Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
-
Patent number: 9554173Abstract: An example method involves: (i) accessing data representing a news program schedule that specifies a sequence of events to be carried out using a news production system, wherein the schedule is divided into contiguous portions; (ii) for each portion: determining that m media servers are sufficient to execute any events of that portion and associated with a first device, allocating m media servers to the first device, thereby leaving one or more unallocated media servers, and allocating n media servers, from the unallocated media servers, to a second device; and (iii) for each of the contiguous portions, utilizing at least a portion of the allocated m media servers to carry out the events specified in that portion and associated with the first device and utilizing at least a portion of the allocated n media servers to carry out the events specified in that portion and associated with the second device.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Tribune Broadcasting Company, LLCInventor: Hank J. Hundemer
-
Patent number: 9554174Abstract: A technique for post-processing media content on a network by a GPU cloud computing system is provided. The system includes a plurality of computer systems providing a content submission connection for uploading the media content. The system includes a processor configured to receive descriptive information related to the media content via the network, receive the media content via the content submission connection which has a quicker uploading bandwidth than the network, process the media content; and distribute processed media content via the network that is separated from the content submission connection. The system further includes a distributed GPU cloud computing platform to perform parallel post-processing of the media content, and an immersive 3D interface.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventors: Janos Redei, Xiaohan Wang
-
Patent number: 9554175Abstract: A method, computer program, and reception apparatus, and information providing apparatus. The method includes receiving a trigger parameters table (TPT). The TPT is associated with a triggered declarative object (TDO) and includes at least one parameter associated with a trigger event. The TPT is stored in a first memory of the reception apparatus. The TDO is executed by a processor of the reception apparatus and is stored in a second memory of the reception apparatus. The reception apparatus receives a trigger associated with the trigger event. At least one parameter associated with the trigger event is retrieved from the TPT based on information included in the trigger. Further, a function is performed based on the retrieved at least one parameter.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Mark Eyer
-
Patent number: 9554176Abstract: A method of deriving fingerprints for media content that is being watched by a user is described. For example, a user may select a particular show on an electronic programming guide displayed by a media device. The media device may then request the content stream, from the content source, that includes the particular show. The source may indicate whether a fingerprint is needed for the particular show requested by the media device. The indication may be a flag in the data received by the media device. If the particular show needs to be fingerprinted as indicated by the flag, the media device may decompress the corresponding video frames, load the decompressed video frames into memory and analyze the video frames to derive a fingerprint from the video frames.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TiVo Inc.Inventors: Amir H. Gharaat, James M. Barton, Mukesh K. Patel
-
Patent number: 9554177Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting packets over a network of communication channels are provide. A system according to the invention may include first and second nodes in communication with a coax backbone. The first node may further include a retransmission buffer. The system may also include a network access coordinator operative to coordinate access of the nodes to the coax backbone. In a time period at least one first packet is transmitted by the first node to the second node. The first packet may include an indication that retransmission service is applied. The first packet may also include a indication of the length corresponding to the packet. If, during the first time period the packet is not received by the second node, the second node is operative to send a retransmission request to the network access coordinator.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Yitshak Ohana, Philippe Klein, Avi Kliger
-
Patent number: 9554178Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to facilitate connection to a multimedia playback network are disclosed. An example method provides content to a local playback network. The example method includes identifying multimedia content from a content provider. The example method includes passing information regarding the multimedia content to a local playback system including one or more multimedia playback devices in response to a trigger. The example method includes facilitating play of the multimedia content via a local playback network associated with the local playback system.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Arthur Coburn, IV, Joni Rafalski Hoadley
-
Patent number: 9554179Abstract: A method for switching mode of a source device that uses a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include connecting to a sink device through the HDMI; transmitting +5V signal to the sink device; receiving a Hot Plug Detect (HPD) signal from the sink device; receiving EDID information including a first Sideband mode support information representing that the sink device supports a Sideband mode through a Display Data Channel (DDC) channel that operates in a DDC mode; transmitting a second Sideband mode support information representing that the source device supports a Sideband mode to the sink device; receiving instruction to perform an operation mode switching of the DDC channel from the sink device; and switching the operation mode of the DDC channel from the DDC mode to the Sideband mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Dokyun Kim
