Abstract: The disclosure of the present specification aims to provide a directivity control system for speakers, which is capable of easily controlling directivity of acoustic data to provide desired sound fields with a plurality of speakers, and freely producing sound fields with high accuracy. A plurality of physically connected speaker units are virtually arrayed at respective directivity angles according to control signals that define the directivity angles. Virtual delay time data is calculated for the case where data is outputted with the virtual array, and output is performed according to output data affected by the delay time data, so that desired sound fields can be formed with the speaker units remaining fixed, without the necessity of mechanically rotating the speaker units.

Abstract: Examples described herein involve configuring a playback device based on distortion, such as that caused by a barrier. One implementation may involve causing the playback device to play audio content according to an existing playback configuration, determining an existing frequency response of the playback device in a given system, and determining whether a difference between the existing frequency response of the playback device in the given system and a predetermined frequency response for the playback device is greater than a predetermined distortion threshold. If it is determined that the difference between the existing frequency response of the playback device and the predetermined frequency response for the playback device is greater than the predetermined distortion threshold, then the existing playback configuration of the playback device is changed to an updated playback configuration of the playback device and the playback device plays audio content according to the updated playback configuration.

Abstract: A method and system that allows authorized individuals access into controlled access locations and the ability to grant temporary and limited access to guests into these locations. The method and system allows for navigational services to be provided to members and guests, and real-time tracking and confirmation to members and administrators that guests have arrived at their destination and did not enter any unauthorized areas. The method preferably can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with member and guest's electronic devices. Members and administrators can send one or more temporary electronic access keys to a guest's smartphone or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons provide an access control and location tracking system with real-time data about the member and guest whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking.

Abstract: Examples described herein involve configuring a playback device based on distortion, such as that caused by a barrier. One implementation may involve causing the playback device to play audio content according to an existing playback configuration, determining an existing frequency response of the playback device in a given system, and determining whether a difference between the existing frequency response of the playback device in the given system and a predetermined frequency response for the playback device is greater than a predetermined distortion threshold. If it is determined that the difference between the existing frequency response of the playback device and the predetermined frequency response for the playback device is greater than the predetermined distortion threshold, then the existing playback configuration of the playback device is changed to an updated playback configuration of the playback device and the playback device plays audio content according to the updated playback configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve configuring a playback device based on the detection of a barrier in proximity to the playback device. One embodiment may involve receiving proximity data that includes an indication of a barrier that is proximate to a playback device; detecting that the barrier is within a threshold proximity to a first speaker of the playback device based on the indication of the barrier proximate to the playback device; in response to the detecting, setting a playback configuration of the playback device; and causing the playback device to play an audio content according to the playback configuration.

Abstract: An audio system includes plural speakers including a planar speaker configured to emit a plane wave on the basis of a received audio signal, and a controller configured to supply audio signals to the plural speakers respectively, and to set signal levels of audio signals to be supplied to the planar speaker and at least one speaker, other than the planar speaker, of the plural speakers in accordance with a control signal specifying a perceived distance of sound to be heard by a listener.

Abstract: A sound analysis apparatus includes a sound information obtaining section chat obtains information relating to a sound acquired by a sound acquiring section that acquires the sound and distinguishes a spoken voice of a wearer from a spoken voice of another person, a phase difference deriving section that derives a relationship between a frequency and a phase difference with respect to the sound acquired by the plural sound acquiring sections, a dispersion deriving section that derives a dispersion that is the level of irregularity of the derived phase difference, and a distance deriving section that derives a distance between the wearer and the other person using a first dispersion derived in a case where the sound is distinguished as the spoken voice of the other person and a second dispersion derived in a case where the sound is distinguished as the spoken voice of the wearer.

Abstract: An acoustical reflector is provided. The reflector includes a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, a front surface, and a rear surface. The reflector may further include a plurality of reflector rows, such as vertical reflector rows. Each reflector row may be formed from the top end to the bottom end and is substantially parallel relative to one another. The plurality of reflector rows may from a concave shape on the front surface of the reflector from the first side to the second side.

