One-way Audio Signal Program Distribution Patents (Class 381/77)
  • Patent number: 11955938
    Abstract: Proposed is an acoustic output device that obtains enough distance attenuation to achieve localization of a sound field by controlling the driving of a loudspeaker array by use of a more compact shape. The acoustic output device 10 comprises: a loudspeaker array 20 that includes a plurality of loudspeakers 20-1, 20-2, . . . , 20-N arranged in a two-dimensional plane; and an amplifier array 40 that includes a plurality of amplifiers 40-1, 40-2, . . . , 40-N that control the amplitude and phase of the drive signals for each loudspeaker according to the eigenvectors of the predetermined radiation mode of the loudspeaker array 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignees: The University of Tokyo, KOGAKUIN UNIVERSITY, Foster Electric Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kaizuka, Kimihiko Nakano, Yoshio Koike, Yoshiteru Uchida, Manabu Sasajima
  • Patent number: 11941602
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a wireless power reception device includes: a power pick-up circuit which is configured to form magnetic coupling with a wireless power transmission device and receive wireless power from the wireless power transmission device; and a communication/control circuit which is configured to perform at least one among control of the transmission of the wireless power and data transmission and reception on the basis of communication with the wireless power transmission device, wherein the communication/control circuit can receive a check message for checking payment information from the wireless power transmission device and perform a payment procedure for wireless power transmission, and can provide a user interface related to information for the payment procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jinkwon Lim, Minsoo Lee, Jingu Choi, Joonho Park, Jaehyu Kim, Yongcheol Park
  • Patent number: 11930335
    Abstract: The control device includes: a detection unit that detects a predetermined speech/motion of a user who is present in an output destination space of a directional speaker; an identification unit that identifies, in accordance with the predetermined speech/motion, an audio source of interest among audio sources and a directional speaker as an object to be controlled; and an output control unit that causes the identified directional speakers to output audio supplied from the identified audio source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Abe, Yuki Kamiya, Osamu Kawase, Yasuhiro Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 11910270
    Abstract: To prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other contagious diseases, a touchless handshake is able to be implemented using mobile devices. The touchless handshake is able to be performed by sending an ultrasonic signal from one device to another (or to multiple devices) which triggers the device to vibrate to simulate a handshake. Additionally, mobile devices are able to be used to send and/or display a wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Barbara Carey
  • Patent number: 11882417
    Abstract: A method is given for a broadband constant beam width acoustic array using shading function parameters for a three dimensional axially symmetric beam. Coefficients are calculated for an estimated shading function fitting the parameters that is a summation of Legendre polynomial orders. The number of orders is user specified. Null bearing locations can be determined from the parameters or from the shading function. A constant beam width shading function can be created from these parameters and used as amplifications and attenuations for a conical spherical array of transducers. The array can be truncated at the null bearing locations. The estimated shading function can be further refined by provided additional Legendre polynomial orders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventor: Dehua Huang
  • Patent number: 11877134
    Abstract: A microphone is provided, which includes: a housing; at least one sound-pickup member disposed on the housing and configured to collect an external sound source; and a control circuit board disposed in the housing and in electrical connection to the at least one sound-pickup member; wherein the control circuit board comprises at least one input jack, and the at least one input jack is configured to operably connect with an external plug to collect other sound source different with the external sound source. In a detailed application, when the at least one sound-pickup member comprises at least two sound-pickup members, the control circuit board is configured, once a selection module of the control circuit board is triggered, to selectively output external sound sources collected by one or more of the at least two sound-pickup members and/or the other sound source collected by the at least one input jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: APUTURE IMAGING INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ziping Fu, Xiangjun Zhou, Yi Xie
  • Patent number: 11861354
    Abstract: An update control system includes: a vehicle including an in-vehicle control device; an information processing terminal configured to communicate with the in-vehicle control device by wire communication; and a center configured to communicate with the in-vehicle control device over a wireless network. The in-vehicle control device is configured to: determine whether the vehicle is in a first state in which a wireless update process is possible or a second state in which a wired update process is possible; and when the state of the vehicle is switched between the first state and the second state after start and before completion of an update process using a distribution package, carry over a progress of the update process performed until the state is switched; and perform the update process in the switched state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoyasu Ishikawa, Shunsuke Tanimori, Nana Kikuire
