Abstract: A method for acquiring media of the same event from multiple devices can include synchronizing, using at least one timecode module configured to receive timecode data over a wireless network, a personal device and a professional device, acquiring media data with the synchronized devices, associating the timecode data with the acquired media, and merging acquired media data from the personal device with the acquired media data from the professional device. The merging can be based, at least in part, on the timecode data.

Abstract: A multi-channel and multi-zone audio environment is provided. Various inventions are disclosed that allow playback devices on one or more networks to provide an effective multi-channel and a multi-zone audio environment using timing information. According to one example, timing information is used to coordinate playback devices connected over a low-latency network to provide audio along with a video display. In another example, timing information is used to coordinate playback devices connected over a mesh network to provide audio in one or more zones or zone groups.

Abstract: Higher Order Ambisonics represents three-dimensional sound independent of a specific loudspeaker set-up. However, transmission of an HOA representation results in a very high bit rate. Therefore compression with a fixed number of channels is used, in which directional and ambient signal components are processed differently. For coding, portions of the original HOA representation are predicted from the directional signal components. This prediction provides side information which is required for a corresponding decoding. By using some additional specific purpose bits, a known side information coding processing is improved in that the required number of bits for coding that side information is reduced on average.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for identifying that a first audio stream includes first, second, and third sources of audio. A computing system identifies that a second audio stream includes the first, second, and third sources of audio. The computing system determines that the first and second sources of audio are part of a first conversation. The computing system generates a third audio stream that combines the first source of audio from the first audio stream, the first source of audio from the second audio stream, the second source of audio from the first audio stream, and the second source of audio from the second audio stream, and diminishes the third source of audio from the first audio stream, and the third source of audio from the second audio stream.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transmitting timecode and metadata to networked devices can include identifying one or more network devices capable of receiving timecode and sync information, generating a communication signal comprising timecode and sync information by a device having an internal clock, distributing the communication signal over a network to the identified network devices, and synchronizing the identified networked devices during an event.

Abstract: Described are techniques for configuring a group of audio devices in communication with one another to provide an audio output. Test data may be communicated between a selected audio device and each audio device in the group to determine data throughput values for each communication. A value indicative of the airtime that would be used to communicate data to each audio device, using the selected audio device, may be determined. This process may be repeated for each audio device within the group. The selected audio device associated with the lowest airtime value may be designated as a master audio device. A maximum airtime value associated with distribution of audio data from the master audio device to the other devices may be determined based on the data throughput values for each device. If the maximum airtime value is less than a threshold airtime value, the audio data may be distributed.

Abstract: An audio receiver that receives left, right, and center audio channels for a piece of sound program content is described. A content processor in the audio receiver generates separate audio signals corresponding to each channel for driving corresponding transducers in left and right loudspeaker arrays. The content processor generates (1) first center audio signals for driving transducers in the left array to generate a first center pattern, (2) second center audio signals for driving transducers in the right array to generate a second center pattern, (3) left audio signals for driving transducers in the left array to generate a left pattern, and (4) right audio signals for driving transducers in the right array to generate a right pattern. The first and second center patterns collectively represent the center channel while the left and right patterns respectively represent the left and right channels.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of multichannel audio. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for the provision of audio channels suitable for application to loudspeakers located above conventional front loudspeakers.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for enabling interaction with multi-channel media files. For example, embodiments include computer implemented methodologies that are implemented in the context of media editing software (for example a video editing suite). In some cases the methodologies are performed by way of a plug-in, which modifies the operation of pre-existing media editing software. In other cases the methodologies are integrated into media editing software. Alternate implementation approaches may also be used thereby to achieve corresponding functionalities.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensors and control interfaces, control, interface components, protocols, systems, and methods are described. An exemplary control interface can comprise one or more predefined symbols that facilitate control of a MEMS sensor over an existing pin of a package comprising one or more MEMS sensors. Provided implementations described read/write protocols that enable reading and/or writing internal registers associated with MEMS sensors and/or other electronic components or portions thereof. Embodiments of the subject disclosure can provide flexible and reusable control interfaces for MEMS sensors and associated protocols.

