Simulation Patents (Class 340/384.3)
  • Patent number: 11376494
    Abstract: An electronic smart device controller comprising a right side panel, a left side panel, and optionally a chassis and a detachable cradle. The right side panel and the left side panel can receive the chassis or the detachable cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventors: John M. Schoenith, Anthony Ahee
  • Patent number: 11348425
    Abstract: A system for monitoring advertisements has a security camera and sensor that are positioned to monitor an area surrounding the advertising structure with the advertisement. The camera and sensor can be controlled by a control module. The control module can activate the camera in response to receiving a signal from the sensor indicating activity in the area surrounding the advertising structure. The camera can capture images of the area surrounding the advertising structure and provide the images to the control module. The control module can then provide the images to a server for access by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Outdoorlink, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight Jennings, James F. Morris, Richard Holloway
  • Patent number: 11280303
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enhancing and delivering engine sounds to a vehicle cabin based on a selected mode. In one example, a method may include adjusting openings of one or more valves fluidically coupling one or more corresponding engine regions to a sound tube of a sound enhancing system based on the selected mode. Throttle opening may also be adjusted to compensate for air routed from the engine regions to the sound tube instead of flowing to the engine cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: M. Scott Christensen, Nicholas Herhusky, Michael Bastanipour, Hani Ayesh
  • Patent number: 11275550
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods, devices, and systems for playing audio signals associated with an electric in vehicle. The method includes, for example, (1) determining a speed of the electric vehicle; (2) receiving, from a memory, a plurality of sound frequency characteristics corresponding to the determined speed of the electric vehicle; and (3) generating an audio signal segment corresponding to the received sound frequency characteristics by a speaker of the electric vehicle. The sound frequency characteristics include a plurality of segments. Each of the segments includes an amplitude of a number of frequency characteristics in a sound produced by a powertrain assembly (e.g., an electric motor) in a speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Gogoro Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Neal Bethurum, Jia-Yang Wu
  • Patent number: 11263919
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to improving an athlete's ability to synchronize the movement of their body in time. Certain embodiments provide a feedback system that allows an athlete (or another individual, such as a trainer) to comprehend and optimize the timing of one or more components or features of an athletic movement. Image data, such as video, of an athlete performing physical activity may be utilized (alone or in combination with non-image data) may be used to generate and emit real-time feedback signals to provide an indication of tempo to the athlete. Still further aspects relate to using image and/or other sensor data to detect improper timing and/or movements of an athlete, and in response generating real-time feedback signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Vikram Malhotra
  • Patent number: 10789820
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, including receiving, by a monitoring system that is configured to monitor a property and from a first camera that is trained on a vicinity of an entry point of the property, first image data, determining that a visitor is located at the vicinity of the entry point of the property, generating, by the monitoring system, an appearance model of the visitor, receiving, by the monitoring system and from a second camera that is trained on an area of the property other than the vicinity of the entry point of the property, second image data, comparing, by the monitoring system, the second image data to the appearance model of the visitor, determining a confidence score that reflects a likelihood that the visitor is located at the area of the property other than the vicinity of the entry point, and performing a monitoring system action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Celine Heckel Jones, Donald Madden
  • Patent number: 10766514
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein of audible alert systems. In exemplary embodiments, an audible alert system includes a speaker, an audio amplifier, and an audio file player. The audio amplifier and audio file player may be housed within an environmentally sealed enclosure, which provides protection from the environment. The audible alert system may be located on the front or back of a locomotive. For example, the speaker may be mounted to handrailing of the locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Cattron North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Allen Evans, Mark Anthony Balent, Matthew Adkins
  • Patent number: 10751591
