Audio Sets Research Articles

Vibration-isolating and sound isolating system for vehicle

An engine is supported on a vehicle body frame through an active vibration-isolating device. The vibration of the engine is prevented from being transmitted to the vehicle body frame by controlling the active vibration-isolating device. A speaker is disposed within a vehicle compartment. The noise is reduced by adaptively controlling the speaker based on a rotational speed of the engine and a noise detected by a microphone disposed within the vehicle compartment. Thus, the vibration and noise characteristics of the vehicle can be improved by a synergic effect of reducing both the vibration and the noise. Further, because the microphone is inexpensive and the speaker for an audio set can be used without any modification, the present invention can be achieved with a low cost.

Preliminary Investigations into 3D Auditory Attitude Displays: Comparing Training and Methods to Display Azimuth and Elevation

Audio displays have the capability to off-load the oversaturated visual channel for completing multiple tasks simultaneously. The challenge is designing audio symbology to portray complex information, and knowing how long to train people so they can effectively transfer the meaning of the information to the task at hand. This study evaluated two audio symbology sets and four training sessions to determine the most effective way of incorporating audio information into an aircraft task. The audio symbology varied by 1) localizing the audio information in both azimuth and elevation, and 2) localizing the audio information in azimuth and changing the tonal quality of the audio information to represent elevation. Training and feedback sessions were interspersed with the data collection sessions to increase the amount of training participants received over time. Results showed that changing the tonal quality to represent elevation information was significantly more effective than using localized elevation audio information. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in performance when varying the amount of training.

Audio signal amplifier circuit and portable telephone set and portable electronic device using the same audio signal amplifier circuit

An audio signal amplifier circuit includes an external output terminal of an IC to which an output line of a power amplifier circuit is connected, a first resistor connected between a certain terminal of the IC other than the external output terminal and a feedback input of a differential amplifier circuit, a first capacitor connected between the external output terminal and a loud speaker, a second capacitor between the certain terminal of the IC and a wiring line between the external output terminal and the loud speaker, a filter circuit provided on a signal input side of the differential amplifier circuit and including a second resistor and a third capacitor for attenuating signal components having frequencies in a middle and high frequency ranges and voltage follower means provided between an input stage and an output stage of the audio signal amplifier circuit, wherein the first capacitor is a small capacitor having a capacitance value in the order of 30 μF or smaller and an attenuation characteristics of the first capacitor and an impedance of the loud speaker in a low frequency range is compensated for by a relative amount of increase of amplification gain in the low frequency range determined by a time constant of the second capacitor and the first resistor and a time constant of the third capacitor and the second resistor.

Apparatus and method for controlling source of sound emitted from a mobile terminal

An apparatus is provided for controlling the source of sound emitted from a mobile terminal used in a wireless communication system. The apparatus comprises a housing defining first and second acoustic ports communicating with the exterior of the mobile terminal. A switch is disposed in the housing for movement between a first position where the switch covers the first port to substantially prevent sound produced by a speaker from passing to the exterior of the mobile terminal while allowing sound to pass from the second port. In the second position, the switch covers the second port to substantially prevent sound from passing through the second port to the exterior of the mobile terminal while allowing sound to pass from the first port. A controller distinguishes among the different operating modes of the mobile terminal and is operable to access a plurality of audio settings representative of the sound level to be emitted which is associated each operating mode. A motive device in communication with the controller moves the switch between the first position to the second position for changing the source of sound from the mobile terminal depending on the operating mode.

The Effect of Audio Attitude Symbology on Unusual Attitude Recovery for General Aviation Pilots

Eight general aviation pilots participated in a series of unusual attitude recovery tasks to determine the effect of the addition of audio symbology to visual symbology on performance. Two audio symbology sets were tested including a non-localized set of recovery commands, and a set of localized “fly-to” cues. Results showed that there was no significant difference in performance among the visual only condition, the visual plus non-localized audio commands, and the visual plus localized cues. There were, however, significant differences in performance based on the initial climb/dive angle condition of the unusual attitudes.

