Patents Examined by Leonard M Giannone
  • Patent number: 8995697
    Abstract: A forward focused bipolar loudspeaker system includes a front-facing driver array and a rear facing driver array with substantially identical front-facing and rear-facing midrange or mid-bass drivers voiced and driven so that the measured SPL curves of each of the arrays, when measured individually, are tonally balanced. The front array and rear array have substantially identical on-axis and off axis frequency response and the rear array's output power (SPL) is reduced by, preferably, about 6 dB with respect to the output power produced by the front-facing array, while retaining a flat tonal balance for both the front and rear speakers, to produce a sound power ratio of about 2:1 as measured by comparing the front and back SPL levels of the speakers. This bipolar speaker system and method for voicing was discovered to provide greater clarity and improved localization while retaining the spacious envelopment of the bipolar sound field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Definitive Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Gladwin, Jason B. Cochrane
  • Patent number: 8976981
    Abstract: A circuit, device and method for controlling an output signal of an amplifier are provided. The output signal may be controlled through a first stage located before a digital to analog converter and/or a second stage located after it. The first stage boosts the digital signal to match with the full signal range of the converter. For the second stage, the circuit comprises: a first resistor coupled to an output of the amplifier in series, the first resistor having a resistance value Rs; a second resistor coupled to the first resistor in series, the second resistor having a resistance value Rp; and an output terminal for a transducer connected to the electronic device, the output terminal connected in parallel to the second resistor. In the circuit, the resistance values Rs and Rp are related by an inversely proportional relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jens Kristian Poulsen, Mohamad El-Hage
  • Patent number: 8953825
    Abstract: A display apparatus including a speaker and a control method thereof which controls the speaker to output a sound wave adjusted according to an installation condition of the display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a signal processor which processes an image signal and an audio signal; a display unit which displays an image corresponding to the image signal processed by the signal processor; a speaker which outputs a sound wave corresponding to the audio signal processed by the signal processor; and a controller which controls the signal processor to adjust the sound wave corresponding to the audio signal to an adjustment value according to an installation condition of the display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soo-chan Lim, Sung-woo Bae
  • Patent number: 8948405
    Abstract: A multi-channel decoder for generating a binaural signal from a downmix signal using upmix rule information on an energy-error introducing upmix rule for calculating a gain factor based on the upmix rule information and characteristics of head related transfer function based filters corresponding to upmix channels. The one or more gain factors are used by a filter processor for filtering the downmix signal so that an energy corrected binaural signal having a left binaural channel and a right binaural channel is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dolby International AB
    Inventor: Lars Villemoes
  • Patent number: 8934645
    Abstract: This is directed to controlling the output of audio based on the mode of an electronic device. In particular, this is directed to an electronic device having a sound mode, silent mode, and mute mode controlling the output of audio along different audio output routes. In the sound mode, all audio can be output, while only registered or authorized audio can be output in the silent mode. In the mute mode, no audio can be output. The sound and silent modes can be enabled using an interface of the device (e.g., a switch having two possible states), while the mute mode can be enabled using an accessory coupled to the device. To disengage the mute mode, a user can provide a corresponding instruction using the accessory, or providing an instruction on the device related to volume control. For example, a user can change the device volume using an on-device interface, or toggle a sound/silent switch to a sound mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Coffman, Meriko Borogove, Jonathan Bennett, Gregory Chapman, Anthony Guetta, Deepak Iyer, Eric Johnson
  • Patent number: 8897467
    Abstract: An electronic amplifier for driving a capacitive load may include first and second differential input terminals to receive an input signal, and first and second differential output terminals to provide a differential output signal. The amplifier may further include a first operational device having first and second differential inputs connected to the first and second differential input terminals, respectively, and an output connected to the first differential output terminal, and a second operational device having first and second differential inputs connected to the first and second differential input terminals, respectively, and an output connected to the second differential output terminal. The first and second operational devices may be operatively configured so that both the first and the second output terminals are at a same reference potential during periods in which a magnitude of differential output signal amplitude decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Design and Application S.R.O.
