Abstract: A method including receiving one or more datasets of audio data of a key child captured in a natural sound environment of the key child. The method also includes segmenting each of the one or more datasets of audio data to create audio segments. The audio segments include cry-related segments and non-cry segments. The method additionally includes determining periods of the cry-related segments that satisfy one or more threshold non-sparsity criteria. The method further includes performing a classification on the periods to classify each of the periods as either a cry period or a fussiness period. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A welding helmet having a filter arrangement is disclosed. The welding helmet is provided with a main filter and at least one auxiliary filter separate from and positioned next to the main filter. The at least one auxiliary filter comprises an electro-optic element adapted to attenuate the transmission of optical radiation incident on the auxiliary filter.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an audio device having a voice operation receiving function with which the state of a voice recognition process can be notified in detail without affecting an audio playback environment, and which is inexpensive and has an excellent degree of freedom in design. [Solution] A wireless speaker 1 has a voice operation receiving function that receives an operation by a voice input into a microphone 11. The wireless speaker comprises: an LED 12; an LED control unit 18 that subjects the LED 12 to PWM control; and a lighting pattern storage unit 17 that stores a lighting pattern in which the brightness is changed on a time axis for each state of a voice recognition process. The LED control unit 18 subjects the LED 12 to PWM control in accordance with the lighting pattern stored in the lighting pattern storage unit 17 corresponding to the state of the voice recognition process performed on the voice input into the microphone 11.

Abstract: In a refrigerator, when a door switch detects opening of a door of the refrigerator, a voice recognition control unit determines whether voice data acquired by a voice acquisition unit satisfies a predetermined voice recognition start condition. In a case where the voice recognition start condition is satisfied, the recognition control unit controls the voice recognition unit to perform voice recognition. However, in a case where the voice recognition start condition is not satisfied, the recognition control unit controls the voice recognition unit not to perform voice recognition.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate voice control of a receiving device, such as a set-top box. In one embodiment, a voice enabled media presentation system (“VEMPS”) includes a receiving device and a remote-control device having an audio input device. The VEMPS is configured to obtain audio data via the audio input device, the audio data received from a user and representing a spoken command to control the receiving device. The VEMPS is further configured to determine the spoken command by performing speech recognition on the obtained audio data, and to control the receiving device based on the determined command. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Headphones include: a speaker configured to output sound based on an input signal; a microphone configured to receive touch sound produced when a touch is performed on a user; and a command output device configured to, on the basis of a sound signal derived from the touch sound received by the microphone, determine a touch operation corresponding to the touch performed on the user, to output a command corresponding to the touch operation.

Abstract: A system that is capable of controlling multiple entertainment systems and/or speakers using voice commands. The system receives voice commands and may determine audio sources and speakers indicated by the voice commands. The system may generate audio data from the audio sources and may send the audio data to the speakers using multiple interfaces. For example, the system may send the audio data directly to the speakers using a network address, may send the audio data to the speakers via a voice-enabled device or may send the audio data to the speakers via a speaker controller. The system may generate output zones including multiple speakers and may associate input devices with speakers within the output zones. For example, the system may receive a voice command from an input device in an output zone and may reduce output audio generated by speakers in the output zone.

Abstract: Audiovisual devices and methods of controlling those devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, an audiovisual toy may include a controller configured to receive a first output signal generated by an audio input device based on received first audio input that exceeds a predetermined threshold level, ignore the audio input device subsequent to receiving the first output signal during a first predetermined time interval, drive a motor based on the received first output signal during the first predetermined time interval, and, after the first predetermined time interval has elapsed, wind down the motor during a second predetermined time interval and monitor, during the second predetermined time interval, for a second output signal generated by the audio input device based on received second audio input that exceeds the predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: A method and display device for recognizing voice is provided. A method of recognizing voice by a display device for performing an operation according to a control command of a remote control device includes: receiving an audio signal including user voice transmitted from the remote control device, extracting a signal characteristic of the received audio signal, identifying a noise type related to the extracted signal characteristic with reference to signal characteristics for each of a plurality of pre-stored noise types, and outputting guide information corresponding to the identified noise type. Accordingly, the display device provides uttered voice input guidance appropriate for voice recognition to a user so as to enhance voice recognition performance with respect to uttered voice.

