Abstract: Different embodiments on hearing enhancement methods and systems to enhance a user's hearing. In one embodiment, a system includes a headset. The headset can access audio signals from other portable or non-portable instruments, wired or wirelessly, such as from home entertainment units, phones, microphones at a conference or speakers at a movie theater. The headset includes a wireless communication component to receive signals from an instrument, a down-convert circuitry, a speaker and a microphone to pickup sound in a headset environment. The headset is configured to modify audio output signals based on the pickup sound to at least reduce noise in the audio output signals to help the user hear audio signals.

Abstract: An information transmission method and an electronic device are provided. The information transmission method is applied to an ultrasonic wave transmitting device, and includes: transmitting a Bluetooth wake-up signal; obtaining an ultrasonic transmission signal based on information to be transmitted; and transmitting the ultrasonic transmission signal to an ultrasonic wave receiving device, wherein the Bluetooth wake-up signal is configured to wake up the ultrasonic wave receiving device to receive the ultrasonic transmission signal. In the ultrasonic wave receiving device, such elements as a decoder and an acoustic wave receiver may be in a normally-off state; and when it is needed to transmit information through an ultrasonic wave, the ultrasonic wave transmitting device first transmits the Bluetooth wake-up signal; and upon the reception of the Bluetooth wake-up signal, the ultrasonic wave receiving device wakes up related elements to receive the ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: An acoustic scene reconstruction device includes: a sound source localization and separation unit configured to perform sound source localization and sound source separation from a collected sound signal; an identification unit configured to identify a kind of a sound source contained in the sound signal; an analysis processing unit configured to estimate a position of the sound source based on a result obtained through the sound source localization and the sound source separation and a result obtained through the identification, select a separation sound and generate visualization information; and a visualization processing unit configured to generate an image corresponding to the sound source is displayed at the estimated position of the sound source by using the visualization information and the separation sound and generate a sound in which the separation sound is reproduced at the estimated position of the sound source.

Abstract: A device for transmitting authentication information is disclosed. A device for transmitting authentication information, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a storage unit for storing authentication information and frequency information corresponding to letters or numbers included in the authentication information; a control unit for generating sound wave signals having a frequency corresponding to the letters or numbers included in the authentication information; and a sound wave output unit for outputting the sound wave signal, wherein the control unit sequentially generates, in the order in which the letters or numbers are enumerated, sound wave signals having a frequency corresponding to the letters or numbers included in the authentication information, and repeatedly generates, a preset number of times, a sound wave signal having a frequency corresponding to each letter or number.

Abstract: A first computing device broadcasts a first audio token comprising the first user computing device identifier over two or more audio frequency channels at specified intervals and listens for audio inputs via the two or more audio frequency channels at the specified intervals. The first computing device receives a second audio token generated by a second computing device and communicates the received second audio token to the one or more computing devices. The second computing device receives the first audio token generated by the first computing device and communicates the received first audio token to the one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices receive the first and second audio tokens and pair the first computing device and the second computing device and facilitate a transfer of data between the first computing device and the second computing device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect proximity of objects to computing devices using near ultrasonic sound waves are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a signal generator to cause a speaker of a computing device to produce a series of pulses. Successive ones of the pulses are spaced at fixed intervals. Ones of the pulses having a central frequency between 18 kHz and 24 kHz. The example apparatus includes an echo profile generator to process noise information sensed by a microphone of the computing device. The noise information includes the pulses and echoes of the pulses reflected off objects in a vicinity of the computing device. The example apparatus further includes an object detection analyzer to determine whether a first object is within an activation region associated with the computing device based on the pulses and the echoes sensed by the microphone.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to disclose a novel optical miniaturized handheld medical device for convenient monitoring and/or data collection of detailed signals on human cardiovascular function. The implementation consists of a number of advanced technologies, including interferometric detection, phase controlled focusing beam steering, auto-tracking scheme and algorism, and integrated optical chip assembly to enhance the device's performance and miniaturization. Briefly, this handheld medical device directs a single or dual output laser beam(s) onto certain skin surface to detect the surface vibration velocity at the point where the laser hits the surface. The skin surface vibrates in response to cardiovascular signals, such as blood pressure pulses, turbulent blood flow through narrowed arteries, pumping actions of the heart, or the closure of the heart valves etc.

