Abstract: A method and an amplifier for amplifying audio signals include a signal processor for processing incoming audio samples in preparation for amplification by an electronic amplifier circuit. A voltage is received from a power supply. Before the signal processor completes processing the incoming audio samples, an input level is estimated based on the incoming audio samples. In response to a comparison between the estimated input level and a threshold value, it is determined whether to boost the voltage received from the power supply. After the signal processor completes processing the incoming audio samples, an output level is estimated based on the processed audio samples. A determination is made, in response to the estimated output level, whether to adjust the threshold value used to determine whether to boost the voltage received from the power supply.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of techniques or systems for mobile device to vehicle integration are provided herein. An armrest can include a docking station for a mobile device and an integration component can be configured to communicatively couple the mobile device with an input component, multimedia component, display component, fob component, warning component, etc. This integration enables an occupant of a vehicle to seamlessly interact with the mobile device through features of the vehicle, rather than through a mobile device interface. In one or more embodiments, mobile device data or mobile device applications are used to supplement integration, such as through voice commands, etc. For example, a warning can be provided if it is determined that the vehicle is speeding. As another example, personalized multimedia settings can be stored and programmed to the vehicle when the mobile device is docked.

Abstract: An apparatus that has an electro-acoustic transducer, a frame supporting the transducer, and an enclosure made from two enclosure members that are each coupled to the frame. At least one of the enclosure members is made partially or entirely of foam.

Abstract: A three dimensional audio playback system in which the audio clips are determined by location. The audio playback system being located within a vehicle to aid in navigation or for entertainment or informational or safety purposes.

Abstract: A device for controlling and cleaning wired audio headsets, each audio headset including a headband, two earphones and an electrical cable connected to the earphones and ending in a plug, the device includes: impedance control elements; audio control elements; elements for cleaning the headsets; elements for winding up the cable of the headset.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes and teaches a wheel cover that is used to cover the disc portion of a vehicle wheel. The wheel cover has at least an inner plate and an outer shield, both of which are attached to the wheel disc by screwing bolts and bolt heads, ensuring secure attachment of the wheel cover. The inner plate and the outer shield are preferred to have gaps and openings that are overlapping with the wheel spoke gaps. Preferably, the wheel cover also includes a set of audio speakers that are positioned between the inner plate and the outer shield, or beneath the inner plate. In either case, the audio speakers are disposed within the gaps and openings of the wheel cover, allowing more satisfying sound effects. The outer shield may have a decorative side that has patterns, logos, or pictures printed or engraved thereon.

Abstract: A method of speech enhancement in a room (10) includes the steps of capturing audio signals from a speaker's voice by a microphone (12), estimating an ambient noise level in the room from the captured audio signals, processing the captured audio signals by an audio signal processing unit (20), estimating a reverberation level, determining the gain to be applied to the captured audio signals by the audio signal processing unit according to a comparison between the estimated ambient noise level and the estimated reverberation level, and generating sound according to the processed audio signals by a loudspeaker arrangement (24) located in the room, wherein the reverberation level is the level of reverberant components of the sound generated by the loudspeaker arrangement.

Abstract: A method for modifying a current sound-volume value assigned by an on-board system to an acoustic alert signal emitted on board an aircraft is provided. The method includes furnishing, on board the aircraft, the on-board system with at least one information item defining a modification of the current sound-volume value to a new sound-volume value in accordance with a predetermined rule.

Abstract: A sports board apparatus and method including a first speaker housing adapted to receive a first speaker and an audio device housing adapted to receive an audio device. The first speaker housing can be adapted to mount the first speaker substantially flush with the top surface of the sports board. The audio device housing can be adapted to mount an audio device substantially flush with the top surface of the sports board. An electrical conduit can be operably coupled to the first speaker housing and adapted to be coupled to the audio device so that a sports board owner can listen to music or other audio programming while engaging in leisurely activities, such as surfing, snowboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing, or skateboarding. The sports board can also include a stabilizing fin, a power supply, a solar collection device, an amplifying device, and a second speaker for deterring aquatic creatures.

Abstract: A communication system for a passenger compartment includes at least two microphone arrays arranged within first and second regions, respectively, in the passenger compartment, and at least two loudspeakers and a signal processor connected to the microphone arrays and to the loudspeaker. Each microphone array has at least two microphones and provides an audio signal. Each loudspeaker is located within a different one of the first and the second regions. The signal processor processes the audio signal from the microphone array within the first region and provides the processed audio signal to the loudspeaker located within the second region.