Abstract: A system that is capable of controlling multiple entertainment systems and/or speakers using voice commands. The system receives voice commands and may determine audio sources and speakers indicated by the voice commands. The system may generate audio data from the audio sources and may send the audio data to the speakers using multiple interfaces. For example, the system may send the audio data directly to the speakers using a network address, may send the audio data to the speakers via a voice-enabled device or may send the audio data to the speakers via a speaker controller. The system may generate output zones including multiple speakers and may associate input devices with speakers within the output zones. For example, the system may receive a voice command from an input device in an output zone and may reduce output audio generated by speakers in the output zone.

Abstract: A mobile device is configured to wirelessly authenticate with a reader device. The mobile device may receive an acoustic signal from a user, and a command may be determined based on the acoustic signal. The mobile device may transmit the command to the reader device if the mobile device and the reader device are authenticated. The reader device may receive the command, and may analyze the command to determine an action to be performed. The reader device may then perform the action if the mobile device is authorized to request the command to be performed.

Abstract: A voice recognition apparatus according to the embodiment includes a first user input unit for receiving a first user command; a second user input unit for receiving a second user command; and a control unit for executing a specific function according to a combination of the first and second user commands input through the first and second user input units.

Abstract: A vehicle HVAC noise control system includes an air handler, a blower motor, an audio event device and a controller. The air handler is connected to a passenger compartment. The blower motor is operably connected to the air handler to provide a plurality of airflow rates for air flowing into a passenger compartment. The audio event device produces an audio event to the passenger compartment. The controller is operatively connected to the blower motor and the audio event device. The controller controls operation of the blower motor initially at an operating airflow rate and subsequently switches to a noise reducing airflow rate in response to a signal from the audio event device indicating that the audio event device will subsequently produce the audio event.

Abstract: A wireless communication device is disclosed. The wireless communication device includes a processor, a memory, a transceiver configured to receive an audio signal, a codec to decode the audio signal, a dynamic range controller and a phoneme processor. The phoneme processor is configured to extract acoustic cues from each frame of the decoded audio signal and to identify a phoneme class in the each frame. The dynamic range controller is configured to apply dynamic range compression on the each frame based on the identified phoneme class.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for recognizing speech in an utterance. The methods, systems, and apparatus include actions of receiving an utterance and obtaining acoustic features from the utterance. Further actions include providing the acoustic features from the utterance to multiple speech locale-specific hotword classifiers. Each speech locale-specific hotword classifier (i) may be associated with a respective speech locale, and (ii) may be configured to classify audio features as corresponding to, or as not corresponding to, a respective predefined term. Additional actions may include selecting a speech locale for use in transcribing the utterance based on one or more results from the multiple speech locale-specific hotword classifiers in response to providing the acoustic features from the utterance to the multiple speech locale-specific hotword classifiers.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic key system for unlocking a vehicle includes an electronic key and a vehicle controlling device. The electronic key includes a first controller, a signal transmitting module configured to collet and transmit speech signals, and a wireless charging receiving coil configured to transmit electromagnetic signals to the first controller. The vehicle controlling device includes a second controller configured to authenticate the speech signals and unlock the vehicle, a signal receiving module configured to receive speech signals sent by the signal transmitting module and send the speech signals to the second controller, and a wireless charging transmitting coil configured to transmit the electromagnetic signals to the wireless charging receiving coil. The second controller is further configured to drive the wireless charging transmitting coil.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a method of controlling a display apparatus are disclosed. The display apparatus includes: a display configured to display an image based on a video signal; a sound output section configured to output a first sound based on a sound signal; a first sound receiver configured to receive a first mixed sound including the first sound and a second sound of a user; a second sound receiver which is spaced apart at a distance from the first sound receiver and is configured to receive a second mixed sound comprising the first sound and the second sound; and a controller configured to perform control in accordance with the second sound of the user, the second sound being acquired based on the first mixed sound and the second mixed sound.

