Abstract: Speaker control systems are implemented using a variety of systems and methods. In one such system, an audio signal is distributed to at least one speaker selected from a set of speakers. The system includes a set of audio-distribution circuits for distributing the audio signal to the set of speakers. Logic circuitry is used to automatically determine an impedance-based parameter for use in distributing the audio signal to the at least one selected speaker based at least partly on a load-tolerance parameter for an audio source and on an impedance of the at least one selected speaker. The logic circuitry controls distribution of the audio signal to the selected speakers based at least partly on the impedance-based parameter. One or more of the set of audio-distribution circuits are used by the logic circuitry to distribute the audio signal to the at least one selected speaker.

Abstract: An audio processing method includes: after the terminal accesses the control server, the control server obtains audio capabilities of the terminal through capability negotiation; and the control server forwards the coded audio data to each terminal according to the audio capabilities. An audio processing system and a control server are disclosed. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the audio data does not need to undergo an operation of audio coding and decoding every time when the audio data passes through a control server, and the number of coding and decoding operations performed by the control server are reduced drastically. Especially, in the case that only one control server exists, the audio delay between terminals only derives from network transmission, coding of the sending terminal and decoding of the receiving terminal, and the control server extracts and reassembles the packets of the audio data only.

Abstract: An electronic circuit, a digital audio component, an interface system and a method for streaming PDM data from or to at least one audio element are provided. The electronic circuit comprises a VDD connection for receiving a VDD potential, a GND connection for receiving a potential numerically lower than said VDD potential, a CLK connection for receiving a clock signal having a high and a low part, a DATA connection for communicating said PDM data to or from a host and/or another such electronic circuit, an L/R connection for receiving a DC potential designating whether to communicate substantially synchronously with said high part or said low part of said clock signal. The electronic circuit further comprises an I/O circuit configured for communicating control data via said L/R connection.

Abstract: A downmixer provides a listener of an output signal with a substantially accurate rendition of the apparent direction and relative loudness of an input signal. Downmixing certain channels of the input signal independently may substantially preserve the energy and intended direction of the input signal. The downmixer may include a test downmixer that operates over a limited frequency range to more accurately reflect the loudness of the input signal at the output, as perceived by a listener. The downmixer may demand fewer resources, freeing up resources for use in other operations.

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 apparatus includes a main unit to extract audio signals for at least two channels from a multichannel audio signal; and a transmitter to wirelessly transmit at least one audio signal of the extracted audio signals to a first receiver, and to wirelessly transmit at least one other audio signal of the extracted audio signals to a second receiver.

Abstract: An audio apparatus includes: a connector that supports a multipolar plug including a plurality of plug terminals, the connector having a plurality of connector terminals including an input terminal of an audio collection section and an output terminal that outputs a noise canceling signal; a signal amplification section that amplifies a combined signal generated by combining the noise canceling signal and a reproduction audio signal, the signal amplification section being provided on an audio signal line that connects the input terminal and the output terminal; a detection section that detects whether the multipolar plug is inserted or pulled out by detecting change of voltage of a voltage supply line connected to the audio signal line; and a suppression section that suppresses output from the signal amplification section when the multipolar plug is pulled out but does not suppress the output when the multipolar plug is inserted.

Abstract: A plurality of audio signal output terminals corresponding to individual channels of an audio-signal output apparatus are respectively disposed in correspondence with actual positions of a plurality of speakers disposed in correspondence with plural channels. Those audio signal output terminals provided for plural channels of the audio signal output apparatus are arranged to enable an user to discern individual audio signal output terminals by a color. Connecting cables are also provided with specific coloration corresponding to the colors provided for individual audio signal output terminals.

Abstract: Methods and systems for social functionality via a mobile communication device are presented. An example system may include an access device and a communication node. The access device may be located at a commercial venue and communicatively coupled via a local area network with a mobile communication device located at the venue. The communication node may be communicatively coupled to the access device via a wide area network to provide a social networking service related to the venue to a user of the mobile communication device. The access device may exchange information relating to the social networking service between the communication node and the mobile communication device.

Abstract: The invention relates to sonic steerable antennae and their use to achieve a variety of effects. The invention comprises a method and apparatus for taking an input signal, replicating it a number of times and modifying each of the replicas before routing them to respective output transducers such that a desired sound field is created. This sound field may comprise a directed beam, focus beam or a simulated origin. Further, “anti-sound” may be directed so as to create nulls (quiet spots) in an already existing sound field. The input signal replicas may also be modified in way which changes their amplitude or they may be filtered to provide the desired delaying.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for content assembly is provided by which an automation playlist of media events is created, a relationship is defined between the media events, the media events are merged into a composite media event and published.

