Abstract: For synchronizing multichannel extension data with an audio signal, wherein the audio signal includes block division information and the multichannel extension data include reference audio signal fingerprint information, the block division information in the audio signal is detected by means of a block detector. Thereupon, block division of the audio signal is performed by a fingerprint calculator according to the block division information in order to obtain a sequence of test audio signal fingerprints. In addition to that, a sequence of reference audio signal fingerprints is extracted from the reference audio signal fingerprint information of the multichannel extension data. Both sequences of fingerprints are correlated in order to obtain a correlation result, by which a compensator is controlled in order to reduce or eliminate a time offset between the multichannel extension data and the audio signal.

Abstract: Techniques for gamifying real-time network communications between users. In one implementation, a video puzzle based may be created based on scrambling a live video stream from a first user. The video puzzle may be displayed to a second user in communication with the first user. Responsive to a solving of the video puzzle by the second user, communications functionality between the first user and second user may be modified. For example, a fee assessed by a chat service or other facilitator for hosting the communications between the first user and second user may be waived or reduced.

Abstract: This technology concerns, in one aspect, using a person's social network graph data as a virtual visual cortex—taking image input from a smartphone or the like, and processing it with the graph data to yield a personalized form of processing based on the imagery. The user's network graph data is typically updated by such processing—providing a form of virtual image memory that can influence future social network behavior. In another aspect, the technology concerns identifying content (e.g., audio) by both fingerprint-based and watermark-based techniques, and arrangements employing such identification data. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for audio device playback failure recovery and redistribution. The systems and methods may be configured to render an audio content according to a first playback responsibility that involves rendering both (a) a left channel of an audio content and (b) a right channel of the audio content, detect an instruction to form a stereo pair with another network device; render the audio content according to a second playback responsibility that involves rendering one of (a) the left channel of the audio content or (b) the right channel of the audio content; while rendering the audio content according to the second playback responsibility, detect a failure of the another network device; and render the audio content according to the first playback responsibility.

Abstract: A behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid includes: a microphone; a signal processor; a receiver; a partition plane extending between a first side of the hearing aid and a second side of the hearing aid; and a transceiver for wireless data communication interconnected with an antenna for electromagnetic field emission and electromagnetic field reception, the antenna having a first feed point and a second feed point; wherein at least a part of the antenna intersects the partition plane at an intersection so that a relative difference between a first distance from the first feed point to the intersection and a second distance from the second feed point to the intersection is less than or equal a first threshold.

Abstract: An example implementation may include causing a group of one or more playback devices to render first audio content. The example implementation may also include displaying an indication of second audio content, the second audio content comprising two or more songs. The example implementation may further include receiving first input data indicating a request to audition the second audio content; and in response to the request to audition the second audio content, rendering at least one of the two or more songs while the group of one or more playback devices is rendering the first audio content.

Abstract: An example method may include displaying, by a network device, an indication of a first audio content and an indication of a second audio content; receiving, by the network device, first input data indicating a request for the first audio content to be played by a group of one or more playback devices; causing, by the network device, the group of one or more playback devices to render the first audio content; receiving, by the network device, second input data indicating a request to audition the second audio content using the network device; and in response to the request to audition the second audio content, rendering, by the network device, the second audio content while the group of one or more playback devices is playing the first audio content. An example network device and an example non-transitory computer-readable medium related to the example method may also be disclosed herein.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converting (DAC) circuit is utilized for converting a 1-bit stream into an analog output signal. The DAC includes an N-bit encoder, a multiplexer, a low-pass filter, and a digital-to-analog conversion circuit. The N-bit encoder is utilized for receiving the 1-bit stream and encoding the 1-bit stream to generate an N-bit stream, where N is larger than 1; the multiplexer is utilized for selectively outputting the N-bit stream or a zero signal as an output signal according to a selection signal; the low-pass filter is utilized to generate a filtered output signal according to the output signal; and the digital to analog conversion circuit is utilized to generate the analog output signal according to the filtered output signal.

Abstract: A retractable storage system for a handheld electronic device includes a protective housing member, at least one cable with a plug head and an end piece, and at least one retractable mechanism to retract and store the cable. The retractable mechanism has a groove track system to control a rotational movement of the retractable mechanism. The groove track system has a groove track component to enable and disable the rotational movement of the retractable mechanism.

