Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods provide a calibration technique for calibrating a set of microphones. The disclosed calibration technique is configured to calibrate the microphones with respect to a reference microphone and can be used in actual operation rather than a testing environment. The disclosed calibration technique can estimate both the magnitude calibration factor for compensating magnitude sensitivity variations and the relative phase error for compensating phase delay variations. In addition, the disclosed calibration technique can be used even when multiple acoustic sources are present. The disclosed technique is particularly well suited to calibrating a set of microphones that are omnidirectional and sufficiently close to one another.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods provide a calibration technique for calibrating a set of microphones. The disclosed calibration technique is configured to calibrate the microphones with respect to a reference microphone and can be used in actual operation rather than a testing environment. The disclosed calibration technique can estimate both the magnitude calibration factor for compensating magnitude sensitivity variations and the relative phase error for compensating phase delay variations. In addition, the disclosed calibration technique can be used even when multiple acoustic sources are present. The disclosed technique is particularly well suited to calibrating a set of microphones that are omnidirectional and sufficiently close to one another.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing the audio experience on a consumer electronic device are disclosed. More particularly systems and methods for optimizing the audio performance of individual consumer electronic devices as part of a manufacturing process and/or retail experience are disclosed. A system for enhancing the audio performance of a consumer electronic device including a parametrically configurable processing block is disclosed.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for performing an audio measurement is provided. The apparatus includes a controller that is programmed to generate an audio test signal based on a first frequency range that comprises a first noise spectrum, a second frequency range that comprises a second noise spectrum, and a third frequency range that comprises a third noise spectrum and to transmit the audio test signal to an audio device that generates an audio response signal responsive to the audio test signal. The controller is further programmed to receive the audio response signal and to determine audio related characteristics for the audio device in response to the audio response signal.

Abstract: An automatic audio recovery system in a mobile device is provided. The system includes one or more status generators and an audio path recovery handler. The one or more status generators are configured to monitor operation of audio path elements within the mobile device, and are configured to detect and report one or more abnormal audio operations to an audio status monitor, where, responsive to one or more reports corresponding to the one or more abnormal audio operations, the audio status monitor requests automatic recovery of the audio path elements. The audio path recovery handler is configured to receive an automatic recovery request from the audio status monitor, and is configured to responsively direct reset elements corresponding to the audio path elements to automatically initialize the audio path elements to a stable state.

Abstract: A testing method or apparatus utilizes a filter or modifier to measure time varying or dynamic harmonic, intermodulation, cross modulation, and or N-Beat or triple distortion from a device. With a stairstep or arbitrary signal and another signal, Nth order harmonic, cross modulation, triple beat, N-Beat, and or intermodulation distortion is measured via the filter or modifier at different offsets or time provided by an arbitrary low frequency signal. For example, an amplifier with crossover distortion will show increased (e.g., time varying) harmonic, cross modulation, triple beat, and or intermodulation distortion near the zero crossing while providing less distortion in other portions of the transfer curve of the amplifier. One or more distortion signals from the device (e.g., audio device) may be measured for a phase and or frequency modulation effect.

Abstract: Provided is a sound processing system and a sound processing device, which are capable of detecting attachment/detachment of an earphone microphone without adding a signal wire for detection. The sound processing system includes an earphone microphone and a sound processing device. The earphone microphone includes a speaker and a microphone. The speaker outputs an output sound. The microphone outputs a collected sound signal corresponding to collected sounds, and collects echo sound of the output sound echoed in an external acoustic meatus in a state where the earphone microphone is placed in the external acoustic meatus. The sound processing device includes an attachment determinator, which determines whether or not the earphone microphone is placed in the external acoustic meatus based on a variation of the collected sound signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a type of an audio interface is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: an audio interface, comprising a pin 3 and a pin 4, in which one of the pin 3 and the pin 4 is configured as a MIC pin of the audio interface, and the other one is configured as a ground pin; a first level comparison module configured to output a signal Sg1, when a level V3 of the pin 3 is greater than a sum of a level V4 of the pin 4 and a predetermined threshold Vg1, otherwise to output a signal Sg1?; a second level comparison module configured to output a signal Sg2, when the level V4 of the pin 4 is greater than a sum of the level V3 of the pin 3 and a predetermined threshold Vg2, otherwise to output a signal Sg2?.

