Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are described herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations can include different sub-sequences based on loading dock conditions. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of control elements that enable operation of the loading dock equipment. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment. Some functionality of the control panel can be enabled or disabled based on a current level of authorization.

Abstract: A microphone array is configured to select an optimal pickup pattern of a microphone array including at least two microphones each associated with a predefined microphone pickup pattern. The optimal pickup pattern is selected from a list of predefined pickup patterns including the predefined microphone pickup patterns and predefined mixed pickup patterns. A method of selecting an optimal pickup pattern includes receiving microphone audio signals from the microphones to establish a plurality of microphone audio signals and mixing them in accordance with the plurality of predefined mixed pickup patterns to establish a plurality of mixed audio signals. Individual level characteristics of respective individual microphone audio signals and of respective individual mixed audio signals are determined, and an optimal pickup pattern is selected from the list of predefined pickup patterns based on the individual level characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering spatial audio in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a spatial audio system, including a primary network connected speaker, including a plurality of sets of drivers, where each set of drivers is oriented in a different direction, a processor system, memory containing an audio player application, wherein the audio player application configures the processor system to obtain an audio source stream from an audio source via the network interface, spatially encode the audio source, decode the spatially encoded audio source to obtain driver inputs for the individual drivers in the plurality of sets of drivers, where the driver inputs cause the drivers to generate directional audio.

Abstract: An example playback device is a first playback device in a media system. The first playback device is configured to resolve audio conflicts with one or more other playback devices in the media system by: (i) capturing, via a microphone of the first playback device, audio content played back by a second playback device, (ii) identifying the second playback device as a source of the captured audio content; and (iii) responsive to identifying the second playback device as the source of the captured audio content, altering a playback characteristic of the second playback device or the first playback device to reduce an audio interference between the first and second playback devices.

Abstract: An electronic device configured to support a first speech-based intelligent agent may include: a communication circuit, a processor operatively connected to the communication circuit, and a memory operatively connected to the processor. The memory may store instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to control the electronic device to: receive speech data from a user terminal through the communication circuit, process the speech data to generate text data, identify a device intended to be controlled through analysis of the text data, receive information on an intelligent agent supported by the identified device from a first external server through the communication circuit, and determine whether to transmit the speech data to a second external server supporting a second speech-based intelligent agent based on the information on the intelligent agent supported by the identified device.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an internal speaker, a communication unit configured to perform a wireless communication with a wearable external speaker, and a control unit. The control unit establishes wireless connection with the external speaker through the communication unit and the control unit continuously performs a control operation for preventing an output of an audio signal from the internal speaker in a case where the wireless connection with the external speaker is disconnected by a first factor in a state where the control unit performs the control operation. The control unit cancels performance of the control operation in a case where the wireless connection with the external speaker is disconnected by a second factor different from the first factor in a state where the control unit performs the control operation for preventing the output of the audio signal from the internal speaker.

Abstract: Wireless, wearable audio devices and methods for assigning position and operational controls. Wireless audio devices or earbuds are described that are provided as a pair in which both audio devices are physically substantially identical. In use, the audio devices are assigned a right or left position associated with the respective ear of the user in which they are to be disposed. Control surfaces are similarly assigned to provide particular control functionalities on a particular side of the user. Master and slave designations are provided and may be swapped based on a battery status of the respective audio devices. Battery usage and the duration of available use of the pair of audio devices may thus be maximized.

Abstract: An audio apparatus includes a network interface, a receiver, at least one storage, and at least one processor. The processor is configured to determine that the audio apparatus is in a state capable of communicating with the other audio apparatus via the network interface. The processor is also configured to receive audio data via the receiver transmitted from an external apparatus different from the other audio apparatus. The processor is also configured to output a sound based on the received audio data. The processor is also configured to transmit the sound emission control information stored in the at least one storage to the other audio apparatus. The sound emission control information includes one or more of a sound volume, and a frequency band.

