Synchronous mode conversion

Abstract

Methods, systems, computer-readable media, devices, and apparatuses for synchronous mode switching are provided. A first device configured to be worn on the ear includes a processor configured to generate an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode. The processor is also configured to exchange time indications for a first time with a second device in the first context mode. The processor is further configured to switch from the first context mode to a second context mode at the first time based on the time indications.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 039,709, filed June 16, 2020, and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 348,646, filed June 15, 2021, and the entire contents of each of these applications are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] In summary, various aspects of this disclosure relate to audio signal processing. Background Technology

[0004] Hearable devices, or “headphones” (also known as “smart headphones,” “smart headsets,” or “smart earbuds”), are becoming increasingly popular. Designed to be worn on or inside the ear, these devices have been used for a variety of purposes, including wireless transmission and fitness tracking. Headphones typically include speakers that reproduce sound to the user’s ears and microphones for sensing the user’s voice and / or ambient sounds. In some situations, users may change the operating mode of the headphones (e.g., enabling or disabling noise cancellation). Allowing headphones to dynamically change their operating mode independently of user input can be more user-friendly. For example, headphones could automatically enable noise cancellation in noisy environments. However, if a user wears multiple headphones, a lack of synchronization between them when changing modes can negatively impact the user experience. For instance, if a user wears one headphone in each ear and only one of them has noise cancellation enabled, the user may have an unbalanced auditory experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one implementation of this disclosure, a first device is configured to be worn on the ear. The first device includes a processor configured to generate an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode. The processor is also configured to: exchange time indications for a first time with a second device in the first context mode. The processor is further configured to: transition from the first context mode to a second context mode at the first time based on the time indications.

[0006] According to another implementation of this disclosure, a method includes: at a first device, generating an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode. The method further includes: in the first context mode, exchanging a time indication for a first time with a second device. The method also includes: at the first device, transitioning from the first context mode to a second context mode at the first time. This transition is based on the time indication.

[0007] According to another implementation of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to generate an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode. The non-transitory computer-readable medium also stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to exchange a time indication for a first time with a device in the first context mode. The non-transitory computer-readable medium further stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to transition from a first context mode to a second context mode at the first time. This transition is based on the time indication.

[0008] According to another implementation of this disclosure, an apparatus includes a generation unit for generating an audio signal based on audio data. The audio signal is generated in a first context mode. The apparatus also includes a switching unit for exchanging a time indication with a device for a first time, the time indication being exchanged in the first context mode. The apparatus further includes a switching unit for switching from the first context mode to a second context mode at the first time. The switching is based on the time indication.

[0009] Other aspects, advantages, and features of this disclosure will become apparent after reading the entire application, including the following portions: description of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Various aspects of this disclosure are illustrated by way of example. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0011] Figure 1A These are some examples of illustrative diagrams of headphones based on this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 1B These are illustrations of communication between a pair of headphones, based on some examples of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 These are illustrative illustrations of some examples of headphones configured to be worn in the user's right ear, based on the contents of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3A This is a flowchart illustrating aspects of a method for performing a synchronous mode conversion, based on some examples of the content of this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3B This is a flowchart illustrating aspects of a method for performing a synchronous mode conversion, based on some examples of the content of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4AThese are state diagrams illustrating aspects of the operation of an active noise cancellation (ANC) device, based on some examples of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4B These are illustrative diagrams of switching control loops, based on some examples of the contents of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5A This is a flowchart illustrating aspects of a method for performing a synchronous mode conversion, based on some examples of the content of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5B This is a flowchart illustrating aspects of a method for performing a synchronous mode conversion, based on some examples of the content of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6A This is a flowchart illustrating aspects of a method for performing a synchronous mode switch from ANC mode to quiet mode, based on some examples of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6B This is a flowchart illustrating aspects of a method for performing a synchronous mode conversion from quiet mode to ANC mode, based on some examples of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7 These are illustrative diagrams of communication between the audio processing layer and the application processing layer of a pair of devices configured to perform synchronous mode switching, based on some examples of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating another aspect of communication between the audio processing layer and the application processing layer of a pair of devices configured to perform synchronous mode switching, based on some examples of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating another aspect of communication between the audio processing layer and the application processing layer of a pair of devices configured to perform synchronous mode switching, based on some examples of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 10A These are illustrative diagrams illustrating aspects of a method for performing a synchronization mode transition from ANC mode to feedforward ANC disabled mode, based on some examples of this disclosure; and

[0026] Figure 10B This is a diagram illustrating an aspect of a method for performing a synchronous mode transition from feedforward ANC disabled mode to ANC mode, based on some examples of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 11 These are diagrams of headphones operable to perform synchronization mode switching, based on some examples of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 12 These are some examples of headphones (e.g., virtual reality, mixed reality, or augmented reality headphones) operable to perform synchronous mode switching, based on the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 13 These are some examples based on the content of this disclosure, and execution can be performed by... Figure 1A A diagram of a specific implementation of the synchronization mode switching method performed by the headphones.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a block diagram of a particular illustrative example of a device operable to perform a synchronization mode conversion, based on some examples of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The principles described herein can be applied to, for example, synchronizing transitions from one context mode to another between two or more devices in a group. In some examples, these principles can be applied to eliminate or reduce active noise cancellation (ANC) self-noise in quiet environments. As a result, users can perceive time synchronization behavior on two headphones (e.g., earbuds), similar to wired stereo devices. In some examples, these principles can be applied to coordination that supports adaptive ANC. The use of extremely high-quality audio codecs, conservative ANC performance, and wired earbuds controlled by a single digital computing entity can be supported. In some examples, solutions as described herein can be implemented on chipsets.

[0032] Several exemplary configurations are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this document. Although specific configurations in which one or more aspects of this disclosure may be implemented are described below, other configurations may be used and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure or the spirit of the appended claims.

[0033] In this specification, common features are indicated by common reference numerals. As used herein, various terms are used only to describe a particular implementation and are not intended to limit the implementation. For example, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, some features described herein are singular in some embodiments and plural in others. For illustrative purposes, Figure 14 It describes a system that includes one or more processors ( Figure 14The device 1400 (with the term "processor 1410") indicates that in some embodiments the device 1400 includes a single processor 1410, while in other embodiments the device 1400 includes multiple processors 1410. For ease of reference herein, these features are generally introduced as "one or more" features and are subsequently referred to in the singular unless an aspect relating to multiple such features is being described.

[0034] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “including” may be used interchangeably with “including,” “comprising,” or “including.” Furthermore, the term “wherein” may be used interchangeably with “where.” As used herein, “exemplary” refers to an example, implementation, and / or aspect, and should not be construed as limiting or indicating a preferred or preferred implementation.

[0035] As used herein, “coupling” can include “communicationally coupled,” “electrically coupled,” or “physical coupled,” and may (or alternatively) include any combination thereof. Two devices (or components) can be coupled directly or indirectly (e.g., communicationally coupled, electrically coupled, or physically coupled) via one or more other devices, components, wires, buses, networks (e.g., wired networks, wireless networks, or combinations thereof). By way of illustrative and non-limiting example, two electrically coupled devices (or components) can be included in the same or different devices and can be connected via electronic devices, one or more connectors, or inductive coupling. In some implementations, such as in electrical communications, two communicationally coupled devices (or components) can directly or indirectly transmit and receive signals (e.g., digital or analog signals) via one or more wires, buses, networks, etc. As used herein, “direct coupling” can include two devices coupled without an intermediary (e.g., communicationally coupled, electrically coupled, or physically coupled).

[0036] In this disclosure, terms such as “determine,” “calculate,” “estimate,” “shift,” “adjust,” etc., can be used to describe how one or more operations are performed. It should be noted that these terms should not be construed as restrictive, and similar operations can be performed using other techniques. Furthermore, as referred to herein, “generate,” “calculate,” “estimate,” “use,” “select,” “access,” and “determine” are used interchangeably. For example, “generate,” “calculate,” “estimate,” or “determine” a parameter (or signal) can refer to actively generating, estimating, calculating, or determining a parameter (or signal), or it can refer to using, selecting, or accessing a generated parameter (or signal) (e.g., a parameter (or signal) generated by another component or device).

[0037] Reference Figure 1A The diagram illustrates a headset 100 operable to perform a synchronization mode switch. The headset 100 includes a speaker 104 configured to reproduce sound to a user's ears when the user wears the headset 100. The headset 100 also includes a microphone 108. In a particular aspect, the microphone 108 is configured to capture the user's voice and / or ambient sound. The headset 100 also includes signal processing circuitry 102. In a particular aspect, the signal processing circuitry 102 is configured to communicate with another device (e.g., a smartphone or another headset). For example, the headset 100 includes an antenna 106 coupled to the signal processing circuitry 102, and the signal processing circuitry 102 is configured to communicate with another device via the antenna 106. In some aspects, the headset 100 may also include one or more sensors: for example, for tracking heart rate, tracking body activity (e.g., body motion), or detecting proximity. In a particular aspect, the headset 100 includes headphones, earbuds, headphones, or combinations thereof.

[0038] Reference Figure 1B The image shows headphones D10L and D10R worn in each ear of a user 150. In certain aspects, headphones D10L, D10R, or both include references. Figure 1A The headphones 100 describe one or more components.

[0039] In some respects, the D10L and D10R headphones are configured to wirelessly transmit audio and / or control signals to each other (e.g., via...). (e.g., a registered trademark of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), Kirkland, WA) or via near-field magnetic induction (NFMI). For example, earphone D10L is configured to transmit a wireless signal WS10 to earphone D10R, while earphone D10R is configured to transmit a wireless signal WS20 to earphone D10L. In some cases, earphone 100 includes an internal microphone configured to be located within the ear canal when the user 150 wears earphone 100. For example, such a microphone can be used to obtain error signals (e.g., feedback signals) for ANC. In some aspects, active noise cancellation is also referred to as active noise reduction. Earphone 100 can be configured to wirelessly communicate with wearable devices or “wearable devices,” where the wearable device can, for example, transmit volume levels or other control commands. Examples of wearable devices include (in addition to audible devices) watches, head-mounted displays, earphones, fitness trackers, and pendants. As an illustrative example, WS10 and WS12 are described as wireless signals. In some examples, WS10 and WS12 correspond to wired signals.

[0040] Reference Figure 2An illustrative embodiment of the D10R headset is shown. In a particular aspect, the D10R headset is configured to be worn on the user's right ear.

[0041] In certain aspects, the D10R headphones correspond to Figure 1A Headphones 100. For example, headphones D10R include one or more components described with reference to headphones 100. For illustration purposes, signal processing circuitry 102 is integrated into headphones D10R and is illustrated using dashed lines to indicate internal components of headphones D10R that are not normally visible to the user.

[0042] The headphones D10R include one or more speakers 210, earbuds 212 configured to provide passive acoustic isolation, or both. In some examples, the headphones D10R include cybma hooks 214 (e.g., hooks or wings) configured to secure the headphones D10R to the concha and / or auricle. In a particular aspect, the headphones D10R include at least one of the following: a housing 216, one or more inputs 204 for user control (e.g., switches and / or touch sensors), one or more additional microphones 202 (e.g., for sensing acoustic error signals), or one or more proximity sensors 208 (e.g., detecting that the device is being worn). In a particular aspect, the one or more speakers 210 are configured to present an anti-noise signal in a first context mode and are configured to avoid presenting an anti-noise signal in a second context mode.

[0043] In certain aspects, the headphone D10L includes a copy of one or more components described with reference to the headphone D10R. For example, the headphone D10L includes a copy of signal processing circuitry 102, microphone 202, input 204, proximity sensor 208, housing 216, cymba hook 214, earbud 212, one or more speakers 210, or combinations thereof. In certain aspects, the earbud 212 of the headphone D10R is located on a first side of the housing 216 of the headphone D10R (e.g., at a 90-degree angle relative to the cymba hook 214), while the earbud 212 of the headphone D10L is located on a second side of the housing 216 of the headphone D10L (e.g., at a -90-degree angle relative to the cymba hook 214).

[0044] In some implementations, the transition from one context mode to another can be synchronized between two or more devices in a group (e.g., headphones 100). The timing information used for synchronization can be shared between two devices (e.g., headphones 100 worn in the user's left and right ears, so that the user perceives the timing synchronization behavior on the two earpieces, similar to wired stereo equipment), and / or shared among many headphones 100 (e.g., earpieces or personal audio devices).

[0045] Reference Figure 3A This illustrates a method M100 for performing synchronization mode switching. In a particular aspect, one or more operations of method M100 are performed by... Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 performs the operation.

[0046] Method M100 includes tasks T110, T120, and T130. Task T110 includes generating an audio signal in a first context mode. For example, Figure 1A In a first context mode, the signal processing circuit 102 generates an audio signal based on audio data. In some aspects, the audio data includes stored audio data or streaming audio data. Examples of the generated audio signal may include a remote speech signal, a music signal decoded from a bitstream, and / or an ANC noise immunity signal (e.g., to eliminate vehicle noise for passengers in a vehicle).

[0047] Task T120 includes receiving a signal indicating a first time in the first context mode. For example, Figure 1A In a first context mode, the signal processing circuit 102 receives a wireless signal (WS) via antenna 106. This wireless signal indicates a first time. In the illustrative example, the headset D10R receives the wireless signal WS10 in the first context mode, and the wireless signal WS10 indicates a first time.