  • Patent number: 11832073
    Abstract: A system and method for providing improved content casting audio management. In particular, the disclosed technology enables a user to selectively direct the audio associated with cast video content to an alternate wireless audio device or system, such as a set of wireless headphones. The technology provides for the sensing of a user's utilization of a wireless audio device prior to the initiation of the casting, and responsively route the casted content audio to those same headphones. The technology also provides for querying a user as to their desire to utilize a wireless audio device prior to initiating content casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Sundaramoorthy Balasubramanian
  • Patent number: 11805359
    Abstract: A personal communications device that employs directional or parametric speakers to provide an enhanced user experience, delivering audio directly to a user of the device rather than broadcasting the audio in all directions. In this way, increased privacy for the user of the personal communications device can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Inventor: Frank Joseph Pompei
  • Patent number: 11778378
    Abstract: Example techniques may provide volume enhancements to a media playback system. An example implementation involves a first playback device in a first playback configuration playing audio at a first volume level and storing the first volume level in association with the first playback configuration. The first playback device receives instructions to change to a second playback configuration. Based on receiving the instructions, the first playback device joins a synchrony group with a second zone and adjusts the first playback device to play audio at a second volume level which is based on a volume level of a second playback device in the second zone. While in the second playback configuration, the first playback device receives instructions to change to the first playback configuration and, based on the instructions, leaves the synchrony group and adjusts the first playback device to play audio content at the stored first volume level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Agustin, Jonathan P. Lang, Mark W. Triplett
  • Patent number: 11765532
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for digitally transmitting audio that is converted from analog audio received from analog media pickup devices in a live performance venue by a stage box to a base unit over off-the-shelf twisted pair cable while sending pre-amplification control signals and power over the cable to the stage box. Audio for the performance venue is remotely managed from a virtual audio engineering mixing board that wirelessly communicates audio control commands to the stage box from a handheld computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: En Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Fred W. Heineman
  • Patent number: 11735179
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a speech chip and an electronic device. The speech chip includes a first processing module, a second processing module and a third processing module. The first processing module is configured to run an operating system, and to perform data scheduling on modules other than the first processing module in the chip. The second processing module is configured to perform a mutual conversion between speech and text based on a speech model. The third processing module is configured to perform digital signal processing on inputted speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: BAIDU ONLINE NETWORK TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaoping Yan, Chao Tian
  • Patent number: 11729551
    Abstract: In one aspect, the systems and methods described herein may include a first device comprising a first ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna. The first device may establish a connection with a second device having a second UWB antenna. The first device may determine an orientation of the first device relative to the second device, according to one or more UWB measurements between the first UWB antenna of the first device and the second UWB antenna of the second device. The first device may receive audio signals corresponding to the second device, and can render the audio signals into audio output to a user of the first device according to the determined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nabeel Ahmed, Sebastian Sztuk, Sam Padinjaremannil Alex, Kirk Erik Burgess, Ankit Brahmbhatt
  • Patent number: 11720317
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments, an electronic device comprises a communication circuit, a memory including a buffer configured to store audio data received from an external electronic device via the communication circuit, an audio output circuit, and a processor electrically connected to the communication circuit, the memory, and the audio output circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyusang Ryu, Gupil Cheong, Sanghyeok Sim, Sungjun Choi, Doosuk Kang, Seongmin Je
  • Patent number: 11711457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for providing sound source reproduction information and has an object to provide a system for providing sound source reproduction information, in which the sound source reproduction information is provided for each user in the order of their distance from each user, and a user selectively browses sound source information of other users reproduced in the vicinity thereof and generates a synchronization request signal for the sound source information, such that reproduction of the sound source may be synchronized between users without performing any settings with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: MUSICMOB CO, LTD.
