Abstract: A multi-channel broadcasting system using a digital matrix amplifier performing the setting of respective equipment is provided to control the model equipment through a digital master controller. An 8-channel audio input unit 66 is electrically connected to a digital audio mixer. Sound source equipment connection terminals are electrically connected to the sound equipment. A data converter unit 46 converts each data and a contact point signal. An audio matrix IC 60 outputs an input sound source signal to an arbitrary channel. A pair of audio output terminals transmits the output signal of the audio matrix IC.

Abstract: An acoustic sound system usable in electronic entertainment systems that generates highly directional sound. The directed acoustic sound system includes a parametric audio sound system having a modulator for modulating an ultrasonic carrier signal with a processed audio signal, a driver amplifier for amplifying the modulated signal, and a parametric loudspeaker for projecting the modulated and amplified signal through the air for subsequent regeneration of the audio signal along a pre-selected path. The acoustic sound system allows a user to select the parametric loudspeaker, a connectable non-directional loudspeaker, or both loudspeakers for producing audible sound. The acoustic sound system may be employed in the home, in the workplace, or in any other environment where audio leakage is undesirable.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for digitally transmitting audio that is converted from analog audio received from analog media pickup devices in a live performance venue by a stage box to a base unit over off-the-shelf twisted pair cable while sending pre-amplification control signals and power over the cable to the stage box. Audio for the performance venue is remotely managed from a virtual audio engineering mixing board that wirelessly communicates audio control commands to the stage box from a handheld computing device.

Abstract: A method centrally controls communication at a single venue. Information, at least at the venue, is provided to attendees at the venue for transmitting electronic signals to the central communication point. At least one electronic communication transmission from an attendee who has access to the central communication point is enabled to have at least part of the transmission broadcast at the venue or allow open communication from the attendee to be broadcast at the venue. The personal mobile communications device of an attendee is used as a microphone over wireless telephone networks or local wireless communication networks.

Abstract: A directional sounder emits audible outputs in a first direction. Audible outputs in a second direction are canceled. Two transducers can be carried in a common housing configured to emit outputs in the first and second directions respectively.

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: Speaker control systems are implemented using a variety of systems and methods. In one such system, an audio signal is distributed to at least one speaker selected from a set of speakers. The system includes a set of audio-distribution circuits for distributing the audio signal to the set of speakers. Logic circuitry is used to automatically determine an impedance-based parameter for use in distributing the audio signal to the at least one selected speaker based at least partly on a load-tolerance parameter for an audio source and on an impedance of the at least one selected speaker. The logic circuitry controls distribution of the audio signal to the selected speakers based at least partly on the impedance-based parameter. One or more of the set of audio-distribution circuits are used by the logic circuitry to distribute the audio signal to the at least one selected speaker.

Abstract: Members of a plurality of loud speakers receive control commands or signals via audio communication lines. The control commands, or, signals are responded to by those speakers which have been previously addressed.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for determining a multi-dimensional sound signature for a location within a hypothetical space, comparing the multi-dimensional sound signature to a known multi-dimensional sound signature, and modifying the hypothetical space such that the similarity between the multi-dimensional sound signature for the location within the modified hypothetical space and the known multi-dimensional sound signature is increased.

Abstract: An audio processor (202) receives a non-priority audio signal (302) and a priority audio signal (304). The priority audio signal occupies a frequency band (408). The audio processor filters (320) the non-priority audio signal by suppressing frequency content in the same frequency region occupied by the priority signal, creating a filtered non-priority signal (412). The filtered non-priority signal and the priority signal are combined (328) and played over an audio transducer (110).

Abstract: A wireless device and method may comprise, by way of example, a device and method for receiving wireless transmissions which may include locating data, or authorization data or program data, for determining its location from the locating data, or for determining synchronization for program data, or for ticketing, or for a combination thereof. Authorization data and/or locating data and/or other data may be used to authorize reproduction and/or controlling of received program data, and or for controlling the wireless device. Video program data may be delayed by a number of video frames, preferably an integer number, so as to be substantially synchronized with natural sound. The device and method may determine a location for delaying received program data to be substantially in time alignment with natural sound. A ticketing entity may control a ticket and/or and authorization, and/or may control a remote device thereby.

Abstract: A system comprising a power supply, an emergency warning light and a speaker, in combination with a control head. One or more processors controls operation of the system in response to received user input and provides system status for display. Storage media encoded with emergency warning light system instructions for execution by one or more of the processors controls the actuation of the emergency warning light system and controls light patterns generated by the emergency warning light system. The storage media is further encoded with siren system instructions for execution by one or more of the processors for controlling the actuation of the siren system and for controlling audible sounds generated by the siren system.

