Switching Patents (Class 381/123)
  • Publication number: 20140270267
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus in the field of signal processing with particular applications to the specialized field of audio signal processing as it is used in the production or performance of music that is adapted and/or configured to mitigate or attenuate unwanted signals during a switching process between an effects apparatus and a signal bypass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Cedro
  • Patent number: 8838262
    Abstract: Embodiments are described for a synchronization and switchover mechanism for an adaptive audio system in which multi-channel (e.g., surround sound) audio is provided along with object-based adaptive audio content. A synchronization signal is embedded in the multi-channel audio stream and contains a track identifier and frame count for the adaptive audio stream to play out. The track identifier and frame count of a received adaptive audio frame is compared to the track identifier and frame count contained in the synchronization signal. If either the track identifier or frame count does not match the synchronization signal, a switchover process fades out the adaptive audio track and fades in the multi-channel audio track. The system plays the multi-channel audio track until the synchronization signal track identifier and frame count and adaptive audio track identifier and frame count match, at which point the adaptive audio content will be faded back in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Sripal S. Mehta, Sergio Martinez, Ethan A. Grossman, Brad Thayer, Dean Bullock, John Neary
  • Publication number: 20140254838
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an audio output in a terminal includes: a speaker; an audio processor which demodulates an audio signal via a first path and a second path having different impedances from each other, the audio processor selectively transmits the demodulated audio signal to the speaker via one of the first path and the second path; and a controller which determines an audio output mode and controls a path selection of the audio processor according to the determined audio output mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Hyun LEE
  • Patent number: 8831250
    Abstract: An electronic device comprises a first output module, a judgment module, a first switch module, a second output module, an operation module, a second switch module and a play module. The first output module generates a first audio signal. The second output module generates second audio signals. If the first audio signal is generated, the judgment module generates a first control signal. The first switch module switches to the first state and transmits the first audio signal. If the first audio signal is not generated, the judgment module generates a second control signal. The operation module generates a selecting signal. The second switch module switches to a second audio signal according to the selecting signal and transmits to the first switch module. The first switch module switches to the second state and transmits the selected second audio signal. The play module plays the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lung Dai
  • Patent number: 8831251
    Abstract: A method of controlling driving of the pop-up tweeter speaker which includes (a) determining whether or not an opening of the tweeter speaker is normally completed and popping-down the tweeter speaker if it is determined that the opening is not normally completed, while popping-up the tweeter speaker based on a speaker control condition under an ON condition of an accessory (ACC) condition, (b) determining whether or not a close of the tweeter speaker is normally completed and popping-up the tweeter speaker if it is determined that the close is not normally completed, while popping-down the tweeter speaker based on an OFF condition of one of the speaker control condition and the ACC condition, and (c) maintaining a position state of the tweeter speaker until the speaker control condition or the ACC condition becomes an OFF condition when popping-down the tweeter speaker in (a) or popping-up the tweeter speaker in (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Se Min Oh
  • Patent number: 8824697
    Abstract: A communication system for a passenger compartment includes at least two microphone arrays arranged within first and second regions, respectively, in the passenger compartment, and at least two loudspeakers and a signal processor connected to the microphone arrays and to the loudspeaker. Each microphone array has at least two microphones and provides an audio signal. Each loudspeaker is located within a different one of the first and the second regions. The signal processor processes the audio signal from the microphone array within the first region and provides the processed audio signal to the loudspeaker located within the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Christoph
  • Patent number: 8817994
    Abstract: This document provides apparatus and methods for providing low-power operation of an interface circuit during an interval when a port of the interface circuit is in an uncoupled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Turner, Seth M. Prentice
  • Patent number: 8818005
    Abstract: A switch controller is provided that uses one or more capacitors to generate a slow turn on/slow turn off switch control signals to suppress audible switching noise in an audio switch. In some embodiments, an analog inverter and a capacitor are used to generate the switch control signals, while in other embodiments two capacitors are used to generate the switch control signals. To conserve power between switching states, routing logic is provided that ties the switch control signals to respective voltage rails and disables selected portions of the switch controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler Daigle, Julie Stultz
  • Patent number: 8811625
