An audio device includes a channel detection electrode and a jack detector configured to determine whether the channel detection electrode is in contact with a jack according to voltage variation of a detection node. The jack detector includes a first resistor coupled between the detection node and a first node to which a first voltage is supplied, a second resistor coupled between the detection node and the channel detection electrode, a third resistor coupled between the detection node and a second node, and a comparator configured to compare a voltage at the detection node with a reference voltage.

An audio device includes a channel detection electrode and a jack detector configured to determine whether the channel detection electrode is in contact with a jack according to voltage variation of a detection node. The jack detector includes a first resistor coupled between the detection node and a first node to which a first voltage is supplied, a second resistor coupled between the detection node and the channel detection electrode, a third resistor coupled between the detection node and a second node, and a comparator configured to compare a voltage at the detection node with a reference voltage.

An over-the-ear hearing assessment device and a method for evaluating the performance of over-the-ear hearing devices are described. An exemplary over-the-ear hearing assessment device includes an ear cup defining an interior volume and positionable at least partially over the ear of a user. The ear cup includes a shell, a cushion, and an acoustic port extending from an exterior to the interior volume of the ear cup. The acoustic port is sealably engagable with a microphone.

An over-the-ear hearing assessment device and a method for evaluating the performance of over-the-ear hearing devices are described. An exemplary over-the-ear hearing assessment device includes an ear cup defining an interior volume and positionable at least partially over the ear of a user. The ear cup includes a shell, a cushion, and an acoustic port extending from an exterior to the interior volume of the ear cup. The acoustic port is sealably engagable with a microphone.

In some embodiments, a method for processing an audio signal in an audio processing apparatus is disclosed. The method includes receiving an audio signal and a parameter, the parameter indicating a location of an auditory event boundary. An audio portion between consecutive auditory event boundaries constitutes an auditory event. The method further includes applying a modification to the audio signal based in part on an occurrence of the auditory event. The parameter may be generated by monitoring a characteristic of the audio signal and identifying a change in the characteristic.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for a privacy blocking device configured to prevent receipt, by a listening device, of video and/or audio data until a trigger occurs. A blocker may be configured to prevent receipt of video and/or audio data by one or more microphones and/or one or more cameras of a listening device. The blocker may use the one or more microphones, the one or more cameras, and/or one or more second microphones and/or one or more second cameras to monitor for a trigger. The blocker may process the data. Upon detecting the trigger, the blocker may transmit data to the listening device. For example, the blocker may transmit all or a part of a spoken phrase to the listening device.

Example techniques relate to playback based on acoustic signals in a system including a first network device and a second network device. A first network device may detect a presence of a user using a camera and/or infrared sensors. The first network device sends, in response to detecting the presence of the user, a particular signal via the first network interface. The second network device receives data corresponding to the particular signal and plays back an audio output corresponding to the particular signal.

An audio notification system for an autonomous vehicle (AV) determines that the AV is within range of a user and emits a sound though a speaker of the AV to notify that the user that the vehicle has arrived. The audio notification system may include a sensor for sensing that the user has accessed the AV, and turns off the sound in response to the user accessing the AV. The audio notification may be generated according to one or more audio options, e.g., volume, pitch, or audio pattern.

Voice coil actuators and loudspeakers containing same. The voice coil actuators include moving voice coil assemblies that have multiple segments. Each segment of a moving voice coil assembly is separately controlled by an amplifier, one channel of an amplifier, and combinations thereof utilized in combination with a position sensor that senses the position of the moving voice coil assembly. By this arrangement, the voice coil actuators produce a linear force per unit current throughout the range of motion while obtaining the benefits and advantages associated with both over-hung and under-hung voice coil actuator designs.

A sensor on an earpiece is used to attempt to detect a signal corresponding to a heartbeat. If a heartbeat is detected, it can be determined that the earpiece is being worn by a user. The sensor may be an acoustic transducer on a surface of the earpiece that is located within the wearer's ear canal, while the earpiece is being worn normally.