Le dépassement du conflit diglossique en Corse : implications pédagogiques et didactiques chez les maîtres bilingues de l’école primaire

It is an established fact that Corsican teachers do not elude the effects of diglossia on any individual. Nevertheless, the implementation in state primary schools of Corsican and French bilingual teaching relying on an equal hourly representation, entitles to anticipate the richness of experiences in such fields as mutual relations and the management of school multilingualism. Using a set of audio and video recordings done in february 2004 in five bilingual school sites in Corsica, this research endeavours to match in a relevant way the sociolinguistic and didactic aspects of the implementation of bi(multi) lingualism. What emerges from all that is that the introduction of Corsican at school results in the surpassment of diglossia, restores the social role of primary school in the management of cultural diversities, acts on motivation, prepares to individual bilingualism and backs up the didactics of languages and of language (both written and oral).

Scratch characteristics for non-vinyl pre-coated metal sheet using the simple U-bending process

This study has been performed to investigate scratch characteristic of non-vinyl pre-coated metal (PCM) sheet. Using simple U-bending test equipment, three non-vinyl PCM sheets were tested. This paper provides the results of bending tests showing the influence of sheet surface, tool material and process conditions. It was found that the punch and die clearance and tool material had an effect upon the scratch characteristic. Scratch characteristic under conditions of varying die material and die radius that play important roles among the different factors of scratch occurrence were examined. This investigation aims to clarify the process conditions that prevent the scratching of PCM to form good electrical appliances such as microwave ovens, air conditioners, audio sets and refrigerators.

MPEG-4, or Why Efficiency is Much More than Just a Compression Ratio

MPEG-4 gives a set of tools for the efficient representation of multimedia content, in several respects. The MPEG-4 standard is much more than just a set of audio and video codecs, but rather an entire system that supports this efficient representation. The tools include efficient, binary, realtime language for scene description: Binary Format for Scenes (BIFS). BIFS is designed to allow mixing of media, be they video, graphics, text, or computer-generated content. This means that not all media types need to be treated as moving video pixels, which allows a more efficient representation, with higher quality as a bonus. Similar concepts apply to audio. This paper also explains how scalability options can allow more efficient data representation in many environments. — There are good business reasons that make MPEG-4 an efficient choice. Using proprietary formats may seem cost-effective at first glance, but comes with hidden expenses. Open standards, responsibly upgraded, allow significant cost savings, while fostering efficiency-improving innovations. MPEG-2 gives a clear example.

666 Ways to Ambush the Future

For some time, I have been concerned with uses and abuses of the future, how the exchange of temporally loaded language through conversation and text affects the pace, moods and behaviour of individuals, communities, cultures and civilisations. I am equally curious about Christianity which as a narrative structure begins with creation but awaits a conclusion. Whether it is religions announcing ten-point plans to attain paradise quickly, or cults encouraging group passes to heaven through suicide, it is the future end that counts. Whether it be ego-theologists -- as I prefer to call those pastors who proclaim the 'you are/they are god' creed -- scalping spiritual quick-fixes at the local entertainment centre, with a McDonald's-like serving of 'Would you like a blessing with that?', or the visiting soulwinner from New South Wales distributing 'Mark of the Beast' warning pamphlets, the future conclusion of the Christian narrative plays the lead.

A Quantitative Analysis Of Instructor-Student Verbal Interaction In A Two-Way Audio Two-Way Vidoe Distance Education Program

The purpose of this study was to establish a quantitative baseline analysis and description of the verbal interaction between instructors and students in simultaneous two-way audio and video distance education settings. Additionally, the nature of the interactions of students and instructors based upon their physical location in this distance learning environment was investigated The design was causalcomparative with data collected using observational methods, distinguished by a lack of random assignment of subjects and nonequivalent groups. The sample was purposefully drawn from classes taught over a videoconferencing network during the spring semester of 1995. The classroom observation instrument used was an expanded version of Johnson's (I986) Cognitive Interaction Analysis System. Descriptive statistics are reportedfor all IO categories in the CIAS. The levels of classroom interaction found in these settings were not fundamentally different than those found in traditional classroom settings described in the literature. Significantly different levels of both total and cognitive student talk were found The interaction between the instructor and the location of the student was significant in determining the total amount of student talk and the amount of cognitive student talk. Diff erences among instructors contributed to both amount and type of student talk at local and remote sites. Students at remote sites contributed significantly higher levels of non-cognitive student talk.

