Abstract: An acoustic device includes: a music player that is capable of simultaneously playing a plurality of music pieces of which music piece data includes specific playback positions set therefor; a playback speed adjusting section configured to adjust a playback speed of each of the music pieces; a music piece switching section configured to execute switching from a first music piece being played by the music player to a second music piece; and a playback position adjusting section configured to execute adjustment such that the specific playback position of the second music piece is aligned on a time axis with the specific playback position of the first music piece being played at a playback speed adjusted by the playback speed adjusting section.

Abstract: A technique including receiving and decoding a coded bitstream encoded with audio content including first audio objects corresponding to a first media content type of two consecutive media content types and second audio objects corresponding to a second media content type of the two consecutive media content types, and audio metadata corresponding to the audio content. The audio metadata including first and second audio object gains, for the first and second audio objects, generated in part based on a first fading curve of the first media content type and a second fading curve of the second media content type, respectively. The technique further includes applying the first and second audio object gains to the first and second audio objects, and rendering a sound field represented by the first audio object with the applied first audio object gain and the second audio object with the applied second audio object gain.

Abstract: A desired range of an audio file is repeatedly reproduced without a need to store sound data of a predetermined period in a memory in advance and without causing an interruption or a time lag. A CPU of an audio device activates at least two media players A and B for reproducing an audio file. During reproduction of the audio file by the media player A, the media player B is set to a wait state, and, in response to completion of the reproduction of the audio file by the media player A, the wait state of the media player B is automatically released and reproduction of the audio file is started, to achieve repeat reproduction.

Abstract: An audio system includes one or more loudspeaker cabinets, each having loudspeakers. Sensing logic determines an acoustic environment of the loudspeaker cabinets. The sensing logic may include an echo canceller. A low frequency filter corrects an audio program based on the acoustic environment of the loudspeaker cabinets. The system outputs an omnidirectional sound pattern, which may be low frequency sound, to determine the acoustic environment. The system may produce a directional pattern superimposed on an omnidirectional pattern, if the acoustic environment is in free space. The system may aim ambient content toward a wall and direct content away from the wall, if the acoustic environment is not in free space. The sensing logic automatically determines the acoustic environment upon initial power up and when position changes of loudspeaker cabinets are detected. Accelerometers may detect position changes of the loudspeaker cabinets.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system are provided in which a user can easily check that an appropriate audio file is assigned to an immediate output switch. The system includes a PC connected to a communication line, and an audio interface apparatus connected to the PC and having an immediate output switch for outputting, to the PC and in response to a user operation, a reproduction start instruction signal of an audio file which is assigned in advance. The PC judges whether or not assignment is normal when the audio file is assigned by a user operation, and supplies a judgment result to the audio interface apparatus. The audio interface apparatus receives the judgment result, and notifies, to the user and prior to a user operation, the judgment result in association with the immediate output switch.

Abstract: A computing device is configured with a multifunctional backlit display. The backlighting can be operated in at least a first mode and a second mode. In a first mode, the backlighting provides luminance to the display so that images on the display can be easily seen. In a second mode, the backlighting provides visual stimulus for relaying information to a user or a user's surroundings.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for spatial mapping of two or more audio playback devices in a listening environment. Two or more playback devices may signal each other. Based on the signaling, a position of the two or more playback devices relative to each other is determined and a device map of the two or more playback devices in the listening environment is generated based on this position.

Abstract: Various aspects of a speaker system and a method for auto-configuration of the speaker system is disclosed herein. The speaker system includes an electronic device, which reproduce a first audio in a first speaker configuration. A first sound reproduction device is detected within a pre-defined range of the electronic device. Based on the detection, the first audio is communicated to the first sound reproduction device by the electronic device. The first speaker configuration is modified to a second speaker configuration to reproduce the communicated first audio at the first sound reproduction device.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an audio zone sound image in an audio system (2, 6, 7) comprising a plurality of audio zones (2A, 2B, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 7A, 7B, 7C) is disclosed. Each audio zone has one or more loudspeakers (20, 21, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75) located therein. The method comprises recording (101, 802) a sound image of a controlling audio zone; transmitting (102, 803) audio data corresponding to the recorded sound image to a controller; evaluating (103, 103a, 804) the transmitted audio data; selecting (104, 805) an adjusting audio zone, wherein the adjusting audio zone is other than the controlling audio zone; and adjusting (105, 105a, 105b, 807) an adjusting loudspeaker such that the sound image of the controlling audio zone is changed. An audio system (2, 6, 7) and a controlling loudspeaker are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for managing audio output through an intermediary. In some embodiments, an audio controller emulates a direct connection between an audio source device and an audio output device. In other embodiments, audio content local to an audio controller is combined with other audio content passing through the audio controller on its way from an audio source device to an audio output device. In additional embodiments, an audio output device is locked to an audio controller. The lock survives power cycling and soft resets of the audio output device. A special hard reset can be used to release the audio output device.

