Abstract: An audio apparatus includes: a connector that supports a multipolar plug including a plurality of plug terminals, the connector having a plurality of connector terminals including an input terminal of an audio collection section and an output terminal that outputs a noise canceling signal; a signal amplification section that amplifies a combined signal generated by combining the noise canceling signal and a reproduction audio signal, the signal amplification section being provided on an audio signal line that connects the input terminal and the output terminal; a detection section that detects whether the multipolar plug is inserted or pulled out by detecting change of voltage of a voltage supply line connected to the audio signal line; and a suppression section that suppresses output from the signal amplification section when the multipolar plug is pulled out but does not suppress the output when the multipolar plug is inserted.

Abstract: A phone, particularly an ear phone, is provided that features two transducer housings (41, 42) and a flexible head strap (43). The head strap (43) is pre-shaped in such a way that it is coiled up and has at least one turn in its relaxed and unworn state. In this way, the phone can be stowed in a space-saving fashion when it is not worn.

Abstract: An power-saving amplifying device is disclosed, the power-saving amplifying device uses a micro controller unit (MCU) to receive a control signal transmitted by a volume controller and to generate a decision signal based on the control signal; the MCU transmits the decision signal to the volume controlling circuit for obtaining a drive signal, then the volume controlling circuit transmits the drive signal to a power amplifier for driving a speaker to output a sound with a required volume; the MCU also calculates an output value of a PWM signal and transmits the PWM signal to a DC integrating circuit for rectifying and integrating the PWM signal into a DC voltage; the DC voltage is coupled with a voltage control terminal of the power supply to increase or decrease the DC voltage outputted by the power supply to the power amplifier, thereby reducing power consumption by using the volume to control the output voltage of the power supply.

Abstract: A method of compensating for spatial audio frequency characteristics that varies in accordance with a mounting condition of a down firing speaker of an audio/video (AV) apparatus includes calculating a listening distance between the AV apparatus and a listener, calculating a distance between a speaker mounted on the AV apparatus and a neighboring reflective surface, setting a spatial frequency compensation filter value and a speaker frequency characteristic compensation filter value based on the calculated distances, and compensating for frequency characteristics of an audio signal by combining the spatial frequency compensation filter value and the speaker frequency characteristic compensation filter value.

Abstract: A method includes comparing a magnitude value of an audio signal in a fixed unit section with a target volume level, measuring audio gain in each fixed unit section using specific functions which are each determined to be different according to a ratio of the target volume level to the audio signal magnitude, and providing the measured audio gain to the audio signal in the fixed unit section.

Abstract: A method for processing audio signals optimizes the listening experience for hearing impaired listeners, as well as non-hearing impaired listeners, without forcing hearing impaired individuals to feel stigmatized by requiring them to employ special hearing-impaired equipment. A user actuated controller controls a mixture of a preferred audio signal and a remaining audio signal across a range sufficiently wide enough to encompass all individuals. The preferred audio is recorded and maintained separate from all remaining audio and delivered to the listener in a manner that maintains the separateness of the preferred audio and the remaining audio. The user actuated controller includes the capability of automatically maintaining the listener established ratio in the face of changes in the audio signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for digitally processing audio signals. Some embodiments receive an audio signal and converting it to a digital signal. The gain of the digital signal may be adjusted a first time, using a digital processing device located between a receiver and a driver circuit. The adjusted signal can be filtered with a first low shelf filter. The systems and methods may compress the filtered signal with a first compressor, process the signal with a graphic equalizer, and compress the processed signal with a second compressor. The gain of the compressed signal can be adjusted a second time. These may be done using the digital processing device. The signal may then be output through an amplifier and driver circuit to drive a personal audio listening device. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be part of the personal audio listening device.

Abstract: It is determined whether user's operation performed on a control is normal or special operation. A function of increasing or decreasing a value of a parameter assigned to the control is performed if the user's operation is the normal operation. Another function, different from the function of increasing or decreasing a value of a parameter, is performed if the user's operation is the special operation. The control comprises, for example, a touch pad provided with a display device for displaying a current operating position of the control. If a user touches one point of the pad with its finger or touches one point of the pad and then continuously slides its finger on and along the pad, such user's operation is determined to be the normal operation. If the user touches or taps two or more points of the pad, such user's operation is determined to be the special operation.

