PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10530318-B2
Application Number: US-201816048161-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Audio system having variable reset volume

Abstract:
An audio system having a variable reset volume, and a method of conditionally resetting a volume parameter, are described. The audio system can include a processor to generate an audio signal for a speaker to convert into a sound. A volume parameter of the audio signal can be set before a user pauses playback of the audio signal. The processor can determine that the volume parameter is outside of a resting volume range, and that the user resumes playback of the audio signal at least a selected interval after pausing playback. The processor can responsively reset the volume parameter when playback is resumed to a different level based on one or more acoustic factors, such as an audio decay time of a surrounding environment. The different level can be within the resting volume range. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An audio system, comprising:
 a speaker; and 
 a processor configured to generate an audio signal having a volume parameter, wherein the processor is configured to:
 determine whether the volume parameter is set to a first volume level outside of a subrange of a full scale volume range when the audio signal generation is paused at a first time, 
 set the volume parameter to a second volume level when the audio signal generation is resumed at a second time, wherein the second volume level is different than the first volume level and is based on one or more acoustic factors existing at the second time in response to the first volume level being outside of the subrange at the first time and in response to the second time being more than a selected interval after the first time, and 
 send the audio signal to the speaker for conversion into sound. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The audio system of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to:
 pause the audio signal generation at the first time in response to receiving a pause command; and 
 resume the audio signal generation at the second time in response to receiving a play command. 
 
     
     
       3. The audio system of  claim 1 , wherein the second volume level is within the subrange regardless of a time difference between the second time and the first time. 
     
     
       4. The audio system of  claim 1 , wherein the second volume level is based on a time difference between the second time and the selected interval after the first time. 
     
     
       5. The audio system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more acoustic factors include an audio decay time of a surrounding environment. 
     
     
       6. The audio system of  claim 5 , wherein the one or more acoustic factors include a number of people in the surrounding environment. 
     
     
       7. The audio system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more acoustic factors include a time of day. 
     
     
       8. The audio system of  claim 1 , wherein the second volume level is the same as the first volume level in response to the second time being less than the selected interval after the first time regardless of whether the first volume level is outside of the subrange, and wherein the second volume level is different than the first volume level in response to the first volume level being a mute level regardless of whether the second time is more than the selected interval after the first time. 
     
     
       9. A method, comprising:
 generating, by a processor of an audio system, an audio signal having a volume parameter; 
 pausing, by the processor, the audio signal generation at a first time; 
 determining, by the processor, whether the volume parameter is set to a first volume level outside of a subrange of a full scale volume range at the first time; and 
 setting, by the processor, the volume parameter to a second volume level at a second time, wherein the second volume level is different than the first volume level and is based on one or more acoustic factors existing at the second time in response to the first volume level being outside of the subrange at the first time and in response to the second time being more than a selected interval after the first time. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 receiving, by the processor, a pause command at the first time, wherein the audio signal generation is paused in response to the pause command; 
 receiving, by the processor, a play command at the second time; and 
 resuming, by the processor, the audio signal generation at the second time in response to receiving the play command. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the second volume level is within the subrange regardless of a time difference between the second time and the first time. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the second volume level is based on a time difference between the second time and the selected interval after the first time. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more acoustic factors includes one or more of an audio decay time of a surrounding environment, a number of people in the surrounding environment, or a time of day. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the second volume level is the same as the first volume level in response to the second time being less than the selected interval after the first time regardless of whether the first volume level is outside of the subrange, and wherein the second volume level is different than the first volume level in response to the first volume level being a mute level regardless of whether the second time is more than the selected interval after the first time. 
     
     
       15. A non-transitory machine readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor of an audio system to cause the audio system to perform a method comprising:
 generating an audio signal having a volume parameter; 
 pausing the audio signal generation at a first time; 
 determining whether the volume parameter is set to a first volume level outside of a subrange of a full scale volume range at the first time; and 
 setting the volume parameter to a second volume level at a second time, wherein the second volume level is different than the first volume level and is based on one or more acoustic factors existing at the second time in response to the first volume level being outside of the subrange at the first time and in response to the second time being more than a selected interval after the first time. 
 
