Abstract: There is provided a signal processing apparatus, for suppressing a noise, which includes a first calculator to obtain a phase difference between two spectrum signals in a frequency domain transformed from sound signals received by at least two microphones to estimate a sound source by the phase difference, a second calculator to obtain a value representing a target signal likelihood and to determine a sound suppressing phase difference range at each frequency, in which a sound signal is suppressed, on the basis of the target signal likelihood, and a filter. The filter generate a synchronized spectrum signal by synchronizing each frequency component of one of the two spectrum signals to each frequency component of the other of the two spectrum signals for each frequency when the phase difference is within the sound suppressing phase difference range and to generate a filtered spectrum signal.

Abstract: A multiband dynamics compressor implements a solution for minimizing unwanted changes to the long-term frequency response. The solution essentially proposes undoing the multiband compression in a controlled manner using much slower smoothing times. In this regard, the compensation provided acts more like an equalizer than a compressor. What is applied is a very slowly time-varying, frequency-dependent post-gain (make-up gain) that attempts to restore the smoothed long-term level of each compressor band.

Abstract: The invention provides a microphone amplifier circuit which enhances the SNR (signal noise ratio) and expands the dynamic range by reducing the noise level. A microphone amplifier circuit includes a preamplifier which amplifies an audio signal from a capacitor microphone, a level detection circuit which outputs a level detection signal when the level of the audio signal is in the vicinity of the noise level of the microphone amplifier circuit, and an attenuator which attenuates the level of the audio signal outputted from the preamplifier in response to the level detection signal. The preamplifier includes an operational amplifier, a feedback capacitor and a feedback resistor.

Abstract: Improved techniques for interaction between a host computer (e.g., personal computer) and a media player are disclosed. According to one aspect, interaction between a host computer and a media player, such as automatic synchronization of media contents stored on a media player with media contents stored on a host computer, can be restricted. According to another aspect, management of media items residing on a media player can be performed at and by a host computer for the media player. According to still another aspect, media content can be played by a media player in accordance with quality settings established for the media content at the host computer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are provided for profiling or analyzing audio data based on an audio parameter. The audio data is divided into audio data into segments. Each segment is characterized by the audio parameter in a defined range. Effects are selected according to the segments meeting criteria for the audio parameter of the effects. A media presentation is authored or generated using the selected effects.

Abstract: A condenser microphone includes a volume restrictor disposed in a space inside a microphone case and an electronic circuit disposed in the space and encompassed by the volume restrictor. The volume restrictor reduces the volume of the space and prevents sound waves entering the space through openings on the microphone case from reaching the electronic circuit.

Abstract: The present invention describes techniques that can be used to provide novel methods of spatial audio rendering using adapted M-S matrix shuffler topologies. Such techniques include headphone and loudspeaker-based binaural signal simulation and rendering, stereo expansion, multichannel upmix and pseudo multichannel surround rendering.

Abstract: A headset used as an external louder speaker and a method for adjusting an output of the speaker transducers are disclosed. The headset includes a signal receiver, speaker parts, hinge parts, and amplifiers. The speaker parts change their direction through the hinge parts. The output of speaker transducers is adjusted according to the direction of the speaker parts. When the output of speaker transducers is increased, the speaker parts of the headset are used as an external speaker.

Abstract: When a signal representing a first set value or more is received from a detecting section, a determination is made whether a boost value is a predetermined value or more. When the boost value is the predetermined value or more, a currently set boost value is reduced by a predetermined step, so that a new boost value is set. Further, when the boost value is less than the predetermined value, a currently set volume level is reduced by a predetermined step, and a new volume level is set. Therefore, in a case when the set boost value is gradually reduced and the boost value is finally less than the predetermined value, the audio signal is still the first set value or more, the volume level is further reduced by each predetermined step. Therefore, an audio signal can be securely prevented from being clipped.

