Abstract: The embodiments of the invention concern a keypad (120). The keypad can include a membrane (143), at least one key with at least one flange 150 to overlap with at least one second flange of a second key (146), and at least one audio port opening (107) in the membrane for providing a passage of air from a transducer (101) positioned behind at least one key through the keypad to a main volume area (112). For example, the audio port opening can be in a region of the membrane between the keys, and the overlapping of the flanges obscures a view of at least one audio port opening.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and a mobile unit (100) for a rapid initiation sequence. The method can include the steps of receiving (210) a rapid initiation sequence command and in response, bypassing (212) a normal initiation sequence in favor of a rapid initiation sequence such that only those components of the mobile unit that are necessary to permit a user to initiate a call from the mobile unit are initially activated. As an example, the initiated call can be an emergency call to an emergency operations center (132). The method can also include the step of completing (220) the normal initiation sequence once the rapid initiation sequence is completed.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus (110) for sound delivery of an audio device (100) is provided. The apparatus can include a speaker (130) mounted to an underside of a face plate (120) of the device, and a raised appendage (112) on the topside of the face plate. At least a portion of the raised appendage rests against at least a portion of a concha bowl (310) of an ear (230) to align a direction of sound from the speaker through the ear canal when the face plate is pressed against the ear. A positional cue of the raised appendage provides a repeatable reference location for positioning the audio device to align a centerline of the speaker with a centerline of the ear canal when coupled to the ear to maximize audio performance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (500) and system (100) for suppressing receiver audio regeneration. The method (500) includes the steps of receiving a communication signal (502), at a Radio Frequency (RF) unit (102), demodulating the communication signal to an audio signal (504), monitoring a volume level of the audio signal (506), and shifting the pitch of the audio signal when the volume level reaches a predetermined threshold (508), and playing the pitch-shifted audio signal out of a speaker to produce a pitch-shifted acoustic signal (510). The method can shift the pitch of the audio signal to produce a pitch-shifted acoustic signal with signal properties suppressing regeneration of the acoustic signal onto the audio signal at the RF unit. The amount of pitch-shifting can be a function of the volume level.

Abstract: A speaker (100) having a diagnostic capability, as well as a circuit (101) and related methods (500) for performing speaker diagnostics based upon a driving-point impedance are provided. The speaker includes a flexible cone (104) and a voice coil (106) connected to the flexible cone for driving the flexible cone so as to convert electrical signals into sound. The speaker also includes a signal source (110) connected to the voice coil for supplying a test signal to the voice coil. The speaker further includes a signal sensor (112) electrically connected to the voice coil for sensing a response signal occurring in response to the test signal. Additionally, the speaker includes a condition determining module (114) for determining a driving-point impedance based upon the response signal and for comparing the driving-point impedance to a predetermined impedance to thereby determine a condition of the speaker.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and a system (100) for ensuring audio safety in an audio device (110). The system includes a processor (112), a sensor (116), an analog safety circuit (114) and a first feedback loop (117). The processor is programmed to output an acoustic output signal (310, 410), the sensor monitors the acoustic output signal and the analog safety circuit is coupled to an output of the processor. The first feedback loop feeds the monitored acoustic signal from the sensor to the analog safety circuit. The analog safety circuit adjusts from a first level (312, 412) to a second level (316, 414) the acoustic output signal when the acoustic output signal exceeds a predetermined safety threshold (314, 420) such that the audio device has an output capacity that is capable of driving a sound pressure level of the acoustic output signal above the predetermined safety threshold.

Abstract: An active noise cancellation aircraft headset system. A speaker is mounted within each earcup of a headset for receiving and acoustically transducing a composite noise cancellation signal. A microphone is also mounted within each earcup for transducing acoustic pressure within the earcup to a corresponding analog error signal. An analog filter receives the analog error signal and inverts it to generate an analog broadband noise cancellation signal. The analog error signal is also provided to an analog to digital converter, which receives the analog microphone error signal and converts it to a digital error signal. A DSP takes the digital error signal and, using an adaptive digital feedback filter, generates a digital tonal noise cancellation signal. A digital to analog converter then converts the digital tonal noise cancellation signal to an analog tonal noise cancellation signal so that it can be combined with the analog broadband noise cancellation signal.

Abstract: An acoustic resonator (20) has a resonator cavity (22) with a resonator port (24) for communicating with an exhaust flow passage (26) conducting acoustic waves therethrough. Adjustable port structure varies acoustic impedance of the port by various combinations including translation to vary area along an arcuate surface, translation between discrete areas, translation to cumulatively open port area, multiple translation, multiple ports, rotational area change, and rotational length change. Adaptive control may be provided. A combined passive and active acoustic system may also be provided.