    Inventor: Heon-Joo Jun
  • Patent number: 11671738
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an acoustic output apparatus including at least one acoustic driver, a controller, and a supporting structure. The at least one acoustic driver may be configured to output sounds through at least two sound guiding holes. The at least two sound guiding holes may include a first sound guiding hole and a second sound guiding hole. The controller may be configured to control a phase and an amplitude of the sounds generated by the at least one acoustic driver using a control signal such that the sounds output by the at least one acoustic driver through the first and second sound guiding holes have opposite phases. The supporting structure may be provided with a baffle and configured to support the at least one acoustic driver such that the first and second sound guiding holes are located on both sides of the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lei Zhang, Junjiang Fu, Bingyan Yan, Fengyun Liao, Xin Qi
  • Patent number: 11670320
    Abstract: Different embodiments of methods and apparatus to produce audio output signals are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic speaker outputting ultrasonic signals can be transformed into first audio output signals, which are directional. A non-ultrasonic speaker can output second audio output signals. The embodiment can be configured to output the first audio output signals or the second audio output signals in a vehicle. Another embodiment can be configured to output the first and the second audio output signals together. Yet another embodiment can be configured to be personalized to hearing characteristics of a user, or to depend on sound level of an environment of the user. One embodiment can include a directional speaker attached to a vehicle, with its output steerable towards a user in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
  • Patent number: 11665476
    Abstract: A portable wireless speaker arrangement includes a speaker module, a rigid casing that at least partially encloses the speaker module, and a user interaction unit adapted to allow user input. The speaker module may include a speaker element for generation of audio and at least one electric circuit configured for receiving, from a source device, a signal representing the audio and configured for providing an electric output signal to be fed to the speaker element for the generation of the audio. The speaker module may be received by the casing to allow for insertion thereof into the rigid casing and removal thereof from the casing. The casing at least partially encloses the speaker module in that the casing includes an opening in which the speaker element of the speaker module is arranged. The casing may include a set of battery elements that is integrated with the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: HYNELL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
    Inventors: Loui Nahra, Daniel Lauritsen
  • Patent number: 11635336
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a physical attribute is shown, that includes a first track (511) defining a first electrode on a substrate (512), a second track (513) defining a second electrode on said substrate and an active film (514) in cooperation with a first sensor portion (516) of the first electrode and a second sensor portion (517) of the second electrode. The second electrode includes a first extended portion (517) to establish a first additional resistance not cooperating with the active film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Peratech Holdco Ltd.
    Inventor: Themistoklis Afentakis
  • Patent number: 11533560
    Abstract: A device renders enhanced audio based on properties of an audio rendering system. For example, audio rendering system information of an audio rendering system associated with the device is used to determine an audio enhancement optimized for the audio rendering system. The OS of the device (e.g., a mobile phone) is queried to determine the audio rendering system information. The audio rendering system information is used to determine an audio enhancement, such as by querying a database storing associations between rendering system information and audio enhancements. The audio enhancement may include, for example, one or more types of audio processing (e.g., subband spatial processing, crosstalk processing, etc.) and particular parameters for the audio processing. The audio enhancement is applied to an audio signal to generate an enhanced audio signal that is provided to the audio rendering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Boomcloud 360 Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Seldess, Joseph Anthony Mariglio, III, Paul Riker, Daniel Elworthy Ross, Raphael Alberto Melgar, Chuan Hsueh
  • Patent number: 11496854
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems. Embodiments of the present invention can map an environment comprising one or more locations having respective objects located within each of the one or more locations based on received information. Embodiments of the present invention can then dynamically determine appropriate auditory levels for the environment. Embodiments of the present invention can then adjust auditory levels of each of the one or more rooms within the environment to match the determined auditory level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tanner Mark Preiss, Christian Compton, Jeremy R. Fox, Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Patent number: 11457891
    Abstract: A plurality of ultrasound frames of a fetus are acquired using an ultrasound scanner, which may be oriented arbitrarily with respect to the fetus during the acquisition. The ultrasound frames are processed against an artificial intelligence model to predict a different cut line on each of the ultrasound frames. Each cut line is predicted to be exterior to an image of the fetus appearing on the ultrasound frame. The different cut lines on the plurality of ultrasound frames are then used to identify ultrasound data in the image frames to generate a 3D representation of the fetus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Clarius Mobile Health Corp.
