758 results about "Environmental sounds" patented technology

An audio privacy system reduces the intelligibility of speech in an audio signal while preserving prosodic information, such as pitch, relative energy and intonation so that a listener has the ability to recognize environmental sounds but not the speech itself. An audio signal is processed to separate non-vocalic information, such as pitch and relative energy of speech, from vocalic regions, after which syllables are identified within the vocalic regions. Representations of the vocalic regions are computed to produce a vocal tract transfer function and an excitation. The vocal tract transfer function for each syllable is then replaced with the vocal tract transfer function from another prerecorded vocalic sound. In one aspect, the identity of the replacement vocalic sound is independent of the identity of the syllable being replaced. A modified audio signal is then synthesized with the original prosodic information and the modified vocal tract transfer function to produce unintelligible speech that preserves the pitch and energy of the speech as well as environmental sounds.

Hearing systems for both hearing impaired and normal hearing subjects comprise an input transducer and a separate output transducer. The input transducer will include a light source for generating a light signal in response to either ambient sound or an external electronic sound signal. The output transducer will comprise a light-responsive transducer component which is adapted to receive light from the input transducer. The output transducer component will vibrate in response to the light input and produce vibrations in a component of a subject's hearing transduction pathway, such as the tympanic membrane, a bone in the ossicular chain, or directly on the cochlea, in order to produce neural signals representative of the original sound.

An audio beacon system, apparatus and method for collecting information on a panelist's exposure to media. An audio beacon is configured as on-device encoding technology that is operative in a processing device (e.g., cell phone, PDA, PC) to enable the device to encode an environmental sound and transmit it for a predetermined period of time. The acoustically transmitted data is received and processed by a portable audience measurement device, such as Arbitron's Personal People Meter™ (“PPM”), or other specially equipped portable device to enable audience measurement systems to achieve higher levels of detail on panel member activity and greater association of measurement devices to their respective users.

A personal audio device, such as a wireless telephone, includes an adaptive noise canceling (ANC) circuit that adaptively generates an anti-noise signal from a reference microphone signal and injects the anti-noise signal into the speaker or other transducer output to cause cancellation of ambient audio sounds. An error microphone is also provided proximate the speaker to measure the ambient sounds and transducer output near the transducer, thus providing an indication of the effectiveness of the noise canceling. A processing circuit uses the reference and / or error microphone, optionally along with a microphone provided for capturing near-end speech, to determine whether the ANC circuit is incorrectly adapting or may incorrectly adapt to the instant acoustic environment and / or whether the anti-noise signal may be incorrect and / or disruptive and then take action in the processing circuit to prevent or remedy such conditions.

A personal audio playback device having gain control responsive to environmental sounds provides for improved enjoyment of program material played back through headphones, while further providing features for personal safety and communications with others. A microphone is incorporated on the surface of the playback device, which includes an audio output connection for headphones and internal storage for audio program material. The entire device may be incorporated within the headphones, or the headphones may connect through a connector on the housing of the device. The gain, type or position of the program material is controlled in conformity with a detected characteristic of ambient sounds received by the microphone, which may be the amplitude of the signals in one or more frequency bands, or a particular type of sound, such as speech or vehicular sounds. Multiple modes are selectable for processing the audio, selecting program material type and / or re-positioning the program material.

A personal alerting device and method for detecting an approaching sound source includes a sound detector for detecting environmental sounds and for providing an electrical signal to a sound analyzer. The sound signal is analyzed to determine a baseline sound pattern comprising a plurality of distinct sounds corresponding to sounds emitted from a reference sound source. The distinct sounds in the baseline sound pattern may have substantially the same amplitude and time interval. The sound signal is monitored and compared against the baseline sound pattern to determine whether a target sound pattern is present in the sound signal, the target sound pattern corresponding to sounds emitted by the approaching sound source. When it is determined that the target sound is present in the sound signal, one or more of an audible, visual and tactile alert may be emitted to provide warning of the approaching sound source.

