Patent Description:
Audio headsets have acoustic speakers that sit on, over, or in the ear of the user. They can connect to other devices operate as sources of audio signals that are output by the speakers. Some headsets can isolate the user from ambient sounds and even provide noise-cancellation features. However, many audio headsets are somewhat obtrusive to wear and can inhibit the user's ability to hear ambient sounds or simultaneously interact with others near the user.

<CIT> discloses a wearable audio device comprising a parametric loudspeaker array.

The invention is set out in the independent claim.

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details.

Audio headsets have acoustic speakers that sit on, over, or in the ear of the user. They can connect to other devices operate as sources of audio signals that are output by the speakers. Some headsets can isolate the user from ambient sounds and even provide noise-cancellation features.

However, many audio headsets are somewhat obtrusive to wear and can inhibit the user's ability to hear ambient sounds or simultaneously interact with others near the user. As such, many audio headsets can limit the user's desired experience with both the audio output of the headset and the audio from other sources.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wearable device with an audio module that is operable to provide audio output from a distance away from the ears of the user. For example, the wearable device can be worn on clothing of the user and direct audio waves to the ears of the user. Such audio waves can be focused by a parametric array of speakers that limit audibility by others. Thus, the privacy of the audio directed to the user can be maintained without requiring the user to wear audio headsets on, over, or in the ears of the user. The wearable device can further include microphones and/or connections to other devices that facilitate calibration of the audio module of the wearable device. The wearable device can further include user sensors that are configured to detect, measure, and/or track one or more properties of the user.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of a user wearing a wearable device with an audio module for directing sound waves to the ears of the user, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the user <NUM> can wear the wearable device <NUM> on an object <NUM> (e.g., article of clothing), a portion of the body of the user <NUM>, or at another location. Such locations can be selected by the user <NUM>, and the wearable device <NUM> can calibrate its output accordingly, as described further herein.

The wearable device <NUM> can be positioned at a distance away from the ears <NUM> of the user <NUM> to allow the user to maintain observation and/or engagement with other sources of sound from an external environment. For example, the wearable device <NUM> can be about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> away from one or both of the ears <NUM> while providing audible sound thereto. By further example, the wearable device <NUM> can be about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> away from one or both of the ears <NUM> while providing audible sound thereto. By allowing the wearable device <NUM> to be away from the ears <NUM> of the user, the user <NUM> can also receive audio waves from other sources. Additionally, other people can interact with the user without an assumption that the user is unavailable, such as if the user <NUM> were wearing audio headsets on, over, or in the ears <NUM>.

The audio waves output by the audio module <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM> can be primarily directed to the ears <NUM> of the user <NUM> and not to other locations, such as other people near the user <NUM>, as described further herein. As such, the sound output by the audio module <NUM> can remain substantially private to the user <NUM>.

While the wearable device <NUM> is shown attached to an object <NUM> such as clothing worn by the user <NUM>, it will be understood that the wearable device <NUM> and/or other wearable devices described herein can be coupled to other objects. For example, a wearable device can be attached directly to the user <NUM>, to a device worn by the user <NUM>, and/or a device near the user <NUM>. By further example, a wearable device can be attached to an object near or in contact with the user, such as furniture, linens, pillows, and the like. A wearable device can be worn as the user <NUM> moves and/or attached to an object while the user <NUM> remains near the object. A wearable device can be alternately attached to one of a variety of objects at different times as desired by the user.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of a wearable device with an audio module and a support structure. As shown in <FIG>, the wearable device <NUM> can include a support structure <NUM> and an audio module <NUM>. The support structure can provide engagement with an object to which the wearable device <NUM> is to be attached, such as clothing or a body of the user.

The audio module <NUM> can include a parametric array <NUM> of speakers <NUM>. The parametric array <NUM> is controlled to radiate beams of sound waves toward ears of a user. As used herein, a parametric array of speakers is one that produces sound through the heterodyning of two acoustic signals in a non-linear process that occurs in a medium such as air.

