Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mobile communication device and a method of controlling a mobile communication device to suppress ambient noise in a speech signal generated at a microphone of the mobile communication device. A primary microphone configured to receive speech and ambient noise and generate a primary speech signal corresponding to the speech and the ambient noise that is received. An accelerometer configured to detect vibrations of the mobile communication device when the speech and the ambient noise are received at the microphone and to generate a signal corresponding to the vibrations that are detected. A processor is operably coupled to the microphone and the accelerometer and configured to generate, using signal processing, a noise suppressed speech signal based on the primary speech signal and the signal received from the accelerometer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for converting an input signal v into an output signal p(ra) by using an electro-mechanical transducer and for reducing nonlinear total distortion pd in said output signal p(ra), whereas the nonlinear total distortion pd contains multi-modal distortion ud which are generated by nonlinear partial vibration of mechanical transducer components. An identification system generates distributed parameters Pd of a nonlinear wave model (Nd) and lumped parameters Pl of a network model (Nl) based on electrical, mechanical or acoustical state variables of transducer measured by a sensor. The nonlinear wave model distinguishes between activation modes and transfer modes, whereas the activation modes affect the transfer modes, which transfer the input signal u into the output signal p.

Abstract: A method executed by one or more electronic devices in an electronic system alters head related transfer functions (HRTFs) during an electronic call between a first individual and a second individual. Binaural sound of a voice of the second individual localizes to a sound localization point (SLP) that is away from the first individual.

Abstract: A wearable device for detecting a user state is disclosed. The wearable device includes one or more of an accelerometer for measuring an acceleration of a user, a magnetometer for measuring a magnetic field associated with the user's change of orientation, and a gyroscope. The wearable device also includes one or more microphones for receiving audio. The wearable device may determine whether the orientation of the wearable device has changed and may designate or re-designate microphones as primary or secondary microphones.

Abstract: Embodiment disclosed herein enable detection and improvement of the quality of the audio signal using a mobile device by determining the loss in the audio signal and enhancing audio by streaming the remainder portion of audio. Embodiments disclosed herein enable an improvement in the sound quality rendered by rendering devices by emitting an test audio signal from the source device, measuring the test audio signal using microphones, detecting variation in the frequency response, loudness and timing characteristics using impulse responses and correcting for them. Embodiments disclosed herein also compensate for the noise in the acoustic space by determining the reverberation and ambient noise levels and their frequency characteristics and changing the digital filters and volumes of the source signal to compensate for the varying noise levels.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for editing of higher-order ambisonic audio data. A device comprising a memory and one or more processors may be configured to perform the techniques. The memory may be configured to store spherical harmonic (SH) basis functions. The one or more processors may be configured to manipulate the SH basis functions associated with higher order ambisonics coefficients to alter a direction of an audio object represented by the higher order ambisonics coefficients.

Abstract: A method executed by one or more electronic devices in an electronic system moves a sound localization point (SLP) of a voice of a computer program during a voice exchange between the computer program and a person. Binaural sound localizes to the person in empty space away from the person and moves to localize inside a head of the person.

Abstract: A MEMS acoustic transducer includes a substrate having a cavity therethrough, and a conductive back plate unit including a plurality of conductive perforated back plate portions which extend over the substrate cavity. A dielectric spacer arranged on the back plate unit between adjacent conductive perforated back plate portions, and one or more graphene membranes are supported by the dielectric spacer and extend over the conductive perforated back plate portions.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for continuous voice sensing. An example method allows for detecting and buffering, by a first module, a key phrase in an acoustic signal. Responsive to the detection, the method includes sending an interrupt to a second module and switching the first module to an omnidirectional microphone mode. Upon receiving the interrupt, the second module is operable to boot up from a low power mode to an operational mode. While the second module is booting up, the first module is operable to continue to buffer a clean speech output generated from an acoustic signal captured by at least one omnidirectional microphone. After the second module is booted, an indication may be sent to the first module that the second module is ready to exchange data through a fast connection. Upon receiving the indication, the buffered clean speech output may be sent to the second module.

Abstract: An embodiment of a directional ultrasonic gas leak detector includes an array of spaced MEMS microphones, each responsive to incident airborne ultrasonic energy from gas leak sources to generate a microphone signal. A beamforming processor is responsive to the microphone signals from the array to generate processor output signals indicative of estimated angles of arrival of ultrasonic energy incident on the array. The array may be disposed in an explosion proof housing structure for operation in hazardous location, or implemented as an intrinsically safe device. In another embodiment, a display is responsive to the processor output signals to generate an image representative of a surveilled scene with the estimated magnitudes of incident energy at beam directions overlaid onto the image.

