Abstract: Embodiments are described for a method of rendering audio for playback through headphones comprising receiving digital audio content, receiving binaural rendering metadata generated by an authoring tool processing the received digital audio content, receiving playback metadata generated by a playback device, and combining the binaural rendering metadata and playback metadata to optimize playback of the digital audio content through the headphones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooker such as a barbeque. The cooker includes a support for supporting a cooking member such as a hotplate or grill. A burner is provided for being sheltered by the support and for burning gas to form flames. The burner is preferably sheltered by the support to impede dripping grease or fat, from the cooking member, from accumulating on the burners during cooking to thereby reduce cleaning when compared with known barbeques.

Abstract: A node availability estimation service can be used at a service layer of an M2M/IoT network. Value-added services can leverage this node availability information to improve the operation intelligence, quality of service, communication overhead as well as energy efficiency for M2M/IoT systems. A Real-time Data Collection (DC) component can collect real-time data from input sources at service layer (e.g., other existing CSFs). A Data Processing for Estimating Node Availability component (DP) can execute data processing for estimating node availability based on the data collected by DC. A Node Availability Service Provisioning component (SP) can store the estimated node availability results from DP and expose them to service clients in terms of “node availability estimation services”.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a virtual height filter for use with or in an upward-firing speaker system that reflects sound off a ceiling to a listening location at a distance from a speaker, and that provides height cues to reproduce audio objects that have overhead audio components. A virtual height filter based on a directional hearing model is applied to the upward-firing driver signal to improve the perception of height for audio signals transmitted by the virtual height speaker to provide optimum reproduction of the overhead reflected sound. The virtual height filter is provided by any one or combination of analog or digital filter circuits, or mechanical structures including speaker grill, enclosure, or driver design or configuration.

Abstract: Methods are proposed to integrate MQTT Server functionality into the oneM2M CSE, as well as to interconnect such CSE-based MQTT Servers into a network organized around a topic structure based on resource address. Methods can dynamically allocate, assign and deliver an identifier that can be used as the AE-ID by the AE, CSE and MQTT Server. The MQTT Server can be internetworked into the M2M Service Layer such that an MQTT Server is available in every Service Layer node that hosts a CSE.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a method of rendering audio for playback through headphones comprising receiving digital audio content, receiving binaural rendering metadata generated by an authoring tool processing the received digital audio content, receiving playback metadata generated by a playback device, and combining the binaural rendering metadata and playback metadata to optimize playback of the digital audio content through the headphones.

Abstract: A node availability estimation service can be used at a service layer of an M2M/IoT network. Value-added services can leverage this node availability information to improve the operation intelligence, quality of service, communication overhead as well as energy efficiency for M2M/IoT systems. A Real-time Data Collection (DC) component can collect real-time data from input sources at service layer (e.g., other existing CSFs). A Data Processing for Estimating Node Availability component (DP) can execute data processing for estimating node availability based on the data collected by DC. A Node Availability Service Provisioning component (SP) can store the estimated node availability results from DP and expose them to service clients in terms of “node availability estimation services”.

Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to noise level estimation. A method for noise level estimation is disclosed. The method includes, responsive to an increase of a signal level of a noise signal, calculating an impulsive noise probability of the noise signal, the impulsive noise probability indicating a likelihood that the noise signal is an impulsive noise. The method also includes determining a variable smoothing factor for noise level estimation based on the impulsive noise probability, the variable smoothing factor being associated with a previous estimated level of the noise signal. The method further includes smoothing the noise signal with the variable smoothing factor so as to determine a current estimated level of the noise signal. Corresponding system and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for creating a head-related impulse response (HRIR) for use in rendering audio for playback through headphones comprises receiving location parameters for a sound including azimuth, elevation, and range relative to a head of a listener, applying a spherical head model to the azimuth, elevation, and range input parameters to generate binaural HRIR values, computing a pinna model using the azimuth and elevation parameters to apply to the binaural HRIR values to pinna modeled HRIR values, computing a torso model using the azimuth and elevation parameters to apply to the pinna modeled HRIR values to generate pinna and torso modeled HRIR values, and computing a near-field model using the azimuth and range parameters to apply to the pinna and torso modeled HRIR values to generate pinna, torso and near-field modeled HRIR values.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to signal processing. Methods for enhancing intelligibility of speech content in an audio signal are disclosed. One of the methods comprises obtaining reference loudness of the audio signal. The method further comprises enhancing the intelligibility of the speech content by adjusting partial loudness of the audio signal based on the reference loudness and a degree of the intelligibility. Corresponding systems and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to modelling a frequency response characteristic of an electro-acoustic transducer. A method includes obtaining at least one measurement of the frequency response characteristic for at least one electro-acoustic transducer of the category. A model of a frequency response characteristic specific to a category of electro-acoustic transducers is generated at least in part based on perceptual importance of a frequency band, an averaged, normalized or microphone compensated measurement such that the distortion of the model is optimized. A further method for estimating a frequency response characteristic of an electro-acoustic transducer is based on the generated model and the sensitivity of the electro-acoustic transducer or headphone. Corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are proposed to integrate MQTT Server functionality into the oneM2M CSE, as well as to interconnect such CSE-based MQTT Servers into a network organized around a topic structure based on resource address. Methods can dynamically allocate, assign and deliver an identifier that can be used as the AE-ID by the AE, CSE and MQTT Server. The MQTT Server can be internetworked into the M2M Service Layer such that an MQTT Server is available in every Service Layer node that hosts a CSE.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a method of rendering audio for playback through headphones comprising receiving digital audio content, receiving binaural rendering metadata generated by an authoring tool processing the received digital audio content, receiving playback metadata generated by a playback device, and combining the binaural rendering metadata and playback metadata to optimize playback of the digital audio content through the headphones.