The parametric array <NUM> includes multiple speakers <NUM>. The speakers <NUM> may be or include ultrasonic piezoelectric transducers, electrostatic transducers, electrostrictive transducers, and/or electro-thermo-mechanical film transducers. The speakers <NUM> can be arranged in a linear array or other known arrangement.

The speakers <NUM> can be configured to radiate beams of waves <NUM> (e.g., ultrasonic waves). At least one of the speakers <NUM> can emit a constant carrier wave (e.g., ultrasonic carrier wave), and at least one of the speakers <NUM> can emit a signal wave that includes audio data encoded thereon. Any pair of the speakers <NUM> can include different frequency components of the audio data from the signal wave. Additionally or alternatively, one or more ultrasonic waves <NUM> may be emitted as a carrier wave that is modulated or combined with a signal wave that includes audio data.

The ultrasonic waves <NUM> from the speakers <NUM> are demodulated by the non-linear characteristics of air, through which the waves travel. The waves <NUM> generally interact with each other according to the principle of wave superposition, wherein two or more waves <NUM> interact to produce another wave <NUM> characterized primarily by frequencies that result from a subtraction of the frequencies of the original waves <NUM>. Thus, for example, a carrier wave with a constant frequency and a signal wave that encodes sound data at variable frequencies can interact to produce a beam of audible waves <NUM> having frequencies between about <NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>, which resides in the normal range of human hearing.

Accordingly, the signal wave can be controlled to interact with the carrier wave to reproduce the sound data encoded in the signal wave. For example, the ultrasonic waves <NUM> from each of the speakers <NUM> interact with each other and with the air to generate a beam of audible sound waves <NUM>. The beam of audible sound waves <NUM> is directed to one or both ears of the user. By directing the beam of sound waves <NUM> toward an ear of the user, to possibility that someone other than the user can hear the audible sound waves <NUM> is minimized.

Additionally or alternatively, directionality of audio output can be provided based on structural features of the speakers <NUM> and/or surrounding structures. For example, one or more of the speakers <NUM> can include or be adjacent to a parabolic reflector that collects and focuses sound waves in a particular direction.

The audio module <NUM> can include an array <NUM> of multiple microphones <NUM>. The microphones <NUM> can be spatially distributed evenly or unevely. The microphones <NUM> can be positioned at various portions, such as on a front, rear, left, right, top, and/or bottom side of the audio module <NUM>. The microphones <NUM> can be omnidirectional or directional.

One or more of the microphones <NUM> can be or include a directional microphone that is configured to be most sensitive to sound in a particular direction. Such directionality can be provided based on structural features of the microphone <NUM> and/or surrounding structures. For example, one or more of the microphones <NUM> can include or be adjacent to a parabolic reflector that collects and focuses sound waves from a particular direction onto a transducer. Based on the known directionality relative to other portions of the audio module <NUM>, sound received by such a microphone <NUM> can be attributed to a source in a particular direction with respect to the audio module <NUM>. Different microphones <NUM> can be oriented with different directionalities to provide an array of coverage that captures sounds from a variety of (e.g., all) directions.