Abstract: A device capable of operating according to a wireless communications protocol, the device being configured to: receive audio data from an audio data source; generate volume control data for controlling the playback volume of the audio data; encapsulate the audio data and volume control data in a broadcast packet; and broadcast the packet in accordance with the wireless communications protocol.

Abstract: Systems and methods that reproduce surround sound effects from an audio source are described. Wireless communication devices form a wireless network in which music, for example, can be played on the speakers of the wireless communication devices to reproduce surround sound effects from a selected audio source. As the wireless communication devices roam with respect to each other or with respect to a focal point or listening position of the wireless network, the wireless network adjusts how the audio source is played at each speaker of the respective wireless communication device to maintain or to enhance the reproduction of surround sound effects from the audio source.

Abstract: Multi-user portable electronic devices for improving reading ability and/or comprehension for a plurality of subjects are provided. The multi-user portable electronic devices may include a pitch shifter circuit configured to generate frequency altered auditory speech feedback (FAF) signals corresponding to respective auditory speech signals received from respective active microphones, and to transmit the respective FAF signals to the plurality of subjects while one or more of the plurality of subjects are respectively reading aloud, to improve the plurality of subjects' reading ability and/or comprehension. The multi-user portable electronic devices may also include a switch configured to activate the microphones selectively, serially. Related methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spatialized communication of announcements to persons in a transit vehicle moving among a plurality of transit stations in at least two different languages simultaneously, in which at least two sound-emittive speakers are spaced-apart and disposed in opposing relation for persons to hear announcements. A storage device stores signals representative of at least one announcement associated with at least each transit station in at least two different languages. A communicator simultaneously communicates the signals representative of the announcement for each one of the at least two languages to a respective one of the speakers at a predetermined time prior to arrival of the transit vehicle at the transit station in sequence. The announcement, being communicated by each one of the at least two speakers in one of the at least two languages, is spatializedly discernable by persons in the transit vehicle in each of the communicated language.

Abstract: A noise reducing sound reproduction system and method may be operable with an input signal supplied to a loudspeaker by which it is acoustically radiated. The signal radiated by the loudspeaker may be received by a microphone that is acoustically coupled to the loudspeaker via a secondary path and that provides a microphone output signal. From the microphone output signal a useful-signal can be subtracted to generate a filter input signal. The filter input signal is filtered in an active noise reduction filter to generate an error signal, and the useful-signal is subtracted from the error signal to generate the loudspeaker input signal. In addition, the useful-signal is filtered by one or more spectrum shaping filters prior to subtraction from the microphone output signal or the loudspeaker input signal or both.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating audio signals between an input device and an output device via a network. The output device can include loudspeakers and headphones. In some embodiments an output device, for example a center channel speaker, transmits audio signals to other output devices. In some embodiments, the output device is coupled to, or combined with, a speaker stand or speaker bracket. The network can be wireless, wired, infrared, RF, and powerline.

