Remote Patents (Class 381/105)
  • Patent number: 11818555
    Abstract: A Bluetooth audio broadcasting system includes: an audio broadcasting device, a first Bluetooth member device, and a second Bluetooth member device. The audio broadcasting device broadcasts BLE audio packets and transmits a volume adjusting instruction to the first Bluetooth member device and the second Bluetooth member device after they receive the BLE audio packets. The first Bluetooth member device parses the BLE audio packets to acquire a predetermined audio data, controls a first audio playback circuit to playback the predetermined audio data, and adjusts an audio volume of the first audio playback circuit according to the volume adjusting instruction. The second Bluetooth member device parses the BLE audio packets to acquire the predetermined audio data, controls a second audio playback circuit to playback the predetermined audio data, and adjusts an audio volume of the second audio playback circuit according to the volume adjusting instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: REALTEK SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.
    Inventors: Yu Hsuan Liu, Yung Chieh Lin, Qing Gu, Bi Wei, Yi-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 11709651
    Abstract: A Bluetooth audio broadcasting system includes: an audio broadcasting device, a first Bluetooth member device, and a second Bluetooth member device. The audio broadcasting device broadcasts BLE audio packets. After the first Bluetooth member device issues a volume adjusting request, the audio broadcasting device transmits a volume adjusting instruction to the first Bluetooth member device and the second Bluetooth member device. The first Bluetooth member device acquires a predetermined audio data from the BLE audio packets, controls a first audio playback circuit to playback the predetermined audio data, and adjusts an audio volume of the first audio playback circuit according to the volume adjusting instruction. The second Bluetooth member device acquires the predetermined audio data from the BLE audio packets, controls a second audio playback circuit to playback the predetermined audio data, and adjusts an audio volume of the second audio playback circuit according to the volume adjusting instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Yu Hsuan Liu, Yung Chieh Lin, Qing Gu, Bi Wei, Yi-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 11622196
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method by which a third device transmits audio data in a short-range wireless communication system, and an apparatus for same. According to the present disclosure, the method comprising: receiving, from a first device and a second device, capability information related to the audio data output capabilities of the first device and the second device; determining, based on the capability information, whether to form a channel for audio data transmission between the first device and the second device; transmitting, to the first device and the second device, setting information for outputting audio data of the first device and the second device, based on the determination result; and transmitting the audio data to the first device and the second device, wherein the positions and the audio data output time points of the first device and the second device are determined based on the setting information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyeonjae Lee, Minsoo Lee, Jinkwon Lim
  • Patent number: 11606596
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for synchronizing audio and video content on multiple media devices are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Nikita Gupta, Kenneth MacKay
  • Patent number: 11520559
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users so as to provide for social networking and/or other services. In certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, coordinating social networking services among and between patrons within and outside of the location and also providing for advertisement opportunities. In certain exemplary embodiments, the entertainment system within a location may serve as and/or be connected to a jukebox. The entertainment system within the location may be connected to one or more client devices, one or more displays, one or more bar-top or hand-held gaming devices, etc., in certain exemplary embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: TOUCHTUNES MUSIC COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Dominique Dion, Michael Tooker, Francois Guy, Francois Beaumier, Mounir Khenfir, Loic Gratton, Dominique Bureau, Harun Tunc Yayli
  • Patent number: 11474774
    Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein may relate to wearable electronic audio devices and may relate more particularly to enabling environmental audio passthrough amplification for wearable electronic audio devices responsive to detection of particular environmental audio events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Arm Limited
    Inventor: Renee Marie St. Amant
  • Patent number: 11342895
    Abstract: An audio system and method for modifying an audio playback including configuring an audio playback device, the audio playback device comprising a plurality of far-field audio inputs; generating the audio playback via the audio playback device; receiving, via at least one far-field audio input of the plurality of far-field audio inputs, a content-agnostic audio input from a first position within an environment; and, modifying the audio playback in response to the content-agnostic audio input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Cooper
  • Patent number: 11011185
    Abstract: Provided is a processing device capable of, on the basis of data prepared by a recorder that only has recording function, acquiring information related to a time when the data was prepared. The processing device includes an acquisition unit for acquiring the recorded audio data, and an identification unit for detecting a sound signal that is included in the audio data and transmitted from an information transmission device and allows the time at which the signal was recorded to be identified, and identifying the time when other signals included in the audio data were recorded on the basis of the sound signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Reishi Kondo, Yuzo Senda
  • Patent number: 10869006
