Abstract: A method and computing device for determining the location of a point of interest in a media stream. The method receives an order of duplication for a media stream and a sequence of caption data strings associated with the media stream. The method computes a hash value for a selected string in the sequence. The hash value representing the selected string, and a number of strings in the sequence that immediately precede the selected string, where the order of duplication determines the number of strings. The method receives a media stream time for the selected string based on the hash value, and determines a time at a point of interest in the media stream relative to the media stream time for the selected string.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver receives a packetized stream. The broadcast receiver extracts display time information from the header of the received packetized stream, and extracts preparation trigger information including a target service identifier from the payload of the received packetized stream. If a current time is a preparation time designated by the extracted display time information, the broadcast receiver starts to prepare an object corresponding to the target service identifier for activation at a later time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a video data transmission processing method, a video data sending processing method, an apparatus, and a network system. The data transmission processing method includes: receiving a source stream sent from a source transmission network to a target transmission network; performing, according to respective packet loss rates of the source transmission network and the target transmission network as well as error tolerance aid information corresponding to the source stream, error tolerance coding processing on the source stream to obtain an error tolerance stream; and sending the obtained error tolerance stream to the target transmission network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cross-platform rendering of video content on a user-computing platform that is one type of a plurality of different user-computing platform types. A script is transmitted to the user-computing platform and is interpreted by an application program compiled to operate on any one of the plurality of user-computing platform types. The script is configured to cause the script to be interpreted by the application program to simulate a multi-threaded execution environment by: iteratively scheduling and performing a first simulated thread which involves decoding encoded video data received by the user-computing platform into decoded video data comprising one or more frame images; and iteratively scheduling and performing a second simulated thread which involves rendering the decoded video data by displaying the one or more frame images.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods to decrease a size of a memory in a low-latency video communication system are described. A control unit is configured to monitor a condition associated with at the communication link. The control unit is configured to receive the video content over a link based on monitoring. A memory comprising a full-frame buffer is coupled to the control unit. The full-frame buffer is configured as a history buffer to store a full frame of the video in a coding format that matches the coding format of the video content received over the link. A display unit is coupled to the history buffer. A portion of the full-frame buffer is configured as a network streaming buffer.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for adding contextual matte bars to format image data to another aspect ratio are provided. For example, a method may include receiving image data of a first aspect ratio into a processor. The processor may receive a characteristic of a destination display of a second aspect ratio, an indication of ambient lighting, an indication of a characteristic of the image data, or any number of these factors. The processor may add matte bars to the image data to cause the image data to be formatted to the second aspect ratio. The appearance of the matte bars may depend on the factors received by the processor. The formatted image data with these contextual matte bars then may be sent from the processor to the destination electronic display.

Abstract: A method for determining user behavior related to media includes receiving a media file containing media, partitioning the media into segments, monitoring user behavior with respect to the media and the segments, logging user behavior with respect to the segments, and identifying a baseline level of user interest with respect to the media. The method may further include comparing logged user behavior with respect to a segment of the media with the baseline level of user interest with respect to the media, responsive to determining that the deviation exceeds a threshold, tagging the media segment to indicate that deviation of the logged user behavior with respect to the segment of the media from the baseline level of user interest with respect to the media, and communicating with a user device regarding tagged segments.

Abstract: A computer system provides a method for delivering a video stream to a viewer and delivering, in synchrony with the video stream, social media content created during the current and previous viewings of the video stream by first-time viewers of the video stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing guidance for Internet-delivered media. In some embodiments, information on available media on the Internet is gathered. The information is associated with existing media guidance data. The associations enable a media guidance application to identify relevant online media and to display listings in a user-friendly way. A user interface for an online media guidance application is also provided. The user interface allows a user to narrow down the large amount of Internet-delivered media in a systematic way according to criteria that interests a user.