    Abstract: A headphone system, installed in a portable electronic device for outputting sounds, includes an audio wire for transmitting audio signals, a sound output device for receiving and demonstrating the audio signals transmitted by the audio wire, an audio processing unit for receiving audio data and outputting the audio signals corresponding to the audio data via the audio wire according to a control signal, an automatic reel wound around by the audio wire for rolling up the audio wire, a length detection unit for detecting a rotating distance and a rotating direction of the automatic reel, and a control unit for outputting the control signal to the audio processing unit according to a detection result of the length detection unit, to control operations of the audio processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Xu-Hong Yao
  • Patent number: 8811622
    Abstract: The perception of musical sound with a music component and a speech component is intended to be improved. To this end, a method is proposed for controlling a binaural hearing system with a left hearing-device for a left ear and a right hearing-device for a right ear, which method contains the below described steps. First of all, the hearing system determines a hearing situation with the music component and the speech component. Thereupon, one of the two hearing devices is switched into a music mode and, at the same time, the other one of the two hearing devices is switched into a speech mode. The hearing-aid wearer himself/herself can then decide which component of the sound he/she would rather listen to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kerser Ang, Vivian Wong
  • Patent number: 8804985
    Abstract: An audio processing system that includes an audio filter having one or more elements capable of having state, such as a capacitor, an inductor or a delay. A saturation detector is configured to detect saturation of the audio filter and to generate an output when saturation of the filter is detected, such as a switch control signal. A switch is connected to the audio filter and the saturation detector, wherein the state of one or more of the elements of the audio filter is changed when the saturation detector provides the output to the switch, such as when the switch shorts the element and causes the energy stored in the element to be dissipated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Larsen
  • Patent number: 8787592
    Abstract: A membrane pressure-sensitive switch includes a circuit board provided with an electrode pattern detecting electrical conductivity, a membrane having a conductive surface, and a spacer interposed between the membrane and the circuit board. The electrode pattern is surrounded by a ground pattern on the front surface of the circuit board. The ground pattern on the front surface is connected to another ground pattern on the rear surface of the circuit board. The spacer is composed of a conductive material. The conductive surface of the membrane, the ground pattern on the front surface of the circuit board, and the spacer are electrically conducted. The electrode pattern is disposed between the conductive surface of the membrane and the other ground pattern on the rear surface of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Satoshi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 8779274
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Arnold
  • Publication number: 20140193004
    Abstract: When a knob is at a center position, transmission levels of first volumes on a path from a second effector to a first effector, and second volumes on a path from the first effector to the second effector are both zero, and the first effector and the second effector operate independently. When the knob is displaced to right side from the center position, the transmission level of the second volumes is controlled according to the displacement amount, but the transmission level of the first volumes stays at zero. Thus, the second effector is connected in series to the first effector. When the knob is displaced to left side from the center position, the transmission level of the first volumes is controlled according to the displacement amount, but the transmission level of the second volumes stays at zero. Thus, the first effector is connected in series to the second effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Mizuyuki SHIRAI
  • Publication number: 20140193003
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a switch multiplexer having a common connector, the switch multiplexer including a first switch configured to receive a first signal at or above a ground (GND) reference and a second switch configured to receive a second signal that swings positive and negative about ground. The switch multiplexer includes a negative charge pump configured to bias the first switch with a negative charge pump voltage lower than the most negative voltage swing of the second signal when the second switch is enabled, and to bias the first switch with GND when the first switch is enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Nickole Gagne
  • Publication number: 20140177878
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an interface switching system including an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes an audio socket, a first set of interface lines, a set of audio interface lines, a first switching device, an interface socket and a processor. The audio socket is arranged to be coupled to an audio plug. The first switching device is arranged to couple the audio socket to the first set of interface lines or the set of audio interface lines. The interface socket is arranged to be coupled to a first interface plug or a second interface plug. The processor is arranged to enable the first switching device to couple the audio socket to the first set of interface lines when the interface socket is coupled to the second interface plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corp.
