FORTEMEDIA, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140348370 | MICROPHONE ARRAY HOUSING WITH ACOUSTIC EXTENDING STRUCTURE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE UTILIZING THE SAM - An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a case, a microphone array housing consists of a first acoustic extending structure, a second acoustic extending structure, an interface IC, a first membrane and a second membrane. The case includes a first acoustic opening and a second acoustic opening. The first acoustic extending structure is connected to the first acoustic opening. The second acoustic extending structure is connected to the second acoustic opening. The first membrane receives a first acoustic signal via the first acoustic opening and the first acoustic extending structure. The second membrane receives a second acoustic signal via the second acoustic opening and the second acoustic extending structure. | 11-27-2014 |
20140343949 | SMART MICROPHONE DEVICE - A smart microphone device is provided. The smart microphone device is coupled to a host, and includes: an analog microphone unit, receiving sounds; a voice detection unit, coupled to the analog microphone unit, detecting voices from the sounds; a speech detection unit, coupled to the voice detection unit, detecting a speech from the voices; and a channel select pin, coupled between the smart microphone device and the host, wherein an interrupt signal is sent from the smart microphone device to the host via the channel select pin to enable the host to operate in the normal mode when the speech detection unit detects the speech. | 11-20-2014 |
20140321664 | METHODS FOR DYNAMICALLY PROGRAMMING A MICROPHONE - Methods for dynamically programming a microphone are provided. The method, adopted by a microphone system including a first microphone device and a host device connected thereto, includes: transmitting, by the host device, a command message to the first microphone device; receiving, by the first microphone device, a command message from the host device; decoding, by the first microphone device, the command message; dynamically performing, by the first microphone device, an operation based on the decoded command message to generate first data; and receiving, by the host device, first data from the first microphone device. | 10-30-2014 |
20140254824 | MICROPHONE APPARATUS - A microphone array disposed on a two-piece computer is provided. The two-piece computer has a first piece with a keyboard disposed thereon and a second piece with a display screen disposed thereon. The microphone array has two microphones, which are both disposed on the first piece, wherein a connecting line of the two microphones is not vertical to a normal line of the display screen of the second piece. | 09-11-2014 |
20140161295 | IMPLEMENTATION OF MICROPHONE ARRAY HOUSING RECEIVING SOUND VIA GUIDE TUBE - An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a case, an acoustic boot, a first microphone and a second microphone. The case includes a first acoustic opening, a second acoustic opening, or an opening to hold the acoustic boot. wherein the acoustic boot comprises a first duct and a second duct, the first duct is connected to the first acoustic opening, and the second duct is connected to the second acoustic opening. The first microphone is connected to the first duct. The second microphone is connected to the second duct. The ducts of the case if exist and the ducts of the acoustic boot combined together to extend the sound inlet distance to each microphone. | 06-12-2014 |
20130044901 | MICROPHONE ARRAYS AND MICROPHONE ARRAY ESTABLISHING METHODS - A microphone array is provided. The microphone array is disposed on an electrical device, and includes: at least one built-in microphone, being built in the electrical device, having a first frequency spectrum; and an audio processor, coupled to the built-in microphone, for coupling to an external transducer, including: a spectrum estimation unit for estimating a second frequency spectrum of the external transducer. | 02-21-2013 |
20130044887 | AUDIO APPARATUS AND AUDIO CONTROLLER THEREOF - An audio apparatus is provided. The audio apparatus includes at most one electroacoustic transducer; and an audio controller, coupled to the electroacoustic transducer, for actively controlling the electroacoustic transducer to function as a loudspeaker or a microphone, wherein the loudspeaker converts output electrical signals to output sounds, and the microphone converts input sounds to input electrical signals. | 02-21-2013 |
20120163634 | AUDIO INTERFACE DEVICE AND METHOD - The invention provides an audio interface device and method utilizing a single audio jack connector for plugging into a three-wire analog microphone or a three-wire digital microphone, thereby reducing dimensions and production costs thereof and an electronic system using the same. The audio interface comprises an audio jack connector, having first to third contacts electronically connected with the three-wire microphone plugged thereinto; and an audio processing device, detecting a type of the three-wire microphone plugged into the audio jack connector, outputting a clock signal to the three-wire microphone and receiving a digital audio signal from the three-wire microphone when the type is digital; or receiving analog audio signals from the three-wire microphone when the type is analog. | 06-28-2012 |
20120130517 | Analog-to-Digital Converter, Sound Processing Device, and Analog-to-Digital Conversion Method - The invention provides a sound processing device. In one embodiment, the sound processing device comprises a first microphone, a first analog-to-digital converter, a second microphone, and a second analog-to-digital converter. The first microphone detects a first sound pressure to generate a first analog audio signal. The first analog-to-digital converter converts the first analog audio signal from analog to digital to obtain a first digital audio signal. The second microphone detects a second sound pressure to generate a second analog audio signal. The second analog-to-digital converter receives the first digital audio signal and a clock signal, inverts the phase of the first digital audio signal to generate a third digital audio signal, converts the second analog audio signal from analog to digital to obtain a second digital audio signal, encodes a fourth digital audio signal according to the second digital audio signal, outputs data bits of the third digital audio signal when the clock signal oscillates to a logic low level, and outputs data bits of the fourth digital audio signal when the clock signal oscillates to a logic high level. | 05-24-2012 |
20120128182 | Analog-to-Digital Converter and Analog-to-Digital Conversion Method - The invention provides an analog-to-digital converter. In one embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter receives a first audio signal from a microphone sensor, and receives a first channel selection signal and a clock signal, and comprises a toggle detection module, a first data processing module, a second data processing module, and a multiplexer. The toggle detection module detects whether the first channel selection signal is toggling between a logic low level and a logic high level to generate a control signal. The first data processing module processes the first channel selection signal to generate a second channel selection signal. The second data processing module converts the first audio signal from analog to digital to generate a second audio signal. If the control signal indicates that the first channel selection signal is toggling between the logic low level and the logic high level, the multiplexer outputs data bits of the second channel selection signal as an output signal of the analog-to-digital converter when the clock signal oscillates to the logic high level, and outputs data bits of the second audio signal as the output signal of the analog-to-digital converter when the clock signal oscillates to the logic low level. | 05-24-2012 |
