Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a storage, a sensor, a controller, and a sound output unit. The storage is capable of storing a plurality of sound information items associated with respective positions. The sensor is capable of detecting a displacement of one of the information processing apparatus and a user of the information processing apparatus. The controller is capable of extracting at least one sound information satisfying a predetermined condition out of the plurality of stored sound information items and generating, based on the detected displacement, multichannel sound information obtained by localizing the extracted sound information at the associated position. The sound output unit is capable of converting the generated multichannel sound information into stereo sound information and outputting it.

Abstract: To make it possible to improve a low-tone reproducing ability with a simple structure in an acoustic device including speakers in a headrest. The acoustic device includes a core material of a closed structure functioning as a core of a headrest main body, acoustic speakers 50, 50 disposed in the core material, and hollow headrest stays 15, 15 that pierce through the core material. The headrest stays 15, 15 circulate the air on the inside of the core material to the outer side via hollow sections.

Abstract: A microphone system may include a measuring device that includes a plurality of sound elements and a semiconductor chip connected to the sound elements and receives a vibration signal and a noise signal from the outside to cancel the vibration signal and changes a phase of the noise signal to output a reverse phase noise signal; and a driver that is connected to the semiconductor chip and is included in a front glass of a vehicle and vibrates in response to the reverse phase noise signal to cancel a noise signal inputted from the outside.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sound control method for a hybrid vehicle having both an engine and a motor as driving power sources, the method including: checking a driving condition of the hybrid vehicle; calculating a first virtual sound optimizing an engine sound by extracting main order components of the engine based on an engine RPM and engine load data, and by optimizing an arrangement of the extracted main order components of the engine or by adjusting output levels thereof; calculating a second virtual sound generating an optimized engine sound by extracting order components of the motor based on a motor RPM and motor load data, converting the extracted order components of the motor into corresponding main order components of the engine, and by optimizing an arrangement of the converted main order components of the engine or by adjusting output levels thereof; and outputting the calculated first virtual sound or the second virtual sound to a sound device.

Abstract: Audio information of audio content being listened to by a user is received. An aspect of a listening environment of the user is identified. A volume preset, based on the audio information and the aspect of the listening environment, is determined to be available. A first volume of the audio content being listened to by the user is determined to be different from the volume preset. The first volume of the audio content is adjusted to a second volume.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying and compensating for offsets in received transmission signals in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle telematics device includes a processor, a transceiver connected to the processor, and a memory connected to the processor and storing a signal detection application, wherein the signal detection application directs the processor to command the transceiver to acquire a transmitted signal based on a set of listening parameters, store the transmitted signal as received signal data, determine the presence of a signal offset by determining monotonicity in the received signal data, generate offset data based on the determined monotonicity, command the transceiver to adjust at least one listening parameter based on the offset data, demodulate the received signal data based on the adjusted listening parameters, and issue a low power command signal.

Abstract: A vehicle control device including a camera configured to photograph an image around a vehicle; a display unit configured to display the image received from the camera; at least one sound sensor arranged on the vehicle and configured to sense a sound generated inside or outside the vehicle; at least one sound output unit arranged on the vehicle and configured to output sound inside or outside the vehicle; and a controller configured to sense a situation of the vehicle based on the sensed sound generated inside or outside the vehicle, and control at least one of the sound sensor, sound output unit and the display unit to output information based on the sensed situation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A real-time engine sound reproduction method includes determining, with a signal processing controller, a drive condition of a vehicle based on a vibration value measured through a sensor for measuring vibration of an engine, and reproducing, with an output device, a controlled engine sound based on an order component indicated by the engine vibration characteristic outputted in real time.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for improving signal quality through noise detection in an electronic device are provided. The electronic device may include a power amplifier configured to amplify and output a transmitted signal, a noise detector configured to detect noise in a receiving band by the power amplifier and to output a power level of the detected noise, and a processor configured to acquire the power level of the noise through the noise detector, acquire control information to change the output power of the power amplifier based on the power level of the noise, and control the output power of the power amplifier based on the control information.

