Abstract: A seat includes a seating portion, a backrest, two pairs of vibrators and a vibration absorbing member, and constitutes a driver's seat of a vehicle. The vibration absorbing member is arranged at a boundary portion between a first region and a second region of the seating portion, and is arranged at an intermediate portion between the pair of vibrators. The vibration absorbing member suppresses vibration of the vibrator from being propagated to the second region and vibration of the vibrator from being propagated to the first region. The vibration absorbing member is arranged at a boundary portion between a first region and a second region of the backrest, and is arranged at an intermediate portion between the pair of vibrators. The vibration absorbing member suppresses vibration of the vibrator from being propagated to the second region and vibration of the vibrator from being propagated to the first region.

Abstract: An audio device for a vehicle includes a loudspeaker system having a plurality of loudspeakers, which are arranged spatially such that they enable a three-dimensional listening experience in a vehicle interior. The audio device also includes a control unit which is coupled to the loudspeaker system and which is configured to control at least one loudspeaker of the loudspeaker system in order to reproduce a position-specific warning signal which is linked to a specific position. For reproducing the position-specific warning signal, the control unit controls only the loudspeaker or those loudspeakers of the loudspeaker system which is/are closest to the specific position.

Abstract: An audio control system for a vehicle includes a processor, a non-volatile memory module having stored therein instructions for controlling one or more vehicle audio components, a sensor operable to detect a change in vehicle configuration, and a control module operable to adjust a vehicle audio component based on the change in vehicle configuration according to instructions stored in the non-volatile memory module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling audio output in a telematics system are provided. In on method a telematics device determines that a parameter has exceeded a first threshold and sends an automatic volume control trigger message to an audio output device. The telematics device determines that a second parameter has exceeded a second threshold and sends an alert message to the audio output device. The audio output device performs an automatic volume control procedure then plays back and audible alert message.

Abstract: A roof structure of a motor vehicle includes an outer sheet and a headliner below the outer sheet. A telematics control unit (TCU) is disposed in an insulated space of the roof structure. The TCU is configured to provide Wi-Fi within a passenger space of the vehicle above an electrically non-conductive grille extending across an opening in the headliner. The grille permits airflow between the insulated space and a passenger space below the headliner to cool the TCU, without interfering with Wi-Fi signals from the TCU.

Abstract: The invention discloses a sound box structure including a speaker unit and a sound box housing. The speaker unit is embedded and fixed in an installation recess of the sound box housing. The sound box housing has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and the height of the sound box housing on the first side is greater than the height of the sound box housing on the second side. The height of the sound box housing gradually decreases from the first side to the second side. The width of the sound box housing between the first side and the second side is less than or equal to the width of the speaker unit.

Abstract: A system and method for quieting unwanted sound. As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide a system and method, for example implemented in a premises-based or home audio system, for quieting unwanted sound at a particular location.

Abstract: To provide a mechanism for selectively taking an external sound from an appropriate sound source into an internal space of a moving object. An information processing apparatus including an acquisition unit configured to acquire an audio signal from a sound source existing outside a moving object, a generation unit configured to generate an audio signal from a target sound source at a distance from the moving object, the distance being a distance according to a speed of the moving object, of the sound sources, on the basis of the audio signal acquired by the acquisition unit, and an output control unit configured to output the audio signal generated by the generation unit toward an internal space of the moving object.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, systems, and/or apparatuses are provided for providing offer and insight generation functions. User input requesting an offer or insight may be received and an image of a photographic identification of a user may be requested. The image of the photographic identification may be captured and stored. A self-captured image of the user may be captured (e.g., via an image capture device of the computing device) and compared to an image of a user from the photographic identification. Responsive to determining that the images match, displaying an instruction to capture a vehicle identification number. The vehicle identification number may be captured. Data, including location data, may be extracted and an archive including the extracted data may be generated and the data may be transmitted to an entity computing system for processing. The entity computing system may evaluate the data and generate one or more insights and/or outputs.

Abstract: A vibrating panel assembly configured to radiate sound into a passenger compartment of a vehicle having a support structure is provided. The assembly includes a substrate panel having front and back surfaces. The panel includes an inner portion, an outer boundary portion formed on the perimeter of the panel and an intermediate portion between the inner portion and the outer boundary portion. The vibrating panel has a frequency distribution of modes in a range of audible frequencies. The panel is configured to be attached to the support structure. An electroacoustic vibrator is mounted on the inner portion at the back surface at a predetermined location and is configured to vibrate the panel over the range of audible frequencies in response to an electrical signal. The intermediate portion is configured to increase modal density of the panel.

