction of image sensor220may not coincide with the field-of-view of user100. Processor210may recognize certain situations from the analyzed image data and adjust the aiming direction of image sensor220to capture relevant image data. For example, in one embodiment, processor210may detect an interaction with another individual and sense that the individual is not fully in view, because image sensor220is tilted down. Responsive thereto, processor210may adjust the aiming direction of image sensor220to capture image data of the individual. Other scenarios are also contemplated where processor210may recognize the need to adjust an aiming direction of image sensor220.

In some embodiments, processor210may communicate data to feedback-outputting unit230, which may include any device configured to provide information to a user100. Feedback outputting unit230may be provided as part of apparatus110(as shown) or may be provided external to apparatus110and communicatively coupled thereto. Feedback-outputting unit230may be configured to output visual or nonvisual feedback based on signals received from processor210, such as when processor210recognizes a hand-related trigger in the analyzed image data.

The term “feedback” refers to any output or information provided in response to processing at least one image in an environment. In some embodiments, as similarly described above, feedback may include an audible or visible indication of time information, detected text or numerals, the value of currency, a branded product, a person's identity, the identity of a landmark or other environmental situation or condition including the street names at an intersection or the color of a traffic light, etc., as well as other information associated with each of these. For example, in some embodiments, feedback may include additional information regarding the amount of currency still needed to complete a transaction, information regarding the identified person, historical information or times and prices of admission etc. of a detected landmark etc. In some embodiments, feedback may include an audible tone, a tactile response, and/or information previously recorded by user100. Feedback-outputting unit230may comprise appropriate components for outputting acoustical and tactile feedback. For example, feedback-outputting unit230may comprise audio headphones, a hearing aid type device, a speaker, a bone conduction headphone, interfaces that provide tactile cues, vibrotactile stimulators, etc. In some embodiments, processor210may communicate signals with an external feedback outputting unit230via a wireless transceiver530, a wired connection, or some other communication interface. In some embodiments, feedback outputting unit230may also include any suitable display device for visually displaying information to user100.

As shown inFIG.5A, apparatus110includes memory550. Memory550may include one or more sets of instructions accessible to processor210to perform the disclosed methods, including instructions for recognizing a hand-related trigger in the image data. In some embodiments memory550may store image data (e.g., images, videos) captured from the environment of user100. In addition, memory550may store information specific to user100, such as image representations of known individuals, favorite products, personal items, and calendar or appointment information, etc. In some embodiments, processor210may determine, for example, which type of image data to store based on available storage space in memory550. In another embodiment, processor210may extract information from the image data stored in memory550.

As further shown inFIG.5A, apparatus110includes mobile power source520. The term “mobile power source” includes any device capable of providing electrical power, which can be easily carried by hand (e.g., mobile power source520may weigh less than a pound). The mobility of the power source enables user100to use apparatus110in a variety of situations. In some embodiments, mobile power source520may include one or more batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and lithium-ion batteries) or any other type of electrical power supply. In other embodiments, mobile power source520may be rechargeable and contained within a casing that holds apparatus110. In yet other embodiments, mobile power source520may include one or more energy harvesting devices for converting ambient energy into electrical energy (e.g., portable solar power units, human vibration units, etc.).

Mobile power source520may power one or more wireless transceivers (e.g., wireless transceiver530inFIG.5A). The term “wireless transceiver” refers to any device configured to exchange transmissions over an air interface by use of radio frequency, infrared frequency, magnetic field, or electric field. Wireless transceiver530may use any known standard to transmit and/or receive data (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Smart, 802.15.4, or ZigBee). In some embodiments, wireless transceiver530may transmit data (e.g., raw image data, processed image data, extracted information) from apparatus110to computing device120and/or server250. Wireless transceiver530may also receive data from computing device120and/or server250. In other embodiments, wireless transceiver530may transmit data and instructions to an external feedback outputting unit230.

FIG.5Bis a block diagram illustrating the components of apparatus110according to another example embodiment. In some embodiments, apparatus110includes a first image sensor220a, a second image sensor220b, a memory550, a first processor210a, a second processor210b, a feedback outputting unit230, a wireless transceiver530, a mobile power source520, and a power connector510. In the arrangement shown inFIG.5B, each of the image sensors may provide images in a different image resolution, or face a different direction. Alternatively, each image sensor may be associated with a different camera (e.g., a wide angle camera, a narrow angle camera, an IR camera, etc.). In some embodiments, apparatus110can select which image sensor to use based on various factors. For example, processor210amay determine, based on available storage space in memory550, to capture subsequent images in a certain resolution.

Apparatus110may operate in a first processing-mode and in a second processing-mode, such that the first processing-mode may consume less power than the second processing-mode. For example, in the first processing-mode, apparatus110may capture images and process the captured images to make real-time decisions based on an identifying hand-related trigger, for example. In the second processing-mode, apparatus110may extract information from stored images in memory550and delete images from memory550. In some embodiments, mobile power source520may provide more than fifteen hours of processing in the first processing-mode and about three hours of processing in the second processing-mode. Accordingly, different processing-modes may allow mobile power source520to produce sufficient power for powering apparatus110for various time periods (e.g., more than two hours, more than four hours, more than ten hours, etc.).

In some embodiments, apparatus110may use first processor210ain the first processing-mode when powered by mobile power source520, and second processor210bin the second processing-mode when powered by external power source580that is connectable via power connector510. In other embodiments, apparatus110may determine, based on predefined conditions, which processors or which processing modes to use. Apparatus110may operate in the second processing-mode even when apparatus110is not powered by external power source580. For example, apparatus110may determine that it should operate in the second processing-mode when apparatus110is not powered by external power source580, if the available storage space in memory550for storing new image data is lower than a predefined threshold.

Although one wireless transceiver is depicted inFIG.5B, apparatus110may include more than one wireless transceiver (e.g., two wireless transceivers). In an arrangement with more than one wireless transceiver, each of the wireless transceivers may use a different standard to transmit and/or receive data. In some embodiments, a first wireless transceiver may communicate with server250or computing device120using a cellular standard (e.g., LTE or GSM), and a second wireless transceiver may communicate with server250or computing device120using a short-range standard (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth®). In some embodiments, apparatus110may use the first wireless transceiver when the wearable apparatus is powered by a mobile power source included in the wearable apparatus, and use the second wireless transceiver when the wearable apparatus is powered by an external power source.

FIG.5Cis a block diagram illustrating the components of apparatus110according to another example embodiment including computing device120. In this embodiment, apparatus110includes an image sensor220, a memory550a, a first processor210, a feedback-outputting unit230, a wireless transceiver530a, a mobile power source520, and a power connector510. As further shown inFIG.5C, computing device120includes a processor540, a feedback-outputting unit545, a memory550b, a wireless transceiver530b, and a display260. One example of computing device120is a smartphone or tablet having a dedicated application installed therein. In other embodiments, computing device120may include any configuration such as an on-board automobile computing system, a PC, a laptop, and any other system consistent with the disclosed embodiments. In this example, user100may view feedback output in response to identification of a hand-related trigger on display260. Additionally, user100may view other data (e.g., images, video clips, object information, schedule information, extracted information, etc.) on display260. In addition, user100may communicate with server250via computing device120.

In some embodiments, processor210and processor540are configured to extract information from captured image data. The term “extracting information” includes any process by which information associated with objects, individuals, locations, events, etc., is identified in the captured image data by any means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, apparatus110may use the extracted information to send feedback or other real-time indications to feedback outputting unit230or to computing device120. In some embodiments, processor210may identify in the image data the individual standing in front of user100, and send computing device120the name of the individual and the last time user100met the individual. In another embodiment, processor210may identify in the image data, one or more visible triggers, including a hand-related trigger, and determine whether the trigger is associated with a person other than the user of the wearable apparatus to selectively determine whether to perform an action associated with the trigger. One such action may be to provide a feedback to user100via feedback-outputting unit230provided as part of (or in communication with) apparatus110or via a feedback unit545provided as part of computing device120. For example, feedback-outputting unit545may be in communication with display260to cause the display260to visibly output information. In some embodiments, processor210may identify in the image data a hand-related trigger and send computing device120an indication of the trigger. Processor540may then process the received trigger information and provide an output via feedback outputting unit545or display260based on the hand-related trigger. In other embodiments, processor540may determine a hand-related trigger and provide suitable feedback similar to the above, based on image data received from apparatus110. In some embodiments, processor540may provide instructions or other information, such as environmental information to apparatus110based on an identified hand-related trigger.

In some embodiments, processor210may identify other environmental information in the analyzed images, such as an individual standing in front user100, and send computing device120information related to the analyzed information such as the name of the individual and the last time user100met the individual. In a different embodiment, processor540may extract statistical information from captured image data and forward the statistical information to server250. For example, certain information regarding the types of items a user purchases, or the frequency a user patronizes a particular merchant, etc. may be determined by processor540. Based on this information, server250may send computing device120coupons and discounts associated with the user's preferences.

When apparatus110is connected or wirelessly connected to computing device120, apparatus110may transmit at least part of the image data stored in memory550afor storage in memory550b. In some embodiments, after computing device120confirms that transferring the part of image data was successful, processor540may delete the part of the image data. The term “delete” means that the image is marked as ‘deleted’ and other image data may be stored instead of it, but does not necessarily mean that the image data was physically removed from the memory.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments. Not all components are essential for the operation of apparatus110. Any component may be located in any appropriate apparatus and the components may be rearranged into a variety of configurations while providing the functionality of the disclosed embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, apparatus110may include a camera, a processor, and a wireless transceiver for sending data to another device. Therefore, the foregoing configurations are examples and, regardless of the configurations discussed above, apparatus110can capture, store, and/or process images.

Further, the foregoing and following description refers to storing and/or processing images or image data. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the stored and/or processed images or image data may comprise a representation of one or more images captured by image sensor220. As the term is used herein, a “representation” of an image (or image data) may include an entire image or a portion of an image. A representation of an image (or image data) may have the same resolution or a lower resolution as the image (or image data), and/or a representation of an image (or image data) may be altered in some respect (e.g., be compressed, have a lower resolution, have one or more colors that are altered, etc.).

For example, apparatus110may capture an image and store a representation of the image that is compressed as a .JPG file. As another example, apparatus110may capture an image in color, but store a black-and-white representation of the color image. As yet another example, apparatus110may capture an image and store a different representation of the image (e.g., a portion of the image). For example, apparatus110may store a portion of an image that includes a face of a person who appears in the image, but that does not substantially include the environment surrounding the person. Similarly, apparatus110may, for example, store a portion of an image that includes a product that appears in the image, but does not substantially include the environment surrounding the product. As yet another example, apparatus110may store a representation of an image at a reduced resolution (i.e., at a resolution that is of a lower value than that of the captured image). Storing representations of images may allow apparatus110to save storage space in memory550. Furthermore, processing representations of images may allow apparatus110to improve processing efficiency and/or help to preserve battery life.

In addition to the above, in some embodiments, any one of apparatus110or computing device120, via processor210or540, may further process the captured image data to provide additional functionality to recognize objects and/or gestures and/or other information in the captured image data. In some embodiments, actions may be taken based on the identified objects, gestures, or other information. In some embodiments, processor210or540may identify in the image data, one or more visible triggers, including a hand-related trigger, and determine whether the trigger is associated with a person other than the user to determine whether to perform an action associated with the trigger.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include an apparatus securable to an article of clothing of a user. Such an apparatus may include two portions, connectable by a connector. A capturing unit may be designed to be worn on the outside of a user's clothing, and may include an image sensor for capturing images of a user's environment. The capturing unit may be connected to or connectable to a power unit, which may be configured to house a power source and a processing device. The capturing unit may be a small device including a camera or other device for capturing images. The capturing unit may be designed to be inconspicuous and unobtrusive, and may be configured to communicate with a power unit concealed by a user's clothing. The power unit may include bulkier aspects of the system, such as transceiver antennas, at least one battery, a processing device, etc. In some embodiments, communication between the capturing unit and the power unit may be provided by a data cable included in the connector, while in other embodiments, communication may be wirelessly achieved between the capturing unit and the power unit. Some embodiments may permit alteration of the orientation of an image sensor of the capture unit, for example to better capture images of interest.

FIG.6illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a memory containing software modules consistent with the present disclosure. Included in memory550are orientation identification module601, orientation adjustment module602, and motion tracking module603. Modules601,602,603may contain software instructions for execution by at least one processing device, e.g., processor210, included with a wearable apparatus. Orientation identification module601, orientation adjustment module602, and motion tracking module603may cooperate to provide orientation adjustment for a capturing unit incorporated into wireless apparatus110.

FIG.7illustrates an exemplary capturing unit710including an orientation adjustment unit705. Orientation adjustment unit705may be configured to permit the adjustment of image sensor220. As illustrated inFIG.7, orientation adjustment unit705may include an eye-ball type adjustment mechanism. In alternative embodiments, orientation adjustment unit705may include gimbals, adjustable stalks, pivotable mounts, and any other suitable unit for adjusting an orientation of image sensor220.

Image sensor220may be configured to be movable with the head of user100in such a manner that an aiming direction of image sensor220substantially coincides with a field of view of user100. For example, as described above, a camera associated with image sensor220may be installed within capturing unit710at a predetermined angle in a position facing slightly upwards or downwards, depending on an intended location of capturing unit710. Accordingly, the set aiming direction of image sensor220may match the field-of-view of user100. In some embodiments, processor210may change the orientation of image sensor220using image data provided from image sensor220. For example, processor210may recognize that a user is reading a book and determine that the aiming direction of image sensor220is offset from the text. That is, because the words in the beginning of each line of text are not fully in view, processor210may determine that image sensor220is tilted in the wrong direction. Responsive thereto, processor210may adjust the aiming direction of image sensor220.

Orientation identification module601may be configured to identify an orientation of an image sensor220of capturing unit710. An orientation of an image sensor220may be identified, for example, by analysis of images captured by image sensor220of capturing unit710, by tilt or attitude sensing devices within capturing unit710, and by measuring a relative direction of orientation adjustment unit705with respect to the remainder of capturing unit710.

Orientation adjustment module602may be configured to adjust an orientation of image sensor220of capturing unit710. As discussed above, image sensor220may be mounted on an orientation adjustment unit705configured for movement. Orientation adjustment unit705may be configured for rotational and/or lateral movement in response to commands from orientation adjustment module602. In some embodiments orientation adjustment unit705may be adjust an orientation of image sensor220via motors, electromagnets, permanent magnets, and/or any suitable combination thereof.

