Abstract: Methods and systems for deessing of speech signals are described. A deesser of a speech processing system includes an analyzer configured to receive a full spectral envelope for each time frame of a speech signal presented to the speech processing system, and to analyze the full spectral envelope to identify frequency content for deessing. The deesser also includes a compressor configured to receive results from the analyzer and to spectrally weight the speech signal as a function of results of the analyzer. The analyzer can be configured to calculate a psychoacoustic measure from the full spectral envelope, and may be further configured to detect sibilant sounds of the speech signal using the psychoacoustic measure. The psychoacoustic measure can include, for example, a measure of sharpness, and the analyzer may be further configured to calculate deesser weights based on the measure of sharpness. An example application includes in-car communications.

Abstract: An audio output device comprises a loudspeaker and, four stem control inputs substantially even spaced on the upper surface of a housing. The stem control inputs are each divided into four segments, each comprising a touch sensor and an illumination unit. Each stem control input is associated with a different stem in an audio track for playback via the loudspeaker. Touching the segments of each stem control input results in the touch being detected and a touch signal being output by the respective segment. In response to a touch signal, the associated illumination unit is togged on/off and a property of the associated stem is varied during playback by loudspeaker.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide methods and systems for managing a sound profile. An example playback device includes a network interface and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein instructions executable by the processor. When executed by the processor, the instructions are to configure the playback device to receive, via the network interface over a local area network (LAN) from a controller device, an instruction. The example playback device is to obtain, based on the instruction, via the network interface from a location outside of the LAN, data comprising a sound profile. The example playback device is to update one or more parameters at the playback device based on the sound profile. The example playback device is to play back an audio signal according to the sound profile.

Abstract: A card game monitor manages play of a game with a video feed of casino table game play. A dealer deals a game using a card-handling device that randomizes and dispenses cards, which may be grouped into sets of hands by the card-handling device. A card recognition system recognizes card information including rank and suit of each card dispensed by the card-handling device while each card is under control of the card-handling device. A camera captures a video feed of casino table game play, which is transmitted to a computing device operated by a player. A control system receives the card information from the card recognition device and manages control of the game using hand information associated with players. Player action elections from the computing device are displayed to a dealer. The player provides a player action through the computing device, which is used to facilitate play of the casino table game.

Abstract: Examples described herein involve calibration of a microphone. In an example implementation, while a network device is positioned within a predetermined physical range of a microphone of a playback device, the network device detects, via a microphone of, a first audio signal. The network device also receives data indicating a second audio signal detected by the microphone of the playback device. Based on (i) data indicating the first audio signal, (ii) the data indicating the second audio signal, and (iii) an acoustic characteristic of the microphone of the playback device, the network device determines an acoustic characteristic of the microphone of the network device and generates a microphone calibration algorithm based on the determined acoustic characteristic of the microphone of the network device. The network device then applies the microphone calibration algorithm when performing an acoustic calibration of the playback device.

Abstract: A card game monitor manages play of a game with a video feed of casino table game play. A dealer deals a game using a card-handling device that randomizes and dispenses cards, which may be grouped into sets of hands by the card-handling device. A card recognition system recognizes card information including rank and suit of each card dispensed by the card handling device while each card is under control of the card-handling device. A camera captures a video feed of casino table game play, which is transmitted to a computing device operated by a player. A control system receives the card information from the card recognition device and manages control of the game using hand information associated with players. Player action elections from the computing device are displayed to a dealer The player provides a player action through the computing device, which is used to facilitate play of the casino table game.

Abstract: Examples described herein involve calibration of a playback device. In an example, a system maintains a database of representative acoustic characteristics. Each representative acoustic characteristic corresponds to a respective plurality of network devices and the network devices in each respective plurality of network devices shares characteristics. The system receives, from a particular network device, data indicating characteristics of the particular network device, an identification of a playback device, and data indicating audio detected by the particular network device while the playback device played a calibration tone. The system identifies, in the database, the representative acoustic characteristic corresponding to those characteristics. Based on the identified representative acoustic characteristic, the identification of the playback device, and the data indicating the detected audio, the system determines an audio processing algorithm to adjust audio output of the playback device.

Abstract: Examples described herein involve calibration of a microphone of a network device based on a first signal detected by the microphone of the network device and a second audio signal detected by a microphone of the playback device. While the network device is positioned within a predetermined physical range of a microphone of a playback device, a microphone of the network device may detect a first audio signal. The network device may also receive data indicating a second audio signal detected by the microphone of the playback device. Based on data indicating the first audio signal and the data indicating the second audio signal, the network device may identify a microphone calibration algorithm, and apply the microphone calibration algorithm when performing a calibration function associated with the playback device. Similar functions may also be performed by a computing device, such as a server to coordinate calibration of the microphone of the network device.

