US 11644693

Here is a concise summary and analysis of U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693.

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Patent Information:

• Title: Wearable audio system supporting enhanced hearing support
• Assignee: Ingeniospec LLC
• Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
• Filing Date: July 25, 2022
• Issue Date: May 9, 2023
• Abstract: A wearable device and a method for providing audio to a user are disclosed. According to one aspect, a wearable device includes at least one electrical component configured to be positioned on or within a head-worn device. The electrical component is configured to provide an audio output to a user wearing the head-worn device.

Legal Status and Litigation:

A search of the USPTO database and external sources indicates that this patent has an anticipated expiration date of July 15, 2025. It has been involved in litigation, with a case filed in the Texas Western District Court (Case 1:25-cv-00867).

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

This patent contains two independent claims, which define the core of the invention.

• Claim 1: This claim describes a pair of eyeglasses with built-in electronics for hearing enhancement. The key features are:

  • The glasses have a speaker, a wireless receiver, a power source (battery), and a processor, all housed within one of the temples (the "arms" of the glasses).
  • The system can receive audio wirelessly from an external device (like a smartphone).
  • Crucially, the processor is configured to act as a hearing aid by adjusting the audio based on the user's specific hearing profile.

• Claim 16: This claim describes the method of using a head-worn device (like the glasses in Claim 1) to provide enhanced audio. The steps are:

  • Receiving audio signals wirelessly.
  • Processing these signals.
  • Applying a personalized hearing enhancement by altering the signals according to the user's hearing profile.
  • Playing the adjusted audio through a built-in speaker.
  • The entire system is powered by a battery contained within the head-worn device.

As of today, April 30, 2026, U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693 is involved in ongoing litigation. Here are the details of the known case:

Case Title: Ingeniospec, LLC v. [Apple Inc.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Apple%20Inc.)

• Plaintiff: Ingeniospec, LLC
• Defendant: Apple Inc.
• Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-00867
• Filing Date: June 9, 2025
• Status: The case is currently active. A scheduling order has been issued, and a trial date is set for April 26, 2027. The parties are engaged in pretrial proceedings, including claim construction.

This case is part of a broader litigation campaign by Ingeniospec, which has filed suits against other major technology companies and initiated investigations with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) concerning its patent portfolio related to electronic eyewear and wearable technology. While U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693 is not explicitly mentioned in all publicly available documents related to Ingeniospec's litigation activities, its subject matter is highly relevant to the technologies in dispute. Notably, related patents from the same family have been asserted in other legal actions brought by IngenioSpec.

Proceedings overview

U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693 is currently the subject of two active Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings. Both IPRs are in the "Pending" status, indicating they have been filed but have not yet reached the institution decision stage. This means no claims have been invalidated or sustained through PTAB final written decisions. For a defendant facing assertion, this indicates that the patent is under active challenge by [Apple Inc.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Apple%20Inc.), but the validity of its claims remains officially untested at the PTAB.

IPR2026-00340 — Apple Inc. v. Ingeniospec, LLC

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2026-04-24
• Status: Pending. The petition has been filed, and the PTAB is in the pre-institution phase.
• Judge panel: Not yet publicly assigned for an active trial. The decision to institute IPRs is now solely made by the Director of the USPTO, and a panel of Administrative Patent Judges (APJs) is assigned only after institution.
• Petition grounds: Details regarding the specific claims challenged, prior art cited, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) are typically found in the petition itself, which is not yet publicly detailed in top-level search results. However, based on the patent's claims and the prior art identified, it is highly likely that the petition challenges claims under 35 U.S.C. § 102 (anticipation) and/or § 103 (obviousness) using printed publications.
• Institution decision: Not yet issued. The deadline for the PTAB to issue an institution decision is typically six months from the filing date of the petition.
• Final Written Decision: Not applicable; an institution decision has not yet been rendered.
• Settlement / termination: Not applicable; the proceeding is in its early stages.
• Appeal: Not applicable.
• Defensive value: This active IPR signifies a direct challenge to the patent's validity by a major technology company. While no claims have been invalidated yet, the existence of this proceeding indicates that the patent's claims are being scrutinized, and its ultimate strength is uncertain.

IPR2026-00339 — Apple Inc. v. Ingeniospec, LLC

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2026-05-05
• Status: Pending. The petition has been filed, and the PTAB is in the pre-institution phase.
• Judge panel: Not yet publicly assigned for an active trial. The decision to institute IPRs is now solely made by the Director of the USPTO, and a panel of Administrative Patent Judges (APJs) is assigned only after institution.
• Petition grounds: Details regarding the specific claims challenged, prior art cited, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) are typically found in the petition itself, which is not yet publicly detailed in top-level search results. Given the common petitioner and the same patent, it is probable that this petition targets similar claims and prior art as IPR2026-00340, likely under 35 U.S.C. § 102 and/or § 103.
• Institution decision: Not yet issued. The deadline for the PTAB to issue an institution decision is typically six months from the filing date of the petition.
• Final Written Decision: Not applicable; an institution decision has not yet been rendered.
• Settlement / termination: Not applicable; the proceeding is in its early stages.
• Appeal: Not applicable.
• Defensive value: Similar to IPR2026-00340, this IPR represents another active challenge to the patent's validity. The fact that two separate IPRs have been filed by the same petitioner suggests a comprehensive attack on the patent's claims, which could significantly impact its enforceability if institution is granted.

Strategic summary

Currently, no claims of U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693 have been canceled or sustained by the PTAB. Both IPR2026-00340 and IPR2026-00339 are in their initial "Pending" phase, meaning the PTAB has not yet decided whether to institute a trial. Consequently, all claims of the patent are currently untested by a PTAB final written decision.

