Multiple Channel Patents (Class 381/80)
  • Patent number: 8194878
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Pilati, Mickael Jougit
  • Patent number: 8194863
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Takumai, Yusuke Konagai
  • Patent number: 8175281
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc
    Inventor: Brent Edwards
  • Patent number: 8175288
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Lengeling, Markus Fritze, Chris Moulios
  • Patent number: 8165316
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Toshiba Mobile Communications Limited
    Inventors: Hiromichi Suzuki, Masao Teshima, Koichi Sato, Hiroshi Shimasaki, Satoshi Mizoguchi, Takashi Amano
  • Patent number: 8165315
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sky Cross Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Tornatta, Frank M. Caimi
  • Publication number: 20120095749
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Antonio Capretta
  • Patent number: 8159990
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Jacobus Cornelis Haartsen, Dick de Jong
  • Patent number: 8155326
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, David E. Whitehead, Timothy M. Minteer
  • Patent number: 8150056
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichi Inohara
  • Publication number: 20120070004
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: CRESTRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark LaBosco, Dario Pagano
  • Patent number: 8139776
    Abstract: A wireless receiving apparatus that includes a connector including a plurality of terminals. A predetermined terminal is assigned as an identification terminal for identifying an electronic appliance connected to the connector, and a circuit for generating an identification signal of a level corresponding to a voltage level of the predetermined terminal when the electronic appliance is connected to the connector, and for identifying the electronic appliance connected to the connector based on the level of the identification signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Yamaki, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Junsei Abe
  • Patent number: 8135141
    Abstract: There is provided an audio signal transmitting apparatus including: a channel mapping unit which determines the audio signals allocated to each of the channels and generates channel mapping information representing types of the audio signals allocated to each of the channels; an audio signal transmitting unit which transmits the audio signals allocated to each of the channels by the channel mapping unit to the external connection apparatuses by a first transmitting scheme or a second transmitting scheme; and a connection management information providing unit which provides connection management information including the channel mapping information and transmitting scheme information representing the transmitting scheme of the audio signals to the external connection apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Shiba
  • Publication number: 20120058727
    Abstract: A wireless speaker system configured to receive stereo audio information wirelessly transmitted by an audio source including first and second loudspeakers. The first loudspeaker establishes a bidirectional secondary wireless link with the audio source for receiving and acknowledging receipt of the stereo audio information. The first and second loudspeakers communicate with each other via a primary wireless link, and the first and second loudspeakers are configured to extract first and second audio channels, respectively, from the stereo audio information. A wireless audio system including an audio source and first and second loudspeakers, each having a wireless transceiver. The first and second loudspeakers communicate via a primary wireless link. The audio source communicates audio information to the first loudspeaker via a secondary wireless link which is configured according to a standard wireless protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: PASSIF SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.
    Inventors: Benjamin W. Cook, Axel D. Berny, Clarke S. Watson, Jason A. Trachewsky
  • Patent number: 8116476
    Abstract: An audio signal receiving apparatus includes a sound source information receiving portion to receive sound source information containing sound source type information indicating a sound source type of the audio signal being transmitted through channels and externally connected equipment playback sound source information indicating a sound source type of the audio signal being played back by the externally connected equipment from externally connected equipment, an audio signal receiving portion to receive the audio signal from the externally connected equipment, and a playbackable sound source setting portion to determine and set a sound source type of the audio signal that can played back to a playbackable sound source based on the sound source information. The playbackable sound source setting portion sets a sound source type of the audio signal being played back by the externally connected equipment to the playbackable sound source as an externally connected equipment playback sound source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichi Inohara
  • Patent number: 8116458
    Abstract: An acoustic image localization apparatus according to the present invention that outputs sound from a plurality of speakers so as to localize an acoustic image at a predetermined position on a space as viewed from a listener, the acoustic image localization apparatus comprising: amplitude characteristic adjusting means for adjusting an amplitude frequency characteristic of an inputted acoustic signal such that the acoustic image is localized at a position rotated by a first angle about a position of a listener toward an upper direction from a facing position of the listener; and a plurality of level adjusting means, provided so as to respectively correspond to the plurality of speakers, for adjusting a level of the acoustic signal outputted from the amplitude characteristic adjusting means and for outputting, to a corresponding speaker, the acoustic signal whose level has been adjusted, wherein each of the level adjusting means adjusts the level of the acoustic signal, which is outputted from the amplitude ch