    Inventors: Kris Dickie, Laurent Pelissier, Parisa Asgharzadeh
  • Patent number: 11451913
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for digitally transmitting audio that is converted from analog audio received from analog media pickup devices in a live performance venue by a stage box to a base unit over off-the-shelf twisted pair cable while sending pre-amplification control signals and power over the cable to the stage box. Audio for the performance venue is remotely managed from a virtual audio engineering mixing board that wirelessly communicates audio control commands to the stage box from a handheld computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: En Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Fred W. Heineman
  • Patent number: 11432083
    Abstract: There is presented an in-the-ear hearing aid comprising a faceplate, an ear shell, such as a custom ear shell, and a battery, wherein the battery is fixed to the ear shell and furthermore a method for providing an in-the-ear hearing aid, said method comprising obtaining data, such as three-dimensional data, representative of a shape and/or size of an ear canal of a specific person, such as the part of an ear canal extending at least partially from the outer ear to the middle ear, establishing a digital model of the ear shell, such as the custom ear shell, of the hearing aid for said ear canal based on said data, wherein said providing includes determining a position and/or orientation of a battery in said ear shell, which position and/or orientation increases or maximizes a distance from the outer ear to the faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventor: Poul Henriksen
  • Patent number: 11425517
    Abstract: A conversation support system supports conversation of passengers in an automobile. Seats of at least two or more rows are placed in the automobile, and the conversation support system includes a speech switching control part configured to designate a desired sound pickup and reproduce area based on designation by a first passenger sitting in a first seat, a first target speech emphasizing part configured to output a signal obtained by emphasizing speech emitted from the designated sound pickup and reproduce area to a loud speaker corresponding to the first seat, and a second target speech emphasizing part configured to output the signal obtained by emphasizing speech, which is collected with a microphone corresponding to the first seat and which is emitted from the first seat, to a loud speaker corresponding to the sound pickup and reproduce area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunori Kobayashi, Shoichiro Saito
  • Patent number: 11399051
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing an audio distribution system using only standard network cabling for both power transmission and audio signal transmission. The system comprising of one or more Audio-streaming Source Units and one or more self-contained Network-powered Speaker Units where a plurality of audio streams can exist simultaneously and any audio stream can be directed between any Audio-streaming Source Unit and any Network-powered Speaker Unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: ONEVIEW CONTROLS, INC.
    Inventors: Ian Ronald Davison, Kenneth Dale Jones
  • Patent number: 11381211
    Abstract: A system is provided to analyze frequency (or phase) modulation distortion in an audio device, which may include testing with audio frequencies. In one embodiment a change in pitch (or frequency) is measured at an output of the audio device. One or more distortion signals from the audio device may be measured for an amplitude, phase, and or frequency modulation effect. In another embodiment a musical signal may be used as a test signal. Providing additional test signals to the audio device can induce a time varying cross-modulation distortion signal (or static cross-modulation distortion signal) from an output of the audio device. Also utilizing at least one additional filter, filter bank, demodulator and or frequency converter and or frequency multiplier provides extra examination of distortion. Also frequency and or phase response can be measured with the presence of a de-sensing signal and or another signal that induce near slew rate limiting or near overload condition of the device under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Ronald Quan
  • Patent number: 11336424
    Abstract: Systems and methods for clock drift estimation are disclosed. For example, sensor data may be received that indicates occurrence of one or more environmental conditions that have been predetermined to impact clock crystal frequencies of a device clock. Predictive filters and/or machine learning models may be utilized to determine the impact of the environmental condition on clock drift, and clock drift values may be generated based at least in part on the sensor data. Corrections to content processing, such as the changing of resampling rates, may be applied to compensate for the clock drift value change, which may allow for the time-synchronous output of content as between two or more devices, including while the environmental condition is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Wen-Guang Burroughs, Michael A Pogue
  • Patent number: 11290819
