Systems, methods, and computer readable media are disclosed that detect a head orientation of a user, determine an anchor position from the detected head orientation, detect a change in the head orientation, and adapt the anchor position to the detected change in head orientation.
Various implementations include adaptive masking of environmental sound. Particular implementations are configured to adjust a masking sound based on one or more detected environmental sound sources. An example method includes: measuring environmental sound proximate to an audio device, outputting a masking sound at the audio device, and adjusting at least one of: a volume of the masking sound, a spectrum of the masking sound, or content of the masking sound based on the measured environmental sound.
G10K 11/175 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound
Various implementations include electronic devices with internal joints cured by a light source. In a particular implementation, an electronic device includes: a casing defining an enclosure; a joint between components in the electronic device; a light curable adhesive bonding the components at the joint; and at least one light source internal to the casing and configured to output light for at least partially curing the light curable adhesive in the casing.
An apparatus includes a noise reduction headphone comprising one or more microphones and an acoustic transducer, the one or more microphones configured to generate an input signal; and a controller comprising one or more processing devices, the controller configured to: process the input signal through one or more noise reduction filters to generate a noise-reduction signal, compare the input signal to an estimate of ambient noise to determine if the energy of the input signal is greater than the estimate of ambient noise, wherein if the energy of the input signal is greater than the estimate of ambient noise by a predetermined amount, a change in the noise reduction signal is suppressed; and generate an output signal, the output signal comprising, at least in part, the noise-reduction signal, wherein the acoustic transducer is configured to produce an acoustic output in accordance with the output signal.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
A headphone includes an earphone that includes an earcup, an ear cushion, and a driver plate assembly. The driver plate assembly is supported in the earcup and includes a driver plate, a driver mounted along a rear surface of the driver plate, an opening that is provided in the driver plate to allow acoustic energy to pass from the driver into a user's ear canal, a ring that is arranged substantially coaxially with the opening, and an acoustic mesh. The ring defines a planar surface on which the acoustic mesh is mounted.
An active noise reduction (ANR) device includes an acoustic transducer, a first sensor, and a second sensor. The acoustic transducer is configured to generate output audio. The first sensor is configured to capture audio originating from an external environment of the ANR device. The second sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of (1) the audio originating from the external environment and (2) the output audio generated by the acoustic transducer. The output audio generated by the acoustic transducer is modified based on a portion of the signal generated by the second sensor, the portion being attributable to a resonant mode of a user's ear canal.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
7.
INPUT SELECTION FOR WIND NOISE REDUCTION ON WEARABLE DEVICES
A wind noise reduction system including a beamformer, a comparator, and a voice mixer is provided. The beamformer may be an MVDR beamformer, and generates a beamformed signal based on a first microphone signal and a second microphone signal. The comparator generates a comparison signal based on the beamformed signal and a wind microphone signal. The comparison signal may be further based on a beamformed energy level of the beamformed signal and a wind energy level of the wind microphone signal. The voice mixer generates an output voice signal based on the beamformed signal, the wind microphone signal, and the comparison signal. The wind noise reduction system may further include a wind microphone corresponding to the wind microphone signal. The wind microphone may be arranged on a portion of a wearable audio device configured to be seated in a concha of a wearer.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
H04R 3/04 - Circuits for transducers for correcting frequency response
A flexible arm that is configured to be located between and physically and electrically connect an acoustic module of an open-ear headphone to a battery housing of the open-ear headphone. The flexible arm includes a flexible printed circuit that extends through the entire original resting length of the flexible arm and comprises a conductor that is configured to carry electrical energy between the acoustic module and the battery housing. A first interface structure is coupled to one of the acoustic module and the battery housing. At least one link member is pivotably coupled to the first interface structure. A flexible material encases at least some of the flexible printed circuit, at least some of the at least one link member, and at least some of the first interface structure.
A headphone includes a cushion assembly and a slider telescopically coupled to the cushion assembly. The slider includes a proximal end that is disposed within the cushion assembly and a distal end extending outward from the cushion assembly. A pivot support is disposed within an opening at the distal end of the slider. A pivot is supported in the pivot support. The headphone also includes an earphone and a yoke that couples the earphone to the slider. The pivot support is secured to the slider via a fastener, and wherein the yoke is pivotable to a position in which it covers the fastener when the headphones are in use.
A playback audio signal is combined with a feedback signal from a feedback microphone to provide a first combined signal. The first combined signal is filtered with a feedback filter to provide a driver command signal. The driver command signal is provided to an acoustic transducer for transduction to acoustic energy. The first combined signal is compared with the feedback signal to detect a feedback instability based upon the comparison.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
A headphone includes a headband and a yoke that is pivotably coupled to the headband. The yoke includes first and second yoke arms that each extend from a pivot point to respective distal ends. An earphone is pivotably coupled to the yoke. The earphone includes an earcup that defines first and second recesses for receiving the distal ends of the yoke arms. The earcup and the yoke are configured such that the distal ends of the yoke arms can be slid into the recesses in the earcup for assembly without elastic deformation of the yoke arms or the earcup.
An electro-acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and an electro-magnetic motor for driving motion of the diaphragm. The electro-magnetic motor includes a magnetic circuit that includes a first Rare earth-Iron-Boron (REFeB) magnet. The REFeB magnet includes a major phase and a grain boundary rich rare earth phase. A heavy rare earth element (HREE) is diffused into the first REFeB magnet through the grain boundary rich rare earth phase.
A headphone includes a cushion assembly, a slider telescopingly received within the cushion assembly, and an earphone. A yoke couples the earphone to the slider. A pivot is disposed at an open end of the slider and couples the yoke to the slider. The pivot includes a barrel that is received within an opening in the yoke. The barrel is secured within the opening via a pin that is inserted into a hole in the yoke.
Processes, methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for intelligently detecting speech or in audio signals and smoothly transitioning to mode that enables a user to better understand the speech. For example, aspects of the present disclosure provide method for processing and producing audio signals. During playback of an audio signal, the method analyzes content of the audio signal prior to the playback of the content to determine whether one or more predefined conditions are met to indicate that the content includes speech. In response to determining the one or more predefined conditions are met, the method automatically applies to the audio signal a first playback equalization configured to enhance the speech within the content. In response to determining the one or more predefined conditions are not met, the method comprises applying to the audio signal no playback equalization or a second playback equalization different from the first playback equalization.
An earbud with an electro-acoustic transducer for producing sound, a proximity sensor that is configured to detect when the earbud is close to a user's skin, an orientation sensor that is configured to detect an orientation of the earbud, and a processor that is configured to estimate, based on the proximity sensor and the orientation sensor, whether the earbud has been inserted into the user's ear canal.
