Patent Publication Number: US-11024143-B2

Title: Audio events tracking systems and methods

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This relates generally to the field of sensing and detecting, and more specifically to an apparatus for detecting audio sound patterns. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Users in hostile sound environments, e.g., concerts, large gatherings, festivals, are only able to hear some of the louder audio sounds, e.g., higher amplitude sound signals. Amongst missed audio sounds, are the emergency audio sounds such as requests for help, gunshots, or sudden impact noises due to car accidents. In such instances, a system is required to detect emergency sound patterns, e.g., ad hoc sounds, and notify the users and/or emergency centers, e.g., police stations, 911, for help. The system further needs to determine a location where the emergency takes place. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the present disclosure can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, a more detailed description can be had by reference to aspects of some illustrative embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an audio events tracking system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an audio events tracking system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of an audio events tracking device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  are flowcharts illustrating a method of audio events tracking in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of audio events tracking in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an audio events tracking system in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     In accordance with common practice some features illustrated in the drawings cannot be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of some features can be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings cannot depict all of the components of a given system, method or device. Finally, like reference numerals can be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Described herein are an apparatus and methods thereof for audio events tracking. According to some embodiments, the audio events tracking system includes a plurality of devices which is in communication with a controller through a network. The apparatus is configured to receive, from one or more of the plurality of devices, one or more notifications indicating that one or more audio sound patterns have been detected. In some embodiments, the plurality of devices is in communication with a controller through a network. The plurality of devices and the controller can communicate through a wireless network, e.g., a Wi-Fi network, an LTE network, etc. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices is a smartphone. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices includes a microphone to detect the audio signals. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices uses any suitable method to detect vibrations caused by the audio signals. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices includes a receiver, a memory and one or more processors. In some embodiments, the receiver is configured to receive audio signals from the surrounding. The one or more processors are in communication with the memory and the receiver. The receiver can include a microphone or any suitable device to detect audio signals. In some embodiments, the receiver receives one or more audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more audio signals are received from one or more sources. In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store one or more criteria to detect certain types of audio signals from the one or more audio signals received by the receiver. In some embodiments, the memory stores instructions on how to use the one or more criteria. In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store further instructions to respond to detecting certain types of audio signals received from the surrounding. In some embodiments, the one or more processors are configured to process the received audio signals based on the stored criteria in the memory. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus determines whether a same audio sound pattern is detected by two or more of the devices. In some embodiments, once the one or more processors associated with a device of the plurality of devices determine that one or more received audio signals include at least one audio sound pattern that satisfies the one or more criteria stored in the memory, the device notifies the controller. According to some embodiments, the one or more criteria include at least one of a frequency of the audio signals, an amplitude of the audio signals, a speed of sound of the audio signals, and a sound pattern of the audio signals, a direction of the audio signals. In some embodiments, one or more audio sound patterns are stored in the memory associated with each of the plurality of devices. 
     In some embodiments, the audio sound pattern is a sound pattern indicative of an emergency event, e.g., a security alarm, a car alarm, a gunshot, etc. For example, the controller determines that more than one device has detected an alarm. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to transmit a notification to each device associated with the same audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, in association with transmitting the notification, an application is launched on each device. In some embodiments and, the application produces at least one of a sound, a vibration, and a flashing light. In some embodiments, the controller sends notification only to authorized devices. In some embodiments, the device is at least one of a smart phone, a smart watch, a laptop, a pager, and a tablets. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, a device includes one or more processors, non-transitory memory, and one or more programs; the one or more programs are stored in the non-transitory memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors and the one or more programs include instructions for performing or causing performance of the operations of any of the methods described herein. In accordance with some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium has stored therein instructions which when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform or cause performance of the operations of any of the methods described herein. In accordance with some implementations, a device includes means for performing or causing performance of the operations of any of the methods described herein. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. 
     It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including”, “comprises”, and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context. 