An array of multiple microphones <NUM> can be operated to isolate a sound source and reject ambient noise and reverberation. For example, multiple microphones <NUM> can be operated to perform beamforming by combining sounds from two or more microphones to allow preferential capture of sounds coming from certain directions. In a delay-and-sum beamformer, sounds from each microphone <NUM> are delayed relative to sounds from the other microphones <NUM>, and the delayed signals are added. The amount of delay determines the beam angle (e.g., the angle in which the array preferentially "listens"). When a sound arrives from this angle, the sound signals from the multiple phones are added constructively. The resulting sum is stronger, and the sound is received relatively well. When a sound arrives from another angle, the delayed signals from the various microphones <NUM> add destructively (e.g., with positive and negative parts of the sound waves canceling out to some degree) and the sum is not as loud as an equivalent sound arriving from the beam angle. For example, if a sound arrives at a microphone <NUM> on the right before it enters a microphone on the left, then it can be determined that the sound source is to the right of the array <NUM>. During sound capturing, a processor (e.g., processor) can "aim" a capturing beam in a direction of the sound source. Beamforming allows the array <NUM> to simulate a directional microphone pointing toward the sound source. The directivity of the array <NUM> reduces the amount of captured ambient noises and reverberated sound as compared to a single microphone. This may provide a clearer representation of a sound source, such as speech and/or voice commands from the user's mouth. A beamforming microphone array <NUM> may made up of distributed omnidirectional microphones linked to a processor that combines the several inputs into an output with a coherent form. Arrays may be formed using numbers of closely spaced microphones. Given a fixed physical relationship in space between the different individual microphones <NUM>, simultaneous digital signal processor (DSP) processing of the signals from each of the individual microphones in the array can create one or more "virtual" microphones.

The sound waves <NUM> of the audio module <NUM> can be directed to the ears of the user by one or more of a variety of adjustment mechanisms. For example, the audio module <NUM> can be rotatably coupled to the support structure <NUM>. The parametric array <NUM> of speakers <NUM> is configured to direct audio waves in a direction corresponding to a rotational orientation of the audio module <NUM> relative to the support structure <NUM>. In <FIG>, the audio module <NUM> has a first orientation with respect to the support structure <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a front view of the wearable device of <FIG> with the audio module having a second orientation with respect to the support structure, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the audio module <NUM> can be rotated with respect to the support structure <NUM>. The array <NUM> of speakers <NUM> can be configured to direct audio waves in a direction corresponding to a rotational orientation of the audio module <NUM> relative to the support structure <NUM>.

Rotation of the audio module <NUM> can be manually controlled and/or controlled by an actuator based on signals and/or commands, as described further herein. As shown, the audio module <NUM> can be rotated in a plane, such as a plane parallel to an interface between the support structure <NUM> and the audio module <NUM>, and/or about an axis. For example, the audio module <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> can be coupled by a pivot, shaft, or other coupling that facilitates rotation. Additionally or alternatively, the audio module <NUM> can be rotated in multiple planes and/or about multiple axis. For example, the audio module <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> can be coupled by a gimbal, ball and socket, or other coupling that facilitate multi-axial relative movement.

In some embodiments, the audible sound waves <NUM> can be steered by adjusting the amplitude and/or phase of one or more of the ultrasonic waves <NUM> with respect to the other ultrasonic waves <NUM>. In one example, a delay or phase offset can be applied to one or more of the ultrasonic waves <NUM> so that the waves <NUM> interact with one another to produce sound waves <NUM> directed in a desired direction.

The audio module <NUM> can include an indicator <NUM> that indicates a direction and/or relative orientation of the audio module <NUM> with respect to the support structure <NUM>. Such an indicator can guide a user when manually adjusting the audio module <NUM>. In some embodiments, the indicator <NUM> comprises a light emitter configured to emit light when the audio module <NUM> is active. Such an indicator can alert others to the activity of the audio module <NUM>, thereby notifying them that the user is receiving sound waves that others may not be able to hear.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the wearable device of <FIG> with the audio module separate from the support structure, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The support structure <NUM> can include an inner portion <NUM> and an outer portion <NUM>. The outer portion can support the audio module <NUM> in a manner that allows it to be within range of the user's ears. The inner portion <NUM> can optionally be on an opposing side of an object to which the support structure is attached.

The support structure <NUM> can include one or more of a variety of materials, including but not limited to fabrics, polymers, metal, leather, and the like. The support structure <NUM> can provide bending and/or flexing by the selection of material and/or by mechanical connections, such as between the inner portion <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM>.