An ear piece for use by an individual having an external auditory canal includes an earpiece housing configured for placement within the external auditory canal of the individual, a processor disposed within the ear piece housing, at least one microphone disposed within the earpiece housing wherein the at least one earpiece is positioned to detect ambient environmental sound, and at least one speaker disposed within the earpiece housing. The ear piece is configured to detect ambient environmental sound proximate the external auditory canal of the individual using the at least one microphone and reproduce the ambient environmental sound at the at least one speaker within the earpiece housing. The processor is further configured to modify the ambient environmental sound based on shape of the external auditory canal such that audio perception of the ambient environmental sound is as if the ear piece was not present.

A model train and layout control system based on on-board sound and locomotive modules, new signaling methods, bi-directional communication, environmental sound, turnout control, train location methods, computer interaction and accessory control, by adding components to existing technology. AC power signal waveforms are variously altered to convey digital command words.

In an audio headset having one or more far-field microphones mounted to the headset; and one or more speakers mounted to the headset environmental sound may be recorded using the one or more far-field microphones and mixed with source media sound to produce a mixed sound. The mixed sound may then be played over the one or more speakers.

A soft-solid ear piece is formed to fit the typical human ear canal and will self form to fill the ear cavity by having an internal structure, endoskeleton, or bladder to expand to precisely fit the ear piece securely and comfortably in the ear canal. This self forming ear piece will enable ready-ware and custom molded hearing aids, hearing protectors, audio ear pieces, cell phone ear pieces and assistive listening devices to fit comfortably, securely, and free of acoustic feedback in the external ear canal. It creates an acoustic seal to optimally reduce peripheral leakage and intermodulation distortion delivering excellent acoustic performance while keeping environmental sounds blocked out.

The invention discloses a headphone device with automatic volume control function, which comprises a headphone loudspeaker which is used for playing audios, a microphone which is near the headphone loudspeaker and is used to collect environmental sound near ears, an environmental sound analysis module which is connected with the microphone and is used to receive environmental sound signals which is collected by the microphone and process the signals, a volume control module which is connected with the environmental sound analysis module and the headphone loudspeaker and is used to receive analyzing results of the environmental sound analysis module and control volume which is outputted by the headphone loudspeaker and whether the sound is muted or not. The invention can accurately catch the environmental sound which is listened by the ears, thereby control the volume of sound which is input by the headphone, and exclude the influence of the environmental sound to headphone playing.

An earphone adapted to fit within a human ear that generates sound via the propagation of one or more diaphragms aligned to fit the structure and shape of the earphone. The earphone allows ambient sound to pass through the device in order to be heard by the user. The earphone includes a variety of sensors adapted to characterize the surrounding acoustic environment and actively negate undesired sounds by generating a cancelling signal specific to the undesired sound or sounds. The earphone allows users to select particular sounds to cancel or to negate all of the surrounding noise. The earphone itself can be used to characterize repetitive environmental sounds that are predictable by the system. Additionally, the earphone can be used in conjunction with a buffering device in communication with a source of non-repetitive, unpredictable sounds in order to characterize and negate those sounds.

A sound system, the sound system including: (i) a processor, configured to: (a) receive a requested sound signal and an ambient sound input signal; and (b) generate a modified requested signal by processing, in response to a desired level of ambient sound that is defined by a user, the requested sound signal and the ambient sound input signal, wherein an inclusion level of the ambient sound input signal in the modified requested signal is responsive to the desired level of ambient sound; and (ii) a signal provider configured to provide the modified requested signal to multiple speakers of a headset.

A method and system for processing video signals is disclosed. The system receives a video signal, a first audio signal containing an annotation and a second audio signal containing environmental sounds corresponding to the video signal. In one embodiment the system generates searchable annotations corresponding to the video and second audio signals via the first audio signal.

An earphone comprising a moving part, adapted to close an auditory port thereby toggling the earphone from an open mode allowing environmental sounds to reach an ear of the user to a closed mode blocking the ear of the user. The closing is accomplished while the earphone is in operation. The sound capsule of the earphone may also be activated and deactivated according to the mode of the earphone.