    Abstract: Doorbell camera systems are provided to include a doorbell camera subsystem and a chime subsystem both coupled to receive power from an alternating current power source. The doorbell camera subsystem may include, among other features, a camera module and a doorbell button. The chime subsystem may include, among other features, a current compensation network and chime driver circuitry operative to be coupled to a chime. The current compensation network is operative to dynamically adjust current consumption of the chime subsystem and current consumption of the doorbell camera subsystem during both a standby mode and a doorbell event mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Alvee Alamgir, Srivatsan Ravindran, Brian Jonathan Conner, Dietrich Ho
  • Patent number: 10831287
    Abstract: A user input device is provided. The user input device includes: a body; one or more sensors operative to detect a contact pressure arrangement applied to the body; and a controller in electronic communication with the one or more sensors. The controller is operative to: determine that the contact pressure arrangement corresponds to a pinching action; and manipulate a control signal based at least in part on the contact pressure arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
    Inventors: Stéphane Vandroux, Gauthier Libaux
  • Patent number: 10638245
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for dynamically reproducing audio content at an optimal level using a plurality of heterogeneous speaker devices are disclosed herein. The method comprises operations including: comparing the first performance information associated with a first speaker device to second performance information associated with a second speaker device, determining which of the speaker devices is a preferred output device based at least in part on the comparison, and reproducing filtered audio signals via the preferred output devices in response to a request to playback audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Møller
  • Patent number: 10542362
    Abstract: A detecting device includes a turntable, a rotating device, a sound generating device, and a processing device. The turntable has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the first surface is used to dispose a device to be tested. The rotating device is connected to the second surface of the turntable for driving to rotate the turntable. The sound generating device is used to emit a test audio toward the device to be tested. The processing device is connected to the rotating device and the sound generating device. Among them, the processing device controls a rotational speed of the rotating device to rotate the device to be tested, and controls the sound generating device to emit the test audio to the device to be tested such that the device to be tested may receive the test audio at different angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: TYMPHANY ACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGY (HUIZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Hsien Chang, Jun-Hong Dong, Tsung-Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 10382863
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a first lighting fixture that includes a first microphone and a first transmitter. The first transmitter is configured to transmit a first digital audio stream generated based on a sound. The lighting system further includes a second lighting fixture that includes a second microphone and a second transmitter. The second transmitter is configured to transmit a second digital audio stream generated based on the sound, where the sound is received by the first microphone and by the second microphone. The lighting system also includes a central processor that can process the first digital audio stream and the second digital audio stream to identify the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Nam Chin Cho, Parth Joshi, Brad Edward Paine, Kenneth Dale Walma, Jr., William T. Cook
  • Patent number: 10368040
    Abstract: Doorbell camera systems are provided that can include a doorbell camera subsystem and a chime subsystem. The doorbell camera subsystem may include, among other features, a camera module and a doorbell button. The chime subsystem may include, among other features, a battery and electronics that interface with a chime such as existing doorbell chime or a speaker. The battery is co-located with the chime subsystem and away from the doorbell camera subsystem. Co-locating the battery with the chime subsystem removes the battery from potentially harsh environmental conditions it would otherwise be subjected to if it was co-located with the doorbell camera subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Alvee Alamgir, Srivatsan Ravindran, Brian Jonathan Conner, Dietrich Ho
  • Patent number: 10235969
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus, an electronic apparatus system, and a method for controlling an electronic apparatus are disclosed. An electronic apparatus communicates with an input apparatus worn on an operator body part being a part of a body of a user. The input apparatus includes a motion detector. The motion detector is configured to detect motion information indicative of a movement of the operator body part. The electronic apparatus includes a display and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to perform a luminance control in which a luminance of the display is controlled according to an inclination of a virtual input surface. The virtual input surface is a first surface on which a trace of the operator body part based on the motion information is drawn or a second surface parallel to the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Tamegai
  • Patent number: 9978267
    Abstract: A method and a system for remote controlling one or more service providing devices, including a mobile device operative to control a service providing device within a first range, where the mobile device is operative to interrogate the one or more service providing devices within a second range being smaller than the first range, where, responsive to the interrogation by the mobile device, the service providing device identifies itself to the mobile device, and where the mobile device is operative to present to a user a list including one or more of the service providing devices within the second range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: WIZEDSP LTD.