20120128181 | Analog-to-Digital Converter, Sound Processing Device, and Method for Analog-to-Digital Conversion - The invention provides a sound processing device. In one embodiment, the sound processing device comprises a first microphone, a first analog-to-digital converter, a second microphone, and a second analog-to-digital converter. The first microphone detects a first sound pressure to generate a first analog audio signal. The first analog-to-digital converter converts the first analog audio signal to a first digital audio signal. The second microphone detects a second sound pressure to generate a second analog audio signal. The second analog-to-digital converter converts the second analog audio signal to a second digital audio signal, encodes a third digital audio signal according to the second digital audio signal, receives the first digital audio signal and a clock signal, outputs data bits of the third digital audio signal when the clock signal oscillates to a logic low level, and outputs data bits of the first digital audio signal when the clock signal oscillates to a logic high level. | 05-24-2012 |
20120128180 | Analog-to-Digital Converter and Analog-to-Digital Conversion Method - The invention provides an analog-to-digital converter. In one embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter receives a first audio signal from a microphone, and comprises a coding selection module, a pre-amplifier, a | 05-24-2012 |
20120106755 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH MICROPHONE ARRAY - A handheld electronic device includes a body and a microphone array. The body includes a side and a recess formed on the side. The microphone array includes a first microphone and a second microphone. Either the first and second microphones are disposed in the recess, or the first microphone is disposed in the recess while the second microphone is disposed outside the recess. | 05-03-2012 |
20110096937 | MICROPHONE APPARATUS AND SOUND PROCESSING METHOD - A microphone apparatus is provided, including a body, a main microphone and a reference microphone. The main microphone and a reference microphone are disposed on the body for receiving a sound from a source and a noise from other than the source, wherein the main microphone and the reference microphone are arranged vertically towards the source. | 04-28-2011 |
20110026731 | MICROPHONE CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING MICROPHONE CIRCUIT FROM GENERATING NOISE WHEN RESET - The invention provides a microphone circuit. In one embodiment, the microphone circuit comprises a transducer, a biasing resistor, a pre-amplifier, and a switch circuit. The transducer is coupled between a ground and a first node for converting a sound into a voltage signal output to the first node. The biasing resistor is coupled between the ground and the first node. The pre-amplifier is biased with a biasing voltage and coupled between the first node and a second node, and amplifies the voltage signal to obtain an output signal at the second node. The switch circuit is coupled between the first node and the ground, couples the first node to the ground when the microphone circuit is reset, and decouples the first node from the ground after a voltage status of the microphone circuit is stable, thus clamping a voltage of the first node to the ground to prevent generation of a popping noise when the microphone circuit is reset. | 02-03-2011 |
20110026730 | AUDIO PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An audio processing apparatus is provided, comprising: a main microphone for receiving sounds from a source and noises from non-source sources and generating a main input; a reference microphone for receiving the sounds and the noises and generating a reference input; a short-time Fourier transformation (STFT) unit for applying short time Fourier transformation to convert the main input of a time domain signals into a main signal of a frequency domain and convert the reference input of the time domain signals into a reference signal of the frequency domain; a sensitivity calibrating unit for performing sensitivity calibration on the main signal and the reference signal and generating a main calibrated signal and a reference calibrated signal; and a voice active detector (VAD) for generating a voice active signal according to the main calibrated signal, the reference calibrated signal and a direction of arrival (DOA) signal. | 02-03-2011 |
20100322440 | AUDIO PROCESSING CIRCUIT AND PREAMPLIFIER CIRCUIT - An audio processing circuit is provided, receiving a microphone signal from a microphone to output a differential signal. A preamplifier receives the microphone signal to output a first preamplified voltage and a second preamplified voltage. A gain stage receives the first preamplified voltage and the second preamplified voltage to output the differential signal comprising a first differential output and a second differential output. In the preamplifier, a first operational amplifier is provided. A first voltage controlled current source is controlled by the output end of the first operational amplifier to provide a first current. A first transistor has a gate coupled to a ground voltage supply, a source coupled to the first voltage controlled current source for receiving the first current, and a drain coupled to a voltage ground. Likewise, a second voltage controlled current source and a second transistor are presented symmetrically to render the differential output. | 12-23-2010 |
20100322436 | ARRAY MICROPHONE SYSTEM INCLUDING OMNI-DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONES TO RECEIVE SOUND IN CONE-SHAPED BEAM - An array microphone system includes a first omni-directional microphone, a second omni-directional microphone, a gain control, and a beam former. The first omni-directional microphone faces a first direction. The second omni-directional microphone faces a second direction opposing the first direction. When receiving sound, the first omni-directional microphone and the second omni-directional microphone respectively generate a first signal and a second signal. The gain control amplifies the second signal to transform into a third signal, wherein strength of the third signal is equal to that of the first signal when the sound comes from the first direction. The beam former separates an in-beam sound signal and an out-beam sound signal from the first signal and the third signal. | 12-23-2010 |
20100321119 | PHASE LOCK LOOP CIRCUIT - A phase lock loop (PLL) circuit is provided. A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) generates an output clock signal based on a control voltage. A controller provides a first digital control word, a second digital control word and a loop factor. A frequency modifier is coupled to the output clock signal, controlled by the controller to divide the output clock signal by the loop factor to generate a feedback frequency. A charge pump is controlled by the up signal and down signal to generate a charge pump current, comprising a first digital to analog converter (DAC) to generate a first current based on the first digital control word when the up signal is asserted. A second DAC generates a second current based on a second digital control word when the down signal is asserted. The controller defines a first relationship between the first digital control word and the loop factor, and the controller defines a second relationship between the second digital control word and the loop factor. | 12-23-2010 |