Abstract: A desktop audio loudspeaker system, for placement on a desktop used a work surface by a listener, includes an enclosure for placement on or above the desktop, the enclosure having a front surface; a first loudspeaker mounted in the enclosure, the first loudspeaker radiating sound from the enclosure, past the front surface, in a direct path to ears of the listener. This embodiment also includes a first reflective element having a surface, the first reflective element mounted in relation to the enclosure so as to reduce multipath effects caused by reflection of sound by the desktop, wherein the surface of the first reflective element is disposed transversely with respect to the front surface of the enclosure, and forming an angle with the front surface, to reflect sound, emanating from the first loudspeaker, away from the desktop in a direction that avoids a direct path to ears of the listener.

Abstract: A speaker system includes: a first speaker unit having a predetermined directivity angle in the horizontal direction; and a pair of second speaker units which are disposed opposite to each other with the first speaker unit sandwiched between them when viewed in the vertical direction and which have a directivity angle in the horizontal direction greater than the directivity angle of the first speaker unit, wherein distances from the center of the first speaker unit to the centers of the pair of second speaker units are equal to each other, and the first speaker unit and the pair of second speaker units are disposed so as to face toward the same direction.

Abstract: An acoustic apparatus which outputs test signals from a plurality of speakers configuring a multichannel reproduction system and adjusts acoustic characteristics by picking up response signals from the speakers using a microphone, includes a test signal storage unit storing test signals output from the speakers; a response signal storage unit storing response signals from the speakers picked up by the microphone; a parameter calculation unit calculating acoustic adjustment parameters including at least a polarity reversal parameter and a phase filter parameter based on the response signals from the speakers stored in the response signal storage unit; and an acoustic adjustment parameter storage unit storing the acoustic adjustment parameters calculated by the parameter calculation unit. The parameter calculation unit calculates the polarity reversal parameter using a low-pass component of the response signals.

Abstract: A surround sound virtualization apparatus and method. The surround sound virtualization apparatus may include an audio decoder to perform head-related transfer function (HRTF) filtering, and a time delay unit to provide a time delay to a plurality of output signals of the audio decoder.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a television apparatus includes a housing, a skeletal member, a speaker, a speaker holder, and a sound guiding mechanism. The housing is provided with an emission opening. The skeletal member is housed in the housing and fixed to the housing. The speaker is arranged inside the housing. The speaker holder is attached to the skeletal member with an engagement mechanism while holding the speaker. The sound guiding mechanism includes the speaker holder, and guides sound produced from the speaker to the emission opening.

Abstract: A front surround sound reproduction system which improves the performance of beam steering by using a speaker array arranged geometrically on two or more planes or on one curved surface, and a signal reproducing method of the system. The audio reproduction apparatus to reproduce a multi-channel audio signal by using a plurality of speakers includes a signal distribution unit to duplicate a multi-channel audio signal and to distribute the duplicated signals as one or more groups of multi-channel signals corresponding to one or more speaker array groups, a steering processing unit to form sound beams with steering angles predetermined in relation to each speaker array group, from the groups of multi-channel signals distributed by the signal distribution unit, and a speaker array unit having one or more speaker array groups to reproduce the sound beams of each group formed by the steering processing unit, in the speaker array group.

Abstract: A signal processing device includes: a sound adjustment amount calculation unit which calculates a sound adjustment amount for adjusting sound characteristics of each channel to a predetermined sound characteristic for each channel, using a sound signal that is obtained by collecting the outputs of each channel; an evaluation value calculation unit which calculates a coefficient allocation evaluation value for allocating a size of a filter coefficient necessary for the sound adjustment of the respective channels for each channel, based on the sound adjustment amount that is calculated by the sound adjustment amount calculation unit; and a filter coefficient calculation unit which calculates the filter coefficient for each channel using the coefficient allocation evaluation value that is calculated by the evaluation value calculation unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for reproducing stereo sound having a housing (1, 25) defining an at least partially enclosed space. A first transducer (7) or pair of transducers (28, 29) is provided and arranged to reproduce one, both or the sum of two audio signals. A pair of transducers (10, 32) is also provided and arranged to reproduce a signal comprising the difference of the two audio signals. As the transducers communicate with the at least partially enclosed space, and the transducers arranged to reproduce the difference between the two audio signals are each arranged to direct their output primarily in a direction generally at right angles to the direction in which the first transducer or pair of transducers primarily direct their output. The apparatus may be arranged to be placed on or adjacent a generally flat surface, and the transducers arranged to reproduce the difference of the two audio signals may be arranged to direct their output towards the flat surface.