Abstract: A microphone sensitivity difference correction device includes a detection section that detects a frequency domain signal expressing a stationary noise, based on frequency domain signals of input sound signals respectively input from plural microphones; a first correction section that employs the stationary noise to compute a first correction coefficient for correcting the sensitivity difference between the plural microphones by a frame unit; and a second correction section that employs the frequency domain signals that have been corrected by the first correction section to compute a second correction coefficient for correcting by frequency unit the sensitivity difference between the plural microphones for each of the frames.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system for a motor vehicle has at least one loudspeaker and a structure to which the loudspeaker is fitted. The at least one loudspeaker is fitted to the structure in such a manner that a longitudinal axis of the at least one loudspeaker extends at an angle between 0 and 45° relative to a plane in which the structure extends.

Abstract: An audio device and a volume adjusting method are provided. The audio device includes a speed sensor, a first FIFO buffer unit, and a second FIFO buffer unit. The audio device generates audio signals by playing multimedia files and stores audio signals to the first FIFO buffer unit. The audio device collects ambient sound signals and stores collected sound signals to the second FIFO buffer unit. The audio device further analyzes stored audio signals and sound signals to determine a waveform of environmental noise signals, and determines a SPL of the environmental noise signals according to the determined waveform. The audio device then compares the determined SPL with a preset SPL and compares the sensed speed with a preset speed if the determined SPL is greater than the preset SPL, and adjusts the volume of audio signals according to a comparison result between the sensed speed and the preset speed.

Abstract: A vehicle approach informing device includes: an informing sound output unit to output informing sound for informing to a pedestrian outside a vehicle that the vehicle is approaching when a predetermined condition is satisfied; a sound volume control unit to control the volume of the informing sound outputted by the informing sound output unit; and a shield detection unit to detect a shield present on any side ahead in a running direction of the vehicle. When a shield is detected by the shield detection unit, the sound volume control unit reduces the volume of the informing sound which is outputted by the informing sound output unit.

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 vehicle sound simulation system and sound simulation methodologies are provided. The vehicle sound simulation system includes a sound playback device utilized to produce sound signals. As a vehicle is operated, the vehicle sound simulation system approximates an engine state and generates sounds corresponding to the engine state. The vehicle sound simulation system generates sounds in accordance with a vehicle sound generation routine that utilizes a number of inputted parameters to vary the sounds generated through the sound playback device.

Abstract: A sound output device is configured to be installed in a vehicle. The sound output device includes a driving-status detector for detecting a driving status of the vehicle, a sound signal generator for generating a reference signal in response to the detected driving status, first and second units for processing the generated reference signal, first and second sound output parts for outputting the reference signals processed by the first and second units. The first unit includes a phase shifter for shifting a phase of the reference signal such that the reference signals output from the first sound output part and the second sound output part have a phase difference between the respective reference signals. This sound output device allows a passenger at a predetermined position to hear the sound in a preferable condition.

Abstract: The on-train information providing device, which is provided with a controlling unit that transmits to the display device video data that is transmitted from the ground transmitting and receiving device to the on-train transmitting and receiving device, includes a storage unit that stores therein a program listing in which a valid period of video is stored in accordance with each advertisement, audio data transmitted from the ground transmitting and receiving device to the on-train transmitting and receiving device, and video data including audio data; and a sound recognizing unit that attaches a value of 1 or greater as an audio flag to the program listing when the video data does not include any audio data, and attaches 0 as the audio flag to the program listing when the video data includes audio data. The controlling unit sends the audio data corresponding to the audio flag to the radio radiating device.

Abstract: A method of operating an audio entertainment system in a vehicle includes detecting an operating parameter of the vehicle. A sensor signal corresponding to the detected operating parameter is transmitted. Music that is audibly produced within the vehicle is musically modified dependent upon the sensor signal.

Abstract: A tray moving mechanism includes: a unit base having an internal space formed as a containing space; and a tray movable between a retracted position in which the unit base is contained in the containing space and a projected position in which a music player formed in a substantially rectangular shape can be placed on the tray and in which a part of the tray is projected from the base unit, wherein the tray is moved with respect to the unit base such that the orientations of the tray with respect to the unit base in the retracted and projected positions are substantially 90 deg different from each other.