Abstract: An audio output controlling apparatus and method, and a mobile terminal system using the same control settings of an audio out port according to whether an audio frame includes an audio signal. The audio output controlling method includes receiving an audio frame, determining whether an audio signal is included in the audio frame, and setting, depending on whether the audio signal is included in the audio frame, a power voltage provided to an audio out port. The mobile terminal includes a wireless transceiver; an audio unit, through an audio out port, an audio frame among the wireless data; and an audio output controlling unit to control a power voltage of the audio out port. The apparatus includes a section determining unit; and a power controlling unit to set a power voltage provided to an audio out port according to whether the audio signal is included in the audio frame.

Abstract: A technique is provided for automatically adjusting the volume, or magnitude, of an audio signal. The technique includes calculating an average power associated with a segment of an input audio signal, determining whether the average power is greater than an estimated signal level associated with one or more previously-processed segments of the input audio signal and, depending on the determination, either calculating an updated estimated signal level by subtracting from the average power an attenuated difference between the estimated signal level and the average power or setting the updated estimated signal level to the average power. A gain to be applied to the segment of the input audio signal is then determined based on the updated estimated signal level and a target signal level for an output audio signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes receiving the audio signal and preset information; obtaining preset matrix from the preset information, wherein the preset matrix indicates contribution degree of the object to output channel; and adjusting output level of the object by using the preset matrix. Accordingly, without user's setting for each object, if preset metadata to be applied to an audio signal is selected with reference to previously-set preset metadata, levels of objects included in the audio signal can be easily adjusted using preset rendering data corresponding to the selected preset metadata.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling the volumes of multiple audio output devices using a collective (master) volume control and an individual volume control for each audio output device. In one set of embodiments, each individual volume control can be configured to indicate the current absolute volume level of its corresponding audio output device. When the master volume control is manually adjusted, the individual volume controls can be automatically adjusted in a manner proportional to the manual adjustment of the master volume control. In addition, when an individual volume control is manually adjusted to a setting or value that exceeds the master volume control, the master volume control can be automatically adjusted to be equal to, or greater than, the manually adjusted setting for the individual volume control. In this scenario, the other individual volume controls can remain unchanged.

Abstract: A method terminal includes an apparatus for automatically adjusting volume in the terminal. An automatic volume adjuster extracts a representative volume from individual frame information of an audio file, and adjusts a master volume by a deviation between the extracted representative volume and a reference volume, and a controller plays the audio file with the master volume adjusted by the automatic volume adjuster.

Abstract: Techniques pertaining to providing an appropriate recording mode to achieve optimum record data in accordance with the recording environment are described. In one embodiment, a current audio recording mode is initially selected to be one of a low sensitivity audio recording mode and a high sensitivity audio recording mode. A digital gain for digital audio recording data in the current audio recording mode is obtained. The current audio recording mode is automatically switched between the low sensitivity audio recording mode and the high sensitivity audio recording mode when the digital gain reaches a gain threshold.

Abstract: A device (1) is arranged for controlling the sound levels of a group of audio channels including a user selected main channel (MC) and at least one auxiliary channel (AC1; AC2). The audio channels can be rendered simultaneously. The device comprises automatic level adjustment means (12, 13) for adjusting the sound level of the at least one auxiliary channel relative to the main channel. The level adjustment means (12, 13) may be arranged for adapting the respective sound levels to the content or signal characteristics of each associated audio channel.

Abstract: A multiband DRC system and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the system and the method are capable of increasing an overall loudness of an output signal by controlling thresholds and gains of plurality of DRCs included in the multiband DRC system according to frequency bands.

Abstract: An audio signal amplitude adjusting device and method that can always adjust the amplitude of an input audio signal to such a level as to be easy to hear with making it follow each shift in the level of the input audio signal, thus preventing the occurrence of the sense of aural discomfort and an interruption of a voice. The gain of a variable attenuator for adjusting the amplitude of the audio signal is controlled in various ways. When a momentary large noise sound is contained in the audio signal, the gain reduced state invoked to suppress the effect of the noise sound is detected, and thereafter if the amplitude of the audio signal has become smaller than the reference level due to the noise sound ending, the gain is increased each period that is shortest among the periods of control employed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an audio signal amplifying circuit for an electronic device including a processing chip and a speaker. The audio signal amplifying circuit includes an amplifying circuit and an inverting circuit connected to the processing chip to get a first control signal and invert the first control signal to generate a second control signal. The first control signal and/or the second control signal are used to control the operation mode of the amplifying circuit to be in an amplifying mode or in a non-amplifying mode.