Abstract: Method and system to prevent control words sharing. The system comprises a receiver capable of processing a digital data stream. The receiver, having a video descrambler device, is coupled to a primary and secondary secure device. The digital data stream comprises video content data scrambled by a first algorithm using a control word, audio content data encrypted with a secret second algorithm using a system key, and encrypted control messages comprising the control word. The primary secure device decrypts the control message and obtains the control word. The video descrambler device uses this control word to descramble the video content data. The secondary secure device comprises a decryption device which decrypts the encrypted audio content data and a watermarking module configured to add a watermark to the decrypted audio content data and return watermarked decrypted audio content data to the receiver.

Abstract: A client device, such as a digital video recorder, provides a phrase-based communication system in which users are presented with a dynamic messaging interface of selectable phrases and other elements. At least some of the phrases may be selected using algorithms that identify phrases that are likely to be useful to the particular user and/or the context in which the user is creating a message. In this manner, a user is able to generate useful messages quickly, without being limited to stale and fixed canned messages. Popular phrases may be identified by, for example, a server that relays based on messages exchanged between users. These popular phrases may then be harvested for use in the dynamic messaging interface. Moreover, context-sensitive metadata elements may be added to the dynamic messaging interface based on, for example, content that the user is currently viewing or about which the user is currently accessing information.

Abstract: A method may include identify an application launched in a device by a user or a program or a channel selected by the user for playing. The method may further include querying a database to determine whether the application, program, or channel is associated with preset volume settings, wherein the database includes information identifying preset volume settings for a plurality of applications, a plurality of programs, or a plurality of channels. The method may include setting, when the application, program, or channel is associated with preset volume settings, the volume according the preset volume settings during execution of the application or playing of the program or channel. The method may also include prompting the user to set volume settings associated with the application, program, or channel when the application is not associated with the preset volume settings.

Abstract: According to the present invention, in an optical transmission system optically transmitting an optical signal between a first camera adaptor provided to a first video camera, a second camera adaptor provided to a second video camera, and a base station provided at a position remote from the video cameras, the first camera adaptor converts a first electric signal including a video signal component from the first video camera into a first optical signal and transmits the first optical signal to the second camera adaptor. The second camera adaptor receives the first optical signal, converts a second electric signal including a video signal from the second video camera into a second optical signal, and transmits the first and second optical signals to the base station. The base station receives the first and second optical signals, converts the received optical signals into the first and second electric signals, and outputs the electric signals to an external device.

Abstract: A multimedia processing resource (MPR) includes interactive voice response capabilities. A user may control MPR commands and functions over a telephone interface. For example, through a telephone connection a user may receive a listing of electronic programming guide data, may schedule a multimedia program for recording, or may receive a report related to a multimedia program that is viewed at the present time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically tagging a media asset are provided. Verbal input is received from a user while the user is accessing the media asset. A request to adjust playback of the media asset is received from the user. Responsive to receiving the verbal input and the request, a combination of the verbal input and the request is cross-referenced with an attribute database to identify an attribute associated with the combination. The identified attribute is associated with the media asset.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamically adjusting a start or a stop of a recording based on an advertisement break are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes a media content access subsystem detecting an instruction configured to trigger a start or a stop of a recording of a media content instance at a start time or a stop time based on a clock reference, detecting an advertisement break proximate in time to the start time or the stop time, and adjusting the start or the stop of the recording based on the advertisement break. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A classification method and system for possible content alteration of a media work may include criteria regarding content that is feasible for alteration. Such criteria may be maintained in records that are accessible to an interested party. Some embodiments may include a record of primary authorization rights applicable to a possible content alteration. A further embodiment feature may include a record of secondary authorization rights applicable to substitute altered content incorporated in a derivative version. Various techniques may be used to incorporate substitute altered content in a derivative version of the media work in accordance with applicable substitution guidelines.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box (STB) comprising a controller to analyze scheduled media content with limited temporal accessibility provided by a content provider, select a portion of the media content based on the analysis of the media content and a recipient media device to receive the portion of the media content, transmit the portion of the media content to a DVR to store the portion of the media content, and transmit a metadata pointer associated with the portion of the media content to a server. A request to accept the portion of the media content is received by the recipient media device via the server, and the portion of the media content is retrieved from the DVR by the server based on the metadata pointer when the recipient media device accepts the request. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for delivering media content in full motion video to users via a network in a collaborative media production process is disclosed. The method includes: receiving encoded, production digital media files and an AV log file on a data center server, wherein the AV log file contains meta-data captured on a production set, including SMPTE time codes; reading the meta-data from the AV log file; associating the meta-data with the production digital media files; downloading or streaming the production digital media files to a collaborative display interface via the network; and enabling viewing and collaborative interaction with the production digital media files by a user using the collaborative display interface, wherein the collaborative interaction includes interacting with other users during post-production by notating comments that includes inserting a link to a specific digital media file and an actual media clip frame using a production time code.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for observing a physical phenomenon in the ocean and the atmosphere, the observation apparatus including an observation signal receiving unit to receive an observation signal indicating a physical phenomenon of an observation object, a physical quantity determining unit to determine a physical quantity of the observation object, using the observation signal, and a frequency determining unit to determine whether an observation frequency is to be changed, based on the physical quantity of the observation object.

