Abstract: A computer implemented method for managing a sound emitting device comprising: receiving data associated with operation of the sound emitting device at a predetermined location; processing said data to determine an operating characteristic of that device for that location; comparing the operating characteristic with a predetermined mathematical relationship to determine whether a difference exists; and identifying an input adjustment to correct the difference wherein the input adjustment optionally is within a predetermined range and optionally does not exceed a predetermined maximum increment; wherein the predetermined mathematical relationship is between an input variable and an output variable in respect of the sound emitting device.

Abstract: Apparatus for managing and/or reducing harmonic distortion arising with an audio signal including a phase generator for generating at least one phase-difference signal or a reference audio signal generated by the phase generator, wherein the or each constant phase difference is adapted to provide cancellation of the harmonic distortion components arising along the signal path. Respective amplifier channels for receiving and separately amplifying the audio signal acting as a reference audio signal are also provided as are respective loudspeaker channels for receiving and separately producing sound corresponding to the amplified audio wherein each loudspeaker channel has substantially equal performance parameters and is adapted to radiate the sound relative to other loudspeaker channels to produce a combined sound that corresponds to the audio signal with harmonic distortion components that are reduced compared to the harmonic distortion components arising along the signal path.

Abstract: Described herein are audio capture systems and methods. One embodiment provides an audio capture system (1) including: microphones (9-11) positioned to capture respective audio signals from different directions or locations within an audio environment; a mixing module (7) configured to mix the audio signals in accordance with a mixing control signal to produce an output audio mix, wherein, upon the detection of vibration activity, the mixing control signal controls the mixing module (7) to selectively temporarily modify one or more of the audio signals to reduce the presence of noise associated with vibration activity in the output audio mix.

Abstract: An underwater acoustic source can include a first piston coupled to a second piston and a plurality of linear magnetic actuators directly connected to each of the first piston and the second piston. Each of the plurality of linear magnetic actuators include a linear shaft positioned within the cylindrical magnetic assembly and mounted to the first end of the rigid ferromagnetic housing and the second end of the rigid ferromagnetic housing, such that the linear shaft is stationary, and linear bearings positioned between the cylindrical magnet assembly and the linear shaft to allow the cylindrical magnet assembly to translate along the linear shaft relative to the cylindrical electrical coil, and wherein each of the plurality of linear magnetic actuators is activated, the first piston and the second piston oscillate towards and away from each other, causing acoustic waves to be generated in water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor integrated circuit for discharging, which includes: a plurality of discharging elements; a plurality of external terminals connected respectively to first terminals of the plurality of discharging elements; and a controlling external terminal which is capable of receiving from an outside a signal indicating that an operation of an internal circuit is enabled/disabled. In response to the signal received at the controlling external terminal or an output signal of a logic circuit that receives the signal being applied to controlling terminals of the plurality of discharging elements, the discharging semiconductor integrated circuit turns on the plurality of discharging elements to draw charges respectively through the plurality of external terminals.

Abstract: A system is provided to analyze cross-modulation distortion in audio devices, which may include testing with audio frequencies. One or more distortion signals from the audio device may be measured for an amplitude, phase, and or frequency modulation effect. In another embodiment a musical signal may be used as a test signal. Providing additional test signals to the audio device can induce a time varying cross-modulation distortion signal from an output of the audio device. Also utilizing at least one additional filter, filter bank, demodulator and or frequency converter and or frequency multiplier provides extra examination of distortion. Also frequency and or phase response can be measured with the presence of a de-sensing signal and or another signal that induce near slew rate limiting or near overload condition of the device under test. Another system is provided to analyze modulation index differences between input and output signals for a test signal including modulation.

Abstract: Apparatus for managing and/or reducing harmonic distortion arising with an audio signal including a phase generator for generating at least one phase-difference signal or a reference audio signal generated by the phase generator, wherein the or each constant phase difference is adapted to provide cancellation of the harmonic distortion components arising along the signal path. Respective amplifier channels for receiving and separately amplifying the audio signal acting as a reference audio signal are also provided as are respective loudspeaker channels for receiving and separately producing sound corresponding to the amplified audio wherein each loudspeaker channel has substantially equal performance parameters and is adapted to radiate the sound relative to other loudspeaker channels to produce a combined sound that corresponds to the audio signal with harmonic distortion components that are reduced compared to the harmonic distortion components arising along the signal path.

