Vehicle Patents (Class 381/86)
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Patent number: 8160266Abstract: An active vibratory noise control apparatus has a speaker for canceling vibratory noise in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, the speaker being used as a speaker of one of different audio devices that can be installed on the vehicle. Each of the audio devices has a command key switch assembly. When the command key switch assembly is operated to turn off the transistor, a control signal is applied to a switching control circuit in an active vibratory noise control unit, which identifies the audio device installed on the vehicle. The active vibratory noise control unit generates a canceling signal matching characteristics of the speaker of the identified audio device for canceling vibratory noise in the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignees: Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Panasonic CorporationInventors: Toshio Inoue, Akira Takahashi, Satoru Minowa, Yoshio Nakamura, Masahide Onishi
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Patent number: 8160267Abstract: In order to enable a driver to obtain traffic jam information or to listen to a navigation guidance voice from a car navigation system without interrupting the reproduction of music when a passenger enjoys music reproduced by a CD player and the like through cabin loudspeakers, the present invention provides car audio equipment in which a pair of loudspeakers is disposed on both sides of a headrest of a driver's seat. The equipment processes at a decoder thereof a sound signal from a radio tuner, a car navigation device, a mobile phone and the like selected by a selector using a changeover switch, and the sound signal is reproduced through the loudspeakers.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Akira Sakamoto
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Patent number: 8155344Abstract: A vehicle speaker including a panel, a giant magnetostrictive vibrator, and a vibration transmission pad. The panel is used as a diaphragm for producing high-frequency sound and forms part of a vehicle. The giant magnetostrictive vibrator is used as a vibration exciter for the panel and includes a vibration output shaft that vibrates in accordance with a signal for producing high-frequency sound. The vibration transmission pad is fixed to the panel and connected to the vibration output shaft in a manner enabling vibration transmission. The vibration transmission pad vibrates the panel when the vibration output shaft vibrates.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Frey Co., Ltd., Foster Electric Company, LimitedInventors: Yasushi Iimori, Yoshiharu Kumura, Motoaki Suzukawa, Yasuo Higashidate, Hirofumi Onohara
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Patent number: 8155341Abstract: In accordance with a traveling state of a vehicle, a tone indicating, for example, that the vehicle is traveling is generated as a tone of a first performance part. Also, a variation in any of various states of the vehicle, such as an operating condition of a winker or flasher, is detected, and a tone corresponding to the detected state is generated as a tone of a second performance part. For example, ensemble data including the first and second performance parts may be employed.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventor: Kiyoshi Yamaki
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Patent number: 8155370Abstract: An audio system utilizes a method for detecting and adjusting a sound field effect thereof. The audio system includes a first speaker and a second speaker. The first speaker is used to emit a first sound signal, and the second speaker is used to emit a second sound signal. The method for adjusting the sound field effect includes the steps of detecting a specific position and adjusting the first speaker or the second speaker based on the specific position to focus the first sound signal and the second sound signal on the specific position.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.Inventors: Shou-Hsiu Hsu, Kuo-Hsun Huang
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Patent number: 8155343Abstract: Microphones are provided at an air inlet of the engine and a vehicle-cabin-side wall surface of an engine room, and engine sounds are picked up. The engine sound is processed by a signal processing section, and the processed engine sound is output from a speaker provided in a vehicle cabin. The signal processing section is provided with a filter which simulates a sound insulation characteristic of the vehicle cabin and a transformation section for processing the engine sound according to driving condition. A spectrum transformation characteristic of the transformation section is determined according to values detected by a vehicle speed sensor, an engine speed sensor, and an accelerator depression sensor, and a spectrum of the engine sound is transformed by means of specification of the spectrum transformation characteristic, thereby enhancing an engine sound.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Yoshikazu Honji, Yasuo Yoshioka, Akio Takahashi
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Patent number: 8155342Abstract: An multimedia device integration system is provided. One or more after-market audio or video devices, such as a CD player, CD changer, digital media device (e.g., MP3 player, MP4 player, WMV player, Apple iPod, portable media center, or other device) satellite receiver (e.g., XM or Sirius receiver), DAB receiver, video device (e.g., DVD player), cellular telephone, or any other device or combinations thereof, is integrated for use with an existing OEM or after-market car stereo or video system, wherein control commands can be issued at the car stereo or video system and data from the after-market device can be displayed on the car stereo or video system. Control commands generated at the car stereo or video system are received, processed, converted into a format recognizable by the after-market device, and dispatched to the after-market device for execution.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventor: Ira Marlowe
