Abstract: A device to generate an engine noise and a method to generate the engine noise at a time period between two directly successive ignition events of an internal combustion engine wherein the engine noise increases the number of cylinders of the internal combustion engine in a virtual fashion.

Abstract: A low-voltage electronic device receptacle may include a back wall, one or more side walls extending from the back wall, and a flange extending outward from the one or more side walls, wherein the back wall includes a forwardly-extending generally convex protrusion making up greater than 10% of the back wall. An enclosure for installing a speaker in a building structure having first and second support members and an outer layer may include a receptacle including a back wall, one or more side walls, and a flange extending outwardly from the one or more side walls, wherein the receptacle may be positioned between the first and second support members, the back wall includes a generally convex protrusion extending toward the outer layer, and the speaker may be mounted to the outer layer and a portion of the speaker may deflect at least a portion of the protrusion away from the outer layer.

Abstract: A vehicular audio processing unit includes a receiver that receives voice data by wirelessly communicating with audio equipment, an audio processor that applies predetermined audio processing to the voice data received by the receiver, a transmitter that transmits the voice data to which the audio processor applies the predetermined audio processing by wirelessly communicating with an audio output device that can output a sound, and a sensor that detects an operational status of a vehicle with which the unit is provided. The audio processor automatically modifies the predetermined audio processing based on the operational status detected by the operational status detector to the voice data received by the receive, thereby the user is not required to perform any operation for varying the voice output according to an operational status of the vehicle.

Abstract: Phantom-powered inline preamplifiers capable of variable impedance loading are disclosed with unique adjustable interfaces. By enabling a user to adjust impedance loading from an actively-powered audio preamplifier which takes a microphone electrical signal or another sound source signal as an input, this unique audio preamplifier design with various adjustable impedance loading interface configurations can change sound characteristics according to the user's preference in a recording, production, or live concert environment. In addition, a high pass filter incorporated in a preamplifier with the variable impedance loading feature allows the user to further customize sound characteristics in the recording environment. This novel inline preamplifier, which may be standalone or integrated into a microphone casing, is powered via a microphone cable from a component (e.g. another preamplifier) providing the phantom power.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for selecting an audio tuning profile to apply to audio signals to generate a sound field acoustically optimized at least at one listening position in a listening environment, such as a vehicle passenger compartment. Each audio tuning profile may include a number of audio settings to be applied to an audio signal at one or more audio loudspeaker channels. The audio tuning profile may be selected based on the content or the source of the audio data signals. Thus, audio tuning may be based on the context of the audio.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an application programming interface for interfacing with audio files within a social networking service are provided. The method includes receiving, at the one or more computing devices, an ordered list of social networking contacts associated with a member of the social networking service. The ordered list of social networking contacts is arranged according to a ranking of the social networking contacts. The method also includes receiving a list of audio files associated with the member of the social networking service. The method also includes receiving a set of instructions. The set of instructions is configured to be implemented with the ordered list of social networking contacts and the list of audio files. The method also includes interfacing with the ordered list of social networking contacts or the list of audio files according to the set of instructions to modify the list of audio files.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for vehicles are provided, wherein directional output of sound is used. In some embodiments, speech signals assigned to different speakers in a telephone conference are reproduced with different directional characteristics. In other embodiments, menu items of a menu are reproduced using different directions. In some embodiments, a loudspeaker arrangement may be provided at a dashboard or in a backrest of a seat of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method by an electronic device for controlling a frequency response of audio output includes: receiving an audio signal at the device; estimating a sound pressure level of the audio signal based on one or more attributes or settings of the electronic device and/or the audio signal; generating values of an adaptive loudness control curve along a range of frequencies, wherein the adaptive loudness control curve is generated based on a difference between values of an equal loudness curve at the estimated sound pressure level along and values of an equal loudness curve at a reference sound pressure level; filtering the audio signal using values of the adaptive loudness control curve; and controlling output of the filtered audio signal as an audio output having substantially the same loudness along the range of frequencies.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a built-in speaker, an interface configured to connect to an external audio device to output sound, a switch, and a main microchip. The main microchip detects whether the external audio device is connected to the portable electronic device. When the external audio device is connected to the portable electronic device, the main microchip selects the audio device to output sound. When the audio device is not connected to the portable electronic device, the main microchip selects the built-in speaker to output the audio signals.

Abstract: An audio output amplifier includes a plurality of amplification circuits that drive a plurality of electroacoustic conversion devices, respectively. Each of the plurality of amplification circuits includes a current detection resistance that is provided between a path of a current which is supplied to the corresponding electroacoustic conversion device; and a current controller that generates a voltage between both ends of the current detection resistance, the voltage being proportional to a voltage value of an audio input signal supplied to the corresponding amplification circuit.

