Patents by Inventor Richard Kreifeldt

Richard Kreifeldt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150193198
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for automatic device selection and for media content playback is provided. The apparatus includes a first media device positioned in a first media zone and being wirelessly coupled to a second media device that is positioned in a second media zone and a mobile device that transmits media content. The first media device is configured to receive a first signal from the second media device to determine a first distance of the second media device from the first media device and to receive a second signal from the mobile device to determine a second distance of the mobile device from the first media device. The first media device is further configured to playback the media content from the mobile device in the first media zone if the second distance is less than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. HUTCHINGS, Richard KREIFELDT
  • Publication number: 20150139442
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for generating a simulated vehicle sound is provided. At least one parameter module receives a first driver throttle signal and to transmit a first input signal indicative of a first simulated vehicle sound. An engine sound generator block audibly generates a first simulated vehicle sound in response to the first input signal. An engine sound removal block is operably coupled to a microphone that receives a first microphone input signal. The first microphone input signal includes first environmental noise associated with a vehicle exterior environment and the first simulated vehicle sound. The engine sound removal block is configured to filter the first simulated vehicle sound from the first microphone input signal to determine the first environmental noise. The engine sound generator generates a second simulated vehicle sound that is louder than the first environmental noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Harman International Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kreifeldt, James Kirsch
  • Patent number: 8938675
    Abstract: A system for automating generation of an audio/video (AV) control interface includes a computing device having a processor to enable a user, with a user interface of the computing device, to configure the AV system. The processor may enable the user to draw output zones to create a representation of a geographical layout of a venue in which the AV system is located. The processor may enable the user to place transmitting and receiving AV devices within the output zones that substantially represent physical locations thereof within the venue. The processor may enable the user to logically associate receiving AV device channels of receiving AV devices within an output zone. The processor assigns parameters of the associated AV devices to a control interface for user control thereof. To do so, the processor identifies controllable parameters associated with the AV devices associated with the output zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Adam Holladay, Richard A. Kreifeldt, Gregory Matthew Nelson, Spencer Warren George
  • Patent number: 8443098
    Abstract: A memory management unit (MMU) may buffer media stream samples of one or more media streams, such as audio and/or video streams, in a buffer. The MMU may determine how much time a media stream sample is to be buffered by comparing a value of a real-time clock with a timestamp associated with the media stream sample. The MMU may determine a target output block in the buffer for the media stream sample based on the period of a media clock and on the amount of buffer time that the media stream sample is to be buffered. The target output block is determined relative to an output block identified by a read address. The MMU may store the media stream sample in the target output block. The MMU may increase or decrease the read address at a rate determined by the media clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Aaron Gelter, Brian Parker, Robert Boatright, Richard A. Kreifeldt
  • Publication number: 20120121105
    Abstract: A system to automate networked routing of audio in a live sound system includes a computing device having a processor and memory and in which the live sound system is configurable for a venue. The memory includes instructions executable by the processor to route audio signals over a network based on user selection of source audio signals from at least one transmitting audio device and on logical grouping of loudspeakers by the user from within a graphical user interface. The processor, for each receiving audio device channel of the group of loudspeakers (such as bandpass inputs), identifies power amplifiers and/or digital signal processors (DSPs) (which may be integrated within a powered loudspeaker) through which to route the selected source audio signals; and then routes the selected source audio signals from the selected transmitting audio device over the network to the receiving audio device channels through channels of the identified power amplifiers and/or DSPs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adam Holladay, Richard A. Kreifeldt, Brian Pickowitz, Paul Bauman
  • Publication number: 20120047435
    Abstract: A computing system automates the configuration and management of a live sound system that includes a processor and memory for building in a GUI of a display a representation of the live sound system for a venue. The system loads a venue template that includes loudspeaker arrays and related properties including a setup configuration of the loudspeaker arrays and tuning data for constituent loudspeakers that are operable to provide an audio coverage pattern for the venue. The system overlays on top of the representation of the loudspeaker arrays a wiring circuit representation indicating interconnections of the loudspeakers that define bandpass inputs for each array. The system generates a plurality of amplifiers in the representation to drive the arrays, and associates amplifier channels of the amplifiers with the bandpass inputs. The amplifier channels include representations of output channels of DSPs coupled with respective amplifier channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adam Holladay, Richard A. Kreifeldt, Brian Pickowitz, Paul Bauman