Abstract: In a vehicle equipped with a vehicle sound system, determining a virtual fixed gear ratio; determining a virtual RPM based on the virtual fixed gear ratio; generating a set of harmonic signals based on the virtual RPM, the harmonic signals being sine-wave signals proportional to harmonics of the virtual RPM; processing the harmonic signals to produce a set of processed harmonic signals; and in the vehicle sound system, transducing the processed harmonic signals to acoustic energy thereby to produce an engine sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable speaker unit that includes a battery-powered, portable wireless speaker and can be seamlessly incorporated and operate as a speaker element of the vehicle speaker system. The portable speaker unit includes 2.1 channel audio capability with individually sealed speaker chambers for each of the 3 speakers within a housing. The portable speaker unit can be electrically and mechanically interfaced with the vehicle speaker system through a vehicle mount. The portable speaker unit can also operate as a portable wireless speaker when removed from the vehicle interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support for an audio system, the audio system comprising a heat source, a discharge surface for the heat and means for conducting at least one portion of the heat produced by the heat source towards the discharge surface. The support further comprises a plate comprising at least one heat-conducting elastic member able to deform for fitting at least one portion of the discharge surface of the audio system, and a thermal dissipation radiator in thermal contact with the elastic member.

Abstract: A method of controlling audio speaker settings in a vehicle with a rear row of seating comprises: requesting an operator of the vehicle to make a choice between a first option, wherein the vehicle automatically controls audio speaker settings based on a dynamically determined occupancy state of the rear row of seating, and a second option, wherein the vehicle recommends audio speaker settings to the operator based on the dynamically determined occupancy state; dynamically determining the occupancy state; if the operator chooses the first option, then automatically controlling audio speaker settings based on the dynamically determined occupancy state; and if the operator chooses the second option, then providing recommended audio speaker settings to the operator based on the dynamically determined occupancy state. The audio speaker settings include volume.

Abstract: An audio system includes a plurality of near-field speakers arranged in a listening area. A plurality of cross-talk cancellation filters are coupled to the speakers. The speakers and the filters are arranged to provide first and second listening zones in the listening area such that audio from the first listening zone is cancelled in the second listening zone and vice versa. The system also includes at least one audio source providing audio content. Volume-based equalization circuitry receives an audio signal representing audio content for the first listening zone from the audio source and controls a volume adjustment applied to the audio signal to control a volume of audio in the first listening zone. The circuitry limits attenuation or amplification of a first frequency portion of the audio signal when a volume setting differential corresponding to a difference between volume settings for the first and second zones exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for operating an infotainment system with the following steps. In a first step, the infotainment system is operated in a first operating state. In a second step, the infotainment system is operated in a first energy-saving state. In a third step, a timer is provided for waking up an operating state management mechanism of the infotainment system at a wake-up time. In a fourth step, the infotainment system is placed in a second energy-saving state. In a fifth step, the operating state management mechanism of the infotainment system is woken at a wake-up time by means of a timer. In a sixth step, the infotainment system is operated in the first energy-saving state.

Abstract: Forms of a vehicle loudspeaker system may include: a vehicle interior space defined on an inner side of a front windshield, a vehicle exterior storage space defined on a front side of the vehicle interior space such that a partition is disposed between the vehicle exterior storage space and the vehicle interior space, a cowl box disposed between an upper end of the partition and a lower end of the front windshield, and a loudspeaker including a diaphragm. The loudspeaker may be disposed in the cowl box such that sound pressure generated by the diaphragm is emitted to the vehicle interior space.

Abstract: Howling or oscillation in an in-vehicle communications system is prevented when the speaker gain or microphone gain is detected as giving rise to a loop gain equal to or greater than one for a particular frequency or band of frequencies or when the rate of gain of a frequency or band of frequencies increases at a rate that indicating howling will occur. Howling is prevented and not just stopped or suppressed, by adjusting the gain of all frequencies prior to the howling actually starting.