Abstract: A method of audio processing for an entertainment device operable to communicate with a game controller, the method comprising the steps of generating a source sound for reproduction by a plurality of loudspeakers at a current position where acoustic signals from the plurality of loudspeakers are coincident (hereafter referred to as a ‘sweet spot’), requesting that the user steers the sound using the game controller until the user considers the sound to be centered upon them, and interpreting user inputs from the game controller to adjust the output timing of the source sound data signals for reproduction by respective ones of the plurality of loudspeakers in accordance with the user directional inputs so as to move the sweet spot.

Abstract: Headphones with acoustically resistant ear cups, an external noise sensor mounted thereto that monitors ambient noise, and internal sensors to monitor noise within each ear cup are disclosed. A processing system monitors the external and interior sound detected by the sensors and compares the level inside the ear cups with the detected level of ambient noise. It activates a transducer such as a vibrator, buzzer, or light as needed to indicate when the level within the ear cups has exceeded the predetermined criteria thereby indicating improper fit of the headphones. Alternative embodiments include wirelessly communicating the collected data to an auxiliary computer for remote data collection, storage and monitoring. The headphones may also provide a sound dosimeter; bandpass filtering; automatic noise reduction with feed forward and/or feed back; wireless voice and data communication; and a voice activated switch, all using elements of the headphone fit detection circuitry.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a microphone system with an internal test circuit. The system includes a microphone having a housing with an acoustic port, a first transducer, a second transducer, a controller, and a current source. The system also includes an acoustic assembly with a cover and an acoustic pressure source positioned in the cover. When the acoustic assembly is positioned over the acoustic port, an acoustic chamber is formed, and a signal can be applied to the acoustic pressure source such that a first set of measurements can be taken. The acoustic assembly can be removed and replaced with an acoustic cover to take a second set of measurements. Based on the first and second measurements, sensitivities of the first and second transducers can be determined. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for calibrating the sensitivity of a microphone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for entrainment containment in digital filters using output phase modulation. Phase change is gradually introduced into the acoustic feedback canceller loop to avoid entrainment of the feedback canceller filter. Various embodiments employing different output phase modulation approaches are set forth and time and frequency domain examples are provided. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for automated testing of electrostatic discharge of a Device Under Test (DUT) are provided. In the apparatus and the method, an electrostatic pulse is applied to the DUT, a malfunction type is detected from the DUT, and a control command is transmitted to the DUT to return a test mode of the DUT to a normal mode according to the detected malfunction type.

Abstract: Techniques for providing multiple power supplies in electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an appropriate power supply is provided only to accommodate a volume setting. In other words, there are at least two power supplies, one with a low voltage and the other with a high voltage. The high voltage power supply is only applied when there is a need to accommodate a volume setting. Thus the power consumption of the amplifiers is well controlled. As a result, the designs of the device and heat dissipation therein can be simplified and lowered in cost.

Abstract: SPL monitoring systems are provided. A SPL monitoring system includes an audio transducer configured to receive sound pressure, a logic circuit which calculates a safe time duration over which a user can receive current sound pressure values and an indicator element which produces a notification when an indicator level occurs. An SPL monitoring information system includes a database which stores data such as a list of earpiece devices and associated instrument response functions. The logic circuit compares a request with the data in the database and retrieves a subset of data and sends it to an output control unit. The output control unit sends the subset of data to a sending unit.

Abstract: A microphone inspection method includes the following steps. Firstly, a sound wave from a speaker is received by an under-test microphone and a reference microphone. Consequently, a first characteristic point distribution chart and a second characteristic point distribution chart are created, respectively. Each of the first characteristic point distribution chart and the second characteristic point distribution chart includes plural characteristic points corresponding to respective normalized frequency values. Then, a characteristic point number difference between a number of the characteristic points of the first characteristic point distribution chart and a number of the characteristic points of the second characteristic point distribution chart within a specified normalized frequency value range is calculated. Consequently, the quality of the under-test microphone is judged according to the characteristic point number difference.

Abstract: A rendering device is configured to dynamically vary how audio and visual information is rendered by a rendering device responsive to changes in distance between the rendering device and a mobile device carried by a user. As the user moves about, the distance between the rendering device and the mobile device carried by the user will vary. As the distance between the mobile device and the rendering device changes, the rendering system can dynamically adapt how the audio and visual information is rendered. For example, the rendering device can increase or decrease the volume of an audio output, depending on changes in the distance. Also, the rendering device can change how visual information is rendered on a display responsive to changes in distance. In some embodiments, when the distance between the mobile device and rendering device exceeds a predetermined distance, the audio and/or visual information may be sent to the mobile device.

