Patents Issued in March 28, 2017
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Patent number: 9609395Abstract: Systems for, and methods of, displaying video information comprising: a second screen device obtaining current play position data of a video being played on a primary screen device (e.g., obtaining from the primary screen device an identification of a current play position of the video, or obtaining information to generate an acoustic fingerprint of the video); determining a current play position of the video playing on the primary screen device based upon the current play position data (e.g., identification of the current play position or the acoustic fingerprint); downloading information (e.g., video map, subtitles, moral principles, objectionable content, memorable content, performers, geographical maps, shopping, plot point, item, ratings, and trivia information) over a computer communications network into the memory of the second screen device; and displaying information on the second screen device synchronized with the contemporaneously played video on the primary screen device.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Inventors: Max Abecassis, Ryan M. Donahue
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Patent number: 9609396Abstract: A system for retrieval of executable applications, comprising: a broadcast tele-vision receiver apparatus; and a server; wherein the broadcast television receiver apparatus includes a communication unit having an interface for bidirectional communication with a network and adapted to determine channel information from a currently decoded channel carried in a broadcast television signal, the channel information identifying the currently decoded channel, the communication unit being further adapted to send the channel information to a server over the network, and to receive application information from the server, the application information describing a set of applications which are available for execution, and to receive executable code components for the set of applications corresponding to the application information, and wherein the broadcast television receiver apparatus further includes a data processor adapted to execute the application while the channel is decoded; and wherein the server is adapted toType: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Sony Europe LimitedInventors: Jose Alexandre Simoes Rodrigues, Tassilo Volker Raesig
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Patent number: 9609397Abstract: Various mechanisms presented in this disclosure provide for dynamically adjusting the exhibition of subtitles. In one example, check-points are introduced into the subtitle file format that, once achieved by a multimedia player, provoke the rescheduling of the moment in which the texts contained in the subtitle file will be exhibited.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Priscilla Barreira Avegliano, Lucas Correia Villa Real, Rodrigo Laiola Guimaraes, Diego Sanchez Gallo
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Patent number: 9609398Abstract: An information processing terminal includes an operation part to receive a user's operation, an output part to play back an arbitrarily input content while outputting posted information which is posted on the WEB in connection with the content, and a controller to output a content at a playback time, correlated to a posted time of posted information selected via the user's operation, to the output part with reference to a time table which stores the playback position of the content in connection with the posted time of the posted information relating to the content. The controller aligns a plurality of posted information, correlated to a desired content, in an order of posted times on the screen. Upon receiving a user's scroll operation, it is possible to scroll and display a plurality of posted information at the predetermined position on the screen.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Shinichi Itamoto, Hideaki Tanaka
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Patent number: 9609399Abstract: A apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of wireless sensors arranged into a mesh network, wherein each of the plurality of sensors detects threats within a secured geographic area, a processor of each of the plurality of sensors that detects operational and environmental operating conditions of a respective one of the plurality of sensors and reports the operational and environmental operating conditions, a control panel processor that receives and correlates at least one of the operational and environmental operating conditions of the respective one of the plurality of sensors to a potential failure mode and reports the potential failure mode to a cloud application, and a cloud processor of the cloud application that determines a location of the respective one of the plurality of sensors and reports the potential failure mode and the location to a person responsible for the respective one of the plurality of sensors.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Divyashree Krishnamurthy, Asha Samaga, Vidhya Thawale, Malathy Rajkumar, Manjunatha Divakara, Sushil Sharma