20100295616 | AUDIO COMPENSATION METHOD AND AUDIO APPARATUS WITH CLASS AB POWER AMPLIFIER - An audio apparatus is provided, receiving a reference voltage and an input signal to generate an output signal. In the audio apparatus, a compensation circuit, generates a compensated reference voltage based on the input signal, the reference voltage and the output signal. A class AB power amplifier receives the compensated reference voltage to amplify the input signal into the output signal. | 11-25-2010 |
20100278354 | VOICE RECORDING METHOD, DIGITAL PROCESSOR AND MICROPHONE ARRAY SYSTEM - A microphone array system and a method implemented therefore are provided. A first microphone having a first sensibility receives a sound source to generate a first signal. A second microphone is deposited at a distance from the first microphone, having a second sensibility for receiving the sound source to generate a second signal. A comparator subtracts the first signal and the second signal to generate a difference signal. An analyzer estimates an incident angle of the sound source to determine a compensation factor based on the first signal and the difference signal. A gain stage adjusts a gain of the difference signal based on the compensation factor to output an output signal. | 11-04-2010 |
20100246877 | Miniature MEMS Condenser Microphone Package and Fabrication Method Thereof - MEMS microphone packages and fabrication methods thereof are disclosed. A MEMS microphone package includes a casing with a conductive part disposed over a substrate, to enclose a cavity. A MEMS acoustic sensing element and an IC chip are disposed inside the cavity. An opening with an acoustic passage connects the cavity to an ambient space. A first ground pad is disposed on a backside of the substrate connecting to the conductive part of the casing through a via hole of the substrate. A second ground pad is disposed on the backside of the substrate connecting to the MEMS acoustic sensing element or the IC chip through an interconnection of the substrate, wherein the first ground pad and the second ground pad are isolated from each other. | 09-30-2010 |
20100202634 | MICROPHONE AND INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CAPIBLE OF ECHO CANCELLATION - The invention provides an integrated circuit of a microphone. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit receives a first signal converted from a sound and receives a reference signal with a digital format for echo cancellation. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit comprises a pre-amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital signal processor, and a post amplifier. The pre-amplifier amplifies the first signal according to a first gain to obtain a third signal. The analog-to-digital converter converts the third signal from analog to digital to obtain a fourth signal. The digital signal processor cancels an echo component from the fourth signal according to the reference signal to obtain a fifth signal, and determines the first gain and a second gain, wherein a product of the first gain and the second gain is kept constant, and the first gain is determined so that an amplitude of the third signal is kept equal to an amplitude of the reference signal. The post-amplifier amplifies the fifth signal according to the second gain to obtain a second signal as an output of the integrated circuit. | 08-12-2010 |
20100182319 | METHOD FOR SHOWING ARRAY MICROPHONE EFFECT - A method for showing an array microphone effect includes the steps of obtaining an original acoustic signal from array microphones, and visualizing the original acoustic signal to obtain a figure. The original acoustic signal includes a crystal voice, out-beam noises, background noise, and/or an echo. The figure includes a plurality of graphic components representing the crystal voice, out-beam noise, background noise, and/or echo, respectively. | 07-22-2010 |
20100179806 | METHOD FOR PHASE MISMATCH CALIBRATION FOR AN ARRAY MICROPHONE AND PHASE CALIBRATION MODULE FOR THE SAME - The invention provides a phase calibration module, calibrating phase mismatch between microphone signals output by a plurality of microphones of an array microphone. In one embodiment, the phase calibration module comprises a subband filter, a delay calculation module, and a delay compensation filter. The subband filter extracts a high frequency component and a low frequency component from each of the microphone signals to obtain a plurality of high-frequency component signals and a plurality of low-frequency component signals. The delay calculation module calculates delays between the low-frequency component signals. The delay compensation filter then compensates the low-frequency component signals for phase mismatches therebetween according to the calculated delays to obtain a plurality of calibrated low-frequency component signals. | 07-15-2010 |
20100177913 | MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER CIRCUIT AND VOICE SENSING DEVICES - A microphone preamplifier circuit is provided in a system on chip. An amplifier comprises a first input end, a second input end, and an output end. A bias voltage is provided by a bias voltage source. A first sensor is coupled to the first input end and the bias voltage source for sensing a first physical parameter and a second physical parameter. A second sensor is coupled to the second input end and the bias voltage source for sensing the first physical parameter, wherein the second sensor is insensitive to the second physical parameter. The output end of the amplifier outputs a difference of the first and second input ends whereby noises and interferences are reduced. | 07-15-2010 |
20100172517 | Microphone Preamplifier Circuit and Voice Sensing Devices - A microphone preamplifier circuit is provided. An amplifier comprises a first input end, a second input end, and an output end. A bias voltage is provided by a bias voltage source. A first sensor is coupled to the first input end and the bias voltage source for sensing a first physical parameter and a second physical parameter. A second sensor is coupled to the second input end and the bias voltage source for sensing the first physical parameter, wherein the second sensor is insensitive to the second physical parameter. The output end of the amplifier outputs a difference of the first and second input ends whereby noises and interferences are reduced. | 07-08-2010 |
20100158276 | DIGITAL MICROPHONE - A digital microphone is provided, comprising a transducer for converting sound pressure into an analog electrical signal, an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog electrical signal into a digital signal according to a clock signal, and a clock buffer circuit coupled between the analog-to-digital converter and a clock source for deducting a high frequency component from the clock signal received from the clock source. | 06-24-2010 |
