Abstract: Provided is a process including: obtaining source and destination video data, the destination video data being a transformed version of the source video data; for a plurality of blocks in the given source frame, determining a respective source aggregate value that is based on a measure of central tendency of pixel values; for a plurality of blocks in the given destination frame, determining a respective destination aggregate value that is based on a measure of central tendency of pixel values; determining a plurality of differences between source and destination aggregate values; determining a frame aggregate value that is based on a measure of central tendency of the determined differences; and determining a measure of distortion of the destination video data based on the frame aggregate value.

Abstract: Techniques related to quality restoration filtering for video coding are described.

Abstract: The image decoding method includes: determining a context for use in a current block to be processed, from among a plurality of contexts; and performing arithmetic decoding on a bit sequence corresponding to the current block, using the determined context, wherein in the determining: the context is determined under a condition that control parameters of neighboring blocks of the current block are used, when the signal type is a first type, the neighboring blocks being a left block and an upper block of the current block; and the context is determined under a condition that the control parameter of the upper block is not used, when the signal type is a second type, and the second type is “inter_pred_flag”.

Abstract: To allow graders to make optimally looking content of HDR scenes for various rendering displays, we invented an image encoder (202) comprising: an input (240) for a high dynamic range input image (M_HDR); an image grading unit (201) arranged to allow a human color grader to specify a color mapping from a representation (HDR_REP) of the high dynamic range input image defined according to a predefined accuracy, to a low dynamic range image (Im_LDR) by means of a human-determined color mapping algorithm, and arranged to output data specifying the color mapping (Fi(MP_DH)); and an automatic grading unit (203) arranged to derive a second low dynamic range image (GT_IDR) by applying an automatic color mapping algorithm to one of the high dynamic range input image (M_HDR) or the low dynamic range image (Im_LDR). We also describe and interesting new saturation processing strategy useful in the newly emerging high dynamic range image handling technology.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a video encoder generates an encoded bitstream representing a sequence of video frames including a keyframe. The encoder generates information for use by a decoder that receives the encoded bitstream to enable the decoder to generate display frames from a pre-keyframe video frame that is prior to the keyframe in the sequence of video frames. The encoded bitstream is sent to the decoder. In another embodiment, a video decoder receives from an encoder an encoded bitstream representing a sequence of video frames including a keyframe. The keyframe includes information to enable the decoder to generate display frames from a pre-keyframe video frame that was received prior to the keyframe in the sequence of video frames. The decoder generates display frames using the pre-keyframe video frame, information included with the keyframe and information included with an encoder-determined number of decoded frames subsequent to the keyframe.

Abstract: A method for receiving broadcast radio signals in a vehicle, particularly in a motor vehicle, and a broadcast radio receiver that is set up to perform the method are described. The method involves multiple reception paths of a broadcast radio receiver being available in order to receive and computationally process broadcast radio signals separately from one another. In addition, the method involves multiple reproduction appliances being connectable to one or more respective reception paths in order to reproduce received broadcast radio signals, wherein multiple reception paths can be combined for a reproduction appliance in order to improve the reception quality. Provision is additionally made for the speed of the vehicle to be ascertained and for the number of reception paths that are combined for a reproduction appliance to be prescribed on the basis of the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented multimedia broadcast platform provides multimedia content to one or more users that allows users to dynamically send, receive, and modify content data associated with the multimedia broadcast platform. An embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for receiving event identification information, receiving second content information, processing the second content information in real time, and outputting combined content. In one example, the second content information includes multimedia commentary related to the received event identification information. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for transmitting event identification information, processing second content information, and transmitting generated content information based at least in part on the second content information.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to configuration of content and consumption thereof content in a networked environment. In certain aspects, the consumed content can be coordinated or otherwise synchronized between disparate consumption devices, which may be served content via different content platforms. In another aspect, the consumed content can be customized for a specific device and/or an end-user thereof. In yet another aspect, recommendations for content and/or products associated with at least a portion of the content can be provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for communicating multimedia content over a service provider network. A network server may receive an audio-video stream from a content provider server, relaying the audio-video stream to a receiver device via the service provider network, receive an operating mode notification identifying a user behavior from the receiver device, and ceasing the relaying of the audio-video stream to the receiver device based on the user behavior. The network server may also alter the audio-video stream based on the received operating mode notification and send the altered audio-video stream to the receiver device via the service provider network.