Abstract: In a device, first and second transforming units acquire first and second audio spectrums from audio data obtained by first and second microphones, a first subtracting unit subtracts a first noise spectrum from the first audio spectrum if an instruction to drive a drive unit is input, a second subtracting unit subtracts a second noise spectrum from the second audio spectrum if the instruction is input, a control unit selects one of a third audio spectrum and a fourth audio spectrum in accordance with a result of comparison between the third and fourth audio spectrums, a third transforming unit acquires first audio data from the audio spectrum selected among the third audio spectrum and the fourth audio spectrum, and a fourth transforming unit acquires second audio data from the audio spectrum selected among the third audio spectrum and the fourth audio spectrum.

Abstract: During an electronic call between a first person and a second person, a method maintains a voice of the second person to the first person at a sound localization point (SLP). The location of the SLP to the first person remains fixed while the first person moves with respect to the SLP.

Abstract: A computer-program product embodied in a non-transitory computer read-able medium that is programmed for transmitting audio data to at least one output for audio playback. The computer-program product comprises instructions for receiving at least one of a digital image of a target source using a camera, and distance and angle information of the target source entered at a user interface. The computer-program product comprises instructions for generating one or more first coordinates based on the at least one of the digital image and the distance and angle information. The computer-program product comprises instructions for adjusting a sensitivity of a first microphone based on the one or more first coordinates. The computer-program product comprises instructions for receiving audio data from the target source in response to adjusting the sensitivity of the first microphone and transmitting the audio data to one or more outputs for audio playback.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to relay a low-power signal from an end effector to a remote device is disclosed. The surgical instrument may comprise a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft. A sensor may be disposed in the end effector. The sensor may generate a signal indicative of a condition at the end effector. A transmitter may be located in the end effector. The transmitter may transmit the signal from the sensor at a first power level. The signal may be received by a relay station located proximally to the shaft. The relay station is configured to retransmit the signal at a second power level, wherein the second power level is higher than the first power level.

Abstract: A method moves a sound localization point (SLP) of a voice of a first person during an electronic call between the first person and a second person.

Abstract: A conferencing device and method of talker localization for steering a plurality of sensors arranged in sectors around a housing to a current active direction beam. A beamformer is implemented for determining a loudest sector based on signals from the sensors. In the event the loudest sector persists for a first duration then forming signal beams from sensor signals in the loudest sector and a plurality of adjacent sectors over a further duration to create respective signal beam envelopes. Then selecting a highest energy of the beam envelopes to be a loudest non-active beam and comparing the loudest non-active beam to the current active direction beam. If the highest energy one of the beams is greater than the energy of the current active direction beam by a threshold, then selecting the highest energy one of the beams to be the current active direction beam and directing the sensors thereto.

Abstract: There is disclosed active acoustic filter systems and methods. A processor is disposed within a housing configured to interface with a user's ear. A memory stores data defining one or more locations and a respective set of location-based processing parameters associated with each of the one or more locations. A personal computing device external to the housing is coupled to the processor via a first wireless communications link. The personal computing device determines a current location of the active acoustic filter system. The processor generates digitized processed sound by processing digitized ambient sound in accordance with a set of location-based processing parameters retrieved from the memory, the retrieved set of location-based processing parameters associated with the current location of the active acoustic filter system as determined by the personal computing device.

Abstract: A receiving antenna circuit is arranged in a reactive near-field of a modulated magnetic induction signal and forms a narrow band-pass filter. The output of the antenna circuit is not subjected to any frequency translation prior to digitizing, and the signal may nevertheless be digitized with low resolution, which radically reduces the power consumption of the receiving circuits. The reduction in power consumption is of several orders of magnitude, which allows implementation of such receiving circuits in battery-driven devices such as hearing devices without substantially affecting the battery life.

Abstract: A method moves a sound localization point (SLP) of a voice of a computer program during a voice exchange between the computer program and a person.