    Inventors: Chien-Ting HUNG, Chung-Hung SUNG
  • Publication number: 20140169590
    Abstract: A time modification system is disclosed. The time modification module includes a delay module for receiving an input signal comprising a series of digital samples at an input sample rate. The delay module provides a delayed output signal. The time modification module further includes a duration modification module for receiving the input signal or a delayed version thereof, and providing a modified output signal. A first switch is included for selecting either the delayed output signal or the modified output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Ronald Hubertus Bernardus Schiffelers, Temujin Gautama, Sebastian Schreuder
  • Publication number: 20140169591
    Abstract: A digital switching signal sequence is realized as a previously digitized, high-pass filtered white noise signal of a predetermined length T, with a high-pass cut-off frequency which lies above the frequency where the loudness threshold characteristic in silence of the human hearing has its highest sensitivity, if possible. The switching signal sequence is employed for switching purposes (206), e.g., for switching between two information signals (201, 207).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: INSTITUT FUR RUNDFUNKTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Link
  • Patent number: 8750528
    Abstract: An audio apparatus is provided. The audio apparatus includes at most one electroacoustic transducer; and an audio controller, coupled to the electroacoustic transducer, for actively controlling the electroacoustic transducer to function as a loudspeaker or a microphone, wherein the loudspeaker converts output electrical signals to output sounds, and the microphone converts input sounds to input electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Fortemedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Ping Dong, Qing-Guang Liu, Wan-Chieh Pai
  • Patent number: 8744097
    Abstract: A microphone has a slide member and a push member. The slide member has a slide knob, and a conductive state and a nonconductive state are switched according to operation of the slide knob. The push member holds a switch in the conductive state while a push button is pushed. A mechanism interlocking of the slide member and the push member is provided and interlocks operation of the slide member with the push member by converting movement of the slide member in a sliding direction into movement of the push member in a pushing direction, the slide knob and the push button are separated from each other in the sliding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Nakazawa, Tetsuo Itou
  • Patent number: 8744090
    Abstract: To suppress the transverse displacement of a ribbon due to an impact to a level smaller than that achieved by electromagnetic damping. The switch 150 breaks a path between the piezoelectric element 140 and the secondary winding 132 so as to be non-conductive when a power plug is connected (the microphone is in use), and completes a path between the piezoelectric element 140 and the secondary winding 132 so as to be conductive when a power plug is not connected (the microphone is not in use), in order to generate a driving force in the direction opposite to the displacement direction of the ribbon 10 by causing a current corresponding to power generated in the piezoelectric element 140 to flow in the ribbon 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino
  • Patent number: 8736362
    Abstract: A beat frequency cancellation circuit, for an amplifier, includes a coupling device connected between two signal processing paths of the amplifier for compensating for beat frequency effects of output signals between the signal processing paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Princeton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Jen Huang, Jiann-Chyi Rau, Hsin-Hung Wang
  • Patent number: 8731208
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes an earphone jack for receiving an earphone plug, a switch unit and a signal processing unit. The switch unit is connected to the earphone jack and is switchable between a first state and a second state. The signal processing unit is connected to the earphone jack and the switch unit. The signal processing unit is used to identify a type of the earphone plug received in the earphone plug and control the switch unit to switch to either the first state or the second state according to the type of the earphone plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Communications Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jia-Qing Han
  • Patent number: 8724824
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes an earphone jack circuit for receiving an earphone plug, a control circuit and a switch circuit. The control circuit sends audio to or receives audio from the earphone plug by the earphone jack. The switch circuit is set between the earphone jack and the control circuit including a first mode and a second mode. The control circuit identifies a type of the earphone plug, and switches the switch circuit to a corresponding mode according to the type of the earphone plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hai-Zhou Wu
  • Patent number: 8718308
    Abstract: A reproducing apparatus for automatically converting an output mode based on movements of a casing, and methods thereof. A reproducing apparatus having a first and a second casings includes an internal output unit outputting at least one of reproduced audio and video; an external output unit outputting at least one of the reproduced audio and video to an external device casing; a detector detecting movements of the second casing; and a control unit controlling such that at least one reproduced audio and video is outputted to at least one of the internal output unit and the external output unit. Accordingly, there is no need for a user to change the output mode, thereby reducing inconvenience for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soon Park, Jang-hwan Cho, Byong-woo Jeong, Kyung-suk Cho