Abstract: A system is provided to analyze cross-modulation distortion in audio devices, which may include testing with audio frequencies. One or more distortion signals from the audio device may be measured for an amplitude, phase, and or frequency modulation effect. In another embodiment a musical signal may be used as a test signal. Providing additional test signals to the audio device can induce a time varying cross-modulation distortion signal from an output of the audio device. Also utilizing at least one additional filter, filter bank, demodulator and or frequency converter and or frequency multiplier provides extra examination of distortion. Also frequency and or phase response can be measured with the presence of a de-sensing signal and or another signal that induce near slew rate limiting or near overload condition of the device under test.

Abstract: A system is provided to analyze cross-modulation distortion in audio devices, which may include testing with audio frequencies. One or more distortion signals from the audio device may be measured for an amplitude, phase, and or frequency modulation effect. In another embodiment a musical signal may be used as a test signal. Providing additional test signals to the audio device can induce a time varying cross-modulation distortion signal from an output of the audio device. Also utilizing at least one additional filter, filter bank, demodulator and or frequency converter and or frequency multiplier provides extra examination of distortion. Also frequency and or phase response can be measured with the presence of a de-sensing signal and or another signal that induce near slew rate limiting or near overload condition of the device under test.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing device including: an audio signal output unit that causes measuring audio in an inaudible band to be output from a speaker; and a viewing position computation unit that computes a viewing position of a user based on the measuring audio picked up by a microphone.

Abstract: A system is provided to analyze cross-modulation distortion in audio devices, which may include testing with audio frequencies. One or more distortion signals from the audio device may be measured for an amplitude, phase, and or frequency modulation effect. In another embodiment a musical signal may be used as a test signal. Providing additional test signals to the audio device can induce a time varying cross-modulation distortion signal from an output of the audio device. Also utilizing at least one additional filter, filter bank, demodulator and or frequency converter and or frequency multiplier provides extra examination of distortion. Also frequency and or phase response can be measured with the presence of a de-sensing signal and or another signal that induce near slew rate limiting or near overload condition of the device under test.

Abstract: A system is provided to analyze cross-modulation distortion in audio devices, which may include testing with audio frequencies. One or more distortion signals from the audio device may be measured for an amplitude, phase, and or frequency modulation effect. In another embodiment a musical signal may be used as a test signal. Providing additional test signals to the audio device can induce a time varying cross-modulation distortion signal from an output of the audio device. Also utilizing at least one additional filter, filter bank, demodulator and or frequency converter and or frequency multiplier provides extra examination of distortion.

Abstract: A system is provided to analyze cross-modulation distortion in audio devices, which may include testing with audio frequencies. One or more distortion signals from the audio device may be measured for an amplitude, phase, and or frequency modulation effect. In another embodiment a musical signal may be used as a test signal. Providing additional test signals to the audio device can induce a time varying cross-modulation distortion signal from an output of the audio device. Also utilizing at least one additional filter, filter bank, demodulator and or frequency converter and or frequency multiplier provides extra examination of distortion.

Abstract: Devices (10) convert source power from first sources (11) that receive solar/wind/water energy into load power destined for loads (13). The devices (10) comprise first converters (21) for converting first direct-current voltage signals from the first sources (11) to second direct-current voltage signals destined for the loads (13), first arrangements (31) for controlling the first converters (21) and regulating the second direct-current voltage signals in response to first control voltage signals, and first circuits (41) for providing the first control voltage signals. To prevent a collapse of the first direct-current voltage signals when having relatively small amplitudes, the first control voltage signals should have amplitudes equal to/larger than minimum values.

