Abstract: Herein disclosed is a system that may be implemented within a headphone to facilitate hearing testing. Implementation of the system in the headphone may include implementation of tone generation circuitry and sound pressure level measurement circuitry being implemented in the headphone limiting the amount of calibration for accurate measurement when performing a hearing test.

Abstract: There is provided a wearable terminal which is capable of performing a transaction using information about a product viewed by a user. A wearable terminal includes a capturing unit, a recognition unit for recognizing a first gesture of a user for specifying a product, in an image captured by the capturing unit, an acquisition unit for acquiring, in a case where the first gesture is recognized by the recognition unit, product information of the product specified using the image where the first gesture is recognized, an output control unit for controlling output of the product information in a manner allowing viewing by the user, and a processing unit for performing a predetermined process regarding an electronic transaction for the product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a speaker array for home theater and mini theater applications. The speaker array is built around a subwoofer speaker in a cylindrical enclosure. The speaker array may provide a good trade-off between the amount of equipment used and the theatre-quality sound produced. The speaker array can be placed on the floor level as a single unit for small home living room or multiple units for a large performance space. The multiple units deployed can coordinate with each other. The speaker array can be static, static with space measurement sensors, or moving with a motion-controlled platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for configuring a sound system in a confined passageway. Techniques include installing a plurality of nodes with defined identities at intervals along a confined passageway. Each node includes a microphone and two loudspeakers directed in substantially opposite directions along the confined passageway. Communication is established between each of the nodes and a control system computer. In a first set of steps that is repeated, relative positions of all nodes communicating with the control system computer may be determined. In a second set of steps that is repeated, a distance may be computed for each pair of adjacent nodes of the plurality of nodes. The technique may then include storing the relative positions of all nodes and the computed distance between all adjacent nodes in the control system computer.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a PCI board and a PCIe board to a control board installed in a slot of an electronic device, includes a base plate. The base plate includes a holding structure configured to selectively hold a PCI relay board and a PCIe relay board, and an attachment structure configured to selectively attach a PCI bracket and a PCIe bracket.

Abstract: An example method of operation may include receiving audio data at one or more microphones disposed in a corresponding plurality of network devices, identifying amplitude values of the audio data at each of the plurality of network devices, and each of the amplitude values identified at each of the plurality of network devices are different from each other of the amplitude values, determining at each of the plurality of network devices a location of the audio data based on a direction and amplitude of the received audio data, modifying the audio data for output via a plurality of loudspeakers disposed in each of the plurality of network device, and outputting, via the plurality of loudspeakers, the modified audio data, and each loudspeaker outputs different versions of the modified audio data.

Abstract: The technology provides for a pair of earbuds. For instance, a first earbud may include a first antenna, and a second earbud may include a second antenna. The pair of earbuds may further include one or more processors configured to receive, from the first antenna, a first signal from a beacon, and receive, from the second antenna, a second signal from the beacon. Based on the first signal and the second signal, the one or more processors may determine at least one signal strength. The one or more processors may determine a position of the user relative to the beacon based on the at least one signal strength.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for detecting gunshots with improved accuracy. The system includes a plurality of acoustic sensing devices having intelligent modules for distinguishing gunshot events from other types of acoustic events.

Abstract: Personal audio systems and methods are disclosed. The personal audio system includes a processor configured to generate a processed ambient audio stream by processing the ambient audio stream in accordance with a selected set of processing parameters selected from the plurality of processing parameter sets stored in the memory, a communications interface configured to receive a new set of processing parameters, selected by someone other than the user, and a controller configured to instruct the processor to begin generating the processed ambient audio stream by using the new set of processing parameters.

Abstract: Headphones include one or more microphones that capture ambient sound in an environment of a user. The headphones play music from a smartphone and the ambient sound through speakers. An amplitude of the ambient sound playing through the speakers is adjusted in response to determining an atmospheric pressure in the environment or movement of the smartphone with the user.

