Abstract: A wireless headset (1) for forming a connection endpoint of a communications channel with at least one further connection point (4, 26, 27). The headset (1) comprising: means (11) for attaching the headset (1) to the head of the user, a short-range receiver (2) for receiving a first signal from at least one peripheral device (4, 26), a short-range transmitter (3) for transmitting a second signal to the peripheral device (4, 26), a speaker (5) for generating a sound, selecting means (7, 10) for selecting a connection point (4, 26, 27) from at least two different connection points (4, 26, 27) and a memory (8) for storing identity information of the at least two different connection points (4, 26, 27). The headset (1) comprises voice announcement means (7, 8, 9) for announcing through the speaker (5) the identity of the selected connection point (4, 26, 27).

Abstract: A wireless audio distribution system may have a wireless transmitter, responsive to a plurality of audio input channels, for transmitting signals carrying the audio, a receiver, responsive to the transmitted signals for selecting one or more of the audio input channels to be reproduced in accordance with local setting selectors at the receiver. Speaker audio channel anti-noise signals can be subtracted from the head audio channel to cancel the noise related to the playing of the speaker audio on the speakers while the headset audio is played on the headset. Analog anti-noise signals can be produced by use of a microphone associated with the headset and later subtracted from the headset audio.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, system, and program products for providing sound from multiple audio sources. A first audio stream is played from a first source through a multi-speaker audio system. A signal indicating a need to play a second audio stream is received from a second source. Adjustments to be made to the first audio stream to move an acoustic image of the first audio stream in multi-dimensional space from a first location to a second location are determined. Adjustments are applied to a signal of the first audio stream in order to move the acoustic image of the first audio stream from the first location to the second location. The second audio stream is played so that an acoustic image of the second audio stream is located in a third location. The first audio stream is simultaneously played.

Abstract: A digital audio distribution network includes a plurality of nodes and at least one transmission line that interconnects the nodes to form the digital audio distribution network. A first node in the plurality of nodes receives a user command, encodes the user command, and sends the encoded user command and digital audio over the transmission line. A second node in the plurality of nodes receives the encoded user command and the digital audio over the transmission line.

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 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.

Abstract: A car-use extended device is applied to electrically communicate to a car-use audio device to form a car-use control system, so as to simulate a user-to-machine operation interface for controlling an electronic computing device installed with an operation system to execute at least one preset assignment. The car-use audio device comprises an operation interface comprising a trigger element and at least one working signal input element. The extended device comprises a micro control unit comprising an interface-function setting program. When the trigger element is triggered, a triggering signal is generated and sent to the micro control unit, and the interface-function setting program is provided to define the preset assignment that the working signal input element represents. Hereafter, when the working signal input element is triggered, the micro control unit outputs a working signal to the electronic computing device, so as to make the electronic computing device execute the preset assignment.

Abstract: An audio network system that performs transport of audio signals among nodes by cascading a plurality of nodes each including two sets of transmission I/Fs and reception I/Fs, and circulating among the nodes in each fixed period an audio transport frame generated by a master node, is configured such that the master node generates the audio transport frame in an S-th period based on the audio transport frame in an (S?k)-th period, and each of the other nodes delays the audio signals written by another node after the audio transport frame is generated by the master node until the audio transport frame is transmitted to the self node, by k period(s) with respect to the other audio signals, for use in signal processing.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method for controlling presentation of data through a wireless home entertainment hub in a home entertainment system includes obtaining a registration for one or more source devices and for one or more sink devices. An indication is received at the wireless home entertainment hub that at least one of the source devices has become active. An instruction is transmitted to the sink devices to receive data from the at least one active source device. An indication is transmitted to at least one active source device that at least one of the sink devices is ready to receive data.

Abstract: A receiver and method is for receiving wireless transmissions including program data and locating data, and for determining its location from the locating data, and optionally from a stored representation of a venue and/or sound reproducing transducers therein. The receiver and method may also determine the actual speed of sound from current local atmospheric data, and determine a delay time to its location therefrom for delaying the received program data to be substantially in time alignment with natural sound, and to be so reproduced and/or recorded. 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: An embodiment of an audio system comprises a speaker system configured to automatically change a coupling of an audio speaker from a first channel input to a second channel input if an external speaker is coupled to a first output. In embodiments of the invention, the speaker that connects to an audio source, such as an audio card of a personal computer (PC), automatically swaps channels based on the jack into which an external speaker is plugged. Thus, the reconfiguration of the audio system is automatic for the user in some embodiments, requiring nothing more from the user than selecting one of two jacks for use with an external speaker.

