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, wherein the masking sound is determined based on a model of environmental sound, 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 effectsMasking sound
H04R 1/40 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
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.
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques, including devices and systems implementing the techniques, to output an adjusted audio mix to a wearable audio device in real-time using at least one pre-trained machined learned (ML) models. The pre-trained ML models enable adjustment of audio output with ultra-low latency. One example technique for adjusting audio output generally includes detecting, by one or more feedforward microphones, one or more spatialized sounds proximate a user, separating, using at least one pre-trained ML model, at least a portion of the spatialized sounds, wherein the separation is based on content of the sound, processing at least a portion of the spatialized sounds, and outputting, by the audio output device, an adaptive mix of the processed spatialized sounds. Such techniques may enable a user to filter out or reduce unwanted noises based on their sound content.
G10L 25/30 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups characterised by the analysis technique using neural networks
G10L 21/0216 - Noise filtering characterised by the method used for estimating noise
A noise reduction system including a feedforward sensor, an audio controller, and an acoustic driver is provided. The feedforward sensor is arranged to detect body conducted vibrations. The feedforward sensor is configured to generate a feedforward signal based on the detected vibrations. The audio controller is communicatively coupled to the feedforward sensor. The audio controller is configured to generate an audio output signal based on the feedforward signal and a command signal. The acoustic driver is configured to render audio based on the audio output signal. In some examples, the noise reduction system further includes a feedback sensor arranged to capture sound within an ear canal of a user. The feedback sensor is configured to generate a feedback signal based on the captured sound. The audio output signal is generated further based on the feedback signal.
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.
A noise reduction system including a feedforward sensor, an audio controller, and an acoustic driver is provided. The feedforward sensor is arranged to detect body conducted vibrations. The feedforward sensor is configured to generate a feedforward signal based on the detected vibrations. The audio controller is communicatively coupled to the feedforward sensor. The audio controller is configured to generate an audio output signal based on the feedforward signal and a command signal. The acoustic driver is configured to render audio based on the audio output signal. In some examples, the noise reduction system further includes a feedback sensor arranged to capture sound within an ear canal of a user. The feedback sensor is configured to generate a feedback signal based on the captured sound. The audio output signal is generated further based on the feedback signal.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
Various implementations include audio headsets. In one implementation an audio headset includes: a pair of earphones; a headband connecting the pair of earphones; and a cable connecting the pair of earphones through the headband, where the earphones are removably coupled with one another such that the audio headset is operational with only one of the earphones.
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: at least one electro-acoustic transducer; at least one processor; and memory including instructions executable by the at least one processor, wherein the instructions are configured to, select a first set of user profile settings upon powering on the wearable audio device; and automatically switch to a second set of user profile settings different from the first set of user profile settings in response to a trigger.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
Various implementations include an audio system having: an input configured to receive audio content; an output configured to playback audio in a listening environment; one or more microphones configured to detect environmental acoustic signals in the listening environment; and at least one processor coupled to the input and to the output, the at least one processor configured to determine an environmental noise signal based on the detected environmental acoustic signals in the listening environment, and select a portion of the audio content to be enhanced relative to other portions of the audio content, wherein the selected portion is a dialogue portion and is selected based on at least one of i) a center channel of the audio content or ii) a correlated portion of left and right channels of the audio content.
Various implementations include approaches and devices for providing feedback on noise in a communication mode. In particular cases, a method includes: detecting use of a communication mode by an audio device, and providing a visual indicator that a de-noise system is available to mitigate noise in the communication mode.
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
H04M 1/22 - IlluminationArrangements for improving the visibility of characters on dials
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
H04M 1/72469 - User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones for operating the device by selecting functions from two or more displayed items, e.g. menus or icons
16.
WEARABLE ACTIVE NOISE REDUCTION (ANR) DEVICE HAVING LOW FREQUENCY FEEDBACK LOOP MODULATION
Various aspects include a wearable audio device having active noise reduction (ANR). In some cases, a system includes: an electroacoustic transducer; and a tunable filter that processes an audio signal by: receiving a noise reduction signal configured to modify the audio signal and generate a noise reduced audio signal at the electroacoustic transducer; comparing the noise reduction signal to a threshold; and in response to the threshold being exceeded, generating an adjusted noise reduction signal using a modulated loop gain, the modulated loop gain determined based on an amount the frequency threshold was exceeded.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for synchronizing isochronous streams. The system includes a plurality of audio sources and a conducting device. Each of the plurality of audio sources is configured to stream packets of audio data to the other audio sources via one or more isochronous streams. The audio data may correspond to audio captured by an audio sensor of the audio source, such as a microphone, or to audio provided to the audio source via an external source, such as a smartphone or a remote server. The conducting device is configured to provide group timing information to the plurality of audio sources. Each of the plurality of audio sources transmit packets of audio data in a time-aligned manner according to the group timing information to avoid interference. The conducting device may also provide audio data to the audio sources in addition to the group timing information.