Abstract: Systems and method for adapting a gain of an audio signal containing at least two different tracks with different signal level ranges. An example system includes a loudness determination unit for determining a perceived loudness of the audio input signal based on a psychoacoustic model of a human hearing. The system further includes a loudness adaptation unit configured to determine a loudness adaptation indicator based on the perceived loudness and a predetermined loudness, and to introduce the loudness adaptation indicator into the audio signal to generate an adapted gain signal. A gain determination unit is configured to adapt the gain for outputting the audio signal containing the at least two tracks based on the loudness adaptation indicators in the adapted gain signal at about the predetermined loudness.

Abstract: A system and method for providing layered audio which allows a user to selectively and simultaneously listen to multiple audio sources for limited time periods and switch between these layered audio sources. The system allows a user to discernibly listen to two content sources at the same time.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microphone, a circuit, and a method. A microphone capsule may include an electret microphone and a field effect transistor (FET). A floating DC voltage source may have a first end connected to a drain terminal of the electret microphone capsule and a second end. A load resistor may be connected between the second end of the floating DC voltage source and a source terminal of the electret microphone capsule. A voltage follower may have an output connected to the source terminal of the electret microphone capsule and the first end of the floating DC voltage source. A coupling capacitor may couple an audio signal from the source terminal of the electret microphone capsule to an input of the voltage follower.

Abstract: A multimedia controller including a processor, the controller configured to: provide a user interface for a player group, wherein the player group includes a plurality of players in a local area network, and wherein each player is configured to playback a multimedia output from a multimedia source; accept an input to facilitate formation of the player group, indicating that at least two of the players in the local area network are to be included in the player group; for each of the plurality of players within the player group, accept an input to adjust a volume associated with the player, that causes the player to adjust its volume; and accept an input to adjust a volume associated with the player group, wherein the input to adjust the volume associated with the group causes the players in the player group to adjust their volumes.

Abstract: It is described a method for controlling an adaptation of a behavior of an audio device (100) to a current acoustic environmental condition. The method comprises (a) monitoring an audio output signal (x(t), x?(t)) being provided to an acoustic output device (110) of the audio device (100) for outputting an acoustic output signal, (b) measuring an audio input signal (z(t)) being provided by an acoustic input device (120) of the audio device (100), wherein the audio input signal (z(t)) is indicative for a feedback portion of the acoustic output signal and for the current acoustic environmental condition, (c) determining a relation between the audio output signal (x?(t)) and the audio input signal (z(t)) and (d) adapting the behavior of the audio device (100) based on the determined relation.

Abstract: A method for processing an audio signal (i(t)), comprises: receiving a first set (x(t)) of time-varying signals representing a first sound comprised in the audio signal (i(t)), the first set (x(t)) of time-varying signals comprising an amplitude modulation signal (a(t)), a carrier frequency signal (fc(t)), a pitch signal (f0(t)) and an FM index signal (h(t)); and modifying the first set (x(t)) of time-varying signals by modifying the amplitude of the FM index signal (h(t)), thereby providing a first modified set (x?(t)) of time-varying signals. The resulting first modified set (x?(t)) of time-varying signals may subsequently be modulated to provide an audio output signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic gain control of an amplifier in which the method and apparatus detects excessive increase in the sound volume or temperature rise in the audio system and reduces the gain of the amplifier by various means. Each gain control circuit has a comparator to compare a signal with threshold values and an integrator to integrate output signals of the comparator with respect to a predetermined time length to reduce a gain of the amplifier. The method and apparatus conducts dynamic suppressing of excess signals and thereby controlling output level of the amplifier at multiple stages without immediately shutting down the audio system. In the case where the sound volume increases to a degree that may damage the amplifier or speaker, a shutdown signal is generated to shutdown the operation of the whole system.