Abstract: A device includes an audio unit to provide a left audio channel, a right audio channel and a microphone channel to a headset plug. The device also includes a headset jack to form an electrical connection with the headset plug, and a swap switch configurable to swap connections of a ground terminal and a microphone terminal of the headset plug to the audio unit. The audio unit further includes: a first crosstalk cancellation circuit to subtract an estimated right-to-left crosstalk from a left digital path of the left audio channel, and to subtract an estimated left-to-right crosstalk from a right digital path of the right audio channel; and a second crosstalk cancellation circuit to subtract an estimated left-to-microphone crosstalk and an estimated right-to-microphone crosstalk from a microphone digital path of the microphone channel.

Abstract: An interface configured to allow desired cooperation between an OEM or aftermarket head unit and an external power amplifier. The inventive interface receives an audio input signal from the head unit. It also monitors the vehicle's CAN bus. The interface detects CAN bus commands that cause the head unit to play an audio notification signal such as a “chime.” Upon detecting such a CAN bus command, the inventive interface selectively adjusts the output level so that the user hears the audio notification signal at an appropriate volume.

Abstract: A system, computer-implemented method, and tangible computer-readable media for media playback. The method includes receiving a request from a user to play a media asset, detecting capabilities of the playback device, detecting playback environment acoustic characteristics, optimizing media playback settings for the playback device and the playback environment characteristics, preparing the media asset for playback on the playback device, and transferring the prepared media asset to the playback device for playback. The method can further transfer optimized playback settings to the playback device. Media asset preparation can be based at least in part on the optimized playback settings. A playback profile can store environment characteristics and playback device capabilities. The method continuously detects changes in the playback environment characteristics, and optimizes media playback settings when detected changes exceed a threshold.

Abstract: A system is provided to analyze cross-modulation distortion in audio devices, which may include testing with audio frequencies. One or more distortion signals from the audio device may be measured for an amplitude, phase, and or frequency modulation effect. In another embodiment a musical signal may be used as a test signal. Providing additional test signals to the audio device can induce a time varying cross-modulation distortion signal from an output of the audio device.

Abstract: Implementations of a class-D amplifier can be used to amplify an input analog signal and provide to a load a multilevel amplified signal having an amplitude larger than a voltage level of a power source used by the class-D amplifier.

Abstract: An output stage configuration with four configurable input/output terminals and four switches is specified. Each switch has a first main terminal, a second main terminal and a control terminal, which receives a control signal for controlling the open or closed state of the switch. The output stage is included in a circuit together with a first control apparatus and a second control apparatus. When a control stage of the first control apparatus is connected to the output stage, a control stage of the second control apparatus is electrically disconnected from the output stage, and the output stage operates in a first operating state. When the control stage of the second control apparatus is connected to the output stage, the control stage of the first control apparatus is electrically disconnected from the output stage, the output stage then operating in a second operating state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for distributing audio based data tags in the field of computer technologies. The system includes an audio processing device, an audio playing device, a user terminal, and a data tag server. In the disclosed method, the audio processing device associates a data tag in an audio to produce an associated audio. The audio playback device plays the associated audio as background music. The user terminal identified the associated audio in the background music and acquires associated data tag through a computer network. In the disclosed system and method, an audience can obtain product information from background music while enjoying music. The customers can thus quickly access to a large amount of product information. The disclosed audio based data tags distribution system has a simple structure and is widely applicable. The disclosed method can be easily implemented at low cost.

Abstract: A hearing aid is disclosed, having the ability to generate its own open-loop feedback scan of amplitude (as gain or attenuation) and phase, as a function of frequency. The hearing aid has a sensor that receives ambient sound from near a patient, and a driver that stimulates the anatomy of the patient. The hearing aid has an operational mode in which the driver stimulates the anatomy of the patient in response to the sound received at the sensor. The hearing aid has a test mode in which a test frequency is stepped through a predetermined range of frequencies. At each test frequency, the driver is driven with a sinusoidal driver signal at the test frequency, the sensor detects a sinusoidal sensor signal at the test frequency, and a comparison of the sensor signal to the driver signal produces an amplitude (gain or attenuation) and a phase for the test frequency.