Abstract: A system and method for the directional transmission of sound is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises an audio source configured to generate an audio signal, a control module configured to receive the audio signal and generate a driving signal, based at least in part on the audio signal, and an array comprising a plurality of loudspeakers, wherein the loudspeakers are linearly arranged such that the spacing between two adjacent loudspeakers increases along the array. In a particularly, embodiment, the spacing increases exponentially, and broadband dipole loudspeakers are used.

Abstract: An audio system attachable to a computer includes a sound reproduction device for producing audible sound from audio signals. The sound reproduction device includes a radio tuner and a powered speaker. The audio system further includes a connector for connecting the sound reproduction device with a computer. The computer provides audio signals from a plurality of sources, the sources including a computer CD player, digitally encoded computer files stored on the computer, and a computer network connected to the computer. The sound reproduction device further includes control buttons for controlling at least one of the computer CD player, the digitally encoded computer files and the computer network.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for wireless sharing of audio sounds among a plurality of users. A user of the present invention can communicate his or her audio sounds to other users, who can receive the audio sounds wirelessly and choose to rebroadcast them. Along with the audio sound files users can share information regarding the audio sounds being shared, such as title, artist, collection, genre, year, encoding rate, size, playlist, and other desired information. The user of device can opt to set the device to transmit, re-transmit, broadcast, re-broadcast, receive or not to receive play-list information in addition to the audio sound files and the information regarding the audio sounds themselves.

Abstract: Sound can be listened to only in a listening area by maximizing a sound energy difference between a listening area and a non-listening area while maximizing sound radiation efficiency of each sound source. Accordingly, realistic sound can be provided to listeners without causing auditory disturbance to third parties, and maximal sound effects can be obtained with only minimal control.

Abstract: A wireless device and method may comprise a receiver and method for receiving wireless transmissions including locating data, authorization data and program data, and for determining its location from the locating data and a stored representation of a venue. Authorization data and locating data are used to authorize reproduction and/or controlling of received program data. The device and method may determine a delay time to its location for delaying the received program data to be substantially in time alignment with natural sound, and to be so reproduced and/or recorded. Optionally, a binaural microphone may pick up ambient sound which is mixed or combined with the delayed program data for producing a combined stereo audio signal.

Abstract: In general, user interfaces for controlling a plurality of multimedia players in groups are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a user interface is provided to allow a user to group some of the players according to a theme or scene, where each of the players is located in a zone. When the scene is activated, the players in the scene react in a synchronized manner. For example, the players in the scene are all caused to play a multimedia source or music in a playlist, wherein the multimedia source may be located anywhere on a network. The user interface is further configured to illustrate graphically a size of a group, the larger the group appears relatively, the more plays there are in the group.

Abstract: A binaural decoder for an MPEG surround stream, which decodes an MPEG surround stream into a stereo 3D signal, and a decoding method thereof. The method includes dividing a compressed audio stream and head related transfer function (HRTF) data into subbands, selecting predetermined subbands of the HRTF data divided into subbands and filtering the HRTF data to obtain the selected subbands, decoding the audio stream divided into subbands into a stream of multi-channel audio data with respect to subbands according to spatial additional information, and binaural-synthesizing the HRTF data of the selected subbands with the multi-channel audio data of corresponding subbands.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a signal processor includes: a plurality of loudspeakers configured to reproduce sound of a plurality of channels; a plurality of microphones configured to pick up sound of a plurality of channels; a detector configured to detect a user who is present in a direction of a space from which the microphones pick up the sound, and output directional characteristic information indicating a relative direction of the user to the loudspeakers; and a signal processor configured to switch contents of processing to reduce a disturbance signal included in a picked-up sound signal of the sound picked up by the microphones from the picked-up sound signal based on the relative direction indicated by the directional characteristic information.

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: An arrangement includes an input, a modulation circuit, an isolation circuit, a demodulator circuit, a detector circuit and at least two outputs. The input is configurable to receive an audio signal and a DC voltage. The modulation circuit is configured to modulate the audio signal and the DC voltage. The isolation circuit has an input electrically isolated from the output, wherein its input coupled to the modulation circuit. The demodulator circuit is operably coupled to the output of the isolation circuit and configured to extract the audio signal therefrom. The detector circuit is operably coupled to the output of the demodulator, and is configured to generate a first signal responsive to detection of a modulated signal corresponding to the DC voltage modulated by the modulation circuit.

