Abstract: Method for outputting an audio signal reproducing at least part of a piece of music containing part of at least one main voice, in particular a singing voice, into an interior forming part of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle via an audio output device having a left and a right audio output channel. The method includes providing an audio signal reproducing at least part of a piece of music containing at least one main voice, extracting an audio signal component, containing the at least one main voice, of the audio signal from the audio signal, attenuating the audio signal component containing the at least one main voice, and outputting the audio signal via the left and right audio output channels, of the audio output device, wherein the audio signal component containing the at least one main voice is output in attenuated fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting between sets of pickups for a stringed musical instrument including a top plate with two sets of pickups embedded therein that is rotationally attached to a back plate. The apparatus includes an electrical connector that enables electrical connection between the pickups and the instrument. The apparatus further includes attachment structure enabling fastening of the instrument to a backside of the instrument. The apparatus is configured to extend through a body of the instrument such that the top plate is adjacent strings of the instrument.

Abstract: Audio processing architectures are described for implementing a multi-band audio compression algorithm with advanced surround processing. Exemplary architectures can improve the fidelity and perceived sound field spread of inexpensive, cabinet mounted, stereo speakers such as those that might be found in televisions, wireless speaker systems and sound bars. Embodiments of the present disclosure can improve inexpensive, cabinet mounted, stereo speakers by providing, e.g., (i) an Advanced Surround algorithm that adds depth and height to the left/right/center sound field images, (ii) a Soft Clip algorithm to minimize the perceived artifacts caused by compressor overshoot, (iii) configurable crossover filter order adjustment to allow better isolation between bands, (iv) a compressor maximum gain adjustment to reduce overshoot and minimize noise boost, and/or (v) a center gain adjustment to emphasize the perception of the center image (dialog) in high ambient noise situations.

Abstract: Features are disclosed for filtering portions of an output audio signal in order to improve automatic speech recognition on an input signal which may include a representation of the output signal. A signal that includes audio content can be received, and a frequency or band of frequencies can be selected to be filtered from the signal. The frequency band may correspond to a desired frequency band for speech recognition. An input signal can be obtained comprising audio data corresponding to a user utterance and presentation of the output signal. Automatic speech recognition can be performed on the input signal. In some cases, an acoustic model trained for use with such frequency band filtering may be used to perform speech recognition.

Abstract: Generating a virtual CD recorder by using a storage device is proposed. The storage device includes a first data sector for storing auto-run data and a second data sector for storing table of content (TOC) information data. When the storage device is connected to a host, a detecting module of the host detects whether the TOC information data exists in the second sector. When the TOC information data exists or could be accessed, a reading module can read a first disc image file based on the TOC information data. A burning module can record data into a second disc image file and update the TOC information data associated with the second disc image file in the second sector.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for assigning one or more conditions to a telephonic communication system to enable recording, replaying, and pausing of a telephone conversation. Recording of a telephone conversation may be manually or dynamically initiated during the telephone conversation. Dynamic replay of a telephone conversation is automatically initiated when a conversation experiences insufficient call quality, an interruption to the telephone service is detected, the user is distracted, a displacement of the user's phone is detected, or the user toggles between listening modes. A pause mode is automatically entered into during the telephone conversation when a section of the telephone conversation is replayed. An automated pause alert may be played during repeat of the telephone conversation to inform one or more parties that the user is temporarily unavailable. Real-time access to the telephone conversation is resumed when the replaying of the recorded telephone conversation has ended.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to the performance of gapless audio playback of two or more audio tracks are provided. One disclosed embodiment provides a method of performing gapless audio playback comprising rendering a plurality of samples of a current audio track via a current filter graph, and notifying an end-of-stream soon event via a current filter graph. Upon detecting the end-of-stream soon event, a next filter graph corresponding to a next audio track is pre-rolled and then paused. An end-of-stream event is notified at the current filter graph signaling an end of the current audio track. Then, upon detecting an end-of-stream event, the next filter graph is signaled to begin rendering samples of the next audio track.

Abstract: A carriage receives and secures a portable digital music player in a vehicle audio system. The carriage is mechanically engagable with a dock of the vehicle audio system. Access and control over a portable digital music player received and secured by the vehicle audio system may be provided.

