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 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques, including devices and systems implementing the techniques, for managing multiple power sources using an accessory device. One example accessory device includes a first power supply node configured to receive power from an alternative power source, a second power supply node configured to be coupled to a universal serial bus (USB)-C plug of a primary power source, an output power supply node configured to be coupled to a USB-C receptacle, and a management circuit. The management circuit includes an input node coupled to a first control configuration (CC) input line and a second CC input line; a first output node coupled to a first CC output line; and a second output node coupled to a second CC output line. The management circuit is configured to maintain an impedance of the CC input lines and CC output lines within a range.
H02J 9/06 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
3.
Instability Mitigation in an Active Noise Reduction (ANR) System Having a Hear-Through Mode
In one aspect a method that includes receiving an input signal captured by one or more first sensors associated with an active noise reduction (ANR) device, and processing the input signal using a first filter disposed in an ANR signal path to generate a first signal for an acoustic transducer of the ANR device. The input signal is processed in a pass-through signal path disposed in parallel with the ANR signal path to generate a second signal for the acoustic transducer, wherein the pass-through signal path allows a portion of the input signal to pass through to the acoustic transducer in accordance with a variable gain. One or more second sensors detect an existence of a condition likely to cause instability in the pass-through signal path, and in response, the variable gain is adjusted. A driver signal for the acoustic transducer is generated using an output based on the adjusted gain.
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
G10K 11/175 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound
4.
Wearable Audio Device with Feedback Instability Control
Aspects include approaches for feedback instability control in wearable audio devices. In certain cases, a method of controlling feedback instability in a wearable audio device with an active noise reduction (ANR) system includes: determining a current feedback instability by combining outputs from multiple instability detectors, applying latch logic to the current feedback instability to determine a current mitigation value, and adjusting a driver command signal based on the current mitigation value to mitigate feedback instability.
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 approaches for feedback instability control in wearable audio devices. In certain cases, a method of controlling feedback instability in a wearable audio device with an active noise reduction (ANR) system includes: determining a current feedback instability by combining outputs from multiple instability detectors, applying latch logic to the current feedback instability to determine a current mitigation value, and adjusting a driver command signal based on the current mitigation value to mitigate feedback instability.
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 3/02 - Circuits for transducers for preventing acoustic reaction
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.
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques, including devices and systems implementing the techniques, for detecting a current state of a wearable audio device of a user. One example technique for detecting the current state of the wearable device generally includes transmitting, with a driver, at least one pulsed signal associated with the current state, receiving, at a microphone, a received signal of the at least one pulsed signal, determining an acoustic signal associated with the current state based on the received signal, determining a difference between the acoustic signal associated with the current state and a prior acoustic signal associated with a known state, and determining the current state of the wearable audio device based, at least in part, on a comparison of the difference to a threshold. In some aspects, the at least one pulsed signal comprises at least one pulsed ultrasonic wavelet.
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques, including devices and systems implementing the techniques, for detecting a current state of a wearable audio device of a user. One example technique for detecting the current state of the wearable device generally includes transmitting, with a driver, at least one pulsed signal associated with the current state, receiving, at a microphone, a received signal of the at least one pulsed signal, determining an acoustic signal associated with the current state based on the received signal, determining a difference between the acoustic signal associated with the current state and a prior acoustic signal associated with a known state, and determining the current state of the wearable audio device based, at least in part, on a comparison of the difference to a threshold. In some aspects, the at least one pulsed signal comprises at least one pulsed ultrasonic wavelet.
Various implementations include an open-ear headphone, including: an acoustic module including a distal sound-delivery end; a battery housing; and a flexible arm physically and electrically connecting the acoustic module to the battery housing, wherein the flexible arm defines an original resting length and position between the acoustic module and the battery housing, wherein the flexible arm is configured to retain the open-ear headphone on an ear of a user such that the distal sound-delivery end is located in the concha of the ear and the battery housing is located behind the ear, and wherein the flexible arm is configured to be flexed at least along a length thereof such that a space between the acoustic module and the battery housing can be adjusted.