In some embodiments, monitoring module603may be provided for continuous monitoring. Such continuous monitoring may include tracking a movement of at least a portion of an object included in one or more images captured by the image sensor. For example, in one embodiment, apparatus110may track an object as long as the object remains substantially within the field-of-view of image sensor220. In additional embodiments, monitoring module603may engage orientation adjustment module602to instruct orientation adjustment unit705to continually orient image sensor220towards an object of interest. For example, in one embodiment, monitoring module603may cause image sensor220to adjust an orientation to ensure that a certain designated object, for example, the face of a particular person, remains within the field-of view of image sensor220, even as that designated object moves about. In another embodiment, monitoring module603may continuously monitor an area of interest included in one or more images captured by the image sensor. For example, a user may be occupied by a certain task, for example, typing on a laptop, while image sensor220remains oriented in a particular direction and continuously monitors a portion of each image from a series of images to detect a trigger or other event. For example, image sensor210may be oriented towards a piece of laboratory equipment and monitoring module603may be configured to monitor a status light on the laboratory equipment for a change in status, while the user's attention is otherwise occupied.

In some embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, capturing unit710may include a plurality of image sensors220. The plurality of image sensors220may each be configured to capture different image data. For example, when a plurality of image sensors220are provided, the image sensors220may capture images having different resolutions, may capture wider or narrower fields of view, and may have different levels of magnification. Image sensors220may be provided with varying lenses to permit these different configurations. In some embodiments, a plurality of image sensors220may include image sensors220having different orientations. Thus, each of the plurality of image sensors220may be pointed in a different direction to capture different images. The fields of view of image sensors220may be overlapping in some embodiments. The plurality of image sensors220may each be configured for orientation adjustment, for example, by being paired with an image adjustment unit705. In some embodiments, monitoring module603, or another module associated with memory550, may be configured to individually adjust the orientations of the plurality of image sensors220as well as to turn each of the plurality of image sensors220on or off as may be required. In some embodiments, monitoring an object or person captured by an image sensor220may include tracking movement of the object across the fields of view of the plurality of image sensors220.

Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure may include connectors configured to connect a capturing unit and a power unit of a wearable apparatus. Capturing units consistent with the present disclosure may include least one image sensor configured to capture images of an environment of a user. Power units consistent with the present disclosure may be configured to house a power source and/or at least one processing device. Connectors consistent with the present disclosure may be configured to connect the capturing unit and the power unit, and may be configured to secure the apparatus to an article of clothing such that the capturing unit is positioned over an outer surface of the article of clothing and the power unit is positioned under an inner surface of the article of clothing. Exemplary embodiments of capturing units, connectors, and power units consistent with the disclosure are discussed in further detail with respect toFIGS.8-14.

FIG.8is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of wearable apparatus110securable to an article of clothing consistent with the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.8, capturing unit710and power unit720may be connected by a connector730such that capturing unit710is positioned on one side of an article of clothing750and power unit720is positioned on the opposite side of the clothing750. In some embodiments, capturing unit710may be positioned over an outer surface of the article of clothing750and power unit720may be located under an inner surface of the article of clothing750. The power unit720may be configured to be placed against the skin of a user.

Capturing unit710may include an image sensor220and an orientation adjustment unit705(as illustrated inFIG.7). Power unit720may include mobile power source520and processor210. Power unit720may further include any combination of elements previously discussed that may be a part of wearable apparatus110, including, but not limited to, wireless transceiver530, feedback outputting unit230, memory550, and data port570.

Connector730may include a clip715or other mechanical connection designed to clip or attach capturing unit710and power unit720to an article of clothing750as illustrated inFIG.8. As illustrated, clip715may connect to each of capturing unit710and power unit720at a perimeter thereof, and may wrap around an edge of the article of clothing750to affix the capturing unit710and power unit720in place. Connector730may further include a power cable760and a data cable770. Power cable760may be capable of conveying power from mobile power source520to image sensor220of capturing unit710. Power cable760may also be configured to provide power to any other elements of capturing unit710, e.g., orientation adjustment unit705. Data cable770may be capable of conveying captured image data from image sensor220in capturing unit710to processor800in the power unit720. Data cable770may be further capable of conveying additional data between capturing unit710and processor800, e.g., control instructions for orientation adjustment unit705.

FIG.9is a schematic illustration of a user100wearing a wearable apparatus110consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.9, capturing unit710is located on an exterior surface of the clothing750of user100. Capturing unit710is connected to power unit720(not seen in this illustration) via connector730, which wraps around an edge of clothing750.

In some embodiments, connector730may include a flexible printed circuit board (PCB).FIG.10illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein connector730includes a flexible printed circuit board765. Flexible printed circuit board765may include data connections and power connections between capturing unit710and power unit720. Thus, in some embodiments, flexible printed circuit board765may serve to replace power cable760and data cable770. In alternative embodiments, flexible printed circuit board765may be included in addition to at least one of power cable760and data cable770. In various embodiments discussed herein, flexible printed circuit board765may be substituted for, or included in addition to, power cable760and data cable770.

FIG.11is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a wearable apparatus securable to an article of clothing consistent with the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.11, connector730may be centrally located with respect to capturing unit710and power unit720. Central location of connector730may facilitate affixing apparatus110to clothing750through a hole in clothing750such as, for example, a button-hole in an existing article of clothing750or a specialty hole in an article of clothing750designed to accommodate wearable apparatus110.

FIG.12is a schematic illustration of still another embodiment of wearable apparatus110securable to an article of clothing. As illustrated inFIG.12, connector730may include a first magnet731and a second magnet732. First magnet731and second magnet732may secure capturing unit710to power unit720with the article of clothing positioned between first magnet731and second magnet732. In embodiments including first magnet731and second magnet732, power cable760and data cable770may also be included. In these embodiments, power cable760and data cable770may be of any length, and may provide a flexible power and data connection between capturing unit710and power unit720. Embodiments including first magnet731and second magnet732may further include a flexible PCB765connection in addition to or instead of power cable760and/or data cable770. In some embodiments, first magnet731or second magnet732may be replaced by an object comprising a metal material.

FIG.13is a schematic illustration of yet another embodiment of a wearable apparatus110securable to an article of clothing.FIG.13illustrates an embodiment wherein power and data may be wirelessly transferred between capturing unit710and power unit720. As illustrated inFIG.13, first magnet731and second magnet732may be provided as connector730to secure capturing unit710and power unit720to an article of clothing750. Power and/or data may be transferred between capturing unit710and power unit720via any suitable wireless technology, for example, magnetic and/or capacitive coupling, near field communication technologies, radiofrequency transfer, and any other wireless technology suitable for transferring data and/or power across short distances.

FIG.14illustrates still another embodiment of wearable apparatus110securable to an article of clothing750of a user. As illustrated inFIG.14, connector730may include features designed for a contact fit. For example, capturing unit710may include a ring733with a hollow center having a diameter slightly larger than a disk-shaped protrusion734located on power unit720. When pressed together with fabric of an article of clothing750between them, disk-shaped protrusion734may fit tightly inside ring733, securing capturing unit710to power unit720.FIG.14illustrates an embodiment that does not include any cabling or other physical connection between capturing unit710and power unit720. In this embodiment, capturing unit710and power unit720may transfer power and data wirelessly. In alternative embodiments, capturing unit710and power unit720may transfer power and data via at least one of cable760, data cable770, and flexible printed circuit board765.

FIG.15illustrates another aspect of power unit720consistent with embodiments described herein. Power unit720may be configured to be positioned directly against the user's skin. To facilitate such positioning, power unit720may further include at least one surface coated with a biocompatible material740. Biocompatible materials740may include materials that will not negatively react with the skin of the user when worn against the skin for extended periods of time. Such materials may include, for example, silicone, PTFE, kapton, polyimide, titanium, nitinol, platinum, and others. Also as illustrated inFIG.15, power unit720may be sized such that an inner volume of the power unit is substantially filled by mobile power source520. That is, in some embodiments, the inner volume of power unit720may be such that the volume does not accommodate any additional components except for mobile power source520. In some embodiments, mobile power source520may take advantage of its close proximity to the skin of user's skin. For example, mobile power source520may use the Peltier effect to produce power and/or charge the power source.

In further embodiments, an apparatus securable to an article of clothing may further include protective circuitry associated with power source520housed in in power unit720.FIG.16illustrates an exemplary embodiment including protective circuitry775. As illustrated inFIG.16, protective circuitry775may be located remotely with respect to power unit720. In alternative embodiments, protective circuitry775may also be located in capturing unit710, on flexible printed circuit board765, or in power unit720.

Protective circuitry775may be configured to protect image sensor220and/or other elements of capturing unit710from potentially dangerous currents and/or voltages produced by mobile power source520. Protective circuitry775may include passive components such as capacitors, resistors, diodes, inductors, etc., to provide protection to elements of capturing unit710. In some embodiments, protective circuitry775may also include active components, such as transistors, to provide protection to elements of capturing unit710. For example, in some embodiments, protective circuitry775may comprise one or more resistors serving as fuses. Each fuse may comprise a wire or strip that melts (thereby braking a connection between circuitry of image capturing unit710and circuitry of power unit720) when current flowing through the fuse exceeds a predetermined limit (e.g., 500 milliamps, 900 milliamps, 1 amp, 1.1 amps, 2 amp, 2.1 amps, 3 amps, etc.) Any or all of the previously described embodiments may incorporate protective circuitry775.

In some embodiments, the wearable apparatus may transmit data to a computing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, watch, computer, etc.) over one or more networks via any known wireless standard (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, etc.), or via near-filed capacitive coupling, other short range wireless techniques, or via a wired connection. Similarly, the wearable apparatus may receive data from the computing device over one or more networks via any known wireless standard (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, etc.), or via near-filed capacitive coupling, other short range wireless techniques, or via a wired connection. The data transmitted to the wearable apparatus and/or received by the wireless apparatus may include images, portions of images, identifiers related to information appearing in analyzed images or associated with analyzed audio, or any other data representing image and/or audio data. For example, an image may be analyzed and an identifier related to an activity occurring in the image may be transmitted to the computing device (e.g., the “paired device”). In the embodiments described herein, the wearable apparatus may process images and/or audio locally (on board the wearable apparatus) and/or remotely (via a computing device). Further, in the embodiments described herein, the wearable apparatus may transmit data related to the analysis of images and/or audio to a computing device for further analysis, display, and/or transmission to another device (e.g., a paired device). Further, a paired device may execute one or more applications (apps) to process, display, and/or analyze data (e.g., identifiers, text, images, audio, etc.) received from the wearable apparatus.

Some of the disclosed embodiments may involve systems, devices, methods, and software products for determining at least one keyword. For example, at least one keyword may be determined based on data collected by apparatus110. At least one search query may be determined based on the at least one keyword. The at least one search query may be transmitted to a search engine.

In some embodiments, at least one keyword may be determined based on at least one or more images captured by image sensor220. In some cases, the at least one keyword may be selected from a keywords pool stored in memory. In some cases, optical character recognition (OCR) may be performed on at least one image captured by image sensor220, and the at least one keyword may be determined based on the OCR result. In some cases, at least one image captured by image sensor220may be analyzed to recognize: a person, an object, a location, a scene, and so forth. Further, the at least one keyword may be determined based on the recognized person, object, location, scene, etc. For example, the at least one keyword may comprise: a person's name, an object's name, a place's name, a date, a sport team's name, a movie's name, a book's name, and so forth.

In some embodiments, at least one keyword may be determined based on the user's behavior. The user's behavior may be determined based on an analysis of the one or more images captured by image sensor220. In some embodiments, at least one keyword may be determined based on activities of a user and/or other person. The one or more images captured by image sensor220may be analyzed to identify the activities of the user and/or the other person who appears in one or more images captured by image sensor220. In some embodiments, at least one keyword may be determined based on at least one or more audio segments captured by apparatus110. In some embodiments, at least one keyword may be determined based on at least GPS information associated with the user. In some embodiments, at least one keyword may be determined based on at least the current time and/or date.

In some embodiments, at least one search query may be determined based on at least one keyword. In some cases, the at least one search query may comprise the at least one keyword. In some cases, the at least one search query may comprise the at least one keyword and additional keywords provided by the user. In some cases, the at least one search query may comprise the at least one keyword and one or more images, such as images captured by image sensor220. In some cases, the at least one search query may comprise the at least one keyword and one or more audio segments, such as audio segments captured by apparatus110.

In some embodiments, the at least one search query may be transmitted to a search engine. In some embodiments, search results provided by the search engine in response to the at least one search query may be provided to the user. In some embodiments, the at least one search query may be used to access a database.

For example, in one embodiment, the keywords may include a name of a type of food, such as quinoa, or a brand name of a food product; and the search will output information related to desirable quantities of consumption, facts about the nutritional profile, and so forth. In another example, in one embodiment, the keywords may include a name of a restaurant, and the search will output information related to the restaurant, such as a menu, opening hours, reviews, and so forth. The name of the restaurant may be obtained using OCR on an image of signage, using GPS information, and so forth. In another example, in one embodiment, the keywords may include a name of a person, and the search will provide information from a social network profile of the person. The name of the person may be obtained using OCR on an image of a name tag attached to the person's shirt, using face recognition algorithms, and so forth. In another example, in one embodiment, the keywords may include a name of a book, and the search will output information related to the book, such as reviews, sales statistics, information regarding the author of the book, and so forth. In another example, in one embodiment, the keywords may include a name of a movie, and the search will output information related to the movie, such as reviews, box office statistics, information regarding the cast of the movie, show times, and so forth. In another example, in one embodiment, the keywords may include a name of a sport team, and the search will output information related to the sport team, such as statistics, latest results, future schedule, information regarding the players of the sport team, and so forth. For example, the name of the sport team may be obtained using audio recognition algorithms.

Camera-Based Directional Hearing Aid

As discussed previously, the disclosed embodiments may include providing feedback, such as acoustical and tactile feedback, to one or more auxiliary devices in response to processing at least one image in an environment. In some embodiments, the auxiliary device may be an earpiece or other device used to provide auditory feedback to the user, such as a hearing aid. Traditional hearing aids often use microphones to amplify sounds in the user's environment. These traditional systems, however, are often unable to distinguish between sounds that may be of particular importance to the wearer of the device, or may do so on a limited basis. Using the systems and methods of the disclosed embodiments, various improvements to traditional hearing aids are provided, as described in detail below.

In one embodiment, a camera-based directional hearing aid may be provided for selectively amplifying sounds based on a look direction of a user. The hearing aid may communicate with an image capturing device, such as apparatus110, to determine the look direction of the user. This look direction may be used to isolate and/or selectively amplify sounds received from that direction (e.g., sounds from individuals in the user's look direction, etc.). Sounds received from directions other than the user's look direction may be suppressed, attenuated, filtered or the like.

FIG.17Ais a schematic illustration of an example of a user100wearing an apparatus110for a camera-based hearing interface device1710according to a disclosed embodiment. User100may wear apparatus110that is physically connected to a shirt or other piece of clothing of user100, as shown. Consistent with the disclosed embodiments, apparatus110may be positioned in other locations, as described previously. For example, apparatus110may be physically connected to a necklace, a belt, glasses, a wrist strap, a button, etc. Apparatus110may be configured to communicate with a hearing interface device such as hearing interface device1710. Such communication may be through a wired connection, or may be made wirelessly (e.g., using a Bluetooth™, NFC, or forms of wireless communication). In some embodiments, one or more additional devices may also be included, such as computing device120. Accordingly, one or more of the processes or functions described herein with respect to apparatus110or processor210may be performed by computing device120and/or processor540.