     It should be appreciated that in the development of any actual implementation (as in any development project), numerous decisions must be made to achieve the developers&#39; specific goals (e.g., compliance with system and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development efforts might be complex and time consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art of image capture having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a simplified block diagram of an audio events tracking system  10  is depicted, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the audio events tracking system  10  includes a plurality of devices, e.g., a first device  110 , a second device  112 , . . . , and an m&#39;th device  114 . The plurality of devices is in communication with a controller  130  through a network (not shown). The plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , and the controller  130  can communicate through a wireless network, e.g., a Wi-Fi network, an LTE network, etc. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , is a smartphone. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , is a smart watch. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , is a pager. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , is a Personal Digital Assistance (PDA). In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , includes a microphone to detect the audio signals. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , uses any suitable method to detect vibrations caused by the audio signals. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , detects audio signals from the surrounding environment. The audio signals, e.g., acoustic waves, are longitudinal waves that propagate by means of adiabatic compression and decompression. The longitudinal waves are waves that have the same direction of vibration as their direction of travel. In some embodiments, an acoustic wave is a mechanical wave in which pressure variation propagates through a material. In some embodiments, audio signals. e.g., acoustic waves, transfer sound energy from one point to another without any net movement of the air particles or other media they pass through. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , includes a receiver, a memory and one or more processors. In some embodiments, the receiver is configured to receive audio signals from the surrounding. The one or more processors are in communication with the memory and the receiver. The receiver can include a microphone or any suitable device to detect audio signals. In some embodiments, the receiver receives one or more audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more audio signals are received from one or more sources. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , includes the memory which is configured to store one or more criteria to detect certain types of audio signals from the one or more audio signals received by the receiver. In some embodiments, the memory stores instructions on how to use the one or more criteria. In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store further instructions to respond to detecting certain types of audio signals received from the surrounding. In some embodiments, the at least one of the plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , includes the one or more processors which are configured to process the received audio signals based on the stored criteria in the memory. 
     According to some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a frequency of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include an amplitude of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a speed of sound of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a sound pattern of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a direction of the audio signals. In some embodiments, one or more audio sound patterns are stored in the memory associated with each of the plurality of devices. In some embodiments, the one or more processors determine whether each of the one or more audio signals includes an audio sound pattern that satisfies the one or more criteria stored in the memory. 
     In some embodiments, once the one or more processors associated with a device of the plurality of devices determine that one or more received audio signals include at least one audio sound pattern that satisfies the one or more criteria stored in the memory, the device notifies the controller  130 . In some embodiments, each of the plurality of devices, e.g., the first device  110 , the second device  112 , and the m&#39;th device  114 , sends a notification, e.g., a first notification  120   a , a second notification  120   b , . . . , an m&#39;th notification  120   c , to the controller  130 . In some embodiments, each of the plurality of devices sends one notification for each detected audio sound pattern detected by the device. Therefore, in some embodiments, any of the plurality of devices sends any number of notifications to the controller  130 . In some embodiments, the audio sound pattern is a sound pattern indicative of an emergency event. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  130  determines whether a same audio sound pattern is detected by two or more of the devices. For example, the controller  130  determines that more than one device has detected an alarm. In some embodiments, the controller  130  transmits a notification to each device associated with the same audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, for each of the same sound patterns detected by two or more of the devices, the controller  130  determines a location of the same audio sound pattern based on one or more criteria. In some embodiments, the controller  130  transmits a notification to each device associated with each of the same audio sound patterns. In some embodiments, the notification includes a location of the same audio sound pattern, e.g., a location of first emergency  140   a , a location of second emergency  140   b , . . . , a location of n&#39;th emergency  140   c.    
     In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller  130  is a time the audio sound pattern is detected. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller  130  is a duration of the audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller  130  is a frequency of the audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller  130  is an amplitude of the audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller  130  is a speed of the audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller  130  is a direction of the audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller  130  is and an aggregation of information from two or more of the devices. 
     In some embodiments, upon determining the location of the audio sound pattern, the controller  130  transmits a notification to at least one of a police station near the location of the audio sound pattern, a fire department near the location of the audio sound pattern, and an emergency center near the location of the audio sound pattern. 
