Broadcast Or Multiplex Stereo Patents (Class 381/2)
  • Patent number: 8340325
    Abstract: A method for processing an audio signal, comprising: receiving a downmix signal, an object information, and a mix information; generating a multi-channel information including at least one gain modification factor using the object information and the mix information, wherein the gain modification factor corresponds to a time-subband-variant factor for controlling gain of the downmix signal is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyen-O Oh, Yang-Won Jung
  • Patent number: 8331571
    Abstract: The broadcasting of audio contents by two loudspeakers is controlled by delivering a first audio content to the two loudspeakers and a further processing in which an auxiliary audio content is received. A second audio content is formed by temporally delaying the auxiliary audio content with a delay dependent on the spacing between the loudspeakers and on a distance between a first loudspeaker and a spot located in front of this first loudspeaker. The second audio content is delivered to the first loudspeaker. A third audio content is formed by inverting the auxiliary audio content. The third audio content is then delivered to the second loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS
    Inventors: Vianney Taufour, Gael Lassure
  • Publication number: 20120308013
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes an apparatus for reducing Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) noise in the mobile communication terminal. The apparatus includes a first output path including a resistance element; a second output path not including a resistance element; a modem for, when detecting an event for outputting an audio signal, determining an output path of the audio signal and outputting a control signal indicating the determined output path; and a switch for switching according to the control signal and providing the audio signal to either the first output path or the second output path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Gi-Bae Kim
  • Patent number: 8325930
    Abstract: A signal processing apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The signal processing apparatus includes: a signal processor which respectively processes an input video signal and an input audio signal; a communication unit which is communicably linked with an external audio output unit that outputs the audio signal; and a controller which controls the signal processor to delay and process one of the video signal and the audio signal by a delay value corresponding to the external audio output unit if the external audio output unit is predetermined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-seok Kim, Je-ik Kim
  • Publication number: 20120300942
    Abstract: A multi-channel broadcasting system using a digital matrix amplifier performing the setting of respective equipment is provided to control the model equipment through a digital master controller. An 8-channel audio input unit 66 is electrically connected to a digital audio mixer. Sound source equipment connection terminals are electrically connected to the sound equipment. A data converter unit 46 converts each data and a contact point signal. An audio matrix IC 60 outputs an input sound source signal to an arbitrary channel. A pair of audio output terminals transmits the output signal of the audio matrix IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: L&B TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20120288098
    Abstract: A method of optimizing stereo reception for an analog radio by applying the demodulated right sound signal (SD) and left sound signal (SG) as input to a decorrelation module having a variable decorrelation rate. The decorrelation rate of the decorrelation module is modified as a function of the reception quality coefficient “alpha” provided by the radio. The decorrelation module applies a higher decorrelation rate for a smaller reception quality coefficient “alpha” and applies a lower decorrelation rate for a larger reception quality coefficient “alpha. Also, a module for generating high-pitched sounds to recreate the high-frequency component (SHF) of the right or left sound signals which has been removed in the event of poor reception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Esnault, Frédéríc Amadu
  • Patent number: 8311226
    Abstract: A method for assigning audio channels of audio data content to speakers, each of which is associated with a different one of N speaker nodes of a wireless network. The method is performed by a manager node of the wireless network. The method includes, for each of the N speaker nodes, obtaining a piece of orientation information for each of N?1 other speaker nodes different from the given speaker node, regarding an orientation of a reception antenna of the given speaker node when receiving data sent by each of the N?1 other speaker nodes through the wireless network. The method also includes assigning a different one of the audio channels to a different one of the speaker nodes, as a function of N?1 pieces of orientation information obtained for each of the N speaker nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mickaël Lorgeoux, Francois Thoumy
  • Patent number: 8306233
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is presented that comprises a multichannel audio transmitter which has a first mode for transmitting a multichannel audio signal and a second mode for transmitting at least a first and a second audio signal, each having fewer channels than the multichannel audio transmitter. A controller is configured to switch the multichannel audio transmitter from the first mode to the second mode when the first audio signal becomes available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Corey Sinton, Neil Briffett