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: A self calibrating dipole microphone formed from two omni-directional acoustic sensors. The microphone includes a sound source acoustically coupled to the acoustic sensors and a processor. The sound source is excited with a test signal, exposing the acoustic sensors to acoustic calibration signals. The responses of the acoustic sensors to the calibration signals are compared by the processor, and one or more correction factors determined. Digital filter coefficients are calculated based on the one or more correction factors, and applied to the output signals of the acoustic sensors to compensate for differences in the sensitivities of the acoustic sensors. The filtered signals provide acoustic sensor outputs having matching responses, which are subtractively combined to form the dipole microphone output.

Abstract: A cradle apparatus includes a casing, a mounting unit provided to the casing so that an electronic device is mounted thereto, and a speaker provided only to a bottom portion of the casing and having a downward vibration plate which emits a sound supplied from the electronic device mounted to the mounting unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating quality indications of bone conduction, in which bone conduction element(s) may be used to input and/or output signals when in contact with a user. A bone conduction sensor may be used to obtain bone conduction related measurement(s), relating to the bone conduction element(s) and/or operations thereof. The bone conduction measurement(s) may be processed, such as to determine or estimate quality of attachment and/or performance of the bone conduction elements. Quality indication(s) may then be generated based on the assessed quality of bone conduction, and may be configured for presentation to a user.

Abstract: A method for calibrating performance of a small array microphone is provided. The small array microphone includes at least two microphones. The method includes: measuring parameters of the microphones; recording the parameters in a storage media; and calibrating acoustic performance of the array microphone according to the parameters recorded in the storage media.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a communication device and methods for enhancing audio signals. A first audio signal buffer and a second audio signal buffer are acquired. Thereafter, the second audio signal is processed based on the linear predictive coding coefficients and gains based on mean noise power of the first audio signal to generate an enhanced second audio signal.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a housing containing a speaker for delivering sound waves; and a sensing element for detecting air movement in the housing and further providing a control signal based on the detected air movement. The control signal is sent to a host apparatus. A user interface operation dependent on the control signal is preformed, such as filtering, muting or amplifying an input audio signal to the speaker or switching off the host apparatus. The housing comprises compressible material such that when the compressible material is displaced air movement in the housing is detected by the sensing element.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating quality indications of bone conduction, in which bone conduction element(s) may be used to input and/or output signals when in contact with a user. A bone conduction sensor may be used to obtain bone conduction related measurement(s), relating to the bone conduction element(s) and/or operations thereof. The bone conduction measurement(s) may be processed, such as to determine or estimate quality of attachment and/or performance of the bone conduction elements. Quality indication(s) may then be generated based on the assessed quality of bone conduction, and may be configured for presentation to a user.

Abstract: Various technologies pertaining to localizing multiple mobile computing devices in an indoor environment are described. Pairs of microphone arrays are selectively positioned in an indoor environment. A localization service assigns a frequency and schedule to a mobile telephone, and the mobile telephone begins outputting vibrations at the assigned frequency and in conformance with the assigned schedule. The microphone arrays sense the vibrations, and angles between the microphone arrays, respectively, and the mobile computing device are computed based upon the sensed vibrations. Such angles are subsequently employed to compute the location of the mobile computing device in the indoor environment.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device including, a display, an audio output module, a transmission module, a first detection module, a second detection module, a third detection module, and a controller configured to control at least one of the timing of the transmission of the audio signal by the transmission module and the timing of the output of the first reproduction output by the audio output module in accordance with the time difference detected by the third detection module, and to switch whether or not to control the timing in accordance with the positional relationship between the electronic device and the partner device.

Abstract: A testing method or apparatus utilizes filter banks to measure time varying or dynamic harmonic distortion or intermodulation distortion. With a stairstep signal and filter banks, Nth order harmonic and or intermodulation distortion is measured via the filter banks at different offsets provided by an arbitrary low frequency signal. An amplifier with crossover distortion will show increased harmonic and or intermodulation distortion near the zero crossing while providing less distortion in other portions of the transfer curve of the amplifier.

Abstract: A loudspeaker control apparatus of the present invention includes: an operation reception section that receives a user operation; a mode selection section that selects between two operation modes, based on the user operation, either a normal mode in which operations of a plurality of loudspeakers and lights are controlled independently or an inspection mode in which each of the plurality of loudspeakers is inspected to see whether it is operating normally; and a control section that controls the operations of the plurality of loudspeakers and lights based on the operation mode, and the control section, in the inspection mode, sequentially causes the plurality of loudspeakers to output an inspection tone and sequentially causes lights which correspond to the loudspeakers from which the inspection tone is being outputted to be turned on or to blink.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for audio device playback failure recovery and redistribution. The systems and methods may be configured to cause a plurality of playback devices to render audio content in a synchronized manner, detect a failure of a first playback device of the plurality of playback devices, determine a playback responsibility of the first playback device, and cause an adjustment of the rendering of the audio content by at least a second playback device of the plurality of playback devices. The systems and methods may further be configured to detect an addition of a new playback device to the plurality of playback devices, determine a playback responsibility of the new playback device for rendering the audio content, and cause an adjustment of the rendering of the audio content by at least a one playback device from the plurality of playback devices.