Abstract: The Controlled Environment Media And Communication System delivers communications services to residents of controlled facilities using a common network architecture. Some of the communications capabilities of the Controlled Environment Media And Communication System include media distribution, video visitation, intra-facility messaging, and other such communications services.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method, a terminal, and a system for communication pairing of a digital television terminal and a mobile terminal. The method for communication pairing with a digital television terminal includes: acquiring communication connection information of the digital television terminal, wherein the communication connection information includes communication hardware information of the digital television terminal; performing encoding according to the communication connection information to generate a two-dimensional code image; displaying the two-dimensional code image; establishing a link connection to a mobile terminal that acquires the two-dimensional code image by using a camera; and performing communication pairing with the mobile terminal by means of the established link connection. By using the present disclosure, communication connection and pairing between a mobile terminal and a digital television terminal can be completed easily and conveniently.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for assigning metadata candidates to a commercial by performing image analysis on a plurality of the video frames to identify video frames that include one or more of identifiable product-related logos, brand-related logos, product-related text, or brand-related text which appear in the video frames, performing audio analysis on the commercial to identify audio associated with one or more identifiable products or brands in the commercial, comparing the products and brands identified by the image analysis with the products and brands identified by the audio analysis, and identifying similar products and brands; and assigning to the commercial a product or brand as a primary metadata candidate when a similar product or brand is identified by the image analysis and the audio analysis.

Abstract: A client-side video transcoding and processing method for transcoding and processing of video or audio files on end-user client devices, such as desktop computers, laptops, tablet computers, smartphones, wearable devices, or any other end user computing device that can access a network such as the Internet and is equipped with a standard user agent software, such as a World Wide Web browser.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes monitoring a plurality of actions and inactions with video controls of a particular viewer during a first session, wherein the plurality of actions and inactions form a session profile that represents the particular viewer's short-term viewing habits; correlating one or more session profiles that have similar category values to create a signature profile having signature categories that represents the long-term viewing habits of a particular viewer; and matching a new session profile with an existing signature profile to determine a particular viewer for targeted advertising purposes.

Abstract: A user device includes a viewer tracking module that tracks viewer events to form a viewer tracking log and a recommendation module that generates a timeslot viewing profile based on the viewer tracking log. The timeslot viewing profile includes television programs watched previously and a prioritized timeslot series profile determined by summing and prioritizing the count of a plurality of watched programs in a series. The recommendation module compares the timeslot viewing profile of available television programs during the timeslot, generates a first content recommendation list of available television programs, receives related content identifiers for related content that identify content that is available and is related to the television programs of the first content recommendation, and, based on the related content identifiers, generates a second content recommendation list including content that is available during the timeslot different from the first content recommendation list.

Abstract: A smart display and its associated control method are provided. The smart display includes a communication interface, selectively electrically connected to an external host; an internal host, for adjusting an operation mode according to connection status between the communication interface and the external host; a video module, electrically connected to the communication interface and the internal host, for displaying video data from one of the external host and the internal host according to the connection status between the communication interface and the external host; a peripheral; and a switch, electrically connected to the internal host, the communication interface and the peripheral, for controlling the peripheral to execute control data transmitted by one of the external host and the internal host.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing viewing behavior of users viewing video content and advertisements are provided. A system may periodically or continuously receive tune data reflecting the viewing behavior of users, analyze the viewing behavior to determine a location and time period of advertisement blocks in a viewed segment, and determine parameters reflecting a comparison between a number of viewers that viewed the advertisement blocks and a number of viewers that viewed non-advertised content. The system may also deliver a report of the analysis to advertisers, agencies, media sellers, or other parties that are interested in measuring the effectiveness of advertisements on users. The analysis by the system can be done over multiple different types of content-distribution platforms.

