PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/044,078, tiled on June 25, 2020, which is incorporated by reterence in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This disclosure relates to vibrotactile stimulation, and, more particularly, to vibrotactile stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, e,g., for treatment of tinnitus or insomnia.

SUMMARY

[0003] All examples and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically possible way.

[0004] in one aspect, a device for the application of vibrotactile stimulus to an auricular branch of a vagus nerve is provided. The device includes a vibration motor for the application of the vibrotactile stimulus and control electronics by which the application of the vibrotactile stimulus can be controlled. The vibration motor is arranged to sit at least partially within a users concha or ear canal when the device is used.

[0005] implementations may include one of the following features, or any combination thereof.

[0006] in some implementations, the vibration motor is selected from the group consisting of: an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, a linear resonant actuator (LRA), a piezoelectric motor, and a haptic engine.

[0007] in certain implementations, the device includes an ear tip formed of a compliant material and the vibration motor is supported within the ear tip. [0008] in some cases, the compliant material Is selected from the group consisting of: silicone, polyurethane, polynorbornene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), fluoroeiastomer, and combinations thereof.

[0009] in certain cases, the vibration motor is configured to drive the ear tip in a quadrupole motion in which the ear tip expands along an x-axis and contracts along a y- axis when the vibration motor expands, and, in which the ear tip contracts along the x- axis and expands along the y-axis when the vibration motor contracts.

[0010] in some examples, the device includes an electro-acoustic transducer arranged to be acoustically coupled to a user’s ear canal when the device is used.

[0011] in certain examples, the control electronics are configured to coordinate the delivery of audio content from the electro-acoustic transducer with the vibrotactile stimulus provided by the vibrotactile motor.

[0012] in some implementations, the audio content is selected from the group consisting of: music, guided meditation, guided breathing, white noise, single or multiple tones, nature sounds, and combinations thereof.

[0013] in certain implementations, the audio content includes a noise signal engineered to treat a user’s tinnitus.

[0014] in some cases, the noise signal includes a random or pseudo random noise signal with a notch at a tinnitus percept frequency of the user.

[0015] in certain cases, the random or pseudo random noise signal includes white noise.

[0016] in some examples, the device includes a microphone that is arranged to detect sound in a user’s ear canal when the device is used. The control electronics are configured to execute an active noise cancellation (ANC) algorithm that uses input trom the microphone to provide an anti-noise signal that is used to drive the electro-acoustic transducer to produce an acoustic output to cancel acoustic energy in the users ear canal that is attributable to the operation ot the vibration motor. [0017] in certain examples, the device includes an earpiece that comprises an earbud and an ear tip supported on the earbud, and the vibration motor is supported within the ear tip.

[0018] in some implementations, the control electronics are disposed within the earbud.

[0019] In certain implementations, the control electronics are external to the earpiece.

[0020] in another aspect, a device for the application of vibrotactile stimulus to an auricular branch of a vagus nerve is provided. The device includes a vibration motor for the application of the vibrotactile stimulus and control electronics by which the application of the vibrotactile stimulus can be controlled. The vibration motor is arranged to provide the vibrotactile stimulation to a user’s cymba concha when the device is used.

[0021] implementations may include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof.

[0022] in some implementations, the device Includes an earpiece that includes an earbud and a positioning and retaining structure supported on the earbud. The vibration motor is supported on or in the positioning and retaining structure.

[0023] In certain implementations, the positioning and retaining structure includes an outer leg and an inner leg, which are joined together at a point that is arranged to rest within a user’s cymba concha during use, and wherein the outer leg is curved to generally follow the curve of the anti-helix at the rear of the concha of the user’s ear.

[0024] Another aspect provides a device for the application of vibrotactile stimulus to an auricular branch of a vagus nerve. The device includes a body with an inner surface that is configured to be located behind an outer ear of a user. The device also includes a module that is carried by the body. A vibration motor is provided for the application of the vibrotactile stimulus. The vibration motor is supported by the module and is configured to be located against the outer ear above the ear canal opening.