    Inventors: Oz Gabai, Haim Primo
  • Patent number: 9826325
    Abstract: A system to automate networked routing of audio in a live sound system includes a computing device having a processor and memory and in which the system is configurable for a venue. The memory includes instructions executable by the processor to route audio signals over a network based on user selection of source audio signals from a transmitting audio device and on logical grouping of loudspeakers by the user from within a graphical user interface. The processor, for each receiving audio device channel of the group of loudspeakers (such as bandpass inputs), identifies power amplifiers and/or digital signal processors (DSPs) (which may be integrated within a powered loudspeaker) through which to route the selected source audio signals; and then routes the selected source audio signals from the selected transmitting audio device over the network to the receiving audio device channels through channels of the identified power amplifiers and/or DSPs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adam Holladay, Richard A. Kreifeldt, Brian Pickowitz, Paul Bauman
  • Patent number: 9571054
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically adjusting a volume are provided. A presentation of a media asset is generated with a user equipment device at a first volume level. A user request to adjust a volume level of the media asset is received. Subject matter of the media asset currently being presented is determined. A volume adjustment rate is automatically set based on the determined subject matter. The volume level of the media asset is gradually adjusted from the first volume level to a second volume level at a rate corresponding to the volume adjustment rate based on the user request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventor: James DiNunzio
  • Patent number: 9485563
    Abstract: A two way communication assembly for discrete wireless communication includes a remote unit that may be coupled to an external electronic device. A remote processor is coupled to the remote unit. A remote transceiver is coupled to the remote unit and the remote processor. A remote actuator is coupled to the housing and the remote transceiver. A base unit may be positioned within a user's ear. A base processor is coupled to the base unit. A base transceiver is coupled to the base unit and the base processor. The base transceiver is in communication with the remote transceiver. A first base actuator is coupled to the base unit and the base processor. A second base actuator is coupled to the base unit and the base transceiver. A microphone is coupled to the base unit and the base processor. A speaker is coupled to the base unit and the base processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Firas Chaabani
  • Patent number: 9456265
    Abstract: Disclosed are an electronic device and a method for controlling the same. The electronic device includes: a signal detection module configured to acquire an electric signal from an earphone plug; and a controller is configured to acquire the electric signal through the signal detection module, to detect magnitude of the acquired electric signal, to determine whether an earphone is worn by comparing a variation amount in the magnitude of the electric signal with a reference value, and to control an output operation of a sound according to whether the earphone is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yonghahk Park, Gail Lee
  • Patent number: 9319769
    Abstract: Wireless headphones include left and right earphones connected by a cable. Each of the left and right earphones comprising a generally C-shaped body adapted to fit behind the user's ear, with a concave inner edge, a convex outer edge, a first end that is positioned generally adjacent the top of the user's ear and a second end positioned generally adjacent the bottom of the user's ear when the body is positioned behind the user's ear. A speaker having a sound tunnel associated therewith adapted to fit in the ear canal of the wearer; a resilient support extending forwardly and downwardly from the top end of the C-shaped body, the support normally supporting the speaker in a position which, when the C-shaped body behind the user's ear, is misaligned with the user's ear canal, but resiliently deflects to allow the sound tunnel to align with and be inserted into the user's ear canal, thereby resiliently biasing the C-shaped body against the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Seth D. Burgett, Effrosini A. Karayiannis, Aaron Gorga
  • Patent number: 9179243
    Abstract: A device communication system includes: a communication interface configured to receive a wireless signal strength for locating a wireless enabled device; a control interface, coupled to the communication interface, configured to measure the wireless signal strength; a user interface, coupled to the control interface, configured to receive a left acoustic signal and a right acoustic signal for determining an acoustic direction; and a control unit, coupled to the user interface, configured to form a peer-to-peer network connection based on the wireless signal strength and the acoustic direction for displaying on the wireless enabled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mayank Goel, Stacie Lynn Hibino
  • Patent number: 9167331
