Abstract: A contextual audio system configured to adjust audio playback in response to positional data. The contextual audio system may include a wearable audio device and, optionally, a sensing device. In some embodiments, the sensing device and the wearable audio device are the same. Generally, the contextual audio system employs different types of data to determine a user's location and/or activity (both of which are examples of “context”) and adjust audio output of the wearable audio device portion of the system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system has an ultrasonic stack excited by a power supply. The ultrasonic stack has a plurality of components, including an ultrasonic converter, a booster and an ultrasonic horn. A method of controlling the ultrasonic system with the power supply includes upon replacing any of the components of the ultrasonic stack with a replacement component, inputting an amplitude parameter of the replacement component into the power supply, determining with the power supply an amplitude of an AC excitation signal at which to excite the ultrasonic converter based on amplitude parameters of the components including the amplitude parameter of each replacement component. The power supply then sets the amplitude of the AC excitation signal at this determined amplitude.

Abstract: A method may include accessing audio data, obtaining tactile audio data associated with the audio data, and, while reproducing the audio data, reproducing a tactile audio response according to the tactile audio data in a manner personalized to a user. The tactile audio data may be reproduced via an electroactive transducer to transfer the tactile audio response to a body of a user. Another method may include obtaining audio data, parsing the audio data to identify an audio component that includes an audio layer or an audio source, and identifying an audio attribute of the audio component. The method may also include selecting the audio component to accompany a tactile audio response, generating tactile audio data that describes the tactile audio response for the selected audio component, and coordinating the tactile audio data of the selected audio component with the audio data of the selected audio component.

Abstract: A method of generating a keyboard switch haptic sensation in a coupled system comprising a touch-sensitive surface and a force exciter or actuator coupled to the touch-sensitive surface, the method comprising generating a carrier wave signal at frequencies within the frequency bandwidth of the coupled system, modulating the carrier wave signal with a modulation envelope so that the modulated carrier wave signal has a closely spaced pair of peaks, and driving the exciter or actuator with the modulated carrier wave signal to excite the touch-sensitive surface to provide a closely spaced pair of impulses whereby the keyboard switch haptic sensation is simulated to a user touching the touch-sensitive surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for providing substantially synchronised haptic and audio outputs. The system includes a signal processor which is configured to receive an audio signal from a main processor of the system and to receive a haptic signal, which may be received from the main processor, or may be retrieved from memory, or else may be generated in real-time by the signal processor. The signal processor calculates a delay to be applied to the haptic signal or the audio signal and outputs a delayed version of the audio signal and the haptic signal, or a delayed version of the haptic signal and the audio signal, to appropriate output stages.

Abstract: Peripheral alarm device for a patient monitoring system. In an embodiment, the peripheral alarm device includes an audio speaker and an audio detector. The peripheral alarm device also includes a control system that includes circuitry configured to communicate with the audio detector and a medical software program executed by a host computing system. The audio speaker is configured to generate an audible alarm in response to alarm instructions from the host computing system. The audio detector is configured to communicate a detection signal to the control system. The control system is configured to analyze the detection signal to verify whether the audible alarm was properly generated and communicate a control signal to the host computing system. The peripheral alarm device may include a light indicator and a light detector instead of the audio speaker and the audio detector or in addition to the audio speaker and the audio detector.

Abstract: The lighting coordinator of an information handling system may associate quantitative values of a state parameter that describes a state of operation of a component of the information handling system with lighting effects. The lighting effect associated with a quantitative value may be indicative of a range of the quantitative value. The lighting coordinator may receive a signal indicative of a quantitative value of the state parameter and may transmit control signals to generate the lighting effect associated with the quantitative value of the state parameter. The lighting coordinator may receive user input to configure the association of quantitative values of the state parameter with the lighting effects. The lighting coordinator may also represent an attribute of a character or other aspect of a video game by another lighting effect. The components may include a CPU and GPU.