Abstract: A method for playing a fast rolling music disc is provided. A music disc is read at an accelerated rate and played at a standard rate by discretely buffering data blocks into a ping pong buffer. Playing of a first data block stored in the first buffer, and buffering of a second data block into the second buffer are concurrently executed. When the playing of the first data block is concluded, the playing order of the first buffer and the second buffer are interchanged, and the concurrent playing and buffering step is repeated. Such that the second data block is played in the second buffer while a third data block is buffered into the first buffer. Discreteness between the second data block and the first data block is dependent on a skipping ratio, and the skipping ratio is dependent on the accelerated rate.

Abstract: A digital audio signal processing system and method transforms two-channel stereo time-domain data into the frequency domain. Vector operations are performed upon the frequency-domain data by which signal components unique to one of the input channels are routed to one of the output channels, signal components unique to the other of the input channels are routed to another of the output channels, and signal components common to both channels are routed to a third and optionally to a fourth output channel. The frequency-domain output channels are then transformed back into the time-domain, forming an equivalent number of channels of output audio data. The vector operations are performed in a manner that preserves the overall information content of the input data.

Abstract: A cartridge for use by print-disabled users to play digital audio content and a player having a receptacle for receiving the cartridge are provided. The cartridge includes a random-access digital storage device storing the digital audio content and having a connector providing access to the digital audio content; and a casing permanently housing the digital storage device and allowing access to the connector of the digital storage device. The casing has a form facilitating handling of the cartridge by the print-disabled users which includes bevelled edges, and has dimensions comparable to dimensions of a standard compact audio cassette. Preferably, the cartridge has a hole extending through the casing at its back end and a sloped surface on the bottom side of the casing at the back end. The receptacle has a form and shape facilitating insertion of the cartridge therein. It has a lower surface defining an elevated ramp along which the cartridge slides as it is inserted into the player.

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: Systems and methods for actuating lens assemblies (e.g., for purposes of zoom and/or focus lens operations) that may be implemented, for example, in any camera lens or other lens application that employs one or more actuatable lenses.

Abstract: An audio signal reproduction apparatus for reproducing scratch sound from an optical disk. Scratch reproduction operation is performed through use of a jog dial and a turntable. When either the jog dial or the turn table has been actuated, a rotational operation signal of the thus-actuated element is supplied to a main system controller of the apparatus. The main system controller detects a rotational direction and a rotational speed, which have been achieved at the time of scratching operation, on the basis of the rotational operation signal, thereby controlling reading of audio data from memory. The main system controller processes the rotational operation signal in accordance with a jog dial/turntable switching signal, thereby controlling reading of audio data such that the same scratching sound is output when the same rotational operation has been performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for updating a memory in a Compact Disc changer. Information identifying discs stored in a CD changer is stored in a memory. The memory is updated when a CD is loaded which does not have identifying features which are recognized by the CD changer. Updating is carried out via a modem connection to a remote database. The database can be stored locally in a local database residing in a personal computer where the database can be queried to locate desired tracks and can be used to facilitate control of the compact disc changer by providing a simplified interface for building a play list and the like.

Abstract: Digital audio signal transmission is provided for digitally processing, for transmission in a digital VCR format, audio signals from a plurality of channels into a digitized audio data segmented into blocks having a data size, each block reserved for audio data digitized from one of the channels. The audio data is converted from the channels into the blocks of digitized audio data by varying the data size of the blocks. The audio data is composed by scaling the audio data in at least one of the blocks and combining the scaled audio data with the audio data of another of the blocks into a block reserved for composite audio data.

Abstract: An audio data recording/reproducing method and apparatus for storing an index containing additional information and position information together with audio data in order to more easily manage the audio data. During reproduction of the audio data, using the stored index, the reproduction position is selected by a user and additional information can be utilized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recording, reproducing, transmitting and/or receiving compressed data, and a recording medium therefor, utilize frequency dividing filters for dividing the frequency range of digital signals into plural frequency bands, orthogonal transform circuits for producing signal components in plural two-dimensional blocks along time and frequency, an adaptive bit allocation and encoding circuit for quantizing and compressing the information for each two-dimensional block and a bit allocation and calculating circuit. When recording the information together with information compressing parameters for each two-dimensional block, the information compressing parameters for at least two two-dimensional blocks are recorded collectively to avoid complicacy in the structure of the sampling frequency signal generating circuits or the like otherwise caused in case of providing plural sampling frequencies as well as to prevent an increase in hardware scale.

