Abstract: An electronic device includes a communication module, a plurality of microphones, and a processor. The processor is configured to identify a position of a sound source based on a voice received through the plurality of microphones, identify whether the position of the sound source is included in a first zone between the electronic device and an access point that transmits and receives a communication signal with the electronic device, identify whether the voice has been uttered by a user based on a comparison between the communication signal and a preset communication signal, when the position of the sound source is included in the first zone, and determine whether to execute a command included in the voice based on the identification of whether the voice has been uttered by the user.

Abstract: A system that determines that devices are co-located in an acoustic region and selects a single device to which to send incoming notifications for the acoustic region. The system may group devices into separate acoustic regions based on selection data that selects between similar audio data received from multiple devices. The system may select the best device for each acoustic region based on a frequency that the device was selected previously, input/output capabilities of the device, a proximity to a user, or the like. The system may send a notification to a single device in each of the acoustic regions so that a user receives a single notification instead of multiple unsynchronized notifications. The system may also determine that acoustic regions are associated with different locations and select acoustic regions to which to send a notification based on location.

Abstract: A method of utilizing wireless earpieces for hub communications in embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following steps: (a) activating the wireless earpieces, (b) connecting one or more devices to the wireless earpieces, (c) performing first biometric measurements of the user utilizing the wireless earpieces, (d) receiving second biometric measurements from the one or more devices, (e) determining if the one or more devices is located on the same user as the wireless earpieces by comparing the second biometric measurements to the first biometric measurements, (f) receiving a communication to be sent through the wireless earpieces from the one or more devices, and (g) sending the communication to reach a receiving party in response to the determination the second biometric measurements are similar to the first biometric measurements.

Abstract: A multi-path audio amplification system that provides an output drive signal to electromechanical output transducers provides improved undistorted headroom, reduced path switching noise, and/or improved frequency response performance. Multiple signal amplification paths receive an audio input signal and have corresponding multiple output stages that have differing output impedances. A mode selector selects an active one of the multiple signal amplification paths is selected to supply the output drive signal. Outputs of the multiple output stages are coupled to the electromechanical transducer to provide the output drive signal and at least one of the multiple signal amplification paths includes an equalization filter for filtering the audio input signal to compensate for phase or gain differences referenced from the input to the outputs of the multiple output stages due to interaction between the differing output impedances and an impedance of the electromechanical transducer.

Abstract: A multiplexing circuit and a mobile terminal, related to the field of electronic and communications technologies, that resolve a problem that product costs are high when a mobile phone uses an integrated switch. In the multiplexing circuit, a first switch circuit transmits, to a first signal transmission end, a right sound channel audio signal provided by a right sound channel transmission end. A second switch circuit transmits, to a second signal transmission end, a left sound channel audio signal provided by a left sound channel transmission end. Signal transmission between the first signal transmission end and a first output end and signal transmission between the second signal transmission end and a second output end are implemented by using a third switch circuit. The first switch circuit includes a first transistor and a first constant voltage control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an outdoor waterproof wall lamp system with doorbell and human body sensing functions, including: a lamp body assembly, including a lamp housing, a lamp body, a multifunctional sensor, a first circuit board, and a button switch, wherein the lamp body, the multifunctional sensor, and the button switch are all electrically connected to the first circuit board, and the multifunctional sensor has a human body sensing module for sensing a human body to control the lamp body to be lighted; and a doorbell assembly, including a doorbell housing, a second circuit board, and a speaker, wherein the speaker is connected to the second circuit board, the second circuit board is communicatively connected to the first circuit board, and the speaker may be controlled to sound when the button switch is pressed.

Abstract: A digital downloading jukebox system including a mechanism for delivering custom services to a recognized user is provided. For example, information specific to a recognized user may be stored and optionally may include a recognized user avatar representative of the recognized user. The user avatar may be an image, video, and/or animation, which may be displayed on and/or played through the jukebox. The user avatar may be associated with transactions associated with the user. For example, an avatar may be displayed when a playlist of the recognized user is played, when a message is sent, etc. In other examples, the avatar may introduce instances of media by playing an audio and/or video message, and the avatar may sing, dance, etc. while an instance of media is playing.