Abstract: An end-of-branch (EOB) module system for an audio signal distribution system having a wired trunk and a plurality of wired branches extending communicatively from such trunk, the EOB module system including: a plurality of EOB modules including one EOB module electronically coupled at each distal end of each branch and trunk of the audio signal distribution system, where each EOB module of the plurality of EOB modules has a unique address together forming a plurality of unique addresses; a test system able to send a test carrier signal encoded with any one unique address of the plurality of unique addresses at a time onto the trunk; and a switch within each EOB module, responsive to its unique address to place an end-of-line (EOL) load on its respective branch or trunk, and where power for operation of each EOB module is provided by rectification of the test signal.

Abstract: An acoustic apparatus and a method thereof in a mobile terminal are provided. More particularly, an apparatus and a method for establishing a multi-sound system that provides sounds of sense of reality by connecting with players existing in the neighborhood and reproducing channels of contents using a plurality of players when reproducing the contents including multi-sound channels are provided. The apparatus includes a control player, a server player, and a client player. The control player selects players that reproduce respective channels using information of the channels forming the multi-sound channel contents. The server player analyzes the contents to be reproduced by the players to provide the information regarding the channels to the control player. The client player reproduces the channels of the relevant contents under control of the control player.

Abstract: Practical speaker connection is identified using a device having a sound channel of a 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel, and a device is provided that can easily reproduce the optimum multiple channels. Actual speaker arrangement can be identified by, for example, measuring the impedance of a terminal at the side of an audio amplifier. If incorrect connection is found, a warning is issued. This information is transmitted to a signal source with an EDID and a signal with the optimum a number of sound channel is sent. The EDID is also used for the connection with a display unit and the speaker connection with which the display unit is provided uniquely. For example, a sound through the 7.1 channel is easily reproduced using the speaker of the display unit in the channel of the front speaker.

Abstract: A portable terminal and a method for detecting an earphone connection are provided. The method includes detecting a connection of earphones; detecting and analyzing a sound input through the connected earphones; and determining whether a microphone is installed in the earphones by comparing an analysis result with a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Signals are received, over a range of angles, at an input of a device. The signals include a primary signal with a principal direction of arrival and an interfering signal with a respective interfering direction of arrival at the input. Measurements are determined for the received signals over the range of angles. Each measurement relates to a particular angle and indicating the energy of the received signals which are received from the particular angle. For each angle over the range of angles, a value is removed from the measurement for that angle, the value being based on the minimum of: (i) the energy of the measurement for that angle, and (ii) the energy of a corresponding measurement for a corresponding angle mirrored around the principal direction of arrival, whereby the remaining values of the plurality of measurements are indicative of said at least one interfering direction of arrival.

Abstract: There is provided an in-ear earphone comprising a housing having at least one electroacoustic transducer, a control unit which outputs a test signal to the electroacoustic reproduction transducer for reproduction, and a tightness measuring unit for measuring a parameter representative of the tightness of a fit of the earphone in an ear canal. The control unit is adapted to output a second audio signal as confirmation of a tight fit of the earphone to the electroacoustic reproduction transducer for reproduction.

Abstract: A disclosed example method to determine a location of an audience member involves generating a correlation analysis result based on correlating first audio samples from a stationary audio detector with second audio samples from a portable audio detector carried by the audience member and determining via a neural network the location of the audience member based on the correlation analysis result.

Abstract: An electronic device may include wireless circuitry that is configured to transmit wireless signals during operation. A maximum transmit power level may be established that serves as a cap on how much power is transmitted from the electronic device. Adjustments may be made to the maximum transmit power level in real time based on sensor signals and other information on the operating state of the electronic device. The sensor signals may include motion signals from an accelerometer. The sensor signals may also include ultrasonic sound detected by a microphone. Device orientation data may be used by the device to select whether to measure the ultrasonic sound using a front facing or rear facing microphone. Maximum transmit power level may also be adjusted based on whether or not sound is playing through an ear speaker in the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microphone test stand comprising a slide assembly with a microphone holder surrounded by a first acoustic sealing member. The slide assembly is movable in a first direction between a first position outside an acoustical chamber with an exposed state of the microphone holder and a second position inside the acoustical chamber in a shielded state of the microphone holder. An electrical connector comprises a set of electrical connector terminals which is connectable to a set of microphone terminals for receipt of a microphone response signal from a microphone assembly arranged in the microphone holder in response to a test sound pressure in the acoustical chamber.