Abstract: Bass frequencies of audio can be dynamically boosted using various techniques and tools. The described techniques and tools can be applied separately or in combination. Bass frequencies of audio can be boosted using a linear combination of an input audio signal and output of a high-pass filter. For example, bass frequencies of audio can be boosted by applying a high-pass filter to an input audio signal to produce an output of the high-pass filter, determining a current level, determining a target gain amount, dynamically adjusting the input audio signal and the output of the high-pass filter, and combining the gain-adjusted signals to produce an output signal. A dynamic bass boost filter can comprise a high-pass filter and a dynamic boost module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a volume control with DC supervision in a voice evacuation system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a volume control comprising a first input interface for receiving an audio signal, a first output interface for forwarding said audio signal to at least one audio device, and a second input interface for receiving an alarm signal. The apparatus also comprises a switch having a plurality of nodes, wherein at least one of the plurality of nodes is an unlabeled node, wherein the switch is in communication with the first input interface and the first output interface for controlling a volume of the audio signal that is sent to the at least one audio device. The apparatus also comprises a filter that is coupled to the unlabeled node of the switch.

Abstract: Audio signal processing apparatus is disclosed. The audio signal processing apparatus includes a first audio signal extracting section, a second audio signal extracting section, a sense-of-depth controlling section, a sense-of-sound-expansion controlling section, a control signal generating section, and a mixing section. The first audio signal extracting section extracts a main audio signal. The second audio signal extracting section extracts a sub audio signal. The sense-of-depth controlling section processes the extracted main audio signal to control a sense of depth. The sense-of-sound-expansion controlling section processes the extracted sub audio signal to vary a sense of sound expansion. The control signal generating section generates a first control signal with which the sense-of-depth controlling section is controlled and a second control signal with which the sense-of-sound-expansion controlling section is controlled.

Abstract: An audio volume control method employs an audio system that includes a first audio device and a second audio device. A communications link connects the first and second audio devices together so that each may communicate with the other. The audio system includes an audio volume manager that varies the audio output level of the second audio device as a function of the perceived loudness of the second audio device as perceived at the first audio device.

Abstract: An audio volume control method employs an audio system that includes a first audio device and a second audio device. A communications link connects the first and second audio devices together so that each may communicate with the other. The system includes an audio volume manager that varies the audio output level of the second audio device as a function of the perceived loudness of the second audio device as perceived at the first audio device. To determine the perceived loudness of the second audio device as perceived at the first audio device, the audio volume manager may measure the current distance between the first and second audio devices.

Abstract: A system and method for improved audio controls on a personal computer is provided. The system and method provide a unified architecture for audio controls across hardware and software interfaces of the personal computer. An intelligent facility may automatically change audio controls for users to simply interact with various communications and media applications. To this end, a configurable audio controller intelligently handles various aspects of the system's audio devices by following various rules that may be based at least in part on user-configurable settings and a current operating state. The present invention also provides audio controls so that a user may easily change audio settings such as the volume of an audio output device. There are many applications that may use the present invention for automatic control of audio devices based upon the user's context.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a volume operation module, a first volume controller and a second volume controller. The volume operation module includes a rotary encoder module of detecting a degree of movement of a control member thereof and a potentiometer module of detecting an absolute position of the control member. The first volume controller controls the volume of the audio signal based on the detected degree of movement of the control member. The second volume controller controls the volume of the audio signal based on the detected absolute position of the control member. The volume control by the first volume controller is rendered effective when the information processing apparatus is in a power-on state. The volume control by the second volume controller is rendered effective when the information processing apparatus is in a power-off state.

Abstract: A system for adjusting audiovisual content having a server including a receiver for receiving a first content from a media source, a first circuitry configured to generate a second content based on the first content, the second content having multiple audio channels, a first transceiver for sending the second content to one or more clients, each client including a second transceiver for receiving the second content, and a second circuitry configured to generate a third content based on the second content and provide the third content to an audio device, wherein the second circuitry is configured to provide a graphical user interface to a user, the graphical user interface having a plurality of icons representing the user and the multiple audio channels, wherein movement of any of the plurality of icons will alter the second content.