Abstract: A signal processing device, comprising a high band attenuation filter which attenuates a signal component in a bandwidth of frequency higher than at least a predetermined frequency in an audio signal that is input, and a hearing aid processor which performs hearing aid processing on a signal output from the high band attenuation filter, wherein the predetermined frequency is determined according to the upper limit of a target bandwidth of frequency for hearing aid.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device includes a band, a gas inlet member, and a gas outlet member. The band defines a sound chamber. The gas inlet member and the gas outlet member are both positioned on the band and communicated with the sound chamber. When the gas inlet member is pressed, air enters into the sound chamber and the sound chamber expands to an expanded state. When the gas outlet member is pressed, the air is exhausted from the gas outlet member and the sound chamber restores to an original state.

Abstract: An audio and ultrasound signal processing circuit (412), comprising: an audio input terminal (414) for receiving an input signal comprising an audio input signal; an amplitude detector (430), configured to determine an amplitude of the input signal and provide an amplitude level signal (432); a gain calculator (434) configured to determine an ultrasound amplification factor (436) in accordance with the amplitude level signal (432) and a target amplitude signal (418); a variable ultrasound amplifier (438) configured to receive an ultrasound input signal and modulate an amplitude of the ultrasound input signal in accordance with the ultrasound amplification factor (436) in order to provide an amplified ultrasound signal; and an output terminal (416) for providing an enhanced output signal comprising frequency components that correspond to the audio input signal and frequency components that correspond to the amplified ultrasound signal.

Abstract: A device includes a sound wave reception unit that receives a sound wave output from a mobile device, through a sound wave reception device; a control information acquisition unit that acquires control information associated with operation of the device from the received sound wave; and an operation performance unit that performs the operation based on the control information. The control information acquisition unit determines a frequency band, to which at least one frequency identified from a certain frame within the received sound wave corresponds, from an audible sound wave frequency band and a non-audible sound wave frequency band, and partial information based on the frequency band and the at least one identified frequency, and acquires control information corresponding to the received sound wave based on each of the determined partial information.

Abstract: A method of controlling a function of an acoustic detector includes storing a reference power spectrum of a reference acoustic signal, the reference power spectrum being associated with a mode of operation of the acoustic detector; receiving an acoustic sound signal, the acoustic sound signal including a tone and harmonic tones; generating a real-time acoustic power spectrum of the acoustic sound signal responsive to the receiving of the acoustic sound signal; and performing the mode of operation when a comparison of the real-time acoustic power spectrum with the reference acoustic power spectrum indicates that the acoustic sound signal is a control signal.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes a component portion (101) and a strap (102). The strap defines an air chamber (402) therein having a corresponding volume. A driver (403) is disposed in the component portion at a first port (404) between the component portion and the strap. A frequency detector (405) is disposed in the component portion at a second port (406) between the component portion and the strap. A control circuit (407) is operable with the driver and the frequency detector and is configured to determine a peak of a resonant frequency over a frequency range in the air chamber with the frequency detector that are a function of the corresponding volume and are responsive to signals produced by the driver, correlate the frequency of pressure variations determined with a user input, and perform an operation based upon the user input.