Abstract: A line array speaker provides highly uniform frequency response throughout a wide listening field, while also reducing distortion and improving fidelity, clarity, and output level. In a symmetrical embodiment, central apertures are straddled by a sequential pairs of sets of apertures. The straddling pairs emit frequencies in the next lower frequency band relative to the frequency band of the immediately preceding frequency band apertures. In an asymmetrical embodiment, sequential frequency bands are emitted by adjacent sets of apertures rather than straddling pairs of sets of apertures. Each of the apertures may be a loudspeaker cone, one or more straight slots, one or more arbitrarily curved slots, one or more arbitrarily angled slots, one or more holes or the mouth of a horn. The speaker may have a front baffle which is a flat panel or multiple facets arranged in one or multiple recesses across a front of the speaker.

Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus includes: a test signal supply unit to supply a test signal to each speaker of a multi-channel speaker including a center speaker and others; a speaker angle calculation unit to calculate an installation angle of each speaker with an orientation of a microphone as a reference, based on test audio output from each speaker and collected by the microphone; a speaker angle determination unit to determine an installation angle of each speaker with a direction of the center speaker from the microphone as a reference, based on the installation angle of the center speaker and the installation angles of the other speakers with the orientation of the microphone as a reference; and a signal processing unit to perform correction processing on an audio signal based on the installation angles of the speakers with the direction of the center speaker from the microphone as a reference.

Abstract: An audio system for a vehicle has at least one source of audio signals. A respective directional loudspeaker array is mounted at each seat position and coupled to the at least one source. The at least one source includes a microphone that detects speech from an occupant of the first seat position. Processing circuitry receives signals from the microphone that correspond to the detect speech and drives each second respective loudspeaker array at the other seat positions to radiate acoustic energy corresponding to the detected speech.

Abstract: An information storage medium including graphic data and presentation information, and an apparatus and method of processing the graphic data are provided. The information storage medium includes the graphic data, page composition information which defines page composition of the graphic data, and the presentation information indicating when graphic screen data, which is composed with reference to the page composition information of the graphic data, is output to a display screen. Therefore, a graphic object is reusable in graphic data processing, and accordingly, a time taken to process the graphic data is reducible and memory area may be saved.

Abstract: A loudspeaker apparatus includes a speaker array that has a plurality of speaker units which are arranged on a sound emitting surface of the speaker array, and emits sound beams on a plurality of channels, an angle sensing section that senses an angle change displaced from a previously set reference angle of the sound emitting surface, and an adjusting section that adjusts output angles of the sound beams in response to the angle change.

Abstract: The present invention is an array of high-frequency loudspeakers with three or more closely coupled bodies. Linear widths of said bodies of loudspeakers along a linear array axis are 5 centimeters or less and adjacent loudspeakers are separated by 5 centimeters or less.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes a sensor to sense an orientation of the electronic apparatus, an audio processor to divide a stereo audio signal into a left audio signal and a right audio signal, a plurality of speakers disposed at separate locations on a main body of the electronic apparatus to output the left audio signal and the right audio signal, a switching unit to output the left audio signal and the right audio signal from the audio processor to the plurality of speakers, and a controller to control the switching unit to switch the output of the left audio signal and the right audio signal between the plurality of speakers based on a change in the orientation of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A portable speaker for a music play such as an iPod® player. The housing of the speaker is shaped and sized as a cup and can be placed inside a commonly seen cup holder, such as a cup holder in a car or other vehicles, a baby stroller, a foldable camping chair, etc. The speaker housing has a slot for receiving a music player, as well as electrical connectors for electrically connecting to the audio output of the music player. The sound producing devices are disposed within the speaker housing and face upwards and/or downwards.