Abstract: A circuit selectively sets a left/right monaural playback channel in a digitally signal-processed stereo audio apparatus. The circuit includes a channel selecting signal generator for generating a channel selecting signal to select the channel corresponding to a signal desired to be reproduced among the audio signals of several channels, a storage circuit synchronous to a predetermined clock signal and temporarily storing the audio signals of several channels, a path controlling circuit for controlling the paths of an audio signal supplied after being processed into a digital signal and a signal output from the storage circuit to transmit to a D/A converter the signals corresponding to the channels selectively set by the channel selecting signal generator, and a control circuit for outputting to the channel selecting signal generator the control signal for selecting a desired channel to be reproduced in response to user commands, and controlling the generation of a channel selecting signal.

Abstract: An audio signal recording and playback apparatus of a magnetic recording and playback apparatus operates to record and play back multiple audio signals together with a video signal in first and second recording areas formed in correspondence to audio signals of first and second sets each consisting of two channels. Among input stereo audio signals in four channels at most, two-channel signals corresponding to left and right side information are recorded as main audio signals in the first recording area and remaining two-channel signals are recorded selectively as ancillary audio signals in the second record area.

Abstract: A disc recording device for recording left channel signals and right channel signals having a super audio-frequency signal range up to 40 kHz on a left master disc and a right master disc respectively comprises a left disc recording control portion, a right disc recording control portion, and a common control portion. An another disc recording device for recording the left channel signals and the right channel signals having sounds of super audio-frequency signal range up to 40 kHz onto one face and other face of a master disc respectively comprises a disc inverse face playback control portion, a disc front face playback control portion, and a common control portion. A signal frame as a channel bit used in the above mentioned devices has 316 bits per one left channel signal and one right channel signal, respectively.

Abstract: An output level controlling apparatus comprises: a signal attenuating device for attenuating the reproduced output level of a reading/recording signal read from a record medium; a signal level deciding device for comparing the reproduced output level of the reading/recording signal to a reference signal level previously set; and an output level correcting device for sending a control signal to the signal attenuating device on the basis of the results of the comparison made by the signal level deciding device so as to attenuate the reproduced output level of the reading/recording signal when a reproduced output level is higher than the signal level of the reference signal and so as to decrease an attenuation amount of the reproduced output signal level of the reading/recording signal when the reproduced output signal level is lower than the signal level of the reference signal wherein the output level correcting device sends the control signal so as to rapidly attenuate the reproduced output level of the readi

Abstract: An original film or video sound track and a translation of this sound track into another language are separately recorded and a predetermined positioning timewise relative to the original sound track introduced to the output of the translation to make for best clarity and understanding of the two audio outputs when they are superimposed. The audio levels of the original sound track output and the translation are then set to predesired levels and combined with each other. The combined signal is then fed to an audio compressor which is triggered by an attack signal generated by a second recording of the translation which is advanced in time by 0.5-2.0 seconds relative to the first translation recording. The combined original and translation audio signal is thus ramped down to a lower level a predetermined time period before and during the time the translation audio is present, the sound track level being restored to its original audio level a predetermined time period after the translation audio has stopped.

Abstract: An audio signal recording system comprising a first apparatus for generating a sum signal of left and right signals of a stereophonic audio signal and a difference signal of the left and right signals, and a second apparatus for recording on a recording medium the sum signal and the difference signal which have been generated by the first apparatus, without converting the sum signal and difference signal into the left and right signals.

Abstract: An auto voice changing apparatus receives music from a stereo or multi-sound, digital or analog recording and either plays the recorded music as is, or uses the recorded music as instrumental accompaniment by eliminating the vocal sounds from the reproduced music and substituting vocal sounds provided through a microphone. The control is based solely on a single auto voice switch, control information from the recording, and detection of vocal sounds from the microphone.