Abstract: To provide an information processing method, information processing apparatus, and information processing system which are capable of achieving a high-quality content listening or viewing experience. An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present technology is executed by a computer, and includes calculating, on a basis of a beacon signal which is transmitted from a reproduction apparatus capable of reproducing a content, a distance from the computer to the reproduction apparatus. On a basis of the calculated distance, a transfer reproduction operation by the reproduction apparatus is controlled, in which a content that is being reproduced by a different reproduction apparatus is transferred and reproduced.

Abstract: A method of utilizing wireless earpieces for hub communications in embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following steps: (a) activating the wireless earpieces, (b) connecting one or more devices to the wireless earpieces, (c) performing first biometric measurements of the user utilizing the wireless earpieces, (d) receiving second biometric measurements from the one or more devices, (e) determining if the one or more devices is located on the same user as the wireless earpieces by comparing the second biometric measurements to the first biometric measurements, (f) receiving a communication to be sent through the wireless earpieces from the one or more devices, and (g) sending the communication to reach a receiving party in response to the determination the second biometric measurements are similar to the first biometric measurements.

Abstract: A speaker integrated into a scanner is provided. The scanner comprises speaker firmware that presents the scanner as two separate logical devices to an Operating System (OS) of a connected host device. The integrated speaker of the scanner can be configured from the OS of the host device to be a primary or secondary speaker of the host device. The host device ports audio generated data on the host device over a wired or wireless connection to the speaker firmware, and the speaker firmware plays the host-generated audio data over or through the integrated speaker of the scanner.

Abstract: A system and method for performing speaker load diagnostics. A digital signal processor generates a diagnostic tone that is provided to the speaker. The diagnostic tone is generated using an oscillator internal to the digital signal processor. The digital signal processor receives current and voltage data from the speaker based on the diagnostic tone, and processes the current and voltage data to determine whether a fault condition exists in the speaker.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and method for synchronization of wireless audio to video is provided. The electronic apparatus determines a first wireless audio processing delay associated with the electronic apparatus and receives media content comprising video content and audio content associated with the video content. The electronic apparatus transmits the audio content to the wireless audio device and controls playback of the video content on the display device based on the determined first wireless audio processing delay such that the playback of the video content is time-synchronized with playback of the audio content on the wireless audio device.

Abstract: Techniques described herein may involve modification of playback based on the proximity of a user to a playback device. An example technique involves a device determining that a listener is within a given proximity of a first playback device and based on determining that the listener is within the given proximity of the first playback device, causing the first playback device to begin playback of first media and causing a second playback device to modify playback of second media.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and distributing digital content using RFID tags are described. The systems contain a storage device for the digital content, a display device that provides an offer for the digital content, a capture device for accepting the offer, a distribution device for distributing the content to the user, and a receiving device for receiving the digital content. In some configurations, the display device can contain an RFID chip that places an RFID tag in the capture device. The RFID tag can be used to retrieve the digital content from the distribution device. In some configurations, the distribution device can be a kiosk and the capture device can be also be used as the receiving device to retrieve the digital content from the kiosk. This system allows the decision to obtain the digital content to be an impulse decision since the RFID tag can be quickly and easily be downloaded from the display device.

Abstract: Example techniques relate to adjusting playback settings based on listener location. An example implementation involves a playback device receiving instructions to play back audio content in the first zone and first location data indicating first locations of one or more users relative to the first zone. The playback device determines that one or more location-based listener preferences are set in the media playback system and generates a sound field in the listening environment according to the location-based listener preferences and the first locations of the one or more users relative to the first zone. The playback device receives second location data indicating second locations of one or more users relative to the first zone and modifies the sound field in the listening environment according to the location-based listener preferences and the second locations of the one or more users relative to the first zone.