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Ko Mizuno, Kazuhiro Iida, Gempo Ito
  • Patent number: 8111837
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for intelligently routing and managing audio signals within an electronic device is disclosed. The routing is responsive to a set of logical and physical policies which are stored in data tables which can be updated as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Guetta, Andrew Rostaing
  • Patent number: 8111099
    Abstract: A multi-channel audio playback apparatus including a channel interface, a first switching amplifier and a second switching amplifier is provided. The channel interface is used to receive multi-channel digital data and generate first channel digital data and second channel digital data. The first switching amplifier is used to convert the first channel digital data into a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal according to a first reference signal with a first frequency. The second switching amplifier is used to convert the second channel digital data into a second PWM signal according to a second reference signal with a second frequency. The second frequency is different from the first frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fortemedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Li-Te Wu, Cheng-Feng Shih
  • Patent number: 8107641
    Abstract: A communication system has a communication controller for multiplexing and transmitting a power supply voltage and an audio signal to be played back by a plurality of channels, and a plurality of communication adapters which start in response to reception of the multiplexed/transmitted power supply voltage, and play back the audio signal using a playback device. The communication controller includes an audio data modulation circuit configured to modulate audio data by shifting, based on a first modulation ratio, a modulation carrier clock for modulating the audio data and a data transmission rate for transmitting the audio data in order to set a command transmission frequency bandwidth, and a command data modulation circuit configured to modulate command data by shifting, based on a second modulation ratio, a modulation carrier clock for modulating the command data and a data transmission rate for transmitting the command data in the command transmission frequency bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuguhide Sakata, Shigeki Sakurai, Takayuki Komine, Naoki Umemura
  • Patent number: 8094830
    Abstract: A television set includes: an internal speaker which outputs sound; a memory which holds information; a remote controller receiver which receives an instruction from the outside of the television set; a microcomputer which causes, based on a mode specifying instruction for specifying a sound output mode received by the remote controller receiver, the memory to hold any one of (a) information that indicates a first sound output mode in which sound is outputted from the internal speaker and (b) information that indicates a second sound output mode in which sound is outputted from an external speaker that is a speaker outside the television set; and an HDMI/CEC communication unit which outputs the information that indicates the sound output mode and that is held by the memory, to an amplifier which controls to operate or not operate the speaker outside the television set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Sako Asayama, Hiroshi Kase, Mitsuteru Kataoka, Akihiro Mitani, Toshiki Murakami, Masahiko Mizoguchi, Masazumi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20110316768
    Abstract: An application for a device includes at least two speakers and at least two-channels of audio. The at least two-channels of audio are selectively routed to the at least two speakers. Routing of the audio to the speakers is made based upon an orientation of the device. The orientation of the device and therefore the speaker configuration is either manually changed by a viewer input or is automatically detected such as when a hand-held device is rotated, for example, to view a display of the device in portrait mode instead of landscape mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: VIZIO, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew Blake McRae
  • Publication number: 20110311072
    Abstract: A high definition distributed sound system has a master control hub with multiple serially linkable zones each capable of handling multiple serial arrays of powered speakers and a Cat5 cable. Each zone has an audio input, an internal master level controller and multiple powered-speaker outputs. Each of the serial arrays of powered speakers are connected to a corresponding powered-speaker output by the Cat5 cable. All of the zones can be used and controlled independently of the others or any number of them can be serially linked and controlled by their preceding zones. Additional master control hubs can be serially linked in a single system. The system interconnections can be done with Cat5 cable using RJ45 connectors. A low idle current power amplifier circuit offers extremely low levels of quiescent current, allowing a large number of speakers to be connected in one system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: James K. Waller, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110311073
