Patents Examined by Devona E Faulk
  • Patent number: 7986793
    Abstract: An embodiment of an audio system comprises a speaker system configured to automatically change a coupling of an audio speaker from a first channel input to a second channel input if an external speaker is coupled to a first output. In embodiments of the invention, the speaker that connects to an audio source, such as an audio card of a personal computer (PC), automatically swaps channels based on the jack into which an external speaker is plugged. Thus, the reconfiguration of the audio system is automatic for the user in some embodiments, requiring nothing more from the user than selecting one of two jacks for use with an external speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Kelce S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7986801
    Abstract: A device is described, having a first (2) and a second (4) sound-generating means and an input for a stereo signal (S) comprising left (L) and right (R) sound signals. The device has an interconnected first (1) and second (3) part comprising a first (2) and a second (4) sound-generating means, respectively. The first part (1) is formed so as to couple soundwaves generated by the first sound-generating means (2) into a surface (6) when placed upon said surface (6), and the device has means (5) for sending a first signal (S1), which is a composite of the left (L) and right (R) sound signals, to the first sound-generating means (2) of the first part (1), and a second signal (S2), which is a different composite of the left (L) and right (R) sound signals, to the second sound generating means (4) of the second part (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Willem Elisabeth Schobben, Martinus Hermanus Wilhelmus Maria Van Delden
  • Patent number: 7986792
    Abstract: An adaptor is connectable between a signal processor and a transmission module. The signal processor has three audio channels for feeding respectively a first audio signal, a second audio signal, and a third audio signal having a frequency range lower than a frequency range of the first and second audio signals. The transmission module has two transmission channels capable of transmitting two audio signals to a codeless speaker. The adaptor has three input terminals for receiving the first, second and third audio signals from the signal processor. The adaptor filters at least one of the first and second audio signals for cutting therefrom a lower frequency range comparative to the lower frequency range of the third audio signal, and adds the third audio signal to the one of the first and second audio signals from which the lower frequency range is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Noro
  • Patent number: 7983428
    Abstract: A communication device includes: (1) a wireless adapter at which a wireless headset is communicatively connected to the communication device and at which is received a first acoustic input that includes a speech input and a first ambient noise input; (2) a microphone that receives a second acoustic input, which includes a second ambient noise input; and (3) a dual-channel adaptive noise canceller that utilizes the second ambient noise input to filter the first ambient noise input out of the first acoustic input to generate an acoustic output that primarily comprises the speech input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Changxue Ma, Chen Liu
  • Patent number: 7983429
    Abstract: A speaker system utilizes input from a transducer that receives an acoustical signal produced by a speaker that is separate from the speaker system. The acoustical signal is amplified and drives a speaker of the speaker system. The speaker system is thereby provided with the necessary electrical audio signal without the speaker system being wired into any existing sound system wiring. In automobiles, the transducer is in proximity to a speaker wired into the automobile's audio system, and the transducer obtains the acoustical signal to produce the electrical audio signal used by the speaker of the speaker system so that no access to high or low level electrical audio signals of the audio system of the automobile is necessary. Additionally, the speaker system may employ a power socket plug that is electrically coupled to the power input of the amplifier and that may be plugged into a power socket such as those typical of most vehicles to provide electrical power to the amplifier of the speaker system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Jeramie J. Keys
  • Patent number: 7978860
    Abstract: A playback apparatus includes a forming section which, on the basis of an audio signal to be played back, forms audio signals on a plurality of channels for emitting sounds from a pair of sound sources, and a signal processing section which, on each of the audio signals formed by the forming section, performs signal processing for forming a targeted sound field. The signal processing section inclines a sound pressure distribution so that, for each sound source, sound pressure levels of sounds emitted from the sound source to a listening position increase in inverse proportion to angles formed between emitting directions of the sounds emitted from the sound source to the listening position and a straight line connecting the pair of sound sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Miura, Susumu Yabe
  • Patent number: 7974417
    Abstract: A multi-channel audio system including first combining circuitry, for combining a first spectral band of a first plurality channels to provide a first bass audio signal stream; second combining circuitry, for combining the first spectral band of a second plurality channels to provide a second bass audio signal stream; and third combining circuitry, for combining a second spectral band, the second spectral band including lower frequencies than the first spectral band, of the first plurality of channels and the second plurality of channels to provide a third bass audio signal stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Wontak Kim, George Nichols, Guy A. Torio
  • Patent number: 7974424
    Abstract: A speaker array system for outputting, with a simplified construction, sounds audible with a nearly uniform sound volume within an arbitrarily set area. The speaker array system includes a speaker array having speaker units, a delay unit for supplying the speaker units with delayed audio signals generated by adding delays to an input audio signal, an input unit for inputting area information representing a target area to which an acoustic service is provided using an acoustic beam emitted from the speaker array and which has a normal line extending in a direction different from a normal direction of a speaker surface of the speaker array, and a control unit for calculating delays to be applied to the delay unit. Based on the delays, acoustic waves output from adjacent ones of the speaker units toward the target area are made coincident with each other and an envelope is more distorted from a spherical surface so as to face the target area as the envelope propagates closer to the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kushida, Takashi Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 7970153
    Abstract: An audio output apparatus has a measuring circuit which measures the levels of at least two sound signals, a sound level adjusting module (a sound level adjusting circuit and a gain control circuit) which adjusts a sound level so as to equal the levels of the sound signals based on the levels measured at the measuring circuit, and an array speaker unit (a delay circuit, a multiplier, an adder, an amplifier and a speaker unit) which emits sounds in accordance with the sound signals outputted from the sound level adjusting module in different directivities respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Konagai, Susumu Takumai
  • Patent number: 7970158
    Abstract: A long and narrow loudspeaker on an entire wall gives off a cylindrical wave, which covers the entire room. Extra loudspeakers fixed at an angle against the wall will be heard in another direction, producing angle stereo independent of where one is in the room. Electro-dynamic loudspeakers are made of long plates of iron with air gapes between them where magnetic fields are produced. In the air gaps are strips, which conduct the sound currents. The strips influence directly one or more membranes. The magnetic field can be produced by permanent magnets, electromagnets or through concentration of geomagnetic fields. Long loudspeakers, which use other forces such as electrostatic forces, only need to be made for small sound pressure at the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Lennart Hoglund
  • Patent number: 7970147
    Abstract: A method for reducing noise disturbance associated with an audio signal received through a microphone is provided. The method initiates with magnifying a noise disturbance of the audio signal relative to a remaining component of the audio signal. Then, a sampling rate of the audio signal is decreased. Next, an even order derivative is applied to the audio signal having the decreased sampling rate to define a detection signal. Then, the noise disturbance of the audio signal is adjusted according to a statistical average of the detection signal. A system capable of canceling disturbances associated with an audio signal, a video game controller, and an integrated circuit for reducing noise disturbances associated with an audio signal are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Xiadong Mao
  • Patent number: 7970149
    Abstract: A speaker housing assembly including an adapter and a speaker enclosure is disclosed. The adapter has an escutcheon and a partially spherical recessed concave portion. The speaker enclosure has a partially spherical sidewall that is received in the recessed concave portion of the adapter. A lock assembly secures the speaker enclosure to the adapter through an arcuate slot. Flanges of the lock assembly are placed in registry with teeth formed on opposite sides of the arcuate slot to lock the speaker enclosure in place. An elastomeric pad is provided between the recessed concave portion and the partially spherical sidewall to dampen vibrations and supplement the locking engagement of the lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: BBY Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick G. Reardon, Peter L. Lam, Mark W. Jones, Pablo C. Tobiano
  • Patent number: 7970144
    Abstract: Modifying a panned source in an audio signal comprising a plurality of channel signals is disclosed. Portions associated with the panned source are identified in at least selected ones of the channel signals. The identified portions are modified based at least in part on a user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Carlos Avendano, Michael Goodwin, Ramkumar Sridharan, Martin Wolters, Jean-Marc Jot
  • Patent number: 7965849
    Abstract: A method and circuit for deriving a set of multichannel audio signals from a conventional monaural or stereo audio signal uses an auxiliary multichannel spectral mapping data stream. Audio can be played back in stereo and multichannel formats from a conventional stereo signal on compact discs, FM radio, or other stereo or monaural delivery systems. The invention reduces the data rate needed for the transmission of multichannel digital audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Terry D. Beard
  • Patent number: 7965848
    Abstract: An intermediate channel representation of a multi-channel signal can be reconstructed highly efficient and with high fidelity, when upmix parameters for upmixing a transmitted downmix signal to the intermediate channel representation are derived that allow for an upmix using the same upmixing algorithms as within the multi-channel reconstruction. This can be achieved when a parameter re-calculator is used to derive the upmix parameters that takes into account also parameters having information on channels that are not included in the intermediate channel representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignees: Dolby International AB, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Lars Villemoes, Kristofer Kjoerling, Jeroen Breebaart
  • Patent number: 7961889
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of processing a multi-channel audio signal using space information. The apparatus includes: a main coding unit down mixing a multi-channel audio signal by applying space information to surround components included in the multi-channel audio signal, generating side information using the multi-channel audio signal or a stereo signal of a down-mixed result, coding the stereo signal and the side information, and transmitting the coded result as a coding signal; and a main decoding unit receiving the coding signal, decoding the stereo signal and the side information using the received coding signal, up mixing the decoded stereo signal using the decoded side information, and restoring the multi-channel audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junghoe Kim, Sangchul Ko, Shihwa Lee, Eunmi Oh, Miao Lei
  • Patent number: 7961893
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus that measures sound arrival delay time from a speaker to a microphone on the basis of a result obtained by collecting signals output from the speaker by means of the microphone includes: measuring means for measuring the sound arrival delay time that makes a control such that a first sine wave signal having a first frequency and a second sine wave signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency are output from the speaker, is input with the first sine wave signal and the second sine wave signal collected by the microphone and then mixes the first sine wave signal and the second sine wave signal so as to generate a third sine wave signal having a frequency corresponding to a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency, and measures the sound arrival delay time on the basis of the third sine wave signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Kino
  • Patent number: 7961888
    Abstract: The quality of music output from audio systems is improved by simulating the effect of low frequency signals in the human ear. This thus allows listeners to perceive the lower frequency signals, even though the speakers may be incapable of providing such low frequency outputs. A method is provided for processing enhancing bass effect in audio signals. The method also results in the bass enhancement being computationally less intensive. The bass effect enhancement techniques are based on the response of sine and cosine transfer functions and on the directional independence of low frequency components. The human ear is unable to resolve directions from low frequency components. The bass effect enhancement technique alternatively is based on response of an exponential transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Sudhir K. Kasargod, Sapna George
  • Patent number: 7961891
    Abstract: A system and method of testing the audio performance of an acoustic device is provided. To test a device microphone, an audio signal is generated, provided to an external speaker, outputted to the device microphone, and routed to an auxiliary input/output device where it is outputted and analyzed. To test a device speaker, an audio signal is generated, inputted to an auxiliary input/output device, routed to the device speaker, outputted to an external microphone, and outputted to an audio analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Boris Dorfman, Barry S. Hazell
  • Patent number: 7961892
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring speaker cone displacement in an audio speaker includes: (a) an electromagnetic coil structure; (b) a ferrous core structure; the ferrous core structure and the electromagnetic coil structure being mounted with the speaker to effect variable electromagnetic coupling between the ferrous core structure and the electromagnetic coil structure as the speaker cone moves; (c) a signal injecting circuit coupled with the electromagnetic coil structure for injecting a predetermined input signal into the electromagnetic coil structure; and (d) a signal monitoring circuit coupled with the electromagnetic coil structure; the signal monitoring circuit receiving an output signal from the electromagnetic coil structure and generating an indicating signal based upon the output signal; at least one signal characteristic of the indicating signal being related with the cone displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen John Fedigan