Abstract: A signal generating module for an electronic apparatus is provided. The signal generating module includes a processor, a roller, a resistant film, a conducting member, a first lead and a second lead. The roller has a rotary center and is rotably connected to the electronic apparatus thereby. The conducting member is connected to the rotary center to rotate together with the roller. The conducting member has an end including a conducting contact point. The conducting contact point is configured to rotate around the rotary center along a motion path accompanying the rotation of the roller, wherein the motion path is disposed at a first area of the resistant film. The first lead is coupled to the processor and in contact with the resistant film. The second lead is coupled to the processor, and coupled to the conducting member via the rotary center.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a volume operation module, a first volume controller and a second volume controller. The volume operation module includes a rotary encoder module of detecting a degree of movement of a control member thereof and a potentiometer module of detecting an absolute position of the control member. The first volume controller controls the volume of the audio signal based on the detected degree of movement of the control member. The second volume controller controls the volume of the audio signal based on the detected absolute position of the control member. The volume control by the first volume controller is rendered effective when the information processing apparatus is in a power-on state. The volume control by the second volume controller is rendered effective when the information processing apparatus is in a power-off state.

Abstract: An electronic signal processor for processing signals includes a complex first filter, one or more gain stages and a second filter. The first filter is characterized by a frequency response curve that includes multiple corner frequencies, with some corner frequencies being user selectable. The first filter also has at least two user-preset gain levels which may be alternately selected by a switch. Lower frequency signals are processed by the first filter with at least 12 db/octave slope, and preferably with 18 db/octave slope to minimize intermodulation distortion products by subsequent amplification in the gain stages. A second filter provides further filtering and amplitude control. The signal processor is particularly suited for processing audio frequency signals.

Abstract: A sound and light control apparatus includes an audio signal input terminal for receiving an audio signal, a voltage dividing circuit electrically connected to the audio signal input terminal for dividing the voltage of the audio signal into two divided voltages, a control knob electrically connected to the voltage dividing circuit for adjusting the divided voltages, at least one audio signal output terminal electrically connected to the voltage dividing circuit and at least one loudspeaker for transmitting one divided voltage to the loudspeaker, a frequency-divider crossover circuit electrically connected to the voltage dividing circuit for filtering the other divided voltage according to a plurality of different audio frequencies to generate corresponding frequency division voltages, and transmitting each frequency division voltage to a corresponding frequency division voltage output terminal electrically connected to a light emitting diode and enabling the light emitting diode to produce light correspondin

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a volume of a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing apparatus using the same, wherein a reproduction volume of an audio file can be automatically controlled in accordance with information on a volume level of the audio file. The reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes a memory for storing at least one audio file and volume level information for controlling a reproduction volume level of the audio file, and a control unit for controlling a reproduction volume of the audio file in accordance with the volume level information recorded corresponding to the audio file when the audio file stored in the memory is reproduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of volume controlling, including: (a) receiving a volume adjusting command; (b) determining if the volume corresponding to the volume adjusting command is in a predetermined volume range; (c) if the volume corresponding to the volume adjusting command is in the predetermined volume range, utilizing the volume adjusting command to adjust a current volume; (d) if the volume corresponding to the volume adjusting command does not fall in the predetermined volume range, then (d1) utilizing the volume adjusting command to adjust the current volume; and (d2) computing the using time for the current volume, and adjusting the current volume referring to the predetermined volume range when the using time reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: An audio adapter including a first connector, a second connector, a manually adjustable passive audio adjusting unit, and a signal line is provided. The signal line sequentially connects the first connector, the manually adjustable passive audio adjusting unit, and the second connector. An earphone and a speaker box using the same manually adjustable passive audio adjusting unit are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for attenuating electrical signals in the signal path of an electronic audio frequency amplifier for amplifying signals from musical instruments. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be coupled to the amplifier in more than one arrangement and the apparatus exhibits different attenuation characteristics depending on which arrangement is used to couple the apparatus to the amplifier.