Abstract: Examples described herein involve configuring a playback device based on distortion, such as that caused by a barrier. One implementation may involve causing the playback device to play audio content according to an existing playback configuration, determining an existing frequency response of the playback device in a given system, and determining whether a difference between the existing frequency response of the playback device in the given system and a predetermined frequency response for the playback device is greater than a predetermined distortion threshold. If it is determined that the difference between the existing frequency response of the playback device and the predetermined frequency response for the playback device is greater than the predetermined distortion threshold, then the existing playback configuration of the playback device is changed to an updated playback configuration of the playback device and the playback device plays audio content according to the updated playback configuration.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one locking element of a vehicle is disclosed. A mobile identification transmitter is detected at a position in a certain access region around the vehicle. Furthermore, a user signal is output to a user carrying the mobile identification transmitter after the mobile identification transmitter has stayed at the position for a first predetermined duration. In addition, the at least one locking element is unlocked/opened after the mobile identification transmitter further stays at the position for a second predetermined duration after the user signal is output. For the targeted control of the automatic unlocking or opening of the vehicle door, the process of unlocking or opening is terminated if a termination signal from the user is detected within the second predetermined duration.

Abstract: Techniques for determining information associated with sounds detected in an environment based on audio data are discussed herein. Audio sensors of a vehicle may determine audio data associated with sounds from the environment. Sounds may be caused by objects in the environment such as emergency vehicles, construction zones, non-emergency vehicles, humans, audio speakers, nature, etc. A model may determine a classification of the audio data and/or a probability value representing a likelihood that sound in the audio data is associated with the classification. A direction of arrival may be determined based on receiving classification values from multiple audio sensors of the vehicle, and other actions can be performed or the vehicle can be controlled based on the direction of arrival.

Abstract: A driving sound library provides driving sounds classified in various themes to a user by analyzing frequency characteristics and temporal characteristics of sound sources classified into categories and determining a chord corresponding to each sound source based on the frequency characteristics and the time characteristics. Modulated sound sources in which each sound source is modulated are generated by applying a chord corresponding to each sound source. The driving sound sources are generated using the sound sources and the modulated sound sources as input data. Pitches of the driving sound sources are then changed based on the driving sound sources and engine sound orders corresponding to an engine RPM of a preset range. Scores for each theme for the driving sounds are generated.

Abstract: Provided is a sound pickup loudspeaker apparatus which suppresses the influence of feedback produced when adding a speaker while also reducing a sense of unnaturalness in a sound image. The sound pickup loudspeaker apparatus collects a target sound emitted from a first seat in the vehicle, plays back the collected target sound to a listener seated in a second seat in the vehicle from a second sound amplifying device disposed in a direction different from the first seat from the perspective of the listener, and furthermore plays back the collected target sound to the listener from a first sound amplifying device disposed in the same direction as the first seat from the perspective of the listener.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining whether the noise floor of a sensor is deviated from an expected value, comprising the steps of: receiving a sensor signal from a sensor; determining a plurality of power spectral densities from a plurality of successive frames of samples of the sensor signal, each of the plurality of power spectral densities being determined from a respective frame of the plurality of successive frames, each power spectral density being comprised of a plurality of frequency bins, each frequency bin being associated with a power of the respective frame at the frequency of the respective frequency bin, wherein each successive frame of the plurality of successive frames differs by at least one sample; identifying a minimum power of the plurality of power spectral densities; and determining whether the minimum power exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to use existing vehicle speakers alone or in conjunction with other sensors (e.g. SRS sensors and/or microphones) that may already be implemented as part of the vehicle to identify acoustic signatures. Suitable low-cost and widely available hardware components (e.g., relays) may be used to modify the vehicle's existing speakers for a bi-directional mode of operation. Moreover, the vehicle's existing of audio amplifiers may be used to amplify signals collected by the speakers when operating in “reverse,” and process these collected signals to determine vehicle state information.

Abstract: A modular sound modulation system that may be incorporated into a wearable harness for use beneath a costume or clothing. The system includes a sound modulation unit having an amplifier and programmable sound modulation controller. Power is provided via a wired remote power supply. Speakers are disposed at key locations to cause modulated sound to appear to come from the head of the costume. A high-fidelity microphone captured vocalizations from the wearer. The system may further include a transmitted to broadcast or store a recording of the modulated sound.

Abstract: A passenger suite for an aircraft passenger cabin includes a seat having an adjustable backrest, multiple forward sound drivers, left side drivers, right side drivers, at least one sensor detecting the position of the backrest, and a controller in communication with the drivers and operable to adjust an output of at least one of the drivers based on the position of the backrest. A third driver may be positioned within or behind the seat in communication with the controller. The forward drivers may be tweeter drivers; the side drivers may be midrange drivers; and the third driver may be a woofer driver. In some embodiments, a particular left side driver and a particular aligned right side driver are active to deliver audio content according to the position of the backrest. A surround sound system installable in an aircraft cabin, such as within an aircraft passenger suite.

Abstract: A system for capturing a user's voice, including a plurality of microphones disposed about a vehicle cabin, each of the plurality of microphones generating a microphone signal, wherein the vehicle cabin defines a plurality of seating positions; a voice-activity detector configured to detect when, at least, a user seated in a target seat of the plurality of seating positions is speaking; and an adaptive beamformer configured to receive the microphone signals from the plurality of microphones and to generate, based on the microphone signals and a noise coherence matrix, an estimate of the acoustic signal at the target seating position, according to an adaptive beamforming algorithm, wherein the noise coherence matrix ceases to be updated when, according to the voice-activity detector, the user seated in the target seating position is speaking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a speaker system including a first panel that is an outer plate of a vehicle door, a second panel disposed on a vehicle interior side of the vehicle door, a third panel disposed between the first panel and the second panel, a speaker unit that has a sound emitting surface for emitting a sound toward the vehicle interior and is mounted on the second panel or the third panel, a first coupling mechanism that couples a peripheral portion of the second panel to the third panel, and a second coupling mechanism disposed at a position nearer the center of the second panel than a position of the speaker unit in the plane of the second panel and configured to couple the second panel and the third panel in the plane at a position not overlapping with the speaker unit.

Abstract: A first noise level, which is an estimated value of a magnitude of a noise component included in a first sound collection signal obtained from a first microphone which collects sound emitted from a first sound collection and amplification position is obtained, a second noise level, which is an estimated value of a magnitude of a noise component included in a second sound collection signal obtained from a second microphone which collects sound emitted from a second sound collection and amplification position is obtained, a ratio of a reproduced noisy sound level, which is an estimated value of a magnitude of noise at a position of a passenger at the second sound collection and amplification position in a case where the first noise level is reproduced from a second speaker placed at the second sound collection and amplification position, with respect to a second noisy sound level, which is an estimated value of a magnitude of noise corresponding to the second noise level at the position of the passenger at the

Abstract: An electric power steering device including a column actuator disposed on a column side of the intermediate shaft and outputting a column assist torque; a rack actuator disposed on a rack side of the intermediate shaft and outputting a rack assist torque; a column torque sensor coaxially disposed with the steering shaft and detecting a column torsion torque; a rack torque sensor coaxially disposed with the intermediate shaft and detecting a rack torsion torque; and a calculator calculating instruction values of the column assist torque and the rack assist torque based on the torsion torques.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to monitoring sound in and around a vehicle to predict unsafe driving events, and using the sound information to detect and reduce unsafe driving conditions. A computing device receives information indicative of a sound in or near a vehicle. The sound information may be received via the vehicle itself or via a device. The computing device then determines whether there is an indication of an unwanted driving event. The computing device also receives vehicle operation data extracted from one or more vehicle sensors. The computing device then determines whether there is an indication of unsafe driving conditions, and if there is, the computing device may output a notice or alert via a notification system to alert the driver or, in certain embodiments, other parties via social media, text message, chat programs, and the like.

Abstract: A transfer function of a first variable filter is updated to output, from an output of a first seat microphone, a cancel sound that minimizes a level of a signal obtained by subtracting an output of an auxiliary filter that generates a correction signal for correcting a difference between positions of the first seat microphone and the first seat. In the ICC mode in which the uttered voice of the user in the first seat is output from a second seat speaker, a selector sets an uttered voice Dp output from the second seat speaker as an input to the first variable filter, and in the non-ICC mode, the selector sets an output sound of a second seat audio source output from the second seat speaker as an input to the first variable filter. The uttered voice Dp is generated by removing a component of the cancel sound from the output of the first seat microphone.