Abstract: Herein provided is a method for acoustical switching suitable for use with a microphone enabled electronic device. The method includes capturing a first microphone signal from a first microphone on a device, analyzing the first microphone signal for a contact event versus a non-contact event, and directing the electronic device to switch a processing state responsive to detection of either the contact event or non-contact event. In another configuration, additional microphone can be added for performing coherence analysis between at least two microphone signals mounted on or in the device. At least one parameter settings of the device can be changed in response to at least one detected physical contact on the device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a display unit, a first audio unit, a second audio unit, a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit, and a controlling unit. The first audio unit includes a first speaker and a first microphone. The second audio unit includes a second speaker and a second microphone. The first sensing unit senses an orientation of the portable electronic device. The second sensing unit senses whether a user is close to one of the first speaker and the second speaker. The controlling unit triggers one of the first audio unit and the second audio unit to output and input audio signals according to the orientation of the portable electronic device and turns off the display unit when the user is close to the one of the first speaker and the second speaker.

Abstract: During an electronic call between two individuals, a sound localization point simulates a location in empty space from where an origin of a voice of one individual occurs for the other individual.

Abstract: A method, device and computer program product for processing audio signals, the method including determining beamformer filter coefficients to be applied to the audio signals; applying the beamformer filter coefficients to the audio signals; outputting the filtered audio signals from an audio output comprising a plurality of speakers coupled with the device; and receiving at a microphone coupled with the device, the filtered audio signals output from the audio output. The filter coefficients are determined such that the filtered audio signals are suppressed when received at the microphone.

Abstract: Audio signals are processed for use in a communication event. A data store may be queried to obtain an indication of an echo direction, which relates to a direction from which audio signals output from the audio output are likely to be received at a microphone array (plurality of microphones) of a device. Beamformer coefficients of an adaptive beamformer of the device are determined in dependence upon the received indication of the echo direction. Audio signals are received at the microphone array. The adaptive beamformer applies the determined beamformer coefficients to the received audio signals, thereby generating a beamformer output for use in the communication event. The beamformer coefficients are determined such that echo suppression is applied to audio signals received at the microphone array from the indicated echo direction.

Abstract: A headset comprises a headband for supporting the headset on a user's head, an earpiece including an audio driver and a microphone boom including a microphone. The microphone boom is rotatable when the headset is located on a user's head from an operative position in which the microphone boom is directed towards the user's mouth to a stowed position in which the microphone boom is at least partially received in a recess defined in the headset.

Abstract: Method, device and computer program product for processing signals at the device. Signals are received, over a range of angles, at a plurality of sensors of the device, the received signals including an interfering signal received from an interfering source location. An interference delay pattern between receipt of signals at the sensors corresponding to receipt of a signal from the interfering source location is determined. A plurality of regularization signals having a delay pattern matching the determined interference delay pattern are generated. The generated regularization signals are used to determine beamformer coefficients to be applied by a beamformer, and the beamformer applies the determined beamformer coefficients to the signals received by the plurality of sensors, thereby generating a beamformer output.

Abstract: A method of orientation-sensitive recording control includes indicating, within a portable device and at a first time, that the portable device has a first orientation relative to a gravitational axis and, based on the indication, selecting a first pair among at least three microphone channels of the portable device. This method also includes indicating, within the portable device and at a second time that is different than the first time, that the portable device has a second orientation relative to the gravitational axis that is different than the first orientation and, based on the indication, selecting a second pair among the at least three microphone channels that is different than the first pair. In this method, each the at least three microphone channels is based on a signal produced by a corresponding one of at least three microphones of the portable device.

Abstract: An audio recording device comprises an audio input unit, a detect unit, and a control unit. The audio input unit includes a connection unit and an audio receive unit. The connection unit is configured to connect with an external pickup device. The audio receive unit is configured to receive the input of an audio signal from the pickup device. The detect unit is configured to detect the connection between the connection unit and the pickup device. The control unit is configured to display information indicating the input state of the audio signal from the pickup device in response to detection of the connection between the connection unit and the pickup device by the detect unit.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories are provided that may communicate over wired communications paths. The electronic devices may be portable electronic devices such as cellular telephones or media players and may have audio connectors such as 3.5 mm audio jacks. The accessories may be headsets or other equipment having mating 3.5 mm audio plugs and speakers for playing audio. Microphones may be included in an accessory to gather voice signals and noise cancellation signals. Analog-to-digital converter circuitry in the accessory may digitize the microphone signals. Digital voice signals and voice noise cancellation signals can be transmitted over the communications path and processed by audio digital signal processor circuitry in an electronic device. Digital-to-analog converter circuitry in the accessory may convert digital audio signals to analog speaker signals.