H04N 21/242 - Synchronization processes, e.g. processing of PCR [Program Clock References]
H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video streamElementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clockClient middleware
Various implementations include approaches and devices for providing feedback on noise in a communication mode. In particular cases, a method includes: detecting use of a communication mode by an audio device, and providing a visual indicator that a de-noise system is available to mitigate noise in the communication mode.
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for synchronizing isochronous streams. The system includes a plurality of audio sources and a conducting device. Each of the plurality of audio sources is configured to stream packets of audio data to the other audio sources via one or more isochronous streams. The audio data may correspond to audio captured by an audio sensor of the audio source, such as a microphone, or to audio provided to the audio source via an external source, such as a smartphone or a remote server. The conducting device is configured to provide group timing information to the plurality of audio sources. Each of the plurality of audio sources transmit packets of audio data in a time-aligned manner according to the group timing information to avoid interference. The conducting device may also provide audio data to the audio sources in addition to the group timing information.
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 second portion of the audio signal increases intelligibility of the speech content within the audio signal.
An audio device with a body configured to be worn on or abutting an outer ear of a user, wherein the body is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear, at two separate spaced contact locations, and wherein the body is compliant at a body portion that defines one of the contact locations. The device also has an acoustic module carried by the body and configured to locate a sound-emitting opening anteriorly of and proximate the user's ear canal opening when the body is worn on or abutting the ear of the user.
Audio device (10) including: a body (12), a slot (120) recessed from an outer surface of the body (12), and a coupler (130) in the slot (120), the coupler (130) including at least one protrusion (140) for selectively engaging an accessory attachment (70) for an accessory (60). An accessory (60) for an audio device (10), the accessory (60) comprising: a main body (72); and an accessory attachment (70) coupled with the main body (72) and configured to selectively engage a coupler (130) on the audio device (10), wherein the accessory attachment (70) is configured for toolless engagement and disengagement with the coupler (130).
Various implementations include seats and related loudspeakers. In particular cases, a seat includes: a seat headrest portion; a seat backrest portion; and a loudspeaker assembly including: 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 an 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, wherein the angle of the at least one driver is configured to be adjusted in response to a recline angle of the seat reaching a threshold.
B60N 2/879 - Head-rests with additional features not related to head-rest positioning, e.g. heating or cooling devices or loudspeakers
B60R 11/00 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
B60R 11/02 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the likeArrangement of controls thereof
H04R 1/26 - Spatial arrangement of separate transducers responsive to two or more frequency ranges
H04R 1/32 - Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only
H04R 5/02 - Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
A method for controlling one or more audio devices is provided. The method includes transmitting, from a first audio device, a broadcast stream. The method further includes receiving input data from a second audio device. The second audio device is configured to receive the broadcast stream from the first audio device. The input data is related to adjusting playback of the broadcast stream. The method further includes transmitting command data from the first audio device to one or more other audio devices. The command data is based on the input data. The command data is time synchronized with the broadcast stream to prevent overlap with the broadcast stream. A broadcast protocol data unit of the broadcast stream may include audio data and/or the command data.
Various implementations include audio devices. Certain implementations include an audio device including: a body, a slot recessed from an outer surface of the body, and a coupler in the slot, the coupler including at least one protrusion for selectively engaging an accessory attachment for an accessory.
H04R 1/28 - Transducer mountings or enclosures designed for specific frequency responseTransducer enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
27.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING HARMONIC CANCELLATION
A harmonic cancellation system including a feedback sensor, a controller, and a speaker is provided. The feedback sensor is disposed within a cancellation zone within a cabin of a vehicle. The feedback sensor produces a feedback signal corresponding to audio within the cancellation zone. The controller is configured to produce a harmonic cancellation signal that, when transduced into an acoustic signal, reduces audible harmonics from a harmonic noise source at a harmonic frequency within the cancellation zone. The harmonic cancellation signal is adjusted according to a comparison of the feedback signal at the harmonic frequency to at least one of a saturation threshold or the feedback signal at one or more sideband frequencies offset from the harmonic frequency. The speaker is disposed within the cabin, receives the harmonic cancellation signal, and transduces the harmonic cancellation signal into an acoustic harmonic cancellation signal 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 effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
28.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING HARMONIC CANCELLATION
A harmonic cancellation system including a feedback sensor, a controller, and a speaker is provided. The feedback sensor is disposed within a cancellation zone within a cabin of a vehicle. The feedback sensor produces a feedback signal corresponding to audio within the cancellation zone. The controller is configured to produce a harmonic cancellation signal that, when transduced into an acoustic signal, reduces audible harmonics from a harmonic noise source at a harmonic frequency within the cancellation zone. The harmonic cancellation signal is adjusted according to a comparison of the feedback signal at the harmonic frequency to at least one of a saturation threshold or the feedback signal at one or more sideband frequencies offset from the harmonic frequency. The speaker is disposed within the cabin, receives the harmonic cancellation signal, and transduces the harmonic cancellation signal into an acoustic harmonic cancellation signal 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 effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
A method for controlling one or more audio devices is provided. The method includes transmitting, from a first audio device, a broadcast stream. The method further includes receiving input data from a second audio device. The second audio device is configured to receive the broadcast stream from the first audio device. The input data is related to adjusting playback of the broadcast stream. The method further includes transmitting command data from the first audio device to one or more other audio devices. The command data is based on the input data. The command data is time synchronized with the broadcast stream to prevent overlap with the broadcast stream. A broadcast protocol data unit of the broadcast stream may include audio data and/or the command data.