A method performed by a wearable audio output device worn by a user is provided for controlling external noise attenuated by wearable audio output device. A speech is detected from a user wearing the wearable audio output device, wherein the audio output device has active noise reduction turned on. It is determined, based on the detecting, that the user desires to speak to a subject in the vicinity of the user. In response to the determining, a level of noise reduction is reduced to enable the user to hear sounds external to the audio output device. It is determined that the user desires to speak to the subject by detecting at least one condition of a plurality of conditions.
Various implementations include a computational architecture for a personal active noise reduction (ANR) device. The device includes a communication interface that receives an audio stream, a driver, a microphone system and an ANR processing platform. The platform includes a first DSP configured to perform ANR on the audio stream according to a set of parameters in the first DSP. The platform includes a second DSP processor configured to detect at least one of a sound pressure level (SPL) or a performance characteristic, and includes a general purpose (GP) processor operationally coupled to the first DSP processor and the second DSP processor and configured to achieve a desired user experience in response to at least one of the SPL or the performance characteristic detected by the second DSP deviating from a corresponding threshold or rule.
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 systems implementing the techniques, to manage ambient noise in a wearable audio output device to facilitate increased awareness for a user of the wearable audio output device. One example technique for managing ambient noise generally includes determining a first event, ducking an audio level of the wearable audio output device from a first level to a second level based on the determination, monitoring for a second event, and ducking the audio level of the wearable audio output device to a third level based on the monitoring, wherein the second level is different than the third level. Such techniques may help to more accurately determine the occurrence of events that are important to the user and manage the wearable audio output device to facilitate user awareness, as well as mitigate the undesirable consequences of events that are unimportant to the user.
A first input signal captured by one or more sensors associated with an ANR headphone is received. A frequency domain representation of the first input signal is computed for a set of discrete frequencies, based on which a set of parameters is generated for a digital filter disposed in an ANR signal flow path of the ANR headphone, the set of parameters being such that a loop gain of the ANR signal flow path substantially matches a target loop gain. Generating the set of parameters comprises: adjusting a response of the digital filter at frequencies (e.g., spanning between 200 Hz-5 kHz). A response of at least 3 second order sections of the digital filter is adjusted. A second input signal in the ANR signal flow path is processed using the generated set of parameters to generate an output signal for driving 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
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques, including devices and systems implementing the techniques, to manage ambient noise in a wearable audio output device to facilitate increased awareness for a user of the wearable audio output device. One example technique for managing ambient noise generally includes determining a first event, ducking an audio level of the wearable audio output device from a first level to a second level based on the determination, monitoring for a second event, and ducking the audio level of the wearable audio output device to a third level based on the monitoring, wherein the second level is different than the third level. Such techniques may help to more accurately determine the occurrence of events that are important to the user and manage the wearable audio output device to facilitate user awareness, as well as mitigate the undesirable consequences of events that are unimportant to the user.
G10K 11/175 - Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general using interference effectsMasking sound
G10L 25/78 - Detection of presence or absence of voice signals
In particular cases, a soundbar includes: a housing; and a plurality of acoustic radiators carried by the housing and configured to output sound that includes a height component, at least one of the acoustic radiators including a dipole acoustic radiator configured to i) output the height component and ii) emit sound in opposite directions along a main radiation axis, wherein a sound pressure level along the main radiation axis is greater than a sound pressure level along a null axis orthogonal to the main radiation axis, such that the height component is reproduced by more sound pressure radiated along the main radiation axis compared to sound pressure radiated along the null axis, and wherein the sound pressure level along the main radiation axis is 5 decibels (dB) or more greater than the sound pressure level along the null axis for at least some frequencies.