A system for providing spatialized audio in a vehicle, including a vehicle orientation sensor outputting a vehicle orientation signal and being disposed on the vehicle and a controller configured to receive a user orientation signal output from a user orientation sensor being on a wearable that, during use, moves with a first user's head, wherein the controller is further configured to determine an orientation of the user's head relative to the vehicle based, at least, on a difference between the vehicle orientation signal and the user orientation signal, the controller being further configured to output to a first binaural device, according to the orientation of the user's head relative to the vehicle, a first spatial audio signal, such that the first binaural device produces a first spatial acoustic signal perceived by the user as originating from a first virtual source location within a cabin of the vehicle.
Various implementations include audio systems and methods for mixed rendering to enhance audio output. Certain implementations include an audio system having: at least one far-field speaker configured to output a first portion of an audio signal; and a pair of non-occluding near-field speakers configured to output a second portion of the audio signal in synchrony with the output of the first portion of the audio signal, where the first portion of the audio signal is distinct from the second portion of the audio signal.
Various implementations include audio devices and methods for noise reduction control in wearable audio devices and/or vehicle audio systems. Certain implementations include a non-occluding wearable audio device having: at least one electro-acoustic transducer; at least one microphone; and a control system coupled with the at least one electro-acoustic transducer and the at least one microphone, the control system programmed to: adjust an active noise reduction (ANR) setting for audio output to the at least one electro-acoustic transducer in response to detecting use of the non-occluding wearable audio device in a vehicle.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
19.
MULTIPLEXING APPLICATION CHANNELS ON ISOCHRONOUS STREAMS
A first device is provided. The first device includes an audio source, a sensor, and a processor. The audio source generates audio data, and the sensor captures sensor data. The processor generates a data packet including an audio data set generated by the audio source and a sensor data set captured by the sensor. In some examples, the data packet may also include audio payload length data and/or sensor payload length data, audio channel identification data and/or sensor channel identification data, and/or audio time offset data and/or sensor time offset data. The audio data set may have a first lifetime and the sensor data set has a second lifetime longer than the first lifetime. The processor the transmits the data packet to a second device configured to reconstruct the audio data set and the sensor data set by demultiplexing the data packet.
A sound-producing device includes a housing having a front and a top, a first electro-acoustic transducer facing from the front of the housing, a second electro-acoustic transducer facing from the top of the housing, and a third electro-acoustic transducer facing from the top of the housing. There is at least one processor that is configured to, during audio playback, generate a first array using the first and second electro-acoustic transducers, the first array providing a left height component of the audio playback, and generate a second array using the first and third electro-acoustic transducers, the second array providing a right height component of the audio playback.
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
H04R 5/02 - Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
H04S 3/00 - Systems employing more than two channels, e.g. quadraphonic
Aspects describe a raised feature to help a user remove an in-ear audio output device from a case. Aspects describe a device comprising an earbud housing shaped to fit in a concha of an ear of a wearer of the device, and a body coupled to the earbud housing, the body extending away from an ear canal of the wearer and oriented outside of the ear when the device is worn, the body comprising a top cap comprising a flat external portion and a raised feature proximate to a concha cymba of the wearer and external to the ear when the device is worn.
Various implementations include approaches for establishing a Bluetooth (BT) connection between devices. One example approach includes: in response to a BT trigger at a first BT device, attempting to determine a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) from a set of additional BT devices paired to the first BT device; if an RSSI from a first additional BT device is a highest RSSI from the set and exceeds an RSSI from a second additional BT device with a second-highest RSSI by a threshold, selecting the first additional BT device for connection with the first BT device; and if a difference between the RSSI from the first additional BT device and the RSSI from the second additional BT devices does not exceed the threshold, selecting either the first additional BT device or the second additional BT device for connection based on a BT connection hierarchy.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
Various implementations include systems and approaches for determining user oxygen saturation level, and in certain cases, performing an action based on that determination. Particular aspects include a monitoring system having at least one pressure sensor for detecting air pressure in an environment proximate the at least one pressure sensor, and a processor coupled with the at least one pressure sensor, where the processor is programmed to receive air pressure data from the pressure sensor about the environment, determine an oxygen saturation level for a user in the environment based on the air pressure data, and in response to determining the oxygen saturation level of the user has met one or more predetermined conditions, perform an action.
Systems, devices, and methods for initiating an action based on location of a first device are provided. The first device, such as an earbud, includes a Bluetooth receiver. The Bluetooth receiver is configured to receive a wave signal transmitted by a second device, such as a smartphone. The first device further includes a processor. The processor is configured to calculate a location of the first device relative to the second device based on the wave signal. The processor is further configured to determine a zone status of the first device based on the location of the first device relative to the second device and a predetermined zone. The processor is further configured to initiate the action based on the zone status.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
Methods and systems of acknowledgment of wireless data packets is provided. For example, such a method can include receiving, from a central device, such as a smartphone, at a first peripheral device, such as a left earbud, a first isochronous data stream intended to be received by the first peripheral device. The method further includes receiving, from a central device at a second peripheral device, such as a right earbud, a second isochronous data stream intended to be received by the second peripheral device. In some examples, the second peripheral device is a right earbud. The method further includes eavesdropping, via the second peripheral device, the first isochronous data stream in an attempt to receive a packet of the first isochronous data stream. The method further includes sending, from the second peripheral device, an acknowledgment after the packet has been received by the second peripheral device.
H04L 1/1825 - Adaptation of specific ARQ protocol parameters according to transmission conditions
H04R 1/00 - LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS - Details of transducers
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
H04L 1/1607 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals - Details of the supervisory signal
26.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DYNAMIC ADJUSTMENT OF RF AMPLIFIERS
A method for adjusting an RF amplifier is provided. The method includes determining link statistics corresponding to wireless data received by a first device. The wireless data was transmitted by a second device, such as via a Bluetooth protocol. The method further includes adjusting an RF amplifier of the first device or the second device based on the one or more link statistics. The one or more link statistics may include RSSI, PER, buffer level, audio drop data, and acknowledgement packet data. The RF amplifier may be a low noise amplifier or a power amplifier. The adjusting may include increasing or decreasing a gain of the RF amplifier. Alternatively, the adjusting may include activating or deactivating the RF amplifier.
H04B 1/38 - Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
27.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING CLARITY OF AN AUDIO OUTPUT
A method for adjusting the clarity of an audio output in a changing environment, including: receiving a content signal; applying a customized gain to the content signal; and outputting the content signal with the customized gain to at least one speaker for transduction to an acoustic signal, wherein the customized gain is applied on a per frequency bin basis such that frequencies of a lesser magnitude are enhanced with respect to frequencies of a greater magnitude and an intelligibility of the acoustic signal is set approximately at a desired level, wherein the customized gain is determined according to at least one of a gain applied to the content signal, a bandwidth of the content signal, and a content type encoded by the content signal.