Abstract: A mobile device having a transceiver, a microphone, and a processor programmed to control a vehicle function at a vehicle computing system based on a received voice command via the microphone. The transceiver is configured to receive key fob security codes having predefined key assignments from the vehicle computing system. The microphone is configured to receive voice command inputs associated with the key fob security codes. The processor is programmed to configure a mobile device application to initiate vehicle control functions using the security codes, and in response to a voice command, transmit a vehicle function request to the vehicle computing system via the transceiver.

Abstract: A device includes a sound wave reception unit that receives a sound wave output from a mobile device, through a sound wave reception device; a control information acquisition unit that acquires control information associated with operation of the device from the received sound wave; and an operation performance unit that performs the operation based on the control information. The control information acquisition unit determines a frequency band, to which at least one frequency identified from a certain frame within the received sound wave corresponds, from an audible sound wave frequency band and a non-audible sound wave frequency band, and partial information based on the frequency band and the at least one identified frequency, and acquires control information corresponding to the received sound wave based on each of the determined partial information.

Abstract: A method for unlocking a door, a method for renting asset and a system thereof are provided in the present invention. The door includes an audio receiver, and the method includes the steps of: storing a unlock sequence into a mobile device; performing a audio modulation to generates a audio modulation voiceprint signal, wherein the frequency range of the audio modulation voiceprint signal is in the audio frequency; playing the audio modulation voiceprint signal by using the speaker of the mobile device; when the audio receiver receives the audio modulation voiceprint signal, the method further includes: performing a audio demodulation to obtain the unlock sequence; and determining whether the door is unlock or not according to the unlock sequence.

Abstract: A method of controlling a function of an acoustic detector includes storing a reference power spectrum of a reference acoustic signal, the reference power spectrum being associated with a mode of operation of the acoustic detector; receiving an acoustic sound signal, the acoustic sound signal including a tone and harmonic tones; generating a real-time acoustic power spectrum of the acoustic sound signal responsive to the receiving of the acoustic sound signal; and performing the mode of operation when a comparison of the real-time acoustic power spectrum with the reference acoustic power spectrum indicates that the acoustic sound signal is a control signal.

Abstract: Installation (1) for controlling the playing time of a sporting event, in particular of the type found in basketball, comprising:—a portable system (2) for picking up and detecting a whistle blow (S4) that signals a stoppage in the playing time, said portable system converting the audible signals into digital signals, digitally processing these digital signals and outputting a digital refereeing signal (S23) in response to the detection of the whistle blow; and—a fixed system (3) for controlling the playing time, having a digital radio connection to the portable system and comprising control means (31) that stop and/or start a clock (32) that counts down the playing time in response to the reception of the digital refereeing signal. The invention also relates to just the portable system and to just the fixed system specially designed for the portable system, and also to a time-multiplexing digital audio communications terminal incorporating such a portable system.

Abstract: A portable electronic device provides audio output, such as from a media player application controllable by an ultrasonic remote control signal. Audio processing circuitry, which is normally configured to process audio signals in the human audible range, is configured by a controller to operate in an ultrasonic signal processing mode to detect an ultrasonic control signal, such as generated by a specialized headset. Such a configuration permits the portable electronic device to process ultrasonic control signals using native audio processing circuitry, without the need to add expensive hardware. The ultrasonic signal processing mode is initiated in response to a detected ultrasonic signal processing condition, such as detection of an active media player application or other application software or system software having an audio output function.

