Patents Examined by Mark Fischer
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Patent number: 10743107Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving audio signals representative of speech via multiple audio channels transmitted from corresponding multiple distributed devices, designating one of the audio channels as a reference channel, and for each of the remaining audio channels, determine a difference in time from the reference channel, and correcting each remaining audio channel by compensating for the corresponding difference in time from the reference channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Takuya Yoshioka, Andreas Stolcke, Zhuo Chen, Dimitrios Basile Dimitriadis, Nanshan Zeng, Lijuan Qin, William Isaac Hinthorn, Xuedong Huang
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Patent number: 10734965Abstract: Disclosed herein are example techniques to facilitate calibrating a portable playback device. An example implementation involves determining that a playback device is to perform an equalization calibration of the playback device and initiating the equalization calibration. Initiating the equalization calibration involves (i) outputting audio content, (ii) capturing audio data representing reflections of the audio content within an area in which the playback device is located, (iii) determining an acoustic response of the area in which the playback device is located, (iv) selecting a stored acoustic response from the acoustic response database that is most similar to the determined acoustic response of the area in which the playback device is located, and (v) applying to the audio content, via the playback device, a set of stored audio calibration settings associated with the selected stored acoustic area response.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: SONOS, INC.Inventors: Patrick McPherson, Aurelio Rafael Ramos
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Patent number: 10735883Abstract: A sound effect controlling method and a sound outputting device with orthogonal base correction are provided. The sound effect controlling method includes the following steps. Firstly, 6 or 8 initial sound signals are generated according to an original left sound signal and an original right sound signal. Next, a first gain is calculated according to a rotation angle and a first axial angle, and a second gain is calculated according to the rotation angle and a second axial angle, wherein the first axial angle and the second axial angle are orthogonal. Lastly, a modified left sound signal and a modified right sound signal are obtained according to the first gain and the second gain.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: ACER INCORPORATEDInventors: Po-Jen Tu, Jia-Ren Chang, Kai-Meng Tzeng
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Patent number: 10728668Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for headset neckbands and earloops are described. In one example, a neckband for use with a headset is described. The neckband includes a first neckband end for coupling with a left earloop and a second neckband end for coupling with a right earloop. The neckband includes a neckband length along an x-axis between the first neckband end and the second neckband end. The neckband length has a variable height in a y-axis direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Mainini, Chase Patrick Bailey, Bowman Wang
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Patent number: 10728690Abstract: An iterative method for finding which user characteristic data should be used for pruning a database of available HRTFs before selecting an HRTF from the database for a target user (target listener.) The selected HRTF is expected to be the one that is more suitable for target user. This is also referred to as having “personalized” the HRTF selection process for the target user. This is not about computing a suitable HRTF but rather how to use the user characteristic data to improve the chances of selecting the most appropriate one from a database of available HRTFs. Other aspects are also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Jonathan D. Sheaffer, Martin E. Johnson, Peter V. Jupin
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Patent number: 10720143Abstract: A sound making device and system for generating white noise is disclosed. The sound making device generally includes a substantially dome-shaped device that includes an outer acoustic shell and an inner acoustic shell mounted atop a base tray. Both the outer acoustic shell and inner acoustic shell have slots (or openings) that overlap to create apertures through which rushing air can pass. The amount of slot overlap is variable. Further, a variable speed fan is arranged inside the outer acoustic shell and inner acoustic shell for forcing airflow out of the apertures. The sound making device also includes a controller and user interface for adjusting the speed of the fan. Further, a sound making system is provided that includes the sound making device in combination with a mobile app.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Marpac, LLCInventors: Jason Aaron Dennis, Jessica Hurwit
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Patent number: 10721559Abstract: A microphone array for capturing sound field audio content may include a first set of directional microphones disposed on a first framework at a first radius from a center and arranged in at least a first portion of a first spherical surface. The microphone array may include a second set of directional microphones disposed on a second framework at a second radius from the center and arranged in at least a second portion of a second spherical surface. The second radius may be larger than the first radius. The directional microphones may capture information that allows for the extraction of Higher-Order Ambisonics (HOA) signals.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing CorporationInventors: Mark R. P. Thomas, Jan-Hendrik Hanschke