[0048] Task T130 includes transitioning from a first context mode to a second context mode at the time of the first instruction. For example, Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 switches from a first context mode to a second context mode at a first time. In the second context mode, the generation of audio signals can be paused or otherwise disabled at the signal processing circuit 102.

[0049] In some examples, the first context mode includes one of ANC enabled mode, full ANC mode, partial ANC mode, ANC disabled mode, or transparent mode, while the second context mode includes another of ANC enabled mode, full ANC mode, partial ANC mode, ANC disabled mode, or transparent mode. In a particular aspect, the first context mode corresponds to a first operating mode of the ANC filter, while the second context mode corresponds to a second operating mode of the ANC filter that is different from the first operating mode. In some aspects, as further explained with reference to FIG4, the first context mode includes one of ANC mode 402 (e.g., ANC enabled mode) or quiet mode 404 (e.g., ANC disabled mode), while the second context mode includes another of ANC mode 402 or quiet mode 404.

[0050] In a particular implementation, the device (e.g., headphones 100) includes: a memory configured to store audio data, and a processor (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102) configured to receive audio data from the memory and execute method M100. In a particular implementation, an apparatus includes: a unit (e.g., as software executed in hardware) for performing each of tasks T110, T120, and T130. In a particular aspect, the unit for performing each of tasks T110, T120, and T130 includes signal processing circuitry 102, headphones 100, headphones D10R, headphones D10L, a processor, one or more other circuits or components configured to perform each of tasks T110, T120, and T130, or any combination thereof. In a particular implementation, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes code (e.g., instructions) that, when executed by at least one processor, causes said at least one processor to perform method M100.

[0051] In a specific example of an extended use case where a device (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102 of headset 100) executes method M100, some personal audio devices (e.g., headset 100) on a broadcast network (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network) perform media streaming and / or playback to generate audio signals. These devices (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102 of headset 100) receive a broadcast signal indicating a mode change at an indicated time, and in response to the broadcast signal, the device synchronously transitions to a second context mode at the indicated time, wherein in the second context mode, remote audio and media streaming and playback are paused, and ambient sound is allowed through (also known as "transparent mode"). To support this synchronous operation, these devices (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102 of headset 100) may also receive a time reference signal from a shared clock (e.g., a network clock).

[0052] One application of this extended use case is at airports or train stations when a broadcaster has flight or train announcements to make. At time t0, the broadcaster sends a message requesting all earpiece devices (e.g., headphones 100) in a group to enter transparent mode at a future time t1. At time t1, all devices in the broadcast group (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102 of headphones 100) switch to transparent mode, pause personal media playback, and the broadcaster begins announcing flight arrivals and departures. At time t2, when the announcements are complete, the broadcaster sends a message requesting all earpiece devices (e.g., headphones 100) in the group to return to their previous state (e.g., clear transparent mode), and each device in the broadcast group (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102 of headphones 100) returns to its state before time t1 (e.g., clear transparent mode and resume personal media playback).

[0053] Another application of this extended use case is at concerts. At time t0 before the performance begins, the venue's broadcaster sends a message requesting all personal audio devices (e.g., headphones 100) in a group to enter a controlled transparency mode at a future time t1. In a specific aspect, controlled transparency mode corresponds to a mode where users can listen to the concert, but their volume level is limited to a maximum volume level specified by the user to protect their hearing. The message to enter controlled transparency mode can be extended to include other information; alternatively or additionally, such other information can be broadcast during the event (e.g., synchronization across devices at a specified future time). In a specific aspect, this other information indicates aspects of the audience experience requested by the performer and / or that can support those indicated by the performer. In one example, this other information includes information describing the requested audio equalization shape, emphasis (e.g., highlighting certain frequencies), and / or deemphasis (e.g., attenuating certain frequencies). In another example, this other information includes information indicating and / or describing one or more requested audio effects (e.g., adding flange effects, adding echo, etc.).

[0054] At time t1, all devices in the broadcast group (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102 of headphones 100) switch to controlled transparency mode (e.g., pause personal media playback), and the performance begins. When the performance ends, the broadcaster issues a message requesting all personal audio devices in the group (e.g., headphones 100) to resume their previous state (e.g., exit controlled transparency mode) at time t2, and at the specified time t2, each device in the broadcast group (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102 of headphones 100) resumes its state before time t1 (e.g., exit controlled transparency mode and resume personal media playback). In another example, the device (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102 of headphones 100) exits controlled transparency mode at time t2 to resume ANC mode for ambient crowd noise cancellation.

[0055] Another example of this extended use case is a group tour of a museum (or, for example, a city street), where exhibits (e.g., paintings or sculptures) have cameras with wireless audio broadcasters. The camera can be configured to detect when multiple users enter its field of view, and the camera and / or broadcaster can be further configured to detect whether a user is registered to the tour (e.g., via device identification and / or facial recognition). In response to this trigger condition (e.g., detecting a user registered to the tour), the broadcaster can broadcast background audio with information about the exhibit's history. This trigger condition can be further defined as including: detecting that a minimum number of users have been looking at the exhibit for at least a configurable amount of time (e.g., fifteen, twenty, or thirty seconds). In such a scenario, upon detecting that the trigger condition is met, the broadcast audio device associated with the exhibit can automatically send a request to all user devices (e.g., audible devices 100 such as earbuds, extended reality (XR) glasses, etc.) to synchronously switch to active noise cancellation mode at time t1, so that listeners can focus on the audio content at a future time t2 (e.g., two or three seconds after time t1). At time t2, the broadcaster begins simultaneously presenting audio content (e.g., background history) to all devices (e.g., headphones 100) so that group members can listen to the same content together; however, each listens on their individual audio device. Once the background audio history is complete, the broadcasting audio device sends a message instructing all devices in the network (e.g., headphones 100) to switch to transparent mode at a future time t3 (e.g., within a tenth of a second, a quarter of a second, a half of a second, or a second) so that users can continue to talk to each other.

[0056] Reference Figure 3B This illustrates a method M200 for performing synchronization mode switching. In a particular aspect, one or more operations of method M200 are performed by... Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 performs the operation.

[0057] Method M200 includes tasks T210, T220, and T130. Task 210 includes receiving signals in a first context mode. For example, Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 receives the signal. Task T220 includes: in response to a first condition of detecting the received signal, scheduling a change from a first context mode to a second context mode at a first indication time, which can be indicated by the received signal or another signal. Task T130 is as referenced Figure 3AAs described. In one example, the signal received during task T210 in the first context mode is a wireless signal, and the first condition is that the signal carries a command (e.g., a broadcast command as described above). In another example, the signal received during task T210 in the first context mode is a microphone signal, the first indication time is indicated by another signal, and the first condition is the ambient noise condition of the microphone signal as described below.

[0058] In a particular implementation, the device (e.g., headphones 100) includes: a memory configured to store audio data and a processor (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102) configured to receive audio data from the memory and execute method M200. In a particular implementation, an apparatus includes: a unit (e.g., as software executed in hardware) for performing each of tasks T210, T220, and T130. In a particular aspect, the unit for performing each of tasks T210, T220, and T130 includes signal processing circuitry 102, headphones 100, headphones D10R, headphones D10L, a processor, one or more other circuits or components configured to perform each of tasks T210, T220, and T130, or any combination thereof. In a particular implementation, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes code (e.g., instructions) that, when executed by at least one processor, causes said at least one processor to perform method M200.

[0059] The principles described herein can be applied, for example, to headphones 100 (e.g., headsets or other communication or sound reproduction devices) configured to perform ANC operation (“ANC device”). Active noise cancellation actively reduces acoustic noise in the air by generating a waveform that is the opposite form of the noise wave (e.g., having the same level and opposite phase) (also known as an “anti-phase” or “anti-noise” waveform). ANC systems typically use one or more microphones to pick up an external noise reference signal, generate an anti-noise waveform based on the noise reference signal, and reproduce the anti-noise waveform through one or more speakers. This anti-noise waveform produces destructive interference with the original noise wave to reduce the noise level reaching the user's ears.

[0060] Active noise cancellation (ANC) technology can be applied to headphones 100 (e.g., personal communication devices such as cellular phones and sound reproduction devices such as headphones) to reduce acoustic noise from the surrounding environment. In such applications, using ANC technology can reduce the level of background noise reaching the ear by up to 20 decibels or more while providing a useful sound signal (e.g., music and distant voice). For example, in headphones used for communication applications, the device typically has a microphone and a speaker, where the microphone is used to capture the user's voice for transmission, and the speaker is used to reproduce the received signal. In this case, the microphone may be mounted on a boom or earmuff, and / or the speaker may be mounted in the earmuff or earplug.

[0061] In some implementations, ANC devices (e.g., Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 includes a microphone arranged to capture a reference acoustic noise signal (“x”) from the environment and / or a microphone arranged to capture an acoustic error signal (“e”) after noise cancellation. In either case, the ANC device (e.g., signal processing circuit 102) uses the microphone input to estimate the noise at that location and generates an anti-noise signal (“y”) as a modified version of the estimated noise. This modification includes inverting filtering and may also include gain amplification.

[0062] In certain aspects, the ANC device (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102) includes an ANC filter that generates an anti-noise signal that matches the acoustic noise in amplitude and is out of phase with the acoustic noise. The reference signal x can be modified by estimating the reference signal x through a secondary path (i.e., an electroacoustic path from the ANC filter output through, for example, a loudspeaker and an error microphone) to produce a reference x' to be used for ANC filter adaptation. The ANC filter is typically adapted according to an implementation of the least mean square (LMS) algorithm, where LMS types include filtered reference (“filtered-X”) LMS, filtered error (“filtered-E”) LMS, filtered-U LMS, and variations thereof (e.g., subband LMS, step-normalized LMS, etc.). Signal processing operations such as time delay, gain amplification, and equalization or low-pass filtering can be performed to achieve optimal noise cancellation.

[0063] In some examples, the ANC filter is configured to perform high-pass filtering on the signal (e.g., attenuating high-amplitude, low-frequency acoustic signals). Alternatively, in some examples, the ANC filter is configured to perform low-pass filtering on the signal (e.g., reducing the ANC effect at high frequencies). Because the noise immunity signal should be available as acoustic noise propagates from the microphone to the actuator (i.e., the speaker), the processing delay caused by the ANC filter should not exceed a very short time (e.g., approximately 30 to 60 microseconds).

[0064] In a quiet environment (e.g., an office), an ANC device (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102) can amplify the system's electrical noise floor ("self-noise") to an audible level, thus increasing the perceived noise rather than reducing it. In some examples, the ANC device (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102) is configured to enter a "quiet mode" when a quiet environment is detected. In a specific aspect, "quiet mode" refers to an ANC disabled mode. During quiet mode, the output of the noise immunity signal from the speaker is reduced (e.g., by adding a version of the reference signal x to the error signal e), and may even be disabled (e.g., by disabling the ANC filter). This mode can reduce or even eliminate ANC self-noise in a quiet environment. In some examples, the ANC device (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102) is configured to leave quiet mode when a noisy environment (e.g., a lunch room) is detected.

[0065] Reference Figure 4A This shows an ANC device (e.g., Figure 1A The state diagram 400 illustrates an illustrative aspect of the operation of the signal processing circuit 102. In a particular aspect, the ANC device (e.g., the signal processing circuit 102) is configured to operate in either ANC mode 402 (i.e., enabling the output of the noise immunity signal from the speaker) or quiet mode 404 (i.e., disabling the output of the noise immunity signal from the speaker). For example, ANC mode 402 corresponds to a first context mode of the signal processing circuit 102, while quiet mode 404 corresponds to a second context mode of the signal processing circuit 102.

[0066] The device (e.g., signal processing circuit 102) is configured to switch between multiple context modes based on the detection of various ambient noise conditions. For example, in ANC mode 402, the device (e.g., signal processing circuit 102) compares a measure (E(x)) of the ambient noise level (e.g., the energy of the reference signal x) with a first threshold (T). L ) for comparison. In a specific aspect, the first threshold (T) LThis corresponds to a low threshold value (e.g., -80 dB). If the measured ambient noise level (e.g., energy) is within at least the first time period (t... L (For example, for fifteen seconds) remain below (or not exceeding) the first threshold (T) L If the device (e.g., signal processing circuit 102) detects a first ambient noise condition (e.g., a quiet condition), then the device (e.g., signal processing circuit 102) switches to operating in a quiet mode 404 in response to detecting the first ambient noise condition (e.g., by turning off the ANC filter or otherwise disabling the output of the noise immunity signal from the speaker).

[0067] In quiet mode 404, the ANC device (e.g., signal processing circuit 102) compares the measured value (E(x)) of the ambient noise signal (e.g., the energy of the reference signal x) with a second threshold (T). H ) for comparison. In a specific aspect, the second threshold (T) H This corresponds to a high threshold value (e.g., -70 dB), which is greater than the first threshold (T). L The corresponding low threshold value. If the measured value of the ambient noise level (e.g., energy) in the second time period (t H (For example, for five seconds) maintain a value above (or not below) the second threshold (T). H If the device (e.g., signal processing circuit 102) detects a second ambient noise condition (e.g., a noise change condition), the device (e.g., signal processing circuit 102) switches to operation in ANC mode 402 in response to the detection of the second ambient noise condition (e.g., by activating an ANC filter or otherwise enabling the output of an anti-noise signal from the speaker).

