Abstract: A microphone assembly of a vehicle hands-free telephone comprises a guide and a microphone unit. The microphone unit moves between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the guide. The microphone may be activated in the extended position and deactivated in the retracted position.

Abstract: A voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes a module attached at an inner surface portion of the windshield of the vehicle. The module includes at least one microphone for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output signal indicative of the audio signals. The microphone may provide sound capture for at least one of a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and an emergency communication system. A control is operable to receive the output signal from the at least one microphone and is operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals from non-vocal signals. The module includes at least one additional accessory. The module attaches at the windshield by at least one of a mechanical attachment and an adhesive attachment.

Abstract: The interior cabin of a vehicle is provided with a vehicular sound-processing system that comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly, the mirror assembly including a mirror housing and a reflective element. An accessory is located in the interior cabin. The interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user-interaction site for a wireless communication system, the wireless communication system communicating with the accessory. The user-interaction site comprises at least one microphone for producing an audio output in response to detection of vocal input of a human speaker in the interior cabin with the vehicle cabin noise superimposed thereon. Preferably, the user-interaction site further comprises at least one manually operated control input. The restricted-range wireless communication system preferably comprises one of a radio frequency restricted-range wireless communication system and an infrared restricted-range wireless communication system.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror assembly (201) includes one or more microphone assemblies (220a, 220b) positioned on the rear surface (207) of the mirror housing (206). Recesses (248a, 248b) are provided in the rear surface to serve as a deflector for deflecting airflow from the defroster. Front ports (216) are provided on the microphone housing (215) that open upward, while rear ports (218) open downward. The microphone assemblies may include an acoustic dam (230) that extends around the microphone transducer (225) to acoustically separate the acoustic chamber within the microphone housing into two zones such that the front face of the transducer is acoustically coupled to the first zone and the rear face of transducer is acoustically coupled to the second zone. The microphone assemblies may include windscreens (245) made of a material of high acoustic resistivity (i.e., about 1 or more &OHgr;/cm2), and preferably of very high acoustic resistivity (i.e., about 8 or more &OHgr;/cm2).

Abstract: A socket for a microphone connector includes a body, said body having a fixing wall a round front wall formed to extend forward from said fixing wall, an annular wall formed to extend rearward from a rear surface of the fixing wall, plural terminal holes in the center of the body inside the annular wall. Lead terminals respectively have a lead connect end and a pinching end which is formed with two semicircular portions defining a center hollow provided with some elasticity for holding tightly terminals of a microphone connector with a large dimensions so as to keep stably the terminals and better transmitting signals between the socket and the microphone connector.

Abstract: A microphone assembly for installation on a surface in a cabin of a vehicle to electrically couple the microphone with a vehicular communication system is disclosed. The assembly comprises a microphone having an outer surface and a plurality of microphone contacts fixedly secured to the outer surface and means for securing the microphone to the surface in an orientation to electrically couple the plurality of microphone contacts to a respective plurality of fixedly secured system contacts to couple the microphone with the vehicular communication system.

Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides and/or rear. The transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers, which, with the circuit, produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A microphone structure has a base which is provided with a locating hole for locating a microphone, a receiving slot in which a threaded rod is rotatably received, a fixed clamp piece extending from the outer wall of a portion in proximity of the upper end of the base, and a movable clamp piece provided with threaded hole and movably located under the fixed clamp piece such that the threaded hole of the movable clamp piece is engaged with the threaded rod. The threaded rod is turned to drive the movable clamp piece to move up or down so as to adjust the distance between the movable clamp piece and the fixed clamp piece.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner includes electromagnetic drivers for sonically driving a member or a layer of the headliner. A foam beam is shaped around a driver transducer connection area that holds one or more driver connectors. A cover may be maintained over the shaped foam beam to protect against entry of dust and other debris into the driver and the transducer connection area that receives the driver.

Abstract: A hands-free handset for a vehicular cellular phone mounted on a driver's seat in a vehicle has a body, a microphone, a speaker and an audio processing circuit in the body. The microphone is connected to one side of the body by an adjustable device. The speaker can be connected to the other side of the body by an adjustable device or mounted in the body close to a driver's ear. The audio processing circuit has a squelch capability to limit noise transmitted from the speaker. In addition, the microphone and the speaker can be positioned respectively close to the driver's mouth and the ear so the communication is clear and private.

