# How Wireless Earbuds Detect Hand Gestures Using Invisible Light or Sound

> A system for wireless earbuds that uses pulses of infrared light or ultrasound to detect hand movements near the ear, allowing users to control devices without touching them.

- **Patent:** US 9949013
- **Original title:** Near field gesture control system and method
- **Owner:** Bragi GmbH
- **Granted:** 2018
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 1
- **Field:** consumer_electronics, mechanical, telecommunications

## What it does

This patent describes a way for small earbuds to 'see' hand gestures by bouncing invisible energy pulses off a user's fingers. The earbud contains an emitter that sends out pulses of infrared light or ultrasound and a detector that measures how those pulses bounce back. To save battery, the device normally pulses slowly, but it automatically speeds up the sampling rate once it detects an object nearby. The processor then analyzes these reflections to figure out if you swiped your finger or tapped the device, even while underwater.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover gesture control that relies on physical touch or mechanical buttons.
- Does not cover gesture detection that uses external cameras or sensors located outside the earbud housing.
- Does not cover voice-activated commands or speech recognition.
- Does not cover gesture systems that do not use a proximity-based sampling rate adjustment.

## The clever bit

The system saves significant power by dynamically increasing the sampling rate only when an object is detected, rather than constantly pinging at high frequency.

## Real-world examples

1. Bragi Dash Pro
2. Modern waterproof true wireless earbuds with touch-free interfaces

## Why it matters

As earbuds have become smaller, physical buttons have become difficult to use, especially during exercise or while swimming. This technology provides a way to control audio or phone functions without needing a screen or tactile switches, which is essential for waterproof, button-less wearable designs.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How Wireless Earbuds Detect Hand Gestures Using Invisible Light or Sound cover?

A system for wireless earbuds that uses pulses of infrared light or ultrasound to detect hand movements near the ear, allowing users to control devices without touching them.

### Who owns patent US 9949013?

Bragi GmbH owns this patent, granted in 2018.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on April 17, 2038, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 9949013 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

As earbuds have become smaller, physical buttons have become difficult to use, especially during exercise or while swimming. This technology provides a way to control audio or phone functions without needing a screen or tactile switches, which is essential for waterproof, button-less wearable designs.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover gesture control that relies on physical touch or mechanical buttons.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9949013/airpods-charging-case

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US9949013

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._