Abstract: An audio system for reproducing audio signals comprising a signal processor, the signal processor having at least two processing channels and thereby the signal processor being configured to receive at least two separate audio signals and the signal processor configured to automatically select, in dependence upon the identity of each of the at least two audio signals assigned to the at least two processing channels, processing settings appropriate for each of the at least two audio signals assigned to the at least two processing channels that are for use by the signal processor in independently processing each of the at least two audio signals in each of the processing channels prior to combining said at least two audio signals and the audio system being configured to change the processing settings for a processing channel in response to a change in the identity of the audio signal assigned to that processing channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for narrow bandwidth digital processing of an input audio signal. Particularly, the present invention includes a high pass filter configured to filter the input audio signal. A first compressor then modulates the filtered signal in order to create a partially processed signal. In some embodiments, a clipping module further limits the gain of the partially processed signal. A splitter is configured to split the partially processed signal into a first signal and a second signal. A low pass filter is configured to filter the first signal. A pass through module is configured to adjust the gain of the second signal. A mixer then combines the filtered first signal and the gain-adjusted second signal in order to output a combined signal. In some embodiments, a tone control module further processes the combined signal, and a second compressor further modulates the processed signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for visualizing a directional sound activity of a multichannel audio signal, comprising: receiving input audio channels, spatial information being associated with each one of said channel, performing a time-frequency transformation of said input audio channels, for each one of a plurality of frequency sub-bands, determining a directional sound activity vector from said transformed input audio channels, determining a contribution of each one of said directional sound activity vectors within sub-divisions of space on the basis of directivity information related to each sub-divisions of space, for each sub-division of space, determining directional sound activity level within said sub-division of space by summing said contributions within said sub-division of space, displaying a visualization of the directional sound activity of the multichannel audio signal by a graphical representation of directional sound activity level within said sub-division of space.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage zones of a playback system are disclosed. An example method includes displaying a plurality of zone icons, including a first zone icon and a second zone icon, each of the zone icons representing zone player(s) operable to play back multimedia content in a local area network, wherein the first and second zone icons are currently located in a first zone group region, and wherein the zone players associated with the first and second zone icons are members of a first zone group, the first zone group synchronously playing back a first multimedia content; receiving a first drag and drop input to select the second zone icon and drag the second zone icon from inside the first zone group region to outside the first zone region; and, based on the first drag and drop input, causing the zone player(s) associated with the second zone icon to be disassociated with the first zone group.

Abstract: Isolator devices for a class A evacuation system are provided. The isolators each have specific address in the system. This allows the isolators to report individually with address information and status information, for example related to errors in the system and the device in particular. In an embodiment, a speaker can be connected to the device. This allows the speaker to be addressed individually so dedicated information like alarms and spoken messages can be sent to specific speakers. Dedicated isolators are available for announcing, powering the network and routing network traffic. Routers provide a possibility to create multiple loops, reducing wiring and increasing redundancy. By sending data in different branches by means of spread spectrum modulation, more data can be sent and effects of crosstalk between branches is highly reduced.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an audio delivery system including an audio source, an audio conversion device, a wireless transmitter, and mobile devices. The audio source is configured to deliver raw audio output in a first format to the audio conversion device. The audio conversion device is configured to receive the raw audio output, parse the raw audio output into data packets, transmit the data packets to a network location for conversion into a second format, receive the converted data packets from the network location, and transmit the converted data packets over a wireless network. The wireless transmitter is configured to generate a wireless network in a localized area for transmission of the converted data packets to the mobile devices. The mobile devices are configured to receive instructions from a user, receive the converted data packets, and present the converted data packets to the user in the second format based on the user instructions.

Abstract: An audio output device that operates on a network to connect with a first source device. The connection to the first source device can be made using a first wireless port, so that the first source device streams a first audio content to the first wireless port of the audio output device. When connected to the first source device, the audio output device generates an advertisement for the network, which communicates that the audio output device is available to receive a connection to another source device. In this way, the audio output device generates a new wireless port to connect to a second source device when the connection with the first source device is active.

Abstract: A method includes distinctly assigning, through a driver component, each audio channel of multichannel audio data in a memory of a data processing device to one or more audio endpoint device(s) of a number of audio endpoint devices communicatively coupled to the data processing device. Each audio endpoint device of the number of audio endpoint devices is capable of supporting a number of audio channels less than a number of audio channels of the multichannel audio data. The method also includes routing, through a processor of the data processing device communicatively coupled to the memory, audio data related to the each audio channel to the appropriate one or more audio endpoint device(s) based on the assignment through the driver component to enable rendering of the multichannel audio data on the number of audio endpoint devices.