Abstract: The lighting coordinator of an information handling system may associate quantitative values of a state parameter that describes a state of operation of a component of the information handling system with lighting effects. The lighting effect associated with a quantitative value may be indicative of a range of the quantitative value. The lighting coordinator may receive a signal indicative of a quantitative value of the state parameter and may transmit control signals to generate the lighting effect associated with the quantitative value of the state parameter. The lighting coordinator may receive user input to configure the association of quantitative values of the state parameter with the lighting effects. The lighting coordinator may also represent an attribute of a character or other aspect of a video game by another lighting effect. The components may include a CPU and GPU.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an audio notification file for a computing device are provided. A first audio file associated with a first mental state is selected as a first section of the audio notification file. The audio notification file enabled for storage in a memory. The audio notification file is further enabled for processing by a processing unit to control a speaker. A final state of the audio notification file is determined, the final state designated as a final section of the audio notification file, the final state associated with a second mental state. At least one intermediate section of the audio notification file is generated, between the first section and the second section, by morphing the first audio file to the final state by processing the first audio file using a digital signal processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to process a user-defined audio user interface (UI), and an audio device using the same. The method includes designating a specific portion of an audio signal being reproduced, using a specific input member, capturing audio data of the designated specific portion, mapping the captured audio data of the designated specific portion to information on the specific input member, and constructing an audio UI database using the audio data of the designated specific portion mapped to the information on the specific input member. Accordingly, by constructing an audio UI database by selecting sounds preferred by a user, demands of various users, which cannot be provided by existing MP3 players, can be satisfied.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for producing an auditory alert that comprises sonic properties to an equipment operator wearing an auditory headset prior to the presentation of the auditory alert to the operator. The method comprises measuring an at-ear ambient noise spectrum, determining frequencies within the at-ear ambient noise spectrum that have relative minimum intensities and enhancing the magnitude of the determined relative minimum intensities. The method then generates the auditory alert incorporating the enhanced relative minimum intensities.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle to emanate an audible alert. The method includes determining when the vehicle is operating, and controlling a speaker system in the vehicle to emanate the audible alert outside of the vehicle for a period of time when the vehicle is operating. The audible alert has a sound profile that includes a simultaneous emanation of a first audible frequency component at a first sound pressure level and a second audible frequency component at a second sound pressure level, with the first and second sound pressure levels being greater than a sound pressure level of the sound profile at all other frequencies. The method further includes modulating the first sound pressure level of the first audible frequency component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an audio notification file for a computing device are provided. A first audio file associated with a first mental state is selected as a first section of the audio notification file. The audio notification file enabled for storage in a memory. The audio notification file is further enabled for processing by a processing unit to control a speaker. A final state of the audio notification file is determined, the final state designated as a final section of the audio notification file, the final state associated with a second mental state. At least one intermediate section of the audio notification file is generated, between the first section and the second section, by morphing the first audio file to the final state by processing the first audio file using a digital signal processor.

Abstract: Electroactive transducers as well as methods of producing a haptic effect in a user interface device simultaneously with a sound generated by a separately generated audio signal and electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications in user interface devices are disclosed.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for providing a key sound effect in a mobile terminal, when one key is selected among a plurality of keys included in a key pad, a key sound effect corresponding to the selected key is detected among key effect sounds corresponding to the plurality of previously stored keys in a pulse code modulation (PCM) method and the detected key sound effect is output through a speaker without conversion.

Abstract: A method for associating sounds with different keypresses, involving receiving an input of a first keypress from a keyboard including a plurality of keys, wherein the keyboard is associated with a computing device, determining whether a key corresponding to the first keypress is one of a plurality of significant elements, wherein the plurality of significant elements is a subset of the plurality of keys, determining a first sound event associated with the key, when the key is one of the plurality of significant elements, and outputting a first sound associated with the first sound event.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of wireless communication. The method comprises receiving a sonic signal and determining a sequence of sonic tones from a received sonic signal. The receiving includes receiving the sonic signal at an electronic device using a microphone. The sonic signal includes a sequence of sonic tones. The receiving results in the received sonic signal. The sequence of sonic tones contains predefined timing. The timing includes the duration of each sonic tone and a set of intervals between successive sonic tones.