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Publication number: 20120076319Abstract: A system for accomplishing bi-directional digital audio data and control communications. There is a host end that includes a host transceiver, a host digital signal processor that outputs a master clock signal and audio data, and a source of low-voltage power for the host components. There are a number of remote nodes connected together serially. Each remote node includes a transceiver and a low-voltage power supply that provides power to the other remote node components. A shielded two-wire communication network connects the host node to one of the remote nodes, and connects each remote node to either one or two other remote nodes in a daisy-chain configuration. The host end is enabled to transmit and receive over the communication network digital audio data and digital control signals. The remote nodes are each enabled to receive over the communication network digital audio data and digital control signals, and are each enabled to transmit over the communication network digital control signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Bose CorporationInventor: Remco Terwal
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Patent number: 8144889Abstract: A noise control system operable within a box-like structure provided by the dual bulkhead plenum of the vehicle dashboard positioned within the transfer path along which the noise is being transmitted from the source of the generated noise to the receiver of the noise in the passenger compartment of an automobile. The plenum is divided into discrete chambers into each of which is provided smart materials affixed to the walls of the plenum to be operable for selectively changing a property characteristic of the chambers to vary the acoustic resonance of the plenum and change the effectiveness of controlling the transmission of noise energy therethrough. A controller is coupled to the smart materials to change said property characteristic of the smart material in response to noise cancellation requirements.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ming-te Cheng, Takeshi Abe, Robert G. Rebandt, II
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Patent number: 8145382Abstract: The entertainment system of one of the preferred embodiments includes a recreational vehicle, an event sensor attached to the recreational vehicle, an event element able to be detected by the event sensor, a processor connected to the event sensor, and a game program operated by the processor. The entertainment system functions to enable interactive game-like capabilities for a movable vehicle. The entertainment system is preferably used for children recreational vehicles (miniature cars), but may alternatively be used by other vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Greycell, LLCInventors: Andrew W. Baur, Tony L. Koenigsknecht
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Patent number: 8144894Abstract: A sound reproduction system in a vehicle includes an acoustic package including an electroacoustic transducer and a sound duct that carries the sound from the electroacoustic transducer. The sound duct carries the sound to an outlet at a location in the vehicle at which radiated sound efficiently drives selected audio modes of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Bose CorporationInventor: Michael Rosen
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Patent number: 8139782Abstract: A system is provided for amplifying audio signals from an audio source for use on a motorcycle or other personal motorized vehicles that includes a control module configured to receive audio input signals from a source and a plurality of outputs to send amplified audio output signals to a plurality of satellite amplifiers, a plurality of satellite amplifiers configured to receive an audio signal from a source and a plurality of control cables configured to connect the components.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Inventor: Paul Hughes
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Patent number: 8139797Abstract: A multichannel audio system for radiating sound to a listening area that includes a plurality of listening spaces. The audio system includes directional audio devices, positioned in a first of the listening spaces, close to a head of a listener, for radiating first sound waves corresponding to components of one of the channels and nondirectional audio devices, positioned inside the listening area and outside the listening space, distant from the listening space, for radiating sound waves corresponding to components of a second of the channels.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: J. Richard Aylward, Charles R. Barker, III, Klaus Hartung
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Patent number: 8139783Abstract: A speaker assembly arrangement for a vehicle is provided that includes a speaker unit including a speaker cabinet defining a first volume and a body part of a vehicle including a hollow member defining a second volume. The speaker cabinet is acoustically coupled to the hollow member by a press-fit coupling having a press-fit direction and mounted on the body part by at least one fastener having a fastening direction substantially perpendicular to the press-fit direction. The body part comprises a first guide arranged and configured to slidably engage with a second guide arranged on the speaker cabinet so that force on the speaker cabinet in the fastening direction is at least in part redirected to the press-fit direction by the slidable engagement of the first guide and the second guide.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventors: Michael Schuster, Joerg Prokisch