Hearing interface device1710may be any device configured to provide audible feedback to user100. Hearing interface device1710may correspond to feedback outputting unit230, described above, and therefore any descriptions of feedback outputting unit230may also apply to hearing interface device1710. In some embodiments, hearing interface device1710may be separate from feedback outputting unit230and may be configured to receive signals from feedback outputting unit230. As shown inFIG.17A, hearing interface device1710may be placed in one or both ears of user100, similar to traditional hearing interface devices. Hearing interface device1710may be of various styles, including in-the-canal, completely-in-canal, in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, on-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, open fit, or various other styles. Hearing interface device1710may include one or more speakers for providing audible feedback to user100, microphones for detecting sounds in the environment of user100, internal electronics, processors, memories, etc. In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of a microphone, hearing interface device1710may comprise one or more communication units, and in particular one or more receivers for receiving signals from apparatus110and transferring the signals to user100.

Hearing interface device1710may have various other configurations or placement locations. In some embodiments, hearing interface device1710may comprise a bone conduction headphone1711, as shown inFIG.17A. Bone conduction headphone1711may be surgically implanted and may provide audible feedback to user100through bone conduction of sound vibrations to the inner ear. Hearing interface device1710may also comprise one or more headphones (e.g., wireless headphones, over-ear headphones, etc.) or a portable speaker carried or worn by user100. In some embodiments, hearing interface device1710may be integrated into other devices, such as a Bluetooth™ headset of the user, glasses, a helmet (e.g., motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets, etc.), a hat, etc.

Apparatus110may be configured to determine a user look direction1750of user100. In some embodiments, user look direction1750may be tracked by monitoring a direction of the chin, or another body part or face part of user100relative to an optical axis of a camera sensor1751. Apparatus110may be configured to capture one or more images of the surrounding environment of user, for example, using image sensor220. The captured images may include a representation of a chin of user100, which may be used to determine user look direction1750. Processor210(and/or processors210aand210b) may be configured to analyze the captured images and detect the chin or another part of user100using various image detection or processing algorithms (e.g., using convolutional neural networks (CNN), scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT), histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) features, or other techniques). Based on the detected representation of a chin of user100, look direction1750may be determined. Look direction1750may be determined in part by comparing the detected representation of a chin of user100to an optical axis of a camera sensor1751. For example, the optical axis1751may be known or fixed in each image and processor210may determine look direction1750by comparing a representative angle of the chin of user100to the direction of optical axis1751. While the process is described using a representation of a chin of user100, various other features may be detected for determining user look direction1750, including the user's face, nose, eyes, hand, etc.

In other embodiments, user look direction1750may be aligned more closely with the optical axis1751. For example, as discussed above, apparatus110may be affixed to a pair of glasses of user100, as shown inFIG.1A. In this embodiment, user look direction1750may be the same as or close to the direction of optical axis1751. Accordingly, user look direction1750may be determined or approximated based on the view of image sensor220.

FIG.17Bis a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an apparatus securable to an article of clothing consistent with the present disclosure. Apparatus110may be securable to a piece of clothing, such as the shirt of user110, as shown inFIG.17A. Apparatus110may be securable to other articles of clothing, such as a belt or pants of user100, as discussed above. Apparatus110may have one or more cameras1730, which may correspond to image sensor220. Camera1730may be configured to capture images of the surrounding environment of user100. In some embodiments, camera1730may be configured to detect a representation of a chin of the user in the same images capturing the surrounding environment of the user, which may be used for other functions described in this disclosure. In other embodiments camera1730may be an auxiliary or separate camera dedicated to determining user look direction1750.

Apparatus110may further comprise one or more microphones1720for capturing sounds from the environment of user100. Microphone1720may also be configured to determine a directionality of sounds in the environment of user100. For example, microphone1720may comprise one or more directional microphones, which may be more sensitive to picking up sounds in certain directions. For example, microphone1720may comprise a unidirectional microphone, designed to pick up sound from a single direction or small range of directions. Microphone1720may also comprise a cardioid microphone, which may be sensitive to sounds from the front and sides. Microphone1720may also include a microphone array, which may comprise additional microphones, such as microphone1721on the front of apparatus110, or microphone1722, placed on the side of apparatus110. In some embodiments, microphone1720may be a multi-port microphone for capturing multiple audio signals. The microphones shown inFIG.17Bare by way of example only, and any suitable number, configuration, or location of microphones may be utilized. Processor210may be configured to distinguish sounds within the environment of user100and determine an approximate directionality of each sound. For example, using an array of microphones1720, processor210may compare the relative timing or amplitude of an individual sound among the microphones1720to determine a directionality relative to apparatus100.

As a preliminary step before other audio analysis operations, the sound captured from an environment of a user may be classified using any audio classification technique. For example, the sound may be classified into segments containing music, tones, laughter, screams, or the like. Indications of the respective segments may be logged in a database and may prove highly useful for life logging applications. As one example, the logged information may enable the system to retrieve and/or determine a mood when the user met another person. Additionally, such processing is relatively fast and efficient, and does not require significant computing resources, and transmitting the information to a destination does not require significant bandwidth. Moreover, once certain parts of the audio are classified as non-speech, more computing resources may be available for processing the other segments.

Based on the determined user look direction1750, processor210may selectively condition or amplify sounds from a region associated with user look direction1750.FIG.18is a schematic illustration showing an exemplary environment for use of a camera-based hearing aid consistent with the present disclosure. Microphone1720may detect one or more sounds1820,1821, and1822within the environment of user100. Based on user look direction1750, determined by processor210, a region1830associated with user look direction1750may be determined. As shown inFIG.18, region1830may be defined by a cone or range of directions based on user look direction1750. The range of angles may be defined by an angle, θ, as shown inFIG.18. The angle, θ, may be any suitable angle for defining a range for conditioning sounds within the environment of user100(e.g., 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 45 degrees).

Processor210may be configured to cause selective conditioning of sounds in the environment of user100based on region1830. The conditioned audio signal may be transmitted to hearing interface device1710, and thus may provide user100with audible feedback corresponding to the look direction of the user. For example, processor210may determine that sound1820(which may correspond to the voice of an individual1810, or to noise for example) is within region1830. Processor210may then perform various conditioning techniques on the audio signals received from microphone1720. The conditioning may include amplifying audio signals determined to correspond to sound1820relative to other audio signals. Amplification may be accomplished digitally, for example by processing audio signals associated with1820relative to other signals. Amplification may also be accomplished by changing one or more parameters of microphone1720to focus on audio sounds emanating from region1830(e.g., a region of interest) associated with user look direction1750. For example, microphone1720may be a directional microphone that and processor210may perform an operation to focus microphone1720on sound1820or other sounds within region1830. Various other techniques for amplifying sound1820may be used, such as using a beamforming microphone array, acoustic telescope techniques, etc.

Conditioning may also include attenuation or suppressing one or more audio signals received from directions outside of region1830. For example, processor1820may attenuate sounds1821and1822. Similar to amplification of sound1820, attenuation of sounds may occur through processing audio signals, or by varying one or more parameters associated with one or more microphones1720to direct focus away from sounds emanating from outside of region1830.

In some embodiments, conditioning may further include changing a tone of audio signals corresponding to sound1820to make sound1820more perceptible to user100. For example, user100may have lesser sensitivity to tones in a certain range and conditioning of the audio signals may adjust the pitch of sound1820to make it more perceptible to user100. For example, user100may experience hearing loss in frequencies above 10 khz. Accordingly, processor210may remap higher frequencies (e.g., at 15 khz) to 10 khz. In some embodiments processor210may be configured to change a rate of speech associated with one or more audio signals. Accordingly, processor210may be configured to detect speech within one or more audio signals received by microphone1720, for example using voice activity detection (VAD) algorithms or techniques. If sound1820is determined to correspond to voice or speech, for example from individual1810, processor220may be configured to vary the playback rate of sound1820. For example, the rate of speech of individual1810may be decreased to make the detected speech more perceptible to user100. Various other processing may be performed, such as modifying the tone of sound1820to maintain the same pitch as the original audio signal, or to reduce noise within the audio signal. If speech recognition has been performed on the audio signal associated with sound1820, conditioning may further include modifying the audio signal based on the detected speech. For example, processor210may introduce pauses or increase the duration of pauses between words and/or sentences, which may make the speech easier to understand.

The conditioned audio signal may then be transmitted to hearing interface device1710and produced for user100. Thus, in the conditioned audio signal, sound1820may be easier to hear to user100, louder and/or more easily distinguishable than sounds1821and1822, which may represent background noise within the environment.

FIG.19is a flowchart showing an exemplary process1900for selectively amplifying sounds emanating from a detected look direction of a user consistent with disclosed embodiments. Process1900may be performed by one or more processors associated with apparatus110, such as processor210. In some embodiments, some or all of process1900may be performed on processors external to apparatus110. In other words, the processor performing process1900may be included in a common housing as microphone1720and camera1730, or may be included in a second housing. For example, one or more portions of process1900may be performed by processors in hearing interface device1710, or an auxiliary device, such as computing device120.

In step1910, process1900may include receiving a plurality of images from an environment of a user captured by a camera. The camera may be a wearable camera such as camera1730of apparatus110. In step1912, process1900may include receiving audio signals representative of sounds received by at least one microphone. The microphone may be configured to capture sounds from an environment of the user. For example, the microphone may be microphone1720, as described above. Accordingly, the microphone may include a directional microphone, a microphone array, a multi-port microphone, or various other types of microphones. In some embodiments, the microphone and wearable camera may be included in a common housing, such as the housing of apparatus110. The one or more processors performing process1900may also be included in the housing or may be included in a second housing. In such embodiments, the processor(s) may be configured to receive images and/or audio signals from the common housing via a wireless link (e.g., Bluetooth™, NFC, etc.). Accordingly, the common housing (e.g., apparatus110) and the second housing (e.g., computing device120) may further comprise transmitters or various other communication components.

In step1914, process1900may include determining a look direction for the user based on analysis of at least one of the plurality of images. As discussed above, various techniques may be used to determine the user look direction. In some embodiments, the look direction may be determined based, at least in part, upon detection of a representation of a chin of a user in one or more images. The images may be processed to determine a pointing direction of the chin relative to an optical axis of the wearable camera, as discussed above.

In step1916, process1900may include causing selective conditioning of at least one audio signal received by the at least one microphone from a region associated with the look direction of the user. As described above, the region may be determined based on the user look direction determined in step1914. The range may be associated with an angular width about the look direction (e.g., 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.). Various forms of conditioning may be performed on the audio signal, as discussed above. In some embodiments, conditioning may include changing the tone or playback speed of an audio signal. For example, conditioning may include changing a rate of speech associated with the audio signal. In some embodiments, the conditioning may include amplification of the audio signal relative to other audio signals received from outside of the region associated with the look direction of the user. Amplification may be performed by various means, such as operation of a directional microphone configured to focus on audio sounds emanating from the region, or varying one or more parameters associated with the microphone to cause the microphone to focus on audio sounds emanating from the region. The amplification may include attenuating or suppressing one or more audio signals received by the microphone from directions outside the region associated with the look direction of user110.

In step1918, process1900may include causing transmission of the at least one conditioned audio signal to a hearing interface device configured to provide sound to an ear of the user. The conditioned audio signal, for example, may be transmitted to hearing interface device1710, which may provide sound corresponding to the audio signal to user100. The processor performing process1900may further be configured to cause transmission to the hearing interface device of one or more audio signals representative of background noise, which may be attenuated relative to the at least one conditioned audio signal. For example, processor220may be configured to transmit audio signals corresponding to sounds1820,1821, and1822. The signal associated with1820, however, may be modified in a different manner, for example amplified, from sounds1821and1822based on a determination that sound1820is within region1830. In some embodiments, hearing interface device1710may include a speaker associated with an earpiece. For example, hearing interface device may be inserted at least partially into the ear of the user for providing audio to the user. Hearing interface device may also be external to the ear, such as a behind-the-ear hearing device, one or more headphones, a small portable speaker, or the like. In some embodiments, hearing interface device may include a bone conduction microphone, configured to provide an audio signal to user through vibrations of a bone of the user's head. Such devices may be placed in contact with the exterior of the user's skin, or may be implanted surgically and attached to the bone of the user.

Hearing Aid with Voice and/or Image Recognition

Consistent with the disclosed embodiments, a hearing aid may selectively amplify audio signals associated with a voice of a recognized individual. The hearing aid system may store voice characteristics and/or facial features of a recognized person to aid in recognition and selective amplification. For example, when an individual enters the field of view of apparatus110, the individual may be recognized as an individual that has been introduced to the device, or that has possibly interacted with user100in the past (e.g., a friend, colleague, relative, prior acquaintance, etc.). Accordingly, audio signals associated with the recognized individual's voice may be isolated and/or selectively amplified relative to other sounds in the environment of the user. Audio signals associated with sounds received from directions other than the individual's direction may be suppressed, attenuated, filtered or the like.

User100may wear a hearing aid device similar to the camera-based hearing aid device discussed above. For example, the hearing aid device may be hearing interface device1710, as shown inFIG.17A. Hearing interface device1710may be any device configured to provide audible feedback to user100. Hearing interface device1710may be placed in one or both ears of user100, similar to traditional hearing interface devices. As discussed above, hearing interface device1710may be of various styles, including in-the-canal, completely-in-canal, in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, on-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, open fit, or various other styles. Hearing interface device1710may include one or more speakers for providing audible feedback to user100, a communication unit for receiving signals from another system, such as apparatus110, microphones for detecting sounds in the environment of user100, internal electronics, processors, memories, etc. Hearing interface device1710may correspond to feedback outputting unit230or may be separate from feedback outputting unit230and may be configured to receive signals from feedback outputting unit230.

In some embodiments, hearing interface device1710may comprise a bone conduction headphone1711, as shown inFIG.17A. Bone conduction headphone1711may be surgically implanted and may provide audible feedback to user100through bone conduction of sound vibrations to the inner ear. Hearing interface device1710may also comprise one or more headphones (e.g., wireless headphones, over-ear headphones, etc.) or a portable speaker carried or worn by user100. In some embodiments, hearing interface device1710may be integrated into other devices, such as a Bluetooth™ headset of the user, glasses, a helmet (e.g., motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets, etc.), a hat, etc.

Hearing interface device1710may be configured to communicate with a camera device, such as apparatus110. Such communication may be through a wired connection, or may be made wirelessly (e.g., using a Bluetooth™, NFC, or forms of wireless communication). As discussed above, apparatus110may be worn by user100in various configurations, including being physically connected to a shirt, necklace, a belt, glasses, a wrist strap, a button, or other articles associated with user100. In some embodiments, one or more additional devices may also be included, such as computing device120. Accordingly, one or more of the processes or functions described herein with respect to apparatus110or processor210may be performed by computing device120and/or processor540.