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 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
Various implementations include vehicle headrest configurations and related audio systems. In some cases, a headrest includes: a main body having a front surface to support a back of a user's head and a pair of acoustic channels each formed in part by a side wall having a front edge that is offset from the front surface, the main body having a portion configured to receive first and second transducers, where the pair of acoustic channels are arranged symmetrically about a centerline axis of the main body, where a transducer mount in each of the pair of acoustic channels for mounting respective ones of the first and second transducers, where a dimension (Dimension C) is defined by a rotation angle of the transducer mount relative to a centerline of the vehicle headrest, wherein Dimension C is approximately −20 degrees to approximately zero degrees.
H04R 1/26 - Spatial arrangement of separate transducers responsive to two or more frequency ranges
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
19.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZING TRANSMISSION OF WIRELESS DATA
An audio system, method, and computer program product for synchronizing device clocks. The systems, methods and computer program product can establish a first isochronous data stream between a peripheral device and a first device and establish a second isochronous data stream between the first device and a second device to send data between the first and second device. As the two data streams may rely on two different device clocks, e.g., one clock which defines the timing for the first isochronous data stream and a second clock which defines the timing for the second isochronous data stream, the systems, methods, and computer program disclosed herein are configured to maintain synchronization and/or synchronize the first clock with the second clock to prevent data loss due to clock drift.
H04R 5/033 - Headphones for stereophonic communication
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
A retaining piece includes a retainer portion, a cantilevered portion, and a locking feature. The retainer portion comprises a tubular wall portion. The tubular portion extends around a central axis that extends through the center of the retaining piece. The cantilevered portion extends from the retainer portion radially outwards. The locking feature includes a first alignment feature arranged along the tubular wall portion in direction substantially parallel to the central axis.
An audio system, method, and computer readable medium that controls an audio system having a visual display and an input sensor for accepting user selections is provided. The visual display visually presents a primary panel, a first sub-panel, and a second sub-panel. The primary panel occupies a larger area of the visual display than do each of the first sub-panel and the second sub-panel. In various examples, audio and/or telephone configuration settings are displayed depending upon context.
B60K 35/28 - Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor characterised by the type of the output information, e.g. video entertainment or vehicle dynamics informationOutput arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor characterised by the purpose of the output information, e.g. for attracting the attention of the driver
A retaining piece includes a retainer portion, a tubular wall portion, and a cantilevered portion. The tubular portion extends around a central axis that extends through the center of the retaining piece. The retaining piece also includes a locking feature that includes a first alignment feature arranged along the tubular wall portion in direction substantially parallel to the central axis.
Various implementations include portable speakers and methods configured to adjust audio input signals. In one example, a portable speaker includes: at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an acoustic output; an audio input for receiving one or more audio input signals; an audio output for providing one or more audio output signals; a communication module for providing a network communication link; and a processor configured to receive the audio input signals and to process the audio input signals to provide the audio output signals, wherein the processor is configured, from a common set of audio input signals, to provide, a first set of audio output signals to the electro-acoustic transducer, such that the first set of audio output signals act as a monitor of the one or more audio input signals, and a second set of audio output signals via the network communication link.
Aspects describe an in-ear audio output device for ESD mitigation. The device includes an earbud housing, a nozzle having one or more apertures to conduct sound waves to the ear canal of the wearer, a flexible printed circuit board positioned within the earbud housing and the nozzle, the flexible printed circuit board comprising: a first portion, a second portion comprising a first edge of the flexible printed circuit board proximate the one or more apertures, and a metal layer on a top surface of the second portion, a microphone attached to a bottom surface of the flexible printed circuit board, and a metal casing attached to the bottom surface of the flexible printed circuit board and surrounding the microphone, the metal casing comprising a second edge proximate the one or more apertures, wherein the second edge is a greater distance from the one or more apertures than the first edge.