A vehicle audio system including a plurality of near-field speakers disposed to direct acoustic energy to a seating position within a vehicle cabin; a sensor disposed in the vehicle cabin providing a sensor signal representative of at least one of an ear position or a head size of a user seated in the seating position; a controller configured to drive the plurality of near-field speakers to produce a content signal at the seating position, wherein the controller is configured to provide a drive signal to drive the plurality of near-field speakers such that a binaural effect is created for the user, wherein the drive signal is based, at least in part, on the ear position or the head size of the user in the seating position.
A system for providing augmented ultrasonic audio in a vehicle, including a first ultrasonic transducer arranged to direct a first ultrasonic acoustic signal to a first listening zone within a cabin of the vehicle, wherein the first listening zone is disposed at a first seating location; a first plurality of midrange speakers arranged to direct a first binaural midrange acoustic signal to the first listening zone, wherein the first plurality of midrange speakers are each near-field speakers; and a controller configured to drive the first ultrasonic transducer with a first upper range content of a first content signal, such that the first ultrasonic acoustic signal is modulated with the first upper range content, and to drive the first plurality of midrange speakers with a first midrange content of the first content signal such that the first binaural midrange acoustic signal includes the first midrange content.
A vehicle audio system including a plurality of near-field speakers disposed to direct acoustic energy to a seating position within a vehicle cabin; a sensor disposed in the vehicle cabin providing a sensor signal representative of at least one of an ear position or a head size of a user seated in the seating position; a controller configured to drive the plurality of near-field speakers to produce a content signal at the seating position, wherein the controller is configured to provide a drive signal to drive the plurality of near-field speakers such that a binaural effect is created for the user, wherein the drive signal is based, at least in part, on the ear position or the head size of the user in the seating position.
A system for providing augmented ultrasonic audio in a vehicle, including a first ultrasonic transducer arranged to direct a first ultrasonic acoustic signal to a first listening zone within a cabin of the vehicle, wherein the first listening zone is disposed at a first seating location; a first plurality of midrange speakers arranged to direct a first binaural midrange acoustic signal to the first listening zone, wherein the first plurality of midrange speakers are each near-field speakers; and a controller configured to drive the first ultrasonic transducer with a first upper range content of a first content signal, such that the first ultrasonic acoustic signal is modulated with the first upper range content, and to drive the first plurality of midrange speakers with a first midrange content of the first content signal such that the first binaural midrange acoustic signal includes the first midrange content.
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 7/00 - Indicating arrangementsControl arrangements, e.g. balance control
Systems and methods directed to determining the distance between two devices are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a Bluetooth connection between a first device, such as a smartphone with an acoustic transducer, and a second device, such as an earbud with an embedded microphone, and the audio capturing capabilities of the second device to determine a distance between the two devices. The first device plays audio via the acoustic transducer. This audio is captured by a microphone of the second device. The second device transmits data including the captured audio back to the first device via the Bluetooth connection. The first device calculates a time delay from the playing of the audio to the reception of the data over the Bluetooth connection. The first device then calculates the distance based on the time delay, the latency constant, and the speed of sound.
G01S 11/14 - Systems for determining distance or velocity not using reflection or reradiation using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
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
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
Technology described in this document can be embodied in a method that includes receiving a first input signal representing audio captured by a first sensor disposed in a signal path of an active noise reduction (ANR) device, and receiving a second input signal representing audio captured by a second sensor disposed in the signal path of the ANR device. The method also includes processing, by at least one compensator, the first input signal and the second input signal to generate a drive signal for an acoustic transducer of the ANR device. A gain applied to the signal path is at least 3 dB less relative to an ANR signal path having a single sensor.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
Aspects include a hearing aid with a control module configured to detect connection with distinct driver modules. The hearing aid is configured to adjust one or more settings in response to detecting connection with one of the driver modules.