  • Publication number: 20120275602
    Abstract: A wireless audio device may realize power savings when processing multi-channel data, e.g. 2-channel stereo audio data, by splitting the multi-channel block data into separate data blocks for each channel, e.g. Left-channel data block and Right-channel data block, and processing each separate data block independently in the source device to generate respective data packets targeting corresponding sink devices, e.g. a Left earphone and a Right earphone. The source device may then transmit each data packet to a different corresponding sink device, e.g. a Left-channel packet to a Left earphone and a Right-channel packet to a Right earphone. The data packets may also include header information indicative of whether a next packet is intended for a given sink device, enabling sink devices to enter sleep mode when the header information indicates that a next packet is not intended for the given sink device, to save power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Ralph D. Mason, Anita J. Netherton
  • Publication number: 20120275603
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing improved intelligibility of contemporaneously perceived audio signals. Differentiation cues are added to monaural audio signals to allow a listener to more effectively comprehend information contained in one or more of the signals. In a specific embodiment, a listener wearing stereo headphones listens to simultaneous monaural radio broadcasts from different stations. A differentiation cue is added to at least one of the audio signals from the radio reception to allow the listener to more effectively focus on and differentiate between the broadcasts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Donald Scott Wedge
  • Patent number: 8300833
    Abstract: A method and circuit for deriving a set of multichannel audio signals from a conventional monaural or stereo audio signal uses an auxiliary multichannel spectral mapping data stream. Audio can be played back in stereo and multichannel formats from a conventional stereo signal on compact discs, FM radio, or other stereo or monaural delivery systems. The invention reduces the data rate needed for the transmission of multichannel digital audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Terry D. Beard
  • Patent number: 8295495
    Abstract: An FM audio receiver can include a mono/stereo detector that causes the audio receiver to output either a monophonic or a stereophonic signal based on a received pilot tone energy. An accurate operation of the receiver, including but not limited to correct decoding of monophonic/stereophonic reception, can be based on the receiver operating with the same rated maximum system deviation (RMSD) as the received signal itself. Aspects of the disclosure describe a system and method of detecting and matching a receiver's RMSD to that of a received signal by demodulating a carrier bearing a an input signal over a first bandwidth, extracting a pilot energy signal from the input signal, and demodulating the carrier bearing the input signal over a second bandwidth if the pilot energy signal is within a pilot energy range for a first predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Chris Cheng-Chieh Lee
  • Publication number: 20120263304
    Abstract: A method for operating a home digital audiovisual information recording and playback apparatus. The method includes: displaying menus with user-selectable system operation options; enabling a selection of desired audiovisual information for reproduction; effecting payment for the desired audiovisual information; inputting a user personal identification number; and downloading, from a main server, the desired audiovisual information after payment has been effected and a valid personal identification has been received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: TouchTunes Music Corporation
    Inventors: Guy NATHAN, Tony MASTRONARDI
  • Publication number: 20120263305
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating a personalized radio channel playlist by simultaneously buffering tracks from multiple received channels from one or more source streams and selectively playing back tracks from the buffered channels. Navigation tools permit users to skip buffered songs in their playlist (e.g., skip forward and backward). Users can specify favorite channels for building personal playlists, or multiple default playlist channels can be provided (e.g., by genre). Thumbs up/down buttons on the radio receiver permit entering a song or artist being played back into a favorites list that is used to search all channels for matches or a banned list used to block songs from future playlists. A matched channel carrying the favorite can be added to a playlist. Segments on the playlist can be played back in full or truncated to facilitate preview of playlist segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Paul D. Marko
  • Patent number: 8280077
    Abstract: Separating a source in a stereo signal having a left channel and a right channel includes transforming the signal into a short-time transform domain; classifying portions of the signals having similar panning coefficients; segregating a selected one of the classified portions of the signals corresponding to the source; and reconstructing the source from the selected portions of the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Carlos M. Avendano, Jean-Marc M. Jot
