Abstract: A conferencing system is described which includes a plurality of conferencing devices and a hub device. Each conferencing device is operable to process near-end speech energy signals to improve the intelligibility of the near-end speech, transmit the processed near-end signals to the hub device, receive far-end signals from the hub device, process the far-end signals, and present the processed far-end signals over its speaker. The hub device is operable to communicate with each of the conferencing devices and a voice communication system, selectively combine the processed near-end signals received from the conferencing devices, transmit the combined near-end signals to the voice communication system, receive the far-end signals from the voice communication system, and transmit the far-end signals to the conferencing devices.

Abstract: A conferencing device is described which includes at least one speaker, at least one microphone for capturing energy corresponding to near-end speech, a signal interface for connecting to a voice communication system, and a digital signal processor. The digital signal processor is operable to process near-end signals corresponding to the near-end speech energy in each of a plurality of frequency bands to improve intelligibility thereof, and transmit the processed near-end signals to the voice communication system via the signal interface. The digital signal processor is also operable to receive far-end signals from the voice communication system via the signal interface, process the far-end signals in each of the plurality of frequency bands, and transmit the processed far-end signals for presentation over the speaker.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a dynamics processor includes a non-linear automatic gain control (AGC) responsive to an input audio signal comprised of a plurality of frequency components, each frequency component having associated therewith an amplitude, said non-linear AGC adaptive to develop a modified gain audio signal. A multiband cross-over device is responsive to the modified gain audio signal and is adaptive to generate `n` number of signals, each of said `n` signals having an amplitude and further having a unique frequency band associated therewith.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for performing a variable sample rate conversion. A difference between a first sample rate associated with a first signal and a second sample rate associated with a second signal is tracked. A sample rate conversion ratio is adjusted in response to the difference. One of the first and second sample rates is converted using the conversion ratio.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for use with a near-end telephone. The near-end telephone is operable to generate an outgoing signal directed to a far-end telephone and to receive an incoming signal generated at least in part by the far-end telephone. A first signal processor is operable to dynamically adjust a first signal level associated with the outgoing signal with reference to the first signal level. A second signal processor is operable to dynamically adjust a second signal level associated with the incoming signal with reference to the second signal level. The first and second signal processors are further operable to control a loop gain to inhibit loop instability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for performing a variable sample rate conversion. A difference between a first sample rate associated with a first signal and a second sample rate associated with a second signal is tracked. A sample rate conversion ratio is adjusted in response to the difference. One of the first and second sample rates is converted using the conversion ratio.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for enabling a computer to manipulate programming breaks in an original digital content stream. One of a plurality of substitute durations is selected with reference to a first duration of a first programming break. The selected substitute duration is substituted for the first duration, thereby generating a modified digital content stream having a modified programming break.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for effecting multi-band processing and automatic gain control of an original sampled signal. According to various implementations, attack and release multipliers are applied to signal samples in a variety of ways to achieve a variety of effects.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus are described for implementing effective echo suppression in a wide variety of telephony system architectures. These methods and apparatus include broadband and multi-band techniques for speech detection, estimation of near-end transmission path attenuation, and estimation of far-end transmission path attenuation and delay.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for effecting multi-band processing of an original sampled signal. The original sampled signal is separated into a plurality of signal components each corresponding to one of a plurality of frequency bands. A dynamic range associated with each one of the plurality of signal components is independently and dynamically controlled. At least one signal level associated with the plurality of signal components is modified. The signal components are combined into a processed sampled signal.