    Abstract: Described is a technique for controlling an electronic device by manipulating a headphone cord. This may be accomplished by sensing various bends and/or bend patterns to the cord. The cord may include a resistive member such as a rod or hollow member for providing tactile feedback to a user. The resistive member may provide a bending resistance or a collapse that provides a tactile sense of when the bend produces an effect for controlling the electronic device. A degree of bend may be determined by the sensors and a controller may provide a control input to the electronic device based on the determined bend. In one instance, the volume of the electronic device may be decreased based on the degree of bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Haynes
  • Patent number: 9119012
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprising receiving at a microphone located at a first location audio received from plural speakers, the audio received at a first amplitude level; and responsive to moving the microphone away from the first location to a second location, causing adjustment of the audio provided by the plural speakers to target the first amplitude level at the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ike Ikizyan, Wilf LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 9054692
    Abstract: A switch can be configured to receive a first signal at a first input and provide an output signal at an output, depending on a state of the switch. A switch state change can be delayed until an indication of a requested switch state different than a current switch state is received and the first signal reaches a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Enrique O. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9053710
    Abstract: Described are systems and methods for content-adaptive presentation of content. A presentation profile for use in presentation of content is determined based at least in part on one or more determination characteristics. The determination characteristics may include metadata descriptive of the content, such as genre, style, artist, and so forth. The presentation profile may include equalizer settings, overall amplitude or volume, speaker configuration, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg Elliott Zehr, Tina Yung-Ting Chen, Tony David, Timothy T. List
  • Patent number: 9008326
    Abstract: The performance of an echo canceller is assessed using a) a test signal launched from originating test equipment and b) a simulated echo of the test signal launched from terminating test equipment. The launch of the simulated echo signal is timed in such a way that it arrives at the tandem echo canceller(s) at a particular point in time relative to the arrival of the test signal, at the tandem echo canceller(s), when the tandem echo canceller(s) is (are) not able to cancel the simulated echo signal. The latter thus arrives uncanceled at the target echo canceller. The launch of the simulated echo signal is further timed in such a way that it arrives at the target echo canceller at a point in time relative to the arrival of the test signal, at the target echo canceller, when the target echo canceller is able to cancel the simulated echo signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: James H. James, Wallace F. Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150091709
    Abstract: Embodiments are described herein that provide a device that is bonded to a zone player or zone to cause an adjustment to be made by the zone player or zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan REICHERT, David John McCaffree AMARANTO
  • Publication number: 20150071465
    Abstract: A user interface includes a rotatable ring for controlling a function on an associated device, and a support ring for supporting the rotatable ring. The support ring includes a plurality of biasing elements, and a plurality of engagement members rotatably mounted on the biasing elements and configured to engage the rotatable ring so as to preload the biasing elements and thereby (i) biasing the rotatable ring toward a center position in which a central axis of the rotatable ring is coincident with a central axis of the support ring, and (ii) increasing resistance to rotational movement of the rotatable ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Zalisk, John Michael Sakalowsky, Joel H. Miller
  • Publication number: 20150063598
    Abstract: A first device receives a sound suppression message from a second device via a communication network. The sound suppression message indicates that the second device will produce an audible sound. The first device determines a sound profile associated with the second device. The first device then modifies (e.g., suppresses or reduces) a volume of sound that that the first device (or a third device) produces in response to receiving the sound suppression request message and based, at least in part, on the sound profile associated with the second device. The sound profile can include a device identifier associated with classes, models, and makes of devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Tejash Rajnikant Shah
  • Patent number: 8971546
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to control audio playback devices are disclosed. An example audio playback device includes an audio output device to generate audio signals based on a signal source, a device interface to receive a first message from a first audio information source, and a source selector to change the signal source from a second audio information source to the first audio information source based on the first message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. J. Millington, Craig Wisneski, Steven Beckhardt, Neil Griffiths