Abstract: The disclosure automatically calculates an arranged position of a speaker that is suitable to a user, and presents information relating to the arranged position to the user. Aspects relate to a speaker arranged position presenting apparatus for presenting arranged positions of a plurality of speakers configured to output multi-channel audio signals as physical vibrations, the speaker arranged position presenting apparatus including: a speaker arranged position instructing unit configured to calculate arranged positions of the plurality of speakers, based on at least one of a feature amount of input content data or input information for specifying an environment in which the input content data is to be played; and a presenting unit configured to present the arranged positions of the plurality of the speakers that have been calculated.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for adjusting volume settings based on proximity and activity data. A proximity module determines a proximity to an information handling device in response to detecting the information handling device. An activity module receives context data from the information handling device. The context data describes an activity state of a user of the information handling device. A volume module adjusts a volume setting as a function of the proximity to the information handling device and the activity state of the user.

Abstract: A device including a processor and a memory is disclosed. The memory includes a noise spectral estimator to calculate noise spectral estimates from a sampled environmental noise, a speech spectral estimator to calculate speech spectral estimates from the input speech, a formant signal to noise ratio (SNR) estimator to calculate SNR estimates using the noise spectral estimates and speech spectral estimates within each formant detected in a speech spectrum. The memory also includes a formant boost estimator to calculate and apply a set of gain factors to each frequency component of the input speech such that the resulting SNR within each formant reaches a pre-selected target value.

Abstract: A media apparatus for selecting a media source to provide media content to a playback device that plays back the media content as at least one of audio and video content may include a controller programmed to detect a media zone that includes a playback device, detect a presence of a portable user device that provides media content, determine a number of media sources that are available in the media zone, select a first media source of the number of media sources as a preferred media source based on a hierarchy table, determine whether the preferred media source includes the media content that is provided by the portable user device, and control the preferred media source to provide the media content to the playback device.

Abstract: Public address systems or other systems for emitting audio signals, like music, speech or announcements, in different locations like supermarkets, schools, universities, and auditoriums are widely known. In one embodiment, invention proposes a system for emitting an audio signal in an environment. The system includes an audio source for providing the audio signal and at least one loudspeaker for emitting the audio signal. The system also includes at least one microphone for receiving an acoustic signal from the environment. The acoustic signal is based on the audio signal and may comprise disturbing components. The system also includes an analyzing module for analyzing the acoustic signal and for providing an intelligibility measure from an objective intelligibility measure method. The intelligibility measure is used as a feedback signal.

Abstract: In accordance with systems and methods of the present disclosure, an audio device may include an electrical terminal, an audio circuit, and a transducer load detection circuit. The electrical terminal may couple a transducer device to the audio device. The audio circuit may generate an analog audio signal, wherein the analog audio signal is coupled to the electrical terminal. The transducer load detection circuit may detect a load impedance of the transducer device when the transducer device is coupled to the audio device from characteristics measured at the electrical terminal.

Abstract: A mass audio notification system is provided, comprising a network, a plurality of speakers connected to the network, and at least one server connected to the network. The server can send audio data to at least one of the plurality of speakers via a transport link, and the server can send control commands to at least one of the plurality of speakers. The transport link can include a first protocol based on internet protocol.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for wirelessly recording multi-track audio files without the data corruption or loss of data that typically occurs with wireless data transmission. In some aspects of the present invention, each performer is equipped with a local audio device capable of locally recording the respective performer's audio while also transmitting it to a master recorder. The locally recorded audio may then be used to repair or replace any audio lost or corrupted during transmission to the master recorder. Such repair or replacement may be performed electronically or via playback of the locally recorded audio. In other aspects of the present invention, a master recorder is not required since all locally recorded audio may be combined or otherwise processed post-recording. Locally recorded audio may include identifiers to aid in post-recording identification of such audio. A multi-memory unit is also provided to facilitate manipulation and processing of audio files.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wireless digital transmission system for loudspeakers comprising: compression means for the file representing the digital audio signal of the “compact disc” type, a transmission device comprising means of converting this compressed signal into a series signal moving by packets going to a modulator circuit with phase quadrature and means of transmitting the signals exiting the modulator circuit with phase quadrature to the domestic network for feeding electricity; a receiving device comprising means of connecting to this domestic network and of extracting from the feed electrical signal, by a demodulator with phase quadrature, data packets moving the digital audio signal to convert it into a parallelized digital signal sent to a decompression circuit; means of converting the decompressed digital signals into an analog signal intended to feed a loudspeaker after adequate amplification.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for beamforming and performing echo compensation for the beamformed signal with an echo canceller including calculating a set of filter coefficients as an estimate for a new steering direction without a complete adaptation of the echo canceller.

Abstract: Technology for grouping, consolidating, and pairing individual playback devices with network capability (players) to stimulate a multi-channel listening environment is disclosed. Particularly, the embodiments described herein enable two or more playback devices to be paired, such that multi-channel audio is achieved. Such embodiments may be used to produce stereo and multi-channel audio environments for television and movies.

Abstract: Techniques for grouping or pairing individual audio products with network capability (players) to stimulate a multi-channel listening environment are disclosed. In instead of grouping selected players to play back an audio item, a user is allowed to activate one of the players to process the data of the audio item, essentially separating the data into individual streams, each of the streams representing a single-sound track and being played back in one of the players, thus creating a multi-channel listening environment with the selected players.

Abstract: A method for delivering announcements via a cabin communication facility comprising at least one cabin loudspeaker and via an on-board entertainment system comprising at least one headset output comprises the steps of delivering an announcement via the at least one cabin loudspeaker, beginning at a first instant, and delivering the announcement via the at least one headset output, beginning at a second instant, which differs from the first instant, the delivering of the announcement via the at least one cabin loudspeaker and the delivering of the announcement via the at least one headset output being initiated at differing instants.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sound generation device including a receiver which receives a sound emission instructing signal in which time data is included and a difference calculator which calculates a difference between a timing indicated in the received time data and a timing when the sound emission instructing signal is received by the receiver, when the sound emission instructing signal in which the time data is included is received. The sound generation device further includes a histogram creator which creates a histogram on the basis of the calculated difference and a difference calculated previously, when the difference is calculated and a timing controller which controls a timing for supplying the received sound emission instructing signal to a sound emission unit on the basis of the calculated difference and a most frequent difference in the created histogram, when the difference is calculated.

Abstract: Technology for grouping, consolidating, and pairing individual playback devices with network capability (players) to stimulate a multi-channel listening environment is disclosed. Particularly, the embodiments described herein enable two or more playback devices to be paired, such that multi-channel audio is achieved. Such embodiments may be used to produce stereo and multi-channel audio environments for television and movies.

Abstract: System, method and device to provide apparent audio source position of a performer on a stage using a monophonic wireless microphone and volume modulation of left and right audio channels based on the actual position of the performer. Two audio channels are produced using a single audio input channel plus position information. Performances are enhanced by the perception of the audience that the source of the sound, such as singing, is the location of the performer on the stage. Other embodiments use additional audio channels. One embodiment uses the carrier amplitude of the wireless microphone to determine position. In another embodiment two or more wireless microphone receivers are used to improve position accuracy. The stage may be real, virtual or remote. The performance and/or audio may be live or recorded. Calibration and adjustment features are included in alternate embodiments. Constant power panning is included in one embodiment.

Abstract: The two-way wireless speaker system of this invention increases sound fidelity by enabling speakers to acknowledge receipt of audio data packets. This provides increased functionality because the audio hub can receive data not only from wired inputs, but also wireless transmission from computer, cell phone, and other sources. Audio hub can use information from speaker to customize/adjust audio signal for each speaker independently, giving better audio quality and synchronization among speakers.

Abstract: A flight deck communication system comprises a speech engine for receiving a pilot's speech input and an aural annunciation manager. A smart pilot is coupled to the speech engine and to the aural annunciation manager and configured to (a) generate new aural message annunciation requests, (b) determine if the pilot is engaged in an active speech input task, (c) deferring annunciation if the message is not a high priority message, (d) annunciate the deferred message when the active speech input task is completed, (e) annunciate the received message substantially immediately if the message is a high priority message, and (f) store the progress of the active task.

Abstract: A public address (PA) system that includes wireless audio transmission is disclosed. The system receives an analog audio input from a sound board or other output device. The audio input is converted to an encoded audio stream and broadcast using a wireless communication protocol. A mobile device can connect to the system, authorize a user, and decode the broadcast audio stream, which allows the user to enjoy the performance in real time.

Abstract: A communication system for communicating with at least one loudspeaker is described where the loudspeaker is connected to audio equipment over standard two-wire speaker wire operable to carry an audio signal. The communication system includes a master node in electrical communication with a signal path carrying the audio signal between the audio equipment and the loudspeaker, the master node also including an interface with the audio equipment, a data encoder operable to encode data signals, a data transceiver operable to place the data signals onto the audio signal at frequencies above audio frequencies. The communication system also includes at least one slave node in electrical communication with the audio signal and each loudspeaker, the slave node including a data transceiver operable to receive data signals from the master node, a data decoder, and an interface able to communicate with the loudspeaker.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spatialized communication of announcements to persons in a transit vehicle moving among a plurality of transit stations in at least two different languages simultaneously, in which at least two sound-emittive speakers are spaced-apart and disposed in opposing relation for persons to hear announcements. A storage device stores signals representative of at least one announcement associated with at least each transit station in at least two different languages. A communicator simultaneously communicates the signals representative of the announcement for each one of the at least two languages to a respective one of the speakers at a predetermined time prior to arrival of the transit vehicle at the transit station in sequence. The announcement, being communicated by each one of the at least two speakers in one of the at least two languages, is spatializedly discernable by persons in the transit vehicle in each of the communicated language.

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.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED) that is controlled by the RFID's logic and powered by the RFID's power harvesting circuit, wherein the RFID tag is capable of being interrogated by an RFID reader and reporting its unique identification number by RF backscatter and/or controlling the illumination state of the at least one LED.

Abstract: A device for modifying audio signals to be output within a room is introduced. The device exhibits an input for supplying audio information and a processor unit for modifying the audio information. The device further exhibits at least two outputs for distributing respectively modified audio information. The processor unit is here adapted to modify the audio information in such a way that respective sound sources to be connected to the outputs simulate a linear sound source for outputting the audio information according to the audio signals. The linear sound source is here achieved via the coherent coupling of a plurality of point sound sources, for example loudspeakers.

Abstract: This accessory is apparatus capable of implementing a method that can affect one or more features of a portable electronic device when brought into a vehicle having a radio with a right and a left speaker. The accessory has a sender for initiating transmission of an RF test signal at the portable electronic device. The RF test signal is arranged to cause the radio to produce a distinct pair of audio responses from the right and the left speaker. The accessory has a discriminator for determining for the right and the left speaker the corresponding return delay between transmission of the RF test signal and arrival of the distinct pair of audio responses at the portable electronic device.

Abstract: An end-of-branch (EOB) module system for an audio signal distribution system having a wired trunk and a plurality of wired branches extending communicatively from such trunk, the EOB module system including: a plurality of EOB modules including one EOB module electronically coupled at each distal end of each branch and trunk of the audio signal distribution system, where each EOB module of the plurality of EOB modules has a unique address together forming a plurality of unique addresses; a test system able to send a test carrier signal encoded with any one unique address of the plurality of unique addresses at a time onto the trunk; and a switch within each EOB module, responsive to its unique address to place an end-of-line (EOL) load on its respective branch or trunk, and where power for operation of each EOB module is provided by rectification of the test signal.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a communications system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the communications system includes a managed communications module that is executable on a personal communications device. The managed communications module is operative to, when executed by a processor, receive input data associated with sound from a user of the personal communications device and to cause the personal communications device to send audio output data including the input data over a local wireless network link. A management module that is executable on a management computer is operative to, when executed by a processor, receive the audio output data and to perform at least one audio data processing function to generate processed audio data. The management module is also operative to, when executed, cause the management computer to send the processed audio data to the managed communications module over the local wireless network link.

Abstract: A home use sound reproduction system for Hi-fi, with digital signal transfer from a playback unit via a control unit to one or more active loudspeakers, each including or arranged beside an amplifier unit. The control unit is arranged to control sound parameters and send both a digital sound information signal and a power signal for powering the amplifier units, and to superimpose the single ended or differential digital signal together with the power signal on at least one common lead in a cable.

Abstract: A driver arrangement for a speaker array (201) comprises a first and second driver (301, 303) each arranged with an on-axis direction at an angle to an on-axis direction of the speaker array (201). The first driver angle exceeds 5° and the second driver angle exceeds the first angle. A front section of each driver (301, 303) comprises a front edge of a radiating element and parts of the driver in front thereof. The drivers (301, 303) are arranged at least partly inline such that a first distance from a front axis (311) perpendicular to an on-axis of the speaker array (201), and intersecting a furthest forwards part of the first driver front section, to a closest part of the second driver front section is lower than a second distance from the front axis (311) to a furthest part of the first driver front section. The combination of angled drivers and the inline arrangement provides improved performance.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments relate to methods and systems for a real-time localized audio broadcast to attendants at live entertainment events. One embodiment relates to a method comprising receiving location data indicating a location of a device, determining a frequency based on the location data, wherein the frequency is assigned based on a venue location and an audio channel is broadcast on the frequency at the venue location, displaying a software button on a user interface of the device, wherein the software button corresponds corresponding to the audio channel, receiving a user selection of the software button via the user interface, and tuning a RF tuner contained within the device to the frequency to receive the audio channel.

Abstract: An audio signal processing device includes multiple input reception units to which analog audio signals, on which watermark information indicating identification information is superimposed, are input, an extraction unit that is adapted to extract the identification information from each of the analog audio signals input to the multiple input reception units, and a display unit for performing display depending on the identification information extracted by the extraction unit in correspondence with the input reception unit to which the analog audio signal, from which the identification information is extracted, is input, or signal processing unit for performing signal processing depending on the identification information extracted by the extraction unit for the analog audio signal, from which the relevant identification information is extracted, and outputting the processed analog audio signal.

Abstract: A system for providing hearing assistance to at least one user, having: at least one audio signal source; a first transmission unit with a digital transmitter for applying a digital modulation to the audio signals and to transmit the audio signals via a digital audio link; a second transmission unit with a digital receiver for receiving the audio signals transmitted via the digital audio link and an analog transmitter for applying an analog modulation to the received audio signals and to transmit the audio signals via an analog audio link; at least one first receiver unit having a digital receiver for receiving signals from the digital transmitter and at least one second receiver unit with an analog receiver for receiving signals from the analog transmitter; and a device for stimulating the hearing of a user according to audio signals supplied from the first and second receiver units.

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.

Abstract: This disclosures describes an audio home network system 20. The system 20 includes the following: a home network backbone 200; a plurality of network speakers 100 operating in a multi speaker session; and an audio source device 300 that provides digital audio to the network speakers wherein the digital audio is in a compressed format. The network speakers 100 further include a microphone that may be used for receiving and or gathering control information from said network speakers surroundings. And, the network speakers 100 send control information to other devices on the home network backbone 200. In addition, the network speakers 100 operate in either a master mode or a slave mode where a first network speaker operates in the master mode and a second or subsequent network speaker operates in the slave mode. The audio home network system 20 optimizes the audio for the network speakers 100 current location.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for use in aircraft includes a wireless headset having at least one ear cup with a housing. A first ultra wideband transceiver is disposed in the ear cup housing. A base station includes a second ultra wideband transceiver. The second ultra wideband transceiver wirelessly communicates with the first ultra wideband transceiver.

Abstract: A public address system is set forth, comprising at least one wireless mobile communication device; a sound system; and a back-end system for selectively receiving a wireless signal from the wireless mobile communication device and transmitting the signal to the sound system for broadcast.

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).

Abstract: A wireless device and method may comprise a receiver and method for receiving wireless transmissions including program data. Program data may include audio data, or video data, or text data, or a combination thereof. An authorization authorizes reproduction and/or controlling of received program data. The device and method may delay the received program data so that it can be brought into substantial time alignment with the natural sound, and to be so reproduced and/or recorded, when authorized. Optionally, location may be determined from locating data, and optionally may utilize a stored representation of a venue. Optionally, a binaural microphone may pick up ambient sound which is mixed or combined with delayed program data for producing a combined stereo audio signal.

Abstract: A method for providing a ticket and/or an authorization relating to an event may comprise: providing a ticket and/or an authorization configured to be stored on an electronic device; wherein the electronic device is of a type that can receive and reproduce wirelessly received data, and/or can delay and reproduce wirelessly received data substantially in time alignment with natural sound received via the atmosphere. The ticket and/or authorization may enable the electronic device to be used at the event and/or to gain entry to the event; and may further enable the electronic device to also obtain at least one other use related to the event.

Abstract: A method for guiding, controlling or warning people, particularly for controlling and guiding people to a desired route, e.g. an emergency exit, in a dangerous situation, in which method, a person is guided by means of audio sources. In the method, audio sources (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h) arranged successively at a distance from each other are activated to produce sound, in which the audio sources successively arranged in the space guide the direction of an exit route by producing an audio signal with the audio source against the travel direction of the guided route (6).