Reduction of unwanted sound transmission

Abstract

To provide a method of reducing an undesired audio transmission between the adjustment rooms by using an intercommunication of devices, a device, and a non-temporal computer readable medium.SOLUTION: In a method of adjusting an audio output at a certain position, and reducing a transmission to an another position of the audio output, a second device (an audio device 140) at a second position (a room 112) barriered by a physical barrier 114 detects a transmitted sound when a first device (an audio device 130) at a first position (a room 110) generates a sound, and the first device adjusts the output on the basis of the detected sound. In addition, the first device determines an audio transmission function for adjusting at least some frequency band of the audio output so as to at least reduce a transmission from one hearing region to the other hearing region on the basis of a comparison of the audio output and the detected audio.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority of the following priority applications: U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 615,172, filed on January 9, 2018, and European Application No. 18150772.4, filed on January 9, 2018. These are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification.

Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates to reducing audio transmission between adjacent rooms using inter - device communication.

[0003] Unless otherwise stated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims of this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0004] A typical home includes several rooms such as a living room, a dining room, and one or more bedrooms. Sometimes, audio generated by an audio device in one room may be perceived in another room. This can be troublesome when a person is trying to sleep in the other room or when listening to audio at a level that is drowned out by audio from an adjacent room.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need to reduce audio perceived in adjacent rooms. Certain embodiments are directed to communication between two audio devices in separate rooms. The audio transmission characteristics from one room to another are determined by playing audio through one device and detecting the transmitted audio by the other device. The transmission characteristics can be determined for each frequency band. Thereby, in order to reduce the transmission from one room to another, adjustments for each frequency band can be made during audio playback.

[0006] An audio device may determine an audio transfer function to adjust at least some frequency bands of the audio output, based on a comparison of the audio output with the detected audio, so as to reduce transmission from one listening area to the other.

[0007] Further features may include dividing the audio output and detected audio into spectral bands, performing a band-by-band comparison of the detected audio against band-specific threshold levels, and reducing only the bands of the audio output where the detected audio exceeds the band-specific threshold level (for example, set to the audible level of human hearing in each particular band). Another further feature may include, when outputting audio in one room, detecting ambient sound in another room and comparing it to the known audio output to determine whether the audio is propagating from one listening area to another. Yet another further feature may include adapting the audio output based on dialogue characteristics to improve the intelligibility of the audio output.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the method reduces the audibility of sound produced by an audio device. The method includes generating an audio output by an audio device at a first location. The method further includes detecting a detection audio signal corresponding to the audio output at a second location different from the first location. The method further includes communicating information related to the detection audio signal to the audio device, for example, communicating the information from the second location to the audio device. The method further includes the audio device determining an audio transfer function to attenuate one or more frequency bands based on the information. The method further includes the audio device modifying the audio output by applying the audio transfer function. In this way, the audibility of the audio output from the audio device can be reduced at the second location.

[0009] Determining the audio transfer function may involve comparing the information relating to the detected audio signal, the information relating to the audio output, and at least one threshold.

[0010] A physical barrier may separate the first position from the second position, and the audio device may determine the audio transfer function of the detected audio signal in accordance with the audio output modified by the physical barrier.

[0011] The audio device may be a first audio device; a second audio device at a second location may detect the detected audio signal, and the second audio device may communicate the information relating to the detected audio signal to the first audio device. The first audio device may modify the audio output at the same time that the second audio device detects the detected audio signal. Alternatively, the second audio device may detect the detected audio signal during the setup phase, and the first audio device may determine the audio transfer function during the setup phase; the first audio device may modify the audio output during the operation phase following the setup phase.

[0012] The audio output may include a plurality of frequency bands, and modifying the audio output includes modifying, for example, attenuating, the audio output in one or more of the plurality of frequency bands. The plurality of frequency bands may be defined according to the physiological response of human hearing. Modifying the audio output may include the step of modifying the audio output in one or more of the plurality of frequency bands by one or more different amounts, optionally taking into account the level of ambient noise at the second location, based on a comparison of the audio output with the information relating to the detected audio signal.

[0013] The audio transfer function may be determined based on the measured transmission characteristics between the first and second locations, taking into account the level of ambient noise at the second location. In one example, the ambient noise is determined by comparing the information related to the detected audio signal with the audio output. In another example, the ambient noise is determined by detecting an audio signal representing the ambient noise at the second location (when there is no audio output from the audio device at the first location), for example, prior to the audio device generating an audio output. Optionally, ambient noise is determined for each of the one or more frequency bands. Optionally, the method includes determining whether ambient noise masks one or more frequency bands in the detected audio signal, and in response to determining that ambient noise masks one or more frequency bands in the detected audio signal, the audio transfer function does not attenuate the frequency bands of the audio output corresponding to the one or more masking frequency bands. For example, for each frequency band, it is determined whether the level of the detected audio signal in that frequency band exceeds the ambient noise level for that frequency band, and only in response to the determination that the detected audio signal exceeds the ambient noise level for that frequency band, the audio output is attenuated by the audio transfer function for that frequency band. Attenuation is not applied to frequency bands where the level of the detected audio signal does not exceed the ambient noise level. This is, for example, when the level of the detected audio signal is below the ambient noise level. Optionally, a predetermined threshold is used in the comparison between the detected audio signal and the ambient noise level. For example, it is determined whether the detected audio signal exceeds the ambient noise level by at least the predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be the same for all frequency bands, or different thresholds may be provided for each frequency band.

[0014] The audio transfer function may be determined based on the measured transmission characteristics between a first position and a second position, and the physiological response of human hearing.

[0015] The audio device includes multiple speakers, and modifying the audio output may include using the multiple speakers to control the directivity of the speakers in order to adjust the position response of the audio output such that the level of the detected audio signal at a second position is reduced.

[0016] The audio output may be modified using at least one of loudness leveling and loudness region processing.

[0017] The method may further include the steps of continuously detecting the ambient noise level at a second location using a microphone, and determining, using machine learning, that at least one pattern has been detected in the ambient noise level, wherein the audio output is modified based on the audio transfer function and the at least one pattern. The microphone may be the microphone of the second audio device described above.