  • Publication number: 20150010167
    Abstract: A controlling device such as a remote control has programming for transmitting a signal response to a plurality of control environments, each environment including a signaling device. Each signaling device in receipt of the signal request sends a signal response having a unique ID which is chosen to be characteristically attenuated by the surroundings of the environment. Because the controlling device can only be in one environment at a given time, and given the attenuation characteristics of the signal response from each signaling device, only one signal response will be received by the controlling device in each environment. Location definitions associated with the received unique ID may be used by programming in the controlling device to recall saved devices states, commands sets, macros, and even to dynamically generate commands based on the location information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Paul D. Arling
  • Patent number: 8917888
    Abstract: A control terminal apparatus includes a transmission unit transmitting a control signal to audio output apparatuses, a display unit, an operation detector detecting an operation associated with display content, and a controller displaying individual volume setting sections which correspond to the audio output apparatuses and which include operation members performing variable operations of volume settings while volume setting states are displayed, displaying a master volume setting section including an operation member performing collective variable operation while the volume balance of the audio output apparatuses is maintained, executing clear display of a setting changeable range in which the volume balance is maintained in the master volume setting section, generating, when the operation detector detects an operation performed on one of the individual volume setting sections or the master volume setting section, a control signal corresponding to content of the operation, and causing the transmission unit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Junichi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140363022
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for satellite volume control. An example method includes receiving an input at a playback device to adjust a volume for a plurality of playback devices that are grouped for synchronous playback of audio content, wherein the plurality of playback devices includes the playback device. The method also includes sending a first message over a network from the playback device to a device associated with the plurality of playback devices, the first message including information based on the input, wherein the information is used to adjust the volume of the plurality of playback devices. The method also includes receiving a second message at the playback device over the network, the second message including information for the volume of the playback device, wherein the volume is based on the adjusted volume of the plurality of playback devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Bob Dizon, Neil Griffiths, Luis R. Vega-Zayas
  • Patent number: 8908881
    Abstract: A sound signal processing device that is capable of suitably extracting main sound from mixed sound in which unnecessary sound (for example, leakage sound and reverberant sound) is mixed with the main sound. More specifically, a mixed sound signal in the time domain including first sound and second sound, and a target sound signal in the time domain including sound corresponding to at least the second sound, which have temporal relation in their entirety or in part, are each divided into a plurality of frequency bands. A level ratio between the two signals is calculated at each frequency. Based on the level ratio, a signal of the first sound that is included in the mixed sound signal is extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Sato
  • Patent number: 8880205
    Abstract: Integrated processing of multimedia signals can eliminate unnecessary signal processors and converters without losing the functionality of typical home entertainment system components. The integrated multimedia system includes a main player that captures and processes signals digitally. The main player may adjust the audio signal to provide audio output of equal loudness across all frequencies by accounting for sensitivity of the human ear for sounds of varying frequencies. The main player can also account for perceived differences in loudness based on the angle of a listener to a speaker by detecting the position of a user and making an adjustment accordingly. The invention further provides a speaker that has embedded performance characteristics or an identifier that allows the system to provide an optimal speaker driving current for a particular system or determine how that speaker would be best implemented in the integrated system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mondo Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chul Chung
  • Patent number: 8879754