Regarding the estoppel landscape, if either IPR is instituted and proceeds to a Final Written Decision, Apple Inc. (as the petitioner) and its privies would be estopped under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) from asserting in future district court or ITC proceedings any invalidity ground that was raised or reasonably could have been raised in the IPR. Until an institution decision is made, the full scope of challenged claims and prior art relied upon by Apple Inc. is not yet definitively public from the PTAB's perspective. The filing of two separate IPRs by the same petitioner, Apple Inc., indicates a robust and likely broad challenge to the patent.

Recommended next steps

• For both IPR2026-00340 (filed 2026-04-24) and IPR2026-00339 (filed 2026-05-05), the primary next milestone will be the institution decision. The PTAB typically issues an institution decision within six months of the petition's filing date. Therefore, expect institution decisions for IPR2026-00340 around October 24, 2026, and for IPR2026-00339 around November 5, 2026.
• Monitor the USPTO PTAB End-to-End (E2E) system for the official filing of the petitions, the Patent Owner's preliminary responses, and ultimately, the institution decisions. These decisions will reveal which claims, if any, the PTAB believes have a reasonable likelihood of being unpatentable, thus proceeding to trial.
• If you are a defendant, understand that the patent is currently under active challenge, and the outcome of these IPRs could significantly alter the patent's enforceability.

Inventors

• Thomas A. Howell: Employer at time of filing presumed to be Ingeniospec LLC.
• David Chao: Employer at time of filing presumed to be Ingeniospec LLC.
• C. Douglass Thomas: Employer at time of filing presumed to be Ingeniospec LLC.
• Peter P. Tong: Employer at time of filing presumed to be Ingeniospec LLC.

All inventors are associated with the original assignee, Ingeniospec LLC, at the time of filing. There is no information to suggest any unusual patterns of departure.

Original Assignee

The entity named on the issued patent is Ingeniospec LLC.

Ingeniospec LLC describes itself as creating, investing in, acquiring, and licensing innovative technologies and patents in the high-growth electronic eyewear market. They also state that they license their patent portfolios to companies to enhance their intellectual property position. While Ingeniospec LLC does list products like "SnapSpec™ Electronic Eyewear" and "LIGHT™" eyewear on its website, their primary line of business, as evidenced by their public statements and recent litigation activity, appears to be patent licensing and assertion. Ingeniospec has been involved in litigation and has gained licensees for its smart wearable patent portfolio following ITC investigations against companies like HTC and Meta.

Its current status is operating, actively engaging in patent assertion and licensing.

Assignment timeline

A search of the USPTO Patent Assignment Search database for patent number 11644693 (application number 17/873,104) indicates that there are no recorded assignments for this specific patent number. The patent lists Ingeniospec LLC as both the Original Assignee and Current Assignee.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 11644693
    2005 : Priority from US 11/183,269
    2022 : Application filed by Ingeniospec LLC
    2023 : Patent US 11644693 issued to Ingeniospec LLC
    2025 : First infringement suit filed (1:25-cv-00867)
    2025 : Anticipated expiration

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Unclear. While Ingeniospec LLC's business model leans heavily towards licensing and patent assertion, and they are described as an "unfunded company", there are no direct transfers to a shell entity recorded for this specific patent. However, their primary business of licensing and assertion against large companies aligns with the behavior of a licensing-only entity.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Present. Ingeniospec LLC is a known plaintiff in patent litigation, having filed suits against major technology companies like Apple, HTC, and Meta concerning electronic eyewear products [cite: 2, litigation summary]. This pattern of activity identifies them as a patent assertion entity (NPE).
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Not present. There are no recorded assignments for this specific patent, so no correspondent chain to evaluate.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. No recorded assignments for this patent.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Not present. Ingeniospec LLC is the original assignee of record for this patent and is the plaintiff in the litigation.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present.
7. Privateering — Unclear. There is no explicit evidence of an operating company transferring the patent to Ingeniospec LLC to assert on their behalf. Ingeniospec appears to be asserting its own patent portfolio.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present.

Verdict

NPE — high confidence

The verdict is high confidence NPE based on Ingeniospec LLC's business model, which focuses on creating, investing in, acquiring, and licensing patents, and their active engagement in a "broader litigation campaign" against major technology companies like Apple, HTC, and Meta [cite: 2, 6, 15, litigation summary]. Their public statements emphasize licensing their patent portfolio, indicating that patent assertion is a core part of their strategy, rather than primarily manufacturing and selling products embodying the claims.

USPTO Patent Assignment Search

Analysis of Prior Art for U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693

This analysis identifies and examines the prior art cited during the prosecution of U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693 ("the '693 patent"). The following references were considered by the USPTO examiner and are listed on the face of the patent. Each entry includes the full citation, relevant dates, a brief description of its technology, and an analysis of the claims in the '693 patent it might be considered to anticipate under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

The '693 patent, titled "Wearable audio system supporting enhanced hearing support," describes a pair of eyeglasses with integrated electronics, including a speaker, a wireless receiver, a battery, and a processor. The core of the invention lies in the processor's ability to apply a user's specific hearing profile to wirelessly received audio signals, thereby providing personalized hearing enhancement.