As discussed above, apparatus110may comprise at least one microphone and at least one image capture device. Apparatus110may comprise microphone1720, as described with respect toFIG.17B. Microphone1720may be configured to determine a directionality of sounds in the environment of user100. For example, microphone1720may comprise one or more directional microphones, a microphone array, a multi-port microphone, or the like. The microphones shown inFIG.17Bare by way of example only, and any suitable number, configuration, or location of microphones may be utilized. Processor210may be configured to distinguish sounds within the environment of user100and determine an approximate directionality of each sound. For example, using an array of microphones1720, processor210may compare the relative timing or amplitude of an individual sound among the microphones1720to determine a directionality relative to apparatus100. Apparatus110may comprise one or more cameras, such as camera1730, which may correspond to image sensor220. Camera1730may be configured to capture images of the surrounding environment of user100.

Apparatus110may be configured to recognize an individual in the environment of user100.FIG.20Ais a schematic illustration showing an exemplary environment for use of a hearing aid with voice and/or image recognition consistent with the present disclosure. Apparatus110may be configured to recognize a face2011or voice2012associated with an individual2010within the environment of user100. For example, apparatus110may be configured to capture one or more images of the surrounding environment of user100using camera1730. The captured images may include a representation of a recognized individual2010, which may be a friend, colleague, relative, or prior acquaintance of user100. Processor210(and/or processors210aand210b) may be configured to analyze the captured images and detect the recognized user using various facial recognition techniques, as represented by element2011. Accordingly, apparatus110, or specifically memory550, may comprise one or more facial or voice recognition components.

FIG.20Billustrates an exemplary embodiment of apparatus110comprising facial and voice recognition components consistent with the present disclosure. Apparatus110is shown inFIG.20Bin a simplified form, and apparatus110may contain additional elements or may have alternative configurations, for example, as shown inFIGS.5A-5C. Memory550(or550aor550b) may include facial recognition component2040and voice recognition component2041. These components may be instead of or in addition to orientation identification module601, orientation adjustment module602, and motion tracking module603as shown inFIG.6. Components2040and2041may contain software instructions for execution by at least one processing device, e.g., processor210, included with a wearable apparatus. Components2040and2041are shown within memory550by way of example only, and may be located in other locations within the system. For example, components2040and2041may be located in hearing interface device1710, in computing device120, on a remote server, or in another associated device.

Facial recognition component2040may be configured to identify one or more faces within the environment of user100. For example, facial recognition component2040may identify facial features on the face2011of individual2010, such as the eyes, nose, cheekbones, jaw, or other features. Facial recognition component2040may then analyze the relative size and position of these features to identify the user. Facial recognition component2040may utilize one or more algorithms for analyzing the detected features, such as principal component analysis (e.g., using eigenfaces), linear discriminant analysis, elastic bunch graph matching (e.g., using Fisherface), Local Binary Patterns Histograms (LBPH), Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT), Speed Up Robust Features (SURF), or the like. Other facial recognition techniques such as 3-Dimensional recognition, skin texture analysis, and/or thermal imaging may also be used to identify individuals. Other features besides facial features may also be used for identification, such as the height, body shape, or other distinguishing features of individual2010.

Facial recognition component2040may access a database or data associated with user100to determine if the detected facial features correspond to a recognized individual. For example, a processor210may access a database2050containing information about individuals known to user100and data representing associated facial features or other identifying features. Such data may include one or more images of the individuals, or data representative of a face of the user that may be used for identification through facial recognition. Database2050may be any device capable of storing information about one or more individuals, and may include a hard drive, a solid state drive, a web storage platform, a remote server, or the like. Database2050may be located within apparatus110(e.g., within memory550) or external to apparatus110, as shown inFIG.20B. In some embodiments, database2050may be associated with a social network platform, such as Facebook™, LinkedIn™, Instagram™, etc. Facial recognition component2040may also access a contact list of user100, such as a contact list on the user's phone, a web-based contact list (e.g., through Outlook™, Skype™, Google™, SalesForce™, etc.) or a dedicated contact list associated with hearing interface device1710. In some embodiments, database2050may be compiled by apparatus110through previous facial recognition analysis. For example, processor210may be configured to store data associated with one or more faces recognized in images captured by apparatus110in database2050. Each time a face is detected in the images, the detected facial features or other data may be compared to previously identified faces in database2050. Facial recognition component2040may determine that an individual is a recognized individual of user100if the individual has previously been recognized by the system in a number of instances exceeding a certain threshold, if the individual has been explicitly introduced to apparatus110, or the like.

In some embodiments, user100may have access to database2050, such as through a web interface, an application on a mobile device, or through apparatus110or an associated device. For example, user100may be able to select which contacts are recognizable by apparatus110and/or delete or add certain contacts manually. In some embodiments, a user or administrator may be able to train facial recognition component2040. For example, user100may have an option to confirm or reject identifications made by facial recognition component2040, which may improve the accuracy of the system. This training may occur in real time, as individual2010is being recognized, or at some later time.

Other data or information may also inform the facial identification process. In some embodiments, processor210may use various techniques to recognize the voice of individual2010, as described in further detail below. The recognized voice pattern and the detected facial features may be used, either alone or in combination, to determine that individual2010is recognized by apparatus110. Processor210may also determine a user look direction1750, as described above, which may be used to verify the identity of individual2010. For example, if user100is looking in the direction of individual2010(especially for a prolonged period), this may indicate that individual2010is recognized by user100, which may be used to increase the confidence of facial recognition component2040or other identification means.

Processor210may further be configured to determine whether individual2010is recognized by user100based on one or more detected audio characteristics of sounds associated with a voice of individual2010. Returning toFIG.20A, processor210may determine that sound2020corresponds to voice2012of user2010. Processor210may analyze audio signals representative of sound2020captured by microphone1720to determine whether individual2010is recognized by user100. This may be performed using voice recognition component2041(FIG.20B) and may include one or more voice recognition algorithms, such as Hidden Markov Models, Dynamic Time Warping, neural networks, or other techniques. Voice recognition component and/or processor210may access database2050, which may further include a voiceprint of one or more individuals. Voice recognition component2041may analyze the audio signal representative of sound2020to determine whether voice2012matches a voiceprint of an individual in database2050. Accordingly, database2050may contain voiceprint data associated with a number of individuals, similar to the stored facial identification data described above. After determining a match, individual2010may be determined to be a recognized individual of user100. This process may be used alone, or in conjunction with the facial recognition techniques described above. For example, individual2010may be recognized using facial recognition component2040and may be verified using voice recognition component2041, or vice versa.

In some embodiments, apparatus110may detect the voice of an individual that is not within the field of view of apparatus110. For example, the voice may be heard over a speakerphone, from a back seat, or the like. In such embodiments, recognition of an individual may be based on the voice of the individual only, in the absence of a speaker in the field of view. Processor110may analyze the voice of the individual as described above, for example, by determining whether the detected voice matches a voiceprint of an individual in database2050.

After determining that individual2010is a recognized individual of user100, processor210may cause selective conditioning of audio associated with the recognized individual. The conditioned audio signal may be transmitted to hearing interface device1710, and thus may provide user100with audio conditioned based on the recognized individual. For example, the conditioning may include amplifying audio signals determined to correspond to sound2020(which may correspond to voice2012of individual2010) relative to other audio signals. In some embodiments, amplification may be accomplished digitally, for example by processing audio signals associated with sound2020relative to other signals. Additionally, or alternatively, amplification may be accomplished by changing one or more parameters of microphone1720to focus on audio sounds associated with individual2010. For example, microphone1720may be a directional microphone and processor210may perform an operation to focus microphone1720on sound2020. Various other techniques for amplifying sound2020may be used, such as using a beamforming microphone array, acoustic telescope techniques, etc.

In some embodiments, selective conditioning may include attenuation or suppressing one or more audio signals received from directions not associated with individual2010. For example, processor210may attenuate sounds2021and/or2022. Similar to amplification of sound2020, attenuation of sounds may occur through processing audio signals, or by varying one or more parameters associated with microphone1720to direct focus away from sounds not associated with individual2010.

Selective conditioning may further include determining whether individual2010is speaking. For example, processor210may be configured to analyze images or videos containing representations of individual2010to determine when individual2010is speaking, for example, based on detected movement of the recognized individual's lips. This may also be determined through analysis of audio signals received by microphone1720, for example by detecting the voice2012of individual2010. In some embodiments, the selective conditioning may occur dynamically (initiated and/or terminated) based on whether or not the recognized individual is speaking.

In some embodiments, conditioning may further include changing a tone of one or more audio signals corresponding to sound2020to make the sound more perceptible to user100. For example, user100may have lesser sensitivity to tones in a certain range and conditioning of the audio signals may adjust the pitch of sound2020. In some embodiments processor210may be configured to change a rate of speech associated with one or more audio signals. For example, sound2020may be determined to correspond to voice2012of individual2010. Processor210may be configured to vary the rate of speech of individual2010to make the detected speech more perceptible to user100. Various other processing may be performed, such as modifying the tone of sound2020to maintain the same pitch as the original audio signal, or to reduce noise within the audio signal.

In some embodiments, processor210may determine a region2030associated with individual2010. Region2030may be associated with a direction of individual2010relative to apparatus110or user100. The direction of individual2010may be determined using camera1730and/or microphone1720using the methods described above. As shown inFIG.20A, region2030may be defined by a cone or range of directions based on a determined direction of individual2010. The range of angles may be defined by an angle, θ, as shown inFIG.20A. The angle, θ, may be any suitable angle for defining a range for conditioning sounds within the environment of user100(e.g., 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 45 degrees). Region2030may be dynamically calculated as the position of individual2010changes relative to apparatus110. For example, as user100turns, or if individual1020moves within the environment, processor210may be configured to track individual2010within the environment and dynamically update region2030. Region2030may be used for selective conditioning, for example by amplifying sounds associated with region2030and/or attenuating sounds determined to be emanating from outside of region2030.

The conditioned audio signal may then be transmitted to hearing interface device1710and produced for user100. Thus, in the conditioned audio signal, sound2020(and specifically voice2012) may be louder and/or more easily distinguishable than sounds2021and2022, which may represent background noise within the environment.

In some embodiments, processor210may perform further analysis based on captured images or videos to determine how to selectively condition audio signals associated with a recognized individual. In some embodiments, processor210may analyze the captured images to selectively condition audio associated with one individual relative to others. For example, processor210may determine the direction of a recognized individual relative to the user based on the images and may determine how to selectively condition audio signals associated with the individual based on the direction. If the recognized individual is standing to the front of the user, audio associated with that user may be amplified (or otherwise selectively conditioned) relative to audio associated with an individual standing to the side of the user. Similarly, processor210may selectively condition audio signals associated with an individual based on proximity to the user. Processor210may determine a distance from the user to each individual based on captured images and may selectively condition audio signals associated with the individuals based on the distance. For example, an individual closer to the user may be prioritized higher than an individual that is farther away.

In some embodiments, selective conditioning of audio signals associated with a recognized individual may be based on the identities of individuals within the environment of the user. For example, where multiple individuals are detected in the images, processor210may use one or more facial recognition techniques to identify the individuals, as described above. Audio signals associated with individuals that are known to user100may be selectively amplified or otherwise conditioned to have priority over unknown individuals. For example, processor210may be configured to attenuate or silence audio signals associated with bystanders in the user's environment, such as a noisy office mate, etc. In some embodiments, processor210may also determine a hierarchy of individuals and give priority based on the relative status of the individuals. This hierarchy may be based on the individual's position within a family or an organization (e.g., a company, sports team, club, etc.) relative to the user. For example, the user's boss may be ranked higher than a co-worker or a member of the maintenance staff and thus may have priority in the selective conditioning process. In some embodiments, the hierarchy may be determined based on a list or database. Individuals recognized by the system may be ranked individually or grouped into tiers of priority. This database may be maintained specifically for this purpose, or may be accessed externally. For example, the database may be associated with a social network of the user (e.g., Facebook™, LinkedIn™, etc.) and individuals may be prioritized based on their grouping or relationship with the user. Individuals identified as “close friends” or family, for example, may be prioritized over acquaintances of the user.

Selective conditioning may be based on a determined behavior of one or more individuals determined based on the captured images. In some embodiments, processor210may be configured to determine a look direction of the individuals in the images. Accordingly, the selective conditioning may be based on behavior of the other individuals towards the recognized individual. For example, processor210may selectively condition audio associated with a first individual that one or more other users are looking at. If the attention of the individuals shifts to a second individual, processor210may then switch to selectively condition audio associated with the second user. In some embodiments, processor210may be configured to selectively condition audio based on whether a recognized individual is speaking to the user or to another individual. For example, when the recognized individual is speaking to the user, the selective conditioning may include amplifying an audio signal associated with the recognized individual relative to other audio signals received from directions outside a region associated with the recognized individual. When the recognized individual is speaking to another individual, the selective conditioning may include attenuating the audio signal relative to other audio signals received from directions outside the region associated with the recognized individual.

In some embodiments, processor210may have access to one or more voiceprints of individuals, which may facilitate selective conditioning of voice2012of individual2010in relation to other sounds or voices. Having a speaker's voiceprint, and a high quality voiceprint in particular, may provide for fast and efficient speaker separation. A high quality voice print may be collected, for example, when the user speaks alone, preferably in a quiet environment. By having a voiceprint of one or more speakers, it is possible to separate an ongoing voice signal almost in real time, e.g. with a minimal delay, using a sliding time window. The delay may be, for example 10 ms, 20 ms, 30 ms, 50 ms, 100 ms, or the like. Different time windows may be selected, depending on the quality of the voice print, on the quality of the captured audio, the difference in characteristics between the speaker and other speaker(s), the available processing resources, the required separation quality, or the like. In some embodiments, a voice print may be extracted from a segment of a conversation in which an individual speaks alone, and then used for separating the individual's voice later in the conversation, whether the individual's is recognized or not.

Separating voices may be performed as follows: spectral features, also referred to as spectral attributes, spectral envelope, or spectrogram may be extracted from a clean audio of a single speaker and fed into a pre-trained first neural network, which generates or updates a signature of the speaker's voice based on the extracted features. The audio may be for example, of one second of clean voice. The output signature may be a vector representing the speaker's voice, such that the distance between the vector and another vector extracted from the voice of the same speaker is typically smaller than the distance between the vector and a vector extracted from the voice of another speaker. The speaker's model may be pre-generated from a captured audio. Alternatively or additionally, the model may be generated after a segment of the audio in which only the speaker speaks, followed by another segment in which the speaker and another speaker (or background noise) is heard, and which it is required to separate.