[0018] The method may further include generating a second audio output by a third audio device located at a third position, where the detected audio signal detected at the second position corresponds to the audio output and the second audio output, the information relates to the detected audio signal and the second detected audio signal, and the information is communicated to the audio device and the third audio device. The method may further include determining a second audio transfer function by the third audio device to attenuate one or more frequency bands of the second audio output based on the information. The method may further include modifying the second audio output by applying the second audio transfer function by the third audio device.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes an audio device, a processor, memory, a speaker, and a network component. The processor is configured to control the audio device to generate an audio output by the speaker at a first position; the network component to receive information from a second position different from the first position related to a detected audio signal corresponding to the audio output detected at the second position; the processor to determine an audio transfer function for attenuating one or more frequency bands of the audio output based on the information; and the processor to modify the audio output based on the audio transfer function.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the system reduces the audibility of sounds produced by an audio device. The system includes a first audio device and a second audio device. The first audio device includes a processor, memory, a speaker, and a network component, and the second audio device includes a processor, memory, a microphone, and a network component. The processors of the first audio device and the second audio device are configured to control the first and second audio devices to generate an audio output by the speaker of the first audio device located at a first position; to detect a detection audio signal corresponding to the audio output by the microphone of the second audio device located at a second position different from the first position; to communicate information related to the detection audio signal from the second position to the network component of the first audio device via the network component of the second audio device; to determine an audio transfer function for attenuating one or more frequency bands of the audio output based on the information, by the processor of the first audio device; and to perform a process by which the audio output is modified by applying the audio transfer function, by the processor of the first audio device.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium stores a computer program for controlling an audio device to reduce the audibility of sounds produced by the audio device. The device may include a processor, memory, speakers, and network components. When executed by the processor, the computer program can control the audio device to perform one or more of the method steps described above.

[0022] The following detailed explanation and attached diagrams will provide a further understanding of the properties and advantages of various implementations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a diagram of the acoustic environment 100.

[0024] [Figure 2] It is a flowchart of a method 200 for reducing the audibility of sound generated by an audio device.

[0025] [Figure 3] It is a flowchart of a method 300 for configuring and operating an audio device.

[0026] [Figure 4] It is a block diagram of an audio device 400.

[0027] [Figure 5] It is a block diagram of an audio device 500.

[0028] [Figure 6] 6A to 6E are tables showing examples of thresholds and frequency bands for audio output and detected audio signals.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] This specification describes techniques for reducing audio transmission between adjacent rooms. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous examples and specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure as defined by the claims may include some or all of the features in these examples alone or in combination with other features described below, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may also include modifications and equivalents of the features and concepts described herein.

[0030] The following description details various methods, processes, and procedures. Individual stages may be described in gerund form, but such expressions also indicate a state in that form. For example, "store data in memory" can indicate at least: the data is now stored in memory (e.g., memory did not previously store the data); the data is now in memory (e.g., the data was previously stored in memory); etc. Such situations will be pointed out individually if they are not clear from the context. Individual stages may be described in a certain order, but such order is primarily for clarity and convenience. Individual stages may be repeated more than once, may occur before or after other stages (even if those stages are described in a different order), or may occur in parallel with other stages. A second stage is required to follow a first stage only if the first stage needs to be completed before the second stage begins. Such situations will be pointed out individually if they are not clear from the context.

[0031] In this paper, the terms "and," "or," and "and / or" are used. Such terms should be read as having an inclusive meaning. For example, "A and B" can mean at least: "both A and B" or "at least both A and B." As another example, "A or B" can mean at least: "at least A," "at least B," "both A and B" or "at least both A and B." As yet another example, "A and / or B" can mean at least: "A and B" or "A or B." Where exclusive separation is intended, this is explicitly stated (for example, "either A or B" or "at most one of A and B").

[0032] This paper uses the terms “audio,” “sound,” “audio signal,” and “audio data.” Generally, these terms are used interchangeably. When specificity is desired, the terms “audio” and “sound” are used to refer to inputs captured by a microphone or outputs produced by a loudspeaker. The term “audio data” refers to, for example, data processed by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), stored in memory, or communicated by a data signal. This refers to data representing audio. The term "audio signal" is used to refer to audio that is detected, processed, received, or transmitted in analog or digital electronic form.

[0033] Figure 1 is a diagram of an acoustic environment 100. Examples of an acoustic environment 100 include a residence, an apartment, etc. The acoustic environment 100 includes rooms 110 and 112. The acoustic environment 100 may also include other rooms (not shown). Rooms 110 and 112 may be adjacent to each other as shown in the figure, or they may be separated by other rooms or spaces (e.g., a corridor). Rooms 110 and 112 may be on the same floor (as shown in the figure), or they may be on different floors. Rooms 110 and 112 are sometimes referred to as locations.

[0034] Rooms 110 and 112 are separated by a physical barrier 114. The physical barrier 114 may include one or more parts such as a door 116, a wall 118, a floor, a ceiling, etc.

[0035] Audio device 130 is located in room 110, and audio device 140 is located in room 112. Audio device 130 includes a speaker 132 and may include other components. Audio device 140 includes a microphone 142 and may include other components. Audio devices 130 and 140 may be of the same type (for example, having both a speaker and a microphone). The speaker 132 produces an audio output 150, and the microphone 142 detects an audio signal 152 corresponding to the audio output 150. For simplicity of description, audio device 130 may be referred to as an active audio device (for example, actively producing an audio output), and audio device 140 may be referred to as a listening audio device (for example, listening to the output from the active audio device). However, each audio device may perform both functions at different times (for example, the first device may generate an audio output and listen to an audio output from the second device, or the second device may generate an audio output and listen to an audio output from the first device).

[0036] Generally, audio device 130 modifies (e.g., reduces) its audio output in response to audio detected by audio device 140 (for example, when the detected audio exceeds a threshold). Further details regarding the operation of audio devices 130 and 140 are described later with reference to Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 2 is a flowchart of method 200 for reducing the audibility of sounds produced by audio devices. For example, method 200 may be performed by audio devices 130 and 140 (see Figure 1) to reduce the audibility of sounds produced in room 110 and perceived in room 112.

[0038] In 202, the audio device at the first location generates an audio output. For example, audio device 130 (see Figure 1) may generate an audio output 150 within room 110.

[0039] In 204, an audio signal (referred to as the “detected audio signal”) is detected at a second location. The detected audio signal corresponds to the audio output modified according to various factors such as distance, attenuation (e.g., due to physical barriers), and other sounds (e.g., ambient noise). For example, audio device 140 (see Figure 1) may detect the detected audio signal 152 within room 112, in which case the detected audio signal 152 corresponds to the audio output 150 generated within room 110 modified according to the distance between speaker 132 and microphone 142, as well as the attenuation added by wall 118 and door 116.