Abstract: A sound output device of the present invention for outputting sound according to audio data fed thereto includes: a volume adjuster that is operated by a user in a predetermined manner, and that determines a ratio of volume of the sound to predetermined reference volume according to how it is operated by the user; a time detector detecting that a predetermined time has come; and a reference volume adjuster adjusting the reference volume according to a detection result of the time detector. Thus, the maximum level of the volume (which is dependent on the reference volume) can be automatically adjusted according to the current time. The volume adjuster determines the ratio of volume to reference volume according to the operation by the user. Thus, for example, the same operation performed by the user even under different levels of reference volume produces almost the same ratio of volume to reference volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and systems for digitally processing audio signals by adjusting the gain of a signal a first time, using a digital processing device located between a radio head unit and a speaker. The methods and systems may filter the adjusted signal with a first low shelf filter, compress the filtered signal with a first compressor, process the signal with a graphic equalizer, compress the processed signal with a second compressor and adjust the gain of the compressed signal a second time. The methods and systems may also filter the signal received from the first low shelf filter with a first high shelf filter prior to compressing the filtered signal with the first compressor. The signal may be filtered with a second low shelf filter prior to processing the signal with the graphic equalizer. Some embodiments filter the signal with a second high shelf filter after the signal is filtered with the second low shelf filter.

Abstract: A disclosed set top box or other type of multimedia handling device (MHD) is configured to support a toggle volume feature that enables the end user to toggle between two or more substantially different audible volume settings using a single push of a single remote control button or other type of control, e.g., a touch screen control. In some embodiments, the MHD includes a processor, storage media accessible to and readable by the processor, a remote control interface in communication with the processor, a multimedia decoder, and an audio digital-to-analog converter. The remote control interface receives input from a remote control device. The multimedia decoder module receives and processes multimedia streams. The decoder generates a decoder audio output and a decoder video output. The DAC processes the decoder audio output and produces an audio signal having a particular volume level.

Abstract: User interface signals representing volume change requests are converted to volume control signals using a mapping. The mapping is overridden (modified) within a given time interval after starting (which includes resuming) playback. During this interval, the mapping for volume decreases is modified so that the resulting volume decreases are accelerated relative to those that would be generated by the default mapping. This allows the user to quickly reduce the volume of the device when begins playing very loud music. The mapping for volume increases can be modified during this interval.

Abstract: A sound and light control apparatus includes an audio signal input terminal for receiving an audio signal, a voltage dividing circuit electrically connected to the audio signal input terminal for dividing the voltage of the audio signal into two divided voltages, a control knob electrically connected to the voltage dividing circuit for adjusting the divided voltages, at least one audio signal output terminal electrically connected to the voltage dividing circuit and at least one loudspeaker for transmitting one divided voltage to the loudspeaker, a frequency-divider crossover circuit electrically connected to the voltage dividing circuit for filtering the other divided voltage according to a plurality of different audio frequencies to generate corresponding frequency division voltages, and transmitting each frequency division voltage to a corresponding frequency division voltage output terminal electrically connected to a light emitting diode and enabling the light emitting diode to produce light correspondin

Abstract: The perceived loudness of an audio signal is measured by modifying a spectral representation of an audio signal as a function of a reference spectral shape so that the spectral representation of the audio signal conforms more closely to the reference spectral shape, and determining the perceived loudness of the modified spectral representation of the audio signal.

Abstract: A computing device comprising a touch input device and a processor. The touch input device is configured to detect multiple touch point contacts. The processor is coupled to the touch device and configured to execute software instructions that process the multiple touch point contacts and, based on the multiple touch point contacts, adjust at least one audio setting of a plurality of audio output devices.

Abstract: A system and method control a volume based on location. The system comprises a switch and an asset. The switch is for a network including an operating area for a region. The region is divided into a plurality of zones. The asset is disposed in one of the zones. The asset includes an audio output device. The audio output device is set to a predetermined volume level as a function of one of the plurality of the zones in which the asset is disposed.