Abstract: An audio mixer provides a set of signal processing functions operative on one or more input channels and has a mixing board, a set of discrete channel selection controls, a set of adjustment controls, and a set of visual indicators. A controller circuit responds to the selection controls to change a mode of operation between at least first and second modes of operation, responds to the adjustment controls to set a value of each signal processing function, and provides display information to the visual indicators concerning at least one of the input channels and at least one of the output channels as a function of the operating mode. The mixer arrangement has the visual indicators dynamically displaying a characteristic of each of the respective input channels in the first mode and a value of the signal processing functions operating upon the selected input channel in the second mode.

Abstract: A wireless communication terminal comprising a network communication unit, short distance wireless communication unit, an input unit and a control unit. The network communication unit transmits radio signals to communication network via a base station. The short distance wireless communication unit transmits radio signals to and from an external device. The short distance wireless communication unit establishes a voice link between the wireless communication terminal and the external device to transmit sound data. The control unit discards a volume update notification received from the external device via the short distance wireless communication unit if the voice link has not been established.

Abstract: A method for providing a mute control function in a computer having multiple microphones is disclosed. A set of mute state information is stored in a control table of a portable computer. The mute state information is for controlling a mute state. Device identifiers (IDs) of all microphones that are connected to the portable computer are registered with the control table. The microphones corresponding to the device IDs registered in the control table are controlled to be in the same mute state based on the mute state information. In response to a detection of an activation of the mute button, the mute state information are inverted. The device IDs registered in the control table are to be controlled in the same mute state based on the inverted mute state information.

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 volume control may be provided with some integrated graphical indication of the presence and/or level of an audio signal that it controls. For example, a slider-type volume control may be provided with a signal meter within the slider itself. A volume control may be provided with a mechanism for showing the non-mute volume control level of a volume when the volume control is muted. For example, a slider-type volume control may display a ghosted slider tab at the level of volume control in effect before muting while at the same time displaying a regular slider tab at a muted level. A user may be able to glance at a volume control and quickly and intuitively understand aspects of the volume control's state such as the level and condition of the signal that is flowing through or blocked by (if muted) the control.

Abstract: A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and an audio channel coupled to a user volume control module. The user volume control module is operable to adjust a system volume in response to a user input, wherein the system volume is adjusted relative to a master volume setting such that the way in which the system volume is changed relative to the master volume in response to change in the user volume is dependent on the master volume setting.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing improved 3D sound experience to a user. The sound generation layer is customizable to allow the user and/or application provider to modify the internal rules the sound generation layer uses to render sounds, to amplify sounds that fall below a pre-set or user-set volume level, and to specifically amplify/soften certain sounds (such as game specific sounds like gunfire or footsteps), or specific frequencies of sounds. A graphical user interface can communicates with the sound generation layer to handle any or all the above, so that a lay user can easily adjust these settings without having to understand the underlying algorithms.

Abstract: This is directed to processing inputs received from an input mechanism to control media playback operations and volume. The input mechanism can include a first button providing inputs by shorting an electrical circuit, and a second button providing inputs by changing the resistance or tone detected or received by a processor. To process inputs, a processor can first detect and process short events from the first button, and subsequently process button events from the second button.

Abstract: A digital audio data reproducing apparatus includes a main section and an operator section, which may be implemented as a remote controller detachable from the main section. The operator section includes a sensor configured to detect a touch and movement of an instructing member (e.g., a DJ player's finger) and to output corresponding operation data. The operator section further includes a first wireless communication block configured to transmit the operation data. The main section includes a second wireless communication block configured to receive the operation data, and a storage block configured to store a plurality of audio (e.g., music) data files. The main section further includes a reproduction processing block configured to simultaneously reproduce at least two of the plurality of audio data files, which are read from the storage block and processed according to the operation data received via the second wireless communication block.