Abstract: An audio mixing console comprises a first amplifier, an analogue to digital converter, a second amplifier and a gain range control unit. The first amplifier may receive an analogue audio input signal and amplify the received audio input signal with a first adjustable gain. The analogue to digital converter may receive the amplified analogue audio input signal and generate a digital audio signal by an analogue to digital conversion of the analogue audio signal. The second amplifier may receive the digital audio signal and amplify the received digital audio signal with a second adjustable gain. The gain range control unit may identify a signal level overload at the analogue to digital converter and control the gain of the first and second amplifiers, respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed toward user profile based audio adjustment techniques. The techniques are used to render various audio and/or audio/video content having different audio output parameter values in accordance with a user profile that characterizes a user's desired value and/or range of one or more of the output parameter levels.

Abstract: Techniques for utilizing a plurality of switches to reduce crosstalk in a headset jack for accommodating both European and North American type headset plugs. In an aspect, a six-switch solution is provided to selectively couple first and second terminals of the jack to a ground and a microphone terminal, and further to selectively couple a ground sensing input to the first or second terminal of the jack. The ground sensing input is provided to left and right audio channel amplifiers for driving the corresponding left and right terminals of the headset, to provide a common-mode reference level to the left and right audio channel amplifiers. In another aspect, at least four physical pins are provided to couple the switches to the ground and microphone terminals of the jack, and the connections between the ground sensing inputs and the jack may be provided adjacent to the jack for better isolation.

Abstract: In an audio processing apparatus of the present invention, one or two audio signals selected from a surround rear left audio signal, a left outer audio signal and a left upper audio signal is (are) amplified to be outputted from a speaker terminal(s) corresponding to this (these) channel(s) without necessity to provide amplifiers of all channels. When the surround rear left audio signal is included, a switch S13a is turned ON to supply the surround rear left audio signal amplified by an amplifier 12a to a SP terminal 14a. When the left outer audio signal is included, a switch 13b is turned ON to supply the left outer audio signal amplified by the amplifier 12a to a SP terminal 14b, or a switch 13c is turned ON to supply the left outer audio signal amplified by an amplifier 12b to the SP terminal 14b. When the left upper audio signal is included, a switch 13d is turned ON to supply the left upper audio signal amplified by the amplifier 12b to a SP terminal 14c.

Abstract: An audio video system is described that includes an AV receiver with a wireless audio module (WAM) host and without audio amplifier functionality. The system further includes a plurality of wireless speakers each having a WAM device to enable unidirectional or bidirectional communications with the WAM host. Each wireless speaker includes an amplifier that may be matched to a driver of the speaker to optimize the frequency response of the driver.

Abstract: A transceiver for remote control, the transceiver includes an amplifier configured to receive an audio signal from a first electronic device and amplify the audio signal; a transmission module electrically connected to the amplifier to receive the amplified audio signal and generating a first carrier signal; a power supply connected to the transmission module; and a receiver module connected to the first electronic device and the power supply, wherein the amplified audio signal is configured to modulate the first carrier signal generated by the transmission module, and the audio signal is one of a left channel audio signal and a right channel audio signal from the first electronic device.

Abstract: A phantom power circuit has a detection circuit and a limiting circuit, the detection circuit detecting a pulse current generated in association with connection or disconnection of a condenser microphone, the limiting circuit limiting the output of the condenser microphone. The detection circuit detects a pulse current generated between input terminals of the condenser microphone. The limiting circuit reduces the output from the condenser microphone when the detection circuit detects the pulse current.

Abstract: An anti-noise earmuff device includes an audio signal processor unit, a Bluetooth module, an audio mixer unit and an amplifier unit. The audio signal processor unit is arranged in the earmuffs for control audio signal output, protecting the user's eardrums against noise of high-decibel level. The Bluetooth module receives or communicates with a mobile communication device through an antenna, allowing the user to listen to the music and to communicate with people outside without needing taking off the earmuff device.

Abstract: This document discusses apparatus and methods for configuring and providing crosstalk cancellation to maintain channel separation in a multi channel system. In an example, an amplifier circuit can include a crosstalk cancellation circuit configured to reduce crosstalk from a first output to a second load and from a second output to a first load where the first load and the second load share a return path.