[0025] Implementations may include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof. [0026] in some implementations, the body is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the head proximate the intersection of the head and the outer ear along most of a length of the body,

[0027] in certain implementations, the body has a tree distal end that is configured to be located near a lower end of the helix of the ear and the body is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the head proximate the intersection of the head both proximate an upper end of the helix and proximate the free distal end of the body.

[0028] in some cases, the vibration motor is arranged to overlie, and apply the vibration stimulus to, a user’s cymba concha when the device is worn.

[0029] in certain cases, the deice includes a protrusion that extends outwardly from an inner face of the module and is arranged to extend into a user’s cymba concha when the device is worn. The vibration motor is supported in or coupled to the protrusion so as to vibrate the protrusion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 A is a front view of an example earpiece that may be used for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy.

[0031] FIG. 1 B is a rear view of the example earpiece of FIG. 1 A.

[0032] FIG. 1 C is a side view of the earpiece of FIG. 1 A.

[0033] FIG. 1 D is an exploded front view of the earpiece of FIG. 1 A.

[0034] FIG. 1 E is an exploded rear view of the earpiece of FIG. 1 A.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a VNS system including the earpiece of FIG. 1 A.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an electronics module from the VNS system of FIG.

2.

[0037] FIG. 4 is an example view of another example earpiece that may be used for VNS therapy. [0038] FIG. 5 is a view of the lateral surface of the human ear.

[0039] FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary earpiece that may be used for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy.

[0040] FIG. 6B is a rear view of the earpiece of FIG. 6A.

[0041] FIG. 7A is a front view of another example earpiece that may be used for VNS therapy.

[0042] FIG. 7B is a side view of the earpiece of FIG. 7A.

[0043] FIG. 7C is an exploded front view of the earpiece of FIG. 7A.

[0044] FIGS. 7D & 7E are end views of the earpiece of FIG. 7A illustrating quadrupole motion of an ear tip.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative earpiece that may be used for VNS therapy.

[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates another example configuration of an earpiece that may be used for VNS therapy.

[0047] FIGS. 10A-10G are perspective, front, rear, left side, right side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of an open audio device designed for the right ear.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a side view of the open audio device of FIGS. 10A-10G mounted on a user’s right ear.

[0049] FIGS. 12A-12E are perspective, rear, left side, right side, and top views, respectively, of an open audio device with a protrusion for applying vibrotactiie stimulation to a user ^’ s cymba concha and designed for the right ear.

[0050] It is noted that the drawings of the various implementations are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the implementations. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a treatment that often involves delivering stimulus (e.g., electrical impulses) to the vagus nerve. It has been used as a treatment for depression, pain, insomnia, and tinnitus, in some cases, metal electrodes are placed in contact with a surface on a person's ear and current is deiivered to the electrodes to administer the therapy.

[0052] The present disclosure relates to an earpiece capable of delivering a therapeutic vibrotactile stimulation to a users vagus nerve via the user's ear. The present disclosure is based, at least in part, on the realization that it may be desirable to provide a vibrotactile stimulus to the user’s ear (e.g., via the ear canal or cimba concha) to stimulate the user ^’ s vagus nerve in order to provide treatment for tinnitus, pain, insomnia, or other conditions. The vibrotactile stimulation may be provided alone or in combination with an audio stimulus, e.g., for treatment of tinnitus.

[0053] With reference to FIGS. 1 A through 1 E, an exemplary earpiece 100 tor delivering VNS therapy includes an earbud 102 and an ear tip 104. The earbud 102 includes a rigid housing 106 that defines a protrusion 107 in the form of a nozzle 108 which supports a pair of electrodes 110. The housing 106 may be formed of, e.g., molded from, a hard plastic such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS),

Polycarbonate/ Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PGB/ABS), polyetherimide (PEI), or stereolithography (SLA) resin. Wiring 112 extends into the housing 106 and couples to the electrodes 110 for providing an electrical current to the electrodes 110. In some cases, an electro-acoustic transducer 114 (FIG. 1 D) may be supported in the housing 106. The electro-acoustic transducer 114 may be acoustically coupled to an acoustic passage in the nozzle 108 such that the electro-acoustic transducer 114 can be acoustically coupled to a users ear canal when the earpiece is worn. The electroacoustic transducer 114 can be used to deliver audio content, e.g., entertainment audio, such as music, or therapeutic audio such as guided meditation or guided breathing. In some cases, a VNS treatment, applied via the electrodes 110, is coordinated with guided breathing audio, such as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No.