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Patent number: 8139810Abstract: A motorcycle having an open-air cockpit area and a seat configured to receive a rider and position the rider within the open-air cockpit area. A luggage container defines a substantially enclosed cargo volume, and the luggage container is configured to open to provide selective access to the cargo volume. A speaker is configured to output sound in response to signals from a source. A speaker enclosure at least partially encloses the speaker. A bass-reflex passage couples an interior space of the sparker enclosure and the cargo volume of the luggage container.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignees: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC, Radio Sound, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Armitage, Jonathan C. Harris, Robert Hazelwood, Scott Hein, Benjamin H. Hodge, IV, William N. House, Thomas E. Strunsee
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Patent number: 8130976Abstract: A sound system which has, for example, a radio, a cassette and a CD player is usually already installed in cars as standard or as an option. In addition, a better sound system includes a box system which has a tweeter and a woofer. In order to provide a speaker box which is suitable particularly for dispensing frequencies below 150 Hz and at the same time has neat pulses accompanied at the same time by little distortion, pulse dynamics and is highly effective, a sound transducer (10) is introduced into the supporting structure of the vehicle. This takes place in such a manner that subcompartments which are separated from each other adjoin each of its two membrane sides. In this case, the two subcompartments of the speaker box are formed by at least two elements (2, 3, 4) of the supporting structure of the vehicle (1).Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Klaus Linhard, Norbert Niemczyk
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Patent number: 8130974Abstract: An ASC generates a control signal based on an engine rotation frequency detected by an engine rotational speed detecting means, and a speaker outputs a sound effect depending on the control signal into a vehicle. The speaker is disposed in a substantially central area of a dashboard, in front of a driver seat and a front passenger seat of the vehicle, in the transverse direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kosuke Sakamoto, Toshio Inoue, Akira Takahashi, Yasunori Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8130966Abstract: A method for performance measurement and optimization of sound systems using electroacoustic measurements and a sliding band integration curve. Nearfield and spatially and temporally averaged broadband farfield responses are measured, averaged over a distinct set of frequencies, level matched, and weighted using a frequency-dependent ratio. The two curves are then combined to produce a third curve. The results indicate system performance in a listening space that matches human sensory response and provides means to optimize the sound system for the listening space.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Anthony Grimani
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Patent number: 8130987Abstract: A speaker system has a laterally extending body portion for supporting the back of the head of a user and a pair of right and left side portions respectively connected to the right and left ends of the body portion. A plurality of openings in side wall of each of two speaker boxes for making communication between the inside and the outside of each speaker box, for preventing sound leakage from each speaker unit and ensuring the sound pressure level in a low-frequency range of the audio frequencies reproducible by the speaker unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hideo Kaneda, Naotaka Kishi, Noboru Shiina
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Patent number: 8130975Abstract: There is provided an acoustic apparatus whose front-side exterior appearance construction can be freely changed and which can be easily added with a new function. A freely detachable control panel 2 is provided to an acoustic apparatus body 1 mounted on a vehicle 101, and audio units Au-1, Au-2, Au-3 which are connected to the acoustic apparatus body 1 through the control panel 2 are freely detachably provided to the control panel 2.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiko Matsumoto, Fukuya Iguchi, Takao Yahiro, Naoki Mori, Shinnosuke Takahashi, Akari Shimizu
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Publication number: 20120051557Abstract: To provide a thin speaker device a voice coil itself is made thin and vibration of the voice coil is efficiently transmitted to a diaphragm. The voice coil is used for a speaker device in which the vibration in one axial direction of the voice coil is transmitted to the diaphragm via a rigid vibration direction converter part, and the diaphragm is vibrated in a direction different from the one axial direction. The voice coil is formed with planarly and annularly wound conducting member and has rigidity at least in the vibration direction along the planar direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicants: TOHOKU PIONEER CORPORATION, PIONEER CORPORATIONInventors: Minoru Horigome, Yasuhisa Abe, Toshihiro Hikichi, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Tempei Katsuta, Kodai Nagasawa
