Abstract: According to one embodiment, an acoustic apparatus comprises an electro-acoustic transducer with a first function of converting an electric signal to an acoustic signal and a second function of converting an acoustic signal to an electric signal, the electro-acoustic transducer configured to convert a measuring electric signal to a measuring acoustic signal using the first function, and to convert an acoustic response signal responding to the measuring acoustic signal from an object to an electric response signal using the second function, a switch configured to switch the first function to the second function, or vice versa, and a switch controller configured to control a function switching of the switch in accordance with a sound source signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a small and economical two-way communications device that has both an excellent echo-cancellation function that substantially suppresses echoes over the entire frequency range and an excellent voice-operated exchange function that provides natural switching of conversation sounds while protecting against unnatural disconnection or echoes during conversation, even when a reception signal and a transmission signal are superimposed in a single transducer.

Abstract: A thin and cost-effective bi-directional loudspeaker which can reproduce high quality sound toward contrary directions simultaneously, arranged from bottom to the top, consists of a frame (2), a U-yoke (3), a first magnet (4), a washer (5), a copper cap (6), a second magnet (7), a voice coil (8), a diaphragm (9), a spacer (12), a spider (15), a dust cap (18) and a connector (1) disposed on lateral side of the frame (2). Said loudspeaker is characterized in that: said diaphragm (9) is in a cone shape whose an inner edge (10) of said apex is fixed with top of said voice coil (8). A periphery (16) of the spider (15) is fixed with an upper edge (14) of the supporting ring (12) and a bottom edge (13) thereof is fixed with an exterior (11) of the diaphragm (9). Said spider (15), spacer (12) and diaphragm (9) are coupled by adhesive and fixed on top of said frame (2).

Abstract: A sound emitting and collecting apparatus that can precisely detect the talker direction based on a collected sound signal even when a sound is emitted from a loudspeaker is provided. Microphone units MU1 to MU8 collect a sound in sound collecting areas MA1 to MA8 formed so as to have rotational symmetry with the placement position of loudspeakers SP1 and SP2 as the center and generate composite signals SA1 to SA8 (hereinafter, SAk). Logarithm calculation sections L1 to L8 calculate logarithm values Pk of power level of the composite signals SAk. An amplification section 11 calculates a power level average value AV from the logarithm values Pk of power levels and a subtraction section subtracts the power level average value AV from the logarithm values Pk of power level to generate differential signal levels Dk. A maximum value detection section 12 compares differential signal levels Dk and detects the maximum value.

Abstract: A MEMS device includes a vent hole structure and a MEMS structure disposed on a same side of a substrate. The vent hole structure adjoins the MEMS structure with an etch stop structure therebetween. The MEMS structure includes a chamber, the vent hole structure includes a metal layer having at least a hole thereon as a vent hole to connect the chamber of the MEMS structure through the etch stop structure. Accordingly, the MEMS device has a lateral vent hole. Furthermore, as the vent hole structure and the MEMS structure are disposed on the same side of the substrate, the manufacturing process is convenient and timesaving.

Abstract: A sensor circuit for a flow sensor comprises terminating impedances connected in parallel to the sound transducers and has a signal generator, which is configured as a power source. The circuit arrangement is suitable particularly for the operation of an airflow sensor in internal combustion engines.

Abstract: An alerting system (202) for a communication device (100) is provided. The alerting system is designed to operate in a plurality of operating modes. The alerting system includes a transducer (204) and an electromechanical switch (106). The transducer transforms electrical impulses into vibrations. The electromechanical switch couples the transducer to a first component (206) of the communication device in a first operating mode. Further, the electromechanical switch couples the transducers to a second component (208) of the communication device in a second operating mode.

Abstract: An electrostatic type ultrasonic transducer of a push-pull system is constructed such that a through hole is arranged in the central portion of a fixing electrode of a circular shape. A sound wave reflecting plate is arranged on the rear face of the ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic wave radiated from the rear face of the ultrasonic transducer is reflected by the sound wave reflecting plate and is radiated to the front face of the ultrasonic transducer through the through hole.

