A camera system with image and audio capture capabilities is configured to protect the internal audio components from the external environment. The camera system includes an internal audio assembly with a microphone and an audio circuit board. The audio circuit board is structured such that a gap exists within the board that allows transmission of sound waves from external the environment to the microphone. The audio assembly also includes a compressible annulus, a support annulus, and a waterproof membrane coupled by a support structure. The waterproof membrane protects the internal components from moisture while still allowing transmission of sound waves. The support structure, compressible annulus, support annulus, and audio circuit board are structured such that a gap exists above the microphone and underneath the waterproof membrane.

A hearing aid with wireless transmission function is disclosed, comprising a microphone for receiving an ambient sound and outputting it to an audio processing and hearing compensation module; the audio processing and hearing compensation module for processing the sound, amplifying and compressing the sound according to preset hearing compensation parameters, and outputting a processed sound signal to a sound generator (a loudspeaker); and functional control keys for adjusting land controlling various functions, such as adjusting volume, selecting listening program, answering phone, and turning on/off the disclosed. The audio processing and hearing compensation module of the disclosed processes and adjusts the sound according to preset hearing compensation parameters, an audio wireless transmission module is connected and fitted with an audio signal input end of the audio, processing and hearing compensation module, thereby replacing a complicated wired programming manner, realizing wireless fitting and greatly facilitating use by elderly users and hearing-impaired persons.

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first speaker, a first microphone, a storage unit storing a reference signal, and a controller configured to, when the reference signal is output through the first speaker, receive a first signal input through the first microphone and a second signal input through a second microphone of an external electronic device and determine whether to use the first microphone or the second microphone based on at least one of the first signal input through the first microphone and the second signal input through the second microphone.

A semiconductor device and its manufacturing method are presented. The manufacturing method includes providing a substrate structure; forming a first metal layer on the substrate structure; forming a second metal layer on the first metal layer; forming a first oxide layer on the second metal layer at a first temperature; and conducting the remaining manufacturing processes including thermal processes at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature. This method reduces the concentration of the first metal diffused into the surface of the second metal layer during the thermal processes, thus reducing the amount of the oxide of the first metal formed on the surface of the second metal layer. Therefore, it is beneficial to the establishment of metal wire connections.

This application relates to methods and apparatus for digital microphones. Disclosed is a digital microphone apparatus (300) for outputting a digital output signal (DATA) at a sample rate defined by a received clock signal (CLK). The apparatus includes a band splitter (302) configured to receive a microphone signal (S.sub.MD) indicative of an output of a microphone transducer and split said microphone signal into first signal path (S.sub.P1) for frequencies in a first band and a second signal path (S.sub.P2) for frequencies in a second band, the frequencies of the second band being higher than the frequencies in the first band. A modulation block (304) is configured to operate on the second signal path to down-convert signals in the second signal path from the second frequency band to a lower frequency band.

A laser-based device or sensor includes: a first laser transmitter having a first self-mix carrier frequency; a second laser transmitter having a second, different, self-mix carrier frequency; a first monitor photodiode to receive a first optical signal from the first laser transmitter, and to output a first electric signal; a second monitor photodiode to receive a first optical signal from the second laser transmitter, and to output a second electric signal; an electric connection to connect together the first electric signal and the second electric signal, forming a combined electric signal; a single laser receiver to receive the combined electric signal and to generate from it a spectrum that corresponds to both (i) self-mix signal of the first laser transmitter, and (ii) self-mix signal of the second laser transmitter. Alternatively, a single monitor photodiode is used, receiving self-mix signals from multiple laser transmitters, and outputting a single electric signal to a single laser receiver.

Functional jewelry is disclosed. A bracelet includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a main control unit, and positional and situational sensors, typically including an accelerometer, as well as a decorative, interchangeable fascial layer. The bracelet may also include sensors such as capacitive touch sensors, a microphone, and a color sensor. A radio transceiver within the bracelet is adapted to implement a protocol such as BLUETOOTH 4.0, and is adapted to allow the bracelet to communicate in peer-to-peer or master-slave mode. Two users can pair their bracelets in person, usually with a gestural trigger, for shared light displays, multi-player games, and other types of interactions. Larger groups can pair temporarily and contextually for multi-user displays and interactions, in an ad hoc network with distributed functions. Real-world interactions are communicated to a social network with profiles linked to the individual bracelets.

An integrated circuit, a circuit assembly and a method for operation the integrated circuit are disclosed. In embodiments an integrated circuit includes at least one supply voltage terminal configured to receive a supply voltage for operation of the integrated circuit, at least one input terminal configured to receive an analog input signal corresponding to an audio signal, at least one output terminal configured to provide an analog output signal, a signal strength detector configured to detect a signal strength of the analog input signal provided at the at least one input terminal and a signaling circuit configured to indicate an amplification setting of the integrated circuit at the at least one output terminal, wherein the integrated circuit is configured to amplify the audio signal based on the detected signal strength and to output a corresponding amplified signal at the at least one output terminal.

Systems and methods are disclosed in which a playback device transmits a first sound signal including a predetermined waveform. In one example, the playback device receives a second sound signal including at least one reflection of the first sound signal. The second sound signal is processed to determine a location of a person relative to the playback device, and a characteristic of audio reproduction by the playback device is selected, based on the determined location of the person.

A biasing circuit providing power to a microphone is disclosed. The biasing circuit includes a first impedance element, a second impedance element, a detection circuit and a control circuit. The first impedance element has a first impedance and is coupled between a first power node and a first terminal of the microphone. The second impedance element has a second impedance and is coupled between a second terminal of the microphone and a second power node. The detection circuit is coupled between the first and second terminals and generates a detection signal according to an analog signal generated by the microphone. The control circuit adjusts the first and second impedances according to the detection signal.