20100158275 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC VOLUME ADJUSTMENT - The invention provides an apparatus capable of automatic volume adjustment. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a speaker, an array microphone located in the vicinity of the speaker, a beamforming module, a signal-to-noise ratio calculation module, and a volume adjustment module. The speaker first broadcasts a first audio signal. The array microphone converts a sound into a plurality of second audio signals. The beamforming module derives a speaker sound signal and an ambient noise signal from the second audio signals, wherein the speaker sound signal mainly comprises speaker sound components generated by the speaker and the ambient noise signal mainly comprises noises other than the speaker sound components. The signal-to-noise ratio calculation module calculates a ratio of a first power of the speaker sound signal to a second power of the ambient noise signal to obtain a signal-to-noise ratio. The volume adjustment module then adjusts a volume of the first audio signal according to the signal-to-noise ratio before the first audio signal is delivered to the speaker. | 06-24-2010 |
20100158266 | MULTI-CHANNEL AUDIO PLAYBACK APPARATUS AND METHOD - A multi-channel audio playback apparatus including a channel interface, a first switching amplifier and a second switching amplifier is provided. The channel interface is used to receive multi-channel digital data and generate first channel digital data and second channel digital data. The first switching amplifier is used to convert the first channel digital data into a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal according to a first reference signal with a first frequency. The second switching amplifier is used to convert the second channel digital data into a second PWM signal according to a second reference signal with a second frequency. The second frequency is different from the first frequency. | 06-24-2010 |
20100145696 | Method, system and apparatus for improved voice recognition - An improved voice recognition system in which a Voice Keyword Table is generated and downloaded from a set-up device to a voice recognition device. The VKT includes visual form data, spoken form data, phonetic format data, and an entry corresponding to a keyword, and TTS-generated voice prompts and voice models corresponding to the phonetic format data. A voice recognition system on the voice recognition device is updated by the set-up device. Furthermore, voice models in the voice recognition device are modified by the set-up device. | 06-10-2010 |
20100135508 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ATTACHED TO MICROPHONE - The invention provides an integrated circuit attached to a microphone. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit comprises a buffer, a gain stage, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a memory module. The buffer buffers a first signal generated by the microphone, and outputs the first signal as a second signal. The gain stage amplifies the second signal according to an adjustable gain to obtain a third signal. The analog-to-digital converter converts the third signal from analog to digital to obtain a fourth signal as an output of the integrated circuit. The memory module stores the adjustable gain and outputs the adjustable gain to the gain stage for controlling amplification of the gain stage. | 06-03-2010 |
20100114569 | DYNAMIC RANGE CONTROL MODULE, SPEECH PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR AMPLITUDE ADJUSTMENT FOR A SPEECH SIGNAL - The invention provides a dynamic range control module installed in a speech processing apparatus. In one embodiment, the dynamic range control module comprises a buffer, a voice activity detector, a peak calculation module, and an amplitude adjusting module. The buffer buffers a speech signal to obtain a delayed speech signal. The voice activity detector determines a syllable from the delayed speech signal. The peak calculation module calculates peak amplitude of the syllable. The amplitude adjusting module determines an attenuation factor corresponding to the syllable according to the peak amplitude in the syllable, and adjusts amplitude of the whole syllable with the same gain according to the attenuation factor to obtain an adjusted speech signal. | 05-06-2010 |
20100110232 | ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING SOUNDS WITH AUXILIARY INFORMATION FROM CAMERA SYSTEM - The invention provides an electronic apparatus. In one embodiment, the electronic apparatus comprises a video camera, a video processing module, an array microphone, and an audio processing module. The video camera adjusts a focal length according to a zoom-in/out control signal and captures an image of a plurality of target objects according to the focal length to generate a raw video signal. The video processing module generates the zoom-in/out control signal to adjust the focal length of the video camera. The array microphone comprises a plurality of microphones converting sounds of the target objects into a plurality of raw audio signals. The audio processing module adjusts a beamwidth for beamforming according to the zoom-in/out control signal, and performs a beamforming process according to the beamwidth on the raw audio signals to generate a first audio signal comprising mainly voice components of the target objects. | 05-06-2010 |
20100086164 | MICROPHONE PACKAGE WITH MINIMUM FOOTPRINT SIZE AND THICKNESS - A microphone package includes a carrier, a cap, an integrated circuit chip, and a microphone unit. The cap covers the carrier to form a storage space. The integrated circuit chip is disposed in the storage space. The microphone unit is disposed in the storage space and stacked on the integrated circuit chip. | 04-08-2010 |
20100086146 | SILICON-BASED MICROPHONE PACKAGE - A microphone package includes a carrier, a cap, a first silicon-based microphone, and a first integrated circuit chip. The carrier has a first storage space. The cap has a planar part contacting the carrier and a plurality of flanges extending from the planar part and surrounding the carrier. The first silicon-based microphone is disposed in the first storage space and covered by the cap. The first integrated circuit chip is disposed in the first storage space, electrically connected to the first silicon-based microphone, and covered by the cap. | 04-08-2010 |
20100027830 | CHIP-SCALED MEMS MICROPHONE PACKAGE - An MEMS microphone package includes a circuit board and an MEMS microphone chip. The MEMS microphone chip, mounted on the circuit board, includes a substrate, an MEMS transducer formed on the substrate, and a readout circuit also formed on the substrate. The MEMS transducer generates a sound signal according to sound pressure variations. The readout circuit reads the sound signal from the MEMS transducer. | 02-04-2010 |
20100027813 | SWITCHING AUDIO AMPLIFIER, DIGITAL SPEAKING DEVICE AND AUDIO AMPLIFICATION METHOD - A switching audio amplifier adapted in a digital speaking device for driving a speaker is provided. An audio amplification method implemented for the switching audio amplifier is also provided. In the switching audio amplifier, a comparison stage compares an audio input signal with a saw-tooth signal to generate a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal. A driver stage buffers the PWM signal to drive the speaker. A detector detects amplitude of the input signal to generate a control signal, and a saw-tooth generator adjusts a transition rate of the saw-tooth signal based on the control signal. | 02-04-2010 |