    Abstract: A system and method for generating, transmitting and distributing audio signals. The system and method may include an array having a plurality of microphones and a plurality of speakers as well as a first processor disposed proximate the array. The system and method can also have a second processor disposed remotely from the array and communicatively coupled with the array, at least one remotely located device having at least one microphone and at least one speaker and one or more remotely located speakers. Also, there may be an audio signal that is generated by one of a microphone on the array and a microphone on the at least one remotely located device, the location of the generation of the audio signal determined by one of the first processor and the second processor, generated audio signal transmitted to at least one of the speakers on the array, the at least one speaker on the remotely located device and the one or more remotely located speakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: IDEAWORKX LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Loether
  • Patent number: 8073155
    Abstract: A system for reproducing audio information corresponding to a position within a displayed image comprising an image display device (1) which shows an image, an audio output device (2) which outputs an electromagnetic wave modulated by audio information toward any given positions in the image shown on the image display device (1), and an audio reproducing terminal (3) which receives the electromagnetic wave at the position in the image, converts it to an electric signal and reproduces sound from that electric signal, wherein audio information support can be individually realized for each of the users watching the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Incorporated Administrative Agency
    Inventors: Takuichi Nishimura, Hideyuki Nakashima, Ikuko Yairi, Seiji Igi
  • Patent number: 8064614
    Abstract: An audio signal delivery management system includes a management apparatus and an delivering apparatus which delivers an audio signal to a plurality of speaker devices to which respective addresses are assigned. The delivering apparatus include an address storing portion which stores the addresses of the speaker devices, an audio signal acquiring portion which acquires an audio signal, an audio signal delivering portion which delivers the audio signal to at least one of the speaker devices using the addresses, and a sending portion which sends the audio signal to the management apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyohisa Sugii, Youji Semba
  • Patent number: 8064615
    Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus comprising: an audio data generation part for generating third audio data from first audio data and second audio data, the first audio data including first L-channel data and first R-channel data which are alternately and serially arranged in a word unit, the second audio data including second L-channel data and second R-channel data which are alternately and serially arranged in the word unit, and the third audio data including the first L-channel data and the second L-channel data which are alternately and serially arranged in the word unit; a DA conversion part for dividing the third audio data into the first L-channel data and the second L-channel data and converting the first L-channel data and the second L-channel data into a first analog signal and a second analog signal, respectively; and a combining part for combining the first analog signal with the second analog signal to form a third analog signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Onkyo Corporation
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 8045722
    Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for controlling a sound field through an array speaker. The method includes calculating a coefficient of a filter that controls sound pressure of an input signal, based on a sound pressure ratio of a suppression area that suppresses sound emitted from an array speaker and an emphasis area that emphasizes the sound, and sound pressure efficiency in the emphasis area, generating a plurality of output signals that focuses the sound to the emphasis area by filtering the input signal based on the calculated coefficient of the filter, and outputting a sound field controlled sound based on the generated plurality of output signals. Accordingly, a listener in a predetermined direction and distance from the array speaker can clearly hear sound, without wearing an earphone or a headset so as to focus the sound only to the listener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-woo Choi, Young-tae Kim, Jung-ho Kim, Sang-chul Ko
  • Patent number: 8041050
    Abstract: When a PC (a transmission device) transmits an externally taken-in audio file to an electronic dictionary (a receiving device), the PC encodes the audio file and stores the compressed audio file into its own memory temporarily. On the basis of the file management data created by a file management system when the compressed audio file was stored in the memory, the PC generates a file list for the audio files to be transferred. The file list is encrypted using an encryption key. Then, the encryption key, encrypted file list, and compressed audio file are transmitted to the electronic dictionary. The electronic dictionary stores the encrypted file list and compressed audio file into an SD card and decrypts the encrypted file list using the encryption key. When the decrypted file list corresponds to the compressed audio file, the process of expanding the compressed audio file into an audio file is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8041052
    Abstract: An audio selection circuit. The audio selection circuit includes a control/switch circuit having a first input, a second input, and a first output, and a signal detector module configured to detect an audio signal on the second input. If the signal detector detects presence of the audio signal on the second input, the signal detector is configured to transmit a control signal to the control/switch circuit, and the control/switch circuit is configured in response to the control signal to disconnect the first input from the first output and to connect the second input to the first output. Otherwise, the control/switch circuit is configured to connect the first input to the first output and to disconnect the second input from the first output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 8041051