Abstract: Sound processor housings, sound processors and systems including sound processors are disclosed.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer has a vibrating film and a fixed film formed above an opening portion of a substrate, and at least a first sensing portion and a second sensing portion that detect sound waves using change in capacitance between a vibrating electrode provided in the vibrating film and a fixed electrode provided in the fixed film, convert the sound waves into electrical signals, and output the electrical signals. In the first sensing portion and the second sensing portion, the fixed film is used in common, and the vibrating electrode is divided into a first sensing region and a second sensing region that respectively correspond to the first sensing portion and the second sensing portion. In the first sensing portion, a protrusion portion that protrudes toward the vibrating electrode is provided on a region of the fixed film that opposes the first sensing region.

Abstract: Sound processors with light transmissive seals and systems including such sound processors are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-configuring portable electronic devices are provided. In one embodiment, the portable device includes carrier circuitry that receives compressed data streams of information and application circuitry that decompresses the received data stream in accordance with a specific CODEC. The device includes the capability for the carrier circuitry to provide the specific CODEC required to decompress the data stream to the application circuitry. The transfer of the specific CODEC can be done as a default action or it can be done based on a queue received from the application circuitry.

Abstract: Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide an LED lighting device and speaker. The LED lighting device and speaker may include an LED lighting unit, a speaker, an outer casing, and a power supply module. The LED lighting unit and the speaker are placed on the outer casing. There is also a sound guiding tube on the outer casing. The sound guiding tube on the outer casing may expand the audio bandwidth, enhance bass quality, reduce speaker vibration displacements, and protect the speaker. Further, the gap between the sound guiding tube and the bottom of the outer casing provides a heat dissipation path for the heat generated by the power supply module. In addition, the sound guiding tube and the hollowed lampshade forms a path that increases the air circulation between the interior and exterior of the LED lighting device and speaker.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for operating a hearing device capable of receiving a plurality of input signals (i1, . . . , i5). The method comprises the steps of extracting source identification information embedded in one or more of the input signals (i1, . . . , i5), wherein the source identification information identifies a signal source (S1, . . . , SN) from which a particular input signal (i1, . . . , i5) originates, and/or extracting audio type information embedded in one or more of the input signals (i1, . . . , i5), wherein the audio type information provides an indication of the type of audio content present in a particular input signal (i1, . . . , i5), selecting from the plurality of input signals (i1, . . . , i5) one or more selected signals to be processed (u1, . . . , uM), processing the selected signals (u1, . . . , uM), and generating an output signal (o) of the hearing device by said processing of the selected signals (u1, . . . , uM).

Abstract: A portable media player communicates with a host computer for enabling a user of the player to manage media distribution using the control software of the host computer. The host computer can send a GUI that is displayed on the otherwise “dumb” player, and the user can view the GUI and press a single button to command the control software to download a media title to the player. The host computer can periodically poll the player to determine its status.

Abstract: A system for monitoring sound pressure levels at the ear includes an ambient sound microphone (ASM) for receiving ambient sounds and an ear canal microphone (ECM) for producing audio signals as a function of ambient sound received at the ambient sound microphone and a sound signal received from an associated personal audio device. A logic circuit is operatively associated with the ASM and ECM calculates a total SPL_Dose experienced by the ear at a time t. The total SPL_Dose is calculated by determining SPL_Dose for periods ?t as measured at the ECM. The logic circuit may select an action parameter in response to the Total SPL_Dose.

Abstract: Provided is a modulation circuit that can correct an output state in real time and reliably modulate an input signal to output the modulated signal. The signal modulation circuit includes a subtracter, an integrator, a chopper circuit, a frequency divider, and a D-type flip-flop. A delay circuit of a sigma delta modulation circuit is not provided to a feedback circuit, and a signal is delayed and quantized in the D-type flip-flop. The chopper circuit inserts a zero level at timing synchronized with a clock signal, so that pulse density modulation is performed.

Abstract: Signaturing methods and apparatus as described. An example method includes applying a first function to a portion of digital data to produce a first windowed block, applying a second function different from the first function to the same portion of the digital data to produce a second windowed block, determining a first characteristic of a band of frequencies in the first windowed block, determining a second characteristic of the band of frequencies in the second windowed block, comparing the first characteristic to the second characteristic, and assigning a signature bit representative of the portion of the digital data based on the comparison of the first characteristic and the second characteristic.

Abstract: A retractable storage system for handheld electronic device has a plug head actuation system to operably connect or disconnect the plug head and one or more storage chambers to house a retraction mechanism and/or a battery. At least one accessory station structured on the housing member of the device has an aperture for arresting, dispensing and/or charging at least one accessory item, such as a wireless earbud or e-cigarette. The retraction mechanism retrieves and dispense the stored accessory item through the accessory station.