Abstract: An operator control device includes an operator control element configured to provide haptic feedback to an operator. The operator control element is activatable by an input member of the operator and has: a first planar component; and a second planar component oriented in parallel with the first planar component, the first and second planar components being movable relative to one another. The first and second planar components are guidable between a position of rest and an activation position while maintaining their parallel orientation with respect to one another. In the activation position the distance between the first and second planar components is smaller than in the position of rest. The first and second planar components are spring loaded in the position of rest.

Abstract: A method of emanating a sound from a vehicle comprising detecting an accelerator state, a brake state, and a transmission state of the vehicle, and emanating a take-off sound. The take-off sound includes changing emanation of a sound profile from a first sound pressure level to a second sound pressure level that is greater than the first sound pressure level, upon first detecting the accelerator state transitioned from an accelerator released state to an accelerator depressed state while the brake state indicates the brake released state and the transmission state indicates a motive state.

Abstract: A method of emanating a sound from a vehicle comprising detecting a speed of the vehicle, and emanating a speed sound, including emanating a sound profile and changing at least one of a sound pressure level and a pitch of the sound profile in relation to the speed of the vehicle changing. The method further comprises ceasing emanation of the speed sound upon the speed of the vehicle increasing from below a first threshold to above the first threshold, and resuming emanation of the speed sound upon the speed of the vehicle decreasing from above a second threshold to below the second threshold, the second threshold being less than the first threshold.

Abstract: A sound volume is adjusted in accordance with a volume adjustment coefficient ka calculated in accordance with a coefficient map with respect to an accelerator opening angle APO and another volume adjustment coefficient kv calculated in accordance with the coefficient map with respect to a vehicle speed V. The coefficient map with respect to vehicle speed V is set such that, as accelerator opening angle APO becomes higher, volume adjustment coefficient ka becomes larger in a sigmoid configuration. In addition, the coefficient map with respect to accelerator opening angle APO is set such that, as vehicle speed V becomes higher, volume adjustment coefficient kv becomes smaller in the sigmoid configuration.

Abstract: An illuminated doorbell touch pad system is disclosed, having a chime control unit controlled by a micro-processor which continually calibrates according to a process for discriminating between a human touch and moisture, rain and small animals, for changes in capacitance of a metal housing enclosing an outdoor portion of the illuminated doorbell touch pad system.

Abstract: A user may freely generate a vehicle driving sound using a mounted mobile terminal so as to generate various types of driving sounds through a speaker. A vehicle includes a setting unit configured to set response characteristics of a vehicle driving sound for at least one of a plurality of pieces of vehicle state information and set a section-specific volume of the vehicle driving sound for at least one of a plurality of set response characteristics including revolutions per minute (RPM) and a controller configured to control an output of the vehicle driving sound generated according to a setting of the setting unit and control sound transfer characteristics unique to the vehicle to be reflected when the vehicle driving sound is generated and output.

Abstract: A sound quality adjustment apparatus of an approaching vehicle audible system that generates a signal of a notification sound, which is emitted from a sounding device provided in an electric vehicle that generates at least part of driving force by use of a motor to the outside of the electric vehicle, is provided with a sound element storage unit that stores sound element data forming an element of the notification sound; a sound-source sound quality extraction unit that analyzes the sound element data so as to extract a characteristic value related to the sound quality of a sound element; a parameter setting unit that obtains a parameter for converting the sound element data in accordance with vehicle information, by use of the characteristic value extracted by the sound-source sound quality extraction unit; and a parameter storage unit that stores the parameter obtained by the parameter setting unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an audio notification file for a computing device are provided. A first audio file associated with a first mental state is selected as a first section of the audio notification file. The audio notification file enabled for storage in a memory. The audio notification file is further enabled for processing by a processing unit to control a speaker. A final state of the audio notification file is determined, the final state designated as a final section of the audio notification file, the final state associated with a second mental state. At least one intermediate section of the audio notification file is generated, between the first section and the second section, by morphing the first audio file to the final state by processing the first audio file using a digital signal processor.