Abstract: A voice input comprising a command word, one or more media variable instances, and one or more zone variable instances is received. A media playback system command which corresponds to the command word is determined. Media content which corresponds to the one or more media variable instances is identified. The media playback system is caused to execute the media playback system command on the media content based on the one or more zone variable instances.

Abstract: A system of playing media content items determines transitions between pairs of media content items by determining desirable locations in which transitions across the pairs of media content items occur. The system uses a plurality of track features of media content items and determines such track features of each media content item associated with each of transition point candidates, such as beat positions, of that media content item. The system determines similarity in the plurality of track features between the transition point candidates of a first media content item and the transition point candidates for a second media content item being played subsequent to the first media content item. The transition points or portions of the first and second media content items are selected from the transition point candidates for the first and second media content items based on the similarity results.

Abstract: Examples are provided for establishing a bonded zone comprising a first playback device comprising a respective first wireless radio and a second playback device comprising a second respective wireless radio. The first and second playback devices may establish a bonded zone comprising at least the first and second playback device. While in the established bonded zone, the first playback device may determine that the first playback device is in the established bonded zone and that the first playback device is not currently playing audio in synchrony with the second playback device. Responsive to determining that the first playback device is not playing audio in synchrony, the first playback device may disable communicating via the first wireless radio of the first playback device and send a message to the second playback device to disable communicating via the first wireless radio of the second playback device.

Abstract: A media-content augmentation system includes a database with a multiplicity of media files and associated metadata. Each media file is mapped to at least one contextual theme defined by beginning and end timings. A processing system couples to the database; and an input couples to the processing system. The input is in the form of temporally-varying events data. The processing system resolves the input into one or more categorized contextual themes, correlates the themes with metadata associated with selected media files relevant to the themes, and then splices or fades together selected media files to reflect the events as the input varies with time, thus generating as an output, a media product in which transitions between media are aligned with the temporally-varying events. The database may contain sections of digital media files. A method aligns sections in digital media files with temporally-varying events data to compose a media product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying voice messages generated by notification devices in an emergency address system includes one or more verification devices and a validation module, which can be part of a control panel or a connected services system. The verification devices can be mobile computing devices or permanently installed devices associated with each notification device in the emergency address system. The verification devices include microphones, network interfaces, and controllers executing speech to text conversion processes. During testing, the notification devices play voice messages and the verification devices detect the messages, convert the messages to text and send the text-converted messages to the validation module, which validates the text-converted messages against the intended messages for each notification device and confirms that the messages were played in the correct locations.

Abstract: Examples are provided for establishing a bonded zone comprising a first playback device comprising a respective first wireless radio and a second playback device comprising a second respective wireless radio. The first and second playback devices may establish a bonded zone comprising at least the first and second playback device. While in the established bonded zone, the first playback device may determine that the first playback device is in the established bonded zone and that the first playback device is not currently playing audio in synchrony with the second playback device. Responsive to determining that the first playback device is not playing audio in synchrony, the first playback device may disable communicating via the first wireless radio of the first playback device and send a message to the second playback device to disable communicating via the first wireless radio of the second playback device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering digital content to user who have pre-selected the digital content before they arrive at a device for distributing the digital content are described. The systems contain a storage device where the digital content is stored, a device for distributing the digital content to a user, a receiving device for receiving the digital content that has been distributed, and means for communicating with the user who is not located at the distribution device. The communication means allows the user to browse and/or purchase the digital content prior to arriving at the distribution device. As well, by purchasing the content before arrival, if the digital content is not located at the distribution device, it can be transferred from the storage device to the distribution device before the arrival of the user. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A first connection state may be entered on a computing device. While the computing device is in the first connection state, actions taken on a playlist on the computing device may be applied to the playlist and not applied to a playback queue associated with a zone. An input may be received via the computing device, indicating a selection of the zone. In response to receiving the input, a second connection state may be entered. Entering the second connection state may comprise establishing a connected state between the computing device and the one or more playback devices. While the connected state is established, one or more actions taken on the playlist on the computing device may be applied to the playlist and transmitted, in a message to the zone over a network. The one or more actions may be one or more corresponding actions applied to the playback queue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calibration unit (20) for an audio system (2) having a generator (4) for generating a pilot tone (6), and a detector (16a-c) for the pilot tone (6), wherein at least one parameter (P1, 2) determining the pilot tone (6) is changeable, which calibration unit comprises an input unit (22) for optionally setting the parameter (P1, 2), wherein for at least one value (W1, 2) of the parameter (P1, 2), all detectors indicate a detection of the pilot tone (6). An audio system (2) comprises said calibration unit (20). In a method for operating the calibration unit (20), the parameters (p1, 2) is regulated in such a way that all detectors (16a-c) indicate a detection of the pilot tone (6). A computer program carries out all steps of the method, when the program is performed on a computer and/or the calibration unit (20) or the audio system (2).