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Patent number: 9609400Abstract: Systems and methods for data transport, including receiving one or more signals into a reconfigurable and flexible rate shared rate multi-transponder network architecture, wherein the network architecture includes one or more transponders with multiple line side interfaces and one or more client side interfaces. The transponders are configured to map one or more signals to multiple parallel Virtual Ethernet Links, remove idle characters from the one or more signals, buffer one or more blocks of characters using an intermediate block buffer, activate and deactivate one or more portions of input/output electrical lanes of an Ethernet module, multiplex and demultiplex the one or more signals to and from the input/output electrical lanes to enable sharing of a single optical transceiver by multiple independent signals, and insert blocks of idle characters to enable transmission over a lower rate transmission pipe.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Konstantinos Kanonakis, Junqiang Hu, Ankitkumar Patel, Philip Ji, Ting Wang
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Patent number: 9609401Abstract: It is difficult to increase the number of inputs and outputs of an optical switch supporting CDC functions, therefore, an optical switch according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a unit optical switch inputting n optical signals and outputting n optical signals; an optical splitter inputting a single optical signal, splitting the single optical signal into k optical signals, and outputting the k optical signals; and an optical selector inputting m optical signals and outputting a single optical signal, wherein the optical splitter includes m×n pieces, the unit optical switch includes m×k pieces, the optical selector includes n×k pieces, (k×(m×n)) outputs of the optical splitter correspond to (n×(m×k)) inputs of the unit optical switch, (n×(m×k)) outputs of the unit optical switch correspond to (m×(n×k)) inputs of the optical selector, and (n×m) optical signals inputted into the optical splitter are output through the (m×k) unit optical switch from the optical selector as (n×k) opticalType: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: NEC CORPORATIONInventors: Hitoshi Takeshita, Ryuichi Ikematsu, Akio Tajima
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Patent number: 9609402Abstract: Optical networks may store information or data therein by maintaining the information or data in motion. The optical networks may include optical fiber rings configured to receive optical signals comprising the information or data and to circulate the optical signals within the optical fiber rings. The optical signals and the information or data may be transferred out of the optical fiber rings in order to amplify the optical signals (e.g., to overcome losses due to attenuation within the optical fiber rings), to analyze the optical signals according to one or more processing techniques, or to transfer the information or data to another computer device upon request. If continued storage of the information or data is required, an optical signal including the information or data may be transferred back into the optical fiber rings and may continue to circulate therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jason Michael Long, Pragyana K. Mishra
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Patent number: 9609403Abstract: Provided is a method of saving power in a passive optical network (PON) system including an optical line terminal (OLT) and a plurality of optical network units (ONUs), the OLT including an optical transceiver to communicate with at least one ONU through an optical line, and a controller to control the optical transceiver to transmit an upstream bandwidth map to the ONU at a predetermined transmission interval, wherein the transmission interval is determined based on a desired upstream data service delay time.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Geun Yong Kim, Dong Soo Lee, Sung Chang Kim, Hark Yoo, Young Suk Lee, Hee Do Kim
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Patent number: 9609404Abstract: A cable boot is mounted to a telecommunications module housing an optical component, wherein the cable boot extends outwardly from the module. The cable boot is mounted by axially passing the cable boot over a plurality of cables carrying fiber optic signals leading to the optical component, axially passing a portion of the cable boot through a cutout defined on a main housing of the telecommunications module, placing a boot retainer over the boot in a direction transverse to the axial direction to capture the flexible boot against movement both in the axial direction and the transverse direction, and mounting a cover on the main housing to capture the boot retainer against the main housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Scott C. Kowalczyk, Kok Chywn Chuang, Rodney C. Schoenfelder
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Patent number: 9609405Abstract: A narrow-profile balanced subwoofer or similar speaker includes a number of drivers placed side by side in the same lateral plane, with a first set of drivers facing one direction and second set of drivers facing the opposite direction. Their orientation is such that the sum of the forces from the first set of drivers is equal and opposite the sum of the forces from the second set of drivers, thus cancelling, and the sum of the moments from all of the drivers about a center or pivot point substantially equals zero. The speaker may include three or more drivers, symmetrically or asymmetrically spaced. The drivers may be of the same or different sizes, and the audio signal amplitudes may be adjusted to help balance the speaker. Each set of drivers may output sound into separate sound ducts, which may output sound from one or more apertures.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: THX Ltd.Inventor: Lawrence R. Fincham