     In some embodiments, in association with transmitting the notification, an application is launched on each device. In some embodiments, the application produces at least one of a sound, a vibration, and a flashing light. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a simplified block diagram of an audio events tracking system  20 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, a plurality of devices, e.g., a device  210 , a device  212 , a device  214 , are in communication with a controller  230 . In some embodiments, the plurality of devices is in communication with a controller  230  through a network (not shown). The plurality of devices, e.g., the device  210 , the device  212 , and the device  214 , and the controller  230  can communicate through a wireless network, e.g., a Wi-Fi network, an LTE network, etc. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices, e.g., the device  210 , the device  212 , and the device  214 , is a pager. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices is a PDA. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices includes a microphone to detect the audio signals. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices uses any suitable method to detect vibrations caused by the audio signals. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices detects audio signals from the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of devices includes a receiver, e.g., a receiver  210   a , a receiver  212   a , a receiver  214   a , a memory, e.g., a memory  210   b , a memory  212   b , a memory  214   b , and one or more processors, e.g., one or more processors  210   c , one or more processors  212   c , more or more processors  214   c . In some embodiments, each receiver is configured to receive audio signals from the surrounding, e.g., audio signals  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c , . . . ,  200   d  received by the device  210 , audio signals  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c , . . . ,  202   d  received by the device  212 , audio signals  204   a ,  204   b ,  204   c , . . . ,  204   d  received by the device  214 . The one or more processors associated with each of the plurality of devices are in communication with the memory and the receiver of each respective device. The receiver can include a microphone or any suitable device to detect audio signals. In some embodiments, the receiver receives one or more audio signals. 
     In some embodiments, each of the plurality of devices includes an authentication and authorization engine, e.g.,  210   d ,  212   d ,  214   d . In some embodiments, each authentication and authorization engine determines whether the respective device is an authorized device, before sending the notification. In some embodiments, the authentication and authorization process is performed by the one or more processors associated with each of the plurality of devices. 
     In some embodiments, the memory of each of the plurality of devices is configured to store one or more criteria to detect certain types of audio signals from the one or more audio signals received by the receiver. In some embodiments, the memory stores instructions on how to use the one or more criteria. In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store further instructions to respond to detecting certain types of audio signals received from the surrounding. In some embodiments, the one or more processors of each of the plurality of devices are configured to process the received audio signals based on the stored criteria in the memory. 
     According to some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a frequency of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include an amplitude of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a speed of sound of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a sound pattern of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a direction of the audio signals. In some embodiments, one or more audio sound patterns are stored in the memory associated with each of the plurality of devices. In some embodiments, the one or more processors determine whether each of the one or more audio signals includes an audio sound pattern that satisfies the one or more criteria stored in the memory. 
     In some embodiments, once the one or more processors associated with each of the plurality of devices determine that one or more received audio signals include at least one audio sound pattern that satisfies the one or more criteria stored in the memory, the device notifies the controller  230 . In some embodiments, each of the plurality of devices sends a notification, e.g., a first notification  220   a , a second notification  220   b , . . . , an m&#39;th notification  220   c , to the controller  230 . In some embodiments, each of the plurality of devices sends one notification for each detected audio sound pattern detected by the device. Therefore, in some embodiments, any of the plurality of devices sends any number of notifications to the controller  230 . In some embodiments, the audio sound pattern is a sound pattern indicative of an emergency event. 
     In some embodiments, once the authentication and authorization engine determines that the device is an authorized device, the notification is sent to the controller  230 . In some embodiments, once the authentication and authorization engine determines that the device is not an authorized device, the notification is not sent to the controller  230 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a first device  30  according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a first device  300  is held by an active base  320 . In some embodiments, the first device  300  includes a memory  310 , one or more processors  312 , and at least one sensor  314 . In some embodiments, the sensor  314  is configured to receive audio signals from the surroundings. In some embodiments, the one or more processors  312  are in communication with the memory  310  and the sensor  314 . The sensor  314  can include a microphone or any suitable device to detect audio signals. In some embodiments, the sensor  314  receives a set of audio signals. In some embodiments, the set of audio signals is received from one or more sources. 