Abstract: A sound reproducing system for use with multiple rooms includes a main control unit, and at least one secondary control unit. Thus, the respective automatic level control circuit maintains the voice signal output at a constant level, the respective power amplification circuit of the main control unit converts the voice signal into a larger voice signal, the volume control circuit of the respective secondary control unit converts the larger voice signal and the noise produced during transmission into a smaller voice signal, and the power amplification circuit of the respective secondary control unit converts the smaller voice signal into a larger voice signal output, thereby producing a voice signal output with a higher quality.

Abstract: A channel conversion part (214) performs channel conversion on audio data of a plurality of channels so that the number of channels thereof is converted to an appropriate number of channels for which an acoustic effect can be verified or perceived by audience according to the volume level of reproduced sound, and audio is output only with a required number of channels. In addition, a frequency control part (215) for controlling the operating frequencies of switching regulators (220-223) of audio amplifiers (224-227) also performs frequency control according to the volume level of sound of each channel which performs an audio output.

Abstract: A disclosed system and method dynamically controls the perceived volume of a stereo audio program including left and right channel signals. The system comprises: a dynamic volume control configured and arranged so as to maintain a perceived constant volume level of the stereo audio program; and an excessive spatial processing protection processor configured and arranged for controlling the level of a difference signal, created as a function of the right channel signal subtracted from the left channel signal (L?R), relative to the level of a sum signal, created as a function of the right channel signal plus the left channel signal;; wherein the excessive spatial processing protection processor processes the audio signals so as to control the difference (L?R) signal relative to the sum (L+R) signal.

Abstract: A control signal is generated by an operating means for being operated by a driver. In response to this control signal, an input signal to rear-seat headphones is temporarily attenuated or is replaced by another given signal or a transmission signal from the driver.

Abstract: A 3-D imaging system for recognition and interpretation of gestures to control a computer. The system includes a 3-D imaging system that performs gesture recognition and interpretation based on a previous mapping of a plurality of hand poses and orientations to user commands for a given user. When the user is identified to the system, the imaging system images gestures presented by the user, performs a lookup for the user command associated with the captured image(s), and executes the user command(s) to effect control of the computer, programs, and connected devices.

Abstract: A headset is described that can be user-configured to be used in either monaural or binaural modes. The headset may include a first speaker for one ear, and a second speaker in an earpiece inserted in the headset body. The earpiece may be retractable, and upon removal from the headset, the headset may switch from monaural to binaural mode. The earpiece may communicate wirelessly with the headset, or may be coupled using a spring-loaded or manually retractable wire. The headset may wirelessly detect the addition of a second headset, and may switch to binaural mode based on this addition.

Abstract: A headphone accessory for use with a portable audio device and headphones. The headphone accessory includes an audio source input for receiving audio signals from an audio device. An audio sound transducer receives external sounds and converts the external sound to external sound signals. A signal mixer for continuously varies the balance of a source audio volume to an external sound volume. The signal mixer mixes the volume-adjusted source audio signals with volume-adjusted external sound signals. An audio output outputs the mixed source audio and external sound signals.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the dynamic volume control, an indication that a user desires to input oral data to a system through one or more microphones of the system is received. In response to receipt of the indication, a volume level for audible signals output by one or more speakers of the system is automatically adjusted. In accordance with another aspect of the dynamic volume control, an indication that a communications source is about to output data through one or more speakers of a system is received. In response to receipt of the indication, a volume level for audible signals output by the one or more speakers is automatically adjusted based at least in part on a current volume setting. The volume level for the audible signals can be determined based on one or more of a variety of different parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of adjusting the sound levels originating from several audio sources, within a television receiver. The audio components originating from at least two audiovisual or audio sources are received in an audiovisual receiver and mixed so as to generate a single audio signal. The levels assigned to each source can be adjusted by the user with the aid of an icon displayed on a screen. The icon comprises at least two points representing the two sources and a cursor which moves along two dimensions, the distance between this cursor and the point representing a source being proportional to the sound level assigned to this source. The present invention also relates to the audiovisual terminal for the implementation of the method.