-
Patent number: 9554180Abstract: A system includes a converter to receive a receiving a satellite signal at first transport frequencies and to convert the satellite signal to second transport frequencies and a processor. The processor removes a radio frequency portion from the satellite signal without altering a sequence of media contents of a moving picture experts group portion of the satellite signal and without altering a quality of the media contents of the moving picture experts group portion. The processor determines whether the media contents include an error and corrects the error in the moving picture experts group portion with error correction data of the satellite signal. The processor encrypts the media contents to produce an encrypted digital moving picture experts group transport stream signal. The processor also sends the encrypted digital moving picture experts group transport stream signal to a modulator.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Brad Allen Medford, Ahmad Ansari, Dinesh Nadarajah
-
Patent number: 9554181Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a content supply device, a content supply method, a program, a terminal device and a content supply system that are configured to be capable of realizing rapid zapping between channels in DASH. The content supply device of the present disclosure supplies a plurality of items of streaming data with differing attributes, which is content with identical detail, to the same channel, and is provided with a supply portion that divides the streaming data into minimum units when the reception of streaming data is switched according to a timing that is made uniform with other channels, and supplies the streaming data to a reception side through a network, and a metafile generation portion that generates metafiles for the reception side to receive the streaming data that is supplied in the minimum units, which show that the streaming data is for zapping. The present disclosure can be applied to a system that performs streaming distribution of content.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Yasuaki Yamagishi
-
Patent number: 9554182Abstract: One or more content sequences are created from a store of video content, which could simply be broadcast content which has been captured and stored at a server within a network. The content sequences are generated according to the viewer's specified, or demonstrated, viewing preferences. The viewer preferences are captured form entry by the user themselves, or by observation of their viewing habits. Multiple ‘users’ per household and multiple content sequences per viewer are possible. A content sequences is then streamed to the viewer, and looks to him/her just like a TV channel: when one program ends, another starts automatically. It is also possible for a viewer to select an item within the content sequence using an interactive program controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventor: Jonathan Dean Segel
-
Patent number: 9554183Abstract: Embodiments related to storing and utilizing information of a sink device for establishing communication. A source device retrieves the information of a previously connected sink device stored in the source device to reduce data exchanged during a handshaking operation. Information of the sink device not stored in the source device may be stored in the source device for future usage. The source device receives identification information of the sink device via a medium. The source device also searches for capabilities information associated with the identification information in the source device. In addition, the source device encodes the content for transmission to the sink device via the medium in a format compliant with capabilities of the sink device according to the capabilities information.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Feng Dong, Fei Shen, Ke Chen, Xiangming Yu, Jin Ding
-
Patent number: 9554184Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for increasing user engagement with video ads and content. The invention is not limited to video advertisements, but is applicable to any other content. Embodiments of the invention provide engagement formats that use interesting frames in a video or objects within video frames to increase user engagement in the video, one or more frames of the video, or any object within the video.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: 24/7 Customer, Inc.Inventors: Shekhar Kumar Deo, Manoj Rajshekar, Gaurav Kumar
-
Patent number: 9554185Abstract: The present invention monitors a user's activities to determine how much attention he is paying to one or more devices. Based on the information gathered about the user's current “attention profile,” a “user-interaction parameter” is set that reflects where the user's attention is focused and, ideally, how much of his attention is given to each device. Then, based on the user-interaction parameter, the user interface of at least one of the user's devices is configured to optimize the user's interactions, given the amount of attention he is currently giving to this user interface. If the user is giving the majority of his attention to the television, for example, then the user interface of a companion device can be configured to emphasize the types of interactions available to a user who is not actively watching the companion device.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Nitya Narasimhan, Silviu Chiricescu, Venugopal Vasudevan, Joseph F. Wodka
-
Patent number: 9554186Abstract: The present disclosure relates to streaming of media content. In one example embodiment, an electronic device for playing video content may comprise a user interface, a processor and a memory. The memory may comprise computer program code, which, when run in the processor causes the electronic device to receive a first request to play first video content associated with a first video stream at the user interface, and in response to receiving the first request, pre-buffer data related to the first video stream; while pre-buffering this data and before playing the first video content at the user interface; display (at the user interface) a still image corresponding to a portion of the first video content in a first video tile at a first size; and re-size the first size to a second size such that a zooming-out effect of the displayed still image is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: SPOTIFY ABInventors: Theodoros Tsiridis, Daniel Fleming, Tobias van Schneider
-
Patent number: 9554187Abstract: A smart television, and a turn-off method and a turn-on method for the smart television system are provided. The smart television system includes a remote controller and a smart television. The smart television includes a remote control module, a main chip, a memory chip and a memory chip. The turn-off method includes: when a remote control signal is received from the remote controller, quitting all operating interfaces of the television system; executing a television main program, which enters a wait status after completing loading a database and a program link process; storing a status of the main chip, and causing the memory chip to stay in a self-refresh operating mode; disconnecting power supplied to modules other than the remote control module and the memory chip, and the smart television system entering a turn off status.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Fu-Shan Zeng, Meng Pu
-
Patent number: 9554188Abstract: A system may include a media processor that categorizes at least one scene of a media stream into a category. The media processor may further provide an output media stream that alters the at least one scene of the media stream based on the category, where the category may be shocking or scary scenes. A method may include categorizing, using a computing device, at least one scene of a media stream into at least one category. The method may further include altering, using the computing device, the at least one scene of the media stream based on the category.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Michelle Felt, Arulvadivel Venugopal
-
Patent number: 9554189Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a contextual remote control interface, which is a companion application that allows a user to use a companion device to control experiences generated by an application running on a primary device. Web browsers, games, and streaming media applications are examples of applications running on a primary device that may be controlled using the companion device. Interfaces associated with each of the media applications on the primary device may be displayed on a television or other device coupled to the primary device. A unique set of virtual controls are included in the remote control interface for each application and may be tailored to the current state of the application.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Ross David Heeter, Jason Robert Tuck, Cyrus Kanga
-
Patent number: 9554190Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided including establishing a value corresponding to a particular user of a device, receiving an indication of a triggering condition of the particular user of the device, the triggering condition being enabled by the device or measurable by the device, and determining the triggering condition has been met by the user via the device. The method further includes modifying the value responsive to determining the triggering condition has been met, determining when the value crosses a particular threshold, and disabling an application or a functional component of the device responsive to the value crossing the particular threshold. A system for implementing the method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Location Labs, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Hodges, Tasos Roumeliotis, Scott Hotes
-
Patent number: 9554191Abstract: Interactive data, audio data, and video data are respectively encoded and packaged, and then an interactive television program is produced by multiplexing them. A receiving terminal receives the interactive television program and performs unpacking and decoding. The unpacked interactive data are transmitted by a near field communication module. An operating terminal receives the unpacked interactive data by a near field communication module thereof, parses out corresponding participatory information, and carries out the interaction with the content of the present television program.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: HUIZHOU TCL MOBILE COMMUNICATION CO., LTD.Inventors: Baozhong Zhou, Kun Xiao, Jie Shen
-
Patent number: 9554192Abstract: When a user selects a topic tag included in a posted article on a display of a timeline obtained from an SNS server, an SNS client looks up an information channel related word table registering correspondence between a TV channel and a term related to the TV channel, searches a TV channel registering correspondence with a term and the topic tag, and causes the TV control to receive the searched TV channel and display and output the received program.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Manabu Kusano
-
Patent number: 9554193Abstract: Media content search results ranked by popularity is described. In embodiment(s), a search request for television media content can be initiated by a viewer, and television media content that is relevant to the search request can be identified. The relevant television media content can then be ranked based on a popularity rating and the relevant television media content can be displayed in an ordered list that is ordered by popularity rankings.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Rovi Technologies CorporationInventors: Pradhan S. Rao, David H. Sloo
-
Patent number: 9554194Abstract: A system for providing data communication services includes a cable television (CATV) tap-off device and a CATV gateway device. The tap-off device includes a signal splitter communicably coupled to a tap-off access point and a first signal transceiver and communicates a CATV signal with a CATV network through the splitter. The gateway device is communicably coupled to the signal splitter through a first coaxial cable to communicate the CATV signal with the tap-off device. The gateway device includes a second signal transceiver and is configured to split the CATV signal into a television signal and a baseband data signal. The second signal transceiver communicates the baseband data signal as a transceiver signal over the first coaxial cable to the first signal transceiver. The tap-off access point is configured to transmit a first wireless signal based on the transceiver signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventors: David Wachob, Neil Tang
-
Patent number: 9554195Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, over a multicast-broadcast single-frequency network channel of a cellular network, a second advertisement provided by an advertisement server; providing the second advertisement to a media processor to cause the media processor to replace a first advertisement with the second advertisement during presentation of media content received by the media processor over a first network, where the second advertisement is selected from a group of advertisements according to user data of a user of the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: Christopher Baldwin
-
Patent number: 9554197Abstract: A method of processing an interactive service and an apparatus includes generating an application parameter table including a first identifier and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier identifies a interactive programming segment which application parameter table pertains to, and wherein the second identifier identifies an application within the scope of application parameter table; generating an activation message file that indicates at least one of activation times of the applications, wherein the activation message file includes a third identifier and activation messages, wherein the third identifier matches the first identifier of application parameter table which contains the applications, wherein the activation message includes a fourth identifier and a start time information, wherein the fourth identifier matches the second identifier of the application in the application parameter table.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Sejin Oh, Byungsun Park, Kyoungsoo Moon, Gomer Thomas, Seungjoo An, Jinwon Lee, Jinpil Kim, Kyungho Kim, Aettie Ji
-
Patent number: 9554198Abstract: A method of receiving broadcast data streams for supporting a broadcast service, wherein the broadcast data streams include a multi-view video coding (MVC) base view video stream and at least one a MVC extended view stream; identifying a stream type field and a priority_id field of the broadcast data streams using a table, wherein a value of the stream type field indicates a codec of the MVC base view video stream or the at least one MVC extended view stream, wherein the priority_id field indicates priority information on the broadcast data streams of multi-view video, and wherein a value of the priority_id field with respect to the MVC base view video stream is set to be equal to zero; processing the broadcast data stream using the identified stream type and the priority_id field to support the broadcast service.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jongyeul Suh, Jinpil Kim, Jae-Hyung Song, Hotaek Hong, Joonhui Lee
-
Patent number: 9554199Abstract: The present technology concerns cell phones and other portable devices, and more particularly concerns use of such devices in connection with media content (electronic and physical) and with other systems (e.g., televisions, digital video recorders, and electronic program directories). One particular aspect of the technology concerns complementing primary content viewed on one screen (e.g., a television screen) with auxiliary content displayed on a second screen (e.g., a cell phone screen). Different auxiliary content can be paired with the primary content, depending on the profile of the user (e.g., age, location, etc.). Some embodiments make use of location information provided by the primary screen device. Other embodiments make use of content identification data provided by the primary screen device. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Bruce L. Davis, Tony F. Rodriguez
-
Patent number: 9554200Abstract: An electronic shelf assembly configured to selectively receive a circuit pack including a pivotable handle incorporating a retention hook, the electronic shelf assembly including: a shelf assembly housing configured to selectively receive the circuit pack; a support rail coupled to the shelf assembly housing; a latch rail member movably coupled to the support rail and defining a recess configured to selectively receive and retain the retention hook of the pivotable handle of the circuit pack, thereby selectively securing the circuit pack within the shelf assembly housing; and a spring mechanism coupled to the latch rail member and the support rail, wherein the spring mechanism allows for relative movement of the latch rail member with respect to the support rail while biasing the latch rail member towards the support rail, thereby selectively biasing the circuit pack into the shelf assembly housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Ciena CorporationInventor: Adrianus Van Gaal
-
Patent number: 9554201Abstract: An audio device includes a housing having first and second support surfaces for supporting the device at different orientations relative to the surface on which the device is placed, a driver to output sound in a radiating pattern associated with a first axis of the driver, and an orientation sensor to detect a direction of a force of gravity. A control circuit coupled to the driver and the orientation sensor determines the direction of the force of gravity relative to the first axis and whether the first axis is oriented to one of a first angle of elevation associated with physically supporting the device by the first surface and a second angle of elevation associated with physically supporting the device by the second surface. The circuit can alters the output by the driver based on the first axis being oriented to the first or second angles of elevation.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Chester Smith Williams, Roman N. Litovsky, Bojan Rip, Benjamin D. Burge
-
Patent number: 9554202Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a speaker mounting assembly which includes a top mount having an opening configured for receiving there through at least a portion of a speaker, a speaker platform for resting the at least the portion of the speaker thereon, and a bottom mount configured for connecting to the top mount with the speaker platform positioned there between.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: SPEAQUA CORP.Inventors: Steven G. Patsis, Steven Patsis
-
Patent number: 9554203Abstract: A processor-implemented method for sound characterization is described. In one implementation, time-frequency transform of each of a plurality of sound signals from one or more sources, the sound signals being detected by a plurality of sensing devices, is derived. One or more single-source constant-time analysis zones based at least on correlation between the time-frequency transform signals from a pair of sensing devices are detected. At least one direction of arrival for each source in the detected single source analysis zones are detected. A histogram of the estimated directions of arrival is created and an estimate of a number of the sound sources and corresponding directions of arrival are generated based at least on the histogram.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Foundation for Research and Technolgy—Hellas (FORTH) Institute of Computer Science (ICS)Inventors: Despoina Pavlidi, Anthony Griffin, Athanasios Mouchtaris
-
Patent number: 9554204Abstract: Even if an external output device like an earphone is disconnected during outputting of reproduced recorded contents, the recorded contents can be consecutively output at the time of subsequent reproduction. When an earphone connection detector detects that an earphone is disconnected during the reproduction operation of reproducing and outputting audio and image information in a recording section with the earphone being connected, a CPU performs control in such a manner as to stop the reproduction operation. When the earphone connection detector detects that the earphone is connected while the reproduction operation is stopped, the CPU resumes reproducing the audio and image information in the recording section at the stop position.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Lenovo Innovations Limited (Hong Kong)Inventor: Atsuo Souma
-
Patent number: 9554205Abstract: A headphone system comprising a physiological sensor and a method of fitting a headphone system comprising a physiological sensor to a user is provided. The headphone system comprises a headphone having a speaker, a physiological sensor configured to be positioned for measuring physiological data, and a processor connected to the physiological sensor to receive the measured physiological data and process the measured physiological data to output physiological information and a fitting parameter. An application program is associated with the headphone, and is configured to receive the physiological information and the fitting parameter. The application program may evaluate at least the fitting parameter to indicate to a user whether the headphone is properly positioned, and issue a first notification in dependence on the evaluation of the fitting parameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: GN Netcom A/SInventors: Kathrine Steen Urup, Lars Bohn Hansen
-
Patent number: 9554206Abstract: A sound presentation device including: a casing; an electroacoustic transducer that is installed in such a way that a space inside the casing is divided into a first empty chamber and second empty chamber that are acoustically isolated, and that receives an electrical signal and vibrates; and a vibration plate that makes contact with a body surface of a human body when the sound presentation device is mounted on the body surface, and causes vibration of the electroacoustic transducer to be propagated to the human body via the first empty chamber, the second empty chamber suppressing sound waves produced by the vibration of the electroacoustic transducer from being emitted to outside of the sound presentation device via the second empty chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Akiko Fujise, Toshiyuki Matsumura, Mitsuru Endo, Aki Yoneda
-
Patent number: 9554207Abstract: Offset cartridge microphones are provided that include multiple unidirectional microphone cartridges mounted in an offset geometry. Various desired polar patterns and/or desired steering angles can be formed by processing the audio signals from the multiple cartridges, including a toroidal polar pattern. The offset geometry of the cartridges may include mounting the cartridges so that they are immediately adjacent to one another and so that their center axes are offset from one another. The microphones may have a more consistent on-axis frequency response and may more uniformly form desired polar patterns and/or desired steering angles by reducing the interference and reflections within and between the cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Brent Robert Shumard, Gregory H. Canfield, Mark Gilbert
-
Patent number: 9554208Abstract: In aspects of concurrent sound source localization of multiple speakers, audio signals from two or more microphones are upsampled, and then the upsampled audio signals are time-multiplexed to a plurality of beamformers. A first sound source received at the two or more microphones is localized at a first beamformer, and a second sound source received at the two or more microphones is localized at a second beamformer, where localizing the second sound source is constrained by the localization of the first sound source. The beamformers can filter the upsampled audio signals using beamformer coefficients from the localizations to produce beamformed audio signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventors: Kapil Jain, Zining Wu
-
Patent number: 9554209Abstract: A microphone preamplifier circuit is adapted to be connected to a microphone circuit, the microphone circuit including a microphone and at least one output node. The microphone preamplifier circuit includes a preamplifier including: an operational amplifier having at least one input and at least one output; at least one input DC decoupling capacitor connected to the at least one input of the operational amplifier; at least one feedback capacitor connected between the input and the output of the operational amplifier in order to set together with the at least one input DC decoupling capacitor a gain value of the preamplifier circuit; and first and second feed nodes adapted to be fed by first and second bias voltages respectively. The preamplifier further includes at least one switched capacitor adapted to be selectively and alternatively connected in response to a clock signal: between the at least one input and the at least one output of the operational amplifier; and between the first and second feed nodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: OPTIS CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: Germano Nicollini, Andrea Barbieri
-
Patent number: 9554210Abstract: A multi-channel echo cancellation system that dynamically adapts to changes in acoustic conditions. The system does not require a sequence of “start-up” tones to determine the impulse responses. Rather, the adaptive filters approximate estimated transfer functions for each channel. A secondary adaptive filter adjusts cancellation to adapt to changes in the actual transfer functions over time after the adaptive filters have been trained, even if the reference signals are not unique relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Robert Ayrapetian, Michael Alan Pogue, Kenneth Edgar Hild, II
-
Patent number: 9554211Abstract: A wireless speaker unit includes a radio transceiver oscillator which provides timing signals to a pulse width modulator and to a sample rate controller that provides a variable oversampling signal to a delta sigma modulator. The variable oversampling signal determined by a sampling rate of the digital audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Summit Semiconductor LLCInventor: Kenneth A. Boehlke
-
Patent number: 9554212Abstract: A capacitive microphone and method of fabricating the same are provided. One or more holes can be formed in a first printed circuit board (PCB). A diaphragm can be surface micro-machined onto an interior surface of the first PCB at a region having the one or more holes. Interface electronics can also be interconnected to the interior surface of the PCB. One or more spacer PCBs can be attached to a second PCB to the first PCB, such that appropriate interconnections between interconnect vias are made. The second PCB and first PCB with spacers in between can be attached so as to create a cavity in which the diaphragm and interface electronics are located.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, IncorporatedInventors: Mark Sheplak, David Patrick Arnold
-
Patent number: 9554213Abstract: A micromechanical structure, comprising a substrate having a through hole; a residual portion of a sacrificial oxide layer peripheral to the hole; and a polysilicon layer overlying the hole, patterned to have a planar portion; a supporting portion connecting the planar portion to polysilicon on the residual portion; polysilicon stiffeners formed extending beneath the planar portion overlying the hole; and polysilicon ribs surrounding the supporting portion, attached near a periphery of the planar portion. The polysilicon ribs extend to a depth beyond the stiffeners, and extend laterally beyond an edge of the planar portion. The polysilicon ribs are released from the substrate during manufacturing after the planar region, and reduce stress on the supporting portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: The Research Foundation for The State University of New YorkInventors: Ronald N. Miles, Weili Cui
-
Patent number: 9554214Abstract: A microphone includes a base, a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) device disposed on the base, and a front end processing apparatus disposed on the base and coupled to the MEMS device, the front end processing apparatus being configured to convert analog signals received from the MEMS device into digital signals. The microphone also includes a DSP apparatus, the DSP apparatus being a digital programmed device with a computer memory, the DSP apparatus configured to process the digital signals received from the front end processing apparatus. The MEMS device, the front end processing apparatus, and DSP apparatus are enclosed within a single microphone enclosure or assembly. During operation the DSP apparatus generates DSP noise. The DSP apparatus includes a noise reduction structure that substantially prevents the DSP noise from reaching or interfering with the operation of the MEMS device or the front end processing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLCInventors: John Nielsen, Anders Svava Mortensen, Rene Rye Larsen, Robert A. Popper, Dibyendu Nandy, Jacob Midtgaard
-
Patent number: 9554215Abstract: The disclosure relates to an earphone. The earphone includes a housing, a first speaker located in the housing and configured to play a first sound in a high frequency range, and a second speaker located in the housing and configured to play a second sound in a low frequency range or a middle frequency range. The first speaker includes a thermoacoustic device unit including a sound wave generator including carbon nanotube structure. The second speaker is an electric loudspeaker, electromagnetic speaker, or capacitive speaker.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yang Wei, Shou-Shan Fan
-
Patent number: 9554216Abstract: An audio device with an insertion part being adapted to be inserted into an ear canal of a user. The insertion part comprises pressure means and a resilient surface. The resilient surface comprises an adhesive, which is adapted to adhere to a skin portion of a bony portion of an ear canal of a user. The pressure means are adapted to provide a force to press the adhesive against the skin portion. The pressure means include a phase-changing material, which is adapted to cause a reduction in the force, when heat is supplied to the phase-changing material.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: OTICON A/SInventor: Henning Knak Poulsen
-
Patent number: 9554217Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the inclusion of amplitude compression inside a hearing aid remote microphone or audio streaming device. Compressor design is improved by using one local and one remote compressor operating in parallel. The subject matter will reference remote microphones as the primary use case. In one embodiment, hearing aid microphone audio and remote microphone audio are treated as two separate streams within the hearing aid, assigning each to a compressor and mixing the audio streams afterward. In another embodiment, a compressor is developed for the remote microphone to offload that portion of the signal processing.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Jason Alan Galster
-
Patent number: 9554218Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods that help to optimize the sound quality produced when a sound processing mode is enabled in an audio device, such as a hearing prosthesis. When the sound processing mode is enabled, a sound processor in the audio device will create a candidate transformed signal based on a default set of parameters associated with the sound processing mode (i.e. a candidate signal processing function). Further, the sound processor will create a reference transformed signal based on the same enabled sound processing mode, but with a varied set of parameters (i.e. a modified signal processing function). The sound processor will then compare the candidate transformed signal to the reference transformed signal to determine which signal has a higher quality. The device then creates an output based on the higher quality signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Martin Hillbratt
-
Patent number: 9554219Abstract: A behind the ear hearing aid includes: a transceiver for wireless data communication interconnected with an antenna for electromagnetic field emission and electromagnetic field reception, the antenna extending on a first side of a hearing aid and a second side of the hearing aid, a first segment of the antenna extending from proximate the first side of the hearing aid to proximate the second side of the hearing aid; and a feed system configured for exciting the antenna to induce a current in at least the first segment, the current having a first local maxima proximate the first side of the hearing aid and a second local maxima proximate the second side of the hearing aid.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: GN RESOUND A/SInventor: Soren Kvist
-
Patent number: 9554220Abstract: A system and method for providing a hearing aid compatibility mode of communication service to hearing aid users is disclosed. The described system can store an indication at a communication network that a given account is used by a person who wears hearing aid equipment. Services provided to that account can then use communication parameters and network resources which tend to minimize interference with a hearing aid. The network can instruct the user equipment and the radio access network to communicate using hearing aid friendly parameters. In some cases, network resources beyond those allocated for accounts not indicated as hearing aid user accounts can be allocated. Parameters adjusted in hearing aid compatibility mode can include codec rates, operating power levels, and burst frame length, among others. In some described embodiments, the hearing aid compatibility mode can be selectively enabled as desired by an account user.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
-
Patent number: 9554221Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting one type of speech processor unit into another type of speech processor unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Advanced Bionics AGInventors: Thomas Patrick Walsh, Carla Mann Woods, Richard C. Ross, Rankiri Tissa Karunasiri, Anthony K. Arnold, Lakshmi Narayan Mishra
-
Patent number: 9554222Abstract: A vibratory apparatus including a lever arm apparatus including a living hinge, wherein the vibratory apparatus is configured such that at least a portion of the lever arm moves about the living hinge when the vibratory apparatus is generating vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Scott Miller, Travis Rian Andrews, Robert F. McCullough, Farid Moumane
-
Patent number: 9554223Abstract: A resilient element is used to bias a vibration element of an auditory prosthesis towards the skin of a recipient. This helps improve transmission of vibration stimuli to the recipient. Additionally, the resilient element helps reduce feedback caused by the vibration element vibrating in close proximity to sound processing components contained within the auditory prosthesis.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Martin Evert Gustaf Hillbratt, Henrik Fyrlund, Marcus Andersson