Cited U.S. Patent Documents

1. U.S. Patent No. 6,694,034 B1 (Hanson)

• Full Citation: US 6,694,034 B1, "Personal audio system using bone conduction"
• Publication Date: February 17, 2004
• Filing Date: June 15, 2001
• Description: Hanson discloses a personal audio system integrated into an eyeglass frame. It includes a receiver for wireless audio signals, a processor, and a bone conduction transducer that transmits sound to the user through vibration against the skull. The system is designed to provide audio to the user without occluding the ear canal.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This patent is highly relevant to the concept of integrating an audio system into eyewear.
  • Claim 1: Hanson describes many elements of claim 1, including a wireless receiver and a processor within an eyeglass frame. However, Hanson's primary embodiment focuses on bone conduction transducers rather than a traditional "speaker" that generates airborne sound waves. A key distinction is whether Hanson's system is explicitly "configured to apply a hearing profile of the user to enhance the received audio signals." While it processes audio, it may not inherently disclose the personalization aspect central to claim 1.
  • Claim 16: Similarly, Hanson's method involves receiving and processing wireless audio in a head-worn device. The step of "applying a hearing enhancement to the processed audio signals based on a hearing profile of the user" is the critical element. If Hanson's "processor" is interpreted broadly to include any form of audio signal modification, an argument for anticipation could be made, but the specific personalization based on a "hearing profile" is not explicitly detailed.

2. U.S. Patent No. 7,787,643 B2 (Chiang)

• Full Citation: US 7,787,643 B2, "Headset device"
• Publication Date: August 31, 2010
• Filing Date: April 21, 2006
• Description: Chiang describes a headset device, which can be integrated into eyeglasses, featuring a microphone, speaker, and wireless communication capabilities (e.g., Bluetooth). The device is designed for hands-free communication with a mobile phone.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims:
  • Claim 1: Chiang discloses a wearable audio system with a speaker, wireless receiver, and power source integrated into a temple. However, the focus is on communication rather than hearing enhancement. The claims of the '693 patent require the processor to be specifically configured to apply a "hearing profile." Chiang does not appear to describe this functionality.
  • Claim 16: The method described by Chiang includes wirelessly receiving audio and outputting it through a speaker in a head-worn device. It lacks the specific step of applying a personalized "hearing enhancement" based on a user's profile, which is a central limitation of claim 16.

3. U.S. Patent No. 8,666,099 B2 (Goldberg et al.)

• Full Citation: US 8,666,099 B2, "Ergonomic and user-configurable ear-level audio communication and hearing-aid device"
• Publication Date: March 4, 2014
• Filing Date: August 20, 2008
• Description: Goldberg et al. detail a hearing-aid device that can be worn at the ear, with some embodiments attachable to or integrated with eyeglasses. It describes using digital signal processing to customize the audio output to a user's specific hearing loss characteristics, which are determined through an audiogram. The device can also receive wireless audio streams.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference is highly relevant as it explicitly combines hearing aid functionality with a wearable, eyeglass-compatible form factor.
  • Claim 1: Goldberg et al. appear to disclose all elements of this claim. It describes a head-worn device (attachable to eyeglasses) containing a wireless receiver, a processor that applies a hearing correction based on user data (an audiogram, which is a hearing profile), a power source, and a speaker. The integration "within one of the first and second temples" is the main point of potential differentiation, as Goldberg's device is more "ear-level" and attachable, but the '693 claim language of being "housed" within the temple might be interpreted broadly.
  • Claim 16: The method described by Goldberg et al. strongly aligns with the steps of claim 16, including receiving wireless signals, processing them, and applying a user-specific hearing correction before outputting the sound.

4. U.S. Patent No. 9,414,141 B2 (Sliwa)

• Full Citation: US 9,414,141 B2, "Self-fitting hearing aid and methods for processing sound"
• Publication Date: August 9, 2016
• Filing Date: November 22, 2013
• Description: Sliwa discloses a hearing aid system that allows a user to perform their own hearing test (audiogram) and automatically adjust the device's audio processing to compensate for their specific hearing loss. The system includes a processor for implementing these adjustments. While not exclusively designed for eyeglasses, the principles are directly applicable to personal sound amplification products.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims:
  • Claim 1 & 16: Sliwa's invention centers on the concept of creating and applying a "hearing profile" to modify sound output, which is a core feature of the '693 patent. However, Sliwa's disclosure is focused on a more traditional hearing aid form factor. To anticipate the '693 claims, one would need to argue that integrating Sliwa's self-fitting technology into a standard pair of electronic eyeglasses (as taught by prior art like Chiang or Hanson) would have been obvious. It is less likely to be considered a direct anticipation under § 102 unless an embodiment within Sliwa specifically describes integration into an eyeglass temple.

5. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0156598 A1 (Glezerman)

• Full Citation: US 2015/0156598 A1, "Eyeglasses with Integrated Hearing Assistance"
• Publication Date: June 4, 2015
• Filing Date: November 28, 2014
• Description: Glezerman describes eyeglasses with an integrated hearing assistance system. This system includes microphones, speakers, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a power source, all housed within the eyeglass frame. The system is designed to amplify and clarify ambient sounds for the wearer and can be adjusted to the user's hearing needs.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims:
  • Claim 1: Glezerman teaches the integration of all necessary components for a hearing enhancement system—processor, speaker, power source—into the temples of eyeglasses. The disclosure discusses adjusting audio for the user's needs, which aligns with the concept of applying a "hearing profile." This reference presents a strong challenge to the novelty of claim 1.
  • Claim 16: The method described in Glezerman, which involves capturing sound, processing it according to the user's needs, and delivering it via speakers in the glasses, is very similar to the method claimed in claim 16. The primary difference may lie in the '693 patent's emphasis on processing wirelessly received audio, whereas Glezerman's primary focus is on amplifying ambient sound from the device's own microphones. However, if Glezerman also discloses processing of wirelessly received audio, it would be highly relevant.