Abstract: Architecture for playing back personal text-based messages such as email and voicemail over a vehicle-based media system. The user can use a cell phone that registers over a cellular network to an IMS (IP multimedia subsystem) to obtain an associated IP address. The personal messages are then converted into audio signals using a remote text-to-voice (TTV) converter and transmitted to the phone based on the IP address. The phone then transmits the audio signals to the vehicle media system for playback using an unlicensed wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). Other alternative embodiments include transmitting converted message directly to the media system, via a satellite channel, converting the messages via a TTV converter on the cell phone, and streaming the converted messages to the phone and/or the media system for playback.

Abstract: The invention provides an audio interface device and method to acquire audio signal from either an analog or digital microphone through a common connector. The audio interface comprises a connector, electrically connected with a microphone plugged thereinto, an analog readout circuit, acquiring an analog audio signal from an analog microphone, a digital readout circuit, acquiring a digital audio signal from a digital microphone, and a decision circuit, selectively connecting the analog or digital readout circuit to the connector to acquire the analog or digital audio signal respectively according to whether the microphone plugged into the connector is analog or digital.

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.

Abstract: A codec includes an output module for converting a digital input signal into an analog output signal. A controller module monitors a plurality of status conditions and asserts a mute signal for engaging an output mute switch based on a plurality of disconnect rules.

Abstract: A sound reproducing system for use with multiple rooms includes a main control unit, and at least one secondary control unit. Thus, the respective automatic level control circuit maintains the voice signal output at a constant level, the respective power amplification circuit of the main control unit converts the voice signal into a larger voice signal, the volume control circuit of the respective secondary control unit converts the larger voice signal and the noise produced during transmission into a smaller voice signal, and the power amplification circuit of the respective secondary control unit converts the smaller voice signal into a larger voice signal output, thereby producing a voice signal output with a higher quality.

Abstract: A speech support system for a vehicle with a first microphone and second microphone and a third microphone, as well as with a first loudspeaker, a second loudspeaker and a third loudspeaker, in which, by means of the speech support system, can maintain one communication path each from the first microphone to the second loudspeaker and/or from the first microphone to the third loudspeaker, as well as from the second microphone to the third loudspeaker and from the third microphone to the second loudspeaker. By means of the speech support system, a communication path can selectively be maintained from the first microphone to a telephone, and a communication path from telephone to the first loudspeaker, while maintaining communication path from the second microphone to the third loudspeaker and the communication path from the third microphone to the second loudspeaker.

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 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 judgment. 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.

Abstract: A voice-activated, or voice-operated, remote control is adapted to reduce or eliminate the sound output of one or more entertainment appliances in order quiet the environment and thereby improve the effectiveness and accuracy its voice recognition functions. In one aspect of the present invention, the remote control sends a mute command to an appliance under control and listens for a voice command during an ensuing predetermined time period. In a further aspect of the present invention, the remote control determines which one of a plurality of unmute sequences is to be transmitted.

Abstract: A RF communication system includes a speaker microphone connector connecting a communication station with a communication unit to transmit an audio signal and RF signal therebetween. The speaker microphone connector includes an audio cable, a RF cable and a tubular enclosing shelter enclosing the audio cable and the RF cable therein, wherein an end portion of the RF cable extends out of the enclosing shelter between first and second ends thereof such that the end portion of the RF cable is split with the audio cable to individually connect to the communication station. In addition, a retaining device is provided at the enclosing shelter to retain the RF cable and the audio cable in a splitting manner.

Abstract: An audio accessory for a headset. The accessory includes a first circuit for wirelessly receiving audio signals from a first external source of audio signals, a second circuit for mechanically coupling to a second external source of audio signals for receiving the audio signals from the second external source of audio signals, controlling circuitry for controlling the relative amplitude of audio signals from the first external source and the second external source transmitted to a playback device, a connector for detachably coupling to the playback device to transmit audio signals from the controlling circuitry to the playback device, and circuitry communicatingly coupling the controlling circuitry and the connector for transmitting audio signals from the controlling circuitry to the connector.