Then, to separate the speaker's voice from additional speakers or background noise in a noisy audio, a second pre-trained neural network may receive the noisy audio and the speaker's signature, and output an audio (which may also be represented as attributes) of the voice of the speaker as extracted from the noisy audio, separated from the other speech or background noise. It will be appreciated that the same or additional neural networks may be used to separate the voices of multiple speakers. For example, if there are two possible speakers, two neural networks may be activated, each with models of the same noisy output and one of the two speakers. Alternatively, a neural network may receive voice signatures of two or more speakers, and output the voice of each of the speakers separately. Accordingly, the system may generate two or more different audio outputs, each comprising the speech of the respective speaker. In some embodiments, if separation is impossible, the input voice may only be cleaned from background noise.

FIG.21is a flowchart showing an exemplary process2100for selectively amplifying audio signals associated with a voice of a recognized individual consistent with disclosed embodiments. Process2100may be performed by one or more processors associated with apparatus110, such as processor210. In some embodiments, some or all of process2100may be performed on processors external to apparatus110. In other words, the processor performing process2100may be included in the same common housing as microphone1720and camera1730, or may be included in a second housing. For example, one or more portions of process2100may be performed by processors in hearing interface device1710, or in an auxiliary device, such as computing device120.

In step2110, process2100may include receiving a plurality of images from an environment of a user captured by a camera. The images may be captured by a wearable camera such as camera1730of apparatus110. In step2112, process2100may include identifying a representation of a recognized individual in at least one of the plurality of images. Individual2010may be recognized by processor210using facial recognition component2040, as described above. For example, individual2010may be a friend, colleague, relative, or prior acquaintance of the user. Processor210may determine whether an individual represented in at least one of the plurality of images is a recognized individual based on one or more detected facial features associated with the individual. Processor210may also determine whether the individual is recognized based on one or more detected audio characteristics of sounds determined to be associated with a voice of the individual, as described above.

In step2114, process2100may include receiving audio signals representative of sounds captured by a microphone. For example, apparatus110may receive audio signals representative of sounds2020,2021, and2022, captured by microphone1720. Accordingly, the microphone may include a directional microphone, a microphone array, a multi-port microphone, or various other types of microphones, as described above. In some embodiments, the microphone and wearable camera may be included in a common housing, such as the housing of apparatus110. The one or more processors performing process2100may also be included in the housing (e.g., processor210), or may be included in a second housing. Where a second housing is used, the processor(s) may be configured to receive images and/or audio signals from the common housing via a wireless link (e.g., Bluetooth™, NFC, etc.). Accordingly, the common housing (e.g., apparatus110) and the second housing (e.g., computing device120) may further comprise transmitters, receivers, and/or various other communication components.

In step2116, process2100may include cause selective conditioning of at least one audio signal received by the at least one microphone from a region associated with the at least one recognized individual. As described above, the region may be determined based on a determined direction of the recognized individual based one or more of the plurality of images or audio signals. The range may be associated with an angular width about the direction of the recognized individual (e.g., 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.).

Various forms of conditioning may be performed on the audio signal, as discussed above. In some embodiments, conditioning may include changing the tone or playback speed of an audio signal. For example, conditioning may include changing a rate of speech associated with the audio signal. In some embodiments, the conditioning may include amplification of the audio signal relative to other audio signals received from outside of the region associated with the recognized individual. Amplification may be performed by various means, such as operation of a directional microphone configured to focus on audio sounds emanating from the region or varying one or more parameters associated with the microphone to cause the microphone to focus on audio sounds emanating from the region. The amplification may include attenuating or suppressing one or more audio signals received by the microphone from directions outside the region. In some embodiments, step2116may further comprise determining, based on analysis of the plurality of images, that the recognized individual is speaking and trigger the selective conditioning based on the determination that the recognized individual is speaking. For example, the determination that the recognized individual is speaking may be based on detected movement of the recognized individual's lips. In some embodiments, selective conditioning may be based on further analysis of the captured images as described above, for example, based on the direction or proximity of the recognized individual, the identity of the recognized individual, the behavior of other individuals, etc.

In step2118, process2100may include causing transmission of the at least one conditioned audio signal to a hearing interface device configured to provide sound to an ear of the user. The conditioned audio signal, for example, may be transmitted to hearing interface device1710, which may provide sound corresponding to the audio signal to user100. The processor performing process2100may further be configured to cause transmission to the hearing interface device of one or more audio signals representative of background noise, which may be attenuated relative to the at least one conditioned audio signal. For example, processor210may be configured to transmit audio signals corresponding to sounds2020,2021, and2022. The signal associated with2020, however, may be amplified in relation to sounds2021and2022based on a determination that sound2020is within region2030. In some embodiments, hearing interface device1710may include a speaker associated with an earpiece. For example, hearing interface device1710may be inserted at least partially into the ear of the user for providing audio to the user. Hearing interface device may also be external to the ear, such as a behind-the-ear hearing device, one or more headphones, a small portable speaker, or the like. In some embodiments, hearing interface device may include a bone conduction microphone, configured to provide an audio signal to user through vibrations of a bone of the user's head. Such devices may be placed in contact with the exterior of the user's skin, or may be implanted surgically and attached to the bone of the user.

In addition to recognizing voices of individuals speaking to user100, the systems and methods described above may also be used to recognize the voice of user100. For example, voice recognition unit2041may be configured to analyze audio signals representative of sounds collected from the user's environment to recognize the voice of user100. Similar to the selective conditioning of the voice of recognized individuals, the voice of user100may be selectively conditioned. For example, sounds may be collected by microphone1720, or by a microphone of another device, such as a mobile phone (or a device linked to a mobile phone). Audio signals corresponding to the voice of user100may be selectively transmitted to a remote device, for example, by amplifying the voice of user100and/or attenuating or eliminating altogether sounds other than the user's voice. Accordingly, a voiceprint of one or more users of apparatus110may be collected and/or stored to facilitate detection and/or isolation of the user's voice, as described in further detail above.

FIG.22is a flowchart showing an exemplary process2200for selectively transmitting audio signals associated with a voice of a recognized user consistent with disclosed embodiments. Process2200may be performed by one or more processors associated with apparatus110, such as processor210.

In step2210, process2200may include receiving audio signals representative of sounds captured by a microphone. For example, apparatus110may receive audio signals representative of sounds2020,2021, and2022, captured by microphone1720. Accordingly, the microphone may include a directional microphone, a microphone array, a multi-port microphone, or various other types of microphones, as described above. In step2212, process2200may include identifying, based on analysis of the received audio signals, one or more voice audio signals representative of a recognized voice of the user. For example, the voice of the user may be recognized based on a voiceprint associated with the user, which may be stored in memory550, database2050, or other suitable locations. Processor210may recognize the voice of the user, for example, using voice recognition component2041. Processor210may separate an ongoing voice signal associated with the user almost in real time, e.g. with a minimal delay, using a sliding time window. The voice may be separated by extracting spectral features of an audio signal according to the methods described above.

In step2214, process2200may include causing transmission, to a remotely located device, of the one or more voice audio signals representative of the recognized voice of the user. The remotely located device may be any device configured to receive audio signals remotely, either by a wired or wireless form of communication. In some embodiments, the remotely located device may be another device of the user, such as a mobile phone, an audio interface device, or another form of computing device. In some embodiments, the voice audio signals may be processed by the remotely located device and/or transmitted further. In step2216, process2200may include preventing transmission, to the remotely located device, of at least one background noise audio signal different from the one or more voice audio signals representative of a recognized voice of the user. For example, processor210may attenuate and/or eliminate audio signals associated with sounds2020,2021, or2023, which may represent background noise. The voice of the user may be separated from other noises using the audio processing techniques described above.

In an exemplary illustration, the voice audio signals may be captured by a headset or other device worn by the user. The voice of the user may be recognized and isolated from the background noise in the environment of the user. The headset may transmit the conditioned audio signal of the user's voice to a mobile phone of the user. For example, the user may be on a telephone call and the conditioned audio signal may be transmitted by the mobile phone to a recipient of the call. The voice of the user may also be recorded by the remotely located device. The audio signal, for example, may be stored on a remote server or other computing device. In some embodiments, the remotely located device may process the received audio signal, for example, to convert the recognized user's voice into text.

Lip-Tracking Hearing Aid

Consistent with the disclosed embodiments, a hearing aid system may selectively amplify audio signals based on tracked lip movements. The hearing aid system analyzes captured images of the environment of a user to detect lips of an individual and track movement of the individual's lips. The tracked lip movements may serve as a cue for selectively amplifying audio received by the hearing aid system. For example, voice signals determined to sync with the tracked lip movements or that are consistent with the tracked lip movements may be selectively amplified or otherwise conditioned. Audio signals that are not associated with the detected lip movement may be suppressed, attenuated, filtered or the like.

User100may wear a hearing aid device consistent with the camera-based hearing aid device discussed above. For example, the hearing aid device may be hearing interface device1710, as shown inFIG.17A. Hearing interface device1710may be any device configured to provide audible feedback to user100. Hearing interface device1710may be placed in one or both ears of user100, similar to traditional hearing interface devices. As discussed above, hearing interface device1710may be of various styles, including in-the-canal, completely-in-canal, in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, on-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, open fit, or various other styles. Hearing interface device1710may include one or more speakers for providing audible feedback to user100, microphones for detecting sounds in the environment of user100, internal electronics, processors, memories, etc. In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of a microphone, hearing interface device1710may comprise one or more communication units, and one or more receivers for receiving signals from apparatus110and transferring the signals to user100. Hearing interface device1710may correspond to feedback outputting unit230or may be separate from feedback outputting unit230and may be configured to receive signals from feedback outputting unit230.

In some embodiments, hearing interface device1710may comprise a bone conduction headphone1711, as shown inFIG.17A. Bone conduction headphone1711may be surgically implanted and may provide audible feedback to user100through bone conduction of sound vibrations to the inner ear. Hearing interface device1710may also comprise one or more headphones (e.g., wireless headphones, over-ear headphones, etc.) or a portable speaker carried or worn by user100. In some embodiments, hearing interface device1710may be integrated into other devices, such as a Bluetooth™ headset of the user, glasses, a helmet (e.g., motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets, etc.), a hat, etc.

Hearing interface device1710may be configured to communicate with a camera device, such as apparatus110. Such communication may be through a wired connection, or may be made wirelessly (e.g., using a Bluetooth™, NFC, or forms of wireless communication). As discussed above, apparatus110may be worn by user100in various configurations, including being physically connected to a shirt, necklace, a belt, glasses, a wrist strap, a button, or other articles associated with user100. In some embodiments, one or more additional devices may also be included, such as computing device120. Accordingly, one or more of the processes or functions described herein with respect to apparatus110or processor210may be performed by computing device120and/or processor540.

As discussed above, apparatus110may comprise at least one microphone and at least one image capture device. Apparatus110may comprise microphone1720, as described with respect toFIG.17B. Microphone1720may be configured to determine a directionality of sounds in the environment of user100. For example, microphone1720may comprise one or more directional microphones, a microphone array, a multi-port microphone, or the like. Processor210may be configured to distinguish sounds within the environment of user100and determine an approximate directionality of each sound. For example, using an array of microphones1720, processor210may compare the relative timing or amplitude of an individual sound among the microphones1720to determine a directionality relative to apparatus100. Apparatus110may comprise one or more cameras, such as camera1730, which may correspond to image sensor220. Camera1730may be configured to capture images of the surrounding environment of user100. Apparatus110may also use one or more microphones of hearing interface device1710and, accordingly, references to microphone1720used herein may also refer to a microphone on hearing interface device1710.

Processor210(and/or processors210aand210b) may be configured to detect a mouth and/or lips associated with an individual within the environment of user100.FIGS.23A and23Bshow an exemplary individual2310that may be captured by camera1730in the environment of a user consistent with the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.23, individual2310may be physically present with the environment of user100. Processor210may be configured to analyze images captured by camera1730to detect a representation of individual2310in the images. Processor210may use a facial recognition component, such as facial recognition component2040, described above, to detect and identify individuals in the environment of user100. Processor210may be configured to detect one or more facial features of user2310, including a mouth2311of individual2310. Accordingly, processor210may use one or more facial recognition and/or feature recognition techniques, as described further below.

In some embodiments, processor210may detect a visual representation of individual2310from the environment of user100, such as a video of user2310. As shown inFIG.23B, user2310may be detected on the display of a display device2301. Display device2301may be any device capable of displaying a visual representation of an individual. For example, display device may be a personal computer, a laptop, a mobile phone, a tablet, a television, a movie screen, a handheld gaming device, a video conferencing device (e.g., Facebook Portal™, etc.), a baby monitor, etc. The visual representation of individual2310may be a live video feed of individual2310, such as a video call, a conference call, a surveillance video, etc. In other embodiments, the visual representation of individual2310may be a prerecorded video or image, such as a video message, a television program, or a movie. Processor210may detect one or more facial features based on the visual representation of individual2310, including a mouth2311of individual2310.

FIG.23Cillustrates an exemplary lip-tracking system consistent with the disclosed embodiments. Processor210may be configured to detect one or more facial features of individual2310, which may include, but is not limited to the individual's mouth2311. Accordingly, processor210may use one or more image processing techniques to recognize facial features of the user, such as convolutional neural networks (CNN), scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT), histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) features, or other techniques. In some embodiments, processor210may be configured to detect one or more points2320associated with the mouth2311of individual2310. Points2320may represent one or more characteristic points of an individual's mouth, such as one or more points along the individual's lips or the corner of the individual's mouth. The points shown inFIG.23Care for illustrative purposes only and it is understood that any points for tracking the individual's lips may be determined or identified via one or more image processing techniques. Points2320may be detected at various other locations, including points associated with the individual's teeth, tongue, cheek, chin, eyes, etc. Processor210may determine one or more contours of mouth2311(e.g., represented by lines or polygons) based on points2320or based on the captured image. The contour may represent the entire mouth2311or may comprise multiple contours, for example including a contour representing an upper lip and a contour representing a lower lip. Each lip may also be represented by multiple contours, such as a contour for the upper edge and a contour for the lower edge of each lip. Processor210may further use various other techniques or characteristics, such as color, edge, shape or motion detection algorithms to identify the lips of individual2310. The identified lips may be tracked over multiple frames or images. Processor210may use one or more video tracking algorithms, such as mean-shift tracking, contour tracking (e.g., a condensation algorithm), or various other techniques. Accordingly, processor210may be configured to track movement of the lips of individual2310in real time.

The tracked lip movement of individual2310may be used to separate if required, and selectively condition one or more sounds in the environment of user100.FIG.24is a schematic illustration showing an exemplary environment2400for use of a lip-tracking hearing aid consistent with the present disclosure. Apparatus110, worn by user100may be configured to identify one or more individuals within environment2400. For example, apparatus110may be configured to capture one or more images of the surrounding environment2400using camera1730. The captured images may include a representation of individuals2310and2410, who may be present in environment2400. Processor210may be configured to detect a mouth of individuals2310and2410and track their respective lip movements using the methods described above. In some embodiments, processor210may further be configured to identify individuals2310and2410, for example, by detecting facial features of individuals2310and2410and comparing them to a database, as discussed previously.