Abstract: An electronic appliance includes a microphone which detects a clapping sound, an edge signal extractor, an edge pulse generator and a judgment processing circuit. The judgment processing circuit generates a first gate having a first time width to detect whether or not a second clapping sound has been generated after elapse of a first predetermined time from a first time when the microphone detects a first clapping sound and the edge pulse generator generates the first edge pulse corresponding to the first clapping sound. Subsequently, the judgment processing circuit generates a second gate having a second time width to detect whether or not a third clapping sound has been generated after elapse of a second predetermined time from a second time when the edge pulse generator generates the second edge pulse corresponding to the second clapping sound.

Abstract: Devices and methods are presented to remotely dial wireless communications devices. A device is equipped with a microphone and a plurality of logic units to analyze incoming acoustic signals in the form of Morse code. Acoustic signals may comprise tapping sounds, or voice patterns to create the “dits” and “dahs” associated with Morse code. Background noise can be eliminated using digital signal processing (DSP). The device can be used in a variety of environments where phone numbers and addresses need to be dialed from a distance or in emergency situations.

Abstract: A method for recognizing a control command and a control device using the same that can efficiently increase the recognition rate for a control command that includes a button input and/or speech input. The method includes receiving information input by a user; extracting a control command, which is mapped to a control object, to which a command focus is set, and the input information, with reference to predetermined reference information if the control object exists; and outputting a control signal according to the extracted control command.

Abstract: A method of extracting a voice command produced in an enclosed or partially enclosed environment, includes providing an impulse response signal of the enclosed or partially enclosed environment; recording the voice command and ambient sounds; and using the impulse response signal to extract the recorded voice command.

Abstract: Disclosed are electronic devices and methods of electronic devices having a housing including a wireless actuator without an electrical interface, the wireless actuator located on the housing, the wireless actuator being configured to provide tactile feedback and configured to generate an acoustic signal with a unique acoustic signature upon actuation. Included is at least one accelerometer being configured to receive a mechanical or acoustic stimulus and/or an acoustic signal which can include an impulse response being a brief non-periodic and/or non-repeating signal such as a tap or a repeating signal such as a tone, to generate an identifying signal. Also included is a processor configured to receive an identifying signal to generate a control signal based on the received acoustic signal correlated to the acoustic signature. The control signal can provide initiation of any function or application of the device.

Abstract: A device controller configured to control physical devices using an audible humming frequency that includes: a humming frequency module, a humming command module, and a control command module. The humming frequency module may be configured to determine humming frequenc(ies) using a detected humming signal(s). The humming command module may be configured to compute humming command(s) based on the humming frequenc(ies). The control command module may be configured to generate control command(s) using received key command(s) and humming command(s).

Abstract: Microprocessor technology is used to detect routine sounds in a substantially enclosed environment to determine normal or abnormal activity or noise within the environment (i.e., habitual behavior of an individual) A device is situated in a substantially enclosed environment with audio input device similar to a microphone and an optional visual display for interaction with the local users. The device has the ability to be controlled locally via key-pad or USB port connected to a local laptop computer, or remotely via a phone line or Ethernet connection to internet. The device further performs audio pattern recognition using waveform matching scheme to detect the occurrence of pre-programmed sounds representing routine activities. The microprocessor counts the number occurrence of each recognizable sound for a particular interval and over a length of a day or other duration and reports to a remote server. The remote server performs tracking and trending analysis to a web-based caregiver client.

Abstract: Included are embodiments of a method for communicating user preferences to at least one environment. At least one embodiment includes receiving a request from an environment for preference information related to a user and receiving a user identifier from the environment, the user identifier obtained via a portable user device. Other embodiments include determining at least one user preference related to the user, determining capabilities related to the environment, and communicating at least one user preference to the environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provision a network node such as a network appliance is described.

Abstract: A wireless key system for a mobile vehicle includes a key fob with a controller, a microphone operably coupled to the controller, a memory operably coupled to the controller, arid a telematics unit operably coupled to a vehicle communication bus. Verbal commands received through the microphone initiate the controller to send a function message in accordance with instructions stored in the memory to the telematics unit that activates a function through the vehicle communication bus.