Abstract: A method includes performing a harmonic decomposition on a target engine sound, thereby to extract each of N harmonics of the target engine sound over an RPM range; and out of the extracted harmonics, extracting phase and shape information for each of the N harmonics over the RPM range for reproducing the target engine sound. The method also includes configuring an engine harmonic enhancement (EHE) system to utilize the extracted phase and shape information to generate an engine harmonic enhancement signal, he(t), to be added on top of a baseline engine sound.

Abstract: We have disclosed an enhanced radio system that provides for the capture and playback of one or more radio stations. The user may tune to a station, or scan through stations, rewind to hear what was missed, and fast-forward through undesired content. The system allows a user to rate content, and to be notified when that content is being played on any station. The system may make radio station recommendations. The system allows the user to respond easily to radio content, download audio content, and send radio content to another user. The system may provide other radio related and radio content related information. The system may provide a karaoke mode. The system may also allow the user to integrate a telephone with the radio. The system may report usage information to a collection facility.

Abstract: The rearview assembly of the present invention may include any one or more of the following: a housing for attaching to the vehicle, the housing may define an interior space that is acoustically separated into at least two chambers; a first speaker that may be located in a first one of the at least two chambers of the interior space of the housing; a first microphone subassembly located on the top surface of the housing; a second microphone subassembly located on the bottom surface of the housing; a display positioned in the housing; an audio/data transceiver for transmitting and receiving audio and data signals to/from a portable device; and a control circuit for determining whether a portable device having a predetermined identification code is within the range of the audio/data transceiver, and for exchanging data with the portable device through the audio/data transceiver.

Abstract: An opening is formed in a ceiling lining of a vehicle cabin part. The diameter of the opening in the ceiling lining is smaller than a diameter of a speaker, which has a frame. The speaker is disposed at the opening, and a fixing screw is inserted into a fixing aperture formed in a central part of the speaker. A fixing screw is screwed to a screw hole formed in a reinforcing brace positioned at an inner side of a top plate proximate the ceiling of the vehicle. A central part of the speaker is fixed to the reinforcing brace while a circumferential periphery of the frame is pressed against a peripheral edge of the opening in the ceiling lining via a frame interposing material.

Abstract: An audio unit mountable in a personal watercraft, comprises a speaker, an automated adjustment device for automatically adjusting a volume of a sound emitted from the speaker such that the volume of the sound becomes an automated sound volume value corresponding to an engine speed or a watercraft speed, and a sound volume manipulation member manipulated by a rider to change the volume of the sound emitted from the speaker with respect to the automated sound volume value; wherein when the engine speed or the watercraft speed satisfies a predetermined deceleration condition, the automated adjustment device cancels a sound volume increase amount with respect to the automated sound volume value which was caused by the rider's manipulation of the sound volume manipulation member before the predetermined deceleration condition is satisfied, and adjusts the sound volume such that the volume of the sound becomes the automated sound volume value.

Abstract: A vehicle sound generator system is configured to generate a signal configured to drive one or more speakers produce sound waves simulating sounds associated with a desired engine type. The signal is based on one or more operating conditions of a vehicle. The vehicle sound generator system is configured to select sounds from a plurality of sounds based on the operating conditions of the vehicle. Each sound corresponds to a simulated sound of an engine operating in a respective gear. The vehicle sound generator system may generate the signal to drive the speakers to produce selected sounds to simulate shifting between the respective gears.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for generating an operating sound of a vehicle, which does not require a separate installation space and thus imposes no spatial limitations on the design of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a rotatable mechanism and a film The rotatable mechanism is driven by a motor, and is provided with a plurality of blades. The film is provided on at least one of the blades, a first end of the film being secured to an edge of the blade and a second end being a free end.

Abstract: A method and a device for synthetic generation of an acoustic signal, proceeding from a control signal (AS) or a detection signal which is fed as input signal to a device for generating the acoustic signal, wherein at least one electromechanical transducer generates the acoustic signal by means of an electrical transducer excitation signal.

Abstract: A speaker box structure is configured for mounting to a motorcycle between a front wheel and an engine thereof, and includes a tubular bottom section internally having at least one reflex tube oriented to a ground surface; two tubular bent sections respectively connected to two ends of the tubular bottom section; two tubular connection sections respectively connected to ends of the tubular bent sections opposite to the tubular bottom section; and at least two speaker units respectively connected to the tops of the two tubular connection sections. And, the reflex tube is sequentially communicable with the tubular bent sections and tubular connection sections. With these arrangements, music of improved tone quality can be output via the speaker box structure.