Abstract: Systems and methods are proposed for adjusting the coverage pattern of a directional loudspeaker array. The methods may comprise adjusting a coverage pattern of a loudspeaker array based on a distribution of audience members. The audience distribution may be determined by imaging a venue with a camera, performing facial detection on the resultant image, and processing the facial detection results to obtain the distribution.

Abstract: A system and method for synthesizing an engine sound may receive one or more vehicle operational data signals. One or more tone parameters associated with a Shepard tone generator may be modified responsive to the one or more vehicle operation data signals. A Shepard tone may be generated responsive to the modified one or more tone parameters. The Shepard tone may be reproduced using one or more audio transducers.

Abstract: A speaker frame, including: a vibration support portion supporting a vibrating body of a speaker; a magnet support portion arranged inside of said vibration support portion and supporting magnetic circuit portion of said speaker; and a plurality of connection beams connecting said vibration support portion and said magnet support portion, wherein the vibration support portion and the magnet support portion have a circular ring shape having the same major axis length and minor axis length, said plurality of connection beams are arranged radially centering on a central axis from said magnet support portion to said vibration support portion, the central axis being parallel to a direction of an acoustic radiation, and a length of one of said connection beams and a length of another connection beams are different from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling engine noise reflecting engine vibration and driving conditions includes a sound generator that generates reinforcement noise in order to reinforce non-linear engine noise. The apparatus includes a vibration sensor measuring engine vibration as a noise source of the engine, a signal processing controller receiving the signal of the vibration sensor in real time and controlling the sound generator so that the engine noise may maintain linearity, and an amplifier receiving and then amplifying a control signal of the signal processing controller to transfer the amplified control signal to the sound generator.

Abstract: A communication manager acquires, through a communication controller, a voluntary notification given by a mobile device. The communication manager issues automatically, to the mobile device, an information acquisition command as a response to the voluntary notification when the voluntary notification indicates that a single-call state is formed by the mobile device, to thereby acquire information on communication between the mobile device and the phone communication party. The communication manager issues automatically and intermittently, to the mobile device, the information acquisition command when the voluntary notification indicates that the state of the mobile device is changed into a multiple-call state, to thereby acquire intermittently information on communication between the mobile device and the phone communication parties.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a plurality of sensors including exterior sensors. Vehicle signals, such as those derived from sensors, are processed to detect alertable conditions and each alertable condition is represented by a created software object. A location is associated with each software object, such as corresponding to a location of an exterior feature that gave rise to the alertable condition. The software object is updated over time according to the vehicle signals, such as by updating the location according to movement of the obstacle. The software objects are processed to drive an array of speakers effective to simulate a sound originating from the location associated with the software object. The sound generated by the speakers may be repeated chimes having a volume and period determined according to the location.

Abstract: An inspection signal generator of an acoustic device outputs a first inspection signal. An amplifier receives a first reference signal, and outputs a second inspection signal according to the first inspection signal. A first detector is electrically connected to an output side of the amplifier, and outputs a first detection signal based on the second inspection signal. The first detector is electrically connected to the output side of the amplifier, and outputs the first detection signal based on the second inspection signal. A determiner compares a first detection signal output from the first detector with a preset determination reference signal so as to detect electrical abnormality between a ground terminal and an output terminal electrically connected to the output side of the amplifier.

Abstract: An airport terminal courtesy car indicator system that will prevent uncomfortable situations between operators of the courtesy cars and bystanders within an airport terminal. The courtesy car indicator comprises of an airport terminal transportation vehicle, that may be a golf cart, that is equipped with a synthesizer, an amplifier, and a speaker system that can be manually operated by an operator to give at least 4 instructions with regards to the positioning of the car within the terminal in relation any bystander within the vicinity of the courtesy car.