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for detecting voice activity. A primary signal is configured to include a speech component representative of a user's speech when the user is speaking in a detection region, or environment. A reference signal is configured to include a reduced speech component relative to the primary signal. One or more conditions of the detection region is/are detected, and a threshold value is selected (or, optionally, calculated) based upon the detected condition(s). The primary signal is compared to the reference signal, with respect to the selected threshold value. An indication of whether the user is speaking is selectively output, based at least in part upon the comparison.
Various implementations include methods and related systems for controlling the audio output in a vehicle cabin. In one implementation, a method includes: receiving a first input indicative of a first audio output at a first location in the vehicle cabin; displaying a range of outputs available to a user in a second location in the vehicle cabin; receiving a second input indicative of a second audio output within the range of outputs at the second location; and outputting the first audio output and the second audio output in the vehicle cabin.
An earpiece includes an electro-acoustic transducer and a housing that supports the electro-acoustic transducer such that the housing and the electro-acoustic transducer together define a first acoustic volume and a second acoustic volume. The electro-acoustic transducer is arranged such that a first radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the first acoustic volume and a second radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the second acoustic volume. A mesh is disposed along an outlet of the housing and is arranged to inhibit debris from entering the front acoustic volume. A first microphone is supported in the housing. The first microphone includes a microphone port for sensing pressure. A chimney surrounds the microphone port and mechanically couples the first microphone to the mesh.
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency response; Transducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
A flexible arm that is configured to be located between and physically and electrically connect an acoustic module of an open-ear headphone to a battery housing of the open-ear headphone. The flexible arm defines an original resting length and position between the acoustic module and the battery housing. The flexible arm includes a flexible printed circuit that extends through the entire original resting length of the flexible arm and comprises a conductor that is configured to carry electrical energy between the acoustic module and the battery housing. A first interface structure is coupled to one of the acoustic module and the battery housing. A flexible material encases at least some of the flexible printed circuit and at least some of the first interface structure.
An open-ear headphone with an acoustic module configured to be located at least in part in a concha of an outer ear of a user. The acoustic module comprises a housing that contains an acoustic transducer. There is a first sound-emitting opening in the housing that is configured to emit sound produced by the acoustic transducer. The acoustic module defines a central longitudinal axis and the first sound-emitting opening is offset from the central axis.
Various implementations include portable speakers with dynamic display characteristics. In some particular aspects, a portable speaker includes an enclosure housing: at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output; a processor coupled with the at least one transducer; an audio input module coupled with the processor for receiving audio input signals; and a battery configured to power the at least one transducer, the processor, and the audio input module; an input channel for receiving a hard-wired audio input connection; at least one wireless input channel for receiving an audio input from a source device via a wireless connection; and a display on the enclosure coupled with the processor, wherein the processor adjusts an orientation of the display between a first orientation and a second orientation in response to detecting a change in orientation of the portable speaker.
Various implementations include portable speakers with detachable wireless transmitters. In some particular aspects, a portable speaker includes an enclosure housing: at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output, a processor coupled with the at least one transducer; an audio input module coupled with the processor for receiving audio input signals; and an input channel for receiving a hard-wired audio input connection at the enclosure; at least one wireless transmitter detachably housed in the enclosure and in communication with a corresponding wireless input channel for receiving audio input from a source device.
G10H 1/00 - ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE - Details of electrophonic musical instruments
H04R 3/04 - Circuits for transducers for correcting frequency response
35.
PORTABLE SPEAKER WITH AUTOMATIC DETECTING INPUT CHANNEL
Various implementations include portable speakers configured to adjust audio output based on detected input connections. In certain cases, a portable speaker includes: an enclosure housing: at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output; a processor coupled with the transducer; an audio input module coupled with the processor for receiving audio input signals; and a battery configured to power the at least one transducer, the processor, and the audio input module; an input channel for receiving a hard-wired audio input connection; and at least one wireless input channel for receiving an audio input from a source device via a wireless connection, where the processor is configured to: adjust an audio signal received from the hard-wired audio input connection if a source device is already connected via the wireless connection.
A flexible arm (140) that is configured to be located between and physically and electrically connect an acoustic module (12) of an open-ear headphone (10) to a battery housing (14) of the open- ear headphone. The flexible arm (140) defines an original resting length and position between the acoustic module (12) and the battery housing (14). The flexible arm (140) includes a flexible printed circuit (142) that extends through the entire original resting length of the flexible arm (140) and comprises a conductor that is configured to carry electrical energy between the acoustic module (12) and the battery housing (14), and a flexible material (144) that encases at least some of the flexible printed circuit (142). The length of the flexible printed circuit (142) within the flexible arm (140) is greater than the original resting length of the flexible arm. The flexible printed circuit (142) can thus better accommodate tension or compression on the flexible arm as the flexible arm (140) is bent from its original resting position.
Various implementations include audio devices such as earbuds or earpieces. In certain cases, an audio devices includes a set of earbuds configured to generate a magnetic field. The audio device also includes a case for docking the set of earbuds. The case includes: a Hall effect sensor for detecting proximity to at least one of the earbuds based on the magnetic field; and a power source for charging the set of earbuds while docked in the case. Additional implementations include independent couplings for earbuds or earpieces.
An audio system that is configured to convert a plurality of audio input channels to object-based audio, and a related computer program product. Correlation between input channels and energy balance between the input channels are determined. The determined correlation and energy balance are mapped to output three-dimensional spatial locations.
G10L 19/008 - Multichannel audio signal coding or decoding using interchannel correlation to reduce redundancy, e.g. joint-stereo, intensity-coding or matrixing
39.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADAPTING AUDIO CAPTURED BY BEHIND-THE-EAR MICROPHONES
A wearable audio device, such as a hearing aid is provided. The wearable audio device includes a BTE microphone, a front-of-ear microphone, an adaptive filter, a subtractor circuit, and an acoustic transducer. The BTE microphone generates a BTE microphone signal. The BTE microphone may be arranged behind an ear of a user. The front-of-ear microphone generates a front-of-ear microphone signal. The front-of-ear microphone may be arranged within an ear canal or a concha of the ear of the user. The adaptive filter generates an adapted signal based on the BTE microphone signal and an error signal. The subtractor circuit generates the error signal based on the adapted signal and the front-of-ear microphone signal. The acoustic transducer generates audio based on the adapted signal. In some examples, the wearable audio device includes a plurality of BTE microphones configured as a directional microphone array.
