Patents Examined by Joseph Saunders, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11288035
    Abstract: An audio signal processor includes a first block including a first input interface and a first output interface, and a second block including a second input interface and a second output interface. The audio signal processor further includes a routing matrix that is connected to each of the first input interface, the first output interface, the second input interface, and the second output interface. The routing matrix outputs a signal inputted from each of the first output interface and the second output interface, to each of the first input interface and the second input interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Noto
  • Patent number: 11288037
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly includes an adjustment knob configured to be rotated about an axis, a potentiometer, and an adapter configured to be disposed between and coupled to both the adjustment knob and the potentiometer. The adapter is configured to be rotated about the axis to move the potentiometer from a first position along the axis to a second position along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Beng Kwang Tan, Boon Kheng Hooi, Murali Kuyimbil, Wai Mun Lee
  • Patent number: 11268848
    Abstract: In-ear sound pressure level, SPL, is determined that is caused by output audio being converted into sound by a headset worn by a user. The in-ear SPL is converted into a sound sample having units that are suitable for evaluating sound noise exposure. These operations are repeated to produce a sequence of sound samples during playback. This sequence of sound samples is then written to a secure database. Access to the database is authorized by the user. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jakub Mazur, Tyrone T. Chen, Hang Zhang
  • Patent number: 11269588
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a universal serial bus (USB) port configured to be wiredly attached to an external audio device, a processor operatively connected to the USB port, and a memory operatively connected to the processor. The memory stores a media application to play audio data, and stores instructions that when executed, cause the processor to play the audio data through the media application, sense an event associated with detachment from the external audio device while the audio data is being played, pause playing the audio data, in response to that the event is sensed, identify whether a device the same as the external audio device is attached within a specified time after the event is sensed, and play the audio data, which is paused, through the media application, when the device the same as the external audio device is attached within the specified time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wookwang Lee, Dongrak Shin, Hyomin Oh, Chul Kang, Taeuk Park, Hyungsik Park, Mira Seo
  • Patent number: 11262970
    Abstract: Media content can be created and/or modified using a network-accessible platform. Scripts for content-based experiences could be readily created using one or more interfaces generated by the network-accessible platform. For example, a script for a content-based experience could be created using an interface that permits triggers to be inserted directly into the script. Interface(s) may also allow different media formats to be easily aligned for post-processing. For example, a transcript and an audio file may be dynamically aligned so that the network-accessible platform can globally reflect changes made to either item. User feedback may also be presented directly on the interface(s) so that modifications can be made based on actual user experiences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Descript, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Surmacz Rubin, Ulf Schwekendiek, David John Williams
  • Patent number: 11256472
    Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. A computing device stores reference song characterization data and receives digital audio data. The computing device determines whether the digital audio data represents music and then performs a different process to recognize that the digital audio data represents a particular reference song. The computing device then outputs an indication of the particular reference song.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Dominik Roblek, Blaise Hilary Aguera-Arcas, Thomas W. Hume, Marvin Karl Ritter, Brandon Charles Barbello, Kevin I. Kilgour, Mihajlo Velimirović, Christopher Thornton, Gabriel Oak Taubman, James David Lyon, Jan Heinrich Althaus, Katsiaryna Naliuka, Julian James Odell, Matthew Sharifi, Beat Gfeller
  • Patent number: 11245997
    Abstract: A headphone volume control method calculates a level of a sound signal, which is captured by a microphone, during a first period, determines a target value of a sound volume based on the above-mentioned level, and gradually changes a reproduction volume of content to be reproduced to the above-mentioned target value over a second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noriyuki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 11244683
    Abstract: A synchronised soundtrack for an audiobook. The soundtrack has a soundtrack timeline having one or more audio regions that are configured for synchronised playback with corresponding narration regions in the audiobook playback timeline. Each audio region having a position along the soundtrack timeline that is dynamically adjustable to maintain synchronization of the audio regions of the soundtrack with their respective narration regions in the audiobook based on a narration speed variable indicative of the playback narration speed of the audiobook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Booktrack Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Paul Charles Cameron, Craig Andrew Wilson, Brock David Moore, Mark Anthony Buer
  • Patent number: 11234077
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces and techniques for managing audio exposure using a computer system (e.g., an electronic device). In accordance with some embodiments, the electronic device displays a graphical indication of a noise exposure level over a first period of time with an area of the graphical indication that is colored to represent the noise exposure level, the color of the area transitioning from a first color to a second color when the noise exposure level exceeds a first threshold. In accordance with some embodiments, the electronic device displays noise exposure levels attributable to a first output device type and a second output device type and, in response to selecting a filtering affordance, visually distinguishes a set of noise exposure levels attributable to the second output device type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Felton, Tyrone Chen, Elizabeth Caroline Cranfill, Ian M. Fisch, Eamon Francis Gilravi, Pedro Mari, John Woodruff, Jing Xia
  • Patent number: 11228835
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces and techniques for managing audio exposure using a computer system (e.g., an electronic device). In accordance with some embodiments, the electronic device displays a graphical indication of a noise exposure level over a first period of time with an area of the graphical indication that is colored to represent the noise exposure level, the color of the area transitioning from a first color to a second color when the noise exposure level exceeds a first threshold. In accordance with some embodiments, the electronic device displays noise exposure levels attributable to a first output device type and a second output device type and, in response to selecting a filtering affordance, visually distinguishes a set of noise exposure levels attributable to the second output device type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Felton, Ramsey Deeb Abouzahra, Taylor G. Carrigan, Tyrone Chen, Nathan De Vries, Eamon Francis Gilravi, Ruchi Goswami, Jakub Mazur, Hang Zhang
  • Patent number: 11223899
