Abstract: Various implementations include systems for processing audio signals. In particular implementations, a system for processing audio signals includes: an accessory device that includes a first processor for running a machine learning model on an input signal, where the machine learning model includes a classifier configured to generate metadata associated with the input signal; and a wearable audio device configured for wireless communication with the accessory device, the wearable audio device including a second processor that utilizes the metadata from the accessory device to process a source audio signal and output a processed audio signal.

Abstract: An audio enhancement method includes receiving a first plurality of input signals representative of audio captured using an array of two or more sensors, the first plurality of input signals characterized by a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with the audio being the signal-of-interest. The method also includes receiving a second input signal representative of the audio, the second input signal characterized by a second SNR. The second SNR is higher than the first SNR. The method further includes combining the first plurality of input signals and the second input signal to generate one or more driver signals, and driving one or more acoustic transducers using the one or more driver signals to generate an acoustic signal representative of the audio. The driver signals include spatial information derived from the first plurality of input signals, and are characterized by a third SNR that is higher than the first SNR.

Abstract: Various implementations include systems for processing audio signals. In particular implementations, a system for processing audio signals includes: an accessory device that includes a first processor for running a machine learning model on an input signal, where the machine learning model includes a classifier configured to generate metadata associated with the input signal; and a wearable audio device configured for wireless communication with the accessory device, the wearable audio device including a second processor that utilizes the metadata from the accessory device to process a source audio signal and output a processed audio signal.

Abstract: Various implementations include systems for processing audio signals. In particular implementations, a system for processing audio signals includes: a wearable audio device having a transducer and a communication system; and an accessory device configured to wirelessly communicate with the wearable audio device, the accessory device having a processor configured to process a source audio signal according to a method that includes: source separating the source audio signal; and providing a source separated audio signal to the wearable audio device for transduction.

Abstract: Various implementations include systems for processing audio signals. In particular implementations, a system for processing audio signals includes: a wearable audio device having a transducer and a communication system; and an accessory device configured to wirelessly communicate with the wearable audio device, the accessory device having a processor configured to process a source audio signal according to a method that includes: source separating the source audio signal; and providing a source separated audio signal to the wearable audio device for transduction.

Abstract: An audio enhancement method includes receiving a first input signal representative of audio captured using an array of two or more sensors, the first input signal characterized by a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with the audio being the signal-of-interest. The method also includes receiving a second input signal representative of the audio, the second input signal characterized by a second SNR. The second SNR is higher than the first SNR. The method further includes computing a spectral mask based on a frequency domain representation of the second input signal, and processing a frequency domain representation of the first input signal based on the spectral mask to generate one or more driver signals. The method further includes driving one or more acoustic transducers using the generated driver signals.

Abstract: An audio enhancement method includes receiving a first plurality of input signals representative of audio captured using an array of two or more sensors, the first plurality of input signals characterized by a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with the audio being the signal-of-interest. The method also includes receiving a second input signal representative of the audio, the second input signal characterized by a second SNR. The second SNR is higher than the first SNR. The method further includes combining the first plurality of input signals and the second input signal to generate one or more driver signals, and driving one or more acoustic transducers using the one or more driver signals to generate an acoustic signal representative of the audio. The driver signals include spatial information derived from the first plurality of input signals, and are characterized by a third SNR that is higher than the first SNR.

Abstract: An audio enhancement method includes receiving a first input signal representative of audio captured using an array of two or more sensors, the first input signal characterized by a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with the audio being the signal-of-interest. The method also includes receiving a second input signal representative of the audio, the second input signal characterized by a second SNR. The second SNR is higher than the first SNR. The method further includes computing a spectral mask based on a frequency domain representation of the second input signal, and processing a frequency domain representation of the first input signal based on the spectral mask to generate one or more driver signals. The method further includes driving one or more acoustic transducers using the generated driver signals.

Abstract: A method is provided for directing a user to a point of interest using sounds played on a wearable audio output device. A user's direction of gaze is determined using data from at least one sensor in the audio output device. First and second locations are determined of the user and the point of interest respectively, and a distance is determined between the first and second locations. A relative angle between the direction of gaze and the direction of the point of interest is determined based on the determined first and second locations. A sample sound is altered using at least one sonification technique to convey information relating to the determined distance and the relative angle. The altered sample sound is rendered and output for playing by the audio output device.