A method for transmitting a broadcast stream is provided. The method includes transmitting, by a first device, a first broadcast stream that uses timing information based on a clock of the first device. The method further includes monitoring transmissions from a second device to determine whether the first broadcast stream will temporally overlap with a second broadcast stream at a future time. The second device transmits the second broadcast stream. The second broadcast stream may use timing information based on a clock of the second device. The method further includes, in response to determining that the first broadcast stream will temporally overlap with the second broadcast stream, adjusting timing related to the first broadcast stream in an attempt to prevent the temporal overlap of the first broadcast stream and the second broadcast stream. In some examples, the monitored transmissions include advertising packets transmitted by the second device.
Various implementations include audio devices. Certain implementations include an audio device including: an outer enclosure, an acoustic cavity within the outer enclosure, and at least one hidden connection point in the outer enclosure, the at least one hidden connection point configured to receive a corresponding fastener by penetrating the outer enclosure.
Various implementations include audio devices. Certain implementations include an audio device including: an outer enclosure, an acoustic cavity within the outer enclosure, and at least one hidden connection point in the outer enclosure, the at least one hidden connection point configured to receive a corresponding fastener by penetrating the outer enclosure.
The disclosed systems and method provide for an audio playback device to form a Bluetooth connection with an audio source device based on audio generated by an acoustic transducer. The audio is encoded with Bluetooth connectivity data corresponding to the audio source device. The acoustic transducer can be arranged on the audio source device, or it can be arranged on an audio playback device connected to the audio source device via a Bluetooth connection. The audio is received by a microphone of an audio playback device. The audio playback device then extracts the Bluetooth connectivity information from the audio, and forms a Bluetooth connection with the audio source device. If the Bluetooth connection is a Broadcast Audio stream, as defined by the LE Audio standard, multiple audio playback devices can be able to connect audio source device, allowing for a communal listening experience.
Aspects include a hearing aid with a control module configured to detect connection with distinct driver modules. The hearing aid is configured to adjust one or more settings in response to detecting connection with one of the driver modules.
A method for transmitting a broadcast stream is provided. The method includes transmitting, by a first device, a first broadcast stream that uses timing information based on a clock of the first device. The method further includes monitoring transmissions from a second device to determine whether the first broadcast stream will temporally overlap with a second broadcast stream at a future time. The second device transmits the second broadcast stream. The second broadcast stream may use timing information based on a clock of the second device. The method further includes, in response to determining that the first broadcast stream will temporally overlap with the second broadcast stream, adjusting timing related to the first broadcast stream in an attempt to prevent the temporal overlap of the first broadcast stream and the second broadcast stream. In some examples, the monitored transmissions include advertising packets transmitted by the second device.
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 audio processing system having artificial intelligence (AI) acoustic feedback suppression. In some particular aspects, an audio processing system includes: an input adapted to receive an acoustic signal having a target audio component via a microphone; an electroacoustic transducer; an amplifier configured to amplify the acoustic signal and output an amplified signal having an amplified target audio component via the electroacoustic transducer; and an artificial intelligence (AI) system having a machine learning model that processes the acoustic signal prior to amplification to produce a dynamic filter, wherein the AI system applies the dynamic filter to the acoustic signal to suppress feedback in the amplified signal caused by the amplified target audio component being picked up by the microphone.
Various implementations include audio processing system having artificial intelligence (AI) acoustic feedback suppression. In some particular aspects, an audio processing system includes: an input adapted to receive an acoustic signal having a target audio component via a microphone; an electroacoustic transducer; an amplifier configured to amplify the acoustic signal and output an amplified signal having an amplified target audio component via the electroacoustic transducer; and an artificial intelligence (AI) system having a machine learning model that processes the acoustic signal prior to amplification to produce a dynamic filter, wherein the AI system applies the dynamic filter to the acoustic signal to suppress feedback in the amplified signal caused by the amplified target audio component being picked up by the microphone.
A method and system directed to controlling audio devices with active noise reduction (ANR). The system detects an audio instability condition in a first headphone and generates a control signal to adjust an ANR parameter of the first headphone to change the first headphone from a first ANR state to a second ANR state to mitigate the detected audio instability condition. The system further generates a control signal to adjust an ANR parameter of a second headphone to match the adjusted ANR parameter of the first headphone and generates a control signal to adjust an ANR parameter of the first or second headphone to change it from the second ANR state after a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amount of time depends on a number of times the first and second headphones are switched from the first ANR state.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
An active noise reduction earbud includes a housing and a first feedforward microphone disposed in the housing. A first sound inlet opening extends through the housing and is configured to conduct external sound to the first feedforward microphone. The first sound inlet opening is configured to sit within a concha cavum of a user's ear and faces toward an auricle of the user's ear when the earbud is worn.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
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.