Abstract: A circuit device for a three-dimensional sound system is disclosed. The device circuit contains a plurality of resistors, capacitors and transistors. The circuit is an analog circuit creating an actual three-dimensional sound system where the listener can perceive sound coming from different spatial directions. The circuit device accomplishes this by sensing the amplitude and phase difference between the sound signals.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods including an analog-to-digital controller (ADC) configured to receive an enable signal and to provide an ADC output signal to control logic, wherein the control logic is configured to provide a control voltage to a control input of a switch. In an example, the control voltage includes the ADC output signal when the ADC output signal is below a first threshold or above a second threshold. In certain examples, the control logic is configured to transition the control voltage from the first threshold to the second threshold when the ADC output signal is between the first and second thresholds.

Abstract: A multi-channel switchmode audio amplifier is configured by a programmed processor such that each channel drives separate loads, is connected in parallel or is configured in a bridge-tied mode as well as combinations thereof. In one embodiment, amplifier channels that are connected in parallel have power amplifiers that are driven with signals from a single modulator. A feedback circuit and error amplifier from one channel controls the modulated signal that is applied to each parallely connected amplifier channel. Current feedback circuits for parallely connected amplifier channels are eliminated by tightly controlling the timing of switching in the power amplifier output stages.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, the voice coil of an electro dynamic transducer is protected against thermal overload by estimating the temperature of a magnet in the electro dynamic transducer. When a power limit based on the temperature of the magnet and on a predetermined voice coil temperature limit is reached by an audio signal, the power applied to the voice coil is reduced.

Abstract: A noise reduction circuit for reducing the effects of low frequency noise such as wind noise in communications applications is described. In one embodiment, the noise reduction circuit features a high pass filter formed by exploiting the existing off-chip AC coupling capacitances in making the connection to the source of audio signals. The filter may be adaptive to environmental low frequency noise level through programming the shunt resistances. A low-noise wide dynamic range programmable gain amplifier is also described. Adaptive equalization of the audio signal is also described through the utilization of programmable front-end resistors and a back-end audio equalizer.

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.

Abstract: Non-bussed amplifier diagnostics are implemented for a vehicle. The vehicle includes an amplifier that includes a computer processor and a memory unit communicatively coupled to the amplifier. The memory unit stores audio test tones, each of which corresponds to a respective diagnostic test result. The vehicle also includes an input device communicatively coupled to the amplifier via wiring. The input device provides an analog signal indicative of a diagnostic test trigger to the amplifier. The computer processor of the amplifier receives the analog signal and executes a diagnostic test defined by the diagnostic test trigger, selects one of the audio test tones based on results of the diagnostic test, and outputs the selected audio test tone via speakers of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first audio amplifier circuit configured to provide an analog audio signal and an analog switch circuit including a first input configured to receive the analog audio signal, a second input configured to receive a first digital data signal, and a first output configured to provide one of the digital data signal or the analog audio signal. The apparatus also includes a first feedback circuit coupled to the first audio amplifier circuit and the analog switch circuit output, the feedback circuit configured to bias the first audio amplifier circuit.

Abstract: An audio subsystem in a mobile communication device has a speaker. In one implementation, the audio subsystem has a higher-gain power amplifier, a lower-gain power amplifier, and a switching system configured to route signals produced by the lower-gain power amplifier to the speaker while the device is operative in a first mode and configured to route signals produced by the higher-gain power amplifier to the speaker while the device is operative in a second mode. In another implementation, the audio subsystem has a power amplifier coupled to the speaker and a power supply control controlled to provide voltage at a first voltage level to the power amplifier while the device is operative in a first mode and controlled to provide voltage at a second, higher, voltage level to the power amplifier while the device is operative in a second mode.

Abstract: An AUX channel amplifier for amplifying data in the AUX channel of a Display Port device. In some embodiments, the amplifier includes a first amplifier coupled to amplify a signal from a source to a sink and a second amplifier coupled to amplify a signal from the sink to the source. A slicer can be utilized to digitize the signal from the source. In some embodiments, a clock and data recovery can be utilized to receive signals from the source and a second clock and data recovery can be utilized to receive signals from the sink. A controller determine the direction of data flow and enables the first amplifier or the second amplifier accordingly.