Abstract: A unitary gasket component is designed to provide a complex acoustic path for bringing sound to a microphone. The path includes a pre-plenum and apertures to allow external sound into the pre-plenum. The path further includes an acoustic filter communicating with the pre-plenum and defining relatively small openings for sound to exit the pre-plenum. A voice tube extends from the acoustic filter to a microphone plenum, the latter being in direct communication with the microphone.

Abstract: The invention provides a microphone for the simultaneous pickup of both ambient background noise and speech in vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, and marine vessels. The apparatus provides a plurality of cartridges that simultaneously exhibit frequency and polar response characteristics tailored to noise and speech, respectively. In an embodiment of the invention, a single housing contains both a directional microphone and an omni-directional microphone for use in an automobile. In an alternative embodiment, a microphone array having both directional and omni-directional outputs are derived from microphones contained in a single enclosure.

Abstract: The invention provides a microphone unit mounting structure wherein the thickness of a body typically of a portable telephone set can be reduced without being restricted by the dimension of the sum of the height of a microphone and the thickness of a microphone connector and a printed circuit board. The microphone unit mounting structure includes a microphone connector electrically connected to the microphone, a microphone holder for holding the microphone together with the microphone connector thereon to form a microphone unit, and a printed circuit board. The microphone connector has a projecting portion projecting outwardly therefrom farther than an outer peripheral edge of the microphone and electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a microphone unit relief hole formed therein, and the microphone unit is held on the front case of the body member in such a state that part of the microphone unit is received in the microphone unit relief hole.

Abstract: A voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes a rearview mirror assembly, at least one microphone and a control. The at least one microphone receives audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generates an output signal indicative of the audio signals. The at least one microphone provides sound capture for at least one of a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and an emergency communication system. The control is operable to receive the output signal from the at least one microphone, and is operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals from non-vocal signals. The control distinguishes the vocal signals from the non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 2:1.

Abstract: A stretchable tube equipped microphone comprises a base, a supporting shall, and an acoustic head, in which the supporting shaft is pivotally jointed to the base at one end and connected to the acoustic head at the other; a switch is disposed on the base; the supporting shaft is a stretchable two-piece tube composed of an upper and a lower tube, in which the upper tube is an unbendable but stretchable hard copper tube; the diameter of the upper tube is slightly smaller than that of the lower tube; the upper tube is composed of a plurality of stretching segments and one segment thereof is buried in the lower tube; the upper tube and the lower tube are connected with the acoustic head and the base, respectively. The height and angle of the acoustic head can be adjusted according to a user's stature when using the microphone.

Abstract: A device (8) which includes an electroacoustic transducer (7) for the acoustic reproduction of sound signals to an ear (14) of a user (2) who assumes a user position at the device. The transducer is optimized for the acoustic reproduction of speech-signal sound waves and is equipped with arrangement means (25) for realizing a distinct directivity for the speech-signal sound waves emitted by the transducer. As a result of its directivity, the transducer directs the speech-signal sound waves which it emits preferentially to the ear of a user who is in the user posture.

Abstract: A compartment assembly for a displaying apparatus is disclosed. An external signal input unit is installed in a portion of the compartment for receiving a video or audio signal generated from an outside of the displaying apparatus. The compartment assembly includes an opening formed on a front cover of the displaying apparatus, a support formed in an inner circumference of the front cover and disposed adjacent to the opening for supporting the external signal input unit, and a cover detachably coupled to the front cover for closing the opening. The cover includes a rib extended from a bottom of the cover so as to contact the external signal input unit for preventing the external signal input unit from moving when the cover closes the opening.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror audio system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly preferably comprising a plurality of microphones, a communication system of a vehicle and at least one manually actuated control input. The communication system includes a cellular telephone system and/or an emergency communication system. The communication system includes at least one communication device. The manually actuated control receives a manual input from an occupant of the vehicle and activates and/or adjusts the communication device of the communication system in response to the manual input. A control is preferably provided for receiving output signals of at least two microphones, the output signals comprising both vocal signals and non-vocal signals, and the control at least partially filtering out the non-vocal signals.

Abstract: There is provided a microphone apparatus with an adjusting mechanism that prevents wind noise generated at a sound absorbing hole from perceptively inputted in the structure having a microphone built-in at the back of a panel with a sound absorbing hole.