    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 wireless 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Pilati, Mickael Jougit
  • Patent number: 8027485
    Abstract: An audio processing system which allows a surround sound system to utilize the transmission bandwidth efficiently by adaptively transmitting a supplementary data from a secondary source in addition to the audio signals of a primary source. The system consists of a transmitter component, capable of transmitting audio signals from a primary source and adaptively inserts supplementary data of the secondary source in the reserved communication bandwidth. The transmitter inserts headers in the channels used by the supplementary data to allow the receivers to identify the channel allocation between the primary source and the secondary source. Another part of the audio processing system is that of a receiver component which is capable of discriminating between data from the primary source and data from the secondary source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Brajabandhu Mishra
  • Patent number: 8028318
    Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems, comprising storage means, payment means, a sound control circuit, display means and a metal chassis wherein said remote control unit comprises a distant radio frequency transmitter that is associated with a radio frequency receiver connected to the sound control circuit of the audiovisual reproduction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: TouchTunes Music Corporation
    Inventor: Guy Nathan
  • Publication number: 20110216914
    Abstract: A method and system for communicating audio, video, and/or control signals within a home entertainment system. One or more signals are communicated between an input device and one or more output devices via one or more networks. The output device can include loudspeakers, display devices, and headphones. In some embodiments an output device, for example a center channel loudspeaker, transmits signals to other output devices. For example, the center channel loudspeaker can transmit a combined audio signal and control signal to a remote loudspeaker over a first network and transmit a video signal to a display device over a second network. The display device displays the video signal. The networks can be wireless, wired, infrared, RF, and powerline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: KSC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: William A. McCarty, Yadir Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8014541
    Abstract: A system and method for graphic equalization of audio signals is disclosed. Traditional graphic equalizers provide control over the gains in each of a set of frequency bands. However, the actual band gains vary from the desired gains due to crosstalk between bands. Prior art methods for addressing this difficulty include applying a correction filter to the equalizer, and adjusting the shape of the individual band filters, both of which increase the computational cost. In an embodiment of the present invention, the input gains are processed to produce a set of adjusted gains which take into account the crosstalk, and result in an equalization interpolating the input band gains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kind of Loud Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Abel, David P. Berners
  • Publication number: 20110194569
    Abstract: Electronic devices and equipment may communicate over a wired communications path. The wired communications path may include one or more wires and may be associated with a headphone cable. Data may be conveyed in the form of a digital data stream containing multiple traffic channels. The digital data stream may include superframes, each of which has multiple frames of data. The frames of data may each contain a number of data slots. Some of the slots in a superframe may be used exclusively by a particular one of the traffic channels. Boundary slots may be shared between traffic channels. Data interface circuitry may implement a data dispersion algorithm that determines the pattern in which data from each traffic channel is distributed within each boundary slot. Transmitting data interface circuitry may merge traffic channels into a single data stream. Receiving data interface circuitry may reconstruct the traffic channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Wendell B. Sander, Barry Corlett, David John Tupman, Brian Sander, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Andrew Bright, Anup Sharma
  • Patent number: 7995767
    Abstract: A sound signal processing method includes calculating a difference between every few ones of input multiple channel sound signals to obtain a plurality of characteristic quantities each indicating the difference, selecting a weighting factor from a weighting factor dictionary containing a plurality of weighting factors of a plurality of channels corresponding to the characteristic quantities, weighting the sound signals by using the selected weighting factor, and adding the weighted input sound signals to generate an output sound signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tadashi Amada
  • Patent number: 7986792
    Abstract: An adaptor is connectable between a signal processor and a transmission module. The signal processor has three audio channels for feeding respectively a first audio signal, a second audio signal, and a third audio signal having a frequency range lower than a frequency range of the first and second audio signals. The transmission module has two transmission channels capable of transmitting two audio signals to a codeless speaker. The adaptor has three input terminals for receiving the first, second and third audio signals from the signal processor. The adaptor filters at least one of the first and second audio signals for cutting therefrom a lower frequency range comparative to the lower frequency range of the third audio signal, and adds the third audio signal to the one of the first and second audio signals from which the lower frequency range is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Noro