16/567,116, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AND COORDINATING VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION WITH AUDIO THERAPY,” (attorney docket no. 2115P064/WL-19-060-US) filed September 11 , 2019 and incorporated herein by reference. In some cases, the audio may be white noise with a notch at the user’s tinnitus percept frequency; i.e,, a notch at the frequency at which the user perceives tinnitus.

[0054] The ear tip 104 is in the shape of hollow cylinder with a hollow passage 116 that is configured to receive the nozzle 108 of the earbud 102 such that the ear tip 104 overlies the electrodes 110. Notably, the ear tip 104 may support a vibration motor 117. The ear tip 104 is configured to be received within a users ear canal and such that the vibration motor 117 is at least partially disposed within the ear canal. The ear tip 104 may be formed of a compliant material that can conform to the users ear geometry to help ensure a tight fit, and good, distributed contact with the users ear canal. Suitable materials for the ear tip 104 include soft flexible materials such as silicone, polyurethane, polynorbornene (e.g., Norsorex® material available from D-NOV GmbH of Vienna, Austria), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer.

[0055] The vibration motor 117 may be housed or suspended in the material that forms the ear tip 104. In some cases, the ear tip 104 may be formed around the vibration motor in an insert molding process. The vibration motor 117 may be arranged adjacent the hollow passage 116. The vibration motor 117 may be electrically connected to electrical contact pads 119 arranged along an inner surface of the hollow passage 116. The electrical contact pads 119 are arranged to overlie and electrically couple to the electrodes 110 on the earbud 102 for delivering power to the vibration motor 117. The vibration motor 117 is electrically connected to the electrical contact pads 119 via electrical traces 121 (e.g., metal wires or conductive leads suspended in the material forming the ear tip 104.

[0056] The vibration motor 117 is arranged to deliver vibrotactile stimulation to user, e.g., to the auricular branch of fhe user’s vagus nerve, when worn. In that regard, the vibration motor 117 may be arranged to deliver stimulation to dorsal and/or ventral surfaces of the ear canal. The vibration motor 117 may be selected from fhe group consisting of: an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, a piezoelectric motor, and a haptic motor engine such as the “taptic engine” found in various Apple products. ERM motors generally include an electric motor that drives a driveshaft, and an unbalanced mass supported on the driveshaft. If an ERM motor is selected, the ERM motor may be arranged such that the axis of rotation of the driveshaft is parallel to or coaxial with a central axis of the users ear canal when the earpiece 100 is worn.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1 A through 1 E, the earpiece 100 may also include a positioning and retaining structure 118. The positioning and retaining structure 118 can help to keep the earpiece 100 seated in the user’ s ear. As shown in the illustrated example, the positioning and retaining structure 118 may be formed separately from the ear tip 104 and is configured to be coupled [e.g., re!easab!y coupled) to the earbud 102. The positioning and retaining structure 118 includes an outer leg 120 and an inner leg 122. The outer leg 120 is curved to generally follow the curve of the anti-helix (FIG. 5) at the rear of the concha of the subject’s ear. Distal ends of the legs 120, 122 are joined at a point 124. The positioning and retaining structure 118 may be formed of, e.g., molded from a compliant material such as silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer.