Abstract: A system and method include reception of a first plurality of audio signals, generation of a second plurality of beamformed audio signals based on the first plurality of audio signals, each of the second plurality of beamformed audio signals associated with a respective one of a second plurality of beamformer directions, generation of a first TF mask for a first output channel based on the first plurality of audio signals, determination of a first beamformer direction associated with a first target sound source based on the first TF mask, generation of first features based on the first beamformer direction and the first plurality of audio signals, determination of a second TF mask based on the first features, and application of the second TF mask to one of the second plurality of beamformed audio signals associated with the first beamformer direction.

Abstract: A method for operating a centrifugal separator associated with a prime mover and/or a working machine. The centrifugal separator comprises at least one rotatably mounted rotor that can be rotated at a variable speed via a drive controlled by a control unit. The method is characterized in that the speed of the rotor is controlled according to the sound emissions of the prime mover and/or according to the sound emissions of the working machine.

Abstract: An engine harmonic cancellation system includes an accelerometer disposed within a vehicle to detect a harmonic produced by an engine of the vehicle and to produce a harmonic reference signal representative of the harmonic; a controller configured to produce a harmonic cancellation signal that, when transduced into an acoustic signal, cancels the harmonic within at least one cancellation zone within a cabin of the vehicle, wherein the harmonic cancellation signal is based, at least in part, on mixing the harmonic reference signal converted to baseband with a baseband signal output from a look up table; and a speaker disposed within the cabin and configured to receive the harmonic cancellation signal and to transduce the harmonic cancellation signal into an acoustic harmonic cancellation signal, such that the harmonic is cancelled within the cancellation zone.

Abstract: The present application discloses exemplary arrangements of an end-fire microphone array inside a vehicle and exemplary digital signal processors configured for the end-fire in-car microphone array. The exemplary digital signal processors may be configured in two modes, a phone call mode and an automatic speech recognition mode. In each mode, the exemplary digital signal processors are improved for enhanced SNR. Different end-fire microphone array arrangements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system includes a first vehicle radio generating a first communication signal for a second vehicle radio and communicating the first communication signal through the first radio system of a first vehicle. The first vehicle radio communicating the first signal though a cellular system to the second vehicle radio when a response signal is not received from the second vehicle radio.

Abstract: A device and method controlling a speaker according to priority data is provided. An audio processor, in communication with a speaker-controlling processor at a device, processes remote audio data, the remote audio data remote to the speaker-controlling processor. The audio processor assigns priority data to the remote audio data. The audio processor provides the remote audio data and the priority data to the speaker-controlling processor. The speaker-controlling processor processes local audio data, the local audio data local to the speaker-controlling processor. The speaker-controlling processor controls a speaker, with respect to the local audio data and the remote audio data, according to the priority data.

Abstract: Provided is a bracket for a speaker, the bracket being capable of ensuring the strength when the speaker is attached by using an attachment plate, and also enhancing the workability in folding of the attachment plate when the speaker is attached without using the attachment plate; the present invention includes: a frame-shaped support portion which supports a speaker; and a mounting member which is used for attaching the speaker supported by the support portion to the outside and is provided in the support portion, wherein a plurality of grooves having different extension directions are continuously formed on a base part of the mounting member, the base part connecting the mounting member and the support.

Abstract: An exemplary voice monitoring system includes a wearable voice monitor and an auxiliary device such as a smart phone. The wearable monitor incorporates a wake-on-sound microphone, a vibration motor, and a microcontroller within a small, discreet enclosure. The enclosure can be hung from a necklace chain or affixed to clothing, like a piece of jewelry. The jewelry appearance is enhanced by a removable decorative piece. The microcontroller wakes up in response to a wake signal from the microphone when a voice sound of a wearer is detected. The microcontroller initiates measurements to determine if the voice sound meets preconfigured criteria and activates the vibration motor to alert the wearer. Sound criteria resulting in vibratory alerts are contained in a user-specific schedule tailored according to time of day and day of week. The smart phone can remotely create customized schedules and transmit them to the monitor.

Abstract: A loudspeaker arrangement for a seat within a motor vehicle utilizes one or more localized sound output ports for low frequency sound reproduction. A housing, such as an enclosure, substantially surrounds a loudspeaker. One or more audio transmission line channels acoustically interconnect the interior of the enclosure to one or more sound output ports. The enclosure is situated below, behind, or in some fixed location around or within a vehicle seat. The sound outputs ports are situated at or near a headrest such that the output ports are located substantially less than a wavelength of sound at the highest operating frequency from either ear of the seat's occupant. The acoustic response and resonances of a 1) rear enclosure, 2) a front vented enclosure, 3) a loudspeaker, and 4) an audio transmission path from the enclosure to one or more output ports are used to provide localized low frequency sound reproduction.

