Near Field Patents (Class 381/79)
  • Patent number: 9439018
    Abstract: An audio data processing device includes a mixing unit that mixes first audio data and second audio data to generate mixed audio data, a first output unit that outputs, to a first speaker, audio data not having undergone the mixing, a second output unit that outputs, to a second speaker, the mixed audio data generated by the mixing unit, a processor which is provided between a point of branching to the mixing unit and the first output unit or between the mixing unit and the second output unit and adds an acoustic effect, and a delay unit which is provided between the branching point and the first output unit or between the mixing unit and the second output unit and delays the audio data so that a relationship of timing between input, to the first speaker, of the audio data output from the first output unit and input, to the second speaker, of the audio data output from the second output unit coincides with a relationship of timing of input between the first audio data and the second audio data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroomi Shidoji
  • Patent number: 9438994
    Abstract: Instrument amplification systems incorporating reflection cancelling boundary microphones and multiband compression in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Lloyd Baggs Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Linn, Lloyd Baggs
  • Patent number: 9374653
    Abstract: A method for a multi-channel wireless speaker system utilizes a wireless private network to ensure proper synchronization of a plurality of speaker units. The system includes the plurality of speaker units and an audio receiver. Each speaker unit includes a wireless communication device and a digital-to-analog converter module. The audio receiver includes an audio interface and a wireless access point. The method includes probing each speaker units in order to identify the speaker channel and use said information to compile a sound system configuration. The sound system configuration is used to configure a plurality of compatible audio channels from an audio frame, wherein each channel corresponds an audio sample. The audio frame is broadcasted to the plurality of speaker units. Each speaker unit extracts the audio sample corresponding to a specific channel that is in turn associated with the speaker type. The audio sample is sounded by each speaker unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Henry Hung Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9307508
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for syncing multiple electronic devices for collective audio playback. According to certain aspects, a master device connects (218) to a slave device via a wireless connection. The master device calculates (224) a network latency via a series of network latency pings with the slave device and sends (225) the network latency to the slave device. Further, the master devices sends (232) a portion of an audio file as well as a timing instruction including a system time to the slave device. The master device initiates (234) playback of the portion of the audio file and the slave devices initiates (236) playback of the portion of the audio file according to the timing instruction and a calculated system clock offset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Michael J Daley, Travis Bolinger, Heath O'Neal
  • Patent number: 9211953
    Abstract: An equipment module for a vehicle comprises a floor element, at least one first inductive coupling element and at least one electronics unit. The floor element comprises at least one attachment means, which can be reached from the top, for attaching items of equipment, and on the underside at least one retaining means for attaching the floor element at a positioning space in a vehicle. The first inductive coupling element is arranged on the floor element and is connected to at least one electronics unit. The electronics unit is adapted for providing an identification signal by way of the first inductive coupling element, which identification signal makes it possible to identify the equipment module. The invention makes it possible to quickly reconfigure a cabin of a vehicle, and makes it possible for the vehicle to quickly identify all the reconfigurable installations for adapting items of equipment on the vehicle side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Carsten Paul
  • Patent number: 9008332
    Abstract: A processing chip for a digital microphone and related input circuit and a digital microphone are described herein. In one aspect, the input circuit for a processing chip of a digital microphone includes: a PMOS transistor, a resistor, a current source, and a low-pass filter. The described processing chip possesses high anti high-frequency interference capabilities and the described input circuit possesses high high-frequency power supply rejection ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Beijing KT Micro, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wenjing Wang, Jianting Wang, Rongrong Bai, Jing Cao
  • Patent number: 9002044
    Abstract: Electroacoustical speaker devices that synchronously play audio received from a source. In one embodiment, one speaker acts as the master and the other speaker acts as the slave. The master speaker receives digital audio data from a source and, in addition to playing the digital audio received from the source, the master speaker retransmits the digital audio to the slave speaker. The master speaker additionally sends synchronization data to the slave speaker, such as data that indicates the buffer status or playback position of the master speaker. The slave speaker utilizes the synchronization data from the master speaker to adjust, for example, its buffer status or playback position, so that the two speakers play the audio synchronously (e.g., within thirty milliseconds). In one embodiment, the master speaker uses a connection-oriented protocol, such as TCP/IP, to transmit buffered audio data to the slave speaker and uses a connectionless protocol, such as UDP or ICMP, for the synchronization data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Koss Corporation