Methods, devices, and systems are provided for synchronizing a source device with a sink device. In some examples, the source device plays first audio using, e.g., an electro-acoustic transducer. The source device transmits a stream of packets to the sink device to be used by the sink device for playing second audio, where the playing of the second audio is to be synchronized within a predefined tolerance with the playing of the first audio. In response to determining there is a delay in average packet arrival times of the stream of packets at the sink device, the source device adjusts the playing of the first audio to maintain synchronization with the playing of the second audio within the predefined tolerance.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Batteries for audio speakers, headsets, headphones, microphones, cell phones, laptop computers; General purpose batteries namely, AA, AAA and 9V; Battery chargers for batteries for audio speakers, for headsets, for headphones, microphones, cell phones, laptop computers; chargers for general purpose batteries; Eyewear that incorporates loudspeakers; Sunglasses that incorporate loudspeakers; Eyeglass frames that incorporate loudspeakers; Headphones; Headsets for mobile telephones; Earbuds; Earphones; Loudspeakers; Microphones; Mounts and mounting brackets adapted for audio speakers with swiveling bases therefor; Remote controls for audio and video products, namely, audio speakers amplifiers, receivers, CD players, MP3 players, televisions, videocassette players, DVD players, and digital video recorders, digital media streaming devices, namely smart phones, smart TV, computers and tablet computers; Stands adapted for stereos and audio speakers; Audio amplifiers; Communications headsets for use with communication radios, intercom systems, or other communications network transceivers; Downloadable computer application software for controlling mobile phones, tablets, handheld computers, laptop computers to enhance and amplify ambient sound; Protective cases for audio equipment in the nature of loudspeakers and headphones; Audio cables; Motion picture projectors; movie projectors; multimedia projectors; liquid crystal display projectors; home theater projectors; 3D holographic projectors; Software and hardware for digital signal processing; (1) Design and development of software and hardware for digital signal processing;
Various implementations include devices and approaches for controlling an audio system. In particular cases, a device with a rotatable feature having distinct operating modes is used to control a remote audio device. The rotatable feature can enable multi-aspect control of audio output at an audio device.
Various implementations include open-ear headphones. In some cases, an open-ear headphone includes: an acoustic module for providing an audio output to an ear of a user; a battery housing; and a flexible arm physically and electrically coupling the acoustic module to the battery housing, the flexible arm including: a flexible printed circuit connecting the battery housing and the acoustic module, and a flexible material that encases at least some of the flexible printed circuit, where when worn, the acoustic module is located in a concha of the ear, the battery housing is located behind the ear, and the flexible arm passes over an outer side of at least one of at least one of an anti-helix, a helix, or a lobule of the ear.
Various implementations include devices and approaches for controlling an audio system. In particular cases, a device with a rotatable feature having distinct operating modes is used to control a remote audio device. The rotatable feature can enable multi-aspect control of audio output at an audio device.
G06F 3/0362 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the userAccessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
64.
Automatic Gain Control in an Active Noise Reduction (ANR) Signal Flow Path
The technology described in this document can be embodied in a method that includes receiving an input signal captured by one or more sensors associated with an active noise reduction (ANR) headphone, and determining one or more characteristics of a first portion of the input signal. Based on the one or more characteristics of the first portion of the input signal, a gain of a variable gain amplifier (VGA) disposed in an ANR signal flow path can be adjusted, and accordingly, a set of coefficients for a tunable digital filter disposed in the ANR signal flow path can be selected. The method further includes processing a second portion of the input signal in the ANR signal flow path using the adjusted gain and selected set of coefficients to generate a second output signal for the electroacoustic transducer of the ANR headphone.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
H03G 3/30 - Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices
H03G 3/32 - Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices the control being dependent upon ambient noise level or sound level
Various implementations include systems and approaches for grouping speakers. In some cases, a method includes, configuring a first set of acoustic properties to be applied to an audio device in response to detecting an identifier for a given location; in response to detecting the identifier, automatically applying the first set of acoustic properties to the audio device for audio playback; and in response to no longer detecting the identifier, automatically applying a second set of acoustic properties to the audio device for audio playback, the second set of acoustic properties being different from the first set of acoustic properties in at least one aspect.
A pair of earphones with on-head detection, including: a first earpiece housing a first orientation sensor, the first orientation sensor outputting a first orientation signal representing a first orientation of the first earpiece; a second earpiece housing a second orientation sensor, the second orientation sensor outputting a second orientation signal representing a second orientation of the second earpiece; a controller configured determine an on-head status of the first earpiece and the second earpiece based, at least in part, on whether the first orientation signal and the second orientation signal represent a common change in orientation, wherein the controller is further configured to begin or suspend at least one function of the pair of earphones upon determining a change in the on-head status of at least one the first earpiece or the second earpiece.