An in-ear wearable with reduced combing effects is achieved by band limiting the output of a high latency processing path, used to amplify a signal representative of the ambient noise, to frequencies where occlusion and does not occur, and providing those frequencies instead through a low latency processing path.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
41.
FLOW RELIEF FEATURES EMBEDDED IN COSMETIC SURFACE OF WEARABLES
Aspects describe air flow relief features in the cosmetic surface of the housing of an in-ear audio output device. Due to design constraints based, at least in part, on the limited space available in the acoustic chamber and ear geometry, ports coupling the acoustic chamber with an area outside the housing are susceptible to full blockage when placed in-ear. Air flow relief channels for ports, extending from the port aligned in the concha cymba, over the helix crus, to the cymba cavum minimize complete blockages of the port as compared to current designs.
Aspects describe an in-ear audio output device (200, 400, 500, 600, 700). The in-ear audio output device includes an acoustic chamber defined by an earbud housing (204) shaped to fit in the lower concha of an ear of a wearer of the in-ear audio output device, the earbud housing (204) comprising: a resistive port (210) located on a first side of the earbud housing (204) creating an opening in a wall of the earbud housing; and a first feedforward microphone (214) located on a second side of the earbud housing, the second side substantially opposite the first side of the earbud housing; and a stability band (216). The stability band (216) includes at least one attachment feature (218) that couples the stability band to the earbud housing (204) and a first side substantially opposite the attachment feature that only partially covers the resistive port (210), when the in-ear audio output device is positioned in the ear of the wearer.
Various implementations include earphone cushions and related headsets. In particular aspects, an earphone cushion includes: a body including a front surface configured to engage or surround an ear of a user, an outer side surface, an inner side surface opposing the outer side surface, and a rear surface opposing the front surface; a cover over a portion of the body, the cover including an outside radiating surface for contacting at least a portion of the user's head, wherein the cover includes a set of ports along at least one of (i) the inner side surface, (ii) the rear surface, or (iii) a junction between the inner side surface and the rear surface; and an acoustic mesh covering at least one port in the set of ports.
A method of determining an audio controller for a headphone that is configured to use an acoustic transducer to develop sound that is delivered to an ear of a user and that includes a feedback microphone that is configured to sense sound developed by the acoustic transducer, and a related computer program product and system. A first audio transfer function between the acoustic transducer and the feedback microphone is measured. A second audio transfer function between the acoustic transducer and the feedback microphone with a feedback controller applied is determined. The audio controller is calculated based on both the first audio transfer function and the second audio transfer function.
Systems and methods are presented to allow coordination between media end devices such that a user interface on a first end device may be used to manage audio calls, media playback, or the like, on a second end device. The first end device establishes a first communications channel to a source device and a second communications channel to a second end device. The second end device may also have a communications channel to the source device. The first end device communicates with the second end device on the second communications channel to exchange command and control information to influence operation between the second end device and the source device. The source device, however, is unaware of the second communications channel between the first and second end devices.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
An acoustic device including a first and a second passive radiator structure is provided. The first passive radiator structure includes a passive diaphragm mechanically coupled to a first enclosure member via a first flexible suspension element, and is configured to vibrate relative to the first enclosure member. The second passive radiator structure includes a second enclosure member, and is configured to vibrate relative to the first enclosure member. The second passive radiator structure further includes a second flexible suspension element mechanically coupled to the first and second enclosure members. The second passive radiator structure further includes an active electro-acoustic transducer mechanically coupled to the second enclosure member. The second passive radiator structure moves when the active electro-acoustic transducer vibrates. The mass of the first passive radiator structure is less than the mass of the second passive radiator structure. During operation, the first enclosure member experiences substantially no vibrations.
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency response; Transducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
H04R 1/24 - Structural combinations of separate transducers or of parts of the same transducer and responsive respectively to two or more frequency ranges
H04R 1/26 - Spatial arrangement of separate transducers responsive to two or more frequency ranges
F21V 33/00 - Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
Various implementations include systems for providing enhanced aware mode capabilities in an ANR audio device. In particular implementations, a method includes receiving an ambient noise signal from a microphone associated with a wearable audio device; determining a gain value based on a sound pressure level (SPL) of the ambient noise signal; generating a gain adjusted ambient noise signal by applying the gain value to the ambient noise signal; generating a total external microphone signal by adding the gain adjusted ambient noise signal to a noise reducing ambient signal; generating an expanded audio signal by selectively adjusting a source audio signal based on the gain adjusted ambient noise signal; and combining and outputting the expanded audio signal with the total external microphone signal to an acoustic transducer.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
H03G 3/32 - Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices the control being dependent upon ambient noise level or sound level
A retaining piece (200) for an earpiece (10) of an in-ear audio output device comprises a retainer portion (210) and a cantilevered portion (220). The cantilevered portion (220) comprises a coupling edge (224) and a free edge (223) which is substantially opposite the coupling edge (224). The cantilevered portion (220) is coupled to the retainer portion (210) at the coupling edge (224) and is configured to engage with at least a part of an outer wall of a concha. (330) of a user's pinna. (300). The cantilevered portion (220) comprises a convexly curved section between the coupling edge (224) and the free edge (223). When the cantilevered portion (220) is in an engaged state, the coupling edge (224) is more medial than the free edge (223).
Various implementations include brackets for mounting a media bar, and systems that includes a media bar and a bracket. The brackets can be configured to couple with at least two distinct external components, in distinct orientations. In certain examples, a bracket for mounting a media bar includes: a first section including a first set of mating features for coupling with the media bar; a second section including a second set of mating features for coupling with at least two distinct external components; and at least one hinge for adjusting the first section relative to the second section to enable mounting the media bar to the at least two distinct external components, respectively, in distinct orientations.
F16M 11/10 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
E05D 11/06 - Devices for limiting the opening movement of hinges
Audio devices are provided that include or incorporate a plurality of loudspeakers (210, 220, 230, 240) associated with an instrument panel (110) of an automobile, wherein at least one loudspeaker (240) of the plurality of loudspeakers has a primary axis that is not parallel with at least one other loudspeaker (230) of the plurality of loudspeakers.
H04R 1/26 - Spatial arrangement of separate transducers responsive to two or more frequency ranges
B60R 11/02 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
H04R 1/32 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only
51.
ADAPTIVE BEAMFORMER FOR ENHANCED FAR-FIELD SOUND PICKUP
Various implementations include approaches for sound enhancement in far-field pickup. Certain implementations include a method of sound enhancement for a system including microphones for far-field pick up. The method can include: generating, using at least two microphones, a primary beam focused on a previously unknown desired signal look direction, the primary beam producing a primary signal configured to enhance the desired signal; generating, using at least two microphones, a reference beam focused on the desired signal look direction, the reference beam producing a reference signal configured to reject the desired signal; and removing, using at least one processor, components that correlate to the reference signal from the primary signal.