  • Publication number: 20110231566
    Abstract: A memory management unit (MMU) may buffer media stream samples of one or more media streams, such as audio and/or video streams, in a buffer. The MMU may determine how much time a media stream sample is to be buffered by comparing a value of a real-time clock with a timestamp associated with the media stream sample. The MMU may determine a target output block in the buffer for the media stream sample based on the period of a media clock and on the amount of buffer time that the media stream sample is to be buffered. The target output block is determined relative to an output block identified by a read address. The MMU may store the media stream sample in the target output block. The MMU may increase or decrease the read address at a rate determined by the media clock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Aaron Gelter, Brian Parker, Robert Boatright, Richard A. Kreifeldt
  • Patent number: 8005231
    Abstract: A system includes a variable amplifier, a source sound processor, an area sound processor, and an adjustment circuit. The variable amplifier adjusts an audio input signal to generate an audio output signal with an appropriate level so that the audio output signal is audible over noise in a listening area. The source sound processor and the area sound processor may split the audio output signal and a monitoring signal into frequency bands, and may compare these signals band-by-band to find differences that represent time-varying noise in the monitoring signal. These differences may be modified to account for the acoustic response of the listening area and for constant-level background noise in the listening area. The adjustment circuit controls the variable amplifier in response to these differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy J. Shuttleworth, Richard A. Kreifeldt, C. Rex Reed, Brian R. Ellison
  • Patent number: 7898988
    Abstract: A ring based network includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit selects one of a number of inputs and switches an input to a first common communication line. A second circuit selects one of a second number of inputs and switches a second input to a second common communication line linked to one of the first number of inputs. A detect circuit controls the switches of the first and second circuit to emulate a communication ring in which nodes are connected in series in a communication loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert Boatright, Richard Kreifeldt, Craig Gunther
  • Publication number: 20100318911
    Abstract: A system for automating generation of an audio/video (AV) control interface includes a computing device having a processor to enable a user, with a user interface of the computing device, to configure the AV system. The processor may enable the user to draw output zones to create a representation of a geographical layout of a venue in which the AV system is located. The processor may enable the user to place transmitting and receiving AV devices within the output zones that substantially represent physical locations thereof within the venue. The processor may enable the user to logically associate receiving AV device channels of receiving AV devices within an output zone. The processor assigns parameters of the associated AV devices to a control interface for user control thereof. To do so, the processor identifies controllable parameters associated with the AV devices associated with the output zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adam Holladay, Richard A. Kreifeldt, Gregory Matthew Nelson, Spencer Warren George
  • Publication number: 20100318917
    Abstract: A system for configuring an audio/video (AV) system includes a computing device having a processor to enable a user, with a user interface of the computing device, to configure the AV system. The processor may enable the user to draw output zones to create a representation of a geographical layout of a venue in which the AV system is located. The processor may enable the user to place transmitting and receiving AV devices within the output zones that substantially represent physical locations thereof within the venue. The processor may enable the user to logically associate receiving AV device channels of one or more receiving AV devices within an output zone. The processor may also enable the user to select which of a number of source AV signals from transmitting AV devices the user wants to route to the associated output zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adam Holladay, Richard A. Kreifeldt, Gregory Matthew Nelson, Spencer Warren George
  • Patent number: 7602925
    Abstract: A signal processing system improves signal quality by accurately locating and eliminating a feedback signal in an input signal, such as an audio signal. The signal processing system interpolates between frequency sample points to obtain a more accurate identification of a feedback signal frequency. A less intrusive filter reduces or eliminates the identified frequency signal frequency without excessive adverse effects on adjacent frequencies in the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard A. Kreifeldt, Curtis R. Reed, Aaron M. Hammond
  • Publication number: 20080069365