     In some embodiments, the memory  310  is configured to store one or more criteria to detect certain types of audio signals from the one or more audio signals received by the receiver. In some embodiments, the memory stores instructions on how to use the one or more criteria. In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store further instructions to respond to detecting certain types of audio signals received from the surrounding. In some embodiments, the first device  300  includes the one or more processors which are configured to process the received audio signals based on the stored criteria in the memory. 
     According to some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a frequency of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include an amplitude of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a speed of sound of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a sound pattern of the audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria include a direction of the audio signals. In some embodiments, one or more audio sound patterns are stored in the memory associated with the first device. In some embodiments, the one or more processors determine whether each of the one or more audio signals includes an audio sound pattern that satisfies the one or more criteria stored in the memory. 
     In some embodiments, once the one or more processors  312  determine that one or more received audio signals include at least one audio sound pattern that satisfies the one or more criteria stored in the memory, the first device  300  notifies a controller  322 . In some embodiments, the first device  300  sends a notification to the controller  322 . In some embodiments, the first device  300  sends one notification for each detected audio sound pattern detected by the first device  300 . Therefore, in some embodiments, the first device  300  sends any number of notifications to the controller  322 . In some embodiments, the audio sound pattern is a sound pattern indicative of an emergency event. In some embodiments, the one or more processors  372  perform above-mentioned tasks. 
     In some embodiments, the first device  300  is a smartphone. In some embodiments, the first device  300  is a smart watch. In some embodiments, the first device  300  is a pager. In some embodiments, the first device  300  includes a microphone to detect the audio signals. In some embodiments, the first device  300  uses any suitable method to detect vibrations caused by the audio signals. 
     In some embodiments, the active base  320  is configured to protect the second device  130  mechanically and against tracking or spying. In some embodiments, the active base  320  includes a controller  322 , a power supply  324 , a memory  330 , one or more processors  372 , and a local communication device  340  to communicate with the first device  300 . The active base  320  can have one or more moveable components, e.g., a hood, operable to slide to one or more positions, e.g., up or down, as well as non-moveable components. In such embodiments, the one or more moveable components, when in a first position, e.g., hood pushed down, are mateable, e.g., mechanically and/or electrically, with the non-moving components to form a housing assembly  325 , e.g., a housing. The housing  325  forms an enclosure that at least partially support and hold a first device  300 , e.g., a partial enclosure or a whole enclosure encapsulating the first device  300 . When in certain position(s), the housing  325 , along with other components of the active base  320 , protects the personal communication device  300  against tracking or spying, e.g., by audio jamming, camera covering, and/or RF shielding, etc. When the one or more moveable components of the housing  325  are in certain other position(s), e.g., hood slid up, a user can take the first device  300  out of the housing  325  and place the first device  300  in a non-protected mode. 
     In some embodiments, the active base  320  includes a controller  322  coupled to a peripheral interface  350  and a local communication device  340 . Embodiments of the controller  322  include hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the controller  322  is operable to manage the communication channel between the first device  300  and a supplemental functional device  360  and through the local communication device  340  and the peripheral interface  350 . In other words, the controller  322  manages a segment of the communication channel between the first device  300  and the active base  320  through the management of the local communication device  340 , and the controller  322  manages a segment of the communication channel between the active base  320  and the supplemental functional device  360  through the management of the peripheral interface  350 . 
     In addition to managing the communication channel, the controller  322  logs data in a secure area of the active base  320 . Logging data in the secure area of the active base  320  has the advantage of providing trustworthy status reports of the first device  300  for analysis in case the first device  300  has been or potentially has been compromised. For example, many high-value enterprises invest significantly to implement tight monitoring and access control within their own networks but lose visibility and control to external networks such as the cellular networks or WiFi hotspots. Once a smartphone is compromised, the status report from the phone operating system may not be trustworthy. By logging data in a secure area of the apparatus, reliable status reports can be generated for Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM), and EMM can then rely on the reliable information to limit the threat spread. 