Abstract: The accessorized doorbell device has a device control in wireless communication with an actuator, such as a doorbell. Chosen music and other informational playback upon an actuator's enablement plays from a plethora of music and other choices stored within and available to the device. A plurality of wireless playback units is provided such that chosen playback is selectively heard throughout or in an isolated area in an abode. A plurality of control buttons, a monitor, and a speaker provide discriminating input from the device control.

Abstract: A hybrid speaker is provided. The hybrid speaker can include first magnets, second magnets, a yoke that accommodates the first and second magnets, a diaphragm, voice coils fixed at one face of the diaphragm, a frame, and a plate spring resiliently supporting the yoke at the frame. The first magnets can be arranged at predetermined intervals such that south poles or north poles thereof are oriented to the same side. The second magnets can have smaller volumes than the first magnets and be arranged singly or plurally between the first magnets their magnetic poles oriented the opposite those of the first magnets. The voice coils can be disposed so as to cross magnetic circuits between the first magnets and the yoke. The diaphragm can be fixed to the frame at periphery portions of the face at the side of the diaphragm at which the voice coils are fixed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for driving loudspeakers of a sound system in a vehicle, the system having at least two loudspeakers of a basic system, and a plurality of loudspeakers of a focus system wherein each of the loudspeakers has a position in an environment. The apparatus includes a basic channel provider for providing basic system audio channels for driving the loudspeakers of the basic system and a focused source renderer for providing focus system audio channels to drive the loudspeakers of the focus system. The focused source renderer is configured to calculate a plurality of filter values for the loudspeakers of the focus system based on the positions of the loudspeakers of the focus system and based on a position of a focus point.

Abstract: A mobile communication device that comprises a fashion accessory and a signaling assembly is provided. The signaling assembly may be configured to provide sensory stimuli such as a flashing LED light and a vibration. These stimuli may vary depending on the signal received from a remote communication device or from gestures made by a user or from information stored in the mobile communication device.

Abstract: The acoustic signaling system for electric, hybrid vehicles or the like, which can be installed on an electric vehicle or the like, includes: an amplifier device of a piloting signal; an electroacoustic transducer device operatively connected to the amplifier device; a supervision unit operatively connected to a control device installed on the electric vehicle; a digital audio processor operatively connected to the supervision unit and to the amplifier device; wherein the supervision unit has elements for sending a command signal to the digital audio processor according to a check signal sent by the control device; wherein the digital audio processor has selection elements suitable for selecting one between at least two different audio files, according to the command signal received; and wherein the digital audio processor has processing elements suitable for producing the piloting signal starting from the audio file selected.

Abstract: A cover panel is located on a surface of an electronic apparatus, and includes at least one through-hole and is made of sapphire. A panel support member includes a plate part, support parts, and a reinforcing part. The plate part is opposed to the cover panel. The support parts are vertically arranged on both sides of the plate part and support the cover panel. The reinforcing part is located in the plate part and reinforces the plate part. An operation button passes through the through-hole.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiment, a method includes amplifying signal provided by a microphone to form an amplified signal. The method also includes converting the amplified signal into a frequency-based signal having a frequency dependent on an amplitude of the amplified signal. The frequency-based signal is converted into a pulse code modulated bitstream.

Abstract: A navigation system (NS) can determine a junction between a current position of a user and a maneuver point of a route. Additionally, the NS can determine, change, and output an explicit notification not to turn at the junction.