  • Patent number: 8271289
    Abstract: An audio decoding method and apparatus and an audio encoding method and apparatus which can efficiently process object-based audio signals are provided. The audio decoding method includes receiving first and second audio signals, which are object-encoded; generating third object energy information based on first object energy information included in the first audio signal and second object energy information included in the second audio signal; and generating a third audio signal by combining the first and second object signals and the third object energy information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Soo Kim, Hee Suk Pang, Jae Hyun Lim, Sung Yong Yoon, Hyun Kook Lee
  • Patent number: 8271290
    Abstract: An audio system comprises an encoder (209) which encodes audio objects in an encoding unit (403) that generates a down-mix audio signal and parametric data representing the plurality of audio objects. The down-mix audio signal and parametric data is transmitted to a decoder (215) which comprises a decoding unit (301) which generates approximate replicas of the audio objects and a rendering unit (303) which generates an output signal from the audio objects. The decoder (215) furthermore contains a processor (501) for generating encoding modification data which is sent to the encoder (209). The encoder (209) then modifies the encoding of the audio objects, and in particular modifies the parametric data, in response to the encoding modification data. The approach allows manipulation of the audio objects to be controlled by the decoder (215) but performed fully or partly by the encoder (209).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Dirk Jeroen Breebaart
  • Patent number: 8264606
    Abstract: A digital audio encoder, digital video conditioner, and a digital modulator are described for producing a television broadcast signal at a desired channel frequency range. Left and right audio channel signals are digitized and encoded according to a stereo standard and then combined to form a stereo audio signal. A second audio programming channel signal may be included. A video input can be digitized and conditioned to form a digital video channel. The stereo audio signal can be placed directly at a desired channel frequency by frequency modulation without the need for using an intermediate frequency. The digital video channel can be placed at a desired frequency by amplitude modulation. The digital and audio channels can be digitally combined to create a television transmission signal at a desired frequency and according to a desired standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: THAT Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Easley, Matthew Barnhill, William Kevin Kay
  • Patent number: 8254584
    Abstract: A multi-channel signal decoding method is provided. A down-mixed signal representative of a multi-channel signal is decoded, and parameters representing characteristic relations between channels of the multi-channel signal are decoded. An additional parameter is estimated by using the decoded parameters, and the decoded down-mixed signal is up-mixed by using the decoded parameters and the estimated parameter so as to decode the multi-channel signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-hoe Kim, Eun-mi Oh, Konstantly Osipov, Ki-hyun Choo
  • Patent number: 8243969
    Abstract: A method of generating parameters representing Head-Related Transfer Functions, the method comprising the steps of a) sampling with a sample length (n) a first time-domain HRTF impulse response signal using a sampling rate (fs) yielding a first time-discrete signal, b) transforming the first time-discrete signal to the frequency domain yielding a first frequency-domain signal, c) splitting the first frequency-domain signal into sub-bands, and d) generating a first parameter of the sub-bands based on a statistical measure of values of the sub-bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Dirk Breebaart, Michel Machiel Willem Van Loon
  • Publication number: 20120201386
    Abstract: Metadata comprising a set of gain values for creating a dominance effect is automatically generated. Automatically generating the metadata includes receiving multiple audio streams and a dominance criterion for at least one of the audio streams. A set of gains is computed for one or more audio streams based on the dominance criterion for the at least one audio stream and metadata is generated with the set of gains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Riedmiller, Regunathan Radhakrishnan, Hannes Muesch
  • Patent number: 8233635
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided an audio signal receiving apparatus which receives audio signals transmitted from external connection apparatuses through a plurality of channels, including an audio signal transmitting scheme determining unit which determines a transmitting scheme of the audio signal in the external connection apparatus on the basis of channel mapping information representing types of the audio signals transmitted by the external connection apparatuses. When the audio signal to be received is changed, a process to be executed is changed depending on the transmitting scheme of the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Shiba
  • Patent number: 8234120
