Abstract: A system includes a plurality of microphones positioned at different microphone locations, a plurality of loudspeakers positioned at different loudspeaker locations, and a dispatch system in communication with the microphones and loudspeakers. The dispatch system derives a plurality of voice signals from the plurality of microphones, computes a confidence score about the inclusion of a wakeup word for each derived voice signal, compares the computed confidence scores, and based on the comparison, selects at least one of the derived voice signals and transmits at least a portion of the selected signal or signals to a speech processing system.

Abstract: A system includes a first device having a microphone associated with a voice user interface (VUI) and a first network interface, a first processor connected to the first network interface and controlling the first device, a second device having a speaker and a second network interface, and a second processor connected to the second network interface and controlling the second device. Upon connection of the second network interface to a network to which the first network interface is connected, the second processor causes the second device to output an identifiable sound through the speaker. Upon detecting the identifiable sound via the microphone, the first processor adds information identifying the second device to a data store of devices to be controlled when the first device activates the VUI.

Abstract: A plurality of microphones positioned at different locations. A dispatch system in communication with the microphones derives a plurality of audio signals from the plurality of microphones, computes a confidence score for each derived audio signal, and compares the computed confidence scores. Based on the comparison, the dispatch system selects at least two of the derived audio signals for further handling. Comparing the computed confidence scores includes determining that at least the two selected audio signals appear to contain utterances from at least two different users.

Abstract: A plurality of microphones are positioned at different locations. A dispatch system in communication with the microphones derives a plurality of audio signals from the plurality of microphones, computes a confidence score for each derived audio signal, compares the computed confidence scores. Based on the comparison, the dispatch system selects at least one of the derived audio signals for further handling, receives a response to the further processing, and outputs the response using an output device. The output device does not correspond to the microphone that captured the selected audio signals.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for components configured for audio playback. According to certain aspects, a transducer includes dual voice coils disposed in a magnet section, whereby the magnet section generates an electromagnetic field that causes the dual voice coils to actuate in response to an applied audio signal. The transducer further includes a diaphragm coupled to the dual voice coils that actuates according to the dual voice coils and produces audio output. In some implementations, the transducer may be disposed within a cutout area of an electronic device, whereby the transducer is secured to the electronic device via a roll-surround suspension.

Abstract: Processes and devices for equalizing an audio system that is adapted to use a loudspeaker to transduce test audio signals into test sounds. The processes and devices can involve the use of infrared signals to convey information in one or both directions between the audio system and a portable computer device that captures test sounds, calculates audio parameters that can be used in the equalization process, and transmits these audio parameters back to the audio system for its use in equalizing audio signals that are played by the audio system.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for syncing multiple electronic devices for collective audio playback. According to certain aspects, a master device connects (218) to a slave device via a wireless connection. The master device calculates (224) a network latency via a series of network latency pings with the slave device and sends (225) the network latency to the slave device. Further, the master devices sends (232) a portion of an audio file as well as a timing instruction including a system time to the slave device. The master device initiates (234) playback of the portion of the audio file and the slave devices initiates (236) playback of the portion of the audio file according to the timing instruction and a calculated system clock offset value.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for components configured for audio playback. According to certain aspects, a transducer includes dual voice coils disposed in a magnet section, whereby the magnet section generates an electromagnetic field that causes the dual voice coils to actuate in response to an applied audio signal. The transducer further includes a diaphragm coupled to the dual voice coils that actuates according to the dual voice coils and produces audio output. In some implementations, the transducer may be disposed within a cutout area of an electronic device, whereby the transducer is secured to the electronic device via a roll-surround suspension.

Abstract: A method of testing a MEMS pressure sensor device such as, for example, a MEMS microphone package. The MEMS pressure sensor device includes a pressure sensor positioned within a housing and a pressure input port to direct acoustic pressure from outside the housing towards the pressure sensor. An acoustic pressure source is activated and acoustic pressure from the acoustic pressure source is directed to the pressure input port and to an exterior location of the housing other than the pressure input port. Based on the output signal of the pressure sensor, it is determined whether any defects exist that allow acoustic pressure to reach the pressure sensor through the exterior of the housing at locations other than the pressure input port.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for syncing multiple electronic devices for collective audio playback. According to certain aspects, a master device connects (218) to a slave device via a wireless connection. The master device calculates (224) a network latency via a series of network latency pings with the slave device and sends (225) the network latency to the slave device. Further, the master devices sends (232) a portion of an audio file as well as a timing instruction including a system time to the slave device. The master device initiates (234) playback of the portion of the audio file and the slave devices initiates (236) playback of the portion of the audio file according to the timing instruction and a calculated system clock offset value.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for syncing multiple electronic devices for collective audio playback. According to certain aspects, a master device connects (218) to a slave device via a wireless connection. The master device calculates (224) a network latency via a series of network latency pings with the slave device and sends (225) the network latency to the slave device. Further, the master devices sends (232) a portion of an audio file as well as a timing instruction including a system time to the slave device. The master device initiates (234) playback of the portion of the audio file and the slave devices initiates (236) playback of the portion of the audio file according to the timing instruction and a calculated system clock offset value.