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Patent number: 8126187Abstract: An audio system includes mounting one or more speakers on the surface between an exterior side panel and an interior side panel of a door on a vehicle. The one or more speakers may face substantially along an axis in the longitudinal direction of the door. When the door is open, a cover may be controlled to extend over and close an opening in the interior side panel, thereby allowing sound from the one or more speakers to project to an exterior of the vehicle. When the door is closed, the cover may be controlled to expose the opening, thereby allowing sound from the one or more speakers to enter an interior of the vehicle through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Christopher Ludwig, Hal P. Greenberger, Timothy Holl
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Patent number: 8126159Abstract: Speakers deployed in a space and divided into groups associated with different zones produce a mix of sounds that create internal noise pollution and, combined with external noise, an unpleasant environment for occupants. The present invention contemplates sound systems and methods for creating personalized sound zones to address these and related problems.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Stuart Goose, Farshid Arman
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Publication number: 20120045073Abstract: A flat speaker device capable of emitting loud reproduced sound with a relatively simple configuration is provided. The speaker device includes a diaphragm, a frame supporting the diaphragm vibratably in the vibration direction, a magnetic circuit disposed in the frame, and a driving member for driving the diaphragm. The driving member includes a voice coil movably disposed in a magnetic gap of the magnetic circuit, a driving part formed movably in a direction different from the vibration direction of the diaphragm, and an angle conversion and transmission part, one end of which is angle-variably joined to the driving part and another end of which is angle-variably joined to the diaphragm. The angle conversion and transmission part has rigidity and is obliquely disposed with respect to each of the vibration direction of the diaphragm and the moving direction of the driving part.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicants: TOHOKU PIONEER CORPORATION, PIONEER CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Toshihiro Hikichi, Minoru Horigome, Yasuhisa Abe
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Publication number: 20120045072Abstract: A rear seat entertainment system (RSE) is composed of a display unit (LCD monitor 2) mounted openably and closably about a hinge 20; a sound waveguide-type speaker unit that is mounted in a position that does not obstruct the opening and closing of the display unit, and that has a slit-shaped opening 3 (3a, 3b) aimed at a listener; and a controlling device (RSE main body 1) including an arithmetic processing unit 23 that has a filter coefficient of an inverse correction filter, based on the previously measured acoustic characteristics of the sound waveguide-type speaker unit 5 (5a, 5b), and that corrects the phase characteristics and the sound pressure frequency characteristics of the sound waveguide-type speaker unit by the inverse correction filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Shigenobu Matsuda, Takafumi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8121336Abstract: A directional loudspeaker provides an enhanced listening environment by producing an indirect sound field of greater amplitude than that of the direct sound field. The directional loudspeaker includes loudspeaker elements positioned to provide a listener located below the loudspeaker elements with an impression of sound spaciousness in a vehicle environment. The loudspeaker elements may include baffles or acoustic lenses to deflect the indirect field away from the path to the listener position. The loudspeaker may also be operated with windows open by channeling the indirect sound field through an acoustic waveguide and deflector to the listener. A sound processor is also provided to accept a sound input, create an indirect and direct sound field, output the sound fields to loudspeaker elements, and also may provide electronic enhancement effects such as multi-channel sound or sound parameter adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Steven W. Hutt, Ryan Mihelich, William Neal House, Mark Justin Armitage
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Patent number: 8121308Abstract: To provide an arrangement structure of a sound system in a motorcycle which can ensure the operability of a sound operation unit while ensuring the visibility of a meter. In a motorcycle which arranges a meter indicating information on a vehicle and a sound operation unit for providing a reproduction operation or the like in a sound system in the vicinity of a steering portion, the meter and the sound operation unit are constituted as bodies separate from each other. The meter and the sound operation unit are arranged, as viewed in the axial direction of a head pipe which supports a steering portion, in front of and behind the head pipe.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Kai, Kazuhiko Mori, Atsushi Hatayama, Junichi Sakamoto
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Patent number: 8121307Abstract: An in-vehicle sound control system structured so that sound sources, a vehicle speed detection unit for detecting a vehicle running speed, and an acoustic reproduction apparatus are connected to in-vehicle communications network. The in-vehicle sound control system controls, in accordance with a vehicle speed signal transmitted from the vehicle speed detection unit, a reproduction acoustic signal. The acoustic reproduction apparatus switches, in accordance with a plurality of inputted sound sources and media information of a sound source, a control amount to sound control section determined based on a vehicle speed signal. In this manner, such an in-vehicle sound control system is provided that can provide an optimal automatic sound control for human ears even when the medium is exchanged or when a channel for a sound source in the medium is switched to another channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Katsuhiro Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20120039483Abstract: A audio system for skateboards comprising an audio module and speakers mounted to the bottom side of a skateboard. The audio module is battery-operated and has a Bluetooth receiver and a stereo amplifier. The speakers face downwards. While the rider is traveling on the skateboard, the sound from the speakers bounces back from the road's surface so that the rider may enjoy music in safe manner without loss of maneuverability.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: ALTEC LANSING, LLCInventors: David BURKE, Kirk LOMBARDO, Christopher KING