[0058] Although FIGS. 1 A through 1 E show retaining legs 120, 122 as one embodiment of the retaining structure 118, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. Any type of retaining structure is contemplated. For example, in some cases, the retaining structure may include only a single leg. In other cases, the distal end of the Inner leg may be joined to the outer leg at some point other than at the distal end of the outer leg. Alternatively, the retaining structure can be omitted altogether.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, the earpiece 100 may be incorporated into a vagus nerve stimulation (VMS) system 200. The system 200 includes the earpiece 100 and an electronics module 202, which Is coupled to the earpiece 100 via the wiring 112. The electronics module 202 houses the electronics for powering the earpiece 100. The electronics module 202 includes the programming tor providing a current waveform, e.g., a simple sinewave, e.g., a 300 Hz slnewave, to the vibration motor 117, e.g., via the electrodes 110, for VNS treatment. The electronics module 202 may also include a user interface, e.g., hardware buttons or a graphical user interface, to all the user or a clinician to adjust settings. [0060] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary electronics module 202 includes a processor 300, a memory 302, a display 304, a user input interface 306, and a network interface 308, among other components. The electronics module 202 may also be provided with a mass storage device 310, such as a hard drive, a micro-drive, or other device, to provide additional storage. Each of the processor 300, the memory 302, the display 304, and the network interface 308 are interconnected using various buses, and several of the components may be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate.

[G061]The processor 300 can execute instructions (e.g., software) within the electronics module 202, including instructions stored in the memory 302 or in a secondary storage device (e.g., mass storage device 310). The processor 300 may be implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate and multiple analog and digital processors. The processor 300 may provide, for example, for coordination of other components of the electronics module 202, such as control of user interfaces, applications run by the electronics module 202, and network communication by the electronics module 202.

The processor 300 may communication with a user through the display 304 and the user input interface 306.

[0062] The processor 300 may communicate with the user through a display interface 312 coupled to the display 304. The display 304 may include an LCD monitor, or a touch sensitive display (e.g., in the case of a mobile device). The display interface 312 may comprise appropriate circuitry for driving the display 304 to preset graphical and other information to the user.

[0063] The user input interface 306 may include one or more user input devices such as a keyboard, a pointer device such as a mouse, and/or a touch sensitive display. In some cases, the same device (e.g., a touch sensitive display) may be utilized to provide the functions of the display 304 and the user input interface 306. The user input interface 308 may be used, for example, to receive input from the user that can be used to identify a frequency of the tinnitus (i.e., the tinnitus percept) experienced by the user. For example, the system may play tones to user and receive input from the user to identify the tone or tones that most closely match the tinnitus percept of the user. [0064] The memory 302 stores information within the electronics module 202. In some implementations, the memory 302 is a volatile memory unit or units. In some implementations, the memory 302 is a non-volatile memory unit or units. The memory 302 may also be another form of computer-readable medium, such as magnetic or optical disk.

[0065] The mass storage device 310 can provide mass storage for the electronics module 202. In some implementations, the mass storage device 310 may be or contain a computer readable medium, such as a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid-state memory device, or an array of devices.

[0066] Instructions (e.g., software) can be stored in an information carrier. The instructions, when executed by one or more processing devices (e.g., the processor 300), perform one or more processes, such as generating current waveforms for VNS therapy and/or generating audio, in some cases, the generated audio may Include an audio signal that consists of broadband noise with a notch at the frequency [the percept frequency) at which the user perceives tinnitus. The audio may also include test tones that are used to diagnose/identify the user’s tinnitus percept frequency. The instructions can also be stored by one or more storage devices such as computer- or machine- readable mediums (for example, the memory 302, the storage device 310, or memory in the processor 300).

[0067] in some cases, one or more components of the electronics module may be housed within the earbud or ear tip.

[0068] Other Implementations

[0069] FIG. 4 illustrates a further configuration of the earpiece 100 in which the vibration motor 117 is arranged in the positioning and retaining structure 118. The vibration motor 117 is arranged to provide vibrotactiie stimulation to a cymba concha (FIG. 5) of a user’s ear. The retaining structure 118 may be formed, e.g., molded, around the vibration motor 117. Wiring may be run through the outer and/or inner legs 120, 122 and may terminate at electrical contact pads on an inner surface of the positioning and retaining structure 118 which may overlie and establish electrical contact with electrodes on the surface of the earbud 102. The vibration motor 117 may be selected from the group consisting of: an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, a linear resonant actuator (LRA), a piezoelectric motor, and a haptic engine.

