Having Microphone Patents (Class 381/91)
  • Patent number: 8204246
    Abstract: A sound transducer, comprising at least one acoustically neutral body with which it is possible to associate two sound conveyance elements which are shaped approximately like a stylized funnel so as to each form an auricle, which protrudes outside the acoustically neutral body and is blended with a duct with which a three-pole microphone cartridge is associated, the cartridge being arranged so that its front end, adapted to acquire the sound, is proximate to the inlet of the duct. The two cold poles of the microphone cartridges are mutually inverted, so that the cold pole of one of the microphone cartridges and the hot pole and the ground of the other of the microphone cartridges are or can be connected to a same connector or socket which is or can be associated with an amplifying and/or recording and/or processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Swing S.R.L.
    Inventor: Ruben Marton
  • Patent number: 8189818
    Abstract: In an electronic apparatus, microphones are arranged parallel to one side of a display screen so as to be spaced apart from each other on the front surface of a display whose display screen is exposed. Together with the microphone, a microphone is arranged parallel to other side different from one side of the display screen. Of the microphones, the microphones are selected when one side of the display screen serves as a bottom, and the microphones are selected when other side of the display screen serves as the bottom. A voice input process is then executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshio Takahashi, Kazuyuki Saito, Makoto Yamaguchi, Kei Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8189815
    Abstract: A microphone circuit includes a signal generating module, a filtering module, a transmitting module and a switch module. The signal generating module transforms audio signals into electronic signals. The filtering module is connected to the signal generating module to filter the electronic signals sent from the signal generating module. The transmitting module is connected to the filtering module to transmit the signals sent from the filtering module. The switch module is connected to the signal generating module to selectively regulate the microphone circuit to function as a differential microphone circuit or a single-ended microphone circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Yang-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 8184823
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a headphone device, including: a sound pickup section configured to pick up an external sound; a directivity setting section configured to generate a directional pickup audio signal, which is an audio signal obtained by picking up the external sound with a desired directional characteristic, based on an audio signal outputted from the sound pickup section; a loudspeaker; an audio signal generation section configured to generate a cancellation-use audio signal for attenuating the directional pickup audio signal based on the directional pickup audio signal; and a driving signal generation section configured to generate a driving signal, which is an audio signal for driving the loudspeaker and includes at least the cancellation-use audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsunori Itabashi, Kohei Asada
  • Patent number: 8184827
    Abstract: Provided is a sound source localization device which can detect a source location of an extraction sound, including at least two microphones; an analysis unit (103) which (i) analyze frequencies of the mixed sound including the noise and received by each microphone, and (ii) generates frequency signals; and an extraction unit (105) which, for each source location candidate, (a) adjusts time axes of the frequency signals corresponding to the microphones, so that there is no time difference between when the mixed sound reaches one microphone from the source location candidate and when the mixed sound reaches another microphone from the source location candidate, and (b) determines frequency signals having a difference distance equal to or smaller than a threshold value, from among the frequency signals corresponding to the microphones with the time axis having been adjusted, the difference distance representing a degree of a difference in the frequency signals between the microphones, and (c) extracts the sourc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Yoshizawa, Yoshihisa Nakatoh
  • Patent number: 8175286
    Abstract: The invention relates to simulation of sound fields in enclosures, for instance for application in listening tests, where test subjects assess the sound quality or other sound perception characteristics of the sound field. According to a specific embodiment, the system comprises a binaural synthesis portion which synthesizes sound for instance from a sound-reproduction equipment based on measured impulse responses of an actual room stored in a data base (31) and a binaural recording portion comprising a data base 32 for storing binaural recordings of other sound signals made in the room. Data from these databases are mixed (41) and reproduced by means of a headphone (39) provided with a head tracker (42) for tracking the movements of the listener's head. The invention furthermore comprises the use of cross-fading functions (36, 37) to enable the dynamic listening conditions, where the movements of the listener's head are taken into account during the simulation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Bang & Olufsen A/S
    Inventors: Søren Bech, Geoffrey Glen Martin, Flemming Christensen, Woo-Keun Song, Pauli Minnaar
  • Patent number: 8170222