Abstract: A first connection state may be entered on a computing device. While the computing device is in the first connection state, actions taken on a playlist on the computing device may be applied to the playlist and not applied to a playback queue associated with a zone. An input may be received via the computing device, indicating a selection of the zone. In response to receiving the input, a second connection state may be entered. Entering the second connection state may comprise establishing a connected state between the computing device and the one or more playback devices. While the connected state is established, one or more actions taken on the playlist on the computing device may be applied to the playlist and transmitted, in a message to the zone over a network. The one or more actions may be one or more corresponding actions applied to the playback queue.

Abstract: A first connection state may be entered on a computing device. While the computing device is in the first connection state, actions taken on a playlist on the computing device may be applied to the playlist and not applied to a playback queue associated with a zone. An input may be received via the computing device, indicating a selection of the zone. In response to receiving the input, a second connection state may be entered. Entering the second connection state may comprise establishing a connected state between the computing device and the one or more playback devices. While the connected state is established, one or more actions taken on the playlist on the computing device may be applied to the playlist and transmitted, in a message to the zone over a network. The one or more actions may be one or more corresponding actions applied to the playback queue.

Abstract: A first connection state may be entered on a computing device. While the computing device is in the first connection state, actions taken on a playlist on the computing device may be applied to the playlist and not applied to a playback queue associated with a zone. An input may be received via the computing device, indicating a selection of the zone. In response to receiving the input, a second connection state may be entered. Entering the second connection state may comprise establishing a connected state between the computing device and the one or more playback devices. While the connected state is established, one or more actions taken on the playlist on the computing device may be applied to the playlist and transmitted, in a message to the zone over a network. The one or more actions may be one or more corresponding actions applied to the playback queue.

Abstract: A device is configured to tune multiple tuners to multiple television channels. The device may receive image data and audio data for the television channels from the tuners. The device may provide the image data from the tuners for display on a display device and for display at a same time. The device may assign the audio data from a group of the tuners to respective audio channels. The device may provide the audio data from the group of tuners for output at the same time via the respective audio channels.

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: In one aspect, a first device includes at least one processor, a microphone accessible to the at least one processor, and storage accessible to the at least one processor. The storage bears instructions executable by the at least one processor to receive input from the microphone and determine, based on the input from the microphone, whether sound from a second device meets a sound criterion. The instructions are also executable by the at least one processor to, responsive to the determination, issue a command to increase the volume of audio output by a third device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for controlling audio output are provided. In some implementations, a method for controlling audio output is provided, the method comprising: receiving, by a computing device, audio content to be presented; determining that an output port of the computing device is connected to a corresponding connector; providing the audio content at the output port; recording a first portion of audio using a microphone; determining that the audio content is present in the first portion of audio; continuing to provide the audio content at the output port; recording a second portion of audio using the microphone; determining that the audio content is not present in the second portion of audio; and presenting the audio content using a speaker of the computing device.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for wireless radio switching in a playback device. An example playback device includes an audio interface to communicate audio information. The example playback device also includes a radio manager to determine, while the playback device is in a bonded zone, that the playback device is not playing audio based on the audio information. The radio manager to also disable communicating via a wireless radio of the playback device when the playback device is not playing audio.