[0070] The underlying mechanism of an LRA resembles a speaker producing sound, in that an electrical current is used to create opposing forces between a voice coil and a magnet structure. In an LRA, the voice coil is rigidly attached to the housing while the magnet structure, which is connected to the housing through a spring, acts as a reaction mass. When the voice coil is driven with an oscillating voltage near the resonant frequency of the mass-spring system, the housing vibrates with a perceptible force along a linear motion axis and produces a vibration.

[0071] FIG. 5 shows an external portion of a human (left) ear, also known as the outer ear, with some features identified. The outer ear is the portion of the ear that can be seen by casual inspection. It consists ot the pinna (what we generally call the 'ear'), which is attached to a bowl-shaped structure called the concha. The concha ends at the ear canal. There are many different ear sizes and geometries. Some ears have additional features that are not shown in FIG. 5. Some ears lack some of the features that are shown in FIG. 5. Some features may be more or less prominent than are shown In FIG. 5.

[0072] While implementations have been shown and described in which the ear tip 104 and the positioning and retaining structure 118 are separately formed pieces, in some implementations, the ear tip and the positioning and retaining structure may alternatively be integrally formed, e.g., in a single molding operation. Still, in other implementations, the vibration motor(s) may be disposed in other locations, such as in the earbud. For example, the vibration motor may be arranged to rest at least partially within a user’s concha when worn. In some cases, the vibration motor is arranged to rest partially within the users concha and partially within the user’s ear canal when worn. In other implementations, the vibration motor may be arranged to sit entirely within a user’s concha cavum, when worn. [0073] For example, with reference to FIGS. 6A & 6B, another exemplary earpiece 600 for delivering VNS therapy includes an earbud 602 and an ear tip 604. The earbud 602 includes a rigid housing 606 that carries a vibration motor 608 and an electro-acoustic transducer 610. in some cases, the vibration motor may be supported on or extend through an outer surface of the housing 606, i.e., such that the vibration motor 608 directly contacts the ear tip 604. Alternatively, the vibration motor 608 may be enclosed within the housing 606, such that the vibrotactile stimulus is transmitted from the motor 608 to the housing 606, and, then, from the housing 606 to and through the ear tip 604 to the user’s concha cavum. The vibration motor 608 may be selected from the group consisting of: an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, a linear resonant actuator (LRA), a piezoelectric motor, and a haptic engine.

[0074] The housing 606 defines a nozzle 612 (FIG. 6A) that is configured to allow acoustic energy radiated from the transducer 610 to pass therethrough. The housing 606 also defines a wiring receptacle 614 that is configured to receive wiring 616 for powering the vibration motor 608 and the transducer 610. The housing 606 may have a two-piece construction and may be formed from a molded plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), PC/ABS, polyamide (PA) 6,6, or PA 12.

[0075] The ear tip 604 is an elastomeric cover that couples to the earbud 602 and provides a relatively soft contact surface for engaging the user’s ear. The eartip 604 defines a cavity 618 for receiving the earbud 602 and a hollow passage 620 that surrounds and extends the nozzle 612 (FIG. 6A) formed in the earbud 602. The nozzle 612 and hollow passage 620 together providing an acoustic path for acoustically coupling the transducer 610 to a user’s ear canal. The eartip 604 also defines an umbrella-shaped tip 622 that surrounds the hollow passage 620 and is configured to engage a users ear canal. In the illustrated example, the ear tip 604 also defines a positioning and retaining structure 624 that includes an outer leg 626 and an inner leg 628. The outer leg 626 is curved to generally follow the curve of the anti-helix at the rear of the concha of the user ^’ s ear. Although FIGS. 6A and 6B show retaining legs 626, 628 as one embodiment of the retaining structure 624, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. Any type of retaining structure is contemplated. Alternatively, the retaining structure 624 can be omitted altogether. The ear tip 604 can be made of any suitable soft, flexible materials, including, for example, silicone, polyurethane, polynorbornene (e.g., Norsorex® material available from D-NOV GmbH of Vienna, Austria), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and/or fluoroelastomer.