Abstract: Operation of a playback device may be based on using position information. A position of a playback device with respect to a base is determined. The determined position is compared to a reference position. If the determined position corresponds to the reference position, operation of the playback device is allowed. If the determined position does not correspond to the reference position, operation of the playback device is limited.

Abstract: The system comprises audio headsets able to apply audio processing operations in response to presets that are common to all the headsets, smart terminals provided with audio flow generation means, and communication means to transmit to the headsets an audio flow and presets to be applied to this flow. A preset server memorises the presets associated with works. Certain terminals can generate presets and transmit them to the server, whereas other terminals collect these presets to apply them to the corresponding works at the time of reproducing these latter.

Abstract: A method and system for managing calls in an IMS network, comprising a server and a device client communicated through an IP interface used for notifying, from the device client to the server, a decision selected by a user for managing an incoming call in a destination device where the device client runs. The server is where the network logic resides, interfacing with the IMS network via an ISC interface and with the device client via a Web Service or HTTP interface. The device client is where the user's decision logic resides as it comprises a user interface that provides the user with a set of available decisions for managing the incoming calls. The server, once notified on the decision selected by the user, releases the destination device from the call and takes an action based on said decision.

Abstract: A position of a playback device with respect to a base is detected and an orientation of the playback device is detected. The detected position is determined not to match a reference position for the detected orientation. Responsively, an indication is provided that the playback device is improperly positioned.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable-media for adaptive content rendition, the method comprising receiving media content for playback to a user, adapting the media content for playback on a first device in the user's first location, receiving a notification when the user changes to a second location, adapting the media content for playback on a second device in the second location, and transitioning media content playback from the first device to second device. One aspect conserves energy by optionally turning off the first device after transitioning to the second device. Another aspect includes playback devices that are “dumb devices” which receive media content already prepared for playback, “smart devices” which receive media content in a less than ready form and prepare the media content for playback, or hybrid smart and dumb devices. A single device may be substituted by a plurality of devices.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for managing audio output through an intermediary. In some embodiments, an audio controller emulates a direct connection between an audio source device and an audio output device. In other embodiments, audio content local to an audio controller is combined with other audio content passing through the audio controller on its way from an audio source device to an audio output device. In additional embodiments, an audio output device is locked to an audio controller. The lock survives power cycling and soft resets of the audio output device. A special hard reset can be used to release the audio output device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing beats in a game include predicting when beats of the music currently playing in the game will occur. The playing of sound effects, music transitions, or the like that are triggered by in-game events may be synchronized with the predicted beats of the currently playing music.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, devices, systems, and computer program products for managing audio output through an intermediary. In some embodiments, an audio controller emulates a direct connection between an audio source device and an audio output device. In other embodiments, audio content local to an audio controller is combined with other audio content passing through the audio controller on its way from an audio source device to an audio output device. In additional embodiments, an audio output device is locked to an audio controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine a position of a base with respect to a playback device and evaluating whether the position is proper or improper given an orientation of the playback device are disclosed and described herein. In one aspect, a playback device is provided. The example playback device includes a first fastener located on a first side of the playback device, a processor, and memory having stored thereon instructions executable by the processor to cause the computing device to perform functions. The functions include determining that a base is not coupled to the playback device via the first fastener and, in response to determining that the base is not coupled to the playback device via the first fastener, adjusting a playback setting of the playback device. The functions further include facilitating output of content via the playback device according to the adjusted playback setting.

Abstract: When the information-provision apparatus is providing an audio signal to the specific information reproduction apparatus, the user enters an operation input to the specific information reproduction apparatus to switch processing to reproduce an audio content from the specific information reproduction apparatus to another information reproduction apparatus. In this case, the specific information reproduction apparatus requests the information-provision apparatus to start an operation of providing the audio content to the other information reproduction apparatus specified in the operation input as an apparatus to newly reproduce the audio content. Then, the specific information reproduction apparatus requests the information-provision apparatus to end an operation of providing the audio content to the specific information reproduction apparatus specified in the operation input as an apparatus to terminate an operation of reproducing the audio content.