[0068] As illustrated in the examples above, an ANC device (e.g., signal processing circuit 102) can be configured to switch from one mode to another only after a threshold condition (e.g., ambient noise conditions) has persisted for a certain period of time; this period may vary for different types of transitions. For example, the noise variation condition (e.g., E(x) > T) must persist before signal processing circuit 102 switches to ANC mode 402. H In contrast, before the signal processing circuit 102 switches to quiet mode 404, the quiet state (e.g., E(x)) is as follows. <T L This may need to last for a longer period of time. For the sake of illustration, the first time period (t) L ) can be greater than the second time period (t) H In some examples, the first time period (t) L ) can be less than the second time period (t) HIn other examples, the first time period (t) L ) can be combined with the second time period (t) H )same.

[0069] Reference Figure 4B The transition control loop 450 is shown. In a particular aspect, the signal processing circuit 102 is configured to switch between ANC mode 402 and quiet mode 404 after the hysteresis loop. In a particular example, the signal processing circuit 102 is based on a threshold 462 corresponding to a threshold value T. L The transition from ANC mode 402 to quiet mode 404 is based on threshold 464 corresponding to threshold value T. H The transition from Quiet Mode 404 to ANC Mode 402 occurs. In certain aspects, the threshold value T... L Below the threshold T H .

[0070] As described above, the earphones 100 worn in each of the user's ears can be configured to wirelessly transmit audio and / or control signals to each other. For example, the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) protocol enables stereo sound. The stream can be provided to a master device (e.g., one of a pair of headphones 100), where the master device reproduces one channel and transmits the other channel to a slave device (e.g., the other of a pair of headphones 100).

[0071] Even when a pair of earphones 100 are linked in this manner, many audio processing operations (e.g., ANC operations) can occur independently on each device in the TWS group. The situation where each device (e.g., earphone 100) independently enables or disables quiet mode on the user's other ear can lead to an unbalanced listening experience. For the wireless earphones 100, a mechanism where the two earphones 100 negotiate their states and share time information via a common reference clock helps ensure synchronized enabling and disabling of quiet mode.

[0072] Reference Figure 5A This illustrates a method M300 for performing synchronization mode switching. In a particular aspect, one or more operations of method M300 can be performed by... Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 performs the operation.

[0073] Method M300 includes tasks T310, T320, T330, and T340. Task T310 includes operating the device in a first context mode (e.g., ANC mode). For example, signal processing circuitry 102 operates in the first context mode (e.g., ANC mode 402 of FIG4).

[0074] Task T320 includes: wirelessly transmitting an indication of a change from a first context mode to a second context mode (e.g., quiet mode) in response to a first condition of detecting a microphone signal. For example, signal processing circuitry 102 responds to the detection of the first condition (e.g., during at least a first time period t). L Internal E(x) <T L It wirelessly transmits an instruction to change from ANC mode 402 to quiet mode 404. For the sake of illustration, Figure 1B The signal processing circuit 102 of the earphone D10L initiates the transmission of wireless signal WS10, wherein wireless signal WS10 indicates a change from ANC mode 402 to quiet mode 404.

[0075] Task T330 includes: wirelessly receiving a response to a transmitted instruction. For example, signal processing circuitry 102 receives a response to a transmitted instruction. For illustrative purposes, Figure 1B The signal processing circuit 102 of the earphone D10R, in response to receiving a wireless signal WS10 from the earphone D10L, initiates the transmission of a wireless signal WS20, wherein the wireless signal WS20 indicates a response to a change instruction received from the earphone D10L. The earphone D10L receives the wireless signal WS20 from the earphone D10R.

[0076] Task T340 includes: in response to receiving an acknowledgment, and at a first indicated time, initiating a change in device operation from a first context mode to a second context mode. For example, in response to receiving the acknowledgment, signal processing circuitry 102 initiates a transition from ANC mode 402 to quiet mode 404. For illustrative purposes, Figure 1B The signal processing circuit 102 of the earphone D10L initiates a transition from ANC mode 402 to quiet mode 404 in response to receiving the wireless signal WS20 indicating a response.

[0077] In a particular implementation, the device (e.g., headset 100) includes: a memory configured to store audio data, and a processor (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102) configured to receive audio data from the memory and control the device to execute method M300. For example, the device (e.g., headset 100) may include a modem, to which the processor (e.g., signal processing circuitry 102) provides a change instruction for wireless transmission. In a particular implementation, an apparatus includes: a unit (e.g., as software executed on hardware) for performing each of tasks T310, T320, T330, and T340. In a particular aspect, the unit for performing each of tasks T310, T320, T330, and T340 includes signal processing circuitry 102, headset 100, headset D10R, headset D10L, processor, one or more other circuits or components configured to perform each of tasks T310, T320, T330, and T340, or any combination thereof. In a particular implementation, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes code (e.g., instructions) that, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform method M300.

[0078] Reference Figure 5B This illustrates a method M310 for performing synchronization mode switching. In a particular aspect, one or more operations of method M310 are performed by... Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 performs the operation. In a particular aspect, method M310 corresponds to an implementation of method M300. For example, method M310 includes: task T312 as an implementation of task T310, task T322 as an implementation of task 320 and task 330, and task 342 as an implementation of task 340. Task T312 includes: operating the ANC filter in a first operating mode. Task T322 includes: wirelessly transmitting an instruction to change the operating mode of the ANC filter from the first operating mode (e.g., where the output of the noise immunity signal from the speaker is enabled) to a second operating mode (e.g., where the output of the noise immunity signal from the speaker is reduced or disabled) in response to a first condition of detecting a microphone signal. Task T342 includes: in response to receiving an acknowledgment and at a first indication time, initiating the change of the operating mode of the ANC filter from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

[0079] Reference Figure 6A The figure illustrates a method 600 for performing a synchronization mode transition from ANC mode 402 to quiet mode 404. In a particular aspect, one or more operations of method 600 are performed by… Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 performs the operation.

[0080] Method 600 includes: at 602, determining whether a quiet change condition is detected. For example, Figure 1B The signal processing circuit 102 of the D10L headphones determines whether a change in quiet conditions is detected (e.g., during at least a first time period (t)). L E(x) <T L ).

[0081] Method 600 further includes: upon detecting a change in quietness, at 604, sending a change indication to another earpiece. For example, Figure 1B The signal processing circuit 102 of the headphone D10L responds to the detection of a quiet change (e.g., during at least a first time period (t)). L E(x) <T L The device sends a wireless signal WS10 to the headset D10R, and the wireless signal WS10 includes an instruction to change to quiet mode 404.

[0082] Method 600 further includes: at 606, maintaining ANC mode while waiting to receive a response indicating consent from another headset. For example, the signal processing circuitry 102 of headset D10L maintains ANC mode 402 while waiting to receive a response from headset D10R indicating consent to change to quiet mode 404.

[0083] In a particular aspect, method 600 includes, while waiting for a response, at 606, checking whether a continuous change in quiet conditions is detected. For example, the signal processing circuit 102 of the headset D10L determines whether a continuous change in quiet conditions is detected (e.g., during at least a first time period (t)). L E(x) <T L ).

[0084] In a specific example, method 600 includes returning to 602 in response to determining that a quiet change condition is no longer detected. Alternatively, method 600 includes switching to quiet mode at 608 in response to receiving a response indicating consent to the change and determining that a quiet change condition is continuously detected. For example, the signal processing circuit 102 of the headset D10L responds to receiving a response from the headset D10R indicating consent to a change in quiet mode 404 and determines that a quiet change condition is continuously detected (e.g., for at least a first time period (t)). L E(x) <T L The device switches to quiet mode 404 at a specified time (which may be indicated in the sending instruction or the receiving response). In a specific aspect, the signal processing circuit 102 of the headset D10R also switches to quiet mode 404 at a specified time. Therefore, the two devices (e.g., headsets D10R and D10L) synchronously enter quiet mode 404.

[0085] In some examples, method 600 includes selectively switching to a quiet mode. For example, signal processing circuitry 102 of headset D10L avoids switching to quiet mode 404 and returns to 602 in response to receiving a response from headset D10R indicating disagreement with the change to quiet mode 404. In some implementations, signal processing circuitry 102 of headset D10L performs a delay (e.g., enters an idle state) before returning to 602 in response to receiving a response from headset D10R indicating disagreement with the change to quiet mode 404. As used herein, “selective” switching to a context mode means switching to that context mode based on determining that a certain condition is met. For example, signal processing circuitry 102 of headset D10L selectively switches to quiet mode 404 in response to determining that the condition of receiving a response from headset D10R indicating agreement to switch to quiet mode 404 has been met.

[0086] Reference Figure 6B This illustrates a method 650 for performing a synchronization mode transition from quiet mode 404 to ANC mode 402. In a particular aspect, one or more operations of method 650 are performed by... Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 performs the operation.

[0087] Method 650 includes: at 652, determining whether a change in noise condition has been detected. For example, Figure 1B The signal processing circuit 102 of the D10L headphones determines whether a change in noise condition is detected (e.g., during at least a second time period (t)). H E(x)>T H ).

[0088] Method 650 further includes, at 654, sending an instruction to another earpiece to make the change upon detecting a change in noise conditions. For example, Figure 1B The signal processing circuit 102 of the headphone D10L responds to the detection of a noise change (e.g., during at least a second time period (t)). H E(x)>T H The device sends a wireless signal WS10 to the headset D10R, and the wireless signal WS10 includes an instruction to change to ANC mode 402.

[0089] Method 650 further includes: at 656, maintaining a quiet mode while waiting to receive a response from another earphone. In a particular aspect, method 650 includes: while waiting to receive a response, at 656, checking whether a change in noise condition continues to be detected. For example, the signal processing circuit 102 of earphone D10L determines whether a change in noise condition continues to be detected (e.g., during at least a second time period (t)). H E(x)>T HIn a specific example, method 650 includes: returning to 652 in response to determining that no further noise change is detected.

[0090] Alternatively, method 650 includes, independently of receiving a response and in response to determining that a noise change condition continues to be detected, switching to ANC mode at 658. For example, the signal processing circuit 102 of the headset D10L independently of receiving a response from the headset D10R indicating agreement to switch to ANC mode 402, and in response to determining that a noise change condition continues to be detected (e.g., during at least a second time period (t) H E(x) <T H The device switches to ANC mode 402 at a specified time (this can be indicated in the transmitted instruction or in the received response). In a specific aspect, the signal processing circuit 102 of the headset D10R also switches to ANC mode 402 at a specified time. Therefore, the two devices (e.g., headsets D10R and D10L) synchronously enter ANC mode 402. Figure 6A and 6B As shown, the two devices (e.g., headphones D10R and D10L) can be configured to enter quiet mode 404 only when both detect a change in quiet conditions, and to leave quiet mode 404 when either of them detects a change in noise conditions.

[0091] Reference Figure 7 Figure 700 illustrates an illustrative aspect of communication between the audio processing layer and the application processing layer of a pair of devices (e.g., headphones 100). In a particular aspect, the signal processing circuitry 102 of device A includes an audio processing layer 702A, an application processing layer 704A, or both, and the signal processing circuitry 102 of device B includes an audio processing layer 702B, an application processing layer 704B, or both.

[0092] As shown in the top panel 720, device A (e.g., Figure 1B The headphones (D10L) operate in ANC mode 402 (e.g., full ANC mode). Low sound pressure levels (e.g., E(x)) measured by the internal and external microphones. <T L 15 seconds (for example, the first time interval (t) L After that, device A detects a quiet condition (QC). For example, audio processing layer 702A detects a quiet condition (QC) and provides a notification (e.g., QC detection) to application processing layer 704A.

[0093] Device A (e.g., headphones D10L) sends a change indication (e.g., QC_A detection) to device B (e.g., headphones D10R). The QC_A detection indicates a change to quiet mode 404. For example, in response to receiving a QC detection from audio processing layer 702A, application processing layer 704A initiates a transmission of the QC_A detection to device B (e.g., headphones D10R).

[0094] Device B, in response to receiving a QC_A detection from Device A, determines whether a quiet condition has been detected at Device B (e.g., during at least the first time period (t)). L E(x) <T L In a particular implementation, the application processing layer 704B determines that no QC was detected at device B in response to determining that a recently received notification from the audio processing layer 702B does not correspond to a QC detection. In an alternative implementation, the application processing layer 704B sends a status request to the audio processing layer 702B in response to receiving a QC_A detection, and receives from the audio processing layer 702B a notification indicating whether a QC was detected at device B.

[0095] Device B (e.g., application processing layer 704B) initiates a response transmission to device A (QC_B Not Detected) upon determining that no QC was detected at device B. In a specific aspect, QC_B Not Detected indicates that device B does not agree to change to quiet mode 404. In response to receiving the response (QC_B Not Detected) indicating disagreement with changing to quiet mode 404, device A avoids transitioning to quiet mode 404 and remains in ANC mode 402. As a result, neither device A nor device B transitions to quiet mode 404.

[0096] As shown in the middle panel 722, device B detects QC after sending QC_B not detected to device A. For example, a low sound pressure level (e.g., E(x)) measured by internal and external microphones. <T L 15 seconds (for example, the first time interval (t) L After that, device B detects a quiet state. For example, audio processing layer 702B detects QC and provides a notification (e.g., QC detection) to application processing layer 704B.

[0097] Device B (e.g., headphones D10R) sends a change indication (QC_B detection) to device A (e.g., headphones D10L). The QC_B detection indicates a change to quiet mode 404. For example, in response to receiving a QC detection from audio processing layer 702B, application processing layer 704B initiates a transmission of QC_B detection to device A.