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Patent number: 9609406Abstract: Devices of the invention are portable speakers that provide stereophonic, surround sound. According to certain aspects, a speaker system includes a first speaker portion, a second speaker portion and a cable handle. The first speaker portion includes a first end and a second end, and the second speaker portion includes a third end and a fourth end. The cable handle couples the first end of the first speaker portion and a third end of the second speaker portion. The second end of the first speaker portion is configured to releasably couple to the fourth end of the second speaker portion, thereby forming a looped unit, when coupled, with the first speaker portion, the second speaker portion, and the cable handle.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: PUMA SEInventors: Feng Guo, Bo Wang, Dengfeng Cao, Xueping Xiao, Xinhua He
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Patent number: 9609407Abstract: An audio equipped fan is disclosed having a housing defining an inner cavity, a motor disposed at least partially in the inner cavity of the housing and having an output shaft extending therefrom that is rotatable by the motor, a fan connected to the output shaft of the motor and rotatable therewith, a grille connected to the housing and positioned in alignment with the fan, the grille having an interior side and an exterior side and defining first openings through which air may flow while the fan is rotated and second openings through which sound may travel, and having a speaker connected to at least one of the housing, motor, fan and grille and aligned on the interior side of the grille with the second openings of the grille so that sound may travel from the speaker through the grille. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Homewerks Worldwide, LLCInventors: Peter D. Berkman, Ruilin Zhang, Jeffrey Jon Pischke, Michael Malaker
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Patent number: 9609408Abstract: A hands-free audio system for a vehicle and method of using the system is described. The method includes controlling the directionality of a vehicle microphone. The steps of the method may include: (a) receiving a sensor value from at least one of a vehicle seat position sensor, a vehicle seat orientation sensor, or a vehicle mirror orientation sensor; (b) based on the received sensor value(s) of step (a), determining an origin of a vehicle user's speech; and (c) controlling the microphone sensitivity directionality based on the determined origin.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xufang Zhao, Robert D. Sims, III, Md Foezur Rahman Chowdhury, John J. Correia
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Patent number: 9609409Abstract: A mobile multi-function device that includes a speaker, two or more microphones, and a beamformer processor is described. The beamformer processor uses the microphones to perform beamforming operations. One of the microphones shares a receiver acoustic opening with the speaker while the other microphone uses a separate acoustic opening. The receiver acoustic opening may be an earpiece opening that is held to the ear of a user while conducting a phone call with the device and provides acoustic input and output paths for the microphone and the speaker, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ruchir M. Dave, Jae H. Lee, Guy C. Nicholson
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Patent number: 9609410Abstract: A processing circuit for a digital sensor, including: a control stage, which generates a control signal; a multiplexing stage, which may be electrically coupled to a plurality of sensing structures for receiving corresponding detection signals and generates a multiplexed signal, on the basis of one between the detection signals, as a function of the control signal; an analog-to-digital conversion stage, which is connected to the multiplexing stage and generates an encoded signal on the basis of the multiplexed signal; and an equalizer, which multiplies the encoded signal by a coefficient that depends upon the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventors: Eugenio Miluzzi, Martino Zerbini, Davide Negri
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Patent number: 9609411Abstract: A device for protecting a microphone sensing surface, such as a diaphragm, from the detrimental effects of the ambient environment. The device incorporates a perforated surface to protect the microphone and in conjunction with a chamber volume creates an acoustic resonance in the 1 kHz to 20 kHz spectrum, which improves the microphone signal-to-noise ratio performance. The microphone is acoustically coupled to the chamber volume for sensing pressure of the ambient environment. There is no line of sight to the microphone sensing surface from the ambient environment, so that rain, wind and sand have no direct path to the microphone sensing surface. The perforations of the outer surface are small to prevent objects from contacting the microphone sensing surface via a direct path. Water drains from the chamber volume and does not become trapped if an embodiment of the invention is temporarily submerged so that the microphone returns to normal operation quickly.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Red Tail Hawk CorporationInventor: John W. Parkins