[0040] In 206, information related to the detected audio signal is communicated from the second location to the audio device (for example, audio device 130 in Figure 1). For example, audio device 140 (see Figure 1) may transmit information related to the detected audio signal from room 112 to audio device 130 in room 110.

[0041] In step 208, an audio device (for example, audio device 130 in Figure 1) determines an audio transfer function based on information (communicated in step 206). For example, audio device 130 may determine an audio transfer function based on information from audio device 140. As an example, audio device 130 may determine an audio transfer function by comparing an audio output 150 with information related to a detected audio signal 152. Generally, the audio transfer function is generated to attenuate the audio signal 150 detected in another room. The audio transfer function may correspond to different attenuations applied to different frequency bands of the audio output 150. Generally, if the detected audio signal 152 exceeds a defined threshold in a particular frequency band, the audio transfer function attenuates that particular frequency band. For example, the attenuation may increase as the level of the detected audio exceeding the threshold increases.

[0042] The audio device may also take into account ambient noise at a second location when determining the audio transfer function. For example, if there is fan noise in a second room, the audio device in the first room may determine the presence of fan noise by comparing the information related to the detected audio signal (including fan noise) with the audio output (excluding fan noise). Thus, the audio device may determine the audio transfer function to exclude the consideration of fan noise so that only the propagation of the audio output to the second location is considered and ambient noise at the second location is excluded. Ambient noise may include any sound that does not correspond to the audio output attenuated by the transmission from the first location to the second location. In other words, ambient noise may include one or more components in the detected audio that cannot be attributed to the transmission of the audio output from the first location to the second location. For example, ambient noise can be determined by comparing the audio detected at the second location with the audio output at the first location.

[0043] In method 210, the audio device (for example, audio device 130 in Figure 1) modifies the audio output based on, i.e., by applying, an audio transfer function. For example, if it is determined that the detected audio signal 152 exceeds a threshold in a particular frequency band, the application of the audio transfer function by audio device 130 may reduce the audio output 150 so that the detected audio signal 152 falls below the threshold (when subsequently detected). As an example, a physical barrier 114 may not sufficiently attenuate the low-frequency components of the audio output 150, and therefore audio device 130 may reduce the audio output 150 in the corresponding frequency band. As another example, room 112 may have fan noise that masks a given frequency band in the detected audio signal 152, and therefore audio device 130 may not need to reduce the audio output 150 in that given frequency band (but may reduce the audio output 150 in other bands). Method 200 may then return to 202 for continuous modification of the audio output.

[0044] Method steps 204-208 may be performed concurrently with method steps 202 and 210. For example, while audio device 130 (see Figure 1) is generating audio output 150 (step 202), it receives information related to the detected audio signal 152 (step 206), determines the audio transfer function (step 208), and dynamically modifies the audio output 150 (step 210). In this way, audio device 130 responds to changes in circumstances.

[0045] Alternatively, as further described with reference to Figure 3, one or more of method steps 204-208 may be performed in the setup phase, and steps 202 and 210 may be performed in the operation phase.

[0046] Figure 3 is a flowchart of method 300 for configuring and operating an audio device. Instead of the two audio devices (for example, audio devices 130 and 140 in Figure 1) operating simultaneously, they may operate in two phases: a setup phase and an operation phase.

[0047] In 302, these audio devices enter the setup phase. These audio devices are referred to as primary audio devices (generally corresponding to audio device 130) and secondary audio devices (generally corresponding to audio device 140). The secondary audio devices may be implemented using a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone) that runs the setup application. The primary audio devices are located in a first location (e.g., room 110), and the secondary audio devices are located in a second location (e.g., room 112).

[0048] In 304, the primary audio device outputs a test audio output. (The test audio output is similar to audio output 150 in Figure 1.) Generally, the test audio output covers a range of levels and frequencies.

[0049] In the 306, the secondary audio device detects a detection test audio signal corresponding to the test audio output. (The detection test audio signal is similar to the detection audio signal 152 in Figure 1).

[0050] In the 308, the secondary audio device communicates information related to the detection test audio signal to the primary audio device.

[0051] In 310, the primary audio device determines the audio transfer function based on the aforementioned information. Since the test audio output covers a range of levels and frequencies, the method determines the attenuation of the test audio output at the second location (e.g., due to a physical barrier 114). At this point, the setup phase is complete.

[0052] In step 312, the primary audio device enters the operating phase.

[0053] In 314, the primary audio device modifies the audio output based on the audio transfer function and outputs the modified audio output. For example, if the level of a particular frequency band of detected audio exceeds a threshold, the primary audio device reduces the audio output in that particular frequency band.

[0054] The device can, if desired, re-enter the setup phase at a later date. For example, if door 116 (see Figure 1) was closed during the initial setup and is subsequently opened, the user may request the primary audio device to re-determine the audio transfer function. As another example, if the user wishes to reconfigure the primary audio device to match the detected audio signal at a third position, the user may place a secondary audio device at the third position to determine the audio transfer function associated with the third position and then re-enter the setup phase.

[0055] Figure 4 is a block diagram of audio device 400. Audio device 400 may correspond to audio device 130 or audio device 140 (see Figure 1). Audio device 400 may implement one or more steps of method 200 (see Figure 2) or method 300 (see Figure 3). Audio device 400 includes a processor 402, memory 404, network component 406, speaker 408, and microphone 410. Audio device 400 may include other components that are not detailed for brevity. The hardware of audio device 400 may be implemented by modifying an existing device, such as an Echo® device from Amazon or a HomePod® device from Apple, with additional functionality described throughout this paper.

[0056] The processor 402 generally controls the operation of the audio device 400. The processor 402 may perform one or more steps of method 200 (see Figure 2) or method 300 (see Figure 3), for example, by executing one or more computer programs.

[0057] Memory 404 generally provides storage for the audio device 400. Memory 404 may store programs executed by the processor 402, various configuration settings, and so on.