Abstract: An alarm circuit includes an audio chip, a basic input and output system (BIOS), a platform controller hub (PCH), and a speaker unit. The audio chip is electrically coupled to the BIOS, the PCH, and the speaker unit. The audio chip receives control signals from the BIOS and the PCH, and controls the speaker unit to alarm according to the control signals.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing a wireless earplug system are described. An earplug includes a wireless receiver/transmitter, a battery, a speaker, a sound canal and an on/off switch. The system also includes a controller including a wireless receiver/transmitter used to transmit wireless signals to the earplug. The earplug receives the wireless signals from the controller and plays audio sounds through the speaker and into the user's ear canal, thus enabling the user to hear the transmitted audio signals while ambient noises are blocked. The controller is also used to control the parameters of the time, duration and type of audio sounds.

Abstract: A method includes providing a fundamental frequency corresponding to the RPM of an engine of a vehicle; determining a plurality of harmonics of the fundamental frequency; and determining a target shape of the plurality of harmonics. The target shape includes, for each of the harmonics of the plurality of the harmonics, a gain value as a function of the RPM of the engine. The method also includes determining an accelerator pedal position (APP) based gain that includes a gain value as a function of an accelerator pedal position; and determining a speed based gain that includes a gain value as a function of a difference between a set maximum speed and a measured vehicle speed. The method further includes combining the plurality of harmonics, the target shape of the plurality of harmonics, the APP based gain, and the speed based gain to produce a set of engine harmonic enhancement signals.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating noise in an interior and exterior of a motor vehicle in which a control unit is provided which can be activated and which is operatively connected to a noise generator. The noise generator is connected to at least one noise emitting device (3). The noise emitting device (3) is mounted underneath a hood of the motor vehicle, and is connected to the vehicle interior via at least one hose with at least one sound transmitting element. Sound waves are extracted from the noise emitting device (3) and are transmitted into the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A vehicle proximity annunciator device reduces an occurrence of a pop noise without an additional circuit changing an output of a power amplifier. A capacitor is located between a connection point connecting multiple resistances generating a reference voltage and a ground terminal. The capacitor causes a rise-up time of the reference voltage to delay at a start of power supply to a power source terminal. A sound emission signal is increased at substantially a same level of the reference voltage so that a variation of a differential voltage between the reference voltage and the sound emission signal falls in a pre-determined range.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for facilitating oilfield operations utilizing auditory data. In one embodiment, the present invention generates one or more auditory mapping structures whereby oilfield data may be mapped to sounds. The present invention provides at least one computer generated selection tool through which the user may select one or more portions of displayed oilfield data for auditory enhancement. Once the user has indicated an area of interest using the selection tool, the present invention may identify the oilfield data displayed within the outlined area of interest, identify auditory data associated with the displayed oilfield data utilizing one or more auditory mapping structures, and emit at least a portion of the identified auditory data to enhance the user's understanding of the displayed oilfield data.

Abstract: An electric vehicle pedestrian warning system includes an encapsulating container disposed in a location of an electric vehicle (EV) that is exterior to a cabin of the EV. The warning system also includes a speaker affixed to an interior portion of the container, an amplifier coupled to the speaker, a computer processor communicatively coupled to the amplifier, and logic executable by the computer processor. The logic is configured to transmit a sound file to the speaker through the amplifier over a vehicle network upon activation of the EV. The sound file includes a pedestrian warning sound. A first portion of the pedestrian warning sound is output by the speaker and amplified using acoustical properties of the encapsulating container. The first portion of the pedestrian warning sound is amplified in a low frequency range capable of being cancelled by an active noise cancellation system that is located in the interior cabin.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a retractable environmental detector system includes two portions, a base or retractor unit that can be attached to a ceiling and a retractable environmental detector operably coupled to the base or retractor through a flexible retractable connector that retracts and extends the retractable environmental detector from and to the base or retractor.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle approach notification device of a saddle-ridden electric-powered vehicle that outputs a notification sound for notifying the approach of a vehicle. The saddle-ridden electric-powered vehicle includes a front cover that covers the periphery of a head pipe of a vehicle body frame. The sound emission device is located inside the front cover, the front cover has an air opening for taking in air from an outside, and a ventilation passage that is a passage of the air from the air opening and is used for cooling at least one of a power engine of the saddle-ridden electric-powered vehicle and electric components, and the sound emission device is arranged in the ventilation passage.