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Patent number: 9609412Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatuses for the transmission of audio information from a bone-conduction headset to a user. The bone-conduction headset may be mounted on a glasses-style support structure. The bone-conduction transducer may be mounted near where the glasses-style support structure approach a wearer's ears. In one embodiment, an apparatus has a bone-conduction transducer with a diaphragm configured to vibrate based on a magnetic field. The magnetic field being based off an applied electric field. The apparatus may also have an anvil coupled to the diaphragm. The anvil may be configured to conduct the vibration from the bone-conduction transducer. Additionally, the anvil may be coupled to a metallic component. The metallic component may be configured to couple to a magnetic field created by the bone-conduction transducer.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Jianchun Dong, Mitchell Heinrich, John Stuart Fitch, Matthew Martin, Eliot Kim
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Patent number: 9609413Abstract: Disclosed is a headphone, which includes a flexible inverted U-shape headband, a first headphone unit provided on an end of the headband and a second headphone unit provided on the other end of the headband. The first headphone unit is a circumaural headphone unit and the second headphone unit is an in-ear headphone unit. When using the above headphone, one ear of user is covered with the first headphone unit and the second headphone unit is put into the other ear of user. Due to the first headphone unit being a circumaural headphone unit and the second headphone unit being an in-ear headphone unit, the second headphone unit could be removed casually, which is easy to use. And such a headphone structure is novel and easy to be recognized. In addition, the unsymmetrical configuration of the headphone of the present invention can satisfy the market demand on new type headphone.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: SEA TRADE ELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) CO., LTDInventor: Ko-Fei Hsiao
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Patent number: 9609414Abstract: An earphone with at least one air orifice contains a body. The body includes at least one slot defined on a rear cap thereof, and each of the at least one slot has at least one air orifice formed therein. Thereby, the air discharges or draws to vibrate the speaker via the at least one air orifice to reduce resistance of the air against the speaker and to enhance tone quality, when the speaker vibrates in a closed space.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: M2 Technology, Inc.Inventor: Chun-Yao Yang
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Patent number: 9609415Abstract: Headphones that have one or two earphones. A headband carries the earphones such that they are held against the head of a wearer. A coupling member is located between the earphone and the headband, the coupling member pivotably mounted to the headband at a joint having a first axis around which the coupling member pivots, such that the earphone can be moved from a deployed position in which the earphone is positioned to be worn by the wearer to a stowed position in which the earphone is located closer to the headband than it is in the deployed position. A conductive cable runs from the earphone to the headband through the coupling member. The cable is held in place at a first anchor location in the headband, proximate the coupling member. There is slack in the cable between the first anchor location and the coupling member at least when the earphone is in the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Bose CorporationInventor: Tristan Edward Taylor
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Patent number: 9609416Abstract: An optical sensor may be integrated into headphones and feedback from the sensor used to adjust an audio output from the headphones. For example, an emergency vehicle traffic preemption signal may be detected by the optical sensor. Optical signals may be processed in a pattern discriminator, which may be integrated with an audio controller integrated circuit (IC). When the signal is detected, the playback of music through the headphones may be muted and/or a noise cancellation function turned off. The optical sensor may be integrated in a music player, a smart phone, a tablet, a cord-mounted module, or the earpieces of the headphones.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: CIRRUS LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Roy Scott Kaller, Aaron Brennan
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Patent number: 9609417Abstract: A headphone assembly is provided that includes two earpieces coupled by a flexible connecting wire. Each earpiece includes a single large button disposed on a distal side of the earpiece, thereby enabling a wearer to operate the system, even without direct access thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: The Ketchum GroupInventors: Charles Krissman, Michael Craig Krisztal
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Patent number: 9609418Abstract: A signal processing circuit comprising: a first signal processor configured to produce a first output signal suitable for driving a first headphone speaker; a second signal processor configured to produce a second output signal suitable for driving a second headphone speaker; a third signal processor configured to receive the first input signal and/or the second input signal and to produce a third output signal suitable for driving a first loudspeaker; and simultaneously provide the first output signal to the first headphone speaker, the second output signal to the second headphone speaker, and the third output signal to the first loudspeaker.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventor: Christophe Marc Macours