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces and techniques for managing audio exposure using a computer system (e.g., an electronic device). In accordance with some embodiments, the electronic device displays a graphical indication of a noise exposure level over a first period of time with an area of the graphical indication that is colored to represent the noise exposure level, the color of the area transitioning from a first color to a second color when the noise exposure level exceeds a first threshold. In accordance with some embodiments, the electronic device displays noise exposure levels attributable to a first output device type and a second output device type and, in response to selecting a filtering affordance, visually distinguishes a set of noise exposure levels attributable to the second output device type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Felton, Eamon Francis Gilravi, Ruchi Goswami, David Harrison, Jakub Mazur, Aroon Pahwa, Andriy Suden
  • Patent number: 11215500
    Abstract: A digital signal processing method for ambient sound acoustic dosimetry. Strength of a microphone signal generated by a watch worn by a user is determined and converted into a sound sample having units for sound noise exposure. This is repeated multiple times to produce a time sequence of sound samples that is written to a secure database access to which is authorized by the user. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jakub Mazur, Tyrone T. Chen, Hang Zhang
  • Patent number: 11218828
    Abstract: Performing an audio transparency mode of an information handling system (IHS), including performing a calibration and configuration of an audio noise source identification model, including: training the audio noise source identification model, including generating a configuration policy including configuration rules for performing computer-implemented actions for providing a particular noise source through an audio output of the IHS, providing a notification of the particular noise source to devices associated with the user, or both; performing a steady-state monitoring of the IHS, including: identifying a particular noise source of environment of the IHS; and in response: identifying configuration rules of the audio noise source identification model based on the identified particular noise source, applying the configuration rules to perform computer-implemented actions to provide the particular noise source through the audio output of the IHS, provide a notification of the particular noise source to the devi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Chia Hung Shih, Vivek Viswanathan Iyer, Jing Yuan Lin, Yi-Tsen Kao
  • Patent number: 11210058
    Abstract: A sound system for providing independently variable audio outputs is disclosed herein. The sound system may include a display device, an audio system, and a transmitter. The display device may receive an audio signal and transmit the audio signal to the audio system and the transmitter. The audio system may condition the audio signal based on different settings provided by users. The transmitter may wirelessly transmit conditioned audio signals to one or more audio devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: TV Ears, Inc.
    Inventor: George Joseph Dennis
  • Patent number: 11194544
    Abstract: For adjusting speaker volume based on a future noise event, a method identifies, by a first electronic device, a future noise event. The method communicates the noise mitigation alert to a second electronic device. The method further adjusts, by the second electronic device, the speaker volume concurrent with the commencement of the future noise event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: LENOVO (Singapore) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Mark Patrick Delaney, John C. Mese, Nathan J. Peterson, Russell Speight VanBlon, Arnold S. Weksler
  • Patent number: 11188294
    Abstract: Examples described herein relate to transitioning a playback session between portable playback devices such as “smart” headphones, earbuds, and handheld speakers with playback devices of a zone-based media playback system. Exemplary techniques facilitate continuity of playback when transitioning between locations (e.g., from at home to on-the-go or vice versa) or between listening paradigms (e.g., personal or out-loud playback of audio content). An example implementation includes detecting a swap trigger, determining the source playback device(s) and target playback device(s), and performing a playback session swap between the source playback device(s) and target playback device(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Dayn Wilberding, Youjin Nam, Tadeo T. Toulis, Jonathan Cole Harris, Patrick Devine, Nicholas A. J. Millington, Jodi Vautrin, Maria-Jose Ramos, Richard Bannon, Michael Sheldon, Ted Lin, Ron Kuper, Kirsten Lewis, Jake Harwood, Jonathan Herbst, Daniel Jones, Henry Sia
  • Patent number: 11188288
    Abstract: Provided is a control device including a control unit that executes a process of causing a speaker to stop speaking on a device toward which the speaker speaks on a basis of a result obtained by analyzing speech content based on a result of the speaker speaking toward the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Kawano, Miwa Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 11188295
    Abstract: An example technique includes a computing system storing media item identifiers of curated media items associated with one or more service providers. A media curating service aggregates the media item identifiers of curated media items. The example technique further involves receiving, from a media playback system, a first message comprising a service provider access identifier. The service provider access identifier is based on a user account of the media playback system registered to at least one service provider. Based on receiving the first message, the computing system determines media item identifiers of curated media items that are associated with the at least one service provider with which the user account of the media playback system is registered and causes the media playback system to play back the curated media items based on the determined media item identifiers of the curated media items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Kuper
  • Patent number: 11175885
    Abstract: A method for controlling a display apparatus includes: based on a communication connection with an audio device being established through a first interface, transmitting, to the audio device, audio setup information of the display apparatus; based on receiving a first audio signal comprising a plurality of channels from an external server, transmitting a second audio signal comprising the plurality of channels to the audio device; receiving, from the audio device, a third audio signal comprising a height channel obtained from the second audio signal based on the audio setup information of the display apparatus; and outputting the received third audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jinman Kim
  • Patent number: 11169771
    Abstract: Provided herein are system, apparatus, device, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for transmitting messages to a display device based on detected audio output from the display device. In a given embodiment, a digital media player can transmit a message to the display device to control the audio output of the speaker using a transmission protocol, and transmit a set of instructions to the remote control device to confirm the display device processed the message by determining whether an attribute associated with the audio output from the speaker is within a predetermined threshold. In response to receiving a message that an attribute associated with the audio output is within a predetermined threshold, the digital media player can determine that the display device is enabled to receive communication via the transmission protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Martin Daly