Abstract: In transmitting stream data to a recording unit through a network, there is a method to detect that a synchronous recording has been designated from an input unit to transmit mute data to a recording unit through the network for a first predetermined time period during which the streaming data is held in a data holding unit for the first predetermined time value. In the case where it is determined that the data that the data holding unit holds is held for a second predetermined time value, the inputted stream data is transmitted to the recording unit through the network. The recording unit is permitted to record, in the state where sound is not interrupted, and it is permitted to execute data recording, in which operating time of mechanical parts is required so that the operating state of the recording unit shifts to the recording state, and/or responses relating to the control of the recording unit are taken into consideration.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed to implement crossfading of audio tracks. In one embodiment, the function describing the fade out of the ending audio track and/or the slope describing the fade in of the beginning audio track may be altered to increase the perceptible overlap of the two tracks. In another embodiment, the duration of the fade out and/or of the fade in may be altered to increase the perceptible overlap of the two tracks. In other embodiments, one or both of the function and/or duration of the fade out and/or fade in effect may be altered to improve the perceptibility of the overlap or the audio tracks.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-functional optical disc drive that includes an interface that connects a front-end of the optical drive to a back-end, and also connects the front-end of the optical drive to an external device. The optical drive also includes a controller that selectively controls connection to the back-end or the external device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical drive emptiness indicator including a base and a flag output partially extends outside of an optical drive into which it is loaded to provide a load status of the optical drive.

Abstract: An electronic device that can reduce a noise caused by a signal or data being always output. A vehicle-mounted device includes: a player that reads out and outputs data recorded in a CD or a DVD (i.e., a TBCK signal, a TSD0 signal, and a TWS signal); a controller that receives the data (i.e., the TBCK signal, the TSD0 signal, and the TWS signal) output from the player, and executes various controls based on the received data; and an interrupt unit that interrupts transmission of the data recorded in the CD or the DVD to the controller until the CD or the DVD is inserted into the player.

Abstract: An audiocassette adapter (10) for coupling a mobile wireless communication station (20) to an audiocassette player, including a cassette head coupling device (12), a cassette adapter insertion detect switch (14), a mobile wireless communication station coupling device (50) having a mobile wireless communication station audio input coupled to the cassette head coupling device, the mobile wireless communication station coupling device having an insertion detect signal output (54) coupled to the cassette adapter insertion detect switch.

Abstract: A multiprocessor system used in a car, home, or office environment includes multiple processors that run different real-time applications. A dynamic configuration system runs on the multiple processors and includes a device manager, configuration manager, and data manager. The device manager automatically detects and adds new devices to the multiprocessor system, and the configuration manager automatically reconfigures which processors run the real-time applications. The data manager identifies the type of data generated by the new devices and identifies which devices in the multiprocessor system are able to process the data.

Abstract: Enhanced call management services to users receiving incoming calls on extensions on a private branch exchange (PBX) is provided by an application server configured to provide call management services to at least one of the users and a protocol proxy configured to receive call information from the PBX according to a protocol for establishing call sessions. The application server is further configured to receive the call information from the protocol proxy.

Abstract: A song in a music player is replaced by another song in a server in accordance with the user's estimated preferences and wishes and without requiring the user to become conscious of individual songs. A CPU (3) in the music player (30) or a CPU (11) in a server (10) detects or receives the size of a free space in a flash memory (34) and a playback history (a substantial playback count Kp, which denotes the number of times a song was continuously played for a duration not shorter than a predetermined one, or a skip count Ks, which denotes the number of times a song was played for a duration shorter than a predetermined one) of every song recording in the flash memory (34), and judges whether any song should be deleted from the flash memory (34) to permit a song to be downloaded into the music player (30) from the server (10). If any song should be deleted, the CPU selects a song having a small (minus) evaluation function K (e.g., K=2Kp?Ks) as the song to be deleted.

Abstract: A digital media player integrated into the housing of the cassette adapter. A cassette shaped housing of a cassette adapter includes a removable portion suitable for accommodating a digital media player in place of the portion when removed. In a most preferred embodiment, the media player is an Apple iPod Shuffle. The digital media player is affixed and integrated into the housing by means of a groove, and is connected to the record-head of the adapter by an electronic coupling means capable of transmitting an audio signal; for instance, a TSR connector or stereo jack plug. Control means for the iPod Shuffle or other media player, including but not limited to play mode, track selection, and volume, can alternatively be integrated into the housing of the adapter, or can be embodied in a separate control housing connected to the circuitry in the main housing by a conducting cable.