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure generally pertain to a piñata interaction device, system, and method. Aspects of the present disclosure more specifically are directed toward an electronic device for a piñata that includes a housing, a power supply, a speaker, an impact sensor, an user interface, and a controller module configured to store a plurality of piñata communications to emit at least one of the plurality of piñata communications in response to the piñata being hit. The electronic device is removably coupleable with at least one of the piñata and the hitting stick. The electronic device may be reconfigured to output customized responses or from a wide library of audio is stored which can be selected from music, voice, instructions or sounds of various kinds. The electronic device may interact with third party devices via hosted application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Rodolfo Garcia Tolosa
  • Patent number: 10717387
    Abstract: An engine sound control device includes: a setter to set point information including coordinates indicating one of multiple cells of a driving state space represented by a coordinate system with parameters indicating a driving state as axes, and spectral information of a target engine sound at the cell; a setter to set region information indicating a driving scene region; a processor to perform an interpolation process to calculate spectral information of an engine sound for each of target cells of the multiple cells for which the point information is not set, based on the point information and region information, and generate a map including spectral information of an engine sound at each cell, from the point information and information obtained by the process; a processor to output a control parameter based on the map; and a controller to cause a unit to output a sound based on the control parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsuyoshi Yano
  • Patent number: 10625671
    Abstract: An engine sound color control method based on an engine dynamic characteristic with artificial intelligence is provided. The method maximizes audio-visual control through the audio-visual synergy effect by performing both of the visual control of the dash board by the artificial intelligence using the virtual engine revolution per minute based on the shifting event and driving pattern of a vehicle. In particular, the auditory control of the speaker is operated by the signal processing controller based on the virtual engine RPM in response to an engine vibration signal of the engine. Further, a driver is provided with rapid response with vehicle power performance control through a real-time audio-visual change regulated by the artificial intelligence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dong-Chul Lee, In-Soo Jung
  • Patent number: 10277187
    Abstract: A method for modifying sound in a motor vehicle that has an audio system. The audio system has at least one electro-acoustic transducer that creates sound from audio signals. An initial audio signal that represents a particular vehicle sound is provided, where the initial audio signal has a plurality of signal properties. A modified audio signal is then provided to the audio system, based on at least one current motor vehicle operating condition. The modified audio signal includes at least one modified signal property that differs from that of the initial audio signal. The at least one signal property is modified by a modification process that relates to a vehicle operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Sangmin Rhee, Takashi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 10247162
    Abstract: A starter system for start up of a combined heat and power unit comprising a generator which is connectable to the grid. The starter system comprises a variable frequency drive, VFD, operable to receive power from the grid. The VFD reduces the frequency of the power, and provides the reduced-frequency power to the generator to start the generator. The starter system further comprises a bypass relay configured to bypass the VFD. The bypass relay allows direct connection between the grid and the generator after the generator has started. The variable frequency drive is configured to operate temporarily during start up of the combined heat and power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: EC POWER A/S
    Inventors: Jesper Forster, Claus Esbensen
  • Patent number: 9941855
    Abstract: A method for modifying sound in a motor vehicle that has an audio system. The audio system has at least one electro-acoustic transducer that creates sound from audio signals. An initial audio signal that represents a particular vehicle sound is provided, where the initial audio signal has a plurality of signal properties. A modified audio signal is then provided to the audio system, based on at least one current motor vehicle operating condition. The modified audio signal includes at least one modified signal property that differs from that of the initial audio signal. The at least one signal property is modified by a modification process that relates to a vehicle operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Sangmin Rhee, Takashi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 9881466
    Abstract: A beacon or annular light generator assembly includes a top cover and an associated bottom cover centered on a vertical axis with a ring of light-emitting elements situated between the top and bottom covers. Upper and lower reflectors are integrated into the lower side of the top cover and into the upper side of the lower cover. These reflectors are surfaces of rotation, about the vertical axis, of a horizontal parabola whose focus lies substantially on the ring of light-emitting elements. A cylindrical collimating lens lies radially outside the ring of light-emitting elements, and concentrates the center portion of the light onto the horizontal plane. Light outside the center portion is redirected by the upper and lower reflectors parallel to the horizontal plane. A multiple array may be formed of two or more such annular light generator assemblies stacked upon one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: UNIMAR, INC.