  • Patent number: 8705773
    Abstract: An audio amplifier includes a compensation unit, an output unit and a calibration unit. The compensation unit generates a compensation signal based on a digital input signal, a digital reference code, a mode signal and a digital approximation code. The output unit generates an output signal based on the compensated input signal. The calibration unit generates the digital approximation code based on the output signal and the mode signal. The digital approximation code includes a plurality of bits that are generated sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Hee Lee, Chun Kyun Seok, Wang-Seup Yeum, Seung-Bin You, Bong-Joo Kim
  • Patent number: 8705763
    Abstract: An in-vehicle audio device and an in-vehicle audio system are disclosed. The in-vehicle audio device acquires and registers metadata of music data from multiple music possession devices, at least one of which is a portable music carrier device capable of performing wireless communication. Regarding the metadata acquired from the portable music carrier device, the in-vehicle audio device maintains the registration of the metadata after a communication connection between the portable music carrier device and the in-vehicle audio device is cut off. The in-vehicle audio device creates a playlist based on the registered metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yousuke Kimura
  • Patent number: 8699719
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining an operating state of an earpiece of a personal acoustic device and/or the entirety of the personal acoustic device through tests to determine the current operating state, wherein the tests differ depending on a current power mode of the personal acoustic device, and wherein at least one lower power test is employed during at least one lower power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin C. Johnson, Jr., Hal Greenberger, Daniel M. Gauger, Jr., Benjamin D. Burge
  • Publication number: 20140098977
    Abstract: A method for reducing a disturbance on a signal path is provided. The disturbance is caused by a capacitance of a semiconductor switch (131-133) of an integrated circuit (130). The semiconductor switch (131-133) switches the signal path. The capacitance (203, 214) acts between the semiconductor switch (131-133) and a power supply terminal of the integrated circuit (130). According to the method, the power supply terminal of the integrated circuit (130) is coupled via an impedance (138, 139) to a power supply (137, 140).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Peter Körner, Kaj Ullén
  • Publication number: 20140098297
    Abstract: A switch can be configured to receive a first signal at a first input and provide an output signal at an output, depending on a state of the switch. A switch state change can be delayed until an indication of a requested switch state different than a current switch state is received and the first signal reaches a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Julie Lynn Stultz, Steven Macaluso, Enrique O. Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20140079250
    Abstract: An information device for a moving object includes a display panel that is openable and closable via a rotating shaft of hinges, storing holes passing through the display panel, and a holding mechanism provided in the storing holes and holding stored devices fitted and stored in the storing holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hideyuki Hirota
  • Patent number: 8675886
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and concomitant method for providing a splitter in a notification system. More specifically, the present invention provides a splitter, e.g., between an audio power booster and at least one notification appliance in a supervised emergency voice evacuation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Wheelock, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Salgueiro
  • Patent number: 8675891
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a power supply unit capable of achieving noise reduction while maintaining efficiency under the light load state. A FET driver controls switching elements in either one of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode, an intermittent mode having a lower operating frequency than that in the PWM mode, and a noise-free mode having a higher operating frequency than an audible frequency range. The FET driver operates first in the intermittent mode under the light load state. A microphone collects noise generated from the surroundings of a power supply unit. When the level of an audio signal collected by the microphone exceeds a predetermined level, the FET driver transitions from the intermittent mode to the noise-free mode. In accordance with such an embodiment, the FET driver operates in the noise-free mode only when noise is actually generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigefumi Odaohhara, Norihiro Urakawa
  • Patent number: 8675889
    Abstract: An autobias vehicular microphone system (300) includes a microphone (301) which uses an amplifier (306) for amplifying an output of the microphone. A first feedback path (308) provides an amplifier output signal to the amplifier input for providing amplifier linearity, and a second feedback path (305) is used for providing bias to a voltage reference (303). The voltage reference (303) operates to provide an autobias to the amplifier (306) based upon amplifier load-ing. By holding the bias point to a constant voltage, a constant clip level can be maintained depending on varying load conditions of electronic devices (307, 309, 311) using the microphone (301). Additionally, one or more switches can be used to vary the bias point which can be interpreted to control functionality of the electronic devices (307, 309, 311).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Alan R. Watson
  • Publication number: 20140072147