    Abstract: A device and method for providing augmented reality enhanced audio. The device is portable and may include a location processing module capable of receiving location information and determining a location of the device in an environment, an orientation processing module capable of determining an orientation of the device at the location, a processor capable of modifying audio content based on the location of the device in the environment and the orientation of the device at the location, and an audio output device capable of outputting the modified audio content. The orientation of the device includes an azimuth and an elevation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Gregory A. Dunko
  • Patent number: 8170241
    Abstract: A remote controlled robot system that includes a robot and a remote control station. The robot includes a binaural microphone system that is coupled to a speaker system of the remote control station. The binaural microphone system may include a pair of microphones located at opposite sides of a robot head. The location of the microphones roughly coincides with the location of ears on a human body. Such microphone location creates a mobile robot that more effectively simulates the tele-presence of an operator of the system. The robot may include two different microphone systems and the ability to switch between systems. For example, the robot may also include a zoom camera system and a directional microphone. The directional microphone may be utilized to capture sound from a direction that corresponds to an object zoomed upon by the camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Intouch Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bjorn Roe, Daniel Steven Sanchez, Marco Pinter, Derek Walters, Charles S. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8170234
    Abstract: Mapping coherent/incoherent acoustic sources as determined from a phased microphone array. A linear configuration of equations and unknowns are formed by accounting for a reciprocal influence of one or more cross-beamforming characteristics thereof at varying grid locations among the plurality of grid locations. An equation derived from the linear configuration of equations and unknowns can then be iteratively determined. The equation can be attained by the solution requirement of a constraint equivalent to the physical assumption that the coherent sources have only in phase coherence. The size of the problem may then be reduced using zoning methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration
    Inventors: Thomas F. Brooks, William M. Humphreys, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8170256
    Abstract: A microphone assembly for desktop communication systems utilizes a directional microphones in a desktop conferencing system without exposing the microphone to unfavorable mechanical or acoustic influence. The microphones is built into the front portion of the base of the system, in a mechanically controlled and robust way. The microphone assembly maximizes microphone sensitivity in the direction of a near end user while simultaneously minimizing microphone sensitivity in the direction of the loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gisle Enstad, Tore Gravermoen, Johan Ludvig Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8160489
    Abstract: A karaoke device is included within an enclosure and having a voice pickup element integrated into the enclosure, the voice pickup element for converting sound waves into an electrical signal. An audio input signal passes into the enclosure and connects with an electronic circuit for amplifying the electrical signal, for controlling the amplitude of the electrical signal and for mixing the electrical signal and the audio input signal into a mixed audio signal which passes out of the enclosure. A video input signal passes into the enclosure and directly connects to a video output signal that passes out of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jack Strauser
  • Patent number: 8155340
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for communications is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to scale an audio signal, and a transducer circuit configured to provide an ambient signal in response to an ambient condition, wherein the receiver is further configured to scale the ambient signal from the transducer circuit and combine the scaled ambient signal with the scaled audio signal, the receiver being further configured to adjust the scaling applied to at least one of the ambient and audio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Harinath Garudadri, Somdeb Majumdar
  • Patent number: 8155329
    Abstract: A device for monitoring outside sound through a closed window includes a housing positioned inside the window. The housing contains a filter, a squelch circuit, an amplifier, and a speaker. A microphone is positioned outside the window and connected to the housing. The housing includes a volume control, a sensitivity control, and a mode control for bypassing the squelch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Scott Clinton Silaika
  • Patent number: 8150063
    Abstract: A device includes a microphone array fixed to the device. A signal processor produces an audio output using audio beamforming with input from the microphone array. The signal processor aims the beamforming in a selected direction. An orientation sensor—such as a compass, an accelerometer, or an inertial sensor—is coupled to the signal processor. The orientation sensor detects a change in the orientation of the microphone array and provides an orientation signal to the signal processor for adjusting the aim of the beamforming to maintain the selected direction. The device may include a camera that captures an image. An image processor may identify an audio source in the image and provide a signal adjusting the selected direction to follow the audio source. The image processor may receive the orientation signal and adjust the image for changes in the orientation of the camera before tracking movement of the audio source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shaohai Chen, Phillip George Tamchina, Jae Han Lee