Abstract: A body device includes: a plurality of sound sources; a speaker and a headphone for outputting sound signals from those sound sources; and a mode setting unit capable of setting a single mode, in which the sound signals from one sound source are output in response to an operation from a front operation unit, and a dual mode in which, while the sound signals from one sound source are being output from the speaker, the voice signals from another sound source are output from the headphone; an external connection unit for connecting an external DVD device with the outside; and a control unit for controlling a mode setting unit so that the body device may be turned ON in the dual mode when a power ON demand signal from the external DVD device or a rear operation unit is detected.

Abstract: A technology is provided for a viewer of broadcast information or recorded information to easily obtain information related to the broadcast information or recorded information from a server, in which, in a system in which a viewer apparatus and a content providing server for providing content information related to video or voice are connected via a network, the viewer apparatus obtains related information necessary for obtaining the content information; sends the related information to the content providing server so as to request the content providing server to send the content information; and obtains the content information sent from the content providing server.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting an audio source is disclosed. The system and method can be used to prevent the selection of a hard disk drive as an audio source if the local ambient pressure in which the motor vehicle is operating is less than a predetermined pressure. The system may obtain ambient pressure data from various different types of sensors including a barometric pressure sensor or an engine combustion sensor. In some cases, the system and method can compute the ambient pressure using global positioning system (GPS) information.

Abstract: Based on a digital recorder/player taken as a basic apparatus and which accommodates a field frequency of 60 fields/sec or a frame frequency of 30 frames/sec, an apparatus is implemented to record or reproduce source video and audio signal originated from the basic apparatus and whose frequency is different from the field or frame frequency. The apparatus includes an input unit, a processor, and a converter provided between the input unit and the processor. The input unit accepts audio data having a specific field frequency and arranged in a specific format, and make baseband processing of the audio data. The processor is designed to process audio data having a basic field frequency (60 fields/sec) and arranged in a basic format. It operates with a clock corresponding to the sampling frequency to make error-corrective encoding of the audio data adapted to the basic format.

Abstract: Audio is adaptively associated with speakers, depending on the speaker configuration that is present. Each speaker it receives an audio assignment based on its individual spectral characteristics. As more speakers are added, content is adaptively associated with that you speaker, and taken away from the previous.

Abstract: Audio is adaptively associated with speakers, depending on the speaker configuration that is present. Each speaker it receives an audio assignment based on its individual spectral characteristics. As more speakers are added, content is adaptively associated with that you speaker, and taken away from the previous.

Abstract: A play-back device includes a body device including: a playback mode setting unit for selecting a plurality of playback modes such as a CD mode, an AM mode and an FM mode; a front side speaker and a rear side headphone for selecting an arbitrary one of the playback modes to output play-back signals in the arbitrary playback mode; a front operation unit for operations relating to the front side; and a rear operation unit for operations relating to the rear side. Further included is a control unit for not accepting but making ineffective an operation to release a mute/pause state, even if done from the rear operation unit, when it is decided that the front side is in the mute/pause state while the front side and the rear side are in a common playback mode.

Abstract: An audio cassette adapter with cable and connector storage in the body of the cassette. Internal cable storage is facilitated by an internal retractable mechanism that reduces the amount of storage external to the audio cassette adapter housing. In one embodiment, the internal retractable mechanism includes a cable support around which the cable is wound and a separate support driver engaged with the cable support that drives the cable support.

Abstract: An audio cassette adapter with cable and connector storage in the body of the cassette. Internal cable storage is facilitated by an internal retractable mechanism. External storage of a cable is provided by a grooved channel that terminates in a storage recess designed to receive a connector. External storage of the cable and connector in the grooved channel and storage recess, respectively, enables storage of the cassette adapter like any other cassette.

Abstract: A audio player adapter for a vehicle. The audio player adapter is adapted to be connected to the vehicle via the cassette playing portion of the vehicle. The audio player adapter is capable of accommodating a variety of different audio playing devices.

Abstract: A body device has a dual mode function and includes: a play-back mode setting unit for selecting a plurality of play-back modes such as a CD mode, an AM mode, an FM mode and so on; and a control unit for controlling the play-back mode setting unit so as to select an arbitrary one of the play-back modes in response to a predetermined operation on the front side or the rear side. When an operation to select and demand the FM mode on the rear side in a dual mode while the front side is in the AM mode, the control unit inhibits the FM mode selection on the rear side so that the AM mode on the front side may not be changed into the FM mode.