     In some embodiments, the active base  320  includes a power supply  324 . The power supply  324  supplies power to the peripheral interface  350 , the local communication device  340 , and/or the controller  322 . In some embodiments, the power supply  324  includes at least one of a battery, a charging socket, a USB connector, a power plug, and/or a power socket. In some embodiments, the power supply  324  includes a connector for a battery. In some embodiments, the power supply  324  includes a plurality of power supplying components, e.g., one battery providing power to the peripheral interface  350 , a power plug providing power to the local communication device  340  and/or the controller  322 , etc. The plurality of power supply components can be connected to be charged together, charged separately, aggregating power to supply to one or more hardware electronic components of the active base  320 , or separately providing power to one or more hardware electronic components of the active base  320 . 
     In some embodiments, the local communication device  340  receives the information and passes to a validation engine. In some embodiments, the validation engine is stored in the memory  330  to be executed by controller  322  and validates one of more components of the first device  300  based on the information received from the local communication device  340 . In some embodiments, the active base  320  includes one or more processors  372 . 
     In some embodiments, the active base  320  includes a peripheral interface  350 , e.g., a backpack interface, to connect to a supplemental functional device  360 , e.g., a backpack. The supplemental functional device  360 , as described herein, is a device connectable to the first device  300  through the active base  320  and provides supplemental functional functions to the first device  300 . The peripheral interface  350  of the active base  320  is connectable to peripheral interface of the supplemental functional device  360 , so that a secure communication channel between supplemental functional device  360  and the first device  300  can be established. 
     In some embodiments, the housing  325  of the active case  320  at least partially supports the peripheral interface  350  of the active case  320 . For example, the peripheral interface  350  can include a number of connectors, e.g., contact pins or contact pads, connectable to the supplemental functional device  360 . In some embodiments, the connectors are affixed to the housing  325  of the active case  320  and at least partially supported by the housing  325  of the active case  320 . The connectors are mateable to the peripheral interface of the backpack  360 . In some embodiments, the peripheral interface  350  of the active case  320  is wholly supported by the housing  325  of the active case  320 , such that the peripheral interface  350  is integrated with or embedded in the housing surface. In such embodiments, connectors from the backpack  360  can be plugged into the peripheral interface  350  of the active case  320  in order to connect the backpack  360  to the active base  320 . In some embodiments, the peripheral interface  350  of the active case  320  is operable to communicate with the supplemental functional device  360  via a physical channel including communication connectors. The physical channel forms a secure channel for communication between the active base  320  and the backpack  360 . 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral interface  350  of the active case  320  and/or the backpack  360  is a wireless interface that includes a wireless modem operable to communication wirelessly. For example, the active base  320  can connect to a wireless communication enabled backpack device  360  through a wireless peripheral interface or through a wireless modem of the active case  320 . As such, a wireless communication enabled backpack  360  can communicate with the active base  320  without being in contact with the housing  325  of the active case  320  or physically connected to the peripheral interface  350  of the active case  320 . In some embodiments, the controller  322  is in the first device  310 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a flowchart of a method for audio events tracking  40 A according to some embodiments. As represented by block  410 , the method includes receiving, from one or more of the plurality of devices, one or more notifications indicating that one or more audio sound patterns have been detected. In some embodiments, the plurality of devices is in communication with a controller through a network. The plurality of devices and the controller can communicate through a wireless network, e.g., a Wi-Fi network, an LTE network, etc. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices is a smartphone. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices is a smart watch. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices is a pager. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices includes a microphone to detect the audio signals. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices uses any suitable method to detect vibrations caused by the audio signals. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of devices includes a receiver, a memory and one or more processors, as represented by block  410   a . In some embodiments, the receiver is configured to receive audio signals from the surrounding. The one or more processors are in communication with the memory and the receiver. The receiver can include a microphone or any suitable device to detect audio signals. In some embodiments, the receiver receives one or more audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more audio signals are received from one or more sources. 
     In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store one or more criteria to detect certain types of audio signals from the one or more audio signals received by the receiver. In some embodiments, the memory stores instructions on how to use the one or more criteria. In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store further instructions to respond to detecting certain types of audio signals received from the surrounding. In some embodiments, the one or more processors are configured to process the received audio signals based on the stored criteria in the memory. 