Abstract: When two or more devices are near each other, they are likely to hear the same ambient sounds. To detect such proximity, each device captures a short digital audio signal from its microphone and uploads it to a proximity-detecting service along with a timestamp that indicates when the clip was captured. The proximity-detecting service maintains a history of sound clips for its clients and analyzes recently received sound clips that have similar time stamps. The devices can then be grouped according to the similarities of their sound clips. Devices that are grouped together in this way are deemed to be near each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a wireless sound wave communication system and method. The wireless sound wave communication system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter measures data or receives input data from an outside, converts the data into binary signals, and converts the binary signals into sound wave signals and then outputs the sound wave signals. The receiver identifies frequency information corresponding to the sound wave signals by receiving and analyzing the sound wave signals output from the transmitter, arranges the identified frequency information in time sequence, and analyzes the data based on areas that are extracted by the integration of the arranged frequency information. The sound wave signals that are output by the transmitter as the binary signals use different frequencies upon transmitting “0” and “1.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an electronic device adapted to be controlled by an audio accessory. The electronic device includes at least one resonator. Each resonator is tuned to respond to a particular frequency that corresponds to a particular message generated by the audio accessory. When the particular message is received, the corresponding resonator resonates to generate an output signal that controls the electronic device.

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: An electronic device (100) includes a component portion (101) and a strap (102). The strap defines an air chamber (402) therein having a corresponding volume. A driver (403) is disposed in the component portion at a first port (404) between the component portion and the strap. A frequency detector (405) is disposed in the component portion at a second port (406) between the component portion and the strap. A control circuit (407) is operable with the driver and the frequency detector and is configured to determine a peak of a resonant frequency over a frequency range in the air chamber with the frequency detector that are a function of the corresponding volume and are responsive to signals produced by the driver, correlate the frequency of pressure variations determined with a user input, and perform an operation based upon the user input.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a sound collecting unit and a processor. The processor determine whether continuous sound signals collected by the sound collecting unit includes a first alternating portion, a direct portion, and a second alternating portion in sequence. The processor further determines whether a first duration of the direction signals portion falls within a first preset time range, and determines whether a second duration of each of the first alternating portion and the second alternating portion falls within a second preset time range. The processor then triggers a function of the electronic device when the first duration falls within the first preset time range, and the second duration falls within the second preset time range. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A second housing 200 is capable of moving in a direction in which the second housing covers one surface of a first housing 100. Oscillating elements of an oscillating element group 400 are arranged in a matrix and oscillate sound waves outward from the one surface of the first housing 100. A control unit controls the plurality of oscillating elements. A sound wave sensor constitutes the same matrix as the plurality of oscillating elements and detects sound waves having a specific wavelength. The detection results of the sound wave sensor are output to the control unit. A frame body holds the plurality of oscillating elements and the sound wave sensor. The control unit oscillates sensor sound waves having a specific wavelength outward from at least one of the oscillating elements. The control unit determines that the second housing 200 covers the one surface of the first housing 100 when the sound wave sensor detects the sound waves having the specific wavelength.

Abstract: A method of associating a first device with a second device is disclosed. The first device through its speaker broadcasts a request for association using an audio signal. The broadcasted audio signal is received by the second device through its microphone. The first and second devices then cooperatively verifies a security code and upon a successful verification of the security code, the first and the second devices are enabled to communicate with each other.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for displaying one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of a source of sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound are disclosed. A method may involve receiving audio data corresponding to sound detected by a wearable computing system. Further, the method may involve analyzing the audio data to determine both (i) a direction from the wearable computing system of a source of the sound and (ii) an intensity level of the sound. Still further, the method may involve causing the wearable computing system to display one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of the source of the sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device for communicating with external devices by audio, comprising a security function module, an audio communication processing module and an audio signal connection component, the audio communication processing module being connected to the security function module and the audio signal connection component respectively, wherein the audio signal connection component is configured to receive a first audio signal from the external devices and to output the first audio signal to the audio communication processing module; the audio communication processing module is configured to convert the first audio signal outputted from the audio signal connection component into a first digital signal and to send the first digital signal to the security function module; and/or the audio communication processing module is configured to convert a second digital signal outputted from the security function module into a second audio signal and to send the second audio signal to the audio signal conne

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is a non-contact method and apparatus for continuously monitoring a physiological event in a human or animal, such as blood pressure, which involves utilizing a laser-based interferometer system in combination with a laser tracking system and a signal processor to produce a waveform that is representative of a continuous physiological event such as blood pressure or respiration in a subject.