Various implementations include systems and approaches for grouping speakers. In some cases, a method includes, configuring a first set of acoustic properties to be applied to an audio device in response to detecting an identifier for a given location; in response to detecting the identifier, automatically applying the first set of acoustic properties to the audio device for audio playback; and in response to no longer detecting the identifier, automatically applying a second set of acoustic properties to the audio device for audio playback, the second set of acoustic properties being different from the first set of acoustic properties in at least one aspect.
Various implementations include an acoustic driver having: a piston with a plurality of protrusions extending around a periphery thereof; and a liquid silicone rubber (LSR) surround, where the LSR surround extends around the plurality of protrusions.
Various implementations include audio devices and methods for noise reduction control in wearable audio devices and/or vehicle audio systems. Certain implementations include a method of controlling a noise cancelation (NC) setting at a vehicle audio system and an active noise reduction (ANR) setting at a non-occluding wearable audio device, the method comprising: adjusting at least one of the NC setting at the vehicle audio system or the ANR setting at the non-occluding wearable audio device in response to detecting the presence of the non-occluding wearable audio device in the vehicle.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
70.
HEADREST SPEAKER WITH OVER-MOLDED ACOUSTIC CHANNEL
Various implementations include headrest speakers and approaches for forming such headrest speakers. In certain implementations, a headrest speaker includes: an acoustic channel; a three-dimensional (3D) acoustically transparent mesh in the acoustic channel; and a foam retaining the acoustically transparent mesh in the acoustic channel.
Various implementations include an acoustic driver having: a piston with a plurality of protrusions extending around a periphery thereof; and a liquid silicone rubber (LSR) surround, where the LSR surround extends around the plurality of protrusions.
Various implementations include headrest speakers and approaches for forming such headrest speakers. In certain implementations, a headrest speaker includes: an acoustic channel; a three-dimensional (3D) acoustically transparent mesh in the acoustic channel; and a foam retaining the acoustically transparent mesh in the acoustic channel.
H04R 5/02 - Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
B60R 11/02 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the likeArrangement of controls thereof
B60R 11/00 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
Aspects describe a dual-planar retaining piece for stabilizing and securing earpiece in a wearer's ear. The retaining piece is either fixed or removable from the earpiece. The retaining piece includes a first cantilevered portion shaped to flexibly fit under the antitragus of a wearer's ear when the earpiece is worn, a second cantilevered portion shaped to flexibly fit under the antihelix of the wearer's ear when the earpiece is worn, and at least one attachment feature that couples the retaining piece to a body of the earpiece, wherein the body is shaped to fit in the lower concha of the wearer's ear when the earpiece is worn. In aspects, the first and second cantilevered portions are integrally formed.
A flexible arm that is configured to be located between and physically and electrically connect an acoustic module of a headphone to an other portion of the headphone. The flexible arm includes an electrical connection 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 other portion of the headphone. The flexible arm also includes at least one link member. A flexible material encases at least some of the at least one link member and at least some of the electrical connection.
A voice capture system including a first and second voice beamformer, a voice mixer, a voice rejected noise beamformer, a noise beamformer adjustor, a jammer suppressor, and a speech enhancer is provided. The first and second voice beamformer and the voice mixer generate a voice enhanced reference signal based on a first and second frequency domain microphone signal. The voice rejected noise beamformer includes filter weights and generates a noise reference signal based on the first and second frequency domain microphone signal. The noise beamformer adjustor adjusts the one or more filter weights of the voice rejected noise beamformer to account for fit variation. The jammer suppressor generates a jammer suppressed signal based on the voice enhanced reference signal and the noise reference signal. The speech enhancer dynamically generates an output voice signal by applying a dynamic noise suppression signal to each frequency bin of the jammer suppressed signal.
Aspects include earphones and related approaches for active noise reduction (ANR) control. In certain cases, an earphone includes: an acoustic source for providing an acoustic output; a pressure sensor that is sensitive to acoustic signals at approximately an infrasonic frequency range; and an active noise reduction (ANR) system coupled with the acoustic source and the pressure sensor, the ANR system configured to provide a noise cancelation signal to the acoustic source based on an input from the pressure sensor.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
A wearable audio device according to various implementations includes: an electro-acoustic transducer for producing sound; a proximity sensor that is configured to detect when the wearable audio device is close to a user; an internal microphone positioned within a housing of the wearable audio device and configured to detect sound in a cavity formed at least in part by a portion of the housing; and a processor that is configured to estimate, based on at least the proximity sensor, whether the wearable audio device is in place on the user's body, and to estimate, based on the internal microphone, whether the user has completed handling of the wearable audio device.
