| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20080219457 | Enhancement of Speech Intelligibility in a Mobile Communication Device by Controlling the Operation of a Vibrator of a Vibrator in Dependance of the Background Noise - The invention relates to a mobile communication device comprising:—a loudspeaker ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080219458 | Self-Adjusting and Self-Modifying Addressable Speaker - A self-adjusting speaker integrated with an alarm system is provided. The self-adjusting speaker may be used to aurally monitor an area (such as monitoring the ambient noise in the vicinity of the speaker) and adjust the speaker accordingly. The circumstances under which to aurally monitor a premises (such as how to monitor, when to monitor, what type of monitoring, etc.) may be varied. For example, there are several ways how to perform the aural monitoring (such as how to sense the ambient noise), including using a separate microphone or the speaker itself. A self-monitoring speaker integrated with an alarm system is also provided. The self-monitoring speaker may monitor the aural output of the speaker using a microphone or similar type of transducer. The aural output monitored by the microphone may be analyzed, and, based on the analysis, the data and/or operation of the speaker may be modified. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080219459 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING AUDIO SIGNAL - The present invention provides for methods and systems for digitally processing an audio signal. Specifically the present invention provides for a speaker system that is configured to digitally process an audio signal in a manner such that studio-quality sound that can be reproduced. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080240451 | Sound output device - A sound output device of the present invention for outputting sound according to audio data fed thereto includes: a volume adjuster that is operated by a user in a predetermined manner, and that determines a ratio of volume of the sound to predetermined reference volume according to how it is operated by the user; a time detector detecting that a predetermined time has come; and a reference volume adjuster adjusting the reference volume according to a detection result of the time detector. Thus, the maximum level of the volume (which is dependent on the reference volume) can be automatically adjusted according to the current time. The volume adjuster determines the ratio of volume to reference volume according to the operation by the user. Thus, for example, the same operation performed by the user even under different levels of reference volume produces almost the same ratio of volume to reference volume. As a result, ease with which the user adjusts the volume can be prevented as much as possible from being impaired. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080260168 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING PRIVACY FOR TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS - A method and apparatus for providing privacy for telephone conversations over communication networks is disclosed. For example, a telephony endpoint device comprises a microphone for receiving an audio signal and a gain boost circuit, coupled to the microphone, for applying a gain boost to the audio signal. The telephony endpoint device also comprises a switch, coupled to the gain boost circuit, wherein operating the switch will control whether the gain boost is to be applied to the audio signal. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080304673 | Multipoint communication apparatus - According to an aspect of an embodiment, a multipoint communication apparatus comprises: a receiving unit for receiving a plurality of signals containing voice signal elements and noise signal elements from the plurality of other communication apparatuses, respectively; a noise estimating unit for estimating the plurality of noise signal elements in the plurality of received signals, respectively; a gain control unit for adjusting gains of the plurality of signals passing therethrough so as to equalize the levels of the plurality of noise signal elements outputted from the gain element on the basis of the estimated levels of the noise signal elements ; a combining unit for combining the plurality of signals passed through the gain control unit; and an output unit for outputting a sound signal on the basis of the a combined signal by the combining unit. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20090010442 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR BACKGROUND MITIGATION - At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method for audio processing suitable for use with an earpiece is provided that comprises the steps of delivering audio to an ear canal, measuring a residual background noise level within the ear canal, and adjusting the audio based on characteristics of the residual background noise level to maintain a natural audio level. A mixing of an ambient sound signal and an ear canal signal can be used to calculate the residual background noise level. The method can include compensating the residual measurement based on microphone sensitivities. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090016541 | Method and Device for Acoustic Management Control of Multiple Microphones - An earpiece ( | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090016542 | Method and Device for Acoustic Management Control of Multiple Microphones - An earpiece ( | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090022329 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING A SOUND SENSOR TO ADJUST THE AUDIO OUTPUT FOR A DEVICE - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses a sound sensor to adjust the audio output of a device. During operation, the system uses the sound sensor to determine an ambient sound level for the environment in the proximity of the device. The system then adjusts a volume setting for the device adaptively based on the determined ambient sound level. Adaptively adjusting the volume setting allows the device to adapt to its audio environment and ameliorates potentially-disruptive audio outputs. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090022330 | SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING SOUND SIGNALS IN A VEHICLE MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a method for processing sound signals in a vehicle multimedia system. A sound signal is recorded by a microphone. A voice signal component resulting from reproducing a voice signal and an audio signal component resulting from reproducing an audio signal are compensated in the recorded sound signal. The invention further relates to a system for processing sound signals and a vehicle multimedia system. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090074194 | Ambient condition detector with selectable pitch alarm - The pitch of tones within tonal patterns emitted by ambient condition detector units and systems in the alarm or testing state is not always optimum to be heard by a wide range of users. An ambient condition detector outputs an alarm comprising a tonal pattern whereby a user can select at least one pitch tone emitted within a tonal pattern alarm when the detector senses an ambient condition. Options include verbal output. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090080667 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CALL QUALITY - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to monitor ambient noise in proximity to the communication device, monitor a transmitted voice signal associated with the communication device, adjust a receiver volume for the transmitted voice signal based at least in part on a comparison of the transmitted voice signal with the ambient noise, monitor a received voice signal associated with the communication device, and adjust a speaker volume for the received voice signal based at least in part on a comparison of the received voice signal with the ambient noise, where the adjusting of the receiver volume is independent of the adjusting of the speaker volume. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090092260 | AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR WITH ENHANCED CLARITY OF AUDIBLE PROMPTS - An automatic external defibrillator produces audible prompts for a user by providing the audible information with default audio characteristics in response to a first ambient noise condition and providing the audible information having different audio characteristics than the default audio characteristics in response to a second ambient noise condition. An automatic external defibrillator provides voice prompts by selecting one of a plurality of different levels of sound quality at which to playback the voice prompts and playing back the voice prompts at the selected level of sound quality. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090097665 | SOUND VOLUME AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A control method to automatically adjust the volume of a sound transmitter based on the measurement and the computation of the acoustic statistics of the room where the sound is emitted. The system comprises at least one sensor, a calculator determining statistics of the signal collected by the at least one sensor and a controller using these statistics provided by the calculator to adjust the volume of the transmitter in the room. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090136049 | Device and method for acoustic communication and/or perception in a motor vehicle - A device for acoustic communication and/or perception in a motor vehicle includes at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker, which are assigned to a vehicle seat, the microphones taking the form of directional microphones, the at least one loudspeaker taking the form of a directional loudspeaker. A method is for improving the acoustic communication and/or perception in a motor vehicle. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090161883 | SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING PERCEIVED LOUDNESS OF AUDIO SIGNALS - A method of adjusting a loudness of an audio signal may include receiving an electronic audio signal and using one or more processors to process at least one channel of the audio signal to determine a loudness of a portion of the audio signal. This processing may include processing the channel with a plurality of approximation filters that can approximate a plurality of auditory filters that further approximate a human hearing system. In addition, the method may include computing at least one gain based at least in part on the determined loudness to cause a loudness of the audio signal to remain substantially constant for a period of time. Moreover, the method may include applying the gain to the electronic audio signal. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090169023 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VOLUME OF A MULTIMEDIA PLAYER - A method for controlling volume of a multimedia player includes receiving a parameter having no volume control information; comparing the parameter with a predetermined condition to determine a volume level; and setting initial volume according to the volume level. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090175459 | Voice Intelligibility Enhancement System and Voice Intelligibility Enhancement Method - In a voice intelligibility enhancement system that controls a gain of a voice signal based on noise power and voice power of the voice signal generated by a voice signal generation unit, it is detected whether the voice power is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, noise power output when the voice power is less than the predetermined level is measured and stored, noise power to be output when the voice power exceeds the predetermined level is estimated to be the stored noise power, and gain of a voice signal is controlled on the basis of the voice power and the estimated noise power. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090190767 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DEVICE SOUND INTERFACE MANAGER - A system for regulating the volume and frequency content of audio producing devices, the system includes: one or more noise making objects (NMO) configured with individual sound control devices in electrical communication with a noise management server and one or more audio producing devices configured with individual sound control devices; wherein the sound control devices have electronic logic processing, storage, and communication capabilities; wherein the noise management server utilize the sound control devices to: determine whether the NMO are producing noise in the audible range of one or more audio producing devices; determine a noise characteristic of the one or more NMO; command the one or more NMO to send the noise characteristic to the one or more audio producing devices; and wherein the volume and frequency content of audio produced by the one or more audio producing devices is adjusted in response to the received noise characteristic. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090220096 | Method and Device to Maintain Audio Content Level Reproduction - An earpiece and method to control a level of audio reproduction within an occluded ear canal can include the steps of measuring an ambient sound level from an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) at an entrance to an occluded ear canal, measuring a residual background noise level within an occluded ear canal from an Ear Canal Microphone (ECM), measuring a level of audio content delivered to the occluded ear canal, and adjusting a gain of the audio content so as to maintain reproduction of audio content within a predetermined level range. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090232319 | AUDIO PLAYING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF - The invention discloses an audio playing apparatus. The audio playing apparatus has a sound detecting module, a transforming module, a controlling module and an output module. The sound detecting module is used for acquiring a sound of background sounds and generating a background sound signal. The transforming module is coupled to the sound detecting module for transforming the background sound signal to a background sound value. The controlling module is coupled to the transforming module for adjusting the volume of an audio signal according to a predetermined manner and the background sound value and generating an output signal. The output module is coupled to the controlling module for playing the output signal. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090232320 | LOUDNESS ADJUSTMENT WITH SELF-ADAPTIVE GAIN OFFSETS - A method for adjusting a loudness of an announcement sound signal relative to a loudness of an entertainment sound signal, the method including the steps of determining the loudness of the entertainment sound signal, and adjusting the loudness of the announcement sound signal relative to the entertainment sound signal by determining a self-adaptive gain offset of the announcement sound signal relative to the entertainment sound signal, the self-adaptive gain offset adapting to the auditory perception of a user to which the entertainment sound signal and the announcement sound signal are output. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090274310 | System and method for dynamic sound delivery - A dynamic range manipulation system, for use for example in an audio playback system such as a two-way communication system, mobile telephone, MP3 player, and the like, obtains a measure of ambient noise at the playback location and adjusts the gain of the drive signal provided to the loudspeaker based on this measure and based on the audio signal to be played back. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090290718 | Method and Apparatus for Adjusting Audio for a User Environment - The method defines a user environment based on detected motion data and/or ambient noise data. The user environment is then used to apply an appropriate audio adjustment mode. In one embodiment, the user environment definition further includes location data. In one embodiment, the location data is obtained from one of: a global positioning system (GPS), and network triangulation. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090304191 | AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL SYSTEM APPLIED TO AN AUDIO SIGNAL AS A FUNCTION OF AMBIENT NOISE - An automatic gain control system applied to a audio signal as a function of the ambient noise, the system comprising: an ambient noise estimator module suitable for establishing a current noise value estimated at least from a signal provided by a microphone; and an automatic gain control module suitable for applying to the audio signal gain of a value that is determined as a function of the current noise value received from the ambient noise estimator module. According to the invention, the ambient noise estimator module comprises an MCRA estimator suitable for establishing the current noise value from a signal provided by the microphone picking up the real noise, the echo of the music, and where appropriate speech. The system also includes a module for estimating the power of the audio signal and suitable for providing the automatic gain control module with a current power value for the audio signal. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090316916 | Wide Dynamic Range Microphone - A microphone system has an output and at least a first transducer with a first dynamic range, a second transducer with a second dynamic range different than the first dynamic range, and coupling system to selectively couple the output of one of the first transducer or the second transducer to the system output, depending on the magnitude of the input sound signal, to produce a system with a dynamic range greater than the dynamic range of either individual transducer. A method of operating a microphone system includes detecting whether a transducer output crosses a threshold, and if so then selectively coupling another transducer's output to the system output. The threshold may change as a function of which transducer is coupled to the system output. The system and methods may also combine the outputs of more than one transducer in a weighted sum during transition from one transducer output to another, as a function of time or as a function of the amplitude of the incident audio signal. Methods of operating the system may include equalizing the outputs of two or more transducers prior to coupling one or more outputs to the system output. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20100008512 | Paging System - The present invention relates to a distributed paging system. The distributed paging system includes a combined data and digital audio network and a plurality of paging system consoles. Each paging system console includes an operator interface to select one or more paging destinations and is arranged to transmit data packets including paging destination data across the network. A number of addressable amplifier modules are provided in communication with the network and are responsive to the data packets. Each of the amplifier modules has an associated address and is arranged to operate according to whether paging destination data contained within the data packets relates to the associated address. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100014682 | AUDIO PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF TO PROVIDE HEARING PROTECTION - An audio processing apparatus, and method thereof, to provide hearing protection during audio playback in a portable multimedia device. The method includes sampling audio signals and ambient noise signals for a predetermined time frame, calculating means of audio energy and noise level accumulated for the predetermined time frame, from the sampled audio signals and the sampled ambient noise signals, and performing a noise cancellation process or a hearing protection process each time the extracted audio energy and the extracted noise level exceed or are equal to predetermined critical levels. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100020978 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RENDERING AMBIENT SIGNALS - An apparatus and method for communications is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to scale an audio signal, and a transducer circuit configured to provide an ambient signal in response to an ambient condition, wherein the receiver is further configured to scale the ambient signal from the transducer circuit and combine the scaled ambient signal with the scaled audio signal, the receiver being further configured to adjust the scaling applied to at least one of the ambient and audio signals. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100034395 | ADAPTIVE RING LEVEL - A method and an arrangement for adapting an alert signal level generated by a device to an ambient of the device is provided. The method may include processing a sound signal corresponding to a test signal or an alert signal, generating a correlation value by correlating the sound signal with a generated sound signal, comparing the correlation value with a value, and adjusting the alert signal to a level based on result of the comparison. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100046764 | Method and Apparatus for Detecting and Processing Audio Signal Energy Levels - An audio signal processing circuit includes a variable gain control circuit controlled by a control signal; and an energy level detection circuit operable over the audio frequency spectrum for monitoring the audio input signal and producing the control signal. The control signal is adjustable in a manner to alter the energy of the audio input signal using the variable gain control device. The energy level detection circuit includes a variable filter configured to boost a first set of frequencies as compared to the second set of frequencies; and, a rectifier and an integrator connected in series or parallel, each having an input and an output, wherein the rectifier is operatively coupled to the variable filter and the integrator is coupled to the rectifier, and wherein the output from the integrator is used as the control signal to control the variable gain control device. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100061560 | AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENTS OF AUDIO ALERT CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ALERT DEVICE USING AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS - The automatic adjustment of audio alert characteristics of an alert device using ambient noise levels is described. In one aspect of the invention, a machine-readable medium has executable instructions to cause a machine to perform a method to receive an audio sample of ambient noise and adjust a characteristic of the audio alert, such as, the volume level of the audio alert, based on the ambient noise level. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100074450 | SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING PLAYING VOLUME AUTOMATICALLY AND METHOD FOR THE SAME - A system for adjusting playing volume automatically according to ambient sound and a method for the same are provided. The system includes a volume sensing unit, a volume adjustment database, a time data unit, an audio frequency module, and a volume control unit. The volume sensing unit detects for a change of ambient sound and generates a sensing signal. The time data unit generates a current time data. The volume adjustment database is built-in and configured for storing an audio variation data. The audio frequency module receives or outputs an audio signal. The volume control unit retrieves the sensing signal, the audio variation data, and the current time data, adjusts the audio variation data according to the sensing signal, and controls variation of the audio signal outputted in real time, so as to enable automatic adjustment of playing volume and enchant audience. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100086141 | AMBIENT AUDIO TRANSFORMATION USING TRANSFORMATION AUDIO - A method and device for transforming ambient audio are provided. Example embodiments may include monitoring ambient audio proximate to a sound processing device located in an environment. The device may analyze the ambient audio to derive one or more first characteristics. Memory may be accessed to obtain at least one transformation audio from a number of stored transformation audio. Each stored transformation audio may have one or more associated characteristics. A characteristic associated with the transformation audio may match one or more of the first characteristics. The device may generate output transformation audio based on the one or more transformation audio to provide modified output audio for propagation into the environment. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100091999 | System and Method of Limiting Exposure to Acoustic Noise - A simulation system incorporates an audio output port to which a user's headset can be coupled. The headset incorporates an output transducer. The system includes a limiter of audio output energy which automatically limits the audio output energy which is coupled to the output transducer to a predetermined maximum dosage per time interval. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100142716 | NETWORK AUDIO PROCESSOR - An audio circuit and associated method for enhanced intelligibility of audio content includes a first means for receiving reproduced audio content, a microphone for providing a microphone output signal in accordance with ambient noise, a second means for enabling the microphone output signal when the reproduced audio content is off, and disabling the microphone output signal when the reproduced audio content is on, and a signal processor, in communication with the first and second means. The signal processor applies a transfer function to the reproduced audio content for increasing gain to the reproduced audio content as a function of increasing amplitude of the microphone output signal, and decreasing gain to the reproduced audio content signal as a function of decreasing amplitude of the microphone output signal, and applies an equalization curve to the audio content to boost frequencies in a range that enhances consonant perception thus increasing speech intelligibility. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100166196 | METHOD FOR VOLUME ADAPTATION, MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT USING THE METHOD THEREOF - A method for volume adaptation, a mobile electronic device and a computer program product are disclosed. According to the method for volume adaptation, a sound producing function is started. At intervals, a present first environmental noise is sampled, a present set playing volume of the mobile electronic device is inquired about, and a second environmental noise occurring on setting the playing volume is obtained. Finally, the playing volume is adjusted according to the first environmental noise and the second environmental noise. In this way, the present invention is able to automatically adjust the playing volume thereof in response to the environmental noises of different times, which largely increases the convenience of using the mobile electronic device. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100195838 | APPARATUS INCLUDING MICROPHONE ARRANGEMENTS - An apparatus includes first and second microphone arrangements, arranged to output first and second signals respectively and is operable in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, an output signal is generated based on the second signal and a third signal, where the second signal and, optionally, the first signal, can be used to compensate for ambient noise, for example, for noise cancellation when a telephone call is relayed through a speaker. In the second mode, an output signal is generated based on the first and second signals. In this manner, the combination of the first and second microphone arrangements provides a directional sensitivity that can pick up sound from a remote source, for example, in an audio or video recording session. The apparatus may include a sensor to allow automatic switching between one or more of modes, directional sensitivity patterns and types of recording session. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100202622 | AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF AUDIBLE ALERT ACCORDING TO AMBIENT SOUND - In one embodiment, ambient sound in audible range of a telephone is electronically sampled, and an audible alert is automatically generated in response to an incoming call signal as a function of the sampled ambient sound. The ambient sound sample may be analyzed in terms of selected parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and tempo. The audible alert may then be generated as a function of the selected parameters in such a way that the audible alert is more noticeable in the presence of the ambient sound. For example, an alert frequency that is dissonant with an identified frequency of the ambient sound may be generated. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100290633 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC NOISE COMPENSATION USED WITH AUDIO REPRODUCTION EQUIPMENT - A method and an apparatus for automatic noise compensation used with audio reproduction equipment are provided. The method comprises: (a) collecting a plurality of mixed audio signals, each mixed audio signal including equipment sound output by the audio reproduction equipment, and background noise; (b) removing the equipment sound from the mixed audio signals to obtain the background noise therein; (c) determining whether or not a plurality of mixed audio signals under inspection include a significant sound; and (d) adjusting the volume of the audio reproduction equipment according to whether or not a significant sound has been generated in the surrounding area and the magnitude of the background noise in the mixed audio signals under inspection to satisfy a plurality of predetermined compensation conditions. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100296658 | SOUND FIELD CONTROL DEVICE - A sound field control device has an input part through which an audio signal is input. A storage part stores a first factor obtained by calculating a proportion of energy of direct sound in total energy of sound collected in an adjustment environment within a predetermined time. A sound field generation part generates a sound field effect sound from the audio signal input through the input part, and outputs the sound field effect sound at a volume corresponding to the first factor. A calculation part calculates a second factor which represents a ratio of an energy of a direct sound to an energy of sound which is collected in a reproduction environment and which contains the direct sound. A correction part corrects the volume of the sound field effect sound based on a ratio between the first factor and the second factor. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100296659 | SOUND DEVICE AND SOUND CONTROL DEVICE - The sound device includes an audio-information output unit, an analysis unit, an audio-division-spectrum output unit, a noise-division-spectrum output unit and a correction unit. The analysis unit receives audio information from the audio-information output unit, and then outputs sound spectrum information. The noise-division-spectrum output unit outputs sound-volume information for each critical band width of a noise, and the audio-division-spectrum output unit outputs the sound-volume information for each critical band width of the sound-spectrum information. The correction unit corrects the information from the audio-division-spectrum output unit based on the information from the noise-division-spectrum output unit. The audio-signal properties can be well corrected corresponding to the auditory-sense properties of the human, and thus the audio sound, in which an uncomfortable feeling to the auditory sense of the human has been adequately controlled, can be transmitted to a user. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100329471 | AMBIENT NOISE COMPENSATION SYSTEM - An ambient noise compensation system having an automatic gain control to adjust the volume of a desired sound in a listening area. A sound pick-up may be placed in the listening area to capture the sound level, including both the desired sound and ambient noise. A measured value is then determined based on the sound level received by the sound pick-up. The measured value may then be compared to a predictive value to determine an acceptable range. The gain control automatically adjusts the volume of the desired sound to maintain the measured sound within the acceptable range. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110103598 | RADIO COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR NOTIFICATION OF EVENT OCCURRENCE - A radio communication apparatus including: a sound notification unit that to provide sound-based notification of an occurrence of an event related to the at least one application; a non-sound notification unit to provide non-sound-based notification of an occurrence of an event related to the at least one application; a memory to store a notification sound volume associated with an application, the notification sound volume being a volume of a notification sound produced by the sound notification unit to provide notification of an occurrence of an event related to the application; a sound collecting unit to collect ambient sound; and a processor to select a notification method on the basis of whether an ambient sound volume is greater than the notification sound volume stored in the memory, the ambient sound volume being a volume of the ambient sound collected by the sound collecting unit. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110142246 | MULTIFUNCTION DEVICE INCLUDING SOUND GENERATOR THAT INCREASES SOUND VOLUME DURING CALL - A multifunction device includes a communication unit that establishes a communication with a remote device through a circuit, and a sound generator that generates a sound during the communication. An image forming unit performs an operation for forming an image, and a control unit controls the sound generator to increase a volume of the sound while the image forming unit is performing the operation. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110188663 | ARTIFICIAL ENGINE SOUND GENERATOR - An artificial engine sound generator for producing an artificial engine sound includes: a main body device that defines a predetermined frequency selected in a range between 1 Hz and 10 Hz, and simultaneously generates a plurality of signals having frequencies, which are arranged at intervals of the predetermined frequency, so that the artificial engine sound is formed. In the generator, data for producing the artificial engine sound is minimized, and therefore, a calculation load for producing the artificial engine sound is reduced. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110235813 | Adapted Audio Masking - Ambient sound is masked by receiving an audio signal, monitoring an acoustic signal that includes components of both the ambient sound the audio signal, determining a sound level sufficient to at least partially mask the ambient sound, and reproducing the received audio signal to produce an output acoustic signal at the determined sound level. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110255699 | SIGNAL CORRECTION APPARATUS AND SIGNAL CORRECTION METHOD - According to one embodiment, a signal correction apparatus includes a sound quality estimation module, a sound quality enhancement processing controller, and a sound quality enhancement processor. The sound quality estimation module is configured to generate channel importance information based on correlations of channels for signals input from one or more channels, and to generate frequency importance information based on noise levels. The sound quality enhancement processing controller is configured to decide valid channels and valid frequency components which are to undergo sound quality enhancement processing of the signals based on the channel importance information and the frequency importance information, and to generate valid channel information and valid processing frequency information. The sound quality enhancement processor is configured to apply sound quality enhancement processing to signals of the valid channels and the valid frequency components based on the valid channel information and the valid processing frequency information. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110286603 | AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENTS OF AUDIO ALERT CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ALERT DEVICE USING AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS - The automatic adjustment of audio alert characteristics of an alert device using ambient noise levels is described. In one aspect of the invention, a machine-readable medium has executable instructions to cause a machine to perform a method to receive an audio sample of ambient noise and adjust a characteristic of the audio alert, such as, the volume level of the audio alert, based on the ambient noise level. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110293103 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, DEVICES, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR AUDIO EQUALIZATION - Methods and apparatus for generating an anti-noise signal and equalizing a reproduced audio signal (e.g., a far-end telephone signal) are described, wherein the generating and the equalizing are both based on information from an acoustic error signal. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20120020485 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR MULTI-MICROPHONE LOCATION-SELECTIVE PROCESSING - A multi-microphone system performs location-selective processing of an acoustic signal, wherein source location is indicated by directions of arrival relative to microphone pairs at opposite sides of a midsagittal plane of a user's head. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120027216 | CONTROLLING AN ADAPTATION OF A BEHAVIOR OF AN AUDIO DEVICE TO A CURRENT ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION - It is described a method for controlling an adaptation of a behavior of an audio device ( | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120057711 | NOISE SUPPRESSION DEVICE, NOISE SUPPRESSION METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A noise suppression device includes a framing unit, a band dividing unit, a band power computing unit, a noise determining unit that determines whether or not each band is noise, a noise band power estimating unit, a noise suppression gain determining unit, a noise suppression unit that applies the noise suppression gains and obtains a band divided signal of which noise has been suppressed, a band synthesizing unit, and a framing synthesizing unit that synthesizes the frames of the framing signals; the noise suppression gain determining unit having an SNR computing unit that computes an SNR for each band, and a SNR smoothing unit that smoothes the SNR computed for each band; wherein the noise suppression gains for each band are determined based on the SNR of each band smoothed by the SNR smoothing unit; and wherein the SNR smoothing unit changes the smoothing coefficient. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120076311 | Dynamic Gain Adjustment Based on Signal to Ambient Noise Level - Methods and apparatuses for deriving a signal-to-noise ratio based at least in part on a measured level of a signal carrying far-end speech, and a measured level of a signal carrying ambient acoustic noise; determining a target gain adjustment based at least in part on the derived signal-to-noise ratio; applying the target gain adjustment to the signal carrying far-end speech to produce a gain-adjusted signal; and providing the gain-adjusted signal for audio output from a communications device. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120076312 | Noise Level Estimator - Methods and apparatuses for comparing a level of a signal carrying ambient acoustic noise with a threshold level; and based on results of the comparison, ignoring time intervals identified as noise burst in estimating ambient noise levels. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120106747 | System and Method for Automatic Selection of Audio Configuration Settings - In one embodiment the present invention includes a circuit for automatically adjusting an output of an audio device. The circuit includes a memory circuit, a detector circuit, a control circuit, and an output circuit. The memory circuit stores configuration information. The detector circuit detects environment information related to an environment in which the apparatus is present. The control circuit selects selected configuration information from the memory circuit according to the environment information detected by the detector circuit. The output circuit receives an input audio signal and the selected configuration information, modifies the input audio signal according to the selected configuration information, and generates an output audio signal corresponding to the input audio signal as modified according to the selected configuration information. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120121096 | INTELLIGIBILITY CONTROL USING AMBIENT NOISE DETECTION - A communications device is configured to control the intelligibility of speech in a downlink voice signal during a call. The device determines a current noise level based on sampling ambient acoustic noise and based on a previously determined noise level. The device then determines an overall output gain and a frequency response based on the current noise level and based on a user-selected volume setting of the device. The device modifies the downlink voice signal during the call in accordance with the determined overall output gain and the determined frequency response. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121097 | UTILIZING INFORMATION FROM A NUMBER OF SENSORS TO SUPPRESS ACOUSTIC NOISE THROUGH AN AUDIO PROCESSING SYSTEM - A method includes associating a spatially separate audio sensor and/or a vibration sensor with an audio processing system having one or more audio sensor(s) associated therewith. The spatially separate audio sensor is on a remote location distinct from that of the one or more audio sensor(s). The method also includes capturing information uniquely associated with an external environment of the audio processing system through the spatially separate audio sensor and/or the vibration sensor and the one or more audio sensor(s), and adapting an audio output of the audio processing system based on the captured information uniquely associated with the external environment thereof. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120155657 | COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND COMMUNICATION METHODS - Audio data transmitted from another communication device is received by a receiver, and the received audio data is output to a speaker of a television. Audio is generated based on the output audio data, and the audio is input to a microphone of a camera/microphone device. Audio data corresponding to the input audio is input to an echo cancellation processing unit. An amount of distortion of the input audio data with respect to the received audio data is detected by the echo cancellation processing unit. It is determined whether or not the amount of distortion of the audio data detected by a distortion detector exceeds an acceptable amount. When the amount of distortion of the audio data exceeds the acceptable amount, notification data for presenting to the user a request for change of an output condition of the audio in the television is produced by a notification signal producer. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120155658 | CONTENT REPRODUCTION DEVICE AND METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A content reproduction device including: a microphone that collects noise in the surroundings of a casing; a feature amount extractor that extracts a plurality of feature amounts; a distance calculator that calculates an intervector distance between the extracted feature amount vector and a feature amount vector with the same dimensions which is set in advance as a feature amount of a waveform of a music signal; a determinator that determines whether or not music is included in the sounds collected by the microphone; a processor that processes the signal of the sounds collected by the microphone to change the volume or frequency characteristics of the sounds collected by the microphone; and an adder that adds and outputs the signal of the sounds collected by the microphone and the signal of sounds of reproduced content. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120155659 | Audio Gain Control Using Specific-Loudness-Based Auditory Event Detection - In one disclosed aspect, dynamic gain modification s are applied to an audio signal at least partly in response to auditory events and/or the degree of change in signal characteristics associated with said auditory event boundaries. In another aspect, an audio signal is divided into auditory events by comparing the difference in specific loudness between successive time blocks of the audio signal. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120163611 | NOISE CONTROL CIRCUIT AND AUDIO RECEIVING SYSTEM USING THE SAME - A noise control circuit includes a filter, a rectifier and a switch. The filter receives audio signals and obtains a noise signal portion of the received audio signals. The rectifier converts the noise signal portion to a current signal. The switch controls output of the audio signals according to an intensity of the current signals. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120183150 | SOUND TUNING METHOD - The invention relates to a method for automated tuning of a sound system, the sound system comprising delay lines, equalizing filters, and at least two loudspeakers, the method comprising the steps of reproducing a useful sound signal through the loudspeakers, measuring sound pressure values at least one location, providing a target transfer function for tuning the delay lines and the equalizing filters of the sound system, the target transfer function representing a desired transfer characteristics of the sound system, adjusting the delay of the delay lines, and adjusting amplitude responses of the equalizing filters such, that the actual transfer characteristics of the sound system approximates the target function. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120201393 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING AUDIO INPUT AND OUTPUT SETTINGS - Compensating for varying degrees of ambient noise in a mobile device. One possible noise compensation application has a plurality of selectable settings associated with a range of speeds of motion. This noise compensation application, when executed by the processor, configures the control circuit to: receive an input from the detector, detect an amplitude of the input, compare the amplitude with a selected one of the settings, and selectively adjust an amplification device when the detected amplitude is within a prescribed range. Another possible noise compensation application has plurality of selectable settings each associated with a range of audio frequencies. This noise compensation application, when executed by the processor, configures the control circuit to: receive an input from the detector, detect a frequency of the input, compare the frequency with a selected one of the settings, and selectively filter the ambient noise when the detected frequency is within a prescribed range. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120257761 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTO ADJUSTMENT OF VOLUME IN A PORTABLE TERMINAL - An apparatus and a method for automatically adjusting the volume in an electronic device are provided. The apparatus includes a loud-speaker for controlling a volume of the speaker and a volume of the listener, a microphone for controlling the volume of the speaker, and a noise sensor for determining an environment of the speaker and an environment of the listener. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120275611 | Movement Control Device and Method of Use Thereof - A movement control device is provided including audio means for emitting sound audible to a human. At least part of the audible sound includes a repetitive intermittent audible sound provided at such a frequency and/or rate sufficient to allow a person hearing the sound to fall into step with the sound to affect the speed at which the person moves from a first locality to at least a second locality. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120288105 | ACOUSTIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF DETECTING ABNORMAL SOUND - An earplug unit includes a signal processing unit. The earplug unit is inserted into an external auditory canal and then used. In the earplug unit, a speaker is arranged at an eardrum side, and a microphone is arranged at a side opposite to the eardrum side. The microphone collects a sound in which a user's head shape or auricle characteristic is reflected. An output signal of the microphone is amplification-processed by a volume adjusting unit and then supplied to the speaker. An amplified sound is output from the speaker. A frequency characteristic is smoothed in a band larger than at least an audible frequency band in a system from the microphone to the speaker. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120288106 | NOISE ANALYSIS AND EXTRACTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods are described which facilitate quick and accurate extraction of the true noise level from a noise signal that includes additional signals, such as speech, in a cost effective implementation. Aspects of the invention allow the use of one microphone to simultaneously detect background noise as well as speech, while avoiding problems associated with artificially high background noise indication due to inclusion of the speech component in the noise determination. Additionally, systems and methods are described for altering system gain based on accurate noise level determinations. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120321096 | Audio Gain Control Using Specific-Loudness-Based Auditory Event Detection - In one disclosed aspect, dynamic gain modifications are applied to an audio signal at least partly in response to auditory events. In another aspect, an input channel is divided into auditory events by detecting changes in a measurable characteristic of the input signal with respect to time. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120328114 | AUDIO CONTROLLING APPARATUS, AUDIO CORRECTION APPARATUS, AND AUDIO CORRECTION METHOD - According to one embodiment, audio controlling apparatus includes first receiver configured to receive audio signal, second receiver configured to receive environmental sound, masking gain calculator configured to calculate masking gain for each frequency band, based on audio signal and environmental sound, and gain controller configured to smooth masking gain of frequency band that is less than preset threshold frequency in first interval, smooth masking gain of frequency band that is equal to or higher than threshold frequency in second interval that is longer than first interval, and thereby set gain. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120328115 | SYSTEM FOR COMBINING LOUDNESS MEASUREMENTS IN A SINGLE PLAYBACK MODE - The present document relates to processing of multimedia data, notably the encoding, the transmission, the decoding and the rendering of multimedia data, e.g. audio files or bitstreams. In particular, the present document relates to the implementation of loudness control in multimedia players. A method for providing loudness related data to a media player is described. The method comprises the steps of providing a first loudness related value associated with an audio signal; wherein the first loudness related value has been determined according to a first procedure; of converting the first loudness related value into a second loudness related value using a reversible relation; wherein the second loudness related value is associated with a second procedure for determining loudness related values; of storing the second loudness related value in metadata associated with the audio signal; and of providing the metadata to the media player. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130064380 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING A SOUND SENSOR TO ADJUST THE AUDIO OUTPUT FOR A DEVICE - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses a sound sensor to adjust the audio output of a device. During operation, the system uses the sound sensor to determine an ambient sound level for the environment in the proximity of the device. The system then adjusts a volume setting for the device adaptively based on the determined ambient sound level. Adaptively adjusting the volume setting allows the device to adapt to its audio environment and ameliorates potentially-disruptive audio outputs. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130070930 | AUTO-CONFIGURING AUDIO OUTPUT FOR AUDIO PERFORMANCE AND FAULT DETECTION - An audio system has a connector with a signal pin that interfaces the audio system with an external device. An audio integrated circuit has a digital to analog converter (DAC) and an audio power amplifier having an input coupled to an output of the DAC and an output coupled to an output pin of the audio integrated circuit. Data storage contains stored instructions that program a processor to select an audio output mode of operation namely line-out mode or headphone mode. A configurable output conditioning circuit is coupled between the output pin of the audio integrated circuit and the signal pin of the connector. The conditioning circuit changes the output impedance that is presented at the signal pin, under control of the programmed processor when selecting the audio output mode of operation. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130070931 | Ambient Noise Compensation System Robust to High Excitation Noise - A speech enhancement system controls the gain of an excitation signal to prevent uncontrolled gain adjustments. The system includes a first device that converts sound waves into operational signals. An ambient noise estimator is linked to the first device and an echo canceller. The ambient noise estimator estimates how loud a background noise would be near the first device before or after an echo cancellation. The system then compares the ambient noise estimate to a current ambient noise estimate near the first device to control a gain of an excitation signal. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130094656 | Intelligent Audio Volume Control for Robot - A method for automatic audio volume control on a robot is presented. The robot can deliver its audio output at a comfortable and intelligible level to the user according to user's distance and background noise intensity in user's environment. The user's distance is estimated, by using a camera with known focal length and resolution, by using a stereo camera with known focal length and distance between lenses, or by using an electronic ranging device. Background noise intensity is measured by using a microphone and digital signal processing techniques. The audio output volume is adjusted considering the effect of signal attenuation over user's distance and the effect of background noise. The audio output volume adjustment mechanism can be close-looped, based on the measured signal to noise ratio of acoustic echo of the audio output. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130101126 | CONTROLLER FOR A HEADPHONE ARRANGEMENT - A controller for a headphone arrangement ( | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130136266 | System for Dynamic Spectral Correction of Audio Signals to Compensate for Ambient Noise - The present invention features systems for adjusting audio signals by applying a gain to the signal in a spectrally varying manner to compensate for ambient noise in the environment of the listener. The system allows a listener to hear what ought to be heard, over the ambient noise, by applying a gain to the source that varies according to the spectral composition of the noise, rather than cancelling or filtering the noise. The spectral composition of the source is thus preserved in the listener's awareness without the removal of the noise signal. After application of these corrective gains to the source, the listener's perception of the source sound is as if the noise was not present. Systems may be incorporated into apparatuses including but not limited to mobile phones and music players. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130156206 | SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD, PROGRAM, AND DATA RECORDING MEDIUM - The present invention relates to a signal processing apparatus and method, a program, and a data recording medium configured such that the playback level of an audio signal can be easily and effectively enhanced without requiring prior analysis. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130156207 | OPTIMIZING AUDIO PROCESSING FUNCTIONS BY DYNAMICALLY COMPENSATING FOR VARIABLE DISTANCES BETWEEN SPEAKER(S) AND MICROPHONE(S) IN AN ACCESSORY DEVICE - An accessory device having multiple speakers and/or microphones to perform a number of audio functions, for use with mobile devices, are provided. The audio transducers (e.g., microphones and/or speakers) may be housed in one or more extendable and/or rotationally adjustable arms. To compensate for the unwanted signal feedback between the speakers and microphones, acoustic echo cancellation may be implemented to determine the proper distance and relative location between the speakers and microphones. Acoustic echo cancellation removes the echo from voice communications to improve the quality of the sound. The removal of the unwanted signals captured by the microphones may be accomplished by characterizing the audio signal paths from the speakers to the microphones (speaker-to-microphone path distance profile), including the distance and relative location between the speakers and microphones. The optimal distance and relative location between the speakers and microphones is provided to the user to optimize performance. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130170656 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND HEADSET WITH SPEAKER SEAL EVALUATION CAPABILITIES - Electronic devices and accessories for electronic devices such as headsets are provided. The electronic devices may produce audio output. The headsets may include earbuds with speakers that play the audio output for a user while the earbuds are located in the user's ears. Circuitry in an electronic device and a headset may be used in evaluating how well the earbuds are sealed to the user's ears. In response to seal quality measurements, informative messages can be generated for the user, overall earbud volume may be increased, balance adjustments may be made to correct for mismatched balance between left and right earbuds, equalization settings may be adjusted, and noise cancellation circuitry settings can be changed. Electrical impedance measurements and acoustic measurements can be used in evaluating seal quality. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130182857 | SOUND PROCESSING APPARATUS, SOUND PROCESSING METHOD AND PROGRAM - A sound processing apparatus includes a sound determination portion operable to determine whether an input sound includes a first sound emitted from a particular source based on location information of the source, a sound separation portion operable to separate the input sound into the first sound and a second sound emitted from a source different from the particular source if the sound determination portion determines that the input sound includes the first sound, and a sound mixing portion operable to mix the first sound and the second sound separated by the sound separation portion at a prescribed volume ratio. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130195278 | FEATURE-BASED LEVEL CONTROL - A computer-implemented method comprising: determining one or more features of a subject signal; revising one or more control signals on the basis of the one or more features; modifying a level of the subject signals based on the control signals. At least one of the features is determined by: comparing a given one of the subject signals against a boundary signal to produce a corresponding given boundary comparison signal; and summarizing the behavior of the given boundary comparison signal over a time interval. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130195279 | PEAK DETECTION WHEN ADAPTING A SIGNAL GAIN BASED ON SIGNAL LOUDNESS - Various embodiments relate to a system for adapting a signal gain, which comprises a peak detector configured to receive an audio input signal containing consecutive signal blocks and to dynamically establish a current input signal level of the audio input signal, and a loudness determination unit configured to dynamically determine a perceived loudness of a current signal block of the audio input signal based on a psycho-acoustic model of a human hearing. Furthermore the system comprises a time constant generation unit configured to determine a time constant based on the perceived loudness of the current signal block and the perceived loudness of a preceding signal block, wherein the time constant describing a change of the signal gain. A gain determination unit is configured to determine the signal gain for the current signal block based on the time constant and the current input signal level. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130195280 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE, CONTROLLING METHOD AND CONTROLLING PROGRAM FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - An electronic device includes (i) an input-volume measuring section ( | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130243208 | COMPUTER USER ALERTNESS MONITORING SYSTEM - The invention relates to computer based user alertness monitoring systems for detecting and alleviating user fatigue. A computer-implemented automated system and method for detecting and reducing user fatigue is provided. The invention detects user alertness based on user dexterity using computer input devices and remedies a fatigued state by implementing visual, tactile and/or aural stimuli. Compensation mechanisms for increased ambient temperature and noisy environments are also presented. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130259243 | SOUND ACQUISITION VIA THE EXTRACTION OF GEOMETRICAL INFORMATION FROM DIRECTION OF ARRIVAL ESTIMATES - An apparatus for generating an audio output signal to simulate a recording of a virtual microphone at a configurable virtual position in an environment includes a sound events position estimator and an information computation module. The former is adapted to estimate a sound source position indicating a position of a sound source in the environment, wherein the sound events position estimator is adapted to estimate the sound source position based on first and second direction information provided by first and second real spatial microphones, respectively, located at first and second real microphone positions in the environment, respectively. The information computation module is adapted to generate the audio output signal based on a first recorded audio input signal, on the first real microphone position, on the virtual position of the virtual microphone, and on the sound source position. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130279706 | CONTROLLING INDIVIDUAL AUDIO OUTPUT DEVICES BASED ON DETECTED INPUTS - A method is disclosed for rendering audio on a computing device. The method is performed by one or more processors of the computing device. The one or more processors determine at least a position or an orientation of the computing device based on one or more inputs detected by one or more sensors of the computing device. The one or more processors control the output level of individual speakers in a set of two or more speakers based, at least in part, on the at least determined position or orientation of the computing device. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130279707 | SOUND REPRODUCING DEVICE, REPRODUCED SOUND ADJUSTMENT METHOD, ACOUSTIC CHARACTERISTIC ADJUSTMENT DEVICE, ACOUSTIC CHARACTERISTIC ADJUST METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - A sound reproducing device having: a sound source data storage unit configured to store reference sound source data for reproducing a reference sound having a prescribed frequency band and comparative sound source data for reproducing comparative sounds having frequency bands different from each other; a reproduction processing unit configured to reproduce the reference sound and the comparative sounds on the basis of the reference sound source data and the comparative sound source data stored in the sound source data storage unit; a comparative sound volume adjustment operation unit configured to receive sound volume adjustment operation for the comparative sounds; and an acoustic characteristic information generation unit configured to simultaneously output the reference sound and a comparative sound of a sound volume in accordance with the received sound volume adjustment operation and record a result of the sound volume adjustment operation in association with the comparative sound related to reproduction. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130279708 | Calculating And Adjusting The Perceived Loudness And/Or The Perceived Spectral Balance Of An Audio Signal - The invention relates to the measurement and control of the perceived sound loudness and/or the perceived spectral balance of an audio signal. An audio signal is modified in response to calculations performed at least in part in the perceptual (psychoacoustic) loudness domain. The invention is useful, for example, in one or more of: loudness-compensating volume control, automatic gain control, dynamic range control (including, for example, limiters, compressors, expanders, etc.), dynamic equalization, and compensating for background noise interference in an audio playback environment. The invention includes not only methods but also corresponding computer programs and apparatus. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130279709 | VOICE CONTROL DEVICE AND VOICE CONTROL METHOD - A voice control device includes a hearing estimate section configured to estimate hearing of a user based on a sending/received sound ratio representing a ratio of the volume of a sending sound to the volume of a received sound; a compensation-quantity calculating section configured to calculate a compensation quantity for a received signal of the received sound responsive to the estimated hearing; and a compensation section configured to compensate the received signal based on the calculated compensation quantity. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130287215 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OUTPUTTING AUDIO - An apparatus and method for outputting audio signals of a portable communication device are provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of audio tables including different volume control values or tone control values, and allows a user to selectively set audio tables corresponding to each of audio paths equipped with the portable communication device. Further, the apparatus analyzes a surrounding environment during a voice call, determines the absence or presence of noise, and suitably controls a volume or a tone of audio signals based on the result of the determination before outputting the audio signals. Accordingly, the apparatus can provide an improved calling condition in various calling environments. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20140010376 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANTENNA PARAMETER NOTIFICATION - A method and apparatus for antenna parameter notification is provided. At a device comprising: at least one processor, an antenna, a proximity sensor and a speaker, a parameter associated with performance of the antenna is determined by the processor. When the parameter meets a given criteria, and when the proximity sensor detects proximity, then the processor changes audio of sound played at the speaker. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140010377 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF ADJUSTING VOLUME IN TELECONFERENCE - An electronic device is used in a teleconference. Each attendee location of the teleconference has at least one electronic device. The electronic device detects ambient noise and sets a volume range of a speaker of the electronic device according to the ambient noise. When an attendee location sends audio to the electronic device, a receiver of the electronic device receives the audio and analyzes volume parameter from the audio. When the volume parameter is in the volume range, the speaker outputs the audio directly. When the volume parameter is not in the volume range, the electronic device adjusts a digital sound value of the attendee location and outputs the audio with the adjusted digital sound value. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140016790 | BALANCING POWER PLANT SOUND - Various embodiments of the invention include systems, computer program products, and related methods for managing power plant acoustics. In various embodiments, a system is disclosed including at least one computing device configured to perform the following: determine a difference between an A-weighted sound decibel (dBA) level and a C-weighted sound decibel (dBC) level (Δ dBC-dBA) from a power plant system within a sound spectrum; compare the Δ dBC-dBA with a predetermined threshold difference for the sound spectrum; and provide instructions to increase the dBA level of a balancing sound in the spectrum proximate the power plant system in response to determining the Δ dBC-dBA exceeds the predetermined threshold difference. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140016791 | LOUDNESS CONTROL WITH NOISE DETECTION AND LOUDNESS DROP DETECTION - Loudness control systems or methods may normalize audio signals to a predetermined loudness level. If the audio signal includes moderate background noise, then the background noise may also be normalized to the target loudness level. Noise signals may be detected using content-versus-noise classification, and a loudness control system or method may be adjusted based on the detection of noise. Noise signals may be detected by signal analysis in the frequency domain or in the time domain. Loudness control systems may also produce undesirable audio effects when content shifts from a high overall loudness level to a lower overall loudness level. Such loudness drops may be detected, and the loudness control system may be adjusted to minimize the undesirable effects during the transition between loudness levels. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140044269 | Intelligent Ambient Sound Monitoring System - A system and method for interjecting ambient background sounds into a set of headphones is provided. The system monitors an ambient sound environment and compares the ambient sound environment to a preset set of sound characteristics (e.g., frequency signatures, amplitudes and durations) in order to detect important or critical background sounds (e.g., alarm, horn, directed vocal communications, crying baby, doorbell, telephone, etc.). When a critical background sound is detected, the system interjects either a notification signal or a portion of the ambient background into the audio stream, thus alerting a user of a potentially important sound or event occurring within their immediate vicinity. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140044270 | PROGRESSIVE, TARGETED, AND VARIABLE CONFERENCE FEEDBACK TONE - System, method, and computer program product to provide targeted and variable information during a remote conference, by: responsive to a first person joining the remote conference, playing a first tone having a first acoustical characteristic indicating an arrival of the first person, responsive to a second person joining the remote conference, playing a second tone having a second acoustical characteristic indicating an arrival of the second person, the second acoustical characteristic different than the first, and responsive to one of the first person and the second person leaving the remote conference, playing a third tone having a third acoustical characteristic indicating a departure of one of the first person and the second person, the third acoustical characteristic different than the second, a type of the first, second, and third acoustical characteristics being the same, the first, second, and third tone audible to at least one person on the remote conference. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140044271 | PROGRESSIVE, TARGETED, AND VARIABLE CONFERENCE FEEDBACK TONE - System, method, and computer program product to provide targeted and variable information during a remote conference, by: responsive to a first person joining the remote conference, playing a first tone having a first acoustical characteristic indicating an arrival of the first person, responsive to a second person joining the remote conference, playing a second tone having a second acoustical characteristic indicating an arrival of the second person, the second acoustical characteristic different than the first, and responsive to one of the first person and the second person leaving the remote conference, playing a third tone having a third acoustical characteristic indicating a departure of one of the first person and the second person, the third acoustical characteristic different than the second, a type of the first, second, and third acoustical characteristics being the same, the first, second, and third tone audible to at least one person on the remote conference. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140079226 | Sound Processing Using a Masking Model - Methods, systems, and devices for determining a stimulus based on a masking model of human hearing are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a signal that includes information indicative of one or more spectral components of a sound. The example method also includes determining a masking curve that includes information indicative of one or more masking spectral components. The masking curve is determined according to a masking model of human hearing that accounts for at least an effect due to temporal masking. The example method further includes generating a stimulus based on a difference between the one or more spectral components and the one or more masking spectral components. The stimulation allows a recipient to perceive at least a portion of the sound. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140079227 | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING VOLUME AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE THEREOF - An apparatus and method for selectively provide an automatic volume adjustment service considering an audio output signal in an electronic device. A method for adjusting a volume includes identifying a second signal which is output through a speaker while a first signal is input through a microphone, and determining whether a volume of an audio signal to be output through the speaker is increased, based on a correlation between the first signal and the second signal. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140086421 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and control method for comparing a sound generated from the bore of the MRI apparatus to a pulse sequence sound to adjust the output level of a sound output unit located in an operating room and thus permit a patient to be heard by an operator when an emergency situation or other information is expressed by the patient. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus includes: a sound input unit; a sound output unit configured to output a sound acquired by the sound input unit; and a controller configured to compare the acquired sound to a sound of a pulse sequence stored in advance, and to increase the output level of the sound output unit if the acquired sound is not identical to the sound of the pulse sequence. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140086422 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING SOUND EFFECT - A sound effect managing method is executed by an electronic device. In the method audio signals are generated and ambient noises are collected. Then audio data are obtained from the collected ambient noise. The audio data of the ambient noise are set as reference audio data and the reference audio data are adjusted by pre-set audio data to obtain target audio data. The audio signals are adjusted according to the target audio data and producing the adjusting audio signals. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140093087 | VEHICULAR AUDIO PROCESSING UNIT AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM INCLUDING SAME - A vehicular audio processing unit includes a receiver that receives voice data by wirelessly communicating with audio equipment, an audio processor that applies predetermined audio processing to the voice data received by the receiver, a transmitter that transmits the voice data to which the audio processor applies the predetermined audio processing by wirelessly communicating with an audio output device that can output a sound, and a sensor that detects an operational status of a vehicle with which the unit is provided. The audio processor automatically modifies the predetermined audio processing based on the operational status detected by the operational status detector to the voice data received by the receive, thereby the user is not required to perform any operation for varying the voice output according to an operational status of the vehicle. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140105407 | REDUCING NOISE IN A SHARED MEDIA SESSSION - A method for reducing noise in a shared media session. An indication is received from one or more of the participants in the shared media session. If the received indication is a first indication that indicates a background noise is present in the shared media session, the following steps are performed: a first counter is incremented for each of the first indications received from one or more of the plurality of participants, it is determined whether a background noise is present in the shared media session if the first counter exceeds a first threshold, an the shared media session is selectively muted such that the background noise is reduced if the background noise is determined to be present in the shared media session. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140211954 | MAINTAINING SPATIAL STABILITY UTILIZING COMMON GAIN COEFFICIENT - In a system and method for maintaining the spatial stability of a sound field a background noise estimate may be estimated for each of a first signal and a second signal. A first gain coefficient may be calculated responsive to the first audio signal and the background noise estimate of the first audio signal. A second gain coefficient may be calculated responsive to the second signal and the background noise estimate of the second signal. The gain coefficients may be calculated using one or more gain coefficient calculators. A common gain coefficient may be selected from one of the first gain coefficient and the second gain coefficient. The selected common gain coefficient may be one that results in a least amount of audio signal modification and may be applied to each of the first signal and the second signal. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140241533 | Smart Notification Appliances - Smart notification appliances used in a mass notification system (MNS) have integrated software and distributed hardware for real time information to in-building, immediate vicinity and distributed recipients during emergency situations. Programmable control configurations in the smart notification appliances provide flexible installations. A distributed architecture system provides distributed intelligence in the smart notification appliances for maximum survivability and robust operation of the MNS. Audio messages are stored in each smart notification appliance with a one-to-one relationship to a speaker circuit. This configuration provides any circuit with either a live page or a plurality of preconfigured messages, in effect a multi-channel system limited only by the number of stored messages and controllable by software. Similarly, programmable light strobe intensity, flash rate and color may be controlled through the smart notification appliances. Both light intensity and sound loudness may also be adjusted based upon ambient light and background noise conditions. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140241534 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALTERING DISPLAY OUTPUT BASED ON SEAT POSITION - Systems and methods for altering display output based on seat position are described. One embodiment of a method includes receiving desired frequency response data for a plurality of different audio outputs and a nominal seat position, determining a current seat position of a seat in the vehicle, and implementing a test sequence based on the seat position. Some embodiments include determining from the test sequence received frequency response data for the amplifier to utilize for the seat position, comparing the received frequency response data and the desired frequency response data, and in response to determining that the desired frequency response data does not substantially match the received frequency response data, altering settings on the amplifier such that the received frequency response data substantially matches the desired frequency response data. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140270200 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DETECT CLOSE VOICE SOURCES AND AUTOMATICALLY ENHANCE SITUATION AWARENESS - A system and method for enhancing two-way conversation between a user wearing at least one communication system or earphone and a second individual in proximity to the user is provided. The method includes detecting a spoken voice of the user from sounds captured at an ambient sound microphone, automatically activating a voice timer and setting a voice activity threshold for the voice timer responsive to detecting spoken voice, and adjusting a mixing gain of an audio content signal delivered to the earphone or communication system by way of the internal speaker with an ambient sound pass-through during activation of the voice timer. Separate mixing gains can be adjusted independently in accordance with spoken voice activity and reproduced audio content characteristics. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140301556 | DIRECTIONAL BASED AUDIO RESPONSE TO AN EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT EMERGENCY SIGNAL - An audio signal attenuation system and method for detecting an audio emergency warning signal (or alarm) in a vehicle in which an audio signal is being played. Embodiments of the system and method make it easier for a police, fire, or other emergency alarm or siren to be heard in a loud or noisy listening environment when audio signal is being reproduced. This is achieved using selective frequency attenuation, which identifies a frequency of the alarm and then selectively attenuates the alarm frequency in the audio signal. Moreover, direction data that includes information about from which direction the alarm is coming can be used to selectively attenuate the alarm frequency in certain channels (or speakers) of the audio signal. In some embodiments, audio cues are used to alert the listener to the alarm signal and are adjusted based on alarm distance from the vehicle, speed, and the type of alarm. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140321654 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING/RECEIVING VOICE SIGNAL THROUGH HEADSET - An apparatus and method are disclosed, which separates ambient noise from a voice signal in a Bluetooth headset with dual microphones, switches the connection path between the dual microphones and automatically controls output audio gain, based on the ambient noise. The method for outputting the voice signal includes receiving/comparing the first and second input signals from the first and second microphones, extracting the voice signal of substantially identical intensity from the first and second input signals, and transmitting the voice signal from the portable terminal communicating with the Bluetooth headset. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140334627 | AUTOMATIC VOLUME CONTROL FOR COMBINED GAME AND CHAT AUDIO - A system comprising audio processing circuitry is provided. The audio processing circuitry is operable to receive combined-game-and-chat audio signals generated from a mixing together of a chat audio signal and game audio signals. The audio processing circuitry is operable to process the combined-game-and-chat audio signals to detect strength of a chat component of the combined-game-and-chat audio signals and strength of a game component of the combined-game-and-chat audio signals. The audio processing circuitry is operable to automatically control a volume setting based on one or both of: the detected strength of the chat component, and the detected strength of the game component. The combined-game-and-chat audio signals may comprise a left channel signal and a right channel signal. The processing of the combined-game-and-chat audio signals may comprise measuring strength of a vocal-band signal component that is common to the left channel signal and the right channel signal. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20150312689 | Mapping System with Mobile Communication Terminals for Measuring Environmental Sound - Environmental sound is captured and mapped. Application of a large number of mobile communication terminals embodied as a data supplier leads to extensive, automatic and continual mapping of environmental sound. For sites that are visited relatively frequently and by a plurality of subscribers, a relatively large quantity of remotely transmitted data records for the environmental sound is obtained informally, which permits a more precise depiction of the environmental noise. Commercially available mobile communication terminals may be augmented using simple measures in order to communicate with a central or local mapping system or mapping service directly or indirectly. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150341732 | MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL, DIGITAL HEARING AID, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE DIGITAL HEARING AID USING THE MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL - A mobile communication terminal interacts with a digital hearing aid and a wireless hearing aid uses the mobile communication terminal. When a user having the mobile communication terminal interworking with the digital hearing aid operates the hearing aid, an amplification function suitable for auditory characteristics of the user is performed. That is, when auditory information of the user is sent to the terminal, the terminal adjusts an amplification gain to prevent the acoustic shock by measuring an environmental signal. The terminal computes an environment profile by analyzing the measured environmental signal and auditory information of the user sent from the hearing aid and automatically adjusts a non-linear amplification level according to a user environment by sending the environment profile to the hearing aid. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150382097 | HEARING DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY ENABLING MONITORING MODE WITHIN SAID HEARING DEVICE - Aspects of the invention relate to a hearing device for automatically enabling monitoring within the hearing device including an electronic module arranged for collecting environment data of the hearing device, wherein environment data is based on events in the vicinity of the hearing device, at least one sound reproducing unit arranged for receiving a first audio signal, wherein the electronic module includes a processor arranged to mix the received first audio signal and a monitored ambient sound signal based on the collected environment data. Aspects of the invention also related to a system and a method for automatically enabling monitoring within the hearing device. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150382128 | AUDIO CALIBRATION AND ADJUSTMENT - The subject disclosure is directed towards calibrating sound pressure levels of speakers to determine desired attenuation data for use in later playback. A user may be guided to a calibration location to place a microphone, and each speaker is calibrated to output a desired sound pressure level in its current acoustic environment based upon the attenuation data learned during calibration. During playback, the attenuation data is used. Also described is testing the setup of the speakers, and dynamically adjusting the attenuation data in real time based upon tracking the listener's current location. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160005308 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE AUDIBILITY OF SPECIFIC SOUNDS TO A USER - There is provided a method of operating a device to generate a target sound that is audible to a user of the device, the method comprising measuring background noise in an environment in which the device is located; using a perceptual loudness model to predict an audibility of the target sound to the user of the device based on the measured background noise; using the output of the perceptual loudness model to determine a gain value that is to be applied to a source signal used to generate the target sound in order to provide at least a desired level of audibility of the target sound to the user; applying the determined gain value to the source signal to produce a modified source signal; and generating the target sound using the modified source signal. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160020741 | Volume Control Assembly - A volume control assembly includes a housing that may be positioned proximate an external electronic device. A processor is coupled to the housing. A loud actuator is coupled to the housing and the processor. The loud actuator determines a maximum volume of an audio signal. A quiet actuator is coupled to the housing and the processor. The quiet actuator determines a minimum volume of the audio signal. An amplifier is coupled to the housing and the processor. The amplifier amplifies the audio signal above the minimum volume and below the maximum volume. An input is coupled to the housing, the processor and the external electronic device. The input receives the audio signal from the external electronic device. An output is coupled to the housing, the processor and the external electronic device. The audio signal is directed to the external electronic device between the minimum and maximum volume. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160020744 | PERSONALIZED ADJUSTMENT OF AN AUDIO DEVICE - Described herein are apparatuses, systems and methods that facilitate user adjustment of an audio effect of an audio device to match the hearing sensitivity of the user. The user can tune the audio device with a minimum perceptible level unique to the user. The audio device can adjust the audio effect in accordance with the minimum perceptible level. For example, a loudness level can adjust automatically to ensure that the user maintains a perceptible loudness, adjusting according to environmental noise and according to the minimum perceptible level. Also described herein are apparatuses, systems and methods related to an audio device equipped with embedded audio sensors that can maximize a voice quality while minimizing the effects of noise. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160029135 | Method for adjusting a volume level of a communications unit and a communications unit - A method for adjusting a volume level of a communications unit is provided. The communications unit is configured for communication between a medical operator and a patient during a magnetic resonance examination and includes at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker. The method includes detecting communication signals by the at least one microphone, transmitting the detected communication signals to the at least one loudspeaker, and an acoustic output of the detected communication signals by the at least one loudspeaker. A volume level of the at least one microphone may be automatically adjusted during detection of the communication signals, and/or a volume level of the at least one loudspeaker may be automatically adjusted during the acoustic output of the communication signals. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160037255 | BEAMFORMING IN VARYING SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL - A method that uses a microphone array for spatially selective sound pickup during an audio-video recording session is described. An audio signal for the audio-video recording session is generated using a beamforming process from the microphone array in accordance with a sound pickup directivity pattern. Ambient sound pressure level of the audio-video recording session is monitored while generating the audio signal. The sound pickup directivity pattern of the beamforming process is automatically adjusted during the audio-video recording session as a function of the monitored ambient sound pressure level. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160043699 | AUDIO PROCESSING SYSTEM AND AUDIO PROCESSING METHOD - An audio processing system, includes: an audio collector that collects audio in a non-directivity state using audio collection elements; an operator receives an input of one or more designation directions for audio emphasis for switching from the non-directivity state to a directivity state; an emphasis processor that generates audio data in the directivity state obtained by performing an emphasis process on the audio data in the designation direction from the audio collector using audio data collected by the audio collector according to the input of the designation direction; a volume adjustor that adjusts volume of the audio data in a directivity state; and an audio output that outputs the audio in a non-directivity state collected by the audio collector or the audio in a directivity state after the volume has been adjusted by the volume adjustor. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160050507 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATION AND REPRODUCTION OF AUDIO SIGNALS BASED ON AUDITORY FEEDBACK - Systems and methods are provided for testing an individual's hearing and correcting audio signals to compensate for the significant variance in each listener's sensitivity to various frequencies of the audible spectrum. An auditory calibration procedure includes identifying a first volume level as a minimum volume level at which nominal frequency tones are audible, a minimum frequency at which said first volume level is audible, a maximum frequency at which said first volume level is audible, and a minimum volume level at which a number of intervening sample frequencies are audible. A substantially parabolic correction curve is generated based on the minimum volume levels at the various sample frequencies. The correction curve is applied to modify real time audio signals generated upon execution of an audio file functionally linked to the processor, wherein the modified real time audio signals are provided to an audio output device. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160073209 | MAINTAINING SPATIAL STABILITY UTILIZING COMMON GAIN COEFFICIENT - In a system and method for maintaining the spatial stability of a sound field a background noise estimate may be estimated for each of a first signal and a second signal. A first gain coefficient may be calculated responsive to the first audio signal and the background noise estimate of the first audio signal. A second gain coefficient may be calculated responsive to the second signal and the background noise estimate of the second signal. The gain coefficients may be calculated using one or more gain coefficient calculators. A common gain coefficient may be selected from one of the first gain coefficient and the second gain coefficient. The selected common gain coefficient may be one that results in a least amount of audio signal modification and may be applied to each of the first signal and the second signal. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160086619 | Audio system with noise interference mitigation - Generally, this disclosure provides systems, devices, methods and computer readable media for an audio device with noise interference mitigation capability. The audio device may include an interference detection module to detect an interfering voice audio signal received from an interfering audio source. The device may also include an interference identification module to identify the interfering audio source. The device may further include an impact estimation module to estimate an impact of the interfering voice audio signal on a user of the audio device and a communication module to transmit a volume correction request to the interfering audio source. The volume correction request may be based on the identification and the estimated impact. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160105155 | AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENTS OF AUDIO ALERT CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ALERT DEVICE USING AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS - The automatic adjustment of audio alert characteristics of an alert device using ambient noise levels is described. In one aspect of the invention, a machine-readable medium has executable instructions to cause a machine to perform a method to receive an audio sample of ambient noise and adjust a characteristic of the audio alert, such as, the volume level of the audio alert, based on the ambient noise level. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160126914 | ADVANCED COMMUNICATION EARPIECE DEVICE AND METHOD - An earpiece device ( | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160131518 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN ULTRA LOW POWER DOSIMETER - Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in an ultra low power dosimeter assembly. The ultra low power dosimeter assembly may comprise a low power voltage source and a table circuit. The table circuit may be adapted to convert an input voltage to a second voltage level. The second voltage level may correspond to noise dose. The ultra low power dosimeter assembly may also comprise a switch adapted to trigger a control circuit. The control circuit may provide progressive attenuation of an output signal as the second voltage level increases. In certain embodiments, the control circuit may also be adapted to send one or more warning signals to a user of the ultra low power dosimeter. The one or more warning signals may be sent when the control circuit determines the second voltage level has reached one or more pre-determined threshold voltage levels. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160149547 | AUTOMATED AUDIO ADJUSTMENT - Various systems and methods for automated audio adjustment are described herein. A processing system for automated audio adjustment may include a monitoring module to obtain contextual data of a listening environment; a user profile module to access a user profile of a listener; and an audio module to adjust an audio output characteristic based on the contextual data and the user profile, the audio output characteristic to be used in a media performance on a media playback device. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160149549 | ALARM TONE ADJUSTMENT CIRCUIT AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE APPLYING THE CIRCUIT - An alarm tone adjustment circuit includes a sound collection unit with a function of collecting sound of a surrounding environment, an analog-digital (A/D) convertor, and a processing unit. The A/D convertor transforms the sound of a surrounding environment from the sound collection unit to a digital signal. The processing unit is coupled to the A/D convertor and an alarm tone unit, and determines a decibel range of the sound of surrounding environment according to a duty cycle of the digital signal, and adjusts a volume of a ring output from the alarm tone unit according to the decibel range of the sound of surrounding environment. Therefore, the alarm tone of the electronic device can be changed effectively according to the sound of surrounding environment. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160150317 | SOUND FIELD SPATIAL STABILIZER WITH STRUCTURED NOISE COMPENSATION - In a system and method for maintaining the spatial stability of a sound field a balance gain may be calculated for two or more microphone signals. The balance gain may be associated with a spatial image in the sound field. Signal values may be calculated for each of the microphone. The signal values may be signal estimates or signal gains calculated to improve a characteristic of the microphone signals. The differences between the signal values associated with each microphone signal may be limited although some difference between signal values may be allowable. One or more microphone signals are adjusted responsive to the two or more balance gains and the signal gains to maintain the spatial stability of the sound field. The adjustments of one or more microphone signals may include mixing of two or more microphone. The signal gains are applied to the two or more microphone signals. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160173049 | INTELLIGENT AUDIO OUTPUT DEVICES | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160180863 | INTELLIGENT VOLUME CONTROL INTERFACE | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160181999 | AUTOMATIC TIMBRE CONTROL | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160254794 | MANAGEMENT OF BROADCAST AUDIO LOUDNESS | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160378430 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LIMITING OUTPUT VOLUME OF A MEDIA PRESENTATION DEVICE - Volume limiting systems and methods are operable to limit volume output from media presentation devices. An exemplary embodiment detects a sound using a microphone, wherein the sound corresponds to an audio output of at least one controlled media presentation device, and wherein the microphone is remotely located from the at least one controlled media presentation device; compares a level of the detected sound with a predefined maximum volume limit; generates a volume output limit command in response to the detected sound exceeding the predefined maximum volume limit; and communicates the volume output limit command to the media presentation device. The media presentation device then reduces a volume level of its audio output. In some instances, volume may be limited during user specified periods. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160379613 | NOISE CONTROL METHOD AND DEVICE - A noise control method and device are provided that relate to the field of noise control. A noise control method includes: acquiring noise information of an ambient environment; and judging whether the noise information satisfies a predetermined condition, and if so, sending a noise control message to another device, the noise control message being used to notify the other device to adjust a volume. Another noise control method includes: receiving, by a device, a noise control message from an external device; and adjusting a volume based on a volume adjustment policy according to the noise control message and a current volume of the device. The noise control method and device in the embodiments of the present application may easily and quickly realize control over ambient noise, thereby improving user experience. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160379660 | FILTERING SOUNDS FOR CONFERENCING APPLICATIONS - A conferencing system includes a near-eye display device that displays video received from a remote communication device of a communication partner. An audio stream is transmitted to the remote communication device. The audio stream includes real-world sounds produced by one or more real-world audio sources captured by a spatially-diverse microphone array and virtual sounds produced by one or more virtual audio sources. A relative volume of background sounds in the audio stream is selectively reduced based, at least in part, on real-world positioning of corresponding audio sources, including real-world and/or virtualized audio sources. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160381458 | BALANCE ADJUSTMENT CONTROL METHOD FOR SOUND/ILLUMINATION DEVICES - A balance adjustment control method for sound/illumination devices comprises: allowing, by the control terminal, basic data, in which multiple pieces of sample sound data for the sound devices or human voices or sample illumination data for each illumination device are stored, to be input, the basic data including at least one piece of information among size information, open information, device information, and audience information of the performance area; extracting at least one piece of sample sound data or sample illumination data; performing at least one scheme by the control terminal; and performing at least one scheme by the control terminal, among a scheme of generating a sound balance adjustment signal for each of the sound output devices by comparing the input sound data and the sample sound data, and then transmitting the generated signal to the control device. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20190149114 | Speaker Volume Preference Learning | 05-16-2019 |