In addition to detecting images, apparatus110may be configured to detect one or more sounds in the environment of user100. For example, microphone1720may detect one or more sounds2421,2422, and2423within environment2400. In some embodiments, the sounds may represent voices of various individuals. For example, as shown inFIG.24, sound2421may represent a voice of individual2310and sound2422may represent a voice of individual2410. Sound2423may represent additional voices and/or background noise within environment2400. Processor210may be configured to analyze sounds2421,2422, and2423to separate and identify audio signals associated with voices. For example, processor210may use one or more speech or voice activity detection (VAD) algorithms and/or the voice separation techniques described above. When there are multiple voices detected in the environment, processor210may isolate audio signals associated with each voice. In some embodiments, processor210may perform further analysis on the audio signal associated the detected voice activity to recognize the speech of the individual. For example, processor210may use one or more voice recognition algorithms (e.g., Hidden Markov Models, Dynamic Time Warping, neural networks, or other techniques) to recognize the voice of the individual. Processor210may also be configured to recognize the words spoken by individual2310using various speech-to-text algorithms. In some embodiments, instead of using microphone1710, apparatus110may receive audio signals from another device through a communication component, such as wireless transceiver530. For example, if user100is on a video call, apparatus110may receive an audio signal representing a voice of user2310from display device2301or another auxiliary device.

Processor210may determine, based on lip movements and the detected sounds, which individuals in environment2400are speaking. For example, processor2310may track lip movements associated with mouth2311to determine that individual2310is speaking. A comparative analysis may be performed between the detected lip movement and the received audio signals. In some embodiments, processor210may determine that individual2310is speaking based on a determination that mouth2311is moving at the same time as sound2421is detected. For example, when the lips of individual2310stop moving, this may correspond with a period of silence or reduced volume in the audio signal associated with sound2421. In some embodiments, processor210may be configured to determine whether specific movements of mouth2311correspond to the received audio signal. For example, processor210may analyze the received audio signal to identify specific phonemes, phoneme combinations or words in the received audio signal. Processor210may recognize whether specific lip movements of mouth2311correspond to the identified words or phonemes. Various machine learning or deep learning techniques may be implemented to correlate the expected lip movements to the detected audio. For example, a training data set of known sounds and corresponding lip movements may be fed to a machine learning algorithm to develop a model for correlating detected sounds with expected lip movements. Other data associated with apparatus110may further be used in conjunction with the detected lip movement to determine and/or verify whether individual2310is speaking, such as a look direction of user100or individual2310, a detected identity of user2310, a recognized voiceprint of user2310, etc.

Based on the detected lip movement, processor210may cause selective conditioning of audio associated with individual2310. The conditioning may include amplifying audio signals determined to correspond to sound2421(which may correspond to a voice of individual2310) relative to other audio signals. In some embodiments, amplification may be accomplished digitally, for example by processing audio signals associated with sound2421relative to other signals. Additionally, or alternatively, amplification may be accomplished by changing one or more parameters of microphone1720to focus on audio sounds associated with individual2310. For example, microphone1720may be a directional microphone and processor210may perform an operation to focus microphone1720on sound2421. Various other techniques for amplifying sound2421may be used, such as using a beamforming microphone array, acoustic telescope techniques, etc. The conditioned audio signal may be transmitted to hearing interface device1710, and thus may provide user100with audio conditioned based on the individual who is speaking.

In some embodiments, selective conditioning may include attenuation or suppressing one or more audio signals not associated with individual2310, such as sounds2422and2423. Similar to amplification of sound2421, attenuation of sounds may occur through processing audio signals, or by varying one or more parameters associated with microphone1720to direct focus away from sounds not associated with individual2310.

In some embodiments, conditioning may further include changing a tone of one or more audio signals corresponding to sound2421to make the sound more perceptible to user100. For example, user100may have lesser sensitivity to tones in a certain range and conditioning of the audio signals may adjust the pitch of sound2421. For example, user100may experience hearing loss in frequencies above 10 kHz and processor210may remap higher frequencies (e.g., at 15 kHz) to 10 kHz. In some embodiments processor210may be configured to change a rate of speech associated with one or more audio signals. Processor210may be configured to vary the rate of speech of individual2310to make the detected speech more perceptible to user100. If speech recognition has been performed on the audio signal associated with sound2421, conditioning may further include modifying the audio signal based on the detected speech. For example, processor210may introduce pauses or increase the duration of pauses between words and/or sentences, which may make the speech easier to understand. Various other processing may be performed, such as modifying the tone of sound2421to maintain the same pitch as the original audio signal, or to reduce noise within the audio signal.

The conditioned audio signal may then be transmitted to hearing interface device1710and then produced for user100. Thus, in the conditioned audio signal, sound2421(may be louder and/or more easily distinguishable than sounds2422and2423.

Processor210may be configured to selectively condition multiple audio signals based on which individuals associated with the audio signals are currently speaking. For example, individual2310and individual2410may be engaged in a conversation within environment2400and processor210may be configured to transition from conditioning of audio signals associated with sound2421to conditioning of audio signals associated with sound2422based on the respective lip movements of individuals2310and2410. For example, lip movements of individual2310may indicate that individual2310has stopped speaking or lip movements associated with individual2410may indicate that individual2410has started speaking. Accordingly, processor210may transition between selectively conditioning audio signals associated with sound2421to audio signals associated with sound2422. In some embodiments, processor210may be configured to process and/or condition both audio signals concurrently but only selectively transmit the conditioned audio to hearing interface device1710based on which individual is speaking. Where speech recognition is implemented, processor210may determine and/or anticipate a transition between speakers based on the context of the speech. For example, processor210may analyze audio signals associate with sound2421to determine that individual2310has reached the end of a sentence or has asked a question, which may indicate individual2310has finished or is about to finish speaking.

In some embodiments, processor210may be configured to select between multiple active speakers to selectively condition audio signals. For example, individuals2310and2410may both be speaking at the same time or their speech may overlap during a conversation. Processor210may selectively condition audio associated with one speaking individual relative to others. This may include giving priority to a speaker who has started but not finished a word or sentence or has not finished speaking altogether when the other speaker started speaking. This determination may also be driven by the context of the speech, as described above.

Various other factors may also be considered in selecting among active speakers. For example, a look direction of the user may be determined and the individual in the look direction of the user may be given higher priority among the active speakers. Priority may also be assigned based on the look direction of the speakers. For example, if individual2310is looking at user100and individual2410is looking elsewhere, audio signals associated with individual2310may be selectively conditioned. In some embodiments, priority may be assigned based on the relative behavior of other individuals in environment2400. For example, if both individual2310and individual2410are speaking and more other individuals are looking at individual2410than individual2310, audio signals associated with individual2410may be selectively conditioned over those associated with individual2310. In embodiments where the identity of the individuals is determined, priority may be assigned based on the relative status of the speakers, as discussed previously in greater detail. User100may also provide input into which speakers are prioritized through predefined settings or by actively selecting which speaker to focus on.

Processor210may also assign priority based on how the representation of individual2310is detected. While individuals2310and2410are shown to be physically present in environment2400, one or more individuals may be detected as visual representations of the individual (e.g., on a display device) as shown inFIG.23B. Processor210may prioritize speakers based on whether or not they are physically present in environment2400. For example, processor210may prioritize speakers who are physically present over speakers on a display. Alternatively, processor210may prioritize a video over speakers in a room, for example, if user100is on a video conference or if user100is watching a movie. The prioritized speaker or speaker type (e.g. present or not) may also be indicated by user100, using a user interface associated with apparatus110.

FIG.25is a flowchart showing an exemplary process2500for selectively amplifying audio signals based on tracked lip movements consistent with disclosed embodiments. Process2500may be performed by one or more processors associated with apparatus110, such as processor210. The processor(s) may be included in the same common housing as microphone1720and camera1730, which may also be used for process2500. In some embodiments, some or all of process2500may be performed on processors external to apparatus110, which may be included in a second housing. For example, one or more portions of process2500may be performed by processors in hearing interface device1710, or in an auxiliary device, such as computing device120or display device2301. In such embodiments, the processor may be configured to receive the captured images via a wireless link between a transmitter in the common housing and receiver in the second housing.

In step2510, process2500may include receiving a plurality of images captured by a wearable camera from an environment of the user. The images may be captured by a wearable camera such as camera1730of apparatus110. In step2520, process2500may include identifying a representation of at least one individual in at least one of the plurality of images. The individual may be identified using various image detection algorithms, such as Haar cascade, histograms of oriented gradients (HOG), deep convolution neural networks (CNN), scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT), or the like. In some embodiments, processor210may be configured to detect visual representations of individuals, for example from a display device, as shown inFIG.23B.

In step2530, process2500may include identifying at least one lip movement or lip position associated with a mouth of the individual, based on analysis of the plurality of images. Processor210may be configured to identify one or more points associated with the mouth of the individual. In some embodiments, processor210may develop a contour associated with the mouth of the individual, which may define a boundary associated with the mouth or lips of the individual. The lips identified in the image may be tracked over multiple frames or images to identify the lip movement. Accordingly, processor210may use various video tracking algorithms, as described above.

In step2540, process2500may include receiving audio signals representative of the sounds captured by a microphone from the environment of the user. For example, apparatus110may receive audio signals representative of sounds2421,2422, and2423captured by microphone1720. In step2550, process2500may include identifying, based on analysis of the sounds captured by the microphone, a first audio signal associated with a first voice and a second audio signal associated with a second voice different from the first voice. For example, processor210may identify an audio signal associated with sounds2421and2422, representing the voice of individuals2310and2410, respectively. Processor210may analyze the sounds received from microphone1720to separate the first and second voices using any currently known or future developed techniques or algorithms. Step2550may also include identifying additional sounds, such as sound2423which may include additional voices or background noise in the environment of the user. In some embodiments, processor210may perform further analysis on the first and second audio signals, for example, by determining the identity of individuals2310and2410using available voiceprints thereof. Alternatively, or additionally, processor210may use speech recognition tools or algorithms to recognize the speech of the individuals.

In step2560, process2500may include causing selective conditioning of the first audio signal based on a determination that the first audio signal is associated with the identified lip movement associated with the mouth of the individual. Processor210may compare the identified lip movement with the first and second audio signals identified in step2550. For example, processor210may compare the timing of the detected lip movements with the timing of the voice patterns in the audio signals. In embodiments where speech is detected, processor210may further compare specific lip movements to phonemes or other features detected in the audio signal, as described above. Accordingly, processor210may determine that the first audio signal is associated with the detected lip movements and is thus associated with an individual who is speaking.

Various forms of selective conditioning may be performed, as discussed above. In some embodiments, conditioning may include changing the tone or playback speed of an audio signal. For example, conditioning may include remapping the audio frequencies or changing a rate of speech associated with the audio signal. In some embodiments, the conditioning may include amplification of a first audio signal relative to other audio signals. Amplification may be performed by various means, such as operation of a directional microphone, varying one or more parameters associated with the microphone, or digitally processing the audio signals. The conditioning may include attenuating or suppressing one or more audio signals that are not associated with the detected lip movement. The attenuated audio signals may include audio signals associated with other sounds detected in the environment of the user, including other voices such as a second audio signal. For example, processor210may selectively attenuate the second audio signal based on a determination that the second audio signal is not associated with the identified lip movement associated with the mouth of the individual. In some embodiments, the processor may be configured to transition from conditioning of audio signals associated with a first individual to conditioning of audio signals associated with a second individual when identified lip movements of the first individual indicates that the first individual has finished a sentence or has finished speaking.

In step2570, process2500may include causing transmission of the selectively conditioned first audio signal to a hearing interface device configured to provide sound to an ear of the user. The conditioned audio signal, for example, may be transmitted to hearing interface device1710, which may provide sound corresponding to the first audio signal to user100. Additional sounds such as the second audio signal may also be transmitted. For example, processor210may be configured to transmit audio signals corresponding to sounds2421,2422, and2423. The first audio signal, which may be associated with the detected lip movement of individual2310, may be amplified, however, in relation to sounds2422and2423as described above. In some embodiments, hearing interface1710device may include a speaker associated with an earpiece. For example, hearing interface device may be inserted at least partially into the ear of the user for providing audio to the user. Hearing interface device may also be external to the ear, such as a behind-the-ear hearing device, one or more headphones, a small portable speaker, or the like. In some embodiments, hearing interface device may include a bone conduction microphone, configured to provide an audio signal to user through vibrations of a bone of the user's head. Such devices may be placed in contact with the exterior of the user's skin, or may be implanted surgically and attached to the bone of the user.

Integrated Camera and Hearing Interface Device

As described above, the disclosed embodiments may include selectively conditioning an audio signal to separate speakers, remove background noise or other sounds, and transmit speech or other desired sounds to a hearing interface device. In some embodiments, the various components for capturing information from the environment of the user, analyzing and processing the information, and presenting the processed audio to a user may be contained within a single housing. For example, the hearing aid system and hearing aid interface disclosed herein may be implemented using an earphone having an image sensor, such as a camera, in a single housing. This implementation may provide for improved convenience for the user, as a single device may function as both the wearable apparatus110and hearing aid hearing interface device1710. As people now tend to wear earphones frequently, wearing this single earphone may provide significant functionality as described above, without attracting undesired attention. Further, in some embodiments, a user may wear an earphone in each ear to improve perception of the environment of the user and the processing and presentation of audio signals. For example, multiple earphones may allow for better spatial tracking of audio sources, simultaneous processing functions, or various other techniques described below.

FIG.26is a block diagram illustrating example components of a hearing interface device2600, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. Hearing interface device2600may include a processor2610, an image sensor2620, a wireless transceiver2630, a hearing interface component2640, a memory2650, and a microphone2660. The various components of2600may be the same as or similar to corresponding components of wearable apparatus110or hearing interface device1710. For example, hearing interface device2600may be similar to hearing interface device1710but may integrate various components from wearable apparatus110into the same housing. Accordingly, any of the features or details described above with respect to wearable apparatus110, hearing interface device1710, or their various subcomponents may similarly apply to hearing interface device2600. Further, hearing interface device2600is not limited to the components shown inFIG.26and may include other components depending on the application, including various components described above with respect to wearable apparatus110or hearing interface device1710.

As with processor210, processor2610may include any suitable processing device and may include more than one processing device. For example, processor2610may include one or more integrated circuits, microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors, all or part of a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other circuits suitable for executing instructions or performing logic operations. The instructions executed by processor2610may, for example, be pre-loaded into a memory integrated with or embedded into processor2610or may be stored in a separate memory (e.g., memory2650). Processor2610may be configured to generate a processed audio signal based on analysis of a captured audio signal or a captured image, as described throughout the present disclosure. For example, this may include executing instructions stored in memory2650to perform selective conditioning of audio signals, analyze lip movements or other gestures and/or voice signatures, or various other analysis described above with respect to processor110. Memory2650may comprise a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetic medium, a flash memory, other permanent, fixed, or volatile memory, or any other mechanism capable of storing instructions.