Abstract: A signal processor for use in a vehicle audio system provides multiple operating modes. A first mode provides substantially equal total sound pressure levels at each seating location. A first equalization pattern provides a substantially similar frequency response at each of the seating locations, and a first balance configuration provides substantially similar balance patterns at each of the seating locations. A second mode provides greater sound pressure levels at a first seating location than at other seating locations. A second equalization pattern results in a frequency response at the first seating location that is substantially smoother than the frequency responses at other seating locations, and a second balance configuration results in the balance pattern at the first seating location being substantially more balanced than the balance patterns at other seating locations.

Abstract: A set of headphones switchable to a sound box mode of operation comprises two ear shells each of which has a speaker. An inner chamber of each ear shell is configured with a transmission line of Helmholtz resonance. A vent aperture of the transmission line is located on an outer case of each ear shell. A cord having a connector plug is connected with the speakers in the ear shells. A portion of the cord is also provided with an audio power amplifier connected between the connector plug and the speakers. A switch is also provided, operable to switch an audio signal outputted to the speakers between different levels of power.

Abstract: A surround audio system for a vehicle with a plurality of operating modes. The vehicle includes seating locations. The audio system includes a plurality of input channels including surround channels. The audio system further includes a plurality of operating modes. A first operating mode is characterized by substantially equal perceived loudnesses at each of said seating locations, an equalization pattern developed by weighting frequency responses at each of said seating locations substantially equally, and a balance pattern developed by weighting sound pressure level measurements at each of said seating locations substantially equally.

Abstract: A level adjustment method is applicable to an audio processing apparatus having a plurality of amplifiers corresponding to three or more of input channels of an audio signal for amplifying signal levels of the respective input channels. The level adjustment method is carried out by a group arrangement process of arranging the plurality of the input channels into one or more group, and a group control process of controlling each group such as to decrease an amplification rate of all the amplifiers corresponding to the input channels belonging to the same group as a maximal one of the signal levels of the input channels belonging to the same group increases. Typically, the group arrangement process is applied to an audio signal of a surround system having at least six input channels including a left channel, a right channel, a left surround channel, a right surround channel, a center channel and an LFE channel.

Abstract: A method (200) and apparatus (100) that synchronizes audio levels of a device and an audio accessory is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus (100) includes a housing (110) and a local speaker (130) coupled to the housing. The apparatus also includes a wireless speaker interface (180) coupled to the housing. The wireless speaker interface can be configured to send an audio signal to a remote separate speaker module wirelessly coupled to the wireless speaker interface and can be configured to send and receive volume level status data to and from the remote separate speaker module. The apparatus further includes a volume adjustment user interface (160) that can receive a user input to adjust the volume level of the remote separate speaker module. The apparatus additionally includes a controller (120).

Abstract: A disclosed set top box or other type of multimedia handling device (MHD) is configured to support a toggle volume feature that enables the end user to toggle between two or more substantially different audible volume settings using a single push of a single remote control button or other type of control, e.g., a touch screen control. In some embodiments, the MHD includes a processor, storage media accessible to and readable by the processor, a remote control interface in communication with the processor, a multimedia decoder, and an audio digital-to-analog converter. The remote control interface receives input from a remote control device. The multimedia decoder module receives and processes multimedia streams. The decoder generates a decoder audio output and a decoder video output. The DAC processes the decoder audio output and produces an audio signal having a particular volume level.

Abstract: A method of tuning a hands-free system in a mobile vehicle, the method including receiving a plurality of vehicle condition inputs, creating a noise parameter based on the vehicle condition inputs and adjusting a noise suppression algorithm of the hands-free system based on the created noise parameter.

Abstract: A circuit for processing broadcast signals that includes circuitry for receiving and processing broadcast signals which contain audio information and providing a first audio signal, and circuitry for controlling the amplitude of a received second audio signal in response to a first control signal, and providing a third audio signal wherein the circuit further comprises circuitry that receives the first audio signal and provides the second audio signal for automatically limiting the amplitude of the first audio signal in response to at least one reference signal.