[0098] Device A (e.g., headphones D10L) determines whether a QC has been detected at device A in response to receiving a QC_B detection from device B (e.g., headphones D10R). In a particular implementation, application processing layer 704A determines that a QC has been detected at device A in response to determining that a recently received notification from audio processing layer 702A corresponds to a QC detection. In an alternative implementation, application processing layer 704A sends a status request to audio processing layer 702A in response to receiving a QC_B detection from device B, and determines that a QC has been detected at device A in response to receiving a QC detection from audio processing layer 702A.

[0099] Device A (e.g., application processing layer 704A) initiates a transmission of an acknowledgment (QC_A detection) to device B in response to determining that a QC has been detected at device A (e.g., headset D10L). In a particular aspect, this acknowledgment indicates that device A agrees to switch to quiet mode 404. In a particular implementation, the acknowledgment (QC_A detection (transmission t1)) includes a time indication of a first time (t1). In an alternative implementation, device A (e.g., headset D10L) sends the time indication (t1) simultaneously with sending the acknowledgment (QC_A detection) to device B (e.g., headset D10R). In a particular aspect, the first time (t1) corresponds to a reference clock (e.g., a network clock). For example, application processing layer 704A generates the first time (t1) by adding a time difference (e.g., 30 seconds) to the current time (t0) of the reference clock (e.g., t1 = t0 + 30 seconds).

[0100] In a specific aspect, the application processing layer 704A schedules a change to quiet mode 404 at a first time (t1). For example, the application processing layer 704A determines the first local time of device A's local clock, which corresponds to the first time (t1) of the reference clock. The application processing layer 704A sends a request to the audio processing layer 702A (Set mode to quiet mode (QM)@t1) to switch to quiet mode 404 at the first local time (e.g., the first time (t1) of the reference clock).

[0101] Device B receives an acknowledgment (QC_A detection) and a time indication of a first time (t1). In response to receiving the acknowledgment (QC_A detection) indicating agreement to change to quiet mode 404, device B (e.g., application processing layer 704B) schedules the change to quiet mode 404 to occur at the first time (t1) indicated in the time indication. For example, application processing layer 704B determines a second local time for device B's local clock, which corresponds to the first time (t1) of the reference clock. Application processing layer 704B sends a request to audio processing layer 702B (Set Mode to Quiet Mode (QM)@t1) to switch to quiet mode 404 at the second local time (e.g., the first time (t1) of the reference clock).

[0102] Audio processing layer 702A switches to quiet mode 404 at the first local time of device A's local clock (e.g., the first time (t1) of the reference clock). Audio processing layer 702B switches to quiet mode 404 at the second local time of device B's local clock (e.g., the first time (t1) of the reference clock). Therefore, devices A and B both synchronously switch to quiet mode 404 at the reference clock time t1.

[0103] As shown in the bottom panel 724, device B (e.g., headphones D10R) operates when the ambient noise is greater than the device's own noise level (e.g., E(x) > T). H Five seconds later, a change in noise is detected. For example, the audio processing layer 702B detects a change in noise and provides a notification to the application processing layer 704B (e.g., QC has been cleared).

[0104] Device B (e.g., headset D10R) sends a change indication (e.g., QC_B cleared), a second time (tr), or both, to device A (e.g., headset D10L) in response to a detected change in noise conditions. This change indication indicates a change from quiet mode 404 to ANC mode 402. In a particular implementation, the change indication (QC_B cleared (sent t2)) includes the second time (t2). In an alternative implementation, device B (e.g., headset D10R) sends the time indication (t2) simultaneously with the change indication (QC_B cleared) to device A (e.g., headset D10L). In a particular aspect, the second time (t2) corresponds to a reference clock (e.g., a network clock).

[0105] In a specific aspect, the application processing layer 704B schedules a change to ANC mode 402 at a second time (t2). For example, the application processing layer 704B determines a specific local time of device B's local clock, which corresponds to the second time (t2) of the reference clock. The application processing layer 704B sends a request to the audio processing layer 702B (Set mode to full ANC (FULL_ANC)@t2) to switch to ANC mode 402 at the specific local time (e.g., the second time (t2) of the reference clock).

[0106] Device A receives a change indication (QC_B cleared) and a second time indication (t2). In response to receiving the change indication (QC_B cleared) for indicating a change to ANC mode 402, device A (e.g., application processing layer 704A) schedules the change to ANC mode 402 to occur at the second time (t2) indicated by the time indication. For example, application processing layer 704A determines a specific local time of device A's local clock, which corresponds to the second time (t2) of the reference clock. Application processing layer 704A sends a request to audio processing layer 702A (set mode to FULL_ANC@t2) to switch to ANC mode 402 at a specific local time (e.g., the first time (t1) of the reference clock).

[0107] Audio processing layer 702A switches to ANC mode 402 at a specific local time of device A's local clock (e.g., the second time (t2) of the reference clock). Audio processing layer 702B switches to ANC mode 402 at a specific local time of device B's local clock (e.g., the second time (t2) of the reference clock). Therefore, both devices A and B synchronously switch out of quiet mode 404 at the reference clock time t2.

[0108] In a specific aspect, device A switches to ANC mode 402 independently of checking whether a noise change is detected at device A, and device B switches to ANC mode 402 independently of receiving a response to a change instruction indicating a switch to ANC mode 402. Therefore, when a noise change is detected at either device A or device B, both devices switch to ANC mode 402. However, when a quiet condition is detected at both devices A and device B, both devices switch to quiet mode 404.

[0109] Although Figure 7 The examples shown include device A transitioning from ANC mode 402 to quiet mode 404 at time t1, and then transitioning from quiet mode 404 back to ANC mode 402. However, in other examples, device A may transition in one direction (e.g., from ANC mode 402 to quiet mode 404) without having to transition back at a later time (e.g., from quiet mode 404 back to ANC mode 402). Other examples described herein include a first transition from a first context mode to a second context mode at a first time, and a second transition from the second context mode to the first context mode. In some implementations, one of the first or second transitions may be performed without the other of the first or second transition being performed.

[0110] In a particular implementation, the signal processing circuit 102 is configured to adjust the gain of the ANC operation to compensate for variations in the fit of the headphones 100 relative to the user's ear canal. This fit can vary from one user to another, and may also differ for the same user over time. In another implementation, the signal processing circuit 102 is configured to, for example, add controls capable of adjusting the overall noise reduction. This control can be achieved by subtracting a scaled version of the reference signal x (e.g., a scaled version of the estimated reference signal x') from the error signal e to generate a modified error signal e' that replaces the error signal e in the ANC operation.

[0111] In one such example, signal processing circuitry 102 is configured to subtract a copy of the estimated signal x' from the error signal e to produce a modified error signal e': e' = e – a * x', where the copy is scaled by a factor a. In this example, a value of a = 0 corresponds to complete noise cancellation (e' = e), while a value of a = 1 corresponds to noise-free cancellation (e' = e – x'), thus signal processing circuitry 102 can control overall noise cancellation by adjusting factor a (e.g., depending on whether ANC mode 402 or quiet mode 404 is selected). In some implementations, signal processing circuitry 102 is configured to select a value of factor a between 0 and 1 based on a comparison of E(x) with one or more thresholds to enable partial noise cancellation. The closer the value of factor a is to 0, the more noise cancellation is corresponding to it, while the closer the value of factor a is to 1, the less noise cancellation is corresponding to it. In a particular aspect, signal processing circuitry 102 is configured to adjust the gain of the ANC filter based on the value of factor a.

[0112] The principle of sharing audio processing context across earbuds can be extended to the exchange of processing information between wireless earbuds or personal audio devices (currently, only user interface (UI) information is exchanged) to support other use cases. In one such case, disabling ANC in response to wind noise is coordinated between multiple devices (e.g., headphones 100).

[0113] In a specific aspect, the signal processing circuit 102 is configured to disable ANC operation (or at least disable the feedforward ANC path) when wind noise is encountered, because the signal from the external microphone may be affected by wind noise and unusable for ANC. In one example, one earphone (e.g., earphone D10R) experiences wind noise, while another earphone (e.g., earphone D10L) does not (e.g., when the user is sitting in a window seat on a bus or train). In this example, the noise cancellation applied to both D10L and D10R (e.g., earbuds) is matched to provide a unified listening experience.

[0114] Reference Figure 8Figure 800 illustrates an illustrative aspect of the communication between the audio processing layer and the application processing layer of a pair of such devices (e.g., headphones 100). As shown in the top panel 820, a window-facing device A (e.g., headphones D10L such as the left earbud) detects significant wind noise (e.g., low-frequency noise levels in the microphone signal exceed a second threshold). For example, the audio processing layer 702A detects noise changes (e.g., E(x) > T). H The application processing layer 704A sends a wind condition (WC) notification (WC detection) to the application processing layer 704A. In response to receiving the WC detection, the application processing layer 704A initiates a change indication (WC_A detection) transmission to device B. This change indication indicates a change to ANC disabled mode. In a specific aspect, this change indication includes a time indication of a first time (t1), or is sent simultaneously with the time indication of the first time (t1).

[0115] Cabin-facing device B (e.g., a headset D10R such as the right earpiece) receives a change instruction (WC_A detection) from window-facing device A (e.g., a headset D10L such as the left earpiece). In response to receiving the change instruction (WC_A detection) and a time indication of a first time (t1), device B's application processing layer 704B schedules a change to ANC disabled mode at the first time by sending a request (SET_NO_ANC_MODE@t1) to the audio processing layer 702B. This request indicates device B's first local time corresponding to the first time of the reference clock.

[0116] In some implementations, application processing layer 704B, in response to receiving a change indication (WC_A detected) from device A and determining that no noise change was detected at device B, sends an acknowledgment (WC_B not detected) to device A. Independent of receiving the acknowledgment from device B, application processing layer 704A schedules a change to ANC disabled mode at a first time by sending a request (SET_NO_ANC_MODE@t1) to audio processing layer 702A. This request indicates the second local time of device A corresponding to the first time (t1) of the reference clock.

[0117] Audio processing layer 702B switches to ANC disabled mode (No_ANC mode) at the first local time of device B (e.g., the first time (t1) of the reference clock). Audio processing layer 702A switches to ANC disabled mode (No_ANC mode) at the second local time of device A (e.g., the first time (t1) of the reference clock). Therefore, device B (e.g., the right earbud) and device A (e.g., the left earbud) simultaneously perform synchronized switching to ANC disabled mode to maintain a consistent listening experience on both devices.

[0118] As shown in the bottom panel 822, device A determines that no further noise changes are detected at device A. For example, audio processing layer 702A responds to determining that no further noise changes are detected (e.g., E(x) > T). H The application processing layer 704A sends a wind condition clearing notification (WC cleared) to the application processing layer 704A. In response to receiving the WC clearing notification, the application processing layer 704A initiates a transmission of a change indication (WC_A cleared) to device B. This change indication is used to indicate a change to ANC enabled mode (FULL_ANC). In a particular aspect, this change indication includes a time indication of a second time (t2), or is sent simultaneously with the time indication of a second time (t2).

[0119] In response to receiving the change indication (WC_A cleared) and the second time (t2), the application processing layer 704B of device B schedules the change to ANC enabled mode at the second time by sending a request (set mode to FULL_ANC@t2) to the audio processing layer 702B. This request indicates the first local time of device B corresponding to the second time (t2) of the reference clock.

[0120] Independently receiving a response to the change indication (WC_A cleared) from device B, application processing layer 704A schedules a change to ANC enabled mode at a second time by sending a request (set mode to FULL_ANC@t2) to audio processing layer 702A. This request indicates the second local time of device A corresponding to the second time (t2) of the reference clock.

[0121] Audio processing layer 702B transitions to ANC enabled mode (FULL_ANC mode) at the first local time of device B (e.g., the second time (t2) of the reference clock). Audio processing layer 702A transitions to ANC enabled mode (FULL_ANC mode) at the second local time of device A (e.g., the second time (t2) of the reference clock). Therefore, after wind noise is no longer detected at device A, device B (e.g., the right earbud) and device A (e.g., the left earbud) simultaneously perform a synchronized transition to ANC enabled mode.

[0122] Reference Figure 9Figure 900 illustrates an illustrative aspect of communication between the audio processing layer and the application processing layer of a pair of devices (e.g., headphones 100). As shown in bottom panel 922, device B, in response to receiving a change indication (WC_A cleared) from device A and determining that no noise change condition is detected at device B, initiates a transmission of response (WC_B not detected) to device B. This response indicates that device B agrees to change to ANC enabled mode. In a particular aspect, this response includes a time indication of a second time (t2) of the reference clock, or is sent simultaneously with the time indication of the second time (t2) of the reference clock.

[0123] In response to receiving a response from device B indicating that device B agrees to change to ANC enabled mode (WC_B not detected), application processing layer 704A schedules the change to ANC enabled mode to occur at a second time by sending a request to audio processing layer 702A (set mode to FULL_ANC@t2).

[0124] In some other examples, if device B determines that it has detected a change in noise conditions, device B initiates a transmission indicating that it does not agree to change to ANC enabled mode. In these examples, device A, in response to receiving the response indicating disagreement to change to ANC enabled mode, will remain in ANC disabled mode. After neither device A nor device B detects any change in noise conditions, devices A and B then transition to ANC disabled mode.

[0125] Reference Figure 10A The figure illustrates a method 1000 for performing a synchronization mode transition from ANC enabled mode to ANC disabled mode (e.g., feedforward ANC disabled mode). In a particular aspect, one or more operations of method 1000 are performed by... Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 performs the operation.