Various aspects include active noise reduction (ANR) headsets and methods of controlling such headsets. In some implementations, a headset includes: at least one electro-acoustic transducer; and at least one control circuit coupled with the at least one electro-acoustic transducer, the at least one control circuit configured to detect an acoustic disturbance in environmental sound, wherein the acoustic disturbance is characterized by a noise level in the environmental sound deviating from a noise threshold, and disable an audio pass-through mode while the acoustic disturbance is detected.
A method for personalized sound virtualization is provided. The method includes measuring environmental sound using a first microphone of a wearable audio device. The first microphone is in or proximate to a right ear of a user. The method further includes measuring the environmental sound using a second microphone of the wearable audio device. The second microphone is in or proximate to a left ear of the user. The method further includes using acoustic data obtained from the measuring of the environmental sound via the first and second microphones, calculating individualized parameters, such as interaural time delay, relating to individualized HRTFs for the user. The method further includes using the individualized parameters to adjust audio playback by the wearable audio device. The audio playback may be adjusted at least partially based on an individualized HRTF generated by adjusting a generic HRTF according to the individualized parameters.
Various aspects include active noise reduction (ANR) headsets and methods of controlling such headsets. In some implementations, a headset includes: at least one electro¬ acoustic transducer; and at least one control circuit coupled with the at least one electro-acoustic transducer, the at least one control circuit configured to detect an acoustic disturbance in environmental sound, wherein the acoustic disturbance is characterized by a noise level in the environmental sound deviating from a noise threshold, and disable an audio pass-through mode while the acoustic disturbance is detected.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
A method for calibrating the axial alignment of orientation sensors, includes: receiving a first orientation signal representative of an orientation of a first earpiece of a pair of earphones, the first orientation signal being relative a first orientation axes of the first orientation sensor; receiving a second orientation signal representative of an orientation of a second earpiece of the pair of headphones, the second orientation signal being relative a second orientation axes of the second orientation sensor; calculating a mapping between the first orientation sensor axes and the second orientation sensor axes according to a difference between the first orientation signal and the second orientation signal; calibrating the first orientation axes according to a midpoint of the mapping; and calibrating the second orientation axes according to an inverse of the midpoint of the mapping
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 effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
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 effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
G10L 21/0216 - Noise filtering characterised by the method used for estimating noise
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 method for personalized sound virtualization is provided. The method includes measuring environmental sound using a first microphone of a wearable audio device. The first microphone is in or proximate to a right ear of a user. The method further includes measuring the environmental sound using a second microphone of the wearable audio device. The second microphone is in or proximate to a left ear of the user. The method further includes using acoustic data obtained from the measuring of the environmental sound via the first and second microphones, calculating individualized parameters, such as interaural time delay, relating to individualized HRTFs for the user. The method further includes using the individualized parameters to adjust audio playback by the wearable audio device. The audio playback may be adjusted at least partially based on an individualized HRTF generated by adjusting a generic HRTF according to the individualized parameters.
The technology described in this document can be embodied in a method that includes receiving an input signal representing audio captured by a microphone of an active noise reduction (ANR) headphone, processing, by one or more processing devices, a portion of the input signal to determine a noise level in the input signal, and determining that the noise level satisfies a threshold condition. The method also includes, in response to determining that the noise level satisfies the threshold condition, generating an output signal in which ANR processing on the input signal is controlled in accordance with a target loudness level of the output signal, and driving an acoustic transducer of the ANR headphone using the output signal.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
G10L 25/78 - Detection of presence or absence of voice signals
G10L 25/84 - Detection of presence or absence of voice signals for discriminating voice from noise
A wearable two-way communication audio device includes a first microphone that provides a first microphone signal, a second microphone that provides a second microphone signal, and a third microphone that provides a third microphone signal. The device also includes one or more processors that are configured to process the first microphone signal and the second microphone signal to form a first beamformed signal. The one or more processors compare energy in the first beamformed signal to energy in the first microphone signal, and, if energy in the first beamformed signal exceeds energy in the first microphone signal, then the one or more processors mix the first microphone signal and the third microphone signal to provide a mixed signal. The one or more processors may also generate a voice output signal for transmission to a far end recipient using the mixed signal.
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-car 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.