Abstract: A method of processing an audio signal is provided. The method includes receiving at least one digital audio stream from at least one audio source, applying at least one gain value to each of the at least one digital audio stream by a gain adjustment unit, mixing the at least one digital audio stream to which the at least one gain value has been applied, calculating a representative gain value from the at least one gain value, calculating an extra valid headroom based on the representative gain value for correction of the mixed at least one digital audio stream, and post-processing the mixed at least one digital audio stream using the extra valid headroom.

Abstract: A display device and a method of driving the display, wherein the volume of background music is controlled depending upon the color or brightness of display images, and the power consumption is reduced. The display device includes a display unit with a plurality of pixels, a signal controller, and a volume controller. The display unit displays images by selectively activating pixels from among the plurality of pixels in accordance with input video signals and input image control signals. The signal controller reads the input video signals to generate on-pixel signals having information about the ratio of a number of the active pixels compared to a total number of pixels in the plurality of pixels per each frame.

Abstract: A loudspeaker drive circuit comprises a signal path compressor/limiter (12) for implementing a change to the peak-mean amplitude ration in the time domain. A feedforward control loop measures an acoustic quality of the signal at the output of a control loop compressor/limiter (20) or the output of the signal path compressor/limiter (12), and also estimates a loudspeaker excursion based on the signal at the output of the control loop compressor/limiter (20). The signal path compressor/limiter is controlled based on the acoustic quality measurement and excursion estimation. The invention provides a method for the maximisation of the acoustic output of a loudspeaker by adjusting the characteristics of a compressor/limiter, with the constraint that the audio quality stays acceptable, and that the diaphragm displacement does not exceed a certain threshold.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing audio signals are provided. The method for decoding an audio signal includes extracting a downmix signal and spatial information from a received audio signal and generating a pseudo-surround signal using the downmix signal and the spatial information. The apparatus for decoding an audio signal includes a demultiplexing part extracting a downmix signal and spatial information from a received audio signal and a pseudo-surround decoding part generating a pseudo-surround signal from the downmix signal, using the spatial information.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method of controlling the electronic device are provided. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may recognize a first sound signal output from at least one external device connectable through a communication unit and to control a sound output of at least one of the at least one external device or the sound output unit when a second sound signal is output through the sound output unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for enhancing the listening qualities of an audio file by providing the listener with a plurality of modified equalized audio files. Each modified equalized audio file having a consistent loudness level but different audio characteristics. Hence, for an input audio file the current invention allows the listener to individually select the best audio characteristics for them to listen to the content of the input audio file according to their particular requirements without them needing to adjust the loudness level in playback. The invention further enables the listener to switch between the multiple equalized audio files during playback. The invention further includes a SN detector and reducer to eliminate the adverse effects of the presence of sudden, strong noise in the input audio file in the process of generating the plurality of modified equalized audio files.

Abstract: A display device and a driving method thereof where different sounds are output depending upon characteristics of display images. The display device includes a display unit having a plurality of pixels, a signal controller, and a sound controller. The display unit displays images by selectively activating pixels from among the plurality of pixels in accordance with input video signals and input image control signals. The signal controller reads the input video signals to generate on-pixel signals having information about a ratio of a number of the activated pixels compared to a total number of pixels in the plurality of pixels per each frame and generating a sound output start signal.

Abstract: A sound reproducing device has a loudspeaker arranged to produce sound from an audio signal provided by an audio signal source. A microphone is positioned to pick up ambient noise and generate a microphone signal which comprises the noise. An ambient noise cancellation (ANC) system receives the microphone signal from the microphone and generates anti-noise corresponding to the ambient noise in the microphone signal. An automatic polarity adaptation (AAP) system monitors the ANC system and, when a decision criterion is fulfilled, causes a switch in polarity for the generated anti-noise.