    Abstract: A press button device includes a button unit having a main body with a surrounding wall, and an actuating member protruding from an inner side of the main body for actuating a control switch. A flexible connection unit includes a button-coupling portion connected to the surrounding wall in an airtight manner, a fixed portion radially spaced apart from and surrounding the button-coupling portion, and a deformable portion interconnecting the button-coupling and fixed portions. The deformable portion is elastically displaced relative to the fixed portion when the button unit is pressed, and restores the button unit to its original position when the pressing force thereon is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicants: LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORP., LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED
    Inventor: CHIH-HUNG SU
  • Patent number: 8654995
    Abstract: An audio control system may receive a plurality of audio input signals. A switch or multiplexer may switch one of the plurality of audio input signals from respective audio sources to a power amplifier. A controller in communication with the multiplexer may control switching of the multiplexer. A display may provide the user with information regarding the switching of the audio signal inputs. A user interface may permit the user to manually switch the audio source. A signal detector in communication with an audio input signal may detect a signal from a priority source. When the signal from the priority source is detected, the controller may direct the multiplexer to route the signal from the priority source to the power amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael W. Silber, Aaron L. Butters
  • Publication number: 20140029770
    Abstract: A device comprising a detector configured to receive an indication from a terminal of a connector and to determine whether the indication matches an expected result. One or more first switches are configured to connect one or more speaker transducers to the connector if the indication is false. One or more second switches are configured to connect the one or more speaker transducers to a digital output converter if the indication is true. The device can also include one or more third switches configured to connect one or more microphone elements to the connector if the indication is false, and one or more fourth switches configured to connect one or more microphones to a digital input converter if the indication is true. The input and output converters can be stand alone or part of a digital signal processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Conexant Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Chien, James Bunde Villadsen Skov, Andrew B. Webster, Lorenzo Crespi, Eitan David, Sverrir Olafsson, Ludgero Leonardo, Christian Larsen
  • Publication number: 20140029771
    Abstract: A system and method for switching between multiple audio input signals to select one of the audio input signals as audio output signal are disclosed which include receiving the audio input signals, receiving a control signal, and switching controlled by the control signal from a first one of the audio input signals to a second one of the audio input signals. Prior to switching, the first one of the audio input signals is muted and upon switching, the second one of the audio input signals is unmuted in one of multiple unmute modes based on one or more signal parameters characterizing the second one of the audio input signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Muench, Frank Baehren, Ludwig Guenther
  • Patent number: 8625818
    Abstract: A switch can be configured to receive a first signal at a first input and provide an output signal at an output, depending on a state of the switch. A switch state change can be delayed until an indication of a requested switch state different than a current switch state is received and the first signal reaches a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Julie Lynn Stultz, Steven Macaluso, Enrique O. Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20130343578
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a speaker, a receiver, a switch, a detector, and a controller. The receiver is configured to receive an audio signal from an external device. The switch is configured to switch between a first path by which the speaker is connected to a sound controller and a second path by which the receiver and the speaker are connected to each other without the sound controller. The sound controller is configured to operate when the electronic apparatus is in an operative state. The state detector is configured to detect a first state where the receiver receives the input of the audio signal from the external device. Lastly, the controller is configured to cause the switch to switch from the first path to the second path, when the first state is detected by the state detector in a non-operative state of the electronic apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Akira Imamura
  • Patent number: 8611549
    Abstract: A detection circuit of an electronic device, includes a jack circuit, a first switch, a second switch, and a detection end. The jack circuit includes a type detection pin and a connection detection pin. The first switch includes a first control end. The connection detection pin is connected to the first control end to control the first switch on or off according to whether the audio device is connected to the electronic device. The second switch is connected to ground via the first switch. The second switch includes a second control end. The type detection pin is connected to the second control end to control the second switch on or off according to the type of the audio device. The detection end is connected to the first switch via a first resistor, and is connected to the second switch via a second resistor. The detection end is adapted to generate different signals to indicate a connection status of the electronic device and the audio device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mao-Shun Hsi, San-Yuan Chuang, Kun-Yu Hu
  • Patent number: 8611562