Abstract: A module (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) may be electrically connected to a PCB (18) residing in a device (14) or may be joined to the device (14) to form a portion of the housing (16) of the device (14). The module includes a housing (102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602) having at least one layer, a surface mountable component, such as a surface mountable acoustic transducer (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) having a connecting surface (114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614) disposed within the housing (102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602), and at least one acoustic port (124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624) formed on a surface of the housing (102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602). The module (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) may further include a secondary mounting structure (654) electrically connected to the connecting surface (114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614) of the surface mountable acoustic transducer (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610). The acoustic port (124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624) may include a layer of an environmental barrier (450, 550).

Abstract: A sound collecting device is provided which is designed to minimize adverse effects on an output caused by exposure of an electroacoustic transducer to the air. The device includes an electroacoustic transducer and a vibrating circuit. The transducer is exposed to the air and responsive to input of a sound wave to produce a corresponding acoustic signal. The vibrating circuit vibrates the transducer to shake foreign substances such as dust or drops of water from the transducer. In a modified form, an electromagnetic sensor is provided which measures an electromagnetic noise transmitted to the transducer and which removes the electromagnetic noise from an output of the transducer to produce a noiseless acoustic signal.

Abstract: An audio apparatus includes a converter having a sound-output mode in which the converter functions as a sound-output device for converting a sound signal into an audio output and a sound-pickup mode in which the converter functions as a sound-pickup device for converting an audio signal into a sound output, a controller switching the converter to the sound-output mode or the sound-pickup mode, an analyzing section analyzing the sound output generated from the converter that is switched to the sound-pickup mode by the controller, and an alarm section generating an alarm signal based on an analysis result from the analyzing section.

Abstract: A speaker module is disposed on the top casing and includes at least one first vent. A printed circuit board is disposed between the top casing and the bottom casing and includes at least one second vent corresponding to the first vent.

Abstract: A sound collecting device is provided which is designed to minimize adverse effects on an output caused by exposure of an electroacoustic transducer to the air. The device includes an electroacoustic transducer and a vibrating circuit. The transducer is exposed to the air and responsive to input of a sound wave to produce a corresponding acoustic signal. The vibrating circuit vibrates the transducer to shake foreign substances such as dust or drops of water from the transducer. In a modified form, an electromagnetic sensor is provided which measures an electromagnetic noise transmitted to the transducer and which removes the electromagnetic noise from an output of the transducer to produce a noiseless acoustic signal.

Abstract: A sound synthesizer for a vehicle includes a driving operation detector that detects an operation amount of a driving operation input device by a driver. A speed calculator calculates a revolution speed of a drive unit based on the detected operation amount. A sound controller outputs a sound control signal based on an input of the operation amount and based on the revolution speed. A memory stores drive sound data in advance. A synthesized sound output generator reads out drive sound data from the memory and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to a sound pressure signal. The memory divides the operational state of the drive unit into plural stages by using the operation amount and the revolution speed as parameters. The memory stores each driving sound which is recorded in the middle of each operational period as digital data of the driving sound at a wavelength of a sound pressure waveform which is substantially the same as a cyclic sound interval of the drive unit.

Abstract: In a cellular phone, stereophonic sound reproduction of music etc. is realized by using a microphone and a speaker of the cellular phone as stereophonic speakers. By the stereophonic sound reproduction function, radio broadcasting from FM stations, streaming sound from the Internet, etc. are reproduced by the cellular phone. The speaker and the microphone are removed from the front of the housing of the cellular phone (where a display and operation buttons are mounted) and are placed on the back of the housing, thereby the diameters of the speaker and the microphone are enlarged and thereby wide-range and high-volume-level sound reproduction is realized. The speaker and the microphone are preferably implemented by low-profile flat-panel speakers that are functionally equivalent.

Abstract: A mount for acoustic transducers has a resilient sheet with a plurality of mounting apertures therein. Each mounting aperture has an annular groove formed about the inside surface of the sheet to accommodate one of the acoustic transducers. A pair of rigid, acoustically transparent plates are mounted on each side of the resilient sheet. Each plate has a plurality of communication apertures in it which correspond to the mounting apertures of the resilient sheet. The acoustic transducers are inserted into the mounting aperture of the resilient sheet. The acoustically transparent plates provide structural support for the mount.

Abstract: A bandpass loudspeaker enclosure system including at least one electro-acoustic transducer with a vibratable diaphragm having a first acoustical coupling surface and a second acoustical coupling surface, and at least one differential area passive radiator with three separate acoustical coupling surface areas. The first acoustical coupling surface of the vibratable diaphragm is substantially air coupled through a first enclosure volume to a first of the three separate acoustical coupling surface areas of the at least one differential area passive radiator. A second of the three separate acoustical coupling surface areas of the at least one differential area passive radiator is substantially air coupled through a second chamber to the external environment through a restricted acoustic opening or passive acoustic radiator of predetermined characteristics.

Abstract: An electrostatic speaker device, comprising a first stator which is substantially acoustically transparent to audio output and a second stator spaced from the first stator at a distance which defines a charge capacitive region between the first and second stators which operates as an electrostatic field capable of driving a charge sensitive diaphragm as a speaker element. At least one charge sensitive diaphragm is sandwiched between the first and second stators and includes a conductive layer for being responsive to the electrostatic field. Support structure is coupled to at least one of the first and second stators and is attached at a portion of a perimeter of the diaphragm in a manner that imposes tension across the diaphragm to enable the first and second stators to drive the diaphragm as the speaker element.

Abstract: A bandpass loudspeaker enclosure system including a first primary enclosure volume, a second primary enclosure volume and a dividing wall positioned between the first and second primary enclosure volumes and having a first opening therein. At least one electro-acoustic transducer is mounted at the opening on the dividing wall and includes a movable diaphragm having a first surface area side and a second surface area side. The first surface area side communicates into the first primary enclosure volume and the second surface area side of the movable diaphragm communicates into the second primary enclosure volume. At least one differential area passive radiator is provided, including (i) a primary diaphragm surface area having a primary peripheral attachment surround, and (ii) secondary diaphragm surface area having at least a secondary peripheral attachment surround.

Abstract: A wireless terminal for personal communication systems is provided with selective handsfree or handset receive mode of operation utilizing a single transducer. The transducer is mounted within a specially designed enclosure having front and back chambers each with strategically located acoustic ports for shaping the frequency response and providing good quality audio in each mode. Electronic equalization may be employed to further adjust the amplifier gain and shape the frequency response for dual mode operation.

Abstract: A cordless headset, requiring very low power using Time Variant Modulation (TVM) for reception of a magnetic signal and TVM of RF or infrared as the transmitter. The headset area or zone of operations is defined by the magnetic field that the headset operates within and uses a handshake protocol that takes advantage of the TVM fixed clock period. The headset communicates with a base station that includes a TVM transmitter and loop for transmitting a TVM signal to the cordless headset, and a RF or infrared receiver capable of receiving TVM signals from the headset. The base station also contains the headset protocol logic for controlling the headset transmission. The headset and base station receiver can both be fixed, mobile or portable and vary with respect to orientation and distance from each other. The receiver circuits in both base station and headset automatically adjust to the variance in signal strength.

Abstract: Directional hearing in noisy environments is enhanced using small conventional microphones. In one embodiment a conventional first order bidirectional gradient microphone is employed in connection with a barrier to produce sound shadow at the rearward end of the microphone. In other embodiments such as hearing assistive devices worn on a person's head or body, the head or body of that person serves as the barrier. The result is a significant reduction in gain for all frequencies of acoustic energy emanating from generally rearward of the microphone. The sound shadow creates an apparent change of direction of arrival for rearwardly arriving acoustic energy, thereby making it appear to the microphone that the sound is approaching from the high attenuation 90.degree. direction. Two spaced bidirectional microphones worn on a person's body may be positioned to take advantage of this effect while simulating binaural hearing in an assistive listening device.

Abstract: An ear piece device configured for being supported in the ear and providing a microphone which is sensitive only to sounds conducted within the skull of the user is contained within a housing which is configured at one end to fit snugly at the ear canal of the user, but not to extend within the ear canal. A microphone element is coupled within the housing in a position such that the microphone element is separated from contact with the skull of the user by the housing. This microphone element includes an inertial platform which has sufficient inertial mass to substantially resist movement associated with the housing by reason of audio vibration and which is cantilevered at one end within the housing and includes signal means for generating a signal representing vibrations transferred into the housing in the form of audio vibrations from the user. This signal is supplied to an audio circuit for processing and reproduction of the user's voice.

Abstract: A device for performing electroacoustic functions including noise cancellation, communication interface, and headphone functions. The device includes a composite transducer which is connected to a control unit. The composite transducer, which is adapted for use with the human ear, includes at least three transducers, oriented to be substantially coplanar to each other: two oppositely oriented input transducers for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals, and at least one output transducer oriented facing the ear for converting electrical signals into acoustic waves. The control unit includes circuitry for driving the output transducer based on electrical signals from the input transducers with an amplitude and phase to perform the noise cancellation, sound filtering, communication interface, and headphone functions.

Abstract: A device for performing electroacoustic functions including noise cancellation, hearing aid, communication interface, headset, feed for recording device, and headphone functions. The device includes composite transducers connected to a control unit. The composite transducers can be mounted on a headband and are configured to include input transducers for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals for processing by a control unit, and output transducers for converting the processed electrical signals to processed sound waves. The control unit includes an inverter/amplifier and a mixer/output amplifier for inverting the electrical input and controlling the gain for either adjusting the gain to maximize a noise cancellation function or increasing the gain beyond the minimum level heard by the ear to a desired level for a hearing aid function.

Abstract: A microphone has a diaphragm having a dome central portion being formed of laminate of a thin layer of synthetic resinous material and a thin wire mesh contacting the central portion. As surrounding attachment portion is provided so that the diaphragm is free to vibrate in a plane perpendicular to itself. An annular voice coil is attached to and circumscribes the central portion on the concave side of the diaphragm and a fixed permanent magnet is disposed within the voice coil. The magnet is formed of neodymium iron-boron and the voice coil has an internal diameter greater than its thickness and the thickness of the magnet is greater than the thickness of the voice coil. A method of forming the described microphone is also set forth.

Abstract: A portable system for recording telephone conversations from a telephone and also for recording face-to-face conversations includes a portable, battery-powered audible sound recorder carried by the user, a microphone connected to the recorder, and a microphone support which is supported by the ear of the user for retaining the microphone between the telephone earpiece and the inner portion of the auditory meatus of the user. By locating the microphone near the auditory meatus or in the outer portion of the auditory meatus of the user, sounds of the face-to-face conversation and sounds of the telephone conversation from the earpiece are recorded on the recorder. With the recording system of the invention, there is no physical contact between the microphone and the telephone earpiece. A microphone holder is also disclosed for retaining a small microphone near or in the auditory meatus of the user.

Abstract: A hollow enclosure that suspends a bidirectional microphone element within, in such a fashion as to improve the unidirectional characteristics, of said bidirectional microphone.

Abstract: A sound generating apparatus using piezoelectric elements includes first and second sounding plates arrayed in parallel with each other. The first and second sounding plates respectively include first and second diaphragms, and first and second thin plate-like piezoelectric elements laminated onto the first and second diaphragms. The first and second sounding plates are coupled together at the outer peripheral portions by a ring, thereby forming a hermetically sealed internal air chamber. The first and second sounding plates coupled together by the ring, and containing the internal air chamber cooperate to form a sounding member. The sounding member is supported by means of four resilient supporting members made of, for example, rubber, in a housing. In the housing, a front air layer and a rear air layer are formed on both sides of the sounding member, respectively. The front and rear air layers communicate with each other through a ringlike sound path.