  • Patent number: 8150061
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sound generating method of generating sound signals related to a video signal, which comprises a step of generating independently each of the sound signals matched to a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of a video, and a step of allowing the horizontal and the vertical sound signals that have been generated to be reproduced independently with horizontal sound output means and vertical sound output means, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8150073
    Abstract: A semiconductor circuit including an input terminal, an impedance converting portion configured to receive an input signal from the input terminal and to output an output signal corresponding to the input signal, an input impedance of the semiconductor circuit being higher than an output impedance of the semiconductor circuit, a detecting portion connected to a node between the input terminal and the impedance converting portion, and configured to detect whether the input signal is higher than a predetermined threshold, and a variable impedance connected to a reference voltage and the node, an impedance of the variable impedance configured to decrease after the input signal is detected as higher than the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kazuya Matsumoto, Hiroshi Suzunaga
  • Patent number: 8139790
    Abstract: The invention provides an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit receives a first signal from a microphone via a first node. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit comprises a biasing circuit and a buffering circuit. The biasing circuit is coupled between the first node and a second node, drives the microphone with a first voltage source, and filters the first signal to generate a second signal at the second node. In one embodiment, the biasing circuit comprises a first resistor, a first capacitor, and a load element. The first resistor is coupled between the first voltage source and the first node. The first capacitor is coupled between the first node and the second node. The load element is coupled between the second node and a second voltage source. The buffering circuit is coupled between the second node and a third node and buffers the second signal to generate a third signal at the third node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fortemedia, Inc.
    Inventor: Li-Te Wu
  • Patent number: 8139785
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sound reinforcement for musical instruments. The method and apparatus re-direct sound waves via an open-sided chamber against a curved wall panel in such a way that the sound from a musical amplifier is reflected or altered in its course from a direction in which the microphone design has reduced sensitivity to a direction of maximum sensitivity and, typically, altering the direction of the sound from off-axis to on-axis into the microphone capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Charles C. Ferrill
  • Patent number: 8135143
    Abstract: A speaker array and microphone arrays positioned on both sides of the speaker array are provided. A plurality of focal points each serving as a position of a talker are set in front of the microphone arrays respectively symmetrically with respect to a centerline of the speaker array, and a bundle of sound collecting beams is output toward the focal points. Difference values between sound collecting beams directed toward the focal points that are symmetrical with respect to the centerline are calculated to cancel sound components that detour from the speaker array to microphones. Then, it is estimated based on totals of squares of peak values of the difference values for a particular time period that the position of the talker is close to which one of the focal points, and the position of the talker is decided by comparing the totals of the squares of the peak values of the sound collecting beams directed to the focal points that are symmetrical mutually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Ishibashi, Satoshi Suzuki, Ryo Tanaka, Satoshi Ukai
  • Patent number: 8130979
    Abstract: A microphone system has a base coupled with first and second microphone apparatuses. The first microphone apparatus is capable of producing a first output signal having a noise component, while the second microphone apparatus is capable of producing a second output signal. The system also has combining logic operatively coupled with the first microphone apparatus and the second microphone apparatus. The combining logic uses the second output signal to remove at least a portion of the noise component from the first output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Kieran P. Harney, Jason Weigold, Gary Elko
  • Patent number: 8130977
    Abstract: An arbitrarily positioned cluster of three microphones can be used for stereo input of a videoconferencing system. To produce stereo input, right and left weightings for signal inputs from each of the microphones are determined. The right and left weightings correspond to preferred directive patterns for stereo input of the system. The determined right weightings are applied to the signal inputs from each of the microphones, and the weighted inputs are summed to product the right input. The same is done for the left input using the determined left weightings. The three microphones are preferably first-order, cardioid microphone capsules spaced close together in an audio unit, where each faces radially outward at 120-degrees. The orientation of the arbitrarily positioned cluster relative to the system can be determined by directly detecting the orientation or by using stored arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter L. Chu