    Abstract: A home use sound reproduction system for Hi-fi, with digital signal transfer from a playback unit via a control unit to one or more active loudspeakers, each including or arranged beside an amplifier unit. The control unit is arranged to control sound parameters and send both a digital sound information signal and a power signal for powering the amplifier units, and to superimpose the single ended or differential digital signal together with the power signal on at least one common lead in a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Actiwave AB
    Inventor: Risberg par Gunnars
  • Patent number: 8873767
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an audio switching device for an audio or audio/video entertainment system having multiple audio channels; the device comprising at least two audio inputs for receiving at least two respective input signals from a media source on respective input channels, and switching means for selectively switching the device, independently of an actuating signal embedded in the input signals, between a first mode of operation in which respective audio input signals are output to respective audio reproduction means for stereo/multi-channel reproduction of the audio content of the said audio signals, and a second mode in which at least one of the said audio channels is switched to a respective audio output connected to a wireless transmitter for transmission of a media source input signal, including control and or audio information, to at least one remote device for controlling movement/animation of the said remote device and/or reproducing audio content of the signal at the said remote device
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: RB Concepts Limited
    Inventor: Jason Regler
  • Patent number: 8855322
    Abstract: An original loudness level of an audio signal is maintained for a mobile device while maintaining sound quality as good as possible and protecting the loudspeaker used in the mobile device. The loudness of an audio (e.g., speech) signal may be maximized while controlling the excursion of the diaphragm of the loudspeaker (in a mobile device) to stay within the allowed range. In an implementation, the peak excursion is predicted (e.g., estimated) using the input signal and an excursion transfer function. The signal may then be modified to limit the excursion and to maximize loudness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sang-Uk Ryu, Jongwon Shin, Roy Silverstein, Andre Gustavo P. Schevciw, Pei Xiang
  • Patent number: 8848928
    Abstract: Automatic measurements are made of audio presence and level in an audio signal by direct processing of an MPEG data stream representing the audio signal, without reconstructing the audio signal. Sub-band data is extracted from the data stream, and the extracted sub-band data is dequantized and denormalized. An audio level for the dequantized and denormalized sub-band data is measured without reconstructing the audio signal. Channel characteristics are used in measuring the audio level of the sub-band data, wherein the channel characteristics are used to weight the measured levels. The measured levels are compared against at least one threshold to determine whether an alarm should be triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Jeffrey D. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20140254829
    Abstract: Multifunctional LED devices and multifunctional LED wireless conference systems are provided. A multifunctional LED device includes LED light source assembly, LED drive and power supply unit, controller unit, audio power amplifier unit, microphone module, wireless transceiver module, speaker unit, and/or audio codec unit. The wireless transceiver module is configured to communicate with each of a smart terminal and a second multifunctional LED device. A multifunctional LED wireless conference system includes at least two multifunctional LED devices and at least one smart terminal to read status of and to remotely control the at least two multifunctional LED devices. The smart terminal communicates with outside terminal(s) to send audio signals from the outside terminal(s) to the multifunctional LED device(s) for broadcasting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ZHEJIANG SHENGHUI LIGHTING CO., LTD
    Inventors: XIA WANG, CHAOQUN SUN, JINXIANG SHEN
  • Patent number: 8818003
    Abstract: Disclosed are a mobile terminal and a control method thereof. The mobile terminal includes: a sound output module configured to output a sound; a user input unit configured to sense a control command for controlling a volume level of the output sound; and a controller configured to control a volume level of the output sound based on the sensed control command, configured to determine whether the controlled volume level corresponds to a preset volume level, and if the controlled volume level corresponds to the preset volume level, configured to output a signal corresponding to the preset volume level in the form of a signal different from the output sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Keansub Lee, Hosung Song
  • Patent number: 8787593
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a target device including a first input device configured to provide a first input to the target device, a second input device configured to provide a second input to the target device, and a control mixer configured to generate an output using a policy, the first input and the second input, wherein the output comprises a feedback and a target device output, wherein the feedback comprises some function of the state of the target device, the policy, and the state of each input device connected to the control mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Smith, John C. Tang, Glenn C. Scott