Abstract: A network interface cassette for coupling signals between a wireless network and a tape head in a cassette tape player. The network interface cassette includes an enclosure that is conformed to the cassette tape form factor. It contains a transceiver that converts base band signals for radio frequency communications within the wireless network. It also contains a network controller that is coupled to communicate the base band signals with the transceiver. The network controller converts digital audio signals to and from the base band signals. There is an audio processor that converts the digital audio signals to analog audio signals. A coupling means converts the analog audio signals to magnetic audio signals. The coupling means is aligned to couple the magnetic audio signals to the tape head. A power supply with batteries and a generator driven from the cassette player capstan are provided. A wireless user interface adapter is provided to couple microphone and audio signals to the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a channel down mixing apparatus for a car audio system for reducing manufacture cost and switching noise by implementing a sub-woofer down mixing portion, a buffer portion and a switching circuit portion to one body with an application of simple circuit elements thereto.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit for an audio system includes a playback processing section for playing back at least an optical disk, a frequency measurement circuit for measuring a frequency of a radio signal from a tuner, a display control circuit for making a display device display at least the frequency of the radio signal, and a controller for controlling the playback processing section, the frequency measurement circuit, and the display control circuit, according to an external signal. The playback processing section, the frequency measurement circuit, the display control circuit, and the controller are formed on a single semiconductor chip.

Abstract: In a multi-channel acoustic apparatus with a DVD reproduction function, comprising a DVD reproduction control unit for controlling the reproduction of a DVD, and a system control unit for controlling the overall acoustic apparatus and controlling the reproduction of another input source other than the DVD, the DVD reproduction control unit comprising the function of controlling a first Dolby Pro Logic decoder which can be used at the time of reproducing the DVD, and the system control unit comprising the function of controlling a second Dolby Pro Logic decoder which can be used at the time of reproducing the input source other than the DVD, there are provided means for adjusting a surround delay time period on the basis of a user operation, and means for transmitting to the system control unit the adjusted surround delay time period.

Abstract: There is provided a mixing recorder which enables the user to readily produce music using overdubbing and/or other recording techniques while suppressing degradation of sound quality to the minimum and enables the user to easily find out his/her desired mixing result from a large number of mixing results obtained in the process of mixing. An audio signal is input, and a source file is read out from a memory card and an audio signal is reproduced based on the source file. The input audio signal and the reproduced audio signal are mixed into a mixed signal, which is then stored as a new source file in the memory card. The source file stored in advance in the memory card is backed up before the new source file is stored in the memory card, and in the back-up, the source file is automatically backed up by generating a file given a new name associated with a name of a source file to be backed up and having the same contents as the contents of the source file.

Abstract: A portable audio player (100) includes a decoder (14) and other devices for reproducing audio data, a microcomputer (16) for controlling starting and stopping the reproduction, and a radio communication device (24). An on-vehicle audio player (200) includes a radio communication device (64) for a bidirectional radio communication with the radio communication device in the portable audio player, a decoder (54) and other devices for reproducing audio data, and a microcomputer (56) for controlling starting and stopping the reproduction. In case that the portable audio player stops reproducing the audio data, the on-vehicle audio player starts reproducing the audio data.

Abstract: A DVD audio signal reproducer reproduces a DVD to generate a DVD reproduced audio signal. A reproduced signal determiner determines whether the DVD reproduced audio signal is a 5.1-channel digital surround audio signal or a 2-channel digital audio signal, and generates a determination signal. If the determination signal indicates that the DVD reproduced audio signal is a 5.1-channel digital surround audio signal, a digital surround effector converts the DVD reproduced audio signal to a 2-channel digital surround audio signal.

Abstract: This invention comprises a two part audio system in which all of the processing power is allocated to a small, lightweight satellite part that is the face unit. Mass storage, amplification, and wired power for recharging the face unit is provided by the other part, the base. The base runs either from a 120 volts AC source or 12 volts DC. The face unit contains a small amount of flash memory making it capable of carrying music normally stored on two or more compact discs (CDS).

Abstract: Audio is adaptively associated with speakers, depending on the speaker configuration that is present. Each speaker it receives an audio assignment based on its individual spectral characteristics. As more speakers are added, content is adaptively associated with that you speaker, and taken away from the previous.