Hands-free Loudspeaker Feature Patents (Class 379/420.02)
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Patent number: 7333837Abstract: The invention pertains to mobile telephones and can be used during telephone conversations while, for example, operating a mode of transportation. The universal hands-free unit for mobile telephones contains the main module containing a speaker and control electronics, a holder for the mobile telephone, a microphone, an attachment module, and a changeable connection module for electrical connection of the control electronics with the electrical circuits of the mobile telephone. The holder of the mobile telephone is constructed in the form of two plates oriented parallel to each other at a distance L which may be changed by moving at least one plate relative to the other plate with the help of a mechanism located in the body of the main module. A fixating bracket attached to each holding plate, each fixating bracket is made in the shape of a base with several parallel resilient fins.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: ZAO “Premier Technology”Inventor: Dmitry Mikhailovich Gordeyev
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Patent number: 7248902Abstract: A multi-mode power supply device of a wireless earphone is disclosed. The earphone is communicable bi-directionally with portable communication devices wirelessly through an antenna. The earphone has a battery set. In at least one side of the earphone; an internal of the earphone has a power management circuit. The battery set supplies power to the power management circuit. The power management circuit is used to control the power on or off. The communication devices are selected from portable mobile phones and vehicle used phones. A suspender is capable of being inserted into or buckled into the groove of the earphone so that the suspender is positioned at one side of the power supply module. The suspender has a power supply module. When the suspender is combined to the earphone. The power management circuit is electrically connected to the power supply module.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Yun Chu
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Patent number: 7242970Abstract: The present invention is a Bluetooth™ hands-free kit structure. After the hands-free module according to the present invention executes Bluetooth™ functional pairing with a Bluetooth™-equipped mobile phone, it can be used as a acoustic type hands-free muting system device of Bluetooth™-equipped mobile phone which employs acoustic speakers as its audio output, or can be used as a Bluetooth™-equipped hands-free kit which employs a loudspeaker as its audio output, and also can be used as a Bluetooth™ earphone by itself. The Bluetooth™ hands-free kit structure can be expanded to have both charging and Bluetooth™-functions, and also can be a module structure with private communication switch capability.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Inventor: Chu-Chai Hong
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Patent number: 7231038Abstract: A microphone, transmitter, speaker, receiver, and power source, all mounted to an eyeglasses frame, for sending and receiving signals wirelessly to and from a remote cell phone or other electronic device. The microphone and the transmitter can be mounted to extension arms that can be extended, pivoted, or otherwise moved to a position for use, and then moved to a stored position when not in use. Alternatively, the microphone, transmitter, speaker, receiver, and power source, can be mounted onto a clip-on or other attachment member that mounts onto a conventional eyeglasses frame, or to a hat or other article worn on the head.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Oakley, Inc.Inventor: Peter Warren
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Patent number: 7224992Abstract: A stereo headset (104) with push-to-talk function can be interfaced with a wireless communication device (102) via a connector interface. The connector interface preferably includes a jack at the wireless communication device (102) and a compatible plug at the stereo headset (104). An electrical contact (310) at the connector interface can contemporaneously interconnect both electrical audio signals between the wireless communication device (102) and at least one of the speakers of the stereo headset (104) and electrical user input signals from an external push-to-talk user input device (232) to the wireless communication device (102).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Patino, Audley F. Patterson, Richard L. Pyatt, Russell L. Simpson, Sybren D. Smith
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Patent number: 7177670Abstract: Disclosed are a mobile communication terminal provided with a hands-free function and a controlling method thereof comprising the steps of: setting a hands-free function of a mobile communication terminal; certifying whether an originating call command or a calling request message are received; searching information of a calling party inputted by a user's voice or an arbitrary originating party's information from a mounted telephone directory; and guiding the searched calling party's information by voice and then connecting a calling. According to this, the user can originate or receive a calling by using a voice recognition function and the hands-free function of the terminal without his hands' using even while driving.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Dong-Jin Yoon
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Patent number: 7139394Abstract: To amplify low frequencies emitted in handsfree mode by a multifunction earpiece (earpiece, loudspeaker, buzzer) of a telephone handset, the earpiece being tolerant to leaks in a discreet mode of operation, a tube projects into a cavity in the casing of the handset, around an aperture through which the cavity communicates with the exterior of the casing. The handset thus includes a multifunction earpiece that is tolerant of leaks in a discreet mode of operation and provides good sound quality in handsfree mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: TCL Communication Technology Holdings LimitedInventors: Stéphane Dufosse, Nicolas Janaszek
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Patent number: 7110536Abstract: An acoustic seal system (100). The system (100) includes a flexible sealing element (110) having a ridge (134) for engaging a cover (118) with a sealing interference fit, a plate (112) in which the flexible sealing element (110) is secured to the plate (112) and a mesh (114) for controlling particle contamination. The mesh (114) is secured to the plate (112), and the plate (112) and at least a portion of the flexible sealing element (110) are secured to a portion of an inner housing (116). The portion of the flexible sealing element (110) engages the portion of the inner housing (116) with a sealing interference fit. When the cover (118) engages the inner housing (116), the flexible sealing element (110) provides an acoustic seal between the cover (118) and the inner housing (116).Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Patrick A. Hampton, Julio C. Castañeda, Robert T. Jamilla