Abstract: Event sounds for a multimedia system are assigned statically and/or dynamically to an event based on internal and/or external events and the like. An associator associates a sound to an event based on these factors. User related information that is implicit and/or explicit can also be used to determine an association between an event sound and an event. A controller controls which sound is played back when a particular event occurs based on the event sound association. Probabilities related to a user's preferences can also be utilized to determine which sound is played back during an occurrence of an event.

Abstract: A device for assisting the driver of a vehicle in the process of parking is provided. The device includes sensors for detecting obstacles in an environment of the vehicle, at least in an environment in front and in back of the vehicle, and a display for indicating the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle identified in the environment. The display includes a first means, with which the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle identified in front of the vehicle can be displayed on a windshield of the vehicle, and a second means, with which the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle identified in back of the vehicle can be displayed on a rear window of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle system for determining that at least one mobile electronic device is generally stationary and is potentially forgotten is provided. The system includes a vehicle data bus and a control module. The vehicle data bus transmits a signal indicating at least one trigger event. The trigger event indicates a vehicle exit condition. The control module is in communication with the mobile electronic device and the vehicle bus. The control module is in communication with the mobile device through a data connection to receive information. The control module includes control logic for receiving the trigger signal from the vehicle data bus. The control module includes control logic for determining if the mobile electronic device has moved based on information received from the data connection. The control module includes control logic for determining if the mobile electronic device is generally stationary if the trigger signal is received.

Abstract: A greeting card having an audio message and playback device delivers a first sound recording upon opening of the greeting card and a second sound recording upon closing of the greeting card. The delivery of each sound recording may be delayed by a timing component within the audio message and playback device. Additionally, the delivery of each sound recording may be played simultaneously or in queue. Sound recordings may also be recorded by a user using a recording component that is in addition to the audio message and playback device. The audio message and playback device may also include an additional trial mode component that allows the user to test a recorded message before purchasing the greeting card and place the greeting card into a use mode that allows the user to permanently record the message.

Abstract: A laser processing system for accurate detection of how far away the surface of a workpiece may be includes a platform, a laser processing device, a distance detection device, and a driving device. The platform is configured for carrying at least one workpiece. Both the laser processing device and the distance detection device are arranged upon the platform. The distance detection device detects an actual distance between a surface of the workpiece and the laser processing device, and compares the preset height with the actual height. If the preset height is less than the actual height, the distance detection device emitting a warning signal to remind a worker to re-enter a new preset height.

Abstract: The Snooze Alert is a device that prevents a person from falling asleep while driving a vehicle, truck, bus or for any reason that requires a person to stay awake and alert. The advantage of this device is that it does not hang on the ear and it has three sources of power. The Snooze Alert is incased in a soft pouch with an adjustable strap that holds the pouch between the lower chin and the upper chest area. When a person's head tilts forward or to the side, like when falling asleep the chin depresses the activator switch which send an electrical current that activates the vibrator and the buzzer and thereby instantly waking up the person.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an interior component, movably attached to an exterior component. Rotation of the exterior component causes an actuation piece to activate a circuit provided to either the interior or exterior component. Activation of the circuit causes sound to be played from a speaker provided to either the interior or exterior component. Also included is a hollow portion provided to the interior component, of sufficient diameter to fit a bottle top therein. Also, the apparatus includes a grip, provided on the hollow portion and operable to fixedly engage the bottle top at least when the exterior component is rotated. Rotation of the exterior component relative to the interior component causes engagement of the interior component by the exterior component, such that the interior component is caused to rotate in concert with the exterior component, further causing rotation of the bottle top which the grip fixedly engages.