Abstract: A warning device (610) includes a horn A (630) for generating a first horn sound having a volume level satisfying the legal standard and a horn B (632) for generating a second horn sound satisfying at least one of a condition that it has a volume level equal to or lower than that of the first horn sound and a condition that it is of a type different from that of the first horn sound.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, computer program product and a data processing system acoustically monitor an internal data processing system component. The internal data processing system component is selected for diagnosis. The internal data processing system component is within the data processing system and has an associated microphone located proximate to the component. The microphone associated with the internal data processing system component is enabled, and an acoustic signal for the internal data processing system component is identified. An exemplar fingerprint for the internal data processing system component is then identified from storage. A determination is then made as to whether the acoustic signal deviates from the exemplar fingerprint by more than a defined statistical variance.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a digital video recording method, and in particular, when a recording mode is audio detection, according to an audio signal transmitted from a mike mounted on a camera or a mike mounted separately, this method records the video taken by said camera during the time period for which a recording speed and video resolution is already set as super-high speed and high video resolution. After the elapse of an already set time period, when the audio signal is sensed, this method records the video by varying the recording speed and video resolution from super-high speed and high video resolution into low-speed and low video resolution at a time interval which is already set. Therefore, it becomes possible to obtain the specific information about the video data which is important in an unmanned security system.

Abstract: An acoustic communication device includes a computer device having an acoustic transmitter and/or an acoustic receiver. A signal processing module processes sound signals such that the transmitter and/or receiver are employed to permit acoustic communication between computer devices using sound signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an audio notification file for a computing device are provided. A first audio file associated with a first mental state is selected as a first section of the audio notification file. The audio notification file enabled for storage in a memory. The audio notification file is further enabled for processing by a processing unit to control a speaker. A final state of the audio notification file is determined, the final state designated as a final section of the audio notification file, the final state associated with a second mental state. At least one intermediate section of the audio notification file is generated, between the first section and the second section, by morphing the first audio file to the final state by processing the first audio file using a digital signal processor.

Abstract: Various techniques for adaptively varying audio feedback data on an electronic device are provided. In one embodiment, an audio user interface implementing certain aspects of the present disclosure may devolve or evolve the verbosity of audio feedback in response to user interface events based at least partially upon the verbosity level of audio feedback provided during previous occurrences of the user interface event. In another embodiment, an audio user interface may be configured to vary the verbosity of audio feedback associated with a navigable list of items based at least partially upon the speed at which a user navigates the list. In a further embodiment, an audio user interface may be configured to vary audio feedback verbosity based upon the contextual importance of a user interface event. Electronic devices implementing the present techniques provide an improved user experience with regard to audio user interfaces.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an enhanced earplug having a first and second portion. The first portion includes both an external casing and an internal cavity of sufficient size and dimension to maintain a digital sound system. Preferably, the first portion is essentially rounded in shape having a first flat and a corresponding second flat end. The second portion includes a deformable member having a first flat end, a cylinder and a semi-circular second end. The second flat end of the first portion can be connected to the first flat end of the deformable member through a pivot member. The digital sound system can include programmable memory, a processor, an internal power source, and a display that provides a read out. The digital sound system can be programmed through two programming buttons. Optionally, the digital sound system can include a temperature sensor and a GPS chip to gauge distance traveled.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods and systems for gathering, archiving, transmitting, and processing forensic and latent fingerprints. An integrated forensic fingerprint scanning system is provided that includes a number of features for use with forensic-quality fingerprinting. One set of features of embodiments of the portable forensic fingerprint scanning system provides real-time feedback for accurate fingerprinting and training, including visual and/or audio feedback. Another set of features provides cadence-based functionality for improving fingerprinting results. Another set of features provides cryptographic-based approaches to secure highly sensitive collected fingerprint information against loss, theft, or surreptitious modification or tampering. Yet another set of features provides latent fingerprint collections and processing. Still another set of features provides various databasing functions, including centralized storage, data sharing, secure networking, etc.