[0076] in some cases, the vibration motor may be arranged to be disposed in a user’s concha cavum and may be coupled to a portion of the earpiece that sits within the user’s ear canal or rests against the user’s anti-helix via a mechanical coupling such as a linkage, such that vibrotacti!e stimulation is transmitted beyond the user ^’ s concha cavum; i.e., as an alternative or in addition to providing stimulus to the user’s concha cavum.

[0077] While an implementation has been described in which the earpiece 100 includes an electro-acoustic transducer [item 114, FIG. 1 D), some implementations may not include an electro-acoustic transducer. For example, FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate an implementation in which there is no electro-acoustic transducer. Since there is no electro-acoustic transducer, there is no need for a nozzle 108, as a result the vibration motor 117 can be arranged coaxially with the protrusion 107 on the earbud 102. The vibration motor 117 is arranged to lie within a user’s ear canal when the earpiece 100 is worn. Electrical traces 121 electrically connect the vibration motor 117 to electrical contacts 119 arranged on an inner surface(s) of the ear tip 104. The electrical contacts 119 are arranged to overlie and establish an electrical contact with the electrodes 110 supported on the earbud 102.

[0078] in some cases, the earpiece may consist essentially of just and ear tip with the vibration motor, and the vibration motor may be connected to the electronics via wiring that runs between the electronics and the ear tip.

[0079] The vibration motor 117 may be configured to extend and contract along a linear axis. For example, the vibration motor 117 may be a piezoelectric motor that expands and contracts along a linear axis. With reference to FIGS. 7D and 7E, the vibration motor 117 is arranged to drive the ear tip 104 in a quadrupole motion in which the ear tip 104 expands (arrows 700, FIG. 7D) along an x-axis and contracts (arrows 702, FIG. 7D) along a y-axis when the vibration motor 117 expands, and, in which the ear tip 104 contracts (arrows 704, FIG. 7E) along the x-axis and expands (arrows 708, FIG. 7E) along the y-axis when the vibration motor 117 contracts. The ear tip 104 is arranged such that the x-axis extends through the dorsal and ventral surfaces of a user’s ear canal when the earpiece 100 is worn, so as to deliver stimulation to dorsal and/or ventral surfaces of the user’s ear canal via the movements of the vibration motor 117 and ear tip 104. In some cases, the fully contracted position, FIG. 7E, may be the rest position of the vibration motor 117.

[0080] FIG. 8 illustrates another example of an earpiece 800 that includes an earbud 802 and an ear tip 804. In the illustrated example, the earbud 800 includes a housing 806 that defines a cavity 808 within which an electro-acoustic transducer 810, a microphone 812, a battery 814, and a processor 816 are disposed. The cavity 808 is acoustically coupled to an acoustic passage in a nozzle 818 of the earbud 802, e.g., such that the electro-acoustic transducer 810 can be acoustically coupled to a user’s ear canal when the earpiece is worn.

[0081] A hollow passage 820 in the ear tip 804 is coupled to the nozzle 818. The ear tip 804 supports a vibration motor 822, e.g., for proving vibrotacti!e stimulus to the user’s vagus nerve. Electrical traces 824, e.g., electrically conductive wires, electrically connect the vibration motor 822 to electrical contact pads 826 arranged on an Inner surface of the ear tip 804, e.g., along a surface defining the hollow passage 820. The electrical contact pads 826 overlie and establish an electrical connection with electrodes 828 arranged on the surface of the earbud 802, which, in turn, are electrically coupled to the electronics, e.g., the processor 816 in the cavity 808.