[0126] Method 1000 includes: at 1002, determining whether wind noise (e.g., noise variation) is detected. For example, Figure 1B The signal processing circuit 102 of the D10L headphones determines whether wind noise is detected (e.g., for at least a period of time (t)). H E(x)>T H ).

[0127] Method 1000 includes: in response to determining that wind noise is detected (e.g., noise change condition), at 1004, sending a change indication to a change to an ANC disabled mode (e.g., feedforward ANC disabled mode). For example, the signal processing circuit 102 of the headset D10L, in response to determining that wind noise is detected, initiates the transmission of the change indication (WC_A detection) to device B, as referenced. Figure 8 As described.

[0128] Method 1000 includes receiving a response at 1006. For example, the signal processing circuit 102 of the headset D10L receives a response indicating that wind noise was not detected at device B (WC_B not detected), as referenced. Figure 8 As described. In some other examples, the response may indicate that wind noise was detected at device B.

[0129] Method 1000 includes: at 1008, switching to an ANC disabled mode (e.g., a feedforward ANC disabled mode). For example, the signal processing circuitry 102 of the headset D10L schedules the change to the ANC disabled mode independently of the response from device B, as referenced. Figure 8 As described.

[0130] Reference Figure 10B The figure illustrates a method 1050 for performing a synchronization mode transition from an ANC disabled mode (e.g., feedforward ANC disabled mode) to an ANC enabled mode. In a particular aspect, one or more operations of method 1050 are performed by... Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 performs the operation.

[0131] Method 1050 includes: at 1052, determining whether wind noise has been eliminated (e.g., a quiet condition is detected). For example, Figure 1B The signal processing circuit 102 of the D10L headphones determines whether wind noise has been cleared (e.g., at least for a period of time t). L Internal E(x) <T L ).

[0132] Method 1050 includes: in response to determining that wind noise has been cleared (e.g., a quiet condition is detected), at 1054, sending a change indication to the ANC enable mode. For example, the signal processing circuit 102 of the headset D10L, in response to determining that wind noise has been cleared, initiates the transmission of a change indication (WC_A cleared) to device B, as referenced. Figure 8-9 As described.

[0133] Method 1050 includes: at 1056, while maintaining the ANC disabled mode, waiting to receive a response indicating consent to the change. For example, the signal processing circuitry 102 of the headset D10L maintains the ANC enabled mode while waiting to receive a response from the headset D10R, wherein the response indicates consent to the change to the ANC enabled mode, as referenced. Figure 8 As described.

[0134] Method 1050 includes: in response to receiving a response indicating consent to the change, at 1058, switching to ANC enabled mode. For example, the signal processing circuit 102 of the headset D10L schedules the change to ANC enabled mode in response to receiving a response indicating consent to the change to ANC enabled mode (e.g., WC_B not detected), as referenced. Figure 8 As described.

[0135] In some aspects, methods M100, M200, and M300 (and corresponding devices, media, and apparatuses) as described above (e.g., for the wind noise use case) can be implemented such that two context modes are, for example, music playback with ambient noise cancellation (e.g., the sound of a vehicle in which the user is a passenger) and music playback without ambient noise cancellation. In some aspects, method M310 (and corresponding devices, media, and apparatuses) as described above (e.g., for the wind noise use case) can be implemented such that two operating modes are ANC mode and NO_ANC mode (or feedforward ANC disabled mode). It should be noted that this document refers to... Figure 8 , 9 10A and Figure 10B The wind detection scenario described can also be applied to other sudden pressure changes that may cause microphone clipping (e.g., a car door slamming shut).

[0136] In a specific aspect, the signal processing circuitry 102 is configured to implement one or more hysteresis settings and / or hold timers in response to synchronized operation in response to sensing events (e.g., quiet mode and wind detection mode, as described herein), which allows control over the frequency of synchronized events. For example, for transitions to and from operating modes triggered by a high value of parameter X, the hysteresis setting can be implemented, for instance, by setting a first threshold for the value of parameter X to enter the mode and a second threshold for the value of parameter X to leave the mode, where the first threshold is higher than the second threshold. This hysteresis setting improves the user experience by ensuring that brief transients near the threshold values ​​do not cause the device (e.g., headphones 100) to cycle undesirably back and forth between the two operating modes for short periods (e.g., undesirable rapid and repetitive "on / off" behavior). Hold timers (e.g., the time interval over which a mode change condition must persist before triggering a mode change) ensure that longer transients do not interrupt the intended behavior. Transition controls such as hysteresis settings and / or hold timers also ensure that the network is not overloaded by synchronized activity.

[0137] Figure 11An embodiment 1100 of a headphone device 1102 is depicted, comprising multiple earpieces (e.g., earpieces D10L and D10R). Earpiece D10L includes signal processing circuitry 102A coupled to microphone 108A. Earpiece D10R includes signal processing circuitry 102B coupled to microphone 108B. In a particular aspect, headphone device 1102 includes one or more additional microphones (e.g., microphone 1110). For example, microphone 1110 is configured to capture user voice of a user wearing headphone device 1102, microphone 108A is configured to capture ambient sound of earpiece D10L, and microphone 108B is configured to capture ambient sound of earpiece D10R.

[0138] In a specific aspect, signal processing circuit 102A is configured to detect changes in conditions (e.g., changes in noise or quiet conditions) based on microphone signals received from microphone 108A, and to initiate a synchronization mode transition by sending a change instruction to headset D10R based on the detected changes. Similarly, signal processing circuit 102B is configured to detect changes in conditions (e.g., changes in noise or quiet conditions) based on microphone signals received from microphone 108B, and to initiate a synchronization mode transition by sending a change instruction to headset D10L based on the detected changes.

[0139] Figure 12 An embodiment 1200 of a portable electronic device corresponding to a virtual reality, mixed reality, or augmented reality headset 1202 is depicted. The headset 1202 includes multiple earpieces, such as earpiece D10L and earpiece D10R. Earpiece D10L includes a signal processing circuit 102A coupled to a microphone 108A. Earpiece D10R includes a signal processing circuit 102B coupled to a microphone 108B.

[0140] In a specific aspect, signal processing circuit 102A is configured to detect changes in conditions (e.g., changes in noise or quiet conditions) based on microphone signals received from microphone 108A, and to initiate a synchronization mode transition by sending a change instruction to headset D10R based on the detected changes in conditions. Similarly, signal processing circuit 102B is configured to detect changes in conditions (e.g., changes in noise or quiet conditions) based on microphone signals received from microphone 108B, and to initiate a synchronization mode transition by sending a change instruction to headset D10L based on the detected changes in conditions.

[0141] A visual interface device is positioned in front of the user to display augmented reality, mixed reality, or virtual reality images or scenes to the user while the user is wearing headset 1202. In specific examples, the visual interface device is configured to display a notification indicating a transition to a certain contextual mode (e.g., quiet mode, ANC mode, full ANC mode, partial ANC mode, or transparent mode). In a specific context, "transparent mode" refers to a "through" mode in which ambient noise passes through. In some examples, remote audio and media streaming and playback are paused in transparent mode. In other examples, remote audio and media streaming and playback are not paused in transparent mode.

[0142] Reference Figure 13 The figure illustrates a specific implementation of method 1300 for performing synchronization mode switching. In a particular aspect, one or more operations of method 1300 are performed by at least one of the following: signal processing circuit 102, Figure 1A Headphones 100, Headphones D10R, Figure 1B Headphones D10L, signal processing circuit 102A, Figure 11 or Figure 12 The signal processing circuit 102B, or a combination thereof.

[0143] Method 1300 includes: at 1302, in a first context mode, generating an audio signal based on audio data. For example, Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 is configured in a first context mode to generate an audio signal based on audio data, as shown in the reference. Figure 3A As described.

[0144] Method 1300 further includes: at 1304, in the first context mode, exchanging a time indication of the first time with the second device. For example, Figure 1B The signal processing circuit 102 of the earphone D10R is configured to send a time indication of a first time to the earphone D10L via the wireless signal WS20, as shown in the reference. Figure 1B As described. In another example, Figure 1B The signal processing circuit 102 of the earphone D10R is configured to receive a time indication of a first time from the earphone D10L via the wireless signal WS10, as referenced. Figure 1B As described.

[0145] Method 1300 further includes: at 1306, based on a time indication, transitioning from a first context mode to a second context mode at a first time. For example, Figure 1A The signal processing circuit 102 is configured to switch from a first context mode to a second context mode at a first time based on a signal indicating a first time, as shown in the reference. Figure 3A As described.

[0146] Method 1300 causes the signal processing circuitry 102 at headset 100 to perform a synchronization mode transition with a second device (e.g., another headset). For example, headset 100 exchanges time indications for a first time with the second device and transitions from a first context mode to a second context mode at the first time. The second device may also transition from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first time based on the exchanged time indications. As used herein, "exchange" time indications may refer to "transmit" time indications, "receive" time indications, or both. In some embodiments, headset 100 is configured to perform a first mode transition from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first time and a second mode transition from the second context mode to the first context mode at the second time. In a particular implementation, headset 100 is configured to perform either the first mode transition or the second mode transition, without necessarily performing the other. In a particular aspect, one or more of the first mode transitions or the second mode transitions are synchronized with the second device.

[0147] Figure 13 Method 1300 can be implemented by a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processing unit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a DSP, a controller, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof. For example, Figure 13 Method 1300 can be executed by a processor (e.g., reference) Figure 13 (as described) to execute.

[0148] Reference Figure 14 The figure depicts a block diagram of a specific illustrative embodiment of the device, and is generally designated as 1400. In various embodiments, device 1400 may have a greater... Figure 14 The illustration shows more or fewer components. In the illustrative embodiment, device 1400 may correspond to earphone 100. In the illustrative embodiment, device 1400 may perform one or more operations described with reference to Figures 1-13.

[0149] In a particular implementation, device 1400 includes processor 1406 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU)). Device 1400 may include one or more additional processors 1410 (e.g., one or more DSPs). Processor 1410 may include a speech and music encoder-decoder (CODEC) 1408, which includes a speech encoder (“vocoder”) encoder 1436, a vocoder decoder 1438, signal processing circuitry 102, or a combination thereof.

[0150] Device 1400 may include memory 1486 and CODEC 1434. Memory 1486 may include instructions 1456 that can be executed by one or more additional processors 1410 (or processor 1406) to implement the functions described in reference signal processing circuitry 102. Device 1400 may include a modem 1470 coupled to antenna 106 via transceiver 1450. In a particular aspect, modem 1470 is configured to receive a first wireless signal from another device (e.g., another headset 100) and transmit a second wireless signal to another device. In a particular aspect, modem 1470 is configured to exchange (transmit or receive) time indications, change indications, or both with another device (e.g., another headset 100). For example, modem 1470 is configured to generate modulated data based on time indications, change indications, or both, and provide the modulated data to antenna 106. Antenna 106 is configured to transmit the modulated data (e.g., to another headset 100). In another example, antenna 106 is configured to receive modulated data (e.g., from another headset 100). The modulated data is based on a time indication, a change indication, or both. Modem 1470 is configured to demodulate the modulated data to determine the time indication, change indication, or both.

[0151] Device 1400 may include a display 1428 coupled to display controller 1426. Speaker 104, microphone 108, or both may be coupled to CODEC 1434. CODEC 1434 may include digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 1402, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 1404, or both. In a particular implementation, CODEC 1434 may receive analog signals from microphone 108, convert the analog signals to digital signals using ADC 1404, and provide the digital signals to speech and music codec 1408. Speech and music codec 1408 may process the digital signals, and these digital signals may be further processed by signal processing circuitry 102. In a particular implementation, speech and music codec 1408 may provide digital signals to CODEC 1434. CODEC 1434 may use ADC 1402 to convert the digital signals to analog signals and may provide the analog signals to speaker 104.

[0152] In a particular implementation, device 1400 may be included in a system-in-package or system-on-a-chip device 1422. In a particular implementation, memory 1486, processor 1406, processor 1410, display controller 1426, CODEC 1434, and modem 1470 are included in a system-in-package or system-on-a-chip device 1422. In a particular implementation, input device 1430 and power supply 1444 are coupled to system-on-a-chip device 1422. Furthermore, in a particular implementation, such as Figure 14 As shown, the display 1428, input device 1430, speaker 104, microphone 108, antenna 106, and power supply 1444 are external to the system-on-chip device 1422. In a particular implementation, each of the display 1428, input device 1430, speaker 104, microphone 108, antenna 106, and power supply 1444 may be coupled to a component (e.g., an interface or controller) of the system-on-chip device 1422.

[0153] Device 1400 may include headphones, earbuds, smart speakers, speaker bars, mobile communication devices, smartphones, cellular phones, laptops, computers, tablets, personal digital assistants, display devices, televisions, game consoles, music players, radios, digital video players, digital video disc (DVD) players, tuners, cameras, navigation devices, vehicles, headphones, augmented reality headphones, mixed reality headphones, virtual reality headphones, aircraft, home automation systems, voice-controlled devices, wireless speakers and voice-controlled devices, portable electronic devices, automobiles, computing devices, communication devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, base stations, mobile devices, or any combination thereof.

[0154] In conjunction with the described embodiments, an apparatus includes: a unit for generating an audio signal based on audio data, wherein the audio signal is generated in a first context mode. For example, the unit for generating the audio signal may correspond to... Figure 1A Signal processing circuit 102, speaker 104, headphone 100, Figure 1B The D10L and D10R headphones, the 1408 voice and music codec, the 1410 processor, the 1406 processor, the 1434 CODEC, the 1400 device, one or more other circuits or components configured to generate audio signals, or any combination thereof.

[0155] The device also includes a unit for exchanging a time indication of a first time with the device, exchanging the time indication in a first context mode. For example, the unit for generating an audio signal may correspond to... Figure 1A Signal processing circuit 102, antenna 106, earphone 100, Figure 1BThe headset D10L, headset D10R, voice and music codec 1408, processor 1410, processor 1406, modem 1470, transceiver 1450, device 1400, one or more other circuits or components configured to indicate switching time, or any combination thereof.

[0156] The device further includes a unit for switching from a first context mode to a second context mode at a first time. For example, the unit for switching may correspond to... Figure 1A Signal processing circuit 102, earphone 100, Figure 1B The headphones D10L, headphones D10R, voice and music codec 1408, processor 1410, processor 1406, device 1400, one or more other circuits or components configured to generate audio signals, or any combination thereof.

[0157] In some implementations, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a computer-readable storage device such as memory 1486) includes instructions (e.g., instruction 1456) that, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., one or more processors 1410 or 1406), cause the one or more processors to generate an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode (e.g., ANC mode 402 of FIG. 4). When these instructions are executed by the one or more processors, they also cause the one or more processors to, in the first context mode, interact with a device (e.g., Figure 1B The headphones D10R) were swapped immediately (for example, Figure 7 The time indication of t1). When these instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are further caused to switch from a first context mode to a second context mode (e.g., quiet mode 404 in Figure 4) at a first time.

[0158] Specific aspects of this disclosure are described in the following set of related clauses:

[0159] According to Clause 1, a first device configured to be worn on the ear includes a processor configured to: generate an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode; exchange a time indication for a first time with a second device in the first context mode; and, based on the time indication, switch from the first context mode to a second context mode at the first time.

[0160] Clause 2 includes the first device as described in Clause 1, wherein the first context mode corresponds to a first operating mode of an active noise cancellation (ANC) filter, the first operating mode being different from a second operating mode of the ANC filter corresponding to the second context mode.

[0161] Clause 3 includes a first device as described in Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein active noise cancellation is enabled in the first context mode, and wherein the active noise cancellation is disabled in the second context mode.

[0162] Clause 4 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the quiet mode.

[0163] Clause 5 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the transparent mode.

[0164] Clause 6 includes the first device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the processor is configured to: cause the transmission of a change indication from the first context mode to the second context mode based on a first condition of detecting a microphone signal; and receive a response to the change indication, wherein the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is also based on receiving the response.

[0165] Clause 7 includes the first device as described in Clause 6, wherein the processor is configured to cause the transmission of the time indication simultaneously with the transmission of the change indication.

[0166] Clause 8 includes the first device as described in Clause 6, wherein the processor is configured to receive the time indication while receiving the response.

[0167] Clause 9 includes the first device described in any one of Clauses 6 to 8, wherein the processor is configured to detect the first condition based on the detected ambient noise condition.

[0168] Clause 10 includes a first device according to any one of Clauses 6 to 9, wherein the processor is configured to detect the first condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains below a first noise threshold for at least a first threshold time.

[0169] Clause 11 includes a first device according to any one of Clauses 6 to 10, wherein the processor is configured to: cause the transmission of a second change indication from the second context mode to the first context mode based on a second condition of detecting the microphone signal; and at a second time, switch from the second context mode to the first context mode.

[0170] Clause 12 includes the first device as described in Clause 11, wherein the processor is configured to detect the second condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains above a second noise threshold for at least a second threshold time.

[0171] Clause 13 includes the first device as described in Clause 11 or Clause 12, wherein the processor is configured to: receive a second response to the second change indication, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is based on receiving the second response.

[0172] Clause 14 includes the first device as described in Clause 11 or Clause 12, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is independent of receiving any response to the second change indication.

[0173] Clause 15 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 14, and further includes one or more antennas, wherein the one or more antennas are configured to transmit modulated data to or receive modulated data from the second device based on the time indication.

[0174] Clause 16 includes the first device as described in Clause 15, and further includes one or more modems coupled to the one or more antennas, the one or more modems being configured to demodulate the modulation data to determine the time indication, or to generate the modulation data based on the time indication.

[0175] Clause 17 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 16, and further includes one or more speakers, wherein the one or more speakers are configured to present an anti-noise signal in the first context mode.

[0176] According to Clause 18, a method includes: at a first device, generating an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode; exchanging a time indication for a first time with a second device in the first context mode; and at the first device, switching from the first context mode to a second context mode at the first time, the switching being based on the time indication.

[0177] Clause 19 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 18, wherein the first context mode corresponds to a first operating mode of the active noise cancellation (ANC) filter, the first operating mode being different from a second operating mode of the ANC filter corresponding to the second context mode.

[0178] Clause 20 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 18 or Clause 19, wherein active noise cancellation is enabled in the first context mode, and wherein the active noise cancellation is disabled in the second context mode.

[0179] Clause 21 includes the method described pursuant to any one of Clauses 18 to 20, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the quiet mode.

[0180] Clause 22 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 18 to 20, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the transparent mode.

[0181] Clause 23 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 18 to 22, further comprising: causing the transmission of a change indication from the first context mode to the second context mode based on a first condition of detecting a microphone signal; and receiving a response to the change indication at the first device, wherein the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is also based on receiving the response.

[0182] Clause 24 includes the method described in Clause 23, and further includes: causing the transmission of the time indication at the same time as the transmission of the change indication.

[0183] Clause 25 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 23, and further includes receiving the time indication at the same time as receiving the response.

[0184] Clause 26 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 23 to 25, further comprising: detecting the first condition based on detecting ambient noise conditions.

[0185] Clause 27 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 23 to 26, further comprising: detecting the first condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains below a first noise threshold for at least a first threshold time.

[0186] Clause 28 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 23 to 27, further comprising: causing the transmission of a second change indication from the second context mode to the first context mode based on a second condition of detecting the microphone signal; and at the first device, switching from the second context mode to the first context mode at a second time.

[0187] Clause 29 includes the method described in Clause 28, further comprising: detecting the second condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains above a second noise threshold for at least a second threshold time, wherein the transition is based on the time indication.

[0188] Clause 30 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 28 or Clause 29, wherein the processor is configured to: receive a second response to the second change indication, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is based on receiving the second response.

[0189] Clause 31 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 28 or Clause 29, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is independent of receiving any response to the second change indication, wherein the transition is based on the time indication.

[0190] Clause 32 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 18 to 31, further comprising: transmitting modulated data to or receiving modulated data from the second device using one or more antennas based on the time indication.

[0191] Clause 33 includes the method described in Clause 32, further comprising: using one or more modems to demodulate the modulation data to determine the time indication or to generate the modulation data based on the time indication.

[0192] Clause 34 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 18 to 33, further comprising: presenting an anti-noise signal using one or more speakers in the first context mode.

[0193] According to Clause 35, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform any one of the methods described in Clauses 18 through 34.

[0194] According to Clause 36, an apparatus includes a unit for performing the method described in any one of Clauses 18 to 34.

[0195] According to Clause 37, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to: generate an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode; exchange a time indication for a first time with a device in the first context mode; and transition from the first context mode to a second context mode at the first time, wherein the transition is based on the time indication.

[0196] Clause 38 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium as described in Clause 37, wherein, when the instructions are executed by the processor, the processor further causes the processor to exchange the time indication with the device based on detected ambient noise conditions.

[0197] Clause 39 includes an apparatus comprising: a generation unit for generating an audio signal based on audio data, the audio signal being generated in a first context mode; an exchange unit for exchanging a time indication with a device for a first time, the time indication being exchanged in the first context mode; and a conversion unit for converting from the first context mode to a second context mode at the first time, wherein the conversion is based on the time indication.

[0198] Clause 40 includes the apparatus described in Clause 39, wherein the generating unit, the switching unit, and the conversion unit are integrated into the headphones.

[0199] According to Clause 41, a first device configured to be worn on the ear includes a processor configured to: generate an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode; receive a time indication for a first time from a second device in the first context mode; and selectively switch from the first context mode to a second context mode at the first time.

[0200] Clause 42 includes a first device as described in Clause 41, wherein the processor is configured to: in response to receiving the time indication of the first time from the second device, perform a determination of whether to switch from the first context mode to the second context mode; generate a response based on the determination; and send the response to the second device, wherein the selective switching from the first context mode to the second context mode is based on the determination.

[0201] Clause 43 includes a first device as described in Clause 41 or Clause 42, wherein the first context mode corresponds to a first operating mode of an active noise cancellation (ANC) filter, the first operating mode being different from a second operating mode of the ANC filter corresponding to the second context mode.

[0202] Clause 44 includes a first device as described in any one of Clauses 41 to 43, wherein active noise cancellation is enabled in the first context mode, and wherein the active noise cancellation is disabled in the second context mode.

[0203] Clause 45 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 41 to 44, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the quiet mode.

[0204] Clause 46 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 41 to 44, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the transparent mode.

[0205] Clause 47 includes a first device according to any one of Clauses 41 to 46, wherein the processor is configured to: cause the transmission of a change indication from a first context mode to a second context mode based on a first condition of detecting a microphone signal; and receive a response to the change indication, wherein the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is also based on receiving the response.

[0206] Clause 48 includes the first device as described in Clause 47, wherein the response includes the time indication.

[0207] Clause 49 includes the first device as described in Clause 47, wherein the processor is configured to receive the time indication while receiving the response.

[0208] Clause 50 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 47 to 49, wherein the processor is configured to detect the first condition based on the detection of an ambient noise condition.

[0209] Clause 51 includes a first device according to any one of Clauses 47 to 50, wherein the processor is configured to detect the first condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains below a first noise threshold for at least a first threshold time.

[0210] Clause 52 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 47 to 51, wherein the processor is configured to: cause the transmission of a second change indication from the second context mode to the first context mode based on a second condition of detecting the microphone signal; and at a second time, switch from the second context mode to the first context mode.

[0211] Clause 53 includes the first device as described in Clause 52, wherein the processor is configured to detect the second condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains above a second noise threshold for at least a second threshold time.

[0212] Clause 54 includes the first device as described in Clause 52 or Clause 53, wherein the processor is configured to: receive a second response to the second change indication, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is based on receiving the second response.

[0213] Clause 55 includes the first device as described in Clause 52 or Clause 53, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is independent of receiving any response to the second change instruction.

[0214] Clause 56 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 41 to 55, and further includes one or more antennas, wherein the one or more antennas are configured to receive modulated data from the second device based on the time indication.

[0215] Clause 57 includes the first device as described in Clause 56, and also includes one or more modems coupled to the one or more antennas, the one or more modems being configured to demodulate the modulated data to determine the time indication.

[0216] Clause 58 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 41 to 57, and further includes one or more speakers, wherein the one or more speakers are configured to present an anti-noise signal in the first context mode.

[0217] Clause 59 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 41 to 58, and also includes a microphone, wherein the microphone is configured to generate a microphone signal, and a transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is based at least in part on the microphone signal.

[0218] According to Clause 60, a system includes a plurality of devices, each of which corresponds to a first device as described in any one of Clauses 41 to 59, and is configured to selectively switch from a first context mode to a second context mode at the first time.

[0219] According to Clause 61, a first device configured to be worn on the ear includes a processor configured to: generate an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode; generate a time indication for a first time in the first context mode; and send the time indication to a second device to cause the second device to switch from the first context mode to a second context mode at the first time.

[0220] Clause 62 includes a first device as described in Clause 61, wherein the processor is configured to: receive a response from the second device, wherein the response indicates whether the second device transitions from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first time; and selectively transition from the first context mode to the second context mode based on the response.

[0221] Clause 63 includes a first device as described in Clause 61 or Clause 62, wherein the first context mode corresponds to a first operating mode of an active noise cancellation (ANC) filter, the first operating mode being different from a second operating mode of the ANC filter corresponding to the second context mode.

[0222] Clause 64 includes a first device as described in any one of Clauses 61 to 63, wherein active noise cancellation is enabled in a first context mode, and wherein the active noise cancellation is disabled in a second context mode.

[0223] Clause 65 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 61 to 64, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the quiet mode.

[0224] Clause 66 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 61 to 64, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the transparent mode.

[0225] Clause 67 includes a first device according to any one of Clauses 61 to 66, wherein the processor is configured to: cause the transmission of a change indication from a first context mode to a second context mode based on a first condition of detecting a microphone signal; and receive a response to the change indication, wherein the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is also based on receiving the response.

[0226] Clause 68 includes the first device as described in Clause 67, wherein the change instruction includes the time instruction.

[0227] Clause 69 includes the first device as described in Clause 67, wherein the processor is configured to transmit the time indication simultaneously with the transmission of the change indication.

[0228] Clause 70 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 67 to 69, wherein the processor is configured to detect the first condition based on the detection of an ambient noise condition.

[0229] Clause 71 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 67 to 70, wherein the processor is configured to detect the first condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains below a first noise threshold for at least a first threshold time.

[0230] Clause 72 includes the first device according to any one of Clauses 67 to 71, wherein the processor is configured to: cause the transmission of a second change indication from the second context mode to the first context mode based on a second condition of detecting the microphone signal; and at a second time, switch from the second context mode to the first context mode.