Abstract: An acoustic system, which may be ultrasonic, operates in a power efficient idle mode thereby reducing the power consumption required by high frequency sampling and processing. While in idle mode, an acoustic receiver device operates with an idle sampling rate that is lower than the full sampling rate used during full operational mode, but is capable of receiving a wake-up signal from the associated acoustic transmitter. When the wake-up signal is received, the acoustic receiver switches to full operational mode by increasing the sampling rate and enables full processing. The acoustic system may be used in, e.g., an ultrasonic pointing device, location beacons, in peer-to-peer communications between devices, as well as gesture detection.

Abstract: A music reproduction apparatus includes: a reproduction section for reproducing user-selected music piece data; a generation section for generating control information including music piece information identifying a music piece reproduced by the reproduction section and reproduced position information indicative of a currently-reproduced position; a modulation section for outputting, on the basis of the generated control information, an audio signal of a predetermined frequency band for carrying the control information; and an output section for transmitting to outside the audio signal generated by the modulation section.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a first information processing apparatus that outputs a sound of a predetermined frequency; and a second information processing apparatus that collects the sound that is output from the first information processing apparatus, and outputs a response to the sound of the predetermined frequency to the first information processing apparatus. The first information processing apparatus transmits predetermined data to the second information processing apparatus that has output the response to the sound of the predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A vehicle external warning sound generation system and method. A transducer generates warning sounds external to the vehicle in response to an input sound signal. A sensor senses sound external to the vehicle and has an output signal that represents both sensed ambient noise and sensed warning sounds. A processing system, responsive to the sensor output signal, generates the sound signal that is provided to the transducer. The processing system includes an adaptive filter which reduces the level of the warning sounds in the sensor output signal, so that mostly ambient noise remains.

Abstract: Methods and devices for situation awareness facilitation for a vehicle driver are provided. A method includes receiving a first acoustic signal from outside a vehicle that the driver is in and converting the first acoustic signal into a first acoustic electronic signal; sending the first acoustic electronic signal to a processor; matching the first acoustic electronic signal by the processor to stored reference electronic signals; and sending an acoustic message associated with a matched reference electronic signal to a speaker in the cab of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device adapted to be releasable attached to a blister including at least one piece of medicament. The device includes apparatus for releasable attachment to the blister, a sensor arrangement including at least one first sensor arranged to register the sound of the dispense of a piece of medicament, a time system arranged to register the time and/or date of the dispensing of said piece of medicament and a memory for storing data, such as time and/or date data, related to the dispense of the piece of medicament.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for displaying one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of a source of sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound are disclosed. A method may involve receiving audio data corresponding to sound detected by a wearable computing system. Further, the method may involve analyzing the audio data to determine both (i) a direction from the wearable computing system of a source of the sound and (ii) an intensity level of the sound. Still further, the method may involve causing the wearable computing system to display one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of the source of the sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is a non-contact method and apparatus for continuously monitoring a physiological event in a human or animal, such as blood pressure, which involves utilizing a laser-based interferometer system in combination with a laser tracking system and a signal processor to produce a waveform that is representative of a continuous physiological event such as blood pressure or respiration in a subject.

Abstract: A tactile input to a system having a speaker located in an enclosure with an audio port can be detected by generating a sound wave in response to a signal and sensing the phase relationship between the current phase and the voltage phase of the signal. While the audio port is open a baseline current and voltage phase difference is established. When the audio port is obstructed by a finger touch, the current and voltage phase difference is altered in response to the obstruction. While the altered phase difference is detected, a tactile event is indicated.

Abstract: An electronic appliance includes a microphone which detects a clapping sound, an edge signal extractor, an edge pulse generator and a judgment processing circuit. The judgment processing circuit generates a first gate having a first time width to detect whether or not a second clapping sound has been generated after elapse of a first predetermined time from a first time when the microphone detects a first clapping sound and the edge pulse generator generates the first edge pulse corresponding to the first clapping sound. Subsequently, the judgment processing circuit generates a second gate having a second time width to detect whether or not a third clapping sound has been generated after elapse of a second predetermined time from a second time when the edge pulse generator generates the second edge pulse corresponding to the second clapping sound.