Abstract: The present invention transmits sounds and/or music to an unborn baby in the mother's womb via a waist belt and speaker disposed within the belt, where the speaker connects to most audio devices via a universal audio plug. The waist belt can also be used to temporarily house/transport appropriate portable audio devices in an internal pocket. The speaker of the present invention utilizes a volume control unit that is separate from a volume control of an attached audio device and that allows for limiting and/or adjusting the sound volume delivered by the speaker. The separate volume control unit is an improvement over any previously known devices because it provides additional safety for the developing baby's hearing.

Abstract: A control system and associated method resolving audio conflicts. The control system comprises a computing device, a memory device comprising a database, and a plurality of audio sources. The memory device is coupled to the computing device. The database comprises input data. The computing device is adapted to control an audio level for each of said audio sources in response to said input data to resolve audio conflicts between the audio sources.

Abstract: A master volume can be added to a circuit included in a vacuum tube amplifier apparatus, such as a guitar amplifier apparatus etc., without troublesome modification, such as soldering to the original circuit included in the amplifier apparatus, boring a chassis in the amplifier apparatus, or the like. Concretely, a master volume can be added to a circuit included in a vacuum tube amplifier apparatus by inserting or sandwiching adaptor 53 between socket 8 for a power amplification circuit and vacuum tube 21 for the power amplification circuit, and inserting or sandwiching adaptor 54 between socket 9 for the power amplification circuit and vacuum tube 22 for the power amplification circuit, in a power amplifier included in the vacuum tube amplifier apparatus.

Abstract: A handheld wireless communications device has an adjustable volume setting. The communications device also has a downlink audio processor containing a digital audio filter. Storage in the device contains a first set of filter coefficients that configure the filter to enable the device to pass a wireless communications device certification process while sacrificing sound quality, at a low volume setting. The storage also contains a second set of filter coefficients that configure the filter to enhance sound quality while sacrificing passing the wireless communications device certification process, at a high volume setting. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: In a device equipped with an audio output, a range of the audio output level in regular use is set. When an attempt is made to change the setting to a volume level exceeding the range of the audio output level having been set, a request is made for an acknowledgement that the operation is appropriate, and only if a reply is received within a given time, is the volume setting changed. Such a method prevents the audio output from a television set or audio equipment to be increased to a volume level higher than necessary due to an operating error in a volume setting operation.

Abstract: A method for processing audio signals optimizes the listening experience for hearing impaired individuals to feel stigmatized by requiring them to employ special hearing-impaired equipment. A user actuated controller controls a mixture of a preferred audio signal and a remaining audio signal across a range sufficiently wide enough to encompass all individuals. The preferred audio is recorded and maintained separate from all remaining audio and delivered to the listener in a manner that maintains the separateness of the preferred audio and the remaining audio. The user actuated controller includes the capability of automatically maintaining the listener established ratio in the face of changes in the audio signal. The user actuated controller enables the user to specify a range about the ratio in which the audio may vary, which permits the listener to expand the audio across a continuous range to whatever dynamic range his hearing can accommodate.

Abstract: A system for controlling volume with a single knob includes: a knob (10) for generating rotation signals; a controlling apparatus (11) for determining a rotational direction and speed of each rotation signal, and generating corresponding volume controlling signals for adjusting volume according to the rotation signals; and an audio amplifier (12) for adjusting volume according to the volume controlling signals. The knob includes a rotational operation part (100) and a rotation signal generating circuit (101). The controlling apparatus includes a number of input ports (110), a timer (111), a counter (112), a ROM (Read Only Memory) (113), a RAM (Random Access Memory) (114), a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (115), a PWM (Pulse Width Modulator) (116), and a number of output ports (117). A related method for controlling volume with a single knob is also disclosed.