Abstract: A system for controlling audio reproduction may include an interface operable to receive a data stream of an audio signal. The system may also include a processor. The processor may be operable to: analyze the data stream; divide the data stream into segments; associate audio classes with respective segments in accordance with audio classifications and the analysis of the data stream; and replace one or more of the segments associated with a specific audio class, with an audio file, based on information regarding the audio file and information regarding the specific audio class. Further, the system may include another interface operable to output a signal derived from the audio file, to drive a loudspeaker.

Abstract: An audio system, an audio outputting method, and a speaker apparatus are disclosed. The audio system includes a plurality of speaker modules connected to each other, a detection module configured to detect information of the plurality of speaker modules and user information, and a home control module configured to receive an audio signal, process the received audio signal based on the information of the plurality of speaker modules and the user information, and transmit the processed audio signal to the plurality of speaker modules.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to control audio playback devices are disclosed. An example first playback device includes a speaker driver, a processor, and a computer readable medium including a set of instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the first playback device to implement a method. The example method includes receiving, from a first audio information source, first audio information. The example method includes playing back the first audio information. The example method includes receiving, from a second audio information source, (i) a first message, and (ii) second audio information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for providing audio to one or more individuals in an operating room. An ultrasonic signal generator may be provided that generates two or more ultrasonic signals that combine to produce an audible signal at a desired location. The audio signal may be perceived by individuals in the operating room to emanate from a surface or location within the operating room, or the audio signal may be generated to provide an audible signal to one or more persons within a particular location within the operating room. Multiple audio signals may be generated to emanate from multiple different locations. Likewise, multiple audio signals may be generated to provide different audible signals in different locations in the operating room.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a set of interactive coasters. Specifically, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a set of musically interacting coasters which harmonize when placed in proximity to one another.

Abstract: Systems and methods operate on multi-channel audio content having audio content spanning a plurality of frequency bands. The process can be configured to analyze audio content to identify one or more frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands associated with a first channel having a signal level below a predetermined threshold; increase the gain of the identified frequency band(s) in the first channel; altering the gain of the identified frequency band(s) in the second channel relative to the first channel; phase shifting the first channel relative to the second channel to create modified first and second channels; creating a master channel signal comprising the modified first and second channels; separating the master channel signal into a plurality of frequency bands; and processing each frequency band in the master channel with an audio compressor to adjust attack and release times of master channel signals in multiple frequency bands.

Abstract: A time code signal is transmitted. An audio input is provided. An audio signal is received through the audio input. A first time code signal is generated. A value of the first time code signal is displayed on a display. A data stream including the audio signal with the first time code signal superimposed on the audio signal is generated. The data stream is transmitted to a first external device. An interruptible feedback signal is transmitted to the first external device or a second external device. A talkback signal is transmitted between a second external device and a third external device. A second time code signal is received from a second external device and the first time code signal is synchronized with the second time code signal. An interface is provided for noting the value of the first time code signal.

Abstract: An audio system for reproducing audio signals comprising a signal processor, the signal processor having at least two processing channels and thereby the signal processor being configured to receive at least two separate audio signals and the signal processor configured to automatically select, in dependence upon the identity of each of the at least two audio signals assigned to the at least two processing channels, processing settings appropriate for each of the at least two audio signals assigned to the at least two processing channels that are for use by the signal processor in independently processing each of the at least two audio signals in each of the processing channels prior to combining said at least two audio signals and the audio system being configured to change the processing settings for a processing channel in response to a change in the identity of the audio signal assigned to that processing channel.

Abstract: A method of enhancing audio sound. The method includes sensing an acoustic signal using a microphone in an electronic device. The acoustic signal is emitted in response to a primary sound signal and transmitted as a sound wave through a space. The method further includes receiving, using an antenna in the electronic device, a wireless signal encoded with the primary sound signal. An impulse response for the space is estimated based on the sensed acoustic signal and the primary sound signal encoded within the received wireless signal. A delay between the sensed acoustic signal and the primary sound signal encoded within the received wireless signal is calculated based on the estimated impulse response. The primary sound signal encoded within the received wireless signal is delayed using the calculated delay and reproduced to enhance the acoustic signal heard by a user of the electronic device.