Abstract: A method to produce a dynamic sound stage for engine harmonic enhancement (EHE). Dynamic refers to the ability to position the sound stage at different positions as the engine operates at various RPMs and load. In order to control the sound stage width, a phase difference can be introduced between a first audio channel (e.g., a left audio channel) and second audio channel (e.g., a right audio channel). In the most general case, the phase difference can be introduced per harmonic per RPM. In this approach, the phase difference can be adjusted such that a vehicle occupant will perceive each harmonic signal to have a particular width. This width can be adjusted independently per RPM regions by tuning the per harmonic phase difference.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for customizing an audio system of a vehicle. An example computing device for customization of an audio system of a vehicle includes a display configured to present a user interface, a processor, and a storage device storing instructions executable by the processor to generate the user interface for presentation via the display, and receive user input to the user interface requesting one or more adjustments to an audio system, the one or more adjustments including instructions to tune an amplifier of the vehicle by adjusting digital signal processing (DSP) settings of the amplifier. The instructions are further executable to transmit the one or more requested adjustments to a communication interface of the amplifier of the vehicle, the adjusted DSP settings being stored in the amplifier and retrievable by the computing device.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus with a noise reduction function includes a microphone for inputting an external sound signal inside a vehicle, a DSP for generating a noise reduction signal in order to reduce noise of the external sound signal, a determination unit for determining a driving state of the vehicle, a correction unit for relatively increasing a degree of noise reduction when it is determined that the vehicle is in automatic driving and relatively decreasing a degree of noise reduction when it is determined that the vehicle is in manual driving, and a speaker for outputting the corrected noise reduction signal.

Abstract: A radio module may be configured to receive a starter motor relay signal from a first control module indicative of a motor start. The module may in turn mute a sound device associated with the radio module and upon receiving a delayed accessory signal from a second control module indicative of a delayed accessory trigger, un-mute the sound device in response to receiving the delayed accessory signal.

Abstract: A subwoofer structure for a vehicle includes: an enclosure mounted to a speaker; a floor panel to which the enclosure is mounted, a first soundbox space being formed in the floor panel; a seat cross reinforcing member having a second soundbox space that communicates with the first soundbox space; and a side sill having a third soundbox space that communicates with the second soundbox space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a personal watercraft that includes a hull including a deflectable panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface, an audio source for generating an audio signal, and an audio tactile transducer mounted to the interior surface of the deflectable panel. The audio tactile transducer includes a transducer enclosure, an audio generating device within the transducer enclosure, and an audio input for transmitting the audio signal from the audio source to the audio generating device. The audio generating device is configured to vibrate the deflectable panel based upon the audio signal in order to generate audible sound emanating from the exterior surface of the deflectable panel. The personal watercraft also includes a protective outer shell surrounding the transducer enclosure.

Abstract: An audio system for use in an automotive vehicle is provided. The audio system is configured to detect the removal of the removable speaker and adjust the audio signal to the fixed speakers so as to maintain the quality of sound within the vehicle. The audio system includes a signal processor configured to detect the presence of the removable speaker. The audio system distributes the frequency transmitted to the removable speaker to the speakers within the automotive vehicle so as to maintain the same sound quality when the removable speaker is removed.

Abstract: An enclosure expansion type virtual engine sound system is provided. The system includes an enclosure case having a case enclosure accommodating a speaker to which a virtual engine sound is output and an enclosure back beam with an internal space divided into a speaker enclosure and a expanded enclosure as an extended space of the case enclosure for low band amplification of the engine sound and a space in which the engine sound is output in three directions. Accordingly, the enclosure back beam implements a low band amplification function in addition to a crash absorbing function. The engine sound is output in three directions through an internal space of the enclosure back beam, thereby solving a space restriction of a narrow engine room while satisfying regulations of the speaker.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system includes a vehicle panel having an inner surface and an outer surface defining an exterior surface of the vehicle. A transducer is mounted to the vehicle panel being configured to be connected to and operated by an amplifier. The transducer has a base mounted to the vehicle panel and causes the vehicle panel to vibrate and create an audio output.

Abstract: An audio output device may include one or more audio sensors configured to detect ambient sound and noises around the audio output device. The audio output device may include a controller configured to analyze the detected sound and noises and may adjust audio settings of the audio output device accordingly. In an embodiment, the controller may analyze and recognize that the detected noise is another person's attempt to get the user's attention or to talk to the user, such as audio sound of the user's name. In response, the controller may stop the audio output or lower the volume of the audio output.

Abstract: An audio entertainment system for a vehicle includes a primary audio entertainment source to play a primary audio program and a secondary audio entertainment source to play a secondary audio program. The system has a plurality of front speakers, a left rear speaker, and a right rear speaker. A headphone set is for private listening by a rear seat passenger to the secondary audio program. The headphone set is selectably connectable to the secondary audio entertainment source. The system has a normal mode and a selectable enhanced rear seat entertainment mode. In the enhanced mode, an output sound power frequency spectrum of the rear speakers is automatically adjustable by frequency band to reduce audible interference between the primary program and the secondary program as audibly detected by the rear seat passenger while minimizing a disturbance to the primary audio program audibly detectable at the front seat row.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interlocking system between content player devices. The interlocking system includes: a first mobile device; a second mobile device, in which an interlocking program is installed, interlocked with the first mobile device, and configured to receive and execute one or more contents executed by the first mobile device, and a vehicle head unit, in which an interlocking program is installed, interlocked with the second mobile device, and configured to receive and execute the contents executed by the second mobile device.

Abstract: A disclosed system and method dynamically controls the perceived volume of a stereo audio program including left and right channel signals. The system includes a dynamic volume control that operatesto maintain a perceived constant volume level of the stereo audio program; and an excessive spatial processing protection processor configured and arranged for controlling the level of a difference signal, created as a function of the right channel signal subtracted from the left channel signal (L?R), relative to the level of a sum signal, created as a function of the right channel signal plus the left channel signal. The excessive spatial processing protection processor processes the audio signals so as to control the difference (L?R) signal relative to the sum (L+R) signal. A system and method are also provided for dynamically controlling the perceived volume of a stereo audio program including left and right channel signals.

Abstract: A vehicle loudspeaker system is provided. The system includes a vehicle body having a trunk floor pan, and a trunk floor that covers the trunk floor pan. The trunk floor has an upper surface and an opposite, lower surface. An electro-acoustic transducer is disposed between the lower surface of the trunk floor and the trunk floor pan. The transducer includes a diaphragm that defines a first radiating surface and a second radiating surface that is opposite the first radiating surface. The electro-acoustic transducer also includes an electro-magnetic motor for driving motion of the diaphragm along a motion axis. The transducer being arranged such that motion axis is within 45 degrees of parallel with the trunk floor. The system also includes a duct that is configured and arranged to direct acoustic energy radiated from the first radiating surface to a region above the upper surface of the trunk floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a beamforming microphone considering the location of a driver seat may include: a driver seat sensor configured to sense the location of the driver seat and output the sensed location as a driver seat signal; a directivity control unit configured to calculate a beamforming angle based on the driver seat signal; and a signal processing unit configured to process voice signals outputted from first and second microphones, respectively, and extract and output a voice signal generated from a direction which coincides with the beamforming angle.

Abstract: A user interface (104) of an audio system (100) enables adjustment of a volume level of an audio signal being reproduced on at least a portion of the audio system to a desired maximum volume level. The user interface further enables the desired maximum volume level to be selected as a set maximum volume level. A processor (102) electrically interconnected with the user interface limits the volume at which audio programs are reproduced on at least a portion of the audio system to said set maximum volume level. An audio signal is generated, a volume level of the audio signal is adjusted to a desired maximum volume level in response to a user input, and the desired maximum volume level is established as a set maximum volume level for audio programs played on at least a portion of the audio system (100).

Abstract: A two-way mirroring system for sound data comprises a display device configured to output data including video or sound through a display; and a source device configured to be connected with the display device and output the data to the display device. The display device includes an audio transmission server which encodes the sound received from a sound input device receiving the sound and transmits it to the source device, and the source device includes an audio transmission client which receives the encoded sound transmitted from the audio transmission server and transmits the received, encoded sound to an application provided in its inside.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a headrest of a vehicle seat or a speaker box which can be attached to the vehicle seat or to a headrest is described. The headrest or the speaker box may have at least one speaker integrated in the headrest or in the speaker box, wherein the speaker has a main sound emission direction and wherein the speaker is fixed in the headrest or in the speaker box in such a way that the main sound emission direction is inclined with respect to a backrest main direction of the backrest of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using biometrics to select music preference are provided. A system for using biometrics to select music preferences for a user in a vehicle, comprises a music selection module electrically coupled to at least one biometric sensor in the vehicle, wherein the at least one biometric sensor senses a characteristic of the user and outputs data for the sensed characteristic to the music selection module, and wherein the music selection module selects a music selection for the user based on the sensed characteristic data, and a controller module electrically coupled to the music selection module to control playing of the music selection, wherein the controller module receives an output including the music selection from the music selection module.

Abstract: The sound reproduction device is applied to an acoustic space such as a passenger compartment, and controls the levels of the reproduced sounds at two evaluation points set at the seats in the passenger compartment, for example. Specifically, the sound reproduction device controls the phase of the one channel sound signal inputted from external and supplies it to the pair of speakers. The phase control is performed such that the sum of reproduced sound levels at the two evaluation points becomes larger than the sum of the reproduced sound levels at the two evaluation points in a case where the sound signal is reproduced by only one of the pair of speakers, in an entire audible band.

Abstract: A method to produce a dynamic sound stage for engine harmonic enhancement (EHE). Dynamic refers to the ability to position the sound stage at different positions as the engine operates at various RPMs and load. In order to control the sound stage width, a phase difference can be introduced between a first audio channel (e.g., a left audio channel) and second audio channel (e.g., a right audio channel). In the most general case, the phase difference can be introduced per harmonic per RPM. In this approach, the phase difference can be adjusted such that a vehicle occupant will perceive each harmonic signal to have a particular width. This width can be adjusted independently per RPM regions by tuning the per harmonic phase difference.

Abstract: A method comprising acquiring a plurality of measurements from at least one sensor in a mobile device, determining an activity classification of a user of the mobile device based on the plurality of measurements, acquiring an audio file for the mobile device, wherein the audio file is selected based on the activity classification, and playing the audio file by the mobile device.

Abstract: A sound enhancing system is disclosed for use with an engine of a vehicle to amplify engine sounds produced by the engine over a predetermined engine RPM operating range. The sound enhancing system includes a sound enhancing component which may be fixedly mounted within an engine compartment so that it does not move relative to the engine as the engine experiences engine roll during changes in engine RPM or a load experienced by the engine. An inlet duct communicates with an inlet of the sound enhancing component and receives air pulsations drawn in by the vehicle's induction system, and is able to vary in length as the engine roll occurs, when engine RPM increases and decreases. This enables a frequency response of the sound enhancing component to be modified in accordance with changing engine RPM or the load experienced by the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using biometrics to select music preference are provided. A system for using biometrics to select music preferences for a user in a vehicle, comprises a music selection module electrically coupled to at least one biometric sensor in the vehicle, wherein the at least one biometric sensor senses a characteristic of the user and outputs data for the sensed characteristic to the music selection module, and wherein the music selection module selects a music selection for the user based on the sensed characteristic data, and a controller module electrically coupled to the music selection module to control playing of the music selection, wherein the controller module receives an output including the music selection from the music selection module.

Abstract: A sound generator for influencing sound waves propagating in exhaust or intake systems of combustion engine driven vehicles includes: an enclosure having a port opening for communication with an exhaust and/or intake system; a loudspeaker basket supported by the enclosure; a membrane and a permanent magnet supported by the loudspeaker basket; and a voice coil supported by a voice coil carrier. The voice coil is disposed in a constant magnetic field created by the permanent magnet and is connected to the membrane. The membrane is located between the port opening and the permanent magnet. The membrane is funnel-like or dome-like, with the top or top face of the funnel-like membrane or the geometric center of the dome-like membrane facing away from the permanent magnet. An anti-noise system using the sound generator, and a vehicle using the anti-noise system are also provided.