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution for assuring user-defined voice commands are unambiguous. The solution can include a step of identifying a user attempt to enter a user-defined voice command into a voice-enabled system. A safety analysis can be performed on the user-defined voice command to determine a likelihood that the user-defined voice command will be confused with preexisting voice commands recognized by the voice-enabled system. When a high likelihood of confusion is determined by the safety analysis, a notification can be presented that the user-defined voice command is subject to confusion. A user can then define a different voice command or can choose to continue to use the potentially confusing command, possibly subject to a system imposed confusion mitigating condition or action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ciprian Agapi, Oscar J. Blass, Brennan D. Monteiro, Roberto Vila
  • Publication number: 20120183146
    Abstract: A digital audio data output device having first and second post-processors that process received digital audio data in parallel. Each processor includes a mixer unit that processes received digital audio data on the fly in response to a channel mode control signal, and a volume control unit that adjusts volume level of output of the mixer unit on the fly in response to a volume level control signal. Each mixer unit includes first and second buffers that can respectively store first and second channel data, a calculator that calculates mix data from the outputs of the buffers, a third buffer that stores the mix data, and an output unit. The output unit selects and outputs one of the received digital audio data, the output of the first buffer, the output of the second buffer, the mix data, and output of the third buffer, as the output of the mixer unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Ki-Mo Kim, Tae-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 8223975
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating a personalized radio channel playlist by time division multiplexing songs from multiple received channels from one or more broadcast source streams in a queue. Users specify favorite channels for building personal playlists, or multiple default playlist channels are provided by genre. Thumbs up/down buttons on the radio receiver enter a song or artist being played back into a favorites list used to search all channels for matches or a banned list used to block songs from future playlists. A matched channel carrying the favorite is added to the playlist. Segments on the playlist are dynamically truncated to reduce the average time each segment is played and facilitate preview. Preview times can vary depending on the size of the playlist or number of channels used. Connectivity options and web interfaces facilitate transfer and sharing of customization parameters for personalized radio configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: XM Satellite Radio Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Marko
  • Publication number: 20120177203
    Abstract: In an audio network system constructed from a main node and a plurality of satellite nodes each having a plurality of ports, the main node generates and transmits a main packet including audio signals of a plurality of channels. Each satellite node selects one of the plurality of ports in turn, and confirms whether the main packet arrives at the selected port every predetermined period or not. When the main packet arrives at the selected port every predetermined period, the main packet is received via the port by continuing selection of the port. In the case where reception of the main packet is lost, one is selected from the plurality of ports in turn, the operation to confirm arrival of the main packet is restarted, and another port at which the main packet arrives at the present stage is automatically found.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Bentall, Peter Charles Eastty
  • Patent number: 8218785
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) emitter having a broad emission pattern driven by a frequency-modulated (FM) carrier signal enables electronic communication between multiple talkers and multiple listeners. A narrow reception pattern on the listener's receiving unit combined with the inherent capture effect of FM coding provides each listener with the means of easily and naturally selecting one of many talkers from a group. A close microphone for the talking party and a close earphone for the listening party enables the system to assist conversation particularly in the case of noisy environments by improving the signal to noise ratio. A similar system of broad emission transmitters and narrow reception can be used in other systems, such as a teleconferencing unit in which users have transmitters and receivers and a teleconferencing unit has multiple receivers arranged to receive signals in multiple different sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sensimetrics Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Von Wiegand
  • Patent number: 8214223
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus, a computer readable storage medium configured with instructions for carrying out a method, and logic encoded in one or more computer-readable tangible medium to carry out actions. The method is to decode audio data that includes N.n channels to M.m decoded audio channels, including unpacking metadata and unpacking and decoding frequency domain exponent and mantissa data; determining transform coefficients from the unpacked and decoded frequency domain exponent and mantissa data; inverse transforming the frequency domain data; and in the case M<N, downmixing according to downmixing data, the downmixing carried out efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Robin Thesing, James M. Silva, Robert L. Andersen
  • Patent number: 8208641
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a media signal and method thereof are disclosed, by which the media signal can be converted to a surround signal by using spatial information of the media signal. The present invention provides a method of processing a signal, the method comprising of extracting spatial information and a downmix signal from a bitstream; and generating rendering information by using the spatial information and filter information having a surround effect, wherein the rendering information comprises first rendering information applied to one channel of the downmix signal extracted from the bitstream and then transmitted on the same channel and second rendering information applied to the channel and then transmitted on another channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyen-O Oh, Hee Suk Pang, Dong Soo Kim, Jae Hyun Lim, Yang-Won Jung
  • Patent number: 8208640
    Abstract: An audio multi-standard detection apparatus is provided to pre-record a plurality of audio broadcasting format carrier bands. The detection apparatus includes: a carrier calculation unit and a switch controller. The carrier calculation unit is used for receiving an intermediate frequency signal and calculates the first carrier energy of the intermediate frequency signal in each of the frequency bands. From this first carrier energy, the switch controller determines which frequency bands are existed in the intermediate frequency signal, then analyzes the signal via at least one threshold value to determine the frequency band's primary carrier. The switch controller obtains an effective carrier. Further, the switch controller compares the effective carrier with the pre-recorded carrier bands for selectively outputting the appropriate audio broadcasting format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Shan-Ting Hong, Yi-Chang Tu, Ching-Hsien Liao, Show-Hong Chen, Ying-Chuan Peng
  • Publication number: 20120155491
    Abstract: Electronic devices and equipment may communicate over a wired communications path. The wired communications path may include one or more wires and may be associated with a headphone cable. Data may be conveyed in the form of a digital data stream containing multiple traffic channels. The digital data stream may include superframes, each of which has multiple frames of data. The frames of data may each contain a number of data slots. Some of the slots in a superframe may be used exclusively by a particular one of the traffic channels. Boundary slots may be shared between traffic channels. Data interface circuitry may implement a data dispersion algorithm that determines the pattern in which data from each traffic channel is distributed within each boundary slot. Transmitting data interface circuitry may merge traffic channels into a single data stream. Receiving data interface circuitry may reconstruct the traffic channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Wendell B. Sander, Barry Corlett, David John Tupman, Brian Sander, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Andrew Bright, Anup Sharma
  • Patent number: 8204756
    Abstract: An audio decoding method and apparatus and an audio encoding method and apparatus which can efficiently process object-based audio signals are provided. The audio decoding method includes receiving a downmix signal, which is obtained by downmixing a plurality of object signals, and object side information, extracting metadata from the object-side information and displaying an information regarding the object signals based on the metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Soo Kim, Hee Suk Pang, Jae Hyun Lim, Sung Yong Yoon, Hyun Kook Lee
  • Publication number: 20120121091
    Abstract: A method comprising determining at least one first parameter, wherein the first parameter is dependent on a difference between at least two audio signals; determining at least one second parameter, wherein the second parameter is dependent on at least one directional component of the at least two signals; and generating at least one ambience coefficient value dependent on the at least one first parameter and the at least one second parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Juha Petteri Ojanpera
  • Patent number: 8175279
    Abstract: A loudspeaker, amplifier, media source, user interface, and mechanical interface are all contained in a single unit. The unit has a first portion configured to mount in a vehicle radio mounting location and a second portion configured to extend significantly outside the vehicle radio mounting location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Nachiketa Tiwari, George Nichols, Brandon Westley, Christopher Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8170217
    Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus is provided. The audio signal processing apparatus comprises a clock generator, a processing module, an amplifying module and an output module. The clock generator is used for generating a clock signal. The processing module is coupled to the clock generator for processing the clock signal and generating a processing signal. The amplifying module is coupled to the processing module for amplifying the processing signal and generating an amplifying signal. The output module is coupled to the amplifying module for outputting the amplifying signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Princeton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Hsiung Chen, Shang-Shu Chung, Ming-Chung Li
  • Patent number: 8160734