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Patent number: 9609419Abstract: Various systems and methods for providing contextual information to a user while the user is wearing headphones are described herein. A system for providing contextual information while wearing headphones comprises an event detector module to detect an event external and proximate to a user device, the user device communicatively coupled to headphones worn by a user, the headphones producing sound at a first volume; a notification decision module to determine whether to notify the user of the event; and a notification module to notify the user of the event based on the determination.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Shahar Taite, Tomer Rider, Raphael Sack, Igor Ljubuncic
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Patent number: 9609420Abstract: A first earphone of an earphone system includes a first magnet assembly and a first voice coil. A second earphone of the earphone system includes a second magnet assembly and a second voice coil. The second magnet assembly has a magnetic polarity that is opposite to the first magnet assembly. The current direction in the second voice coil is reversed relative to the current direction in the first voice coil. The first earphone and the second earphone attract each other because of the opposite magnetic polarity between the first magnet assembly and the second magnet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Yacine Azmi, Esge B. Andersen
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Patent number: 9609421Abstract: A speaker comprises a support structure having a circumferentially extending rim, a vibration member configured to be displaced relative to the support structure during operation of the speaker, and a suspension member suspending the vibration member relative to the support structure. The suspension member includes a radially outer portion attached to the rim of the support structure, a radially inner platform portion attached to the vibration member, and a plurality of beams. Each beam of the plurality of beams may extend from the radially outer portion to the radially inner platform portion. The plurality of beams is configured such that a resonant frequency of the vibration member attached to the radially inner platform portion of the suspension member scales linearly with a beam width of the beams of the plurality of beams.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Skullcandy, Inc.Inventors: Tetsuro Oishi, Sam Noertker
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Patent number: 9609422Abstract: Provided is a headphone unit including a housing having a convex portion and accommodating a driver unit, a support in contact with part of the outer surface of the convex portion, and a frictional member in contact with the support and the outer surface of the convex portion. The frictional member generates greater friction against the convex portion than the friction between the support and the convex portion. The housing is swingably joined to the support.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventors: Yoji Honda, Kenzo Tsuihiji, Koichiro Tanoue, Kenji Arai
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Patent number: 9609423Abstract: A noise abatement system for dental procedures conceived to protect the hearing of dental staff members composed of office managers, dental operators including at least one of dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, dental technician and any other dental staff member in the dental operatory, and of patients, comprises a pair of headphones composed of one left and one right phones [1] connected to each other via a flexible strap [2], an audio signal processor (ASP) [7] with a receiver [17] and an on/off talk button [13] with a transmitter and circuitry [21]. Dental operators and patients can toggle an operator/patient switch [8] in a water- and dust-resistant casing of the pair of headphones to switch between operator mode and patient mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Volt Analytics, LLCInventors: Peman Montazemi, Shaghayegh Zekavati, Massimo Mitolo
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Patent number: 9609424Abstract: An electronic audio device for use with at least one earpiece or a pair of earpieces, or a pair of earpieces in a headphone, each earpiece having a microphone and a speaker located therein, including circuitry operatively coupled to the microphone and speaker, and a processor operatively coupled to evaluate a seal quality of the earpiece to a user's ear based on seal quality measurements made while driving or exciting a signal into the speaker located in the earpiece and where the processor is configure to generate a visual or audio message identifying whether at least one earpiece is properly sealed based on the seal quality measurements.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Personics Holdings, LLCInventor: Steven Wayne Goldstein