Various implementations include portable loudspeakers. Certain implementations include a portable loudspeaker that mitigates ingress of moisture, particulates, and other contaminates. In particular implementations, the portable loudspeaker includes a housing with an enclosure having a co-molded construction for ingress resistance.
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency response; Transducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
53.
PORTABLE SPEAKER WITH ORIENTATION-DEPENDENT EQUALIZATION
Various aspects include portable speakers and methods of controlling such speakers. In a particular implementation, a portable loudspeaker includes: a controller configured to control an audio output according to at least two distinct equalization profiles and in at least two distinct physical orientations, where the controller is configured to switch between two of the distinct equalization profiles in response to detecting a change in physical orientation of the portable loudspeaker between two of the distinct physical orientations, where the switch between the two distinct equalization profiles is either: a) modified by a hysteresis factor, or b) smoothed according to a predefined pattern.
H04R 1/34 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by using a single transducer with sound reflecting, diffracting, directing or guiding means
54.
BROAD SPECTRUM INSTABILITY DETECTION AND MITIGATION
A method performed by an audio output device is provided for detecting instabilities and taking mitigating actions. Specifically, an A-weighted dBA level of a raw feedback signal exceeding a threshold level trigger, at least, muting the driver. The described methods apply to detecting instabilities across a broad frequency spectrum.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
A case for an electronic device. The case includes a lower housing having a cavity to receive the electronic device, and an electrical connector configured to couple to the electronic device. A lid is attached to the lower housing with a pivotable joint allowing the lid to rotate between a closed position where the lid is aligned over the cavity and an open position where the lid is angularly displaced allowing the electronic device to be removed from the cavity. The case also includes a hinge that provides the pivotable joint. The hinge is configured such that, when the lid is in the closed position, it is biased to remain closed via a detent, and, such that the lid has one or more stable positions between the fully open and fully closed positions.
A port tube for an earphone, wherein the port tube is configured to acoustically couple a rear acoustic cavity of the earphone to an external environment, includes a first section that is proximate the rear cavity and defines a first cross-sectional area, a second, transitional, section that is coupled to the first section and defines a gradually increasing cross-sectional area, a third, curved and banked, section that is coupled to the second section and defines a second cross- sectional area that is greater than the first cross-sectional area, a fourth, transitional, section that is coupled to the third section and defines a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area, and a fifth section that is coupled to the fourth section and defines a third cross-sectional area that it less than the second cross-sectional area.
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency response; Transducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
The present disclosure provides hearing assistance devices and methods of generating a resonance within hearing assistance devices that use moving coil drivers, e.g., electro-dynamic coil drivers. As small moving coil drivers are typically inefficient within the voice band of frequencies, e.g., above 1 kHz, the hearing assistance devices described herein utilize the resonance of a mass within the hearing assistance device and a compliance of air within the housing of the hearing assistance device or within portions of the acoustic driver housing to aid in amplification of select frequencies within the voice band of human speech, e.g., between 2.5 kHz and 6 kHz. By using the assistance of the resonance created, the moving coil driver utilized does not need to operate as efficiently within the range of resonance frequencies.
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency response; Transducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
58.
WEARABLE AUDIO DEVICE ZERO-CROSSING BASED PARASITIC OSCILLATION DETECTION
A system for detecting parasitic oscillation in a wearable audio device that includes an electro-acoustic transducer that is configured to develop sound for a user, a housing that holds the transducer, at least one of a feedforward microphone that is configured to detect sound outside of the housing and output a feedforward microphone signal and a feedback microphone that is configured to delect sound inside of the housing and output a feedback microphone signal, and an opening In the housing that emits sound pressure from the transducer. The system includes a parasitic oscillation detector that is configured to determine a fondamental frequency of st. least one of the feedforward and feedback.microphone signals and compare an amplitude of the determined fondamental frequency to a threshold level, to determine parasitic oscillation.
An in-ear wearable including an electro-acoustic transducer; a housing and the electro-acoustic transducer together defining an acoustic volume, a feedback microphone disposed within the acoustic volume to receive the acoustic energy, the feedback microphone including a microphone port, the feedback microphone transducing acoustic energy received at the microphone port into a feedback microphone signal; and a port defined within the housing, the port extending from a first opening to a second opening, wherein the port acoustically couples the acoustic volume to a space outside the housing such that outside acoustic energy from the space outside the housing enters the first acoustic volume through a path that does not pass through the second acoustic volume, wherein the first opening does not extend beyond a first plane tangent to a point of the microphone port nearest to acoustic exit port and orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the housing.
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency response; Transducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
Processes, methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for pairing a target device with a source device and pairing the target device with a partner device. A user may choose between using the target device and the partner device without actively connecting the partner device to the source device. The target device and the partner device may each be a specialized device providing certain functions. For example, the source device may be a computing device, such as a smart phone or a tablet computer. The target device may be a sound bar dedicated for playing high definition surround sound that outperforms internal speakers of the source device. And the partner device may be a noise-canceling headset. The user may want to seamlessly switch between playing sounds on the sound bard and the headset from time to time under different circumstances, without needing to manually pair the headset to the computing device.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
Methods and systems for easily establishing or switching between wireless connections by sending a Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) command from a first BLE enabled device to a second BLE enabled device, where the BLE command causes the second BLE enabled device to attempt to establish a Bluetooth Classic connection with one or more source devices from a list of source devices that have previously been paired with the second BLE device. The first BLE device is configured to obtain or receive the list from the second BLE device, and in response to one or more triggers, send the BLE command. The list of previously paired source devices may be presented to a user via a display screen with touch-screen functionality, and in some examples, may utilize one or more algorithms to intelligently order the available source devices based on a variety of factors.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
An ear tip includes a body configured to be mounted onto an earbud. The body includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an inner wall extending between the first and second ends. The inner wall defines and surrounds a hollow passage that is configured to conduct sound waves. The body also includes an outer wall that is connected to the inner wall at the first end and extends away from the inner wall toward the second end. The inner wall has an oblong cross-sectional shape that is configured to accommodate a corresponding nozzle on the earbud. The inner wall includes a ring that is formed of a rigid material and engages and conforms to the oblong shape of the nozzle, which inhibits improper mounting and rotation of the ear tip relative to the nozzle.
Various implementations include systems for processing microphone audio signals for a wearable audio device. In particular implementations, a method for processing signals includes: capturing an internal signal with an inner microphone configured to be acoustically coupled to an environment inside an ear canal of a user; extracting a low frequency audio signal from the internal signal; capturing an external signal with an external microphone configured to be acoustically coupled to an environment outside the ear canal of the user; extracting a high frequency audio signal from the external signal; and mixing the high frequency audio signal with the low frequency audio signal.