    Abstract: A method of processing audio information for broadcast to an audience can include changing first audio information from occurring in a first time interval to occurring in a second time interval to provide time-changed audio information. The time-changed audio information can be combined with second audio information that is responsive to the first audio information to provide broadcast audio information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Todd D. Gatts
  • Patent number: 8160258
    Abstract: An encoding method and apparatus and a decoding method and apparatus are provided. The decoding method includes extracting a down-mix signal and down-mix identification information from an input bitstream, determining, based on the down-mix identification information, whether the down-mix signal is a 3D down-mix signal obtained by performing a three-dimensional (3D) rendering operation, and if the down-mix signal is not 3D down-mix signal, generating a 3D down-mix signal by performing a 3D rendering operation. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently encode multi-channel signals with 3D effects and to adaptively restore and reproduce audio signals with optimum sound quality according to the characteristics of an audio reproduction environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yang Won Jung, Hee Suk Pang, Hyen O Oh, Dong Soo Kim, Jae Hyun Lim
  • Patent number: 8150056
    Abstract: There is provided an audio signal transmitting apparatus which can communicate with a plurality of external connection apparatuses and transmits audio signals to the external connection apparatuses. The audio signal transmitting apparatus includes an external output unit which outputs the audio signal to the outside, an audio signal transmitting unit which transmits the audio signal to the external connection apparatus being in a communicable state, and an audio output control unit which, when headphone information representing that a headphone function that outputs the audio signal through headphones is valid is received from at least one of the external connection apparatuses which receive the audio signals, performs control to stop an output by the external output unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichi Inohara
  • Publication number: 20120070004
    Abstract: A master transmitter distributes a plurality of audio channels to one or more expansion receivers as a multiplexed audio stream. Control information is also transmitted between the master transmitter and the expansion receivers. Both the control information and the multiplexed audio stream are transmitted on the same cable allowing for reduced clutter and cheaper material and installation costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: CRESTRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark LaBosco, Dario Pagano
  • Patent number: 8135141
    Abstract: There is provided an audio signal transmitting apparatus including: a channel mapping unit which determines the audio signals allocated to each of the channels and generates channel mapping information representing types of the audio signals allocated to each of the channels; an audio signal transmitting unit which transmits the audio signals allocated to each of the channels by the channel mapping unit to the external connection apparatuses by a first transmitting scheme or a second transmitting scheme; and a connection management information providing unit which provides connection management information including the channel mapping information and transmitting scheme information representing the transmitting scheme of the audio signals to the external connection apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Shiba
  • Patent number: 8126182
    Abstract: This invention discloses a sound effect system and a wireless audio output device. An audio is produced by the sound effect system which is applied in a portable electronic apparatus, and a trough is disposed in the portable electronic apparatus. The system comprises a plurality of audio output devices and at least one wireless audio output device wherein the audio output devices disposed to the portable electronic apparatus are used to receive an audio signal of the portable electrical apparatus to output the audio. The wireless audio output device can be taken out from the trough when the portable electronic apparatus is in use and, a wireless communication protocol is used to receive a wireless audio signal sent from the portable electronic apparatus. When the wireless audio output device is not in use, the device can be contained into the trough to electrically connect the portable electrical apparatus. The power of the device can be recharged by the portable electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Getac Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Yung-Chang Chang
  • Patent number: 8121570
    Abstract: A system for processing signals is disclosed and may include a single chip having an integrated Bluetooth radio and an integrated FM radio. The single chip may include at least one processor that enables selecting from a range of FM channels, a particular frequency for one of the FM channels based on an intermediate frequency (IF). The particular frequency may be selected so that it is an integer multiple of a channel spacing between neighboring allocated FM channels within the range of FM channels, and may be offset by at most one-half the channel spacing. The at least one processor may enable determining a frequency error of the selected particular frequency for the one of the FM channels. The at least one processor may also enable determining, whether the particular frequency includes an on-frequency channel based on the determined frequency error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Brima Ibrahim, Bojko Marholev, Lijun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120033817