Abstract: Custom designed polar patterns for a microphone of a portable computer are achieved. A custom designed polar pattern permits a microphone in a portable computer to suppress sources of spatially-dependent noise internal and external to a portable computer system. A custom designed polar pattern is generated by specially configuring the boot of a microphone by varying the hole sizes of the boot and/or varying location of the microphone element in the boot. In addition, the shape of a particular polar pattern may be adjusted by inserting acoustic absorption material into the boot, forming enclosed walls into the boot, or rotating the top shell of the portable computer which contains the microphone relative to the bottom shell of the portable computer. Thus, a directional response of a microphone may be form-fitted to a particular portable computer configuration.

Abstract: A loudspeaker enclosure is formed with fins that may be extended to support the enclosure on a surface and retracted into mating recesses to comprise a cosmetically appealing outer surface when the enclosure is suspended.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement (1) for connecting an electrical device (2), typically a microphone, within a wireless telephone, is disclosed. The mounting arrangement comprises a housing (3) having an electrical device receiving portion (4). An enveloping portion (5) adapted to envelop the electrical device (2) is also provided, the enveloping portion (5) having at least two outwardly projecting retention tabs (6), the tabs adapted to co-operate and engage with corresponding retention portions (7) within the receiving portion (4). On full insertion of the enveloped electrical device within the receiving portion, the retention tabs engage with the retention portions, thereby securing the enveloping portion and enveloped electrical device within the receiving portion. Both the housing and the electrical device are provided with electrical terminals or connectors such that on securing the enveloped electrical device within the receiving portion electrical engagement between the inserted device and housing is effected.

Abstract: An intra-vehicle communication system includes a surface configured to be mounted to a vehicle interior proximate a first occupant wherein the surface is further configured to display an image of a second occupant of the vehicle. The system further includes an intercom including a microphone supported in close proximity with the surface and a speaker operably coupled to the microphone. In one embodiment, the intercom is further configured to at least partially mute existing audio output from a stereo system.

Abstract: A hand microphone and an adaptor module form an assembly which is a peripheral device for a personal computer. The hand microphone is used to control dictation functions to be carried out by the PC. Two separate analog control signal channels are output from the hand microphone and applied, respectively, as X- and Y-axis inputs for the game port on the PC. Control signals carried in the two signal channels are generated by actuating control switches mounted on the hand microphone.

Abstract: A combined conversation mirror and intercom is mounted in a mirror frame pivotally mounted to a vehicle accessory, such as an overhead console. The frame is movable between an unobtrusive stored position and an extended use position located such that the vehicle operator can see mid or rear seat passengers, and, similarly, the mid or rear seat passengers can see the vehicle operator. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrical switch is coupled between the mirror frame and vehicle accessory such that movement of the mirror frame actuates the switch for powering the intercom circuit.

Abstract: A microphone assembly for installation on a surface in a cabin of a vehicle to electrically couple the microphone with a vehicular communication system is disclosed. The assembly comprises a microphone having an outer surface and a plurality of microphone contacts fixedly secured to the outer surface and means for securing the microphone to the surface in an orientation to electrically couple the plurality of microphone contacts to a respective plurality of fixedly secured system contacts to couple the microphone with the vehicular communication system.

Abstract: In a microphone cartridge, a flexible printed circuit board serves two functions, separating the diaphragm and backplate, and electrically connecting the cartridge and the buffer amplifier. The flex-print includes a spacer portion that maintains the appropriate distance between the diaphragm and backplate, and an integral lead portion having a conductor serving as the signal path for transmitting the signal from the cartridge to the amplifier. The spacer portion has a conductor that electrically contacts the diaphragm or backplate and is connected to the conductor of the integral lead portion. The integral lead portion may optionally include a second electrical conductor providing a reference path from the cartridge to the amplifier. Further, the flex-print may be used as the carrier for the amplifier, its associated circuitry, and for other circuitry within the listening device.

Abstract: A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle. The plurality of microphones comprise at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin. The at least two microphones are (i) positioned within an interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to an interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to an interior rearview mirror assembly, or (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield. The audio system further includes a control which is operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out the non-vocal signals.

Abstract: A handheld computer is disclosed. The handheld computer includes a housing, computing electronics supported by the housing, and a display supported by the housing and electrically coupled to the computing electronics. The handheld computer includes a switch supported by the housing and electrically coupled to the computing electronics. A microphone aperture is disposed in the switch.