Abstract: An agent apparatus includes a plurality of agent function portions each providing a service including outputting a voice response from an output in response to an occupant's speech in a vehicle, and a selector referring to history information indicating a history of a quality of a service executed by each of the plurality of agent function portions with respect to a content of the occupant's speech, and selecting an agent function portion making a response to the occupant's speech in the vehicle from among the plurality of agent function portions.

Abstract: A panel audio loudspeaker includes a panel extending in a plane. The loudspeaker also includes an actuator coupled to one side of the panel and configured to couple vibrations to the panel to cause the panel to emit audio waves. The actuator includes a rigid frame attached to a surface of the panel, the rigid frame includes a portion extending perpendicular to the panel surface and a plate extending parallel to the panel. The actuator also includes a magnet assembly and a magnetic coil forming a magnetic circuit. The actuator further includes at least one flexible member connecting the magnetic circuit to the portion of the rigid frame extending perpendicular to the panel surface. The actuator also includes a compliant member positioned between the magnetic circuit and the panel, the compliant member being configured to increase output of the loudspeaker compared to the actuator without the compliant member.

Abstract: An entertainment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of mobile units each of which has an output device for outputting a video and/or a sound of content, an arrangement control unit configured to control an arrangement of the plurality of mobile unit, and an output control unit configured to control the video and/or the sound of the content, which is output from each of the plurality of mobile units, based on the arrangement of the plurality of mobile units.

Abstract: A vehicle sound generation device includes a sound control circuit that sets one or more frequencies according to a number of revolutions of the rotary power source, and generates a synthetic sound signal representing a synthetic sound including one or more element sounds having the one or more frequencies. The sound control circuit sets the synthetic sound so that a sound pressure of the synthetic sound includes a reference sound pressure component and a variable sound pressure component. A magnitude of the reference sound pressure component increases as the number of revolutions of the rotary power source increases, and a magnitude of the variable sound pressure component varies within a predetermined amplitude with a period of a predetermined increase amount of the number of revolutions as the number of revolutions of the rotary power source increases.

Abstract: A boat includes a dash positioned proximate a windshield at a first non-zero angle. A speaker is mounted under a top surface of the dash at a second non-zero angle. The speaker is positioned to direct sound emanating from the speaker through an opening in the dash and the windshield is configured to reflect the sound emanating from the speaker as reflected sound in an aft direction. The boat may also include an enclosure having a reflective surface positioned within a cavity formed between the deck and hull of the boat. A speaker, mounted within the enclosure, and the reflective surface are configured to reflect sound emanating from the speaker off of the reflective surface and through an opening of the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle sound may include a storage configured to store a user-optimized volume value set by a driver and a processor calculating a first sound according to a vehicle speed when a vehicle is driving, a second sound according to braking, and a third sound according to a vehicle status during turning of the vehicle based on the stored volume value and to mix and output at least one of the first to third sounds.

Abstract: A combined automobile speaker and portable blue tooth speaker including a disc shaped removable speaker located in a door of an automobile. The speaker further includes a clamp on a circular speaker holding bezel. The bezel is opened, and the speaker can be inserted or removed and is plugged into the automobile speaker sound system and can communicate with a portable audio player when removed. The rear end of the removable speaker includes a subwoofer component to enhance the listening experience of a user. The speaker may be removed and propped up via legs on the back end of the speaker device. This allows for a versatile and portable speaker that is integrated into the sound system of a vehicle or used independently.

Abstract: A remote microphone system for a vehicle may include at least one physical microphone arranged within a vehicle cabin configured to generate an error signal at a virtual microphone location within the vehicle, a database configured to maintain a look up table of premeasured seat positions and associated transfer functions, and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive a seat position indicative of a seat location within the vehicle, and apply a transfer function associated with the premeasured position to a primary noise signal of the at least one physical microphone to generate the error signal.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle speaker system includes a vehicle mount adapted to be mounted on a vehicle and a speaker assembly including front and back injection molded panels which, when joined together, define a speaker compartment at first and second ends of the panels to house a speaker unit and a central compartment which separates the speaker compartments. A pair of spaced, powered hinge assemblies are disposed within the central compartment and hingedly connect the speaker assembly to the vehicle mount to allow limited swinging movement of the speaker assembly between different positions on the vehicle. Each hinge assembly includes a bidirectional, electrically-powered actuator and transmission subassembly. Each subassembly including a rotary output shaft and a set of interconnected transmission elements coupled to the output shaft and to the speaker assembly to automatically swing the speaker assembly based on a command signal.