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Patent number: 8116488Abstract: The sound reproducing apparatus for use with a signal source comprises, a first output unit connected to the signal source via a first power amplifier, a first phase shifter connected to the signal source, a second output unit connected to the first phase shifter via a second power amplifier, a second phase shifter connected to the signal source, a third output unit connected to the second phase shifter via a third power amplifier, a fourth phase shifter connected to a third phase shifter, and a fourth output unit connected to the fourth phase shifter via a fourth power amplifier, wherein the first output unit and the second output unit are in right and left relation with each other, the third output unit and the fourth output unit are in right and left relation with each other, a group of the first output unit and the second output unit and a group of the third output unit and the fourth output unit are in front and rear relation with each other. The vehicle is equipped with the sound reproducing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Shinnosuke Nagasawa, Kazuhisa Kotegawa, Fumiyasu Konno
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Publication number: 20120033826Abstract: The present invention relates to low sound reproduction of a compact speaker, a degree of freedom of design for the low sound reproduction, chattering noise of structures of electronic apparatuses due to powerful low sound reproduction, chattering noise of structures near a car speaker due to powerful low sound reproduction, leakage of sound out of a vehicle, and an exterior design of unattractive passive radiators. Specifically, a bottom-raised box part is installed in an enclosure to adjust a volume of the enclosure. A plurality of pairs of passive radiators having different resonance conditions is installed. An external enclosure is installed in the outside of the speaker system including a driver, passive radiators and an enclosure. Signal processing is performed to {suppress a gain at a resonance point of the lowest frequency band providing the maximal vibration of the driver} and {emphasize a gain at a resonance point of the lowest frequency band providing the minimal vibration of the driver}.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventor: JUN-ICHI KAKUMOTO
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Patent number: 8111834Abstract: A frequency detecting circuit estimates the frequency fp of a propeller shaft based on the frequency fc of vehicle speed pulses, and calculates a control frequency fp? which is a harmonic of the frequency fp. A basic signal generator generates a basic cosine wave signal xp1 and a basic sine wave signal xp2 of the control frequency fp?. Adaptive filters and an adder generate a control signal Scp for canceling a driveline noise produced in a passenger compartment by the propeller shaft. A speaker outputs a canceling sound based on the control signal Scp into the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasunori Kobayashi, Toshio Inoue, Akira Takahashi, Kosuke Sakamoto
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Publication number: 20120027222Abstract: A vehicle audio system comprises a loud-speaker, a door assembly including a rigid inner panel and an outer panel joined to the inner panel along a front edge, a rear edge, and a bottom edge. A speaker support defined by a highly rigid panel is configured to receive and support the loud speaker in a speaker mounting opening. The speaker support comprises three sides having mounting points located at each corner such that the speaker support and loud speaker supported thereby, contacts the door assembly at a rigid front edge portion, a rigid bottom edge portion and a front corner defined by the intersection of the two.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Matthew R. Kirsch, Richard A. Close
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Publication number: 20120027221Abstract: An automotive server arrangement includes an infotainment head unit disposed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. An antenna is associated with the vehicle. At least one audio speaker is associated with the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A network server is disposed in-between the head unit and the antenna. The network server includes a processor and an amplifier disposed within a common housing. The amplifier drives at least one audio speaker. The processor is connected to the head unit and to the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaInventor: Gerald Davis
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Publication number: 20120027223Abstract: A sports board apparatus and method including a first speaker housing adapted to receive a first speaker and an audio device housing adapted to receive an audio device. The first speaker housing can be adapted to mount the first speaker substantially flush with the top surface of the sports board. The audio device housing can be adapted to mount an audio device substantially flush with the top surface of the sports board. An electrical conduit can be operably coupled to the first speaker housing and adapted to be coupled to the audio device so that a sports board owner can listen to music or other audio programming while engaging in leisurely activities, such as surfing, snowboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing, or skateboarding. The sports board can also include a stabilizing fin, a power supply, a solar collection device, an amplifying device, and a second speaker for deterring aquatic creatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventor: Jeremy ZAPALAC