     In some embodiments, the method  40 A includes determining whether a same audio sound pattern is detected by two or more of the devices, as represented by block  420 . In some embodiments, once the one or more processors associated with a device of the plurality of devices determine that one or more received audio signals include at least one audio sound pattern that satisfies the one or more criteria stored in the memory, the device notifies the controller. 
     According to some embodiments, the one or more criteria include at least one of a frequency of the audio signals, an amplitude of the audio signals, a speed of sound of the audio signals, and a sound pattern of the audio signals, a direction of the audio signals, as represented by block  420   a . In some embodiments, one or more audio sound patterns are stored in the memory associated with each of the plurality of devices. 
     In some embodiments, the audio sound pattern is a sound pattern indicative of an emergency event, e.g., a security alarm, a car alarm, a gunshot, etc. as represented by block  420   b . For example, the controller determines that more than one device has detected an alarm. 
     In some embodiments, the method  40 A further includes transmitting a notification to each device associated with the same audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, in association with transmitting the notification, an application is launched on each device. In some embodiments and, the application produces at least one of a sound, a vibration, and a flashing light, as represented by block  430   a , In some embodiments, the controller sends notification only to authorized devices, as represented by block  430   b . In some embodiments, the device is a pager. As represented by block  430   c , in some embodiments, the device is at least one of a smart phone, a smart watch, a laptop, a pager, and a tablets. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a flowchart of a method for audio events tracking  40 B according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method  40 B includes, for each of the same sound patterns detected by two or more of the devices, determining a location of the same audio sound pattern based on one or more criteria. The method  40 B further includes transmitting a notification to each device associated with each of the same audio sound patterns, as represented by block  440 . As represented by block  440   a , in some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller is a time the audio sound pattern is detected. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller is a duration of the audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller is a frequency of the audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller is an amplitude of the audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller is a speed of the audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller is a direction of the audio sound pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more criteria used by the controller is and an aggregation of information from two or more of the devices. 
     In some embodiments, the method  40 B includes accessing one or more device of the plurality of devices. In some embodiments, the method  40 B further includes determining a location of the one or more device based on data stored in the one or more devices, as represented by block  450 . In some embodiments, the one or more devices comprises a housing arranged to hold a second device and obtains a portion of the data from the second device via a communication channel, as represented by block  450   a . In some embodiments, each of the one or more devices includes an authentication and authorization engine. In some embodiments, each authentication and authorization engine determines whether the respective device is an authorized device, before sending the notification. In some embodiments, the authentication and authorization process is performed by the one or more processors associated with each of the one or more devices. In some embodiments, determining a location of the one or more device is performed based on data stored in the one or more devices. In some embodiments, a device of the one or more devices includes a housing arranged to hold a second device and obtains a portion of the data from the second device via a communication channel between the second device and the device. 
     As represented by block  450   b , in some embodiments, the data is at least one of a location of the one or more device, an orientation of the one or more device, and a speed of the one or more device. 
     As represented by block  460 , in some embodiments the method  40 B includes, upon determining the location of the audio sound pattern, transmitting a notification to at least one of: a police station near the location of the audio sound pattern, a fire department near the location of the audio sound pattern, and an emergency center near the location of the audio sound pattern. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a flowchart of a method  50  for audio events tracking according to some embodiments. As represented by block  510 , the method  50  includes receiving, at a first device, using an audio sensor, an audio sound from a user environment. In some embodiments, the device is a smartphone. In some embodiments, the device is a smart watch. In some embodiments, the device is a pager. In some embodiments, the device includes a microphone to detect the audio signals. In some embodiments, the device uses any suitable method to detect vibrations caused by the audio signals. 
     In some embodiments, the device includes a receiver, a memory, one or more processors, and a housing to hold a second device, as represented by block  510   a . In some embodiments, the receiver is configured to receive audio signals from the surrounding. The one or more processors are in communication with the memory and the receiver. The receiver can include a microphone or any suitable device to detect audio signals. In some embodiments, the receiver receives one or more audio signals. In some embodiments, the one or more audio signals are received from one or more sources. 