Abstract: A microphone apparatus, which includes a microphone comprising at least one display means provided about a head thereof, wherein the display means comprises at least one of a static display for displaying a static communication and an electronically variable display means for displaying electronically variable communication/s.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an interface circuit includes a current replicator and a receiver. The current replicator includes a power terminal coupled to a first reference node, an output terminal configured to output a signal proportional to a signal received from a transducer, and an interface terminal coupled to the transducer. Using a single interface terminal, the current replicator may be configured to provide power to the transducer and receive output signals from the transducer. The receiver may include a first input terminal coupled to the output terminal, a second input terminal coupled to a second reference node, and a current converter circuit coupled to the first input terminal.

Abstract: An acoustic coupling sensor 200 for a portable electronic device is described which includes an acoustic transmitter 22, a reference signal generator 20 coupled to the acoustic transmitter, and an acoustic sensor 24 wherein in operation, the reference signal generator is operable to transmit the reference signal to the acoustic transmitter, to detect an acoustic level of the transmitted reference signal via the acoustic sensor, and wherein the detected reference signal level corresponds to a value of acoustic coupling between the acoustic transmitter and the acoustic sensor. The acoustic coupling sensor may be used for example in a mobile phone to detect acoustic leakage in order to adapt the acoustic level in the mobile phone during use.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to at least partially compensate for temperature sensitivity in a digital microphone system including, for example, a temperature sensitive membrane, such as an electrets condenser microphone (ECM).

Abstract: An audio analysis apparatus includes the following components. A main body includes a discrimination unit and a transmission unit. A strap is used for hanging the main body from a user's neck. A first audio acquisition device is provided to the strap or the main body. A second audio acquisition device is provided to the strap at a position where a distance between the second audio acquisition device and the user's mouth is smaller than the distance between the first audio acquisition device and the user's in a state where the strap is worn around the user's neck. The discrimination unit discriminates whether an acquired sound is an uttered voice of the user or of another person by comparing audio signals of the sound acquired by the first and second audio acquisition devices. The transmission unit transmits information including the discrimination result to an external apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for retaining a microphone using a microphone boot are disclosed. The microphone boot may include a sound channeling structure for receiving and delivering sound, and a microphone retaining block for retaining a microphone and passing the sound to the microphone. The sound channeling structure may be secured to a housing of an electronic device. The sound channeling structure may include a sound tube and a hooking component that may be insertable into a tunnel and a slot, respectively, of the microphone retaining block. The sound tube may deliver the sound into the tunnel for passing to the microphone. The hooking component may lock into the slot to secure the sound channeling structure to the microphone retaining block. Thus, the microphone boot may be tightly sealed to prevent leakage of the sound, and may fix the microphone within the electronic device even in the presence of external force.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for transferring programming data between a data upgrade/transfer unit, such as a programmer and/or a keyloader, and a communications device. The programming data and/or keys may be routed through a speaker microphone or other device. The speaker microphone includes, or connects to, a cable that connects to a connector interface on the communications device. Additionally, a jack or port on the speaker microphone connects to the programmer/keyloader via a data transfer cable. Programming data can be transmitted through the speaker microphone between the programmer/keyloader and the communications device. The speaker microphone can operate normally with the communications device when the programmer/keyloader is not connected to the port. The port on the speaker microphone may be configured to also connect to an accessory device, such as a headset, to transmit other types of data between the accessory device and the communications device by passing through the speaker microphone.

Abstract: A processing chip for a digital microphone and related input circuit and a digital microphone are described herein. In one aspect, the input circuit for a processing chip of a digital microphone includes: a PMOS transistor, a resistor, a current source, and a low-pass filter. The described processing chip possesses high anti high-frequency interference capabilities and the described input circuit possesses high high-frequency power supply rejection ratio.

Abstract: A method including: determining a time difference between at least a first audio channel and a second audio channel of the same acoustic space; and enabling a corrective time shift between the first audio channel and the second audio channel when the time difference exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A space-time adaptive beamformer for reducing noise in a vehicle that includes two or more microphones. A first weighting network is used for adjusting the signal characteristics of at least one output of the microphones while at least one delay network is also used for delaying the output in time of at least one output of the microphones. A second weighting network then adjusts the signal characteristics of the output of each of the delay networks and at sum adder works to combine the output of the first weighting network and the second weighting network. Finally, an output of the sum adder is combined with an artificial noise free reference signal to provide a low distortion noise reduced output. By generating a desired signal that acts as an artificial noise free signal reference, adequate noise reduction to be obtained without the distortion created due to processing non-linearity.