Abstract: In a structure of an in-vehicle audio device, the audio system has an audio signal supplying section, an audio signal processing section, a balance adjustment section and an audio signal output section. A right audio signal processing section and a left audio signal processing section in the audio signal processing section perform a process of filtering audio signals supplied from the audio signal supplying section on the basis of a transfer function. The transfer function contains a head related transfer function H(s), a space transmission compensation function G0(s)?1 and a vehicle height compensation function G1(s). The space transmission compensation function G0(s)?1 is an inverse function of a space transfer function G0(s). A filtering process for the audio signal is performed by using the transfer function to guide a driver's visual line to be decreased when a vehicle height is high, and increased when the vehicle height is low.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling both an existing entertainment device and an aftermarket entertainment device in a vehicle with a user interface are provided. A method comprises adapting the user interface to selectively send control signals to the aftermarket entertainment device, sending control signals from the user interface to the existing entertainment device in response to user manipulation of the user interface, detecting whether the user has selected the aftermarket entertainment device; and sending control signals from the user interface to the aftermarket entertainment device in response to user selection of the aftermarket entertainment device and user manipulation of the user interface. The user interface may store output signals corresponding to the aftermarket entertainment device. Subsequent activation of the user interface may recall an output signal corresponding to the aftermarket entertainment device.

Abstract: In a method for optimizing music using an electronic device, music genres and optimization parameters of each of the music genres are preset. The method classifies songs stored in a storage device of the electronic device according to the music genres. When a song is playing using a music player of the electronic device, a music genre of the song is determined. The method further optimizes the song using an equalizer of the music player according to the optimization parameters corresponding to the determined music genre.

Abstract: A method of emanating a sound from a vehicle includes detecting a transmission state and a brake state of the vehicle and determining whether a vehicle movement state indicates intent to move the vehicle from a stationary state based on the transmission state and the brake state. The method further includes emanating the sound when the vehicle movement state indicates intent to move the vehicle, and refraining from emanating the sound when the vehicle is in the stationary state and the vehicle movement state fails to indicate intent to move the vehicle.

Abstract: A flat panel loudspeaker system may include a panel having a core, an inner sheet coupled to an inner surface of the core and an outer sheet coupled to an outer surface of the core, the panel having a weakened area defined by at least one slot formed through the outer sheet, and an exciter that is detachable for replacement purposes, is attached to the panel at the weakened area and configured to vibrate the panel to generate sound energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle-mounted audio device including a casing, a tuner, an audio output unit, a housing chamber, an opening of the housing chamber, a housing, a lock mechanism, and a casing connector. The tuner is disposed in the casing. The audio output unit is for amplifying and outputting an audio signal supplied from the tuner. The housing chamber is defined in the casing. The opening is defined in a front panel of the casing. The housing is for accommodating a portable audio device. The housing is removably housed in the housing chamber through the opening. The lock mechanism is for selectively locking the housing in the housing chamber and unlocking the housing from the housing chamber. The casing connector is electrically connected to the audio output unit and disposed in the housing for disengageably connecting to an audio signal output connector of the portable audio device.

Abstract: A speed dependent equalizing control system for automated design of gain and equalization filter parameters can be used for volume and velocity dependent equalization of audio signals reproduced in a vehicle. The system is configured to develop volume-dependent power spectral density estimations based on a test signal received at a number of different volume levels, and develop non-acoustical parameter-dependent power spectral density estimations based on received noise received at a number of different non-acoustical measurement values representing different states of the vehicle. In one example, the non-acoustical measurement values are different velocities, or speeds, of the vehicle. The system may generate filter parameters of a parameterized equalization filter based on a target equalization curve developed by summation of the volume-dependent power spectral density estimates and the non-acoustical measurement-dependent power spectral density estimates.

Abstract: There is provided a current sense circuit (134). An exemplary current sense circuit (134) comprises a voltage-to-current converter circuit (218) that is adapted to receive a voltage that is proportional to a load current drawn from a battery (110) by a load (202) and to produce a current proportional to the load current, and a current-to-voltage converter circuit (228) that is adapted to receive the current proportional to the load current and to produce a voltage proportional to the load current based on a regulated voltage source (230).

