An electronic apparatus that includes a first port configured to receive an incoming audio signal, a second port, and a controller configured to be coupled to the first port and the second port. The electronic apparatus further includes a switch configured to selectively decouple the controller from the second port when the first port receives the incoming audio signal. Decoupling the controller prevents an electrostatic discharge occurring on the second port from reaching the controller when the controller is receiving the incoming audio signal from the first port.

A signal processing system includes microphone units connected in series and a host device connected to one of the microphone units. Each of the microphone units has a microphone, a temporary storage memory, and a processing section for processing the sound picked up by the microphone. The host device has a non-volatile memory in which a sound signal processing program for the microphone units is stored. The host device transmits the sound signal processing program read from the non-volatile memory to each of the microphone units. Each of the microphone units temporarily stores the sound signal processing program in the temporary storage memory. The processing section performs a process corresponding to the sound signal processing program temporarily stored in the temporary storage memory and transmits the processed sound to the host device.

A method and device, e.g. a headset, for notifying a user of a mute state of a primary microphone during a call, in case the user speaks while the primary microphone is muted. The method comprises performing a noise cancellation algorithm (ENC) on output signals from the primary microphone and on output signals from an additional microphone capturing sound in the user's surroundings to suppress surrounding noise at the user location. Further processing output signals from the primary microphone according to a Voice Activity Detection (VAD) algorithm by means of a processor system while the primary microphone is muted. The VAD algorithm is used to determine if speech is present, and next it is determined if an additional condition if fulfilled. Then, finally providing a mute state notification to the user only if it is determined that speech is present and the additional condition is fulfilled.

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.

According to an aspect, an apparatus may include a media streaming device including electronic circuitry configured to receive media content wirelessly from a media content source, and an audio output cord segment having a first end portion configured to be coupled to an audio input port of the media streaming device, and a second end portion configured to be coupled to an audio rendering device, where the electronic circuitry is further configured to transmit audio content through the audio output cord segment to the audio rendering device.

A signal processing system includes microphone units connected in series and a host device connected to one of the microphone units. Each of the microphone units has a microphone, a temporary storage memory, and a processing section for processing the sound picked up by the microphone. The host device has a non-volatile memory in which a sound signal processing program for the microphone units is stored. The host device transmits the sound signal processing program read from the non-volatile memory to each of the microphone units. Each of the microphone units temporarily stores the sound signal processing program in the temporary storage memory. The processing section performs a process corresponding to the sound signal processing program temporarily stored in the temporary storage memory and transmits the processed sound to the host device.

A Bluetooth (BT) device includes a host processor and a BT controller coupled by a Host Controller Interface (HCI) including a Host Controller Transport Layer and a HCI Driver. The host processor implements an applications layer and includes HCI firmware for communicating via the Host Controller Transport Layer with the BT controller. The BT controller includes a processor coupled to a memory and to a transceiver, and a RF driver. The HCI firmware also includes HCI command code for a user to define a topology of the BT network including configuring the BT device in a current chain including a plurality of BT devices including configuring from which BT device it receives data from and which BT device it forwards data to. For communicating data across the BT network the BT device forwards the data without host processor involvement in at least resending the data back to its BT controller.

The present disclosure generally concerns multi-function control of one or several audio playback devices, such as one or several speakers of a home music system. In one example embodiment described herein, a user interface arrangement for controlling multiple functions of one or several audio playback devices comprises first and second rotatable knobs (110A; HOB). The first rotatable knob (100A) has a first rotational axis extending in a first axial direction, wherein the first rotatable knob (100A) is rotatable around said first rotational axis to control a first function and wherein the first rotatable knob (100A) is further configured to be displaced axially in said first axial direction of the first rotational axis to control a second function. Furthermore, the second rotatable knob (HOB) has a second rotational axis extending in a second axial direction, wherein the second rotatable knob (HOB) is rotatable around said second rotational axis to control a third function and wherein the second rotatable knob (HOB) is further configured to be displaced axially in said second axial direction of the second rotational axis to control a fourth function.

A Bluetooth (BT) device includes a host processor and a BT controller coupled by a Host Controller Interface (HCI) including a Host Controller Transport Layer and a HCI Driver. The host processor implements an applications layer and includes HCI firmware for communicating via the Host Controller Transport Layer with the BT controller. The BT controller includes a processor coupled to a memory and to a transceiver, and a RF driver. The HCI firmware also includes HCI command code for a user to define a topology of the BT network including configuring the BT device in a current chain including a plurality of BT devices including configuring from which BT device it receives data from and which BT device it forwards data to. For communicating data across the BT network the BT device forwards the data without host processor involvement in at least resending the data back to its BT controller.

An object information acquiring apparatus includes a detector including m-number of probes to which a voltage is supplied and a current/voltage conversion circuit which converts a current into a voltage, a receiver processing electric signals from the probes, and a relay board respectively relaying power distribution lines between the electrical power source and the probes and signal wirings between the receiver and the probe, wherein the relay board receives input of signal wirings and power distribution lines from n-number (m n) of probes among the m-number of probes, connects the signal wirings from the n-number of probes to the receiver, and connects, to the electrical power source side, the power distribution lines of a number that is fewer than the power distribution lines from the n-number of probes.