Methods and systems for improving the robustness of wireless communications. The methods and systems provided transmit data packets over a first isochronous stream and transmit one or more supplemental data packets over the same time intervals. The one or more supplemental data packets are used to recreate and/or enhance at least a portion of one or more data packets of the plurality of data packets that have already been sent. Alternatively, the one or more supplemental data packets are used to create and/or enhance at least a portion of one or more data packets of the plurality of data packets that will be received during the next isochronous intervals. The methods and system described herein allow for increased robustness by allowing for better retransmission with correctly received packets and the methods set forth herein work with any Bluetooth broadcaster sink without modification.
An active noise reduction earbud and method. The earbud includes a housing comprising an outlet portion that defines a sound outlet, wherein the outlet portion is configured to be located in or proximate the external auditory meatus of a user's ear, a first feedforward microphone configured to develop a first input signal, and a first sound inlet opening in the housing and configured to conduct external sound to be sensed by the first feedforward microphone, wherein the first sound inlet opening is proximate the outlet portion.
Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for determining a nozzle of an audio device is, at least partially blocked. More specifically, based on a measured transfer function between the driver and a microphone and an expected transfer function between the driver and the microphone, a blockage is detected. In response to the detected blockage, the user is notified.
A method for determining a displacement offset of a voice coil of a speaker, comprising: providing a drive signal comprised of a program content signal and a test signal to the voice coil of the speaker; determining at least one value representative of an impedance of the voice coil according to a voice coil voltage and a voice coil current, wherein the voice coil voltage and the voice coil current result from, at least, the test signal; determining whether the at least one value indicates that an offset displacement of the voice coil exceeds a predetermined offset distance; and reducing a magnitude of the drive signal provided to the voice coil if the at least one value indicates that the offset displacement of the voice coil exceeds the predetermined offset threshold.
Systems and methods of wirelessly connecting devices that include detecting a physical contact with a peripheral, such as by a double-tap contact with the peripheral, in response to which the peripheral wirelessly connects to a nearby device.
H04M 1/72412 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
69.
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR/NETWORK SYNCHRONIZATION FOR PROCESSING AUDIO DATA
A system for synchronizing a local audio processing clock rate of a digital signal processor (DSP) to an audio clock rate of a network to which the DSP is connected. The system includes an adjustable clock synthesizer that is configured to establish the local audio processing clock rate of the DSP. The DSP is configured to generate events that are associated with the local audio processing clock rate of the DSP. The DSP is further configured to monitor the generated events over time and based on the monitored events cause the adjustable clock synthesizer to adjust the local audio processing clock rate of the DSP to better match the network audio clock rate.
H04N 21/439 - Processing of audio elementary streams
G06F 5/06 - Methods or arrangements for data conversion without changing the order or content of the data handled for changing the speed of data flow, i.e. speed regularising
70.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREPARING REFERENCE SIGNALS FOR AN ACOUSTIC ECHO CANCELER
A method for preparing reference signals for an echo cancellation system disposed in a vehicle, comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of drive signals, each drive signal being provided to an associated transducer of a plurality of acoustic transducers such that the associated acoustic transducer transduces the drive signal into an acoustic signal, filtering each drive signal with a respective filter of a plurality of filters to produce a plurality of filtered signals, wherein each of the plurality of filters approximates a transfer function from an associated acoustic transducer to a microphone disposed within the vehicle such that the plurality of filtered signals each estimate a respective acoustic signal at the microphone; summing together at least a subset of the plurality of filtered signals to produce a summed reference signal; and outputting the summed reference signal to an echo cancellation system.
H04M 9/08 - Two-way loud-speaking telephone systems with means for conditioning the signal, e.g. for suppressing echoes for one or both directions of traffic
A seat comprising: a seat headrest portion; a seat backrest portion; and a loudspeaker assembly. The loudspeaker assembly includes at least one driver for generating an acoustic output; and an acoustic exit fixed in the seat backrest portion and angled to provide the acoustic output to a location below a nominal ear position of an occupant of the seat, wherein a firing angle of the at least one driver provides the acoustic output to achieve a consistent frequency response across a range of positions deviating from the nominal ear position.
H04R 1/34 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by using a single transducer with sound reflecting, diffracting, directing or guiding means
H04R 5/02 - Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
72.
WEARABLE HEARING ASSIST DEVICE WITH SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL SHIFTING
Various implementations include hearing assist devices and systems for processing audio signals. In particular implementations, a process includes receiving an input signal via a microphone; performing a sound pressure level (SPL) shift that decreases a gain of the input signal to generate a gain reduced audio signal; amplifying the gain reduced audio signal using dynamic range compression to generate an amplified audio signal; generating a noise reduced amplified signal using active noise reduction that simultaneously processes the input signal; and outputting the noise reduced amplified signal to an electrodynamic transducer.
The present disclosure provides processes, methods, systems, and devices for providing a feedback of a wearable device to a user. The feedback may indicate a level of seal, fitness, or compatibility between the wearable device and the user. For example, the feedback provides an exact measurement and a quantified report regarding how well a seal is created when the user puts on the wearable device that dictates the wearable device's audio playback performance experienced by the user. This allows the user to identify, in addition to the comfort level, a best adjustment or selection of components (e.g., tips, inserts, cups, or the like) of the wearable device to deliver the best audio performance achievable by the wearable device. The wearable device may include ear buds, headphones, headsets, or any audio device physically contacting the user.
Various implementations include systems for processing audio signals to remove artifacts introduced by a machine learning system in challenging environments. In particular implementations, a method includes generating a processed audio signal for a hearing assistance device in which the processed audio signal is intended to perceptually dominate a user auditory experience, including: processing an unprocessed audio signal received by the hearing assistance device, wherein the processing includes utilizing a machine learning (ML) system to generate an ML enhanced audio signal; determining a mixing coefficient from an environmental noise assessment; mixing the ML enhanced audio signal with the unprocessed audio signal using the mixing coefficient to generate the processed audio signal; and outputting the processed audio signal.
An open-ear headphone with an acoustic module that is configured to be located at least in part in a concha of an outer ear of a user. The acoustic module includes an acoustic transducer, and a sound-emitting opening that is configured to emit sound produced by the acoustic transducer. A body is coupled to the acoustic module and includes a first portion that is configured to pass over an outer side of at least one of an anti-helix and a helix and a lobule of the outer ear, and a second portion that is configured to be located behind the outer ear.
H04R 1/34 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by using a single transducer with sound reflecting, diffracting, directing or guiding means
76.