     
     
       16. The non-transitory machine readable medium of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 receiving a pause command at the first time, wherein the audio signal generation is paused in response to the pause command; 
 receiving a play command at the second time; and 
 resuming the audio signal generation at the second time in response to receiving the play command. 
 
     
     
       17. The non-transitory machine readable medium of  claim 15 , wherein the second volume level is within the subrange regardless of a time difference between the second time and the first time. 
     
     
       18. The non-transitory machine readable medium of  claim 15 , wherein the second volume level is based on a time difference between the second time and the selected interval after the first time. 
     
     
       19. The non-transitory machine readable medium of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more acoustic factors includes one or more of an audio decay time of a surrounding environment, a number of people in the surrounding environment, or a time of day. 
     
     
       20. The non-transitory machine readable medium of  claim 15 , wherein the second volume level is the same as the first volume level in response to the second time being less than the selected interval after the first time regardless of whether the first volume level is outside of the subrange, and wherein the second volume level is different than the first volume level in response to the first volume level being a mute level regardless of whether the second time is more than the selected interval after the first time. 
     
     
       21. An audio system, comprising:
 a speaker; and 
 a processor configured to generate an audio signal having a volume parameter, wherein the processor is configured to:
 determine whether the volume parameter is set to a first volume level outside of a subrange of a full scale volume range when the audio signal generation is paused at a first time, 
 set the volume parameter to a second volume level inside the subrange in response to the audio signal generation being resumed at a second time that is more than a selected interval after the first time, and 
 send the audio signal to the speaker for conversion into sound.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/593,158, filed on Nov. 30, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Aspects related to audio systems, are disclosed. More particularly, aspects related to audio systems having volume controls, are disclosed. 
     Background Information 
     Speakers are used by computers or home electronics to output sound to a listening area. A speaker array can output sound to the listening area at a user-controlled volume. The speaker may be a component of a personal device or a communal device, and may be used to play back music at different times by a same user or different users. For instance, a first user may be listening to music at a high volume at a first time, and may pause the music before leaving the listening area. A second user may subsequently enter the listening area, and may resume the music expecting the volume to be set at a lower level than the high level. The second user may be startled and disappointed when music playback resumes at the high volume instead. 
     SUMMARY 
     An audio system having a variable reset volume, and a method of conditionally resetting a volume parameter, are described. In an aspect, the audio system has a speaker and a processor configured to perform the method. For example, the processor can execute instructions stored on a non-transitory machine readable medium to cause the audio system to perform the method of conditionally resetting the volume parameter for playback of sound by the speaker. The processor can determine whether the volume parameter is set to a first volume level outside of a resting volume range when audio signal generation is paused, e.g., when a user presses “pause” on the audio system. When the audio signal generation is resumed, e.g., when the user presses “play” on the audio system, the processor can set the volume parameter to a second volume level. The second volume level can be the same or different than the first volume level depending on conditions that exist after playback was paused. 
     In an aspect, the second volume level is the same as the first volume level. For example, when the play command is entered less than a selected interval after the pause command, the processor can set the second volume level to a same level as the first volume level. The reset value can be the same as the first volume level regardless of whether the first volume level is within or outside of the resting volume range. 
     In an aspect, the second volume level is different than the first volume level. For example, when the play command is entered more than a selected interval after the pause command, and the first volume level is outside of the resting volume range, the processor can set the second volume level to a different level than the first volume level, e.g., within the resting volume range. Similarly, when the first volume level is at a mute level outside of the resting volume range, the processor can set the second volume level to a different level than the first volume level, e.g., above the mute level. The reset level may be based on acoustic factors that exist after playback is paused. For example, the processor may determine the reset level based on an audio decay time of a surrounding environment, a room gain of the audio system, or a time of day when playback is resumed. Accordingly, the processor can intelligently reset a resting volume of the audio system to provide an audible and comfortable listening experience to a user that resumes the playback. 