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Patent number: 10715914Abstract: A signal processing apparatus that generates a reproducing signal from an input audio signal includes an information acquisition unit that acquires information about an arrangement of a plurality of speakers used for reproduction of a sound that is based on the reproducing signal, a specifying unit that specifies a target range for localization of a sound corresponding to the input audio signal, a setting unit that sets a plurality of virtual sound sources used for localization of a sound based on the specified target range based on the acquired information about the arrangement of the plurality of speakers, and a generation unit that generates the reproducing signal by processing the input audio signal based on setting of the plurality of virtual sound sources.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Noriaki Tawada
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Patent number: 10715905Abstract: A noise cancelling earphone includes an earphone housing, a filter module, and a speaker. The filter module and the speaker are installed in the earphone housing. The filter module includes a printed circuit board, a microphone, and a filter unit. The microphone and the filter unit are respectively disposed on the printed circuit board. The filter unit is electrically connected between the microphone and the speaker. The filter module is arranged in the earphone. The structural design is reasonable, the space is effectively utilized, the structure is compact, and the assembly is convenient.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: TRANSOUND ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Tseng-Feng Wen
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Patent number: 10698242Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a display panel configured to display an image, a sound generation device configured to vibrate the display panel to generate sound, a supporting member on a rear surface of the display panel, and a partition surrounding the sound generation device, the partition including an edge having a partition edge contour shape that differs from a panel edge contour shape of the display panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: HyunSu Shin, Yoonmo Nam, YeongRak Choi, Sungsu Ham
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Patent number: 10694307Abstract: A method for dynamically changing the master audio playback device of a set that includes at least two audio playback devices, wherein one audio playback device of the set is a set master audio playback device that controls the play of audio data by at least one other slave audio playback device of the set. A first slave audio playback device receives its selection as a new recipient of audio data and, in response, the first slave audio playback device is designated as a new set master audio playback device and the set master audio playback device is designated as a new slave audio playback device. The new set master audio playback device controls the play of audio by the new slave audio playback device.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Trevor Lai, Gregg Michael Duthaler, Michael Elliot, Matthew Smith, Debasmit Banerjee, Michael Malone
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Patent number: 10694311Abstract: Examples are disclosed relating to providing spatialized audio to multiple users. In one example, a computing device presents spatialized audio to multiple users within an environment via communicative connection to one or more wearable spatial audio output devices. For each communicatively connected wearable spatial audio output device, a user-specific subset of audio tracks is generated from a set of audio tracks for a dynamic audio object positioned within the environment based on one or more user-specific parameters. A location of the wearable spatial audio output device is determined relative to the dynamic audio object, and based upon this location, a device-specific spatialized audio mix is generated that includes the user-specific subset of audio tracks. The device-specific spatialized audio mixes are sent to the wearable spatial output devices, and playback of the device-specific spatialized audio mixes are synchronously initiated at each wearable spatial audio output device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Arthur Charles Tomlin, Kendall Clark York, Jeffrey Sipko, Adolfo Hernandez Santisteban, Aaron Daniel Krauss, Andrew Frederick Muehlhausen
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Patent number: 10694312Abstract: A wearable simulation system worn by a user outputs optical and acoustic signals that cause the user to perceive a simulation. The simulation may be an immersive virtual world or, alternatively, an augmentation to the real world. The wearable simulation system also captures acoustic and optical signals from the environment around the user and then selectively incorporates these signals into the simulation. Accordingly, the user may perceive the environment to a limited extent, while still remaining engaged with the simulation. At least one advantage of the disclosed techniques is that the wearable simulation system does not completely interfere with user perception of the environment, thereby reducing the risk of the user missing important real-world events or being otherwise unaware of such real-world events.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Joseph Verbeke, Adam Boulanger, Davide Di Censo, Stefan Marti