Abstract: A medical device communication system is presented including a plurality of medical devices, a data collection module for receiving at least pre-defined configuration parameters from each of the plurality of medical devices, and a medical device driver communicating with the data collection module, the medical device driver automatically capturing post-defined configuration parameters from the plurality of medical devices. The medical device communication system includes at least one remote device configured to receive the pre-defined and post-defined configuration parameters from the data collection module. The post-defined configuration parameters are received after the medical device driver is initially written and after initial electrical communication is established between the medical device driver and the data collection module.

Abstract: A switching Clos network universal element that can dynamically change its role is disclosed. The universal element contains a matrix of VCSELs and a matrix of photodiodes on top of an electro-optical chip. The matrix of VCSELs sends data via a first set of optical links, and the matrix of photodiodes receives data a second set of optical links. The universal element also receives and sends data through electronic links. The universal element can function as an expander, aggregator or transitive switch in a folded Clos network. As an expander or an aggregator, the universal element uses its optical links as ingress links and its electronic links as egress links. Using this universal element, a network can be constructed without separate switching elements. Multiple universal elements can be positioned on a PCB, and the multiple universal elements can function as one switch.

Abstract: An electronic device having a microphone device is provided. The electronic device includes at least one case frame which forms the external appearance of the electronic device, at least one microphone device which is disposed in the at least one case frame, and at least one microphone hole which is formed in a position corresponding to the at least one microphone device of the at least one case frame, and is disposed in a region which is not visually exposed in the at least one case frame.

Abstract: A microphone system has a chip system coupled to a base. Among other things, the chip system includes a microphone chip and a circuit chip, in a stacked relationship, configured to electrically communicate. The microphone chip has a diaphragm configured to move upon receipt of an incident audio signal, while the circuit chip has at least one through hole audibly coupled with the diaphragm of the microphone chip.

Abstract: A synthetic jet assembly includes a synthetic jet having a cavity and an opening formed therein. The synthetic jet assembly also includes an actuator element coupled to a second surface of the body to selectively cause displacement of the second surface, and a control unit electrically coupled to the actuator element. The control unit is configured to transmit a multi-frequency drive signal to the actuator element, the multi-frequency drive signal comprising a cooling frequency component and an acoustic frequency component superimposed on the cooling frequency component. The cooling frequency component causes a cooling jet to eject from the opening of the body. The acoustic frequency component produces a desired audible output.

Abstract: An earphone system for a mobile device is provided. The earphone system includes an earphone interface with a plurality of contacts for accepting an earphone jack corresponding to 3- or 4-pole earphones, a controller with a plurality of ports for communicating with the earphones that are connected to the earphone interface via the earphone jack, and an earphone compatible circuit. The earphone compatible circuit controls the connection states between the contacts of the earphone interface and the ports of the controller, according to the type of earphone jack inserted into the earphone interface. The earphone compatible circuit connects corresponding contacts of the earphone jack to ports of the controller.