Abstract: A wireless audio rendering device, such as headset (2) or speaker phone (3), which audio rendering device (2, 3) is adapted to be paired with a wireless audio gateway device, such as a smart phone (1), whereby a first radio link (4) for transmitting audio can be established between the audio gateway (1) and the first audio rendering device (2). The first audio rendering device (2) is adapted to wirelessly recognise a second audio rendering device (3) also paired with the audio gateway device (1). When brought within an activation distance (D1-D3) of the second audio rendering device (3) the first audio rendering device (2) is adapted to initiate an audio transfer step, in which the first audio link (4) is replaced by a second radio link (5) for transmitting audio between the audio gateway (1) and the second audio rendering device (3). The invention also relates to a method of audio transferring and an audio rendering device for use with the method.

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: Method and devices for providing surround audio signals are provided. Surround audio signals are received and are binaurally filtered by at least one filter unit. In some embodiments, the input surround audio signals are also processed by at least one equalizing unit. In those embodiments, the binaurally filtered signals and the equalized signals are combined to form output signals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for transmitting a multi-channel audio signal. The method includes determining whether an audio signal is a multi-channel audio signal; changing a format of a subframe if the received audio signal is a multi-channel audio signal as a result of the confirmation; inserting a channel identifier into an ancillary data region of the subframe of which the format is changed; and creating an audio bit stream including the ancillary data region into which the channel identifier is inserted.

Abstract: A speaker frame for a display device, such as a tablet, provides enhanced audio output when a device is docked within the frame of speakers. The speaker frame includes a battery to power the speaker frame operation and provide additional power to a docked device. The speaker frame can also dock to a second base unit, which can include additional speakers.

Abstract: A personal listening system uses the FM broadcast band for transmission and reception. The system includes a base unit and physically separate right- and left-ear listening units. The base unit includes an FM stereo transmitter. Each listening unit demodulates and amplifies the received signal, but the right-ear unit only amplifies the right channel and the left-ear unit only amplifies the left channel. The base unit may be a digital music player, book reader, video player, smart cellular telephone, or any other portable device. The base unit may include a display for displaying the selected FM frequency. The base unit may be a self-contained or integrated unit, or a device that couples to a digital music player, smart cellular telephone or other device to receive the audio signal therefrom. The right- and left-ear listening units may be any type of on-ear, in-ear or around-ear sound delivery devices including earbuds.

Abstract: A digital audio routing system providing a process and system for managing multi-channel audio signals and a plurality of language signals, and decoding the signals into serial sound data to create a program serial data and a plurality of language serial data. The program serial data and the plurality of language serial data are aligned, and the program serial data is separated. The plurality of language serial data are separated to create a plurality of language channels. At least one language channel is mixed with at least one serial data to generate a language channel mix. The levels of each program serial data and language channel mix are adjusted to generate a final output mix. The final output mix is encoded to adhere to the AES-3id standard to create an output signal, and the output signal is then transmitted.

Abstract: An apparatus for calculating driving coefficients for loudspeakers of a loudspeaker arrangement for an audio signal associated with a virtual source is described.

Abstract: One or more wireless speaker units can be distributed through a room, such as a classroom. One or more instructor units can communicate with the speaker unit via base station. Audio pathways can selectively be provided between speaker units, between speaker units and instructor units and between instructor units. A remote control can be used to control the available audio pathways.

Abstract: Method and system for the association of sound-producing sources with network audio interfaces in a live sound environment using networked digital audio for audio stream transport. An embodiment provides for efficient setup of a live sound environment that can be replicated with the same efficiency each time it is setup. Features and actions of the exemplary embodiment allow for contextual representation of audio sources, real-time confirmation of source and interface associations, and the query of source and interface relationships; none of which were possible using prior art systems and methods.

Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus and an audio signal processing method are provide. The audio signal processing apparatus comprises: a plurality of individual audio interfaces, an audio signal processing unit, and an audio channel splitting unit. The audio signal processing unit is utilized for determining a total number of audio channels corresponding to the individual audio interfaces and generating a first output audio signal with a first number of audio channels according to an input audio signal and the total number of audio channels when the audio signal processing apparatus is operated under a first operational mode. The audio channel splitting unit is coupled to the audio signal processing unit and the audio interfaces. When the audio signal processing apparatus is operated under the first operational mode, the audio channel splitting unit splits the first output audio signal with the first number of audio channels to the audio interfaces, respectively.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention divides an audio signal into auditory events, each of which tends to be perceived as separate and distinct, by calculating the spectral content of successive time blocks of the audio signal, calculating the difference in spectral content between successive time blocks of the audio signal, and identifying an auditory event boundary as the boundary between successive time blocks when the difference in the spectral content between such successive time blocks exceeds a threshold. In another aspect, the invention generates a reduced-information representation of an audio signal by dividing an audio signal into auditory events, each of which tends to be perceived as separate and distinct, and formatting and storing information relating to the auditory events. Optionally, the invention may also assign a characteristic to one or more of the auditory events. Auditory events may be determined according to the first aspect of the invention or by another method.

Abstract: Methods and devices to generate a multiple-channel audio recording are disclosed. An example method includes initiating a registration of a first device in response to determining that the first device is in a physical location of an event, sending first registration information to register the first device for the event, recording first audio via the first device, and sending the first audio for combination with second audio recorded via a second device.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a first output module, a judgment module, a first switch module, a second output module, an operation module, a second switch module and a play module. The first output module generates a first audio signal. The second output module generates second audio signals. If the first audio signal is generated, the judgment module generates a first control signal. The first switch module switches to the first state and transmits the first audio signal. If the first audio signal is not generated, the judgment module generates a second control signal. The operation module generates a selecting signal. The second switch module switches to a second audio signal according to the selecting signal and transmits to the first switch module. The first switch module switches to the second state and transmits the selected second audio signal. The play module plays the audio signal.

Abstract: A system for generating 3D sound with adjustable source positioning includes a first stage and a second stage, which is coupled to the first stage and to a speaker array that includes a plurality of speakers. The first stage is configured to position a plurality of virtual sound sources through a positioner output. The second stage is configured to generate a 3D signal for the speaker array based on the positioner output. The speaker array is configured to generate a 3D sound stage including the virtual sound sources based on the 3D signal. The first stage may be further configured to reposition the virtual sound sources.

Abstract: A method for operating an audio system for transmitting wireless audio streams to a hearing system, the wireless audio streams comprising a first audio stream and a second audio stream, the audio system comprising a communication unit and a radio system comprising stationary transmitter units for transmitting at least the first audio stream with first audio identification data indicative of the first audio stream and the second audio stream with second audio identification data indicative of the second audio stream, the stationary transmitter units including a first transmitter unit and a second transmitter unit, the method includes: receiving a request indicative of an audio track; determining configuration data based on the request indicative of the audio track; and transmitting the configuration data to the hearing system for allowing the hearing system to receive one of the first and second audio streams representative of the audio track indicated in the request.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to filter audio are disclosed. An example device includes first and second audio speakers having first audio characteristics, a third audio speaker having second audio characteristics, wherein the third speaker is positioned between the first and second audio speakers, a first audio filter to process an audio input signal to have a first frequency response including a first cutoff frequency, the first audio filter to output a first audio output signal to the first audio speaker, and a second audio filter to process the audio input signal to have a second frequency response to compensate for interference between the first and second frequency responses caused by a position of the first audio speaker relative to the second audio speaker.