Abstract: An electronic audio system that determines matching and non-matching speakers is disclosed. The electronic audio system includes a first speaker; a second speaker; and a comparator circuit. The comparator circuit is coupled to the first speaker and the second speaker to receive an input signal from both the first and second speaker. The comparator circuit is configured to determine if the first speaker and the second speaker are matching speakers or non-matching speakers, in which, the first and second speakers are matching speakers if they are common vendor speakers. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of configuring an acoustics system of a convertible vehicle to receive speech from an occupant of the vehicle who is using hand-free technology. The position of the top of the convertible is first determined and based upon whether the top is up or down, an audio reception configuration is selected. The audio reception configuration includes a set of tuning parameters and a microphone arrangement. The acoustics system is then configured based upon the determination of whether the top is up or down.

Abstract: A method for controlling a volume of an infotainment unit of a vehicle having an engine having a stop/start capability during operation of the vehicle includes the steps of obtaining information pertaining to a condition of the engine, and controlling the volume based at least in part upon the condition.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An ANC apparatus using so-called adaptive control is provided with a cancellation sound output means which outputs front wheel cancellation sound that cancels front wheel vibration noise due to front wheel vibration at a position to be silenced on the basis of a front wheel reference signal, and outputs rear wheel cancellation sound that cancels rear wheel vibration noise due to predicted rear wheel vibration at the position to be silenced on the basis of a rear wheel reference signal, and a turning state detection means which detects a turning state of a vehicle. When a difference in travel trajectory between a front wheel and a rear wheel is detected on the basis of the turning state, the cancellation sound output means suppresses the output of the rear wheel cancellation sound.

Abstract: An audio setting application of a smart phone acquires tuning data from a tuning data setting server, which meets a search condition specified by a user. The audio setting application performs filtering of tuning parameters included in the tuning data. The tuning parameters are parameters of a plurality of acoustic characteristic items of an audio apparatus, and such parameters are excluded if the parameter cannot be expected to achieve an appropriate effect when the parameter is applied to the audio apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided an audio signal processing device for setting, upon outputting audio signals from a left speaker and a right speaker each having an identical amplitude-frequency characteristic and a phase characteristic, and from one center speaker arranged between the left speaker and the right speaker, listening points between the left speaker and the center speaker and between the right speaker and the center speaker, the audio signal processing device including an inverse filter processing unit configured to provide inverse characteristics of an amplitude-frequency characteristic and a phase characteristic of the center speaker, and a speaker characteristic adding processing unit configured to correct the amplitude-frequency characteristic and the phase characteristic of an audio signal of the center speaker that have been processed by the inverse filter processing unit in a manner that they correspond to characteristics of the left speaker and the right speaker.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for generating a simulated vehicle sound is provided. At least one parameter module receives a first driver throttle signal and to transmit a first input signal indicative of a first simulated vehicle sound. An engine sound generator block audibly generates a first simulated vehicle sound in response to the first input signal. An engine sound removal block is operably coupled to a microphone that receives a first microphone input signal. The first microphone input signal includes first environmental noise associated with a vehicle exterior environment and the first simulated vehicle sound. The engine sound removal block is configured to filter the first simulated vehicle sound from the first microphone input signal to determine the first environmental noise. The engine sound generator generates a second simulated vehicle sound that is louder than the first environmental noise.

Abstract: In a method for outputting music information in a vehicle by way of an audio system having loudspeakers in the front area and rear area of the vehicle, the behavior of the vehicle is determined by use of an acceleration sensor responding to longitudinal accelerations. The loudspeakers arranged in the direction of the respective acceleration are at least preferably activated.

Abstract: An RPM signal representing a current RPM of a vehicle engine is received. An instant magnitude and an instant phase are determined for each of N harmonics of a target engine sound based on the RPM signal. The instant magnitude and the instant phase are each smoothed to generate a smoothed harmonic magnitude and a smoothed harmonic phase for each of the N harmonics. A magnitude perturbation signal and a phase perturbation signal are generated for each of the N harmonics. An individual harmonic signal is also generated for each of the N harmonics based, at least in part, on the smoothed harmonic magnitude, the magnitude perturbation signal, the smoothed harmonic phase, and the phase perturbation signal. The individual harmonic signals are summed to generate an engine harmonic enhancement signal, and the engine harmonic enhancement signal is transduced to acoustic energy.

Abstract: A second microphone device of a mobile terminal, and more particularly, a second microphone device of a mobile terminal for preventing various limitations caused by mounting of a second microphone, is provided. The second microphone device includes an ear jack connector having an insertion space, a microphone hole connected at one end to the insertion space, and a second microphone connected at the other end of the microphone hole, thereby improving ambient noise removal performance of the mobile terminal without adversely affecting its appearance.

Abstract: An adaptive prompt system includes a plurality of audio files, each of the audio files representing a particular genre and having audible characteristics associated with the particular genre, a user preference data representing a preferred genre, a processor for analyzing the user preference data and selecting one of the audio files based upon the user preference data, and a communication device in signal communication with the processor to receive the one of the audio files selected and transmitting the one of the audio files selected as an audio output.

Abstract: Disclosed is an installation structure for a loudspeaker system in a vehicle, the loudspeaker system being installed in a vehicle front space separated from a vehicle interior by a partition, the vehicle front space being anterior to the vehicle interior, the installation structure including a sound guide port extending through the partition. The sound guide port allows a sound output space of a diaphragm in the loudspeaker system to communicate with front part of the vehicle interior.

Abstract: An active noise control system for exhaust systems of a combustion engine operated vehicle comprises an anti-sound control connectable to an engine control of the vehicle and a loudspeaker connected to the control for receiving control signals and designed for generating an anti-sound in a sound generator, fluidically connectable to the exhaust system. In the control, at least two curves are stored in order to cancel airborne sound conducted in the exhaust system through outputting the signal to the loudspeaker. The curves cover different temperature ranges of the exhaust gas, which temperature ranges overlap one another by pairs or directly adjoin one another. The control is furthermore designed to select a curve suitable for a respective temperature of the exhaust gas conducted in the exhaust system from the available curves by means of signals output by the engine control and output signals to the loudspeaker making use of this curve.

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: The invention relates to an airplane seat having an audio system for playing back audio data, wherein the audio system comprises a volume controller and/or a noise compensation controller, a head rest element having a loudspeaker element that can be swiveled at a swivel angle ?, and wherein the volume and/or the degree of noise compensation is controlled subject to the swivel angle ?.

Abstract: An infotainment system for a vehicle may include a controllable audio reproduction arrangement that is configured to be fixed in the vehicle and to acoustically reproduce an audio signal under the control of a control signal. It may further include a portable device that is freely movable in the vehicle and that is configured to provide the audio and control signals for the audio reproduction arrangement, as well as a wireless connection between the portable device and the audio reproduction arrangement configured to transmit the audio and control signals from the portable device to the audio reproduction arrangement. The audio reproduction arrangement has amplification, quiescent power consumption and a maximum output power, of which at least one is controllable by the portable device via the control signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a virtual engine sound in response to auto-cruise speed settings may include: a controller area network (CAN) communication unit configured to receive information on one or more of auto-cruise speed settings and whether an auto-cruise function is activated, and generate a CAN signal; a control unit configured to control a virtual engine sound function in response to the CAN signal; a signal processing unit configured to process and output a virtual engine sound signal according to control of the control unit; and a digital amp unit configured to amplify the virtual engine sound signal outputted from the signal processing unit and produce a virtual engine sound.

Abstract: A method for processing a plurality of audio streams at a computer system onboard a vehicle is provided. The method receives the plurality of audio streams from a plurality of locations within a vehicle; prioritizes each of the plurality of audio streams to obtain a prioritization result; and completes a task associated with each of the plurality of audio streams, according to the prioritization result.

Abstract: A personal safety system detects imminent danger or other event of interest and then modifies a sound panorama to focus a user's attention towards the direction of the danger or other event of interest. The personal safety system may isolate sounds originating from the direction of the danger or other event of interest, collapse the sound panorama towards the direction of the danger or other event of interest, or compress the sound panorama to align with the direction of the danger or other event of interest. The personal safety system may be integrated into an automobile or a wearable system physically attached to the user. Advantageously, the attention of the user may be drawn towards imminent danger or other events of interest without introducing additional sensory information to the user, thereby reducing the likelihood of startling or distracting the user.

Abstract: Introduction of sounds outside a vehicle is automatically controlled according to a driving state of the vehicle. In a vehicle, a microphone device that collects sounds outside the vehicle and a speaker device that reproduces the collected sounds are installed. When a gear position for the vehicle is a reverse driving position, and until the vehicle reaches a predetermined speed for the first time after a key position in an ignition key switch is switched from an off position to an accessories position or an on position, the collected sounds are reproduced. The collected sounds are transmitted to a car navigation device or a car audio system via wires or wirelessly. When the sounds outside the vehicle are reproduced, sound reproduction in the car navigation device or the car audio system is stopped and the sounds outside the vehicle are reproduced at a set volume.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wearable computer is provided. In particular, a communication unit transmits/receives information associated with a vehicle from/to an external control apparatus. A microphone collects sound waves generated from a sound source in the vehicle, and a posture detecting sensor detects a posture of a wearer. A controller then generates augmented reality information by processing internal and/or external information received from the external control apparatus, calculates a location of wearer using sound waves collected from the microphone, and generates augmented reality information according to an alignment of a window of vehicle or devices in the vehicle using the location and the posture of the wearer displays the augmented reality information generated at the controller.

Abstract: An in-car audio system includes a speaker unit. A frame of the speaker unit is fixed to a support plate serving as part of the structural member of a vehicle via a partition wall member. The support plate has an opening formed therein. A duct is connected to the opening, and the opening communicates with the outside of the vehicle. A space surrounded by the speaker unit, the support plate, and a partition wall member serves as a first acoustic resonance space, and a communication channel located inside the duct serves as a second acoustic resonance space.

Abstract: A communication system enhances communications in a noisy environment. Multiple input arrays convert a voiced or unvoiced signal into an analog signal. A converter receives the analog signal and generates digital signals. A digital signal processor determines temporal and spatial information from the digital signals. The processed signals are then converted to audible sound.

Abstract: A space-time adaptive beamformer for reducing noise in a vehicle that includes two or more microphones. A first weighting network is used for adjusting the signal characteristics of at least one output of the microphones while at least one delay network is also used for delaying the output in time of at least one output of the microphones. A second weighting network then adjusts the signal characteristics of the output of each of the delay networks and at sum adder works to combine the output of the first weighting network and the second weighting network. Finally, an output of the sum adder is combined with an artificial noise free reference signal to provide a low distortion noise reduced output. By generating a desired signal that acts as an artificial noise free signal reference, adequate noise reduction to be obtained without the distortion created due to processing non-linearity.

Abstract: A vehicle sound generation apparatus 20 is constituted by a first pressure sensor 21a, a second pressure sensor 21b, a signal processing section 24 which performs processing of changing pressure signals output from the first pressure sensor 21a and the second pressure sensor 21b in accordance with the operation state of an automobile 10, and speakers 28a, 28b which output, as an intake sound of an engine 12, a sound pressure signal processed by the signal processing section 24. The first pressure sensor 21a is provided on an intake duct 15 connecting an air cleaner 16 and a throttle body 17 at a position between the air cleaner 16 and the center of the intake duct 15, and the second pressure sensor 21b is provided between the engine 12 and the throttle body 17.

Abstract: A sound control system and method for a vehicle are provided and a sound output of a speaker is automatically adjusted based on a position in which a passenger enters in a seat within the vehicle to provide an optimum sound state. The system includes a passenger detecting unit that is installed at each seat of the vehicle and is configured to detect a passenger entering a seat and a controller that is configured to detect a passenger riding position within the vehicle from a passenger detecting signal output by the passenger detecting unit. In addition, the controller is configured to adjust sound through each speaker within the vehicle based on the passenger riding position.

Abstract: A device for actively influencing vibrations in a component, in particular vibrations in a component of a motor vehicle such as engine vibrations, for example. The device includes a sensor for detecting the vibrations, an actuator which acts on the component, and a regulation and control unit in which actuating signals may be generated from the sensor signals in order to adjust the actuator. The actuator is designed as an electrically actuatable piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A method for controlling a loudspeaker arrangement in a vehicle. The loudspeaker arrangement can be adjusted to at least an inoperative position, a projecting position, and an operating position. An operating state of the vehicle is detected and the loudspeaker arrangement is automatically adjusted between the inoperative position and the projecting position depending on the operating state of the vehicle. An operating state of an audio apparatus of the vehicle is detected and the loudspeaker arrangement is automatically adjusted between the projecting position and the operating position depending on the operating state of the audio apparatus.

Abstract: A method and device are presented for identifying machines, such as vehicles, based on acoustic machine signatures. An acoustic sensor generates machine-acoustic data about the machine. A machine-signature identifier receives the machine-acoustic data, determines a machine signature from the machine-acoustic data, and identifies the machine based on the machine signature. A machine-signature database, configured to store multiple machine signatures and/or machine-signature templates, may receive and process queries about machine signatures for machine identification. The machine-signature identifier may generate and send an instruction based on the identified machine. The instruction may instruct application of electronic countermeasures or may permit a vehicle to enter a secured area. An acoustic modulator may generate the machine-acoustic data to act as a machine signature. The acoustic modulator may generate the machine signature using an ultrasonic carrier.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle approach notification device of a saddle-ridden electric-powered vehicle that outputs a notification sound for notifying the approach of a vehicle. The saddle-ridden electric-powered vehicle includes a front cover that covers the periphery of a head pipe of a vehicle body frame. The sound emission device is located inside the front cover, the front cover has an air opening for taking in air from an outside, and a ventilation passage that is a passage of the air from the air opening and is used for cooling at least one of a power engine of the saddle-ridden electric-powered vehicle and electric components, and the sound emission device is arranged in the ventilation passage.