[0058] The network component 406 generally enables electronic communication between the audio device 400 and other devices (not shown). For example, if audio device 400 is used to implement audio devices 130 and 140 (see Figure 1), the network component 406 enables electronic communication between audio devices 130 and 140. As another example, the network component 406 may connect audio device 400 to a router device (not shown), a server device (not shown), or another device, acting as an intermediate device between audio device 400 and another device. The network component 406 may implement wireless protocols such as the IEEE 802.11 protocol (e.g., Wireless Local Area Network) or the IEEE 802.15.1 protocol (e.g., Bluetooth® standard). Generally, the network component 406 enables the communication of information related to the detected audio signal (see 206 in Figure 2).

[0059] Speaker 408 generally outputs an audio output (for example, corresponding to audio output 150 in Figure 1). Speaker 408 may be one of several speakers that are components of the audio device 400.

[0060] The microphone 410 generally detects audio signals. As described above, when the audio device 400 implements the audio device 140 (see Figure 1), the microphone 410 detects the audio signal 152 propagating from the audio device 130 into the room 112. The microphone 410 may also detect other audio inputs in the vicinity of the audio device 400, such as fan noise, ambient noise, or conversation.

[0061] Instead of having both speaker 408 and microphone 410, audio device 400 may have only one of the two. For example, audio device 400 may omit microphone 410. As another example, audio device 400 may omit speaker 408.

[0062] Figure 5 is a block diagram of audio device 500. Compared to audio device 400 (see Figure 4), audio device 500 includes a speaker array 508. The speaker array 508 includes multiple speakers (408a, 408b, and 408c as shown). Audio device 500 also includes a processor 402, memory 404, network component 406, and microphone 410, as discussed above with respect to audio device 400 (see Figure 4). (The microphone 410 may be omitted from audio device 500, as discussed above with respect to audio device 400).

[0063] The speaker array 508 may have speaker directivity added to its audio output to reduce the amount of audio detected in adjacent rooms. Generally, speaker directivity refers to adjusting the size, shape, and direction of the audio output. Speaker directivity can be achieved by using only a subset of speakers in the speaker array 508, by selecting only a subset of drivers for the speaker array 508, or by beamforming using multiple drivers. Generally, beamforming involves adjusting the output from each speaker (such as delay, volume, and phase) to control the size, shape, or direction of the overall audio output. For example, the level of the audio output may be increased in one direction or position and decreased in another direction or position.

[0064] The audio device 500 may control the speaker directivity when modifying the audio output (see 210 in Figure 2). For example, if information relating to a detected audio signal from another room (see 206 in Figure 2) exceeds a threshold in a particular frequency band, the audio device 500 may modify the speaker directivity to adjust the direction or position of the audio output and monitor the result. If subsequent information regarding the detected audio signal indicates that the detected audio signal no longer exceeds the threshold, the directivity adjustment is successful; otherwise, the audio device 500 gives a different directivity adjustment to the radiation pattern or position of the audio output.

[0065] The following sections describe additional features of the audio devices discussed herein.

[0066] frequency band

[0067] Generally, a transfer function refers to a function that maps various input values ​​to various output values. As used herein, an audio transfer function refers to the amplitude of the output as a function of the input frequency. An audio device may have a separate audio transfer function for each band, with each particular band having a different attenuation applied to its amplitude.

[0068] The audio devices described herein (for example, audio device 400 in Figure 4) may use different thresholds for different frequency bands of the detected audio signal. If the information associated with the detected audio signal exceeds a threshold in a particular frequency band, the audio device determines an audio transfer function that reduces the amplitude of the audio output in that particular frequency band when applied to the audio output. For example, the low frequency band may have a lower threshold than the mid-frequency band or the high frequency band. The thresholds may be defined according to the psychoacoustic characteristics of humans. For example, if human hearing is more sensitive in the first band than in the second band, the threshold for the first band may be set lower than the threshold for the second band.

[0069] The threshold may be set according to a psychoacoustic model of human hearing. An example of using a psychoacoustic model for the threshold is described in Non-Patent Document 1. In this model, a set of critical band filter responses are uniformly spaced along an equivalent rectangular bandwidth (ERB) scale, each filter shape is described by a rounded exponential function, and the bandwidths are distributed using 1 ERB intervals. Another example of using a psychoacoustic model for the threshold is described in Patent Document 8.

[0070] An audio device may apply a gradual attenuation in dB to the audio output when a threshold is exceeded in a particular frequency band. For example, if a detected audio signal exceeds a threshold by 5 dB in a particular band, the audio device may use an audio transfer function to gradually (for example, over a period of 5 seconds) apply a 5 dB attenuation in that particular band to the audio output. Optionally, band-specific thresholds may be determined based on both the ambient noise level determined for that particular band and a predetermined threshold for that band based, for example, a psychoacoustic model. For example, each band-specific threshold may be the maximum value of a predetermined threshold level for that band (independent of the actual audio output and actual noise level) based on a psychoacoustic model and the ambient noise level within that frequency band (based on the actual noise at a second location). Thus, the band-specific thresholds based on the psychoacoustic model are used unless the ambient noise level exceeds the threshold level.

[0071] Figures 6A-6E are tables showing examples of thresholds and frequency bands for audio output and detected audio signals. Figure 6A shows the audio output level at the first position, which is 100 dB in each of the three bands. (For simplicity of illustration, only three bands are shown, but as mentioned above, audio devices may implement more than three bands, e.g., 20-40 bands). Figure 6B shows the level of the detected audio signal at the second position, which is 75 dB in the first band, 60 dB in the second band, and 50 dB in the third band. Comparing Figures 6A and 6B, note that the transmission characteristics between the two positions are more transparent to the first band than to the second band, and more transparent to the second band than to the third band.

[0072] Figure 6C shows the thresholds for the three frequency bands, which are 70, 60, and 55 dB. Comparing Figure 6B and Figure 6C, note that since the threshold for the first frequency band is exceeded by 5 dB, the audio device determines an audio transfer function that reduces the audio output in that frequency band (for example, gradually by 5 dB).

[0073] Figure 6D shows the audio output level at the first position as a result of applying the audio transfer function. Comparing Figure 6A and Figure 6D, note that the audio output in the first band is now 95 dB (previously 100 dB), while the other bands remain unchanged. Figure 6E shows the level of the detected audio signal at the second position; note that all bands are now below the threshold in Figure 6C.

[0074] In effect, audio devices operate as multiband compressors / limiters for audio outputs, based on comparing a threshold with the detected audio signal.

[0075] Audio processing

[0076] The audio devices described herein (for example, audio device 400 in Figure 4) may implement one or more audio processing techniques to modify the audio output (see 210 in Figure 2). For example, the audio device may implement a Dolby® Audio® solution, a Dolby® Digital Plus solution, a Dolby® Multistream Decoder MS12 solution, or other suitable audio processing techniques. The audio device may modify the audio output using various functions such as a dialogue enhancer function, a volume leveler function, an equalizer function, and an audio regulator function. For example, if the audio device determines that the audio output contains dialogue, the audio device may activate the dialogue enhancer function before applying the audio transfer function. As another example, the audio device may apply the volume leveler function before applying the audio transfer function. As yet another example, if the audio device determines that the information related to the detected audio signal from another room exceeds a threshold in a particular frequency band, the audio device may use the equalizer function to adjust the level of the audio output in that particular frequency band. As another example, an audio device may use audio regulator functions (typically used to keep speakers within defined limits, usually to avoid low-frequency distortion) to reduce a selected frequency band before applying the audio transfer function (for example, by using a multi-band compressor).

[0077] Machine Learning

[0078] The audio devices described herein (for example, audio device 400 in Figure 4) may collect usage statistics and perform machine learning to determine usage patterns, and may use the determined usage patterns when adjusting the audio output. Usage patterns may be merged into daily patterns, weekday vs. weekend patterns, etc. For example, if on most days there is little ambient noise in an adjacent room between midnight and 6 a.m., this may indicate that someone is sleeping in the adjacent room, and as a result of this usage pattern, the audio device may reduce its audio output during that time period even if there are no detected audio signals exceeding a threshold. As another example, ambient noise in an adjacent room may shift to later times on weekends (corresponding to the person in the adjacent room staying up later and going to bed later), and as a result of this usage pattern, the audio device may reduce its audio output at later times compared to weekdays. As yet another example, if the user moves the audio device within a first location (or to a different location from the first location), the usage statistics will begin to reflect the new location (with respect to the second location due to changing transmission, directivity, etc.), and machine learning will eventually adjust the audio output according to the new location.

[0079] Once an audio device has identified a usage pattern, it may prompt the user to confirm that usage pattern. For example, if an audio device identifies a quiet period in an adjacent room between midnight and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays, it may prompt the user to confirm this usage pattern. The audio device may also reset its usage statistics, for example, according to user selection. For example, in the configuration of Figure 1, if audio device 140 is moved to a third room (not shown), the user may choose for audio device 130 to reset its usage statistics to adapt to the new location of audio device 140.

[0080] Audio devices described herein (for example, audio device 500 in Figure 5) may collect usage statistics and perform machine learning when performing speaker directivity control on the audio output. This allows the audio device to build a speaker directivity map of the other audio devices at the aforementioned locations and select speaker directivity configurations that have been effective in the past to reduce the detected audio signal at the second location. For example, in the configuration of Figure 1, audio device 130 initially does not perform loudspeaker directivity control, and the audio output 150 is directed at 0 degrees. Based on the detected audio signal 152, audio device 130 adjusts its radiation pattern; machine learning shows that the maximum level of the detected audio signal 152 is when the audio output 150 is directed at 0 degrees and falls below a threshold when the audio output 150 is directed at +30 degrees (for example, 30 degrees to the right when viewed from above). When the audio device 130 is performing speaker directivity control at a future point in time, it can use +30 degrees as the selected primary direction of acoustic radiation, and then monitor whether the level of the detected audio signal 152 falls below a threshold.

[0081] Preset function

[0082] Instead of continuously detecting the detected audio signal and correcting the audio output (e.g., Figure 2) or performing a setup function (e.g., Figure 3), the audio devices described herein (e.g., audio device 400 in Figure 4) may store several common audio transfer functions that can be selected by the user. Each of the common audio transfer functions may correspond to one of a variety of listening environment configurations, and the value of each audio transfer function may be calculated empirically for a variety of listening environment configurations. For example, listening environment configurations may include a small apartment (e.g., one bedroom and two other rooms), a large apartment (e.g., three bedrooms and three other rooms), a two-story townhouse, a three-story townhouse, a small house (e.g., two bedrooms and four other rooms), a large house (e.g., four bedrooms and six other rooms), a large two-story house, and so on. When the user selects a relevant listening environment configuration, the user may also indicate the room location of the audio device, which may affect the audio transfer function. For example, when an audio device is placed in a bedroom, the audio transfer function does not need to attenuate the audio output as much as when the audio device is placed in a living room.

[0083] Client / Server Functionality

[0084] As discussed above (for example, 206 in Figure 2), the audio device (for example, audio device 130 in Figure 1) determines the audio transfer function. Alternatively, a server device may receive information related to the detected audio signal from a second location (for example, transmitted by audio device 140), determine the audio transfer function, and transmit the audio transfer function to the first location (for example, to audio device 130). The server device may be a computer located in the home together with the audio device, or the server device may be located remotely (for example, a cloud service accessed via a computer network).

[0085] The server may collect usage statistics from the audio devices, perform machine learning on the usage statistics, and provide the results to the audio devices. For example, audio device 140 in a second room may send its usage statistics to the server; the server may perform machine learning and determine that there is normally no ambient noise in the second room between midnight and 6 a.m.; the server sends the results of its analysis to audio device 130 in the first room; and audio device 130 modifies its audio output accordingly.

[0086] Multi-device functionality

[0087] As shown above (for example, in Figure 1), the acoustic environment 100 is discussed in the context of having two rooms, each with an audio device. These functions may be extended to operate with three or more rooms and three or more audio devices. Each audio device may generate an audio output and detect audio signals from other audio devices. For example, if there are three rooms and three audio devices, the first audio device may generate an audio output and detect audio signals from the second and third audio devices; the second audio device may generate an audio output and detect audio signals from the first and third audio devices; and the third audio device may generate an audio output and detect audio signals from the first and second audio devices.

[0088] Next, each audio device may determine its audio transfer function based on the audio signals it detects from other audio devices. Returning to the example of three devices, if (from the perspective of the first audio device) the audio signal detected from the second audio device exceeds a threshold in the first frequency band and the audio signal detected from the third audio device exceeds a threshold in the second frequency band, the first audio device may determine its audio transfer function as a composite function that attenuates the audio output in the first and second frequency bands.

[0089] Each audio device may determine the presence of other audio devices in its vicinity according to the network protocol being implemented. For example, under the IEEE 802.11 network protocol, various audio devices may discover each other via wireless ad-hoc networking, or they may each connect to a wireless access point that provides discovery information. As another example, under the IEEE 802.15.1 network protocol, various audio devices may discover each other using a pairing process.

[0090] Inter-dwelling functions

[0091] As shown above (for example, in Figure 1), the acoustic environment 100 is discussed in the context of a single dwelling or apartment. The functionality of audio devices may be extended so that an audio device in one dwelling (or apartment) adjusts its audio output in response to information from an audio device in another dwelling (or apartment). This adjustment may be performed without the knowledge of the owners of the different audio devices. For example, consider a college dormitory with 20 rooms on each floor and an audio device in each room. Each audio device adjusts its output in response to the audio signals detected from other audio devices, reducing the amount of sound between the different rooms in the dormitory.

[0092] Implementation details

[0093] Some embodiments may be implemented in hardware, executable modules stored on a computer-readable medium, or a combination of both (e.g., a programmable logic array). Unless otherwise stated, the steps performed by the embodiments do not necessarily have to be inherently related to any particular computer or other device; however, certain embodiments may be related. In particular, various general-purpose machines may be used with programs written in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may be more convenient to construct a more specialized device (e.g., an integrated circuit) to perform the required method steps. Thus, embodiments may be implemented in one or more computer programs running on one or more programmable computer systems, each having at least one processor, at least one data storage system (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or memory elements), at least one input device or port, and at least one output device or port. The program code is applied to input data to perform the functions described herein and generate output information. The output information is applied to one or more output devices in known ways.

[0094] Each such computer program is preferably stored or downloaded to a storage medium or device (e.g., solid memory or medium, or magnetic or optical medium) readable by a general-purpose or special-purpose programmable computer, and when the storage medium or device is read by the computer system to perform the procedures described herein, the computer configures and operates the computer. The system of the present invention may be considered to be implemented as a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium configured with computer programs. The storage medium configured in this way causes the computer system to operate in a specific, predefined manner to perform the functions described herein. (Software itself and intangible or transient signals are excluded insofar as they are unpatentable subject matter.)

[0095] The above description illustrates various embodiments of the invention, along with examples of how aspects of the invention may be carried out. The above examples and embodiments should not be considered as sole embodiments, but are presented to illustrate the flexibility and advantages of the invention as defined by the claims. Based on the above disclosure and the following claims, other configurations, embodiments, implementations, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0096] Various aspects of the present invention can be understood from the following enumerated example embodiments (EEE).

[0097] [EEE1] A method for reducing the audibility of sounds produced by an audio device, the method being: The first step involves the audio device generating an audio output at a first position; A step of detecting a detection audio signal corresponding to the audio output at a second position different from the first position; A step of communicating information related to the detected audio signal to the audio device from a second position; The steps include: determining the audio transfer function of the detected audio signal based on the information using the aforementioned audio device; The step of modifying the audio output based on the audio transfer function using the audio device, method. [EEE2] The method according to EEE1 for determining the audio transfer function, comprising comparing the information relating to the detected audio signal, the information relating to the audio output, and at least one threshold. [EEE2A] The audio device determines the audio transfer function for attenuating one or more frequency bands of the audio output, and the method is: The steps include dividing the audio output and the detected audio into at least three spectral bands, for example, 20 to 40 spectral bands; The step of performing a spectral band-by-band comparison of the detected audio with a band-specific threshold level; The step includes attenuating only the spectral band of the audio output where the detected audio exceeds a band-specific threshold level. Method as described in EEE2. [EEE3] The method according to EEE1, wherein a physical barrier separates the first position from the second position. [EEE4] The method according to EEE3, wherein the audio device determines the audio transfer function of the detected audio signal in accordance with the audio output modified by the physical barrier. [EEE5] The method according to EEE1, wherein the audio device is a first audio device, a second audio device located at the second position detects the detected audio signal, and the second audio device communicates information related to the detected audio signal to the first audio device. [EEE6] The method according to EEE5, wherein the first audio device modifies the audio output at the same time that the second audio device detects the detected audio signal. [EEE7] The method according to EEE5, wherein the second audio device detects the detected audio signal during the setup phase, the first audio device determines the audio transfer function during the setup phase, and the first audio device modifies the audio output during the operation phase following the setup phase. [EEE8] The method according to EEE1, wherein the audio output includes a plurality of frequency bands, and modifying the audio output includes modifying the audio output in one or more frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands based on the audio transfer function. [EEE9] The method described in EEE8, wherein the aforementioned multiple frequency bands are defined according to the physiological response of human hearing. [EEE10] The method according to EEE8, wherein modifying the audio output includes modifying the audio output in one or more frequency bands among the plurality of frequency bands by one or more different amounts based on the audio transfer function. [EEE11] The method according to EEE1, wherein the audio transfer function is based on the measured transmission characteristics between the first position and the second position, and the ambient noise level at the second position. [EEE12] The method according to EEE1, wherein the audio transfer function is based on the measured transmission characteristics between the first position and the second position, and the physiological response of human hearing. [EEE13] The aforementioned audio device includes multiple speakers, and the audio output can be modified as follows: This includes controlling the speaker directivity using the plurality of speakers to adjust the position response of the audio output such that a first level of the audio output is maintained at a first position and a second level of the detected audio signal is reduced at a second position. Method as described in EEE1. [EEE14] The method according to EEE1, wherein the audio output is modified using at least one of loudness leveling and loudness region processing. [EEE15] The ambient noise level at the second location is continuously detected; This further includes using machine learning to identify at least one pattern in the detected ambient noise level. The audio output is modified based on the audio transfer function and the at least one pattern. Method as described in EEE1. [EEE16] A step of generating a second audio output by a third audio device located at a third position, wherein the detected audio signal detected at the second position corresponds to the audio output and the second audio output, the information relates to the detected audio signal and the second detected audio signal, and the information is communicated to the audio device and the third audio device; A third audio device determines a second audio transfer function of the detected audio signal based on the information; The process further includes the step of modifying the second audio output based on the second audio transfer function using a third audio device. Method as described in EEE1. [EEE17] An apparatus including an audio device for reducing the audibility of sounds produced by an audio device, wherein the apparatus: Processor; Memory; Speakers; and It has network components, The aforementioned processor is: A step of generating an audio output by the speaker located in the first position; The step of receiving information related to the detected audio signal corresponding to the audio output detected at the second position by the network component from a second position different from the first position; The processor performs the steps of determining the audio transfer function of the detected audio signal based on the information; and The processor modifies the audio output based on the audio transfer function. The audio device is configured to control the device to perform a process that includes the following: Device. [EEE18] A system for reducing the audibility of sounds produced by an audio device, wherein the system is: A first audio device having a processor, memory, speakers, and network components; It has a second audio device having a processor, memory, microphone, and network components. The processor of the first audio device and the processor of the second audio device are: A step of generating an audio output by the speaker of the first audio device located in the first position; A step of detecting a detection audio signal corresponding to the audio output by the microphone of the second audio device at a second position different from the first position; The steps include: communicating information related to the detected audio signal from the second location to the network component of the first audio device via the network component of the second audio device; The first step involves the processor of the audio device determining the audio transfer function of the detected audio signal based on the information; The first step involves the processor of the audio device modifying the audio output based on the audio transfer function. The first audio device and the second audio device are configured to control each other to perform a process that includes the following: system. [EEE19] The system according to EEE18, wherein the first audio device further has a microphone, the second audio device further has a speaker, and the second audio device adjusts the audio output of the second audio device in response to information relating to the detected audio signal of the first audio device. [EEE20] A non-temporary computer-readable medium storing a computer program for controlling an audio device to reduce the audibility of sounds produced by the audio device, wherein the audio device includes a processor, memory, speakers, and network components, and the computer program is executed by the processor: A step of generating an audio output by the speaker located in the first position; The steps include: receiving information related to a detected audio signal corresponding to the audio output detected at the second location by the network component from a second location different from the first location; The processor performs the steps of determining the audio transfer function of the detected audio signal based on the information; The processor modifies the audio output based on the audio transfer function. Control the audio device to perform a process that includes the following: Computer-readable media.

[0098] Several aspects are described below. [Aspect 1] A method for reducing the audibility of sounds produced by an audio device, the method being: The first step involves the audio device generating an audio output at a first position; A step of detecting a detection audio signal corresponding to the audio output at a second position different from the first position; The steps include: communicating information related to the detected audio signal to the audio device; The steps include: determining an audio transfer function for attenuating one or more frequency bands of the audio output based on the information provided by the audio device; The step of modifying the audio output by applying the audio transfer function to the audio device, The audio transfer function is determined based on the measured transmission characteristics between the first and second positions, taking into account the level of ambient noise at the second position. method. [Aspect 2] The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the ambient noise is determined by comparing information related to the detected audio signal with the audio output. [Aspect 3] The method according to embodiment 1 or 2, further comprising determining whether the ambient noise masks one or more frequency bands in the detected audio signal, wherein in response to determining that the ambient noise masks one or more frequency bands in the detected audio signal, the audio transfer function does not attenuate the frequency bands of the audio output corresponding to the one or more masking frequency bands. [Aspect 4] The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein determining the audio transfer function includes comparing the information relating to the detected audio signal, the information relating to the audio output, and at least one threshold. [Aspect 5] The audio output and the detected audio are divided into at least three spectral bands; Perform a spectral band-by-band comparison of the detected audio with a band-specific threshold level; This includes attenuating only the spectral band of the audio output where the detected audio exceeds a band-specific threshold level. The method described in aspect 4. [Aspect 6] The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein a physical barrier separates the first position from the second position. [Aspect 7] The method according to embodiment 6, wherein the audio device determines the audio transfer function of the detected audio signal in accordance with the audio output modified by the physical barrier. [Aspect 8] The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the audio device is a first audio device, a second audio device located at the second position detects the detected audio signal, and the second audio device communicates the information relating to the detected audio signal to the first audio device. [Aspect 9] The method according to embodiment 8, wherein the first audio device modifies the audio output at the same time that the second audio device detects the detected audio signal. [Aspect 10] The method according to embodiment 8, wherein the second audio device detects the detected audio signal during the setup phase, the first audio device determines the audio transfer function during the setup phase, and the first audio device modifies the audio output during the operation phase following the setup phase. [Aspect 11] The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the one or more frequency bands of the audio output are defined according to the physiological response of human hearing. [Aspect 12] The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein modifying the audio output includes attenuating one or more frequency bands of the audio output by one or more different amounts. [Aspect 13] The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the audio output is modified using at least one of loudness leveling and loudness region processing. [Aspect 14] The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the audio transfer function is determined based on the measured transmission characteristics between the first position and the second position and the physiological response of human hearing. [Aspect 15] The ambient noise level at the second location is continuously detected using a microphone; This further includes using machine learning to identify at least one pattern in the detected ambient noise level. The audio output is modified based on the audio transfer function and the at least one pattern. The method described in any one of the descriptions in paragraphs 1 to 14. [Aspect 16] The audio device includes multiple speakers, and the audio output can be modified as follows: This includes controlling the speaker directivity using the plurality of speakers and adjusting the position response of the audio output such that the level of the detected audio signal at the second position is reduced. The method described in any one of the descriptions in paragraphs 1 to 15. [Aspect 17] Audio devices; Processor; Memory; Speakers; and A device having network components, The aforementioned processor is: A step of generating an audio output by the speaker located in the first position; The network component receives information related to the detected audio signal corresponding to the audio output detected at a second position different from the first position; The processor determines, based on the information, an audio transfer function for attenuating one or more frequency bands of the audio output; The processor applies the audio transfer function to modify the audio output. The audio device is configured to control the device to perform a process that includes the following: The processor determines the audio transfer function based on the measured transmission characteristics between the first and second positions, taking into account the level of ambient noise at the second position. Device. [Aspect 18] A first audio device having a processor, memory, speakers, and network components; A system comprising a processor, memory, a microphone, and a second audio device having network components, The processors of the first audio device and the second audio device are: A step of generating an audio output by the speaker of the first audio device located in the first position; A step of detecting a detection audio signal corresponding to the audio output by the microphone of the second audio device at a second position different from the first position; The steps include: communicating information related to the detected audio signal from the second location to the network component of the first audio device via the network component of the second audio device; The first step is to determine, based on the information, an audio transfer function for attenuating one or more frequency bands of the audio output, using the processor of the first audio device; The first step involves the processor of the audio device modifying the audio output by applying the audio transfer function. The first audio device and the second audio device are configured to control the first audio device and the second audio device to perform a process including the following: The processor of the first audio device determines the audio transfer function based on the measured transmission characteristics between the first and second positions, taking into account the level of ambient noise at the second position. system. [Aspect 19] The system according to embodiment 18, wherein the first audio device further has a microphone, the second audio device further has a speaker, and the second audio device adjusts the audio output of the second audio device in response to information relating to the detected audio signal of the first audio device. [Aspect 20] A non-temporary computer-readable medium storing a computer program for controlling an audio device to reduce the audibility of sounds produced by the audio device, wherein the audio device includes a processor, memory, speakers, and network components, and the computer program is executed by the processor: A step of generating an audio output by the speaker located in the first position; The steps include: receiving information related to a detected audio signal corresponding to the audio output detected at the second location by the network component from a second location different from the first location; The processor determines, based on the information, an audio transfer function for attenuating one or more frequency bands of the audio output; The processor modifies the audio output by applying the audio transfer function. This controls the audio device to perform processing including the following: The processor determined the audio transfer function based on the measured transmission characteristics between the first and second positions, taking into account the level of ambient noise at the second position. Computer-readable media. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0099] [Patent Document 1] European patent application EP0414524A2, published February 27, 1991. [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0121097 [Patent Document 3] ES application ES2087020A2, published July 1, 1996 [Patent Document 4] ES application ES2087020A2 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Proposal No. 2012 / 0195447

Patent document 6

Patent document 7

Patent document 8

Non-licensed literature

[0100] [Non-licensed document 1] BCJ Moore, B. Glasberg, T. Baer, ​​"A Model for the Prediction of Thresholds, Loudness, and Partial Loudness", Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, Vol.45, No.4, April 1997, pp.224-240

Claims

1. 1. A method for reducing the audibility of a sound produced by an audio device, the method comprising: generating an audio output by the audio device at a first location; detecting, at a second location different from the first location, a detected audio signal corresponding to the audio output in a plurality of frequency bands; determining an audio transfer function for attenuating one or more frequency bands of the audio output based on the detected audio signal and a plurality of thresholds, where for a given frequency band, the audio transfer function attenuates the given frequency band of the audio output when the given frequency band of the detected audio signal exceeds a corresponding threshold; and modifying, by the audio device, the audio output by applying the audio transfer function. method.

2. and communicating to the audio device information related to the detected audio signal, the audio device determining the audio transfer function based on the information. The method of claim 1.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the audio device is a first audio device, a second audio device detects the detected audio signal at the second location, and the second audio device communicates the information related to the detected audio signal to the first audio device.

4. the second audio device detects the detected audio signal during a setup phase, the first audio device determines the audio transfer function during the setup phase, and the first audio device modifies the audio output during an operation phase following the setup phase; During the setup phase, the first audio device outputs a test audio output covering a range of frequencies, and the second audio device receives a detected test audio signal corresponding to the test audio output; the audio transfer function attenuates a particular frequency band in the test audio output when the detected test audio signal exceeds a corresponding threshold for that particular frequency band. The method of claim 3.

5. communicating information related to the detected audio signal to a server device; transmitting the audio transfer function from the server device to the audio device. The method of claim 1.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the audio device is a first audio device, a second audio device detects the detected audio signal at the second location, and the second audio device communicates the information related to the detected audio signal to the server device.

7. the second audio device detects the detected audio signal during a setup phase, the server device determines the audio transfer function during the setup phase, and the first audio device modifies the audio output during an operation phase following the setup phase; During the setup phase, the first audio device outputs a test audio output covering a range of frequencies, and the second audio device receives a detected test audio signal corresponding to the test audio output; the audio transfer function attenuates a particular frequency band in the test audio output when the detected test audio signal exceeds a corresponding threshold for that particular frequency band. The method of claim 6.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of thresholds are defined according to a physiological response of human hearing.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first threshold for the first frequency band differs from the second threshold for the second frequency band according to a physiological response of human hearing.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein modifying the audio output comprises attenuating the one or more frequency bands of the audio output by one or more different amounts.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the audio transfer function is determined based on measured transmission characteristics between a first position and a second position.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the measured transmission characteristic takes into account a level of ambient noise at the second location.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the ambient noise is determined by comparing information related to the detected audio signal with the audio output.

14. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining whether the ambient noise masks one or more frequency bands in the detected audio signal, and in response to determining that the ambient noise masks one or more frequency bands in the detected audio signal, the audio transfer function does not attenuate frequency bands of the audio output that correspond to the one or more frequency bands that are masked.

15. dividing the audio output and the detected audio signal into at least three spectral bands; performing a comparison of the detected audio signal for each spectral band with a band-specific threshold level; attenuating only those spectral bands of the audio output in which the detected audio signal exceeds a band-specific threshold level.

15. The method of claim 14.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, controls an apparatus to perform processes including the method of claim 1.

17. Audio devices; a processor; and 1. A device having a speaker, the processor is configured to control the audio device to generate an audio output by the audio device at a first location; a detected audio signal is detected at a second location different from the first location, the detected audio signal corresponding to the audio output in a plurality of frequency bands; an audio transfer function is determined based on the detected audio signal and a plurality of thresholds to attenuate one or more frequency bands of the audio output, where for a given frequency band, the audio transfer function attenuates the given frequency band of the audio output when the given frequency band of the detected audio signal exceeds a corresponding threshold; the processor is configured to control the audio device to modify the audio output by applying the audio transfer function. Device.

18. the audio device is a first audio device including the processor and the speaker, and a system includes the first audio device, the system further comprising: has a second audio device, the second audio device is configured to detect the detected audio signal at the second location, the second audio device is configured to communicate the information related to the detected audio signal to the first audio device, and the processor is configured to control the first audio device to determine the audio transfer function based on the information.

18. The apparatus of claim 17.

19. It also has a server device, the server device is configured to receive information related to the detected audio signal, the server device is configured to determine the audio transfer function based on the information, and the server device is configured to transmit the audio transfer function to the audio device.

18. The apparatus of claim 17.

20. the audio device is a first audio device including the processor and the speaker, and a system includes the first audio device, the system further comprising: has a second audio device, the second audio device is configured to detect the detected audio signal at the second location, and the second audio device is configured to communicate the information related to the detected audio signal to the server device.

20. The apparatus of claim 19.

Images