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Patent number: 9609425Abstract: Circuitry detects properties of an accessory removably connected thereto via a multi-pole connector. The circuitry has first, second and third circuit terminals for coupling to respective first, second, and third poles of said connector, and has an output for providing evaluation values from which properties of the accessory may be derived. In the circuitry, first current sourcing circuitry is coupled to said first circuit terminal for providing a first current. A switch network comprises first, second, third and fourth switch network terminals, said first switch network terminal coupled to a reference potential, said second switch network terminal coupled to said second circuit terminal, and said third switch network terminal coupled to said third circuit terminal. Comparator circuitry provides a comparison signal, its first input terminal being coupled to said first circuit terminal.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Graeme Mackay, Andrew Bothwell
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Patent number: 9609426Abstract: An acoustic tube attaching unit that attaches an acoustic tube to a side of a main body case where a microphone unit is mounted. The acoustic tube attaching unit includes first and second elastic members lying between a fixing member and a washer, and bolts that tight the fixing member and the washer in an axial direction. A peripheral edge surface of the first elastic member is formed in a linear manner, and a peripheral edge surface of the second elastic member is formed in a recessed surface manner, so that the peripheral edge surface of the first elastic member protrudes in an outer peripheral direction by elastic deformation by the tightening of the bolts. The acoustic tube is attached to the main body case side by fixing action to an inner wall of the acoustic tube by the protrusion of the first elastic member in the outer peripheral direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA AUDIO-TECHNICAInventor: Hiroshi Akino
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Patent number: 9609427Abstract: A user terminal apparatus connected to an electronic device, and a method thereof, are provided. The apparatus includes a communicator that performs communication with the electronic device, an audio processor that processes an audio source to be transmitted to the electronic device, and a controller that adjusts a sound level of the audio source based on a reference volume unit of the electronic device, and controls the adjusted audio source to be transmitted to the electronic device in a streaming method.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dae-yeon Jeong, Young-sik Lee
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Patent number: 9609428Abstract: A method and a device for automatically identifying a microphone pin and a ground pin of an audio interface and an electronic signature token are provided. The method comprises: not implementing an identification operation on the first pin and the second pin of the audio interface when an absolute value of a voltage difference between the first pin and the second pin is less than a first threshold; and determining a type of each of the first pin and the second pin according to a sign of the voltage difference between the first pin and the second pin when the absolute value of the voltage difference is greater than or equal to a second threshold, in which the second threshold is greater than or equal to the first threshold.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: TENDYRON CORPORATIONInventor: Dongsheng Li
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Patent number: 9609429Abstract: A microphone comprises a sound inlet, a first MEMS microphone structure comprising a first membrane and associated backplate in the path of the sound inlet and a second MEMS microphone structure comprising a second membrane and associated backplate stacked with respect to the first microphone membrane, with an enclosed space between the first and second membranes.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Knowles IPC (M) SDN BHDInventor: Friedrich Reining
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Patent number: 9609430Abstract: An audio signal output from a tone generator is fed into a coil provided in a transducer for vibrating a sound board, so that a sound signal is generated by the vibration of the sound board. A predetermined DC voltage supplied by a constant voltage source circuit is superimposed on the audio signal by an adding circuit, so that the superimposed signal is fed into the coil. A current passing through the coil is sensed by a current sensing resistor, so that only a DC voltage component of a voltage signal on the both ends of the resistor is extracted by a low-pass filter circuit to be supplied to a microcomputer via an A/D converting circuit. The microcomputer figures out a resistance value and a temperature of the coil by use of the DC voltage component and the certain DC voltage value.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: YAMAHA CORPORATIONInventor: Jun Ishii
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Patent number: 9609431Abstract: Provided are an interested audio source cancellation method, a voice recognition method using the interested audio source cancellation method, computer-readable recording media recording programs for implementing the methods, and a voice recognition apparatus for performing voice recognition by using the interested audio source cancellation method. The interested audio source cancellation method includes steps of: receiving input mixed signals from two microphones and transforming the signals into a time-frequency domain through short-term Fourier transformation; setting an interested audio source cancellation vector for cancelling an interested audio source signal from the input mixed signals in the time-frequency domain; and generating a mixed noise signal by cancelling the interested audio source signal from the input mixed signals by using the interested audio source cancellation vector.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION SOGANG UNIVERSITYInventors: Hyung Min Park, Myung Woo Oh