Abstract: A volume control apparatus comprises signal processing section for performing digital signal processing and a scaling process on an audio signal outputted from a sound source; level adjusting section for amplifying or attenuating a level of the audio signal outputted from the signal processing section, by an amount of adjustment determined based on an instructed amount of change, and outputting the amplified or attenuated audio signal to an outside; storage section for storing a level value of the audio signal outputted to the outside and the amount of adjustment for the audio signal adjusted by the level adjusting section; detecting section for detecting, when a volume controller is controlled by a user, time required for an amount of operation to reach a predetermined value; first setting section for setting an amount of operational change based on the level value stored in the storage section and the detected time; second setting section for setting an allowable amount of change by which the level adjustin

Abstract: A system for controlling volume includes: a key input unit (1) for receiving user operations, and generating a corresponding controlling signal according to each operation; an MCU (Microprogrammed Control Unit) (2) for comparing an elapsed time of the user continuously operating the key input unit with a preset time, and generating PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) pulses according to the comparison result; and a volume effect IC (Integrated Circuit) (3) for adjusting volume by 1 unit according to the PWM pulses if the elapsed time is less than or equal to the preset time, and setting volume as mute or adjusting volume by 10 units if the elapsed time is greater than the preset time according to a predefined system status during which the user presses the key input unit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)(20), a timer (22), and a memory (23). A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus such as an audio apparatus, television signal receiver, or other apparatus provides an equalizer interface that enables equalizer settings to be adjusted via acoustic user feedback. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic apparatus includes a sound generator for generating a first tone for a first frequency band. A processor enables a user to adjust a first volume level of the first tone. A memory stores the first volume level for the first frequency band. A volume controller applies the first volume level to output signals in the first frequency band.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for adjusting sound volume for an audio system includes a controller (101) connected to an amplifier (40) of the audio system for controlling amplification of the amplifier, and a first circuit (102) for adjusting the sound volume. The controller includes a microprogrammed control unit (1010), a random-access memory (1012), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (1014). The first circuit includes an attenuation circuit (1022) connected to a tuner of the audio system for attenuating input audio signals, and a switch (1024). An input end of the switch is connected to the tuner and an output end of the attenuation circuit, and an output end of the switch is connected to an audio processor (30) of the audio system. The apparatus enables a user to freely adjust an average level of sound produced by the audio system, and simultaneously avoid being bothered by loud transmissions.

Abstract: A single control determines both volume and the degree of compression in the reproduction of motion picture soundtracks. For some settings of the control, compression or limiting reduces the highest levels on a movie soundtrack, leaving the dialogue level substantially unchanged, thus removing the reason for complaints from the audience without the danger of making the dialogue too quiet for intelligibility.

Abstract: A phone, particularly an ear phone, is provided that features two transducer housings (41, 42) and a flexible head strap (43). The head strap (43) is pre-shaped in such a way that it is coiled up and has at least one turn in its relaxed and unworn state. In this way, the phone can be stowed in a space-saving fashion when it is not worn.

Abstract: An audio adapter includes a first audio interface, a second audio interface, and two second amplifiers. The power pin of the second audio interface is connected to the non-inverting terminals of the two amplifiers. The left and right ear audio pins of the second audio interface are respectively connected to the inverting terminals of the first and the second amplifiers via two current-limiting resistors respectively. Two variable resistors are respectively connected between the inverting terminal and the output terminal of the two amplifiers. The output terminals of the two amplifiers are respectively connected to the left and right ear audio interface of the first audio interface and respectively connected to the ground pin of the first audio interface via two voltage-limiting resistors respectively.

Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus and method in which power supplied to a power amplifier is controlled in a wide range from a small output power level to a large output power level in accordance with input audio signals. The apparatus includes an interface unit configured to convert input audio signals to digital audio signals, a digital signal processor configured to process the digital audio signals converted by the interface unit, a volume unit configured to adjust a volume of the digital audio signal processed by the digital signal processor and generate at least one volume modulated signal, and an amplifier configured to amplify the at least one volume modulated signal, wherein power supplied to the amplifier is based on a level of the digital audio signal converted by the interface unit and the at least one volume modulated signal from the volume unit.