RECOVERY OF VOICE AUDIO QUALITY USING A DEEP LEARNING MODEL
Certain aspects provide methods and apparatus for recovering audio quality of voice when processing signals associated with a wearable audio output device. A method that may be performed includes receiving, by an in-ear microphone acoustically coupled to an environment inside an ear canal of a user, an audio signal having a first frequency band, predicting high-frequency band information for the audio signal using a model trained using training data of known high-frequency bands associated with low-frequency bands, generating an output signal having a second frequency band based, at least in part, on the first frequency band of the audio signal and the predicted high-frequency band information for the audio signal, and outputting, by the wearable audio output device, the output signal having the second frequency band.
Various implementations include audio devices configured to mitigate electrostatic discharge (ESD) events, or strikes. In certain implementations, an audio device includes: a microphone mounted on a first side of a printed wiring board (PWB); and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection element coupled to a second side of the PWB directly opposite the microphone, wherein the ESD protection element is positioned to divert an ESD strike away from the microphone.
Various aspects include active noise reduction (ANR) devices and approaches, one approach including: receiving an input signal representing audio captured by a feedforward microphone of an ANR headphone; receiving an error signal representing audio captured by an error measurement sensor; generating an anti-noise signal configured to reduce a noise signal over a frequency range; and applying a gain to at least one of the input signal or the anti-noise signal over the frequency range based on the error signal, where the gain is calculated by: filtering the anti-noise signal over the frequency range to generate a filtered feedforward signal, and filtering the error signal over the frequency range to generate a filtered error signal; estimating a feedforward path contribution to the error signal; and determining the gain based on a correlation between the filtered error signal and the filtered feedforward signal with the assigned feedforward path contribution to the error signal.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
79.
AUDIO PROCESSING FOR WIND NOISE REDUCTION ON WEARABLE DEVICES
A wind noise reduction system includes a delay and sum (DAS) beamformer, an MVDR beamformer, a wind detector, a GEV beamformer, and a fixed voice mixer. The DAS beamformer generates a first voice signal based on a first and second microphone signal. The MVDR beamformer generates a second voice signal based on the first and second microphone signals. The GEV beamformer generates a wind array voice signal based on the first and second microphone signals and an accelerometer signal. The wind detector generates a wind detection signal based on the first voice signal and the second voice signal. The fixed voice mixer generates an output voice signal based on a microphone array voice signal, the wind array voice signal, and the wind detector signal. If high winds are detected, the output voice signal includes elements of the wind array voice signal based in part on the accelerometer signal.
G10L 25/51 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups specially adapted for particular use for comparison or discrimination
H04R 1/32 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only
G10L 21/0216 - Noise filtering characterised by the method used for estimating noise
An eartip includes a compliant portion that forms at least a portion of a sound channel, and a wax guard that is supported in the compliant portion and is disposed within the sound channel. The wax guard includes a porous, planar body that permits the passage of acoustic energy but inhibits the passage of cerumen therethrough, and a retention member. The retention member is arranged along an outer edge of the planar body and in direct contact with the compliant portion. The retention member includes a plurality of openings. A compliant material that forms the compliant portion permeates the openings in the retention member to assist in retaining the wax guard in the compliant portion.
Various implementations include earphone cushions and related headsets. In some aspects, an earphone cushion includes: a body having: a compressible front surface configured to engage or surround an ear of a user, an outer side surface including a compressible component and at least one rigid component, a compressible inner side surface, and a rear surface including at least one rigid component; and a cover having an outside radiating surface for contacting the ear of the user, the cover at least partially surrounding the body and including a portion that is mechanically grounded to the at least one rigid component of the outer side surface.
An engine harmonic cancellation system includes an accelerometer disposed within a vehicle to detect a harmonic produced by an engine of the vehicle and to produce a harmonic reference signal representative of the harmonic; a controller configured to produce a harmonic cancellation signal that, when transduced into an acoustic signal, cancels the harmonic within at least one cancellation zone within a cabin of the vehicle, wherein the harmonic cancellation signal is based, at least in part, on mixing the harmonic reference signal converted to baseband with a baseband signal output from a look up table; and a speaker disposed within the cabin and configured to receive the harmonic cancellation signal and to transduce the harmonic cancellation signal into an acoustic harmonic cancellation signal, such that the harmonic is cancelled within the cancellation zone.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
Systems and methods for broadcasting wireless data via one or more retransmission schemes to increase the packet reception in a wireless system. One or more devices of the system are configured to listen for an initial data packet from a source device. Should one or more devices successfully receive the initial packet, each device that received the packet can unconditionally retransmit a copy of the payload of the initial packet such that any device that failed to receive the initial packet payload has an opportunity to receive it during the respective retransmissions. Similarly, each device of the system can send acknowledgements to the other system devices that indicate whether they received the initial packet. Should one or more of the devices successfully receive the initial packet, the devices can conditionally retransmit a copy of the missing payload when one or more devices indicates they have failed to receive it.
Systems and methods of providing audio through or near a headrest are provided. A headrest includes an adjustable surface positioned to be proximate an occupant's head when in use and an acoustic opening is configured to emit acoustic energy from an acoustic transducer in a range of directions in which an ear of the occupant is expected to occupy. The position of the adjustable surface gives some indication of the location of the occupant's ear, and various audio signal (driver signal) properties may be adjusted based upon the position of the adjustable surface.
Various implementations include audio devices and related earpieces. In certain implementations, an earpiece includes an electro-acoustic transducer and an acoustic back volume configured to provide a desirable fit along with desirable acoustic performance. In some particular aspects, an earpiece includes: an electro-acoustic transducer; a housing supporting the electro-acoustic transducer such that the housing and the electro-acoustic transducer together define a first acoustic volume and a second acoustic volume, the electro-acoustic transducer being arranged such that a first radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the first acoustic volume coupled to an outlet and such that a second radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the second acoustic volume, where at least a portion of the second acoustic volume is located between the first radiating surface and the outlet.
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency response; Transducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
A system and method for selecting audio capture sensors of wearable devices in obtaining voice data. The method provides obtaining signals associated with the user's voice at first and second wearable devices, comparing energy levels of the first and second signals, and selecting one or more audio capture sensors based on the energy levels of each signal. Due to the symmetry of the acoustic energy produced by the user's voice to a first and second wearable device, any difference in energy level between the total energy obtained by the first wearable device and the total energy obtained by the second wearable device can be attributed solely to ambient noise. Thus, the device with the higher total energy has a lower signal-to-noise ratio and selection of an audio capture sensor of the other wearable device with a higher signal-to-noise ratio is provided to obtain voice data moving forward.