Abstract: Methods and procedures allow devices interwork with various types of service layers by updating the device to support the protocol of the M2M/IoT service layer that is being communicated with. Devices can coordinate/initiate download of a service layer API that is compatible with the service layer the device is attempting to use. A service layer can coordinate the autonomous update of a device with the proper service layer API which allows the device to then communicate and use services supported by the service layer component to the device. A service layer can detect a device or application lacking proper service layer functionality and can trigger a management entity to update the device or application with the service layer API required such that the device can then register to the service layer and use its services. A device or application can be customized or optimized to the service layer that it is registered to and using.

Abstract: A node availability estimation service can be used at a service layer of an M2M/IoT network. Value-added services can leverage this node availability information to improve the operation intelligence, quality of service, communication overhead as well as energy efficiency for M2M/IoT systems. A Real-time Data Collection (DC) component can collect real-time data from input sources at service layer (e.g., other existing CSFs). A Data Processing for Estimating Node Availability component (DP) can execute data processing for estimating node availability based on the data collected by DC. A Node Availability Service Provisioning component (SP) can store the estimated node availability results from DP and expose them to service clients in terms of “node availability estimation services”.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to speakers and circuits that reflect sound off a wall surface (114) to a listening location at a distance from a speaker. The reflected sound (103) provides direct audio cues to reproduce audio objects that have direct audio components without the need for direct firing speakers. The speaker comprises sideward firing drivers (108) to reflect sound off of the wall surface (114) and represents a virtual direct speaker (116). A virtual direct filter is applied to the sideward-firing driver signal to improve the perception of direct audio transmitted by the sideward firing speaker (108) to provide optimum reproduction of the reflected sound. The virtual direct filter may be incorporated as part of a crossover circuit that separates the full band and sends high frequency sound to the sideward-firing driver (108).

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a method of rendering audio for playback through headphones comprising receiving digital audio content, receiving binaural rendering metadata generated by an authoring tool processing the received digital audio content, receiving playback metadata generated by a playback device, and combining the binaural rendering metadata and playback metadata to optimize playback of the digital audio content through the headphones.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a system of rendering object-based audio content through a system that includes individually addressable drivers, including at least one driver that is configured to project sound waves toward one or more surfaces within a listening environment for reflection to a listening area within the listening environment; a renderer configured to receive and process audio streams and one or more metadata sets associated with each of the audio streams and specifying a playback location of a respective audio stream; and a playback system coupled to the renderer and configured to render the audio streams to a plurality of audio feeds corresponding to the array of audio drivers in accordance with the one or more metadata sets.

Abstract: There are provided methods, devices, and systems for managing and using learning outcomes. The method comprises identifying a high-level learning outcome, and identifying a first and second low-level learning outcomes associated with the high-level learning outcome. A first grade associated with the first low-level learning outcome is obtained, and a second grade associated with the second low-level learning outcome is obtained. An outcome grade is calculated based on the first grade and the second grade, which pertains to the high-level outcome.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for rendering spatial audio content through a system that is configured to reflect audio off of one or more surfaces of a listening environment. The system includes an array of audio drivers distributed around a room, wherein at least one driver of the array of drivers is configured to project sound waves toward one or more surfaces of the listening environment for reflection to a listening area within the listening environment and a renderer configured to receive and process audio streams and one or more metadata sets that are associated with each of the audio streams and that specify a playback location in the listening environment.