[0082] The processor 816 may be configured to execute an active noise cancellation (ANC) algorithm 830. In that regard, the microphone 812 is arranged to pick up audio in the user’s ear canal. The ANC algorithm 830 uses input from the microphone 812 to provide an anti-noise signal that is used to drive the electro-acoustic transducer 810 to produce an acoustic output to cancel acoustic energy in the user’s ear canal that is attributable to the operation of the vibration motor 820.

[0083] Although implementations have been described In which an earpiece includes an earbud and an ear tip coupled to the earbud, FIG. 9 illustrates another implementation of an earpiece 900 that includes an earbud 902 without an ear tip. The earbud 902 is configured to engage a user’s ear canal directly to form an acoustic seal therebetween. The earbud 902 includes a housing 904 that defines a nozzle 906 that is configured to engage a users ear canal. The housing 904 may be formed of, e.g., molded form, a hard plastic such as those described above. The housing 904 defines a cavity 908 within which an electro-acoustic transducer 910, a microphone 912, a battery 914, and a processor 916. The cavity 908 is acoustically coupled to an acoustic passage 918 in the nozzle 906, e.g., such that the electro-acoustic transducer 910 can be acoustically coupled to a user’s ear when the earpiece is worn.

[0084] Notably, the earbud 902 may support a vibration motor 920. The vibration motor 920 may be arranged adjacent the acoustic passage 918 and is electrically coupled to the electronics, e.g., the processor 816 in the cavity 808, via electrical traces (not shown). The earbud 902 Is configured to be received within a user’s ear canal and such that the vibration motor 920 is at least partially disposed within the ear canal.

[0085] As in the implementation discussed above with respect to FIG. 8, the processor 916 of the implementation of FIG. 9 may be configured to execute an active noise cancellation (ANC) algorithm 930. In that regard, the microphone 912 is arranged to pick up audio in the user’s ear canal. The ANC algorithm 930 uses input from the microphone 912 to provide an anti-noise signal that is used to drive the electro-acoustic transducer 910 to produce an acoustic output to cancel acoustic energy in the user’s ear canal that is attributable to the operation of the vibration motor 920.

[0086] FIGS. 10A-10G illustrates an example of an open audio device 1000 that is configured as an open earphone. The open audio device 1000 illustrated in FIGS. 10A- 10G is specifically designed to be carried on the right ear. An open audio device for the left ear would be a mirror image that that shown. The open audio device 1000 is carried by outer ear and portions and of the head that are adjacent to the ear, as is further described elsewhere herein. Open audio device 1000 comprises acoustic module 1002 that is configured to locate sound-emitting opening 1004 above the ear canal opening, which is behind (i.e., generally underneath) ear tragus. Acoustic module 1002 has inner face 1006 and opposed outer face 1008. Advantageously, positioning the acoustic module 1002 above the ear canal opening leaves the ear canal opening unobstructed when viewed from both the side and front, which visually signals to others around the user that the user is open and able to interact with his or her environment. In an example acoustic module 1002 has a second sound -emitting opening 1010 that is farther from the ear canal than opening 1004. Openings 1004 and 1010 can emit sound from opposite sides (front and back) of an electro-acoustic transducer 1012 and so the sounds are out of phase. The out of phase sounds will tend to cancel in the far field and so the openings act like a low-frequency dipole. However, opening 1004 is close enough to the ear canal that its sound is not cancelled before it reaches the ear.

[0087] The acoustic module 1002 supports the electro-acoustic transducer 1012 as well as a vibration motor 1014. The vibration motor 1014 is arranged such that it overlies the user’s cymba concha when worn; i.e., such that vibrotactile stimulation from the vibration motor 1014 is transmitted to the user’s cymba concha. The vibration motor 1014 may be selected from the group consisting of: an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor, a linear resonant actuator (LRA), a piezoelectric motor, and a haptic motor/engine. A battery 1015 (FIG. 10B) may be disposed within the housing 1020 for powering the transducer 1012 and the vibration motor 1014 and control electronics that may be housed in the acoustic module 1002 and/or in the housing 1020. The control electronics can be used to control the vibration motor 1014 and the transducer 1012.