The support structure <NUM> and/or the audio module <NUM> can be selected to provide a variety of different components and functions to achieve the results that are desired by a user. For example, a wearable device <NUM> can be provided with an audio module <NUM> that can be detached from the support structure <NUM>. A support structure attachment element (e.g., outer portion attachment element <NUM> at an outer portion <NUM>) of the support structure <NUM> can interact with an audio module attachment element <NUM> of the audio module <NUM> to provide a secure and reversible coupling. The modular configurations allow a user to easily customize one or more support structures with one or more audio modules to provide features that integrate with other operations of the support structure of the wearable device. The support structures <NUM> and/or the audio modules <NUM> can be easily exchanged with each other to provide different components and functions at different times.

As used herein, "modular" or "module" can refer to a characteristic that allows an item, such as an audio module, to be connected, installed, removed, swapped, and/or exchanged by a user in conjunction with another item, such as a support structure of a wearable device. Connection of an audio module with a support structure can be performed and reversed, followed by disconnection and connection of another audio module with the same support structure or another support structure with the same audio module. As such, multiple audio modules can be exchangeable with each other with respect to a given support structure. Further, multiple support structures can be exchangeable with each other with respect to a given audio module.

An audio module can be connected to a support structure in a manner that allows the audio module to be removed thereafter. The connection can be fully reversible, such that when the audio module and the support structure are disconnected, each is restored to a condition held prior to the connection. The connection can be fully repeatable, such that after the audio module and the support structure are disconnected, the same or a different support structure and audio module pair can be connected in the same way. The audio module and support structure can be securely and temporarily connected, rather than permanently, fixedly, or resiliently connected (e.g., via chemical and/or molecular bond). For example, connection and disconnection of the audio module and support structure are facilitated in a manner that does not cause permanent damage, harm, or deformation to the audio module or the support structure.

An audio module and a support structure can be connected in a manner that optionally secures the relative positions of the audio module and the support structure with respect to each other. The audio module and the support structure are connected in a manner that allows a degree of relative rotation as described herein.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the wearable device of <FIG> with the audio module installed in the support structure, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The inner portion <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> can include an inner portion attachment element <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> can include an outer portion attachment element <NUM> configured to couple to the inner portion attachment element <NUM> and engage an object. The object can include an article of clothing, another wearable device, and/or a part of the user's body. The outer portion attachment element <NUM> can be configured to couple to the inner portion attachment element <NUM> when the support structure <NUM> is folded onto opposing sides of the object.

One or more of a variety of mechanisms can be provided to engage the outer portion attachment element <NUM> to the inner portion attachment element <NUM>. For example, mechanisms such as slides, locks, latches, snaps, screws, clasps, threads, magnets, pins, an interference (e.g., friction) fit, knurl presses, bayoneting, and/or combinations thereof can be included to secure the inner portion <NUM> with respect to the outer portion <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> and the outer portion <NUM> can remain locked in a relative position and/or orientation until separate and/or a release mechanism is actuated.

The outer portion attachment element <NUM> can couple to both the audio module <NUM> and the inner portion attachment element <NUM>. For example, each of the inner portion attachment element <NUM>, the outer portion attachment element <NUM>, and the audio module attachment element <NUM> can include a magnet. The attachment elements can magnetically couple to each other.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of a wearable device and an external device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Components of the wearable device can be operably connected to provide the performance described herein. <FIG> shows a simplified block diagram of an illustrative wearable device <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated that components described herein can be provided on one, some, or all of an audio module, a support structure, and/or another component of the wearable device. It will be understood that additional components, different components, or fewer components than those illustrated may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the wearable device <NUM> can include a processor <NUM> (e.g., control circuity) with one or more processing units that include or are configured to access a memory <NUM> having instructions stored thereon. The instructions or computer programs may be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described with respect to the wearable device <NUM>. The processor <NUM> can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processor <NUM> may include one or more of: a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein, the term "processor" is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or elements.