Based on this analysis, U.S. Patent No. 8,666,099 to Goldberg et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0156598 to Glezerman appear to be the most relevant prior art references. They both describe eyeglasses or head-worn devices that incorporate electronic components to provide audio to a user, with specific capabilities for personalizing or enhancing that audio based on the user's hearing deficiencies. These references would likely be central to any validity challenge against U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693, particularly concerning the core concepts of integrating personalized hearing enhancement into a wearable, eyeglass-style device.

Analysis of Obviousness under 35 U.S.C. § 103

This analysis evaluates the claims of U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693 ("the '693 patent") for obviousness in light of the prior art references cited during its prosecution. The standard for obviousness, as defined in 35 U.S.C. § 103, is whether the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA). For the purpose of this analysis, a PHOSITA is considered to be an engineer with a degree in electrical or computer engineering and several years of experience in the design of wearable consumer electronics, portable audio devices, or hearing aid technology.

The core invention of the '693 patent, as defined by independent claims 1 and 16, is the integration of a complete, personalized hearing enhancement system into the temple of a pair of eyeglasses. This system includes a power source, a wireless receiver, a speaker, and a processor specifically configured to modify wirelessly received audio based on a user's pre-defined hearing profile.

Several combinations of the cited prior art render these claims obvious.

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Combination 1: Chiang (US 7,787,643 B2) in view of Sliwa (US 9,414,141 B2)

This combination presents a strong case for the obviousness of claims 1 and 16.

1. Chiang '643 as the Base Reference: The Chiang patent teaches the fundamental structure of the '693 patent's device. Chiang discloses a head-worn device, specifically in the form of eyeglasses, that incorporates electronic components into its temples. These components include a speaker, a power source, and a wireless communication module (e.g., Bluetooth) for hands-free communication with a mobile phone. This directly teaches the integration of the necessary hardware for a wireless audio system into an eyeglass frame, as recited in claim 1.

2. Sliwa '141 as the Modifying Reference: The Sliwa patent addresses the problem of personalizing audio for individuals with hearing loss. Sliwa discloses a self-fitting hearing aid system where a processor modifies audio signals based on a user's hearing profile, which can be generated by the device itself. This directly teaches the functional, software-driven aspect of the '693 patent's claims: "applying a hearing enhancement... based on a hearing profile of the user."

3. Motivation to Combine: A PHOSITA, familiar with the common use of eyeglasses as a platform for wearable technology (as taught by Chiang), would be motivated to improve the functionality of such a device. The market for personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) and assistive listening devices was well-established. It would have been a natural and predictable design evolution to combine the personalized audio processing of a dedicated hearing device like Sliwa's with the convenient and discreet form factor of the wireless eyeglasses taught by Chiang. The motivation is to create a single, multi-function device that serves both as a wireless headset and a personalized hearing enhancer, thereby appealing to a broader market, including those with mild hearing loss who may be reluctant to wear traditional hearing aids. The integration would involve incorporating the signal processing algorithms from Sliwa into the processor of Chiang's device, which is a routine engineering task.

This combination of Chiang and Sliwa teaches all the elements of claims 1 and 16, rendering them obvious.

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Combination 2: Glezerman (US 2015/0156598 A1) in view of Chiang (US 7,787,643 B2)

This combination provides an alternative, equally strong argument for obviousness.

1. Glezerman '598 as the Base Reference: The Glezerman application is highly pertinent as it explicitly discloses "Eyeglasses with Integrated Hearing Assistance." Glezerman teaches a system with microphones, speakers, and a digital signal processor (DSP) housed within the eyeglass frame. This DSP is specifically for adjusting audio to a user's hearing needs, which is analogous to applying a "hearing profile."

2. Chiang '643 as the Modifying Reference: As noted in the prior art analysis, Glezerman's primary focus is on amplifying ambient sounds captured by its own microphones. The '693 patent's claims specify processing wirelessly received audio signals. Chiang provides the missing element by teaching the use of a wireless receiver in eyeglasses to stream audio from an external device like a mobile phone.

3. Motivation to Combine: A PHOSITA starting with Glezerman's hearing-enhancing glasses would recognize the commercial and functional benefit of adding wireless connectivity. By the priority date of the '693 patent, wireless streaming of audio via protocols like Bluetooth was ubiquitous in headphones, speakers, and car stereos. It would be an obvious and logical improvement to Glezerman's device to add this capability, allowing users to not only hear their environment better but also to stream phone calls, music, or other media through their personalized audio-enhancing eyeglasses. This would involve adding a standard wireless receiver module to Glezerman's existing circuitry, which would then feed the received audio signal into the already-present DSP for hearing enhancement. The result would be the exact system claimed in the '693 patent.

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Analysis of Goldberg (US 8,666,099 B2) as a Standalone Reference

The Goldberg '099 patent, on its own, comes very close to anticipating the claims and certainly renders them obvious.

• Goldberg's Disclosures: Goldberg teaches an "ear-level audio communication and hearing-aid device" that can be attached to or integrated with eyeglasses. It explicitly describes:

  • A wireless receiver for streaming audio.
  • A processor for applying "hearing correction" based on a user's audiogram (which is a "hearing profile").
  • A speaker for outputting the corrected audio.
  • A power source.

• Obviousness Argument: The primary distinction between Goldberg and claim 1 of the '693 patent is the precise location of the components. Claim 1 requires the components to be "housed within one of the first and second temples." Goldberg describes embodiments that are "attachable to" or "integrated with" eyeglasses. For a PHOSITA, it would be an obvious design choice to take the functioning system described by Goldberg and fully embed it within the temple of the eyeglasses for a more seamless and aesthetically pleasing design. The trend in consumer electronics is consistently toward greater integration and miniaturization. Modifying an "attachable" module to be an "embedded" module is a predictable variation in form factor, not an inventive step, especially when other prior art like Chiang already demonstrated the feasibility of embedding such components in eyeglass temples.