Abstract: A headphone includes an acoustic transducer having a sound-radiating surface that moves along a first axis, a housing enclosing the acoustic transducer, a first acoustic chamber defined by a first side of the acoustic transducer and a first portion of the housing, the first acoustic chamber including a first reactive port in a serial configuration with an acoustic resistance to couple the first acoustic chamber with space outside the headphone, a second acoustic chamber defined by a second side of the acoustic transducer and a second portion of the housing, the second acoustic chamber separated from the first acoustic chamber by the acoustic transducer, and an opening coupling the second acoustic chamber to the wearer's ear canal along a second axis that is not parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A portable terminal device (100) includes a plurality of operation units (for example, a plurality of operation keys (11)) that are operated by a user; a detection unit that detects which operation unit of the plurality of operation units is operated; and a directional speaker (for example, a parametric speaker (30)). The portable terminal device (100) further includes an audio control unit that controls the directional speaker so that an audio image is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the operation unit operated by the user among the plurality of operation units.

Abstract: The acoustic horn manifold (22) is composed of a vertical array of horn pairs (26A-26G) arranged in stacked relationship to each other. The horns (27L and 27R) of each pair have entrance openings (40L and 40R) on first common plane 44 and at the same elevation and disposed side-by-side to each other. The mouths (50L and 50R) of the horn pairs are in directional alignment with each other and stacked vertically on top of each other. The mouths may be laterally offset somewhat from each other and/or may extend forwardly from respective horn entrances at different distances from each other.

Abstract: A transducer is provided that converts energy between two forms using active components. The transducer also includes passive components in contact with the active components that perform passive component functions separate from the energy conversion function. The passive components have elastic properties that are modifiable by exposure of the passive component to a magnetic field to selectively control the energy conversion function.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting microphone pin assignment and method thereof is provided. The circuit includes a pin switch unit and a detection unit. The pin switch unit switches the pin assignment of a headset connector. The detection unit receives microphone signals and outputs a test voltage to the microphone. According to the voltage difference between the pins, the pin assignment of the headset is determined and the pin switch unit automatically switches to the correct pins.

Abstract: A speech separating digital signal processing system and algorithms for implementing speech separation combine beam-forming with residual noise suppression, such as computational auditory scene analysis (CASA) using a beam-former that has a primary lobe steered toward the source of speech by a control value generated from an adaptive filter. An estimator estimates the ambient noise and provides an input to the residual noise suppressor, and a post-filter may be used to noise-reduce the output of the estimator using a time-varying filter that compares two or more outputs of the beam-former with a quasi-stationary model of the speech and ambient noise.

Abstract: A flat panel electronic device and an audio playing apparatus thereof are provided. The audio playing apparatus comprises an audio generator, a plurality of speakers, a sensor and a controller. The audio generator is operable to generate a left channel audio and a right channel audio. The plurality of speakers are configured such that at least one pair of speakers is symmetrically disposed at a left side and a right side of the flat panel electronic device no matter how the flat panel electronic device is placed. The sensor is operable to detect a placed state of the flat panel electronic device in the installed state. The controller is operable to receive a detecting signal from the sensor so as to control the at least one pair of speakers to play the left channel audio and the right channel audio correspondingly according to the placed state of the flat panel electronic device.

Abstract: A headset having a connector compliant with a specification for a first digital serial bus incorporates a separator circuit that monitors the voltage level of one conductor of that connector to distinguish between a first digital interfacing mode in which the conductors of that connector are operated in a manner supporting the first digital serial bus and a second digital interfacing mode in which the conductors of that connector are operated in a manner in supporting a second digital serial bus, and further, the monitoring of the voltage level of the one conductor may also be employed to distinguish between both the first and second digital interfacing mode and either a third digital interfacing mode or an analog interfacing mode.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a system for processing an augmented reality image. In some examples, an augmented reality system may include an augmented reality engine configured to provide an augmented reality image by integrating a real-world image and a virtual object, and a message processing unit configured to receive a message related to the virtual object and to translate spatial attributes of the virtual object into audio attributes of a sound file.