The present invention relates to an electronic advertising system. More specifically, the present invention provides a computer based psychographic matching system that is significantly more effective and convenient for the advertiser. In the present invention, when a person places a personal ad on the system, either via a telephone or via the Internet, the person creates a personal psychographic profile (a subjective makeup of preferences) of himself by selecting his preference for various items, such as musical pieces, environmental sounds, poetry selections, etc. At the conclusion of the profiling process, the system automatically finds other advertisers (whether they placed their ad via audiotext or the Internet) whose profiles match the new advertiser's profile. The system then gives the new advertiser information on how to contact all of the recorded matches.

An improved earbud design providing for full modularity; improved and variable hearing protection, sound quality, comfort, fit, aesthetics, and signal connectivity; and the ability to maintain environmental sound directionality comprised of a multitude of new features with variable vents and membranes which dilute the harmful pneumatic effects of sound while improving its acoustic quality. A location-based transmission system provides event attendees to mix live sound with streamed sound through Ambrose Earbuds for reduced hearing risk and no quality detriments due to timing gaps, occlusion or ear tip spectral broadening, and enables noise pollution-free musical performances. A displacement-based digital compression algorithm caps maximum output air displacement as well as sound pressure level. Thus, an earbud is provided that through adjustments and modularity can act as a personal listening device, a hearing protection device and as a personal aesthetic statement with customized fit and comfort.

Systems, devices, and methods for customizable reduction of perceived ambient sounds are disclosed. Customizable reduction can be achieved via an application operable in conjunction with an audio player or a headset having a microphone.

The present disclosure relates to sound recognition devices and methods. A system is provided that utilizes a system of tonal and rhythmic visualization methods to recognize different environmental sounds so as to accurately identify certain species of wildlife and other elements of nature.

The provided mobile communication device fit to automatic adjusting ringing mode comprises: a communication unit, a memory, a sound collection device, an input unit, a CPU included an environmental ring detection module and a ringing mode setting module and a rining management module, a vibration device, and a ring device. The relative method comprises: when receiving a calling signal, collecting environmental sound to form signal and determine current environmental volume; then, adjusting the ringing mode to operate the ring and / or vibration. This invention prevents others from disturbing as loud ringing.

The invention discloses a sound effect processing method and a sound effect processing system. The sound effect processing method includes the steps of collecting original sound signals input by a user, determining a sound effect optimization goal, determining the sound effect type the sound effect optimization goal belongs to, optimizing the original sound signals according to the sound effect type to obtain optimized sound signals, and normalizing the optimized sound signals to obtained normalized sound signals. According to the sound effect processing method and the sound effect processing system, different sound effect processing schemes can be adjusted according to different environmental sound effect demands, beautified songs can be obtained in combination with normalizing and sound mixing, the karaoke entertainment function can be achieved, the actual demands of the user can be met, and the best auditory effect is provided for the user.

The invention discloses a voice controlled air conditioner, and belongs to the technical field of air conditioner design. The voice controlled air conditioner comprises an air conditioner; a control circuit board is arranged inside an indoor unit of the air conditioner; a sound sensor, a temperature sensor and a clock circuit are also arranged inside the indoor unit; the sound sensor, the temperature sensor and the clock circuit are connected with the control circuit board; the sound sensor, the temperature sensor and the clock circuit convert clock pulses in the environmental sound, the environmental temperature and the clock circuit into electrical signals, and the electrical signals are transmitted to a control circuit in the control circuit board; and the control circuit is used for controlling the running state of the air conditioner or controlling the air conditioner to stop running. When an indoor person acts to generate sound, the air conditioner can automatically enter a normal running state; and when the indoor person leaves or enters a sleep state for certain time, the air conditioner can automatically stop running.