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Patent number: 9609432Abstract: A microphone comprising an automatic bias control providing a better signal quality is proposed. The microphone comprises a bias control circuit that can provide two or more voltages to the microphone's capacitor. The bias control circuit increases the voltage if the collapse frequency is low and decreases the voltage if the collapse frequency is high.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: TDK CorporationInventor: Troels Andersen
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Patent number: 9609433Abstract: An automated process for equalizing an audio system and an apparatus for implementing the process. An audio system includes a microphone unit, for receiving the sound waves radiated from a plurality of speakers, acoustic measuring circuitry, for calculating frequency response measurements; a memory, for storing characteristic data of the loudspeaker units and further for storing the frequency response measurements; and equalization calculation circuitry, for calculating an equalization pattern responsive to the digital data and responsive to the characteristic data of the plurality of loudspeaker units. Also described is an automated equalizing system including a acoustic measuring circuitry including a microphone for measuring frequency response at a plurality of locations; a memory, for storing the frequency responses at the plurality of locations; and equalization calculation circuitry, for calculating, from the frequency responses, an optimized equalization pattern.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: William M. Rabinowitz, Hilmar Lehnert, Keith D. Martin, Richard Saffran, Abhijit Kulkarni, Finn A. Arnold
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Patent number: 9609434Abstract: A driving device for a sound system by loudspeaker signals, wherein the sound system has a wave field synthesis loudspeaker array and one or several supply loudspeakers arranged separate from the wave field synthesis array includes an audio input for receiving at least one audio signal from at least one sound source, a position input for receiving information on a position of the sound source, a wave field synthesis unit for calculating loudspeaker signals for the loudspeakers of the wave field synthesis loudspeaker array, and a provider for providing the loudspeaker signal for the one or the several supply loudspeakers. The driving device enables a sound system by means of which sound localization becomes possible for the audience and at the same time pleasant levels can be achieved also in the first rows of the audience.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: René Rodigast, Michael Strauss
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Patent number: 9609435Abstract: The present invention provides a portable and compact battery-powered stereo speaker assembly that incorporates a DC to DC converter, which enables power from the internal stereo speaker assembly battery to charge an interconnected hand-held device, such as a smartphone, through a USB connection, thereby extending the time that the device can be used untethered from the AC power grid. A DC to DC converter enables the charging function can be implemented even if the speaker assembly is not connected to the AC power grid, and even if the battery of the stereo speaker assembly is not fully charged. The stereo speaker assembly also incorporates Bluetooth connectivity, a proprietary open wireless technology standard, developed by Ericsson in 1994, employing frequency-hopping spread spectrum radio transmissions in the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Braven LCInventors: Warren Robert Osborn, Daniel Lester Hill
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Patent number: 9609436Abstract: Systems and methods of providing an audio signal are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of producing an audio signal includes applying, for example, a head related transfer function (HRTF) and a transducer position compensation filter to an input audio signal to generate an enhanced audio signal configured to be transmitted toward an entrance of the user's ear from a transducer carried by a headset and spaced apart from the entrance to a user's ear.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Hannes Gamper, Mark Richard Paul Thomas, Ivan Jelev Tashev, David Emerson Johnson
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Patent number: 9609437Abstract: A diaphragm for a loudspeaker drive unit or for a microphone includes a rigid dome-shaped member having a thickness that varies from a first thicker thickness at a first location at the periphery of the dome-shaped member to a second thinner thickness at a second location, which is nearer to the center of the dome-shaped member. There is a step-wise change in thickness at a location between the first location and the second location. Having greater thickness at the periphery of the dome-shaped member may improve stiffness of the diaphragm and may allow for an increased break-up frequency. Having thinner material elsewhere in the dome-shaped member may allow the mass of the diaphragm to be kept low and may result in better acoustic sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: B & W GROUP LTDInventor: Martial Andre Robert Rousseau