  • Patent number: 8121306
    Abstract: A range-sensitive wireless-microphone method includes receiving an audio input, converting the received audio input into digital data, buffering the digital data, and transmitting the buffered digital data. The method also includes determining whether the transmitted buffered data was successfully received, responsive to a determination that the transmitted buffered data was successfully received deleting the transmitted buffered data, and, responsive to a determination that the transmitted buffered data was not successfully received, retaining the transmitted buffered data and repeating the transmitting step. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Enforcement Video, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Cilia, Robert V. Vanman
  • Patent number: 8116500
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a speakerphone may comprise multiple (e.g., 16) microphones placed in a circular array around a central speaker. The microphones may be mounted vertically in the speakerphone with their respective diaphragms substantially parallel to the top surface of the speakerphone. The centrally mounted speaker may be coupled to a stiff internal speaker enclosure. The speaker enclosure may be made of a stiff, heavy material (e.g., a dense plastic) to prevent the speaker vibrations from excessively vibrating the speakerphone enclosure (which may affect the microphones). The speaker enclosure may also include a raised rim and ridges to increase its stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: William V. Oxford, Kevin Patrick Kellar
  • Patent number: 8116478
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for beamforming in consideration of characteristics of an actual noise environment. The apparatus includes a microphone array having at least microphone, the microphone array outputting a signal input through the microphone; a coherence function generation unit for calculating coherences for input signals according to each space between microphones, calculating averages of the coherences for the same distance, and filtering the calculated averages of the coherences and outputting the resultant values, when an input signal is input; a spatial filter factor calculation unit for calculating and outputting a spatial filter factor by using the filtered average coherences; and a beamforming execution unit for performing a beamforming for the input signals by using the spatial filter factor, thereby outputting a noise-processed signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hyun-Soo Kim, Hanseok Ko, Sung-Joo Ahn, Jounghoon Beh, Hyun-Jin Yoon
  • Patent number: 8090117
    Abstract: A digital microphone array is configured in an open geometry such as a sphere with a large number of inexpensive microphone elements mounted in opposite-facing pairs. The microphone array with DSP is intended to be placed in a three-dimensional sound field, such as a concert hall or film location, and to completely isolate all sound sources from each other while maintaining their placement in a coherent sound field including reverberance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: James Cox
  • Publication number: 20110316779
    Abstract: A mouse device includes a mouse base, a mouse casing, a first button, a second button, a microphone module and a controlling unit. The first button and the second button have different structures. By clicking the first button and the second button, a first sound and a second sound having different frequencies are respectively generated. The first sound and the second sound are received by the microphone module. According to the frequency of the first sound or the second sound, a first button command or a second button command is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Yi-Guang Chen
  • Patent number: 8081773
    Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus includes first, second and third omni-directional microphones each of which receives sound and generates an omni-directional audio signal and which are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, a first adder section that adds audio signals generated by the first, second and third omni-directional microphones and generates an audio signal having an omni-directivity in the whole circumferential direction, a first subtractor section that subtracts audio signals generated by the first and third omni-directional microphones and generates an audio signal having a directivity in the right-left direction, a second adder section that adds audio signals generated by the first and third omni-directional microphones, a second subtractor section that subtracts an audio signal generated by the second omni-directional microphone from the audio signal added by the second adder section and generates an audio signal having a directivity in the front-back direction, and an output section tha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Daishin, Yoshitaka Miyake, Kaoru Gyotoku
  • Patent number: 8073179
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone package includes a substrate, a micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip mounted on the substrate, and a cover attached to the substrate to cover the micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip. The cover is provided with a sound inlet through which the micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone receives external sound. The micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip includes a conductive base connected to a constant voltage, a shielding layer supported by the conductive base and connected to the constant voltage, a diaphragm disposed between the conductive base and the shielding layer, and a back plate also disposed between the conductive base and the shielding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fortemedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Li-Te Wu, Chia-Jen Hsu