[0231] Clause 73 includes the first device as described in Clause 72, wherein the processor is configured to detect the second condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains above a second noise threshold for at least a second threshold time.

[0232] Clause 74 includes the first device as described in Clause 72 or Clause 73, wherein the processor is configured to: receive a second response to the second change indication, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is based on receiving the second response.

[0233] Clause 75 includes the first device as described in Clause 72 or Clause 73, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is independent of receiving any response to the second change instruction.

[0234] Clause 76 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 61 to 75, and further includes one or more antennas, wherein the one or more antennas are configured to transmit modulated data to the second device based on the time indication.

[0235] Clause 77 includes the first device as described in Clause 76, and further includes one or more modems, wherein the one or more modems are configured to generate the modulation data based on the time indication.

[0236] Clause 78 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 61 to 77, and further includes one or more speakers, wherein the one or more speakers are configured to present an anti-noise signal in the first context mode.

[0237] Clause 79 includes the first device as described in any one of Clauses 61 to 78, and also includes a microphone, wherein the microphone is configured to generate a microphone signal, and the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is based at least in part on the microphone signal.

[0238] According to Clause 80, a system includes: a first device including a first processor configured to: generate a time indication for a first time; and send the time indication to a second device such that the second device transitions from a first context mode to a second context mode at the first time; and a second device configured to be worn on the ear and including a second processor, wherein the second processor is configured to: generate an audio signal based on audio data in the first context mode; receive the time indication for the first time from the first device in the first context mode; and selectively transition from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first time.

[0239] Clause 81 includes the system described in Clause 80, wherein the second processor of the second device is configured to: in response to receiving the time indication of the first time from the first device, perform a determination of whether to switch from the first context mode to the second context mode; generate a response based on the determination; send the response to the first device; and selectively switch from the first context mode to the second context mode based on the determination; and wherein the first processor of the first device is configured to: receive the response from the second device; and selectively switch from the first context mode to the second context mode based on the response.

[0240] Clause 82 includes the system described in Clause 80 or Clause 81, wherein the first context mode corresponds to a first operating mode of an active noise cancellation (ANC) filter, the first operating mode being different from a second operating mode of the ANC filter corresponding to the second context mode.

[0241] Clause 83 includes a system according to any one of Clauses 80 to 82, wherein active noise cancellation is enabled in the first context mode, and wherein active noise cancellation is disabled in the second context mode.

[0242] Clause 84 includes the system described in any one of Clauses 80 to 83, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the quiet mode.

[0243] Clause 85 includes the system described in any one of Clauses 80 to 83, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the transparent mode.

[0244] Clause 86 includes a system according to any one of Clauses 80 to 85, wherein the first processor of the first device is configured to: cause the transmission of a change indication from the first context mode to the second context mode based on a first condition of detecting a microphone signal; and receive a response to the change indication, wherein the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is also based on receiving the response.

[0245] Clause 87 includes the system described in Clause 86, wherein the change instruction includes the time instruction.

[0246] Clause 88 includes the system described in Clause 86, wherein the first processor of the first device is configured to transmit the time indication simultaneously with the transmission of the change indication.

[0247] Clause 89 includes a system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 88, wherein the first processor of the first device is configured to detect the first condition based on the detection of an ambient noise condition.

[0248] Clause 90 includes a system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 89, wherein the first processor of the first device is configured to detect the first condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains below a first noise threshold for at least a first threshold time.

[0249] Clause 91 includes a system according to any one of Clauses 86 to 90, wherein the first processor of the first device is configured to: cause the transmission of a second change indication from the second context mode to the first context mode based on a second condition of detecting the microphone signal; and at a second time, switch from the second context mode to the first context mode.

[0250] Clause 92 includes the system described in Clause 91, wherein the first processor of the first device is configured to detect the second condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains above a second noise threshold for at least a second threshold time.

[0251] Clause 93 includes the system described in Clause 91 or Clause 92, wherein the first processor of the first device is configured to: receive a second response to the second change indication, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is based on receiving the second response.

[0252] Clause 94 includes the system described in Clause 91 or Clause 92, wherein the conversion from the second context mode to the first context mode is independent of receiving any response to the second change indication.

[0253] Clause 95 includes a system according to any one of Clauses 80 to 94, wherein the first device includes one or more antennas, wherein the one or more antennas are configured to transmit modulated data to the second device based on the time indication.

[0254] Clause 96 includes the system described in Clause 95, wherein the first device includes one or more modems coupled to the one or more antennas, wherein the one or more modems are configured to generate the modulation data based on the time indication.

[0255] Clause 97 includes a system as described in any one of Clauses 80 to 96, wherein the first device includes one or more speakers, wherein the one or more speakers are configured to present an anti-noise signal in the first context mode.

[0256] Clause 98 includes a system according to any one of Clauses 80 to 97, wherein the first device includes a microphone, wherein the microphone is configured to generate a microphone signal, and a transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is based at least in part on the microphone signal.

[0257] According to Clause 99, a method includes: at a first device, generating an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode; receiving a time indication for a first time from a second device; and at the first time, selectively switching from the first context mode to a second context mode.

[0258] Clause 100 includes the method described in Clause 99, further comprising: in response to receiving the time indication of the first time from the second device, performing a determination of whether to switch from the first context mode to the second context mode; generating a response based on the determination; and sending the response to the second device, wherein the selective switching from the first context mode to the second context mode is based on the determination.

[0259] Clause 101 includes the method described under Clause 99 or Clause 100, wherein the first context mode corresponds to a first operating mode of the active noise cancellation (ANC) filter, the first operating mode being different from a second operating mode of the ANC filter corresponding to the second context mode.

[0260] Clause 102 includes the method according to any one of Clauses 99 to 101, wherein active noise cancellation is enabled in the first context mode, and wherein the active noise cancellation is disabled in the second context mode.

[0261] Clause 103 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 99 to 102, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the quiet mode.

[0262] Clause 104 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 99 to 102, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the transparent mode.

[0263] Clause 105 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 99 to 104, further comprising: based on a first condition of detecting a microphone signal, causing the transmission of a change indication from the first context mode to the second context mode; and receiving a response to the change indication, wherein the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is also based on receiving the response.

[0264] Clause 106 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 105, wherein the response includes the time indication.

[0265] Clause 107 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 105, and further includes receiving the time indication at the same time as receiving the response.

[0266] Clause 108 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 105 to 107, further comprising: detecting the first condition based on detecting ambient noise conditions.

[0267] Clause 109 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 105 to 108, further comprising: detecting the first condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains below a first noise threshold for at least a first threshold time.

[0268] Clause 110 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 105 to 109, further comprising: based on a second condition of detecting the microphone signal, causing the transmission of a second change indication from the second context mode to the first context mode; and at a second time, switching from the second context mode to the first context mode.

[0269] Clause 111 includes the method described in Clause 110, further comprising: detecting the second condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains above a second noise threshold for at least a second threshold time.

[0270] Clause 112 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 110 or Clause 111, and further includes: receiving a second response to the second change instruction, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is based on receiving the second response.

[0271] Clause 113 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 110 or Clause 111, wherein the conversion from the second context mode to the first context mode is independent of receiving any response to the second change indication.

[0272] Clause 114 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 99 to 113, further comprising: receiving modulated data from the second device using one or more antennas based on the time indication, wherein the modulated data is based on the time indication.

[0273] Clause 115 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 114, further comprising: using one or more modems, wherein the one or more modems are configured to demodulate the modulated data to determine the time indication.

[0274] Clause 116 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 99 to 115, further comprising: presenting an anti-noise signal in the first context mode via one or more speakers.

[0275] Clause 117 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 99 to 116, further comprising: using a microphone to generate a microphone signal, wherein the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is based at least in part on the microphone signal.

[0276] According to Clause 118, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform any one of the methods described in Clauses 99 to 117.

[0277] According to Clause 119, an apparatus includes a unit for performing the method described under any one of Clauses 99 to 117.

[0278] According to Clause 120, a method includes: at a first device, generating an audio signal based on audio data in a first context mode; generating a time indication for a first time; and sending the time indication to a second device to cause the second device to switch from the first context mode to a second context mode at the first time.

[0279] Clause 121 includes the method according to Clause 120, further comprising: receiving a response from the second device, wherein the response indicates whether the second device transitions from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first time; and selectively transitioning from the first context mode to the second context mode based on the response.

[0280] Clause 122 includes the method described according to Clause 120 or Clause 121, wherein the first context mode corresponds to a first operating mode of the active noise cancellation (ANC) filter, the first operating mode being different from a second operating mode of the ANC filter corresponding to the second context mode.

[0281] Clause 123 includes the method according to any one of Clauses 120 to 122, wherein active noise cancellation is enabled in the first context mode, and wherein the active noise cancellation is disabled in the second context mode.

[0282] Clause 124 includes the method described pursuant to any one of Clauses 120 to 123, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the quiet mode.

[0283] Clause 125 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 120 to 123, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the transparent mode.

[0284] Clause 126 includes the method according to any one of Clauses 120 to 125, further comprising: based on a first condition of detecting a microphone signal, causing the transmission of a change indication from the first context mode to the second context mode; and receiving a response to the change indication, wherein the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is also based on receiving the response.

[0285] Clause 127 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 126, wherein the change instruction includes the time instruction.

[0286] Clause 128 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 126, further comprising: sending the time indication at the same time as sending the change indication.

[0287] Clause 129 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 126 to 128, further comprising: detecting the first condition based on detecting ambient noise conditions.

[0288] Clause 130 includes the method according to any one of Clauses 126 to 129, further comprising: detecting the first condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains below a first noise threshold for at least a first threshold time.

[0289] Clause 131 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 126 to 130, further comprising: based on a second condition of detecting the microphone signal, causing the transmission of a second change indication from the second context mode to the first context mode; and at a second time, switching from the second context mode to the first context mode.

[0290] Clause 132 includes the method described in Clause 131, further comprising: detecting the second condition based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains above a second noise threshold for at least a second threshold time.

[0291] Clause 133 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 131 or Clause 132, and further includes: receiving a second response to the second change instruction, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is based on receiving the second response.

[0292] Clause 134 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 131 or Clause 132, wherein the conversion from the second context mode to the first context mode is independent of receiving any response to the second change instruction.

[0293] Clause 135 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 120 to 134, further comprising: transmitting modulated data to the second device using one or more antennas based on the time indication, wherein the modulated data is based on the time indication.

[0294] Clause 136 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 135, further comprising: using one or more modems to generate the modulation data based on the time indication.

[0295] Clause 137 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 120 to 136, further comprising: presenting an anti-noise signal in the first context mode via one or more speakers.

[0296] Clause 138 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 120 to 137, further comprising: using a microphone to generate a microphone signal, wherein the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is based at least in part on the microphone signal.

[0297] According to Clause 139, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform any of the methods described in any one of Clauses 120 to 138.

[0298] According to Clause 140, an apparatus includes a unit for performing the method described in any one of Clauses 120 to 138.

[0299] According to Clause 141, a method includes: generating a time indication for a first time at a first device; sending the time indication from the first device to a second device such that the second device transitions from a first context mode to a second context mode at the first time; generating an audio signal based on audio data at the second device, in the first context mode; receiving the time indication for the first time from the first device at the second device; and selectively transitioning from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first time at the second device.

[0300] Clause 142 includes the method described in Clause 141, further comprising: in response to receiving the time indication of the first time from the first device at the second device, performing a determination at the second device of whether to switch from the first context mode to the second context mode; at the second device, generating a response based on the determination; sending the response from the second device to the first device; selectively switching from the first context mode to the second context mode at the second device based on the determination; receiving the response from the second device at the first device; and selectively switching from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first device based on the response.

[0301] Clause 143 includes the method described according to Clause 141 or Clause 142, wherein the first context mode corresponds to a first operating mode of the active noise cancellation (ANC) filter, the first operating mode being different from a second operating mode of the ANC filter corresponding to the second context mode.

[0302] Clause 144 includes the method according to any one of Clauses 141 to 143, wherein active noise cancellation is enabled in the first context mode, and wherein the active noise cancellation is disabled in the second context mode.

[0303] Clause 145 includes the method described pursuant to any one of Clauses 141 to 144, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the quiet mode.

[0304] Clause 146 includes the method described pursuant to any one of Clauses 141 to 144, wherein the second context mode corresponds to the transparent mode.

[0305] Clause 147 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 141 to 146, further comprising: based on a first condition of detecting a microphone signal at a first device, causing the transmission of a change indication from the first context mode to the second context mode; and receiving a response to the change indication at the first device, wherein the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode is also based on receiving the response.

[0306] Clause 148 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 147, wherein the change instruction includes the time instruction.

[0307] Clause 149 includes the method described in Clause 147, further comprising: simultaneously sending the time indication from the first device with sending the change indication from the first device.

[0308] Clause 150 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 147 to 149, further comprising: detecting the first condition at the first device based on the detected ambient noise condition.

[0309] Clause 151 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 147 to 150, further comprising: detecting the first condition at the first device based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains below a first noise threshold for at least a first threshold time.

[0310] Clause 152 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 147 to 151, further comprising: based on a second condition of detecting the microphone signal at the first device, causing the transmission from the first device of a second change indication from the second context mode to the first context mode; and at a second time, switching from the second context mode to the first context mode at the first device.