Abstract: A delay time calculation apparatus that enables all of speaker units constituting a speaker array to contribute to the formation of a combined wavefront directed to an area specified by a user. The delay time calculation apparatus includes a delay time calculation unit that calculates delay times of delayed audio signals supplied to the speaker units such that a ratio at which an evaluation object area is occupied by an area to which an acoustic wave output from each speaker unit reaches earlier than acoustic waves output from the other speaker units falls within a predetermined range. The evaluation object area is a target area to which a combined wavefront of acoustic waves output from the speaker units is directed, or is a perspective projection image of the target area onto a predetermined evaluation plane.

Abstract: An audio system comprises at least one pair of wireless headphones having an active operating mode and an inactive operating mode, the at least one pair of headphones comprising a solid-state audio player, a rechargeable battery, means for connecting to a computer, means for charging the battery, and a motion sensor, wherein the motion sensor detects movement of the headphones and causes headphones to be put into inactive mode when no motion is detected for a certain period of time and causes headphones to be put back into active mode when motion is detected.

Abstract: A wireless audio client device such as a headset worn by a user allows the user to talk with multiple other devices using different communication protocols. In one approach, the wireless audio client device is a slave device which pairs with multiple master devices such as a game console and cell phone. The wireless audio client device uses a common set of peripherals such as a speaker, microphone, RF antenna, battery, status lights and control buttons. Processing circuitry is provided in one or more chips, to handle the different communication protocols. The wireless audio client device can automatically interrupt a game chat to allow the user to accept an incoming phone call, or can prompt the user to accept the call. Or, the wireless audio client device can play audio from the cell phone while the game chat continues.

Abstract: A multi-channel music reproducing apparatus and method using a wired and/or wireless communication system are provided. The method includes confirming neighboring devices capable of wired and/or wireless communication; allocating audio channel information to confirmed neighboring devices; encoding the channel information and reproduction synchronization information as index information; transmitting the index information together with a music data file; receiving the encoded index information and music data; decoding the allocated channel information and the synchronization information; and outputting music data corresponding to the allocated channel.

Abstract: Electroacoustical speaker devices that synchronously play audio received from a source. In one embodiment, one speaker acts as the master and the other speaker acts as the slave. The master speaker receives digital audio data from a source and, in addition to playing the digital audio received from the source, the master speaker retransmits the digital audio to the slave speaker. The master speaker additionally sends synchronization data to the slave speaker, such as data that indicates the buffer status or playback position of the master speaker. The slave speaker utilizes the synchronization data from the master speaker to adjust, for example, its buffer status or playback position, so that the two speakers play the audio synchronously (e.g., within thirty milliseconds). In one embodiment, the master speaker uses a connection-oriented protocol, such as TCP/IP, to transmit buffered audio data to the slave speaker and uses a connectionless protocol, such as UDP or ICMP, for the synchronization data.

Abstract: At a commercial location, broadcasting a content acquisition cue via an audio signal. The audio signal has a frequency that renders the signal inaudible to a human; corresponds to the commercial location; and bears information that causes the device to obtain content relevant to the commercial location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sound collecting device capable of, even when using a freely-movable microphone, generating multichannel signals realizing sound image localization without processing using information about the current position of the microphone.

Abstract: Methods and systems for network addressable loudspeakers and audio play are presented. One or more network addressable loudspeakers are registered at a server. An end user selects a network addressable loudspeaker to output audio, and an audio file is streamed from an audio source to the selected network addressable loudspeaker.

Abstract: A helmet communication device is composed primarily of a first communication device, a second communication device and a switching circuit device, such that when a motorcycle driver is driving the motorcycle, the driver can choose to use the first communication device to answer a cellular phone with a wired or blue-tooth technology, or to converse with a back seat passenger through the second communication device, by a control of the switching circuit device, so as to improve driving safety and to improve convenience in answering the cellular phone or dialoging with the back seat passenger.