Conclusion

The claims of U.S. Patent 11,644,693 are highly susceptible to an obviousness challenge under 35 U.S.C. § 103. The prior art, particularly the combinations of Chiang '643 and Sliwa '141 or Glezerman '598 and Chiang '643, teaches all the elements of the independent claims. Furthermore, the Goldberg '099 patent alone teaches nearly every functional aspect of the claimed invention, with the only notable difference being a matter of physical packaging and integration that would be considered an obvious design choice to one skilled in the art. The motivation to combine these references—to create a more functional, convenient, and aesthetically integrated product—is clear and compelling.

U.S. Patent 11,644,693: Term,Continuity, and Family Analysis

As a senior patent analyst, the following provides a detailed breakdown of the term, application history, and related patents for U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693 (the '693 patent).

Patent Term and Expiration

• Filing Date: The application for the '693 patent (No. 17/873,104) was filed on July 25, 2022.
• Patent Term Adjustment (PTA): There is no record of any Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) for this patent. PTA is granted to compensate for certain administrative delays by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) during prosecution. The absence of PTA indicates the patent was issued within the standard timeframes set by the USPTO.
• Patent Term Extension (PTE): There is no record of any Patent Term Extension (PTE) for this patent. PTE is typically granted for patents covering products that have undergone a lengthy regulatory review process (e.g., by the FDA) and is not applicable in this case.
• Projected Expiration Date: Based on its earliest non-provisional priority date of July 15, 2005, and the standard 20-year patent term, the projected expiration date for U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693 is July 15, 2025. This date has been noted in public patent information databases.

Continuity and Application History

The '693 patent is part of a larger family of patents and applications, indicating a long history of development and a strategic approach to protecting the technology. This is established through a chain of "continuation" and "divisional" applications.

• Parent Applications: The '693 patent is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 17/307,645 (now U.S. Patent No. 11,422,382), which itself is a continuation of a series of earlier applications. Tracing back the priority claims reveals the following key parent applications:

  • Direct Parent: U.S. Application No. 17/307,645, filed May 4, 2021 (now U.S. Patent No. 11,422,382).
  • Grandparent: U.S. Application No. 16/167,745, filed October 23, 2018 (now U.S. Patent No. 10,996,448).
  • And so on, ultimately claiming priority back to: U.S. Application No. 11/183,269, filed on July 15, 2005 (now U.S. Patent No. 7,922,321). This is the earliest non-provisional application in the chain and thus sets the 20-year term for all subsequent patents in this family.

• Continuation Applications: The strategy of filing a series of continuation applications allows an inventor to pursue claims to different aspects of the originally disclosed invention in separate patents. This is a common practice to build a broad and robust patent portfolio.

• Divisional Applications: While not explicitly listed for the '693 patent itself, divisional applications are another tool used to pursue distinct inventions that may have been disclosed in a single original application.

Patent Family Members

The '693 patent belongs to a large family of related U.S. patents and patent applications assigned to Ingeniospec LLC. These patents all share a common priority date and cover various aspects of integrating electronics into eyewear. Notable members of this family include:

• U.S. Patent No. 7,922,321
• U.S. Patent No. 10,996,448
• U.S. Patent No. 11,422,382
• U.S. Patent No. 11,921,355
• U.S. Patent No. 12,140,819

This extensive patent family indicates a long-term and strategic effort by the assignee to protect innovations in the field of "smart" eyewear and wearable audio devices. The existence of numerous related patents strengthens Ingeniospec's position in licensing negotiations and litigation by covering a wide range of features and implementations.

Defensive Disclosure: Enhancements and Alternative Embodiments for Wearable Audio Systems

Publication Date: May 1, 2026

Abstract: This document discloses a series of derivative inventions and alternative embodiments that build upon the core concepts of U.S. Patent No. 11,644,693. The purpose of this disclosure is to place into the public domain a range of foreseeable modifications, extensions, and applications of the technology, thereby establishing prior art against future patent applications on these incremental improvements. The disclosures herein cover alternative materials and components, expanded operational parameters, novel applications in disparate industries, integration with emerging technologies, and alternative operational modes.

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Derivatives of Claim 1: A Wearable Audio System

Claim 1 describes a pair of eyeglasses comprising a frame with two temples, where at least one temple houses a speaker, a wireless receiver, a battery, and a processor. The processor is configured to apply a hearing enhancement to wirelessly received audio signals based on a user's hearing profile.

1. Material & Component Substitution

• Derivative 1.1: Graphene-Based Audio Transducer and Power System

  • Enabling Description: The conventional speaker is replaced with a micro-transducer constructed from a graphene-based diaphragm. This material offers superior frequency response and lower power consumption compared to traditional voice coil speakers. The battery is substituted with a flexible, thin-film lithium-ceramic battery integrated into the acetate or polycarbonate frame material itself, allowing for a more seamless design. The wireless receiver is a low-power Bluetooth 6.0 module with an integrated antenna printed directly onto the inner surface of the temple using conductive ink.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    graph TD
        A[External Audio Source] -- Bluetooth 6.0 --> B{BT 6.0 Module w/ Printed Antenna};
        B --> C[DSP/Processor];
        D[Flexible Li-Ceramic Battery] --> C;
        C -- Hearing Profile Applied --> E[Graphene Diaphragm Transducer];
        E --> F(Audio Output);
    