A method for calibrating the axial alignment of orientation sensors, includes: receiving a first orientation signal representative of an orientation of a first earpiece of a pair of earphones, the first orientation signal being relative a first orientation axes of the first orientation sensor; receiving a second orientation signal representative of an orientation of a second earpiece of the pair of headphones, the second orientation signal being relative a second orientation axes of the second orientation sensor; calculating a mapping between the first orientation sensor axes and the second orientation sensor axes according to a difference between the first orientation signal and the second orientation signal; calibrating the first orientation axes according to a midpoint of the mapping; and calibrating the second orientation axes according to an inverse of the midpoint of the mapping
A wearable two-way communication audio device includes a first microphone that provides a first microphone signal, a second microphone that provides a second microphone signal, and a third microphone that provides a third microphone signal. The device also includes one or more processors that are configured to process the first microphone signal and the second microphone signal to form a first beamformed signal. The one or more processors compare energy in the first beamformed signal to energy in the first microphone signal, and, if energy in the first beamformed signal exceeds energy in the first microphone signal, then the one or more processors mix the first microphone signal and the third microphone signal to provide a mixed signal. The one or more processors may also generate a voice output signal for transmission to a far end recipient using the mixed signal.
G10L 25/21 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups characterised by the type of extracted parameters the extracted parameters being power information
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 wearable two-way communication audio device includes a first microphone that provides a first microphone signal, a second microphone that provides a second microphone signal, and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to use the second microphone signal to estimate an ambient noise level and adjust an equalization filter based on the estimated ambient noise level. The first microphone signal and the second microphone signal may be processed via a first beamformer to provide a first beamformed signal and the first beamformed signal may be filtered with the equalization filter to provide a noise estimate signal. The one or more processors may also use the noise estimate signal to generate a voice output signal for transmission to a far end recipient.
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 wearable two-way communication audio device includes a first microphone that provides a first microphone signal, a second microphone that provides a second microphone signal, and one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to use the second microphone signal to estimate an ambient noise level and adjust an equalization filter based on the estimated ambient noise level. The first microphone signal and the second microphone signal may be processed via a first beamformer to provide a first beamformed signal and the first beamformed signal may be filtered with the equalization filter to provide a noise estimate signal. The one or more processors may also use the noise estimate signal to generate a voice output signal for transmission to a far end recipient.
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques, including devices and systems implementing the techniques, for audio signal processing in a device. In some aspects, the audio signal processing may involve providing source separation based speech enhancement in a device. One example technique for providing source separation based speech enhancement generally includes receiving, at the device, an input audio signal, extracting a speech component from the input audio signal, modifying the speech component to generate a modified speech component, and mixing the modified speech component with at least a portion of the input audio signal to generate a synchronized playback audio signal. Providing source separation based speech enhancement may allow for a user consuming the playback audio to be able to fully enjoy any speech component in the playback audio without excessive and undesirable interference from other portions of the playback audio (e.g., background noise or music) overpowering the speech component.
G10L 21/0364 - Speech enhancement, e.g. noise reduction or echo cancellation by changing the amplitude for improving intelligibility
G10L 25/30 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups characterised by the analysis technique using neural networks
Various implementations include audio devices and methods for spatializing audio output based on content. Certain implementations include at least one audio output device for providing an audio output based on data, and at least one controller coupled with the at least one audio output device, the controller configured to, use the data to determine a content type for the audio output from a group of content types, automatically select a spatialization mode for the audio output from a plurality of spatialization modes based on the determined content type, and apply the selected spatialization mode to the audio output.
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques, including devices and systems implementing the techniques, for audio signal processing in a device. In some aspects, the audio signal processing may involve providing source separation based speech enhancement in a device. One example technique for providing source separation based speech enhancement generally includes receiving, at the device, an input audio signal, extracting a speech component from the input audio signal, modifying the speech component to generate a modified speech component, and mixing the modified speech component with at least a portion of the input audio signal to generate a synchronized playback audio signal. Providing source separation based speech enhancement may allow for a user consuming the playback audio to be able to fully enjoy any speech component in the playback audio without excessive and undesirable interference from other portions of the playback audio (e.g., background noise or music) overpowering the speech component.
Various implementations include audio devices and methods for spatializing audio output based on content. Certain implementations include at least one audio output device for providing an audio output based on data, and at least one controller coupled with the at least one audio output device, the controller configured to, use the data to determine a content type for the audio output from a group of content types, automatically select a spatialization mode for the audio output from a plurality of spatialization modes based on the determined content type, and apply the selected spatialization mode to the audio output.
Various implementations include a method of training a road noise cancelation (RNC) system for a vehicle, including: providing inputs to RNC system, the inputs obtained from: a set of ear-mounted microphones on a user, at least one transducer, an accelerometer, a set of cabin microphones in the vehicle, and a controller area network (CAN) bus, the inputs from the set of ear-mounted microphones on the user approximating a signal detected by the ears of the user; adapting a set of parameters in the RNC system defining an estimated signal detected at respective ears of the user based on the inputs; and generating at least one of the following for input during an operating mode of the RNC system: estimated ear microphone signals based on the adapted set of parameters, or a set of projection filters for use in determining an estimated ear signal at the respective ears of the user.
G10K 11/178 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking 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