  • Patent number: 7987096
    Abstract: Provided are an audio encoding method and apparatus and an audio decoding method and apparatus in which audio signals can be encoded or decoded so that sound images can be localized at any desired position for each object audio signal. The audio decoding method generating a third downmix signal by combining a first downmix signal extracted from a first audio signal and a second downmix signal extracted from a second audio signal; generating third object-based side information by combining first object-based side information extracted from the first audio signal and second object-based side information extracted from the second audio signal; converting the third object-based side information into channel-based side information; and generating a multi-channel audio signal using the third downmix signal and the channel-based side information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Soo Kim, Hee Suk Pang, Jae Hyun Lim, Sung Yong Yoon, Hyun Kook Lee
  • Patent number: 7978865
    Abstract: An audio processing apparatus comprising: channel determination section for determining which one of a combination of the first left audio signal and the first right audio signal and a combination of the second left audio signal and the second right audio signal is included in multichannel audio data; and switching section for causing the first amplification section to amplify the first left audio signal and supply the amplified first left audio signal to the first speaker terminal and causing the second amplification section to amplify the first right audio signal and supply the amplified first right audio signal to the second speaker terminal when the combination of the first left audio signal and the first right audio signal is determined to be included; and causing the first amplification section to amplify the second left audio signal and supply the amplified second left audio signal to the third speaker terminal and causing the second amplification section to amplify the second right audio signal and su
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Onkyo Corporation
    Inventors: Tadaharu Sunaga, Norio Etoh, Yataro Yajima, Shintaro Jo, Ayako Nakatani, Yohei Koike
  • Publication number: 20110158424
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a speaker system having the ability to accommodate one or more transmission protocols as well as multiple upgrade paths. One or more replaceable cards sit in a socket or bus system. The cards may include one or more components for receiving a wireless audio signal and decoding the signal. Other cards may include circuits for converting the digital audio signals into analog audio signals. Yet other cards, or other components on cards, may include circuitry for filtering or modifying the audio signals. In some embodiments the main components of the cards may be formed in a re-programmable device that can be updated by a user. In conjunction, these components create a powered speaker system that is constantly upgradeable as various data transmission standards and audio filtering standards mature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: APERION AUDIO
    Inventors: Jim Hillman, Jay Eisenlohr
  • Publication number: 20110150235
    Abstract: A method of controlling presentation of audio data in a home entertainment system using a wireless home entertainment hub comprises obtaining a registration of at least one audio sink device, where the at least one audio sink device is capable of receiving a first number of audio channels used for presenting the audio data to a user in the home entertainment system. The audio data comprising a second number of audio channels, wherein the second number of audio channels is greater than the first number of audio channels, is received from a source device at the wireless home entertainment hub. The audio data received is processed in response to the capabilities of the at least one audio sink device by down-mixing the audio data to the first number of audio channels. The processed audio data is transmitted to the at least one audio sink device for presentation to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: PORTO VINCI, LTD., LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
    Inventor: Patrick T. Igoe
  • Publication number: 20110135099
    Abstract: Adaptive learning of a multichannel prefilter response processes multiple audio signals prior to emitting them from a set of loudspeakers. The signals are filtered and mixed in such a way that the emitted signals will be reconstructed at pre-specified points in a room. This is done in a user selective way so that, at each location, only one of the source signals is reconstructed and the other signals vanish. A gradient descent adaptive filtering method is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Utah State University
    Inventors: Jacob Gunther, Todd Moon
  • Patent number: 7940938
    Abstract: A sound reproducing apparatus which can be relatively inexpensive as a whole and also be simple in construction with reduced wiring even in the case where many speakers are used. Pulse-width modulated (PWM) pulses are generated based on respective audio signals for multiple-channel speakers. PWM pulses are time-division multiplexed and amplified, and then output as digital driving signals. The multiple-channel speakers are selectively turned on/off such that the digital driving signals are supplied to the respective multiple-channel speakers of corresponding channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Miki, Masayoshi Sahara
  • Patent number: 7929719