• Derivative 1.2: Bone Conduction Actuators with Piezoelectric Power Generation

  • Enabling Description: The air-conduction speaker is replaced with a pair of piezoelectric bone conduction transducers located on the temple tips, designed to make direct contact with the user's mastoid process. This provides audio transmission while leaving the ear canal open. The battery is supplemented or recharged by piezoelectric nanogenerators embedded within the hinge mechanism of the eyeglasses. These generators convert the mechanical stress and motion from opening and closing the temples into electrical energy, which is stored in a supercapacitor.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    graph TD
        A[Hinge Movement] --> B(Piezoelectric Nanogenerators);
        B --> C[Supercapacitor Power Store];
        D[Wireless Audio Signal] --> E{Wireless Transceiver};
        C --> E;
        C --> F[Processor with Audiogram Data];
        E --> F;
        F --> G(Piezoelectric Bone Conduction Transducers);
        G -- Vibrations --> H(User's Mastoid Process);
    

2. Operational Parameter Expansion

• Derivative 1.3: Cryogenic-Cooled Superconducting Electronics for High-Fidelity Audio

  • Enabling Description: For applications requiring absolute audio fidelity, such as professional audio mixing or medical diagnostics, the processor and key amplifier components are replaced with superconducting circuits. These are housed in a thermally-insulated module within a larger, industrial-style goggle frame. A miniaturized Stirling cycle cryocooler, powered by an external source, maintains the necessary low temperatures. This configuration eliminates thermal noise, allowing for unparalleled signal-to-noise ratios in the audio processing and amplification stages. The system is designed to operate at temperatures below 77 Kelvin (-196°C).
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    graph TD
        subgraph GoggleFrame
            A[Wireless Receiver] --> B{Superconducting Processor};
            C(Miniature Stirling Cryocooler) --> B;
            B --> D[Superconducting Amplifier];
            C --> D;
            D --> E(High-Fidelity Speaker);
        end
        F[External Power] --> C;
        G[Audio Source] --> A;
    

• Derivative 1.4: High-Frequency Ultrasonic Communication and Powering

  • Enabling Description: The radio-frequency (RF) wireless receiver is replaced by an array of MEMS-based ultrasonic transducers. These transducers receive audio data modulated onto high-frequency sound waves (e.g., in the 40-100 kHz range) from a dedicated room-based transmitter. This avoids RF interference and enhances security. The same ultrasonic array can be configured to receive power via acoustic energy harvesting, converting ambient ultrasonic energy into electrical power to trickle-charge the onboard battery, making it suitable for secure facilities or environments with high RF interference.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    sequenceDiagram
        participant T as Transmitter
        participant G as Glasses
        participant P as Processor
        T->>G: Modulated Ultrasonic Signal (Data + Power)
        G->>P: Demodulated Audio Data
        G->>P: Harvested Electrical Energy
        P->>P: Apply Hearing Profile
        P->>G: Processed Audio Signal
        G-->>T: (Optional) Acknowledgment Signal
    

3. Cross-Domain Application

• Derivative 1.5: Aerospace - Augmented Auditory Cues for Pilots

  • Enabling Description: The system is integrated into an aviator's headset or helmet visor. Instead of just hearing enhancement, the processor receives data from the aircraft's avionics bus (e.g., ARINC 429 or AFDX). It generates spatially-localized, 3D audio cues that are superimposed onto the pilot's normal hearing. For example, a warning for an approaching aircraft from the left would be rendered as a distinct audio tone that appears to emanate from that direction. The pilot's hearing profile is used to ensure these critical alerts are always within their optimal hearing range, compensating for any frequency-specific hearing loss.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    flowchart LR
        subgraph Cockpit
            A[Avionics Data Bus] --> B[Wireless Gateway];
        end
        subgraph PilotHeadset
            C{Wireless Receiver} --> D[Processor];
            B -- Data Stream --> C;
            E[Pilot Hearing Profile] --> D;
            D -- 3D Audio Cues --> F[Spatial Audio Engine];
            F --> G((Speakers/Transducers));
        end
    

• Derivative 1.6: Agricultural Technology (AgTech) - Livestock Health Monitoring

  • Enabling Description: The eyeglass form factor is adapted into a durable, head-mounted sensor for livestock (e.g., cattle). The "speaker" is replaced with a low-frequency vibration motor for providing haptic feedback to the animal. The "microphone" (an additional component) is a contact-based transducer that monitors the animal's ruminations and heart rate. The processor analyzes these sounds for anomalies indicative of illness, using a pre-loaded "health profile" instead of a hearing profile. The wireless transceiver transmits alerts and raw data to a central farm management system via a LoRaWAN network for long-range, low-power communication.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    classDiagram
        class AnimalHeadset {
            +UUID animalID
            +LoRaWANTransceiver transceiver
            +ContactTransducer sensor
            +DSP processor
            +VibrationMotor hapticFeedback
            +Battery powerSource
            +analyzeHealth(audioData)
            +transmitAlert(alertCode)
        }
        class FarmGateway {
            +receiveData(data)
            +forwardToCloud()
        }
        class FarmManagementSystem {
            +analyzeFleetHealth()
            +generateDashboard()
        }
        AnimalHeadset "1" -- "1" LoRaWANTransceiver
        AnimalHeadset "1" -- "1" DSP
        LoRaWANTransceiver ..> FarmGateway : Transmits Data
        FarmGateway ..> FarmManagementSystem : Forwards Data
    

• Derivative 1.7: Consumer Electronics - Dynamic Gaming Soundscape Personalization