[0088] Audio device 1000 further includes body 1016 that is configured to be worn on or abutting outer ear such that body 1016 contacts the outer ear and/or the portion of the head that is just behind and abuts the outer ear, at two or more separate, spaced contact locations. Audio device 1000 is configured to gently grip the outer ear, the portion of the head just in front of the acoustic module 1002, and the portion of the head just behind the rear of outer ear, as shown, for example, in FIG. 11 .

[0089] Open audio device body 1016 comprises curved bridge portion 1018, and housing 1020 with free distal end 1028. Bridge 1018 merges smoothly into acoustic module 1002, e.g., as shown in FIG. 10B, such that the beginning of the outer surface 1022 of bridge 1018 is tangent to the front curved portion of acoustic module 1002. Bridge 1018 is thinner than housing 1020. One reason is so that room is available for eyeglass temple pieces to still fit on the ear when a user is wearing the open audio device. In an example body 1016 is an integral molded plastic member. In an example body 1016 is made of another stiff material, such as metal. Body 1016 is in an example relatively stiff but may have some compliance in bridge portion 1018 as described below. Body 1016 is generally configured to be located behind the outer ear. Gap 1024 between body 1016 and acoustic module 1002 is generally sized and shaped to allow the upper portion of outer ear to fit through the opening, with the upper end 1026 of gap 1024 located such that the upper end of the helix is fitted in gap portion 1026. The upper end of the helix thus becomes a point about which open audio device 1000 can pivot or rotate.

[0090] Almost all of body 1016 sits behind the ear, along the intersection of the back of the ear and the head. Body 1016 is sized, shaped, contoured and angled relative to acoustic module 1002 such that body 1016 generally follows the shape and contour of the ear-head intersection and contacts the ear and/or head along much of the length of body 1016, almost to free distal end 1028. At the same time body 1016 slightly pushes the back of the outer ear out or away from the head. This bend of the ear causes a slight force against body 1016 that tends to push it against the head. Acoustic module 1002 has an inner face 1006 that is configured to sit against the front portion of outer ear (e.g., against one or more of fossa, anti-helix, crus of helix, and helix) as well as the portion of the head that is located Immediately anteriorly of ear portion. The portion of acoustic module 1002 proximate the uppermost point 1030 of inside surface 1032 of body 1016 may sit under helix.

[0091] The head and the upper portion of the ear are stiffer than is the back of the outer ear. Since acoustic module 1002 is sitting against a hard surface it is not able to move closer to the head. This forces body 1016 to push out into outer ear, which creates an opposing force that tends to rotate open audio device 1000 about point 1030. This results in three constraining device anchoring locations, which include the device contacting the helix around point 1030, the acoustic module 1002 resting against the ear and head, and the body 1016 pushing toward the head due to the slightly bent soft part of the ear. The flexibility of the outer ear loads/preloads these three points to ensure they are always experiencing a normal force. The flexibility of fhe outer ear thus contributes to a stable yet comfortable fit of open audio device 1000. Also, since the three anchoring locations are not linear they generally define the apices of a triangle, which creates greater stability than if the anchor locations were aligned. Open audio device 1000 is thus gently but firmly held on the head, even when the head moves.

Open audio devices that are configured to be carried on or proximate the ear in a similar manner are disclosed in U.S. patent application serial number 62/952,873 filed on December 23, 2019, the complete entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0092] With reference to FIGS. 12A-12E, in some implementations, the open audio device 1000 may include a protrusion 1200 that extends outwardly from the inner face 1006 of the acoustic module 1002. The vibration motor 1014 is supported in or coupled to the protrusion 1200 so as to vibrate the protrusion 1200. The protrusion 1200 is positioned such that it extends into the user’s cymba concha when the device 1000 is worn; Le., such that vibrotactiie stimulation from the vibration motor 1014 is transmitted to the users cymba concha via the protrusion 1200.

[0093] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that additional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concepts described herein, and, accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.