[0311] Clause 153 includes the method described in Clause 152, further comprising: detecting the second condition at the first device based on determining that ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains above a second noise threshold for at least a second threshold time.

[0312] Clause 154 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 152 or Clause 153, further comprising: receiving a second response at the first device to the second change instruction, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode at the first device is based on receiving the second response.

[0313] Clause 155 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 152 or Clause 153, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode at the first device is independent of receiving any response to the second change indication.

[0314] Clause 156 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 141 to 155, further comprising: transmitting modulated data from the first device to the second device using one or more antennas, wherein the modulated data is based on the time indication.

[0315] Clause 157 includes the method described in accordance with Clause 156, further comprising: using one or more modems at the first device to generate the modulation data based on the time indication.

[0316] Clause 158 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 141 to 157, further comprising: presenting an anti-noise signal in the first context mode of the first device via one or more speakers.

[0317] Clause 159 includes the method described under any one of Clauses 141 to 158, further comprising: using a microphone to generate a microphone signal, wherein the transition from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first device is based at least in part on the microphone signal.

[0318] According to Clause 160, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform any of the methods described in any of Clauses 141 to 159.

[0319] According to Clause 161, an apparatus includes: a unit for performing the method described in any one of Clauses 141 to 159.

[0320] Unless explicitly limited by the context, the term "signal" is used herein to mean any general meaning, including the state of a storage location (or set of storage locations) represented on a wire, bus, or other transmission medium. Unless explicitly limited by the context, the term "generate" is used herein to mean any general meaning, such as calculation or otherwise producing. Unless explicitly limited by the context, the term "calculate" is used herein to mean any general meaning, such as calculating, evaluating, estimating, and / or selecting from multiple values. Unless explicitly limited by the context, the term "acquire" is used herein to mean any general meaning, such as calculating, deriving, receiving (e.g., receiving from an external device), and / or retrieving (e.g., retrieving from an array of storage elements). Unless explicitly limited by the context, the term "select" is used herein to mean any general meaning, such as identifying, indicating, applying, and / or using at least one of two or more sets instead of all of them. Unless explicitly limited by the context, the term "determine" is used herein to mean any general meaning, such as deciding, establishing, concluding, calculating, selecting, and / or evaluating. Where the term “comprising” is used in this specification and claims, it does not exclude other elements or operations. The term “based on” (e.g., “A is based on B”) is used in any general sense to include: (i) “derived from” (e.g., “B is a premise of A”); (ii) “at least based on” (e.g., “A is at least based on B”), and if appropriate in a particular context; (iii) “equal to” (e.g., “A equals B”). Similarly, the term “in response to” is used in any general sense to include “at least in response to”. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “one or more of A, B, and C” indicate “A and / or B and / or C.” Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “each of A, B, and C” and “each of A, B, and C” mean “A and B and C”.

[0321] Unless otherwise indicated, any disclosure of the operation of an apparatus with specific characteristics is also expressly intended to disclose a method with similar characteristics (and vice versa), and any disclosure of the operation of an apparatus according to a specific configuration is also expressly intended to disclose a method according to a similar configuration (and vice versa). The term “configuration” may be used with reference to a method, apparatus, and / or system indicated by its specific context. Unless otherwise indicated by the specific context, the terms “method,” “process,” “procedure,” and “technology” are generic and interchangeable. A “task” having multiple subtasks is also a method. Unless otherwise indicated by the specific context, the terms “apparatus” and “equipment” are also generic and interchangeable. The terms “element” and “module” are generally used to indicate a part of a larger configuration. Unless expressly limited by the context, the term “system” is used herein to mean any of its general meanings, including “a set of elements interacting for a common purpose.”

[0322] As used herein, ordinal terms (e.g., "first", "second", "third", etc.) used to modify elements (e.g., structures, components, operations, etc.) do not in themselves indicate any priority or order of the element relative to another element, but merely distinguish the element from another element with the same name (for the sake of using ordinal terms). As used herein, the term "set" refers to one or more of a particular element, while the term "multiple" refers to multiple of a particular element (e.g., two or more).

[0323] The terms “encoder,” “codec,” and “encoding system” are used interchangeably to refer to a system comprising at least one encoder and a corresponding decoder, wherein the encoder is configured to receive and encode frames of audio signals (possibly after one or more preprocessing operations, such as perceptual weighting and / or other filtering operations), and the decoder is configured to produce a decoded representation of said frames. Such encoders and decoders are typically deployed at opposite ends of a communication link. The term “signal component” is used to indicate a component of a signal, which may include other signal components. The term “audio content from a signal” is used to indicate the expression of audio information carried by the signal.

[0324] The various elements of the embodiments of the devices or systems disclosed herein can be embodied in any combination of hardware and software and / or firmware, combinations deemed suitable for the intended application. For example, these elements can be fabricated as electronic and / or optical devices, such as those residing on the same chip or within two or more chips in a chipset. An example of such a device is a fixed or programmable array of logic elements such as transistors or logic gates, and any of these elements can be implemented as one or more such arrays. Any two or more, or even all, of these elements can be implemented in the same or multiple arrays. Such one or more arrays can be implemented within one or more chips (e.g., within a chipset comprising two or more chips).

[0325] The processors or other processing devices disclosed herein can be manufactured as one or more electronic and / or optical devices, such as those residing on the same chip or within two or more chips in a chipset. An example of such a device is a fixed or programmable array of logic elements such as transistors or logic gates, and any of these elements can be implemented as one or more such arrays. Such arrays can be implemented within one or more chips (e.g., within a chipset comprising two or more chips). Examples of such arrays include fixed or programmable arrays of logic elements, such as microprocessors, embedded processors, IP cores, DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays), ASSPs (application-specific standard products), and ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). The processors or other processing devices disclosed herein can also be implemented as one or more computers (e.g., machines comprising one or more arrays programmed to execute one or more instruction sets or sequences) or other processors. The processor described herein can be used to perform tasks, or to perform other instruction sets not directly related to the implementation process of methods M100 or M200 (or another method disclosed with reference to the operation of the apparatus or system described herein), such as tasks related to another operation of a device or system with an embedded processor (e.g., a voice communication device such as a smartphone or smart speaker). A portion of the methods disclosed herein can also be performed under the control of one or more other processors.

[0326] Each task of the methods disclosed herein can be directly embodied in hardware, a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of both. In a typical application of an implementation of the methods disclosed herein, an array of logic elements (e.g., logic gates) is configured to perform one, more, or even all of the various tasks of the method. One or more (possibly all) of these tasks can also be implemented as code (e.g., a set or more sets of instructions) embodied in a computer program product (e.g., one or more data storage media such as a disk, flash memory or other non-volatile memory card, semiconductor memory chip, etc.) that can be read and / or executed by a machine (e.g., a computer) comprising an array of logic elements (e.g., a processor, microprocessor, microcontroller, or other finite state machine). The tasks of an implementation of the methods disclosed herein can also be performed by more than one such array or machine. In these or other implementations, these tasks can be performed within a device for wireless communication (e.g., a cellular phone or other device with such communication capabilities). Such a device can be configured to communicate with circuit-switched and / or packet-switched networks (e.g., using one or more protocols such as VoIP). For example, such a device may include RF circuitry configured to receive and / or transmit encoded frames.

[0327] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the operations described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, these operations may be stored as one or more instructions or code on or transmitted over a computer-readable medium. The term “computer-readable medium” includes both computer-readable storage media and communication (e.g., transmission) media. For example, but not limitingly, a computer-readable storage medium may include an array of storage elements, such as semiconductor memory (which may include, but is not limited to, dynamic or static RAM, ROM, EEPROM, and / or flash RAM) or ferroelectric, magnetoresistive, oval, polymer, or phase-change memory; CD-ROM or other optical disc storage; and / or magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. Such storage media may store information in the form of computer-accessible instructions or data structures. Communication media may include any medium capable of carrying desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Furthermore, any connection may be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, wireless, and / or microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, wireless, and / or microwave are included in the definition of the medium. As used herein, disks and optical discs include compressed optical discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile optical discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs. TM (The Blu-ray Disc Association of Universal City, California) states that disks typically copy data magnetically, while optical discs use lasers to copy data optically. The combination of these should also be included within the scope of protection for computer-readable media.

[0328] The disclosed embodiments have been described above to enable those skilled in the art to implement or use them. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and novel features set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first device configured to be worn on the ear, the first device comprising a processor configured to: In the first context mode, an audio signal is generated based on audio data, wherein, Enable active noise cancellation in the first context mode; In the first context mode, a microphone signal condition is detected, resulting in the transmission of a condition-based change indication to a second device configured to be worn on the ear, the change indication indicating a change from the first context mode to the second context mode; In the first context mode, a response to the change indication is received from the second device; In the first context mode, a time indication for a first time is exchanged with the second device for a synchronous transition from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first time. as well as Based on the response and the time indication, the system switches from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first time, wherein the active noise cancellation is disabled in the second context mode.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein, The first context mode corresponds to the first operating mode of the active noise cancellation (ANC) filter, which is different from the second operating mode of the ANC filter that corresponds to the second context mode.

3. The first device according to claim 1, wherein, The second context mode corresponds to the quiet mode.

4. The first device according to claim 1, wherein, The second context mode corresponds to the transparent mode.

5. The first device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to cause the transmission of the time indication simultaneously with the transmission of the change indication.

6. The first device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to receive the time indication at the same time as receiving the response.

7. The first device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to detect a first condition based on detected ambient noise.

8. The first device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to detect a first condition based on determining that the ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains below a first noise threshold for at least a first threshold time.

9. The first device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to: Based on the detection of the microphone signal, a second condition leads to the transmission of a second change indication from the second context mode to the first context mode; as well as At the second time point, the system transitions from the second context mode to the first context mode.

10. The first device according to claim 9, wherein, The processor is configured to detect the second condition based on determining that the ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains above a second noise threshold for at least a second threshold time.

11. The first device according to claim 9, wherein, The processor is configured to receive a second response to the second change indication, wherein the transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is based on receiving the second response.

12. The first device according to claim 9, wherein, The transition from the second context mode to the first context mode is independent of receiving any response to the second change indication.

13. The first device of claim 1, further comprising one or more antennas configured to transmit modulated data to or receive modulated data from the second device based on the time indication.

14. The first device of claim 13, further comprising one or more modems coupled to the one or more antennas, the one or more modems being configured to demodulate the modulation data to determine the time indication, or to generate the modulation data based on the time indication.

15. The first device of claim 1, further comprising one or more speakers configured to present an anti-noise signal in the first context mode.

16. A method for performing a synchronization mode switch, comprising: At the first device, an audio signal is generated based on audio data in a first context mode, wherein active noise cancellation is enabled in the first context mode; In the first context mode, based on the detection of a microphone signal, a change instruction is sent to a second device configured to be worn on the ear, the change instruction indicating a change from the first context mode to the second context mode; In the first context mode, a response to the change indication is received from the second device; In the first context mode, a time indication for a first time is exchanged with the second device for a synchronization transition from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first time; and At the first device, at the first time, the transition is made from the first context mode to the second context mode, the transition being based on receiving the response and the time indication, wherein the active noise cancellation is disabled in the second context mode.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The first context mode corresponds to the first operating mode of the active noise cancellation (ANC) filter, which is different from the second operating mode of the ANC filter that corresponds to the second context mode.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The second context mode corresponds to the quiet mode.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein, The second context mode corresponds to the transparent mode.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: This results in the transmission of the time indication simultaneously with the transmission of the change indication.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising: Simultaneously with receiving the response, the time indication is also received.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The first condition is detected based on the detected environmental noise level.

23. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The first condition is detected based on determining that the ambient noise indicated by the microphone signal remains below a first noise threshold for at least a first threshold time.

24. The method of claim 16, further comprising: Based on the detection of the microphone signal, a second condition leads to the transmission of a second change indication from the second context mode to the first context mode; as well as At the first device, at a second time, the transition occurs from the second context mode to the first context mode.

25. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the following operations: In the first context mode, an audio signal is generated based on audio data, wherein, Enable active noise cancellation in the first context mode; In the first context mode, based on the detection of a microphone signal, a change instruction is sent to a second device configured to be worn on the ear, the change instruction indicating a change from the first context mode to the second context mode; In the first context mode, a response to the change indication is received from the second device; In the first context mode, a time indication for a first time is exchanged with the second device for a synchronous transition from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first time. as well as At the first time point, the transition is made from the first context mode to the second context mode, the transition being based on receiving the response and the time indication, wherein the active noise cancellation is disabled in the second context mode.

26. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 25, wherein, When the instruction is executed by the processor, the processor also exchanges the time indication with the device based on the detected ambient noise conditions.

27. An apparatus for synchronous mode switching, comprising: A unit for generating an audio signal based on audio data, the audio signal being generated in a first context mode, wherein active noise reduction is enabled in the first context mode; A unit for sending a change instruction to a second device configured to be worn on the ear, based on the detection of a microphone signal in the first context mode, the change instruction indicating a change from the first context mode to the second context mode; A unit for receiving a response from the second device to the change indication in the first context mode; A unit for exchanging time indications for a first time with the second device, the time indications being exchanged in the first context mode for a synchronized transition from the first context mode to the second context mode at the first time; and A unit for switching from a first context mode to a second context mode at a first time, the switching being based on receiving the response and the time indication, wherein active noise cancellation is disabled in the second context mode.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein, The generating unit, the exchanging unit, and the conversion unit are integrated into the headphones.

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