  • Patent number: 8073153
    Abstract: A listening device for presenting at least one audio signal to a user comprises a first ear piece and a second ear piece, each of the first ear piece and the second ear piece including at least one speaker and each being adapted to block substantially all external sounds from entering an ear of a user. The device further comprises a microphone for sensing a first audio signal and a differential amplifier coupled to the microphone for amplifying the first audio signal. The differential amplifier is coupled to a first electrical ground. A switching arrangement coupled to and receiving a second audio signal from an external audio source and the external audio source having a second electrical ground that is electrically distinct from the first electrical ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Peter V. Loeppert
  • Patent number: 8073157
    Abstract: Targeted sound detection methods and apparatus are disclosed. A microphone array has two or more microphones M0 . . . MM. Each microphone is coupled to a plurality of filters. The filters are configured to filter input signals corresponding to sounds detected by the microphones thereby generating a filtered output. One or more sets of filter parameters for the plurality of filters are pre-calibrated to determine one or more corresponding pre-calibrated listening zones. Each set of filter parameters is selected to detect portions of the input signals corresponding to sounds originating within a given listening zone and filter out sounds originating outside the given listening zone. A particular pre-calibrated listening zone is selected at a runtime by applying to the plurality of filters a set of filter coefficients corresponding to the particular pre-calibrated listening zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Xiadong Mao, Richard L. Marks, Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 8064617
    Abstract: A microphone compensation system responds to changes in the characteristics of individual microphones in an array of microphones. The microphone compensation system provides a communication system with consistent performance despite microphone aging, widely varying environmental conditions, and other factors that alter the characteristics of the microphones. Furthermore, lengthy, complex, and costly measurement and analysis phases for determining initial settings for filters in the communication system are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Buck, Tim Haulick
  • Patent number: 8059845
    Abstract: An in-ear stabilizer with a compression strut securely holds an in-ear communications device within the human ear. The in-ear stabilizer comprises an in-ear device housing which fits into the human ear and has a receiver and speaker. Attached to the in-ear device housing is a compression strut which extends, when in the human ear, across the crus of helix and fits securely under the antihelix in the upper concha of the ear. The housing of the in-ear device fits into the lower concha of the human ear. The compression strut exerts outward pressure when compressed, comfortably holding the in-ear device in place through pressure on the lower and upper concha of the human ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Joshua R. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8059840
    Abstract: An exemplary method for locating sound sources is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: loading a sound source location program into a handheld device; activating the sound source location program; calculating a total voltage representing sound waves received by a microphone array via a waveform computation algorithm; calculating energy intensities of the total voltage according to the total voltage; and selecting a maximum energy intensity from the calculated energy intensities, and determining the location of the maximum energy intensity, the location of the maximum energy intensity is the location of the sound source. A related system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Meng-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 8036397
    Abstract: A method for estimating the location of a sound source. First, a first microphone and a second microphone are moved relative to the sound source. Then the Intra-aural Time Difference (ITD) between the two microphones is measured. The moving and the measuring are repeated until the Intra-aural Time Difference (ITD) is smaller than a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Research Institute Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Joublin, Tobias Rodemann
  • Patent number: 8019096
    Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications path between the accessory and the electronic device. Path configuration circuitry may be used to selectively configure the path between the electronic device and accessory to support different operational modes. Analog audio lines in the wired path may convey left and right channel analog audio channels. When it is desired to convey power over the wired path, one of the analog audio channel lines may be converted to a power line. Audio functionality may be retained by simultaneously converting a unidirectional line into a bidirectional line using hybrids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Sander, Jeffrey Terlizzi
  • Patent number: 8014546
    Abstract: A microphone has at least one non-conductive component with at least one side covered by a metal layer which in turn is covered by a protective layer, and the microphone can be a component of a delegate unit of a conference system or a congress system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rene Lurvink, Martien Kas, Marc Smaak, Ad Hermans