Abstract: A control unit generates an annunciation sound signal including multiple frequency components. A sound emission device emits an annunciation sound to an outside of a vehicle according to the annunciation sound signal. The control unit changes a pitch of the annunciation sound signal according to a vehicle speed and changes an output level of the annunciation sound signal according to the pitch of the annunciation sound signal.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for providing previews of voice calls are provided. A voice call from a communication device to a remote communication device is initiated, via a communication interface. Sound data is received via a microphone, prior to the voice call being established. Preview data is transmitted in association with the voice call to the remote communication device, via the communication interface, the preview data indicative of the sound data, and the preview data for presentation at the remote communication device prior to the voice call being established.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes receiving a first indication of an incoming communication and determining that the incoming communication includes private information. The method may also include outputting, for display at a wearable computing device, a second indication of the incoming communication, wherein the indication includes non-private information. The method may also include determining, based on motion data generated by the wearable computing device, that a user of the wearable computing device is likely viewing the wearable computing device. The method may also include outputting, for display at the wearable computing device, an indication of the private information.

Abstract: A control circuit for a portable x-ray medical imaging system detector. The control circuit operates to reduce power consumption of the portable x-ray detector. The detector control circuit includes a multi-function switch coupled to the portable detector, and a detector control module installed in the portable detector, the detector control module receiving an input from the multi-function switch and based on the received input reconfiguring the portable detector from a first operational mode to a different second operational mode. A portable detector including the detector control circuit and a method of operating the portable detector are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus is basically provided with a sound emitting device and a notification sound control device. The sound emitting device emits a movement notification sound to outside of a vehicle to inform a person in an area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle is moving at a low speed. The notification sound control device operates the sound emitting device to selectively emit the movement notification sound. The notification sound control device includes a notification sound prohibiting section and a prohibition cancelling section. The notification sound prohibiting section prohibits an emission of the movement notification sound by the sound emitting device. The prohibition cancelling section cancels a notification sound emission prohibition imposed by the notification sound prohibiting section either upon a vehicle speed of the vehicle exceeding a prescribed vehicle speed or based on position information of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for producing an auditory alert that comprises sonic properties to an equipment operator wearing an auditory headset prior to the presentation of the auditory alert to the operator. The method comprises measuring an at-ear ambient noise spectrum, determining frequencies within the at-ear ambient noise spectrum that have relative minimum intensities and enhancing the magnitude of the determined relative minimum intensities. The method then generates the auditory alert incorporating the enhanced relative minimum intensities.

Abstract: An electric whistle has a power circuit, an inductor, an electric switch, a buzzer, a tone-set resistor and a sound IC. The sound IC generates an audio control signal to activate the electric switch. When the electric switch is activated, the inductor produces an induction voltage to activate the buzzer. The oscillation frequency of the audio control signal is determined by the single tone-set resistor without a capacitor. Therefore, few passive devices are used. The electric whistle of the present invention is compact and portable.

Abstract: A system and method of transmitting an authentication code includes automatically calculating a security code on a device executing a security program. The security program may periodically calculate a respective unique security code. In response to a user requesting the security code, the device automatically vibrates according to a pattern representing the security code. The pattern tactilely communicates the security code to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus and computer program configured to perform the method, the method comprising: enabling an apparatus to provide an alert in response to the occurrence of an event wherein; when the apparatus is determined to be in a particular context a first alert is provided and when the apparatus is determined not to be in the particular context a second, user defined, alert is provided.

Abstract: A sleep management application on a computing device having a processor and a storage medium executes code that establishes to a server that maintains data pertaining to the computing device or to a user, retrieves data from the remote server, and generates a custom interface to configure a feature of the computing device. The custom interface is used to program a sleep management setting. In one implementation, a method uses the sleep management application to provide an alarm function using external data from a remote server. The sleep management application can receive the external data from the remote server and analyze the external data to identify elements that pertain to the sleep management application. Then, the sleep management application can generate a control signal based on the elements, and modify a setting governing an operation of the alarm function in accordance with the control signal.