Abstract: An acoustic generator according to an embodiment is provided with a vibration body, an exciter (piezoelectric vibration element), and a coating portion. The exciter is joined onto the vibration body through a joining portion. The coating portion is provided from the exciter to the vibration body. Furthermore, at least a part of an outer periphery of the joining portion is positioned inside of an outer periphery of the exciter, and a part of the coating portion is interposed between the vibration body and the exciter.

Abstract: In accordance with methods and systems of the present disclosure, a mobile device may include an enclosure adapted such that the enclosure is readily transported by a user of the mobile device, a speaker associated with the enclosure for generating sound, and a controller within the enclosure, communicatively coupled to the speaker. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the speaker, the signal induced at least in part by sound incident on the speaker other than sound generated by the speaker and process the signal.

Abstract: An exemplary uncomfortable sound pressure determination system including: a sound data generator configured to generate sound data concerning sounds consecutively ascending or descending in sound pressure from first to nth sounds, the sounds being pure tones of a same frequency; an output section configured to present the sounds to a user; a characteristic amount extractor configured to extract, based on an event-related potential of the electroencephalogram signal measured after lapse of a predetermined time from a point in time of presenting each of the sounds, a characteristic amount concerning temporal change in frequency of the event-related potential; and an uncomfortable sound pressure determination section configured to determine, by referring to a previously-provided relationship by which temporal changes in frequency of event-related potentials and uncomfortable sound pressures are associated, a sound pressure corresponding to the extracted characteristic amount to be an uncomfortable sound pressure

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an input system, an output system, and a sensor for sensing magnetic fields. In one example, a signal processing circuit electrically connects the input system to the output system, and a magnetic sensor adapted to inhibit the acoustic input and function as a magnetic input in the presence of a magnetic field. In one example, the magnetic sensor includes a giant magneto resistive (GMR) sensor. In another example, the magnetic sensor includes an anisotropic magneto resistive (AMR) sensor. The magnetic field can be generated by, among other things, a magnet in a telephone handset. The hearing aid further is programmed based on time-varying characteristics of the magnetic field. Wireless activation or deactivation of the hearing aid is also described. Other examples and options are provided herein.

Abstract: A hearing assistance system and method for wireless RF audio signal transmission from at least one audio signal source to ear level receivers, wherein a close-to-natural hearing impression is to be achieved. At least one parameter of the RF signal as received from a transmission unit at a respective receiver unit to create left ear RF signal measurement data and right ear RF signal measurement data, respectively. The angular localization of each transmission unit is obtained by comparing, for each transmission unit, the left ear RF signal measurement data and the right ear RF signal measurement data. The audio signals are processed and distributed according to the estimated angular localization of each transmission unit in a manner so that the angular localization impression of the audio signals from each transmission unit as perceived by the user corresponds to the estimated angular localization of the respective transmission unit.

Abstract: An earphone device having an integrated antenna, comprising a coaxial cable, a receiver and a signal processing module. The coaxial cable includes a first end and a second end. The receiver includes an antenna module and a speaker module, where the antenna module and the speaker module are in connection and are electrically connected to the first end of the coaxial cable. The signal processing module includes a baseband unit and a radio frequency unit, where the baseband unit and the radio frequency unit are in connection and are electrically connected to the second end of the coaxial cable. Thus, the earphone device having an integrated antenna of the instant disclosure can reduce the surface area of the main board effectively to enhance the efficiency of the antenna.

Abstract: A hearing aid including a permanent magnet to be fixed at a patient's incus (26), an audio signal source (14), an audio signal processing unit (16) for processing audio signals from the audio signal source, a driver unit (18) including a coil (22) for generating a magnetic field (25) that vibrates the permanent magnet according to the processed audio signals in order to stimulate the patient's hearing, and a measurement arrangement (56, 58, 60) for measuring the magnetic coupling between the coil and the permanent magnet in order to adjust the position of the coil or the input signals to the coil provided by the driver unit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform determining a signal identification value for an audio signal, determining at least one noise level value for the audio signal, comparing the signal identification value against a signal identification threshold and each of the at least one noise level value against an associated noise level threshold, and identifying the audio signal dependent on the comparison.

Abstract: Sound data identification techniques are described. In one or more implementations, common sound data and uncommon sound data are identified from a plurality of sound data from a plurality of recordings of an audio source using a collaborative technique. The identification may include recognition of spectral and temporal aspects of the plurality of the sound data from the plurality of the recordings and sharing of the recognized spectral and temporal aspects to identify the common sound data as common to the plurality of recordings and the uncommon sound data as not common to the plurality of recordings.

Abstract: A buzz detecting method and a buzz detecting system are provided for testing whether an under-test sound playing device generates a buzz while playing sound. By an application program module, plural under-test sound signals from the under-test sound playing device are converted into plural under-test frequency-domain signals corresponding to the under-test sound signals through Fourier transform. Moreover, the application program module calculates plural under-test noise ratios corresponding to the frequencies of respective under-test sound signals according to respective under-test frequency-domain signals. After the plural under-test noise ratios are compared with plural standard noise ratios from a standard sound playing device, the application program module may automatically judge whether the under-test sound playing device generates a buzz while playing sound. Since the testing procedure does not need to be implemented by the trained testers, the overall efficiency is largely enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a type of an audio interface is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: an audio interface, comprising a pin 3 and a pin 4, in which one of the pin 3 and the pin 4 is configured as a MIC pin of the audio interface, and the other one is configured as a ground pin; a first level comparison module configured to output a signal Sg1, when a level V3 of the pin 3 is greater than a sum of a level V4 of the pin 4 and a predetermined threshold Vg1, otherwise to output a signal Sg1?; a second level comparison module configured to output a signal Sg2, when the level V4 of the pin 4 is greater than a sum of the level V3 of the pin 3 and a predetermined threshold Vg2, otherwise to output a signal Sg2?.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a plurality of loudspeakers arranged at different positions includes a generator of a test signal for a loudspeaker; a microphone device configured for receiving a plurality of different sound signals in response to one or more loudspeaker signals emitted by one of the loudspeakers in response to the test signal; a controller for controlling emissions of the loudspeaker signals by the loudspeakers and for handling the different sound signals so that a set of sound signals recorded by the microphone device is associated with each loudspeaker in response to the test signal; and an evaluator for evaluating the set of sound signals for each loudspeaker to determine at least one loudspeaker characteristic for each loudspeaker and for indicating a loudspeaker state using the at least one loudspeaker characteristic. This scheme allows automatic, efficient and accurate measurement of loudspeakers arranged in a three-dimensional configuration.

Abstract: A processing system can include a processor that includes circuitry. The circuitry can be configured to: receive far-end and near-end audio signals; detect silence events and voice activities from the audio signals; determine whether an audio event in the audio signals is an interference event or a speaker event based on the detected silence events and voice activities, and further based on localized acoustic source data and faces or motion detected from an image; and generate a mute or unmute indication based on whether the audio event is the interference event or the speaker event. The system can include a near-end microphone array to output the near-end audio signals, one or more far-end microphones to output the far-end audio signals, and one or more cameras to capture the image of the environment.

Abstract: The invention concerns sound spatialization with multichannel encoding for binaural reproduction on two loudspeakers, the spatial encoding being defined by encoding functions associated with multiple encoding channels and the decoding by applying filters for binaural reproduction.

Abstract: Signals in an automobile audio system having at least two near-field speakers located close to an intended position of a listener's head are adjusted such that in a first mode, audio signals are distributed to the near-field speakers according to a first filter that causes the listener to perceive a wide soundstage, and in a second mode, the audio signals are distributed to the near-field speakers according to a second filter that causes the listener to perceive a narrow soundstage. A user input of a variable value is received and, in response, distribution of the audio signals is transitioned from the first mode to the second mode, the extent of the transition being variable based on the value of the user input.