Abstract: A method and system of conferencing can include the steps of initiating a conference call at a communication device with two or more communication devices and selecting to suppress a voice communication of at least one communication device on the conference call where a modified electronic signal is generated with the selected at least one communication device so that the voice communication from the selected at least one communication device is inaudible. The method or system further includes sending the modified electronic signal to at least one other communication device on the conference call. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing two-way conversation between a user wearing at least one communication system or earphone and a second individual in proximity to the user is provided. The method includes detecting a spoken voice of the user from sounds captured at an ambient sound microphone, automatically activating a voice timer and setting a voice activity threshold for the voice timer responsive to detecting spoken voice, and adjusting a mixing gain of an audio content signal delivered to the earphone or communication system by way of the internal speaker with an ambient sound pass-through during activation of the voice timer. Separate mixing gains can be adjusted independently in accordance with spoken voice activity and reproduced audio content characteristics. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Herein provided is a method for acoustical switching suitable for use with a microphone enabled electronic device. The method includes capturing a first microphone signal from a first microphone on a device, analyzing the first microphone signal for a contact event versus a non-contact event, and directing the electronic device to switch a processing state responsive to detection of either the contact event or non-contact event. In another configuration, additional microphone can be added for performing coherence analysis between at least two microphone signals mounted on or in the device. At least one parameter settings of the device can be changed in response to at least one detected physical contact on the device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Herein provided is a method and system for directional enhancement of a microphone array comprising at least two microphones by analysis of the phase angle of the coherence between at least two microphones. The method can further include communicating directional data with the microphone signal to a secondary device, and adjusting at least one parameter of the device in view of the directional data. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Audio systems for a vehicle and methods of operating an audio device in a vehicle cabin are provided. A method of operating an audio device directs an acoustic signal to at least one vehicle cabin receiver (VCR) of the audio device; measures sound pressure levels (SPLVCM) for acoustic energy received by at least one vehicle cabin microphone (VCM) of the audio device during a time period ?t; calculates a sound pressure level (SPL) dose (SPL_Dose?t) during the time period ?t using the sound pressure levels SPLVCM of the at least one VCM; combines the SPL dose (SPL_Dose?t) with an SPL dose of a previous time period to form a total SPL dose (SPL_Dosetotal); and performs an action to modify operation of the audio device when the total SPL dose is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a website configured to collect sound signatures from around the world and beyond. A communication device automatically stores acoustic information received by a microphone of the communication device. The acoustic information is analyzed for a trigger event. The trigger event stores the acoustic information, attaches metadata, creates a Gaussian Mixture Model, and measures sound pressure level. The communication device automatically sends the sound signature to a database when a communication path is opened to communication device. Each sound signature has associated metadata including a time stamp and geocode. Automatically collecting sounds using a communication device adapted for the process enables a database that captures sounds globally on a continuous basis.

Abstract: An earpiece, earphone, earbud or earplug includes an inflatable element operatively attached to a distal end by an inflation channel, and an anti-distal end of the inflation channel that provides a pressuring force via fluid transfer of a fluid to maintain an expansion of the inflatable element. The inflatable element can be pressurized to a gauge pressure range between 0.05 bar and 3.0 bar. In some embodiments, the inflatable element is pressurized to a gauge pressure range from 0.3 bar to 0.25 bar and maintains such gauge pressure range for at least 12 hours. In some embodiments, the inflatable element uses a material of a predetermined permeability for a given density of fluid and a given thickness of the inflatable element such that an inflation pressure drops from 1.2 atmospheres to 1 atmospheres in 8 hours after the inflatable element is pressurized to 1.2 atmospheres. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Occlusion devices, earpiece devices and methods of occluding an ear canal are provided. An occlusion device includes an insertion element, a foldable element and an expandable element. The foldable element is disposed on the insertion element and is configured to receive a medium via the insertion element. The expandable element is disposed over the foldable element. The foldable element is configured to unfold, responsive to the medium, and cause the expandable element to expand to contact the ear canal.

Abstract: An earpiece, headphone, or other headset audio delivery device can include an a transceiver, an illumination element, and a processor to provide visual operational mode indication via the illumination element. The operational mode can correspond to an active phone call, an incoming phone call, a terminated phone call, a caller-on-hold condition, a recording mode, a voice mail mode, a mute mode, an audible transparency mode, a do not disturb mode, listening to audio content mode, a sound signature detection mode, a voicing activity level detecting mode, a voicing level detecting mode, a speaking rate detecting mode, a background noise condition detection mode or an ear-plug mode. The intensity, frequency, amplitude, color or duration of the lighting can be adjusted according to the operational mode. Other embodiments disclosed.

Abstract: A personalized sound management system for an acoustic space includes at least one transducer, a data communication system, one or more processors operatively coupled to the data communication system and the at least one transducer, and a medium coupled to the one or more processors. The processors access a database of sonic signatures and display a plurality of personalized sound management applications that perform at least one or more tasks among identifying a sonic signature, calculating a sound pressure level, storing metadata related to a sonic signature, monitoring sound pressure level dosage levels, switching to an ear canal microphone in a noisy environment, recording a user's voice, storing the user's voice in a memory of an earpiece device, or storing the user's voice in a memory of a server system, or converting received text received in texts or emails to voice using text to speech conversion. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An analysis system has an audio signal data communication system for receiving contents of a buffer where the buffer is configured to buffer at least one microphone signal responsive to an acoustic field proximate to a monitoring assembly at a remote location from the analysis system and a server having a data processing system configured to receive at least a portion of the contents of the buffer and configured to analyze at least the portion of the contents of the buffer. The data processing system includes an audio analysis system configured to analyze the at least the portion of the content of the buffer to process a sound into a response or action. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A device includes a core, a membrane, at least one first electrode coupled to the core, at least one second electrode coupled to the core or the membrane and a collapsible electroactive polymer element. The collapsible polymer element is configured to extend from or extend around at least a portion of the core where the element is in an expanded configuration without application of a voltage and in a collapsed configuration with the application of the voltage or in a collapsed configuration without application of a voltage and in an expanded configuration with the application of the voltage. The voltage is applied via the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for wearable sound processing and voice operated control are provided. The method can include monitoring a sound pressure level between a first received sound and a second received sound, identifying a voicing level from a comparison of the sound pressure level, determining if a wearer is speaking based on the comparison and the voicing level, and transmitting a decision that the wearer's spoken voice is present to at least one among a cell phone, a media player, and a portable computing device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an acoustic device including an ear canal microphone configured to detect a first acoustic signal, an ambient microphone configured to detect a second acoustic signal, and a processor operatively coupled to the ear canal microphone and the ambient microphone. The processor is configured to detect a predetermined speech pattern based on an analysis of the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal and upon detection of the predetermined speech pattern, subsequently process acoustic signals from the ear canal microphone for a predetermined time or until the ear canal microphone detects a lack of an acoustic signal for a second predetermined time. After the predetermined time or after a second predetermined time, the processor processes acoustic signals from the ear canal microphone and the ambient microphone.

Abstract: An earpiece (100) and acoustic management module for in-ear canal suppression control are provided. A method for suppressing signals for a conference call, a vehicle, and a general communication event is also provided. The earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (111) to capture ambient sound, an Ear Canal Receiver (125) to deliver audio content to an ear canal, an Ear Canal Microphone (123) configured to capture internal sound, and a processor (121). The processor can generate a voice activity level (622) and suppress an echo, spoken voice, and media content in the electronic internal signal, and mix an electronic ambient signal with an electronic internal signal in a ratio dependent on the voice activity level and a background noise level to produce a mixed signal (323) that is delivered to the ear canal (131).

Abstract: An earpiece is provided containing a thermal activator layer comprised of a first polymer, the thermal activator layer being separated from the tympanic membrane of the user's ear by an air gap, and an acoustical reflector layer, containing a second polymer and pigment particles, adjacent to the thermal activator layer. The earpiece may be produced by sequential introduction of various liquefied components in layers within the ear canal, with the components being cured to provide the thermal activator layer and the acoustical reflector layer.

Abstract: Embodiments herein enable fast and easy interconnectivity among multimedia accessories including mobile devices and other devices. There is only limited space on mobile devices yet there are numerous input connectors. The standard TRRS audio jack is one such input that has and remains common, primarily because it is the accepted standard for audio input; namely, headphones and earpieces for listening purposes. Embodiments herein describe an intelligent switch to that audio jack that permits for additional backward and forward compatibility. It transparently allows a user to insert analog or digital audio devices, such as earphones, without the need to manually reconfigure device settings. The device herein automatically converts between input connector types using the same input convention present on their existing mobile devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An earplug is provided. The earplug includes at least a partially flexible distal end; an inflatable element; and a flexible anti-distal end. The anti-distal end has at least one portion that is deformable. The inflatable element is operatively attached to the distal end by an inflation channel. When the at least one portion is deformed the inflatable element expands to an adjustable pressure. At least one portion of the anti-distal end provides a pressurizing force to maintain the expansion of the inflatable element.

Abstract: An earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM), an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR), a transceiver, an illumination element, and a processor to provide visual operational mode indication via the illumination element. The operational mode can correspond to an active phone call, an incoming phone call, a terminated phone, a caller-on-hold condition, a recording mode, a voice mail mode, a mute mode, an audible transparency mode or an ear-plug mode. The intensity, frequency, amplitude, color or duration of the lighting can be adjusted according to the operational mode.

Abstract: Methods for personalized sound management are provided. A module comprising hardware and software is provided to manufacturers to build a device. A process is architected for remote enabling of a device with personalized sound management applications. Consumers select applications for managing their sound environment through purchased and subscription hardware and applications via a web environment. All products developed by manufacturers are tested and certified running the personalized sound management applications. Manufacturers and consumers may both be covered under liability insurance. Users may remotely purchase, update hardware, and add and download subscription based applications through the web environment.