Abstract: A device and system to remotely detect vocalizations of speech. The skin located on the throat region of a speaking person or a reflective layer on the skin on the throat region vibrates in response to vocalizations of speech by the person. The vibrating skin or reflective layer is reflective of impinging radiation. A laser Doppler vibrometer transmits radiation onto the vibrating skin or the covering reflective layer and receives reflected radiation from the vibrating skin or reflective layer. The laser Doppler vibrometer generates voltage output signals that are representative of the speech causing the vibrations. A target tracker directs the impinging radiation and detects the reflected radiation to pass between the throat region and the laser Doppler vibrometer and includes a processor that removes non-speech signal artifacts from the voltage output signals. An interconnected audio speaker reproduces the speech from the voltage output signals.

Abstract: An electronic appliance includes a microphone which detects a clapping sound, an edge signal extractor, an edge pulse generator and a judgment processing circuit. The judgment processing circuit generates a first gate having a first time width to detect whether or not a second clapping sound has been generated after elapse of a first predetermined time from a first time when the microphone detects a first clapping sound and the edge pulse generator generates the first edge pulse corresponding to the first clapping sound. Subsequently, the judgment processing circuit generates a second gate having a second time width to detect whether or not a third clapping sound has been generated after elapse of a second predetermined time from a second time when the edge pulse generator generates the second edge pulse corresponding to the second clapping sound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user interface system that is acoustically operated for the control of connected devices. Through the interface, acoustic sounds, such as tap, can be distinguished from less than 10 cm apart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving, accessing, and storing medical data relating to a patient during a medical procedure. The invention provides a single interface to many disparate forms of medical data, which is accessible over a local area network; wide area network, direct connection, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, an operating room control system for use during a medical procedure on a patient includes an input device, a display device, and a controller that is coupled to the input device and the display device. The controller receives one or more user inputs, transmits a command to a server located outside of the operating room to retrieve medical data, receives the medical data from the server, and displays the medical data on the display device. Medical data can be captured by the controller using, for example, a camera and a video/image capture board, keyboard, and microphone during surgery or examination of the patient.

Abstract: Audio system and related method integrated with ultrasound communication functionality are provided. A communication transmitting device of proposed invention modulates a communication signal of communication functionality to a high-frequency sound and transmits the high-frequency sound by an ordinary audio transmitter. A communication receiving device of proposed invention receives the high-frequency sound with an ordinary audio receiver and demodulates it to retrieve the communication signal, and then the communication device can use the communication signal. The proposed audio sound transmitter/receiver can be implemented using low-cost audio speaker/microphone, such that a cost for implementing communication functionality can be reduced.

Abstract: A remote controller includes a microphone, a data transmitter which transmits data corresponding to a button, and a voice transmitter which transmits voice input acquired from the microphone. The voice transmitter transmits voice based on the press of a predetermined button, and the data transmitter transmits data. An electronic device includes a voice receiver, data receiver, and processor. The processor acquires data from the data receiver. The processor determines based on data whether the voice receiver has received voice, and acquires the voice.

Abstract: A remote controller includes an input module including an input panel and a controller coupled to the input panel for generating coordinate information of the input panel. The remote controller further includes a data transmission interface for transmitting data to an electronic appliance, a microphone for transforming sound waves into audio signals, a speaker for transforming audio signals into sound waves, an image capturing module for capturing and converting image of a user to image signals, an image display module for converting image signals of a remote user received to an image, and a control unit coupled to the input module, the data transmission interface, the microphone, and the speaker, for controlling the data transmission interface to transmit audio or images signals and data corresponding to the coordinate information generated by the controller to the electronic appliance.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to control systems and provides a run time configurable control system for selecting and operating one of a plurality of operating room devices from a single input source, the system comprising a master controller having a voice control interface and means for routing control signals. The system additionally may include a plurality of slave controllers to provide expandability of the system. Also, the system includes output means for generating messages to the user relating to the status of the control system in general and to the status of devices connected thereto.