Hearing interface device2600may further include an image sensor2620for capturing image data, similar to image sensor220. The electrical signals may be used to form an image or a video stream (i.e., image data) based on the detected signal. Examples of image sensors may include semiconductor charge-coupled devices (CCD), active pixel sensors in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), or N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS, Live MOS). In some cases, image sensor2620may be part of a camera included in the same housing as hearing interface device2600. Although image sensor2620is described generally herein as optic camera, it is to be understood that image sensor2620is not limited to this form of capturing device, and any sensor that outputs information about the structure or appearance of the environment may be used, such a video camera, a still camera, a wide angle camera, a narrow angle camera, a thermal camera, a radar device, a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) device, or various other forms of sensors. In some embodiments, the camera may be a black and white camera, which may have advantages such as a better signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio, a better resolution, a simpler lens or other components, or the like.

Microphone2660may be configured to capture one or more sounds from an environment of hearing interface device2600, similar to microphones443,444, and1720described herein. In some embodiments, microphone2660may also be configured to determine a directionality of sounds in the environment of a user. For example, microphone2660may comprise one or more directional microphones, which may be more sensitive to picking up sounds in certain directions. In some embodiments, microphone2660may comprise a unidirectional microphone, designed to pick up sound from a single direction or small range of directions. Microphone2660may also comprise a cardioid microphone, which may be sensitive to sounds from the front and sides. Microphone2660may also include a microphone array, and thus microphone2660may include multiple microphones.

Hearing interface device2600may further include a wireless transceiver2630, which may correspond to wireless transceiver530inFIG.5A. Wireless transceiver2630may use any known standard to transmit and/or receive data (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Smart, 802.15.4, or ZigBee). In some embodiments, wireless transceiver2630may communicate over a network, such as the Internet, a wired Wide Area Network (WAN), a wired Local Area Network (LAN), a wireless WAN (e.g., WiMAX), a wireless LAN (e.g., IEEE 802.11, etc.), a mesh network, a mobile/cellular network, an enterprise or private data network, a storage area network, a virtual private network using a public network, or various other types of network communications. In some embodiments, wireless transceiver2630may transmit data (e.g., raw image data, processed image data, extracted information) from hearing interface device2600to server250, as shown inFIG.26. Wireless transceiver2630may further be configured to receive data from server250. For example, this may include receiving instructions or requests to perform operations (e.g., capture an image, transmit data, etc.), data used for analysis (e.g., models other programming used to process audio signals, voice signature data, facial feature data, etc.), update information (e.g., software updates, firmware updates, etc.), or any other data that may be relevant to processing audio signals using hearing interface device2600. Although, wireless transceiver2630is shown to communicate directly with server250, in some embodiments, this communication path may include various intermediate components. For example, wireless transceiver2630may communicate with computing device120and/or other intermediate devices. Wireless transceiver2630may also receive data from computing device120and/or server250.

Hearing interface device2600may further include a hearing interface component2640. Hearing interface component2640may include any component configured to convert audio signals (e.g., electrical impulses) into audible sound. For example, hearing interface component2640may be a speaker, configured to present processed audio signals in the form of sound waves to an ear of a user. In some embodiments, hearing interface component2640may include a bone conduction speaker configured to provide an audio signal to a user through vibrations of a bone of the user's head (e.g., jawbone). Accordingly, in some embodiment, hearing interface device2600may be placed in contact with the exterior of the user's skin, or may be implanted surgically and attached to the bone of the user.

In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may include various controls for adjusting operation of hearing interface device2600. For example, this may include one or more buttons, switches, dials, sensors, or other components that may trigger or allow for parameters of hearing interface device2600to be modified. In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may be equipped with a switch for turning image sensor2610on or off, for entering a battery-saving mode, or the like. Hearing interface device2600may include various other controls, for example, for changing an audio sampling rate, an image capture rate, a part of a field of view of image sensor2620that is captured, or the like,

FIGS.27A,27B,27C, and27Dillustrate example configurations of hearing interface device2600, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. InFIGS.27A and27B, hearing interface device2600is shown inserted into an ear of a user. As shown inFIG.27A, hearing interface device2600may include a housing2710configured to house or contain the various components of hearing interface device2600described above. Housing2710may be at least partially insertable into an ear of a user such that hearing interface component2640may deliver sounds to the user. Housing2710may be a rigid or semi-rigid component and may be constructed of any suitable material, such as silicone, rubber, plastic, metal, wood, or the like. In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may include a head part2712and a neck part2714, as shown inFIG.27A. In this example, hearing interface device2600may be used by inserting the head part2712(which may include hearing interface component2640) into the ear, such that neck part2714points downward. Image sensor2620may be installed in the head part2714and may face forward such that a line of sight of image sensor2620is substantially parallel to the line of sight of a user wearing hearing interface device2600.FIG.27Bshows another example embodiment of hearing interface device2600, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. In this example, neck part2714may point forward, and image sensor2620may be installed at the end of neck part2714such that a line of sight of image sensor2620is again substantially parallel to the line of sight of the user. Thus, in both examples above, hearing interface device2600includes a housing2710, at least part of which may be insertable into an ear of a user.

FIGS.27C and27Dillustrate another example configuration of hearing interface device, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.FIGS.27C and27Dillustrate hearing interface device2600when it is not inserted into the ear of a user.FIG.27Dshows an alternate view of the example configuration of hearing interface device2600from the view shown inFIG.27C. In this example configuration, image sensor2620may be placed on head part2712, similar to the configuration shown inFIG.27A. As shown inFIG.27C, hearing interface device2600may include an ear tip2720configured to be inserted into an ear of a user. Ear tip2720may be a rubberized ear tip configured to provide better fit, additional comfort, and/or isolate background noise when inserted into the ear of the user. In some embodiments an additional microphone may be included in ear tip2720, which may be used to improve noise cancelation, determine whether hearing interface device2600is properly inserted, or various other applications. In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may further include an acoustic vent2708, which may improve the sound quality of hearing interface device2600for a user. In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may further include various support components or structures configured to hold hearing interface device2600in place when inserted into the ear of a user. For example, this may include an antihelix fastener2730. Antihelix fastener2720may be a rubberized component configured to fit into the antihelix portion of an ear of a user when hearing interface device2600is inserted into the ear of the user to secure hearing interface device2600in place. In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may include a sensor2706to detect when hearing interface device2600is inserted into an ear of the user. For example, sensor2706may include an accelerometer, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a touch sensor, a capacitive or other electrical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microphone, or any other sensor that may indicate hearing interface device2600has been inserted into an ear of a user.

In this example, hearing interface device2600may include multiple microphones. For example, hearing interface device2600may include a microphone2660A included on neck part2714(shown inFIG.27C) and an additional microphone2660B (shown inFIG.27D). Microphones2660A and2660B may correspond to microphone2660described above. The use of multiple microphones2660A and2660B may allow hearing interface device2600to capture sounds from multiple angles, which may ensure that more sounds are captured. In some embodiments, differences in sounds captured using microphones2660A and2660B may be used to ascertain information about an environment of hearing interface device2600. For example, this may include determining a direction of an audio source relative to hearing interface device2600as described further herein.

In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may include various other interface components, as shown inFIGS.27C and27D. For example, hearing interface device2600may include one or more buttons, dials, switches, or pressure-sensitive areas, as described above. In some embodiments, this may include pressure-sensitive area2704, which may allow a user to provide an input to hearing interface device2600. For example, the user may apply pressure to pressure-sensitive area2704, which may indicate that hearing interface device2600should change a volume level, capture an image, mute or pause audio playback, change modes (e.g., turning on or off background noise suppression, etc.), or various other commands. Hearing interface device2600may further include an indicator2702to provide status information or other information to a user. For example, indicator2702may be a LED or other light source, which may provide information either as a binary indicator (e.g., on and off) or based on a property, such as a color of light, a rate or pattern of blinking, a brightness, or various other properties. Indicator2702may indicate whether hearing interface device2600has been inserted properly, whether a recognized individual has been detected, a battery level or status, an operating mode, or various other information. In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may further include a charging port2740. For example, charging port2740may include one or more pins2742configured to provide electrical contact with a charging device. Accordingly, charging port2740may be used to charge a battery of hearing interface device2600. Hearing interface device2600may include various other ports, such as a data port, which may provide a connection for uploading data to hearing interface device2600or downloading data from hearing interface device2600. It is to be understood that the example configuration of hearing interface device2600shown inFIGS.27A,27B,27C, and27Dare provided by way of example, and hearing interface device2600may include various other components.

FIG.27Eillustrates an example use of hearing interface device2600for capturing images from an environment of a user2700, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. As described above, hearing interface device2600may be at least partially inserted into an ear of user2700. In this example, hearing interface device2600may be configured similar to the configuration illustrated inFIG.27A. Accordingly, image sensor2620may be located on a head part of hearing interface device2600, as shown. Image sensor2620may be configured to capture one or more images from the environment of user2700(and hearing interface device2600).

In this example, a line of sight of image sensor2620may be substantially parallel to a line of sight of user2700. By being placed in a hearing interface device inserted into the ear, image sensor2620may more accurately follow the head movements of user2700. Because image sensor2620is placed closer to the eyes of the user as compared to a device worn on the shirt of a user or other placements, a narrower viewing angle θ of image sensor2620may be used as compared to a viewing angle that may be required in other placement locations. For example, if an image sensor (e.g., image sensor220) were instead worn on a chest of user2700, a relatively large viewing angle may be required to capture representations of objects viewed by user2700. In this example, viewing angle θ may range from 50° to 120° (e.g., 70°, 80°, 90°, etc.), whereas an image sensor placed on the chest of user2700may require an angle of 130° or greater, depending on the placement. This narrow angle may enable the use of a smaller image size (e.g., a Video Graphics Array (VGA) image rather than larger image sizes of 4000×3000 pixels, etc.). This reduced image size may therefore reduce the memory requirements, processing demands, battery life, or other requirements of hearing interface device2600.

In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may be configured to cause an insertion indication to be presented to the ear of user2700when hearing interface device2600is inserted into the ear of user2700. For example, this may be a tone, a chime, or another sound confirming hearing interface device2600has been inserted. The insertion of hearing interface device2600may be detected in various ways. In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may include an accelerometer which may detect a motion of hearing interface device2600. Hearing interface device2600may be configured to detect a motion pattern based on an output of the accelerometer, which may be compared to a stored motion pattern or motion characteristics associated with an insertion event. Based on the comparison, the insertion of hearing interface device2600may be detected. As another example, the insertion event may be detected based on at least one image captured by image sensor2620. For example, processor2610may be configured to determine or estimate a height of image sensor2620and may determine that the height is consistent with an expected height of image sensor2620when placed in the ear of a user. As another example, processor2610may recognize an ear, a cheek, a shoulder, or another part of user2700within an image, which may indicate hearing interface device2600has been inserted.

Similarly, hearing interface device2600may be configured to determine whether hearing interface device2600has been inserted correctly or incorrectly. For example, a correct insertion may be determined based on a direction or orientation of image sensor2620. If image sensor2620is not properly aligned with a look direction of user2700(e.g., within a threshold alignment of a preferred alignment direction), hearing interface device2600may be determined to be improperly inserted. In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may be configured to present a different sound when hearing interface device2600is improperly inserted. For example, the insertion indication may be a first sound when the housing is correctly inserted into the ear of the user and a second sound when the housing is not correctly inserted into the ear of the user.

In some embodiments, user2700may wear multiple hearing interface devices2600, for example, one in each ear.FIG.28illustrates an example use of multiple hearing interface devices by user2700, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. In this example, user2700may wear hearing interface device2600in a first ear, as described above with respect toFIG.27E. User2700may also wear an additional hearing interface device2800in a second ear. Additional hearing interface device2800may be configured as a mirror image of hearing interface device2600such that it fits properly in the other ear of user2700. Additional hearing interface device2800may include an image sensor2820and microphone2860, which may be similar to image sensor2820and microphone2860described above.

Hearing interface device2600and additional hearing interface device2800may be configured to share information, which may be used to process captured audio signals. For example, wireless transceiver2630may be configured to communicate with a corresponding wireless transceiver of additional hearing interface device2800. This may include transmitting captured images or audio signals or at least partially processed images or audio signals. In some embodiments hearing interface device2600and additional hearing interface device2800may share data derived from processing captured audio signals or images. For example, this may include voiceprints, facial features, information identifying a recognized individual, a direction of an audio source, or other information that may be derived from a captured image or audio signal. Accordingly, in some embodiments, processor2610may generate processed audio signals based at least in part on information received from additional hearing interface device2800. Similarly, a processor of additional hearing interface device2800may generate processed audio signals based at least in part on information received from hearing interface device2600. For example, each device may perform separate processing and transmit the results to the other device. In some embodiments, the two devices may operate in a hierarchal manner. For example, hearing interface device2600may be a primary device and may delegate one or more operations to additional hearing interface device2800(or vice versa). Alternatively or additionally, hearing interface device2600and additional hearing interface device2800may operate autonomously of each other.

This shared information may allow for improved analysis of the environment of user2700. For example, as described above, a directionality of a sound may be used in selective conditioning or other forms of processing. This may include amplifying sounds received from a look direction of user2700relative to sounds received from other directions, or other forms of direction-based sound processing. By using multiple microphones, each may be used to determine a direction of an audio source, such that a more accurate combined direction of the audio source may be determined. For example, microphones2660and2860may be used to perform a beamforming technique or similar technique for localizing audio sources. Similarly, image data from image sensors2620and2820may be used to determine spatial information associated with the environment of user2700. For example, the lateral separation between image sensor2620and image sensor2820may provide parallax information for stereo analysis by processor2610(and/or a processing device of additional hearing interface device2800). Stereo image analysis may refer to instances where image analysis is performed based on two or more images captured with one or more variations of an image capture parameter. For example, captured images suitable for performing stereo image analysis may include images captured: from two or more different positions, from different fields of view, using different focal lengths, along with parallax information, etc. In some embodiments, this may include sharing data from other sensors, such as accelerometer data or the like.

The sharing of information between hearing interface device2600and additional hearing interface device2800may also allow the processing demand to be split among multiple processing devices, which may reduce the processing demand on processor2610and thus reduce its energy consumption. Accordingly, various tasks or analyses described herein may be split between hearing interface device2600and additional hearing interface device2800. For example, this may include splitting processing tasks based on a type of analysis. As one example, hearing interface device2600may be configured to process lip movements of individuals or detect facial features, as described above, whereas additional hearing interface device2800may be configured to determine voice prints of individuals in the environment of user2700(which may further include recognizing one or more individuals within the environment of user2700based on stored voice signatures). As another example, tasks may be split by objects or individuals being detected, tracked, and/or recognize. For example, hearing interface device2600may be configured to identify a first individual and additional hearing interface device2800may be configured to identify a second individual. While various distributions of tasks are provided above, it is to be understood that various other distributions of tasks may be performed. In some embodiments, the shared processing between hearing interface device2600and additional hearing interface device2800may not be split by discrete tasks and may be distributed in other ways. For example, as noted above, processor2610may be a primary processor and may assign specific processing operations to additional hearing interface device2800and the result of the processing operations may be provided to processor2620.

