Abstract: A first digital signal processor (DSP) associated with a first user outputs audio to the first user via first headphones, and captures speech from the first user via a first microphone. Similarly, a second DSP associated with a second user outputs audio to the second user via second headphones, and captures speech from the second user via a second microphone. The first DSP is coupled to the second DSP in order to allow the first and second users to share music and communicate with one another. The first user may speak into the first microphone, and the first and second DSPs may then interoperate to output that speech to the second user without substantially disrupting audio output to the second user. Each of the first and second users may also select between first and second audio sources that may be coupled to the first and second DSPs, respectively.

Abstract: A suspension system for a speaker line array is provided with a base to mount to a first speaker cabinet. A rail extends transversely from the base. A bar is mounted relative to the rail between a stowed position and an extended position, wherein the bar is biased away from a central portion of the base to the extended position to contact another speaker or a support. A locking mechanism is driven by a transmission to lock the bar in the stowed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a shade-providing structure that includes a framework, a canopy, and an integrated electronic game system. The framework comprises a plurality of uprights, to which is mounted a plurality of elevated support beams. The elevated support beams are coupled to one another by a central hub. In some embodiments, the central hub may define an interior space, in which wiring from the plurality of electronic game units may be easily accessed for installation, repair, and/or to change the operation of the gaming system. The canopy is supported by the elevated support beams to provide a shaded area. The game system includes a plurality of electronic game units mounted to the plurality of uprights. The electronic game units may be operably connected to one another either by wires that extend through the framework or by wireless technology.

Abstract: A system for directing a user to modify an aspect of a vehicle via haptic output. The system includes one or more haptic output devices disposed proximate to a vehicle device and configured to generate haptic output in response to a control signal. The system further includes a processor coupled to the one or more haptic output devices. The processor is configured to determine that a parameter associated with the vehicle device should be modified, and, in response to the determining, transmit the control signal to the one or more haptic output devices.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention sets forth a mechanism for selecting a voice recognition device included in a network of such devices for processing audio commands corresponding to a detected speech event. The voice recognition devices in the network individually determine which one of the devices is best suited to process the audio commands corresponding to the speech event. In operation, each of the voice recognition devices that detected the same speech event independently selects the same device for processing the audio command. Because each of the voice recognition devices, including the selected device, selects the same device for processing the audio command, the voice recognition devices not need to share information related to the selected device with one another.

Abstract: A method for identifying at least one characteristic of a sound-producing object includes storing, in a memory, audio data acquired from an auditory environment via at least one microphone; receiving an input indicating a user request to identify a characteristic of a sound-producing object included in the auditory environment; determining, via a processor and based on a portion of the audio data acquired from the auditory environment prior to the user request, the characteristic of the sound-producing object; and causing information corresponding to the characteristic of the sound-producing object to be output via at least one output device.

Abstract: Performing speech recognition in a multi-device system includes receiving a first audio signal that is generated by a first microphone in response to a verbal utterance, and a second audio signal that is generated by a second microphone in response to the verbal utterance; dividing the first audio signal into a first sequence of temporal segments; dividing the second audio signal into a second sequence of temporal segments; comparing a sound energy level associated with a first temporal segment of the first sequence to a sound energy level associated with a first temporal segment of the second sequence; based on the comparing, selecting, as a first temporal segment of a speech recognition audio signal, one of the first temporal segment of the first sequence and the first temporal segment of the second sequence; and performing speech recognition on the speech recognition audio signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, earphones with bimodally fitting earbuds enable accurate reproduction of music while exposing a wearer to environmental noises on one side of the wearer. More specifically, an open earbud is designed to create a substantially open (i.e., unsealed) sound chamber around one ear while a closed earbud is designed to create a substantially closed sound chamber around the other ear. Because the open earbud is associated with sound leakage that alters both the intended level and the bass content of the music, the earphones include a signal redistribution subsystem that perspicaciously replaces at least a portion of this lost signal energy. Advantageously, such earphones expose the wearer to useful localized sounds, such as noises from an auto lane adjacent to a bike lane, while conveying the intended mix of music more accurately than conventional earphones with two open earbuds.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for generating a simulated vehicle sound is provided. At least one parameter module receives a first driver throttle signal and to transmit a first input signal indicative of a first simulated vehicle sound. An engine sound generator block audibly generates a first simulated vehicle sound in response to the first input signal. An engine sound removal block is operably coupled to a microphone that receives a first microphone input signal. The first microphone input signal includes first environmental noise associated with a vehicle exterior environment and the first simulated vehicle sound. The engine sound removal block is configured to filter the first simulated vehicle sound from the first microphone input signal to determine the first environmental noise. The engine sound generator generates a second simulated vehicle sound that is louder than the first environmental noise.

Abstract: Navigation method and system are provided. The navigation method may include: a vehicle mounted system, which includes a storage device and a display, receiving a Turn-by-Turn navigation guidance instruction from a mobile device which has a navigation program running thereon; the vehicle mounted system selecting at least one guidance logo, stored in the storage device, according to the received Turn-by-Turn navigation guidance instruction; and the vehicle mounted system presenting on the display the at least one selected guidance logo. More vehicles can provide navigation with help of the mobile device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gain redistribution application restructures gains associated with multiple microphones included in a head-worn audio system to minimize near field noise. In response to a sound generated by a sound source, the microphones generate input signals. The gain redistribution application performs mixing operations on the input signals to generate an output signal that mitigates near field noise associated with the same side of the head as the sound source. Subsequently, the gain redistribution application transmits the output signal to a speaker that targets the same side of the head as the sound source. Advantageously, by reducing the gain associated with an input signal received via a microphone located on the same side of the head as the sound source, the gain redistribution application reduces near field noise transmitted to the user during operation in a more comprehensive fashion relative to conventional designs.

Abstract: A computer-program product embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium that is programmed to communicate with a listener of headphones is provided. The computer-program product includes instructions to receive ambient noise indicative of external noise to a listener's headphone and to extract a speech component from the ambient noise. The computer-program product further includes instructions to derive an intent from the speech component of the ambient noise and compare the intent to at least one user defined preference. The computer-program product further including instructions to transmit an alert to notify a listener that the intent of the speech component matches the at least one user defined preference.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-program product embodied in a non-transitory computer read-able medium that is programmed to manage a digital audio conference including a plurality of conference units and each conference unit including a microphone is provided. The computer-program product includes instructions to receive first information corresponding to a layout of a venue that facilitates an audio conference for users of the plurality of conference units. The computer-program product further includes instructions to store second information corresponding to an arrangement of a plurality of seats in the venue and to associate a first conference unit of the plurality of conference units to a first seat of the plurality of seats.

Abstract: A sound system is provided with a headphone that includes a transducer and at least one microphone. The sound system also includes an equalization filter and a loop filter circuit. The equalization filter is adapted to equalize an audio input signal based on at least one predetermined coefficient. The loop filter circuit includes a leaky integrator circuit that is adapted to generate a filtered audio signal based on the equalized audio input signal and a feedback signal indicative of sound received by the at least one microphone, and to provide the filtered audio signal to the transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering media content from a first media device to a second media device is provided. The apparatus includes a server configured to receive media content from a first media device and to receive a first plurality of user experience settings used at the first media device to playback the media content. The server is further configured to store operating capabilities from a second media device. The server is further configured to adjust at least a portion of the operating capabilities in response to the first plurality of user experience settings to generate translated user experience settings and to transmit the media content and the translated user experience settings to the second media device to enable the second media device being to playback the media content substantially similar to the first media device playing back the media content.

Abstract: A venting system for a vehicle speaker assembly includes an internal enclosure provided within a first vehicle component and having the vehicle speaker assembly disposed therein, a vent provided in the internal enclosure, and a port provided in a second vehicle component, wherein engagement of the vent with the port allows for an output generated by the vehicle speaker assembly to be transmitted from the internal enclosure to the second vehicle component.

Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a voice coil in a balanced state. In the loudspeaker, at least a first suspension element acts on a first side of the voice coil, and at least a second suspension element acts on a second side of the voice coil. The loudspeaker includes a symmetric magnet assembly. The voice coil aligns with the symmetric magnet assembly. The symmetric alignment contributes to the loudspeaker yielding substantially symmetric motor force (BL), suspension stiffness (K), and inductance (Le).