Abstract: Various implementations include systems and approaches for binaural testing. In one implementation, a system includes a binaural test dummy including a body having: a head-and-neck region; and a set of head-mounted microphones coupled with the head-and-neck region at anatomically correct ear locations; and a control system coupled with the binaural test dummy for incrementally modifying a position of the binaural test dummy across a range of motion.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for closed-loop respiration entrainment based on spatialized audio signals. According to an aspect, based on a determined rate of a subject's respiration, spatialization of a virtual sound source is altered to simulate a distance or directionality to the subject. Simulating the distance, directionality, and/or source characteristics comprises processing sounds of the virtual sound source to generate a perception of the sounds being heard from one or more distances or directions with reference to the subject. The altered virtual sound source attempts to regulate the rate of respiration of the subject. An audio device outputs the sounds of the altered virtual sound source.

Abstract: Various implementations include systems and approaches for binaural testing. In one implementation, a system includes a binaural test dummy including a body having: a head-and-neck region; and a set of head-mounted microphones coupled with the head-and-neck region at anatomically correct ear locations; and a control system coupled with the binaural test dummy for incrementally modifying a position of the binaural test dummy across a range of motion.

Abstract: An audio system includes a plurality of near-field speakers arranged in a listening area. A plurality of cross-talk cancellation filters are coupled to the speakers. The speakers and the filters are arranged to provide first and second listening zones in the listening area such that audio from the first listening zone is cancelled in the second listening zone and vice versa. The system also includes at least one audio source providing audio content. Volume-based equalization circuitry receives an audio signal representing audio content for the first listening zone from the audio source and controls a volume adjustment applied to the audio signal to control a volume of audio in the first listening zone. The circuitry limits attenuation or amplification of a first frequency portion of the audio signal when a volume setting differential corresponding to a difference between volume settings for the first and second zones exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The technology described in this document can be embodied in a method of reproducing audio related to a teleconference between a second location and a remote first location. The method includes receiving data representing audio captured by a microphone array disposed at the remote first location. The data includes directional information representing the direction of a sound source relative to the remote microphone array. The method also includes obtaining, based on the directional information, information representative of head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) corresponding to the direction of the sound source relative to the remote microphone array, and generating, using one or more processing devices, an output signal for an acoustic transducer located at the second location. The output signal is generated by processing the received data using the information representative of the one or more HRTFs, and is configured to cause the acoustic transducer to generate an audible acoustic signal.

Abstract: An audio system includes a plurality of near-field speakers arranged in a listening area. A plurality of cross-talk cancellation filters are coupled to the speakers. The speakers and the filters are arranged to provide first and second listening zones in the listening area such that audio from the first listening zone is cancelled in the second listening zone and vice versa. The system also includes at least one audio source providing audio content. Volume-based equalization circuitry receives an audio signal representing audio content for the first listening zone from the audio source and controls a volume adjustment applied to the audio signal to control a volume of audio in the first listening zone. The circuitry limits attenuation or amplification of a first frequency portion of the audio signal when a volume setting differential corresponding to a difference between volume settings for the first and second zones exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An audio system includes a plurality of near-field speakers arranged in a listening area. A plurality of cross-talk cancellation filters are coupled to the speakers. The speakers and the filters are arranged to provide first and second listening zones in the listening area such that audio from the first listening zone is cancelled in the second listening zone and vice versa. The system also includes at least one audio source providing audio content. Volume-based equalization circuitry receives an audio signal representing audio content for the first listening zone from the audio source and controls a volume adjustment applied to the audio signal to control a volume of audio in the first listening zone. The circuitry limits attenuation or amplification of a first frequency portion of the audio signal when a volume setting differential corresponding to a difference between volume settings for the first and second zones exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A vehicle headrest includes a passive directional acoustic device. The passive directional acoustic device includes an acoustic driver, a pipe acoustically coupled to the acoustic driver. The pipe includes an elongated opening along at least a portion of the length of the pipe through which acoustic energy is radiated to the environment. The radiation is characterized by a volume velocity. The pipe and the opening are configured so that the magnitude of the volume velocity is substantially constant along the length of the pipe.

Abstract: An audio system includes a plurality of near-field speakers arranged in a listening area. A plurality of cross-talk cancellation filters are coupled to the speakers. The speakers and the filters are arranged to provide first and second listening zones in the listening area such that audio from the first listening zone is cancelled in the second listening zone and vice versa. The system also includes at least one audio source providing audio content. Volume-based equalization circuitry receives an audio signal representing audio content for the first listening zone from the audio source and controls a volume adjustment applied to the audio signal to control a volume of audio in the first listening zone. The circuitry limits attenuation or amplification of a first frequency portion of the audio signal when a volume setting differential corresponding to a difference between volume settings for the first and second zones exceeds a predetermined value.