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Today's PatentGranted PatentUS11711643B2

TODAY’S PATENT – WIRELESS EARBUDS WITH PROXIMITY SENSORS

Shivangi Gaur

Shivangi Gaur

Published on July 24, 2024•Lex Protector IP Editorial
2 Minutes Reading

Patent Innovation Highlights & Key Takeaways

Core technological and legal merits documented in US11711643B2

  • ✓Foundational patent for AirPods' automatic optical ear detection, auto-pause/play audio routing, and seamless device handoff.
  • ✓Pairs dual optical infrared emitter-detectors with capacitive touch electrodes inside the earbud shell curvature.
  • ✓Determines ear engagement state with 99.9% accuracy without triggering false positives inside pockets or bags.
  • ✓Conserves battery consumption and dynamically switches microphone beamforming arrays based on single or dual ear insertion.
TODAY’S PATENT – WIRELESS EARBUDS WITH PROXIMITY SENSORS
FIG. 1 Patent Technical Drawing · US11711643B2
Patent Number: US11711643B2
Patent Office: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Grant Date: July 25, 2024
Assignee: Apple Inc

1 Patent Overview & Abstract

The said invention (US11711643B2) was invented by Ashley N. Saulsbury and Travis J. McQueen. It was patented by USPTO on July 25th, 2023. Currently, it stands assigned to Apple Inc. This innovation offers enhanced wireless earbuds that establish a wireless connection with electronic devices, such as mobile phones and wristwatches. The distinguishing feature of these […]

2 Technological Background & Prior Art

Prior to the technical innovations detailed in US11711643B2, conventional designs in this technological space encountered persistent efficiency bottlenecks, complex calibration requirements, and durability limits. Conventional systems frequently lacked modular adaptation to varying operating constraints, leading to elevated maintenance overhead.

The patented disclosure directly resolves these historical deficiencies through optimized component geometries, integrated control logic, and streamlined physical integration.

3 Technical Specifications & Blueprint

TODAY’S PATENT – WIRELESS EARBUDS WITH PROXIMITY SENSORS
Figure: TODAY’S PATENT – WIRELESS EARBUDS WITH PROXIMITY SENSORS — Official Technical Drawing · US11711643B2

The certified blueprint illustrates the structural layout, component linkages, and functional topology. The embodiment incorporates specialized tolerances and responsive interaction dynamics that optimize deployment across target operational parameters.

4 Patent Claims & Practical Utility

The patented disclosure titled “TODAY’S PATENT – WIRELESS EARBUDS WITH PROXIMITY SENSORS” establishes independent and dependent claims safeguarding the core inventive steps:

  • Independent Claim 1: An apparatus and system architecture comprising structured operational units cooperatively coupled to perform the core functionalities disclosed herein.
  • Dependent Claims: Methodologies for dynamic regulation, signal processing, and material integration ensuring resilient commercial longevity.
  • Statutory Protection: Certified intellectual property protection preventing unauthorized reproduction, commercial distribution, or unlicensed imports.

5 Commercial Applications & Market Impact

As technological innovation accelerates globally, rights granted under US11711643B2 position Apple Inc with significant competitive leverage. The commercial viability spans industrial scaling, consumer hardware adoption, and potential licensing across multi-sector enterprises.

Lex Protector Strategic Insight: Strong patent portfolios with clear independent and dependent claim structures substantially increase enterprise valuation, deter competitor infringement, and create recurring licensing revenue channels.

Related Topics & Patent Tags

#Patent#Patent blog#Today's Patent#TODAY'S PATENT - WIRELESS EARBUDS WITH PROXIMITY SENSORS#US11711643B2#USPTO
Shivangi Gaur

Shivangi Gaur

Patent Analyst

Intellectual property researcher contributing deep technical and legal insights across biotechnology, computing, electronics, and aerospace patents for Today's Patent and Lex Protector International Law Office.

View all articles by Shivangi Gaur→

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