    Abstract: Embodiments include a power source outputting power to drive speakers and lights in a venue; a control unit coupled to the power source and outputting multi-channel digital audio data to the speakers and light control data to the lights; and a unitary transmission bus coupling the output of the power source to the speakers and the lights and transmitting the power, the digital audio data, and the light control data to the speakers and the lights. The lighting control data comprises metadata superimposed over the digital audio data and power. Other actuators besides lights may also be used such as e.g. steam/water generators, smell/aroma generators, prop movements, LCD displays, hologram generators, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Healy, Andrew Michael Poulain, Joel A. Butler, Dossym Nurmukhanov, James Tanner Cook
  • Patent number: 11286764
    Abstract: A system and method to conform data flow are provided. The system includes a queue configured to receive at least one data stream, and a processor configured to convert the at least one data stream to a continuous data stream, and output the continuous data stream at a constant rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Bradford L. Cobb, Stacey C. Ramsay
  • Patent number: 11270548
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems employing directional sound recordings in a casino environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael Russ, David Froy, Jr., Stefan Keilwert, Yue Hang Tang
  • Patent number: 11216239
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising: an input configured to receive at least one audio signal input from at least one microphone; at least one microphone configuration determiner configured to provide for the at least one microphone a location on the apparatus; at least one sensor configured to provide at least one orientation of the apparatus; a recording mode determiner configured to determine at least one recording mode for the apparatus based on the location of the at least one microphone and the at least one orientation of the apparatus; a recording mode controller configured to determine at least one recording parameter for the at least one audio signal input from the at least one microphone based on the at feast one recording mode; and a digital signal processor configured to apply the at least one recording parameter to the at least one audio signal input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
    Inventors: Marko Tapani Yliaho, Ari Juhani Koski
  • Patent number: 11153687
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic audio devices. In some examples, the operating mode of the device changes to various states of sound transparency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David Chance Graham, Patrick L. Coffman, Thomas S. Hulbert, Cyrus Daniel Irani, Daniel Max Strongwater
  • Patent number: 11137972
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device and a method for controlling sound play, and a system associated therewith. The device includes a brainwave detector, a selector and a switcher. The brainwave detector is arranged to detect brainwave information of a user. The selector is arranged to select a sound player to be used from a first sound player and a second sound player based on the brainwave information. The switcher is arranged to send a switch control signal according to a result of the selection so as to cause the selected sound players to play the sound. By selectively switching on a sound player based on the brainwave information of the user, the sound play mode adapts to personal state or expectation of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wenbo Li
  • Patent number: 11128972
    Abstract: [Object] To provide an information processing device, control method, and program that are capable of showing presence of a virtual object in a real space. [Solution] The information processing device includes: a calculation unit configured to calculate a localization position of a sound source of a virtual object relative to a user on the basis of information on the virtual object and information on a state of the user, the virtual object causing the user to feel as if the virtual object exists in a real space through sound image localization; and a sound image localization unit configured to perform a sound signal process of the sound source such that a sound image is localized at the calculated localization position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kentaro Kimura, Tomohiko Gotoh, Shunsuke Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 11115524
    Abstract: The communication device comprising an audiovisual playback implementer, a 1st communication device wireless updating data implementer, a 2nd communication device wireless updating data implementer, a 3rd communication device wireless updating data implementer, and a 4th communication device wireless updating data implementer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Iwao Fujisaki
  • Patent number: 11107483
    Abstract: A schematic block diagram of an audio encoder for encoding a multichannel audio signal is shown. The audio encoder includes a linear prediction domain encoder, a frequency domain encoder, and a controller for switching between the linear prediction domain encoder and the frequency domain encoder. The controller is configured such that a portion of the multichannel signal is represented either by an encoded frame of the linear prediction domain encoder or by an encoded frame of the frequency domain encoder. The linear prediction domain encoder includes a downmixer for downmixing the multichannel signal to obtain a downmixed signal. The linear prediction domain encoder further includes a linear prediction domain core encoder for encoding the downmix signal and furthermore, the linear prediction domain encoder includes a first joint multichannel encoder for generating first multichannel information from the multichannel signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Sascha Disch, Guillaume Fuchs, Emmanuel Ravelli, Christian Neukam, Konstantin Schmidt, Conrad Benndorf, Andreas Niedermeier, Benjamin Schubert, Ralf Geiger