An 0.8-μm CMOS mixed analog-digital integrated audiometric system

This paper presents a dual-channel fully integrated audiometric system, which generates the complete set of audio and control signals required for exhaustive audiometric tests. The system includes a novel signal generator, based on the direct digital synthesis technique, which fulfils the requirements of advanced audiometric tests. The proposed system faces two different problems, namely, the generation of a finely tunable pure sinewave and the generation of noise signals with a controlled spectrum. To achieve tuning capabilities down to 1 Hz at 20 kHz and 15 /spl mu/Hz at 100 Hz, a fractional division of a 40-MHz master clock based on noise-shaping techniques is performed. Moreover, for noise generation, a novel circuit based on pseudorandom sequences combined with analog switched-capacitor filters is used. The chip is fabricated in a 0.8 /spl mu/m CMOS process and occupies a 24.2 mm/sup 2/ silicon area. It consumes 45 mW from a single 5 V power supply and achieves less than -90 dB crosstalk between the channels.

Are Movies Too Loud?

Over the past few years, the subject of movies getting louder has generated increasing concern within the film production community. In addition, it has become commonplace for moviegoers to claim that movies are too loud. Many theatres now project films at an audio fader setting below the calibration setting that would match that in the dubbing theatre, presumably because of audience complaints. The following material discusses some of the issues that can be described as sound-track loudness. What is a measure of loudness for a movie? Why do theatres turn the sound down? Have new sound formats (Dolby SR and more recently the digital formats, Dolby SR.D, Sony SDDS, and DTS) exacerbated the perceived loudness problem? This paper describes an investigation aimed at defining perceived long-term sound-track loudness with a meter reading, and some data are presented.

Volumne and tone control circuit for acoustic reproduction sets

The invention is a volume and tone control circuit for audio sets which will not distort a signal when the volume is adjusted to maximum regardless of the tone. The circuit has a volume control in the form of a variable resistor with an intermediate fixed terminal, one end connected to an input terminal, the other end grounded, and a movable contact connected to an output terminal; an attenuation circuit connected to said input terminal; and, a tone control circuit connected between the output of said attenuation circuit and the intermediate fixed terminal. The degree of attenuation of the attenuation circuit is set so that the maximum gain of the attenuation circuit and the tone control circuit does not exceed 1. The position of the intermediate fixed terminal is determined so that amplitude-versus-frequency characteristics of the output signal become flat when the movable contact of volume control is set to maximum. The circuit will not distort a signal even at maximum volume, maintaining maximum gain of low and high pitched sounds.

Robotic Office Room to support office work by human behavior understanding function with networked machines

This paper proposes a novel human-robot symbiosis system named a Robotic Office Room (ROR). The understanding, recording and retrieving of telephone call behavior are successfully demonstrated as a typical example of an office work-supporting function of ROR. A unique object model is proposed, which accumulates information concerning motion of the object. This model enables the system to understand human behavior, not by monitoring the motion of the human, but by monitoring the motion of the object-typically, a telephone or pen. Since the model requires the system to pay spatial and temporal attention only to the target object and related motions, it saves computing power. Repertoires of understandable behavior can easily be expanded by simply adding new object models. The ROR is equipped with networked machines. The concept of "ubiquitous link" consisting of unique image channels and remote control channels is proposed. The image channel and the remote control channel utilize TV images and either ultrasonic waves or infrared rays, respectively. Such cooperative support of humans by networked machines is realized that when a human starts to talk on the phone, the ROR not only starts to record the image of the human's behavior, utilizing a VCR, but also turns down the volume on an audio set. The experiment proved the feasibility of the ROR as an integrated robotic system to support human office work.

Operability of Car Audio Controls

A study was conducted to examine ease of use and operational feel of car audio switches. For ease of use, the location of the audio set on an instrument panel and the arrangement of the audio controls were considered. For operational feel, the force of audio controls was considered. The result made clear a range of locations of the audio set and the arrangement of the controls for easy operation. Furthermore, a range of preferred force for pushbutton controls was obtained. The knowledge gained through this study was used to improve greatly the operability of our car audio set.