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Patent number: 8102995Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication device and a telephone communication method thereof. The present invention includes two or more microphones mounted at different positioned in a predetermined space, e.g., in a vehicle. Further, a detector compares selectively the signal-to-noise ratios, sound quality states, volume intensities or the like of signals input through the microphones, and detects the most optimal signal as a telephone communication signal in the signals. Echo and/or howling contained in the input signal when one talks over the telephone with a communication counterpart is removed through an echo remover in accordance with the control operation of a controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Oh Kim
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Patent number: 8103017Abstract: A sound reproduction system provided for in-vehicle use includes: a music signal source; a first group of a first transducer, a second transducer, a third transducer and a fourth transducer connected to the music signal source; a signal processor shifting the phase of first sound signals output from the music signal source; and a second group of a first transducer, a second transducer, a third transducer and a fourth transducers connected to the signal processor.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2006Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Toshiya Nakagaki
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Patent number: 8098836Abstract: When the frequency of an engine rotation signal reaches a predetermined frequency, a comparator of a switching unit outputs a switching control signal to selectors and a filter coefficient updater. Based on the switching control signal, the selector switches from a connection between one memory and a corrector to a connection between another memory and the corrector, thereby changing the transfer characteristics C^rr of the corrector from C^11 to C^10. Based on the switching control signal, the selector switches from a connection between one ADC and a filter coefficient updater to the connection between another ADC and the filter coefficient updater, thereby supplying the filter coefficient updater with an error signal, rather than an error signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Pioneer CorporationInventors: Kosuke Sakamoto, Toshio Inoue, Akira Takahashi, Yasunori Kobayashi, Kenji Yamagata, Shinji Fukumoto
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Patent number: 8098875Abstract: An audio system including a first audio source, including a surround channel signal, coupled to an electroacoustical transducer mounted in the back of a seat of, for example, an automobile, so that the surround channel is radiated from the electroacoustical transducer. In one embodiment, the electroacoustical transducer is oriented to radiate substantially upwardly.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventors: Douglas J. Holmi, Michael D. Rosen
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Patent number: 8098837Abstract: A subtractor subtracts an echo canceling signal ?·y1(n?1) from a canceling error signal e(n) to estimate a residual noise to be silenced at the position of a microphone, and outputs a first basic signal x1(n) representing the residual noise. A first control circuit section generates a first control signal y1(n) based on the first basic signal x1(n) and a second basic signal x2(n) that is generated by delaying the first basic signal x1(n) by a time Z?n. A second circuit section generates a second control signal y2(n) based on the first basic signal x1(n) and an engine rotation signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Inoue, Akira Takahashi, Kosuke Sakamoto, Yasunori Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20120008794Abstract: A microphone assembly for use with an aftermarket telematics unit mounted in a passenger compartment of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The aftermarket telematics unit has a chamber having an opening that generally faces towards a rear of the vehicle and the microphone assembly includes, but is not limited to, a directional wideband microphone disposed within the chamber. A preamplifier is internally mounted within the directional wideband microphone. The preamplifier has an electrical lead and is both electrically and structurally attached to the aftermarket telematics unit via the electrical lead. The electrical lead is the sole means of physical attachment between the directional wideband microphone and the preamplifier, on the one hand, and the aftermarket telematics unit on the other hand.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLCInventor: JESSE T. GRATKE
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Patent number: 8094827Abstract: The present invention provides a sound reproducing system and a sound reproducing apparatus that can provide a high realistic sensation to a user, without having to do a troublesome task on the user's side. A surround-sound system (100) includes: an array speaker system (20) that is formed with speaker units SPU having the same characteristics; and a signal processing apparatus (120) that drives the speaker units SPU independently of one another and amplifies an audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Pioneer CorporationInventors: Teruo Baba, Yoshiki Ohta, Takashi Mitsuhashi