  • Patent number: 11095982
    Abstract: A speaker apparatus includes a first wireless communicator connected with a first source apparatus to receive a first audio signal from the first source apparatus or connected with an external speaker apparatus to transmit the first audio signal to the external speaker apparatus; a second wireless communicator configured to be connected with a second source apparatus to receive a second audio signal from the second source apparatus; and a controller configured to control the first wireless communicator and the second wireless communicator. The controller controls the first wireless communicator to switch from a reception mode to a transmission mode to transmit the second audio signal to the external speaker apparatus in response to the second wireless communicator being connected with the second source apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyoung Bo Min
  • Patent number: 11095999
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the receipt and transmission of audio transmissions are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes selecting a first audio channel from among multiple audio transmissions and transmitting a first audio transmission using the first audio channel. A second audio transmission may then be received that contains an acknowledgment of the first audio channel. In certain instances, the second audio transmission may be received on a second audio channel. If no acknowledgment is received for the predetermined period of time, the first audio transmission may be selected using a second audio channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: LISNR
    Inventors: Rebekah Farrar, Oz Mendel, William Knauer
  • Patent number: 11082770
    Abstract: Systems and methods for output of audio content are disclosed. An example first playback device includes a processor. The example processor is configured to at least process audio content to determine a portion of the audio content to be output by the first playback device based on a type of pairing of the first playback device and the audio content. The example processor is configured to at least determine, when the type of pairing pairs the first playback device with a second playback device to output the audio content, a time delay to facilitate sound synchronization with the second playback device. The example processor is configured to at least configure, based on the type of pairing and the time delay, the first playback device to output the portion of the audio content via an amplifier and a plurality of speaker drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kallai, Michael Darrell Andrew Ericson, Robert A. Lambourne, Robert Reimann, Mark Triplett
  • Patent number: 11076230
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a speaker array designed to be capable of achieving sufficiently high reproducibility at low cost, and a signal processing apparatus. The speaker array is formed with a plurality of higher order speakers and a plurality of general speakers. The type, the number, or the installation positions of the higher order speakers are determined in accordance with wavefront reproducibility in a second region located on the outer side of a first region that can be controlled by the general speakers. The present technology can be applied to a speaker array and a sound field forming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu Maeno, Yuhki Mitsufuji
  • Patent number: 11055082
    Abstract: A method and technique for updating firmware on a multi-protocol network adapter includes reading parameter values for a firmware update of a multi-protocol network adapter that specify classes of behavior for conducting the firmware update of the multi-protocol network adapter. An update tool determines a reset type defining a type of reset needed to activate the firmware update on the network adapter based on the parameter values, sends a message to the network adapter indicating that a firmware update process is beginning, sends a write request to the network adapter to write the firmware update to select communication protocol functions, and sends a reset request to select communication protocol functions to activate the firmware update using the reset type according to the parameter values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tai-chien D. Chang, Baltazar De Leon, III, Marcus B. Grande, Brian W. Hart, Jaime F. Nualart, Vikramjit Sethi
  • Patent number: 11042354
    Abstract: An electronic device and a method for audio adjustment control for a wireless device is provided. The electronic device detects a new connection, that differs from a prior connection, between the electronic device and the wireless device. An audio communication through the prior connection is based on first audio information stored in the electronic device. The electronic device further receives second audio information from the wireless device based on the new connection. The second audio information is different from the stored first audio information and an audio setting of the wireless device is configured based on the second audio information. The electronic device further adjusts the stored first audio information based on the second audio information received from the wireless device and transmits an audio stream to the wireless device based on the adjusted first audio information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brant Candelore, Peter Shintani
  • Patent number: 11044558
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a speaker array designed to be capable of achieving sufficiently high reproducibility at low cost, and a signal processing apparatus. The speaker array is formed with a plurality of higher order speakers and a plurality of general speakers. The type, the number, or the installation positions of the higher order speakers are determined in accordance with wavefront reproducibility in a second region located on the outer side of a first region that can be controlled by the general speakers. The present technology can be applied to a speaker array and a sound field forming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu Maeno, Yuhki Mitsufuji
  • Patent number: 11031521
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent conductive thin film which is flexible for suiting substantially all kinds of electronic and optoelectronic devices or display panel. The present conductive thin film includes at least one transparent substrate formed by thermally curable or photo-curable polyermic resin layer, and a conductive network pattern having a high aspect ratio such that at least one surface of the conductive network being exposed out of the deformable layer or the transparent substrate for contacting with an external structure while a large proportion thereof stays firmly integrated into the substrate. The present invention also relates to methods of fabricating a transparent conductive thin film including the structural features of the transparent conductive thin film of the present invention. Various optimizations of the present methods are also provided in the present invention for facilitating large area thin film fabrication and large scale production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: New Asia Group Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Chung Pui Chan, Wing Hong Choi, Chien Chung
  • Patent number: 11025862
    Abstract: A video telephony service provision apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a display unit having a plurality of window displays that output an image of an occupant of a first other vehicle and a speaker unit having a plurality of speakers that output a voice of the occupant of the first other vehicle. A manipulation unit receives user input requesting a change of output of at least one of the image or the voice of the occupant of the first other vehicle and a controller operates the display unit and the speaker unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Pyoung Hwa Lee
  • Patent number: 10999676
    Abstract: Systems and methods for audio communication are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of transducer units and plurality of three dimensional sensor modules (TDSMs) adapted to be located in a plurality of sites/spaces to which service should be provided by the system. The plurality of transducer units are capable of emitting/directing and focusing ultra-sonic signals to respective coverage zones in the sites, such that localized (confined) sound field can be formed at selected spatial position in the coverage zones by utilizing sound from ultrasound technique. The TDSMs are associated with respective sensing volumes in the sites and are operable to obtain sensory data indicative of the 3D arrangement of elements in a within the sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: NOVETO SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Silviu Zilberman, Tomer Shani, Noam Babayoff
  • Patent number: 10966039
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for digitally transmitting audio that is converted from analog audio received from analog media pickup devices in a live performance venue by a stage box to a base unit over off-the-shelf twisted pair cable while sending pre-amplification control signals and power over the cable to the stage box. Audio for the performance venue is remotely managed from a virtual audio engineering mixing board that wirelessly communicates audio control commands to the stage box from a handheld computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: EN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fred W. Heineman
  • Patent number: 10960826
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin. A track assembly is mounted within the cabin. A carriage assembly is received by the track assembly. The carriage assembly includes a housing, a cam structure that is rotatable relative to the housing, a brush that is coupled to the housing and actuatable by the cam structure, and rollers that are coupled to the cam structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan George Dry, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Patent number: 10966025
    Abstract: Technology for grouping, consolidating, and pairing individual playback devices with network capability (players) to stimulate a multi-channel listening environment is disclosed. An example method includes receiving an audio signal containing a range of audio frequencies; amplifying, according to a gain parameter, the audio signal to be reproduced by at least one speaker. The example method includes automatically increasing the gain parameter to a higher gain parameter responsive to a determination that no more than a subset of the range of audio frequencies is to be reproduced by the at least one speaker. The example method includes amplifying, according to the higher gain parameter, the audio signal containing no more than the subset of the range of audio frequencies to be reproduced by the at least one speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kallai, Michael Darrell Andrew Ericson, Robert A. Lambourne, Robert Reimann, Mark Triplett