Abstract: To hold loudspeakers of different sizes in an instrument panel of a motor vehicle, a holding plate with a cutout for inserting a first variant of a circular loudspeaker is arranged in the wall part of a defroster duct, and the holding plate can, by means of predetermined breaking points arranged at the edge in the direction of the wall part, be detached in order to obtain a further, larger cutout for inserting a second variant of a rectangular loudspeaker.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a side wall, a ceiling and a speaker arrangement including at least one speaker. The speaker arrangement is positioned in or at the side wall and is configured such that a main sound emission direction of the speaker arrangement is directed to the ceiling.

Abstract: An audio system for a vehicle has at least one source of audio signals. At least one array of speaker elements is located at each seat position that radiates within a range of bass frequencies. For each at least one array, the speaker elements receive a common audio signal, and a respective filter is disposed between the common audio signal and each of the speaker elements. Each respective filter processes magnitude and phase of the common audio signal independently of each other respective filter to thereby define a directional audio radiation from the at least one array.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus may include a decoder that decodes a compressed audio stream encoded by a predetermined codec, a signal processing unit that applies predetermined signal processing to an audio stream obtained by decoding the compressed audio stream with the decoder, a first acquisition unit that acquires at least one of information described in a header of the compressed audio stream and management information for contents including the compressed audio stream, a setting unit that discriminates, on the basis of the information, a type of the codec used for the encode of the compressed audio stream and sets a codec used for encode of the audio stream, and an encoder that encodes, in accordance with the setting by the setting unit, the audio stream subjected to the signal processing by the signal processing unit and outputs the audio stream to an external apparatus that has a decoder.

Abstract: A motorcycle media system for playing audio or video on a motorcycle includes a wiring harness mounted on a motorcycle, a plurality of speakers is mounted to the motorcycle and an enclosed housing mounted behind a rider of the motorcycle. The housing is removable from the motorcycle to expose a compartment in the motorcycle. A power source is mounted to the motorcycle and in electrical communication with the wiring harness. A media source is mounted to the motorcycle, within the compartment, and in electrical communication with the wiring harness. A display mounted within the compartment and is in electrical communication with the wiring harness. A control assembly is in electrical communication with the wiring harness for controlling the operation of the system. A bracket supports the control assembly on handlebars of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a dynamic range of audio reproduction in an interior of a vehicle. An input audio signal is received by an audio processor. The input audio signal is split into a first and a second processing path. The input audio signal of the second processing path is compressed. A noise-related parameter of the vehicle is characterized. A gain control is applied to the compressed audio signal of the second processing path in response to the noise-related parameter. The compressed and uncompressed audio signals are synchronously recombined. The combined audio signal is reproduced to the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic accessory system for a vehicle includes an accessory module housing electronics, which includes a CMOS camera and a vehicle bus node and a digital signal processor. When the accessory module is mounted at a vehicle windshield, the vehicle bus node is connected to a vehicle bus of the vehicle. At least one of (a) data generated by the electronics is conveyed to the vehicle bus via the vehicle bus node and (b) the vehicle bus conveys data to the electronics via the vehicle bus node. The digital signal processor is operable at a computational speed of at least 75 million instructions per second, and may include at least one of (a) at least 40 kilobytes of on-chip memory, (b) at least one serial port, (c) at least one DMA port, (d) at least one timer and (e) at least one interrupt capability.

Abstract: A playback device including: a housing: an attachment portion to a first position on an attachment surface; a speaker that plays back sound in a predetermined direction in accordance with a first audio signal having a first band; and a vibration portion that vibrates in accordance with a second audio signal having a second band that is lower than the first band, the vibration portion having an abutment surface that abuts at a second position on the attachment surface. The attachment member, the speaker, and the vibration portion are attached to the housing.