Abstract: A microphone system has a primary microphone for producing a primary signal, a secondary microphone for producing a secondary signal, and a selector operatively coupled with both the primary microphone and the secondary microphone. The system also has an output for delivering an output audible signal principally produced by one of the to microphones. The selector selectively permits either 1) at least a portion of the primary signal and/or 2) at least a portion of the secondary signal to be forwarded to the output as a function of the noise in the primary signal.

Abstract: A communication system enhances communications in a noisy environment. Multiple input arrays convert a voiced or unvoiced signal into an analog signal. A converter receives the analog signal and generates digital signals. A digital signal processor determines temporal and spatial information from the digital signals. The processed signals are then converted to audible sound.

Abstract: A wireless microphone system within an enclosure for use in lecture hall sound systems that enables facilitated passing of the system from one user to another and provides a less intimidating microphone configuration to grip and use than standard wireless microphones. The system can also include an integrated push-to-talk feature requiring activation before a user's comments will be picked up and amplified over the sound system. The system can also include a laser pointer allowing the user to reference objects while they speak into the device. A wireless mute button can also be provided so that the lecturer or discussion leader can control when the system will be operative. The audio transmitter can be substituted with a audio recorder to be used independently of an audio receiving system.

Abstract: Reflection cancelling boundary microphones are described in which a microphone capsule is mounted within the pressure zone of a vibrating surface and the microphone is tuned in such a way as to cancel pressure waves reflected by the surface while admitting pressure waves generated by the vibration of the surface. One embodiment of the invention includes a microphone capsule configured to be mounted within the pressure zone of a vibrating surface. In addition, the microphone is tuned to cancel pressure waves reflected by the surface while admitting pressure waves generated by the vibration of the surface.

Abstract: An image display device includes: a first audio signal input terminal to which a first audio signal is input from a microphone; and a control section adapted to control power supply from a power supply circuit to the microphone based on type information indicative of whether a type of the microphone to be connected to the first audio signal input terminal is a first type which is requiring power supply or a second type which is not requiring power supply.

Abstract: A head-mounted computing device is described. The head-mounted computing device includes a processor. Coupled to the processor is a memory for storing a software application for execution on the processor. A battery provides current to the processor. A frame supports the processor, the memory, and the battery. The frame includes a mechanical coupling feature and an electrical connector for receiving a peripheral.

Abstract: A microphone includes a polar piece contacting with a first magnetic pole of a first permanent magnet, a yoke body annularly arranged around the polar piece through a magnetic gap G with a predetermined width, a magnetic circuit unit including a tail yoke connected to the yoke body and contacting with a second magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet, and a diaphragm unit provided with a voice coil arranged to vibrate in the magnetic gap. The second magnetic pole of the first permanent magnet contacts with one side of the tail yoke, a first magnetic pole of the second permanent magnet is disposed to contact with other side of the tail yoke, a magnetic path is produced between the second magnetic pole of the second permanent magnet and the yoke body, and the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are polarized in the same sense.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for converting sound to electrical signals is disclosed. The system may include a gaze tracking device and a microphone. The gaze tracking device may determine a gaze direction of a user. The microphone may be more sensitive in a selected direction than at least one other direction and alter the selected direction based at least in part on the gaze direction determined by the gaze tracking device.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus and transmission power control method are disclosed, which can sustain communication with all microphone handsets while avoiding an increase in radio interference to another radio communication system as much as possible when radio communication is performed with a plurality of microphone handsets. In the wireless communication apparatus, a level measurement section measures an RSSI level of a call signal each time the base unit receives a call signal from each microphone handset; and a transmission power control section controls an amplification section so that a transmission power value is determined at a predetermined timing using a minimum value of the RSSI levels of the respective microphone handsets, and that a control signal is transmitted to the microphone handsets with the determined transmission power value.

Abstract: An electronic device capable of improving the ease of assembling a speaker and a microphone and ensuring the sound insulation for the speaker and microphone with a less number of parts. When the electronic device is assembled, a protrusion portion of the holding member and an elastic member disposed on an upper surface of the speaker are brought in close contact with an upper plate portion of a front cover, whereby a space defined by the protrusion portion, an upper surface of the microphone, and a microphone hole formed surface of the upper plate portion and a space defined by the elastic member, the upper surface of the speaker, and a speaker hole formed surface of the upper plate portion are each isolated and shielded from another space defined inside of the front cover.

Abstract: A microphone includes a first signal input, a second signal input and a control unit coupled to the first signal input and the second signal input. The control unit is configured to, upon receiving a support signal at one of the first signal input and second signal input, process a signal received at the other of the first signal input and second signal input as an incoming data signal.