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Patent number: 8094831Abstract: An audio system for a motor vehicle is provided, including an audio head unit that generates an audio signal. One or more external speakers are provided that receive the audio signal and produce an acoustic output within the motor vehicle. A supplemental output interface receives the audio signal through a hard-wired connection to the audio head unit. The supplemental output interface comprising at least one output speaker connection, for providing a removable speaker connection.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Steven Feit
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Patent number: 8094809Abstract: A feedback calibration system and a method for controlling an electronic signal are disclosed. The feedback calibration system includes an input controller adapted to modify an input signal in response to a control signal and generate a modified input signal, a signal processing block including a signal analyzer, wherein the signal processing block is adapted to process the modified input signal to generate an output signal and the signal analyzer is adapted to detect an undesirable condition of the output signal and transmit a detection signal corresponding to the undesirable condition, a transfer function estimator adapted to model and transmit a transfer function estimate of the signal processing block in real-time in response to the detection signal, and a programmable device adapted to transmit the control signal to the input controller for modifying the input signal, wherein the control signal is based upon the transfer function estimate.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: J. William Whikehart, Suresh Ghelani
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Patent number: 8094832Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular automotive multimedia and telematic extension unit and head unit. In one embodiment, the present invention is an extension unit including a storage unit storing an application of an external personal electronic device, a processor connected to the storage unit, and a first connection unit connected to the storage unit and configured to be connected to a head unit in an automobile.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Matthew J. Boulia
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Patent number: 8090116Abstract: Vehicle audio systems including directional loudspeakers, particularly directional arrays. An exemplary audio system for a vehicle includes a plurality of audio channels. The vehicle includes a first passenger position and a second passenger position ahead of the first passenger position. The audio system includes a first directional loudspeaker positioned ahead of the first passenger position and in back of the second passenger position, constructed and arranged to radiate directionally a first audio channel so that a direction toward the first passenger position is one of a low radiation direction and a high radiation direction and so that a direction toward the second passenger position is the other of a low radiation direction and a high radiation direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventors: Douglas J. Holmi, Guy A. Torio
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Publication number: 20110317847Abstract: This invention discloses a rearview vehicle mirror, including: a rearview mirror body; and a center speaker device for providing center channel sound and mounted on the rearview mirror body; wherein the center speaker device is provided with at least one speaker above the rearview mirror body. The rearview vehicle mirror has multiple functions and can provide surround stereo sound while providing nice appearance and occupying small space.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventor: Chou Wan Chen
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Patent number: 8085967Abstract: A loudspeaker having a speaker basket including a basket rim, a speaker mounting hole, and a coupling hole disposed through the basket rim. The loudspeaker includes a first grill coupling engaged with the coupling hole, as well as a grill removably attached to the basket rim via the first grill coupling. The grill defines a solid surface portion which completely covers the speaker mounting hole and the coupling hole. The first grill coupling is interposed between the basket rim and the grill.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Inventors: Yoichiro Sumitani, Lin Chun-Yi
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Publication number: 20110311074Abstract: Provided is a car audio, in which a holding unit where a portable media device is held is inserted in an insertion space formed through the font of a car audio body and the holding unit is drawn out by opening and closing the insertion space with a front panel unit. Therefore, it is possible to hold and use a portable media device in a vehicle and the holding unit is stored in the insertion space when the portable media device is not used.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: NAMSUNG CO., LTD.Inventor: Seong-Ho YOON
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Patent number: 8081771Abstract: In one embodiment, an audio recorder is disclosed that interfaces with an automobile radio. The audio recorder includes a radio tuner that receives radio frequency signals and converts the signals to audio output and an audio comparator that compares audio output from the radio tuner with audio output of the automobile radio and tunes the radio tuner until the audio output of the audio tuner is synchronized with the audio output of the automobile radio. An audio storage device is activatable to record the audio output of the radio tuner for later playback.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kendra Harrington, Allen Huotari