Abstract: An audio interrupt system includes multiple audio players—such as a computer, compact disc player, cassette player, stereo, cell-phone, or MP3 player—that generate electrical audio signals and transmit the electrical audio signals to an associated transducer—such as a headphone or a speaker—that converts the electrical audio signals into aural signals that may be heard by a listener. Multiple audio controllers are provided that alter the transmission of the electrical audio signals from at least one of the audio players to the audio player's associate transducer. A hub transmits a control signal to the audio controllers that causes the audio controllers to alter the transmission of the electrical audio signals from the audio players to the associated transducer. The alteration may involve terminating the electrical audio signals or reducing an amplitude of them.

Abstract: The invention provides for an audio system 10 comprising an audio signal generating means (12) for output of an audio signal (24), and a remote control device (14) for control of the audio signal generating means (12), the audio signal generating means (12) including means for including an identification signal within the audio output (12) and which serve to identify the audio signal generating means (12) from which the audio signal is output, the remote control device being arranged to receive the identification signal so as to identify the source (12) from which a particular audio signal (24) is output.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus and a method for controlling operations of low sound output in an audio system. Embodiments of an apparatus and a method for controlling an operation of an audio woofer in a machine provided with an audio system such as a portable computer can operate using at least one or more information of an audio data type, an audio signal, an audio channel number and a power source. Therefore, it is possible to accurately select and listen to an audio of a high-pass component only by stopping operations of a low-pass component for an audio as reproduced. In addition, embodiments of the present invention can extend a time for using a battery by controlling operations of a woofer, when using the battery power.

Abstract: This invention concerns a distributed stereo audio system. Distributed stereo audio systems are used to provide stereo sound to several rooms or areas from a single source of signal. The system includes two or more speakers for the broadcast of stereo audio signals; a source of stereo audio signals; a stereo amplifier to amplify stereo audio signals and drive the speakers; and a mains operated electrical power supply to provide power to the amplifier. The amplifier is located in the same room as the speakers, and remote from the signal source and power supply. The amplifier is connected to the signal source and power supply by means of a category 5 four pair twisted cable which provides, in respective twisted pairs, right channel audio signals from the signal source to the amplifier, left channel audio from the signal source to the amplifier, DC power from the power supply to the amplifier, and control signals from the amplifier to the signal source.

Abstract: A method in a portable communication device for displaying information includes encoding data and transmitting the encoded data to a display associated with a vehicle. The encoded data is received by a receiver associated with the display, decoded and displayed.

Abstract: A wireless audio signal transmitter is presented that routes audio signals to either a wired or a wireless sound output device. The transmitter selects whether the audio signal is transmitted over a wireless antenna to a wireless device, or is transmitted to a physically attached device. The transmitter may take the form of a USB dongle or a wireless device charging station. The transmitter detects whether the wireless audio output device is powered on and in communication with the transmitter to determine how to route the audio signal received from the computer. If the wireless audio output device is connected to the transmitter, the audio signal is routed to the wireless audio output device. If there is no connection, then the audio signal is routed to the wired audio output device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an FM transmitter and, more specifically, to an FM transmitter comprised in the headphone or the ear bud accessories to portable audio players. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

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.

Abstract: A wireless transmitter includes an antenna and a signal generator. A control signal input to the signal generator controls a frequency band of a carrier frequency. The control signal also controls the transmitted signal power. The control signal is generated by a decoder unit that decodes an audio signal.

Abstract: A system using the nonlinearity of a propagation medium to demodulate an ultrasonic wave having audio modulated onto the ultrasonic frequency, audio signal processing circuitry providing a delayed audio signal and an envelope signal which is a function of peaks of the audio signal over a predetermined interval. The delayed audio signal and the envelope signals are combined with the delay in the audio allowing the envelope signal to accurately be aligned with the audio signal in the combination.

Abstract: A system and method is described herein in which an audio source wirelessly transmits audio content to a first audio sink over one wireless link and to a second audio sink over another wireless link. The two audio sinks also exchange forward error correction (FEC) streams over a wireless link between the two audio sinks, wherein the FEC streams are generated by FEC encoding the audio content received from the audio source. The audio sinks advantageously use the exchanged FEC information to synchronize the playback of the audio content as well as to improve the robustness of the wireless links with the audio source in a manner that does not consume additional bandwidth on those links.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an audio-based position tracking system. The position tracking systems comprises one or more speakers, an array of microphones and a computing device. The speaker is located at a fixed position and transmits an audio signal. The microphone array is mounted upon a moving object and receives the audio signal. The computing device determines a position of the moving object as a function of the delay of the audio signal received by each microphone in the array.

Abstract: A wireless audio system includes a first device and a second device. The first device includes a first logic and a first WLAN unit coupled to the first logic. The first logic performs audio processing to generate audio data. The first WLAN unit transmits the audio data through a radio frequency channel. The second device includes a second WLAN unit and an audio reproducing unit coupled to the second WLAN unit. The second WLAN unit receives the audio data from the radio frequency channel. The audio reproducing unit generates sound according to the audio data.

Abstract: A system and a method for streaming data between a portable server computing device and a client computing device are provided. The method include transmitting an RF signal having streaming data from a first audio file from the portable server computing device to a client computing device. The method further includes emitting sound corresponding to the streaming data in the RF signal from the client computing device, in response to the client computing device receiving the RF signal.

Abstract: A wireless headset includes a first earpiece and a second earpiece, where the first and second earpieces communicate with each other over a wireless link. In some configurations, the first earpiece 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 earpiece. The earpieces can incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to provide the wireless link between each other. The wireless headset can be configured to synchronize audio output at the earpieces, and can also include a second-earpiece detection mechanism that permits the first earpiece to be used in either a stand-alone mode, with audio output at only the first earpiece, or full-headset mode, with audio output at both earpieces when the second earpiece is detected within wireless range of the first earpiece.

Abstract: A moving object 1 equipped with ultra-directional speaker is provided with an emitter 44 for measuring a distance to a target 11 to which it is to provide a voice by using an ultrasonic transmit sensor 45 and an ultrasonic receive sensor 46 thereof, and for emitting an output signal having a predetermined sound level which is adjusted by an amplifier 34 with sound level adjusting function. The moving object 1 can thus transmit a voice having an optimal volume only to the specific target through parametric action.

Abstract: An audio device is provided that is in electrical communication with a magnetic coil for the purpose of increasing magnetic field emissions generated by the device. The magnetic coil may be disposed on a flexible substrate in multi-turn and multi-layer format or disposed on a foldable flexible substrate in multi-turn and multi-layer format. Additionally, the magnetic coil may be disposed on the device's printed circuit board or the coil may be a freestanding, substrate-free coil assembly. The magnetic coil may be placed and secured in various locations within the device to maximize magnetic field emissions and minimize problems related to space limitations. The increased magnetic field results in a device that is hearing-aid compatible as defined by the Federal Communications Commission.

Abstract: A portable sound system for use in portable devices such as laptops or mobile phones is described using the principles of parametric sound generation to create a virtual headphone-like system using focusable and steerage beams of ultrasonic sound emitted from a portage phased array or similar source of ultrasonic sound beams, focused at the vicinity of the left and right ear of the user. The system being also capable of producing audible surround sound and adapted to compensate for head motion through use of an optical based tracking system.

Abstract: A personal portable integrator is used to integrate the services of an arbitrary audio delivery device such as an MP3, CD, DVD, radio, or other media player, with the services of an arbitrary two-way communication device such as a mobile phone, or a two-way radio such as a walkie-talkie, citizen band radio (e.g., CB), HAM radio, marine or aviation radio, and the like. The portable integrator receives and provides input and output signals from both the audio delivery device and the two-way communication device, thereby enabling a user to listen to music or other audio material and receive and place phone calls on a mobile phone simultaneously. The portable integrator provides these services by switching between the audio and communication devices, mixing signals received therefrom, and optionally enabling a user to reduce the volume or mute the signals as desired.

Abstract: A speaker system employs a first device and a second device where one of the first device and the second device is a speaker. The first device has a supporting surface, from which a positioning element protrudes and forms a distal end. The positioning element tapers from the supporting surface to a smaller dimension at the distal end. The second device has a cavity receiving the positioning element. In one embodiment, the first device has a first electrical contact positioned adjacent to the positioning element and the second device has a second electrical contact engaging the first electrical contact. In another embodiment, the first and second device are rotationally repositionable relative to one another, and an electrical connection is created between the first device and the second device when the cavity receives the positioning element at more than one relative rotational position between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: In addition to other aspects disclosed, a docking station that receives content through a wired connection from a handheld media device, plays or displays the content through a speaker, and transmits content to a remote speaker.

Abstract: A method and system for generating parametric output directly from a prerecorded and error corrected parametric signal for playback in a parametric loudspeaker system. The method includes the step of retrieving a pre-encoded audio signal from an electronically readable storage medium. In addition, an ultrasonic carrier signal has at least one sideband which represents the pre-encoded audio signal. The next step is playing back the pre-encoded audio signal through an ultrasonic amplifier and emitter.

Abstract: A data selection system includes a data transmission apparatus and a data playback apparatus. The data transmission apparatus transmits pieces of data to be continuously played back in at least one data format. The data playback apparatus refines the data format of the data transmitted from the data transmission apparatus on the basis of at least one playback condition for refining the data format of the data transmitted from the data transmission apparatus.

Abstract: A power amplifier for a parametric loudspeaker system which utilizes switch-mode power conversion to increase efficiency. The power amplifier is configured to coordinate the switching frequency of the amplifier with the carrier frequency of the parametric loudspeaker system, so a lower switching frequency may be used even though the power amplifier must amplify ultrasonic signals. The amplifier can be further optimized to counteract the reactance of the transducer load at the carrier frequency.

Abstract: A sound masking system and method for providing sound masking in networked workstations or offices. The sound masking system comprises a communication network, a plurality of sound masking devices adapted to emit a sound masking signal, and a remote controller. One or more of the sound masking devices includes a controller, and the controller includes an interface for receiving information from the communication network and a component for controlling or adjusting output characteristics associated with the sound masking signal, such as volume. The controller includes a component responsive to a user input for setting or varying output characteristics associated with the sound masking signal.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for focusing a hypersonic beam to control both a direction and depth of audible formation delivery. Signals that are delivered to each of a plurality of hypersonic transducer elements are adjusted in phase so that transmitted hypersonic signals are focused at a focal point anywhere in space. The focal point of a focused hypersonic beam may be used to scan a space of interest when used in a receive mode in a pinging process. When objects are detected, a focused hypersonic beam may be used to deliver audible information substantially only to a neighborhood of the detected object.

Abstract: A system for generating at least one remote virtual speaker location in connection with at least a partial reflective environment (12, 12, 14 or 15) in combination with an audio speaker for creating multiple sound effects including a virtual sound source from the reflective environment which is perceived by a listener (53) as an original sound source, by generating a primary direct audio output by emitting audio compression waves toward a listener, and generating a secondary indirect audio output from at least one virtual speaker (24, 25 or 26) remote from the audio speakers, by emitting ultrasonic sound from at least one parametric speaker (20, 21 or 22) associated with the audio speakers and oriented toward at least one reflective environment which is remote from the audio speakers.

Abstract: A wireless audio signal transmitter device capable of automatically and dynamically locking a working frequency for a wireless channel thereof with respect to a wireless audio playing device and a method therefore are disclosed. In locking a wireless channel associated with a working frequency, the wireless audio signal transmitter device automatically and dynamically transmits a sequence of at least a wireless audio signal to the wireless audio playing device. Upon a specific one of the sequence of at least a wireless audio signal having a communication frequency matching with a working frequency of the wireless audio playing device, a sound is played by the wireless audio playing device and received by the wireless audio signal transmitter device. Then, the wireless audio signal transmitter device locks its wireless channel based on the knowledge of the working frequency of the wireless audio playing device.

Abstract: A multi-channel music reproducing apparatus and method using a wired and/or wireless communication system are provided. The method includes confirming neighboring devices capable of wired and/or wireless communication; allocating audio channel information to confirmed neighboring devices; encoding the channel information and reproduction synchronization information as index information; transmitting the index information together with a music data file; receiving the encoded index information and music data; decoding the allocated channel information and the synchronization information; and outputting music data corresponding to the allocated channel.

Abstract: An RF transmitting apparatus is used for converting audio signals output from a sound card of a computer to RF signals and transmitting the RF signals. The RF transmitting apparatus comprises an interface, a modulating module, an amplifying module, a transmitting module, and an antenna. The interface is coupled to the sound card for receiving the audio signals, and rearranging the audio signals to be data packages. The modulating module is coupled to the interface for generating a carrier wave and receiving the data packages, and modulating the carrier wave with the data packages to generate modulated signals. The amplifying module is coupled to the modulating module for amplifying the modulated signals. The transmitting module is coupled to the amplifying module for converting the modulated signals to the RF signals. The antenna is coupled to the transmitting module for transmitting the RF signals.

Abstract: A wireless microphone is provided. The wireless microphone includes: a transmitter wirelessly transmitting audio signals converted from sound collected with a microphone unit; and a receiver receiving said audio signals. A clip is provided on one surface of the transmitter in which the microphone unit is attached to the other surface thereof; and the transmitter is capable of being mounted on a plane using the clip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a centralized speaker system that allows multiple speakers connected to a central amplifier speaker line to be monitored and controlled from a central location via a master/slave protocol. The centralized speaker system comprises a central station for selectively communicating at least one of a command and an information signal to a destination device. A tone generator is adapted to communicate an activation tone to the destination device. An amplifier, which is colocated with the central station, is adapted to amplify the signals to the destination device.

Abstract: This invention concerns a distributed stereo audio system (1). Distributed stereo audio systems are used to provide stereo sound to several rooms or areas from a single source of signal. The system includes two or more speakers (2, 3) for the broadcast of stereo audio signals; a source of stereo audio signals; a stereo amplifier (4) to amplify stereo audio signals and drive the speakers; and a mains operated electrical power supply (10) to provide power to the amplifier. The amplifier is located in the same room as the speakers, and remote from the signal source and power supply. The amplifier is connected to the signal source and power supply by means of a category 5 four pair twisted cable (11) which provides, in respective twisted pairs, right channel audio signals (12) from the signal source to the amplifier, left channel audio (13) from the signal source to the amplifier, DC power (14) from the power supply to the amplifier, and control signals (20) from the amplifier to the signal source.

Abstract: A portable audio listening apparatus includes, for example, a portable audio playback apparatus serving as a portable transmission apparatus and a headphone serving as a portable receiving apparatus. The portable audio playback apparatus has an electrode at its side. The headphone includes an ear pad made from an electrically conductive material and an electric-circuit unit. The ear pad serves as an electrode and is connected to the electric-circuit unit by wiring. The electric-circuit unit includes a signal processing circuit and a battery. When the user wears the portable audio playback apparatus and the headphone, a transmission path is formed through the body of the user. A signal reproduced by the portable audio playback apparatus is sent through the body of the user and the ear pad to the electric-circuit unit of the headphone.

Abstract: An addressable smart speaker for use in a fire alarm system connects to and receives messages over a network, has plural taps for selecting audio power. In response to a command, a selector in an addressed smart speaker selects a tap to select a particular audio power.

Abstract: A parametric loudspeaker system using improved modulators to compensate for the non-linearity of the parametric process in air when driving the air at saturation levels and below saturation levels. The parametric loudspeaker uses a pre-processed single sideband modulator that offers ideal linearity as characterized by square root pre-processed double sideband modulators but with a lower carrier frequency and without the wide bandwidth requirements. By eliminating some or all of the lower sideband the carrier frequency can be reduced without producing sideband frequencies in the audible range. Lower operational frequencies result in greater translation efficiency and greater output capability before reaching the saturation limit of air. A pre-processor minimizes the effects of saturation limits for double sideband, truncated double sideband or single sideband processing to achieve superior output.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for steering a directional audio beam that is self-demodulated from an ultrasound carrier. The apparatus includes means for modulating a carrier signal with an audio signal and means for adjusting the amplitude and phase of at least one of the audio signal and/or the carrier signal to steer the audio beam to a desired direction. The apparatus also includes means for generating an ultrasound beam in the desired direction driven by the modulated carrier signal. The apparatus may include means for weighting the audio and/or carrier signal by a zeroth order Bessel function to synthesize a Bessel distribution source. A corresponding method for steering a directional audio beam is also disclosed. A harmonic generator may be used to generate harmonics of low frequencies in the audio signal. The harmonics may provide (upon demodulation) a psycho-acoustic impression of improved perception of low frequencies.

Abstract: An array of speakers are fed from a single source of audio frequency sound but each speaker transmits the sound delayed by an amount which is determined by the distance between a particular speaker and a selected region in space, so that sound from each speaker constructively adds at the selected region in space. A sufficiently large number of speakers are employed so that when sound reaches a region in space at the same moment in time the audio volume will be increased substantially over sound in regions where there is not constructive interference. This simple technique allows audio frequency sound to be heard in only selected regions within the room or other auditory space. Multiple regions with multiple soundtracks can be created by simultaneously playing variously delayed soundtracks over each of the speakers in the array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting sound generated at an event to those in attendance at the event is shown. This is accomplished by a system that collects an acoustic audio signal generated at a first location within a fixed space. The system also conditions the audio signal without introducing audio signals generated from outside said first location. Finally, the system transmits the conditioned audio signal to a receiver worn by at least one of a plurality of individuals within the aforementioned fixed space. This is particularly useful in settings such as a football stadium, a basketball arena, a hockey arena, a baseball stadium, an auditorium, a performance area in a restaurant or cruise ship, a soccer arena, a boxing ring or wrestling ring, an automotive racing track, or any other space within which a performance takes place.

Abstract: A sound control system includes a plurality of electronic devices connected to a communication network, each of the electronic devices being capable of independently producing sound from connected speakers, and a sound control device transmitting control signals for controlling the electronic devices and audio signals to the electronic devices via the communication network. Each electronic device includes receiving means for receiving the control signals and the audio signals via the communication network, and selecting means for switching from other external signals to the audio signals in response to the control signals in order to drive the speakers by only the audio signals output to the speakers.

Abstract: A virtual speaker demonstration system is disclosed that permits a retail outlet to use a reference speaker to demonstrate the performance of multiple different demonstration speakers. A user interface permits a user to select a demonstration speaker and signal processing is performed so that the output from the reference speaker simulates the output of the selected demonstration speaker. The invention provides benefits to all three of the consumer, the retailer, and the manufacturer. The consumer can listen to and compare multiple demonstration speakers easily and conveniently from the same reference speaker. The retailer to use a single (or few) reference speaker to demonstrate the performance of multiple demonstration speakers, saving costs and space. The manufacturer to be able to display and demonstrate to consumers a broader range of the manufacturer's product line.

Abstract: An output section, consisting of a pair of loudspeakers disposed adjacently to each other, is installed inside a seatback of a designated seat. Sound output surfaces of respective loudspeakers face a designated person sitting on the designated seat. It is hence easy to secure a required distance for obtaining clear acoustic image localization in accordance with the size of loudspeakers cooperatively constituting the output section.

Abstract: A wireless audio transmission apparatus and method for coupling audio players to audio receivers for broadcast of audio signals stored in and processed by the audio player. A housing carrying operative circuitry is electrically connected by a multiconductor cable to an audio player for receiving stereo channel signals. Band pass filters couple the stereo signal and signal ground conductors in the cable to the stereo encoder in the housing. The filtered stereo signals are received by a stereo encoder in the housing and modulated onto a radio frequency carrier signal. A transmitter coupled to an antenna carried in the cable wirelessly transmits the carrier signal and the audio signals to a remote radio frequency receiver for demodulation and broadcast of the audio signals. Preferably, the carrier signal is an FM radio frequency signal. The carrier signal is optionally selectable from a plurality of different carrier signal frequencies.

Abstract: A wireless speaker system used in conjunction with a hard-wired audio system is provided. The wireless speaker system includes a wireless transmitter module including an input connected to a wired speaker output of a main component of the hard-wired audio system. The wireless transmitter module transmits an output signal of a predefined frequency carrying the output signal of the main component. A wireless receiver module including an output connected to the wired speaker input of the external speaker receives the output signal on the predefined frequency and the external speaker responds to the output signal.

Abstract: A multiple wireless microphone speakerphone system includes one or more wireless microphones. The wireless microphones accept speech and transmit the speech to receivers, one receiver corresponding to each wireless microphone. Audio processing and acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) are performed on the received speech signals. A signal handling unit generates an audio signal after echo cancellation. The generated audio signal is transmitted to a far end to be played through, for example, a speaker or an ear piece.

Abstract: An earphone apparatus is designed for an audio device and a portable communication terminal device. The earphone apparatus includes a first plug for disconnectable connection with the audio device, and a second plug for disconnectable connection with the portable communication terminal device. An electroacoustical transducer connected to the first plug and the second plug is operative for converting a first electric signal transmitted via the first plug into corresponding sound, and for converting a second electric signal transmitted via the second plug into corresponding sound. A suitable controller provided between the first plug and the electroacoustical transducer is operative for controlling a level of the first electric signal transmitted to the electroacoustical transducer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of a personalized speaker phone and hands-free telephony. In particular, the present invention allows communications to be output along a narrowly defined path, rather than being broadcast. In this way, a private voice communication signal can be provided to a user, even though the user is not holding the output device to the user's ear. Furthermore, by providing audible signals along narrowly defined paths, different audible signals may be provided to users at the same location, without interfering with one another.

Abstract: A range finding audio system automatically modifies the audio output of an audio source based on the distance of a listener from the speakers. A speaker in an audio system may include a range device coupled with a controller. The range device may utilize infrared, laser, or acoustic technology to determine the distance between the speaker and the listener. The controller may transfer distance information to an audio interface of a processor unit. The audio interface may include a positioning routine to modify the audio output according to the distance from the speaker to the listener. Alternatively, the controller may perform the functions ascribed to the positioning routine making the necessary modifications to the audio output based on the distance information.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for steering a directional audio beam that is self-demodulated from an ultrasound carrier. The apparatus includes means for modulating a carrier signal with an audio signal and means for adjusting the amplitude and phase of at least one of the audio signal and/or the carrier signal to steer the audio beam to a desired direction. The apparatus also includes means for generating an ultrasound beam in the desired direction driven by the modulated carrier signal. The apparatus may include means for weighting the audio and/or carrier signal by a zeroth order Bessel function to synthesize a Bessel distribution source. A corresponding method for steering a directional audio beam is also disclosed. A harmonic generator may be used to generate harmonics of low frequencies in the audio signal. The harmonics may provide (upon demodulation) a psycho-acoustic impression of improved perception of low frequencies.

Abstract: A wireless speaker system used in conjunction with a hard-wired audio system is provided. The wireless speaker system includes a wireless transmitter module including an input connected to a wired speaker output of a main component of the hard-wired audio system. The wireless transmitter module transmits an output signal of a predefined frequency carrying the output signal of the main component. A wireless receiver module including an output connected to the wired speaker input of the external speaker receives the output signal on the predefined frequency and the external speaker responds to the output signal.