Abstract: A method for attenuating undesired content in an audio signal and to an apparatus adapted to attenuate undesired content in an audio signal. The method has receiving an audio input signal (Si); providing a main audio signal (Sa) in dependence on the audio input signal (Si); determining an input level signal (Ln) indicating a signal level (Ln,i) of the main audio signal (Sa); applying a frequency-dependent gain to the main audio signal (Sa) to provide an audio output signal (So); providing an analysis signal (Sn) in dependence on the audio input signal (Si); determining a classification signal (Sc) indicating the presence in the analysis signal (Sn) determining a threshold control signal (St) indicating a frequency-dependent level threshold (72, 75, 76, Tf) for multiple frequency subbands; and determining the frequency-dependent gain in dependence on signal levels (Ln,i).

Abstract: Examples described herein involve calibration of a microphone of a network device. An example network device identifies, within a database of microphone acoustic characteristics, an acoustic characteristic of the microphone which corresponds to a particular characteristic of the network device. The network device calibrates a playback device based on at least the identified acoustic characteristic of the microphone.

Abstract: A card game monitor manages play of a game with a video feed of casino table game play. A dealer deals a game using a card-handling device that randomizes and dispenses cards, which may be grouped into sets of hands by the card-handling device. A card recognition system recognizes card information including rank and suit of each card dispensed by the card handling device. A camera captures a video feed of casino table game play, which is transmitted to a mobile computing device operated by a player. A control system receives the card information from the card recognition device and manages control of the game using hand information associated with players. Player action elections from the mobile computing device are displayed to a dealer. The player provides a player action through the mobile computing device, which is used to facilitate play of the casino table game.

Abstract: Provided is a beam forming device. The beam forming device of the present invention may feedback power-amplified signals to perform digital pre-distortion for improving the non-linearity of an analog element in a digital signal process terminal and control a phase for forming a beam. Therefore, the beam forming device that can form an accurate beam may be realized.

Abstract: Examples described herein involve calibration of a microphone of a network device based on a first signal detected by the microphone of the network device and a second audio signal detected by a microphone of the playback device. While the network device is positioned within a predetermined physical range of a microphone of a playback device, a microphone of the network device may detect a first audio signal. The network device may also receive data indicating a second audio signal detected by the microphone of the playback device. Based on data indicating the first audio signal and the data indicating the second audio signal, the network device may identify a microphone calibration algorithm, and apply the microphone calibration algorithm when performing a calibration function associated with the playback device. Similar functions may also be performed by a computing device, such as a server to coordinate calibration of the microphone of the network device.

Abstract: There is described a computer implemented method for performing automatic audio production, comprising: receiving an audio signal to be processed; receiving semantic information; determining at least one semantic-based rule using the received semantic information, the semantic-based rule comprising production data that defines how the audio signal to be processed should be produced; processing the audio signal to be processed using the production data, thereby obtaining a produced audio signal; outputting the produced audio signal.

Abstract: An improved roller assembly that, when installed on a BIGSBY vibrato system, causes the roller to be raised, which reduces the angle of the strings. This reduces the tension on the strings, which improves the performance of the device and reduces or eliminates the instability in tuning. Two versions of the device are disclosed that can be used with both BIGSBY and BIGSBY LICENSE model vibratos.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein relating to audio classification. Genres of music can be identified by detecting unique spectral features inherent to those genres. One example genre detected is techno music. Two dimensional discrete cosine transforms can be generated for consecutive windows of the spectrogram or chromagram. A max value of the energy of portions of the two dimensional discrete cosine transforms can be determined. The max value can be normalized and aggregated with max values related to neighboring windows. If the aggregate scores meet a genre threshold, the audio sample, or portions thereof, can be associated with a genre of music.

Abstract: A system for providing wireless connections in configuring an instrument or microphone with audio effects, effects pedal boards, mixers, and other studio equipment. The signal from an audio source such as an instrument or microphone is connected to a main unit, from which it is transmitted via wireless link to a floor unit connected to one or more effects pedals or other studio equipment. After processing, the audio signal is returned via wireless link to the main unit and then routed to an amplifier.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an ornamental purfling strip which has sufficient flexibility to be placed within a curved configuration. The ornamental purfling strips are sufficiently flexible to be placed, as a single unit, in curved channels which require the strip to bend. The flexibility results from a laminated structure comprising a layer of binding material overlain by an ornamental layer, with an adhesive or bonding agent attaching the layers together. The ornamental layer comprises a plurality of precisely placed breaks along its length. The binding material retains the individual fragments of the ornamental layer in the strip, but because the binding material comprises a flexible material, the layer of binding material is sufficiently flexible to allow the purfling strip to flex longitudinally and transversely. The ornamental layer may comprise organic shell material or synthetic materials such as synthetic opal.

