Abstract: Audio processing devices and methods. An ambient microphone picks up ambient sound and a voice microphone picks up a speaker's voice. The voice microphone is located farther from the speaker's mouth when a device is held to one side of the speaker's face than when held to the other side. A signal indicates whether an expected position of the handheld body is a position on a left side or right side of a speaker's face. Ambient sound in the voice signal is reduced by applying a first algorithm configuration selected to process voice signals with lower signal-to-noise ratio when the expected position in on one side of the speaker's face, and by applying a second sound cancellation algorithm configuration selected to process higher signal-to-noise ratios when the expected position is on the other side of the speaker's face.

Abstract: Dual microphones can be used to improve noise suppression by better distinguishing between speech and background noise. If the user does not hold the handset according to a prescribed orientation, however, the dual microphone noise suppression can actually do a worse job than a single microphone noise suppression algorithm because of mistakes made distinguishing between speech and noise. Here it is proposed to use an accelerometer to determine the orientation of the phone and use this orientation information in the noise suppression algorithm. Also when a person speaks, the vibrations when the device is held against the head can be used to detect speech.

Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, provides for operation of a handset receiver at a volumetric output level of either a hands free mode of operation or a handset mode of operation. A noncontact proximity sensor detects proximity of the handset to a user. If the sensed proximity indicates that the handset is positioned proximate to the user, the maximum volumetric output level is constrained to be no greater than a maximum handset mode of operation level. If the sensed proximity is greater than a minimum distance, high volumetric output levels are permitted of the handset receiver.

Abstract: Audio processing devices and methods. An ambient microphone picks up ambient sound and a voice microphone picks up a speaker's voice. The voice microphone is located farther from the speaker's mouth when a device is held to one side of the speaker's face than when held to the other side. A signal indicates whether an expected position of the handheld body is a position on a left side or right side of a speaker's face. Ambient sound in the voice signal is reduced by applying a first algorithm configuration selected to process voice signals with lower signal-to-noise ratio when the expected position in on one side of the speaker's face, and by applying a second sound cancellation algorithm configuration selected to process higher signal-to-noise ratios when the expected position is on the other side of the speaker's face.

Abstract: Dual microphones can be used to improve noise suppression by better distinguishing between speech and background noise. If the user does not hold the handset according to a prescribed orientation, however, the dual microphone noise suppression can actually do a worse job than a single microphone noise suppression algorithm because of mistakes made distinguishing between speech and noise. Here it is proposed to use an accelerometer to determine the orientation of the phone and use this orientation information in the noise suppression algorithm. Also when a person speaks, the vibrations when the device is held against the head can be used to detect speech.

Abstract: To provide leak tolerance an acoustic system for an acoustic receiver comprises a loudspeaker, a front cavity, a rear cavity and an acoustic connection. The loudspeaker has a front area and a rear area opposite the front area the front area having an opening through which sound is output. The front cavity is in proximity to the front area of the loudspeaker, the opening outputting into the front cavity, and the front cavity having a port to the exterior of the acoustic receiver. The rear cavity is in proximity to the rear area of the loudspeaker. The acoustic connection is between the front cavity and the rear cavity. In some embodiments, the rear cavity comprises an acoustic leak to the exterior of the rear cavity.