Abstract: The present invention transmits sounds and/or music to an unborn baby in the mother's womb via a waist belt and speaker disposed within the belt, where the speaker connects to most audio devices via a universal audio plug. The waist belt can also be used to temporarily house/transport appropriate portable audio devices in an internal pocket. The speaker of the present invention utilizes a volume control unit that is separate from a volume control of an attached audio device and that allows for limiting and/or adjusting the sound volume delivered by the speaker. The separate volume control unit is an improvement over any previously known devices because it provides additional safety for the developing baby's hearing.

Abstract: A method for controlling a maximum signal level output to headphones of a wireless device is provided. The method includes: determining an impedance of the headphones; determining a carrier specific maximum signal level for headphones having the impedance; and, adjusting an audio amplifier of the wireless device coupled to the headphones to restrict the maximum signal level output to the headphones to the carrier specific maximum signal level.

Abstract: A plural-channel audio signal (e.g., a stereo audio) is processed to modify a gain (e.g., a volume level or loudness) of an estimated dialogue signal (e.g., dialogue spoken by actors in a movie) relative to other signals (e.g., reflected or reverberated sound). In some aspects, a controller is used to control master volume and dialogue volume. In some aspects, one or more graphical objects and/or user interface elements are used to indicate volume levels and other information.

Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) device having a volume control function for external audio reproduction units by using volume control buttons of a remote controller is provided. The A/V device includes speakers, an audio output port for externally outputting an audio signal, an audio signal processing unit for reproducing and amplifying the audio signal and applying the amplified audio signal to the speakers or the audio output port, a memory unit for storing volume control values, and a control unit for applying to the audio signal processing unit any of the volume control values stored in the memory based on whether the external audio reproduction unit is plugged in the audio output port. The control unit controls the audio signal processing unit to adjust the volume control values for the audio output port by the volume control buttons when the external audio reproduction unit is plugged in the audio output port.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a portable terminal includes: a first audio input-output unit and a second audio input-output unit configured to receive audio when a mode is set as an input mode and output audio when the mode is set as an output mode; and a setting unit configured to set the respective modes of the first audio input-output unit and the second audio input-output unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and systems for digitally processing an audio signal. Specifically, the present invention provides for a headliner speaker system that is configured to digitally process an audio signal in a manner such that studio-quality sound that can be reproduced.

Abstract: A volume control in a hearing aid which has a signal path from a microphone to a receiver and which provides amplification of the signal delivered to the receiver, the volume control including first and second user input elements to allow the user to change the amplification in a downward and an upward direction, whereby use of the first and second user input elements has different impact on the size of the amplification change effected.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting an audio volume level, are discussed. In an embodiment of the method, the volume steps of at least one preferred volume range and the volume steps of remaining volume ranges are set to be different from each other. The preferred volume range may be determined based on two boundary volume levels input by a user or may be determined based on collected volume data indicating use by the user.

Abstract: A digital audio system including a combination of analog and digital volume control is disclosed. A variable power supply voltage biases a power amplifier for each channel, and applies a bias voltage corresponding to an analog volume control signal. In one disclosed embodiment, digital gain control circuitry compares the bias voltage with the level expected for the analog volume control signal; if the bias voltage has not dropped in response to a reduction in the analog volume control signal, the digital gain control circuitry reduces the digital gain of the input digital audio signal, until the bias voltage responds to the reduced volume. In another disclosed embodiment, modeling or characterization of the audio system is used to derive a digital gain control signal based on the desired volume signal and the amplitude of the digital audio signal itself.

Abstract: A handheld wireless communications device has an adjustable volume setting. The communications device also has a downlink audio processor containing a digital audio filter. Storage in the device contains a first set of filter coefficients that configure the filter to enable the device to pass a wireless communications device certification process while sacrificing sound quality, at a low volume setting. The storage also contains a second set of filter coefficients that configure the filter to enhance sound quality while sacrificing passing the wireless communications device certification process, at a high volume setting. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A stage monitoring system is described and claimed that provides musical performers the ability to carefully control the local sounds they are hearing during a performance independently of the house sound system and independently of the other musicians on stage. A complete and unique system constituting an improved method of monitoring oneself during an aural performance, by way of a discreet mixer that sums the collective audio signals coming from a vocal microphone, a mono or stereo instrument input, stereo ambient microphones and signals from two auxiliary inputs. The unit sends the audio signal from the ‘Instrument In’ and the ‘Vocal In’ to an audio recording console or live performance mixing console.