Abstract: An amplifier device includes a plurality of input terminals for receiving input signals (e.g. audio signals), a main switch, which switches over the input terminals so as to select one input terminal, an analyzer, which analyzes the input signals at respective timings so as to determine whether or not each of the input signals corresponds to a playback signal, a storage for storing a plurality of determination results in connection with the input terminals, a controller for controlling the main switch to select the input terminal whose input signal is newly determined as the playback signal, and an amplifier for amplifying the input signal of the selected input terminal. The analyzer performs frequency analysis on the input signals so as to determine the input signal including a specific frequency component having a high intensity as noise not forming the playback signal.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided an audio signal receiving apparatus which receives audio signals transmitted from external connection apparatuses through a plurality of channels, including an audio signal transmitting scheme determining unit which determines a transmitting scheme of the audio signal in the external connection apparatus on the basis of channel mapping information representing types of the audio signals transmitted by the external connection apparatuses. When the audio signal to be received is changed, a process to be executed is changed depending on the transmitting scheme of the audio signal.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that synchronize media streams using time signal(s) from an independent time source. An independent time source is a time source that is independent from (i.e., that is not connected to) an asynchronous data network via which the media streams are transferred. In accordance with the techniques described herein, media server(s) transfer the media streams to client(s) via an asynchronous data network. The independent time source provides the time signal(s) to the media server(s) and/or the client(s). If the time signal(s) are provided to the media server(s), the media server(s) may provide timing information that is based on the timing signal(s) to the client(s). The client(s) use the timing information from the media server(s) and/or the timing signal(s) from the timing source to synchronize the media streams.

Abstract: An audio transmission system including a wireless digital microphone unit which detects audio signals and wirelessly transmits the detected audio signals based on adjustable transmission settings and transmission parameters, and a central unit. The central unit has a monitor unit for monitoring and analyzing a frequency spectrum of an available frequency band, a link adaptation unit which adapts the microphone's transmission settings and parameters based on the results of the monitor unit, and a transmitting/receiving unit for receiving wirelessly transmitted audio signals from the wireless microphone unit and for transmitting transmission settings and transmission parameters via a return channel to the wireless microphone unit.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing the complex phase interaction between non-coincident subwoofer and satellite speakers for improved magnitude response control in a cross-over region. An all-pass filter is cascaded with bass-management filters in at least one filter channel, a[1d preferably all-pass filters are cascaded in each satellite speaker channel. Pole angles and magnitudes for the all-pass filters are recursively calculated to minimize phase incoherence. A step of selecting an optimal cross-over frequency may be performed in conjunction with the all-pass filtering, and is preferably used to select an optimal cross-over frequency prior to determining all-pass filter coefficients.

Abstract: A delay unit (16) for a conference audio system (1) adapted to delay audio input signals for an adjustable time delay, thereby generating audio output signals, is proposed.

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: The present application provides method and apparatus for a binaural hearing assistance system using a monaural audio signal input. The system, in various examples, provides adjustable delay/phase adjustment and sound level adjustment. Different embodiments are provided for receiving the monaural signal and distributing it to a plurality of hearing assistance devices. Different relaying modes are provided. Special functions are supported, such as telecoil functions. The system also has examples that account for a head-related transfer function in providing advanced sound processing for the wearer. Other examples are provided that are described in the detailed description.

Abstract: A multi-channel music reproducing apparatus and method using a wired and/or wireless communication system are provided. The method includes confirming neighboring devices capable of wired and/or wireless communication; allocating audio channel information to confirmed neighboring devices; encoding the channel information and reproduction synchronization information as index information; transmitting the index information together with a music data file; receiving the encoded index information and music data; decoding the allocated channel information and the synchronization information; and outputting music data corresponding to the allocated channel.

Abstract: A speaker array is provided which can increase the orientation when reproducing front channels of a surround sound, increase the density effect, improve the narrow directivity when reproducing a stereo sound and increase the selectivity in selecting reproduction methods which match setting environments. When reproducing a stereo sound by a speaker array for reproducing a surround sound by converting a sound into a beam of sound, the speaker array is divided into a sound reproducing region for an L system and a sound reproducing region for an R system at a central portion thereof. Then, each of the reproducing regions so divided is further divided in to bands. In addition, since a high frequency reproducing region has a high directivity and a strong orientation when the sound is attempted to be reproduced simultaneously by the plurality of speakers as is described above, a reproducing region is limited to part of the reproducing regions.

Abstract: A system and method is described herein in which an audio source wirelessly transmits audio content to a first audio sink over one wireless link and to a second audio sink over another wireless link. The two audio sinks also exchange forward error correction (FEC) streams over a link between the two audio sinks, wherein the FEC streams are generated by FEC encoding the audio content received from the audio source. The audio sinks advantageously use the exchanged FEC information to synchronize the playback of the audio content as well as to improve the robustness of the wireless links with the audio source in a manner that does not consume additional bandwidth on those links.