     The above summary does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present invention. It is contemplated that the invention includes all systems and methods that can be practiced from all suitable combinations of the various aspects summarized above, as well as those disclosed in the Detailed Description below and particularly pointed out in the claims filed with the application. Such combinations have particular advantages not specifically recited in the above summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a pictorial view of an audio system within a listening area, in accordance with an aspect. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an audio receiver of an audio system, in accordance with an aspect. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a speaker array of an audio system, in accordance with an aspect. 
         FIG. 4  is a pictorial view of a volume control scheme of an audio system, in accordance with an aspect. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a method of conditionally resetting a volume parameter of an audio system, in accordance with an aspect. 
         FIGS. 6-10  are visual representations of volume parameters being reset to various levels under respective conditions, in accordance with an aspect. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects describe an audio system having a variable reset volume, and a method of conditionally resetting a volume parameter. The audio system may be a standalone audio system, such as a smart speaker. The audio system may, however, be incorporated into other applications, such as a computer system (desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, mobile device, wearable computer, etc.), a motor vehicle, or an aircraft, to name only a few possible applications. 
     In various aspects, description is made with reference to the figures. However, certain aspects may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or in combination with other known methods and configurations. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as specific configurations, dimensions, and processes, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the aspects. In other instances, well-known processes and manufacturing techniques have not been described in particular detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the description. Reference throughout this specification to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, configuration, or characteristic described is included in at least one aspect. Thus, the appearance of the phrase “one aspect,” “an aspect,” or the like, in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, configurations, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects. 
     The use of relative terms throughout the description may denote a relative position or direction. For example, “in front of” may indicate a first direction away from a reference point. Similarly, “behind” may indicate a location in a second direction away from the reference point and opposite to the first direction. Such terms are provided to establish relative frames of reference, however, and are not intended to limit the use or orientation of an audio system to a specific configuration described in the various aspects below. 
     To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim. 
     In an aspect, an audio system sets a resting volume level after a selected time has elapsed following a pause in playback of an audio signal. The resting volume level can be automatically adjusted to a comfortable and audible level based on one or more acoustic factors within an environment surrounding the audio system. For example, when playback is resumed after the selected time has elapsed, and a room gain of the audio system is low due to a crowd of people gathering in the surrounding environment for a party, the resting volume level may be set to a relatively high level, e.g., 60% of full scale volume. By contrast, when playback is resumed after the selected time has elapsed, and the room gain is high due to the surrounding environment having few people early in the morning, the resting volume level may be set to a relatively low volume, e.g., 30% of full scale volume. Accordingly, the audio system can have a variable and “smart” reset volume that is intelligently determined based on factors such as audio decay time of the surrounding environment, a number of people in the surrounding environment, a time of day, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a pictorial view of an audio system within a listening area is shown in accordance with an aspect. An audio system  100  may operate within a surrounding environment  102 . Surrounding environment  102  may be a listening environment, such as a room, where one or more people  104  listen to sounds played by audio system  100 . For example, a number of people  104  may gather in surrounding environment  102  to listen to music played by audio system  100 . Other objects, such as furniture  106 , can occupy surrounding environment  102 . People  104  and furniture  106  can affect the acoustics of surrounding environment  102 . The acoustics and/or placement of audio system  100  within surrounding environment  102  can affect a room gain of audio system  100 . 
     Audio system  100  may include an audio receiver ( FIG. 2 ), and one or more speakers  108  used to convert an audio signal into a sound. For example, the audio receiver can be coupled to a speaker array having several speakers  108  located around an outer surface of the housing  110 . The audio receiver may include a processor configured to generate the audio signal, and the processor can output the audio signal to speaker(s)  108  for sound playback. The processor may generate the audio signal having a volume parameter, and the processor may set the volume parameter based on inputs received by the processor. For example, audio system  100  can include one or more microphones  112  coupled to the processor to receive sound reflected back from objects in surrounding environment  102 . The processor can adjust the volume parameter based on the microphone inputs, or based on any other inputs provided by audio system components. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  a block diagram of an audio receiver of an audio system is shown in accordance with an aspect. