Patents Examined by Friedrich Fahnert
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Patent number: 11699454Abstract: Techniques for dynamically adjusting received audio are described. In an example, a computer system receives audio data representing noise and utterance received by a device during a first time interval that has a start and an end. The start corresponds to a beginning of the utterance. The end corresponds to at a selection by the device of an audio beam associated with a direction towards an utterance source. The computer system determines a value associated with an audio adjustment factor. The audio adjustment factor is represented by values that vary during the time interval. The value is one of the values associated with a time point of the first time interval. The computer system generates, based at least in part on the audio data and the value, first data that indicates a measurement of at least one of the noise or the utterance.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Henry Michael D Souza, Vladimir Adam, Ragini Rajendra Prasad
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Patent number: 11696064Abstract: A whistling sound suppression method includes: obtaining an ambient audio signal, the ambient audio signal being a sound signal in a surrounding environment of an earphone; filtering the ambient audio signal according to a preset first filter group to obtain a first audio signal; obtaining an ear canal audio signal, the ear canal audio signal being a sound signal when the first audio signal propagates in an ear canal; and filtering a subsequently obtained ambient audio signal according to a preset second filter group to obtain a second audio signal in response to the ear canal audio signal meets a whistling condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignees: Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd., Beijing Xiaomi Pinecone Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Lingsong Zhou
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Patent number: 11696065Abstract: A speaker system includes a speaker, a processor, and an active noise cancellation (ANC) circuit communicatively coupled with the processor. The ANC is configured to apply ANC on audio signals from outside the speaker system to generate a modified audio signal stream through the speaker. The application of ANC is to include generation of ANC signals to interfere with at least part of the audio signals from outside the speaker system in the modified audio signal stream. The processor is configured to determine of low-frequency energy at the speaker system, the low-frequency energy below a threshold frequency. The ANC circuit is configured to, based on the determination of low-frequency energy at the speaker system, perform a corrective action on application of ANC to the audio signals from outside the speaker system.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventors: Mohammed Hasan, Matthew Neves
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Patent number: 11689845Abstract: An open acoustic device (100) may include a fixing structure (120) configured to fix the acoustic device (100) near an ear of a user without blocking an ear canal of the user; a first microphone array (130) configured to acquire environmental noise (410); a signal processor (140) configured to: determine, based on the environmental noise, a primary route transfer function (420) between the first microphone array (130) and the ear canal of the user; estimate, based on the environmental noise and the primary route transfer function, a noise signal (430) at the ear canal of the user; and generate, based on the noise signal at the ear canal of the user, a noise reduction signal (440); and a speaker (150) configured to output, according to the noise reduction signal, a noise reduction acoustic wave (450), the noise reduction acoustic wave being configured to eliminate the noise signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2022Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Chengqian Zhang, Jinbo Zheng, Le Xiao, Fengyun Liao, Xin Qi
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Patent number: 11688383Abstract: A processor is configured to perform headphone playback with a playback audio signal. The processor produces a feedback signal from an internal microphone, compresses the feedback signal according to a variable compressor setting, and determines a context of usage of the headphone, as being one of running or jogging, transportation, and critical listening. In response, the processor changes the variable compressor setting and drives the headphone speaker with the compressed feedback signal combined with the playback audio signal. Other aspects are also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Navneet Gandhi, Daniel S. Phillips, Jarrett B. Lagler
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Patent number: 11689852Abstract: An audio rendering device includes: at least one wireless communications interface configured to receive a first plurality of audio packets from a wireless communication device, the first plurality of audio packets including frames of audio data for a first audio channel from a set of one or more audio channels; and a processing unit; wherein the audio rendering device is configured to release, at respective first buffer release times, the frames of the audio data for the first audio channel from a first buffer for rendering by the processing unit; wherein the audio rendering device is configured to receive one or more messages from an other audio rendering device; and wherein the audio rendering device is configured to synchronize the first buffer release times with second buffer release times associated with the other audio rendering device based on the received one or more messages.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventors: Thorkild Find Pedersen, Brian Dam Pedersen
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Patent number: 11677360Abstract: A multi-path audio amplification system that provides an output drive signal to electromechanical output transducers provides improved undistorted headroom, reduced path switching noise, and/or improved frequency response performance. Multiple signal amplification paths receive an audio input signal and have corresponding multiple output stages that have differing output impedances. A mode selector selects an active one of the multiple signal amplification paths is selected to supply the output drive signal. Outputs of the multiple output stages are coupled to the electromechanical transducer to provide the output drive signal and at least one of the multiple signal amplification paths includes an equalization filter for filtering the audio input signal to compensate for phase or gain differences referenced from the input to the outputs of the multiple output stages due to interaction between the differing output impedances and an impedance of the electromechanical transducer.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: CIRRUS LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Leyi Yin, John L. Melanson, Eric Lindemann, Amar Vellanki, Jianhao Chen, Venugopal Choukinishi, Wai-Shun Shum, Xiaofan Fei
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Patent number: 11658620Abstract: A digital signal generator apparatus and method is described. The digital signal generator includes a counter, an integrator and a comparator. The counter counts up or down from an initial counter value dependent on a counter control input. The comparator has a first input coupled to the counter output, a threshold input and a comparator output coupled to the counter control input. The integrator has an input coupled to the counter output and an output coupled to the digital signal generator output. The digital signal generator determines the count direction after the initial direction dependent on the comparison between a threshold value applied to the threshold input and the counter output value. The digital signal generator may implement the generation of a waveform having an approximation to a raised cosine function. The generated waveform may be used for audio artefact reduction in an audio amplifier during mute or unmute operations or during power up power down operations.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Robert van Veldhoven, Khalid Mabtoul, Dmitrij Andreevits Sjwed
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Patent number: 11659327Abstract: A signal processer is configured to decrease total harmonic distortion plus noise of an output signal generated from an input signal. The signal processer includes a mixer, a pulse-width modulator, a power stage circuit, and a feedback circuit. The mixer is configured to mix the input signal and a feedback signal to generate a mixed signal. The pulse-width modulator is configured to module the mixed signal to generate a modulated signal and output the modulated signal from an output terminal of the pulse-width modulator. The power stage circuit is configured to amplify the modulated signal to generate the output signal and output the output signal from an output terminal of the power stage circuit. The feedback circuit is configured to generate a feedback signal selectively according to the modulated signal or the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: REALTEK SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Chen Fong Liao
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Patent number: 11657794Abstract: An audio processing apparatus includes a first microphone configured to obtain ambient sound, a second microphone configured to obtain noise from a noise source, a first conversion unit configured to perform a Fourier transform on an audio signal from the first microphone to generate a first audio signal, a second conversion unit configured to perform a Fourier transform on an audio signal from the second microphone to generate a second audio signal, a generation unit configured to generate noise data by using the second audio signal and a parameter related to the noise from the noise source, a subtraction unit configured to subtract the noise data from the first audio signal, and a third conversion unit configured to perform an inverse Fourier transform on an audio signal from the subtraction unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yuki Tsujimoto
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Patent number: 11657793Abstract: A noise cancelling headset includes an earpiece, the earpiece including a feedback microphone, a feed-forward microphone, and an output driver. A first feedback filter receives an input from at least the first feedback microphone and produces a first filtered feedback signal. A first feed-forward filter receives an input from at least the first feed-forward microphone and produces a first filtered feed-forward signal. A first summer combines the first filtered feedback signal and the first filtered feed-forward signal and produces a first output signal. An output interface provides the first output signal as an output from the headset.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2020Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Daniel M. Gauger, Jr., Jahn Dmitri Eichfeld, Steven H. Isabelle, John Allen Rule
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Patent number: 11653171Abstract: A method that generates binaural headphone playback signals given multiple audio source signals with an associated metadata and binaural room impulse response (BRIR) database, wherein the audio source signals are channel-based, object-based, or a mixture of both channel-based and object-based signals. The method includes parameterizing BRIR to be used for rendering, dividing each audio source signal to be rendered into a number of blocks and frames, and averaging the parameterized BRIR sequences. The method also includes downmixing the divided audio source signals using the diffuse blocks of BRIRs, and performing late reverberation processing on the downmixed version of the previous blocks of the audio source signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2022Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICAInventors: Hiroyuki Ehara, Kai Wu, Sua Hong Neo
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Patent number: 11646039Abstract: At least a system or a method is provided for remote delivery or collection of a device such as an audio collection device. For example, a device comprising an aperture collection and retrieval pin is provided. An apparatus is provided having an aperture receiver, an aperture drive gear and a drive motor. The drive motor is configured to drive the aperture drive gear to open or close the aperture receiver of the apparatus for retrieving or releasing the device comprising the aperture collection pin.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Inventor: Darrell Poirier
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Patent number: 11637536Abstract: The present invention provides an offset calibration circuit used in a signal processing circuit, wherein the offset calibration circuit includes a supply voltage detection circuit and a calibration circuit. The supply voltage detection circuit is configured to detect a level of a supply voltage to generate a detection result, wherein the supply voltage is provided to an output stage in the signal processing circuit. The calibration circuit is configured to calculate a digital compensation value according to the detection result, wherein the digital compensation value is used for a digital processing circuit in the signal processing circuit to perform a DC offset calibration.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.Inventors: Chun-Hao Lai, Chung-Lun Li
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Patent number: 11620977Abstract: Examples of system for ambient aversive sound detection, identification and management are described. The system comprises an earpiece device with a microphone configured to capture ambient sound around a user and sample it into small segments of the ambient sound, a speaker and a regulator to regulate the ambient sound segment transmitted to the speaker. The system further comprises a processing unit that identifies aversive ambient sound signals in the captured sound segment and provide recommendation action to manage the aversive sound signal by removing, supressing, attenuating or masking the aversive signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2020Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Inventors: Elina Birmingham, Siamak Arzanpour, Behnaz Bahmei
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Patent number: 11605393Abstract: An audio cancellation system includes a voice enabled computing system that is connected to an audio output device using a wired or wireless communication network. The voice enabled computing device can provide media content to a user and receive a voice command from the user. The connection between the voice enabled computing system and the audio output device introduces a time delay between the media content being generated at the voice enabled computing device and the media content being reproduced at the audio output device. The system operates to determine a calibration value adapted for the voice enabled computing system and the audio output device. The system uses the calibration value to filter the user's voice command from a recording of ambient sound including the media content, without requiring significant use of memory and computing resources.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2021Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Spotify ABInventors: Richard Mitic, Robert Swain, Daniel Bromand, Waqar Sheikh, James Robert Stansfield
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Patent number: 11595771Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Staton Techiya, LLCInventors: Koen Weijand, Steven W. Goldstein
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Patent number: 11589181Abstract: A system for rotating sound or selective listening to sound provides for the ability of the apparent direction of sound sources in a listening environment to remain in consistent orientations in space despite rotations of the microphones used to capture the sound and despite rotations of the head of the listener, even when wearing headphones. Modules are provided in the system to distinguish the sound sources and their apparent directions, as well as to optionally rotate the sound sources in response to detected rotations of the listener's head and/or detected rotations of the microphones.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Inventor: Philip Raymond Schaefer
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Patent number: 11587543Abstract: Methods for calibrating active noise-cancelling headphones, including placing the active noise-cancelling headphones on a measuring device; exciting the active noise-cancelling filter; measuring one or more relevant transmission pathways selected from x(n), m(n), and p(n) for feedforward and/or h(n) for feedback; defining at least one goal function for feedforward or feedback; calculating a complementary function for the defined goal function for at least one branch of the active noise-cancelling filter; calculating an impulse response of the complementary function from the measurements of the relevant transmission pathways; approximating operating parameters for the active noise-cancelling filter using the Prony method; and implementing the approximated operating parameters in the active noise-cancelling filter on the signal processor in order to create an approximated complementary active noise-cancelling filter, thereby calibrating the active noise-cancelling headphones.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: AUSTRIAN AUDIO GMBHInventors: Michael Perkmann, Daniel Wöhrer, Ludwig Kollenz
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Patent number: 11582550Abstract: An in-ear wearable that can include an electro-acoustic transducer; a housing supporting the electro-acoustic transducer such that the housing and the electro-acoustic transducer together defining an acoustic volume, a feedback microphone disposed within the acoustic volume to receive the acoustic energy, the feedback microphone including a microphone port, the feedback microphone transducing acoustic energy received at the microphone port into a feedback microphone signal; and a port defined within the housing, the port extending from a first opening to a second opening, wherein the port acoustically couples the acoustic volume to a space outside the housing such that outside acoustic energy from the space outside the housing enters the first acoustic volume through a path that does not pass through the second acoustic volume, wherein the first opening does not extend beyond a first plane tangent to a point of the microphone port nearest to acoustic exit port and orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housType: GrantFiled: August 20, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Andrew D. Dominijanni, Michael J. Daley, Liam R. Kelly