    Inventors: Mihail C. Dinescu, Joseph Mazza, Adam Kujanski, Brian Gaza, Michael Sagan
  • Patent number: 8989400
    Abstract: A wireless headset includes a wireless module, a headset body and a universal serial bus (USB) connector, the headset body includes a light sensor located on an end of the headset body, and the USB connector includes a plug and a connection line. The connection line is located on a first end of the USB connector and connected to the headset body, the plug is located on a second end of the USB connector, and the plug of the USB connector is connectable to the end of the headset body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Ping Chiu, Hsueh-Tsen Tsai
  • Patent number: 8971546
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to control audio playback devices are disclosed. An example audio playback device includes an audio output device to generate audio signals based on a signal source, a device interface to receive a first message from a first audio information source, and a source selector to change the signal source from a second audio information source to the first audio information source based on the first message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Craig Wisneski, Steven Beckhardt, Neil Griffiths
  • Patent number: 8971544
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the performance of an electroacoustic transducer includes receiving, by gain adjustment circuit, a displacement signal corresponding to a relative motion between a magnetic structure of the electroacoustic transducer and a voice coil of the electroacoustic transducer. The method includes detecting, by the gain adjustment circuit, a displacement signal value of the displacement signal as one of meeting or exceeding a displacement signal threshold. The method includes modifying, by the gain adjustment circuit, a loop gain of an active noise reduction loop associated with the electroacoustic transducer when the displacement signal value of the displacement signal one of meets or exceeds the displacement signal threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel M Gauger, Jr., Paul Yamkovoy, Ricardo F. Carreras
  • Patent number: 8954001
    Abstract: An inductive signal interface includes a coil assembly which has one or more inductive coils. The inductive signal interface also has a bridge circuit that couples to the coil assembly to a power input/output (I/O). The bridge circuit has components that operate to enable the inductive signal interface to selectively operate in either a power transmit mode or a power receive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Manjirnath Chatterjee
  • Patent number: 8938078
    Abstract: A method of enhancing audio sound. The method includes sensing an acoustic signal using a microphone in an electronic device. The acoustic signal is emitted in response to a primary sound signal and transmitted as a sound wave through a space. The method further includes receiving, using an antenna in the electronic device, a wireless signal encoded with the primary sound signal. An impulse response for the space is estimated based on the sensed acoustic signal and the primary sound signal encoded within the received wireless signal. A delay between the sensed acoustic signal and the primary sound signal encoded within the received wireless signal is calculated based on the estimated impulse response. The primary sound signal encoded within the received wireless signal is delayed using the calculated delay and reproduced to enhance the acoustic signal heard by a user of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: ConcertSonics, LLC
    Inventor: James E. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8929922
    Abstract: Methods and systems associated with a mobile device for venue-oriented communications are presented. An example mobile communication device may include a wireless transceiver, a user interface, and control logic. The wireless transceiver may receive a plurality of digital audio streams from an access device located at a venue. The user interface may receive a selection of one of the digital audio streams from a user of the mobile communication device. The control logic includes a channel selection module that may generate an audio signal representing the selected one of the digital audio streams. The user interface may provide the generated audio signal for presentation to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Airborne Media Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Ginn, Ryan Danford, Chip Lile, Cordell Brown
  • Patent number: 8929563
    Abstract: The transmitter of a wireless power transmission audio system includes: a transmission signal generating section for generating a transmission signal comprised of an RF signal; a first resonant circuit which receives and sends out the transmission signal; a detecting section for sensing a variation in the transmission signal; and a transmission signal adjusting section. The loudspeaker of the system includes: a second resonant circuit for receiving the transmission signal by producing a magnetic field resonant coupling phenomenon; and an audio output section for reproducing the audio signal. At least one of the transmitter and the loudspeaker includes an impedance adjusting section which changes an impedance value on the transmission line of the transmission signal. When the impedance adjusting section changes the impedance value, the transmission signal adjusting section changes the signal waveform of the transmission signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Kinoshita, Junichi Kawamura, Shutai Okamura
  • Publication number: 20150003630
    Abstract: A dual-wireless mode speaker is disclosed, which includes a controller and a wireless receiver module connected to the controller. The wireless receiver module includes a Bluetooth receiver module and a WiFi receiver module. The speaker further includes an audio processing module with an input terminal coupled to the controller and an audio output module coupled to an output terminal of the audio processing module. The speaker is configured to operate in one of a Bluetooth-only mode, a WiFi-only mode and a dual-wireless mode. Additionally, the Bluetooth receiver module is activated and the WiFi receiver module is deactivated in the Bluetooth-only mode; the Bluetooth receiver module is deactivated and the WiFi receiver module is activated in the WiFi-only mode; and both the Bluetooth receiver module and the WiFi receiver module are activated in the dual-wireless mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Dahong Qian
  • Patent number: 8908879
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for playback of audio content in an “audition mode.” A system may be providing audio content to be rendered by a group of playback devices, when receiving a request to audition a second audio content with at least one playback device from the group of playback devices. The system may then suspend rendering of the first audio content at the at least one playback device, and provide the second audio content to be rendered by the at least one playback device for a duration of time. Upon exiting audition mode, either by completion of the second audio content, expiration of the duration of time, or request to exit audition mode, the system may resume rendering of the first audio content by the at least one playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Bates, Abhishek Kumar, Jonathan Paul Lang
  • Patent number: 8903101
    Abstract: A system for actively reducing noise at a listening point, includes an earphone housing, a transmitting transducer, a receiving transducer and a controller. The transmitting transducer converts a first electric signal into a first acoustic signal, and radiates the first acoustic signal along a first acoustic path having a first transfer characteristic and along a second acoustic path having a second transfer characteristic. The receiving transducer converts the first acoustic signal and ambient noise into a second electrical signal. The controller compensates for the ambient noise by providing a noise reducing electrical signal to the transmitting transducer. The noise reducing electrical signal is derived from a filtered electrical signal that is provided by filtering the second electrical signal with a third transfer characteristic. The second and the third transfer characteristics together model the first transfer characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Christoph, Michael Wurm, Michael Perkmann
  • Patent number: 8891783
    Abstract: A directional sound system is disclosed. The directional sound system (400) comprises a plurality of equalization stages (404, 406) configured to equalize an input signal; and a transducer stage (412) configured to transmit the equalized input signal; wherein the plurality of equalization stages (404, 406) comprises a first equalization stage (404) configured to employ an approximated model of the transducer stage (412) and a second equalization stage (406) configured to compensate for differences between the approximated model of the transducer stage (412) and an actual model of the transducer stage (412).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nanyang Technological University
    Inventors: Ee Leng Tan, Woon Seng Gan
  • Patent number: 8891803
    Abstract: A portable electrical appliance comprises an audio signal source, a power supply module having a housing external to the portable electrical appliance for providing power to the electronic appliance having, a power converter for providing DC power to at least the portable electrical appliance, a speaker for generating sound and audio processing means for manipulating audio signals from the audio signal source, wherein the power converter, audio processing means and speaker are mounted within the housing, and communication means for coupling the audio signal to the processing means. The communication means is able to be wireless or wired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Vernon Weiss, Brett Faulk, Kean W. Lam, Richard W. Teltz, Fang Hua
  • Patent number: 8879759
    Abstract: Digital musical footwear is disclosed having hidden compartments which house a thin integrated multi-plane electronic circuit board assembly (2) and a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. A transmitter antenna is attached to a hand held device such as a smart phone which antenna sends wireless short wave sound signals to a receiving antenna part of the circuit board assembly. Multiple mini-speakers (6, 7) are footwear mounted to play the music. Bluetooth® version 4.0 wireless protocol technology is employed in the circuit board assembly. The circuit board can be flat and hidden in a recess of a heel or curved and hidden in a wall recess of the footwear as can the battery pack. Advanced lithium ion batteries such as silicon wafer or silicon core-shell nanowire batteries may be used to reduce battery weight. Flexible flat speakers (65) such as the FleXpeaker® may also be used to further reduce weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: J. A. Wells & Associates, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John Andrew Wells
  • Publication number: 20140270238
    Abstract: A synchronous loudspeaking system comprises a first Bluetooth receiver, a first processor, a first speaker, a second Bluetooth receiver, a second processor and a second speaker. The first Bluetooth receiver receives a first signal. The first processor electrically connects to the first Bluetooth receiver. The first speaker has a first input terminal electrically connected to the first processor, and a first output terminal. The second Bluetooth receiver optionally receives a second signal. The second processor electrically connects to the second Bluetooth receiver. The second speaker has a second input terminal electrically connected to the second processor and optionally connected to the first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The two speakers sound synchronously when the second input terminal and the first output terminal is electrically connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: PPJ. LLC, RUOEY LUNG ENTERPRISE CORP.
    Inventors: Philip Woods MCCARTY, Philip Reid SHERMAN, Chuan-Hang SHIH
  • Patent number: 8811908
    Abstract: A wireless rear speaker expanding apparatus which allows wired rear speakers to expand as wireless rear speakers by attaching a card-type wireless module in a home theater system includes a main body unit to reproduce a multi-channel audio stream from a recording medium, to extract a rear channel audio stream, to detect whether a transmission module unit is mounted, and to switch the rear channel audio stream to a wireless transmission mode or a wired transmission mode, a transmission module unit to modulate the rear channel audio stream extracted from the main body unit into a wireless signal and to wirelessly transmit the signal, if mounted as a detachable card-type unit on the main body unit, and a reception module unit to decode the rear channel audio stream wirelessly transmitted from the transmission module, and to amplify the decoded signal as a rear channel audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eung-sik Yoon, Sung-han Lee, Yong-jin Kang
  • Patent number: 8781135
    Abstract: The invention provides a touch pen with wireless voice capability which comprises a body, an audio receiving unit, a wireless communication module, and a micro-processing unit. The body has a touch portion and a first signal connector. The wireless communication module is disposed in the body, and the wireless communication module is for wirelessly transmitting audio data generated by the audio receiving unit and for wirelessly receiving audio data. The micro-processing unit is disposed in the body and is electrically coupled to the audio receiving unit and the wireless communication module. The micro-processing unit transmits the audio data received by the wireless communication module to the first signal connector. Accordingly, the touch pen with wireless voice capability provides the personal wireless voice communication for the user, or cooperates with a speaker device adapted to the conference call for multi-users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dexin Corporation
    Inventor: Ho-Lung Lu
  • Publication number: 20140153738
    Abstract: A wireless induction system includes a first device and a second device wirelessly connected the first device, the first device and the second device separated from each other. The first device is configured for generating electromagnetic signals and includes a signal source and a transmitting unit electrically connected with the signal source. The second device is configured for receiving electromagnetic signals and converting it into audio signals, and includes a receiving unit, a processor and a loudspeaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicants: AAC ACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGIES (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., AAC MICROTECH(CHANGZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhengmin Benjamin Pan, Bingke Zhu
  • Patent number: 8737639
    Abstract: A voice amplification assembly is provided for facilitating amplification of a voice for public speaking. The assembly provides a portable wireless microphone and a base unit operationally couplable to a pre-existing speaker. A transceiver is positioned in the base unit. The microphone has a transmitter which is operationally coupled to the transceiver. A processor is positioned in base unit and operationally coupled to the transceiver for adjusting and outputting an audio signal received from the microphone through the transceiver. An audio control is operationally coupled to the processor for inputting an adjustment to the audio signal. An output port is configured for connecting to an existing speaker to broadcast the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Peter Ribeiro, Kimberley Ribeiro
  • Patent number: 8723656
    Abstract: Audible signals are created and emitted that provide a human user with improved sound localization cues to quickly and efficiently find the emitting device. Different emitted audible signals are sequentially emitted in response to receiving an activation signal. The different audible signals have been observed to efficiently help a human locate emitting devices that are 1) inside a sealed enclosure, such as a box; 2) in close proximity to the user; and 3) that is a large distance from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Bradley Shayne Ferringo, John Patrick Grenn
  • Patent number: 8718537
    Abstract: A communication system has a controller for transmitting data to be played back by a plurality of playback devices corresponding to a plurality of channels, and a plurality of adapters required for executing playback by the playback devices. The controller has a setting unit which sets data to be played back by the playback devices and control information required to control playback of the data in time slots of a sync transmission frame, and a transmission unit which transmits the sync transmission frame the by the setting unit to the adapters. Each adapter has a reception unit which receives the transmitted sync transmission frame, and a playback control unit which extracts data corresponding to the channel to be played back by the adapter from the sync transmission frame, and controls the playback timing of the data based on control information corresponding to the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuguhide Sakata, Mitsuru Yamamoto, Ichiro Kato, Yasunori Ohora
  • Patent number: 8705756
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing, a speaker, and an amplifier. The speaker may be mounted within the housing. A concave portion may be implemented in the housing and may be configured to hold a transformer. An amplifier may be implemented within the housing and may be configured to receive power through a connection to the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sound Merchandising, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. O'Shea, Dennis M. O'Shea
  • Patent number: 8705780
    Abstract: An audio apparatus, an audio signal transmission method, and an audio system are provided. The audio signal transmission method includes: wirelessly receiving an audio signal from a first external device; converting the received audio signal into audio signals of multi-channels; and wirelessly transmitting an audio signal of at least one of the multi-channels to at least one of second external devices. Therefore, the audio apparatus wirelessly communicates with a plurality of external devices, and thus a user can connect an audio device to an external device without using wired cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eung-sik Yoon, Yong-jin Kang
  • Patent number: 8612239
    Abstract: Provided is an audio coding apparatus and method that can selectively apply a operation mode of a coding module for stereo or multi-channel representation according to input signal characteristics of each channel, when voice or music signals are transmitted using an audio codec in portable terminals capable of stereo or multi-channel input and output. The audio coding apparatus includes a down-mixer for down-mixing multi-channel audio signals into mono signals; a coder for coding the mono signals; an input channel correlation analyzer for deciding whether to give them stereo effect based on their signal distribution characteristics, and outputting a control signal indicating whether to perform stereo representation process; and a stereo representation unit for performing stereo representation process onto the multi-channel audio signals when the control signal indicating to perform stereo representation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics & Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Mi-Suk Lee, Do-Young Kim, Hae-Won Jung
  • Patent number: 8594340
    Abstract: Where information is to be conveyed as acoustic waves, embodiments of the present invention provide a transmitter capable of causing acoustic waves that convey information to be not easily perceived by the human ear. A transmitter, being an apparatus that converts various types of encoded information into acoustic wave(s) in the audible spectrum and carries out transmission thereof, comprises microphone(s) that cause ambient sound(s) from location(s) at which acoustic wave(s) is/are transmitted to be input as ambient sound signal(s); peak frequency detector(s) that detect, within ambient sound signal(s), peak frequency or frequencies of major constituent(s) of ambient sound(s); carrier wave generator(s) that generate carrier waves at a plurality of frequencies that are natural number multiples of peak frequency or frequencies and that can be used to mask ambient sound(s); and modulator(s) that modulate a plurality of carrier waves with baseband signal(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Field System, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomio Takara, Hiroshi Suzuki, Takashige Tsukuma, Yoshimaru Maruno, Ichiro Okuyama
  • Patent number: 8577686
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing audio signals are provided. The method for decoding an audio signal includes extracting a downmix signal and spatial information from a received audio signal and generating a pseudo-surround signal using the downmix signal and the spatial information. The apparatus for decoding an audio signal includes a demultiplexing part extracting a downmix signal and spatial information from a received audio signal and a pseudo-surround decoding part generating a pseudo-surround signal from the downmix signal, using the spatial information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyen-O Oh, Hee Suk Pang, Dong Soo Kim, Jae Hyun Lim, Yang-Won Jung
  • Patent number: 8570368
    Abstract: A wireless audio transmission system includes: a transmitter having a microphone and a modulator-transmitter transmitting a radio wave modulated by an audio signal from the microphone; a receiver having a receiver-demodulator demodulating the audio signal after receiving the radio wave transmitted from the transmitter, outputting the audio signal demodulated by the receiver-demodulator to the outside of the receiver; and a video camera into which the audio signal output from the receiver is input, wherein the receiver has a detector detecting frequencies of a radio wave not being used by other devices based on a reception level of the radio wave received by the receiver-demodulator and outputs available frequency information indicating the frequencies detected by the detector to the video camera, and the video camera has a controller causing the available frequency information input from the receiver to be displayed on a display unit attached to the video camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Yahagi
  • Patent number: 8553896
    Abstract: The present invention relates to direct voice and instrument monitoring systems and methods of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Ryan Dietz
  • Publication number: 20130223631
    Abstract: A method including producing a first audio output from a first device; and producing an electromagnetic field from a coil of the first device. The electromagnetic field includes information for at least partially producing a second audio output from a second device. The information is configured to provide a relationship between the first and second audio outputs such that when the first audio output is a first acoustic sound, for the first acoustic sound to be configured to acoustically couple with second acoustic sound from the second device which based upon the second audio output, or when the first audio output is not acoustic sound, for the first audio output to be output from the first device for a headset of at least one first user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Greuet, Koray Ozcan
  • Patent number: 8520870
    Abstract: A transmission device includes: a communication unit performing communication with one or more receiving devices; a distance measurement unit measuring direct distances to the receiving devices; a transmission data setting unit setting transmission data including content data including audio and time information indicating the time when reproduction of content data is started for the receiving devices whose distances are measured based on the measured distances; and a transmission processing unit transmitting transmission data set by the transmission data setting unit to corresponding receiving devices of transmission targets all at once. The transmission data setting unit sets time when the device itself starts reproduction of the content data as a reference time, and sets the time information for synchronizing audio indicated by the content data reproduced in the device itself with audio indicated by the content data reproduced in the receiving devices for each receiving device using the set reference time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Sato, Kazuhiro Sato, Teppei Sato
  • Patent number: 8488822
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assistive listening system comprising an audio transmitting device adapted for transmitting an audio signal and/or a control signal to a multitude of receiving listening devices and at least one receiving listening device adapted for receiving said audio signal and said control signal from said audio transmitting device. The invention further relates to a method of operating an assistive listening system and to its use. The object of the present invention is to provide an assistive listening system suitable for servicing a multitude of body worn listening devices in a wireless environment. The problem is solved in that the system is adapted to establish a digital link according to the DECT-standard from the audio transmitting device to the at least one receiving listening device, wherein the system is adapted to provide that said link is uni-directional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Oticon
    Inventor: Bjarne Klemmensen
  • Patent number: 8457334
    Abstract: An audio apparatus, an audio signal transmission method, and an audio system are provided. The audio signal transmission method includes: wirelessly receiving an audio signal from a first external device; converting the received audio signal into audio signals of multi-channels; and wirelessly transmitting an audio signal of at least one of the multi-channels to at least one of second external devices. Therefore, the audio apparatus wirelessly communicates with a plurality of external devices, and thus a user can connect an audio device to an external device without using wired cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eung-sik Yoon, Yong-jin Kang
  • Patent number: 8437695
    Abstract: An inductive signal interface comprises a coil assembly including one or more inductive coils, a bridge circuit including a plurality of switches, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to individually operate the plurality of switches to enable the inductive signal interface to dynamically switch between a power-transmit mode and a power receive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Manjirnath Chatterjee, Michael Lehr, Dyke Shaffer
  • Patent number: 8406689
    Abstract: A headset includes a substantially U-shaped frame, two speakers mounted at two ends of the substantially U-shaped frame, an infrared emitter, and an infrared receiver facing the infrared emitter. The infrared emitter is configured for emitting infrared light towards the infrared receiver. The infrared receiver is configured for receiving the infrared light from the infrared emitter and for generating a pause signal after the infrared light is continuously received by the infrared emitter for a first predetermined time. The headset is configured to stop working according to the pause signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Yu Lin
  • Publication number: 20130064386
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for communicating between two or more drivers respectively controlling and/or managing different channels through which data is transferred between a wireless communication device and a computer system and/or between a controller of the computer system and an application of the computer system. Typically, at least one of the channels is configured to transmit time sensitive data (e.g., such as audio data) while another channel is configured to transmit time insensitive data (e.g., such as call control data). A device driver interface may be configured to provide a medium through which the two or more drivers can communicate. The techniques and/or systems find particular application with respect to Bluetooth headsets used in combination with a computer system comprising a system on chip architecture, but other applications are also contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Yerrace, Yuk Lai Suen, John Bregar, Rian Chung, Kenneth Cooper
  • Patent number: 8364297
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an audio playing method adapted for an electronic device. The audio playing method includes (a) providing the electronic device, the electronic device comprising a processor, an audio playing program executed by the processor, and a storage system comprising a playlist comprising a plurality of audio files; (b) invoking and running the audio playing program; (c) accessing the playlist and selecting an audio file; (d) determining if the audio file selected has been previously selected as a prompt signal of the electronic device; (e) accessing another audio file in the playlist if the audio file has been previously selected as a prompt signal; and (f) playing the audio file if the audio file has not been previously selected as a prompt signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhao Jin
  • Patent number: 8340330
    Abstract: An audio apparatus includes a main unit to extract audio signals for at least two channels from a multichannel audio signal; and a transmitter to wirelessly transmit at least one audio signal of the extracted audio signals to a first receiver, and to wirelessly transmit at least one other audio signal of the extracted audio signals to a second receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eung-sik Yoon, Dae-hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8340313
    Abstract: A subwoofer is equipped with a wireless receiver to receive signals containing information for a Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel and information for both surround channels. In one form, the LFE is added to one or both surround channels to provide a stereo surround signal (containing both surround channels) including a multiplexed LFE channel. The subwoofer utilizes the LFE channel, powers surround speakers, and passes the surround signals to respective surround speakers. A receiver multiplexes LFE signals into either one or both surround sound audio channels. A digital RF transmitter of the receiver transmits the combined subwoofer/surround channels to the wireless receiver of the subwoofer. The remote subwoofer is connected to a power source. The surround speakers are connected to the subwoofer so as to receive the surround channels and be powered thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: John Justin Caffrey
  • Patent number: 8335577
    Abstract: A chipset for an audio player supporting Bluetooth advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP). The chipset comprises first and second processors. The first processor reads audio source data from a storage device and performs a first part of advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) source encoding. The second processor is coupled to the first processor and performs a second part of the advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) source encoding. The first and second processors collectively act as a Bluetooth host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Mediatek Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Hsiang Lin, Yu-Cheng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8325935
    Abstract: A wireless system including a first speaker and a second speaker, where the first and second speakers communicate with each other over a wireless link. In some configurations, the first speaker includes both a primary wireless interface for receiving audio from an audio source and a secondary wireless interface transmitting a portion of the audio to the second speaker. The speaker can incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to provide the wireless link between each other. The wireless system can be configured to synchronize audio output at the speakers, and can also include a second-speaker detection mechanism that permits the first speaker to be used in either a stand-alone mode, with audio output at only the first speaker, or full-headset mode, with audio output at both speakers when the second speaker is detected within wireless range of the first speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Phillip Rutschman
  • Patent number: 8320600
    Abstract: A communication system is provided for a patient featuring a cushion with an opening for receiving the face of the patient. The cushion includes a microphone for receiving audible signals from the patient and one or more speakers for delivering audible signals to the patient. The microphone and speaker(s) are integrated with the cushion to avoid interfering with the comfort of the patient. In one embodiment, the audible signals are delivered to and from the patient via a communication port. In another embodiment, the system includes a display device, so the patient may view parts of the patient's body on the device and then communicate with system operators through the microphone and speaker(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen Jaax, James Makous, Courtney Lane, Mark Pierre, Cliff Brainard, Charles Tilden Hagan, IV
  • Patent number: 8300872
    Abstract: A system for adjusting a response of a loudspeaker system. The system includes a woofer installed in a housing. The woofer includes a woofer cone. A transmitter for transmitting an ultrasonic audio signal towards the woofer cone. A receiver for receiving the ultrasonic audio signal. A detection unit for determining the position of the woofer cone on the basis of a difference between the phase of the reflected ultrasonic audio signal with respect to the ultrasonic audio signal transmitted from the transmitter. A control unit for adjusting a spring constant of the membrane of the loudspeaker system on the basis of the determined position. A method for adjusting a response of a loudspeaker system, to a module to be used in the system. A computer program product including computer code for adjusting a response of the loudspeaker system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: VLSI Solution Oy
    Inventors: Toni Liitola, Tapani Ritoniemi, Pekka Seppä
  • Patent number: 8295525
    Abstract: This invention provides a personal and wearable audio system comprising a first and second component; wherein each of the first and second component comprises an audio-signal generator interactively connected to a modulator and optionally a, signal interrupter; at least one speaker for amplifying the audio signal from the audio-signal generators, modulators and optional interrupters; and a means for attaching the first and second components to a wearer's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Hesed Consortia, LLC
    Inventors: Joe J. Fanelli, Jay M. Fanelli
  • Patent number: RE45320
    Abstract: A docking station for a portable media player. The docking station includes a docking connector to physically secure the portable media player and a communication interface to communicatively couple the portable media player to the docking station when the docking connector is physically securing the portable media player. A projection module operably linked to the communication interface and configured to receive video information from the portable media player via the communication interface projects a video image derived from the video information away from the docking station onto a viewing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer Jaffe, Scott Ballantyne, Steve Stark, Joe O'Sullivan, Phillip H. Salvatori, Donald Rhodes