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: 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: Disclosed is a sound playing system of a cluster which improves a driver's recognition of and quality of sounds played by the cluster. The sound playing system transmits driving information of a vehicle to a driver through the sound played by the cluster, and may include: a micom mounted in the cluster for supervising various controls such as sound control; a sound source chip mounted in the cluster for selecting sound sources according to a command of the micom; and a speaker for generating sound waves by the selected sound sources and outputting a sound. A database of sounds may be stored in the micom, and the micom may transmit information regarding sounds to the sound source chip based on the database so as to control selection of the sound sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing sound signals in a vehicle multimedia system. A sound signal is recorded by a microphone. A voice signal component resulting from reproducing a voice signal and an audio signal component resulting from reproducing an audio signal are compensated in the recorded sound signal. The invention further relates to a system for processing sound signals and a vehicle multimedia system.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying audio signals from an input locus to an output locus remote from the input locus includes: (a) a multi-pin unit configured for receiving at least three signal paths at the input locus, including at least two audio signal paths for conveying the audio signals and at least one ground path; (b) at least one cable unit coupled with the multi-pin unit, substantially spanning an interval between the multi-pin unit and the output locus, and presenting the at least three signal paths at the output locus; (c) a connector pin unit coupled with the at least one cable unit at the output locus, and presenting the at least three signal paths in a single-pin configuration; and (d) a filter unit coupled with the at least one cable unit for filtering at least one predetermined signal component from the at least two audio signal paths.

Abstract: An automotive server arrangement includes an infotainment head unit disposed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. An antenna is associated with the vehicle. At least one audio speaker is associated with the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A network server is disposed in-between the head unit and the antenna. The network server includes a processor and an amplifier disposed within a common housing. The amplifier drives at least one audio speaker. The processor is connected to the head unit and to the antenna.

Abstract: There is provided an entertainment system comprising at least one seat, an electronic unit (100) for active noise reduction in the seat and at least one headphone (300). The headphone has an electro-acoustic reproduction transducer (310), a microphone (330) for recording interference signals and an adjusting unit (320) having an active filter for correcting a frequency response characteristic of the output signal of the microphone, for performing pre-filtration for active noise reduction and for the output of a corrected and filtered signal. The electronic unit (100) performs active noise reduction based on the corrected and filtered signal of the adjusting unit (320).

Abstract: An in-vehicle audio device and an in-vehicle audio system are disclosed. The in-vehicle audio device acquires and registers metadata of music data from multiple music possession devices, at least one of which is a portable music carrier device capable of performing wireless communication. Regarding the metadata acquired from the portable music carrier device, the in-vehicle audio device maintains the registration of the metadata after a communication connection between the portable music carrier device and the in-vehicle audio device is cut off. The in-vehicle audio device creates a playlist based on the registered metadata.

Abstract: Non-bussed amplifier diagnostics are implemented for a vehicle. The vehicle includes an amplifier that includes a computer processor and a memory unit communicatively coupled to the amplifier. The memory unit stores audio test tones, each of which corresponds to a respective diagnostic test result. The vehicle also includes an input device communicatively coupled to the amplifier via wiring. The input device provides an analog signal indicative of a diagnostic test trigger to the amplifier. The computer processor of the amplifier receives the analog signal and executes a diagnostic test defined by the diagnostic test trigger, selects one of the audio test tones based on results of the diagnostic test, and outputs the selected audio test tone via speakers of the vehicle.

Abstract: An information providing system of a motorcycle includes a navigation device and an audio device. The navigation device includes a navigation controller. The navigation controller is disposed in a trunk on a side surface of the trunk close to a back surface of a passenger seat. The trunk is provided in a rear portion of a vehicle body of the motorcycle and above a rear wheel of the motorcycle. The audio device includes an audio device operation part and an audio device controller. The audio device operation part is provided in a vicinity of a handlebar of the motorcycle. The audio device controller is disposed in an audio device housing provided at a position lower than a bottom plate of the trunk.

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: In a vehicle-to-vehicle network, a driver may listen to audio generated by other drivers participating in the network. The usability of the audio is enhanced by determining the relative positions of the providing and the receiving vehicles and then distributing received audio to specific speakers in the audio system of the receiving vehicle to create an impression that the sound originates from a source on the line between the two vehicles. The audio distributed to different speakers in the vehicle changes as the relative positions of the two vehicles changes. Volume changes and Doppler effects can be added to the audio if the two vehicles are converging or diverging.

Abstract: A method and a device for suppressing noise in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, which include at least one transducer, a programmable computer, at least one acoustic sensor, the computer being configured such as to apply an electro-acoustic model of the passenger compartment to a correcting system model including a central controller with fixed coefficients joined to a block of variable coefficients, including a Youla parameter in the form of a Youla block Q. The first phase includes determining and calculating the electro-acoustic model and the control law for at least one predetermined noise frequency. In a second phase, in real time, the computer applies the control law to the electro-acoustic model in accordance with the current frequency of the noise to be suppressed.