Various implementations include portable speakers and methods configured to adjust audio input signals. In one example, a portable speaker includes: at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an acoustic output; an audio input for receiving one or more audio input signals; an audio output for providing one or more audio output signals; a communication module for providing a network communication link; and a processor configured to receive the audio input signals and to process the audio input signals to provide the audio output signals, wherein the processor is configured, from a common set of audio input signals, to provide, a first set of audio output signals to the electro-acoustic transducer, such that the first set of audio output signals act as a monitor of the one or more audio input signals, and a second set of audio output signals via the network communication link.
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. In certain implementations, the portable loudspeaker has a single printed circuit board (PCB) within its rear enclosure for controlling operation of an electro-acoustic transducer and interface buttons.
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
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
A method is performed by active noise reduction (ANR) headphones. The method includes comparing a feedback microphone signal to a predicted feedback microphone signal representing what the feedback microphone signal would be expected to look like if there were no leak between the headphones and a user wearing the headphones. An audio limiter is adaptively adjusted based, at least in part, on the comparison.
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 car 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.
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 25/21 - 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
G10L 25/30 - Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups characterised by the analysis technique using neural networks
An audio system and method for retransmission of data packets between audio devices. The audio system includes a source device, a first audio device and a second audio device configured to receive an isochronous data stream from the source device. Each audio device is configured to eavesdrop or otherwise monitor the packets within the isochronous data stream meant for each of the audio devices and each audio device can retransmit packets from one audio device to the other in the event one audio device fails to receive a packet. The audio system is configured to operate in at least a partial retransmission mode or a total retransmission mode where the partial retransmission mode allows each audio device to selectably retransmit packets between audio devices and where the total retransmission mode requires one audio device to retransmit all packets to the other audio device.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
An audio system, device, and method for broadcasting, discovering, and receiving wireless audio data connections. The exemplary systems and methods described herein utilize an Isochronous Broadcast Stream topology to unilaterally broadcast a plurality of wireless audio data streams. The audio devices described are configured to discover and receive the plurality of wireless audio data streams and allow the user to organize these streams into a determined order and cycle through each stream based on user input.
H04H 20/61 - Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast
H04H 40/18 - Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
H04W 40/12 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing based on transmission quality or channel quality
A method is performed by active noise reduction (ANR) headphones. The method includes comparing a feedback microphone signal to a predicted feedback microphone signal representing what the feedback microphone signal would be expected to look like if there were no leak between the headphones and a user wearing the headphones. An audio limiter is adaptively adjusted based, at least in part, on the comparison.
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 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
H04S 7/00 - Indicating arrangementsControl arrangements, e.g. balance control
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 a first wall extending between the first and second ends. The first wall defines and surrounds a hollow passage that is configured to conduct sound waves. The first wall is configured to engage a nozzle on the earbud. The first wall includes a ring that is formed of a rigid material and engages the nozzle. The ring includes at least one C-shaped member with at least one gap and a compliant material is molded around the ring and fills the gap.
A wearable audio device includes a light angle sensor that is configured to measure respective angles of incidence of a pair of light beams emitted by respective light beacons associated with a source device. The wearable audio device is configured to use the measured angles of incidence for spatial audio rendering.
G01S 5/16 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
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 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
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 effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
Various aspects include wearable devices with electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigating features. In some examples, a control module is configured to connect to a wearable device, the control module including: a housing having at least one electrostatic discharge (ESD) ingress location, an electronic component in the housing, and a shield plate contained in the housing and connected to ground, the shield plate providing ESD protection for the electronic component.
Various aspects include wearable devices with electrostatic discharge (BSD) mitigating features. In some examples, a control module is configured to connect to a wearable device, the control module including: a housing having at least one electrostatic discharge (BSD) ingress location, an electronic component in the housing, and a shield plate contained in the housing and connected to ground, the shield plate providing BSD protection for the electronic component.
An approach includes controlling an active noise reduction (ANR) headphone by: receiving an input from a first sensor at an earphone, identifying the input from the first sensor as a body-conducted sound from a user of the earphone, and adjusting at least one setting on the earphone in response to identifying the input as a body-conducted sound.
Various aspects include audio amplifiers for driving at least one speaker. In some cases, the amplifier includes: a controller for amplifying at least one input signal to provide an amplified audio output signal, the controller configured to operate the amplifier in at least two modes, including: a first mode including a dedicated connection to the at least one speaker; and a second mode including a direct physical connection with an additional audio amplifier and the dedicated connection to the at least one speaker; and an interface switch coupled with the controller that enables a change between the first mode and the second mode, wherein the controller maintains the selection of the first mode or the second mode until a command is received via the interface switch.
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
H04R 3/12 - Circuits for transducers for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
53.
POWER-ADAPTIVE ACTIVE NOISE REDUCTION (ANR) HEADSET
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; a power source for powering the at least one electro-acoustic transducer; and a control circuit configured to apply active noise reduction (ANR) to environmental sound using the at least one electro-acoustic transducer, sample voltage drops across the power source, and adjust a compressor threshold for the ANR based on the sampled voltage drops across the power source.
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 7/00 - Volume compression or expansion in amplifiers
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 portable speakers configured to adjust audio output based on detected input connections. In certain cases, a portable speaker includes: an enclosure having: at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output, a processor coupled with the at least one transducer; and an audio input module coupled with the processor for receiving audio input signals; a set of input channels each for receiving a hard-wired audio input connection at the enclosure; a set of wireless input channels for receiving audio input from a source device; and a set of docks for housing two or more wireless transmitters configured to provide the audio input via the set of wireless input channels.
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; a power source for powering the at least one electro-acoustic transducer; and a control circuit configured to apply active noise reduction (ANR) to environmental sound using the at least one electro-acoustic transducer, sample voltage drops across the power source, and adjust a compressor threshold for the ANR based on the sampled voltage drops across the power source.
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 dynamically adjust an audio limiter in an ANR audio output device. The audio limiter adaptively adjusts how much and when to limit incoming audio based on a determined state of the device relative to a user wearing the device. The state of the device is determined based on the quality of the seal or fit between the earcup and the user's ear or head. When the fit is poor or leaky, the audio limiter limits the lower frequency portions of the incoming audio signal in an effort to mitigate distortion. Advantageously, when the fit is good, the audio limiter does not limit or reduce the amount of limiting of the low frequency portion of the audio signal.
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques, including devices and system implementing the techniques, to dynamically adjust an audio limiter in an AMR audio output device. The audio limiter adaptively adjusts how much and when to limit incoming audio based on a determined state of the device relative to a user wearing the device. The state of the device is determined based on the quality of the seal or fit between the earcup and the user's ear or head. When the fit is poor or leaky, the audio limiter limits the lower frequency portions of the incoming audio signal in an effort to mitigate distortion. Advantageously, when the fit is good, the audio limiter does not limit or reduce the amount of limiting of the low frequency portion of the audio signal.
A device and method for providing spatialized audio with dynamic head tracking that includes, in a static phase, providing a spatialized acoustic signal to a user that is perceived as originating from a virtual soundstage at a first location, and, upon determining one or more predetermined conditions are satisfied, which can include whether the users head has exceeded an angular bound, rotating the virtual soundstage to track the movement of the user's head.
Headphone audio controllers are disclosed. In one implementation, a headphone includes: an acoustic transducer that is configured to develop sound for delivery to an ear of a user; a microphone that is configured to sense sound from the acoustic transducer and develop an output; and a processor, responsive to the microphone output, and that is configured to: determine first and second audio transfer functions between the acoustic transducer and the microphone, and calculate an audio controller based on both the first audio transfer function and the second audio transfer function.
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
61.
ROBUST RETRANSMISSION TOPOLOGIES USING ERROR CORRECTION
Methods and systems for improving the robustness of wireless communications. The methods and systems provided transmit data packets over one or more 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.
An open audio device includes an acoustic module and a body that supports the acoustic module. The acoustic module is configured to be located at least in part on the outer ear and defines a first sound-emitting opening that is configured to be proximate but spaced from the user's ear canal. The body includes a housing and a bridge that couples the acoustic module to the housing. The housing is configured to be located behind an outer ear of a user and contains a rechargeable battery. Wiring runs from the rechargeable battery to the acoustic module.
A device and method for providing spatialized audio with dynamic head tracking that includes, in a static phase, providing a spatialized acoustic signal to a user that is perceived as originating from a virtual soundstage at a first location, and, upon determining one or more predetermined conditions are satisfied, which can include whether the users head has exceeded an angular bound, rotating the virtual soundstage to track the movement of the user's head.
Processes and devices for equalizing an audio system that is adapted to use a loudspeaker to transduce test audio signals into test sounds. The processes and devices can involve the use of infrared signals to convey information in one or both directions between the audio system and a portable computer device that captures test sounds, calculates audio parameters that can be used in the equalization process, and transmits these audio parameters back to the audio system for its use in equalizing audio signals that are played by the audio system.
Various implementations include miniature loudspeaker drivers. In some aspects, an electro-acoustic driver includes: a diaphragm having a surface area configured to radiate acoustic energy; a suspension coupled to the diaphragm, wherein the suspension is non-planar in a resting position; and a support structure coupled to the suspension and having an outer linear dimension in a plane of the support structure of approximately 6.0 millimeters (mm) or less, wherein the surface area of the diaphragm is at least 49% of an overall cross-sectional area of the electro-acoustic driver in the plane of the support structure; and wherein the suspension between an inner side wall of the support structure and the diaphragm has a rounded shape in the resting position.
A headphone includes a housing that contains an electro-acoustic transducer, an antenna for wireless communication, and printed circuit board (PCB) with electronics for driving the electro-acoustic transducer. The PCB includes an earth plane electrically that is coupled to the antenna. A transceiver provides for wireless communication via the antenna, e.g., to a mobile phone or similar. The headphone also includes an earth plane extension formed on portion of housing.
A method is provided for adapting an anchor position for relative locations of one or more virtual loudspeakers. The method includes: detecting a cornering motion of a user, and adapting the anchor position based on the detected cornering motion such that the anchor position remains centered in front of the user through the cornering motion.
A headphone includes a housing that contains an electro-acoustic transducer, an antenna for wireless communication, and printed circuit board (PCB) with electronics for driving the electro-acoustic transducer. The PCB includes an earth plane electrically that is coupled to the antenna. A transceiver provides for wireless communication via the antenna, e.g., to a mobile phone or similar. The headphone also includes an earth plane extension formed on portion of housing.
A method is provided for adapting an anchor position for relative locations of one or more virtual loudspeakers. The method includes: detecting a cornering motion of a user; and adapting the anchor position based on the detected cornering motion such that the anchor position remains centered in front of the user through the cornering motion.
H04S 7/00 - Indicating arrangementsControl arrangements, e.g. balance control
A63F 13/428 - Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment by mapping the input signals into game commands, e.g. mapping the displacement of a stylus on a touch screen to the steering angle of a virtual vehicle involving motion or position input signals, e.g. signals representing the rotation of an input controller or a player's arm motions sensed by accelerometers or gyroscopes
G01C 19/00 - GyroscopesTurn-sensitive devices using vibrating massesTurn-sensitive devices without moving massesMeasuring angular rate using gyroscopic effects
G01C 21/16 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration executed aboard the object being navigatedDead reckoning by integrating acceleration or speed, i.e. inertial navigation
An open-ear headphone includes an acoustic module, a battery housing, and a body coupled to the acoustic module. The acoustic module includes a portion that is configured to sit in a cavum conchae of an outer ear of a user, an acoustic transducer, and a first sound-emitting opening that is configured to emit sound produced by the acoustic transducer. The battery housing is configured to be located behind the outer ear and contains a battery power source. The 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 comprising the battery housing.
A system and method updating firmware of headphones with dedicated earpiece controller, including the steps of receiving a packet of data via a communication path, the communication path delivering the packet of data to the first controller and the second controller and being addressed to either the first controller or the second controller; determining whether the packet of data is addressed to the first controller; and in a first mode: execute at least one command stored in the packet of data only upon determining that the packet of data is addressed to the first controller; and in a second mode: update at least a portion of the first program code regardless of whether the packet is addressed to the first controller.
A system and method updating firmware of headphones with dedicated earpiece controller, including the steps of receiving a packet of data via a communication path, the communication path delivering the packet of data to the first controller and the second controller and being addressed to either the first controller or the second controller; determining whether the packet of data is addressed to the first controller; and in a first mode: execute at least one command stored in the packet of data only upon determining that the packet of data is addressed to the first controller; and in a second mode: update at least a portion of the first program code regardless of whether the packet is addressed to the first controller.
Aspects describe methods to improve primary earbud handover decisions. Audio drop outs may be reduced by incorporating audio latency variability metrics in handover decision making algorithms. In aspects, predictive audio latency variability metrics, in combination with signal quality measurements, are used to determine when to handover primary earbud responsibilities between earbuds of an earbud system.
Systems, methods, and processing are provided for adjusting an audio playback signal to adjust a temporal alignment of content within an audio signal. The audio signal is received and filtered to provide an adjusted audio signal. The adjusted audio signal includes a delay in a first range of frequencies relative to a second range of frequencies, and the adjusted audio signal is provided to a sound reproduction system, such as an amplifier and at least one acoustic transducer.
Aspects include 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 headphone includes an error microphone on the acoustic module that is directed toward an ear canal region of the user. An input from the error microphone is used to control an active noise reduction (ANR) setting for the open-ear headphone.
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
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
Aspects describe methods to improve primary earbud handover decisions. Audio drop outs may be reduced by incorporating audio latency variability metrics in handover decision making algorithms. In aspects, predictive audio latency variability metrics, in combination with signal quality measurements, are used to determine when to handover primary earbud responsibilities between earbuds of an earbud system.
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.
Methods and apparatus are provided for an open ear audio device outputting audio using an external audio speaker, bone conduction speaker, or both an external audio speaker and bone conduction speaker. In an aspect, sound is output using either the audio speaker or the bone conduction speaker based on the type of sound. Audio the user desires to keep private are configured to be output using the bone conduction speaker. In an aspect, the audio device simultaneously outputs a first sound using the audio speaker and a second sound using the bone conduction speaker. The user receives both streams of audio and selects which sound to focus on. In an aspect, the audio device determines how to output audio based on the SPL of the user's environment.
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 consistent frequency response is characterized by a low frequency (LF) consistency equal to or greater than a LF consistency for an acoustic output provided to the nominal ear position.
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
83.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGING DETENT SPRING
Various aspects include electronic devices with connection-enhancing, electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection features. In some examples, an electronic device includes: a housing; and a detent spring internal to the housing, where the detent spring (i) is positioned to contact a feature that is at least partially external to the housing and (ii) functions as an electrostatic discharge (ESD) sink.
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 via a microphone; an electroacoustic transducer; an amplifier configured to amplify the acoustic signal and output an amplified signal 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.
A system and method for managing simultaneous data streams from multiple sources is provided. At least one paired audio device within the system, is a managing device and coordinates the audio playback presented in each paired audio device. In this way, each device can produce an audio playback associated with different streams simultaneously. In some examples, the managing device is one of the two devices or a peripheral device, e.g., a smartphone. In some examples, each data stream contains data used to generate a priority level for each data stream. The managing device can allow a data stream having a higher priority level or the data stream with a detected change to “barge-in” causing the playbacks of each device to be associated with a different data stream. Additionally, each device is capable of assuming the role of “stream scanner” to prevent uneven power consumption between the devices within the system.
Methods and apparatus are provided for automatically adjusting, by an audio device, the SPL of its audio output. As described herein, the SPL is adjusted based on detected ambient noise. According to aspects, audio device iteratively adjusts the SPL based on the ambient noise. According to aspects, the SPL is adjusted to be greater than the ambient noise by a threshold SPL amount. According to aspects, the audio device outputs sound in substantially a first direction and the microphone detects sound substantially outside of the first direction. The adjusted sounds are output by the audio device.
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
G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
H03G 3/32 - Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices the control being dependent upon ambient noise level or sound level
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.
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.
An earpiece with structure for positioning and retaining the earpiece and with structure for sealing against the entrance to the ear canal to provide passive noise attenuation. The positioning and retaining structure engages features of the lateral surface of the ear. The structure for sealing against the entrance to the ear canal includes a conical structure.
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.
Various implementations include approaches for establishing a Bluetooth (BT) connection between devices. One example approach includes: in response to a 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, and in response to determining a first additional BT device has a highest RSSI from the set of additional BT devices, attempting at the first BT device to make a BT connection with the first additional BT 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 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 implementations include seats and related systems for detecting user proximity and controlling one or more functions based on that proximity detection. In particular cases, the seats include an upper seat section with at least one two-dimensional (2D) contrast indicator that is detectable by a sensor system to indicate a position of the upper seat section.
DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (Germany)
BOSE CORPORATION (USA)
Inventor
Bender, Simon
Bayer, Stephan
Cheung, Shiufun
Kulf, Lorenz
Abstract
A vehicle audio system includes a loudspeaker configured to be acoustically coupled to an interior of a vehicle and to be ducted to an exterior of the vehicle as well as a controller coupled to the loudspeaker. The controller is configured to (i) detect one or more vehicle operating parameters of the vehicle that would result in a pressure differential condition between the interior and the exterior, and (ii) adjust a gain of an audio signal provided to the loudspeaker in response to detecting the vehicle operating parameters
An audio method, system, and computer readable medium is provided that estimates an acoustic transfer function in an environment between a transducer and a microphone. An audio test signal is generated, wherein an amplitude or energy of the audio test signal is selected, across a plurality of frequency bins, at least in part, to be at least partially masked by acoustic energy in the environment. The audio test signal is provided to a transducer to be transduced into an acoustic signal in the environment. The microphone receives the acoustic signal and provides a microphone signal. The microphone signal is processed through a summing method over a predetermined time duration of three (3) seconds or longer, and the acoustic transfer function is estimated based upon the summing method.
Various implementations include seats and related systems for detecting user proximity and controlling one or more functions based on that proximity detection. In particular cases, the seats include an upper seat section with at least one two-dimensional (2D) contrast indicator that is detectable by a sensor system to indicate a position of the upper seat section.
B60N 2/00 - Seats specially adapted for vehiclesArrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
B60N 2/879 - Head-rests with additional features not related to head-rest positioning, e.g. heating or cooling devices or loudspeakers
B60N 2/90 - Details or parts not otherwise provided for
G06V 10/58 - Extraction of image or video features relating to hyperspectral data
G06V 20/59 - Context or environment of the image inside of a vehicle, e.g. relating to seat occupancy, driver state or inner lighting conditions
G06V 40/10 - Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestriansBody parts, e.g. hands
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 5/02 - Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
An audio method, system, and computer readable medium is provided that estimates an acoustic transfer function in an environment between a transducer and a microphone. An audio test signal is generated, wherein an amplitude or energy of the audio test signal is selected, across a plurality of frequency bins, at least in part, to be at least partially masked by acoustic energy in the environment. The audio test signal is provided to a transducer to be transduced into an acoustic signal in the environment. The microphone receives the acoustic signal and provides a microphone signal. The microphone signal is processed through a summing method over a predetermined time duration of three (3) seconds or longer, and the acoustic transfer function is estimated based upon the summing method.
H04S 7/00 - Indicating arrangementsControl 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 effectsMasking sound by electro-acoustically regenerating the original acoustic waves in anti-phase
