US 11871174

Patent Summary: US 11,871,174 B1

Title: Personalized directional audio for head-worn audio projection systems, apparatuses, and methods

Assignee: Solos Technology Ltd.

Inventors: Ernesto Carlos Martinez Villalpando, Chiu Ming So, Kwok Wah Law, Wai Kuen Cheung

Filing Date: February 4, 2020

Issue Date: January 9, 2024

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are taught that provide audio signals to a user from an eyewear device utilizing a personal projection micro speaker system. A method includes generating audio signals within a chamber. The chamber is a part of a volume of the eyewear device. The audio signals are concentrated for delivery to the user's ear. The audio signals are transmitted to the user's ear through a port in the chamber.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a method for delivering audio to a user via an eyewear device. The key steps involve generating sound waves from a speaker located in a temple of the eyewear, using the internal surfaces of that temple to form an acoustic chamber that directs the sound, and then channeling the sound out of a port towards the user's ear.

• Claim 9: This claim focuses on the eyewear device itself as an apparatus. It details a system with a frame, a temple attached to the frame, and a "personal projection micro speaker system" (PPMS) within the temple. This PPMS includes a speaker and an acoustic chamber, formed by the inner walls of the temple, which directs sound to a port aimed at the user's ear.

• Claim 15: This claim outlines a wearable electronic device that can be attached to a pair of eyeglasses. This device includes a "temple interlock" that connects to the temple of the glasses. Inside this interlock is a personal projection micro speaker system. The system works by generating sound that is directed by an acoustic chamber within the interlock and then projected out of a port toward the user's ear.

Litigation:

US Patent 11,871,174 is currently the subject of litigation in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The case is Luxottica OF America Inc et al. v. Solos Technology Ltd, docket number 26-1721, filed on April 22, 2026. The plaintiffs include Daitona Carter, EssilorLuxottica S.A., Luxottica OF America Inc, [Meta Platforms Inc.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Meta%20Platforms%20Inc.), Meta Platforms Technologies LLC, and Oakley Inc. The defendant is Solos Technology Ltd.