Abstract: A cloud-based HRTF repository system that can be accessed via a public application program interface (API) on the remote repository server to permit individual users of audio-capable client devices to upload and store personalized HRTFs and basic device data in an open format. The cloud server repository includes a computer readable non-volatile memory which further includes a program memory portion comprising an application program interface (API) module configured for receiving HRTF data from a client device, or from a brand manufacturer, and for sending HRTF data to a client device. A brand manufacturer can upload HRTF data to the cloud-based HRTF repository system either directly from their branded companion app in a client device, or optionally via their own cloud server.

Abstract: An audio network box is provided as a master for a networked speaker system. The audio box can be configured with different combinations of modules to provide functionality as may be desired by an end user. The modules may include a power over Ethernet module, a wireless communication module/access point (AP) module, and an analog speaker module.

Abstract: A head-mounted device (HMD) that includes at least one speaker, at least one audio capturing device and circuitry is provided. The circuitry receives, via the at least one audio capturing device, a user input that corresponds to an audio input. The circuitry further determines a first location of a source of the received audio input, based on the received audio input. The circuitry further determines that the received audio input is enunciated from a wearer of the HMD in a worn state of the HMD, based on the determined first location of the source of the received audio input. The circuitry further controls at least a function of the HMD, based on the determination that the received audio input is enunciated from the wearer.

Abstract: An audio video device (AVD) is activated post-sale using an unlock code issued during the purchase. The buyer connects to his home network and enters the unlock code issued in the store at the point of sale. Then a server associated with the seller can complete the transaction and unlock the AVD for full functionality. In the event the AVD is reported stolen before activation, it can be blocked from use. When in the reduced functionality mode” the AVD can remain in demonstration mode or other reduced functionality state (e.g., only works with HDMI1).

Abstract: A master device receives audio, down-mixes the audio to stereo if it is not already in stereo, and then up-mixes the stereo into as many channels as there speakers in the network. The up-mixing can be based on the number and locations of the speakers, which may be determined automatically using a real time location system such as ultra wide band (UWB) location determination techniques. The master device sends each speaker the stereo only, with each speaker also up-mixing the stereo into at least its own respective channel and in some cases into all N channels, selecting from the rendered “N” channels that result from the up-mix the channel indicated as being associated with the particular location of the particular speaker.

Abstract: A setup application in a TV, sound bar, surround sound speaker system, or AVR creates a hearing profile for a user, calibrating various frequencies according to an interactive calibration step. Then, object-based audio, which may include metadata describing the key aspects of the audio, is used to identify the key aspects so that they can be emphasized, using the calibration information, to allow for increased intelligibility and the most natural listening experience possible for the hearing-impaired. EQ calibration for each speaker also may be effected for each user.

Abstract: The white balance of a display device such as an LCD TV is automatically adjusted based on the color temperature of ambient light.

Abstract: Audio spatial effects are provided using a gimbal-mounted ultrasonic speaker array in which a vertical line of ultrasonic speakers are provided on a speaker mount and are angled to direct sound at respective different elevation angles. The speaker mount can be rotated by a gimbal. In this way, the azimuth angle of the linear array is established in response to a control signal from, e.g., a game console or video player, with elevational angle of the desired sound beam being established by selecting one or more of the speakers in the linear array with the appropriate elevation angle.

Abstract: A centralized master device receives audio, down-mixes the audio to stereo if it is not already in stereo, and then up-mixes (renders) the stereo into as many channels as there speakers in the network. The up-mixing can be based on the number and locations of the speakers, which may be determined automatically using a real time location system such as ultra wide band (UWB) location determination techniques. The master device sends each speaker its respective channel.

Abstract: Audio effects are played on ultrasonic (US) speakers mounted on a gimbal assembly. The audio effects channel demands an elevation, azimuth, and radial distance along which the audio effects are to be transmitted, and the gimbal assembly moves or a speaker is selected according to the audio effects channel. The demanded radial distance is established by altering the carrier frequency of the US sound.

Abstract: Audio spatial effects are provided using a gimbal-mounted ultrasonic speaker array in which a vertical line of ultrasonic speakers are provided on a speaker mount and are angled to direct sound at respective different elevation angles. The speaker mount can be rotated by a gimbal. In this way, the azimuth angle of the linear array is established in response to a control signal from, e.g., a game console or video player, with elevational angle of the desired sound beam being established by selecting one or more of the speakers in the linear array with the appropriate elevation angle.

Abstract: Various aspects of a bracket system for speakers for a surround sound effect are disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment, the bracket system includes a first bracket assembly and a second bracket assembly. The first bracket assembly is adapted to hold a first speaker. The second bracket assembly is adapted to hold a second speaker. The second bracket assembly is mounted on the first bracket assembly. An angle between the second bracket assembly and the first bracket assembly is adjustable for an alignment of sound output from the first speaker within the first bracket assembly and the second speaker within the second bracket assembly.

Abstract: An after-market network module is provided for each speaker in a sound system that may have been vended without wireless capability. The module for each speaker receives signals from an audio source for play on the speaker. To assist in locating each speaker for purposes of effective audio set up and channel assignation without requiring undue user input, each network module may include a locator device that wirelessly communicates with a master node in the system.

Abstract: A master device receives audio, down-mixes the audio to stereo if it is not already in stereo, and then up-mixes the stereo into as many channels as there speakers in the network. The up-mixing can be based on the number and locations of the speakers, which may be determined automatically using a real time location system such as ultra wide band (UWB) location determination techniques. The master device sends each speaker the stereo only, with each speaker also up-mixing the stereo into at least its own respective channel and in some cases into all N channels, selecting from the rendered “N” channels that result from the up-mix the channel indicated as being associated with the particular location of the particular speaker.

Abstract: A centralized master device receives audio, down-mixes the audio to stereo if it is not already in stereo, and then up-mixes (renders) the stereo into as many channels as there speakers in the network. The up-mixing can be based on the number and locations of the speakers, which may be determined automatically using a real time location system such as ultra wide band (UWB) location determination techniques. The master device sends each speaker its respective channel.

Abstract: The white balance of a display device such as an LCD TV is automatically adjusted based on the color temperature of ambient light.

Abstract: Audio spatial effects are provided using ultrasonic speakers. To better reproduce the audio effects, ultrasound is used to map a room in which the speakers are disposed and the direction of emitted ultrasound from the speakers established using the map.

Abstract: Audio spatial effects are provided using a spherical array of ultrasonic speakers, with the azimuth angle and, if desired, elevation angle demanded by a control signal from, for example, a game console being matched to the sonic axis of one of the speakers in the array to activate the matching speaker.