Abstract: A menu displaying system and method having an icon for editing image data in an AV (Audio and Video) device, the AV device having a recording medium capable of storing image data and audio data, and which is capable of reproducing image data and audio data. The method comprises steps for displaying icons and additional information corresponding to the image data stored at the recording medium, selecting one of the icons displayed, and reproducing image data corresponding to the selected icon. A corresponding program stored at the AV device having a recording media such as a hard disc drive, is then reproduced upon a menu screen such that image data stored at the AV device can be easily observed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for interactive control of live television broadcast streams. The method includes receiving a streaming live media feed from a television broadcaster and displaying an overlay on media content of the streaming live media feed. The overlay includes a play control option unassociated with an intermediary feed source of the live media feed between the television broadcaster and the media device. The method further includes receiving a first selection input of the play control option and determining that the selection input corresponds to a play mode at a first location within the media content of the streaming live media feed by determining that a first fingerprint fails to match a second fingerprint. Furthermore, the method includes overlaying targeted overlay content on the streaming live media feed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are discussed herein for a media guidance application that aggregates content of multiple types and from multiple sources. Furthermore, the media guidance application may create a personalized presentation of this content. In such cases, the media guidance application may create a playlist in which the media assets selected for the playlist, in addition to being selected from multiple sources and/or types, are selected based on the current whereabouts of the user.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media content presentation system detecting an access event initiated by a user and performed by a media content processing subsystem with respect to a media content program during a time period associated with a provider-scheduled presentation of the media content program, identifying a programming block of which the media content program is a part, determining that the user has failed to direct the media content processing subsystem to perform an additional access event with respect to one or more additional media content programs that are also a part of the programming block during a time period associated with a provider-scheduled presentation of the one or more additional media content programs, and facilitating, in response to the determining, access by the user to the one or more additional media content programs included in the programming block. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for automatically enabling subtitles based on a user profile when a language is spoken with an accent a user has difficulty understanding. For example, a media guidance application may detect a first plurality of user interactions of the user while the given language is being spoken with the accent. Based on the first plurality of interactions, the media guidance application may calculate a first value associated with a user specific level of difficulty indicating how difficult it is for the user to understand the language when spoken with the accent. If the first plurality of user interactions are not being performed again, the media guidance application may update the user specific difficulty with a second value that is lower than the first value. The media guidance application may automatically generate for display subtitles for a media asset based on the user specific level of difficulty.

Abstract: A system for distributing media includes a wide area network (WAN), a media player coupled to the WAN at a first home, and a media server coupled to the WAN at a second home for providing media. A service is coupled to the WAN for receiving a request for media from the media player and for establishing a connection between the first and second homes over the WAN. Media is streamed across the WAN from the second home to the first home. The system may include a storage device coupled to the media player when media is transferred across the WAN for storage at the storage device. A media device may be coupled to the media player for playing the streamed/transferred media where the media player and the media device may comprise a television, stereo, or computer and the media item may comprise video, photographs, or audio.

Abstract: There is provided a receiving apparatus including circuitry that is configured to receive a broadcasting wave that transfers digital data according to an IP (Internet Protocol) having a protocol stack of layers, wherein the circuitry is further configured to implement a first decoder that uses a first key transferred in a first control signal at a first layer to decode a second key acquired in a second control signal transferred at a second layer, the second layer being a higher layer than the first layer in the protocol stack, and a second decoder that uses the decoded second key to decode an encoded component that configures a particular broadcasting service which is included in a stream obtained through the broadcasting wave.