The memory <NUM> can store electronic data that can be used by the wearable device <NUM>. For example, the memory <NUM> can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing and control signals or data for the various modules, data structures or databases, and so on. The memory <NUM> can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory <NUM> can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices.

The wearable device <NUM> can include adjustment control components described herein, such as an actuator <NUM>, a motor, and the like for moving components to a desired relative position and/or orientation.

The wearable device <NUM> can include one or more sensors <NUM>, as described herein. Such sensors can be configured to sense substantially any type of characteristic such as, but not limited to, images, pressure, light, touch, force, temperature, position, motion, and so on.

For example, the sensor can be a photodetector, a temperature sensor, a light or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnet, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a chemical sensor, an ozone sensor, a particulate count sensor, and so on. By further example, the sensor can be a bio-sensor for tracking biometric characteristics, such as health and activity metrics, heart rate, electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics, galvanic skin resistance, and other electrical properties of the user's body.

The wearable device <NUM> can include the microphone array <NUM> as described herein. The microphone array <NUM> can be operably connected to the processor <NUM> for detection of sound levels and communication of detections for further processing, as described further herein.

The wearable device <NUM> can include the speaker array <NUM>. The speaker array <NUM> can be operably connected to the processor <NUM> for control of audio output, including sound levels, as described further herein.

The wearable device <NUM> includes a communications element <NUM> for communicating with one or more servers or other devices, such as an external device <NUM>, using any suitable communications protocol. For example, the communications element <NUM> can support Wi-Fi (e.g., a <NUM> protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth, high frequency systems (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> communication systems), infrared, TCP/IP (e.g., any of the protocols used in each of the TCP/IP layers), HTTP, BitTorrent, FTP, RTP, RTSP, SSH, any other communications protocol, or any combination thereof. The communications element <NUM> can also include an antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals.

The wearable device <NUM> can include a battery, which can charge and/or power components of the wearable device <NUM>. The battery can also charge and/or power components connected to the wearable device <NUM>.

The wearable device <NUM> can optionally omit one or more types of input/output components, particularly where the wearable device <NUM> is operably connected to another device that provides an input/output component. For example, the wearable device <NUM> can optionally omit a display and/or a touchscreen.

The external device <NUM> can provide a processor that can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the processor <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>.

The external device <NUM> can provide communications circuitry <NUM> that can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the communications element <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>.

The wearable device <NUM> can include one or more sensors <NUM>. Such sensors can be configured to sense substantially any type of characteristic such as, but not limited to, images, pressure, light, touch, force, temperature, position, motion, and so on. For example, the sensor can be a photodetector, a temperature sensor, a light or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnet, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a chemical sensor, an ozone sensor, a particulate count sensor, and so on. The sensor <NUM> can be operated to detect a characteristic of the wearable device <NUM> and/or the user to determine whether calibration is needed, as described further herein. For example, the sensor can include an image sensor (e.g., camera), a microphone, and the like.

<FIG> illustrates a flow chart for a process for calibrating a wearable device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For explanatory purposes, the process <NUM> is primarily described herein with reference to the wearable device <NUM> of <FIG>. However, the process <NUM> is not limited to the wearable device <NUM> of <FIG>, and one or more blocks (or operations) of the process <NUM> may be performed by different components of the wearable device and/or one or more other devices. Further for explanatory purposes, the blocks of the process <NUM> are described herein as occurring in serial, or linearly. However, multiple blocks of the process <NUM> may occur in parallel. In addition, the blocks of the process <NUM> need not be performed in the order shown and/or one or more blocks of the process <NUM> need not be performed and/or can be replaced by other operations.

The process <NUM> can begin when the wearable device detects attachment, usage, proximity to the user, and/or another condition that indicates that the wearable device is or can be in use (<NUM>). Such a detection can be made by one or more sensors of the wearable device. Additionally or alternatively, the detection can be performed in response to an operational state of the wearable device (e.g., on/off state, application launch, user input command, and the like).