Abstract: A media playback media playback apparatus having user-selectable shapes is disclosed. In accordance with the media playback apparatus having user-selectable shapes in accordance with the present invention, speakers are attached to a media playback unit via rotatable connecting means such that a user may select a shape of the media playback apparatus according to his or her preference.

Abstract: There is provided a speaker connector including first and second speaker elements each having an inward face, an opposing outward face, and an engagement wall extending between the inward and outward faces. The speaker elements are connectable to the first and second speakers, respectively. A connector housing includes first and second end faces disposed on opposing sides of a housing medial portion. First and second inner walls extend inwardly from the first and second end faces, respectively, to define first and second housing recesses. The first and second inner walls are configured to engage with the engagement wall of the respective speaker elements with the first speaker element being received within the first housing recess and the second speaker element being received within the second housing recess.

Abstract: A system and method for speaker configuration in an audio and video housing, wherein the audio and video housing may be supported by stands located on top of a gas pump. The audio and video housing may have an audio and video source, at least one video display, and circuitry to drive the pair of speakers. The speakers may have a covering to provide protection from moisture and foreign particles. The speakers may be positioned to output sound downward directed towards the top of a gas pump. The sound may then be redirected to a first and second listening area.

Abstract: A line array speaker provides highly uniform frequency response throughout a wide listening field, while also reducing distortion and improving fidelity, clarity, and output level. In a symmetrical embodiment, central apertures are straddled by a sequential pairs of sets of apertures. The straddling pairs emit frequencies in the next lower frequency band relative to the frequency band of the immediately preceding frequency band apertures. In an asymmetrical embodiment, sequential frequency bands are emitted by adjacent sets of apertures rather than straddling pairs of sets of apertures. Each of the apertures may be a loudspeaker cone, one or more straight slots, one or more arbitrarily curved slots, one or more arbitrarily angled slots, one or more holes or the mouth of a horn. The speaker may have a front baffle which is a flat panel or multiple facets arranged in one or multiple recesses across a front of the speaker.

Abstract: A loudspeaker horn includes a pair of opposed flared sides defining a passage diverging to a mouth, and a vane positioned in the passage for steering sound waves through the passage. The vane may have a straight configuration and be either centrally located between the flared sides or laterally offset in the diverging passage. The vane may be fixed in position or, more preferably, be pivotable so as to be adjustable before each new use according to conditions at that use. The horn may be part of a horn unit that includes a funnel for feeding sound to the horn, and the horn or horn unit may be part of a horn loudspeaker.

Abstract: A virtual multichannel sound system is presented to improve audio reproduction by statically or dynamically conforming signal processing to specific speaker characteristics and/or arrangements. According to one such aspect, one or more dynamic signal processing algorithms driving two or more speakers are altered in response to the relative physical characteristics or arrangements of these speakers, where parameter information for these algorithms is either factory set, user input, or automatically supplied to the processor. Examples of such relative speaker differences include speaker spacing or alignment, speaker or enclosure compliance, and enclosure configuration. Another aspect is to alter the processing algorithms in response to common speaker characteristics for certain conditions of input signals.

Abstract: An audio system utilizes a method for detecting and adjusting a sound field effect thereof. The audio system includes a first speaker and a second speaker. The first speaker is used to emit a first sound signal, and the second speaker is used to emit a second sound signal. The method for adjusting the sound field effect includes the steps of detecting a specific position and adjusting the first speaker or the second speaker based on the specific position to focus the first sound signal and the second sound signal on the specific position.

Abstract: A sound system which has, for example, a radio, a cassette and a CD player is usually already installed in cars as standard or as an option. In addition, a better sound system includes a box system which has a tweeter and a woofer. In order to provide a speaker box which is suitable particularly for dispensing frequencies below 150 Hz and at the same time has neat pulses accompanied at the same time by little distortion, pulse dynamics and is highly effective, a sound transducer (10) is introduced into the supporting structure of the vehicle. This takes place in such a manner that subcompartments which are separated from each other adjoin each of its two membrane sides. In this case, the two subcompartments of the speaker box are formed by at least two elements (2, 3, 4) of the supporting structure of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: A speaker system has a laterally extending body portion for supporting the back of the head of a user and a pair of right and left side portions respectively connected to the right and left ends of the body portion. A plurality of openings in side wall of each of two speaker boxes for making communication between the inside and the outside of each speaker box, for preventing sound leakage from each speaker unit and ensuring the sound pressure level in a low-frequency range of the audio frequencies reproducible by the speaker unit.