Abstract: A system receives one or more content streams for a program including a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) Live Streaming (HLS) master manifest file for the program, HLS media segments having different bitrate variants, and HLS media manifest files for each of the different bitrate variants. The system encapsulates the HLS master manifest file, the HLS media segments, and the HLS media manifest files into Internet Protocol/User Datagram Protocol (IP/UDP) packets and sends the IP/UDP packets via multicast to video serving offices. Network devices in the video serving offices extract from the IP/UDP packets the HLS master manifest file, the HLS media segments, and the HLS media manifest files. The network devices send to a cache device the HLS media segments and the HLS media manifest files; and forward the IP/UDP packets via multicast to devices in customer premises.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving content from at least one source, processing the content to identify an object in the content, assigning an identifier to the object based on the processing, permitting viewer selection of the object identifier, and providing additional information for presentation to a viewer of the content responsive to viewer selection of the object identifier. The content in some embodiments comprises live video from at least one live video source. For example, the content may comprise at least a portion of a panoramic video comprising a combination of multiple live videos from respective ones of a plurality of video sources. The panoramic video may be digitally cropped and scaled before a resulting version of the content is provided for presentation to the viewer. A plurality of different digitally cropped and scaled versions of the content from the panoramic video can be generated and made available to the viewer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for playing a summary of a scene related to a current scene from a media asset being played in a display. This may be accomplished by a media guidance application receiving a command to play a summary of a scene related to the current playback. The media guidance application then determines a scene or scenes related to the current scene and compiles a summary of the related scenes. The media guidance application may also compile summarized content of the current scene to catch a viewer watching summary up to the current scene when the summary is complete. The media guidance application generates for display, on a second display, the summary content.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for distributing media content, the system including a media content server, a media content receiver configured to output a signal to an associated display device. The media content server is configured to provide a media content signal to the media content receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses, methods and systems for a configurable and secure mobile tool for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) metering systems, wherein the tool comprises a suite of mobile apps that run on a mobile device (e.g., tablet, smartphone) and have functionality to support the installation, maintenance, service, diagnostics and configuration of meters in AMI and AMR systems. The mobile app may remotely synchronize through a secure communication channel with a server in communication with a database that contains configuration settings and related data created by an administrator utilizing an administrator station. During synchronization, the mobile app functionality is configured and customized based on user group authorization profiles defined by an administrator, and data collected and generated by the mobile app that is stored on the mobile device is transferred to the database where it may be accessed by an administrator station.

Abstract: Methods and systems for unifying an EPON network and a coax-based access network may include, in a network with an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) optical line terminal (OLT), coaxial network units (CNUs), and an optical coax bridge (OCB) with a plurality of virtual optical network units (vONUs) each comprising a plurality of logical link identifiers (LLIDs) and having its own MAC address, each vONU corresponding to one CNU: forming, in the OCB, each of the plurality of vONUs when a respective CNU is admitted to a coax network coupled to the OCB; communicating data transmissions from an optical fiber network to the coax network, and data transmissions from the coax network to the optical fiber network, via said OCB; and transmitting and receiving data packets between the OLT and the at least one CNU. The OCB may emulate an optical network unit (ONU) relative to the OLT.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is wavelength-division multiplexer with an internal optical signal tuned by a mounted signal pitch router. In particular, disclosed is a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) optical assembly including an optical signal router, a WDM filter, and a signal pitch router. The WDM filter has a wavelength selective surface positioned proximate the second side of the optical signal router. The signal pitch router has a transmissive surface positioned proximate to a side of the optical signal router, and a second reflective surface opposite the transmissive surface. A depth of the signal pitch router establishes and tunes a pitch of a routing optical path within the optical signal router. This provides for easier, faster, more reliable, and more cost effective manufacturing and assembly of the WDM optical assembly.

Abstract: A method and management node for deciding ports suitable to be communicatively connected to each other in a communications network. The communications network comprises an available port communicatively connected to the communications network, and a discovered port that is discovered as being communicatively connected to the communications network. The management node obtains Information associating at least the available port and the discovered port with respective one or more attributes and with a respective attribute identifier identifying the respective one or more attributes. The management node receives, from a port discovering network node, a message comprising the attribute identifier associated with the discovered port. The management node decides that the available port is suitable to be communicatively connected with the discovered port based on that the respective one or more attributes are considered matching.

Abstract: A loudspeaker arrangement for a passenger cabin of a transport means, including a loudspeaker and a housing having a receiver for the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker includes at least one membrane capable of oscillation and at least one loudspeaker coil. The loudspeaker coil is integrated into the membrane capable of oscillation, wherein the membrane electrically insulates the loudspeaker coil at least in part.

Abstract: A wireless speaker device having a housing including a first magnet and an arm configurable between a straight configuration and a bent configuration. The arm is attached to the housing on one end and has an opposing end having a second magnet. The arm is bendable to allow the magnets to engage another to attach the device to clothing and other items.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a light bulb speaker system. The light bulb speaker system includes a housing having an open end and a partially closed end. A coaxial main speaker is positioned proximal to the open end, a first assistant speaker and a second assistant speaker are positioned between the open end and the partially closed end within the housing. The first and second assistant speakers are mounted so that they face perpendicular to a central axis of the light bulb speaker. The system also includes a light source component mounted within an annular frame, the light source proximally mounted within the housing towards the open end. The housing includes a plurality of speaker holes positioned on opposing sides so that the first and the second assistant speaker are configured to align with the plurality of the speaker holes.