Based on the detection, the wearable device can provide a sample output for detection by an external device (<NUM>). For example, the speakers of the audio module can output a sample sound wave for detections of a headset worn temporarily by the user for calibration purposes. The headset can determine whether the sample sound wave was received and provide information regarding the detection. By further example, an external device can capture an image of the audio module and a user (e.g., ears) to determine whether proper alignment is achieved or needed.

Based on the detection by an external device, information is transmitted for receipt by the wearable device (<NUM>).

Based on the information or the detection itself, the wearable device can determine whether and/or what calibration factor should be applied to optimize the audio output of the audio module to the ears of the user (<NUM>).

The wearable device can determine whether and/or what calibration factor should be applied to optimize the audio output of the audio module to the ears of the user (<NUM>).

Based on the calibration factor, the wearable device outputs a command (<NUM>). The command can include an indicator to the user to adjust the rotational orientation of the audio module relative to the support structure. Additionally or alternatively, the command can include a signal to an actuator to adjust the rotational orientation of the audio module relative to the support structure.

Based on the calibration factor, the wearable device provides audio output (<NUM>). The audio output can be provided following confirmation that adjustments to the audio module are made. Additionally or alternatively, the audio output can be provided in a manner that adjusts the direction of audio wave radiation to be directed to the ears of the user, as described herein.

Based on the detection, the wearable device can detect speech or other sound generated by the user (<NUM>). For example, the microphones of the audio module can receive sound waves and perform voice recognition or other analysis to determine that the sound is from the user.

Based on the detection of sound from the user, the source location of the sound (e.g., mouth of the user) can be determined, as described herein (<NUM>).

Based on the source location, the wearable device can determine whether and/or what calibration factor should be applied to optimize the audio output of the audio module to the ears of the user (<NUM>). For example, once the location of the mouth with respect to the audio module is known, the location of the ears with respect to the audio module can be determined or approximated.

Based on the calibration factor, the wearable device outputs a command (<NUM>). The command can include an indicator to the user to adjust the rotational orientation of the audio module relative to the support structure. Additionally or alternatively, the command can include a signal to an actuator to adjust the rotational orientation of the audio module relative to the support structure. Optionally, no command need be output.

A wearable device can be formed as an assembly of separate modules. <FIG> illustrates a side view of a wearable device <NUM> having an audio module <NUM> and a sensor module <NUM>, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The audio module <NUM> can be positioned (e.g., on an outer surface of an object <NUM>, such as clothing) to provide audio output to a user and receive audio input from a user. As shown in <FIG>, the audio module <NUM> can include an audio module body <NUM> having an inner side <NUM> and an outer side <NUM>, opposite the inner side <NUM>. The audio module <NUM> can include an array <NUM> of speakers <NUM> on the outer side <NUM> of the audio module body <NUM>. The array <NUM> of speakers <NUM> can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the array <NUM> of speakers <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>. The audio module <NUM> can include an array <NUM> of microphones <NUM> on the outer side <NUM> of the audio module body <NUM>. The array <NUM> of microphones <NUM> can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the array <NUM> of microphones <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> can be positioned (e.g., on an inner surface of the object <NUM>, such as clothing) to perform monitoring of the user. As further shown in <FIG>, the sensor module <NUM> can include a sensor module body <NUM> having an inner side <NUM> and an outer side <NUM>, opposite the inner side <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> can include a user sensor <NUM> on the inner side <NUM> of the sensor module body <NUM> and being configured to detect a property of a user wearing the wearable device <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> can include a connector <NUM> for receiving power from a power source.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the wearable device of <FIG> installed on an object and near a user, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the audio module <NUM> can include one or more audio module attachment elements <NUM> on the inner side <NUM> of the audio module body <NUM>, and the sensor module <NUM> can include one or more sensor module attachment elements <NUM> on the outer side <NUM> of the sensor module body <NUM>. The audio module attachment elements <NUM> and the sensor module attachment elements <NUM> are configured to couple to each other and engage an object <NUM> (e.g., clothing) that is between the audio module <NUM> and the sensor module <NUM>. As such, the audio module <NUM> and the sensor module <NUM> can be secured relative to each other and to the object.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of a wearable device including an audio module and a sensor module, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Components of the wearable device can be operably connected to provide the performance described herein. <FIG> shows a simplified block diagram of an illustrative wearable device <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. It will be understood that additional components, different components, or fewer components than those illustrated may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the sensor module <NUM> can include a processor <NUM> (e.g., control circuity) with one or more processing units that include or are configured to access a memory having instructions stored thereon. The processor <NUM> can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the processor <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> can include one or more sensors <NUM>. The one or more sensors <NUM> can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the one or more sensors <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> can include a connector <NUM> for receiving power from a power source. The connector and/or another component can transmit power to the audio module, as needed. Such power transfer can occur between communication elements, attachment elements, and/or other mechanisms.