An ANR circuit, possibly of a personal ANR device, monitors a sound level of environmental sounds detected by a microphone external to an earpiece in which the ANR circuit is providing feedback-based ANR, and increases or decreases the degree of feedback-based ANR provided in response to the external microphone detecting a higher or lower sound level, respectively. Increasing and decreasing the degree of feedback-based ANR provided may be carried out by changing a variable loop gain of the ANR circuit and / or a range of frequencies of environmental sounds attenuated by the feedback-based ANR. An ANR circuit, possibly of a personal ANR device, reduces the degree of feedforward-based ANR that it provides in response to receiving an indication of the operation of a manually-operable control. The reduction of degree of feedforward-based ANR may be effected by turning off or otherwise deactivating the provision of feedforward-based ANR, reducing a range of frequencies of environmental noisesounds attenuated by the feedforward-based ANR to provide less attenuation of sounds detected by a feedforward microphone that are in a range of frequencies deemed to be those of human speech, and / orcreating a notch in the range of frequencies of environmental noise sounds attenuated by the feedforward-based ANR to provide less attenuation of sounds detected by the feedforward microphone that are in a range of frequencies deemed to be those of human speech.

The invention discloses a method for detecting an abrupt environment and prompting based on an earphone of a mobile phone and the mobile phone. The method comprises the following steps that: while inserting the earphone into the mobile phone and playing music, turning on a microphone under the control of a background of the mobile phone and judging if a sound pressure value of the microphone exceeds a preset threshold value, and while confirming that the sound pressure value of the microphone exceeds the preset threshold value, controlling the mobile phone to temporarily stop playing music and playing a sound signal received by the microphone through the earphone. When a user listens to music by using the earphone, the microphone on the earphone of the mobile phone is utilized to detect the environmental sound; when abrupt loud sound exists around, the music is temporarily stopped under the control of the mobile phone and the environmental sound is played by the earphone, so as to achieve the function of reminding the user; when the environmental sound is eliminated, the music playing is automatically recovered; the mobile phone is endowed with new functions of detecting the abrupt environmental sound and prompting, efficiently avoiding an abrupt accident and bringing convenience to the user; and the structure of the mobile phone is simple and is easily realized.

A system and method for enhancing the sound signal produced by an audio system in a listening environment by compensating for ambient sound in the listening environment, comprises producing an audio sound in the time domain from an electrical sound signal in the time domain. The electrical sound signal in the time domain is transformed into an electrical sound signal in the frequency domain and the electrical sound signal in the frequency domain is retransformed into an audio sound in the time domain. The total sound level in the environment is measured and a signal representative thereof is generated. The audio sound signal and the total sound signal are processed to extract a signal representing the ambient sound level within the environment, and equalization is performed in the frequency domain to adjust the output from the audio sound signal to compensate for the ambient noise level.

The invention provides a headset device, which comprises a first microphone, and / or a second microphone, a micro processing unit, a wireless communication module and a loudspeaker, wherein the first microphone is arranged close to the lips of a user, and is used for acquiring a first sound signal; the second microphone is arranged far away from the lips of the user, and is used for acquiring a second sound signal; the micro processing unit has an environmental sound prompting mode; the wireless communication mode is used for establishing a wireless communication connection with external electronic equipment, transmitting an audio signal from the micro processing unit to the external electronic equipment, and receiving an audio signal from the external electronic equipment; the loudspeaker is used for playing the audio signal to the user. In the environmental sound prompting mode, environmental sounds are acquired by virtue of the first microphone and / or the second microphone, and the acquired environmental sounds are played through the loudspeaker in real time, so that the user can hear the sounds of a current environment. Therefore, the current environmental sounds can be prompted to the user.

A method and apparatus for providing information about the source of a sound via an audio device is described. An ambient sound is detected (200) and specific sounds are identified in the detected ambient sound (202). Information about the source of the identified specific sounds is determined (204). An operational control characteristic of a generated audio stream rendered by an audio device is changed (206) and information about the source is provided to the audio device upon detection of said identified specific sounds (208).