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Patent number: 10694309Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and configuring passive speakers within a playback system using a graphical user interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of for detecting and configuration passive speakers in a playback system using a mobile device includes deriving speaker identification data concerning one or more passive speakers connected to an audio device in a playback system based upon at least an electrical signal sent to and returned from the one or more passive speakers, where the electrical signal is sent by the audio device including an audio stage comprising one or more amplifiers, and where the speaker identification data comprises information identifying a type of speaker, and displaying a graphical user interface screen on a mobile device based upon the identified type of speaker, where the displayed information and selectable options are dependent upon the identified type of speaker.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Jodi Vautrin, Jennifer McDevitt, Daniel Valente
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Patent number: 10694273Abstract: The technology disclosed herein enables retention of a speaker on a mounting surface using a clip and a flange. In a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a speaker comprising a substantially elliptic speaker frame. The apparatus further includes a mounting surface comprising a substantially cylindrical flange into which the speaker frame is positioned. Also, the apparatus includes a substantially elliptic clip positioned in the flange between the speaker frame and a retaining rim of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Avaya, Inc.Inventors: William James Horne, Philip Lo
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Patent number: 10681483Abstract: A sound processing apparatus includes a signal processing device that individually performs first localization setting (e.g., sound volume panning) for setting localization of an input sound signal based on a value of a first parameter and second localization setting (e.g., delay panning) for setting localization of the input sound signal based on a value of a second parameter. In response to an adjustment by an operation device of the value of one of the first and second parameters, a control device automatically changes the value of the other of the first and second parameters. In this way, sound image localization based on the first localization setting and sound image localization based on the second localization setting are automatically controlled in an interlocked relation to each other. At least one of the sound signals localized based on the first and/or second localization setting is output to an output destination.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventor: Arata Imai
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Patent number: 10681484Abstract: In some implementation, a method includes: receiving at least one user interface command to modify a phantom center image of audio output from the audio system in the automobile, wherein the user interface command comprises a user profile command or a preset command attributed to a user of the automobile, wherein the user profile command or the preset command is obtained from an identification file attributed to the user, wherein the phantom center image of the audio output comprises a designated position of sound produced by a set of speakers in the audio system other than physical locations of the set of speakers in the audio system; and adjusting a perceived location of the phantom center image of the audio output from the audio system based upon the at least one user interface command to modify the phantom center image of the audio output.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: BOSE CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Scott Dublin, Charles Terence Henry Oswald, Eduardo T. Salvador, Jeffery Robert Vautin
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Patent number: 10679600Abstract: With the noise reduction device (300), in identifying an acoustic transfer function that includes a path from the control speaker (340) to the error microphone (350) or the noise microphone (320) by outputting an identification sound from the control speaker (340) and detecting the identification sound with the error microphone (350) or the noise microphone (320), the identification controller (338) is configured to identify the acoustic transfer function by generating the identification sound from the white noise generator (337) when the seat detector (582) has detected that the seat is in the actual usage state for noise reduction.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Kubota
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Patent number: 10672378Abstract: An active noise cancellation (ANC) system may include an adaptive filter divergence detector for detecting divergence of the one or more controllable filters as they adapt, based on dynamically adapted thresholds. Upon detection of a controllable filter divergence, the ANC system may be deactivated, or certain speakers may be muted. Alternatively, the ANC system may modify the diverged controllable filters to restore proper operation of the noise cancelling system.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATEDInventors: Kevin J. Bastyr, James May, David Trumpy
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Patent number: 10674278Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-function speaker, which includes a frame having a housing space, a magnetic circuit system and a vibration system accommodated in the housing space, an elastic body configured to suspend the magnetic circuit system in the housing space of the frame. The elastic body fixed to the frame includes two elastic pieces having the same structure. The magnetic circuit system comprises a lower plate, a primary magnet, a secondary magnet and an upper plate disposed on the secondary magnet. The upper plate includes a protrusion, the elastic piece includes a first fixed portion fixedly connected to the first side wall, a second fixed portion fixedly connected to the protrusion, and an elastic portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: AAC Technologies Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Jiasheng Zhou, Long Zhang