Abstract: A system for providing auditory feedback to visually impaired users when defining visual models. As the visually impaired user creates a visual model, the system detects when an object is placed in such a way that it overlaps with at least one previously placed object. In response to detection of an overlap, the system causes an auditory warning signal to be produced, indicating to the visually impaired user that object is overlapping a previously placed object. The disclosed system operates to create an invisible object within the user interface to cause a warning to be output, or modifies the object whose placement caused the object overlap to include the overlap warning. The user interface focus is then changed or reset to be on the invisible object or the object that caused the overlap to occur, enabling the user to conveniently fix the overlap condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the creation of vehicle sound fonts, for utilizing the vehicle sound fonts to augment the engine sounds of a vehicle, and for establishing a network for sharing and controlling the playback of vehicle sound fonts and other media. The systems install in automobiles and play simulated engine sounds of other recorded vehicles in a controlled manner synchronized with the engine spark frequency of the playback vehicle. Automobiles with these systems may network together to share media and to coordinate playback in a synchronized manner among all vehicles of the network.

Abstract: Architecture for communicating data values that enables visually impaired persons to perceive a non-image indicator corresponding to the data values. For example, an organized data set such as a chart or a graph can be displayed on a computer monitor or other user interface output component. A user employs a mouse or other user input component to select a data value from the organized data set. A non-image indicator such as an audible tone can be generated to correspond to the selected data value. A spread of audible tones corresponding to the organized data set is assigned across a range between a maximum data value and a minimum data value. A tonal separation is assigned between audible tones sufficient to enable the user to discern a pitch variation and corresponding change in data value.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, computer program product and a data processing system acoustically monitor an internal data processing system component. The internal data processing system component is selected for diagnosis. The internal data processing system component is within the data processing system and has an associated microphone located proximate to the component. The microphone associated with the internal data processing system component is enabled, and an acoustic signal for the internal data processing system component is identified. An exemplar fingerprint for the internal data processing system component is then identified from storage. A determination is then made as to whether the acoustic signal deviates from the exemplar fingerprint by more than a defined statistical variance.

Abstract: A method for associating sounds with different keypresses, involving receiving an input of a first keypress from a keyboard including a plurality of keys, wherein the keyboard is associated with a computing device, determining whether a key corresponding to the first keypress is one of a plurality of significant elements, wherein the plurality of significant elements is a subset of the plurality of keys, determining a first sound event associated with the key, when the key is one of the plurality of significant elements, and outputting a first sound associated with the first sound event.

Abstract: An exemplary system for testing a buzzer (110) associated with a computer (100) includes a buzzing module (122) for controlling the buzzer to sound continuously according to a reference frequency value and a reference amplitude value; a recording module (124) for storing the buzzer sound recorded by an audio receiving device as a recorded audio data file into the computer; an analyzing module (126) for analyzing the recorded audio data file to obtain a real frequency value and a real amplitude value of the buzzer sound; and a determining module (128) for comparing the real frequency value and the real amplitude value with their reference values to determine whether the buzzer is in good working condition. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A device for dispensing medication includes a medication hopper, a dispensing mechanism that is configured to dispense medication from the hopper to a user and a processor. The processor is in communication with a communication network and is configured to generate instructions to the dispensing mechanism that cause the dispensing mechanism to dispense medications according to a stored prescription and track an amount of medication in the medication hopper. If the amount is less than a predetermined threshold, then the processor is configured to send a message to a designated entity indicating that the amount of medication in the hopper is less than the threshold.

Abstract: An alerting system (202) for a communication device (100) is provided. The alerting system is designed to operate in a plurality of operating modes. The alerting system includes a transducer (204) and an electromechanical switch (106). The transducer transforms electrical impulses into vibrations. The electromechanical switch couples the transducer to a first component (206) of the communication device in a first operating mode. Further, the electromechanical switch couples the transducers to a second component (208) of the communication device in a second operating mode.

Abstract: A wireless door chime system has an activation unit. A receiving unit is in wireless communication with the activation unit. The receiving unit has a plurality of sound files loaded therein. A user can view the plurality of sound files and select a sound file to play when the activation unit sends a signal to the receiving unit.