    Abstract: A sound mixing console operative for combining or processing sound signals of a plurality of input channels is described. The sound mixing console (1) comprises a plurality of sound signal input channels (2a, 2b, 2c . . . ), an input channel fader control system (10, 12) having a plurality of input channel faders (16) which can be selectively coupled to respective ones of said plurality of sound signal input channels (2a, 2b, 2c . . . ). A master section (14) has a plurality of control group faders (17) each for collective control of a different selected group of sound signal input channels. Means are provided for coupling the sound signal input channels (36) of one of said selected groups to respective input channel faders (16) thereby to permit individual adjustment of the sound signals of the input channels of said selected group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Red Chip Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Alex Cooper
  • Publication number: 20130329917
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes an earphone jack for receiving an earphone plug, a switch unit and a signal processing unit. The switch circuit operates in a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. The signal processing unit identifies a type of the earphone plug and controls the switch unit to switch to the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode according to the type of the earphone plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: YANG ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8605918
    Abstract: A power saving system includes a sensor, a processor, a timer, and a switch. The sensor senses movements in the diaphragm of the loudspeaker. The processor determines whether the loudspeaker is power-on and in use or power-on but not in use. The processor further determines whether a preset period of time has elapsed since the indication of power-on but not in use was first given. If the preset period of time has elapsed, the processor further controls the switch to disconnect the power source from the loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Huang, Yang Zhong, Ji-Bao Chen, Kai Zhang
  • Patent number: 8600084
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods are provided. One method includes determining an orientation of a display of a portable system. The method also includes altering an orientation of two speakers arranged along one side of the system based on the orientation of the display. Another method includes determining an orientation of a display of a portable system and determining an orientation of two speakers of the system based on the orientation of the display. If a current orientation of the two speakers differs from the determined orientation of the two speakers, the method includes altering the current orientation of the speakers such that they have the determined orientation. A portable system is also provided that includes means for determining an orientation of a display of the system. The system also includes means for altering an orientation of two speakers arranged along one side of the system based on the orientation of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Motion Computing, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Garrett
  • Publication number: 20130315398
    Abstract: A multiplexer is utilized by the audio device for inputting audio-in signals and outputting audio-out signals at a same connector and for providing an ignorable delay for avoiding spikes introduced at the beginning of generating audio-out signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Yao-Hsien Chiu
  • Publication number: 20130315421
    Abstract: A combo-jack detecting circuit for used in an audio CODEC is provided. The combo-jack detecting circuit comprises a low pass filter, a detecting unit and a switch unit. Without coupling capacitor between an audio apparatus and audio codec, the output direct current voltage of the audio apparatus can be provided by the low pass filter. The switch unit is configured to switch selectively for outputting two voltage signals to the low pass filter sequentially. The low pass filter provides two direct current signals so that the detecting unit determines a jack type of the sounding signal apparatus accordingly. By means of proper design, input buffers in the audio codec can transform a common mode voltage of the audio apparatus into a common mode voltage of the audio codec.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: REALTEK SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chih-Kang CHIEN
  • Patent number: 8594344
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Kosinski, II, Michael Dean Tschirhart
  • Patent number: 8594341
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively switching between a plurality of audio channels are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure will enable a user to listen to desired audio content, e.g., music with a total lack of distraction while selectively allowing certain important and selected sounds to interrupt the audio content. The system for selectively switching between a plurality of audio channels includes an audio content device (ACD) for supplying audio content on a first channel; at least one microphone input device for generating an acoustic signal from sound external to the system on a second channel; an audio signal processing control unit (ASPCU) for receiving the audio content on the first channel and the acoustic signal on the second channel and for selectively switching between the first and second channel; and an audio output device (AOD) for audibly producing sounds from the selected channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Leigh M. Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20130308797
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, method, and computer program product whereby a device receives an acoustic signal. In response to the received acoustic signal, the device outputs electrical signals from a first input audio transducer and a second input audio transducer. The second input audio transducer is less sensitive than the first input audio transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Duncan Phelps, Mikko Veli Aimo Suvanto