{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854356","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854356","title":"Headset noise-based pulsed attenuation","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-05-07T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04R","H04R","H04R","H04R","H04R","H04R","H04R","H04R"],"num_claims":22,"abstract":"A headset having a talk-through microphones incorporates an audio circuit that disconnects or compresses a signal representing sounds detected by the talk-through microphones in response to the audio circuit detecting the onset of a peak in the signal that exceeds a predetermined voltage level, and that does so with a rate of change in voltage level that exceeds a predetermined rate of change in voltage level. The duration of the disconnection or compression may be controlled by a timing circuit set to a predetermined period of time that may be retriggerable while amidst the predetermined period of time."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation patent details a system for protecting headset users from sudden, loud noises. The core innovation is an audio circuit that selectively attenuates noise peaks based on their voltage level and rate of change. This circuit disconnects or compresses the audio signal when a peak exceeding predetermined thresholds is detected, preventing jarring sounds from reaching the user's ears. A timing circuit controls the duration of the attenuation, and can be retriggered to handle sustained loud noises. The problem this patent solves is hearing fatigue and potential hearing damage caused by intermittent loud noises in environments like construction sites and factories. Traditional noise reduction methods often compromise sound quality or block out important sounds, while this technology dynamically adjusts to the environment, preserving clarity while protecting hearing. The business value lies in improved worker safety, reduced healthcare costs, and increased productivity. The market opportunity includes industrial headsets, consumer audio products, and hearing aids. This technology offers a more sophisticated and effective approach to noise management, promising a more comfortable and safer listening experience.","layman_explanation":"The Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation patent addresses the problem of sudden, loud noises that can cause discomfort and potential hearing damage when using headsets, particularly in noisy environments. Existing solutions, like basic noise-canceling headphones, often reduce all sounds, making it difficult to hear important information or communicate effectively. This patent offers a smart way to deal with the problem. Imagine your ears have a bodyguard that's always listening. When a loud noise suddenly occurs, like a hammer hitting metal, this bodyguard quickly turns down the volume just for that loud noise, while letting you still hear everything else. It works by having a special circuit that detects when a sound gets too loud and changes too quickly. When this happens, the circuit either turns down the sound or completely cuts it off for a very short time. This keeps your ears safe without making it hard to hear other important sounds. This technology matters because it can improve safety and productivity in noisy workplaces, as well as enhance the listening experience for anyone using headphones. It gives a competitive edge by providing a more comfortable and effective way to manage noise. The next steps could involve making the system even smarter by using AI to learn what sounds are important and what sounds should be turned down. This could lead to even better hearing protection and communication in a wider range of situations.","technical_analysis":"The Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation patent presents a novel approach to audio signal processing, specifically designed to mitigate the impact of sudden, high-intensity noise events on headset users. The system hinges on an audio circuit that continuously monitors the incoming audio signal from talk-through microphones. The key technical parameters are the voltage level and the rate of change in voltage level. When both exceed pre-determined thresholds, the circuit triggers an attenuation mechanism. This attenuation can take the form of either disconnecting the audio signal entirely or compressing it to a safer level. The choice between disconnection and compression would likely depend on the specific application and user preferences. The timing circuit plays a critical role in controlling the duration of the attenuation. This circuit is retriggerable, meaning that if another noise peak occurs while the attenuation is still active, the timing circuit resets, extending the attenuation period. This is crucial for handling situations where loud noises are sustained or occur in rapid succession. Implementation details would involve careful selection of components and precise calibration of the thresholds and timing parameters. The performance of the system would be influenced by factors such as the response time of the attenuation mechanism, the accuracy of the peak detection circuit, and the dynamic range of the audio signal processing. Integration with existing headset systems would require careful consideration of power consumption, signal impedance, and electromagnetic compatibility. Code-level implications would involve developing algorithms for real-time peak detection and dynamic gain control.","business_analysis":"The Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation patent represents a significant market opportunity in the hearing protection and communication headset industries. The market for hearing protection is substantial, driven by regulatory requirements and growing awareness of the risks of noise-induced hearing loss. This technology offers a competitive advantage over traditional noise reduction methods by providing dynamic and selective attenuation. This results in improved sound quality, enhanced communication clarity, and greater user comfort. The revenue potential is significant, with applications in industrial headsets, consumer audio products, and hearing aids. Business models could include licensing the technology to headset manufacturers, developing and selling proprietary headsets, or offering noise attenuation as a service. Strategic positioning would involve targeting industries with high noise levels, such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. ROI projections would depend on factors such as market penetration, licensing fees, and manufacturing costs. Competitive advantages include the dynamic and selective nature of the noise attenuation, the retriggerable timing circuit, and the potential for integration with AI-powered algorithms. The market opportunity size is estimated to be in the billions of dollars, with continued growth expected in the coming years.","faqs":[{"answer":"Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation refers to a patented technology designed to protect headset users from sudden, loud noises. This system incorporates an audio circuit that intelligently disconnects or compresses signals from talk-through microphones when it detects a noise peak exceeding a predetermined voltage level and rate of change. This technology offers a more sophisticated solution than traditional noise reduction methods, which often compromise sound quality or block out important sounds altogether. The goal is to provide a safer and more comfortable listening experience, particularly in environments with intermittent loud noises. This technology selectively attenuates problematic peaks, preserving the user's ability to hear surrounding sounds when it's safe to do so. The system is designed to dynamically adjust to the sound environment, offering a significant improvement over static noise reduction methods. This is achieved through precise calibration of voltage level and rate of change thresholds. The technology aims to balance hearing protection with the need for clear communication and situational awareness.\n\nKeywords: hearing protection, noise reduction, audio processing, headset technology, dynamic attenuation","question":"What is Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation?"},{"answer":"Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation functions by continuously monitoring audio signals received through talk-through microphones in a headset. The system employs a sophisticated audio circuit programmed to detect sudden increases in audio volume, specifically focusing on both the voltage level and the rate at which the voltage changes. When the circuit identifies a peak that surpasses predetermined thresholds for both voltage and rate of change, it triggers an attenuation mechanism. This mechanism can either disconnect the audio signal entirely or compress it to a safer level. The duration of this attenuation is controlled by a timing circuit, which can be retriggered if another noise peak occurs during the predetermined period. This ensures continued protection during sustained loud noises. This dynamic response is what sets this technology apart from simpler noise reduction techniques. The precise calibration of the voltage and rate of change thresholds is crucial to the system's effectiveness. This ensures that only genuinely harmful noise peaks are attenuated, while other sounds remain audible. The retriggerable timing circuit is equally important, as it prevents the system from prematurely ending the attenuation in situations where loud noises persist. The overall effect is a more comfortable and safer listening experience, with minimal disruption to communication or situational awareness.\n\nKeywords: audio circuit, peak detection, noise attenuation, retriggerable timing, voltage level","question":"How does Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation work?"},{"answer":"Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation solves the problem of","question":"What problem does Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation solve?"}],"topics":["headset noise reduction","audio processing","hearing protection","dynamic attenuation","noise cancellation","headset","noise","based"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation - Dynamic Audio Protection","description":"Discover Headset Noise-based Pulsed Attenuation, a revolutionary patent protecting your ears from sudden loud noises. See claims, analysis, and tech details.","keywords":["headset noise reduction","audio processing","hearing protection","dynamic attenuation","noise cancellation","patent US-9854356","audio technology","noise peak attenuation","headset innovation"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854356","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854356","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Headset noise-based pulsed attenuation\" (US-9854356). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854356","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854356","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854356","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T06:12:30.182Z"}