Abstract: A musical instrument is provided. When the lid is revolved in a direction to open the lid from a close state of the lid, the guided part is guided to an inner peripheral concave surface of the guiding channel and is engaged with the inner peripheral concave surface. The lid is supported by the bearing bar 30, and the lid is maintained being up. After the lid is revolved in a direction to further open the lid from the open state and the guided part is disengaged from the inner peripheral concave surface, the lid can be laid down by revolving in a direction for laying down the lid. Therefore, the lid can be changed to an open state or a close state by only revolving the lid.

Abstract: A vessel for containing substances includes a body adapted to containing beverages or snacks, a light source, a sound module, activation switches, and a power source. The body may be provided in the shape of a guitar or other musical instrument, and may optionally include a threaded opening for receiving the substances and apertures adapted to receive ends of a strap so the vessel may be worn or otherwise supported. The vessel may further include a closure having an opening adapted to receive a straw or coins. A removable insert may be provided to slide into the opening formed in the body and rest therein.

Abstract: Provided is, among other things, a system of musically interacting devices. A first device has a first identification code, a first wireless communication interface and a first audio player, and a second device has a second identification code, a second wireless communication interface and a second audio player. The first device and the second device are configured to participate in an interaction sequence in which: the first device wirelessly communicates using the first wireless communication interface, the second device wirelessly communicates using the second wireless communication interface, a musical composition is selected based on both the first identification code and the second identification code, and the first device and the second device cooperatively play the musical composition, with each of the first device and the second device playing a different part of the musical composition.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for software or hardware emulation of electronic audio equipment, which characterizes a non-linear behavior. The invention comprises an analog to digital interface (504) for the input audio signal (502), whose output (506) is communicatively coupled to a dynamic non-linearity (508). The output (514) of this dynamic non-linearity is finally communicatively coupled to an interface (516) producing the output audio signal (518). The dynamic non-linearity consists of a mode switching static non-linear function, where the mode parameter (512) is estimated in a function (510) based on the previous values on the input (506) and output (514) of the dynamic non-linearity.

Abstract: A shell purfling strip has sufficient flexibility to be placed within a curved configuration. The purfling strips are sufficiently flexible to be placed, as a single unit, in curved channels which require the strip to bend. The flexibility results from a laminated structure comprising a layer of binding material overlain by an organic shell layer, with a bonding agent attaching the layers together. The organic shell layer comprises a plurality of precisely placed breaks along its length. The binding material retains the individual fragments of the shell layer in the strip, but because the binding material comprises a flexible material, such as rubber, the layer of binding material is sufficiently flexible to allow the purfling strip to flex longitudinally and transversely. The shell purfling strips may be attached in parallel relationship to other perfling components such that the perfling components can be installed as a unit.

Abstract: An instrument in which an acoustic or otherwise measurable disturbance or change is made in physical matter is disclosed. In one embodiment an oscillatory vortex shedding phenomenon is formed in water, in association with each of a plurality of finger holes. Water flows past a branch point where it can either flow over a labium, edge or the like in a resonant pipe, or out a finger hole, the finger hole being the path of lesser resistance to the water. Obstruction of the finger hole forces the water past an underwater sound production mechanism. Blocking water from coming out of a given hole produces a given note, which, in some embodiments, is electrically amplified by a hydrophone. In one embodiment there is a further processing of each hydrophone signal. Embodiments with various kinds of acoustic or optical pickups are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for software or hardware emulation of electronic audio equipment, which characterizes a non-linear behavior. The invention comprises an analog to digital interface (504) for the input audio signal (502), whose output (506) is communicatively coupled to a dynamic non-linearity (508). The output (514) of this dynamic non-linearity is finally communicatively coupled to an interface (516) producing the output audio signal (518). The dynamic non-linearity consists of a mode switching static non-linear function, where the mode parameter (512) is estimated in a function (510) based on the previous values on the input (506) and output (514) of the dynamic non-linearity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved flute-type instrument having a reduced bore diameter in the head section, a conical bore in the intermediate section and a standard sized bore diameter in the main section. The reduced bore diameter in the head section is dimensioned to closely correspond to the circumferential diameter of the mouth hole opening to promote laminar-like flow of air through the mouth opening and into the head section bore.

Abstract: A digital audio player and a method for processing encoded digital audio data, wherein the digital audio data is encoded using one of a plurality of encoding formats. The exemplary audio data player includes a hard disk or other data storage medium for storing data files, a microcontroller, buffer memory for anti-skip protection, and an audio decoder. The encoded audio data files and associated decoder files are downloaded from a personal computer or similar device to the audio data player hard drive. The player provides a menu-driven user interface for selection, sorting, and playback of stored audio data files. The audio decoder, generally a digital signal processor, provides various preset equalization modes. The preset modes are specific to audio genres such as jazz, pop, and rock.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that help users learn to play one or more instruments by employing simplified note recognition techniques, improved feedback, and a simplified keyboard tablature. In one aspect, users are encouraged to play specified notes within a specified time frame. The pitch and duration can be represented in any suitable manner, but are advantageously displayed together as a single icon (232A-232F). Preferably, the icon has an elongated shape in which the horizontal length correlates with duration of the note, and its vertical position on a display correlates with a pitch of the note. Notes can thus be represented by elongated lines, bars, ellipses, or even missiles or arrows. In another aspect, an improved musical tablature effectively clusters juxtaposed black keys (412A, 412C, 412E) and white keys (412B, 412D) on a display for easier visualization.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for customizing musical instrument signal processing enabling users to produce different tonal characteristics in created musical pieces. In order to create such tonal characteristics, a new mathematical model of tonal characteristics may be digitally created based on two or more initial mathematical models of tonal characteristics. After simulating a first and second initial mathematical models of tonal characteristics, the new mathematical model is created by interpolating one or more coefficients of the first and second initial mathematical models. The new mathematical model may also adjust a control parameter where the control parameter may exist between two values. When the control parameter is the first value, the new mathematical model is the first initial mathematical model. When the control parameter is the second value, the new mathematical model may be the second initial mathematical model.

Abstract: Wood such as spruce, maple, and hornbeam are retained in high pressure steam of pressure 0.2 to 1.6 MPa at 120 to 200° C. for 1 to 60 minutes, and subsequently, cooled and dried to obtain a modified wood having superior acoustic properties and old wood-like appearance due to a change to a deep color tone. Since the conventional modification methods by chemical treatment using chemicals such as resorcin and formaldehyde are not used, the treatment steps are simple and a modified wood used as a material for musical instruments is obtained at low cost.

Abstract: In a mobile electronic device (11), at least either one of the read rate from a first recording medium (12) and the write rate in a second recording medium (13) is variable. A detection means (14) detects a force acting on the mobile unit, and a control means (14) controls at least either the variable read or write rate on the basis of the detection. Even while the moving unit moves, data in the first recording medium (12) can be stably saved in the second recording medium (13), improving the reliability. Data in the first recording medium (12) can be saved in the second recording medium (13) within the shortest time corresponding to the moving state of the mobile unit, improving the convenience.

Abstract: A digital sampling instrument for multi-channel interpolatative playback of digital audio data stored in a waveform memory provides improved interpolation of musical sounds by use of a cache memory.

Abstract: A music teaching instrument adapted to teach a player the notes of a musical scale so that the notes will be remembered. The instrument includes a sound system having a memory in which is stored audible tones of the musical scale, and means to reproduce a tone extracted from the memory so that it can be heard by the player. A keyboard is provided having a row of keys corresponding to the tones of the scale. Switching means are associated with the keys and are coupled to the sound system whereby when a key in the row is actuated by the player, a corresponding tone is then reproduced. A row of puppets is behind the row of keys, each puppet being normally inactive and in registration with a respective key. Means responsive to actuation of a key serve to activate the corresponding puppet, whereby the puppet then appears to be voicing the tone being reproduced.

Abstract: There are provided a musical tone-generating apparatus and a musical tone-generating method which make it possible to distribute tone generation loads evenly between a plurality of musical tone-generating sections, even if musical tones designated for tone generation are more concentrated in some specific tone ranges,, to thereby reduce a tone generation load applied to each of the musical tone-generating sections, and a storage medium storing a program for executing the musical tone-generating method. Performance information is supplied which simultaneously instructs a start of generation of musical tones corresponding to each of a plurality of tone pitches. Each of a plurality of tone generators generates musical tones of at least one pitch name independently of each other, all of the tone generators being capable of generating musical tones of all pitch names.

Abstract: .Iadd.In a method and apparatus for controlling musical sounds there is provided a housing with an inner cavity and a mouthpiece forming an air channel and a loudspeaker cone for vibrating the air in the inner cavity for introducing sound energy into the oral cavity of a player via the mouthpiece. The sound energy is acoustically monitored by a microphone which produces an output control signal that is used to control the pitch of an electric sound generator in relation to the size of the oral cavity. .Iaddend. Means forming an air channel is connected between the output of .[.a.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.loudspeaker and the input of .[.a.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.microphone. The output of the microphone is amplified by means of an amplifier, the output of the amplifier being fed to the speaker, an acoustical feedback path thus being formed between the speaker and the microphone.