Abstract: A sound system and method for capturing and reproducing sounds produced by a plurality of sound sources are disclosed. Sounds produced by the plurality of sound sources may be received and converted separately to separate audio signals without mixing the audio signals. The audio signals may be separately stored on a recording medium without mixing the audio signals. Such audio signals may be read from the recording medium and separately amplified using an amplification network of amplifiers. Loudspeakers in a loudspeaker network may be used to separately reproduce the sounds from the amplified audio signals. Components within a signal path may be dynamically controlled by a controller. The amplifiers and/or loudspeakers for each signal path may be customized based on the characteristics and complexities of the original sound to be reproduced on each signal path.

Abstract: An amplifier unit suitable for a wide variety of uses, which can flexibly support diverse sound recording scenarios, and a mobile electronic device provided with the amplifier unit. An amplifier unit has microphone/line input terminals respectively provided on the topside surface and the left side surface. When a connector is connected to a mobile electronic device, stereophonic sound is recorded using one of the terminals when the mobile electronic device is held in portrait orientation, and using the other terminal when the mobile electronic device is held in landscape orientation. It is possible to switch each of audio signals coming through the two terminals between monophonic and stereophonic.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus includes a setter configured to set at least one language, a separator configured to separate and output a video signal and an audio signal, a video signal processor configured to decode and encode the video signal, a first decoder configured to output a first center channel signal and a multi-channel signal generated by extraction of the first center channel signal, a second decoder configured to output a second center channel signal, and a selector configured to receive the first and second center channel signals and assign, according to a setting in the setter, the first and second center channel signals respectively to different outputs.

Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.

Abstract: An electronic volume circuit includes a first signal processing circuit and a second signal processing circuit that are cascaded together. The first signal processing circuit includes a first operational amplifier including an input terminal and an output terminal, one or more input resistors inputting one or more signals to the input terminal of the first operational amplifier, and a feedback resistor connected between the input terminal and the output terminal of the first operational amplifier. The second signal processing circuit includes a second operational amplifier including an input terminal and an output terminal, an input capacitor inputting a signal output from the first operational amplifier to the input terminal of the second operational amplifier, and a resistor and a capacitor connected in parallel between the input terminal and the output terminal of the second operational amplifier.

Abstract: A headphone driver amplifier operative from a single DC voltage supply, coupled directly to the headphone speakers without the need for DC coupling capacitors used for preventing DC reaching the headphones. An onboard power supply generates a negative voltage rail which powers the output amplifiers, allowing driver amplifier operation from both positive and negative rails. Since the amplifiers can be biased at ground potential (0 volts), no significant DC voltage exists across the speaker load and the need for DC coupling capacitors is eliminated.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit which, includes a first input for receiving a first input signal and a second input for receiving a second input signal. A first amplifier section is connected to the first input and the second input is present. The first amplifier section can combine the first signal and the second signal into a first combined signal, the first amplifier being connected to a first output, for outputting the first combined signal. A second amplifier section is connected to the first input and the second input, for combining the first signal and the second signal into a second combined signal, the second amplifier being connected to a second output, for outputting the second combined signal. A common mode section is connected to the first input and the second input, for generating a common mode signal based on a combination of the first signal and the second signal and outputting the common mode signal at a common output connected to the common mode amplifier.

Abstract: An audio output apparatus and a method for outputting audio are provided. The audio output apparatus includes a receiver which receives a multi-channel audio signal that includes channels; an amplifier which amplifies the received multi-channel audio signal for each channel; and an audio output which includes speakers that output the channels of the amplified multi-channel audio signal, respectively.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to class G audio amplifiers and the associated methods of operation. In one embodiment, a class G audio amplifier includes an input port, an audio output stage, a level detector, and a charge pump. The class G audio amplifier regulates the power supplies of the audio output stage according to the input signal, so as to realize high efficiency and high quality audio output.