Abstract: A control device and a corresponding control method are provided for establishing an information-output ranking of a plurality of information sources, in particular audio sources. In order to output the information of the information sources to a common information-output device, the information-output ranking is established in pairs for the audio sources which is in the form of an audio-output matrix having a nonlinear order with respect to the matrix elements, and wherein each matrix element of the information-output matrix is used to determine the priority of a corresponding information source with respect to another information source. A conflict among competing information outputs is solved in this manner.

Abstract: A system is provided for configuring an audio system for a given space. The system may statistically analyze potential configurations of the audio system to configure the audio system. The potential configurations may include positions of the loudspeakers, numbers of loudspeakers, types of loudspeakers, listening positions, correction factors, or any combination thereof. The statistical analysis may indicate at least one metric of the potential configuration including indicating consistency of predicted transfer functions, flatness of the predicted transfer functions, differences in overall sound pressure level from seat to seat for the predicted transfer functions, efficiency of the predicted transfer functions, or the output of predicted transfer functions.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating audio, video, and/or control signals within a home entertainment system. A plurality of audio channels is communicated between a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. The wireless transmitter is located proximate to a speaker housing. In some embodiments the speaker housing also encloses a center channel loudspeaker. The center channel loudspeaker transmits an audio signal to a remote loudspeaker. An exemplary remote loudspeaker is a subwoofer loudspeaker. The subwoofer loudspeaker provides one or more received audio channels to one or more surround loudspeakers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for matching an output of an auxiliary signal transducer with a reference signal transducer where the auxiliary signal transducer and reference signal transducer receive audio signals from a common signal source along different respective signal paths. The method includes the steps of determining a signal amplitude output value provided by the auxiliary and by the reference transducers within each of a plurality of different frequency ranges in response to the audio signal received along the respective signal paths and adjusting the signal amplitude output value of the auxiliary transducer within at least some of the plurality of different frequency ranges based upon the respective signal amplitude output value of the reference transducer.

Abstract: In a switching device for exploiting impedance differences between at least two loads, connectors are provided for coupling the loads to the switching device. The loads cooperatively define a non-zero virtual impedance. At least one connection point is included for accepting an output from at least one signal generator. The connection point is in electrical communication with the connector. The connector and the connection point cooperate with one another to selectively cause the loads to be interconnected at minimum of at least two of either series, parallel, first load alone, or second load alone, to exploit the impedance differences and/or associated virtual impedance.

Abstract: A sound control system includes a plurality of electronic devices connected to a communication network, each of the electronic devices being capable of independently producing sound from connected speakers, and a sound control device transmitting control signals for controlling the electronic devices and audio signals to the electronic devices via the communication network. Each electronic device includes receiving means for receiving the control signals and the audio signals via the communication network, and selecting means for switching from other external signals to the audio signals in response to the control signals in order to drive the speakers by only the audio signals output to the speakers.

Abstract: An infrared emitter comprises a preamplifier, an infrared RF emitter, an infrared channel controller and a photodiode emitting-medium. With the emitter, by switching between two channels with an infrared channel controller, and by the mode of arrangement of a plurality of infrared emitting diodes and two Darlington amplifying circuits on the parts in a photodiode emitting-medium, crosstalk disturbance during transmitting carrier waves to a wireless earphone is inhibited. The emitter is applied to industries of audio/video playing, car audio/video equipment and hi-fi equipment.

Abstract: An in-the-ear hearing aid having multiple directional microphones connected to a signal processing unit. The connection of the microphones can be reversed by a selector switch to selectively switch the hearing aid between a left-ear configuration and a right-ear configuration.

Abstract: A voice interface structure for a cellular phone that permits two-way operation or can be provided at where opposite to the keypad of the cellular phone, wherein, both of the voice interface and control keypad are arranged in two-ways or facing away from each other so that when the keypad control and operation. as well as the use of the voice interface, the case of the cellular phone is used as a screen to reduce the electromagnetic wave the head of the user is exposed to without compromising the convenience of key entering and executing of transmission and receiving.

Abstract: In a home or business where there is a central sound source for a stereo and one or more sets of loudspeakers which are located remote as in different rooms from the sound source. A volume control switch is mounted in conjunction with each set of loudspeakers. Within the transmission line between the sound source and each set of loudspeakers there is included a sense signal which is located at a high frequency which is beyond the range of human hearing therefore not to be heard by any human. This sense signal is compared to the audio signal from which the position of the volume control for each set of loudspeakers can be ascertained. Upon initial activation of the sound source, sound is not emitted from the remote loudspeakers upon making a memory change in the volume control for a set of loudspeakers, sound will be immediately emitted from that set of loudspeakers and only that set.