20100027809 | METHOD FOR DIRECTING OPERATION OF MICROPHONE SYSTEM AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS COMPRISING MICROPHONE SYSTEM - The invention provides a method for directing operation of a microphone system. In one embodiment, the microphone system comprises a plurality of component modules. First, a diagnostic test is performed to determine a diagnostic result indicating whether the component modules have failed the diagnostic test. Whether a plurality of required component modules corresponding to a current application mode for operating the microphone system have failed the diagnostic test is then determined according to the diagnostic result, wherein the application mode requires cooperation of the required component modules selected from the component modules of the microphone system. When some of the required component modules have failed the diagnostic test, the current application mode is changed to an altered application mode and the microphone system is directed to operate according to the altered application mode, wherein a plurality of second required component modules corresponding to the altered application mode are in good condition. When the required component modules are all in good condition, the microphone system is directed to operate according to the current application mode. | 02-04-2010 |
20090323980 | ARRAY MICROPHONE SYSTEM AND A METHOD THEREOF - An array microphone system of compensating phase drift of input signals and a method thereof. The microphone system comprises a speaker, first and second microphones, a delay estimator, and a memory. The speaker outputs an acoustic signal. The first and second microphones, spaced by a predetermined distance, receive the acoustic signal to generate first and second input signals. The delay estimator, coupled to the first and second microphones, computes a time difference between the first and second input signals. The memory, coupled to the delay estimator, stores the time difference. | 12-31-2009 |
20090310810 | MEMS MICROPHONE PACKAGE WITH RF INSENSITIVE MEMS MICROPHONE CHIP - A micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone package includes a substrate, a micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip mounted on the substrate, and a cover attached to the substrate to cover the micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip. The cover is provided with a sound inlet through which the micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone receives external sound. The micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip includes a conductive base connected to a constant voltage, a shielding layer supported by the conductive base and connected to the constant voltage, a diaphragm disposed between the conductive base and the shielding layer, and a back plate also disposed between the conductive base and the shielding layer. | 12-17-2009 |
20090304192 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PHASE DIFFERENCE MEASUREMENT FOR MICROPHONES - The invention provides a system for phase difference measurement. In one embodiment, the system comprises a speaker, a high-speed digital input/output (HSDIO) device, and a testing computer. The speaker plays a test voice, wherein a reference microphone converts the test voice to a reference signal, and a plurality of test microphones convert the test voice to a plurality of tested signals. The HSDIO device receives the reference signal and the tested signals, and generates a multi-bit datastream according to the reference signal and the tested signals, wherein each word of the multi-bit datastream comprises a bit of the reference signal and a plurality of bits of the tested signals. The testing computer retrieves the reference signal and the tested signals from the multi-bit datastream, and measures phase differences between the tested signals and the reference signal. | 12-10-2009 |
20090296973 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH MICROPHONE MODULE CAPABLE OF BEING EFFICIENTLY AND CORRECTLY MOUNTED THEREIN AND PROCESS FOR ASSEMBLING THE SAME - An electronic device is provided, which includes a first cover, a second cover, a circuit board, and a first microphone. The first cover comprises a first wall portion, a first storage space encircled by the first wall portion, and a first acoustic opening connected to the first storage space. The circuit board is affixed to the second cover. The first microphone is mounted on the circuit board and disposed in the first storage space to receive external sound through the first acoustic opening. | 12-03-2009 |
20090296946 | DEFECT DETECTION METHOD FOR AN AUDIO DEVICE UTILIZING A MICROPHONE ARRAY - An audio device is provided, employing a defect detection method to detect defectiveness within a microphone array. The microphone array comprising a first microphone and a second microphone, respectively, generates a first audio signal and a second audio signal from ambient audio signals. An error detector is provided to detect functions of the first and second microphones based on the first and second audio signals to generate a status signal. A digital signal processor (DSP) processes the first and second audio signals based on the status signal. If the status signal indicates that only the first microphone or the second microphone is defective, the DSP switches to a single microphone mode in which only the remaining normal microphone is enabled. If the status signal indicates that both the first and second microphones are defective, the DSP generates an error indication signal and stops processing the first and second audio signals. | 12-03-2009 |
20090290729 | CATEGORIZATION PLATFORM, METHOD FOR CATEGORIZATION AND METHOD FOR MICROPHONE ARRAY MANUFACTURING - The invention provides a categorization platform and method for microphone array manufacturing. The categorization platform is attachable to a test microphone, comprising a digital signal processor. The digital signal processor categorizes the test microphone based on characteristics of the test microphone. The characteristics of the test microphone are phase mismatch, sensitivity mismatch or impedance mismatch in comparison with a reference microphone. | 11-26-2009 |
20090285415 | INTERFACING CIRCUIT FOR A REMOVABLE MICROPHONE - The invention provides an interfacing circuit for a removable microphone. In one embodiment, the interfacing circuit comprises a jack for receiving the removable microphone and an integrated circuit comprising a biasing circuit, a buffer amplifier, and an insertion detecting circuit. The jack comprises a first terminal receiving an output voltage of the removable microphone and a second terminal coupling the removable microphone to a ground voltage source. The integrated circuit is coupled to the first terminal of the jack via a first node. The biasing circuit, coupled between the first node and a second node, biases the removable microphone and passes only an alternative current (AC) portion of the output voltage of the removable microphone to the second node. The buffer amplifier, coupled to the second node, buffers the AC portion to generate a voltage signal. The insertion detecting circuit, coupled to the first node, generates an insertion signal indicating whether the removable microphone is inserted in the jack. | 11-19-2009 |
20090285414 | AUDIO PROCESSING METHOD AND SYSTEM - An audio processing system is provided. The audio processing system comprises a transducer, a gain stage, a capacitor network, and a preamplifier. The transducer transduces a sound signal to a voltage signal. The gain stage comprises an input coupled to the transducer and an output. The capacitor network, coupled between the output of the gain stage and the transducer, provides an equivalent capacitance. The preamplifier coupled to the transducer amplifies the voltage signal. | 11-19-2009 |