Abstract: To provide a speaker array apparatus and a method for setting audio beams in a speaker array apparatus, in which the degree of freedom in the place where the speaker array apparatus is installed is high, and a user can set audio beams easily. A speaker array apparatus 1 sweeps a range of from 0 degree to 180 degrees in front of a speaker array 10 with audio beams based on an audio signal limited to a band where the angles of the audio beams can be adjusted. The speaker array apparatus 1 collects direct sounds or reflected sounds of the audio beams through a nondirectional microphone 2. The speaker array apparatus 1 analyzes the collected audio data, detects peaks not lower than a threshold value, and checks symmetry among the peaks. When there is a symmetry, the angles where the peaks were detected are set as angles with which audio beams of respective channels of a surround-sound should be output.

Abstract: Two or more sound sensors are placed in a space of interest. Each sensor has a light-emitting output. Each sensor can be positioned at a specific location, such as at an ear location for a seated listener. An excitation source can provide a specified acoustical energy stimulus to the space. A user can obtain a visual impression of acoustical response of the space corresponding to the sound sensors' positions. An image acquisition system can acquire an image of the sound sensors responding to a stimulus. Acquired images can be analyzed to determine response characteristics. A presentation system can provide a display of response characteristics.

Abstract: An image input section pre-inputs an image. A temporary storage section temporarily stores the image input by the image input section. An attribute control section controls at least attribute information of the input information temporarily stored in the temporary storage section. A selection section permits a user at the origin of image request to select a desired one of already stored images stored in the temporary storage section in accordance with the attribute information controlled by the attribute control section. An image transfer section reads out the desired image selected by the selection section from the temporary storage section at the time of the request by origin of the image request and transfers the desired image to the origin of the image request via a network.

Abstract: A speaker unit includes first and second drivers carried by first and second enclosures. A first linkage supports the second driver enclosure relative to the first driver enclosure and provides at least two positional degrees of freedom of movement of the second driver enclosure relative to the first driver enclosure.

Abstract: A directional loudspeaker provides an enhanced listening environment by producing an indirect sound field of greater amplitude than that of the direct sound field. The directional loudspeaker includes loudspeaker elements positioned to provide a listener located below the loudspeaker elements with an impression of sound spaciousness in a vehicle environment. The loudspeaker elements may include baffles or acoustic lenses to deflect the indirect field away from the path to the listener position. The loudspeaker may also be operated with windows open by channeling the indirect sound field through an acoustic waveguide and deflector to the listener. A sound processor is also provided to accept a sound input, create an indirect and direct sound field, output the sound fields to loudspeaker elements, and also may provide electronic enhancement effects such as multi-channel sound or sound parameter adjustment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining an attachment and acoustic port on a housing of a mobile device is disclosed herein. The mobile device includes a speaker disposed within the housing. A combined attachment and acoustic port disposed on the housing is configured to project audible sound from the speaker, via an acoustic channel, and includes an attachment member for attaching an external member to the mobile device. The mobile device may comprise any personal electronic device, such as a portable radio, cassette player, CD player, or MP3 player. Further, the mobile device may comprise a mobile communication device, such as a cellular telephone, pager, or PDA.

Abstract: The invention enables the capture of sound fields with coding and efficient distribution of electrical signals representing the sound fields for subsequent reproduction in a listening environment utilising pairs of non-equidistant apparatus in various defined configurations such that the acoustic distance as well as direction of sound sources is consistently presented with regard to in front of, behind, beside or below from a listening point anywhere in the listening environment and for any listener orientation, thus making the whole listening area a sweet spot and enabling true shared audio experiences, without the need for worn apparatus.