    Inventors: Peter Murin, Tomas Folk, Pavel Panus
  • Patent number: 8862257
    Abstract: A method and a device for clipping control are provided in the present invention. The method includes: updating a clipping factor according to a maximum absolute value FrameLev in a current frame signal; obtaining a clipping restoration filter according to the clipping factor; filtering the current frame signal according to the clipping restoration filter to obtain a filtered clipping restoration signal. With the method and device for clipping control provided in the present invention, whether a clipping phenomenon occurs may be automatically detected, and clipping restoration is performed, so that subjective quality of an output signal is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Deming Zhang
  • Patent number: 8812139
    Abstract: An electronic device capable of auto-tracking a sound source includes a driving member including a rotor, a housing fixed to the rotor; a first sound sensor positioned on the housing for detecting sound from the sound source to generate a first sound signal. A second sound sensor positioned on the housing spaced from the first sound sensor for detecting sound from the sound source to generate a second sound signal. A third sound sensor positioned on a perpendicular bisector of the connection line of the first sound sensor and the second sound sensor for detecting sound from the sound source to generate a third sound signal. A microphone positioned on a perpendicular bisector of the connection line of the first sound sensor and the second sound sensor, and a processor positioned in the housing for analyzing intensities of the three sound signals, and controlling the driving member to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Yang Liao
  • Patent number: 8792655
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the approach distance of a human body and performing different actions according to the detecting results comprises: an infrared sensing circuit for sensing the human body's movement; a short-distance infrared signal level detector, used for detecting the amplitude level of signals and comparing them with a preset reference level; a long-distance infrared signal level detector, used for detecting the amplitude level of signals and comparing them with another preset reference level; and a long-distance indication-signal time delayer, used for delaying the output of the signals from the long-distance-signal level detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventors: Wen-Chun Chen, Lan-Chung Hou
  • Patent number: 8787589
    Abstract: An electronic device connectable with an electronic accessory according to the present disclosure is provided. The electronic device includes a jack, a data signal transceiving unit, a measuring unit, a switching unit and a processing unit. The jack is adapted to receive an insertion of a plug of the electronic accessory and has a first contact terminal adapted to be in contact with a first contact of the plug. The data signal transceiving unit is adapted to transmit to or receive from the electronic accessory a data signal through the first contact terminal of the jack. The measuring unit is adapted to measure a parameter resulted from the contact of the first contact terminal of the jack with the first contact of the plug through the first contact terminal when the plug is inserted into the jack. The switching unit is adapted to selectively connect the first contact terminal of the jack electrically to the data signal transceiving unit or the measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Ching Chung Hung, Hsiu Hung Chou, Chia Wei Hsu
  • Patent number: 8781139
    Abstract: A speaker system includes a first speaker, a second speaker and a driving circuit. The first speaker and the second speaker are different types of speakers. The driving circuit drives the first speaker with a first driving voltage and a first driving current and drives the second speaker with a second driving voltage and a second driving current, wherein the first driving voltage is larger than the second driving voltage and the first driving current is smaller than the second driving current. The present disclosure further provides a speaker driving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: Fang Ching Lee
  • Patent number: 8774417
    Abstract: A method for performing a surround audio compatibility assessment on a plurality of original surround channels is described herein. A surround audio compatibility assessment system accepting original surround signals is also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: XFRM Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard C. Cabot, Matthew Sammis Ashman
  • Patent number: 8737627
    Abstract: A decoding method of audio data is applied to an electronic device. The method includes: calculating difference values of the left and right channel audio signal values; determining time slots, wherein each of the first difference values exceeds a threshold value and a time length of the time slots exceeds a preset time; respectively multiplying the time slots with the left channel audio signal values and the right channel audio signal values to obtains and then making subtraction to obtain DM1˜n; finding a U shaped pattern or an inverse U shaped pattern which meets proportionality from the waveform of DM1˜n; and decoding the written symbol “0” or “1” according to the found U shaped pattern or inverse U shaped pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Te Wu
  • Patent number: 8687815
    Abstract: A method and audio system for processing multi-channel audio signals for surround sound production on a plurality of loudspeakers to a listening area. The plurality of loudspeakers is front located with respect to the listening area. The plurality of loudspeakers comprises an outer left loudspeaker, an inner left loudspeaker, an inner right loudspeaker and an outer right loudspeaker. The multi-channel audio signals comprise one or more low frequency effects audio signals and one or more audio signals categorized as front based left inclined, front based right inclined, rear based left inclined, rear based right inclined, and center based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Kok Huan Ong
  • Patent number: 8675893
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a speaker, a terminal, an amplifier, a power supply circuit, and a first controller. The terminal is configured to input an audio signal from an external apparatus. The amplifier is configured to amplify the audio signal which is input from the terminal, and to output sound from the speaker. The power supply circuit is configured to supply power to the amplifier. The first controller is configured to control the power supply circuit in order to continue the supply of power to the amplifier, if the external apparatus is connected to the terminal when the electronic apparatus transitions from a operative state to a non-operative state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Naoyuki Wada
  • Patent number: 8660678
    Abstract: A method for audio processing includes receiving in an electronic processor an audio input from a performance of a musical piece having a score. A two-dimensional state space is defined, including coordinates modeling the performance, each coordinate corresponding to a respective location in the score and a tempo of the performance. For each of a plurality of times during the performance, a probability distribution is computed over the two-dimensional state space based on the audio input. Based on the probability distribution, the performance is matched to the score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tonara Ltd.
    Inventors: Yair Lavi, Evgeni Begelfor
  • Patent number: 8644519
    Abstract: An electronic device having an enclosure including an upper panel and a bottom panel operably connected to the upper panel. A transducer is operably connected to the enclosure and the transducer is configured to mechanically vibrate the enclosure. The transducer includes an electromagnet, a magnet in communication with the electromagnet and a bracket substantially surrounding the electromagnet and the magnet, the bracket substantially secures the transducer to the bottom panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Paul Gerard Puskarich, Craig Leong, Ronald Nadim Isaac, Ruchi Goel, Jim Lynn Tenneboe, Daniel Culbert, Niel Warren, Nathan Alan Johanningsmeier
  • Patent number: 8626324
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for altering pitch of a note played on a musical instrument keyboard of a touch-sensitive electronic display. An exemplary method includes playing a note of a key of the keyboard on the touch-sensitive display touched by a user. The method includes continuously altering the pitch of the played note as the user slides a point of contact on the touch-sensitive display horizontally from the key being played across adjacent keys to a second key, in accordance with the keys being contacted during the sliding of the point of contact. In a further aspect, the method includes detecting motion of user contact in a direction other than horizontally across keys of the keyboard, such as vertical, and activating a sound effect in addition to pitch alteration in response to the detection. Example sound effects include tremolo, vibrato, echo, and sound filter effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Lengeling
  • Patent number: 8532803
    Abstract: A method of processing an audio signal is disclosed. The present invention includes receiving, by an audio processing apparatus, an input signal; extracting a low frequency signal, a mid frequency signal and a high frequency signal from the input signal; obtaining at least one of a low-band gain and a harmonic control factor, based on a loudspeaker characteristic; obtaining mid-band gain based on the loudspeaker characteristic; generating a modified low frequency signal by applying the low-band gain to the low frequency signal; when the harmonic control factor is obtained, generating a harmonic signal from the modified low frequency signal using the harmonic control factor, generating a modified mid frequency signal by applying the mid-band gain to the mid frequency signal; and, generating a mixed signal by mixing the modified mid frequency signal, the high frequency signal, and at least one of the modified low frequency signal and the harmonic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyen-O Oh, Jong Ha Moon