Abstract: In a folded armature assembly the vibratory end portion of the armature is prelocatable both translationally and rotationally relative to the facing pole surfaces of the permanent magnetic flux means before attachment of the supported portion of the armature to said means. The armature has wings extending laterally from the supported portion to form therewith a connecting bridge portion, and the wings are formed to provide pads extending normal to the bridge. A magnet strap with attached magnets fits slidably between the pads, with a clearance from the bridge of the armature, to permit said locations before the parts are permanently attached. After attachment and with the magnets magnetized, the armature may be adjusted substantially in translation to magnetic center between the pole faces by appropriate plastic deformation of the bridge. In a preferred embodiment, an improved structure is provided for viscoelastic damping of the undesirable second natural resonant mode of the folded armature.

Abstract: To provide a loudspeaker broadcasting system and a loudspeaker broadcasting apparatus which can perform a loudspeaker broadcasting of appropriate contents at each block without reducing sound clearness. Bi-directional speakers 1 which performs sound-reinforcement having high intelligibility, and fire detecting sensors 3 which detect fire occurrence in a tunnel 10a, 10b and send fire occurrence signals are placed in the tunnel 10a, 10b in the tunnel extending direction. In an emergency such as a fire, emergency broadcasting is performed through each bi-directional speaker 1 at each of the predetermined blocks 5 in the tunnel 10a, 10b. The emergency broadcasting is different in contents at each block, and it is alternately performed at the adjacent blocks 5. Further, the frequency components having a long reverberation time is removed from the loudspeaker broadcasting through the bi-directional speaker 1.

Abstract: A reception apparatus or transmission and reception apparatus has a plurality of input terminals, and a plurality of apparatus are connected by a chain connection to a predetermined one of the input terminals. The input terminal at which the apparatus is to receive a signal is successively switched among the input terminals by selection operation of a user, and the apparatus connected to the predetermined input terminal are successively searched in response to the same selection operation of the user.

Abstract: An audio trigger device has a number of buttons that can be depressed to create different audio signals with different features. The audio signals are used to remotely control a computer running slide presentation software that has an audio channel to collect sound signals. The features of the audio signals are detected by the computer as commands for controlling the progress of the slide presentation by simulating keystrokes, mouse actions, or their combinations for the control commands of the presentation software.

Abstract: An addressable speaker system in which a plurality of selectively activated speakers are distributed throughout a predefined area and are connected to a central processing unit. The system contains multiple RF antennas that are capable of broadcasting and receiving radio frequency signals to individuals wearing radio frequency identification (RFID) badges. The system users the RF transmission to locate an intended radio frequency identification badge and selectively broadcasts an audio message to a speaker located closest to the intended recipient.

Abstract: A computer system audio circuit is connected to a sound device, a combination game/MIDI/line-in/line-out/headphone jack, and internal loudspeaker. The circuit routes audio signals to a headphone, when the headphones are plugged into the headphone connector of the combination jack. In addition, the audio circuit switches and does not route audio signal to the internal loudspeaker nor external loudspeakers when the headphones are plugged in. Furthermore, if the external loudspeakers are plugged into the line-out connector of the combination jack, the circuit provides audio to the external loudspeakers but not the internal loudspeaker.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the present invention is provided with two or more output systems to which transducers are connected, a source output on/off control unit that turns on/off the output from a source based upon the output from a random signal generating unit and a frequency varying unit that causes changes in the frequency of an electrical signal provided to the transducers over time at a specific rate. Every time the source output is turned off, the output of the electrical signal is stopped and the output systems are switched over, whereas when the source output is on, the electrical signal provided to the transducers on the output system to which the signal is to be provided. Since the output systems are switched over to be selected for use, it becomes possible to connect a greater number of transducers while using the same source capacity as in the prior art and noise generated from the transducers, when switching over the output systems, is eliminated.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a type of multi-functional audio & video control box, comprising such components as an antimagnetic speaker box and several sets of audio/video selector whereby an audio/video connection switch box and an audio input/output speaker switch functions are completely integrated inside an antimagnetic speaker box, so as to very efficiently save space, with possible designing and combination of easily operated switches.