Abstract: A system for automatically disabling one or more appliances is provided. The system may include one or more detectors that are configured to emit a signal upon an occurrence of an event, such as a fire, which may be an early indication of a developing emergency. The signal may be in the form of an audible alert, such as sound (or sound waves). A receiver module may receive a plurality of the sound waves and analyze the plurality of sound waves for a variation in frequency to determine if any of the sound waves originate from the one or more detectors. Upon the determination of sound waves originating from a detector, a valve member, connected between an energy source and an appliance, may disconnect the energy source from the one or more appliances disabling the one or more appliance reducing damage caused by the event.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for detecting sound frequency signals emitted by warning devices of emergency vehicles. A sensor may sense a selected frequency signal spectrum and may be in communication with an initial detection stage to detect a frequency of approximately 600 Hz and approximately 1400 Hz within a specific time interval. A signal identification stage may be in communication with said initial detection stage and may have a digital signal processor programmed to identify a wail and yelp warning signal to compare said warning signal to a histogram stored in a memory to estimate the distance from the sound frequency signal. The signal identification stage may be maintained in a power save mode until activated by said initial detection stage upon detection of a warning signal.

Abstract: A encoding/decoding method and device for a remote controller utilizing a baud rate to encrypt data for transmission. The encoding device includes an encoder encoding an identification code into an encrypted code; and an interpreter interpreting the un-encoded portion of the identification code and the encrypted code into a transmission signal. When the encrypted code is in a first base, the plain code corresponding to the encrypted code will be transmitted with a first baud rate; and when the encrypted code is in a second base, the plain code corresponding to the encrypted code will be transmitted with a second baud rate. The decoding device includes a receiver receiving the transmission signal; a interpreter connected to the receiver interpreting the transmission signal into a received signal; an encoder utilizing the same encoding algorithm as in the transmitter to generate a comparison code; and a processor comparing the received signal and the comparison code.

Abstract: The present invention provides a burglar alarm system capable of accurately discriminating an alarm from a disturbance noise approximate to the alarm such as background music, ambient noises, etc. In a burglar alarm system comprising an alarm unit attached to an object to be protected from theft to emit an alarm of a particular frequency and an alarm sensor device for issuing an alarm signal upon sensing an alarm from the alarm unit, the alarm sensor device counts a predetermined number of waveform pulses of a received sound (S2, S5) more than once (S1˜S3, S4˜S6), determines, if it transpires that a differential between counted values falls within a predetermined time range, that the received sound is an alarm and issues an alarm signal (S7).

Abstract: An ambient condition detector incorporates an audio transducer for discrimination between alarm and non-alarm conditions. The transducer can provide occupancy information. In addition, a monitoring system can graphically present information as to the location of individuals, such as fire fighters, in the region.

Abstract: A motion activated, voice controlled reminder system, wherein a programmable device automatically reminds the intended receiver of a future event, without any extraordinary action on the part of the recipient, thus enabling the user to, via a telephone, leave a message on a recording unit, specifying a date for message delivery, wherein the message is stored in a microprocessor until the programmed date, whereupon when motion is detected by the motion detector, the microprocessor audibly announces the reminder message.