Abstract: An audio testing system and an audio testing method for an electronic device under test are provided. The audio testing method includes the following steps. A testing audio is sent through a testing audio sending end of a testing device. An electronic device under test is controlled to perform recording through an audio receiving end, so as to generate an under-testing audio. After the recording is completed, the device under test controlled to playback the under-testing audio from one of both-side audio sending ends to perform recording through the testing audio receiving end, and calls an audio analyzing process to generate a first testing result. The device under test controlled to playback the under-testing audio from the other one of the both-side audio sending ends to perform recording through the testing audio receiving end, and calls the audio analyzing process to generate a second testing result.

Abstract: An audio output apparatus and a method are provided, which includes calculating a temperature value of a voice coil of the audio output apparatus using a heat transfer model algorithm, in response to power being supplied to the voice coil; adjusting an output level of an audio signal by determining a gain value to adjust the output level of the audio signal according to the calculated voice coil temperature value, and outputting the audio signal with the adjusted output level.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a sensitivity calibration method and an audio device. The method of the present invention includes determining whether a first signal captured in a current frame by a primary capture module is a circuit noise. When the first signal is not a circuit noise, if the first signal has a stationary noise characteristic, a first calibration gain is determined according to the first signal and a second signal captured in the current frame by a secondary capture module. The second signal is calibrated according to the first calibration gain, so that sensitivity of the primary capture module is consistent with sensitivity of the secondary capture module.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sound signal processor includes: a connector; an input module; and a generator. The connector is connectable with an earphone. The input module receives and processes a plurality of sound signals corresponding to sound of a plurality of times output from the earphone, respectively. The generator generates, by using first data indicating a frequency characteristic of a first sound signal among the received and processed sound signals and second data indicating a frequency characteristic of a second sound signal among the received and processed sound signals, correction data correcting a frequency characteristic of the earphone to be a target frequency characteristic set as a target. The first data is used for a first frequency band lower than or equal to a reference. The second data is used for a second frequency band higher than the reference.

Abstract: A method of operating a hearing device monitors for a head movement of a hearing device wearer. When a head movement is detected, an acoustic signal acquired by a microphone is output in an amplified and phase-modulated manner with a receiver. Furthermore, a hearing device includes a motion sensor and a signal processing unit that is configured to execute the method.

Abstract: Control of audio output characteristics of the device is contemplated. The control may correspond with modifying the audio output characteristics according to an orientation of the device or other positional relationships defined between the device, the output from the device and/or speaker positioning that may vary as a result of user manipulation or an environment within which the device is being used.

Abstract: An audio quality estimation apparatus includes an audio packet loss frequency calculation unit (11) which, when at least one audio packet to be assessed exists in singly or continuously generated IP packet losses, calculates an audio packet loss frequency based on information of received IP packets by counting the packet losses as an audio packet loss of one time regardless of the continuous length, an average influence time calculation unit (12) which calculates, based on information of received IP packets, an average influence time serving as an average time during which audio quality is influenced when the audio packet loss frequency is 1, and a subjective quality assessment value estimation unit (22) which estimates a subjective quality assessment value based on the audio packet loss frequency and average influence time.

Abstract: A dereverberation apparatus includes a signal selecting unit which selects a sound signal to be used for dereverberation process from a plurality of sound signals, and a dereverberation processing unit which performs the dereverberation process for the selected sound signal.

Abstract: A computing system including a component to perform a function and generates a noise. A microphone to receive an input including the noise. The computing system can monitor a component for an event that produces a noise.

Abstract: An automatic arrangement for deactivating a computer's speaker or microphone immediately upon the unplugging of an external headphone, speaker or microphone from the computer. Similar principles can be employed in other contexts where there is a desire to afford different types or levels of audio output to different parties or in different settings.

Abstract: A home theater system, an audio output adjusting device of a home theater system and methods thereof allow a prescribed or three-dimension audio configuration state for at least one prescribed position even when the prescribed location and/or a configuration of the speakers in a home theater system are modified. The device can include a checker for analyzing at least one of volume and delay time of a test audio signal outputted from speakers and providing the analyzed information to a controller. The controller can control output level and timing of audio signals subsequently output from the speakers based on the analyzed information.