Abstract: A sound processing apparatus includes a processor to obtain sound data and image data, wherein the sound data is collected from a sound source in a given area by a sound collection unit including a plurality of microphones and the image data is captured by an imaging unit which captures an image at least partially in the given area, to designate a direction defined relative to the sound collection unit, wherein the designated direction corresponds to a designation part on an image displayed based on the image data, to designate an arbitrary range in the given area, wherein the designated arbitrary range corresponds to a designation part on the image displayed based on the image data, and to emphasize a sound component in the sound data in the direction designated by the first designation unit within the arbitrary range designated by the second designation unit.

Abstract: Provided is a sound output device worn on an ear of a listener and used, and having listening characteristics of an ambient sound in a wearing state. A sound output device 100 includes a sound generating portion 110 that generates a sound, a sound guiding portion 120 that takes in the sound generated in the sound generating portion 110 from one end 121, and a holding portion 130 that holds the sound guiding portion 120 in the vicinity of the other end 122. The holding portion 130 is engaged with an intertragic notch, and supports the sound guiding portion 120 such that a sound output hole of the other end 122 of the sound guiding portion 120 to face a depth side of an ear canal. Even in a state where the listener wears the sound output device 100, the sound output device 100 does not block an ear cavity of the listener, and the listener can listen to the ambient sound.

Abstract: A case for a pair of earbuds includes a housing having cavities to receive the pair of earbuds and charging circuitry that is configured to initiate charging of the pair of earbuds when an earbud detector detects that the earbuds are inserted within the cavities.

Abstract: A noise cancellation device includes an anti-noise filter circuit, an output circuit, and a detection circuit. The anti-noise filter circuit provides a corresponding one of transfer functions to process a digital signal, in order to generate a noise cancellation signal, in which the transfer functions are different from each other. The output circuit mixes the noise cancellation signal, a reference signal, and an input signal to generate a mixed signal, and generates a sound output signal based on the mixed signal, in which the digital signal is associated with the sound output signal. The detection circuit controls the anti-noise filter circuit to provide the corresponding one of the transfer functions according to a comparison result of a first ratio and a first threshold value, in which the first ratio is a ratio of a first power of the mixed signal to a second power of the digital signal.

Abstract: A connector assembly mountable to a head strap comprises a connector plate with an engagement portion and a threaded attachment member projecting therefrom. Two cylindrical bosses are adjacent to the attachment member and project away from the engagement portion. Spring-biased pin connectors extend through the bosses and connect electrical line coupled to the engagement portion. The pin connectors have retractable tips projecting from their respective boss for engagement with an electrical contact.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention discloses a sound device. The sound device includes a frame and a lower plate. The frame includes a side wall and a leaking hole penetrating the side wall. The sound device also includes an air-permeable isolator covering the leaking hole, and the air-permeable isolator covers the leaking hole completely. Compared with the related technologies, when the sound device is provided in the box body to form a sound device box, a back cavity circumvented and formed by the sound device and the sound device box can be directly filled with acoustic absorbent to form a virtual acoustic cavity.

Abstract: An earphone includes an electro-acoustic transducer and an earphone assembly. The electro-acoustic transducer is configured to generate an acoustic signal in response to an electrical signal. The earphone assembly has an inner surface and an earphone acoustic opening. The electro-acoustic transducer is disposed inside the earphone assembly and defines a front cavity between the electro-acoustic transducer and the earphone acoustic opening along a first portion of the inner surface and a back cavity between the electro-acoustic transducer and a second portion of the inner surface. The earphone assembly further includes an acoustic impedance branch having an impedance aperture in acoustic communication with the front cavity. The acoustic impedance branch includes an acoustic resistive element and a branch volume that reduce a resonance at a first resonance frequency for an occluded ear canal defined by the front cavity of the earphone assembly and an ear canal of a user.