Abstract: A motion activated, voice control communications device interactive with voice mail systems and electronic mail systems and effective as a stand-alone unit. In general, when a motion detector detects motion in the vicinity of the device, a microprocessor receives input therefrom to initiate a software command to check for messages. If messages are present, the device provides an audible report stating the number of messages waiting and provides a list of voice commands by which the user may initiate the next action, which may include review, erase or skip message or end session. The presently described communications device can be used in conjunction with voice messaging platforms or electronic messaging systems via a personal computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the deactivation of an alarm system situated within a home or business environment by the use of a sound-activated wireless key device. This present invention describes a wireless key that “hears” a pulsing, warning tone, identifies the tone and automatically sends out a signal to disarm the alarm system thus allowing for the automatic hands-free deactivation of the alarm system. The invention comprises “listening” circuitry that is able to identify the sound of the audio warning, even when the invention is located within clothing or a handbag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a burglar alarm system capable of accurately discriminating external noises approximate to an alarm such as background music, ambient noises, etc. and reverberations of an alarm attributable to an architectural design of the interior of a store, etc. from a legitimate alarm. A burglar alarm system of the present invention comprises an alarm unit attached to an object to be protected from theft to emit an alarm of a certain frequency in response to illegal conduct and an alarm sensor for emitting an alarm signal upon sensing an alarm from said alarm unit, wherein said alarm sensor has first and second determination means for evaluating an input signal containing an alarm from the alarm unit and external noises, and the first determination means evaluates a random external noise contained in the input signal (S4, S5) whereas the second determination means evaluates a reflected sound caused by reverberations of the alarm (S6, S7) to emit an alarm signal (S9).

Abstract: A pool monitoring system includes a hydrophone configured to generate an electrical signal in response to receiving a pressure wave in the liquid of a pool, and a processor configured to receive the electrical signal and generate a trigger signal, when the electrical signal includes a characteristic signature over a time period within a predetermined range of time periods.

Abstract: A method for detecting the ingress of liquid into an empty elongate hollow structure such as a support for an offshore platform which is at least in part submerged in a liquid. Sound is introduced into the structure by a sound generating device mounted within the hollow structure, the device comprising sound generating means and liquid detection means. When the liquid detection means detect an ingress of liquid into the structure, the sound generating means generate a sound in response to this detection. The generated sound propagates through the structure and sound is detected, and detection of the sound giving an indication of liquid ingress into the structure.

Abstract: A method and system for the automatic detection of a sleeping person and for adjusting electrical power supplied to a number of electronic devices; it includes a unit for observing the behavior of a person in a predetermined area under surveillance and a unit for analyzing output data from the observing unit to determine whether the observed behavior is associated with predefined sleeping behaviors. Upon recognition that the observed behavior indicates the sleeping state of a person, the electrical power supplied to the plurality of electronic devices is selectively adjusted according to predetermined criteria.

Abstract: In a vehicle (102) a method of detecting air bag (106) deployment includes detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) and developing a spectral content (502) of the increase. Further comparing the spectral content (502) to a template (134) and if spectral content (502) correlates to template (134), outputting an air bag deployment signal (138). An apparatus for detecting air bag deployment includes a means for detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) in a vehicle (102), a spectral content (502) of the acoustic energy level increase (150) and a template (134), where the spectral content (502) is compared to template. An air bag deployment signal (138) is outputted if the spectral content (502) correlates to the template (134).

Abstract: A light control device and method are provided for receiving an audible signal from an audio speaker and outputting a light control signal, whereby the light control signal controls the illumination of a light source placed near the audio speaker.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting unwanted dissemination of acrosolized agents into an HVAC system in a building by detecting the sound of the dissemination at the time it occurs. To be able to distinguish the sound of the dissemination event from the ambient background noise of the HVAC system, sound extraction techniques, e.g., high pass filtering and an adaptive variance estimator, are utilized which can detect the event's noise from within the ambient background noise of the system. A microphone continually monitors background sound levels and senses the additional sound resulting from the activation of the aerosol delivery system, which has a unique sound “signature”. Once an event is detected, defensive actions, e.g., activating additional sensors, closing all air vents, and shutting off the HVAC system, can be taken.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for analyzing baby cries capable of diagnosing a cause of cry of a baby based on a cry from the baby. A microphone (1) picks up a cry from a baby as an audio signal. At a certain sampling frequency, an A/D converter (2) samples the audio signal received by the microphone (1) to A/D convert it. An audio analyzer (3) analyzes the audio signal samples by the A/D converter (2) and computes a characteristic quantity based on a frequency spectrum. A cause-of-cry assumption unit (4) assumes a cause of cry based on the characteristic quantity of the audio signal derived at the audio analyzer (3). Finally, an assumed result display (5) displays the assumed result from the cause-of-cry assumption unit (4).