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Patent number: 7092745Abstract: A portable device including a housing and an electro-acoustic transducer. The housing has a first surface with an outlet for the egress of an acoustic signal when in a loudspeaker mode and a second surface with an outlet for the egress of an acoustic signal when in an earpiece mode. The electro-acoustic transducer is located within the housing and converts an electrical signal input to the transducer into an acoustic signal. The transducer is operable to output acoustic signals when in the loudspeaker mode or the earpiece mode, the audio path between the transducer and the outlet for the egress of an acoustic signal when in the loudspeaker mode being less attenuated than the audio path between the transducer and the outlet for the egress of an acoustic signal when in the earpiece mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones LimitedInventor: Winand D'Souza
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Patent number: 7072468Abstract: A radio (100) provides multiple audio modes of operation, such as a cellular and dispatch modes. Illumination devices (108, 110) are located near the radio's audio sources (104, 106) and become activated to indicate to the user which mode of operation is present.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Murray, Ryan M. Nilsen, Michael R. Gardner
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Patent number: 7058430Abstract: A mobile communications terminal is provided having a first loudspeaker for emitting sound signals in a normal mode of the communications terminal, a second loudspeaker for emitting sound signals in a hands-free mode of the communications terminal, an antenna and a signal processing device for processing signals which have been received by the antenna and for supplying processed signals to the first loudspeaker and to the second loudspeaker depending on whether the communications terminal is in the normal mode or in the hands-free mode, wherein better high-frequency reproduction in a hands-free mode is achieved in that, in the hands-free mode, the signal processing device is designed to supply processed signals at a frequency of more than 1 kHz to the first loudspeaker and the first loudspeaker is designed to reproduce sound signals at a frequency of more than 1 kHz.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Roland Aubauer, Stefano Ambrosius Klinke, Christoph Poerschmann, Michael Hulskemper, Frank Lorenz
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Patent number: 7058366Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the sound pressure level (SPL) heard by a user of a mobile terminal, such as a cellular phone, when listening with an ear sealed to the mobile terminal and for providing adequate sound when the ear is not sealed to the mobile terminal. Some sound is laterally ported away from the ear-sealing region on the terminal such that the SPL heard with a sealed ear may be controlled to be within regulatory requirements. The need for mechanical or proximity switches may be reduced or eliminated. Adequate SPLs are provided when the ear is not sealed to the device by the combined use of distal and central ports. Excessive SPLs may be prevented for sounds such as alert signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventor: Gregory S. Patterson
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Patent number: 7050578Abstract: A sound producing device has an electroacoustic transducer mounted in a case. A sound discharging nozzle is projected from the case and communicated with an upper chamber above the electroacoustic transducer.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shigehisa Watanabe
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Patent number: 7013009Abstract: A microphone, transmitter, speaker, receiver, and power source, all mounted to an eyeglasses frame, for sending and receiving signals wirelessly to and from a remote cell phone or other electronic device. The microphone and the transmitter can be mounted to extension arms that can be extended, pivoted, or otherwise moved to a position for use, and then moved to a stored position when not in use. Alternatively, the microphone, transmitter, speaker, receiver, and power source, can be mounted onto a clip-on or other attachment member that mounts onto a conventional eyeglasses frame, or to a hat or other article worn on the head.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Oakley, Inc.Inventor: Peter Warren
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Patent number: 6973291Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology to enable efficient storage and handling of hand held devices and conveniently provide access to information within the devices. Single-handed storage and removal features enable users to insert and remove the device into and from a multifunctional cradle. The cradle mitigates device damage by limiting device movement and/or vibration once accepted into the cradle. One or more auxiliary storage compartments that feature single-handed component storage and removal can be included with the cradle. Functional segmentation of the cradle enables interface components within the cradle to be isolated from regions that can be exposed to contamination. The cradle includes operative connections for devices stored in the cradle to facilitate operations, such as charging the device and exchanging or updating device information with other local and/or remote systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David E. Bellows
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Patent number: 6957089Abstract: The present invention provides a portable, pocket sized speakerphone device adaptable for use with a cellular telephone, and a method for making such a device. The device reduces howling, including echoing and feedback, sufficiently to enable use of the device as a telephone speakerphone. To reduce howling, one or more of the following may be utilized: attenuation circuitry; sound insulation means; positioning the loudspeaker and the microphone of the device such that the outlet of the loudspeaker for emitting sound from the loudspeaker faces in the same direction as the outlet of the microphone for receiving sound into the microphone, and such that a line extending between the outlet of the loudspeaker and the outlet of the microphone would form a right angle with a line extending in the direction of the outlet of the loudspeaker and the outlet of the microphone face.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Coby Electronics CorporationInventors: Sang Hoon Oh, James Bak, Yiu-Ming Lai