Abstract: The teachings are directed to a power amplifier expansion card (“amplifier card”) for a computer. The amplifier card receives audio data through an input port and amplifies the audio data to high-level passive speaker power for transmissions through an output port. The amplifier card can comprise a circuit board having (i) at least two audio channels; (ii) an audio power amplification circuit for amplifying audio power to at least 20 W RMS per channel; and (iii) an onboard cooling system. The amplifier card can be used, for example, in a multimedia system having at least a studio controller operably connected to the amplifier card for receiving and processing input audio data. Examples of such multimedia systems include, but are not limited to, a television home entertainment system, an audio home entertainment system, a music production studio system, a gaming system, a personal computing system, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A volume control system comprises: an amplifying apparatus; and a controller connectable to the amplifying apparatus. The amplifying apparatus includes; a first receiving section for receiving a volume value from the controller, a first input section into which an instruction for changing the volume value is input by a user's operation, a first transmitting section for transmitting the volume value input into the first input section to the controller, and a volume control section for, when the first receiving section receives the volume value or the changed volume value is input into the first input section, controlling a volume value of the amplifying apparatus based on the volume value.

Abstract: A system, processor implemented method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for playing a synthetic stereo on a mono headset with motion sensing. The method comprises a processor receiving movement data from an accelerometer detecting movement of the mono headset. In response to receiving movement data, the processor mixing an output audio signal comprising a left channel signal and a right channel signal and providing the output audio signal comprising a combination of the left channel signal and right channel signal based at least in part on detected movement of the mono headset. The output audio signal having either a substantially equal or unequal combination of the left channel signal and right channel signal based at least in part on detected movement of the mono headset.

Abstract: An amplification apparatus comprises: an amplifier circuit that amplifies an input audio signal and outputs an output audio signal; a first signal level determining unit that determines whether or not a signal level of the output audio signal outputted from the amplifier circuit is lower than a silence determination reference value; and a power-supply control unit that shifts the amplification apparatus from a power-on state to a power-off state, when it is determined that the signal level of the output audio signal outputted from the amplifier circuit is lower than the silence determination reference value.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for remotely monitoring a plurality of amplifiers on a display device. The amplifiers are provided to process audio signals and directly or indirectly connected to a network. In the apparatus, a collecting section collects a group code from each of the amplifiers through the network. The group code is allocated to each amplifier according to a grouping system for grouping the plurality of the amplifiers. A display control section displays a tree diagram of the amplifiers according to the collected group codes on the display device as a graphical representation of the grouping system.

Abstract: A volume control apparatus includes a first amplification section configured to change an amplification factor of main audio based on a volume operation by a user and a second amplification section configured to amplify, during a main audio and sub-audio input period when the amplification factor of the main audio is equal to or lower than a first amplification factor, the sub-audio with a second amplification factor which is higher than the first amplification factor, and amplify, when the amplification factor of the main audio is a third amplification factor which is higher than the first amplification factor, the sub-audio with a fourth amplification factor which is higher than the second amplification factor and which changes depending on the third amplification factor.

Abstract: A sound volume correcting device includes: a variable gain unit controlling a gain of an input audio signal on the basis of a gain control signal; a voice average level detector detecting an average level of a human voice signal in the input audio signal; and a gain control signal generator generating the gain control signal for controlling the gain of the input audio signal using the average level of the human voice signal detected by the voice average level detector as a reference level and supplying the generated gain control signal to the variable gain unit.

Abstract: In one disclosed aspect, modifications are applied to an audio signal at least partly in response to auditory events. In another aspect, an input channel is divided into auditory events by detecting changes in a measurable characteristic of the input signal.

Abstract: A method of processing an audio signal is disclosed. The present invention includes receiving, by an audio processing apparatus, an input signal; receiving user gain input; generating a linear gain factor and a non-linear gain factor using the user gain input; modifying the non-linear gain factor using absolute threshold of hearing and power of the input signal to generate a modified non-linear gain factor; and, applying the linear gain factor and the modified non-linear gain factor to the audio signal.