Abstract: A greeting card having an audio message and playback device delivers a first sound recording upon opening of the greeting card and a second sound recording upon closing of the greeting card. The delivery of each sound recording may be delayed by a timing component within the audio message and playback device. Additionally, the delivery of each sound recording may be played simultaneously or in queue. Sound recordings may also be recorded by a user using a recording component that is in addition to the audio message and playback device. The audio message and playback device may also include an additional trial mode component that allows the user to test a recorded message before purchasing the greeting card and place the greeting card into a use mode that allows the user to permanently record the message.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle to emanate an audible alert. The method includes determining when the vehicle is operating, and controlling a speaker system in the vehicle to emanate the audible alert outside of the vehicle for a period of time when the vehicle is operating. The audible alert has a sound profile that includes a simultaneous emanation of a first audible frequency component at a first sound pressure level and a second audible frequency component at a second sound pressure level, with the first and second sound pressure levels being greater than a sound pressure level of the sound profile at all other frequencies. The method further includes modulating the first sound pressure level of the first audible frequency component.

Abstract: A vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus is basically provided with a sound emitting device and a notification sound control device. The sound emitting device emits a starting movement notification sound to outside of a vehicle to inform a person in an outside area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle will transition from a stopped state to a moving state, and emits a moving notification sound to outside of the vehicle to inform a person in the outside area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle is moving. The notification sound control device operates the sound emitting device to selectively emit the starting movement notification sound. The notification sound control device includes a notification sound emission timing section that sets a start timing of the starting movement notification sound in response to a shift operation having been performed and an additional start movement preparation operation of the vehicle having been performed.

Abstract: Audible signals are created and emitted that provide a human user with improved sound localization cues to quickly and efficiently find the emitting device. Different emitted audible signals are sequentially emitted in response to receiving an activation signal. The different audible signals have been observed to efficiently help a human locate emitting devices that are 1) inside a sealed enclosure, such as a box; 2) in close proximity to the user; and 3) that is a large distance from the user.

Abstract: A sound producing apparatus for a vehicle notifying a vehicle's approach outside the vehicle comprising an original-tone generating portion generating an original tone of a vehicle's approaching sound for recognition of a vehicle's approach, a modulation-tone generating portion generating a modulation tone from the original tone with a comb filter function which is configured to apply gains to frequency components so that a gain to be applied to a specified frequency component of a times-tone row which has frequencies of n-times of a fundamental frequency is greater than that to be applied to the other frequency component than the specified frequency component of the times-tone row, a sound-pressure setting portion setting a sound pressure of the approaching sound of the modulation tone, and a speaker producing outside the vehicle the vehicle's approaching sound of the modulation tone with the set sound pressure.

Abstract: In one example, information is presented to a user in a non-visual manner. In this example, a list of visually representable items defined by a beginning and at least one of dimension of time and space is accessed. Each of the visually representable items within the dimension is placed in one of a plurality of non-visual sensory categories. A non-visual sensory preview is rendered, in sequence for each item in the list, from the plurality of non-visual sensory categories.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use with a system is provided. The monitoring system includes a data management system that includes a database configured to store data representative of at least one operating characteristic of at least one machine. A portable display assembly is coupled to the data management system and includes at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of the machine within a predefined distance from a portion of the display assembly. The display assembly also includes a communication interface that is coupled to the data management system and is configured to receive the data. Moreover, the display assembly includes a display media that is coupled to the communication interface for presenting an output representative of the data to a user of the display assembly such that the user is enabled to view historical data of the machine and/or monitor the machine in real-time.

Abstract: A communication device for transmitting and receiving messages via an emergency notification network. The communication device includes a receiver configured to receive a data packet from a data broadcasting system, a processor operably connected to the receiver and configured to process the data packet, a memory operably connected to the processor and configured to store data, a mesh network transceiver operably connected to the processor and configured to transmit the received data packet via a mesh network to at least a second communication device, and an output device operably connected to the processor and configured to present an alert corresponding to the data packet.