Abstract: A microphone bearing slider on a diagonal seatbelt member, together with a tethering tape that is positioned along the diagonal seatbelt, from a seatbelt hanger member to the buckle with attachment to the slider, in combination, operate to position the microphone at the same precise location for vocal transmission at each deployment, and to return the assembly to a storage position with no addition attention being required on the part of the communicating person.

Abstract: A digital sound processor is provided to enhance the vocal to non-vocal noise ratio of the signal processed by a vehicle audio system such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device. Optionally, an indicator is provided for use with the vehicular audio system in order to provide a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone of the audio system may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The indicator may be mounted at the accessory module or elsewhere at the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A radio microphone to be incorporated in a cellular phone handfree kit well-suited for using in a vehicle is composed of a main clip, an auxiliary clip a rotatable base, and a microphone main body, it is an all directionally turnable and handy communication device made up with low cost.

Abstract: A system for discerning an audible command from ambient noise in a vehicular cabin is disclosed. The system comprises a microphone array and a signal processing system.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer unit for a handsfree device in a vehicle includes a loudspeaker, a microphone and a connection to a mobile phone. The microphone can be mounted on a flexible bracket. The unit is constructed for positioning in the upper seatback area of a seat of the vehicle. One way of positioning is an elongated casing with two recesses at both ends and a spring device at one end. The casing can be inserted between the headrest carriers and is elastically fixed to it.

Abstract: An audio system, in particular for motor vehicles, having a loudspeaker installation for supplying sound to an audio chamber and a control unit with a signal detection unit for receiving microphone signals from at least one microphone exposed to the audio chamber outputting the signal to an evaluation unit which extracts interference signals from the microphone signals. The control unit produces control signals on the basis of these interference signals in order to operate the loudspeaker installation. To reduce the complexity for installation of such an audio system, at least one tweeter is connected in the loudspeaker installation as a microphone.

Abstract: A structural means is provided that positions an operator's voice communication microphone in a vehicle in the vicinity of the visor without interfering with the movement and functions of the visor. The positioning being achieved by attaching a portion of a microphone holder in connection with an escutcheon- type plate that is part of the visor retention and the visor support member and attaching the microphone to another portion of the microphone holder so as to extend the microphone to a position above the visor when the visor is in the stored position.

Abstract: Disclosed are a connection method for a microphone mounted in a mobile radio communication unit and a connection structure thereof, in which the connection of the microphone to a printed circuit board is made using circular conductive contacts formed at a holder made of a rubber material to protect the microphone, thereby being capable of conveniently achieving the connection between the microphone and the printed circuit board without using wires involving a welding process, as in conventional cases, while reducing the assembling time of the product, achieving an improvement in workability, and preventing an interference with peripheral components and a degradation in the connection resulting in a degradation in the reliability of the product. Alternatively, the connection of the microphone to a printed circuit board is made using a connector coated with a conductive adhesive (or a nonconductive adhesive) at both surfaces thereof.

Abstract: An audio apparatus for an equipment relates to an improvement of the sound quality in an acoustic apparatus of the equipment in which for an equipment having a woofer (4) and a tweeter (5), the acoustic apparatus (10) of the equipment includes a panel portion (3) which forms a part of a casing (2) of the equipment and has a plurality of holes (H), a sound conductor (8) which is arranged between the woofer (4) and the panel portion (3), and a buffer member (9) which is provided between the sound conductor (8) and the panel portion (3) and absorbs any woofer vibration.

Abstract: A configuration of providing a microphone in a duct having an air current therein, for use in an active noise reduction device for reducing noise propagating in the duct by producing sounds counteracting the noise, includes an expanded room formed by enlarging an area of a cross section of part of the duct, wherein the cross section is perpendicular to a direction of the air current, and a microphone provided in the expanded room for picking up the noise in order to produce signals for the sounds.

Abstract: An indicator for use with a microphone of a vehicular audio system, such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, provides a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.

Abstract: An accessory module for use with a vehicular cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.

Abstract: An unidirectional microphone comprising a microphone unit 2 having a front acoustic terminal 21 and a rear acoustic terminal 22, which is provided in a flat-faced surface F2 of such as an outer frame of a display panel for computer, includes a unit fitting portion F1 provided on the flat-faced surface F2 for fitting said microphone unit 2, the top surface of the plane F2 being flat with respect to the top surface of the front acoustic terminal 21 of the microphone unit 2, a baffle plate 3 mounted on the side of the front acoustic terminal 21 of the microphone unit 2 to be disposed in the opening surface of the unit fitting portion F1, and a side acoustic terminal 4 provided about the baffle plate 3 in communication with the rear acoustic terminal 22.