     In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store one or more criteria to detect certain types of audio signals from the one or more audio signals received by the receiver. In some embodiments, the memory stores instructions on how to use the one or more criteria. In some embodiments, the memory is configured to store further instructions to respond to detecting certain types of audio signals received from the surrounding. In some embodiments, the one or more processors are configured to process the received audio signals based on the stored criteria in the memory. 
     As represented by block  520 , the method  50  includes determining, using one or more processors, whether the audio sound includes an audio sound pattern that satisfies one or more criteria. According to some embodiments, the one or more criteria include at least one of a frequency of the audio signals, an amplitude of the audio signals, a speed of sound of the audio signals, and a sound pattern of the audio signals, a direction of the audio signals, as represented by block  520   a . In some embodiments, one or more audio sound patterns are stored in the memory associated with each of the plurality of devices. 
     In some embodiments, the audio sound pattern is a sound pattern indicative of an emergency event, e.g., a security alarm, a car alarm, a gunshot, etc. as represented by block  520   b . For example, the controller determines that more than one device has detected an alarm. 
     In some embodiments, the method  50  further includes transmitting through a local communication device, a notification, to the second device, indicating that audio sound pattern has been detected, as represented by block  530 . In some embodiments, in association with transmitting the notification, an application is launched on the second device. In some embodiments, the application produces at least one of a sound, a vibration, and a flashing light, as represented by block  530   a . In some embodiments, the first device sends notification only to authorized second devices, as represented by block  530   b . In some embodiments, the device is at least one of a smart phone, a smart watch, a laptop, a pager, and a tablet. 
     In some embodiments, the method  50  further includes transmitting, by the second device, a notification to a controller in communication with the second device, as represented by block  540 . 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a server system  60  enabled with some modules associated with and/or included in a system for detecting audio sound patterns and notifying authorized users in accordance with some embodiments. In other words, in some embodiments, the server system  60  implements detecting audio sound patterns and notifying authorized users. While certain specific features are illustrated, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from the present disclosure that some other features have not been illustrated for the sake of brevity, and so as not to obscure more pertinent aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein. To that end, as a non-limiting example, in some embodiments the server system  60  includes one or more processing units (CPUs)  601 , a network interface  602 , a programming interface  603 , a memory  604 , and one or more communication buses  605  for interconnecting these and some other components. 
     In some embodiments, the network interface  602  is provided to, among other uses, establish and maintain a metadata tunnel between a cloud-hosted network management system and at least one private network including one or more compliant devices. In some embodiments, the one or more communication buses  605  include circuitry that interconnects and controls communications between system components. The memory  604  includes high-speed random-access memory, e.g., DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM or other random-access solid-state memory devices, and may include non-volatile memory, e.g., one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. The memory  604  optionally includes one or more storage devices remotely located from the one or more CPUs  601 . The memory  604  comprises a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. 
     In some embodiments, the memory  604  or the non-transitory computer readable storage medium of the memory  604  stores the following programs, modules and data structures, or a subset thereof including an optional operating system  606 , a first data obtainer module  607 , a second data obtainer module  608 , a data transmitter module  609 , a set of audio signals  610 , a set of rules  611 , audio signals sources  612 , and a set of notifications  613 . 
     The operating system  606  includes procedures for handling some basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks. In some embodiments, the first data obtainer module  607  and the second data obtainer module  608  obtain data from the client devices or the audio sound monitors. To that end, in some embodiments, the first data obtainer module  607  and the second data obtainer module  608  include instructions and/or logic  607   a  and  608   a , and heuristics and metadata  607   b  and  608   b.    
     In some embodiments, the data transmitter module  609  transmits data to the client devices or the validation engines. To that end, the data transmitter module  609  includes instructions and/or logic  609   a , and heuristics and metadata  609   b . In some embodiments, the data obtainer modules  607  and  608  obtain the set of audio signals  610  from the audio signals sources  612 . In some embodiments, the data transmitter module  609  transmits the set of notifications  613  to the data obtainer modules  607  and  608  based on the set of rules  611 . 
     The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best use the invention and various described embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.