Abstract: A self-contained turn signal indicator unit for signaling to the hearing impaired driver of a motor vehicle that the vehicle's turn signals are activated. The indicator unit is attached to the cover of the vehicle's steering column and produces a loud audible signal and a light signal when the turn signal lever is moved to the turning position. The circuitry includes a battery, a turn switch activated by movement of the turn signal lever, and a buzzer and a lamp. A volume control, operable by a user, controls the volume of the sound. An optional timed switch for turning off the circuit has a normally closed position and has an open position for a predetermined period of time after the turn switch is closed and remains closed.

Abstract: A feedback device 1 including an interface 2 for receiving a first signal 3 from a point of sale console 4. A processor 5 is responsive to signal 3 for selectively defining a second signal, in the form of an inaudible ultrasonic transmission 6. An output, in the form of an ultrasonic transducer 7, is responsive to processor 5 for propagating transmission 6 to provide only in a predetermined spatially defined transmission zone 8 an audible signal 9 indicative of signal 3. Signal 9 is substantially inaudible outside of zone 8.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for signaling the status of a mobile device, said mobile device comprising a user input interface, a storage including status information of said device and a signal generator, comprising the steps of receiving a status request from said user input interface, retrieving at least one status information from said storage according to said received status request, and which is characterized by generating an output signal by said signal generator, wherein said output signal comprises at least one non-visual signal component, said non-visual signal component being indicative of said retrieved at least one status information.

Abstract: A digital sampling playback doorbell system has two or more doorbell buttons and a central unit with solid state memory storage for multiple digitally sampled sound files. User assignment means are provided for assigning a particular sound file to a particular doorbell button. The digital sampling playback doorbell has computer interface of RS-232, or USB, or infrared wireless connection type and relies on computer installed software to download digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive to the memory of the digital sampling playback doorbell system central unit. The digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive are obtained by accessing a web site through the Internet or capturing sound through an audio computer connection to a microphone, CD player, radio broadcast or mass music storage device using software resident in the computer. Alternatively, an IPOD can be used as a source for sounds that can be transferred or sent to play on the doorbell.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distinguishing an auditory alert signal from a background of one or more non-alert signals. In a first embodiment, a prefix signal, associated with an existing alert signal, is provided that has a signal component in each of three or more selected frequency ranges, with each signal component in each of three or more selected level at least 3-10 dB above an estimated background (non-alert) level in that frequency range. The alert signal may be chirped within one or more frequency bands. In another embodiment, an alert signal moves, continuously or discontinuously, from one location to another over a short time interval, introducing a perceived spatial modulation or jitter.

Abstract: A glass breakage detector (100) having an acoustic transducer (102) for sensing first acoustic waves (130) and for providing a first analog signal (110) representative of the received first acoustic waves (130), an analog to digital converter circuit (104) adapted to convert the first analog signal (110) to a digital signal (112), processing circuitry (106) adapted to process the digital signal (112) to determine if the received first acoustic waves (130) are a result of glass breakage and generate an alarm signal (116) when it is determined that the received first acoustic waves (130) are a result of glass breakage, and a memory circuit (108), wherein the processing circuitry (106) is adapted to cause the memory circuit (108) to store the digital signal (112) for subsequent retrieval and analysis.

Abstract: In a vehicle alarm sound output device and a program, position data of an obstacle(s) and sound data of an alarm sound are output from an obstacle detector to DSP of a virtual sound source generator. Position data of a tire having air pressure abnormality and sound data of an alarm sound are output from an abnormality detector to DSP. Position data of a target object of a route guidance and sound data of a voice are output from a position detector to DSP. In DSP, an audio signal with which a virtual sound source can be implemented is created by using a detection signal/localization position converting table and head related transfer functions, and the audio signal thus created is output to a sound output unit. In the sound output unit, the signal corresponding to the audio signal is output to speakers so that a passenger(s) can hear an alarm sound such as a warning sound, a voice guidance or the like from the localization position of a virtual sound source.