Abstract: A method for adjusting at least one hearing device comprises: providing the at least one hearing device with basic sound classes, each basic sound class comprising an actuator parametrization with parameters for at least one actuator of the hearing device; collecting of adjustments of sound properties of at least one user of the at least one hearing device together with weightings of a sound signal acquired by the hearing device at which the adjustments have been made; analyzing the collected adjustments, whether same adjustments have been applied at same weightings; generating at least one supplementary sound class, when the same adjustments have been applied at a weighting, wherein the actuator parametrization of the supplementary sound class is a modified actuator parametrization based on the adjustments at the weighting.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are new techniques carried out by a computing system for determining delays of various components of an audio system to allow for accurate correction of these delays, which may improve the audio quality of live performances for listeners who hear audio reproduced by loudspeakers at live performance venues. In one implementation the computing system, which may comprise a transmitter device and one or more receiver devices, may be configured to perform functions, including receiving a first audio signal, receiving, via an audio input interface of the receiver, a second audio signal, and determining, based on the first audio signal and the second audio signal, an audio delay that is associated with the second audio signal. The computing system may be configured to perform further functions, including based on a determined cross-correlation between a downsampled audio signal and a filtered second audio signal, determining the audio signal delay.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a set-top box via a smart speaker. One example method includes receiving, at the smart speaker, an input related to the set-top box. A request based on the input is transmitted to a server. At the server and based on the request, program listing data is retrieved. A command for controlling the set-top box is identified based on the program listing data. At least one of the program listing data and the identified command is transmitted from the server to the smart speaker. The identified command is transmitted from the smart speaker to the set-top box.

Abstract: A media-source-integrated speaker-based sound system comprising a media-source-integrated circuit board connectable to an in-wall speaker within an in-wall speaker securement site, and lightweight wiring connectable intermediate to a low-voltage power source and the media-source-integrated circuit board, and including a process for converting a conventional in-wall, wired stereo system to a media-source-integrated speaker-based sound system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chair slipcover or sleeve which is sized to slide over a variety of camp chairs and other collapsible outdoor chairs. More specifically, the claimed invention is directe to a strap, a pair of straps or a continuous strap and a display panel or a pair of display panels. The display panels can show a message or display the name of a favorite sporting team. Panels can also be designed to show sponsorship information.

Abstract: A distribution destination specifying device includes: a related information obtaining portion that obtains related information that indicates a relationship of a plurality of host devices that distribute content to be input, to a client device; a selection receiving portion that receives a selection of one host device among the plurality of host devices; a related host device identifying portion that identifies a related host device related to a selected host device to be selected by the selection receiving portion, based on the related information; and a distribution destination specifying screen display portion that displays a distribution destination specifying screen for specifying a client device as a distribution destination of content of each of the selected host device and the related host device.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises adapter and speaker system. Adapter is configured to plug into port of personal digital audio player. Speaker system is in communication with adapter, and comprises multiple acoustic transducers, programmable processor circuit, and wireless communication circuit. In first operational mode, processor circuit receives, via adapter, and processes digital audio content from personal digital audio player into which adapter is plugged, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the received audio content from the personal digital audio player. In second operational mode, wireless communication circuit receives digital audio content from a remote digital audio source over a wireless network, processor circuit processes the digital audio content received from remote digital audio source, and the multiple acoustic transducers output the audio content received from the remote digital audio source.

Abstract: Embodiments of wireless audio systems and methods for wirelessly communicating audio information are disclosed herein. In one example, wireless transceiver includes a first antenna, a second antenna, and a radio frequency (RF) module. The first antenna is configured to establish a first wireless communication link with an audio source. The second antenna is configured to establish a second wireless communication link with another wireless transceiver. The RF module is configured to receive audio information from the audio source using the first wireless communication link and transmit audio play information to the another wireless transceiver using the second wireless communication link. A first RF radiation field of the first antenna has a higher intensity in a first direction than a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a second RF radiation field of the second antenna has a higher intensity in the second direction than the first direction.

Abstract: An electronic device to equalize sound includes a microphone coupled to receive the sound and output sound data. The sound has amplitude that changes with respect to time, and the sound includes one or more frequencies. The sound data indexes the amplitude with respect to the time. The electronic device also includes a controller coupled to microphone, and the controller includes logic that when executed by the controller causes the electronic device to perform operations. The operations may include: receiving the sound data from the microphone with the controller; adjusting the amplitude of the sound included in the sound data across the one or more frequencies using a filter disposed in the logic; and outputting filtered sound data.

Abstract: Examples of the disclosure describe systems and methods for presenting an audio signal to a user of a wearable head device. According to an example method, a first input audio signal is received. The first input audio signal is processed to generate a first output audio signal. The first output audio signal is presented via one or more speakers associated with the wearable head device. Processing the first input audio signal comprises applying a pre-emphasis filter to the first input audio signal; adjusting a gain of the first input audio signal; and applying a de-emphasis filter to the first audio signal. Applying the pre-emphasis filter to the first input audio signal comprises attenuating a low frequency component of the first input audio signal. Applying the de-emphasis filter to the first input audio signal comprises attenuating a high frequency component of the first input audio signal.

Abstract: A device configured to provide wireless service and power for a smart speaker includes at least one transceiver configured to wirelessly connect to a mobile broadband network and further configured to obtain internet access and the at least one transceiver further configured to wirelessly connect to the smart speaker and provide the internet access to the smart speaker. The device further includes a power supply configured to store power and the power supply further configured to provide power to the at least one transceiver. The power supply further configured to store power and the power supply further configured to provide power to the smart speaker. The device further includes a housing configured to house the at least one transceiver and the power supply.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for an example computing device for connecting audio devices to a network. In some embodiments, a computing device may store instructions executable to connect to one or more audio devices, and send the one or more audio devices provisioning information that causes the one or more audio devices to scan for additional audio devices and propagate the provisioning information to the additional audio devices. The provisioning information may also cause the one or more audio devices to connect to a central access point by sending a connection request based on the provisioning information to the central access point.

Abstract: A method and system for noise suppression of a sound signal. The sound signal includes speech of a user while speaking. The system includes a first sound receiver that obtains a first sound signal and a second sound receiver that obtains a second sound signal. The first sound signal includes a first airborne noise signal when noise is present and a first airborne speech signal when the user is speaking. The second sound signal includes a second airborne noise signal when noise is present and a second airborne speech signal when the user is speaking. The first sound receiver is a vibration pickup or transducer that obtains an additional speech signal when the user is speaking. The additional speech signal is obtained in response to vibrations propagating through the user, the vibrations being caused by the user speaking, and the first sound signal includes the additional speech signal when the user is speaking.

Abstract: A plurality of reproduction sections are set. With regard to the reproduction section provided with the first reproduction device group that includes at least one reproduction device connected via a network with a storage that stores audio data, the audio data is transmitted via the network to each reproduction device. With regard to the reproduction section provided with the second reproduction device group includes a plurality of reproduction devices that are connected to each other using at least one audio cable and that include at least one reproduction device connected via the network with the storage, the audio data is transmitted via the network to at least one reproduction device connected via the network with the storage, and the at least one reproduction device is caused to transmit the received audio data via the at least one audio cable to at least one other reproduction device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology comprise a method and system for wireless audio. In various embodiments, the system comprises a set of wirelessly connected ear buds, each ear bud suitable for placing in a human ear canal. Each ear bud comprises a microphone, an asynchronous sampling rate converter, a timer, and an audio clock. One ear bud from the set further comprises a control circuit and a synchronizer to synchronize the input of sound signals captured by the microphones and/or synchronize the processing and output of the sound signals.

Abstract: A device configured to provide wireless service and power for a smart speaker includes at least one transceiver configured to wirelessly connect to a mobile broadband network and further configured to obtain internet access and the at least one transceiver further configured to wirelessly connect to the smart speaker and provide the internet access to the smart speaker. The device further includes a power supply configured to store power and the power supply further configured to provide power to the at least one transceiver. The power supply further configured to store power and the power supply further configured to provide power to the smart speaker. The device further includes a housing configured to house the at least one transceiver and the power supply.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for an example computing device for connecting audio devices to a network. In some embodiments, a computing device may store instructions executable to connect to one or more audio devices, and send the one or more audio devices provisioning information that causes the one or more audio devices to scan for additional audio devices and propagate the provisioning information to the additional audio devices. The provisioning information may also cause the one or more audio devices to connect to a central access point by sending a connection request based on the provisioning information to the central access point.

Abstract: A hearing-assist system for use in a venue in which ambient sounds contain dialogue as well as other components which comprises circuitry inserted in a signal path between a program source feed in a program occurring in the venue and a hearing-assist unit worn by a user in that venue which reduces psychoacoustic conflict and interference between sound which is ambient in the venue and sound heard by the user via the hearing-assist unit.

Abstract: Audio perception in local proximity to visual cues is provided. A device includes a video display, first row of audio transducers, and second row of audio transducers. The first and second rows can be vertically disposed above and below the video display. An audio transducer of the first row and an audio transducer of the second row form a column to produce, in concert, an audible signal. The perceived emanation of the audible signal is from a plane of the video display (e.g., a location of a visual cue) by weighing outputs of the audio transducers of the column. In certain embodiments, the audio transducers are spaced farther apart at a periphery for increased fidelity in a center portion of the plane and less fidelity at the periphery.

Abstract: Provided is a method and device of Bluetooth adaptive volume adjustment. The method includes: obtaining an adjustable maximum volume value of the Bluetooth audio device and a user adjustable maximum volume value, after a smart terminal being connected with a Bluetooth audio device; obtaining a volume value indicated by a volume adjustment instruction, after receiving the volume adjustment instruction; calculating a volume value of the smart terminal according to the volume value indicated by the volume adjustment instruction, calculating a volume value of the Bluetooth audio device according to the volume value indicated by the volume adjustment instruction, the adjustable maximum volume value of the Bluetooth audio device, the user adjustable maximum volume value; setting the volume of the Bluetooth audio device according to the obtained volume value of the Bluetooth audio device, setting the volume of the smart terminal according to the obtained volume value of the smart terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of wireless audio systems, wireless transceivers, and methods for wirelessly communicating audio information are disclosed herein. In one example, a wireless audio system includes a primary wireless transceiver and a secondary wireless transceiver. The primary wireless transceiver includes a first radio frequency (RF) module configured to transmit, audio information at a first frequency. The primary wireless audio transceiver further includes a second RF module configured to transmit the audio information at a second frequency. The secondary wireless audio transceiver includes a third RF module configured to receive, the audio information at the first frequency. The secondary wireless transceiver further includes a fourth RF module configured to receive the audio information at the second frequency.

Abstract: Embodiments of wireless audio systems and methods for wirelessly communicating audio information are disclosed herein. In one example, a wireless audio system includes a first and a second wireless headphones. The first wireless headphone is configured to receive, from an audio source, audio information using a short-range wireless communication; in response to successfully receiving the audio information, generate an error correcting code based on the audio information; and transmit an error correcting message including the error correcting code. The second wireless headphone is configured to receive, from the audio source, the audio information using the short-range wireless communication; receive, from the first wireless headphone, the error correcting message including the error correcting code; and in response to successfully receiving the audio information based on the error correcting code, transmit an ACK message to the audio source.

Abstract: A playback control method, a player device, and a storage medium are provided. The method comprises: establishing the correspondence between a playback device and an account; establishing a connection between the playback device and the player device; allowing the account login via the correspondence between the playback device and the account; receiving and executing the playback control operation instruction of the playback device. By establishing a correspondence between the playback device and the account, once the connection between the playback device and the player is established, the account login can be directly allowed via the correspondence between the player and the account.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating an audio event within a listening environment. The technique includes determining a speaker orientation based on a location of the audio event within a sound space being generated within the listening environment and causing a speaker to be positioned according to the speaker orientation. The technique further includes, while the speaker is positioned according to the speaker orientation, causing the audio event to be transmitted by the speaker.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling audio volume output by a paired device are described. A first notification indicative of a change to a first volume by a first audio output device generated. The first notification comprises a first identifier of the first audio output device. A first record indicative of a volume of audio is stored. The first record is indexed by the first identifier. A second notification indicative of an audio stream being redirected from the first audio output device to a second audio output device is generated. The second notification comprises a second identifier of the second audio output device. A second record indicative of a second volume of audio output by the second device is retrieved. The second record is retrieved based at least in part on the second identifier. The second audio output device outputs audio at the second volume, based at least in part on the second record.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for transmitting an audio event to an ear of a user. The technique includes acquiring sensor data associated with the ear of the user and analyzing the sensor data to determine a position of the ear. The technique further includes determining a speaker orientation based on the position of the ear and a location of a shoulder-mounted speaker. The technique further includes causing the shoulder-mounted speaker to transmit the audio event to the ear of the user based on the speaker orientation.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for audio output control are disclosed. Audio may be output via a speaker of a communal device associated with a first portion of an environment. A user may provide a user utterance indicating an intent to add another device in a second portion of the environment to the audio-output session, and/or an intent to move the audio-output session from the first device to the second device, and/or an intent to remove a device from an audio-output session. Based on this determined intent, audio-session queues may be associated and dissociated from devices and device states may be altered to effectuate the intent of the user utterance.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided and includes a housing including a portion that is detachably mountable on one of a user's ears, a wireless communication circuit, a battery, a speaker, at least one sensor included in the housing, a processor electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit, the battery, the speaker, and the at least one sensor, and a memory electrically connected to the processor so that the processor can request a connection from an external device configured to be detachably mounted on another one of the user's ears, determine a portion to be output from the audio data stored in the memory based on whether a response of the external device for the request for the connection is received or at least a portion of at least one signal is received from the external device by formation of the requested connection, and output the determined portion through the speaker.

Abstract: Certain examples accommodate data routing optimizations. An example method comprises receiving, by a first playback device, data to be directed to at least a second playback device, the data comprising: i) audio data and ii) non-audio data. The method comprises transmitting, by the first playback device, the non-audio data to the second playback device via a third playback device according to a network protocol for communication between the first playback device and at least the second playback device via a wireless communication link. The method further comprises determining, by the first playback device, that a signal strength of the wireless communication link is above a threshold, and in response to the determination, transmitting the audio data to the second playback device via the wireless communication link, wherein transmitting the audio data comprises transmitting the audio data over the wireless communication link not according to the network protocol.

Abstract: Processes and devices for equalizing an audio system that is adapted to use a loudspeaker to transduce test audio signals into test sounds. The processes and devices can involve the use of infrared signals to convey information in one or both directions between the audio system and a portable computer device that captures test sounds, calculates audio parameters that can be used in the equalization process, and transmits these audio parameters back to the audio system for its use in equalizing audio signals that are played by the audio system.

Abstract: An information distribution system enhances a vehicle audio/video system. The system flexibly delivers audio and video, potentially obtained from many different sources, to different locations in the vehicle. Each passenger receives the audio or video that is of interest to them without distracting interruptions.

Abstract: A wirelessly-controlled lighting device and method with an audio playing function is provided. The wirelessly-controlled lighting device includes a lighting assembly, an audio playing module, a first Bluetooth module connecting with the lighting assembly and the audio playing module and a second Bluetooth module connecting with the audio playing module. The first Bluetooth module is configured to receive a control signal from an external device, the control signal including a first control signal used to control the lighting assembly and a second control signal used to control the audio playing module. The second Bluetooth module is configured to receive audio data from the external device to transmit the audio data to the audio playing module for audio playing. The audio playing is controlled according to the second control signal received by the first Bluetooth module.

Abstract: An audio system includes a base station, an interface that enables wireless transmission of audio content from a handheld media device to the base station, and one or more remote speakers configured to receive the audio content from the base station. The base station includes a housing, a speaker integrated within the housing to produce an audible signal from the audio content provided by the handheld media device, and a transceiver integrated within the housing for wirelessly transmitting the audio content to the one or more remote speakers. The one or more remote speakers are configured to wirelessly relay the audio content, thereby to supply the audio content beyond the transmission range of the transceiver.

Abstract: A set of audio output devices may be established and configured to output channel specific audio. Once established, the channel configuration may be changed and updated in response to events such as changes to user preference, or the addition or subtraction of audio output devices to the network. In some embodiments, the reconfiguration may be performed on the fly while audio content is being outputted by the audio output devices.

Abstract: This document describes techniques for synchronizing rendering of multi-channel audio output. First audio data corresponding to a first audio channel and second audio data corresponding to a second audio channel may be received. The first and second audio data may be configured for simultaneous rendering. A transmission schedule for wirelessly transmitting audio data to each of first and second audio rendering devices may be configured, according to which the first audio data may be scheduled for transmission to the first audio rendering device after the second audio data is scheduled for transmission to the second audio rendering device by a first length of time. An indication may be wirelessly transmitted to the second audio rendering device to delay rendering audio data by the first length of time. The first and second audio data may be wirelessly transmitted to the first and second audio rendering devices according to the transmission schedule.

Abstract: Certain examples accommodate data routing optimizations. An example method includes receiving, by a first playback device, data to be directed to at least a second playback device. The method further includes transmitting non-audio data to the second playback device via a third playback device and transmitting audio data to the second playback device directly.

Abstract: A wireless audio transmission system which has at least one wireless transmitter for the wireless transmission of a detected audio signal as a first audio signal by way of a first wireless transmission path. The wireless audio transmission system further has at least one in-ear monitor unit for directly receiving the first audio signal and for receiving a second audio signal. The first and second audio signals are mixed in the in-ear monitor unit and output as an output signal. The wireless audio transmission system has a mixing desk for mixing the first audio signal and further received audio signals to give an output signal which can be output to the public or recorded.

Abstract: A method for forming a complete ring network of a plurality of Bluetooth® speakers, the method including populating a configurable speaker register of each of the plurality of Bluetooth® speakers with an address of an upstream Bluetooth® speaker that is in the plurality of Bluetooth® speakers, populating the configurable speaker register of each of the plurality of Bluetooth® speakers with an address of a downstream Bluetooth® speaker that is in the plurality of Bluetooth® speakers, and coupling an audio source to one Bluetooth® speaker of the plurality of Bluetooth® speakers.

Abstract: Disclosed in some examples are methods, systems, apparatus, and machine readable mediums which mitigate multipath fading and extend the robustness and the useable range of the wireless link between a streaming device and a hearing assistance device. In some examples, this may be accomplished by utilizing redundant wireless sources of the streaming data—that is, multiple copies of the streaming information may be sent to the hearing assistance devices. To prevent interference, at least one transmission parameter may be varied between the transmissions (e.g., frequency, channel, time, coding, or the like).

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for audio synchronization of one or more playback devices using offset information. In an example embodiment, a first device receives, from a second device, data representing a first time, the first time corresponding to first audio data to be played by the first playback device as part of a synchrony group with the second device. The first device determines a second time based on (i) the first time and (ii) a first offset between a clock of the first device and a clock of the second device. The first device plays the first audio data at the second time according to the clock of the first device. After playing the first audio data, the first device determines a second offset between the clock of the first device and the clock of the second device and replaces data representing the first offset with data representing the second offset.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a mount unit configured to fasten one of an interchangeable lens and an external speaker, and a controller configured to control lens driving of the interchangeable lens when the interchangeable lens is fastened to the mount unit and control audio output of the external speaker when the external speaker is fastened to the mount unit.