Abstract: A feedback calibration system and a method for controlling an electronic signal are disclosed. The feedback calibration system includes an input controller adapted to modify an input signal in response to a control signal and generate a modified input signal, a signal processing block including a signal analyzer, wherein the signal processing block is adapted to process the modified input signal to generate an output signal and the signal analyzer is adapted to detect an undesirable condition of the output signal and transmit a detection signal corresponding to the undesirable condition, a transfer function estimator adapted to model and transmit a transfer function estimate of the signal processing block in real-time in response to the detection signal, and a programmable device adapted to transmit the control signal to the input controller for modifying the input signal, wherein the control signal is based upon the transfer function estimate.

Abstract: An audio adapter includes a first audio interface, a second audio interface, and two second amplifiers. The power pin of the second audio interface is connected to the non-inverting terminals of the two amplifiers. The left and right ear audio pins of the second audio interface are respectively connected to the inverting terminals of the first and the second amplifiers via two current-limiting resistors respectively. Two variable resistors are respectively connected between the inverting terminal and the output terminal of the two amplifiers. The output terminals of the two amplifiers are respectively connected to the left and right ear audio interface of the first audio interface and respectively connected to the ground pin of the first audio interface via two voltage-limiting resistors respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing audio connection of a speaker arrangement, with an apparatus for providing audio to the speaker arrangement, using a connection element of the apparatus for providing audio connection, wherein the apparatus for providing audio connection comprises a connection element/connector body, and a user input interface arranged to provide for control of an audio setting of the audio, providable by the speaker arrangement, based on detected movement of the connection element/connector body.

Abstract: A headphone can be connected simultaneously to a plurality of audio source devices respectively so the sound information and musical compositions having different contents can be arbitrarily selected and combined to listen to simultaneously. A plurality or plural sets of speaker units are provided to be respectively connected with a plurality of external audio source devices in the inside housing main body of the headphone, and means such as a volume controller and an on-off switch are provided for independently adjusting and operating the electrical signals of the external audio source devices in the appropriate middle position of the connecting cord.

Abstract: An electronic signal processor for processing signals includes a complex first filter, one or more gain stages and a second filter. The first filter is characterized by a frequency response curve that includes multiple corner frequencies, with some corner frequencies being user selectable. The first filter also has at least two user-preset gain levels which may be alternately selected by a switch. Lower frequency signals are processed by the first filter with at least 12 db/octave slope, and preferably with 18 db/octave slope to minimize intermodulation distortion products by subsequent amplification in the gain stages. A second filter provides further filtering and amplitude control. The signal processor is particularly suited for processing audio frequency signals.

Abstract: An audio amplifier such as for driving headphones. The amplifier includes multiple amplifier devices coupled in parallel. Both a bias generator and a volume control are responsive to a user setting. Under low output signal conditions, one or more of the amplifier devices are disabled in response to the user setting. Disabled amplifier devices do not consume output bias current. Thus the audio amplifier has reduced power consumption, and the system has longer battery life.

Abstract: A variable equalizer apparatus for forward and/or reverse equalizers in an amplifier. The system can include a structure to allow continuous contact of the signal flow as an equalizer is removed; jumpers with fixed resistors and associated capacitors and inductors to produce a variable range over many different values; and/or variable resistance potentiometers with fixed resistors and associated capacitors and inductors to produce a variable range over separate value equalizers.

Abstract: In a digital mixer, a storage stores operating data including a plurality of parameters for controlling states of audio signals of a plurality of channels. A signal processor performs a mixing process of the audio signals based on the operating data. A plurality of channel strips are mounted on an operating panel in correspondence to the plurality of the channels. Each channel strip includes operators arranged for controlling a corresponding channel. A display controller displays a panel imitation portion imitating an appearance of the operating panel and including a plurality of channel strip imitation images which imitate the plurality of the channel strips and which are arranged in a positional relationship corresponding to a positional relationship of the channel strips arranged on the operating panel. A parameter setter sets a value of a specific parameter of a channel corresponding to a channel strip upon detecting that the channel strip has been manipulated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for adjusting the gain imparted to a signal by an audio transducer such as a microphone and/or a speaker, which is employed by an electronic device having a multi-touch screen user input. The method begins when pressure applied to the multi-touch screen by a user is detected. The pressure is detected while the user is providing or receiving audible signals to or from, respectively, the audio transducer. Next, the user is identified based on a pre-established user profile that identifies the user based on a pressure profile that is obtained by the multi-touch screen. The pressure profile represents at least a contour of a portion the user's head such as the user's ear, cheek or the like. Once the user has been identified, pre-established user-selectable settings associated with the identified user are retrieved from memory.

Abstract: A volume control apparatus comprises signal processing section for performing digital signal processing and a scaling process on an audio signal outputted from a sound source; level adjusting section for amplifying or attenuating a level of the audio signal outputted from the signal processing section, by an amount of adjustment determined based on an instructed amount of change, and outputting the amplified or attenuated audio signal to an outside; storage section for storing a level value of the audio signal outputted to the outside and the amount of adjustment for the audio signal adjusted by the level adjusting section; detecting section for detecting, when a volume controller is controlled by a user, time required for an amount of operation to reach a predetermined value; first setting section for setting an amount of operational change based on the level value stored in the storage section and the detected time; second setting section for setting an allowable amount of change by which the level adjustin

Abstract: An electronic device includes a display unit, a volume control unit, a motion sensor, and a processing unit. The motion sensor is configured to sense the movements of the electronic device rotated around predetermined axes. The processing unit is configured to rotate a currently displayed image a predetermined degree toward a predetermined direction, control the display unit to flip pages, and control the volume adjusting unit to adjust the volume of an opened audio file if the rotation angle of the electronic device rotated around the predetermined axes reaches predetermined angles correspondingly. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A system for adjusting audiovisual content having a server including a receiver for receiving a first content from a media source, a first circuitry configured to generate a second content based on the first content, the second content having multiple audio channels, a first transceiver for sending the second content to one or more clients, each client including a second transceiver for receiving the second content, and a second circuitry configured to generate a third content based on the second content and provide the third content to an audio device, wherein the second circuitry is configured to provide a graphical user interface to a user, the graphical user interface having a plurality of icons representing the user and the multiple audio channels, wherein movement of any of the plurality of icons will alter the second content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an audio processing system with function of automatic gain control and method thereof. The method includes steps of: receiving a playing command to play an audio file; reading a genre type of the audio file from a tag of the audio file; reading a genre gain value of the genre type from a gain setting table stored in a storage unit; decoding the audio file and generating digital audio signals; converting the digital audio signals to analog audio signals; and signaling a gain amplifier to amplify the analog audio signals by the genre gain value, thereby sounds corresponding to the analog audio signals amplified is proper to a listener's hearing.

Abstract: A volume control system comprises: an amplifying apparatus; and a controller connectable to the amplifying apparatus. The amplifying apparatus includes; a first receiving section for receiving a volume value from the controller, a first input section into which an instruction for changing the volume value is input by a user's operation, a first transmitting section for transmitting the volume value input into the first input section to the controller, and a volume control section for, when the first receiving section receives the volume value or the changed volume value is input into the first input section, controlling a volume value of the amplifying apparatus based on the volume value.

Abstract: Combination line/microphone input circuitry is provided that adapts to receive either an audio line input or a microphone input via a single dual-purpose compound plug or input. More particularly, a combination line/microphone input circuit is provided to accept two different types of audio signals, being audio line signals and microphone signals, via a single dual-purpose plug or single input, such that the audio input circuitry is controlled or switched to accept either the audio line input or the audio microphone input signals, appropriately attenuate, filter and/or such input signals as necessary, then provide the resulting signal to other audio circuitry. Embodiments of the invention include additional circuitry that helps protect external line signal producing electronics from receiving incorrectly activated phantom microphone voltage.