Abstract: A computer based bird control system is provided. The bird control system utilizes an impactor that is attachable to a structure, such as an I-beam or other similarly sized and dimensioned metal object, to create an acoustic impact noise similar to a whacking of the structure. The impactor is preferably actuated at a random or a semi-random impact rate such as around once every ten seconds. The acoustic impact noise may be provided in addition to the playing of bird predator or other deterrent sounds maintained in audio files on the computer. The system also provides audio and/or physical bird presence detection within a monitored area. Detection of the presence of a bird may be used as a trigger for the actuation of the impactor and/or predator/deterrent sounds. Actuation of the impactor and/or sound files may be accomplished via a schedule through the use of timer files in addition to or in place of animal presence detection.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) comprises a housing (112), an input (118, 122) coupled mechanically to the housing for receiving data, an output (114, 118) coupled mechanically to the housing for presenting information to a user of the electronic device in at least one of an audio and visual mode, an electronic circuit (210) coupled mechanically to the housing for providing intelligent operations that receives the data from the input and provides the information to the output, and at least two electromechanical transducers (226), each providing a tactile alert to the user in response to the data, the tactile alerts occurring simultaneously or in succession.

Abstract: In an in-store oven system audible customer messages are automatically generated based upon a food product cooked in an oven within the store.

Abstract: A sound variation indication apparatus includes a comparison element, an interval checker, and an indication generator. The comparison element receives an audio signal and compares it to a check value to provide a status signal indicating a presence and absence of an expected sound input. The interval checker detects the status signal at predetermined intervals, to provide an interval output. The indication generator generates an indication if the interval output is an absence representation. A process of generating an indication on absence of a sound input includes providing an audio signal based on a sound input and comparing the audio signal to a check value, providing a status signal indicating a presence and absence of the sound input. A status signal value is determined at predetermined intervals, to provide an interval output. An indication is generated if the interval output is an absence representation.

Abstract: A digital sampling playback doorbell system has two or more doorbell buttons and a central unit with solid-state memory storage for multiple digitally sampled sound files. User assignment means are provided for assigning a particular sound file to a particular doorbell button. The digital sampling playback doorbell m has computer interface of RS-232, or USB, or infrared wireless connection type and relies on computer installed software to download digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive to the memory of the digital sampling playback doorbell system central unit. The digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive are obtained by accessing a web site through the Internet or capturing sound through an audio computer connection to a microphone, CD player or radio broadcast using software resident in the computer.

Abstract: A system for the automated conversion of light signals to audio.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for presenting one or more auditory icons are provided to deliver contextual information in a timely manner to the user without requiring the user to view the mobile terminal's display. The auditory icons may correspond to visual icons that are provided on a display of the mobile terminal, for example, a navigational bar. The mobile terminal receives a plurality of messages from one or more message sources, prioritizes them according to one or more context values, and presents to the user auditory icons associated with the messages in accordance with any number of pre-set preferences set by the user.

Abstract: An exciting device capable of producing sound by sound-producing vibration body of a main body of an apparatus is provided. An exciting member 32A thin and long in the direction X is provided on a vibration substrate 31 thin and long in the direction X. Both ends of the exciting member 32A are fixed to the vibration substrate 31. Further, a piezoelectric element 33 that functions as vibration generating means is provided in the middle in the direction X of the exciting member 32A. The vibration substrate 31 is directly or indirectly fixed to the sound-producing vibration body. Vibration of the exciting member 32A is transmitted to the sound-producing vibration body through the vibration substrate 31 so that the sound-producing vibration body produces sound.

Abstract: A multi-function electronic warning horn system comprises a couple of horns (1, 2) and a microprocessor (6), integrated in an electronic module (16) comprising a voltage adjuster (13), an oscillator (17), power stages (3, 4) and a control circuit (7). Horns (1, 2) are controlled by either the push-button (5) of the steering wheel for the traditional function of acoustic signaling or by a coded signal transmitted to microprocessor (6) by the “intelligent” electronic unit or onboard computer of the vehicle for the function of buzzer.