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Patent number: 9609438Abstract: A speaker apparatus and an electronic device having the same are provided. The speaker apparatus includes a hollow shape frame, a magnet disposed in an internal part of the hollow shape frame, a voice coil installed in proximity to the magnet, a diaphragm including a diaphragm edge that vibrates by an electric current applied to the voice coil, and a diaphragm edge compression part extended upward along the diaphragm edge. The diaphragm edge compression part contacts an inner surface of a housing of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kwang-Hyun Kim, Kyu-Eun Park, Brian S J Han, Young-Hun An
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Patent number: 9609439Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) optical sensor, method of detecting sound using the MEMS optical sensor and method of manufacturing. The MEMS optical sensor including a substrate having a base portion and a vertically extending support portion. The sensor further including a top plate having a compliant membrane configured to vibrate in response to acoustic waves, the top plate connected to the support portion and having a reflective surface. The sensor also includes a back plate connected to the support portion, the back plate having a grating portion positioned below the reflective surface portion and a base plate connected to the support portion at a position below the back plate. A light emitter, a light detector and circuitry operable to tilt the top plate and the back plate with respect to the base plate so as to direct the reflected laser light toward the light detector are further provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Janhavi S. Agashe, Jae H. Lee
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Patent number: 9609440Abstract: The invention relates to a template for implanting a housing of an implantable unit of a partially implantable hearing instrument, comprising a template plate comprising an implant position marking opening and a template position indicating element which extends substantially normal with regard to the surface of the template plate, wherein the implant position marking opening is designed to mark the position of a receptacle to be created in the patient's temporal bone for receiving an elevated housing positioning portion of the housing, and wherein the template position indicating element is a projection designed to be seen or felt by a surgeon through the patient's skin when the template plate is positioned at the patient's skull to mark the position of said receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Advanced Bionics AGInventors: Louisa Busca Grisoni, Christian Imbert
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Patent number: 9609441Abstract: A system or computer usable program product for controlling a hearing aid based on an adjustable policy including receiving an input signal; receiving an indication signal from a user identifying the input signal; receiving an adjustment to the hearing aid with the indication signal; and utilizing a processor to store the input signal in memory with the adjustment to the hearing aid as an adjustable policy corresponding to the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Paul N. Krystek, Mark B. Stevens, John D. Wilson
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Patent number: 9609442Abstract: A method for controlling a hearing aid based on an adjustable policy including receiving an input signal; receiving an indication signal from a user identifying the input signal; receiving an adjustment to the hearing aid with the indication signal; and utilizing a processor to store the input signal in memory with the adjustment to the hearing aid as an adjustable policy corresponding to the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Paul N. Krystek, Mark B. Stevens, John D. Wilson
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Patent number: 9609443Abstract: An in-the-ear hearing aid having a first end and a second end, includes: a microphone; a printed circuit board; a receiver; a battery having a first side and a second side, where the battery is located at the second end; one or more wireless communication units; a first antenna interconnected with one of the one or more wireless communication units, wherein the first antenna is located at the second end; and a second antenna located at the second end, wherein the second antenna is located closer to the second side of the battery than the first side; wherein the printed circuit board is located closer to the first side of the battery than the second side; and wherein the first antenna is fed from the printed circuit board, and comprises an antenna part that is located closer to the second side of the battery than the first side.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: GN Hearing A/SInventors: Andrea Ruaro, Brian Jeppesen
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Patent number: 9609444Abstract: Sound processors and systems including sound processors are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Advanced Bionics AGInventor: Rankiri Tissa Karunasiri