Abstract: A display device comprises a front case having a microphone hole, a rear case assembled with the front case into a single casing, an intermediary case positioned between the front case and the rear case, and a microphone. The intermediary case has a through hole at a position corresponding to the microphone hole. In one embodiment, the microphone is mounted adjacent to the microphone hole in the front case, and between the microphone hole and the through hole, with the front end of the microphone being directed to the microphone hole. In another embodiment, the microphone and its holder are both mounted in the front case.

Abstract: The present invention provides for permitting hands-free operation of a telephone handset in a vehicle. The device, having a base pivotally attached to the vehicle above the door opening on the driver's side, and also has means for storing the device above the door opening when not in use. Means are provided for wiring the device to the microphone input of the mobile phone set. A resiliently flexible elongated extension, having a coaxial cable being disposed therein, with a proximal end connected to the base and and a distal end containing a microphone. The extension connects the energy source to the distal end and is formed of a material that can be easily flexed by hand to assume a multiple of different shapes and angles, and which can retain a given shape indefinitely. The distal end is normally oriented towards the user's mouth when in position for use.

Abstract: A vehicle seat backrest incorporates two speakers and an electrically driven extensible/retractable boom carrying a microphone. The boom is supported and guided in grooves in the casing of the extension/retraction assembly. It is constructed of two spring metal straps having arcuate cross section shapes and a flexible insulation layer between the straps. The straps serve as electrical conductors for the microphone and electrical signals are transmitted to and from the straps by brushes. The boom is activated by connection to a toothed belt carried on two toothed pulleys, one of which is driven by an electric motor. The headrest is used with a commercially available cellular telephone having a jack into which the microphone and speakers of the backrest are plugged.

Abstract: An electronic product has a function knob capable of receiving voice signals. The electronic product includes a case forming the product's external appearance and is provided with the function knob for performing a given function of the product. A microphone is installed in the function knob to operate a given function and receive the voice signals. The function knob has a dustproof rubber member to shield the overall surface of the microphone other than the front side of the function knob from dusts and noises. The function knob, with the microphone installed therein, can be a button operated by a press or a dial by a rotation, thereby allowing the microphone to be highly sensitive to the voice signals but not spoiling the external appearance of the product.

Abstract: The invention is a wireless microphone unit for use with a transmitter such as a CB transmitter. The microphone unit transmitted the voice signal to a receiver unit that is attached to the transmitter via a standard microphone connector that a corded microphone would be attached to. The microphone unit may be attached to a mounting unit not in use. The mounting unit and microphone unit have mating electrical connectors that charge a battery in the microphone unit when the microphone unit is mounted in the mounting unit.

Abstract: A video monitor assembly incorporating a microphone shielded from electromagnetic interference emitted by the monitor's electronic components. The assembly includes a video monitor having a housing with a microphone port and an interior cavity containing electronic components emitting electromagnetic interference. A microphone is mounted within the housing, the microphone being capable of detecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic interference emitted by the electronic components of the monitor. A shroud is secured within the housing, the shroud being made from an electromagnetic interference shielding material and at least partially surrounding the microphone to substantially reduce the microphone's detection of the electromagnetic interference emitted by the electronic components of the monitor.

Abstract: A camera having a microphone for detecting sound in a bi-directional manner. The microphone, for example a first order gradient microphone, is placed within a camera body and is in communication with two apertures extending from the front and rear surfaces of the camera body. Background noise is reduced and sound from the scene being photographed and the user of the camera is preferentially detected by the microphone. Preferably, the microphone is mounted in a substantially resilient and acoustically opaque material to reduce stray noises, such as from the motors of the camera.

Abstract: An acoustic antenna for computer workstation, used for video conferencing that comprises a plurality of microphones connected to a summator circuit. The microphones are distributed in a layout so as to form a substantially straight line and are each spaced with respect to a reference microphone placed in the vicinity of the vertical axis of symmetry of the screen of the workstation according to a specified law. The layout exhibits a substantially cylindrical directivity pattern whose axis of revolution is formed by the straight line.