  • Patent number: 8009841
    Abstract: A handsfree communication system includes microphones, a beamformer, and filters. The microphones are spaced apart and are capable of receiving acoustic signals. The beamformer compensates for propagation delays between the direct and reflected acoustic signals. The filters are configured to a predetermined susceptibility level. The filter process the output of the beamformer to enhance the quality of the received signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Markus Christoph
  • Patent number: 8005241
    Abstract: An apparatus having a microphone and a mute circuit (not shown in detail here) operable to be actuated by a rotating door assembly. The apparatus provides a mute circuit suitable to mute the audio microphone when the rotating door assembly is in a closed position and unmute the audio microphone when the rotating door assembly is not in the closed position. Additionally, the mute circuit is impervious to generating audible disturbances in the microphone signal when the rotating assembly door is rotated between open and closed positions. This advantageously allows for the microphone to essentially transition to off when the rotating door assembly is closed and transition to on when the rotating door assembly is open and do so without additional audio disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: RANE Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Rollins
  • Patent number: 7991166
    Abstract: A microphone apparatus for processing and outputting an output signal of a microphone array including at least nine microphones includes a directivity function processing circuit that converts the output signal of the microphone array into a unidirectional signal and that outputs the unidirectional signal. The directivity function processing circuit expands a directivity function whose variable is an incident angle of an acoustic wave into a Fourier series up to at least third order. The variable in the expanded expression is produced from output signals of the microphones forming the microphone array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kihara, Yoshikazu Takahashi, Yasuhiko Kato
  • Patent number: 7991168
    Abstract: The invention provides a microphone. The microphone receives a first sound signal and at least one second electrical signal and outputs a third electrical signal. In one embodiment, the microphone comprises a transducer and a signal processor. The transducer converts the first sound signal to a first electrical signal. The signal processor has a first input terminal receiving the first electrical signal and at least one second input terminal receiving the at least one second electrical signal, and derives the third electrical signal from the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal. In one embodiment, the at least one second electrical signal is derived from a t least one second sound signal by at least one second microphone located in the vicinity of the microphone. In another embodiment, the at least one second electrical signal comprises a wind noise signal derived from wind pressure by a pressure sensor located in the vicinity of the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Fortemedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Li-Te Wu, Wei-Chan Hsu
  • Publication number: 20110164759
    Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a microphone to a surface in a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a housing having an opening. The housing is configured to be mounted to the surface. A directional wideband microphone is mounted within the housing and positioned to partition the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. The directional wideband microphone has an acoustic axis that extends through the first chamber. The housing and the directional wideband microphone cooperate to direct the acoustic axis in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicants: GENERAL MOTORS LLC, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: JESSE T. GRATKE, DARRYL T. FORNATORO
  • Patent number: 7953233
    Abstract: A synchronous detection and calibration system is provided for expedient calibration of differential acoustic sensors in a manufacturing and testing environment. By processing a series of sequentially received tones, respective portions of a system using differential acoustic sensors are tuned for optimum individual operation, following which corresponding control data are generated and stored for use in selecting among predetermined calibration vectors which establish and maintain optimum system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Holloway, Yunhong Li, Wei Ma, Peter Kamp
  • Patent number: 7945056
    Abstract: The invention regards a listening device with two or more microphone units. The listening device has a signal processing device and means for delivering a signal to the user of the device representative of the audio signals picked up by the microphones, whereby the signal processing device comprises means for adding and scaling the signals from at least two microphone units to provide a single added signal in a manner which allows signal parts from different directions to be equally represented in the resulting added signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventor: Christian C. Bürger
  • Patent number: 7912511
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a microphone, a microphone holder holding the microphone therein, and a case encasing the microphone holder therein. The microphone holder has a first portion at which the microphone holder makes contact with a first inner surface of the case, and a second portion at which the microphone holder makes contact with one of a part of the electronic device and a second inner surface of the case facing the first inner surface, the microphone holder being sandwiched between the first inner surface and the part. At least one of the first and second portions of the microphone holder is disposed more outwardly than an outer edge of the microphone in a plane which is in parallel with the first inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Nozomi Toki, Yasuhiro Sasaki, Yasuharu Oonishi