Abstract: A media application for providing outputs (e.g., audio outputs) in response to inputs received from an input device is provided. The media application may connect input mechanisms of an input device with parameters of channel strips (e.g., which may define output sounds) using an intermediate screen object. The media application may first assign an input mechanism to a screen object, and separately map a screen object to a channel strip parameter. The media application may map a screen object to several channel strips simultaneously such that, based on the value of the screen object, the volume of each of the several channel strips changes. The media application may provide a graphical representation of available channel strips using layers. As the media application accesses a channel strip, the appearance of the portion of the layer associated with the channel strip may change.

Abstract: The present application provides method and apparatus for a binaural hearing assistance system using a monaural audio signal input. The system, in various examples, provides adjustable delay/phase adjustment and sound level adjustment. Different embodiments are provided for receiving the monaural signal and distributing it to a plurality of hearing assistance devices. Different relaying modes are provided. Special functions are supported, such as telecoil functions. The system also has examples that account for a head-related transfer function in providing advanced sound processing for the wearer. Other examples are provided that are described in the detailed description.

Abstract: An audio system responsive to a source of audio programming. The audio system comprising a master amplifier connected to the source of audio programming, the master amplifier providing channelized amplified audio signals at each one of a plurality of channel output connectors and a signal splitter connected to at least one of the plurality of channel output connectors for splitting the channelized amplified audio signal at a selected one of the plurality of channel output connectors into an audio channel signal and a power signal. The audio system further comprising a channel transmit module responsive to the audio channel signal and the power signal for transmitting the audio channel signal, a channel receiver responsive to an intended audio channel signal, a channel amplifier connected to an associated channel receiver for amplifying the intended audio channel signal and a sound reproducing device connected to the channel amplifier for aurally reproducing the intended audio channel signal.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a portable terminal includes: a first audio input-output unit and a second audio input-output unit configured to receive audio when a mode is set as an input mode and output audio when the mode is set as an output mode; and a setting unit configured to set the respective modes of the first audio input-output unit and the second audio input-output unit.

Abstract: Audiovisual presentation methods, systems and apparatus for improving and enhancing the listening experience of attendees of audiovisual presentations. An exemplary audiovisual presentation system includes an audio processing and distribution unit (APDU) configured to generate and broadcast a wireless audio service containing audio of an audiovisual presentation (e.g., soundtrack and dialogue audio of a movie, in the case of a movie presentation) throughout an audiovisual presentation room or space (e.g., a movie theater, in the case of a movie presentation). The wireless audio service is received by mobile receiving devices (MRDs) having or comprising headsets, headphones or earbuds, through which MRD users listen to the audio of the audiovisual presentation provided by the wireless audio service while viewing images of the audiovisual presentation.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method of communicating an audio stream from an audio source terminal to a plurality of speaker terminals. A broadcast channel is established for communication from an audio source terminal to a plurality of speaker terminals. A plurality of bidirectional point-to-point control channels are established for controlling wireless communications between the audio source terminal and the speaker terminals, where each of the point-to-point control channels interconnect the audio source terminal and a different one of the speaker terminals. An audio stream is transmitted as a sequence of blocks of audio data in messages from the audio source terminal through the broadcast channel for receipt by all of the speaker terminals. A quality of reception feedback message is received at the audio source terminal from individual ones of the speaker terminals through respective ones of the point-to-point control channels.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operation of one or more devices is provided. The system includes a microphone acoustically coupled to one the monitored device. An analog-to-digital-converter samples the microphone and a processor examines the resultant digital signal for the occurrence of an abnormal event.

Abstract: There is provided an audio signal transmitting apparatus which can communicate with a plurality of external connection apparatuses and transmits audio signals to the external connection apparatuses. The audio signal transmitting apparatus includes an external output unit which outputs the audio signal to the outside, an audio signal transmitting unit which transmits the audio signal to the external connection apparatus being in a communicable state, and an audio output control unit which, when headphone information representing that a headphone function that outputs the audio signal through headphones is valid is received from at least one of the external connection apparatuses which receive the audio signals, performs control to stop an output by the external output unit.

Abstract: A master transmitter distributes a plurality of audio channels to one or more expansion receivers as a multiplexed audio stream. Control information is also transmitted between the master transmitter and the expansion receivers. Both the control information and the multiplexed audio stream are transmitted on the same cable allowing for reduced clutter and cheaper material and installation costs.