Abstract: A control system (106) for mounting to a vehicle (100) and for providing information to an occupant of the vehicle from a first source device (116) is provided. The vehicle includes an audio system (130) and/or a display system (100). The control system includes a first interface (120) for communicating with the first source device (116). The control system further includes a second interface for providing a signal to the audio system and/or the display system. The control system yet further includes a processor (122). A memory unit (122) is communicably connected to the processor and includes a first transport (2112) configured to send a control signal to the interface. The memory unit (132) further includes a first manager (2304) configured to receive a command from an application (2104) and to translate the command from the application (2104) into a command for the transport (2112).

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for controlling a virtual engine sound of a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. More specifically, the system includes a sensor for detecting when the vehicle is inside an enclosure; a virtual engine sound generation portion for generating the virtual engine sound of the vehicle; and a control portion for receiving data detected by the sensor to control the virtual engine sound based upon whether or not the vehicle is inside the enclosure, and transmitting a control signal corresponding to the data to the virtual engine generation portion.

Abstract: A ZONE4 left audio signal Z4L is output without releasing a connection of a surround left speaker SSL. When determining that a playback of the ZONE4 left audio signal Z4L is set by a user manipulation, a controller 2 controls switches S11b and S13b in an on state, and controls switches S11a, S13a, and S13c in an off state. Accordingly, the ZONE4 left audio signal Z4L is supplied from a DSP to an amplifier 12a through the switch S11b, amplified by the amplifier 12a, and supplied to a surround back left/ZONE4 left SP terminal 14b through the switch S13b. A surround left SP terminal 14a is an output terminal dedicated to a surround left audio signal, so that the ZONE4 left audio signal Z4L can be output without releasing the connection of the surround left speaker SSL.

Abstract: First and second channel bridge amplifiers are dynamically configured to drive either speakers or headphones. The first channel bridge amplifier includes a first amplifier driving one end of a first speaker through a mechanical switch in a headphone-jack, and a second amplifier driving another end of the first speaker. The second channel bridge amplifier includes third and fourth amplifiers driving respective ends of a second speaker. An amplifier control circuit dynamically detects the insertion or removal of a plug in the jack and configures the amplifiers accordingly. When a plug is inserted into the jack, the mechanical switch disconnects the first speaker from the first amplifier, and the fourth amplifier is tri-stated disconnect the second speaker. The first and third amplifiers are configured to drive the first and second channels of the headphones, while the third amplifier drives the headphone common point (shield ring) as a virtual ground connection.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to provide for low-latency delivery and playback of audio are disclosed. In one embodiment, an example audio system includes multiple playback devices including a primary device and one or more secondary devices, whereby, the primary device establishes and controls a peer-to-peer network that connects, wirelessly or wired, to each of the satellite devices. An example audio device contains a channel selector, a control interface, and an audio interface. In some embodiments the control interface is used to transmit control information to another device on a first frequency channel, and the audio interface is used to transmit audio information to another device on a second frequency channel.

Abstract: A point of sale system includes: a transceiver; an activator; and a processing unit; wherein the transceiver is configured for, upon activation of the activator, detecting radio frequency signals transmitted from at least one device; wherein the processing unit is configured for: associating a measurement value with each of the at least one device, selecting a device from the at least one device for reception of an audio stream, based on the measurement value of the device fulfilling at least one selection criteria, and operating the transceiver to transmit the audio stream to the selected device.

Abstract: Intelligent switching of audio sources includes determining, via a computer processor communicatively coupled to an audio system in a vehicle, alternative sources of content that are communicatively available to the vehicle. The audio system renders an instance of a content item that has been received from a content provider, as a source of content, over a network. Upon determining an interruption in a signal from the content provider with respect to the instance of the content item, the intelligent switching of audio sources also includes presenting an alternative content item, through the audio system, from one of the alternative sources of content.