  • Patent number: 8761408
    Abstract: A signal processing apparatus includes: one or more detection means for detecting movement of a diaphragm of a speaker in correspondence with feedback methods that are different feedback methods; analog-to-digital conversion means for converting one or more detection signals acquired by the detection means into a digital form; feedback signal generating means for generating feedback signals corresponding to the feedback methods using the digital detection signals; synthesis means for combining an audio signal to be output as a driving signal of the speaker with the feedback signals; correction equalizer means for setting an equalizing characteristic to allow a sound reproduced by the speaker to have a target frequency characteristic by changing the digital audio signal; feedback operation setting means for setting feedback methods in which a feedback operation up to combining the audio signal with the feedback signal is performed and the feedback operation is not performed equalizing characteristic changing a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Michiaki Yoneda, Taro Nakagami
  • Patent number: 8731218
    Abstract: A deformable controller for an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device, is disclosed. A user can interact with the controller to cause it to “deform” and thereby provide user input to control the electronic device. The controller can be malleable and symmetrical, and user interaction with the controller can be provided with substantially arbitrary orientation. In one embodiment, the controller is an in-line controller with a cable that couples to the electronic device. In one particular implementation, the portable electronic device can be a portable media player and the controller can remotely control media playback functions for the portable media player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle Yeates
  • Patent number: 8718287
    Abstract: A method for controlling a maximum signal level output to headphones of a wireless device is provided. The method includes: determining an impedance of the headphones; determining a carrier specific maximum signal level for headphones having the impedance; and, adjusting an audio amplifier of the wireless device coupled to the headphones to restrict the maximum signal level output to the headphones to the carrier specific maximum signal level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Cyril Martin
  • Patent number: 8705780
    Abstract: An audio apparatus, an audio signal transmission method, and an audio system are provided. The audio signal transmission method includes: wirelessly receiving an audio signal from a first external device; converting the received audio signal into audio signals of multi-channels; and wirelessly transmitting an audio signal of at least one of the multi-channels to at least one of second external devices. Therefore, the audio apparatus wirelessly communicates with a plurality of external devices, and thus a user can connect an audio device to an external device without using wired cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eung-sik Yoon, Yong-jin Kang
  • Patent number: 8705766
    Abstract: This invention allows changing the volume of a received specific input audio without influencing other audio output devices in a terminal apparatus to which a plurality of audio output devices is connected. This invention provides a terminal apparatus, which is connected to a plurality of audio output devices, and controls to output a plurality of audio data to any of the audio output devices, including a determination unit which determines the audio output devices used to output the plurality of audio data based on information indicating the relationship among audio input devices used to generate the plurality of audio data, and information indicating the relationship among the audio output devices, a mixing unit which mixes the plurality of audio data when it is determined that the plurality of audio data are output to one audio output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuhiro Takanezawa
  • Patent number: 8699724
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to volume scale selection by a computing device. In an embodiment, the computing device includes a rotational device to assert a volume signal when the rotational device is rotated. Further, the computing device is to select one of a plurality of volume scales based on whether a peripheral audio device is connected to the computing device and is to correlate the volume signal to one of a plurality of values of the selected volume scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Jimmy King
  • Patent number: RE45251
    Abstract: A home theater system, an audio output adjusting device of a home theater system and methods thereof allow a prescribed or three-dimension audio configuration state for at least one prescribed position even when the prescribed location and/or a configuration of the speakers in a home theater system are modified. The device can include a checker for analyzing at least one of volume and delay time of a test audio signal outputted from speakers and providing the analyzed information to a controller. The controller can control output level and timing of audio signals subsequently output from the speakers based on the analyzed information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jeong-Hyun Park