Patents Examined by Brenda Bernardi
  • Patent number: 10219093
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and wearable computing and audio devices for communication audio. More specifically, disclosed are an apparatus and a method for processing audio signals to include spatially modulated message audio signals as a portion of a monaural signal. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a message for a loudspeaker. The method can determine whether an audio signal is in communication with the loudspeaker and a type of a message of the message. Message audio for the message can be spatially modulated as a function of the type of message. A mono-spatial audio signal can be formed based on the audio signal and the spatially-modulated message. Thus, a monaural audio signal can be modulated to generate mono-spatial effects for presenting the messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Luna
  • Patent number: 9972067
    Abstract: A method for three-dimensional point cloud registration includes generating a first upsampled three-dimensional point cloud by identifying at least one missing point in the three-dimensional point cloud, determining an intensity of neighboring pixels, filling the at least one missing point in the three-dimensional point cloud with a filler point using depth information from depth values in the three-dimensional point cloud that correspond with the neighboring pixels, generating a second upsampled three-dimensional point cloud by determining at least one local area of the first upsampled three-dimensional point cloud, determining entropies of pixels in the two-dimensional image that correspond with the at least one local area, adding at least one point to the at least one local area based on the entropies of pixels in the two-dimensional image and a scaled entropy threshold, and registering the second upsampled three-dimensional point cloud with a predetermined three-dimensional model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Hyukseong Kwon, Kyungnam Kim
  • Patent number: 9943225
    Abstract: An AMD prediction model utilizes an OCT image estimation model. The OCT image estimation module is created by segmenting an OCT image to generate an OCT projection image for each of multiple biological layers; extracting from each of the generated OCT projection images a first set of features; extracting a second set of features from an input retinal fundus image; for each respective biological layer, registering the input retinal fundus image to the respective OCT projection image by matching at least some of the second set of features with corresponding ones of the first set of features; repeating the above with changes to the input retinal fundus image; and modelling how the changes to the input retinal fundus image are manifest at the correspondingly registered projection images. Estimated OCT projection images can then be generated for the multiple biological layers from a given retinal fundus image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rajib Chakravorty, Rahil Garnavi, Dwarikanath Mahapatra, Pallab Roy, Suman Sedai
  • Patent number: 9922635
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method, including: detecting, using one or more audio capture devices, nuisance audio; receiving, from one or more device sensors, contextual information; determining a mitigating audio signal based on the nuisance audio and contextual information; thereafter, emitting, from one or more audio source devices, mitigating audio into an interior space. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Aaron Michael Stewart, Rod D. Waltermann
  • Patent number: 9913035
    Abstract: A speaker system may include a dome-shaped shell defining an internal cavity, a receiver configured to receive audio signals from a wireless-enabled device and positioned in the internal cavity, and a plurality of speakers positioned at least partially within the internal cavity and in audio communication with the receiver, wherein the wireless receiver and speakers are configured to project audio outward of the dome-shaped shell. At least some of the plurality of speakers are facing outward of the dome-shaped shell. Some of the plurality of speakers could also be downward facing. The shell can take the form of a sports helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Audio Icons, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Clark, Ted Mayer
  • Patent number: 9906859
    Abstract: A system that performs noise estimation for an audio adjustment application comprises a coherence calculator that determines at least one coherence value between microphone signals generated by at least two microphones that each independently senses acoustic energy in a listening space. A first microphone of the at least two microphones generates a first microphone signal from the acoustic energy and a second microphone of the at least two microphones generates a second microphone signal from the acoustic energy. The acoustic energy comprises a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and environmental noise of the acoustic energy that is local to the listening space. A noise estimate computation processor determines an estimate of a level of the environmental noise based on the at least one coherence value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: BOSE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zukui Song, Shiufun Cheung
  • Patent number: 9893696
    Abstract: An example method may involve a device determining a first loudness representation for a playback device based on a first equalization setting applied to a representation of average music. The device may also determine a second loudness representation for the playback device, based on a second equalization setting applied to the representation of average music. The device may also determine a loudness adjustment factor based on the first and second loudness representations, and then causing the playback device to play back media based on the second equalization setting and the determined loudness adjustment factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Hartung, Matthew Buoni, Romi Kadri
  • Patent number: 9888314
    Abstract: A device has a standard female audio connector that is capable of receiving four-pole male connectors and three-pole male connectors and implements: means (CTRL, VCC, S1) for selectively transmitting a DC power supply signal via a first pin (DP1) of said connector; means (CTRL, ANC) for selectively activating a cancellation mechanism for ambient noise from digital audio signals that are intended to be received, via the first pin, in a manner superimposed on said DC power supply signal; means (CTRL, MIF) for selectively transmitting via a second pin of said connector, in a manner superimposed on said audio signals, a timing clock that is intended for digital microphones (DML, DMR) or other sensors; means (CTRL) for configuring itself vis-à-vis the DC power supply signal, the ambient noise cancellation mechanism and the timing clock, according to a determined type of listening device that is effectively connected via said connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: FRANCE BREVETS
    Inventors: Frédéric Garreau, Erwan Nogues, Mathieu Chacun, Simon Lebreton
  • Patent number: 9883302
    Abstract: A system is provided for identifying a source of an audible nuisance in a vehicle. The system includes a device including a camera configured to receive a visual dataset, and to generate a camera signal in response thereto. The system includes a dock configured to removably couple to the device. The dock includes a microphone array configured to receive the audible nuisance, and to generate a microphone signal in response thereto. The system includes a processor module configured to be communicatively coupled with the device and the dock. The processor module is configured to generate a raw soundmap signal in response to the microphone signal. The processor module is configured to combine the camera signal and the raw soundmap signal, and to generate a camera/soundmap overlay signal in response to combining the camera signal and the raw soundmap signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Vincent DeChellis
  • Patent number: 9883318
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for digitally processing audio signals in two-channel audio systems and/or applications. In particular, the present invention includes a first filter structured to split a two-channel audio input signal into a low frequency signal and a higher frequency signal. A M/S splitter is then structured to split the higher frequency signal into a middle and a side signal. A detection module is then configured to create a detection signal from the middle signal, which is used in a compression module configured to modulate the side signal to create a gain-modulated side signal. A processing module is then structured to combine the low frequency signal, middle signal, and the gain-modulated side signal to form a final output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Bongiovi Acoustics LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Bongiovi, Glenn Zelniker, Joseph G. Butera
  • Patent number: 9877112
    Abstract: An audio system includes an audio panel. The audio panel includes a first face plate, a second face plate, and a core that includes a plurality of structural members that extend between the first face plate and the second face plate. The plurality of structural members define a plurality of cavities in the core. The audio system also includes a first piezoelectric actuator mounted to at least one of the first face plate, the second face plate, and the core. The first piezoelectric actuator is configured to convert electrical signals into mechanical energy to cause the audio panel to generate sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Prakhar Srivastava, Mitchell Anthony Markow, Douglas Jarrett Peeler, Andrew Thomas Sultenfuss
  • Patent number: 9867591
    Abstract: An infrasonic stethoscope for monitoring physiological processes of a patient includes a microphone capable of detecting acoustic signals in the audible frequency bandwidth and in the infrasonic bandwidth (0.03 to 1000 Hertz), a body coupler attached to the body at a first opening in the microphone, a flexible tube attached to the body at a second opening in the microphone, and an earpiece attached to the flexible tube. The body coupler is capable of engagement with a patient to transmit sounds from the person, to the microphone and then to the earpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Adminstrator of NASA
    Inventors: Qamar A. Shams, Allan J. Zuckerwar, Albert L. Dimarcantonio
  • Patent number: 9872119
    Abstract: Techniques described herein may involve dynamically adjusting the equalization of multiple speakers in a playback device. An example implementation involves a playback device emitting, via a first speaker, a first audio signal and emitting, via a second speaker, a second audio signal. The playback device may detect, via a microphone, an audio signal representing (i) at least a portion of the first audio signal and (ii) at least a portion of the second audio signal. The implementation may further involve the playback device determining one or more reflection characteristics based on the detected audio signal. The example implementation may also involve identifying a first audio setting and a second audio setting based on one or more reflection characteristics and applying (i) the first audio setting to playback of media content via the first speaker and (ii) the second audio setting to playback of media content via the second speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Bush
  • Patent number: 9865054
    Abstract: An evaluation method of a spheroid comprises specifying a spheroid region taken up by the spheroid out of the image including the spheroid and a surrounding region thereof, obtaining an average value of an optical density of the spheroid and a magnitude of a variation of the optical density in the spheroid from an image density of the spheroid region, obtaining a circularity of the spheroid from a contour of the spheroid region, obtaining a sharpness of the spheroid from the image densities of the spheroid and the surrounding region thereof, and obtaining the collapse degree of the spheroid by substituting the average value of the optical density, the magnitude of the variation of the optical density, the circularity and the sharpness into a predetermined operational expression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SCREEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiro Tsumura
  • Patent number: 9866965
    Abstract: Various aspects of a speaker system and a method for auto-configuration of the speaker system is disclosed herein. The speaker system includes an electronic device, which reproduce a first audio in a first speaker configuration. A first sound reproduction device is detected within a pre-defined range of the electronic device. Based on the detection, the first audio is communicated to the first sound reproduction device by the electronic device. The first speaker configuration is modified to a second speaker configuration to reproduce the communicated first audio at the first sound reproduction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Friedlander, David Young, Hyehoon Yi, Marvin Demerchant
  • Patent number: 9858946
    Abstract: Disclosed is a signal processing apparatus that processes an input signal to accurately detect an abrupt change in the input signal in accordance with the degree of linear change of a phase component in a frequency domain. The signal processing apparatus includes a converter that converts the input signal into the phase component and an amplitude component in the frequency domain, a linearity calculator that calculates the linearity of the phase component in the frequency domain, and a determiner that determines presence of the abrupt change in the input signal based on the linearity calculated by the linearity calculator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: NEC Corporation, Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Sugiyama, Kwangsoo Park, Ryoji Miyahara
  • Patent number: 9860637
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for facilitating communication within vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a vehicle includes a passenger cabin, a receiver, and a processor. The receiver is configured to receive signals, within the passenger cabin, from one more electronic device microphones inside the passenger cabin. Each of the electronic device microphones comprises a microphone of an electronic device of a user inside the passenger cabin. The processor is coupled to the receiver, and is configured to at least facilitate generating one or more zones of communication using the received signals from the electronic device microphones inside the passenger cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Xu Fang Zhao, Gaurav Talwar, Md Foezur Rahman Chowdhury
  • Patent number: 9859860
    Abstract: The utility model provides a compressor system with an equalizer (EQ). The compressor system includes a signal input device in signal communication with the EQ and a compressor. The compressor system further includes a signal output device in signal communication with the compressor. The compressor includes a signal detection module. In the system, an electrical level threshold of a full-band audio signal is setup in the compressor, and the value of electrical level of the input signal is detected by the signal detection module. After comparison of electrical level threshold and the value of electrical level, the system determines whether the compressor is activated or deactivated. The system can achieve the technology effect of effectively compressing and limiting the audio signal of a different frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: PREMIUM LOUDSPEAKERS (HUI ZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiang Feng Jin
  • Patent number: 9852745
    Abstract: Technologies are described for identifying familiar or interesting parts of music content by analyzing changes in vocal power using frequency spectrums. For example, a frequency spectrum can be generated from digitized audio. Using the frequency spectrum, the harmonic content and percussive content can be separated. The vocal content can then be separated from the harmonic and/or percussive content. The vocal content can then be processed to identify surge points in the digitized audio. In some implementations, the vocal content is included in the harmonic content during the separation procedure and is then separated from the harmonic content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Stewart Paul Tootill, Kevin Lingley, David Niall Coghlan, Michal Vine, Linden Vongsathorn
  • Patent number: 9854357
    Abstract: A method may be provided for powering up or down a playback path comprising a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for generating a non-ground-centered analog intermediate voltage centered at a common-mode voltage and coupled to a driver for generating a ground-centered playback path output voltage at an output of the driver wherein the output of the driver is clamped via a finite impedance to a ground voltage. The method may include transitioning continuously or in a plurality of discrete steps the analog intermediate voltage from an initial voltage to the common-mode voltage such that the transitioning is substantially inaudible at the output of the driver. A method for operating an output clamp of an output driver stage of a playback path may include transitioning continuously or in a plurality of discrete steps an impedance of the output clamp in order to match an output offset of the output driver stage in order to minimize audio artifacts appearing at an output of the output driver stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Tejasvi Das, Anand Ilango