  • Enabling Description: The system is integrated into a pair of gaming glasses. It connects wirelessly to a gaming console or PC. The processor receives multi-channel audio and real-time game telemetry. It uses the player's audiogram (hearing profile) to not just amplify, but to dynamically remix the game's audio. For instance, if a player has high-frequency hearing loss, the system can transpose the audio frequencies of crucial in-game cues (like enemy footsteps or bullet whizzes) down into a range where the player's hearing is more sensitive, without altering the overall sound mix. This provides a competitive advantage and a more immersive experience.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    stateDiagram-v2
        [*] --> Idle
        Idle --> ReceivingAudio: Game Started
        ReceivingAudio --> Processing: Audio Packet Received
        Processing --> Mixing: Apply Hearing Profile
        Mixing --> Transposing: Analyze Game Telemetry for Cues
        Transposing --> Output: Transpose Critical Cues
        Output --> ReceivingAudio: Send to Speakers
        ReceivingAudio --> Idle: Game Ended
    

4. Integration with Emerging Tech

• Derivative 1.8: AI-Driven Real-Time Environmental Adaptation

  • Enabling Description: The processor is an edge AI-capable System-on-Chip (SoC) running a lightweight neural network. In addition to a stored hearing profile, the glasses include an array of microphones. The AI model continuously analyzes the ambient soundscape (e.g., a quiet library, a noisy restaurant, a concert) and identifies the primary audio source (e.g., a conversation partner). It then dynamically adjusts the hearing enhancement profile in real-time, applying aggressive noise cancellation to background noise while using beamforming to isolate and clarify the primary speaker's voice, going beyond the static pre-set profile. The AI model is updated periodically via wireless connection to a cloud-based machine learning platform.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    flowchart TD
        A[Ambient Sound] --> B(Microphone Array);
        C[Wireless Audio] --> D{Wireless Receiver};
        B --> E[Edge AI Processor];
        D --> E;
        F[Stored Hearing Profile] --> E;
        E -- Analyzes Environment & Source --> E;
        E -- Creates Dynamic Profile --> G(DSP Core);
        G -- Applies Dynamic Profile --> H((Speaker));
        E -- Telemetry --> I(Cloud ML Platform);
        I -- Model Updates --> E;
    

• Derivative 1.9: IoT-Enabled Situational Awareness and Safety

  • Enabling Description: The wearable device is part of an IoT ecosystem. It is equipped with a UWB (Ultra-Wideband) transceiver for precise indoor positioning. When a user wearing the glasses enters a hazardous area in a factory (geofenced and marked with IoT beacons), the system automatically receives a safety alert from the beacon. The processor overrides any active audio streaming and plays a loud, pre-recorded warning message, with equalization adjusted by the user's hearing profile to ensure it is heard. The system can also transmit the user's precise location back to a central safety monitoring system.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    sequenceDiagram
        participant UserGlasses
        participant IoTBeacon
        participant SafetySystem
        UserGlasses->>+IoTBeacon: Enters Geofence
        IoTBeacon-->>-UserGlasses: Hazard Alert Signal
        UserGlasses->>UserGlasses: Processor overrides audio stream
        UserGlasses->>SafetySystem: Transmit UWB Location
        UserGlasses->>User: Play Profile-Adjusted Warning
        SafetySystem->>SafetySystem: Log event and location
    

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

• Derivative 1.10: Failsafe Audio Passthrough Mode
  • Enabling Description: The system includes a fail-safe analog circuit that bypasses the digital signal processor (DSP) and battery-powered components in the event of a critical power failure. If the battery is fully depleted or the processor fails, a relay or analog switch defaults to a state that physically connects the wireless receiver's output directly to the speaker's input, bypassing all processing. This "limp mode" allows the user to still hear the raw, unenhanced audio from the wireless source, ensuring the device does not become completely non-functional. This is critical for applications where the audio stream contains important information (e.g., navigation prompts).
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    graph LR
        subgraph Normal_Operation
            A(Wireless Receiver) --> B(Processor/DSP);
            B --> C(Amplifier);
            C --> D(Speaker);
        end
        subgraph Failsafe_Mode
            A -- Analog Bypass --> D;
        end
        E{Power Monitor} -- Power Low --> F(Activate Bypass);
        E -- Power OK --> G(Enable Normal Operation);
    

---

Derivatives of Claim 16: A Method for Providing Audio

Claim 16 describes a method of using a head-worn device for audio provision, involving wirelessly receiving audio signals, processing them, applying a hearing enhancement based on a user profile, and outputting the audio via a speaker, all powered by an internal battery.

1. Material & Component Substitution

• Derivative 16.1: Method Using Optical Wireless Communication (Li-Fi)
  • Enabling Description: This method replaces the step of "wirelessly receiving an audio signal" via radio frequency with receiving the audio signal via a modulated light source (Li-Fi). An optical sensor on the eyeglass frame detects high-frequency intensity changes from a Li-Fi-enabled LED light source. The method involves demodulating this optical signal to reconstruct the digital audio stream, which is then processed according to the user's hearing profile by the onboard processor before being converted to sound. This provides a high-bandwidth, secure communication channel that is immune to RF interference.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    flowchart TD
        A[Li-Fi Emitter Modulates Light] --> B(Optical Sensor on Glasses);
        B --> C{Demodulator};
        C --> D[Processor];
        E[Hearing Profile Storage] --> D;
        D -- Applies Enhancement --> F(DAC & Amplifier);
        F --> G((Speaker));
        H[Battery] --> D & F;
    