Abstract: Addressable amplified speakers assembly, and method for addressing the same, suitable for any permanent or temporary public address paging application. Amplified speakers assembly may incorporate VHF and UHF radios to provide wireless, one-way paging from a few feet to many miles away. These speakers can be added to any existing radio system with minimal effort or cost. The need for routing signal cable is eliminated, greatly reducing installation costs. Each speaker can be programmed for individual, group, or all-page access via DTMF or 2-Tone coding (up to 8 different addresses). The volume of each speaker can also be controlled remotely.

Abstract: A system and method for the directional transmission of sound is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises an audio source configured to generate an audio signal, a control module configured to receive the audio signal and generate a driving signal, based at least in part on the audio signal, and an array comprising a plurality of loudspeakers, wherein the loudspeakers are linearly arranged such that the spacing between two adjacent loudspeakers increases along the array. In a particularly, embodiment, the spacing increases exponentially, and broadband dipole loudspeakers are used.

Abstract: [Object] To downsize a power amplifier, while keeping isolation between a transmission line and ground potential. [Means to Realize Object] Two terminals (2a, 2b) of an audio signal source (2) are connected to an input of an isolation input circuit (6). An audio signal developed, being isolated from the input-side, between two output-side terminals (6a, 6b) of the isolation input circuit (6) are inputted to a power amplifying stage (12). The power amplifying stage (12) amplifies the audio signal and outputs it at a high voltage from two output terminals (12c, 12d) to a plurality of loudspeakers (22) without using an insulation transformer. Operating power is supplies to the power amplifying stage (12) from two power supply terminals (20c, 20d) of a DC power supply (14).

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for using a personal communication device as a microphone in a seminar or conference setting. A client is electrically connected to a PA system and one of many hosts can access the PA system by associating with the client. The association can be transferred by the client or the host. Tokens can be generated for each transfer and a map can be created and stored.

Abstract: A wireless device and method may comprise a receiver and method for receiving wireless transmissions including locating data, authorization data and program data, and for determining its location from the locating data and a stored representation of a venue. Authorization data and locating data are used to authorize reproduction and/or controlling of received program data. The device and method may determine a delay time to its location for delaying the received program data to be substantially in time alignment with natural sound, and to be so reproduced and/or recorded. Optionally, a binaural microphone may pick up ambient sound which is mixed or combined with the delayed program data for producing a combined stereo audio signal.

Abstract: A public address system includes at least one monitoring device, a transmission medium and at least one level monitoring device. The monitoring device is connected to the transmission medium and powered by an AC voltage with a supply frequency present on the transmission medium. The monitoring device receives or transmits or transmits and receives a communication signal utilizing a carrier frequency upon the transmission medium. The carrier frequency is different from the supply frequency and the level monitoring device is adapted to monitor the level of the AC voltage.

Abstract: Methods, systems and processor-readable media for providing instant/real-time voice alerts automatically to remote electronic devices. An activity can be detected utilizing one or more sensors. A text message indicative of the activity can be generated and converted into a digitized voice alert. The activity can also be a live utterance (e.g., a live announcement), which can then be instantly converted into a digitized voice alert for automatic delivery in a selected series of languages following the base language (e.g., English). The combined digitized voice alert can then be instantly transmitted through a network for broadcast of consecutive alerts (e.g., English followed by Spanish followed by Vietnamese, etc.) to one or more remote electronic devices that communicate with the network for an automatic audio announcement of the digitized voice alert through the one or more remote electronic devices.

Abstract: A public address system installed in a building or other region being monitored can communicate with a regional fire detection system. Responsive to information received from the fire detection system as to developing dangerous conditions, a control unit for the public address system can adaptively create one or more evacuation routes for a region associated with a developing condition. One or more loud speakers in the region can be used to communicate a preferred evacuation route to individuals in the region. The route can be dynamically altered as the condition varies over time.

Abstract: A microphone apparatus is obtained capable of preventing howling effectively, while having no time difference between a timing of voice utterance to a microphone and a timing of sound emission from a speaker and having simple and low-cost physical and electrical configurations. There are provided microphone units or microphones disposed at locations with the same acoustic conditions, and switching units disposed corresponding to the microphone units or microphones, respectively, for switching sequentially an audio signal transformed in each of the microphone units or microphones to generate an output signal. The switching units may switch sequentially the audio signal transformed in the microphone unit or microphone at an shorter time interval than a time period from a time point the microphone unit or microphone is turned on to a time point an output thereof grows to reach a maximum level by howling.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating audio at a requested location are presented. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving from a client device a request for audio at a requested location. The method further includes determining a location of a plurality of audio sensors, where the plurality of audio sensors are coupled to head-mounted devices in which a location of each of the plurality of audio sensors varies. The method further includes, based on the requested location and the location of the plurality of audio sensors, determining an ad hoc array of audio sensors, receiving audio sensed from audio sensors in the ad hoc array, and processing the audio sensed from audio sensors in the ad hoc array to produce an output substantially estimating audio at the requested location.

Abstract: A method of processing audio information for broadcast to an audience can include changing first audio information from occurring in a first time interval to occurring in a second time interval to provide time-changed audio information. The time-changed audio information can be combined with second audio information that is responsive to the first audio information to provide broadcast audio information.

Abstract: A wireless listening system includes a base operable to receive an electrical signal corresponding to an audio signal, including the ring of an incoming telephone call, up-convert the audio signal to an infrared signal, and transmit the infrared audio signal wirelessly therefrom, and a wireless headset operable to selectably receive either the infrared audio signal transmitted by the base, or an infrared signal corresponding to an audio signal transmitted by a public address system, down-convert the received signal back into the audio signal, and audibly reproduce the audio signal to a wearer of the headset. The system enables a hearing impaired listeners to enjoy their favorite audio programs without disturbing nearby persons with normal hearing and without missing an incoming telephone call, and is also compatible with public IR PA systems currently used to assist the hearing impaired community.

Abstract: A loudspeaker has a horn adapted to both cause air drag and to direct acoustic waves. A speaker and signal generator are electrically coupled to the speaker and secure to the horn. The loudspeaker is transported over a target and dropped from a high elevation. Upon landing the loudspeaker commences broadcasting a message. A shock absorber may secure to the horn and absorbs some of the shock of impact. Contact sensors or motions sensors may trigger broadcasting a message from the speaker. A portion of the horn may be expandable to increase the size of the horn upon deployment or upon impact with the ground.

Abstract: There is provided an audio signal transmitting apparatus including: a channel mapping unit which determines the audio signals allocated to each of the channels and generates channel mapping information representing types of the audio signals allocated to each of the channels; an audio signal transmitting unit which transmits the audio signals allocated to each of the channels by the channel mapping unit to the external connection apparatuses by a first transmitting scheme or a second transmitting scheme; and a connection management information providing unit which provides connection management information including the channel mapping information and transmitting scheme information representing the transmitting scheme of the audio signals to the external connection apparatuses.

Abstract: A control method to automatically adjust the volume of a sound transmitter based on the measurement and the computation of the acoustic statistics of the room where the sound is emitted. The system comprises at least one sensor, a calculator determining statistics of the signal collected by the at least one sensor and a controller using these statistics provided by the calculator to adjust the volume of the transmitter in the room.

Abstract: A multi-channel output device for a multimedia device includes a plurality of reception ends, an amplifier having an input end and an output end, a plurality of sound output devices for outputting sound, a first switching unit coupled between the plurality of reception ends and the input end of the amplifier for coupling a reception end of the plurality of reception ends to the input end of the amplifier according to a control signal, a second switching unit coupled between the output end of the amplifier and the plurality of sound output devices for coupling the output end of the amplifier to a sound output device of the plurality of sound output devices according to the control signal, and a control unit coupled to the first switching unit and the second switching unit for outputting the control signal.

Abstract: A courtesy announcement system and method for broadcasting messages audially and visually having a central database server connected to operator workstation computers. Announcements stored and maintained in the database server can be accessed, viewed, modified, and replayed by any of a plurality of operators located at the workstation computers. Operators receive and construct announcements to be broadcast using announcement templates and the broadcasts can be multi-lingual even if the operator is not multi-lingual. Announcement templates includes pre-translated variables, and optional announcement delivery settings permit the operator to conduct the destination of the announcements, when the announcement should be broadcast, and start times for broadcast, among other settings.

Abstract: A method of processing audio information for broadcast to an audience can include changing first audio information from occurring in a first time interval to occurring in a second time interval to provide time-changed audio information. The time-changed audio information can be combined with second audio information that is responsive to the first audio information to provide broadcast audio information.

Abstract: A self-adjusting speaker integrated with an alarm system is provided. The self-adjusting speaker may be used to aurally monitor an area (such as monitoring the ambient noise in the vicinity of the speaker) and adjust the speaker accordingly. The circumstances under which to aurally monitor a premises (such as how to monitor, when to monitor, what type of monitoring, etc.) may be varied. For example, there are several ways how to perform the aural monitoring (such as how to sense the ambient noise), including using a separate microphone or the speaker itself. A self-monitoring speaker integrated with an alarm system is also provided. The self-monitoring speaker may monitor the aural output of the speaker using a microphone or similar type of transducer. The aural output monitored by the microphone may be analyzed, and, based on the analysis, the data and/or operation of the speaker may be modified.

Abstract: A mobile communication device connects with a computing device via short range wireless signaling provided between the mobile communication device and the computing device, and receives audible information from a user of the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device also encodes the audible information at a particular audio bandwidth, and provides the encoded audible information to the computing device, where the computing device outputs the encoded audible information.

Abstract: The present invention is a stereo PA amplifier that is mounted inside a desktop computer. It is powered by the computer's 12-volt power supply and receives its input via a stereo mini cable from the computer's audio line out. Standard 8-ohm, non-powered speakers are then hooked up directly to the board via its speaker connector board. The volume of the present invention is adjusted by the computer's volume controls. The device eliminates the need for an external stereo amp and external mixer, which thereby reduces the installation time, cost, interconnecting cables, and the space needed for the overall computer system, while at the same time providing quality sound.

Abstract: A receiver and method is for receiving wireless transmissions including program data and locating data, and for determining its location from the locating data, and optionally from a stored representation of a venue and/or sound reproducing transducers therein. The receiver and method may also determine the actual speed of sound from current local atmospheric data, and determine a delay time to its location therefrom for delaying the received program data to be substantially in time alignment with natural sound, and to be so reproduced and/or recorded. A binaural microphone may pick up ambient sound which is mixed or combined with the delayed program data for producing a combined stereo audio signal.

Abstract: A speaker device mixes an audible frequency band signal wave with a modulated wave obtained by modulating an ultrasonic frequency band carrier wave with an audible frequency band signal so as to generate a synthesis wave, and drives an ultrasonic transducer with the synthesis wave so as to reproduce a signal sound.

Abstract: A sound reproducing screen for an ultrasonic converting and reproducing method wherein a sound signal is carried on the ultrasonic wave which is transmitted via the screen which has a lattice structure in which a plurality of cells is continuously arranged. Using the screen, the sound signal can be divided from the ultrasonic wave, so that the sound signal can be reproduced. A cell structure of the screen is thus provided for converting the ultrasonic wave into the sound signal by ultrasonic conversion and reproduction which is simple to make and which has a maximum conversion efficiency. Accordingly, an efficiency of reproducing the sound source in a low frequency band as well as a high frequency band is superior, and a realistic three-dimensional sound system can be implemented.

Abstract: A public address system including a wireless IR microphone for picking up a sound and converting it to an IR light signal including an audio signal representative of said sound and adapted for being transmitted to an IR sensor; an IR sensor including an IR photo detector for receiving said IR light signal and a first receiver for extracting said audio signal and a first transmitter transmitting it to a base station; a base station including a second receiver for receiving said audio signal from said IR sensor and a processor for processing said audio signal to provide a processed audio signal and a second transmitter transmitting it to a loud speaker; and a loud speaker unit for receiving said processed audio signal and converting it to a processed sound signal for being presented to an audience, wherein said IR sensor and loudspeaker unit are integrated into a sensor-speaker assembly.

Abstract: Addressable amplified speakers assembly, and method for addressing the same, suitable for any permanent or temporary public address paging application. Amplified speakers assembly may incorporate VHF and UHF radios to provide wireless, one-way paging from a few feet to many miles away. These speakers can be added to any existing radio system with minimal effort or cost. The need for routing signal cable is eliminated, greatly reducing installation costs. Each speaker can be programmed for individual, group, or all-page access via DTMF or 2-Tone coding (up to 8 different addresses). The volume of each speaker can also be controlled remotely.

Abstract: A solar wireless audio system is provided. The solar wireless audio system includes a transmitting portion and a solar outdoor speaker. The transmitting portion includes a transmitting circuit and an audio input device connected with an input of the transmitting circuit. A receiving circuit and a power amplifier are inside the solar outdoor speaker, and the power amplifier is connected with output of the receiving circuit. Audio input device is a connecting interface for iPod player. Audio detection circuit and power management circuit are inside the solar outdoor speaker. Input of audio detection circuit is connected with output of receiving circuit. Output of audio detection circuit is connected with the inputs of power management circuit and power amplifier, respectively. Output of the power management circuit is connected with power control terminal of power amplifier. The solar outdoor speaker can be switched between sleep mode and active mode.

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: 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: The present invention proposes a system in which an ultrasonic carrier beam is modulated using an audio input signal. The audio signal is divided into frequency bands, and that frequencies in different ones of these bands are treated differently. Specifically, different modulating schemes are used for different frequency bands. Also, different transducer aperture sizes are used for different frequency signals. Also, a further frequency equalizer is provided within each of the frequency bands. Finally, a relatively smaller amplitude modulating index (or indices) is used for signals in low frequency band(s).

Abstract: [Object] To downsize a power amplifier, while keeping isolation between a transmission line and ground potential. [Means to Realize Object] Two terminals (2a, 2b) of an audio signal source (2) are connected to an input of an isolation input circuit (6). An audio signal developed, being isolated from the input-side, between two output-side terminals (6a, 6b) of the isolation input circuit (6) are inputted to a power amplifying stage (12). The power amplifying stage (12) amplifies the audio signal and outputs it at a high voltage from two output terminals (12c, 12d) to a plurality of loudspeakers (22) without using an insulation transformer. Operating power is supplies to the power amplifying stage (12) from two power supply terminals (20c, 20d) of a DC power supply (14).

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for using a personal communication device as a microphone in a seminar or conference setting. A client is electrically connected to a PA system and one of many hosts can access the PA system by associating with the client. The association can be transferred by the client or the host. Tokens can be generated for each transfer and a map can be created and stored.

Abstract: Apparatus (100, 300, 400) for providing visual and/or audible alert signals. The apparatus (100, 300, 400) comprises one or more lighting means (e.g., 105) for providing visual signals and siren means (e.g., 104) for generating at least one selected siren tone. The apparatus (100, 300, 400) also comprise speaker means (e.g., 103) for producing the audible alert signal based on the selected siren tone and magnetic attaching means (108) for attaching the apparatus (100, 300, 400) to the exterior of a vehicle housing magnetic attraction, wherein at least a portion of the magnetic attaching means (108) is configured to be de-energised in order to detach the apparatus (100, 300, 400) from the exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mass notification system (MNS) loudspeaker having very high intelligibility. The MNS loudspeaker includes a plurality of transducers arranged in a symmetric pattern around an axis, so as to produce a substantially cylindrical wave front of sound pressure. The loudspeakers are coupled to a cap, and form a cylinder whose inner diameter is large enough to slip over a pole to which the loudspeakers are to be mounted. The under side of the cap may rest atop the pole. An inner cylinder encloses an air volume behind the transducers for acoustic loading and environmental protection of the transducers. An optional telescoping stand retracts into the inner cylinder.

Abstract: A measurement system and method combine an audio announcement system with a plurality of spaced apart sensors to evaluate intelligibility of audio output from loudspeakers of the audio announcement system. Processing can take place at some or all of the sensors as well as at a common control element. Evaluations can be based on use of an appropriate speech intelligibility index method.

Abstract: The audio speakers in a PLC-based home entertainment network receive GPS timing information. Audio packets from an audio source are timestamped with satellite timing information, so that the speakers can substantially simultaneously play audio using the timestamps and the timing information available at each speaker, thereby avoiding the echo effect caused by inadequate synchronization between speakers.

Abstract: A system and method of providing sound reinforcement in a classroom, an office, a conference room, an auditorium, or any other suitable venue. The system includes at least one microphone, a receiver, a sound masking signal generator, a system controller, and a plurality of spatially distributed loudspeakers. The microphone detects the speech of a talker, generates at least one voice signal corresponding to the detected speech, and provides the generated voice signal to the receiver. The sound masking signal generator generates at least one sound masking signal having a specified sound masking spectrum. The system controller receives the voice signal and the sound masking signal from the receiver and the sound masking signal generator, respectively, and provides the voice and sound masking signals to the loudspeakers over respective channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distributed paging system. The distributed paging system includes a combined data and digital audio network and a plurality of paging system consoles. Each paging system console includes an operator interface to select one or more paging destinations and is arranged to transmit data packets including paging destination data across the network. A number of addressable amplifier modules are provided in communication with the network and are responsive to the data packets. Each of the amplifier modules has an associated address and is arranged to operate according to whether paging destination data contained within the data packets relates to the associated address.