    Abstract: Interlocking flag, indicating whether or not an interlocked display should be made, can be set in association with predetermined editing operators. When any of the operators is operated, a displayed screen on a display is switched over to a screen related to the operated operator, if the interlocking flag associated with the operated operator indicates flag-ON; if not, the display device may be used to perform another function. A plurality n of channels may be divided into a plurality of layers each consisting of predetermined number m channels. It is only necessary that a limited number of operators, e.g. faders, be provided to correspond to a single layer, i.e. m channels. Any of the layers is selected, and any of the operators is used for the selected layer. A set of stereo channels can be set across different layers so as to interlock with each other in response to editing operation of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Naohide Kohyama, Hiroshi Hamamatsu
  • Patent number: 7912227
    Abstract: A sound reproducing screen for an ultrasonic converting and reproducing method wherein a sound signal is carried on the ultrasonic wave which is transmitted via the screen which has a lattice structure in which a plurality of cells is continuously arranged. Using the screen, the sound signal can be divided from the ultrasonic wave, so that the sound signal can be reproduced. A cell structure of the screen is thus provided for converting the ultrasonic wave into the sound signal by ultrasonic conversion and reproduction which is simple to make and which has a maximum conversion efficiency. Accordingly, an efficiency of reproducing the sound source in a low frequency band as well as a high frequency band is superior, and a realistic three-dimensional sound system can be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-ho Kim, Jun-tai Kim, Andrey V. Shanin, Oleg V. Rudenko
  • Patent number: 7899191
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of synthesizing a mono audio signal 3 based on an available encoded multichannel audio signal 2. The encoded multichannel audio signal 2 is assumed to comprise at least for a part of an audio frequency band separate parameter values for each channel of the multichannel audio signal. In order to reduce the processing load in synthesizing the mono audio signal 2, it is proposed that the parameter values of the multiple channels are combined at least for a part of an audio frequency band in the parameter domain. The combined parameter values are then used for synthesizing the mono audio signal. The invention relates equally to a corresponding audio decoder, to a corresponding coding system and to a corresponding software program product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Lakaniemi, Pasi Ojala
  • Patent number: 7894863
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a communication system including a signal output apparatus for outputting a stream signal, and first and second communication apparatuses for performing wireless communication. The first communication apparatus includes, a communication processing section configured to perform wireless communication of the stream signal over a stream line with the second communication apparatus, a signal input section configured to input the stream signal outputted from the signal output apparatus, a voltage detection section configured to detect a voltage at the signal output apparatus, and a control section configured to perform a streaming process of transmitting the stream signal inputted from the signal output apparatus via the signal input section to the second communication apparatus over the stream line, and also perform operation control based on a result of the detection by the voltage detection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Terai
  • Publication number: 20110038488
    Abstract: A wireless musical instrument network (400, 500) may comprise one or more wireless link modules (100, 200, 300). In some embodiments a first wireless link module may be adapted to receive a first input audio signal and transmit a first wireless signal having a modulation component based on the first input audio signal. A second wireless link module may be adapted to receive the first wireless signal and a second input audio signal. The second wireless link module may be further adapted to demodulate the first wireless signal to provide a first received audio signal, and combine the first received audio signal and the second input audio signal to provide a combined audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Robert Humphreys
  • Patent number: 7876907
    Abstract: Characteristic amounts in each small region of audio signals transmitted in the working system and the standby system are extracted by characteristic amount calculators 6-1, 6-2. A characteristic amount comparator 7 compares the characteristic amounts and judges occurrence of fault of a fault. Characteristic amount difference calculators 9-1, 9-2, ?D? comparator 10, and faulty system judging unit 11 judges the system having a fault. Majority decision processor 12 and significance judging unit 13 enhance the reliability of the judgement. Delay difference of audio signals between systems is roughly detected by sub-sampling audio signals of two systems and comparing them, and then accurately detected without sub-sampling. Delay difference between audio signals is adjusted by the detected delay difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: KDDI Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichi Kawada, Atsushi Koike, Masahiro Wada, Shuichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7873175
    Abstract: A multiplexed microphone signal with multiple signal processing paths is disclosed. Each signal processing path has it own priority and other characteristics. A signal path is selected based on the application of the processed signal. Similar processes within different paths may be shared to reduce computation workload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Pocino, Steve Joiner, Craig Richardson, Kwan Truong