Abstract: An electrostatic speaker is described that includes a curved diaphragm positioned between two electrically conductive plates. According to aspects, the curved diaphragm has an “S-shape” and is configured to electrostatically move between the conductive plates. In particular, the curved diaphragm may generally roll between the two conductive plates so as to move from left to right with respect to ends of the conductive plates and push air in a direction toward ends of the conductive plates, thus generating acoustic output. In some implementations, the configuration of the electrostatic speaker reduces a biasing voltage required for the conductive plates.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for syncing multiple electronic devices for collective audio playback. According to certain aspects, a master device connects (218) to a slave device via a wireless connection. The master device calculates (224) a network latency via a series of network latency pings with the slave device and sends (225) the network latency to the slave device. Further, the master devices sends (232) a portion of an audio file as well as a timing instruction including a system time to the slave device. The master device initiates (234) playback of the portion of the audio file and the slave devices initiates (236) playback of the portion of the audio file according to the timing instruction and a calculated system clock offset value.

Abstract: A microphone with an offset acoustic channel. The microphone includes an external case, an acoustic chamber enclosure within the external case, a microphone transducer positioned within the acoustic chamber enclosure, and a gasket positioned between the external case and the acoustic chamber enclosure. A first opening in the external case is positioned an offset lateral distance from a second opening in the acoustic chamber enclosure. An acoustic channel is formed in the gasket extending from the first opening to the second opening along the offset lateral distance.

Abstract: A method of testing a MEMS pressure sensor device such as, for example, a MEMS microphone package. The MEMS pressure sensor device includes a pressure sensor positioned within a housing and a pressure input port to direct acoustic pressure from outside the housing towards the pressure sensor. An acoustic pressure source is activated and acoustic pressure from the acoustic pressure source is directed to the pressure input port and to an exterior location of the housing other than the pressure input port. Based on the output signal of the pressure sensor, it is determined whether any defects exist that allow acoustic pressure to reach the pressure sensor through the exterior of the housing at locations other than the pressure input port.

Abstract: A microphone system including an audio sensor with a first electrode and a second electrode. A voltage source is coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. A high-impedance bias network is coupled between the voltage source and the first electrode of the audio sensor. Additional electronics operate based on a state of the first electrode of the electromechanical device. A feedback system is configured to maintain an electrical potential across the high-impedance bias network at approximately zero volts. Maintaining the electrical potential across the high-impedance bias network at approximately zero volts reduces the tendency of electrostatic pull-in occurring.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microphone using epitaxially grown silicon. A monolithic wafer structure is provided. A wafer surface of the structure includes poly-crystalline silicon in a first horizontal region and mono-crystalline silicon in a second horizontal region surrounding a perimeter of the first horizontal region. A hybrid silicon layer is epitaxially deposited on the wafer surface. Portions of the hybrid silicon layer that contact the poly-crystalline silicon use the poly-crystalline silicon as a seed material and portions that contact the mono-crystalline silicon use the mono-crystalline silicon as a seed material. As such, the hybrid silicon layer includes both mono-crystalline silicon and poly-crystalline silicon in the same layer of the same wafer structure. A CMOS/membrane layer is then deposited on top of the hybrid silicon layer.

Abstract: A microphone with an offset acoustic channel. The microphone includes an external case, an acoustic chamber enclosure within the external case, a microphone transducer positioned within the acoustic chamber enclosure, and a gasket positioned between the external case and the acoustic chamber enclosure. A first opening in the external case is positioned an offset lateral distance from a second opening in the acoustic chamber enclosure. An acoustic channel is formed in the gasket extending from the first opening to the second opening along the offset lateral distance.

Abstract: A microphone system including an audio sensor with a first electrode and a second electrode. A voltage source is coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. A high-impedance bias network is coupled between the voltage source and the first electrode of the audio sensor. Additional electronics operate based on a state of the first electrode of the electromechanical device. A feedback system is configured to maintain an electrical potential across the high-impedance bias network at approximately zero volts. Maintaining the electrical potential across the high-impedance bias network at approximately zero volts reduces the tendency of electrostatic pull-in occurring.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microphone using epitaxially grown silicon. A monolithic wafer structure is provided. A wafer surface of the structure includes poly-crystalline silicon in a first horizontal region and mono-crystalline silicon in a second horizontal region surrounding a perimeter of the first horizontal region. A hybrid silicon layer is epitaxially deposited on the wafer surface. Portions of the hybrid silicon layer that contact the poly-crystalline silicon use the poly-crystalline silicon as a seed material and portions that contact the mono-crystalline silicon use the mono-crystalline silicon as a seed material. As such, the hybrid silicon layer includes both mono-crystalline silicon and poly-crystalline silicon in the same layer of the same wafer structure. A CMOS/membrane layer is then deposited on top of the hybrid silicon layer.