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Patent number: 6931124Abstract: A soft mute circuit includes a programmable amplifier controlled by a register. Data is stored in the register from an adder that combines the current data in the register with a second number for increasing or decreasing the gain of the amplifier. A summation circuit includes a plurality of inputs coupled by gates to a summation node and the summation node is coupled to an input of the programmable amplifier. The gates are controlled by suitable logic for selecting input signals in any combination. A control loop maintains the gain of the amplifier at a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Acoustic Technology, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Rubacha, Samuel L. Thomasson
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Patent number: 6795547Abstract: A full duplex speaker-phone that performs adaptive filtering to provide increased loop stability between users of the speaker-phone. The invention employs a sliding filter that performs adaptive frequency dependent attenuation of the speech signals within a speaker-phone. By detecting the mode of operation of the speaker-phone in real time, the speaker-phone performs adaptive filtering to ensure a high perceptual quality for the users of the speaker-phone. The sliding filtering is performed using a sliding low pass filter (LPF) in certain embodiments of the invention. Perceptually, the speaker-phone does not surrender the appearance of a full duplex speaker-phone from the perspective of the users. In addition, by performing frequency dependent filtering of the speech signals, the speaker-phone offers improved stability in the speaker-phone loop and reduces residual echoes significantly over conventional technology employed in speaker-phones.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.Inventor: Elias Bjarnason
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Patent number: 6782099Abstract: A speaker-phone base for supporting a portable telephone electrical interface, in which the interface having an interface electrical power connector and an interface audio connector, includes a base member. The base member defines a portable telephone electrical interface receptacle that is shaped so as to be capable of receiving therein a portable telephone electrical interface. A base electrical power connector is disposed within the receptacle so as to electrically engage the interface power connector when the interface is placed in the receptacle. The base electrical power connector is complementary to the interface electrical power connector and electrically coupled to an electrical power source. A base audio connector is also disposed within the receptacle so as to electrically engage the interface audio connector when the interface is placed in the receptacle. The base audio connector is complementary to the interface audio connector. A speaker and a microphone are each integral with the base member.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventor: Steven R. Fischl
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Patent number: 6778073Abstract: A vehicle audio system includes a wireless audio sensor configured to wirelessly detect different portable audio sources brought into the vehicle. Audio output devices are located in the vehicle for outputting audio signals from the different audio sources. A processor selectively connects the different audio sources to the different audio output devices. In another aspect, the audio system includes object sensors that detect objects located outside the vehicle. The processor generates warning signals that are output from the different audio output devices according to where the objects are detected by the object sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Medius, Inc.Inventors: Robert Pierce Lutter, Dan Alan Preston
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Patent number: 6758303Abstract: An electronic device (100) having a multi-mode acoustic system (120) and a method (500) for radiating sound waves are described herein. The acoustic system (120) generally includes a transducer (530), a first port (510), and a second port (520). The first and second ports (510, 520) may be acoustically coupled to the transducer (530). The second port (520) may be acoustically symmetric relative to the first port (510) such that output from the second port (520) is substantially identical to output from the first port (510).Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Zurek, Simone Koo, Thomas Gitzinger, Chris Gremo, Thomas Walczak
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Patent number: 6751446Abstract: Mobile telephony station with a speaker phone function including a front panel having a plurality of menu selecting keys for selecting menu, an LCD panel for displaying various information and messages, a mike for putting in a transmission speech, and a first speaker for presenting a received speech, a flip hinged on the front panel for protecting the LCD panel, a sensor switch on the front panel for sensing opening/closing of the flip, and a second speaker for selectively presenting a received speech, together with the first speaker, depending on a switching state of the sensor switch, to carry out the speaker phone function, thereby permitting to select the speaker phone function automatically at opening a flip, in a setting mode, or by using a toggle switch.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hong Joo Kim, Hee Bong Park, Nam Sik Joo, Sin Woo Kim, Keun Taek Lee
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Patent number: 6731956Abstract: A retractable cord for mobile phones or other wireless devices. The cord includes an ear piece having a speaker for delivering sound to a user and possibly having a microphone. The retractable cord can be contained within a separate unit with a connector for attachment to a connector on the mobile phone or other wireless device, such as a jack or other receptacle, or it can be contained internally within those devices. The cord can retract onto a spring-loaded spool, or via other retractable mechanisms, and be held at various extended positions with a stop mechanism that prevents retraction of the cord.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Inventors: Tania W. Hanna, Christopher T. Long