Abstract: Receiver control circuitry of a receiver automatically detects, selects, and enables a priority signal provided to the receiver from a plurality of audio and/or visual source devices. Upon the user starting a source device that serves as a potential source of audio and/or visual input signals to the receiver, the receiver control circuitry automatically determines whether the receiver should switch to the source device as its source of audio and/or visual information. Additionally, the receiver control circuit will automatically turn on the receiver if it is not powered-up so that this will not have to be done by the user of the receiver.

Abstract: There is provided an audio communication system for a life safety system. The audio communication system includes an audio data line having a plurality of audio channels for transmitting audio data and a CPU for controlling the transmission of the audio data along the audio data line. An audio source module and an audio amplifier module are coupled to the audio data line. To produce an audible sound, the CPU selects a particular channel of the plurality of audio channels for transmitting the audio data and sends this selection to the audio source module. The audio source module then places one or more audio packets, corresponding to the audible sound, on the selected channel. The audio amplifier module then receives a signal from the CPU that identifies the selected channel and, thus, the audio amplifier module will know which channel to find the audio packets. The audio packets are converted and directed to speakers to produce the audible sound.

Abstract: A signal distribution and communication arrangement includes an electronic processor-based master control unit which controls the broadcast of different types of signals through speakers located in various zones. The system includes a telephone interfaced with a door speaker controller to allow communication between the telephone and a door speaker. A page may now be broadcast over selected speakers and zones selectively muted to allow private communication when the page is answered. Also included is a doorbell interface circuit that responds to a doorbell source. The doorbell source may be activated by any one of a plurality of doorbell switches. An additional aspect of the present invention includes grouping zones together so that all source selection works concurrently, and each subzone in the group retains independent volume control, bass and treble. Further, a new sub-set of zone programming allows the installer to label a zone as any alpha-numeric seven-digit name.

Abstract: A circuit system for selectively switching between main and remote loudspeakers includes a pair of input terminals for applying an input audio signal to the loudspeakers. A first selector switch contact is provided in series with the main loudspeakers. A second selector switch contact is provided in series with the remote loudspeakers. A current-dependent resistance element is provided in series with the remote loudspeakers to protect the remote loudspeakers from overdrive. The circuit system may also include a second current-dependent resistance element and a cooperating defeat switch contact as well as a resistor and associated load limiting switch contact all in series with the remote loudspeakers.

Abstract: A redundant alarm system including a central controller that interfaces with a first alarm, a second alarm, a visual indicator and an acoustic sensor. When an alarm condition exists, the controller activates the primary alarm causing the primary alarm to generate an audible first alarm signal. The audible first alarm signal is transmitted from the primary alarm to the acoustical sensor. The acoustical sensor detects the audible first alarm signal and transduces the audible first alarm signal into a first feedback signal that is relayed to the controller. If the controller does not receive the first feedback signal from the acoustical sensor within a predetermined time after activating the primary alarm, the controller activates the secondary alarm and the visual indicator.

Abstract: An interface that connects a conventional auto alarm with the audio system of that auto, specifically to the amplifier for the sub-woofer(s), which is connected to low frequency producing speaker(s). Woofer and Sub-woofer bass frequencies are capable of penetrating objects, such as buildings, that high frequency cannot. This sound supplements other alarm signals to increase the chance of alarm status notification. The interface includes a sound generator for producing low frequency signals for output to an external amplifier; an adjustable gain is provided to adjust output levels.

Abstract: A signal distribution and communication arrangement includes a main control unit remotely located and electrically coupled to a volume control panel. The volume control panel is located near a speaker, and the main control unit sends substantially continuous audio signals or an interrupting audio signal to the volume control panel for playing via the speaker. These signals can be sent on the same conductor or separate conductors. When the interrupting audio signal is present, a voltage or current source provides a level from the main control unit to the volume control panel to indicate that a volume override circuit should be engaged. Upon engagement of the volume override circuit, the interrupting audio signal is passed through to the speaker at a prescribed signal level, regardless of the volume control setting on the volume control panel.

Abstract: In an audio signal output device, when muting audio signals outputted from audio signal output terminals, a ground terminal provided for the audio signal output terminals is brought into an open state in association with the muting action, so that the audio signals can be adequately muted without causing any noise or the like.