Abstract: A method for adjusting at least one function of a mobile telephone in a vehicle includes the steps of: reading out a first information item from a module suitable for wireless near-field communication which is arranged in a mobile phone stand of the vehicle, by way of a corresponding readout module of the mobile phone; transmitting a second information item from the mobile phone to a system module of the vehicle; receiving and processing the second information item in the system module of the vehicle in order to provide a third information item; transmitting the third information item from the system module of the vehicle to the mobile phone; and adjusting the at least one function of the mobile phone on the basis of the received third information item.

Abstract: A portable multimedia device includes: An enclosure; a wireless communication element enclosed within the enclosure, the wireless communication element able to receive audio data from a mobile device; a pair of speakers enclosed within the enclosure that are able to generate an audio output based on the audio data received from the mobile device or directly from the head units internal radio and its external antenna; and a set of external connection ports. Also within the enclosure; a battery pack charger board, able to charge the battery pack converted from household power, which sends the electricity necessary to power the head unit and speakers. A light on the charger's circuit board within the enclosure is able to light up as a nightlight.

Abstract: Provided are an intelligent voice recognition method, a voice recognition device, and an intelligent computing device. A method of intelligently recognizing a voice in a voice recognition device includes obtaining an ambient noise signal from the microphone detection signal when a voice is detected from the microphone detection signal; updating a previously learned noise cancellation model based on the ambient noise; and removing the ambient noise signal from the microphone detection signal. Therefore, a voice recognition performance of the voice recognition device can be maximized. At least one of the voice recognition device, the intelligent computing device and the server of the present disclosure may be associated with an Artificial Intelligence module, a drone (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UAV), robot, Augmented Reality (AR) device, virtual reality (VR) device and a device related to the 5G service.

Abstract: A sound-modulating window assembly, as well as systems and methods of using and operating the same, are disclosed herein. The sound-modulating window assembly can include sensors, a controller, and a sound modulation assembly. The sound-modulating window assembly The sound-modulating window assembly can receive information about one or more sounds in a vehicular environment. Then, the sound-modulating window assembly can produce a modulation profile. The modulation profile can be used by the sound modulation assembly to alter one or more characteristics of the windows, such that the sounds are mitigated or minimized.

Abstract: In device-assisted navigation, audio navigation cues are often presented at particular locations along a route (e.g., “in 200 meters, turn left” and “turn left here”). However, if the user stops, navigation cues also stop since the user's position is not changing. Additionally, the navigation instruction at the next navigation point may be conflated with the actual position of the next navigation point; e.g., an instruction to “turn left” may be confusing if the road takes a sharp right turn immediately before the next navigation point. Instead, the device may periodically compare the current position of the user and the next navigation point, and periodically present guidance audio cues that indicate the distance and heading offset to the next navigation point. Guidance audio cues may be integrated with and/or supplemented by audio navigation instructions to indicate both the location of the next navigation point and instructions to be followed there.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for providing an output signal to an audio transducer, comprising: a first signal path for receiving a first digital audio input signal, applying a first digital gain, and outputting an amplified first digital audio input signal; a second signal path, for receiving a second digital audio input signal, applying a second digital gain, and outputting an amplified second digital audio input signal; converter circuitry, coupled to the first and second signal paths, for converting at least the amplified first and second digital audio input signals into the analogue domain, and outputting an analogue audio input signal; and an analogue gain element, for applying an analogue gain to the analogue audio input signal and outputting the output signal.

Abstract: A microphone array system or microphone array unit for a conference system is provided that includes a front board, side walls and a plurality of microphone capsules arranged in or on the front board mountable on or in a ceiling of a conference room. The microphone array system or unit is adapted for generating a steerable beam within a maximum detection angle range. The microphone array system or microphone array unit includes a processing unit which is configured to receive the output signals of the microphone capsules and to steer the beam based on the received output signal of the microphone array. The processing unit is configured to control the microphone array to limit the detection angle range to exclude at least one predetermined exclusion sector in which a noise source is located.