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Patent number: 6665547Abstract: A radio communication apparatus includes first and second storage sections, a receiving section, a speech recognizing section and a control section. The receiving section receives a speech data transmitted from a counter apparatus, and the speech data includes a telephone number. The control section stores at least a part of the received speech data in a location of the first storage section, extracts the telephone number from the received speech data using the speech recognizing section, and stores the extracted telephone number in the second storage section in association with the predetermined location.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Tatsuji Ehara
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Patent number: 6636750Abstract: A speakerphone accessory (100) is provided for use with a portable telephone (102). The speakerphone accessory (100) has a high-level speaker assembly (222) that includes a transducer (500) coupled to first and second resonators (502, 504). The first and second resonators (502, 504) are designed so that the first resonator (502) is most efficient at a high frequency while the second resonator (504) has maximum response at a low frequency. The frequency ranges produced by the first and second resonators (502, 504) overlap to reproduce frequencies between the high and low frequencies. The high-level speaker assembly (222), therefore, provides an acoustic bandpass having improved response when compared to the response of the transducer (500) alone.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Zurek, Thomas Gitzinger, Michael Charlier
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Publication number: 20030165236Abstract: A speaker-phone base for supporting a portable telephone electrical interface, in which the interface having an interface electrical power connector and an interface audio connector, includes a base member. The base member defines a portable telephone electrical interface receptacle that is shaped so as to be capable of receiving therein a portable telephone electrical interface. A base electrical power connector is disposed within the receptacle so as to electrically engage the interface power connector when the interface is placed in the receptacle. The base electrical power connector is complementary to the interface electrical power connector and electrically coupled to an electrical power source. A base audio connector is also disposed within the receptacle so as to electrically engage the interface audio connector when the interface is placed in the receptacle. The base audio connector is complementary to the interface audio connector. A speaker and a microphone are each integral with the base member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventor: Steven R. Fischl
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Patent number: 6611596Abstract: Apparatus and method to transmit a speakerphone active indication signal to another party over a telephone line upon use of a speakerphone feature, and to transmit a speakerphone inactive indication signal upon cessation of the speakerphone feature. A speakerphone indication transmit module provides an audible or data signal relating to the activation or inactivation of a speakerphone feature to a receiving party's telephone system, which either audibly confirms use of the speakerphone at the opposite end, and/or displays a speakerphone active indication, e.g., on an LED or LCD display. The speakerphone indication active and inactive signals can be, e.g., a single tone, a DTMF tone, FSK signaling, or ADSL signaling.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1999Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Cannon, James A. Johanson
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Publication number: 20030156710Abstract: Apparatus (10) for transmitting sound between a user and a communications device such as a mobile telephone comprises a non-electrical ear piece (13) connected via a tube (12) to an adaptor (22) which can be electrically connected to the mobile phone. A further tube (14) has a voice entry end (14b) and is coupled at the other end (14a) to the adaptor. Sound travels up tube (12) from the phone to the user and down tube (14) from the user to the phone.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventor: Stephen Kear
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Patent number: 6512826Abstract: A multi-directional hand-free kit. The kit has a main body receiving a printed circuit board therein for controlling audio signal sending and receiving incorporated with a mobile communication device and formed with a first oblique portion, a connector member connected to an external power source and formed at a portion thereof facing the first oblique portion with a second oblique portion which frictionally makes contact with the first oblique portion, and a shaft member for connecting the main body and the connector member in such a manner that the main body and the connector member are obliquely rotatable to each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Westech Korea Inc.Inventor: Gwang Ho Kim
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Patent number: 6453045Abstract: A telecommunication device (10) includes a housing (14, 16) and a dual earpiece arrangement (26) associated with the housing. The dual earpiece arrangement (26) includes a handsfree transducer (28) that generates dispatch-level audio output in a handsfree operating mode of the telecommunication device, and a private-mode transducer (38) that generates private-level audio output in a private operating mode of the telecommunication device. In particular, the device (10) includes a cantilevered bender (30) having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the bender is mounted to the housing (16), a diaphragm (32) having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the diaphragm (32) is attached to the second end of the bender (30), and a surround (34) joining the second end of the diaphragm (32) to the housing (16). The bender (30) drives the diaphragm (32) in a reciprocating manner to generate dispatch level audio output.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Zurek, Thomas Gitzinger, Michael L. Charlier
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Patent number: 6434407Abstract: A wireless speakerphone is designed to prevent damage to a user's ear when the phone is placed against the user's ear during speakerphone operation. The phone includes a second speaker, or second speaker, embedded behind its rear surface. The rear surface is shaped so that, when resting against a rigid surface such as a desktop or tabletop, the rear surface and the rigid surface together form a waveguide that directs sound waves from the second speaker into the surrounding room.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Denso Corporation, Ltd.Inventor: Steven Cook