Abstract: A data card comprising a self-supporting, wallet size plastic card base upon which is disposed a film substrate layer, a highly reflective layer and an optical storage layer which is a selected photosensitive layer which has been exposed at an actinic wavelength and developed to be substantially opaque over a portion of its extent, except for an imagewise exposure pattern of clear and partially clear data marks revealing to varying extends reflectivity in the underlying reflective layer. Data spots may have one of four different reflectivities thereby representing a quadrinary digit 0, 1, 2 or 3 replacing two binary digits. The reflective layer is matched to the selected optical storage layer so that the reflective layer is highly reflective at a read beam wavelength in the red or near infrared and less reflective at actinic wavelengths either in the blue/green range or in the ultraviolet.

Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus which enables regulation of sound volume levels of signals reproduced from a multiple-audio recording medium in which one of a plurality of audio information signals may be reproduced in conjunction with video information. The multiple-audio signals are recorded on a surface of a video disk, along with the video information. A code signal indicative of presence of multiple-audio information also is recorded, and is detected by code reading circuitry in the apparatus. Operation of changeover circuitry is controlled in accordance with the presence or absence of the code signal, and also in accordance with operation of a microphone in a microphone mixing mode.

Abstract: A stereo enhancement system (300) is disclosed which provides an enhanced wider stereo image and a wider listening area, and further provides perspective correction for achieving correct stereo sound perspective with speakers at different locations and with headphones. The stereo enhancement system includes a stereo image enhancement system (100, 10, 110) which includes circuitry (11, 13, 111, 113) for generating sum and difference signals based on left and right stereo signals, circuitry (17, 18, 19, 22, 30, 115, 125, 129, 40) for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of the difference signal components, circuitry (17, 21, 30, 117, 127, 40) for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of the sum signal components, and circuitry (23, 25, 27, 119, 121, 123) for combining the processed sum and difference signals with the original left and right stereo signals to produce enhanced left and right stereo signals.

Abstract: Discrete four-channel photographic (optical) motion picture sound-tracks are disclosed that are compatible with existing monophonic and stereo variable area (SVA) theatre projection equipment. Six track and four track embodiments are disclosed. In the four track embodiments 4-4-4 matrix encoding is employed in producing the sound-track. Apparatus for recording and reproducing the compatible four-channel sound-tracks are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and means for evaluating the quality of audio and/or video transfer characteristics of a device upon which, or through which, audio and/or video information is contained, or passes, respectively. Both method and apparatus concern the evaluation of the quality of information transfer in the recording and playing back of a recording medium or in the transferring of audio and/or video information through an information handling device referred to as a throughput device. Unit evaluation is accomplished by establishing an input signal of known content, measuring selected parameters of selected parts of the input signal, feeding the input signal to the unit under test, measuring the parameters of parts of the output signal from the unit under test corresponding to the same selected parts of the input signal, and comparing the selected parameters of the input signal with the corresponding parameters of the output signal.

Abstract: Audio signals recovered from a video disc record are applied to a dual mode decoder matrix via track and hold circuits which mute the audio signals in response to defect indicating signals and player mode control signals. A selected one of the mode control signals is applied to the matrix for causing the matrix to form sum and difference output signals at first and second output terminals thereof when at a first logic level and for causing the matrix to produce identical output signals at the output terminals when at a second logic level. Logic circuitry controls the muting and the matrix operating mode to provide compatibility with monophonic, matrixed two channel (e.g., stereophonic) and un-matrixed two channel (e.g., bilingual) video disc records and suppression of record noise in all operating modes.

Abstract: A sound recording having right and left information channels to drive right and left speakers, respectively. The right information channel has a left main stereo component having a pattern corresponding and similar to a left stereo input signal. In addition, it has a right to left compensating component having a pattern which corresponds to an inverted and delayed pattern of a right stereo input signal. In like manner, the right channel has a right main stereo component having a pattern corresponding and similar to the right stereo input signal. It also has a left to right compensating component having a pattern which corresponds to an inverted and delayed pattern of the left stereo input signal. The effect is that the main stereo components travelling to the nearest ear of a listener are not diminished substantially, while the main stereo components travelling to the further ear are diminished. The effect is a highly dimentionalized sound pattern.