    Inventors: Terry L. Zarnowski, Michael A. Marley
  • Patent number: 9693139
    Abstract: Example systems and methods for electronic sound enhancement tuning are disclosed. An example disclosed method includes sampling, with a microphone, an audio profile of engine noises in a cabin of a vehicle. The example method also includes comparing the sampled audio profile to a model audio profile. Additionally, the example methods includes, when the sampled audio profile does not satisfy a similarity threshold, applying a convergence function to the sampled audio profile to generate a target audio profile, and iterating until the target audio profile satisfies a similarity threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Tecghnologies, LLC
    Inventors: Athanasios Teknos, Chin Lim Vong, Jr., Michael Peter Mongeau
  • Patent number: 9682652
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a control system for a sound controller configured to transmit sounds to a vehicle passenger cabin. The system includes a downshift sensor configured to detect a downshift of a vehicle transmission, and an accelerator pedal sensor that is configured to detect whether an accelerator pedal is actuated above a predetermined threshold. A controller controls operation of the sound controller in accordance with a sound control logic that is based on vehicle engine mode, transmission gear selection, accelerator pedal position, and vehicle engine speed. The controller also controls operation of the sound controller in accordance with an audible downshift logic if the downshift sensor detects a downshift of the vehicle transmission and the accelerator pedal sensor detects that the accelerator pedal is not actuated above the predetermined threshold, the audible downshift logic controlling the sound controller to enhance engine sound transmitted to the passenger cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rick Bailey, III, Steve Turner, Steve Eich
  • Patent number: 9645181
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided an aquatic toy configured for movement under water. The aquatic toy employs sensors to automatically turn on when placed in water and further employs a timing circuit to automatically turn the toy off after a predetermined amount of time. The aquatic toy further includes a shock sensor to monitor movement of the toy when in water and after the timer expires. Movement such as tapping on the tank, splashing the water, or physical movement of the toy will turn on the toy and re-activate the timer. However, the sensors can further detect when the toy is dry to ensure the shock sensor is only active when the sensor is wet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Mimlitch, III, David A. Norman, Raul Olivera, James Anthony Trzaskos
  • Patent number: 9539507
    Abstract: An electronic smart device controller comprising a right side panel, a left side panel, and optionally a chassis and a detachable cradle. The right side panel and the left side panel can receive the chassis or the detachable cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: INCIPIO, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Schoenith, Anthony Ahee
  • Patent number: 9533197
    Abstract: An illuminated ball may be used to play games in the water. An illuminated ball may include a hollow, spherical shell. A translucent light housing may be coupled to the shell. A light emitting device may be within the translucent housing. A battery housing coupled to the light emitting device. At least one battery may be within the battery housing. A circuit board may be coupled to the battery housing. Four conductors may be coupled to the circuit board, wherein two of the four conductors are coupled to the light emitting device and another two of the four conductors are coupled to at least two water contacts. The at least two water contacts are located on an outside of the illuminated ball, wherein on exposure to water, the at least two water contacts are electrically connected causing the light emitting device to emit light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Larson
  • Patent number: 9076328
    Abstract: An acoustic guiding system of this invention comprises: an n-phase signal wiring which contains n wire lines and a common ground where n is an integer larger than or equals to three; a sound source which generates an electric current for a signal sound; a distributer which distributes the electric current from the sound source to each line of the n-phase signal wiring repeatedly; a controller which controls the signal sound in accordance with signal information required for traffic control or the like; and speakers connected to each line of the n phase signal wiring in the order of the phase number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Mamoru Kondo
  • Patent number: 9013284
    Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus may include a dynamic speaker for radiating a notification sound from a vehicle in an audible frequency, and a sound pressure supplement unit is provided to control a sound pressure of the notification sound. The apparatus may further include a parametric speaker for generating a supersonic sound of the notification sound from a supersonic sound generation unit. The supersonic sound is emitted from a sound emission opening. The parametric speaker may further include a reflected sound pressure detecting unit for detecting a sound pressure generated by a reflection of the supersonic sound from the sound emission opening. The sound pressure supplement unit increases the sound pressure of the notification sound radiated by the dynamic speaker based on the sound pressure detected by the reflected sound pressure detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Nakayama, Junichi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9000900
    Abstract: A vehicle proximity annunciator device reduces an occurrence of a pop noise without an additional circuit changing an output of a power amplifier. A capacitor is located between a connection point connecting multiple resistances generating a reference voltage and a ground terminal. The capacitor causes a rise-up time of the reference voltage to delay at a start of power supply to a power source terminal. A sound emission signal is increased at substantially a same level of the reference voltage so that a variation of a differential voltage between the reference voltage and the sound emission signal falls in a pre-determined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Anden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruyuki Tsuzuki, Yoshimitsu Ukai, Yukiko Matsubara, Chikara Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8938079
    Abstract: Engine sound enhancement (ESE) for a vehicle includes determining a current rate of change (ROC) in a position of an acceleration device of the vehicle from sensor data received from at least one sensor in communication with the acceleration device and calculating an ESE value based on the current ROC in the position of the acceleration device. The ESE value reflects an intensity and tone quality of at least one of the exhaust and the engine of the vehicle. The ESE also includes receiving a current RPM value, comparing the RPM value and the ROC in the position of the acceleration device to corresponding pre-defined threshold values, the pre-defined threshold values mapped to ESE tunings, and activating one of the ESE tunings when each of the current RPM value and the current ROC in the position of the acceleration device meets a corresponding pre-defined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Frank C. Valeri, Scott M. Reilly, Larry G. Hartleip, William L. Hull, Stephane Richter, John Randall Yost
  • Patent number: 8933794
    Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus notifying a presence of a vehicle includes an alarm device and a dynamic speaker. The alarm device includes an alarm generator generating an alarm sound and an acoustic tube through which the alarm sound is emitted outside of the vehicle. The dynamic speaker generates a notification sound with audible frequency. The dynamic speaker is fixed to the acoustic tube and emits the notification sound inside of the acoustic tube, such that the notification sound is generated outside of the vehicle through the acoustic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Hamanakodenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Nakayama, Koji Suzuki, Keijirou Hanada
  • Patent number: 8823506
    Abstract: A system is provided for causing audible sounds, and/or visible actions, and/or an electronic visual image, and/or motion to occur by, or in relation to, a vehicle's mark emblem. The system may cause such actions to be initiated manually or automatically as a result of vehicle operation or operator action. Controls may be provided to prevent the audible sound, visible action, visual image, or motion to occur if the vehicle speed is above a selected speed limit. In addition, when operated from a position remote from the vehicle, the audible sound associated with the mark emblem may be adjusted to a volume that will prevent persons from becoming startled when they are in proximity to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Jepp Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferson Smith, Marcus Smith
  • Patent number: 8754762
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for generating an operating sound of a vehicle, which does not require a separate installation space and thus imposes no spatial limitations on the design of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a rotatable mechanism and a film The rotatable mechanism is driven by a motor, and is provided with a plurality of blades. The film is provided on at least one of the blades, a first end of the film being secured to an edge of the blade and a second end being a free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Jeong, Moon Seok Lee, Dong Chul Park, Ji Min Lim
  • Patent number: 8730020
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle to emanate an audible alert. The method includes determining when the vehicle is operating, and controlling a speaker system in the vehicle to emanate the audible alert outside of the vehicle for a period of time when the vehicle is operating. The audible alert has a sound profile that includes a simultaneous emanation of a first audible frequency component at a first sound pressure level and a second audible frequency component at a second sound pressure level, with the first and second sound pressure levels being greater than a sound pressure level of the sound profile at all other frequencies. The method further includes modulating the first sound pressure level of the first audible frequency component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather Konet, Tsuyoshi Kanuma, Manabu Sato, Toshiyuki Tabata
  • Patent number: 8669858
    Abstract: A vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus is basically provided with a sound emitting device and a notification sound control device. The sound emitting device is configured to emit a movement notification sound to an outside of a vehicle to inform a person in an area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle will move. The notification sound control device is configured to operate the sound emitting device in response to occurrence of a vehicle condition. The notification sound control device setting the movement notification sound of the sound emitting device to a frequency in a range of 1.5 kHz to 6 kHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Yoshino, Tsuyoshi Kanuma, Hironori Saito, Katsumi Kimura, Yuji Watanabe, Toshiyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8638201
    Abstract: The wildlife dislodging device outputs sound signal while a frequency is changed to a different frequency stepwise, and suddenly outputs a sound signal pulse of a high frequency in changing the frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Hiroshi Annaka
  • Patent number: 8618939
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device comprising an odor sensor and methods of operation are disclosed. An odor is detected using an odor sensor coupled to the mobile electronic device, and a predetermined process is performed if the odor is a predefined odor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihisa Nabata, Toshikazu Hiramoto
  • Patent number: 8598997
    Abstract: An electromagnetic alarm device includes a current interrupter to interrupt an electricity supply to a coil on application of a self-excited voltage to oscillate a diaphragm with a moving core to generate a first alarm sound including a fundamental tone at a first predetermined frequency, when a switch is manipulated by an occupant. A proximity notification device includes an ultrasonic speaker to emit an ultrasonic wave, which is generated by implementing ultrasonic modulation on a proximity notification sound, to an outside of the vehicle for notifying a pedestrian of proximity of the vehicle, according to a traveling state of the vehicle and/or when a sensor detects a pedestrian. The ultrasonic speaker emits an ultrasonic wave, which is generated by implementing ultrasonic modulation on a second alarm sound including a fundamental tone at a second frequency, when the switch is manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Hayashi, Toshiaki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8593297
    Abstract: A walking guidance apparatus using human body communication, including: a first human body communication device acquiring a walking guidance information signal, converting the acquired walking guidance information signal into a signal available for human body communication, and transmitting the converted signal through a user's body; and a second human body communication device receiving the signal transmitted through the user's body from the first human body communication device, converting the received signal into a signal that can be recognized by the user, and outputting the converted signal. Walking guidance information having a high privacy function and high stability and accuracy can be provided to enhance user convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jung Bum Kim, Jung Hwan Hwang, Tae Young Kang, Tae Wook Kang, Kyung Soo Kim, Sung Eun Kim, Kyung Hwan Park, Hyung Il Park, In Gi Lim, Byoung Gun Choi, Seok Bong Hyun, Chang Hee Hyoung, Sung Weon Kang, Jin Kyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8531277
    Abstract: A finding system with a base charger, finder, and other functional features includes a receiving unit and a base unit. The receiving unit is recharged using the base unit. The base unit also includes a button operationally coupled to a transmitter for sending a locate signal to the receiving unit. The receiving unit includes a receiver for receiving the locate signal. In response to the locate signal, the receiving unit provides audio and visual signals to assist a user in finding the receiving unit. The receiving unit can include, but is not limited to, a remote control unit that has the capability to operate multiple devices including TVs, VCRs, satellite receivers, audio and visual receivers, stereo equipment, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Tarah N. Graham
  • Patent number: 8471688
    Abstract: A device includes a housing and a hammer. A motor is coupled to the hammer to move the hammer away from a side of the housing and release the hammer. A tension spring is coupled to the hammer to cause the hammer to strike the housing after the hammer is moved away from the housing by the motor and released. The housing acts as a sounding device to simulate the sound of gunfire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Preston, Edward S. Kaprocki, Tom Penner
  • Patent number: 8457323
    Abstract: A device designed to be plugged into an electric socket in a vehicle, which socket constitutes part of the electrical system of the vehicle, which device, without any other connection, is able to detect the engine speed of the vehicle and convert this information to sound signals. In at least one embodiment, the device includes at least one device for detecting electrical pulses resulting from the engine speed that are unintentionally emitted from the generator, electric motor or ignition system of the vehicle, in order to record the current engine speed. Further, in at least one embodiment, the device transmits, by way of radio waves, sampled/simulated or synthetically generated noise signals based on the electrical pulses to the radio receiver/sound system of the vehicle in order to play these in or around the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth Palmestål
  • Patent number: 8384528
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for customizing the sound emitted from an automotive vehicle during operation. Specifically, the vehicle operator uses a controller to vary the sound emitted from the engine exhaust and intake or engine compartment sounds during vehicle operation. In addition, the operator can control the sound level, sound type and sound aspect in the vehicle interior or passenger compartment and the vehicle exterior. Further, the apparatus uses an active sound control system, such as those using microphones and speakers, to customize and/or tune the sound emanating from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Mark W. McCarthy, Mark L. Clapper, Ming-Ran Lee, Lloyd Bozzi, Prakash Thawani, Raymond L. Coppiellie
  • Patent number: 8299904
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle to emanate an audible alert including determining when the vehicle is operating, and controlling a speaker system in the vehicle to emanate the audible alert outside of the vehicle when the vehicle is operating based on stored information representative of an internal combustion engine (ICE) noise profile. The audible alert has a sound profile including a simultaneous emanation of first, second and third audible frequency components having first, second and third frequencies, respectively, with the first and second frequencies emanating at first and second sound pressure levels greater than first and second representative sound pressure levels of the ICE noise profile at the first and second frequencies, respectively, and the third frequency emanating at a third sound pressure level less than a third representative sound pressure level of the ICE noise profile at the third frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather Konet, Tsuyoshi Kanuma, Manabu Sato, Toshiyuki Tabata
  • Patent number: 8284948
    Abstract: An engine sound processing apparatus includes an engine sound signal generating section that generates an engine sound signal indicating an engine sound generated in an engine room of a vehicle, a signal processing section that includes a reverberation effect applying portion which applies a reverberation effect to the engine sound signal and a mixing portion which mixes the engine sound signal to which the reverberation effect is not applied and the engine sound signal to which the reverberation effect is applied, a reverberation effect controlling section that instructs the reverberation effect applying portion to apply the reverberation effect to the engine sound signal, a mixing balance setting section that sets a mixing balance in the mixing portion, and a speaker that outputs a sound on the basis of the engine sound signal being output from the signal processing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoto Kuroiwa
  • Patent number: 8217767
    Abstract: A vehicular horn device of an existing electromagnetic type is used as a dynamic speaker so as to generate a false engine sound. The shortage of a low-pitched sound in a parametric speaker device is complemented with a false engine sound which the vehicular horn device generates. Thereby, without need of mounting a large-sized dynamic speaker such as a woofer in a vehicle, a false engine sound is generated so as to model for a real engine sound. In addition, as the vehicle approaches a pedestrian, a sound tone of the false engine sound which the pedestrian hears changes, enabling the pedestrian to easily notice the approach or presence of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8188850
    Abstract: A system is provided for causing audible sounds, and/or visible actions, and/or motion to occur by a vehicle's mark emblem. The system may cause such actions to be initiated manually or automatically as a result of vehicle operation or operator action. Controls are provided to prevent the audible sound, visible action, or motion to occur if the vehicle speed is above a legal speed limit. Such may be controls set by the vehicle operator. In addition, when operated from a position remote from the vehicle, the audible sound associated with the mark emblem will be limited to a volume that will prevent persons from becoming startled when they are in proximity to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Jepp Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jefferson Smith
  • Patent number: 8179234
    Abstract: A sound generation apparatus for an electric vehicle that is being operated by a driver comprising: a sound generation circuit attached to a wheel of the electric vehicle; Faraday generators for supplying pulses of electrical current within the circuit while the wheels of the vehicle are rotating; a battery for supplying battery power within the circuit; a pulse activated power controller that is activated upon the receipt of an initial pulse form one of the Faraday generators and controls the supply of battery power within the circuit; and a programmed microcontroller that uses the battery power to simulate a motor sound for the electric vehicle and uses additional pulses from the Faraday generators to determine whether the vehicle is accelerating, decelerating or moving in reverse and, based upon its state of motion, modifies the simulated motor sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Atwood Bell, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Atwood
  • Patent number: 7961894
    Abstract: Microphone are provided to an intake port of an engine and a wall surface of an engine room on the interior side respectively to collect an engine sound. The engine sound is processed by a signal processing portion and output via a speaker provided to an interior of a vehicle. Filters for simulating the noise insulating characteristic in the interior of the vehicle and filters for processing the engine sound to emphasize the driving conditions are provided to the signal processing portion. Filter characteristics of the filters are decided in response to sensed values of an engine revolution sensor 30, an accelerator opening angle sensor, and a speed sensor. The driving conditions are emphasized by filtering the engine sound based on the filter characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Honji
  • Patent number: 7787633
    Abstract: A vehicle engine sound simulator includes a crossfade sample playback engine which produces an output waveform comprising at least two constituent waveforms which are transposed up and down in frequency with RPM. The playback engine's output waveform is provided to at least one digital signal processing (DSP) circuit, which processes the output with a function that varies with the rate of change of RPM, an external load value, and/or a combination of both to produce the simulator's output. The crossfade sample playback engine is arranged to crossfade between at least 2 wave samples as RPM changes. Wave samples from additional wave banks associated with different load states can also be mixed into the playback engine's output waveform. The DSP circuit can include both nonlinear and linear processing sections in various combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean M. Costello, Timothy S. Stilson
  • Publication number: 20090277707
    Abstract: An apparatus for simulating the sound of a conventionally powered gasoline or diesel powered engine in an electrically powered passenger vehicle having an electric drive motor operatively coupled to one or more of the vehicle's wheels for rotating the vehicle's wheels to propel the vehicle, includes a rotary air mover and sound generator for supplying cooling air to the electric drive motor and for generating a variable sound having at least one variable sound parameter, a motor for driving the rotary air mover and sound generator; and a controller for controlling the rotary air mover and sound generator, the controller controlling the rotary air mover and sound generator to change the variable parameter of sound generated by the rotary air mover and sound generator such that the sound parameter of sound generated by the rotary air mover and sound generator matches a selected one of the vehicle's performance parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: CLAUDIO R. BALLARD
  • Publication number: 20090134983
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the creation of vehicle sound fonts, for utilizing the vehicle sound fonts to augment the engine sounds of a vehicle, and for establishing a network for sharing and controlling the playback of vehicle sound fonts and other media. The systems install in automobiles and play simulated engine sounds of other recorded vehicles in a controlled manner synchronized with the engine spark frequency of the playback vehicle. Automobiles with these systems may network together to share media and to coordinate playback in a synchronized manner among all vehicles of the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Steven Tischer
  • Patent number: 7501934
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the creation of vehicle sound fonts, for utilizing the vehicle sound fonts to augment the engine sounds of a vehicle, and for establishing a network for sharing and controlling the playback of vehicle sound fonts and other media. The systems install in automobiles and play simulated engine sounds of other recorded vehicles in a controlled manner synchronized with the engine spark frequency of the playback vehicle. Automobiles with these systems may network together to share media and to coordinate playback in a synchronized manner among all vehicles of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventor: Steven Tischer
  • Patent number: 7464788
    Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting sound in a motor vehicle having a housing (1) with an inner partition (2), which together define two separate subspaces (3, 4). A transmission valve (6) which separates the two subspaces (3, 4) is provided in a pivot bearing opening (9) in the partition (2) and is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis (5) in the area of the pivot bearing opening (9). The first subspace (3) is connected in a manner capable of transmitting sound to an intake manifold (17) of an internal combustion engine, and the second subspace (4) is connected in a manner capable of transmitting sound to an interior space of the motor vehicle. The gap (11) between an edge (10) of the pivot bearing opening (9) and the transmission valve (6) is sealed in a pressure-tight manner by a membrane (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Alex, Frank Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20080180230
    Abstract: An electronic horn for a vehicle is disclosed. The electronic horn may have a speaker, a primary power source, and a secondary power source. The primary power source may be configured to power the speaker during normal operation of the horn. The secondary power source may be configured to power the speaker during another horn operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel Eugene Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7268671
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an audible alarm signal. The method and apparatus includes creating a rectangular pulse signal having a desired period and a desired first amplitude, adding a shaped modulation component to the rectangular pulse signal from the desired first amplitude to a desired second amplitude to create a modulating waveform, creating a carrier signal, and combining the carrier signal and the modulating waveform to create the audible alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. McDaniel, David C. Copley, Daniel E. Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7256685
    Abstract: An applause device including a sound generator capable of generating at least one applause sound. The sound generator preferably can generate at least one sound which can indicate approval or disapproval, such as clapping, hollering, whistling, booing, and hissing. A switch permits the user to select between each of the sounds. The device also preferably comprises illumination structure so as to illuminate at least a portion of the sound generation device. In a preferred embodiment, the applause device is shaped substantially, at least in part, in the shape of an open hand. A method for generating applause sounds and a system for remotely controlling the applause device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Bradley Gotfried