  • Patent number: 7907741
    Abstract: A recording device obtains audio signals by plural microphones and records the audio signals on a recording medium. The device includes plural incorporated microphones for obtaining the audio signals; correction circuits for changing characteristics by correction parameters for the incorporated microphones, for correcting characteristics of the audio signals obtained by the incorporated microphones to a reference characteristic, and for outputting the corrected audio signals; and a recording device for recording the corrected audio signals output from the circuits on the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kaoru Gyotoku
  • Publication number: 20100325060
    Abstract: An electronic baggage tracking device replaces the tracking sticker presently applied to baggage. The device has a display which at least selectively displays destination indicia such as a barcode identifying a particular destination airport location. The device also has the ability to store traveler identification information, which is preferably at least partially encrypted, as well as travel information which may not normally be provided with baggage indicia, such as departing and arrival times. The device is preferably connected to baggage, if not integrally, then with a housing which connects to handles such as with a top having depending sides which cooperate with a displaceable bottom. Once installed, the device preferably has a locking configuration thereby preventing inadvertent or undesired removal of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Frederick G. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7853026
    Abstract: A digital sound processing system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror casing having a reflective element disposed thereat. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes at least one microphone, with the microphone located at one of a rear portion of the mirror casing, a bezel portion of the mirror casing, a side portion of the mirror casing, an upper portion of the mirror casing, and a lower portion of the mirror casing. The microphone generates at least one signal indicative of a vocal input with vehicle cabin noise included therewith. A digital signal processor processes the signal and provides an output signal with reduced vehicle cabin noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Philip A. March
  • Patent number: 7831053
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system (10) and method for matching one or more microphones. A first and second microphone (110, 210) communicates, respectively, a first and second microphone signal to an amplitude compensating means (16) adjusting amplitude of the first microphone signal in accordance with amplitude of the second microphone signal. The amplitude compensating means (16) communicates an adjusted first microphone signal (100) and the second microphone signal (200) to a phase matching means (18) comprising a correction filter means (113) receiving the adjusted first microphone signal (100). The correction filter means (113) comprises a low-pass filter means (111), which is controlled in accordance with a subtraction between the first microphone signal output (102) and the second microphone signal (200), and a high-pass filter means (112), which is controlled in accordance with a comparison between the first microphone signal output (102) and the second microphone signal (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Kim Spetzler Petersen, Meng Gou
  • Patent number: 7822212
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system for amplifying a sound in an auditory environment. The system comprises a microphone for transforming said sound to an electric sound signal; a band-pass filtering means connecting to said microphone and outputting a filtered sound signal; and an amplifier amplifying said filtered sound signal and outputting a filtered and amplified sound signal to a loudspeaker. The band-pass filtering means comprises a passive first filter having a first bandwidth and first gain, an active second filter having a second bandwidth and a second gain larger than said first gain, and an active third filter having a third bandwidth and a third gain larger than said second gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Phonic Ear Inc.
    Inventors: John Paul Merline, Per William Lund
  • Patent number: 7804968
    Abstract: The occurrence of noise caused by external electromagnetic waves is prevented and a high voltage is prevented in a microphone case, so that the possibility of an electrical shock is eliminated. A condenser microphone, comprising a microphone case (shield case) 10 including a circuit board 11 having a ground circuit 13 and an electronic circuit 12 for a condenser microphone unit MU, and a 3-pin output connector 20 which is mounted on the microphone case 10 and connected to a microphone cable 30 from an external power unit (for example, a phantom power source), the output connector 20 including a first grounding pin connected to the ground circuit 13 and the microphone case 10, wherein the ground circuit 13 and the microphone case 10 are electrically connected at multiple points via conductive connecting means 40, which can be brought into surface contact, to prevent a ground loop current path caused by a stray capacitance between the ground circuit 13 and the microphone case 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino