УСТРОЙСТВО И СПОСОБ ОСНОВАННОГО НА ГЕОМЕТРИИ КОДИРОВАНИЯ ПРОСТРАНСТВЕННОГО ЗВУКА

... 1. Устройство (150) для генерации, по меньшей мере, одного выходного звукового сигнала на основании потока звуковых данных, включающего в себя звуковые данные, относящиеся к одному или более источникам звука, причем устройство (150) включает в себя:приемник (160) для приема потока звуковых данных, включающего в себя звуковые данные, причем звуковые данные включают в себя, для каждого из одного или более источников звука, одно или более значений давления звука, причем звуковые данные дополнительно включают в себя, для каждого из одного или более источников звука, одно или более значений местоположения, указывающих местоположение одного из источников звука, причем каждое из одного или более значений местоположения включает в себя, по меньшей мере, два значения координат, и причем звуковые данные дополнительно включают в себя одно или более значений диффузности звука для каждого из источников звука; имодуль (170) синтеза, для генерации, по меньшей мере, одного выходного звукового сигнала на ...

Fahrzeug und Verfahren zum Steuern desselben

Ein Verfahren zum Steuern eines Fahrzeugs bezieht sich auf eine Sprachmaskierungstechnologie, um zu erlauben, dass nur ein bestimmter Fahrzeuginsasse unter den Fahrzeuginsassen in dem Fahrzeug ein Sprachkommunikationssignal, etwa einen Wählton, hören kann, und die Technologie verhindert, dass die übrigen Fahrzeuginsassen neben dem bestimmten Fahrzeuginsassen das Sprachkommunikationssignal hören. Das Fahrzeug umfasst einen Sprachsignalempfänger, um ein Sprachsignal zu empfangen, einen in dem Fahrzeug vorgesehenen Lautsprecher, um das Sprachsignal auszugeben, und eine Steuerung, um eine Frequenzumwandlung des empfangenen Sprachsignals durchzuführen. Insbesondere erzeugt die Steuerung einen maskierenden Ton, um das Übertragen von Informationen, die in dem Sprachsignal enthalten sind, auf der Basis eines Frequenzbandes des umgewandelten Sprachsignals zu verhindern, und erzeugt ein Steuerungssignal derart, dass der erzeugte maskierende Ton an eine vorbestimmte Zone eines Innenraums des Fahrzeugs ...

MICROPHONE MOUNTING

A handsfree microphone mounting for a mobile telephone comprises a generally C-shaped clip (1) having extended limbs (3) which are biased towards each other for slidable attachment to a sun-visor in a vehicle. A microphone holder (6) is fastened to the clip (1) by a connector which allows the holder (6) and hence the microphone (20) to be moved about the contour of the C-shaped portion (2) of the clip (1). Preferably a click-stop mechanism (9, 11) is provided so that the holder can be moved to one of several pre-set positions. ...

Systems and methods for intra-oral based communications

Microphone with advanced functionalities

TRANSDUCER

MICROPHONE PLANT WITH SEVERAL MICROPHONES

Handheld mobile recording device with microphone characteristic selection means

A handheld mobile recording device (1; 24) that comprises at least a first microphone (2) to capture a first audio signal (8) and audio processing means (9) to process the first audio signal (8) and storage means (16) to store audio data, which recoding device (1; 24) furthermore comprises position detection means (4) to detect an essential vertical and handheld moved first position of the recording device (1) and to detect an essential horizontal and static second position of the recording device (1; 24) that furthermore comprises microphone characteristic selection means (6) to select the audio capturing and processing characteristic (7, 12) of the recording device (1; 24) based on the detected position of the recording device (1; 24).

Delegate unit and conference system with the delegate unit

TRANSDUCTEUR A ELECTRET COMPORTANT UNE PLAQUE ARRIERE METALLISEE SELECTIVEMENT

L'INVENTION CONCERNE LES TRANSDUCTEURS ACOUSTIQUES. UN TRANSDUCTEUR A ELECTRET COMPREND NOTAMMENT UNE MEMBRANE A ELECTRET 10 SUPERPOSEE DIRECTEMENT SUR UNE SURFACE RUGUEUSE 16 D'UNE PLAQUE ARRIERE 18 QUI EST METALLISEE SELECTIVEMENT. LA METALLISATION SELECTIVE EST OBTENUE PAR LE DEPOT D'UNE COUCHE DE METAL MINCE 20 DONT LE CONTOUR EST DEFINI PAR UNE RELATION PREDETERMINEE. LA SENSIBILITE DU TRANSDUCTEUR EN TOUT POINT DE CE DERNIER EST DIRECTEMENT PROPORTIONNELLE A LA LARGEUR DE LA COUCHE DE METAL SUR LA PLAQUE ARRIERE. LA CARACTERISTIQUE DE REPONSE DU TRANSDUCTEUR COMPREND UN LOBE PRINCIPAL ET DES LOBES SECONDAIRES INFERIEURS A UN SEUIL PREDETERMINE. APPLICATION AUX MICROPHONES DIRECTIONNELS.

SOUND ACQUISITION VIA THE EXTRACTION OF GEOMETRICAL INFORMATION FROM DIRECTION OF ARRIVAL ESTIMATES

An apparatus for generating an audio output signal to simulate a recording of a virtual microphone at a configurable virtual position in an environment is provided. The apparatus comprises a sound events position estimator and an information computation module (120). The sound events position estimator (110) is adapted to estimate a sound source position indicating a position of a sound source in the environment, wherein the sound events position estimator (110) is adapted to estimate the sound source position based on a first direction information provided by a first real spatial microphone being located at a first real microphone position in the environment, and based on a second direction information provided by a second real spatial microphone being located at a second real microphone position in the environment. The information computation module (120) is adapted to generate the audio output signal based on a first recorded audio input signal, based on the first real microphone position ...

Quiet zone for handsfree microphone

A handsfree voice system has a microphone mounted in a fixed location in a passenger cabin. An audio signal from the microphone can be used by a voice recognition system to detect spoken commands of a driver or can be used by a cellular telephone transceiver to transmit sounds for a spoken conversation over a phone call. A pair of speakers is mounted at a periphery of the microphone. A plurality of noise sensors are configured to characterize intrusive noises into the cabin. An active noise cancellation controller is responsive to the noise sensors for generating anti-noise to be output by the speakers establishing a quiet zone centered on the microphone.

MICROPHONE CONFIGURATIONS

A microphone device includes a microphone array configured to capture one or more audio objects associated with a three-dimensional sound field. The microphone array includes a first cluster and a second cluster. The first cluster includes a first set of two or more microphone elements and the second cluster includes a second set of two or more microphone elements. The microphone device also includes a processor coupled to the microphone array. The processor is configured to receive directionality information associated with a sound source. The processor is also configured to select a first microphone element configuration for the first cluster based on a condition, the directionality information, or both. Each microphone element of the first set of two or more microphone elements is deactivated in response to selection of the first microphone element configuration.

Spatial interference suppression using dual-microphone arrays

Systems, processes, devices, apparatuses, algorithms and computer readable medium for suppressing spatial interference using a dual microphone array for receiving, from a first microphone and a second microphone that are separated by a predefined distance, and that are configured to receive source signals, respective first and second microphone signals based on received source signals. A phase difference between the first and the second microphone signals is calculated based on the predefined distance. An angular distance between directions of arrival of the source signals and a desired capture direction is calculated based on the phase difference. Directional-filter coefficients are calculated based on the angular distance. Undesired source signals are filtered from an output based on the directional-filter coefficients.

VIDEOCONFERENCING SERVER FOR PROVIDING VIDEOCONFERENCING BY USING MULTIPLE VIDEOCONFERENCING TERMINALS AND CAMERA TRACKING METHOD THEREFOR

Disclosed are a videoconferencing server capable of providing multiscreen videoconferencing by using multiple videoconferencing terminals, and a camera tracking method therefor. The videoconferencing server of the present invention can be implemented in such a manner that multiple conventional videoconferencing terminals (physical terminals) having one or two displays are logically grouped to operate as a “logical terminal” which operates as one videoconferencing point. Through distribution of videos provided to the multiple physical terminals constituting the logical terminal, the videoconferencing server can perform processing as if the logical terminal supports a multiscreen. The videoconferencing server provides a function of recognizing and tracking a target in the middle of speaking in the logical terminal.

DYNAMIC MICROPHONE

A dynamic microphone that enables taking a long propagation path of a sound wave on a back side of a diaphragm, and by which unidirectivity can be obtained even at a low frequency. The dynamic microphone includes: a dynamic microphone unit; and an air chamber provided on a back side of a diaphragm of the dynamic microphone unit, wherein the air chamber is folded back to make a propagation path of a sound wave on the back side of the diaphragm long, a plurality of acoustic resistors is arranged in the air chamber at intervals to each other in a direction of the propagation path of a sound wave, and acoustic resistance values of the plurality of acoustic resistors become higher as the propagation path of a sound wave goes away from the diaphragm.

Prismatic loudspeaker/microphone array

An audio array for receiving or generating audio signals. The audio array includes first, second and third audio elements and first second and third structures. Each of the first second and third structures are right triangles. The first second and third audio elements are each secured to a respective one of the first, second and third structures and the first, second and third structures are positioned to extend at a substantially 90° angle to each other. The first second and third audio elements are positioned in a substantially central location of the first second and third structures. The first second and third audio elements are all either speakers or microphones. The first, second and third structures are all retained within a comprising a housing.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECOGNIZING VOICE

An apparatus and a method for recognizing a voice include a plurality of array microphones configured to have at least one microphone, and a seat controller configured to check a position of a seat provided in a vehicle. A microphone controller is configured to set a beam forming region based on the checked position of the seat and controls an array microphone so as to obtain sound source data from the set beam forming region.

MICROPHONE DEVICE, AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSING DEVICE, AND AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD

Audio signal processing that satisfies both sound quality and cost is enabled. A processing unit that performs processing based on an output audio signal of a first microphone unit focusing on sound quality and an output audio signal of a second microphone unit focusing on cost is included. For example, the processing performed by the processing unit includes processing of obtaining a beamforming output and processing of obtaining a sound source separation output. Furthermore, for example, the processing performed by the processing unit may include processing of generating a first audio signal on the basis of an output audio signal of the first microphone and processing of generating a second audio signal on the basis of output audio signals of a plurality of the second microphone units.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUDIO PROCESSING

The disclosure describes systems and methods for processing audio signals in a vehicle to perform sound source separation. The sound source separation is performed using transfer functions and involves separation of the speech of multiple occupants. The separated speech can be used to isolate and correctly respond to a command to control vehicle systems.

COMPOSITE MICROPHONE, MICROPHONE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THOSE

AUDIO RECORDER

There is disclosed an audio recorder (10) that automatically determines, when preset microphones are configured to be detachable and different microphones (22, 24) are attached to the same jacks (13L, 13R), whether or not the different microphones (22, 24) are in-house microphones, and automatically determines which of the X-Y technique or the A-B technique is used as the attachment technique. Holders (12L,12R) in the audio recorder include a switch structure (14, 16) in which, in cases where the different microphones (22, 24) are attached in place of the preset microphones, a contact (16) is turned on only when the different microphones are in-house microphones. Further, a main body unit includes a processor that, when the contact in the switch structure (14, 16) is turned on, automatically determines which of the X-Y technique or the A-B technique is used based on a voltage value of a certain terminal in a plug of the different microphones. The X-Y technique employs an inward facing arrangement ...

MODELING OF MICROPHONE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method by which arbitrarily synthesized directivity patterns can be intentionally generated by equalization corresponding to a B format signal. SOLUTION: Pertaining to a method for modeling of a microphone consisting of several capsules, wherein, by combining the individual signals originating from individual capsules, combined signals are generated, whose directivity patterns can be described essentially by spherical harmonics, and at least two of these combined signals are added with a certain weighting for microphone signals. In the modeling, the microphone is measured from different spatial directions and at different frequencies as necessary, the exponential directivity factor of the microphone signal is determined from the measured data for at least one spatial region and compared with a stipulated value, and, as a function of the deviation of the determined exponential directivity factor from the stipulated value, the weighting is altered in the ...

DIFFERENTIAL MICROPHONE UNIT AND PORTABLE EQUIPMENT

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a differential microphone unit that can improve characteristics of a microphone unit and can further expand the range of directivity possessed by a microphone unit. SOLUTION: The differential microphone unit 100 includes a cover 20 in which sound holes 22a and 22b are formed at the same upper surface 20a, a vibrating part 11 that vibrates due to a difference in sound pressure reaching through each of the sound holes 22a and 22b, and a gasket 30 arranged on the upper surface 20a and including sound holes 31a and 31b communicating with the sound holes 22a and 22b, respectively. The gasket 30 is constituted so that, in the Y-direction, each opening length L3 of the sound holes 31a and 31b on the upper surface 30a of the gasket 30 is set longer (L3>L1) than each opening length L1 in the Y-direction of the sound holes 22a and 22b on the upper surface 20a of the cover 20. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT ...

Ultrasonic microphone enclosure

DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE ASSEMBLY

Ultrasonic microphone enclosure

An apparatus 10 for detecting ultrasonic signals. The apparatus housing comprises a waveguide 52 that provides communication from a horn 32 to a microphone 46 mounted to a printed circuit board 38. The horn may be between 0.5 cm and 2.5 cm in length and its cross section may be flatter on one side of the horn (32, Fig. 2). The flat surface may be parallel to the printed circuit board. The waveguide may include an opening in the PCB, the microphone sensor being mounted on an opposite side of the PCB adjacent to the opening. The housing may include resonant cavities 60 formed adjacent to the waveguide or adjacent to an inside of the horn to remove or attenuate a desired band of frequencies. The microphone sensor may be modified by a notch filter that may: be implemented using only one op-amp; have a limited maximum attenuation in addition to a specified notch frequency and quality factor; and have a feedback current return path that shares current with the return path of one or more frequency ...

System and method for sound direction detection in a vehicle

Distibuted audio capture and mixing

DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE ASSEMBLY

A method and head-mounted unit for assisting a user

METHOD FOR THE MODELLING OF A MICROPHONE

THRESHOLD VALUE CIRCUIT FOR A MICROPHONE PLANT

Method and system for audio sharing

The present invention provide a method and system of audio sharing aimed to revolutionize the way people listen and share music and to give multiple uses to a wireless headphone referred to as HEDphone. A communication protocol referred to as HEDtech protocol is used in a HED system to allow users to share music amongst a plurality of HEDphones while using a single audio source. A wireless connection is established between the HEDphone and a mobile device including an audio source while simultaneously having the capability of allowing other HEDphone users to join wirelessly and listen to the same audio source. A feature of Super Human Hearing (SHH) goes beyond conventional ANR (ambient noise reduction) with additional features that allow the user to control their aural environment by being able to directionally increase or decrease selective frequencies.

ULTRASONIC MICROPHONE ENCLOSURE

An apparatus includes a housing having a horn with a mouth and a throat. The mouth of the horn is larger in cross section than the throat of the horn. The housing further includes a waveguide providing communication from the throat of the horn. The apparatus further includes a printed circuit board supported by the housing and a microphone sensor. The microphone sensor is mounted to a printed circuit board. The waveguide provides communication from the throat of the horn to the microphone sensor. The apparatus may be configured to include a housing having a waveguide providing communication to an interior of the housing, a printed circuit board supported by the housing within the interior of the housing, and a microphone sensor.

DOPPLER MICROPHONE PROCESSING FOR CONFERENCE CALLS

Systems and methods are provided for conducting conference calls using doppler-based, i.e., reverberation-based techniques. The embodiments comprise a call device performing operations to join a call session hosted on a session server; receive sensor data comprising an audio signal from a first microphone and location information associated with the first microphone; determine a reverberation parameter associated with the location information; generate a first processed audio signal based on the audio signal and the reverberation parameter; and transmit the first processed audio signal to the session server. The session server may perform operations to receive a respective processed audio signal; determine a sound quality parameter of the respective processed audio signal; generate a balanced audio signal based on the sound quality parameter and the received processed audio signal; and transmit the balanced audio signal to a remote call device belonging to a second party.

SOUND TRANSDUCER

A sound transducer (1), comprising at least one acoustically neutral body (2) with which it is possible to associate two sound conveyance elements (9 a, 9b) which are shaped approximately like a stylized funnel so as to each f orm an auricle (10a, 10b), which protrudes outside the acoustically neutral body (2) and is blended with a duct (19a, 19b) with which a three-pole micro phone cartridge (25a, 25b) is associated, the cartridge being arranged so th at its front end, adapted to acquire the sound, is proximate to the inlet of the duct. The two cold poles (29a, 29b) of the microphone cartridges are mu tually inverted, so that the cold pole of one of the microphone cartridges a nd the hot pole (28a, 28b) and the ground (30a, 30b) of the other of the mic rophone cartridges are or can be connected to a same connector or socket (31 a, 31b) which is or can be associated with a suitable amplifying and/or reco rding and/or processing device.

Method and device for performing voice control on equipment with microphone array

TRANSDUCER SELECTIVELY HAS ELECTRET COMPRISING A BACK PLATE METALLISEE

METHODS FOR SOUND REPRODUCTION SPATIALISEE

Method of fabricating thin film transistor

A method of fabricating a thin film transistor includes the steps of (a) forming an amorphous silicon film (5) containing hydrogen therein, on a resin substrate (1), and (b) irradiating laser beams to the amorphous silicon film (5) at an intensity equal to or smaller than a threshold intensity at which the amorphous silicon film (5) is crystallized.

Method and apparatus for improving call quality of hands-free call device, and hands-free call device

The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for improving the call quality of a hands-free call device, and a hands-free call device. The hands-free call device comprises a transmitter end composed of a main microphone and at least one auxiliary microphone. The method comprises: scanning within an initial first collection angle of a transmitter end; after a voice feature signal is scanned within the first collection angle, according to a direction of the voice feature signal, determining a second collection angle smaller than the first collection angle within the first collection angle; and calibrating the transmitter end to a direction determined by the second collection angle. In this method, voice pickup is conducted using a relatively small voice protection angle, so that the interference from ambient noise can be greatly reduced, to achieve the purpose of improving the transmission signal to noise ratio, thus the directivity of a voice in a hands-free call device during ...

Compact Home Assistant Having Touch Sensitive Housing

A compact electronic device has a touch sensor and/or a microphone that are concealed within a housing at least partially wrapped by an acoustically porous cover. In some implementations, the touch sensor includes a sensing portion and a contact portion extending from the sensing portion. While the sensing portion is placed in proximity to an interior surface of the housing to detect a touch on the housing, the contact portion is bent to electrically couple the sensing portion to a circuit board via two distinct electrical paths. In some implementations, an exterior surface of the housing includes a sealing area surrounding an aperture on the housing, and the acoustically porous cover is affixed to the sealing area via an adhesive. The adhesive covers the sealing area and permeates a thickness of the acoustically porous cover, thereby enabling formation of a controlled sound path to access the microphone via the aperture.

Sleep assistance device for multiple users

A sleep assistance device is provided-for, including a contactless biometric sensor, a processor, memory, and a speaker. The processor detects a user's sleep state by reading signals from the contactless biometric sensor. The processor may then initiate a wind-down routine upon detecting a sleep-readiness state, including playing relaxing sounds or playing a respiration entrainment sound. The processor may also play noise-masking sounds upon detecting that a user has fallen asleep and seamlessly transition between the sounds played during the wind-down routine and the noise-masking sounds.

APPARATUS FOR VOICE COMMUNICATION

One example discloses an apparatus for voice communication, including: a first wireless device including a first pressure sensor having a first acoustical profile and configured to capture a first set of acoustic energy within a time window; wherein the first wireless device includes a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) signal input; wherein the first wireless device includes a processing element configured to: receive, through the NFMI signal input, a second set of acoustic energy captured by a second pressure sensor, having a second acoustical profile, within a second wireless device and within the time window; apply a signal enhancement technique to the first and second sets of acoustic energy based on the first and second acoustical profiles; and output an enhanced voice signal based on applying the signal enhancement.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRA-ORAL BASED COMMUNICATIONS

Systems and methods are disclosed for capturing sound for communication by mounting one or more intra-oral microphones to capture sound; and mounting a mouth wearable communicator in the oral cavity to communicate sound with a remote unit.

AUDIO ADJUSTMENT METHOD AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE THEREOF

An audio adjustment method for an electronic device having an audio playback function includes: acquiring an interference parameter, the interference parameter characterizing an impact of an interference surface on the audio playback function of the electronic device; determining a first audio parameter that corresponds to the interference parameter; and adjusting audio playback of the electronic device according to the first audio parameter.

Microphone MEMS diaphragm and self-test thereof

A device includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) element configured to sense acoustic signals. The device also includes a circuitry configured to enable the microphone element to sense the acoustic signals. The circuitry is further configured to disable the microphone element to prevent the microphone element to sense the acoustic signals. It is appreciated that the circuitry is further configured to apply a test signal to the MEMS element when the microphone element is disabled. The microphone element outputs a signal in response to the test signal to the circuitry. The circuitry in response to the output signal with a first value determines that a diaphragm of the MEMS element is nonoperational and the circuitry in response to the output signal with a second value determines that the diaphragm of the MEMS element is operational.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GEOMETRY-BASED SPATIAL AUDIO CODING

ПРИЕМ ЗВУКА ПОСРЕДСТВОМ ВЫДЕЛЕНИЯ ГЕОМЕТРИЧЕСКОЙ ИНФОРМАЦИИ ИЗ ОЦЕНОК НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ ЕГО ПОСТУПЛЕНИЯ

Изобретение относится к акустике, в частности к средствам обработки звуковых сигналов. Устройство содержит блок оценки местоположения звуковых событий и модуль вычисления информации. Блок оценки местоположения звуковых событий адаптирован для оценки местоположения источника звука на основе информации о первом и втором направлении, информация о которых принимается от первого и второго реальных пространственных микрофонов. Модуль вычисления информации адаптирован для создания выходного аудиосигнала на основе первого записанного входного аудиосигнала, на основе виртуального местоположения виртуального микрофона и на основе местоположения источника звука. Модуль вычисления информации содержит компенсатор распространения, адаптированный для модификации первого входного аудиосигнала на основе первого и второго затухания амплитуды путем регулировки значения амплитуды, значения магнитуды или значения фазы записанного входного аудиосигнала. Также компенсатор адаптирован для компенсации первой временной ...

Mikrofon mit einem Handgriff

Mikrofon mit einem Handgriff, einschließend ein Mikrofon, das auf einem im Querschnitt runden Handgriff eingerichtet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es mit einer Einrichtung ausgestattet ist, die das Halten des Handgriffes in die Hand nicht in allen Positionen bequem macht, wobei das Mikrofon als Richtmikrofon ausgeführt ist.

Distributed audio capture and mixing

Controlling a position/orientation of an audio source 101, 103, 105 within an audio scene, based on a received current physical position/orientation of the audio source relative to a capture device 207 (said capture device comprising a microphone array), a received earlier physical position/orientation of the audio source relative to the capture device 101, 103, 105 and a received control parameter. The controllable position 501, 503, 505 of the audio source is between the current and earlier position/orientations. Preferably the capture device comprises a camera. The main embodiment of the invention involves the panning of individual audio tracks so as to better match a viewed audio scene, e.g. If a guitar is on the left of a stage and a piano is on the right, the respective audio tracks of each instrument would be suitably panned so as to match their positions. However, in some situations the panning of audio tracks to match the perceived positions of the audio sources would result in ...

Methods and apparatuses relating to an estimated position of an audio capture device

RADIO TELEPHONE APPARATUS

Ring-shaped devices with voice integration

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for ring-shaped devices with voice integration. In one embodiment, an example device may include an antenna element that at least partially forms an outer surface of the ring-shaped device, an outer shell coupled to the antenna element, an inner shell coupled to the outer shell, a curved battery disposed along a first side of the ring-shaped device, and a flexible printed circuit assembly coupled to the curved battery and disposed along a second side of the ring shaped device.

Analysis of spatial metadata from multi-microphones having asymmetric geometry in devices

Processing audio signals

Apparatus and method for obtaining directional audio signals

Imaging device, control method for imaging device, and recording medium

An imaging device (100) in which an imaging sensor that captures an image and a display unit that displays the image are provided. This device comprises an image processing unit (116) configured to perform roll correction on the image; a control unit configured to control an output of the image; and a display control unit (122) configured to display the output image on the display unit. The image processing unit performs the roll correction such that a degree of correction of the roll correction when the image is to be output to only the display unit is less than a degree of correction of the roll correction when the image is to be output to the display unit and an output destination other than the display unit. In an embodiment no roll correction is performed unless the image is to be output to a second display s403, s405. In a preferred embodiment there is also sound capture, where the capture of the sound will be either stereo or mono in dependence on the roll correction.

MICROPHONE PLANT WITH SEVERAL MICROPHONES

THRESHOLD VALUE CIRCUIT FOR A MICROPHONE PLANT

RICHTMIKROFON, INSBESONDERE MIT SYMMETRISCHER RICHTWIRKUNG

RICHTMIKROFON, INSBESONDERE MIT SYMMETRISCHER RICHTWIRKUNG

Hypersensitive microphone with amplitude reduction

ELECTRET TRANSDUCER WITH A SELECTIVELY METALIZED BACKPLATE

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING FLYING ANIMALS

A system for detecting flying animals, the system comprising: a detection module configured to detect flying animals; a local processing module associated with the detection module and configured to remove background noise from data gathered by the detection module; an analysis module configured to receive data from the local processing module and process said data to determine presence of flying animals and classify such flying animals by species; and a deterrent configured to repel one or more species of flying animal based on the classification of detected flying animals.

HANDHELD MOBILE RECORDING DEVICE WITH MICROPHONE CHARACTERISTIC SELECTION MEANS

A handheld mobile recording device (1; 24) that comprises at least a first microphone (2) to capture a first audio signal (8) and audio processing means (9) to process the first audio signal (8) and storage means (16) to store audio data, which recoding device (1; 24) furthermore comprises position detection means (4) to detect an essential vertical and handheld moved first position of the recording device (1) and to detect an essential horizontal and static second position of the recording device (1; 24) that furthermore comprises microphone characteristic selection means (6) to select the audio capturing and processing characteristic (7, 12) of the recording device (1; 24) based on the detected position of the recording device (1; 24).

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRA-ORAL BASED COMMUNICATIONS

Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein for capturing sound for communication by mounting one or more intra-oral microphones to capture sound The systems and methods also include mounting a mouth wearable communicator in the oral cavity to communicate sound with a remote unit Intra-oral microphones may comprise cardioid type directional microphones and omni-directional microphones.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GEOMETRY-BASED SPATIAL AUDIO CODING

An apparatus for generating at least one audio output signal based on an audio data stream comprising audio data relating to one or more sound sources is provided. The apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving the audio data stream comprising the audio data. The audio data comprises one or more pressure values for each one of the sound sources. Furthermore, the audio data comprises one or more position values indicating a position of one of the sound sources for each one of the sound sources. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a synthesis module for generating the at least one audio output signal based on at least one of the one or more pressure values of the audio data of the audio data stream and based on at least one of the one or more position values of the audio data of the audio data stream.

IMAGE DERIVED DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONES

Second-order gradient directional microphones, both toroidal and unidirectional, derived using a first-order gradient sensor and an acoustically reflecting surface are disclosed. The sensor is positioned with its axis illustratively orthogonal to and suspended a few centimeters from a large acoustically reflecting surface. The resulting sensor image is phase reversed resulting in a transducer that is a linear quadrupole. The linear quadrupole can be described by two dimensions, the distance corresponding to the sensor's dipole distance and twice the distance from the reflecting plane. If the reflecting surface is large enough or if the wall of an enclosure is used, the resulting microphone becomes a second-order gradient unidirectional microphone. A perfect match between the sensor and its image from a good acoustic reflector results in an ideal second-order gradient microphone with 3 dB beam width of ?33.degree. and no grating lobes below about 3 kHz for a spacing from the reflecting plane ...

DATA PROCESSING METHOD FOR PARAMETER ESTIMATION OF MIXING AUDIO SIGNALS, MIXING METHOD, DEVICES, AND RELATED COMPUTER PROGRAMS

METHODS FOR SOUND REPRODUCTION SPATIALISEE

CONTROL DEVICE Of ACTIVATION OF MICROPHONES FOR SYSTEMS OF TELECONFERENCE

레코딩 방법 및 그 장치

... 본 발명은 레코딩 방법 및 그 장치에 관한 것이며, 멀티미디어 처리 분야에 속한다. 상기 방법은 세 개의 마이크로폰이 배치되어 있는 이동 단말기에 이용되며, 상기 세 개의 마이크로폰에 의해 채취된 3개 루트의 사운드 신호를 취득하는 단계와, 상기 3개 루트의 사운드 신호에 근거하여 연산을 통해 5.1 채널의 센터 채널신호, 왼쪽 채널신호, 오른쪽 채널신호, 후방 왼쪽 채널신호 및 후방 오른쪽 채널신호를 취득하는 단계와, 상기 3개 루트의 사운드 신호에 근거하여 연산을 통해 상기 5.1 채널의 서브 우퍼 채널신호를 얻는 단계와, 상기 센터 채널신호, 왼쪽 채널신호, 오른쪽 채널신호, 후방 왼쪽 채널신호, 후방 오른쪽 채널신호 및 상기 서브 우퍼 채널신호를 조합하여 상기 5.1 채널의 사운드 신호를 얻는 단계를 포함한다. 본 발명은, 관련기술 중의 사용자가 레코딩한 오디오 데이터가 모노럴 데이터 또는 바이노럴 데이터 밖에 없을 수 없는 것으로, 레코딩의 음장 범위 및 임장감이 비교적 약하는 문제를 해결하였으며, 단말기의 하드웨어의 배치를 변경하지 않는 전제하에 사용자가 5.1 채널 데이터를 작성할 수 있으므로 레코딩의 음질을 향상시키는 효과를 가진다.

오디오 공유를 위한 방법 및 시스템

... 본 발명은 사람들이 음악을 듣고 공유하는 방식을 혁신하고 HED폰(HEDphone)으로 지칭되는 무선 헤드폰에 다수의 용도를 부여하는 것을 목표로 하는 오디오 공유 방법 및 시스템을 제공한다. HED 시스템에서 HED테크(HEDtech) 프로토콜로 지칭되는 통신 프로토콜은 사용자가 단일 오디오 소스를 사용하는 동안 다수의 HED폰 사이에서 음악을 공유할 수 있도록 한다. 무선 연결은 HED폰과 오디오 소스를 포함하는 모바일(mobile) 장치 간에 설정되는 동시에 다른 HED폰 사용자들이 무선으로 참여하고 동일한 오디오 소스를 들을 수 있는 기능을 가지고 있다. 초인 청력(Super Human Hearing(SHH))의 특징은 사용자가 선택적 주파수를 방향적으로 증가 또는 감소 시킴으로써 청각 환경을 제어할 수 있도록 하는 추가 기능을 통해 기존 ANR(ambient noise reduction(주변 소음 감소))을 뛰어 넘는다.

SMART DEVICE

전자 장치 및 그 제어 방법

... 마이크를 통해 입력되는 음성 명령에 따라 기능 또는 동작을 수행할 수 있는 전자 장치 및 그 제어 방법에 관한 것으로, 제1 세기의 노이즈(noise)를 포함하는 음성 신호를 수신하는 음성 획득 마이크와, 제1 세기보다 더 큰 제2 세기의 노이즈를 포함하는 음성 신호를 수신하는 노이즈 획득 마이크와, 노이즈 획득 마이크에서 수신된 음성 신호로부터 제2 세기의 노이즈를 추정하고, 추정된 노이즈를 토대로, 음성 획득 마이크에서 수신된 음성 신호로부터 제1 세기의 노이즈를 제거하며, 제1 세기의 노이즈가 제거된 음성 신호에 상응하는 동작을 수행하는 제어부를 포함할 수 있다.

ACOUSTIC ENERGY MEASURING DEVICE, ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATION DEVICE UTILIZING SAME, AND ACOUSTIC INFORMATION MEASURING DEVICE

Provided is an acoustic energy measuring device capable of measuring acoustic energy without being affected by standing waves, even in a closed space where standing waves can be generated, by taking not only sound pressure but also particle velocity into consideration. The acoustic energy measuring device for measuring acoustic energy is configured with a sound reception unit (1), a sound pressure calculation unit (2), a particle velocity calculation unit (3), and an acoustic energy calculation unit (4). The sound reception unit (1) performs sound-electricity conversion. The sound pressure calculation unit (2) calculates sound pressure using the output from the sound reception unit (1). The particle velocity calculation unit (3) calculates particle velocity using the output from the sound reception unit (1). Then, the acoustic energy calculation unit (4) calculates acoustic energy using the outputs from the sound pressure calculation unit (2) and the particle velocity calculation unit ( ...

Electret transducer with a selectively metalized backplate

An electret transducer comprises an electrostatically charged electret foil (10) superimposed directly over a selectively metalized rough surface (16) of a backplate (18). Selective metalization is realized by depositing a thin metal layer (20), the contour of which is defined by a predetermined relationship, over the rough surface (16). The sensitivity of the electret transducer at any point thereon is directly proportional to the width of the metal layer on the backplate. The response characteristic of the electret transducer comprises a main lobe and a plurality of sidelobes below a preselected threshold.

AUTOMATED CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

A method, computer program product, and computing system for proactive encounter scanning is executed on a computing device and includes obtaining encounter information of a patient encounter. The encounter information is proactively processed to determine if the encounter information is indicative of one or more medical conditions and to generate one or more result set. The one or more result sets are provided to the user.

Voice Control for Emergency Vehicle

A voice control system for a police vehicle, including: a single azimuthally-sensitive directional microphone configured to receive an audio command for controlling an aspect of the police vehicle and identify a direction of origin of the audio command; and a controller including a processor and tangible memory encoding instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to: identify a command associated with the audio command received by the single azimuthally-sensitive directional microphone; and when the direction of origin allows for the command, initiate the command to control the aspect of the police vehicle. 1. A voice control system for a police vehicle , the voice control system comprising:a single azimuthally-sensitive directional microphone configured to receive an audio command for controlling an aspect of the police vehicle and identify a direction of origin of the audio command; and identify a command associated with the audio command received by the single azimuthally-sensitive directional microphone; and', 'when the direction of origin allows for the command, initiate the command to control the aspect of the police vehicle., 'a controller including a processor and tangible memory encoding instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to2. The voice control system of claim 1 , wherein the single azimuthally-sensitive directional microphone is positioned centrally within a ceiling of the police vehicle.3. The voice control system of claim 1 , wherein the tangible memory encodes further instructions which claim 1 , when executed by the processor claim 1 , cause the controller to compare the audio command to an acoustic signature to identify an individual who voiced the audio command.4. The voice control system of claim 1 , wherein the tangible memory encodes further instructions which claim 1 , when executed by the processor claim 1 , cause the controller to store the audio command for later review.5. The ...

Determining speaker direction using a spherical microphone array

A system that detects audio including speech using a spherical sensor array estimates a direction of arrival of the speech using a Kalman filter. To improve the estimates of the Kalman filter, the system estimates a noise covariance matrix, representing noise detected by the array. The structure of the noise covariance matrix is determined, using an assumption of spherically isotropic diffuse noise. The intensity of the noise covariance matrix is estimated based on the intensity of audio detected by the array.

Listen to people you recognize

One example device includes a camera; a display device; a memory; and a processor in communication with the memory to receive audio signals from two or more microphones or a far-end device; receive first location information and second location information, the first location information for a visual identification of an audio source of the received audio signals and the second location information identifying a direction of arrival from the audio source; receive a first adjustment to a first portion of a UI to change either a visual identification or a coordinate direction of a direction focus; in response to the first adjustment, automatically perform a second adjustment to a second portion of the UI to change the other of the visual identification or the coordinate direction of the direction focus; and process the audio signals to filter sounds outside the direction focus, or emphasize sounds within the direction focus.

RECORDING AND PLAYBACK DEVICE

There is disclosed a device that can record a sound by selecting a directivity direction as desired by the user at the time of recording and can play back the sound by selecting, at the time of playback, a desired directivity direction by the user, separate from the directivity direction specified at the time of recording. The device has microphones, a touch panel for specifying a directivity direction, and a signal processing unit. A recording module performs directivity control in a direction specified on the touch panel and records audio data subjected to effect processing in a memory as directivity-controlled data, and records audio data that are not subjected to directivity control or effect processing in the memory as directivity-control unprocessed data. A playback module performs directivity control on the directivity-control unprocessed data recorded in the memory in a direction specified on the touch panel at the time of playback and performs effect processing on the resulting ...

STEREO SEPARATION AND DIRECTIONAL SUPPRESSION WITH OMNI-DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONES

Systems and methods for stereo separation and directional suppression are provided. An example method includes receiving a first audio signal, representing sound captured by a first microphone associated with a first location, and a second audio signal, representing sound captured by a second microphone associated with a second location. The microphones comprise omni-directional microphones. The distance between the first and second microphones is limited by the size of a mobile device. A first channel signal of a stereo signal is generated by forming, based on the first and second audio signals, a first beam at the first location. A second channel signal of the stereo signal is generated by forming, based on the first and second audio signals, a second beam at the second location. First and second directions, associated respectively with the first and second beams, are fixed relative to a line between the first and second locations.

NOISE CANCELLATION USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

A method includes receiving a signal that includes noise, generating a reference signal that comprises an estimate of the noise included in the received signal, and using the reference signal to remove at least part of the noise from the received signal. The reference signal is generated by a model built using machine learning. A system includes a first apparatus that carries a signal that includes noise, and a processor based apparatus configured to execute steps including receiving the signal that includes the noise, generating a reference signal that comprises an estimate of the noise included in the received signal, and using the reference signal to remove at least part of the noise from the received signal. A storage medium storing one or more computer programs is also provided. 1. A method , comprising:receiving a signal that includes noise;generating a reference signal that comprises an estimate of the noise included in the received signal, wherein the reference signal is generated by a model built using machine learning; andusing the reference signal to remove at least part of the noise from the received signal.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the model built using machine learning comprises a model built using a generative adversarial network (GAN).3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the using the reference signal to remove at least part of the noise from the received signal comprises:using the reference signal in a noise cancellation process.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the using the reference signal to remove at least part of the noise from the received signal comprises:using the reference signal in an acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) process.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:training the model by generating the reference signal with the model and comparing the reference signal to a sample of the noise.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the training the model further comprises:adjusting the model based on the comparison of the reference ...

AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSOR AND GENERATOR

A spatial-audio recording system includes a spatial-audio recording device including a plurality of microphones, and a computing device. The computing device is configured to determine a plane-wave transfer function for the spatial-audio recording device based on a physical shape of the spatial-audio recording device and to expand the plane-wave transfer function to generate a spherical-harmonics transfer function corresponding to the plane-wave transfer function. The computing device is further configured to retrieve a plurality of signals captured by the microphones, determine spherical-harmonics coefficients for an audio signal based on the plurality of captured signals and the spherical-harmonics transfer function, and generate the audio signal based on the determined spherical-harmonics coefficients.

Method and apparatus for managing audio signals

A method comprising: detect a first acoustic signal by using a microphone array; detecting a first angle associated with a first incident direction of the first acoustic signal; and storing, in a memory, a representation of the first acoustic signal and a representation of the first angle.

Systems and Methods for Sound Mapping of Anatomical and Physiological Acoustic Sources Using an Array of Acoustic Sensors

Described here are systems and methods for generating sound maps that depict the spatiotemporal distribution of sounds occurring within a subject. To this end, the sound maps may be four-dimensional (“4D”) maps that depict the three-dimensional spatial distribution of acoustic sources within a subject, and also the temporal evolution of sounds measured at those acoustic sources over a duration of time.

Voice assistant persistence across multiple network microphone devices

Systems and methods for maintaining voice assistant persistence across multiple network microphone devices are described. In one example, first and second NMDs each identify a wake word based on detected sound, and are each transitioned from an inactive state to an active state in which the NMD captures and transmits sound data over a network interface. The first NMD is selected over the second NMD to output a first response, and both NMDs remain in the active state to further capture and transmit sound data. After further capturing and transmitting of sound data, the second NMD is selected over the first NMD to output a second response. After a predetermined time, one or both of the NMDs are transitioned back to the inactive state. The selection of one NMD over another for outputting a response can be based at least in part on user location information.

PORTABLE RECORDER

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To downsize a portable recorder. SOLUTION: The portable recorder 2 includes a body case 3, a left microphone 4 and a right microphone 5. Microphone receiving parts 20a, 20b are formed on both corners on the upper side of the body case 3 and the left microphone 4 and the right microphone 5 are arranged in the microphone receiving parts 20a, 20b in a state that the lower sides and rear sides of both the microphones 4, 5 are surrounded. Recessed portions 22a, 22b for securing space between the right and left microphones 4, 5 and canceling echo from the microphone receiving parts 20a, 20b are formed in the microphone receiving parts 20a, 20b. The right and left microphones 4, 5 are arranged on both the sides of a microphone body 25 which is rotatably held to the body case 3. Even when the right and left microphones 4, 5 are rotated by rotating the microphone body 25, a space can be secured on the backs of the right and left microphones 4, 5 by the recessed portions 22a ...

Fahrzeugdachantenne

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Fahrzeugdachantenne (10) mit mindestens einem Mikrofon (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) und einer Trägervorrichtung (14) zum Tragen des mindestens einen Mikrofons (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), wobei die Fahrzeugdachantenne (10) weiterhin eine Abdeckkappe (18) aufweist, die das mindestens eine Mikrofon (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) vollständig überdeckend und die Trägervorrichtung (14) zumindest teilweise überdeckend angeordnet ist, wobei die Abdeckkappe (18) derart ausgebildet ist, dass die Fahrzeugdachantenne (10) zumindest in einem auf einem Kraftfahrzeugdach (12) montierten Zustand zumindest eine Schallzutrittsöffnung (20) aufweist.

Mikrofonarray

Für bestimmte Anwendungsfälle, wie z.B. in einem Sportstadion, wird ein Mikrofonarray mit besonders hoher Richtwirkung in vertikaler Richtung und einer hohen, jedoch in weiten Grenzen einstellbaren Richtwirkung in horizontaler Richtung bereitgestellt. Das Mikrofonarray (100) hat eine Mehrzahl von Mikrofonen (110), deren Ausgangssignale zu mindestens einem gemeinsamen Ausgangssignal (360) kombiniert werden. Die Mikrofone sind Richtmikrofone mit einer bevorzugten Richtung hoher Empfindlichkeit (115) und im Wesentlichen in einer Ebene auf einem Kreis (120) oder Kreisabschnitt angeordnet, sodass jedes Mikrofon eine andere bevorzugte Richtung hoher Empfindlichkeit aufweist. Dabei liegt für jedes der Mikrofone die bevorzugte Richtung hoher Empfindlichkeit (115) im Wesentlichen orthogonal nach außen zu dem Kreis oder Kreisabschnitt. Ein gemeinsames Ausgangssignal (360) des Mikrofonarrays wird durch Strahlformung (310, ..., 350) gewonnen. Das Mikrofonarray (100) hat eine einstellbare bevorzugte ...

MICROPHONE ACTUATION SYSTEM

A microphone and loudspeaker arrangement for use in a teleconference system, wherein a plurality of microphones are held in a fixed relationship to a loudspeaker. The microphones 21,23,25 are independently gated ON in response to (1) speech picked up by the microphone, (2) a loudspeaker signal driving the loudspeaker 29 and (3) an electrical signal related to the microphone signals of the other associated microphones. A noise adapting threshold circuit generates a voltage level representative of background noise which is compared with the microphone signal of a respective microphone for determining whether the microphone is receiving speech. A decisional circuitry monitors the microphone signal of the associated microphone with respect to a MAX bus which carries microphone signals representative of the level of microphone signals at the other microphones. The decisional circuitry generates a signal indicating whether the associated microphone is the loudest microphone signal, and if so ...

Collision avoidance using auditory data augmented with map data

An apparatus, electronic device, system, method and computer program for capturing audio signals

MIKROFONANLAGE MIT MEHREREN MIKROFONEN

Compact Acoustic Mirror Array System and Method

Systems and methods are described for a sound focusing apparatus and method that permits directional sensitivity and increased amplitude sensitivity in very compact form factor. Advanced detection, localization, and identification of sources of sound that are an extended distance away can be accomplished using systems whose form factor are small enough to be used in teleconferencing, while providing superior acoustic performance characteristics. 1. A microphoning assembly , comprising:a sound directing structure having an acoustic focus, a portion of the structure having a sound-affecting physical property that that directs a wave front of incoming sound to the focus; anda microphone situated substantially proximate to the focus to pick up the directed sound, wherein an increase of at least 10 dB is experienced at the microphone as compared to non-directed sound.2. The microphoning assembly of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the sound directing structure is composed of a metamaterial with a negative acoustic refractive index η claim 1 , and is configured upstream from the microphone.3. The microphoning assembly of claim 2 , further comprising a sound blocking structure downstream from the microphone.4. The microphoning assembly of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the structure is downstream from the microphone and directs the incoming sound by reflecting sound to the microphone claim 1 , the microphone oriented a direction of the reflected sound.5. The microphoning assembly of claim 4 , wherein portion of the structure is approximately parabolic in shape.6. The microphoning assembly of claim 5 , wherein the structure amplifies the incoming sound by at least 20 dB claim 5 , as is experienced at the microphone.7. The microphoning assembly of claim 5 , wherein the approximately parabolic shape is asymmetrical.8. The microphoning assembly of claim 4 , wherein the entire structure is formed from a polymer.9. The microphoning assembly of claim 4 , wherein an acoustic ...

Variable Directivity MEMS Microphone

The directivity pattern of a MEMS microphone is adjusted. An indication of a position of a MEMS microphone is received and the microphone includes at least one diaphragm. An adjustment to the position of the MEMS microphone is determined. Based upon the adjustment, a position of the at least one diaphragm is adjusted. The adjusting is effective to alter a directivity pattern of the microphone. 1. A method of adjusting the directivity pattern of a MEMS microphone , the method comprising:receiving an indication of a position of a MEMS microphone, the microphone including at least one diaphragm;determining adjustment to the position of the MEMS microphone;based upon the determined adjustment, adjusting a position of the at least one diaphragm, the adjusting being effective to alter a directivity pattern of the microphone.2. The method of wherein determining the adjustment comprises utilizing a look-up table to determine the adjustment.3. The method of wherein the at last one diaphragm comprises a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm.4. The method of wherein adjusting the position comprises adjusting the position of one or more of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm.5. The method of wherein the adjustment comprises a voltage adjustment.6. The method of wherein the microphone is disposed in a device selected from the group consisting of a personal computer and a cellular phone.7. The method of wherein the directivity pattern is a pattern selected from the group consisting of an omni-directional pattern claim 1 , a bi-directional pattern claim 1 , a cardoid pattern and a hyper-cardoid pattern.8. A system comprising:a variable-directional MEMS microphone having a diaphragm;a sensor coupled to the microphone having an output; andwherein the output of the sensor is applied to the diaphragm, the application being effective to dynamically and automatically alter the directivity pattern of reception for the microphone.9. The system of wherein the microphone comprises ...

UNIDIRECTIONAL CONDENSER MICROPHONE AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING ACOUSTIC RESISTANCE

To provide an insulator, which supports a fixed pole in a unidirectional condenser microphone in a shareable manner among microphones that are different in the distance between acoustic terminals from one another. Coarse adjustment is performed on an insulator including a plurality of sound holes drilled therein by acoustically closing a predetermined sound hole among the plurality of sound holes by a predetermined sound hole closing means, and fine adjustment is performed by applying a predetermined amount of compressive force to an acoustic resistance member by an acoustic resistance adjusting means (adjustment nut ), so as to adjust acoustic resistance present in a sound wave passage from a rear acoustic terminal to the back of a diaphragm. 1. A unidirectional condenser microphone comprising a microphone unit ,the microphone unit including, in a cylindrical unit case having a front acoustic terminal on one end and a rear acoustic terminal on the other end:a diaphragm stretched over a support ring;a fixed pole; andan insulator supporting the fixed pole,the diaphragm and the fixed pole disposed to face each other and spaced a predetermined distance apart,the insulator including a plurality of sound holes drilled therein, the sound holes directing sound waves from the rear acoustic terminal to a back side of the diaphragm, the insulator including, on the back side thereof, an acoustic resistance member formed so as to cover all the sound holes and acoustic resistance adjusting means that applies compressive force to the acoustic resistance member to vary acoustic resistance of the member,wherein the acoustic resistance member is provided with sound hole closing means that acoustically closes a predetermined sound hole among the sound holes.2. The unidirectional condenser microphone according to claim 1 , wherein the sound hole closing means is composed of a non-air-permeable member provided at a location so as to face the sound hole of the acoustic resistance member ...

SOUND ACQUISITION VIA THE EXTRACTION OF GEOMETRICAL INFORMATION FROM DIRECTION OF ARRIVAL ESTIMATES

An apparatus for generating an audio output signal to simulate a recording of a virtual microphone at a configurable virtual position in an environment includes a sound events position estimator and an information computation module. The former is adapted to estimate a sound source position indicating a position of a sound source in the environment, wherein the sound events position estimator is adapted to estimate the sound source position based on first and second direction information provided by first and second real spatial microphones, respectively, located at first and second real microphone positions in the environment, respectively. The information computation module is adapted to generate the audio output signal based on a first recorded audio input signal, on the first real microphone position, on the virtual position of the virtual microphone, and on the sound source position. 1. An apparatus for generating an audio output signal to simulate a recording of the audio output signal by a virtual microphone at a configurable virtual position in an environment , comprising:a sound events position estimator for estimating a sound event position indicating a position of a sound event in the environment, wherein the sound event is active at a certain time instant or in a certain time-frequency bin, wherein the sound event is a real sound source or a mirror image source, wherein the sound events position estimator is configured to estimate the sound event position indicating a position of a mirror image source in the environment when the sound event is a mirror image source, and wherein the sound events position estimator is adapted to estimate the sound event position based on a first direction information provided by a first real spatial microphone being located at a first real microphone position in the environment, and based on a second direction information provided by a second real spatial microphone being located at a second real microphone position in the ...

Unidirectional Condenser Microphone and Directionality Varying Member for the Same

A unidirectional condenser microphone includes a front acoustic terminal disposed on a forward portion of a microphone case, a rear acoustic terminal disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the microphone case, and a directionality varying member disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the microphone case. The directionality varying member switches between a first position and a second position. The directionality varying member covers the rear acoustic terminal at the first position while the rear acoustic terminal is opened at the second position. The front acoustic terminal is displaced ahead of the front surface of the microphone case, and the directionality varying member is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the microphone case. 1. A unidirectional condenser microphone comprising:a front acoustic terminal disposed on a forward portion of a microphone case accommodating a condenser microphone unit;a rear acoustic terminal disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the microphone case; anda directionality varying member,wherein the directionality varying member is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the microphone case, the directionality varying member being switchable between a first position and a second position, the rear acoustic terminal being covered by the directionality varying member at the first position and being opened at the second position.2. The unidirectional condenser microphone according to claim 1 , wherein the directionality varying member is switchable to the second position such that the directionality varying member protrudes ahead of a front surface of the microphone case to open the rear acoustic terminal.3. The unidirectional condenser microphone according to claim 1 , wherein the directionality varying member comprises a sintered elastic porous material.4. The unidirectional condenser microphone according to claim 1 , wherein the directionality varying member slides on the ...

Hearing instrument

A hearing instrument microphone device includes at least two microphone sound ports (or sound inlets), a pressure difference microphone in communication with at least two of the sound ports and a pressure microphone in communication with at least one of the sound ports, wherein the acoustic centers of the pressure difference microphone and the pressure microphone essentially coincide.

DIRECTIVITY CONTROL APPARATUS, DIRECTIVITY CONTROL METHOD, STORAGE MEDIUM AND DIRECTIVITY CONTROL SYSTEM

A directivity control apparatus controls a directivity of a sound collected by a first sound collecting unit including a plurality of microphones. The directivity control apparatus includes a directivity forming unit, configured to form a directivity of the sound in a direction toward a monitoring target corresponding to a first designated position in an image displayed on a display unit, and an information obtaining unit, configured to obtain information on a second designated position in the image displayed on the display unit, designated in accordance with a movement of the monitoring target. The directivity forming unit is configured to change the directivity of the sound toward the monitoring target corresponding to the second designated position by referring to the information on the second designated position obtained by the information obtaining unit. 120-. (canceled)21. A directivity control method of controlling a directivity of a sound collected by a first sound collector , including a plurality of microphones , the directivity control method comprising:displaying a captured image on a display;enlarging the captured image and displaying an enlarged image on the display;forming a directivity of the sound in a direction toward a monitoring target corresponding to a first designated position in the image displayed on the display;obtaining information on a second designated position in the image displayed on the display, designated in accordance with a movement of the monitoring target; andchanging the directivity of the sound toward the monitoring target corresponding to the second designated position by referring to the information on the second designated position.22. The directivity control method according to claim 21 , whereinin the obtaining, the information on the second designated position is obtained in accordance with a designating operation of the monitoring target which moves in the image displayed on the display.23. The directivity control ...

METHODS AND APPARATUSES RELATING TO AN ESTIMATED POSITION OF AN AUDIO CAPTURE DEVICE

This specification describes a method comprising determining whether an estimated position of an audio capture device which captures audio data is within boundaries of a predetermined area, and in response to a determination that the estimated position is not within the boundaries of the predetermined area, associating the captured audio data with an adjusted position. 1. A method comprising:determining whether an estimated position of an audio capture device which captures audio data is within boundaries of a predetermined area;in response to a determination that the estimated position is not within the boundaries of the predetermined area, associating the captured audio data with an adjusted position.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the adjusted position is located within the boundaries of the predetermined area.3. A method according to claim 2 , wherein the adjusted position is at the centre of the predetermined area claim 2 , at a boundary of the predetermined area claim 2 , or at a last estimated position within the predetermined area.4. A method according to claim 2 , further comprising:causing visual detection to be enabled within the boundaries of the predetermined area; andsetting the adjusted position to correspond to a visually detected position of a body associated with the audio capture device.5. A method according to claim 4 , further comprising:in response to a plurality of bodies being visually detected within the boundaries of the predetermined area, setting the adjusted position to correspond to the visually detected position of a body which is determined to be closest to the estimated position.6. A method according to claim 2 , further comprising:determining a distance between the estimated position and a boundary of the predetermined area, and setting the adjusted position according to the determined distance.7. A method accordingly to claim 6 , further comprising:in response to determining that the distance between the estimated ...

Control system, control method and control program

A control system which can accurately differentiate a person from another object while protecting privacy is provided. A control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit configured to acquire radar detection information with a detection range being set within a predetermined environment; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire temperature detection information with the detection range being set within the environment; a differentiation unit configured to differentiate whether an object in the environment is a person or another object based on the radar detection information and the temperature detection information; and a control unit configured to control an electric device disposed in the environment based on differentiation result information of whether the object is the person or the other object.

AN AUTOMATED MICROPHONE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ADJUSTMENT THEREOF

There is provided an automated microphone system () having a microphone (). The system () comprises a microphone stand () having at least one movable arm (), at least one movable leg () and a fixed base () attached to the at least one movable leg (), the at least one movable arm () being adapted to mount the microphone () at a first end and connected with the at least one movable leg () at a second end, one or more sensors () disposed at one or more of the at least one movable leg (), the at least one movable arm () and the fixed base (), one or more motors () connected with each of the at least one movable arm (), the at least one movable leg () and the fixed base () and a control module () connected with the one or more sensors () and the one or more motors (). 1100104100. An automated microphone system () having a microphone () , the system () comprising:{'b': 102', '1022', '1024', '1026', '1024', '1022', '104', '1024, 'a microphone stand () having at least one movable arm (), at least one movable leg () and a fixed base () attached to the at least one movable leg (), the at least one movable arm () being adapted to mount the microphone () at a first end and connected with the at least one movable leg () at a second end;'}{'b': 106', '1024', '1022', '1026, 'one or more sensors () disposed at one or more of the at least one movable leg (), the at least one movable arm () and the fixed base ();'}{'b': 108', '1022', '1024', '1026, 'one or more motors () connected with each of the at least one movable arm (), the at least one movable leg () and the fixed base (); and'}{'b': 110', '106', '108, 'a control module () connected with the one or more sensors () and the one or more motors ();'}{'b': '110', 'claim-text': [{'b': 206', '104', '206', '104', '106, 'determine a presence of a user () in front of the microphone () within a predetermined distance and a position of a mouth of the user () with respect to the microphone (), using the one or more sensors ();'}, {'b': ...

FLEXIBLE DIFFERENTIAL MICROPHONE ARRAYS WITH FRACTIONAL ORDER

A beamformer, for a differential microphone array (DMA) including a number M of microphones, is constructed based on a specified target directivity factor (DF) value for the DMA. An N order beampattern is generated for the DMA, wherein N is an integer and a first DF value corresponding to the N order beampattern is greater than the target DF value. An N−1 order beampattern is generated for the DMA, wherein a second DF value corresponding to the N−1 order beampattern is greater than the target DF value. A fractional order beampattern is generated for the DMA, wherein a third DF value corresponding to the fractional order beampattern matches the target DF value and the fractional order beampattern comprises a first fractional contribution from the N order beampattern and a second fractional contribution from the N−1 order beampattern. 1. A method for constructing a beamformer , for a differential microphone array (DMA) including a number M of microphones , the method comprising:specifying, by a processing device, a target directivity factor (DF) value of a beampattern for the DMA;generating, by the processing device, an N order beampattern for the DMA, wherein N is an integer and a first DF value corresponding to the N order beampattern is greater than the target DF value;generating, by the processing device, an N−1 order beampattern for the DMA, wherein a second DF value corresponding to the N−1 order beampattern is smaller than the target DF value; andgenerating, by the processing device, a fractional order beampattern for the DMA, wherein a third DF value corresponding to the fractional order beampattern matches the target DF value and the fractional order beampattern comprises a first fractional contribution from the N order beampattern and a second fractional contribution from the N−1 order beampattern.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first claim 1 , second and third DF values represent the ability of corresponding N claim 1 , N−1 and fractional order ...

ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND INPUT/OUTPUT METHOD THEREOF

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a plurality of microphones, a memory configured to store a first specified time set to form a beam in a first direction using the plurality of microphones, and a processor connected to the plurality of microphones and configured to receive a sound using the plurality of microphones, determine a direction corresponding to the received sound, and if the direction is equivalent to a second direction, associate a second specified time to the received sound as if a beam is formed in the second direction using the plurality of microphones. 1. An electronic device comprising:a plurality of microphones;a memory configured to store a first specified time set to form a beam in a first direction using the plurality of microphones; anda processor connected to the plurality of microphones and configured to receive a sound using the plurality of microphones, determine a direction corresponding to the received sound, and if the direction is equivalent to a second direction, associate a second specified time to the received sound as if a beam is formed in the second direction using the plurality of microphones.2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to estimate the second specified time based on the first specified time and estimate a second microphone array delay indicative of a time at which the received sound has arrived at the plurality of microphones.3. The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the first specified time is a first microphone array delay corresponding to the first direction.4. The electronic device of claim 3 , wherein the second specified time is a difference between the first microphone array delay and the second microphone array delay of the received sound.5. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to change the second specified time of the received sound to the first specified time.6. The electronic device of ...

SOUND COLLECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD

There is provided a sound collection apparatus, including a directionality formation unit configured to form a directionality in a direction of a target area for input signals from a plurality of microphone arrays, a target area sound extraction unit configured to correct a delay between a target area and each of the microphone arrays, and a power of a target area sound component for an output from the directionality formation unit, suppress a non-target area sound by using each output after correction, and extract a target area sound, an area sound enhancement filter formation unit, and an area sound emphasis unit. 1. A sound collection apparatus , comprising:a directionality formation unit configured to form a directionality in a direction of a target area for input signals from a plurality of microphone arrays;a target area sound extraction unit configured to correct a delay between a target area and each of the microphone arrays, and a power of a target area sound component for an output from the directionality formation unit, suppress a non-target area sound by using each output after correction, and extract a target area sound;an area sound enhancement filter formation unit configured to determine the target area sound component from an output of the target area sound extraction unit, form an area sound enhancement filter that suppresses a component other than the target area sound component, additionally calculate a power ratio between outputs from the directionality formation units of the microphone arrays, and change a value of the area sound enhancement filter by determining the component other than the target area sound component based on the power ratio; andan area sound emphasis unit configured to suppress a component other than the target area sound, and emphasize the target area sound by applying the area sound enhancement filter formed by the area sound enhancement filter formation unit to a sound signal collected by the microphone array.2. The sound ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SENSING AN ENVIRONMENT

An apparatus includes a sensor for sensing an environment and a speaker. The apparatus also includes a display capable of displaying video information in multiple directions, wherein the display is configured to display video information in different directions based on information of an object sensed by the sensor. The speaker is configured to generate in multiple directions sound associated with the video information. 1. Apparatus , comprising:a sensor for sensing an environment of the apparatus;a speaker; anda display capable of displaying video information in multiple directions, wherein the display is configured to display video information in different directions based on information of an object sensed by the sensor, and the speaker is configured to generate in multiple directions sound associated with the video information.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus has a cylindrical or spherical shape.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an audio detector claim 1 , a visual detector claim 1 , or both.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the sensor includes a microphone that detects voice in the environment and a direction of the voice.5. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the sensor includes a microphone array arranged around the apparatus.6. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the sensor includes a camera with a multi-directional view of the environment.7. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the sensor includes a camera array arranged around the apparatus.8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to sense a person in the environment.9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the sensor is configured to sense information of the sensed person including voice claim 8 , location relative to the apparatus claim 8 , commands claim 8 , touches claim 8 , and/or gesture of the person.10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the speaker is multi-directional and can adjust play of sound in different directions based on the ...

Electronic Motorcycle Helmet

An electronic motorcycle helmet. The electronic motorcycle helmet includes a helmet having an aperture therein that can receive a head therethrough. A visor is disposed on a front side of the helmet and a display is disposed on an interior surface of the visor. A microprocessor, including a logic that receives a command input directed to one of a plurality of subsystems, toggles the subsystem between an activated state and a deactivated state, and displays a status window on the display corresponding to the subsystem. The plurality of subsystems includes a plurality of cameras disposed about the helmet, wherein each of the cameras is operably connected to the display and can apply a low-light filter for low-light conditions. Other subsystems include a wireless transmitter to wirelessly communicate with an external device, a GPS system, and a battery disposed at a lower edge of the rear side. 1) An electronic motorcycle helmet , comprising:a helmet having an aperture therein configured to receive a head therethrough;a visor disposed on a front side of the helmet;a display disposed on an interior surface of the visor; receive a command input directed to one of a plurality of subsystems;', 'toggle the subsystem between an activated state and a deactivated state;', 'display a status window on the display corresponding to the subsystem;, 'a microprocessor having a logic configured to a pair of cameras each disposed on opposing lateral sides of the helmet;', 'a third camera disposed on a rear side of the helmet;', 'wherein each of the pair of cameras and third camera is operably connected to the display;', 'a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device;', 'a GPS system configured to track the location of the helmet;', 'a battery configured to provide power to the plurality of subsystems., 'wherein the plurality of subsystems comprises2) The electronic motorcycle helmet of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of subsystems further comprise ...

Reduction of sensitivity to non-acoustic stimuli in a microphone array

Techniques are described for reducing sensitivity to non-acoustic stimuli. In some embodiments, differential beamforming is applied to microphone signals generated based on responses of microphones to an acoustic stimulus and a non-acoustic stimulus. Compensated signals can be generated based on the microphone signals such that the compensated signals are in phase with respect to the acoustic stimulus. The non-acoustic stimulus is detectable by comparing a first signal to a second signal to determine that one signal has a greater instantaneous magnitude. The first signal can be a beamformed signal or signal derived therefrom, and the second signal can be an average of the compensated signals or signal derived therefrom. An output audio signal can be generated by switching or cross fading between the beamformed signal and a noise-reduced signal such that a contribution of the noise-reduced signal is increased and a contribution of the beamformed signal is decreased.

Sound processing device, sound processing method, and program

The present technology relates to a sound processing device, a sound processing method, and a program that enable a sound signal adapted to an intended use to be output. A sound signal adapted to an intended use can be output by providing a sound processing device including a signal processing part that processes a sound signal picked up by a microphone, and generates a recording sound signal to be recorded in a recording device and an amplification sound signal different from the recording sound signal to be output from a speaker. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a sound amplification system that performs off-microphone sound amplification.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN INTERACTIVE USER INTERFACE

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to facilitate user interaction with, such as modification of, respective audio objects. An example method may include causing a multimedia file to be presented that includes at least two images. The images are configured to provide animation associated with respective audio objects and representative of a direction of the respective audio objects. The method may also include receiving user input in relation to an animation associated with an audio object or the direction of the audio object represented by an animation. The method may further include causing replay of the audio object for which the user input was received to be modified. 1. A method comprising:causing a multimedia file to be presented that comprises at least two images and audio comprising a plurality of audio objects, wherein the at least two images are configured to provide animation associated with respective audio objects and representative of a direction of the respective audio objects;receiving user input in relation to an animation associated with an audio object or the direction of the audio object represented by an animation; andwith a processor, causing replay of the audio object for which user input was received to be modified.2. A method according to wherein receiving user input comprises receiving user input indicative of a first direction claim 1 , and wherein causing replay of the audio object comprises controlling the replay of the audio objects such that the audio object having a direction that extends in the first direction is emphasized relative to audio objects having other directions.3. A method according to wherein receiving user input comprises receiving user input indicative of a first direction claim 1 , and wherein causing replay of the audio object comprises controlling the replay of the audio objects such that the audio object having a direction that extends in the first direction is deemphasized relative to ...

VARIABLE DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE

A variable directional microphone includes a unidirectional microphone unit having a front acoustic terminal and a rear acoustic terminal; an acoustic tube which accommodates the microphone unit therein and having a plurality of acoustic resistance openings in a circumferential wall thereof; a supporting member mounted within the acoustic tube to be movable along an axis of the acoustic tube and supporting the microphone unit, the supporting member having a predetermined acoustic resistance and allowing transmission of sound waves; and further includes a gap formed between an outer circumferential wall of the microphone unit and an inner circumferential wall of the acoustic tube for providing communication between the front acoustic terminal and the rear acoustic terminal. Directionality of the variable directional microphone changes depending on the position of the microphone unit in the acoustic tube.

MONITORING SYSTEM AND MONITORING METHOD

In a sound source display system, an omnidirectional camera captures an image of a monitoring area. A microphone array collects a voice in the monitoring area. A monitoring monitor displays the image of an imaging area captured by the omnidirectional camera. A sound pressure calculator in a directivity control device calculates a sound pressure indicating a source of a sound in the image of the imaging area using voice data of the voice collected by the microphone array. An output controller in the directivity control device compares the sound pressure and threshold values (first threshold value, second threshold value), and causes sound image information in which the sound pressure is converted into visual information according to the result of comparison, to be displayed on the monitoring monitor so as to be superimposed on the image of the imaging area. 1. A monitoring system that monitors a sound , comprising:a camera that images an imaging area;a microphone array that collects a voice in the imaging area;a display that displays image data of the imaging area imaged by the camera; anda signal processor that derives a sound parameter specifying a level of a sound in the imaging area for each predetermined unit of pixel configuring the image data of the imaging area using voice data collected by the microphone array,wherein the signal processor causes sound source image information in which the sound parameter is converted into different visual information in step wise according to the comparison between the derived sound parameter and a plurality of threshold values relating to the level of the sound, to be displayed on the display in a superimposed manner for each predetermined unit of pixel configuring the image data of the imaging area.2. The monitoring system of claim 1 ,wherein the sound parameter is a sound pressure.3. The monitoring system of claim 1 , further comprising:a sensor that detects an event of instruction to display a sound source in the imaging ...

PORTABLE TERMINAL, HEARING AID, AND METHOD OF INDICATING POSITIONS OF SOUND SOURCES IN THE PORTABLE TERMINAL

A portable terminal, a hearing aid, and a method of indicating the position of a sound source in the portable terminal are provided. The method includes receiving sound signals of a plurality of sound sources, determining respective distances between the plurality of sound sources and the portable terminal, and respective directions of the plurality of sound sources from the portable terminal, based on the received sound signals of the plurality of sound sources, determining positions of the plurality of sound sources on the touch screen based on the determined distances and directions of the plurality of sound sources, and displaying the determined positions of the plurality of sound sources on the touch screen. 1. An apparatus comprising:a display;memory configured to store audio data and position data, the audio data including a first sound signal corresponding to a first object external to the apparatus and a second sound signal corresponding to a second object external to the apparatus, the position data including first position information corresponding to the first object and second position information corresponding to the second object; and present, via the display, a first indication indicating the first sound signal at a first position of the display corresponding to the first position information, a second indication indicating the second sound signal at a second position of the display corresponding to the second position information, and a third indication indicating the apparatus at a third position of the display,', 'receive a user input with respect to the first indication or the second indication, and', 'reproduce a corresponding sound signal of the first sound signal and the second sound signal based at least in part on the user input, the reproducing including adjusting a volume of the corresponding sound signal based at least in part on the user input., 'a processor adapted to2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further adapted ...

Quiet zone for handsfree microphone

A handsfree voice system has a microphone mounted in a fixed location in a passenger cabin. An audio signal from the microphone can be used by a voice recognition system to detect spoken commands of a driver or can be used by a cellular telephone transceiver to transmit sounds for a spoken conversation over a phone call. A pair of speakers is mounted at a periphery of the microphone. A plurality of noise sensors are configured to characterize intrusive noises into the cabin. An active noise cancellation controller is responsive to the noise sensors for generating anti-noise to be output by the speakers establishing a quiet zone centered on the microphone.

DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE DEVICE AND SIGNAL PROCESSING TECHNIQUES

Methods and apparatus relating to microphone devices and signal processing techniques are provided. In an example, a microphone device can detect sound, as well as enhance an ability to perceive at least a general direction from which the sound arrives at the microphone device. In an example, a case of the microphone device has an external surface which at least partially defines funnel-shaped surfaces. Each funnel-shaped surface is configured to direct the sound to a respective microphone diaphragm to produce an auralized multi-microphone output. The funnel-shaped surfaces are configured to cause direction-dependent variations in spectral notches and frequency response of the sound as received by the microphone diaphragms. A neural network can device-shape the auralized multi-microphone output to create a binaural output. The binaural output can be auralized with respect to a human listener. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a case defining a plurality of openings in an external surface of the case; anda plurality of microphones fastened to the case, wherein each microphone in the plurality of microphones is located adjacent to a respective opening in the plurality of openings, wherein the external surface of the case at least partially defines a plurality of funnel-shaped surfaces configured to cause direction-dependent variations in spectral notches and frequency response of received audio, each of the funnel-shaped surfaces in the plurality of funnel-shaped surfaces has a respective inlet and a respective outlet, and a respective diaphragm of each microphone in the plurality of microphones is located adjacent to the respective outlet of a corresponding funnel.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a pair of microphones in the plurality of microphones are located on substantially opposite sides of the case.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of a wall of one or more funnel-shaped surfaces in the plurality of funnel-shaped surfaces has a ...

Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for facilitating directional audio capture with multiple microphones

An apparatus for providing directional audio capture may include a processor and memory storing executable computer program code that cause the apparatus to at least perform operations including assigning at least one beam direction, among a plurality of beam directions, in which to direct directionality of an output signal of one or more microphones. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to divide microphone signals of the microphones into selected frequency subbands wherein an analysis performed. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to select at least one set of microphones of the apparatus for selected frequency subbands. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to optimize the assigned at least one beam direction by adjusting a beamformer parameter(s) based on the selected set of microphones and at least one of the selected frequency subbands. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.

VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE AND VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

A vehicle control device including a camera configured to photograph an image around a vehicle; a display unit configured to display the image received from the camera; at least one sound sensor arranged on the vehicle and configured to sense a sound generated inside or outside the vehicle; at least one sound output unit arranged on the vehicle and configured to output sound inside or outside the vehicle; and a controller configured to sense a situation of the vehicle based on the sensed sound generated inside or outside the vehicle, and control at least one of the sound sensor, sound output unit and the display unit to output information based on the sensed situation of the vehicle. 1. A vehicle control device , comprising:a camera configured to photograph an image around a vehicle;a display unit configured to display the image received from the camera;at least one sound sensor arranged on the vehicle and configured to sense a sound generated inside or outside the vehicle;at least one sound output unit arranged on the vehicle and configured to output sound inside or outside the vehicle; anda controller configured tocontrol at least one of the sound sensor, sound output unit and the display unit to output information based on the sensed sound generated inside or outside the vehicle.2. The vehicle control device of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to:detect a location of a sound generating source generating the sound, andcontrol the sound output unit to output notification information towards the sound generating source, based on the detected location of the sound generating source.3. The vehicle control device of claim 2 , wherein the controller is further configured to control the sound sensor and the sound output unit such that the sound generated inside the vehicle is output toward the sound generating source located outside the vehicle.4. The vehicle control device of claim 2 , wherein claim 2 , in response to the detected location of the ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUDIO SHARING

The present invention provide a method and system of audio sharing aimed to revolutionize the way people listen and share music and to give multiple uses to a wireless headphone referred to as HEDphone. A communication protocol referred to as HEDtech protocol is used in a HED system to allow users to share music amongst a plurality of HEDphones while using a single audio source. A wireless connection is established between the HEDphone and a mobile device including an audio source while simultaneously having the capability of allowing other HEDphone users to join wirelessly and listen to the same audio source. A feature of Super Human Hearing (SHH) goes beyond conventional ANR (ambient noise reduction) with additional features that allow the user to control their aural environment by being able to directionally increase or decrease selective frequencies. 1. A first headphone system , comprising:a first set of two or more first microphones configured to receive first external audio sound waves from sounds in an environment and to generate first external audio data based on the first external audio sound waves;a second set of one or more second microphones configured to receive second external audio sound waves from the sounds in the environment and to generate first noise cancelling or attenuating audio data based on the second external audio sound waves, the second set of one or more second microphones being different than the first set of two or more first microphones, the first noise cancelling or attenuating audio data being different than the first external audio data;a first processor configured to generate desired audio data from the first external audio data based on configuration data, the configuration data being based on configuration settings indicating desired sound from a desired direction and/or desired sound of a desired sound type; anda set of one or more first speakers configured to output combined sound waves, the combined sound waves including ...

ADAPTIVE WHITE NOISE GAIN CONTROL AND EQUALIZATION FOR DIFFERENTIAL MICROPHONE ARRAY

Systems and methods for beamforming audio signals received from a microphone array. One example embodiment provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a microphone array and an electronic processor communicatively coupled to the microphone array. The electronic processor is configured to estimate an ambient noise level. The electronic processor is configured to compare the ambient noise level to a first threshold and a second threshold, the second threshold being lower than the first threshold. The electronic processor is configured to determine a beam pattern for the microphone array based on the comparison of the ambient noise level to the first threshold and the second threshold. The electronic processor is configured to apply the beam pattern to an audio signal received by the microphone array. 1. An electronic device comprising:a microphone array; andan electronic processor communicatively coupled to the microphone array and configured toestimate an ambient noise level;compare the ambient noise level to a first threshold and a second threshold, the second threshold being lower than the first threshold;determine a beam pattern for the microphone array based on the comparison of the ambient noise level to the first threshold and the second threshold; andapply the beam pattern to an audio signal received by the microphone array.2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic processor is further configured to claim 1 , when the ambient noise level exceeds the first threshold claim 1 , determine a beam pattern by selecting a fully directional beam pattern.3. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic processor is further configured to claim 1 , when the ambient noise level is below the second threshold claim 1 , determine a beam pattern by selecting an omnidirectional beam pattern.4. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the electronic processor is further configured to claim 1 , when the ambient noise level is ...

User-interface system for a laundry appliance

A laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is coupled to the cabinet. The door is operable between an opened position and a closed position. An audio interface is disposed on the door. The audio interface includes a microphone for receiving a voice command and a speaker for projecting an audio output. A visual interface is disposed on the door. The visual interface is configured to display a message in response to at least one of the voice command and the audio output. A microcontroller is disposed on the door. The microcontroller is operably coupled to the audio interface and the visual interface. A proximity sensor is configured to communicate sensed information to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to activate at least one of the audio interface and the visual interface in response to the sensed information.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF ELECTRONIC DEVICE

An electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: at least one microphone receiving sound from the outside, and configured to detect the direction from which the sound is received; a speaker for outputting the sound; a communication circuit for receiving audio data from an external electronic device; a processor electrically connected to at least one microphone, the speaker, and the communication circuit; and at least one memory electrically connected to the processor. The memory, when operated, can store instructions for enabling the processor to extract the information on the direction, from which the sound is received, from the data related to the sound received through at least one microphone, and to process the data related to the sound outputted through the speaker, on the basis of the information on the direction from which the sound is received. Other examples are possible. 1. An electronic device comprising:at least one microphone configured to pick up a sound from the outside and to sense the direction of the picked up sound;a speaker configured to output a sound;a communication circuit configured to receive audio data from an external electronic device;a processor electrically connected with the at least one microphone, the speaker, and the communication circuit; andat least one memory electrically connected to the processor,wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:extract information on the direction in which the sound is picked up from the sound data picked up by the at least one microphone;determine the level of similarity between the received audio data and the sound data picked up by the microphone; andprocess sound data to be output through the speaker on the basis of the similarity level and the information about the direction in which the sound is picked up.2. The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising a housing having a portion configured to be removably ...

Apparatus

Apparatus including: an acoustic transducer, and a sound channel coupled to the acoustic transducer, the sound channel including an element having a shape that is electrically controllable, wherein the shape of the element is electrically controllable to change the acoustic properties of the sound channel. 1. An apparatus comprising:an acoustic transducer;a sound channel inside the acoustic transducer;an element inside the sound channel, the element having a shape within the sound channel; anda controller configured to control the shape of the element to selectively cause the element to change at least one acoustic property of the sound channel;wherein the shape of the element is electrically controllable to change the at least one acoustic property of the sound channel based at least on partially changing the dimensions of the element.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the element is formed of one of an electroactive polymer claim 1 , a piezoelectric material claim 1 , and a shape memory material.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the shape of the element is electrically controllable between a first shape claim 1 , in which the sound channel is open claim 1 , and a second shape claim 1 , in which the sound channel is blocked.4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises an audio output and/or input device claim 1 , andwherein changing the acoustic properties of the sound channel comprises changing the frequency response of the audio output and/or input device.5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the acoustic transducer comprises a microphone.6. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the controller is configured to control the shape of the element in dependence on a saturation level of the microphone.7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the acoustic transducer comprises a speaker.8. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a microphone located adjacent ...

SYSTEM FOR DETECTING SOUND GENERATION POSITION AND METHOD FOR DETECTING SOUND GENERATION POSITION

A system for detecting a sound generation position includes three or more first sound acquisition units and a position detector. The three or more first sound acquisition units acquire a sound of a sound event generated around a first mobile object, and are disposed in positions spaced apart from each other in the mobile object, respectively. The position detector detects a direction or a position where the sound event occurs, based on the difference between acquisition times at which the sound is acquired at the three or more first sound acquisition units. 1. A system for detecting a sound generation position , the system comprising:three or more first sound acquisition units that acquire a sound of a sound event generated around a first mobile object, the three or more first sound acquisition units disposed in positions spaced apart from each other in the first mobile object, respectively; anda position detector that detects a direction or a position where the sound event occurs, based on a difference between acquisition times at which the sound is acquired by the three or more first sound acquisition units.2. The system according to claim 1 , further comprisinga second sound acquisition unit that is mounted to another place different from the first mobile object and acquires the sound of the sound event generated around the another place, andwherein the position detector detects a position where the sound is generated, based on sound information about the sound received from each of the three or more first sound acquisition units and the second sound acquisition unit.3. The system according to claim 2 , further comprisinga second mobile object different from the first mobile object, andwherein the second sound acquisition unit is disposed in the second mobile object.4. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a time information acquisition unit that acquires time information about a time at which the sound of the sound event is acquired.5. The system ...

SOUND COLLECTING TERMINAL, SOUND PROVIDING TERMINAL, SOUND DATA PROCESSING SERVER, AND SOUND DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM USING THE SAME

A sound data processing system includes a plurality of sound collecting terminals and a server, wherein each of the plurality of sound collecting terminals and each of the plurality of sound providing terminals includes a sound collecting means that collects a sound while having a position and an orientation direction, a sound providing means that provides a sound while having an orientation direction, a position detecting means that detects the positions of the sound collecting means and the sound providing means, a direction detecting means that detects the orientation directions, and a communication module that transmits sound data corresponding to the sound collected by the sound collecting means and supplementary data including position data corresponding to the position detected by the position detecting means and orientation direction data corresponding to the orientation direction detected by the direction detecting means and through a network. 1. A sound data processing system comprising:a plurality of sound collecting terminals; anda server, whereineach of the plurality of sound collecting terminals includes:a sound collecting means that collects a sound and has an orientation direction, anda communication module that transmits sound data corresponding to the sound collected by the sound collecting means and supplementary data including position data of a position of a corresponding sound collecting terminal and orientation direction data corresponding to the orientation direction of the sound collecting means via a network, andthe server receives the sound data and the supplementary data transmitted by the plurality of sound collecting terminals through the network and determines a position of a source that emits the sound collected by the sound collecting means on the basis of the sound data and the supplementary data.28-. (canceled)9. The sound data processing system of claim 1 , wherein each of the sound collecting terminals further includes a sound ...

Dual Transducer With Shared Diaphragm

The invention relates to a transducer comprising a housing having a first and a second sound input, a first and a second vibration sensors configured to convert vibration to an output, and a diaphragm connected to both the first and second vibration sensor.

Microphone Mount For A Speaker Cabinet

A microphone apparatus for mounting a microphone adjacent to a loudspeaker housed in a loudspeaker cabinet is defined by, an “L” shaped body with an adjustable foot that slides in a longitudinal direction along a channel strip to bridge a desired distance between the speaker cabinet and an opposing surface to achieve a wedge and secure mount. A positioning arm is fixed to the face of the “L” shape body and used to position the microphone to the desired distance of the loud speaker in the loudspeaker cabinet. 1. An apparatus for mounting a microphone to a loudspeaker cabinet having a loudspeaker , including:a body having an adjustable foot that slides in a longitudinal motion along a channel strip in the body to provide a wedge between the loudspeaker cabinet and an opposing surface thereby securing the apparatus in place; the apparatus further including a positioning arm at one end of the body to receive and position a microphone.2. The apparatus according to wherein the positioning arm is a flexible arm and in use is adapted to position the microphone to a desired distance from the loudspeaker of the loudspeaker cabinet.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the body is substantially “L” shaped.4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the body is “T” shaped.5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the opposing surface is one of: a surface beneath the loudspeaker cabinet claim 1 , or the bottom surface of a loudspeaker cabinet.6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the opposing surface is one of: a bottom surface of an amplifier head claim 1 , or the top surface of a loudspeaker cabinet.7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the body has a vertical channel cut to allow a guide to travel in a longitudinal motion without deviating off its path.8. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the guide is threaded.9. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the threaded guide has a fastener which may be rotated to loosen or ...

HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO DEVICE

A high-fidelity audio device including a main microphone, a voice microphone and a process circuit. The main microphone receives sound and generates a main signal; the voice microphone perceives user's vocal vibration and produces a vocal signal; the process circuit collects the main signal and the vocal signal, superimposes and then decays the collected signals to generate a high-fidelity signal for high-definition broadcast realization. 1. A high-fidelity audio device comprising:a main microphone for receiving sound and generating main signal;a voice microphone for perceiving user's vocal vibration and producing a vocal signal; anda process circuit for collecting the main signal and the vocal signal, and then superimposing the collected signals and decaying the collected signals to generate a high-fidelity signal.2. The high-fidelity audio device according to claim 1 , wherein the voice microphone is a directional microphone pointed to the user.3. The high-fidelity audio device according to claim 1 , wherein the voice microphone is a vibration detector.4. The high-fidelity audio device according to claim 1 , wherein the voice microphone is mounted by user's inner ear or on the neck.5. The high-fidelity audio device according to claim 1 , wherein the main signal and the vocal signal are in parallel connection to a process circuit.6. The high-fidelity audio device according to claim 1 , wherein the process circuit has at least a resistance that is capable of reducing the signal strength and decaying the superimposed main signal and the vocal signal.7. The high-fidelity audio device according to claim 1 , wherein the process circuit further includes a digital signal process unit for amplifying the strength of vocal signal claim 1 , the amplified vocal signal being superimposed with main signal and then decayed to generate the high-fidelity signal.8. The high-fidelity audio device according to claim 1 , wherein the high-fidelity signal is an analog signal.9. The high- ...

MICROPHONE AND MICROPHONE APPARATUS

A microphone includes: first and second bi-directional microphone units having respective directional axes arranged on two straight lines passing through one point and radially extending with an interval of 120 degrees; a third bi-directional microphone unit having a directional axis arranged on a straight line perpendicular to a plane formed by the two straight lines; and an omnidirectional microphone unit arranged in sound collection regions of the first, second, and third bi-directional microphone units. 1. A microphone comprising:first and second bi-directional microphone units having respective directional axes arranged on two straight lines passing through one point and radially extending with an interval of 120 degrees;a third bi-directional microphone unit having a directional axis arranged on a straight line perpendicular to a plane formed by the two straight lines; andan omnidirectional microphone unit arranged in sound collection regions of the first, second, and third bi-directional microphone units.2. The microphone according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second bi-directional microphone units are arranged on a circumference having the one point as a center point.3. The microphone according to claim 2 , wherein the first and second bi-directional microphone units and the omnidirectional microphone unit are arranged such that respective central portions are positioned on a circumference claim 2 , and the one point is a center point of the circumference.4. The microphone according to claim 1 , wherein the omnidirectional microphone unit and the first and second bi-directional microphone unit are arranged on a circumference having the one point as a center point with intervals of 120 degrees respectively.5. A microphone apparatus comprising:first and second bi-directional microphone units having respective directional axes arranged on two straight lines passing through one point and radially extending with an interval of 120 degrees;a third bi- ...

Unidirectional Close-Talking Microphone and Microphone Cap

The orientation of the directional axis and the directionality of a microphone are adjusted through a simple configuration. A unidirectional close-talking microphone includes a microphone unit including a front sound-collecting segment and a rear sound-collecting segment; and a microphone cap attachable to the outer circumference of the microphone cap, the microphone cap including a plurality of sound-collecting holes on a side face, the relative position between the microphone cap and the microphone unit being switchable between a first position and a second position along the central axis, the sound-collecting holes being disposed on opposite sides of the central axis at different positions along the central axis, the rear sound-collecting segment being in communication with outside of the microphone cap through the sound-collecting holes in the microphone cap when the microphone cap resides at the first position, part of the rear sound-collecting segment being covered with the microphone cap when the microphone cap resides at the second position. 1. A unidirectional close-talking microphone comprising:a microphone unit comprising a front sound-collecting segment and a rear sound-collecting segment; anda microphone cap attachable to the outer circumference of the microphone unit,the microphone cap comprising a plurality of sound-collecting holes on a side face,the relative position between the microphone cap and the microphone unit being switchable between a first position and a second position along the central axis,the sound-collecting holes being disposed on opposite sides of the central axis at different positions along the central axis,the rear sound-collecting segment being in communication with outside of the microphone cap through the sound-collecting holes in the microphone cap when the microphone cap resides at the first position, part of the rear sound-collecting segment being covered with the microphone cap when the microphone cap resides at the second ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRA-ORAL BASED COMMUNICATIONS

Systems and methods are disclosed for capturing sound for communication by mounting one or more intra-oral microphones to capture sound; and mounting a mouth wearable communicator in the oral cavity to communicate sound with a remote unit. 1. A communication device as disclosed herein.2. A method to capture sound for communication as disclosed herein. This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/005,860 filed Jan. 25, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/176,666 filed Feb. 10, 2014 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,247,332 issuing Jan. 26, 2016), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/615,189 filed Sep. 13, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,649,536 issued Feb. 11, 2014), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/175,240 filed Jul. 17, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,295,506 issued Oct. 23, 2012), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.Traditionally field workers such as fire fighters and plant workers communicate using two way radios such as radios supplied by Motorola, Inc. As mentioned in United States Patent 20070142072, two way radios allow users the ability to wirelessly communicate with others on a small network. Most two way radios use various channels or frequencies for communication. Monitoring of more than one channel allows a user to communicate with a plurality of people for a variety of purposes. In a security environment, for instance, channel may be used to communicate about and monitor emergency conditions. Channel may be used to communicate about and monitor major security threats. Channel may be used to communicate about and monitor minor security threats. A user may monitor all three channels by using a two way radio having a scanning mode. Other devices that can be used instead of two way radios include cellular telephones. These devices enable personal communication by allowing telephone access from anywhere within reach of ...

PORTABLE TERMINAL, HEARING AID, AND METHOD OF INDICATING POSITIONS OF SOUND SOURCES IN THE PORTABLE TERMINAL

A portable terminal, a hearing aid, and a method of indicating the position of a sound source in the portable terminal are provided. The method includes receiving sound signals of a plurality of sound sources, determining respective distances between the plurality of sound sources and the portable terminal, and respective directions of the plurality of sound sources from the portable terminal, based on the received sound signals of the plurality of sound sources, determining positions of the plurality of sound sources on the touch screen based on the determined distances and directions of the plurality of sound sources, and displaying the determined positions of the plurality of sound sources on the touch screen. 1. A portable communication device comprising:a touchscreen display;memory to store audio data and position data, the audio data including a first sound signal corresponding to a first object external to the portable communication device and a second sound signal corresponding to a second object external to the portable communication device, the position data including first position information corresponding to the first object and second position information corresponding to the second object; and present, via the touchscreen display, a plurality of indications including a first indication indicating the first sound signal at a first position of the touchscreen display corresponding to the first position information, a second indication indicating the second sound signal at a second position of the touchscreen display corresponding to the second position information, and a third indication indicating the portable communication device at a third position of the touchscreen display,', 'receive a user input with respect to the first indication or the second indication, and', 'reproduce a corresponding sound signal of the first sound signal and the second sound signal based at least in part on the user input, the reproducing including adjusting a volume of ...

Corona Detection Using Audio Data

Systems, methods, and apparatus for corona detection using audio data are provided. In one example embodiment, the method includes obtaining, by one or more computing devices, audio data indicative of audio associated with an electrical system for at least one time interval. The method includes partitioning, by the one or more computing devices, the audio data for the time interval into a plurality of time windows. The method includes determining, by the one or more computing devices, a signal indicative of a presence of corona based at least in part on audio data collected within an identified time window of the plurality of time windows relative to audio data collected for a remainder of the time interval. 120-. (canceled)21. A method for detecting corona in an electrical system , the method comprising:obtaining, by one or more computing devices, audio data indicative of audio associated with the electrical system for at least one time interval; anddetermining, by the one or more computing devices, a signal indicative of a presence of corona based at least in part on audio data collected for a portion of the time interval relative to audio data collected for a remainder of the time interval.22. The method of claim 21 , wherein determining claim 21 , by the one or computing devices claim 21 , a signal indicative of a presence of corona comprises:determining, by the one or more computing devices, a first energy associated with the portion of the time interval based at least in part on the audio data;determining, by the one or more computing devices, a second energy associated with the remainder of the time interval based at least in part on the audio data;determining, by the one or more computing devices, a ratio of the first energy and the second energy; anddetermining, by the one or more computing devices, a signal indicative of the presence of corona based at least in part on the ratio of the first energy and the second energy.23. The method of claim 21 , wherein ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING MULTI-DIRECTIONAL AUDIO AND RF BACKSCATTERED SIGNALS

In an example, the present invention provides an UWB and FMCW sensor apparatus, with an audio module and inertial motion module. The apparatus has at least three transceiver modules. Each of the transceiver modules has an antenna array to be configured to sense a back scatter of electromagnetic energy from spatial location of a zero degree location in relation to a mid point of the device through a 360 degrees range where each antenna array is configured to sense a 120 degree range. In an example, each of the antenna array has a support member, a plurality of receiving antenna, a receiver integrated circuit coupled to the receiving antenna and configured to receive an incoming rf signal and covert the incoming rf signal into a base band signal, and a plurality of transmitting antenna. 1. A system for capturing information from a spatial region to monitor human activities , the system comprising:a housing, the housing having sufficient structural strength to protect an interior region within the housing;an audio module comprising:a plurality of peripheral microphone devices spatially disposed along a peripheral region of the audio module, each of the peripheral microphone devices having an analog output;a center microphone device spatially disposed within a center region of the audio module, the center microphone device having an analog output;an analog to digital converter coupled to each of the analog outputs;a spatial configuration comprising a shaped region for the peripheral region to provide a 360 degrees field of view for the plurality of peripheral microphone devices;a bus device coupled to each of the analog to digital converters, the bus device communicating with each of the plurality of peripheral microphone devices and the center microphone device;a signal processor coupled to the bus device; anda processor device coupled to the signal processing device and configured to process an audio information comprising an audio event from the plurality of ...

Delegate unit and conference system with the delegate unit

Conference Systems are commonly used in meeting rooms or plenary halls to support the discussion of a plurality of participants. Such Conference Systems may comprise more than 50 or 100 microphone equipped delegate units, whereby each delegate unit can be assigned to a participant of the discussion. A delegate unit 1 for a Conference System is proposed, the delegate unit comprises a base body 2 , a microphone stem body 3 comprising a microphone head 10 and a stem 11 , whereby the microphone head 10 is arranged on the stem 11 and whereby the microphone stem body 3 is arranged on the base body 2 , whereby the microphone head 10 has a directional microphone characteristic.

BOUNDARY MICROPHONE AND BOUNDARY MICROPHONE ADAPTER

A boundary microphone that can reduce the change in its directional property caused by change of a sound collection axis of a microphone unit is provided. The boundary microphone includes a unidirectional microphone unit, a cylindrical unit holding member having a unit accommodating pocket in its peripheral surface to accommodate the unidirectional microphone unit, and a boundary plate to which top face the unit holding member is attached so as to rotate about its axis. When the unidirectional microphone unit is held in the unit holding member, a front acoustic terminal is positioned to face the outside of the peripheral surface of the unit holding member, the sound collection axis intersects the axis of a hollow of the unit holding member, and a rear acoustic terminal communicates with the outside at both side ends of the hollow via the hollow of the unit holding member. 1. A boundary microphone comprising:a unidirectional microphone unit;a unit holding member formed in a cylindrical shape having a unit accommodating pocket in a peripheral surface thereof to accommodate the unidirectional microphone unit; anda boundary plate to which the unit holding member is attached so that an axis of a hollow of the unit holding member is parallel with a top face of the boundary plate and the unit holding member rotates about the axis, whereinthe unidirectional microphone unit held in the unit holding member includes a front acoustic terminal facing outside of the peripheral surface of the unit holding member, a sound collection axis intersecting the axis of the hollow of the unit holding member, and a rear acoustic terminal communicating with outside at both side ends of the hollow via the hollow of the unit holding member.2. The boundary microphone according to claim 1 , whereinthe unit accommodating pocket provided in the unit holding member has a through hole extending from the peripheral surface of the unit holding member toward the axis of the hollow, and an abutment for ...

DIRECTIONAL ACOUSTIC SENSOR

Provided is a directional acoustic sensor. The acoustic sensor includes a support a plurality of resonators provided on the support, and extending in a length direction. Each resonator of the plurality of resonators may include a base; and a frame provided on the base and extending continuously along a length of the base in the length direction. The base may have a thickness less than that of the frame. 1. An acoustic sensor comprising:a support; anda plurality of resonators provided on the support, and extending in a length direction, a base; and', 'a frame provided on the base and extending continuously along a length of the base in the length direction, and, 'wherein each resonator of the plurality of resonators compriseswherein the base has a thickness less than that of the frame.2. The acoustic sensor of claim 1 , wherein each resonator of the plurality of resonators has a same resonant frequency as a resonator that has a same length and has a frame thickness that is equal to a base thickness.3. The acoustic sensor of claim 1 , wherein the frame is integrally formed with the base.4. The acoustic sensor of claim 3 , wherein each of the base and the frame comprises silicon.5. The acoustic sensor of claim 1 , wherein the frame is provided on opposite side edges of the base along the length direction.6. The acoustic sensor of claim 1 , wherein the frame is provided on an edge of the base along a width direction.7. The acoustic sensor of claim 1 , wherein the frame is spaced apart from side edges of the base.8. The acoustic sensor of claim 1 , wherein each resonator of the plurality of resonators comprises an actuating portion configured to move in response to an input acoustic signal claim 1 , and a sensing portion configured to detect a motion of the actuating portion.9. The acoustic sensor of claim 1 , wherein each resonator of the plurality of resonators comprises a cantilever beam having a first end fixed to the support and a second end configured to move ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POSITIONING A USER OF A HANDS-FREE INTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM

A hands-free intercom may include a user-tracking sensor, a directional microphone, a directional sound emitter, a display device, and/or a communication interface. The user-tracking sensor may determine a location of a user so the directional microphone can measure vocal emissions by the user and the directional sound emitter can deliver audio to the user. The hands-free intercom may induce the user to move to a desired location and/or to stay within a connectivity area. The hands-free intercom may also or instead induce the user to face in a desired orientation. The directional sound emitter and/or the display device may induce the user by explicitly indicating the desired location, by adjusting an apparent source of the audio or video, by changing quality of delivered audio or video based on user position, by producing irritating audio or video, and/or the like. 1. A hands-free intercommunication system for positioning a user , the system comprising:a directional microphone configured to measure vocal emissions by the user;a directional sound emitter configured to deliver audio to the user by emitting ultrasonic sound waves configured to frequency convert to produce the audio; anda communication interface configured to communicatively couple the directional microphone and the directional sound emitter to a communication device of a remote entity,wherein the directional sound emitter is configured to induce the user to move to a desired location.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the directional sound emitter is configured to degrade sound quality when the user is outside the desired location.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the directional sound emitter is configured to decrease the volume when the user is outside the desired location.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the directional sound emitter is configured to decrease an audio bit rate when the user is outside the desired location.5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the directional sound emitter is ...

MICROPHONE FOR A HEARING AID

A hearing aid includes a microphone unit arranged in a hearing aid housing. The microphone unit is oriented in the housing relative to a microphone inlet element to cause a pressure equalization that allows acoustic cancellation of vibrations in the microphone unit. 1. A hearing aid , comprising:a housing having an outer wall enclosing a microphone unit, the outer wall separating the microphone unit from an environment of the hearing aid,the microphone unit comprising a first chamber having a first volume and a second chamber having a second volume;a first inlet opening being arranged at the first or second chamber of the microphone unit;a movable element separating the first chamber and the second chamber; anda microphone inlet element connecting the first inlet opening to a second inlet opening formed in the outer wall of the hearing aid housing, the microphone inlet element being configured to guide sound from the environment via the second inlet opening to the first inlet opening of the microphone unit;where a microphone unit orientation is defined by a first vector perpendicular to the movable element and extending in a direction from the movable element towards the first inlet opening; andwhere a microphone inlet element orientation is defined by a second vector extending in a direction from the first inlet opening to the second inlet opening;wherein the microphone unit and the microphone inlet element are arranged in the housing so that vibration contributions from the microphone unit to the movable element and vibration contributions from the microphone inlet element are substantially equal but of opposite directions.2. The hearing aid according to claim 1 , wherein the second vector has a component in a direction opposite to the first vector.3. The hearing aid according to claim 1 , wherein the second volume of the second chamber is larger than the first volume of the first chamber.4. The hearing aid according to claim 1 , wherein the microphone unit ...

Sonic sensing

A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving image data associated with an area via an image sensor, receiving sound data associated with an object via an audio sensor, analyzing the image data in relation to the sound data, detecting an object's presence based at least in part on the analyzing, and identifying at least one characteristic relating to the object based at least in part on the detecting.

AUTO FOCUS, AUTO FOCUS WITHIN REGIONS, AND AUTO PLACEMENT OF BEAMFORMED MICROPHONE LOBES WITH INHIBITION FUNCTIONALITY

Array microphone systems and methods that can automatically focus and/or place beamformed lobes in response to detected sound activity are provided. The automatic focus and/or placement of the beamformed lobes can be inhibited based on a remote far end audio signal. The quality of the coverage of audio sources in an environment may be improved by ensuring that beamformed lobes are optimally picking up the audio sources even if they have moved and changed locations. 1. A method , comprising:deploying a plurality of lobes from an array microphone in an environment;selecting one of the plurality of lobes to move, based on location data of sound activity in the environment; andrelocating the selected lobe based on the location data of the sound activity.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the location data of the sound activity comprises coordinates of the sound activity in the environment.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein selecting the one of the plurality of lobes is based on a proximity of the coordinates of the sound activity to the selected lobe.4. The method of claim 1 ,further comprising determining whether a metric associated with the sound activity is greater than or equal to a metric associated with the selected lobe;wherein relocating the selected lobe comprises relocating the selected lobe based on the location of the sound activity, when it is determined that the metric associated with the sound activity is greater than or equal to [[a]]the metric associated with the selected lobe.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the metric associated with the sound activity comprises a confidence score denoting one or more of a certainty of the location data of the sound activity claim 4 , or a quality of the sound activity.6. The method of claim 4 , further comprising storing the metric associated with the sound activity in a database as the metric associated with the selected lobe claim 4 , when it is determined that the metric associated with the sound activity is ...

METHOD AND HEAD-MOUNTED UNIT FOR ASSISTING A USER

A head-mounted unit for assisting a user, such as a hearing-impaired user, is provided. The head-mounted unit comprises tracking sensors for monitoring a user wearing the head-mounted unit in order to determine a gaze direction which the user is looking. A sensor detects a sound source located in the identified gaze direction. Sound from the sound source may be recognised using speech recognition on captured audio from the sound source or computer vision on images of the sound source. A user interface provides information to the user to assist the user in recognising sound from the sound source. 1. A method , performed by head-mounted unit , for assisting a user , the method comprising:monitoring a user wearing the head-mounted unit in order to determine a gaze direction in which the user is looking;detecting a sound source located in the identified gaze direction; andproviding information to the user to assist the user in recognising sound from the sound source.2. A method according to wherein monitoring the user comprises performing eye-tracking using sensors of the head-mounted unit to track eyes of the user.3. A method according to wherein identifying the sound source comprises capturing one or more images in the gaze direction and performing computer vision on at least one captured image in order to identify a sound source.4. A method according to wherein the method further comprises a camera generating video data made up of images taken in a direction including the gaze direction and performing automated lip reading on at least a portion of the generated video data claim 1 , wherein the information provided to the user is based on the result of the automated lip reading.5. A method according to further comprising directing a directional microphone in a direction including the direction of a detected sound source claim 1 , wherein the information provided to the user is based on sound detected by the directional microphone.6. A method according to claim 5 , ...

FUNCTIONAL SAFETY CRITICAL AUDIO SYSTEM FOR AUTONOMOUS AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Methods and apparatus relating to functional safety critical audio system for autonomous and industrial applications are described. In an embodiment, safety island logic circuitry transmits an enable signal to cause initiation of a functional safety test for an audio component in a vehicle. Audio processing logic circuitry receives the enable signal and causes activation of power amplifier logic circuitry, in response to the enable signal, to drive the audio component in accordance with an audio alert test signal. The audio component includes a Parametric Acoustic Array (PAA) transducer. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. 1. An apparatus comprising:safety island logic circuitry to transmit an enable signal to cause initiation of a functional safety test for an audio component in a vehicle; andaudio processing logic circuitry to receive the enable signal and cause activation of power amplifier logic circuitry, in response to the enable signal, to drive the audio component in accordance with an audio alert test signal,wherein the audio component comprises a Parametric Acoustic Array (PAA) transducer.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the PAA transducer is to generate ultrasonic signals claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic signals are undetectable by an occupant of the vehicle.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the safety island logic circuitry is to generate the audio alert test signal.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the enable signal is to cause activation of the power amplifier logic circuitry and the audio component.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising one or more microphones to detect an audio signal to be generated by the audio component in response to the audio alert test signal.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a coder-decoder logic is to comprise the power amplifier logic circuitry claim 1 , an analog-to-digital converter logic claim 1 , coupled to receive an audio signal from a microphone claim 1 , and a digital-to-analog ...

AUTOMATED CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

A method, computer program product, and computing system for populating medical records via semantic frames is executed on a computing device and includes obtaining encounter information of a patient encounter. The encounter information is processed to generate an encounter transcript. At least one semantic frame is generated based, at least in part, upon at least one portion of the encounter transcript, wherein the at least one semantic frame defines an abstract meaning for the at least one portion of the encounter transcript. 1. A computer-implemented method for populating medical records via semantic frames , executed on a computing device , comprising:obtaining encounter information of a patient encounter;processing the encounter information to generate an encounter transcript; andgenerating at least one semantic frame based, at least in part, upon at least one portion of the encounter transcript, wherein the at least one semantic frame defines an abstract meaning for the at least one portion of the encounter transcript.2. The computer-implemented method of further comprising:processing the at least one semantic frame to populate at least a portion of a medical record associated with the patient encounter.3. The computer-implemented method of wherein the encounter information includes:machine vision encounter information obtained via one or more machine vision systems.4. The computer-implemented method of wherein the one or more machine vision systems includes one or more of:an RGB imaging system;an infrared imaging system;an ultraviolet imaging system;a laser imaging system;an X-ray imaging system;a SONAR imaging system;a RADAR imaging system; anda thermal imaging system.5. The computer-implemented method of wherein the encounter information includes:audio encounter information obtained via one or more audio sensors.6. The computer-implemented method of wherein obtaining encounter information includes:utilizing a virtual assistant to prompt the patient to ...

Automated clinical documentation system and method

A mixed-media ACD device is configured to monitor one or more encounter participants of a patient encounter and includes a machine vision system configured to obtain machine vision encounter information concerning the patient encounter. An audio recording system is configured to obtain audio encounter information concerning the patient encounter, wherein the audio recording system includes a plurality of discrete audio acquisition devices.

Automated clinical documentation system and method

A method, computer program product, and computing system for monitoring a plurality of encounter participants is executed on a computing device and includes obtaining encounter information of a patient encounter. The encounter information is processed to: associate at least a first portion of the encounter information with at least one known encounter participant, and associate at least a second portion of the encounter information with at least one unknown encounter participant.

Automated Clinical Documentation System and Method

A method, computer program product, and computing system for automating an intake process is executed on a computing device and includes prompting a patient to provide encounter information via a virtual assistant during a pre-visit portion of a patient encounter. Encounter information is obtained from the patient in response to the prompting by the virtual assistant.

AUTOMATED CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

A method, computer program product, and computing system for automating a follow-up process is executed on a computing device and includes prompting a patient to provide encounter information via a virtual assistant during a post-visit portion of a patient encounter. Encounter information is obtained from the patient in response to the prompting by the virtual assistant. 1. A computer-implemented method for automating a follow-up process , executed on a computing device , comprising:prompting a patient to provide encounter information via a virtual assistant during a post-visit portion of a patient encounter; andobtaining encounter information from the patient in response to the prompting by the virtual assistant.2. The computer-implemented method of further comprising:processing the encounter information to generate an encounter transcript.3. The computer-implemented method of further comprising:processing at least a portion of the encounter transcript to populate at least a portion of a medical record associated with the patient encounter.4. The computer-implemented method of wherein prompting the patient to provide encounter information via the virtual assistant includes:audibly prompting the patient to provide encounter information via the virtual assistant.5. The computer-implemented method of wherein obtaining encounter information from the patient includes:audibly obtaining encounter information from the patient.6. The computer-implemented method of wherein the encounter information includes one or more of:patient status information;patient medication information; andpatient follow-up information.7. The computer-implemented method of wherein the post-visit portion of the patient encounter includes:a patient follow-up portion of the patient encounter.8. A computer program product residing on a computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which claim 1 , when executed by a processor claim 1 , cause the processor to perform ...

Danger monitoring system

A danger monitoring system is disclosed. A danger monitoring device comprises a microphone configured to continuously digitize environmental sound, a first memory, a first processor configured to determine whether a stored interval meets a threshold criteria for a dangerous event, and a first network interface configured to send a danger observation data to a server. The danger monitoring server comprises a second memory, a second processor configured to verify the dangerous event digitized by the danger monitoring device and determine an event location of the verified dangerous event, and a second network interface configured to send a danger alert. A danger mitigation device comprises a third network interface configured to receive the danger alert, a GPS receiver, a screen, a third memory comprising map data, and a third processor configured to render a map indicating at least a current location of the danger mitigation device, and the event location.

DETERMINING A RESPONSE OF A CROWD

In various example embodiments, a system and method for determining a crowd response for a crowd are presented. One method is disclosed that includes receiving an audio signal that includes concurrent responses from two or more respondents, determining the concurrent responses from the audio signal without regard to the identity of the respondents, and generating a crowd based on the concurrent responses. 1. A system comprising:an audio module, using at least one processor of a machine, to receive an audio signal that includes concurrent responses from two or more respondents in a crowd;a response module to determine the concurrent responses from the audio signal without regard to the identity of the respondents; anda results module to determine a crowd response based on the concurrent responses.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a culture module to determine cultural properties of one or more of the respondents, the cultural properties including at least one of race, accent, country, and cultural region, the results module partitioning the crowd response according to the cultural properties.3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a location module to determine respective locations of the two or more respondents.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the results module further includes each of the concurrent responses in a chart of responses.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the results module further weighs an intensity of one of the concurrent responses claim 1 , modifies a weight of the concurrent response based on the intensity claim 1 , and includes the weight of the concurrent response to determine the crowd response.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the concurrent responses are bids at a live auction claim 1 , the crowd response representing a high bid for the auction.7. The system of claim 6 , wherein a cultural module determines one or more cultural characteristics of a respondent expressing the high bid claim 6 , and a location module ...

UNIDIRECTIONAL CONDENSER MICROPHONE UNIT

A unidirectional condenser microphone unit includes a unit case that includes a diaphragm that vibrates upon receiving a sound wave, a fixed electrode disposed to face the diaphragm, an insulating base that supports the fixed electrode to form a back air chamber between the insulating base and the fixed electrode and a fixed electrode leading terminal made of metal that is attached to the insulating base, and that leads a signal voltage generated at the fixed electrode, wherein the unit case is provided with a front acoustic terminal hole formed in a front side of the diaphragm and a rear acoustic terminal hole for communication with the back air chamber, wherein the unit case has a second air chamber different from the back air chamber and the fixed electrode leading terminal is provided with a communication path between the back air chamber and the second air chamber. 1. A unidirectional condenser microphone unit , comprising:a unit case including:a diaphragm that vibrates upon receiving a sound wave;a fixed electrode disposed to face the diaphragm;an insulating base that supports the fixed electrode to form a back air chamber between the insulating base and the fixed electrode; anda fixed electrode leading terminal made of metal that is attached to the insulating base, and that leads a signal voltage generated at the fixed electrode,wherein the unit case is provided with a front acoustic terminal hole formed in a front side of the diaphragm and a rear acoustic terminal hole for communication with the back air chamber,wherein the unit case is provided with a second air chamber different from the back air chamber andthe fixed electrode leading terminal is provided with a communication path for communicating between the back air chamber and the second air chamber.2. The unidirectional condenser microphone unit according to claim 1 , whereinthe fixed electrode leading terminal is formed into a pillar shape, and is provided with a shaft hole or a groove hole along an ...

Corona Detection Using Audio Data

Systems, methods, and apparatus for corona detection using audio data are provided. In one example embodiment, the method includes obtaining, by one or more computing devices, audio data indicative of audio associated with an electrical system for at least one time interval. The method includes partitioning, by the one or more computing devices, the audio data for the time interval into a plurality of time windows. The method includes determining, by the one or more computing devices, a signal indicative of a presence of corona based at least in part on audio data collected within an identified time window of the plurality of time windows relative to audio data collected for a remainder of the time interval. 1. A method for detecting corona in an electrical system , the method comprising:obtaining, by one or more computing devices, audio data indicative of audio associated with the electrical system for at least one time interval;partitioning, by the one or more computing devices, the audio data for the time interval into a plurality of time windows; anddetermining, by the one or more computing devices, a signal indicative of a presence of corona based at least in part on audio data collected within an identified time window of the plurality of time windows relative to audio data collected for a remainder of the time interval.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining claim 1 , by the one or computing devices claim 1 , a signal indicative of a presence of corona comprises:determining, by the one or more computing devices, a first energy associated with the identified time window based at least in part on the audio data;determining, by the one or more computing devices, a second energy associated with the remainder of the time interval based at least in part on the audio data;determining, by the one or more computing devices, a ratio of the first energy and the second energy; anddetermining, by the one or more computing devices, a signal indicative of the ...

RECONNAISSANCE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AND SURVEILLANCE FLIGHT METHOD THEREOF

A reconnaissance UAV and a surveillance flight method of the reconnaissance UAV which can reduce a number of required reconnaissance UAVs are provided. The surveillance flight method for detecting an unauthorized UAV includes: defining multiple flight passages in a UAV no-fly zone for a plurality of reconnaissance UAVs; controlling each of the plurality of reconnaissance UAVs to fly across adjacent flight passages at an interval by crossing a border of the adjacent flight passages; and controlling at least one of an image sensor and a noise sensor mounted on the reconnaissance UAV to dynamically change a direction detection thereof. 1. A surveillance flight method of a reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for detecting an unauthorized UAV , comprising:defining multiple flight passages in a UAV no-fly zone for a plurality of reconnaissance UAVs;controlling each of the plurality of reconnaissance UAVs to fly across adjacent flight passages at an interval by crossing a border of the adjacent flight passages, andcontrolling at least one of an image sensor and a noise sensor mounted on the each of the plurality of the reconnaissance UAVs to change a detection direction thereof.2. The surveillance flight method of claim 1 , further comprising:transmitting, by a master reconnaissance UAV among the plurality of reconnaissance UAVs, a beacon message to at least one of a member reconnaissance UAV other than the master reconnaissance UAV, the beacon message comprising a first information about an identification number of the master reconnaissance UAV, a PN sequence required to synchronize a timing of the master reconnaissance UAV with a timing of the member reconnaissance UAV, a total number of the reconnaissance UAVs currently performing an surveillance operation in the UAV no-fly zone, a monitoring period, flight schemes, flight path positions of the plurality of reconnaissance UAVs, or a combination thereof; andreceiving, by the master reconnaissance UAV, a status ...

IMAGE AND AUDIO REPRODUCTION DEVICE AND METHOD

An image and audio reproduction device obtains an image captured by an image capturing device and a plurality of acoustic signals whose arrival directions are respectively a plurality of locations in an image capturing scope of the image capturing device, and sets, as one group, arrival directions of acoustic signals with a high degree of similarity of amounts of characteristics on the basis of a degree of similarity of the amounts of characteristics between the acoustic signals that are from the arrival directions adjacent to each other. The image and audio reproduction device adds information to the image captured by the image capturing device so as to reproduce the image, the information representing a position of the group in an image capturing scope of the image capturing device. 1. An image and audio reproduction device comprising:a memory configured to store an image captured by an image capturing device and a plurality of acoustic signals whose arrival directions are respectively a plurality of locations, at which a sound is picked up by a sound pickup device, in an image capturing scope of the image capturing device; anda processor configured to set, as one group, arrival directions of acoustic signals with a high degree of similarity of amounts of characteristics on the basis of a degree of similarity of the amounts of characteristics between acoustic signals that are from the arrival directions adjacent to each other, and to add information to the image so as to reproduce the image, the information representing a position of the group in an image capturing scope of the image capturing device.2. The image and audio reproduction device according to claim 1 , whereinthe processor extracts the acoustic signal having a sound pressure higher than a prescribed value from among the plurality of acoustic signals, and treats, as one group, the extracted acoustic signal and a different acoustic signal with a high degree of similarity of the amount of characteristics ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING AUDIO SIGNALS

A method comprising: detect a first acoustic signal by using a microphone array; detecting a first angle associated with a first incident direction of the first acoustic signal; and storing, in a memory, a representation of the first acoustic signal and a representation of the first angle. 1. A method comprising:detecting a first acoustic signal by using a microphone array;detecting a first angle associated with a first incident direction of the first acoustic signal; andstoring, in a memory, a representation of the first acoustic signal and a representation of the first angle.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the detecting the first angle comprises:identifying a plurality of angles; andmatching each one of the plurality of angles to a corresponding audio signal based on an energy level of the corresponding audio signal.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , forming a beam having the first angle claim 1 , wherein the representation of the first acoustic signal is generated by using the beam.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the storing the representation of the first acoustic signal includes storing an audio signal generated by one of the microphones in the array andwherein storing the audio signal includes storing time information of the audio signal.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the memory is further configured to store speaker recognition information claim 1 , and the method further comprising:identifying a first speaker who is a source of the first acoustic signal and a second speaker who is a source of a second acoustic signal, wherein the first speaker and the second speaker are identified based on the speaker recognition information; andstoring in the memory an indication that the first speaker is the source of the first acoustic signal, and an indication that the second speaker is the source of the second acoustic signal.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the speaker recognition information is created by using a sound-shot function.7. ...

Audio data processing method and electronic device supporting the same

An electronic device for processing audio data includes: a plurality of microphones configured to receive audio data which has at least one sound section where sounds of a specified frequency band exist within a specified time interval; and an audio data processing module configured to divide the received audio data by each direction of the sound source and collect at least one sound section from the divided audio data of each direction.

SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM

A signal processing apparatus according an embodiment includes an acquisition unit and an application unit. The acquisition unit acquires M detection signals output from M detector devices having N-fold symmetry (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and N is an integer equal to or greater than 2). Each of the M detector devices detects original signals generated from K signal sources (K is an integer equal to or greater than 2) having the N-fold symmetry. The application unit applies a trained neural network to M input vectors corresponding to the M detection signals and outputs K output vectors. The same parameter is set to, of multiple weights included in a weight matrix of the trained neural network, weights that are commutative based on the N-fold symmetry. 1. A signal processing apparatus comprising:an acquisition unit configured to acquire M detection signals output from M detector devices (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) having N-fold symmetry (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2), each of the M detector devices detecting an original signal generated from K signal sources (K is an integer equal to or greater than 2) having the N-fold symmetry;an application unit configured to apply a trained neural network to M input vectors corresponding to the M detection signals and output K output vectors;wherein a same parameter is set to, of multiple weights included in a weight matrix of the trained neural network, weights that are commutative based on N-fold symmetry.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe detector devices are microphone devices,the detection signals are speech signals,the output vectors are one of a speech spectrum, a time-frequency mask, an acoustic score, or a linguistic score.3. The apparatus according to claim 2 , whereinthe input vectors are complex spectra,the plurality of weights include complex numbers.4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , whereinthe detector devices are microphone devices,the detection ...

Local and Cloud Speech Recognition

Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for distributing the performance of speech recognition among a remote control device and a voice platform in the cloud. In some embodiments, the remote control device operates to receive a voice input from a user. The remote control device detects a trigger word in the voice input. The remote control device then processes the voice input. The remote control device then transmits the voice input to a voice platform based on the detecting in order to determine an intent associated with the voice input. 1. A computer implemented method for performing speech recognition for a digital assistant , comprising:receiving, by at least one processor, a voice input from a user;detecting, by the at least one processor, a trigger word in the voice input;processing, by the at least one processor, the voice input; andtransmitting, by the at least one processor, the voice input to a voice platform based on the detecting, wherein the voice platform determines an intent based on the voice input,wherein at least one of the receiving, detecting, processing, and transmitting are performed by one or more computers.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the voice platform determines that the trigger word is in the voice input.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the voice platform comprises a cloud computing platform.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:performing echo cancellation on the voice input.5. The method of claim 1 , the processing further comprising:performing noise cancellation on the voice input based on a position of the user, wherein the performing comprises adjusting a reception pattern for a microphone based on the position of the user.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the voice platform converts the voice input into a text input using automated speech recognition.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the ...

Automated Clinical Documentation System and Method

A method, computer program product, and computing system for functionality module communication is executed on a computing device and includes obtaining encounter information via a compartmentalized virtual assistant during a patient encounter, wherein the compartmentalized virtual assistant includes a plurality of functionality modules. At least a portion of the encounter information may be processed via a first functionality module of the plurality of functionality modules to generate a first result. The first result may be provided to a second functionality module of the plurality of functionality modules. The first result set may be processed via the second functionality module to generate a second result.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING A MOBILE MACHINE USING DETECTED SOUNDS

In one aspect, a method for operating a mobile machine may comprise: receiving an audio input from at least one audio sensor coupled to the machine; determining whether the audio input corresponds to a non-ambient sound; determining the direction between the source of the non-ambient sound and the machine; and reacting to the non-ambient sound based on the determined direction. 1. A method for operating a mobile machine , comprising:receiving an audio input from at least one audio sensor coupled to the machine;determining whether the audio input corresponds to a non-ambient sound;determining the direction between the source of the non-ambient sound and the machine; andreacting to the non-ambient sound based on the determined direction.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one audio sensor comprises a plurality of audio sensors claim 1 , and wherein determining the direction includes compiling the audio inputs from the plurality of audio sensors.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of audio sensors are coupled to different sides and/or different corners of the machine.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one audio sensor includes a directional microphone.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:receiving an input from a collision avoidance sensor; andusing the input from the collision avoidance sensor, determining a location of the source of the non-ambient sound relative to the machine.6. The method of claim 4 , further comprising focusing the collision avoidance sensor based on the determined direction.7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising detecting an ambient sound level in an environment of the machine.8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising comparing the audio input to a library of known sounds.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein reacting includes at least one of stopping the machine claim 1 , changing a speed of the machine claim 1 , changing a direction of the machine claim 1 , or providing an alert to an ...

DYNAMIC MICROPHONE SWITCHING

Disclosed are computer devices, systems, and methods for dynamic microphone switching for a vehicle. A plurality of microphones can be located throughout the vehicle cabin, each biased toward a different seat. When audio is received from the microphones, the volumes of the audio input for each respective microphone can be compared. The microphone with the loudest audio input can be activated and the audio input can be sent to an application, such as a telephone application. The other microphones can be muted and their audio inputs discarded. A baseline threshold can be used to determine if audio input detected by a microphone is intentional or is merely ambient noise. Weight sensors in each seat can also be used to determine whether a microphone should be activated. For example, if nobody is sitting in a particular seat, then that microphone can automatically be muted. 1. A computing device for a vehicle comprising:one or more processors for controlling operations of the computing device; anda memory storing data and program instructions used by the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors execute instructions stored in the memory to:receive a first audio input from a first microphone biased toward a first seat within the vehicle;receive a second audio input from a second microphone biased toward a second seat within the vehicle;compare the first audio input and the second audio input to determine which is louder and which is quieter; anddiscard the quieter of the first audio input and the second audio input.2. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to send the louder of the first audio input and second audio input to telephone application.3. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein each of the first audio input and the second audio input is discarded if it is quieter than a predefined minimum volume threshold.4. The computing device of claim 1 , ...

TIME-FREQUENCY DIRECTIONAL PROCESSING OF AUDIO SIGNALS

An approach to processing of acoustic signals acquired at a user's device include one or both of acquisition of parallel signals from a set of closely spaced microphones, and use of a multi-tier computing approach in which some processing is performed at the user's device and further processing is performed at one or more server computers in communication with the user's device. The acquired signals are processed using time versus frequency estimates of both energy content as well as direction of arrival. In some examples, a non-negative matrix or tensor factorization approach is used to identify multiple sources each associated with a corresponding direction of arrival of a signal from that source. In some examples, data characterizing direction of arrival information is passed from the user's device to a server computer where direction-based processing is performed. 1. A method for processing a plurality of signals acquired using a corresponding plurality of acoustic sensors at a user device , said signals having parts from a plurality of spatially distributed acoustic sources , the method comprising:computing, using a processor at the user device, time-dependent spectral characteristics from at least one signal of the plurality of acquired signals, the spectral characteristics comprising a plurality of components;computing, using the processor at the user device, direction estimates from at least two signals of the plurality of acquired signals, each computed component of the spectral characteristics having a corresponding one of the direction estimates;performing a decomposition procedure using the computed spectral characteristics and the computed direction estimates as input to identify a plurality of sources of the plurality of signals, each component of the spectral characteristics having a computed degree of association with at least one of the identified sources and each source having a computed degree of association with at least one direction estimate; ...

Implementation of microphone array housing receiving sound via guide tube

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a case, an acoustic boot, a first microphone and a second microphone. The case includes a first acoustic opening, a second acoustic opening, or an opening to hold the acoustic boot. wherein the acoustic boot comprises a first duct and a second duct, the first duct is connected to the first acoustic opening, and the second duct is connected to the second acoustic opening. The first microphone is connected to the first duct. The second microphone is connected to the second duct. The ducts of the case if exist and the ducts of the acoustic boot combined together to extend the sound inlet distance to each microphone.

Sound recording circuit

Disclosed is a sound recording circuit capable of adjusting microphone sensitivity and preventing sound cracks caused by overly loud sound. The sound recording circuit includes: a microphone bias circuit configured to provide a bias voltage for a microphone circuit; an AC coupling capacitor configured to output an analog input signal according to a microphone signal of the microphone circuit; an analog amplifier circuit configured to output an analog output signal according to the analog input signal; an analog-to-digital converter configured to output a digital input signal according to the analog output signal; a digital amplifier circuit configured to output a digital output signal according to the digital input signal; and a signal detector configured to control an analog gain of the analog amplifier circuit, a digital gain of the digital amplifier circuit, and the bias voltage of the microphone bias circuit. 1. A circuit capable of being coupled to a microphone circuit and a storage circuit , comprising:a microphone bias circuit configured to provide a bias voltage for the microphone circuit;an alternating-current (AC) coupling capacitor configured to output an analog input signal according to a microphone signal of the microphone circuit;an analog amplifier circuit configured to output an analog output signal according to the analog input signal;an analog-to-digital converter configured to output a digital input signal according to the analog output signal;a digital amplifier circuit configured to generate a digital output signal according to the digital input signal and output the digital output signal to the storage circuit; anda signal detector configured to control an analog gain of the analog amplifier circuit, a digital gain of the digital amplifier circuit, and the bias voltage of the microphone bias circuit according to the digital input signal.2. The circuit of claim 1 , wherein when the signal detector determines that the analog input signal is a ...

SOUND COLLECTING DEVICE AND SOUND COLLECTING DEVICE SET

A sound collecting device including: a line-of-sight detector configured to detect line-of-sight information of user's eyes; a microphone; a processor configured to control the microphone so as to achieve sensitivity in the line-of-sight direction of the eyes higher than in other directions on the basis of the line-of-sight information detected by the line-of-sight detector; and an attachment portion for attaching the line-of-sight detector and the microphone on a head portion or an ear portion, wherein the microphone is provided on each of the two positions of the attachment portion, and the processor controls a plurality of the microphones on the basis of the line-of-sight information. 1. A sound collecting device comprising:a line-of-sight detector configured to detect line-of-sight information of user's eyes;a microphone;a processor configured to control the microphone so as to achieve sensitivity in the line-of-sight direction of the eyes higher than in other directions on the basis of the line-of-sight information detected by the line-of-sight detector; andan attachment portion for attaching the line-of-sight detector and the microphone on a head portion or an ear portion, whereinthe microphone is provided on each of two positions of the attachment portion, andthe processor controls a plurality of the microphones on the basis of the line-of-sight information.2. The sound collecting device according to claim 1 , further comprising a receiver configured to receive claim 1 , from another device claim 1 , another type of line-of-sight information different from the line-of-sight information claim 1 , whereinthe processor controls the microphone so as to achieve sensitivity in the line-of-sight direction higher than in other directions on the basis of the line-of-sight information and the other type of line-of-sight information.3. The sound collecting device according to claim 1 , whereinthe microphone includes a first microphone and a second microphone, andthe ...

Microphone System with Non-Orthogonally Mounted Microphone Die

A microphone system has a lid coupled with a base to form a package with an interior chamber. The package has a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides, and at least one of those sides has a portion with a substantially planar surface forming an opening for receiving an acoustic signal. The microphone system also has a microphone die positioned within the interior chamber. The microphone is positioned at a non-orthogonal, non-zero angle with regard to the opening in the at least one side. 1. A microphone system comprising:a base having a primary portion and a ramped portion, the ramped portion making an obtuse angle with the primary portion and having a channel;a lid coupled with the base to form a package with an interior chamber, the package having a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sides; anda microphone die positioned within the interior chamber and secured to the ramped portion and positioned at a non-orthogonal, non-zero angle with regard to an opening in the at least one side of the plurality of sides,the at least one side having a portion with a substantially planar surface forming the opening for receiving an acoustic signal, the channel being acoustically coupled with the opening and guiding the acoustic signal there through.2. The microphone system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the acoustic signals make contact with the microphone die orthogonally.3. The microphone system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a substrate secured with the base claim 1 , the substrate supporting a circuit die.4. The microphone system as defined by further comprising a wire bond electrically connecting the microphone die with the circuit die.5. The microphone system as defined by wherein the microphone die has a diaphragm claim 1 , the channel further comprising a contour that is configured to direct the acoustic signal in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the diaphragm.6. The microphone system as defined by further comprising a substrate secured with ...

METHODS, APPARATUSES AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR FACILITATING DIRECTIONAL AUDIO CAPTURE WITH MULTIPLE MICROPHONES

An apparatus for providing directional audio capture may include a processor and memory storing executable computer program code that cause the apparatus to at least perform operations including assigning at least one beam direction, among a plurality of beam directions, in which to direct directionality of an output signal of one or more microphones. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to divide microphone signals of the microphones into selected frequency subbands wherein an analysis performed. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to select at least one set of microphones of the apparatus for selected frequency subbands. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to optimize the assigned at least one beam direction by adjusting a beamformer parameter(s) based on the selected set of microphones and at least one of the selected frequency subbands. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided. 1. An apparatus comprising:a directional audio capture module; anda plurality of microphones positioned at predetermined locations of the apparatus; assign at least one beam direction, among a plurality of beam directions, in which to direct directionality of an output signal of one or more of the microphones;', 'select a first set of microphones comprising at least two microphones, of the plurality of microphones, for a first frequency band;', 'select a second set of microphones comprising at least two microphones, of the plurality of microphones, for a second frequency band; and', 'optimize the assigned at least one beam direction by adjusting at least one beamformer parameter based on the selected first and second sets of microphones., 'the directional audio capture module is configured to2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the directional audio capture module is further configured to:select the first set of microphones and the second set of microphones based in part on a distance between ...

VIDEO AUDIO PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE VIDEO AUDIO PROCESSING SYSTEM

A video audio processing system includes: a holding unit that holds a table for associating IP addresses of network cameras out of a plurality of network cameras with an IP address of at least one of communication devices; and an associating unit that generates a file by associating, in a case where video transmitted from one of the plurality of network cameras is obtained, video data transmitted from the network camera with audio data transmitted from a microphone having an IP address corresponding to the IP address transmitted from the network camera, the video data and audio data being associated with each other with reference to the table. 1. A video audio processing system comprising:a plurality of network cameras configured to generate video data, the network cameras having IP addresses allocated thereto;a plurality of communication devices configured to transmit audio data collected by microphones, the communication devices having IP addresses allocated thereto; and a holding unit configured to hold a table for associating the IP addresses of the network cameras out of the plurality of network cameras with the IP address of at least one of the communication devices; and', 'an associating unit configured to generate a file by associating, in a case where video transmitted from one of the plurality of network cameras is obtained, video data transmitted from the network camera with the audio data transmitted from the microphone having an IP address corresponding to the IP address transmitted from the network camera, the video data and the audio data being associated with each other with reference to the table., 'a server device configured to generate a video file associated with the audio data, the server device having2. The video audio processing system according to claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , in the server device claim 1 , a generating unit configured to generate the table by calculating capturing ranges of the plurality of network cameras and ...

SPATIAL INTERFERENCE SUPPRESSION USING DUAL-MICROPHONE ARRAYS

Systems, processes, devices, apparatuses, algorithms and computer readable medium for suppressing spatial interference using a dual microphone array for receiving, from a first microphone and a second microphone that are separated by a predefined distance, and that are configured to receive source signals, respective first and second microphone signals based on received source signals. A phase difference between the first and the second microphone signals is calculated based on the predefined distance. An angular distance between directions of arrival of the source signals and a desired capture direction is calculated based on the phase difference. Directional-filter coefficients are calculated based on the angular distance. Undesired source signals are filtered from an output based on the directional-filter coefficients. 1. A device comprising:a first microphone and a second microphone that are separated by a predefined distance, and that are configured to receive source signals and output respective first and second microphone signals based on received source signals; anda signal processor configured to: calculate a phase difference between the first and the second microphone signals based on the predefined distance, calculate an angular distance between directions of arrival of the source signals and a desired capture direction based on the phase difference; and calculate directional-filter coefficients based on the angular distance, whereinthe signal processor is configured to filter undesired source signals from an output of the signal processor based on the directional-filter coefficients.2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the signal processor is configured to calculate phase differences claim 1 , between the first and second microphone signals claim 1 , for a particular short-time frame claim 1 , across a plurality of discrete subbands of the first and second microphone signals.3. The device according to claim 2 , wherein the signal processor is ...

Method And System For Mobile Surveillance And Mobile Infant Surveillance Platform

A method and system for mobile surveillance and a mobile infant surveillance platform are disclosed. The system includes a monitoring objective localization module, configured to acquire audio signal and obtain location information of the monitoring objective through the audio signal; a control unit, configured to generate a moving command for controlling the moving of a surveillance platform based on the location information of the monitoring objective; and a driving device, configured to drive the surveillance platform to move, based on the moving command. The present disclosure can implement mobile surveillance by driving a surveillance platform, which significantly improves the surveillance efficiency and has a high agility. In addition, the system can locate a monitoring objective through an audio signal that when the monitoring objective cannot be detected by a camera, infrared sensor or other device, the monitoring objective can be also accurately located, to provide a guideline for a surveillance platform to find the monitoring objective. The present disclosure thus can widely used in infant monitoring, handicapped monitoring and other fields.

Underwater Communication Systems, Underwater Speakers, Underwater Microphone Assemblies and Methods

Underwater communication systems, underwater speakers, underwater microphone assemblies and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, an underwater speaker includes a housing, a transducer member coupled with the housing and positioned to contact a body of water, wherein the transducer member is configured to vibrate to generate sound pressure waves within the body of water which comprise content which is audible to humans within the body of water, and an exciter coupled with the transducer member and configured to impart forces to the transducer member to cause the vibration of the transducer member to generate the sound pressure waves in the body of water as result of a received electrical signal which comprises the content. 1. An underwater speaker comprising:a housing;a transducer member coupled with the housing and positioned to contact a body of water, wherein the transducer member is configured to vibrate to generate sound pressure waves within the body of water which comprise content which is audible to humans within the body of water; andan exciter coupled with the transducer member and configured to impart forces to the transducer member to cause the vibration of the transducer member to generate the sound pressure waves in the body of water as result of a received electrical signal which comprises the content.2. The speaker of further comprising a pressure control system which is configured to impart increasing pressure to the transducer member corresponding to increasing depth of the underwater speaker in the body of water.3. The speaker of wherein the transducer member comprises a plate having a first surface which contacts the body of water claim 2 , and the pressure control system is configured to impart the increasing pressure to a second surface of the transducer member which is opposite to the first surface.4. The speaker of wherein the pressure control system comprises a bladder configured to receive water from the body of water.5 ...

Underwater Voice Communication Devices and Associated Methods

Underwater voice communication devices and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, an underwater voice communication device includes a voice chamber comprising a face seal which is configured to form at least a substantially watertight seal with respect to a mouth of a first user, wherein the voice chamber comprises an internal volume, an earpiece comprising an ear seal which is configured to form at least a substantially watertight seal with respect to an ear of a second user, wherein the earpiece comprises an internal volume which is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the voice chamber, and wherein the internal volumes of the voice chamber and earpiece communicate voice sound waves from the mouth of the first user to the ear of the second user. 1. An underwater voice communication device comprising:a voice chamber comprising a face seal which is configured to form at least a substantially watertight seal with respect to a mouth of a first user, wherein the voice chamber comprises an internal volume;an earpiece comprising an ear seal which is configured to form at least a substantially watertight seal with respect to an ear of a second user, wherein the earpiece comprises an internal volume which is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the voice chamber; andwherein the internal volumes of the voice chamber and earpiece communicate voice sound waves from the mouth of the first user to the ear of the second user.2. The device of wherein the voice chamber comprises at least one purge hole which is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the voice chamber and the exterior of the underwater voice communication device.3. The device of wherein the underwater voice communication device is held in a predefined position during communication of the voice sound waves wherein the at least one purge hole is located at a lowest point of the underwater voice communication device.4. The device of wherein the underwater ...

Surveillance microphone

An acoustic microphone assembly for surveillance into a protected space includes a microphone including a transducer and a diagram adapted for picking up acoustic sound waves, electronic circuitry for processing input, a power source, and an audio output wire or trace for delivering processed digital sound to a sound system, a cover plate having at least two bolt openings for mounting to a base plate on a wall or structure the cover plate covering an opening there through into the protected space, the cover plate accepting an orthogonal mounting of the microphone, and a sound diffraction pattern of different sized openings placed through the cover plate, the sound diffraction pattern located in alignment to the mounted microphone head and having a foot print roughly equal to the circumference of the head of the microphone.

Microphone array device

Provided is a microphone array device that is excellent in portability and suppresses sound wave interference.A microphone array device 1 according to the present invention includes a plurality of microphones and a housing 10 that accommodates the microphones. The housing includes first, second, third and fourth holes opened to an end surface of the housing in +X-axis, −X-axis, +Y-axis and −Y-axis directions, respectively. A first, second, third and fourth microphones are mounted in the first, second, third and fourth holes, respectively, and the holes are disposed on an XY virtual plane. An X-axis length Lx between an opening end of the first hole and an opening end of the second hole is shorter than a Y-axis length Ly between an opening end of the third hole and an opening end of the fourth hole and/or a Z-axis length Lz of the housing.

HEADSET DEVICE, HEADPHONE COVER DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

A headset device having a first headphone, a second headphone, a headband, a first headphone cover, and a second headphone cover. The headband connects the first headphone and the opposing second headphone. The first and second headphone covers removably connect to the first and second headphones, respectively. Each of the first headphone cover and the second headphone cover has a rear portion and a passageway. The rear portion has an engagement portion adapted to engage a mount portion of a respective one of the first headphone or second headphone to allow for a respective one of the first headphone cover or second headphone cover to be secured to a respective one of the first headphone or second headphone. The passageway, sized to receive a temple tip of an eyeglasses frame, is formed through a top portion and extending through a first side portion. 1. A headset device comprising:a first headphone;a second headphone opposing the first headphone;a headband connecting the first headphone and the second headphone;a first headphone cover removably connect to the first headphone; anda second headphone cover removably connected to the second headphone opposing the first headphone cover; a rear portion having an engagement portion adapted to engage a mount portion of a respective one of the first headphone or second headphone to allow for a respective one of the first headphone cover or second headphone cover to be secured to a respective one of the first headphone or second headphone, and', 'a passageway, sized to receive a temple tip of an eyeglasses frame, formed through a top portion and extending through a first side portion., 'wherein each of the first headphone cover and the second headphone cover comprise2. The headset device according to wherein the passageway extends through the entirety of the top portion from the first side portion to a second side portion.3. The headset device according to wherein each of the first headphone cover and the second headphone ...

MICROPHONE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

A microphone and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The microphone includes: a main substrate in which a first sound hole is formed; a sound sensing module formed in the main substrate corresponding to the first sound hole; a semiconductor chip electrically connected with the sound sensing module and formed on the main substrate; a cover mounted to the main substrate, and in which a second sound hole is formed; and a sound delay filter mounted corresponding to the second sound hole, and in which a plurality of filter holes are formed. 1. A microphone comprising:a main substrate in which a first sound hole is formed;a sound sensing module formed in the main substrate corresponding to the first sound hole;a semiconductor chip electrically connected with the sound sensing module and formed on the main substrate;a cover mounted to the main substrate, and in which a second sound hole is formed; anda sound delay filter mounted corresponding to the second sound hole, and in which a plurality of filter holes are formed.2. The microphone of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of filter holes are arranged in a matrix format.3. The microphone of claim 1 , wherein a radius of a filter hole of the plurality of filter holes is between approximately 70 μm and approximately 80 μm.4. The microphone of claim 1 , wherein a distance between centers of neighboring filter holes of the plurality of filter holes is between approximately 200 μm and approximately 300 μm.5. The microphone of claim 1 , wherein a hole ratio claim 1 , which is a ratio of an area of the plurality of filter holes to an area of the second sound hole claim 1 , is between approximately 25% and approximately 30%.6. The microphone of claim 5 , wherein the hole ratio is calculated based on a number of the plurality of filter holes claim 5 , an area of each filter hole claim 5 , and the area of the second sound hole.7. The microphone of claim 1 , wherein the sound delay filter is fixed to a receiving groove ...

WEARABLE DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE ARRAY APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

A wearable, shoulder-mounted microphone array apparatus and system used as a bi-directional audio and assisted listening device system. The present invention advances hearing aids and assisted listening devices to allow construction of a highly directional audio array that is wearable, natural sounding, and convenient to direct, as well as to provide directional cues to users who have partial or total loss of hearing in one or both ears. The advantages of the invention include simultaneously providing high gain, high directivity, high side lobe attenuation, and consistent beam width; providing significant beam forming at lower frequencies where substantial noises are present, particularly in noisy, reverberant environments; and allowing construction of a cost effective body-worn or body-carried directional audio device. 1. An apparatus comprising:a wearable garment having a left shoulder portion and a right shoulder portion;a first plurality of sensors disposed on the left shoulder portion of the wearable garment, the first plurality of sensors comprising an array;a second plurality of sensors disposed on the right shoulder portion of the wearable garment, the second plurality of sensors comprising an array; and,an audio processing module, the audio processing module being operable to combine a first stage beamformed audio input from the first plurality of sensors and a first stage beamformed audio input from the second plurality of sensors to render a digital audio output.2. The apparatus of wherein the plurality of sensors is selected from the group consisting of microphones claim 1 , acoustic sensors claim 1 , acoustic renderers claim 1 , and digital transducers.3. The apparatus of wherein the wearable garment further comprises an array of conductive fibers operably interconnected to the first plurality of sensors and the second plurality of sensors.4. The apparatus of further comprising an output control interface operably engaged with the audio processing ...

Collision Avoidance Using Auditory Data Augmented With Map Data

A controller for an autonomous vehicle receives audio signals from one or more microphones and identifies sounds. The controller further identifies an estimated location of the sound origin and the type of sound, i.e. whether the sound is a vehicle and/or the type of vehicle. The controller analyzes map data and attempts to identify a landmark within a tolerance from the estimated location. If a landmark is found corresponding to the estimated location and type of the sound origin, then the certainty is increased that the source of the sound is at that location and is that type of sound source. Collision avoidance is then performed with respect to the location of the sound origin and its type with the certainty as augmented using the map data. Collision avoidance may include automatically actuating brake, steering, and accelerator actuators in order to avoid the location of the sound origin. 1. A controller for an autonomous vehicle comprising: receive one or more audio streams from one or more microphones;', 'retrieve map data in a region about the autonomous vehicle; and', 'if both of the one or more audio streams and map data indicate a high probability of an other vehicle proximate the autonomous vehicle, invoking obstacle avoidance with respect to a probable location of the other vehicle., 'one or more processing devices programmed to—'}2. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processing devices are further programmed to invoke obstacle avoidance with respect to the probable location of the vehicle by actuating at least one of a steering actuator claim 1 , accelerator actuator claim 1 , and brake actuator of the autonomous vehicle effective to avoid the probable location of the other vehicle.3. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processing devices are further programmed to:detect in the one or more audio streams a probable vehicle-originated sound;identify a first predicted location of the probable vehicle-originated sound; ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUDIO SHARING

A headphone system, comprises a headset including two ear cups configured to output audio and including a headband coupled between the two ear cups, the headset including an outer casing having an outer casing shape, the outer casing shape covering the two ear cups and the headband, the outer casing shape including an outer casing periphery; and a headphone cover including a headphone cover shape, the headphone cover shape including a headphone cover periphery, the headphone cover including a clipping mechanism configured to interface with the outer casing at the outer casing periphery to enable the headphone cover to be removably attached to the headset, the headphone cover shape being similar to the outer casing shape, the headphone cover periphery being similar to the outer casing periphery. 1. A headphone system , comprising:a headset including two ear cups configured to output audio and including a headband coupled between the two ear cups, the headset including an outer casing having an outer casing shape, the outer casing shape covering the two ear cups and the headband, the outer casing shape including an outer casing periphery; anda headphone cover including a headphone cover shape, the headphone cover shape including a headphone cover periphery, the headphone cover including a clipping mechanism configured to interface with the outer casing at the outer casing periphery to enable the headphone cover to be removably attached to the headset, the headphone cover shape being similar to the outer casing shape, the headphone cover periphery being similar to the outer casing periphery.2. The headphone system of claim 1 , wherein the clipping mechanism includes a set of clips around the headphone cover periphery.3. The headphone system of claim 2 , wherein the set of clips around the periphery are spaced apart substantially equally.4. The headphone system of claim 1 , wherein the clipping mechanism includes a ridge around the headphone cover periphery.5. The ...

Microphone Unit for Stereo Recording

A microphone unit for stereo recording capable of switching an arrangement of left and right microphones between a true XY technique and another technique. A microphone unit for stereo recording, including: a pair of unidirectional left and right microphones; and a retractable mechanism joined to the respective left and right microphones. The retractable mechanism is configured—to allow change in a horizontal angle and a vertical position of each of the left and right microphones. 1. A microphone unit for stereo recording , comprising:a pair of unidirectional left and right microphones; anda retractable mechanism joined to the respective left and right microphones, whereinthe retractable mechanism is configuredto allow change in a horizontal angle and a vertical position of each of the left and right microphones,when the horizontal angle of the left and right microphones reaches an angle of sound pickup axes of the microphones intersecting with each other, to differentiate the vertical positions of the left and right microphones and thus to arrange at least part of the left and right microphones in vertical overlap, andwhen the horizontal angle of the left and right microphones reaches an angle of the sound pickup axes not intersecting with each other, to equalize the vertical positions of the left and right microphones.2. The microphone unit for stereo recording according to claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , when at least part of the left and right microphones is arranged in vertical overlap claim 1 , sound pickup surfaces of the left and right microphones intersect with each other on a same vertical axial line.3. The microphone unit for stereo recording according to claim 1 , wherein an angle between the respective intersecting sound pickup axes ranges approximately from 90° to 135°.4. The microphone unit for stereo recording according to claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , when a vertical reference position is assumed claim 1 , a case where the vertical positions of the left ...

Noise Index Detection System and Corresponding Methods and Systems

An electronic device () includes a user interface (), a communication circuit (), and an audio capture device () to receive ambient audio signals from an environment about the electronic device. A voice control interface engine () is operable with the audio capture device to process signals received from the audio capture device to identify at least some speech from the ambient audio signals. One or more processors () are operable with the voice control interface engine to compute a noise index as a function of the ambient audio signals and the at least some speech. The one or more processors can optionally identify a source of the at least some speech. Where the noise index exceeds a predefined criterion, the one or more processors can execute a communication operation on one or more of the user interface or the communication circuit. 1. An electronic device , comprisinga user interface;a communication circuit;an audio capture device to receive ambient audio signals from an environment about the electronic device;a voice control interface engine, operable with the audio capture device to process signals received from the audio capture device to identify at least some speech from the ambient audio signals; and compute a noise index as a function of the ambient audio signals and the at least some speech;', 'identify a source of the at least some speech; and', 'where the noise index exceeds a predefined criterion, execute a communication operation on one or more of the user interface or the communication circuit., 'one or more processors operable with the voice control interface engine to2. The electronic device of claim 1 , the communication operation comprising presentation of a notification on a display of the user interface claim 1 , the notification indicating that the noise index exceeds the predefined criterion.3. The electronic device of claim 1 , the one or more processors further to identify that the source of the at least some speech is an owner of the ...

SOUND SOURCE REPLICATION SYSTEM

Method for replicating directional sound detecting a plurality of sound signals emitted by a sound source in a recording space and recording the plurality of detected sound signals emitted by the sound source. The method also configured for determining, in a time variable manner, a main direction of emission of the plurality of sound signals, and reproducing the plurality of sound signals based on the main direction of emission using a first reproduction unit associated with the sound source and at least one second reproduction unit spaced apart from the first reproduction unit. The main direction of emission is simulated in during the reproduction with the at least one second reproduction unit using time delays relative to the first reproduction unit. 116.-. (canceled)17. A system for replicating directional sound comprising:an audio detecting device configured to detect a plurality of sound signals emitted by a sound source in a recording space and to record the plurality of sound signals to a storage media;an electronic device configured to determine a main direction of emission of each of the plurality of sound signals using time variable directional characteristics;an audio reproduction device configured to reproduce the plurality of sound signals in an area of reproduction and includes a first reproduction unit associated with the sound source and at least one second reproduction unit in an different area from the first reproduction unit,wherein the second reproduction unit is configured to reproduce the plurality of sound signals with a time delay relative to the first reproduction unit.18. The system according to claim 17 , wherein the system has at least two sound recording units associated with a sound source for recording the sound signals emitted by this sound source and the main direction of emission thereof.19. The system according to claim 17 , wherein the system has at least one sound recording unit associated with a sound source for recording the ...

Speech enhancement method and apparatus for same

A speech enhancement method is provided. The speech enhancement method includes: estimating a direction of a speaker by using an input signal, generating direction information indicating the estimated direction, detecting speech of a speaker based on a result of the estimating the direction, and enhancing the speech of the speaker by using the direction information based on a result of the detecting the speech.

SPEECH ENHANCEMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SAME

A speech enhancement method is provided. The speech enhancement method includes: estimating a direction of a speaker by using an input signal, generating direction information indicating the estimated direction, detecting speech of a speaker based on a result of the estimating the direction, and enhancing the speech of the speaker by using the direction information based on a result of the detecting the speech. 1. A speech enhancement apparatus comprising:a sensor comprising at least one microphone;a speech detector configured to detect speech of a speaker using based on a signal of the sensor unit;a direction estimator configured to estimate a direction of the speaker based on the signal of the sensor and to generate direction information indicating the estimated direction; anda speech enhancer configured to enhance the speech of the speaker that is received by the microphone,wherein the speech detector is configured to control operations of the direction estimator and the speech enhancer based on whether speech is detected by the speech detector, andwherein the direction estimator transmits the direction information to the speech enhancer.2. A speech enhancement apparatus comprising:a sensor comprising at least one microphone;a speech detector configured to detect speech of a speaker based on a signal of the sensor;a direction estimator configured to estimate a direction of the speaker based on the signal of the sensor and to generate direction information indicating the estimated direction; anda speech enhancer configured to enhance the speech of the speaker that is received by the microphone,wherein the direction estimator is configured to control an operation of the speech detector based on a direction of the speaker estimated by the direction estimator and to transmit the direction information to the speech enhancer, andthe speech detector is configured to control an operation of the speech enhancer based on whether speech is detected by the speech detector.3. ...

HEAD WEARABLE ACOUSTIC SYSTEM WITH NOISE CANCELING MICROPHONE GEOMETRY APPARATUSES AND METHODS

Systems and methods are described to extract desired audio from an apparatus to be worn on a user's head. The apparatus includes a head wearable device. A first microphone is coupled to the head wearable device, and is positioned on the head wearable device to receive a voice signal from the user when the head wearable device is on the user's head. A first signal from the first microphone is to be input as a main channel to a noise cancellation unit. A second microphone is coupled to the head wearable device. A first acoustic distance between the first microphone and the user's mouth is less than a second acoustic distance between the second microphone and the user's mouth when the head wearable device is on the user's head. A second signal from the second microphone is to be input as a reference channel to the noise cancellation unit. A first signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal from the first microphone is larger than a second signal-to-noise ratio of the second signal from the second microphone. 1. An apparatus to be worn on a user's head , comprising:a head wearable device, the head wearable device is configured to be worn on the user's head;a first microphone, the first microphone is coupled to the head wearable device, and is positioned on the head wearable device to receive a voice signal from the user when the head wearable device is on the user's head, a first signal from the first microphone is to be input as a main channel to a noise cancellation unit; anda second microphone, the second microphone is coupled to the head wearable device, a first acoustic distance between the first microphone and the user's mouth is less than a second acoustic distance between the second microphone and the user's mouth when the head wearable device is on the user's head, a second signal from the second microphone is to be input as a reference channel to the noise cancellation unit, wherein a first signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal from the first microphone is ...

Apparatus and method for controlling beamforming microphone considering location of driver seat

An apparatus for controlling a beamforming microphone considering the location of a driver seat may include: a driver seat sensor configured to sense the location of the driver seat and output the sensed location as a driver seat signal; a directivity control unit configured to calculate a beamforming angle based on the driver seat signal; and a signal processing unit configured to process voice signals outputted from first and second microphones, respectively, and extract and output a voice signal generated from a direction which coincides with the beamforming angle.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POSITIONING A USER OF A HANDS-FREE INTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM

A hands-free intercom may include a user-tracking sensor, a directional microphone, a directional sound emitter, a display device, and/or a communication interface. The user-tracking sensor may determine a location of a user so the directional microphone can measure vocal emissions by the user and the directional sound emitter can deliver audio to the user. The hands-free intercom may provide privacy to the user. The hands-free intercom may prevent an eavesdropper from hearing the user's vocal emissions, for example, by canceling the vocal emissions at the eavesdropper's ear. The directional sound emitter may deliver out-of-phase sound to cancel the vocal emissions. The hands-free intercom may also, or instead, cancel ambient noise at the user's ear. The hands-free intercom may measure or predict a filtration of the sound to be canceled and compensate for the filtration when canceling the sound. 1. A hands-free intercommunication system for providing privacy to a user , the system comprising:a directional microphone configured to measure vocal emissions by the user; anda directional sound emitter configured to deliver audio to the user by emitting ultrasonic sound waves configured to frequency convert to produce the audio,wherein the directional sound emitter is further configured to prevent an eavesdropper from hearing the vocal emissions from the user.28-. (canceled)9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the directional sound emitter is configured to predict future vocal emissions to be canceled.10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the directional sound emitter is configured to prevent the eavesdropper from hearing the predicted future vocal emissions.11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the directional sound emitter is configured to predict a filtration for the future vocal emissions to be canceled.12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the directional sound emitter is configured to apply the predicted filtration to the predicted vocal emissions and deliver an inverse of ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IN CABIN COMMUNICATION

A system and methods are disclosed for improving communication between occupants in a cabin of a vehicle. A source location of a speaking occupant and an output location of a loudspeaker is identified using a microphone array. A beam forming module directs a main beam at the source location and a null beam at the output location. An audible communication from the speaking occupant is received with the microphone array, filtered with a spatial filter based on the main beam and the null beam and broadcast over the loudspeaker. 1. A method for improving communication between occupants in a cabin , comprising:forming a main beam directed at a source location using a beam forming module;forming a null beam directed at an output location using the beam forming module;receiving an audible communication from a speaking occupant with at least one microphone in a microphone array and generating a microphone signal;filtering the microphone signal using a spatial filter based on the main beam and the null beam to generate a beam former output signal; andbroadcasting the beam former output signal over the loudspeaker.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:identifying the source location of the speaking occupant using the microphone array including at least two microphones.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:directing the main beam at a predetermined location, the predetermined location stored in a memory and corresponding to the source location relative to the microphone array.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:forming a first main beam directed at a first source location using a first beam forming module;forming a second main beam directed at a second source location using a second beam forming module; andbroadcasting the sum of the first and second beam former output signals over the loudspeaker.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:filtering the microphone signal by selecting the main beam based on which of the occupants is identified as ...