    Abstract: A method for estimating a parameter for low bit rate stereo transmission that includes deriving estimate of any time delay between left and right audio channels in a multi-channel signal from a time delay subsystem. A cross-correlation between the left and right audio channels in the time delay subsystem is employed. Thereafter a normalized cross-correlation within an inter-channel intensity difference (IID) processor is employed before deriving estimate of panning gains for the left and right audio channels from the IID processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: Holly L. Francois, Jonathan A. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 8112286
    Abstract: A prediction performance between individual channels of a stereo signal is improved to improve a sound quality of a decoded signal. A first low pass filter LPF interrupts a high-range component of a first channel signal S1, and outputs a first low-range component S1?. A second low pass filter LPF interrupts a high-range component of a second channel signal S2, and outputs a second low-range component S2?. A predictor predicts the S2? from the S1?, and outputs a prediction parameter composed of a delay time difference t and an amplitude ratio g. first channel encoder encodes the S1. A prediction parameter encoder encodes the prediction parameter. The encoded parameters of the encoded parameter of the S1 and the prediction parameter are then outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Michiyo Goto, Koji Yoshida, Hiroyuki Ehara
  • Patent number: 8107643
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of automatically compensating audio volume in response to a channel change. The method includes generating a gain value to adjust a level of an input audio signal by comparing an average level of the input audio signal with a predetermined input/output level curve, adjusting an audio volume of the input audio signal by applying the generated gain value to the level of the input audio signal, and adjusting a dynamic range of the audio signal having the adjusted audio volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-hark Oh, Seoung-hun Kim
  • Patent number: 8099067
    Abstract: A demodulation system for Radio Data System (RDS) signals in a receiver includes a quadrature mixer (303) configured to convert a RDS signal at an input frequency directly to a base band RDS signal, a single filter (305) configured to filter the base band RDS signal to provide a RDS signal, and a signal level detector (311) configured to provide an indication of a level of the RDS signal (313), a demodulator (315) configured to demodulate the RDS signal and provide RDS data, the RDS data corresponding to information for user consumption, where the indication is used for selectively interrupting the user consumption when the level of the RDS signal is unsatisfactory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Jie Su
  • Patent number: 8090115
    Abstract: In a television receiver, based on speaker information of each of one or more devices including speakers which is a memory of the television receiver, a transmitting audio signal to be transmitted to each device including a speaker, in which synchronization is established between devices including speakers in a reproduction mode, is formed and transmitted to the device (including a speaker) through a communication interface. The device (including a speaker) receives the transmitting audio signal addressed thereto through a communication interface, plays back the signal, and uses a speaker of the device to generate sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuichiro Noto
  • Patent number: 8090109
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing an audio signal and method thereof applied to an audio playback system are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a decoder, an error-correcting circuit and an audio correcting module. The method for processing audio signals in accordance with the present invention decodes the audio signal to generate a decoded signal by the decoder. Then, the error-correcting circuit performs an error-correcting algorithm in the decoded signal to generate an error indication signal and an output audio signal. And the audio correcting module corrects the output audio signal to generate a corrected audio signal when the error indication signal indicates that the output audio signal has error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: RealTek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Hsu-Jung Tung, Tzuo-Bo Lin
  • Patent number: 8086448
    Abstract: Processing an audio signal associated with a sound recording made available to be rendered to an end user is disclosed. The audio signal is received. A high-order perceptual attribute of the audio signal as rendered is changed by modifying the audio signal. The modification may be based on real-time analysis of the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Michael Goodwin, Carlos Avendano, Ramkumar Sridharan, Martin Wolters
  • Patent number: 8085940
    Abstract: Rebalancing of an audio signal refers to achieving a balance of perceived loudness, typically of right and left channels, given an unbalanced input. A flexible method to automatically rebalance an audio input signal is robust against noise in extreme cases through the individual channels combined in various ways as a function of the loudness ratio between input channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven David Trautmann, Atsuhiro Sakurai, Ryo Tsutsui