The sensor module <NUM> can include a haptic device <NUM> that can be implemented as any suitable device configured to provide force feedback, vibratory feedback, tactile sensations, and the like. For example, in one embodiment, the haptic device may be implemented as a linear actuator configured to provide a punctuated haptic feedback, such as a tap or a knock.

The sensor module <NUM> can include an audio module communication element <NUM>. The audio module communication element <NUM> can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the communication element <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the audio module <NUM> can include a processor <NUM> (e.g., control circuity) with one or more processing units that include or are configured to access a memory having instructions stored thereon. The processor <NUM> can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the processor <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>.

The audio module <NUM> can include a speaker array <NUM>. The speaker array <NUM> can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the speaker array <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>.

The audio module <NUM> can include a microphone array <NUM>. The microphone array <NUM> can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the microphone array <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>.

The audio module <NUM> can include an indicator <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the indicator <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>.

The audio module <NUM> can include an audio module communication element <NUM>. The audio module communication element <NUM> can include one or more of the features described herein with respect to the communication element <NUM> of the wearable device <NUM>.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wearable device with an audio module that is operable to provide audio output from a distance away from the ears of the user. For example, the wearable device can be worn on clothing of the user and direct audio waves to the ears of the user. Such audio waves can be focused by a parametric array of speakers that limit audibility by others. Thus, the privacy of the audio directed to the user can be maintained without requiring the user to wear audio headsets on, over, or in the ears of the user. The wearable device can further include microphones and/or connections to other devices that facilitate calibration of the audio module of the wearable device. The wearable device can further include user sensors that are configured to detect, measure, and/or track one or more properties of the user.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology may include the gathering and use of data available from various sources. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID's, home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user's general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to "opt in" or "opt out" of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing "opt in" and "opt out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.

For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information.

A phrase "at least one of" preceding a series of items, with the terms "and" or "or" to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. By way of example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed in serial, linearly, in parallel or in different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packaged into multiple software/hardware products.

In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled.

Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

The disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects.

The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation.

Claim 1:
A wearable device comprising:
a support structure;
an audio module rotatably coupled to the support structure, the audio module comprising a parametric array of speakers configured to direct audio waves in a direction corresponding to a rotational orientation of the audio module relative to the support structure; and
a processor configured to:
with the parametric array of speakers, provide a first audio output;
characterised in that the processor is further configured to:
from an external device, receive information relating to detection of the first audio output;
based on the information, determine a calibration factor while a user is wearing the wearable device, wherein the calibration factor is determined such as to optimize the audio output of the audio module to the ears of the user;
based on the calibration factor, output a command, wherein the command includes an indicator to the user to adjust the rotational orientation of the audio module relative to the support structure, and/or the command includes a signal to an actuator to adjust the rotational orientation of the audio module relative to the support structure; and
with the parametric array of speakers, provide a second audio output.