20090285412 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT BIASING A MICROPHONE - The invention provides an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit receives a first signal from a microphone via a first node. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit comprises a biasing circuit and a buffering circuit. The biasing circuit is coupled between the first node and a second node, drives the microphone with a first voltage source, and filters the first signal to generate a second signal at the second node. In one embodiment, the biasing circuit comprises a first resistor, a first capacitor, and a load element. The first resistor is coupled between the first voltage source and the first node. The first capacitor is coupled between the first node and the second node. The load element is coupled between the second node and a second voltage source. The buffering circuit is coupled between the second node and a third node and buffers the second signal to generate a third signal at the third node. | 11-19-2009 |
20090285405 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ARRAY MICROPHONES AND SYSTEM FOR CATEGORIZING MICROPHONES - The invention provides a method for manufacturing array microphones. First, signal delays of a plurality of microphones are measured. The microphones are then categorized into a plurality of categories according to the signal delays. A plurality of array microphones are then assembled with a number of component microphones selected from the same categories. | 11-19-2009 |
20090274333 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH INTERNAL ARRAY MICROPHONE AFFIXED TO REAR COVER OF DISPLAY - An electronic device includes a display, a plurality of chambers, and a microphone array. The display includes a front cover and a rear cover affixed to the front cover. The plurality of chambers is formed on the rear cover. The microphone array includes a plurality of microphones disposed in the chambers. | 11-05-2009 |
20090245446 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DATA RATE CONTROL - Methods and apparatus for rate control are provided. An isochronous circuit controls data transmission between a first device and a second device. The first device outputs a set of data packets to the isochronous circuit at a first data rate, and the second device pulls the set of data packets from the isochronous circuit at a second data rate. The isochronous circuit comprises a buffer, a rate calculator and a register. The buffer buffers the set of data packets bound to the second device through a USB. The rate calculator monitors occupation of the buffer to estimate the second data rate. The register is coupled to the rate calculator for storage of the second data rate. The first device may access the estimate of the second data rate from the register to update the first data rate. | 10-01-2009 |
20090238393 | Package for array microphones - A package for storing microphones includes a main body, a plurality of hollows, and a cover. The hollows are spaced apart and arranged in rows and columns on the main body. Each hollow has a plurality of cavities provided therein to store the microphones. The cover covers the main body and the microphones in the hollows. | 09-24-2009 |
20090213557 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH INTERNAL MICROPHONES DISPOSED IN FLEXIBLE HOLDERS - An electronic device includes a housing, a circuit board, a plurality of flexible holders, and a plurality of microphones. The housing includes a plurality of wall portions, a plurality of storage spaces encircled by the wall portions, and a plurality of acoustic openings connected to the storage spaces. The flexible holders are disposed in the storage spaces. Each of the flexible holders comprises a plurality of surfaces and at least one rib provided on the surfaces. The microphones are mounted on the circuit board and disposed in the flexible holders. | 08-27-2009 |
20090196452 | MICROPHONE ASSEMBLY CAPABLE OF AVOIDING DEFORMATION AND SHIFTING OF NON-WOVEN FABRIC - A microphone assembly includes a flexible holder, a microphone, and a piece of non-woven fabric. The flexible holder has a top opening. The microphone is fitted into the flexible holder. The piece of non-woven fabric is attached to the microphone and totally disposed in the top opening of the flexible holder. | 08-06-2009 |
20090175460 | ARTIFICIAL MOUTH WITH ACOUSTIC TUBE OUTPUTTING PLANE WAVES - An artificial mouth includes a front cover, a loudspeaker, and an acoustic tube. The front cover has a plurality of holes which is coplanar. The loudspeaker generates sound waves which pass through the acoustic tube, and turn into plane waves when arriving at the plurality of holes of the front cover. | 07-09-2009 |
20090169033 | MICROPHONE MODULE WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE SHIELDING MEANS - A microphone module includes a cabinet, a sensor, an integrated circuit chip, a first substrate, and a second substrate. The first substrate carries the integrated circuit chip and includes a first top surface, a first bottom surface, and a first shielding part with a fixed electric potential extending from the first top surface to the first bottom surface. The second substrate includes a second top surface contacting the first bottom surface, a second bottom surface, and a second shielding part with the fixed electric potential on the second bottom surface, wherein the second shielding part is arranged in such a way that no electromagnetic waves can pass between the first shielding part and the second shielding part. | 07-02-2009 |
20090136062 | MICROPHONE CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERSION THEREIN - The invention provides a method for analog-to-digital conversion in a microphone circuit. First, a first gain is determined. A first analog signal is then amplified according to the first gain to obtain a second analog signal. The second analog signal is then converted from analog to digital to obtain a first digital signal. A second gain is then determined according to the first gain so that a product of the first gain and the second gain is kept constant. The first digital signal is then amplified according to the second gain to obtain a second digital signal. | 05-28-2009 |
20090116662 | AUDIO PROCESSING METHOD AND SYSTEM - An audio processing method used in a microphone is provided. Firstly, a sound signal is received. Next, the sound signal is transduced to a first voltage signal. The first voltage signal is interfered with by a second voltage signal resulting from electromagnetic wave penetrating into the microphone. Next, the second voltage signal is filtered out from the interfered first voltage signal. Finally, the filtered first voltage signal is amplified. | 05-07-2009 |
20090116658 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH MICROPHONE ARRAY CAPABLE OF SUPPRESSING NOISE - An electronic device includes a first acoustic opening, a first microphone, a second acoustic opening, a second microphone, two flexible boots, and two chambers. The first microphone receives sound through the first acoustic opening. The second microphone receives the sound through the second acoustic opening. The first and second acoustic openings are spaced at least about 8 cm. The first microphone and the second microphone are identical and disposed in the flexible boots. The flexible boots are identical and disposed in the chambers. The chambers are identical. | 05-07-2009 |