Abstract: A method includes receiving sound by a first audio unit installed in an electrical outlet, routing audio data corresponding to the received sound from the first audio unit to a second audio unit installed in a second electrical outlet, and sending the audio data to a mobile device using a wireless link between the mobile device and the second audio unit. Routing the audio data may include receiving the audio data from the first audio unit by a third audio unit and routing the audio data to the second audio unit by the third audio unit serving as a router. The data may be routed using table driven routing, on-demand routing or some other appropriate routing protocol. The method may also include performing voice recognition on the audio data and detecting a command word and routing command word data to the second audio unit.

Abstract: A channel conversion part (214) performs channel conversion on audio data of a plurality of channels so that the number of channels thereof is converted to an appropriate number of channels for which an acoustic effect can be verified or perceived by audience according to the volume level of reproduced sound, and audio is output only with a required number of channels. In addition, a frequency control part (215) for controlling the operating frequencies of switching regulators (220-223) of audio amplifiers (224-227) also performs frequency control according to the volume level of sound of each channel which performs an audio output.

Abstract: The nested speaker system includes a speaker unit selectively mounted inside a mounting nest. The mounting nest can be installed in various items such as coolers, bags, appliances, and furniture. The speaker unit can be interchangeably seated into various mounting nests. The speaker unit is provided with a mounting rib around opposite ends of a housing, and the mounting nest includes a corresponding mounting groove for the respective mounting rib along an interior periphery to securely seat the speaker unit when assembled. The speaker unit utilizes wireless transmissions from media players to stream audio files. Auxiliary inputs can be provided to facilitate playback of audio from other sources.

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: A method and system for audio channel setup for an electronic device connected with one or more external electronic devices is provided. The method includes configuring audio channel information for the electronic device and the one or more external electronic devices, determining whether a master device is changed between the electronic device and one or more external electronic devices, and sending, when the master device is changed, the configured audio channel information to a new master device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to control audio playback devices are disclosed. An example audio playback device includes an audio output device to generate audio signals based on a signal source, a device interface to receive a first message from a first audio information source, and a source selector to change the signal source from a second audio information source to the first audio information source based on the first message.

Abstract: Left and right stereo channels L and R are provided to a first set of two or more speakers of a speaker array. A bass signal B is applied to a second set of one or more speakers of the speaker array. The level of L and R applied to the first set of speakers is increased as the first set of speakers is rotated to become more horizontally aligned. The level of B applied to the first set of speakers is decreased as the first set of speakers is rotated to become more horizontally aligned.

Abstract: An analog/digital audio converting apparatus enables listening to both digital and analog audio signals received from a digital receiving apparatus and analog audio signals input from an external source using the same receiver by providing a formatter capable of converting the analog audio signal into a digital audio signal with the digital broadcasting receiving apparatus.

Abstract: Examples include a playback device with an audio information source interface, a network interface, a processor, and data storage with program code, that when executed by the processor, causes the playback device to (a) receive a first analog signal including first audio information from a first audio information source, (b) receive second audio information from a second audio information source, (c) generate timing information based on the second audio information, (d) transmit the timing information and the second audio information to another playback device over a network, and (e) play back one of (1) the first analog signal or (2) a second analog signal including the second audio information in accordance with the timing information.

Abstract: An audio network including at least one audio input; at least one audio output; a controller adapted to create audio routes, each audio route comprising an audio input, an audio output and an electrical connection therebetween; a plurality of network clients, each network client being adapted to send a creation signal to the controller to create a new audio route; the controller being adapted such that on receipt of a creation signal from a second network client requesting creation of a new audio route the controller determines if creation of the new audio route involves an audio input or audio output employed in an audio route created by a first network client and to send an alert to a network client if this is the case, the controller creating the new audio route on receipt of an override signal from the network client.