Various aspects include wearable devices and related approaches for stimulating nerves proximate a user's ear, e.g., providing one or more health benefits. In some particular aspects, a wearable device for providing vibrotactile stimulus to at least one nerve proximate an ear of a user includes: an earpiece having a vibration device for application of vibrotactile stimulus proximate at least one of a concha region or an ear canal of the user; and a controller connected with the vibration device, the controller configured to actuate the vibration device according to a modulated pattern to stimulate at least one nerve proximate the ear of the user, where the modulated pattern is characterized by: a peak drive level sufficient to stimulate nerve endings of at least one nerve proximate the ear of the user; and a carrier frequency of approximately 50 Hertz (Hz) to approximately 500 Hz.
In an audio system with a plurality of input signals, the input signals are prioritized from least important to most important. The level of the aggregate of all of the input signals is compared to a threshold level. If the level is greater than the threshold, the levels of one or more of the input signals are reduced one at a time, in order from the least important input signal to the most important input signal.
The disclosure generally relates to compositions of a soft touch material, and methods of preparing the compositions thereof. The compositions are suitable for use in apparatuses such as wearable devices, e.g., in-ear earpieces.
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
System (100) for accommodating mobile devices used for video teleconferencing, the system including a loudspeaker (120), a controller (190), and an elevated support (140) for the mobile device. The controller communicates with the mobile device and controls the loudspeaker to provide an audio interface with the mobile device.
H04M 1/04 - Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
H04M 1/72409 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/28 - Undercarriages for supports with one single telescoping pillar
F16M 13/00 - Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
Various aspects include wearable audio devices wearable audio devices with a control platform for managing external device interaction. In some particular aspects, a wearable audio device includes: an accessory port; at least one processor; and memory including multiple sets of active noise reduction (ANR) configurations (or more generally, multiple profiles), the memory including instructions executable by the at least one processor, where the instructions are configured to: select a first ANR configuration (or more generally, a first profile) upon powering on the wearable audio device, the selection of the first ANR configuration (or first profile) based on an accessory connected to the accessory port, and automatically switch to a second ANR configuration (or more generally, a second profile) in response to a trigger, where the second ANR configuration (or second profile) is different from the first ANR configuration (or first profile).
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
A modular audio system which includes an acoustic module (104) configured to be removably engaged with a head-worn peripheral device. In some examples, the head-worn peripheral device is a pair of eyeglass frames and the acoustic module is configured to removably secure to a socket arranged on the inside face of the temples of the eyeglasses. The acoustic module may be configured to magnetically engage with the peripheral device such that, in a resting, coupled position, respective components of magnetic retention force are provided in at least two axial directions that are orthogonal to each other: i.e., a first component of magnetic retention force is provided in a first (horizontal) axial direction and a second component of magnetic retention force is provided in a second (vertical) axial direction.
Systems and methods are provided that detect at least one of a look direction or a focal depth of a user and execute control actions based upon the detected look direction and/or focal depth.
Audio system height channel up-mixing that is configured to develop two or more height channels from audio sources that do not include height-related encoding. The up-mixing involves determining correlations and normalized channel energies between input audio signals. At least two height channels (e.g., left and right height audio signals) are developed from the correlations and normalized energies.
H04S 5/00 - Pseudo-stereo systems, e.g. in which additional channel signals are derived from monophonic signals by means of phase shifting, time delay or reverberation
A system for providing augmented audio to users in a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of speakers disposed in a perimeter of a cabin of the vehicle; and a controller configured to receive a first audio signal and a second audio signal, to drive the plurality of speakers in accordance with a first array configuration such that a bass content of the first audio signal is produced in a first listening zone within the vehicle cabin, and to drive the plurality of speakers in accordance with a second array configuration such that a bass content of the second audio signal is produced in a first listening zone within the vehicle cabin, wherein in the first listening zone a magnitude of the first bass content is greater than a magnitude of the second bass content and in the second listening zone the magnitude of the second bass content is greater than the magnitude of the first bass content.
H04S 7/00 - Indicating arrangements; Control arrangements, e.g. balance control
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
A system for providing augmented spatialized audio in a vehicle, including a plurality of speakers disposed in a perimeter of a cabin of the vehicle; and a controller configured to receive a position signal indicative of the position of a first user's head in the vehicle and to output to a first binaural device, according to the first position signal, a first spatial audio signal, such that the first binaural device produces a first spatial acoustic signal perceived by the first user as originating from a first virtual source location within the vehicle cabin, wherein the first spatial audio signal comprises at least an upper range of a first content signal, wherein the controller is further configured to drive the plurality of speakers with a driving signal such that a first bass content of the first content signal is produced in the vehicle cabin.
H04S 7/00 - Indicating arrangements; Control arrangements, e.g. balance control
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
An electroacoustic transducer includes a first diaphragm, a first voice coil that is coupled to the first diaphragm, a second diaphragm, a second voice coil that is coupled to the second diaphragm, and a single common magnetic circuit that is configured to provide a magnetic field in both a first magnetic circuit gap and a separate second magnetic circuit gap. The first voice coil is located at least in part in the first magnetic circuit gap and the second voice coil is located at least in part in the second magnetic circuit gap.
H04R 1/32 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency response; Transducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
Systems, methods, and computer instructions are provided for controlling a video teleconference station. A single user interaction is received as an activating user input and in response thereto each of an outgoing audio signal and outgoing video signal are altered. Each of a camera and a microphone may be disabled or muted, for example. Additional functionality may be associated with the user input, which may be a button or other sensor in various examples.
A soundbar with a housing and a plurality of acoustic radiators carried by the housing and configured to output sound for at least left, right, and center audio channels, wherein at least one of the acoustic radiators comprises a dipole acoustic radiator that is configured to emit sound in opposite directions along a main radiation axis.
H04R 1/24 - Structural combinations of separate transducers or of parts of the same transducer and responsive respectively to two or more frequency ranges
H04R 5/02 - Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
100.
HEARING AUGMENTATION AND WEARABLE SYSTEM WITH LOCALIZED FEEDBACK
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques, including devices and system implementing the techniques, to provide feedback to a user of an event when the user is wearing a wearable device. For example, the wearable device may provide high quality noise canceling audio playback to the user, lowering the user's situation awareness. The techniques include measuring ambient sound using two or more microphones on the wearable device. The measured ambient sound is used to determine a related event worth relaying to the user. Based on the location attribute and sound properties, the nature and/or classification of the event may be ascertained using pattern recognition algorithms according to user threshold settings. Insignificant events that the user prefers to ignore will be ruled out by the algorithm. Upon determining the event that merits the user's attention, the wearable device provides feedback to the user indicating the nature and location of the event.
H04S 7/00 - Indicating arrangements; Control arrangements, e.g. balance control
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effects; Masking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
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