20090086992 | MICROPHONE CIRCUIT AND CHARGE AMPLIFIER THEREOF - The invention provides a microphone circuit. In one embodiment, the microphone circuit comprises a microphone, a self-biased amplifier with a finite gain, and a feedback capacitor. The microphone coupled between a ground and a first node generates a first voltage at the first node according to sound pressure. The self-biased amplifier has a positive input terminal coupled to the ground and a negative input terminal coupled to the first node and amplifies the first voltage according to the finite gain to generate a second voltage at a second node. The feedback capacitor coupled between the first node and the second node feeds back the second voltage to the first node. The second voltage is then output to a following module subsequent to the microphone circuit. | 04-02-2009 |
20090052715 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH AN INTERNAL MICROPHONE ARRAY - An electronic device includes a front cover, a circuit board, a plurality of flexible holders, and a plurality of microphones. The front cover includes a plurality of wall portions, a plurality of storage spaces encircled by the wall portions, and a plurality of acoustic openings connecting to the storage spaces. The flexible holders have hollow bodies squeezed into the storage spaces. The microphones are electrically connected to the circuit board and squeezed into the hollow bodies of the flexible holders. | 02-26-2009 |
20090052686 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH AN INTERNAL MICROPHONE ARRAY - An electronic device includes a front cover, a circuit board, a plurality of flexible boots, a plurality of microphones, and an abutting mechanism. The front cover includes a plurality of wall portions, a plurality of storage spaces encircled by the wall portions, and a plurality of acoustic openings connecting to the storage spaces. The flexible boots are disposed in the storage spaces. The microphones are mounted on the circuit board and disposed in the boots. The abutting mechanism pushes the circuit board toward the front cover to squeeze the flexible boot. | 02-26-2009 |
20090046866 | APPARATUS CAPABLE OF PERFORMING ACOUSTIC ECHO CANCELLATION AND A METHOD THEREOF - An apparatus capable of performing acoustic echo cancellation and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus comprises a mapping matrix, first and second speakers, first and second microphones, a reference generator, and a multi-channel acoustic echo canceller. The mapping matrix generates an output signal according to the first and second far end signals. The first and second speakers, coupled to the mapping matrix, play the output signal. The first and second microphones receive the first and second echo signals that are acoustically coupled from the first and second speakers to the first and second microphones, wherein the first and second echo signals are correlated to the output signal. The reference generator generates a reference signal linearly correlated to the output signal according to the first and second far end signals. The multi-channel acoustic echo canceller, coupled to the reference generator and the first and second microphones, filters the reference signal to generate the first and second filtered signals to be indicative of the estimated echo signals at the first and second microphones, subtracts the first filtered signal from the first echo signal to generate a first error signal, and subtracts the second filtered signal from the second echo signal to generate a second error signal, and then transmits the first and second error signals to a far end terminal. | 02-19-2009 |
20090028075 | FULL-DUPLEX COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF ACOUSTIC ECHO CANCELLATION THEREIN - The invention provides a full-duplex communication device. In one embodiment, the full-duplex communication device comprises a first adaptive filter, a second adaptive filter, a channel decoupling module, and a frequency processing module. The first adaptive filter having a first tap length filters out echoes of a far-end talker from a first near-end signal carrying voices of a near-end talker according to a far-end signal carrying voices of the far-end talker to obtain a second near-end signal. The second adaptive filter having a second tap length less than the first tap length filters out echoes of the far-end talker from the first near-end signal according to the far-end signal to obtain a third near-end signal. The channel decoupling module processes the second near-end signal to generate a fourth near-end signal and subtracts the second near-end signal from the third near-end signal to obtain a fifth near-end signal. Finally, the frequency processing module cancels echoes of the far-end talker from the fourth near-end signal in frequency domain according to the fifth near-end signal to obtain a six near-end signal. | 01-29-2009 |
20090003586 | SIGNAL PROCESSOR AND METHOD FOR CANCELING ECHO IN A COMMUNICATION DEVICE - The invention provides a signal processor installed in a communication device. In one embodiment, the signal processor comprises a voice activity detector, a nonlinear echo processor, and a speaker attenuation module. The voice activity detector generates a control signal indicating whether both a far-end talker at a far end and a near-end talker at a near end are speaking or only the far-end talker is speaking. The nonlinear echo processor, controlled by the control signal, cancels more nonlinear echo from the near-end signal in time domain while only the far-end talker is speaking and cancels less nonlinear echo from the near-end signal in time domain while both the far-end talker and the near-end talker are speaking. The speaker attenuation module, controlled by the control signal, attenuates the far-end signal while both the far-end talker and the near-end talker are speaking. | 01-01-2009 |
20080317259 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NOISE SUPPRESSION IN A SMALL ARRAY MICROPHONE SYSTEM - A small array microphone system includes an array microphone having a plurality of microphones and operative to provide a plurality of received signals, each microphone providing one received signal. A first voice activity detector (VAD) provides a first voice detection signal generated using the plurality of received signals to indicate the presence or absence of in-beam desired speech. A second VAD provides a second voice detection signal generated using the plurality of received signals to indicate the presence or absence of out-of-beam noise when in-beam desired speech is absent. A reference signal generator provides a reference signal based on the first voice detection signal, the plurality of received signals, and a beamformed signal, wherein the reference signal has the desired speech suppressed. A beamformer provides the beamformed signal based on the second voice detection signal, the reference signal, and the plurality of received signals, wherein the beamformed signal has noise suppressed. A multi-channel noise suppressor operative to further suppress noise in the beamformed signal and provide an output signal. A speech reliability detector provides a reliability detection signal indicating the reliability of each frequency subband. The first voice detection signal, the second voice detection signal, the reliability detection signal and the output signal are provided to the speech recognition engine. | 12-25-2008 |
20080311954 | COMMUNICATION DEVICE WIRELESSLY CONNECTING FM/AM RADIO AND AUDIO DEVICE - A communication device includes a Bluetooth module, an audio interface, a FM/AM radio wave module, and a microphone. The Bluetooth module receives a first audio signal. The audio interface receives a second audio signal. The first audio signal and the second audio signal are selectively sent out through the FM/AM radio wave module. The microphone receives a third audio signal which is selectively sent out through either the Bluetooth module or the audio interface. | 12-18-2008 |
20080298607 | AUDIO INTERFACE DEVICE AND METHOD - The invention provides an audio interface device and method utilizing a single audio jack connector for plugging into a three-wire analog microphone or a three-wire digital microphone, thereby reducing dimensions and production costs thereof and an electronic system using the same. The audio interface comprises an audio jack connector, having first to third contacts electronically connected with the three-wire microphone plugged thereinto; and an audio processing device, detecting a type of the three-wire microphone plugged into the audio jack connector, outputting a clock signal to the three-wire microphone and receiving a digital audio signal from the three-wire microphone when the type is digital; or receiving analog audio signals from the three-wire microphone when the type is analog. | 12-04-2008 |
20080285776 | AUDIO INTERFACE DEVICE AND METHOD - The invention provides an audio interface device and method to acquire audio signal from either an analog or digital microphone through a common connector. The audio interface comprises a connector, electrically connected with a microphone plugged thereinto, an analog readout circuit, acquiring an analog audio signal from an analog microphone, a digital readout circuit, acquiring a digital audio signal from a digital microphone, and a decision circuit, selectively connecting the analog or digital readout circuit to the connector to acquire the analog or digital audio signal respectively according to whether the microphone plugged into the connector is analog or digital. | 11-20-2008 |
20080285770 | SERIALLY CONNECTED MICROPHONES - The invention provides a microphone. The microphone receives a first sound signal and at least one second electrical signal and outputs a third electrical signal. In one embodiment, the microphone comprises a transducer and a signal processor. The transducer converts the first sound signal to a first electrical signal. The signal processor has a first input terminal receiving the first electrical signal and at least one second input terminal receiving the at least one second electrical signal, and derives the third electrical signal from the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal. In one embodiment, the at least one second electrical signal is derived from a t least one second sound signal by at least one second microphone located in the vicinity of the microphone. In another embodiment, the at least one second electrical signal comprises a wind noise signal derived from wind pressure by a pressure sensor located in the vicinity of the microphone. | 11-20-2008 |
20080247584 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH INTERNAL MICROPHONE ARRAY NOT PARALLEL TO SIDE EDGES THEREOF - An electronic device includes a case and a microphone array. The case includes a front surface, a rear surface, and side edges connecting the front surface and the rear surface. The microphone array includes a first microphone module and a second microphone module disposed in the case and arranged in a row not parallel to the side edges of the case. | 10-09-2008 |
20080240471 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING INTERNAL MICROPHONE ARRAY - An electronic device includes a housing, a circuit board, and a microphone array. A plurality of acoustic openings is defined in the housing. The circuit board is placed in the housing. The microphone array is placed on the circuit board for receiving external sound via the acoustic openings in the housing. | 10-02-2008 |
20080219463 | ACOUSTIC ECHO CANCELLATION SYSTEM - An embodiment of an acoustic echo cancellation system is disclosed. The system comprises an echo cancellation unit, a second filter and a subtraction unit. The echo cancellation unit comprises a first attenuator, a first filter and a first subtractor. The first attenuator has a first down-scaling factor for attenuating a first signal. The first filter generates a first echo signal estimate based on the attenuated first signal. The first subtractor generates a third signal by subtracting the first echo signal estimate from a second signal. The second filter generates a second echo signal estimate based on the first signal. The subtraction unit subtracts the second echo signal estimate from the third signal. | 09-11-2008 |
20080219434 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VOICE COMMUNICATION - A voice communication device with an integrated framework structure for echo cancellation and noise reduction is disclosed. A microphone receives a local input signal while a speaker is outputting a local output signal. The local input signal and output signal are all decomposed into a plurality of subband signals by filter banks for conducting individual processing of echo cancellation and noise reduction per subband. The subband echo canceller is followed by a DFT unit to split the cancellation result into a plurality of narrow frequency bins whereby the noise reduction is performed. The noise reduction results are recombined by an IDFT unit for residual echo removal in a subband non-linear processor. The final output is obtained from a synthesis filter bank that synthesizes the subband signals after echo cancellation and noise reduction into a full-band signal. | 09-11-2008 |
20080219433 | FULL DUPLEX HANDS-FREE TELEPHONE SYSTEM - A telephone system comprising an analog telephone and a full-duplex speakerphone adapter is disclosed. The analog telephone comprises an ordinary analog telephone subscriber circuit for transmitting and receiving analog signals and a handset for users. The full-duplex speakerphone adapter is coupled between the analog telephone and a central office, uses a subscriber loop interface circuit through the first telephone line to couple to the ordinary analog telephone subscriber circuit of the analog telephone and uses a telephone hybrid interface circuit through the second telephone line to couple to a wall jack to communicate with the central office. | 09-11-2008 |
20080219431 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ECHO CANCELLATION - A telephony system equipped with an echo cancellation module is disclosed. A hybrid interface circuit outputs an outbound signal to a wall jack while receiving an inbound signal from the wall jack. The inbound signal may contain a line echo of the outbound signal caused by the impedance mismatches in the hybrid interface circuit. A line echo canceller containing an adaptive filter is used to cancel the line echo in the inbound signal based on the learned line echo path characteristics captured in the training period. During a brief period after the telephony system is activated, the line echo canceller enters into a calibration mode wherein its adaptive filter is trained to learn the line echo path characteristics. During the calibration mode, the line echo canceller generates a calibration signal as the outbound signal and receives the line echo from the hybrid interface circuit to perform learning of the line echo path characteristics. | 09-11-2008 |
20080199034 | DEVICE WITH ACOUSTIC GUARD - A device includes a main body, a microphone module, and an acoustic guard. The microphone module is connected to the main body and comprises a first acoustic opening and a second acoustic opening, wherein the microphone module receives sound waves via both the first and second acoustic openings. The acoustic guard covers the second acoustic opening and comprises a first sound inlet via which the sound waves enter the acoustic guard and reach the second acoustic opening. | 08-21-2008 |