Abstract: A motion activated, voice controlled reminder system, wherein a programmable device automatically reminds the intended receiver of a future event, without any extraordinary action on the part of the recipient, thus enabling the user to, via a telephone, leave a message on a recording unit, specifying a date for message delivery, wherein the message is stored in a microprocessor until the programmed date, whereupon when motion is detected by the motion detector, the microprocessor audibly announces the reminder message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provision a network node such as a network appliance is described.

Abstract: A control circuit for an amusement device includes a sound detector, a band-pass filter, a peak integrator and a controller. The sound detector is configured to detect audible sound signals. The band-pass filter is electrically coupled to the sound detector. The band-pass filter is configured to extract sound signals in a predetermined audible frequency range and to output a corresponding filtered signal. The peak integrator is electrically coupled to the band-pass filter. The peak integrator is configured to receive the filtered signal, to average peaks of the filtered signal and to output a trigger signal based on a predetermined range of the averaged filter signal. The controller is electrically coupled to the peak integrator. The controller is configured to receive the trigger signal and to provide a control output in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: A motion activated, voice control communications device interactive with voice mail systems and electronic mail systems and effective as a stand-alone unit. In general, when a motion detector detects motion in the vicinity of the device, a microprocessor receives input therefrom to initiate a software command to check for messages. If messages are present, the device provides an audible report stating the number of messages waiting and provides a list of voice commands by which the user may initiate the next action, which may include review, erase or skip message or end session. The presently described communications device can be used in conjunction with voice messaging platforms or electronic messaging systems via a personal computer.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling vehicle functions using a walkie-type cellular phone is provided. A cellular phone is used to make a walkie-talkie type connection with a device disposed within a vehicle. The cellular phone sends a message to a receiver of the device disposed with the vehicle. The message instructs the device on how to control the vehicle. The device is electrically connected to one or more vehicle controls of the vehicle.

Abstract: Voice control systems are used in diverse technical fields. In this case, the spoken words are detected by one or more microphones and then fed to a speech recognition system. In order to enable voice control even from a relatively great distance, the voice signal must be separated from interfering background signals. This can be effected by spatial separation using microphone arrays comprising two or more microphones. In this case, it is advantageous for the individual microphones of the microphone array to be distributed spatially over the greatest possible distance. In an individual consumer electronics appliance, however, the distances between the individual microphones are limited on account of the dimensions of the appliance.

Abstract: A method and system for the automatic detection of a sleeping person and for adjusting electrical power supplied to a number of electronic devices; it includes a unit for observing the behavior of a person in a predetermined area under surveillance and a unit for analyzing output data from the observing unit to determine whether the observed behavior is associated with predefined sleeping behaviors. Upon recognition that the observed behavior indicates the sleeping state of a person, the electrical power supplied to the plurality of electronic devices is selectively adjusted according to predetermined criteria.

Abstract: An interface assembly with an animated character/prop has at least one speaker for generating language and mechanisms for generating correlated movement. A logic controlling device has a plurality of inputs and outputs and is adapted to configure and synchronize message request signals from the various sensors, relays, thermostats, user controls and the like, with the appropriate audible words and movement commands from the generating devices as required to convey messages relating to the environment to the user. The interface assembly provides an audio component adapted to receive output signals from the logic controlling device to actuate the speaker. The interface assembly provides a movement component adapted to receive output signals from the logic controlling device to actuate the mechanisms for generating movement. The interface assembly provides a drive converter assembly operatively coupled to and adapted to convert and transfer signals between the movement component and the character/prop.

Abstract: A vehicle HVAC noise control system includes an air handler, a blower motor, an audio event device and a controller. The air handler is connected to a passenger compartment. The blower motor is operably connected to the air handler to provide a plurality of airflow rates for air flowing into a passenger compartment. The audio event device produces an audio event to the passenger compartment. The controller is operatively connected to the blower motor and the audio event device. The controller controls operation of the blower motor initially at an operating airflow rate and subsequently switches to a noise reducing airflow rate in response to a signal from the audio event device indicating that the audio event device will subsequently produce the audio event.