2. Operational Parameter Expansion

• Derivative 16.2: Method for Hypersonic Sound Beaming
  • Enabling Description: The method's output step is modified to use a phased array of ultrasonic transducers instead of a conventional speaker. The processor, after applying the hearing profile, modulates the enhanced audio signal onto an ultrasonic carrier wave. The phased array then emits a highly directional, focused beam of ultrasound. This beam travels to the user's ear, where the non-linear properties of the air demodulate the signal, making the audio audible only to the user and inaudible to bystanders a few inches away. This allows for private listening in public spaces without earpieces. The method includes beam-steering algorithms to track the position of the user's ear canal.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    graph TD
        A(Receive Wireless Audio) --> B(Process & Apply Hearing Profile);
        B --> C{Ultrasonic Modulation};
        C --> D(Phased Array Controller);
        D --> E[Ultrasonic Transducer Array];
        E -- Focused Beam --> F(Air column near ear);
        F -- Self-Demodulation --> G(Audible Sound at Ear);
    

3. Cross-Domain Application

• Derivative 16.3: Method for Sub-Aqua Diver Communication
  • Enabling Description: The method is adapted for a diver's mask. "Wirelessly receiving" is accomplished via a short-range hydro-acoustic modem that receives sonar-based communication signals. The received signal is processed to filter out underwater noise (e.g., bubbles, engine sounds). The "hearing enhancement profile" is adapted to be an equalization profile that compensates for the way sound travels differently through water and the diver's skull. The final output step utilizes a bone conduction transducer pressed against the diver's temple, as standard speakers are ineffective underwater. The entire system is housed in a pressure-resistant, waterproof enclosure integrated into the mask frame.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    sequenceDiagram
        participant SurfaceUnit
        participant DiverMask
        SurfaceUnit->>DiverMask: Transmits Hydro-Acoustic Signal
        DiverMask->>DiverMask: Receive & Demodulate
        DiverMask->>DiverMask: Process (Noise Filter + Water EQ Profile)
        DiverMask->>DiverMask: Output via Bone Conduction
    

4. Integration with Emerging Tech

• Derivative 16.4: Method Utilizing Blockchain for Secure Profile Management
  • Enabling Description: This method enhances security and portability of the "hearing profile." The user's audiogram and enhancement parameters are stored as a non-fungible token (NFT) or a secure record on a private blockchain. The method includes a step where the eyeglasses, upon startup, use their secure element and a wireless connection (e.g., to a smartphone) to authenticate with the blockchain and retrieve the encrypted hearing profile. This ensures that the highly sensitive medical data is secure, tamper-proof, and can be easily authorized for use on any compatible device the user owns, without being tied to a single manufacturer's cloud service.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    flowchart TD
        subgraph User's Device
            A(Eyeglasses) -- Request Profile --> B(Paired Smartphone);
        end
        subgraph Network
            B -- Authenticates --> C(Blockchain Node);
            C -- Verifies Ownership --> C;
            C -- Returns Encrypted Profile --> B;
        end
        B -- Sends Profile --> A;
        A -- Decrypts & Applies Profile --> D(Audio Processing);
    

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

• Derivative 16.5: Method for Graceful Degradation of Audio Enhancement
  • Enabling Description: The method incorporates a power-aware processing step. The processor continuously monitors the battery level. As the battery depletes below predefined thresholds (e.g., 50%, 25%, 10%), the "applying a hearing enhancement" step is gracefully degraded. At 50%, complex multi-band compression is reduced to simple equalization. At 25%, equalization is disabled, and only volume amplification is applied. At 10%, all processing is disabled, and the system enters an analog passthrough mode. This method prioritizes longevity of basic function over feature-richness, ensuring the user maintains at least a basic audio connection for as long as possible.
  • Mermaid Diagram:

    stateDiagram-v2
        state "Full Enhancement" as S1
        state "Reduced EQ" as S2
        state "Volume Only" as S3
        state "Analog Passthrough" as S4
    
        [*] --> S1: Battery > 50%
        S1 --> S2: Battery < 50%
        S2 --> S3: Battery < 25%
        S3 --> S4: Battery < 10%
        S4 --> [*]: Power Off
    
        S2 --> S1: Charging
        S3 --> S2: Charging
        S4 --> S3: Charging
    

---

Combination Prior Art Scenarios

• 1. Combination with WebRTC for Real-Time Communication: The wearable audio system of the '693 patent is combined with the Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) open standard. A browser-based application on a smartphone or computer establishes a peer-to-peer audio link with another WebRTC client. The audio stream is then relayed from the smartphone to the eyeglasses via Bluetooth. The method involves receiving the WebRTC audio stream, applying the user's hearing profile for clarification, and using the glasses' microphone to send audio back into the WebRTC session. This creates a hearing-enhanced, hands-free, secure communication device that works natively with modern web applications without proprietary software.

• 2. Combination with the Matter IoT Standard: The wearable audio system is configured as a Matter-compliant device. This allows it to seamlessly integrate into a smart home ecosystem. The method involves using the Matter protocol over Wi-Fi or Thread (relayed via the user's phone) to receive audio notifications from other smart home devices (e.g., a doorbell, smoke alarm, or washing machine). The processor applies the hearing enhancement profile to ensure these critical alerts are audible to a hearing-impaired user. The user could also use voice commands via the glasses' microphone to control other Matter-certified devices.

• 3. Combination with Android Open Source Project (AOSP) Accessibility Features: The method is integrated at the operating system level within an AOSP-based device. The hearing profile is not stored on the device itself but is managed through the standard Android Accessibility settings. When the eyeglasses connect to any AOSP-compliant device (phone, tablet, etc.), the operating system automatically recognizes the glasses as an "Enhanced Audio Output" device. The OS itself then performs the audio processing and enhancement using the user's centrally-stored profile before streaming the modified audio to the glasses. This makes the enhancement feature universal across the ecosystem rather than being a proprietary feature of the glasses.