Abstract: A speaker system includes a body unit, a front panel slidably coupled to a front surface of the body unit, a first speaker unit that is provided on the front surface the body unit to output sound, and a second speaker unit that is provided on a rear surface of the front panel to output sound.

Abstract: A thin film capacitor includes a pair of electrodes and a dielectric layer having piezoelectricity sandwiched therebetween. The phase characteristic of an impedance resulting from application of a voltage to the pair of electrodes peaks periodically according to a frequency of a signal to be inputted or outputted. The frequency of the signal is adjusted to fall in between the values representing the adjacent peaks. Since there are periodic peak values that depend upon the frequency of the inputted or outputted signal, in fabricating a band-pass filter, a higher attenuation can be attained by ensuring that the peak value stands at a low-frequency level. Thus, a higher attenuation can be attained at low frequencies without sacrificing the band-pass characteristic, whereby making it possible to produce a band-pass filter that is excellent in band-pass characteristic.

Abstract: A virtual multichannel sound system is presented to improve audio reproduction by statically or dynamically conforming signal processing to specific speaker characteristics and/or arrangements. According to one such aspect, one or more dynamic signal processing algorithms driving two or more speakers are altered in response to the relative physical characteristics or arrangements of these speakers, where parameter information for these algorithms is either factory set, user input, or automatically supplied to the processor. Examples of such relative speaker differences include speaker spacing or alignment, speaker or enclosure compliance, and enclosure configuration. Another aspect is to alter the processing algorithms in response to common speaker characteristics for certain conditions of input signals.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sound producing device assembly adapted for mounting a sound producing device assembly within a cavity. The sound producing device assembly is adapted for mounting within a cavity, such as a cavity within a boat. The assembly includes a sound producing device, a tubular member operatively connected to the sound producing device, and a flange operatively connected to the tubular member such that the flange connects to a surface.

Abstract: A surround speaker system according to the present invention includes an integral speaker in which a surround speaker is integrally formed with a front speaker, a canceling device for canceling a directly propagating sound of the surround speaker, and a reflective device for reflecting the output sound of the surround speaker.

Abstract: A system and method for producing an audio output directed to a listening environment having at least two listening positions. Based upon the location of a loudspeaker for the purpose of producing an audio output and the physical location of the listening positions, the audio output would be preprocessed by one or more filters whose coefficients would maximize the signal heard by a listener in one of the listening positions and constrained by a listener in another position, thereby eliminating or minimizing the audio output heard by a listener in one of the other positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hearing aid for insertion in the auditory canal, comprising a hearing aid housing and a face plate and a shell that is matched to the auditory canal of a user and has a tightening protrusion that extends along the surface of the shell and at least partly encircles the shell thereby providing a tight seal against the auditory canal wall when the shell is inserted in the auditory canal.

Abstract: A system and a method for correcting, simultaneously at multiple-listener positions, distortions introduced by the acoustical characteristics includes intelligently weighing the room acoustical responses to form a room acoustical correction filter.

Abstract: The present invention includes an audio device that has the appearance of an animial. The audio set may contain a radio, compact disc player and/or cassette player. Also included in the present invention is a audio device in which the speakers are made to resemble the eyes of an animal and the speakers are fixably or moveably secured. The speakers may pop-out from the face of the animal on springs or the speakers may rotate. Finally, the present invention includes an audio device in which the speakers are made to resemble the eyes of an animal, are moveably secured and are actuated by a switch on the audio device.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for optimization of three-dimensional audio listening having a media player and a multiplicity of speakers disposed within a listening space, the system including a portable sensor having a multiplicity of transducers strategically arranged about the sensor for receiving test signals from the speakers and for transmitting the signals to a processor connectable in the system for receiving multi-channel audio signals from the media player and for transmitting the multi-channel audio signals to the multiplicity of speakers, the processor including (a) means for initiating transmission of test signals to each of the speakers and for receiving the test signals from the speakers to be processed for determining the location of each of the speakers relative to a listening place within the space determined by the placement of the sensor; (b) means for manipulating each sound track of the multi-channel sound signals with respect to intensity, phase and/or equalization according to the re