Abstract: A computing device may be configured to output a digital audio stream to an audio playback system for rendering as sound over speakers. The sound may be sampled. Based at least in part on a quality of the sampled sound, the data rate of the digital audio stream may be reduced by reducing a sampling rate and/or by reducing a number of bits per sample. A reduced sampling rate may be determined based on a computed maximum sampling rate of the audio playback system, and/or a reduced number of bits per sample may be determined based on a computed maximum number of bits per sample of the audio playback system. The maximum usable sampling rate and maximum usable number of bits per sample may be determined based on an upper usable frequency within a frequency spectrum of the sampled sound.

Abstract: An audio volume control circuit includes a signal intensity calculating circuit for generating a first signal intensity value corresponding to a signal intensity corresponding to an audio channel data; a low-pass filter for filtering the first signal intensity to generate a second signal intensity value; an averaging unit for averaging the second signal intensity value and previous M?1 second signal intensity values to obtain a third signal intensity value, with M being a natural number greater than 1; a gain calculating circuit for obtaining an original gain value according to the third signal intensity value with reference to the adjustment condition; a buffer for temporarily storing the audio channel data; and an audio volume adjusting circuit for generating an adjustment gain value according to the original gain value to adjust the audio channel data stored in the buffer.

Abstract: An exemplary audio processing system includes a gain control unit, a sampling unit, and a triggering unit. The gain control unit is configured for amplifying an audio signal. The sampling unit is configured for sampling the audio signal. The triggering unit is configured for generating a gain reduction unit if the amplitude exceeds a predetermined value over a predetermined time period. The first predetermined value is set so that if the amplitude of the audio signal exceeds the predetermined value and the gain of the gain control unit is not reduced, the amplitude of the amplified audio signal exceeds a predetermined acceptable range. The gain control unit is also configured for reducing the gain of the gain control unit responding to the gain reduction signal to limit the amplitude of the amplified audio signal within the predetermined acceptable range.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a volume adjustment activating module, a distance detection module, and an adjusting module. The volume adjustment activating module is configured for activating the distance detection module to measure distances between a volume adjusting member and the distance detection module. The distance detection module includes at least one distance sensor, the at least one distance sensor is configured for detecting distances between the volume adjusting member and the distance detection module to obtain a plurality of distance measure values. The adjusting module is configured to adjust a volume of the electronic device according to the distance measure values.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of: a) converting the digital audio signal (PCM) into a voltage signal (VE); b) first lowshelf filtering of fixed gain (G2); c) calculating a value of excursion (x) of the loudspeaker; d) comparing the excursion with a maximum value and calculating a first gain of possible attenuation (G3); e) second lowshelf filtering of gain (G4+G3) taking into account the first gain of possible attenuation; g) comparing with the maximum saturation or clipping voltage (vMAX) and calculating a second gain of possible attenuation (G5); h) third lowshelf filtering gain (G6+G3+G5) taking into account the first and/or second gains of possible attenuation; i) comparing with the maximum saturation or clipping voltage (vMAX) and applying a gain of possible overall attenuation (G7); j) optionally compensating for the nonlinearities of the loudspeaker response; and k) reversely converting the signal (Vs) into a digital audio signal (S) without dimension, for later amplification.

Abstract: A gain control circuit includes a comparator that compares an input gain value with a count value to generate a comparison result signal, a counter that counts up or counts down the count value in accordance with the comparison result signal, and a gain modulator circuit that modulates the count value to generate a gain control signal which changes in a time-divided manner. The gain modulator circuit modulates the count value so that a gain obtained by time-averaging a gain corresponding to the gain control signal matches a gain based on the count value.

Abstract: A volume control apparatus that is connectable to a controller and controls a volume value of a sound signal based on an instruction from the controller includes a receiving section for, when a controller-side volume setting value settable in the controller is changed by a user's operation, receiving the changed controller-side volume setting value from the controller. The apparatus also includes a first difference value calculating section for calculating a first difference value between the changed controller-side volume setting value and the controller-side volume setting value before change, a second difference value calculating section for calculating a second difference value between a maximum volume value controllable by the controller and a current volume value, and an increase value calculating section for multiplying the second difference value by a ratio of the first difference value so as to calculate an increase value of the volume value.