FIG.29illustrates an example environment2900of user2700in which hearing interface device2600may be used for generating processed audio signals, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. As noted above, processor2610may be configured to generate one or more processed audio signals based on captured audio signals, captured images, or both. This may include any form of processing techniques described above with respect to wearable apparatus110. For example, environment2900may include individuals2910and2920, which may be the source of sounds2912and2922, respectively. In this example, sounds2912and2914may be voices of individuals2910and2920. Environment2900may further include a sound2932, which may be a background or ambient noise from various additional sources. Microphone2660may be configured to capture audio signals associated with sounds2912,2922, and2932. Processor2610may be configured to selectively condition sounds2912,2922, and2932as described throughout the present disclosure. For example, this may include separating sound2912from sounds2922and/or2932or amplifying sound2912relative to sounds2922and/or2932. As another example, this may include attenuating sound2932relative to sounds2912and2922.

Various techniques may be used for identifying which sounds should be amplified or attenuated relative to other sounds. For example, this may include determining a look direction of a user, similar to look direction1750described above. The look direction may be determined based on a field of view2902of image sensor2920, as described above. Accordingly, because individual2910is in the look direction of user2700, sound2912may be amplified relative to one or both of sounds2922and2932. In some embodiments, sounds may be amplified or identified based on an identification of an individual in environment2900. For example, this may include tracking a lip movement of individual2910to determine that individual is actively speaking, as described in further detail above with respect toFIG.23C. As another example, a voiceprint and/or facial features of individual2910may be determined as described in further detail above with respect toFIG.20A. These voiceprints and facial features may be compared to stored voice signatures and facial recognition data to identify individual2910. Accordingly, the voice of individual2910may be selectively amplified relative to sound2922and/or sound2932.

In embodiments where user2700is wearing an additional hearing interface device2800, information from microphone2860and/or image sensor2820may be used to improve the analysis of environment2900. For example, a direction associated with sound2912(or various other sounds in environment2900) may be determined based on a combined analysis of audio signals captured from microphones2660and2860(e.g., through beamforming or other techniques). In some embodiments, a direction associated with sound2912may be determined separately based on microphones2660and2860and these directions may be combined (e.g., averaged together, etc.) to determine a more accurate direction of individual2910relative to user2700. For example, each of microphones2660and2860may be a directional microphone capable of determining a directionality of sound2912. Alternatively or additionally, a direction of sound2912may be determined based on a combined analysis of audio signals captured by microphones2660and2860. For example, processor2610(and/or a processor of additional hearing interface device2800) may analyze differences in amplitude or other characteristics (e.g., timing, etc.) of sound2912as it is represented in the respective captured audio signals. If sound2912is represented with a slightly higher amplitude in hearing interface device2600than in additional hearing interface device2800, this may indicate that sounds2912are being received from a direction slightly to the right of user2700, as shown inFIG.29. Similarly, sound2932may be significantly louder or clearer as captured by hearing interface device2600relative to additional hearing interface device2800, which may indicate it is coming from the right of user2700. Similarly, images captured by image sensors2620and2820may be processed using a stereo image analysis, which may allow processor2610to determine a depth and/or position of individuals2910and2920relative to user2700.

In some embodiments, when an individual has been recognized, hearing interface device2600and/or additional hearing interface device2800may be configured to present the name of the individual to the ear of the user through hearing interface component2640. For example, this may include performing a lookup function based on detected facial features and/or voice signatures to determine the name of individual2910. In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600and additional hearing interface device2800may present the name of individual2910in a manner that the name will be perceived to the user as coming from the direction of individual2910. For example, based on variations in the timing and amplitude of how the name is presented in hearing interface device2600and additional hearing interface device2800, a direction that the name of the user is presented from may be simulated. This simulated directionality may help user2700determine which individual in environment2900the name belongs to. Any other sounds presented to user2700described herein, such as processed audio signals, etc. may similarly be presented with a simulated directionality when additional hearing interface device2800is used.

In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600and additional hearing interface device2800may be configured to synchronize with each other so that the timing at which the processed audio signal is presented to the user in each ear is consistent. For example, it may be disorienting or unpleasant to the user if a slight delay exists between the audio presented in each ear. In some embodiments, the timing between hearing interface device2600and additional hearing interface device2800may be synchronized based on a timing of sounds captured by microphones2660and2860. As another example, the timing between hearing interface device2600and additional hearing interface device2800may be synchronized based on a timing of visual events captured by image sensors2620and2820, such as an individual opening his mouth, clapping his hands or the like. This may provide a more accurate timing synchronization as light will be received at substantially the same time by both devices, whereas a slight delay may exist for captured audio due to differences between the speed of light and the speed of sound.

Hearing interface device2600may include various other features based on the inclusion of image sensor2620within the same housing. For example, this may include providing an alert or indication based on objects detected in the environment of user2700. For example, this may include an indication that a lens of image sensor2620is dirty, that a field of view of image sensor2620is blocked, or various other status indicators based on captured images.FIG.30Aillustrates an example image3010that may be captured using image sensor2620. Processor2610may be configured to detect an object3012obstructing a field of view of image sensor2620. For example, object3012may be a hand or other body part of user2700, a piece of clothing, a hair or curl of hair, an insect, a water droplet, or various other objects that may obstruct the view of image sensor2620. Based on the detection of object3012, hearing interface device2600may present a chime, a warning message, or another indicator to the ear of user2700indicating the obstruction. In some embodiments, object3012may be determined to be an obstruction based on a percentage of image3010that is associated with object3012(e.g., exceeding a predetermined threshold). As another example, object3012may be determined to be an obstruction based on a comparison of images captured using image sensor2620with images captured using image sensor2820. For example, if object3012takes up a significant part of image3010but does not appear at all in an image captured using image sensor2820, this may indicate that object3012is an obstruction. The same or similar techniques may be applied with respect to a dirty lens, a broken or malfunctioning sensor, or other conditions of hearing interface device2600that may prevent images from being analyzed properly. In some embodiments, the indication may be transmitted for display on another device such as computing device120.

In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may perform one or more actions to facilitate locating hearing interface device2600, for example, if hearing interface device2600has been misplaced. In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may capture an image and transmit it to another device, such as server250or computing device120.FIG.30Billustrates an example image3020that may be captured by hearing interface device2600for purposes of locating hearing interface device2600. Image3020may be displayed to user2700(e.g., through an interface of computing device120) and user2700may determine a location of hearing interface device2600based on image3020. For example, user2700may recognize an object such as fan3030and may determine a position of hearing interface device2600relative to the object. In some embodiments, this may include multiple images. For example, hearing interface device2600may capture a short video clip to be presented to user2700. Similarly, hearing interface device2600may capture a short audio clip which may be presented to user2700to facilitate locating hearing interface device2600. For example, user2700may recognize background sounds, music, voices, or other sounds that may help user2700locate hearing interface device2600.

In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may capture and transmit image3020based on a command received from server250, computing device120, additional hearing interface device2800, or another device. In some embodiments, the command may be provided based on a request by user2700. For example, if user2700cannot find hearing interface device2600, he or she may interact with a user interface of computing device120to cause a location command to be transmitted to hearing interface device2600. The command may be transmitted either directly to hearing interface device2600or indirectly (e.g., through server250, over a network, etc.). As another example, a request may be initiated based on a voice command of user2700. For example, user2700may say “find my other earphone,” which may be captured using microphone2860. Additional hearing interface device2800may then cause a command to be transmitted to hearing interface device2600either directly or through another device, such as server250and/or computing device120.

In some embodiments, hearing interface device2600may initiate the capture of image3020. For example, hearing interface device2600may detect one or more trigger conditions indicating that it needs to be found. In some embodiments, this may include a duration since hearing interface device2600was last used. For example, if an accelerometer or other sensor (e.g., sensor2706) indicates that hearing interface device2600has not been used for more than a threshold period of time, a location finding mode may be initiated and image3020may be captured and transmitted. As another example, the trigger condition may include a change in or loss of proximity to another device. For example, if hearing interface device2600leaves a communication range of additional hearing interface device2800, computing device120, a recognized network (e.g., a home WIFI network, etc.) or a combination of these, the location finding mode may be initiated. As another example, this may include a battery level of hearing interface device2600dropping below a certain level or various other triggers.

FIG.31is a flowchart showing an example process3100for generating processed audio signals, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. Process3100may be performed by at least one processing device of a hearing interface device, such as processor2610. It is to be understood that throughout the present disclosure, the term “processor” is used as a shorthand for “at least one processor.” In other words, a processor may include one or more structures that perform logic operations whether such structures are collocated, connected, or dispersed. In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may contain instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform process3100. Further, process3100is not necessarily limited to the steps shown inFIG.31, and any steps or processes of the various embodiments described throughout the present disclosure may also be included in process3100, including those described above with respect toFIGS.26,27A,27B,27C,27D,27E,28,29,30A, and30B.

In step3110, process3100may include receiving a captured audio signal representative of sounds captured from an environment of the hearing interface device. The sounds may be captured by at least one microphone associated with the housing. For example, step3110may include receiving sounds captured by microphone2660, as described above. The microphone may be associated with the housing in that it may be at least partially contained within the housing, affixed to the housing, protruding from the housing, or otherwise integrated with the housing.

In step3120, process3100may include receiving at least one image captured from the environment of the hearing interface device. The at least one image may be captured by at least one camera associated with the housing. For example, step3120may include receiving at least one image captured by image sensor2620, as described above. The camera may be associated with the housing in that it may be at least partially contained within the housing, affixed to the housing, protruding from the housing, or otherwise integrated with the housing. In some embodiments, the at least one camera may have a line of sight that is substantially aligned to a line of sight of a user of the hearing interface device when the housing is placed in the ear of the user. In some embodiments, the camera may have a relatively narrow view angle. For example, the at least one camera may have an angle of view between 50 degrees to 120 degrees, as described above.

In step3130, process3100may include generating a processed audio signal based on analysis of at least one of the captured audio signal or the at least one image. This may include various forms of processing described throughout the present disclosure. In some embodiments, generating the processed audio signal may include amplifying a voice of an individual represented in the captured audio signal relative to at least one additional sound. As described herein, amplifying the voice of the individual may include separating the voice of the individual from the at least one additional sound. For example, the at least one additional sound may include a background noise and amplifying the voice of the individual relative to the at least one additional sound may include attenuating the background noise.

In some embodiments, the voice of the individual may be amplified based on a determination that the individual is a recognized individual. For example, amplifying the voice of the individual may include identifying the individual based on the at least one image based on facial features, which may be compared to a database of stored facial features associated with known individuals. As another example, amplifying the voice of the individual may include identifying the individual based on a voice signature associated with the individual. This may include determining a voiceprint of the individual and comparing the voiceprint to a database of voice signatures of known individuals. In some embodiments, the voice of the individual may be amplified based on a determination that the individual is speaking. For example, amplifying the voice of the individual may include tracking a lip movement of the individual represented in the at least one image and determining the individual is speaking based on the tracked lip movement.

In some embodiments, the audio signal may be processed based on information received from another hearing interface device, such as additional hearing interface device2800described above. Accordingly, process3100may further include receiving data obtained from an associated hearing interface device, which may be configured to be at least partially inserted into an additional ear of the user or placed anywhere else, for example, as a necklace, a pin, attached to the user's glasses or the like, and the processed audio signal may further be generated based on analysis of the received data. In some embodiments, the received data may include at least one of a voice signature, a lip signature, or a facial feature of an individual in the environment of the user. The voice signature, the lip signature, or the facial feature may be determined by the associated hearing interface device based on at least one of the additional captured audio signal or the additional image. In some embodiments, process3100may further include determining at least one of an additional facial feature, an additional lip signature, or an additional voice signature of an additional individual based on at least one of the captured audio signal or the at least one image, the additional individual being different from the individual. In some embodiments, generating the processed audio signal may include determining a direction of at least one audio source represented in the captured audio signal. When an additional hearing interface device is used, this may be based on information captured by both of the hearing interface devices. For example, the direction being determined based on a first indication of direction of the audio source determined based on the captured audio signal and a second indication of direction of the audio source included in the received data.

In step3140, process3100may include causing at least a portion of the processed audio signal to be presented to the ear of the user. For example, this may include presenting the processed audio signal or a portion thereof to an ear of user2700using hearing interface component2640.

In some embodiments, process3100may include additional steps, including those described above. For example, process3100may include causing an insertion indication to be presented to the ear of the user when at least a portion of the housing is inserted into the ear of the user. As described above, this may further include determining whether the housing is correctly inserted into the ear of the user. The insertion indication may comprise a first sound when the housing is correctly inserted into the ear of the user and a second sound when the housing is not correctly inserted into the ear of the user. The determination whether the housing is correctly inserted into the ear of the user may be based on an indication received from an accelerometer included in the housing, a sensor output (e.g., an output of sensor2706), an image captured using image sensor2620or any other information that may indicate a proper insertion.

In some embodiments, process3100may further include providing information for locating the hearing interface device to a user. For example, process3100may include receiving, from an external source, a request to provide information for locating the hearing interface device. The external source may be a server (e.g., server250), an auxiliary device (e.g., computing device120), an additional hearing interface device (e.g., additional hearing interface device2800), or various other sources. Process3100may include causing, based on the request, locating information to be captured from the environment of the hearing interface device based on the received request. The locating information may include at least one of a locating image captured using the at least one camera (e.g., image3020) or a locating audio signal obtained using the at least one microphone. Process3100may then include transmitting the locating information to a predetermined destination. For example, this may include transmitting the locating information to a server (e.g., server250), an auxiliary device (e.g., computing device120), an additional hearing interface device (e.g., additional hearing interface device2800), or various other destinations. In some embodiments, the predetermined location may be associated with the external source (e.g., a server). For example, if the request is received from the server, the locating information may be transmitted back to the server (i.e., a predetermined location at or associated with the server). Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined location may not be associated with the external source.

As another example, process3100may further include generating an indication of a detected condition of the hearing interface device. For example, process3100may include detecting a condition associated with the hearing interface device and causing a status indication to be presented to the ear of the user based on the detected condition, as described above. In some embodiments, the condition may include an obstruction of a field of view of the at least one camera, which may be detected based on analysis of the at least one image (e.g., based on analysis of image3010as described above), a battery health status, or the like.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, although aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described as being stored in memory, one skilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects can also be stored on other types of computer readable media, such as secondary storage devices, for example, hard disks or CD ROM, or other forms of RAM or ROM, USB media, DVD, Blu-ray, Ultra HD Blu-ray, or other optical drive media.