    Abstract: A system includes a variable amplifier, a source sound processor, an area sound processor, and an adjustment circuit. The variable amplifier adjusts an audio input signal to generate an audio output signal with an appropriate level so that the audio output signal is audible over noise in a listening area. The source sound processor and the area sound processor may split the audio output signal and a monitoring signal into frequency bands, and may compare these signals band-by-band to find differences that represent time-varying noise in the monitoring signal. These differences may be modified to account for the acoustic response of the listening area and for constant-level background noise in the listening area. The adjustment circuit controls the variable amplifier in response to these differences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy Shuttleworth, Richard Kreifeldt, C. Reed, Brian Ellison
  • Patent number: 7333618
    Abstract: Systems and methods for ambient noise compensation are disclosed. One example of a system includes a variable amplifier, a source sound processor, an area sound processor, and an adjustment circuit. The variable amplifier adjusts an audio input signal to generate an audio output signal with an appropriate level so that the audio output signal is audible over noise in a listening area. The source sound processor and the area sound processor may split the audio output signal and a monitoring signal into frequency bands, and may compare these signals band-by band to find differences that represent time-varying noise in the monitoring signal. These differences may be modified to account for the acoustic response of the listening area and for constant-level background noise in the listening area. The adjustment circuit controls the variable amplifier in response to these differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy J. Shuttleworth, Richard A. Kreifeldt, C. Rex Reed, Brian R. Ellison
  • Publication number: 20070223733
    Abstract: An ambient noise compensation system determines an ambient noise level of a listening area. The ambient noise level may be calculated from the differences between a desired audio signal in the listening area, a measured background noise level in the listening area, and measured acoustic characteristics of the listening area. Based on the ambient noise level, the system adjusts a level of the desired audio signal so that it is audible over undesirable noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy Shuttleworth, Richard Kreifeldt, C. Reed, Brian Ellison
  • Publication number: 20070171937
    Abstract: A ring based network includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit selects one of a number of inputs and switches an input to a first common communication line. A second circuit selects one of a second number of inputs and switches a second input to a second common communication line linked to one of the first number of inputs. A detect circuit controls the switches of the first and second circuit to emulate a communication ring in which nodes are connected in series in a communication loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Boatright, Richard Kreifeldt, Craig Gunther
  • Patent number: 7203324
    Abstract: This invention is an audio system capable of identifying frequencies of feedback signals and filters these feedback signals. Frequency interpolation is utilized on a sampled frequency spectrum signal corresponding to a feedback signal, where the frequency interpolation allows the frequency of the feedback signal to be identified, especially where the frequency lies between samples of the frequency spectrum signal. The frequency identification allows a less intrusive filter, such as a notch filter, to be placed at the determined frequency of the feedback to eliminate the feedback signal. The placement of the notch filter reduces the effect on the audio signal provided by the audio system. The audio system may provide adaptive filtering of multiple feedback signals, using a single filter such as a notch filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard A. Kreifeldt, Curtis R. Reed, Aaron M. Hammond
  • Publication number: 20060056644
    Abstract: A signal processing system improves signal quality by accurately locating and eliminating a feedback signal in an input signal, such as an audio signal. The signal processing system interpolates between frequency sample points to obtain a more accurate identification of a feedback signal frequency. A less intrusive filter reduces or eliminates the identified frequency signal frequency without excessive adverse effects on adjacent frequencies in the input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Kreifeldt, Curtis Reed, Aaron Hammond
  • Publication number: 20050246041
    Abstract: A system for management and control of audio related equipment. The system provides an architecture to manage, monitor, and control all of the audio related equipment in an audio system. A communication protocol used within the system allows standardized communication between the performance equipment mangers and the audio related devices, as well as device-to-device communication. The protocol allows users to add audio related devices to an audio system without performing a setup to configure communication between the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Kreifeldt, John Lee, William Plunkett, Timothy Shuttleworth, Andrew Stevenson, Bruce Werf, Howard Zollinger
  • Publication number: 20050239397
    Abstract: A system for management and control of audio-related equipment. The system is a common architecture that provides the capability to manage, monitor and control all of the audio-related equipment in an audio system. To facilitate messaging between audio-related devices, each of the audio-related devices may be assigned a node ID a sequential manner as each audio-related device powers up. The system may also include a method for discovery of audio-related devices on an audio network. In some examples, a PEM may be located geographically remote from the audio-related devices. Accordingly, error logging, alarming and system operation may be monitored to provide troubleshooting from a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Kreifeldt, John Lee, William Plunkett, Timothy Shuttleworth, Andrew Stevenson, Bruce Werf, Howard Zollinger