Abstract: A microphone comprises: a vibration member having a plate shape and formed so as to have elasticity and cause bending due to sound waves; a case having a depressed groove, which forms an air layer between the depressed groove and the vibration member since the vibration member is stacked on an upper part thereof, and coupled to the upper part of the depressed groove such that the vibration member is vibrated by sound waves; and a vibration detection unit provided on the vibration unit and the case and measuring the vibration of the vibration member vibrating by sound waves on the case, wherein when the vibration member vibrates, the air in the air layer flows so as to damp the vibration of the vibration member.

Abstract: An earpiece (100) and acoustic management module (300) for in-ear canal echo suppression control suitable is provided. The earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (111) to capture ambient sound, an Ear Canal Receiver (125) to deliver audio content to an ear canal, an Ear Canal Microphone (123) configured to capture internal sound, and a processor (121) to generate a voice activity level (622) and suppress an echo of spoken voice in the electronic internal signal, and mix an electronic ambient signal with an electronic internal signal in a ratio dependent on the voice activity level and a background noise level to produce a mixed signal (323) that is delivered to the ear canal (131).

Abstract: A computing device is provided, comprising a processor configured to receive a set of measurements of a vector x of acoustic data, including noise, interference, and a signal of interest. The processor may express x in a frequency domain discretized in a plurality of intervals. For each interval, the processor may generate an estimate ?x of a covariance matrix of x. For each ?x, the processor may use acoustic imaging to obtain an estimate ? of a spatial source distribution. For each ?, the processor may remove the signal of interest to produce an estimate ? of a noise and interference spatial source distribution. For each ?, the processor may generate an estimate ?n of a noise and interference covariance matrix. The processor may generate a beamformer configured to remove noise and interference from the acoustic data, wherein the noise and interference at each frequency are identified using ?n.

Abstract: A noise extracting device includes first and second microphones that are provided at spatially different positions and pick up sounds, a first noise signal extractor that extracts a first noise signal included in a first signal obtained by subjecting output signals of the first and second microphones to directionality combining, a second noise signal extractor that obtains a second noise signal included in a second signal different from the first signal in a condition of the directionality combining, and a noise signal separator that separates the first and second noise signals into individual noise signals indicating noises generated in the respective first and second microphones.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit, for a capacitive acoustic transducer defining a sensing capacitor that generates a sensing signal as a function of an acoustic signal, has a first input terminal and a second input terminal, which are coupled to the sensing capacitor and: a dummy capacitor, which has a capacitance corresponding to a capacitance at rest of the sensing capacitor and a first terminal connected to the first input terminal; a first amplifier, which is coupled at input to the second input terminal and defines a first differential output of the circuit; a second amplifier, which is coupled at input to a second terminal of the dummy capacitor and defines a second differential output of the circuit; and a feedback stage, which is coupled between the differential outputs and the first input terminal, for feeding back onto the first input terminal a feedback signal, which has an amplitude that is a function of the sensing signal and is in phase opposition with respect thereto.

Abstract: A method includes receiving sound by a first audio unit installed in an electrical outlet, routing audio data corresponding to the received sound from the first audio unit to a second audio unit installed in a second electrical outlet, and sending the audio data to a mobile device using a wireless link between the mobile device and the second audio unit. Routing the audio data may include receiving the audio data from the first audio unit by a third audio unit and routing the audio data to the second audio unit by the third audio unit serving as a router. The data may be routed using table driven routing, on-demand routing or some other appropriate routing protocol. The method may also include performing voice recognition on the audio data and detecting a command word and routing command word data to the second audio unit.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer is provided and includes: a diaphragm having a pair of longitudinal split tubular surfaces arranged next to each other, a valley being formed between respective side portions of the pair of longitudinal split tubular surfaces; a converter including a magnet mechanism and a voice coil configured to perform conversion between vibration of the diaphragm along a depth direction of the valley and an electric signal corresponding to the vibration; and a supporter that supports the diaphragm such that the diaphragm is vibratable along the depth direction of the valley. A tubular portion is provided at an intermediate portion of the valley to couple the diaphragm and the voice coil to each other, and the tubular portion extends in the depth direction of the valley.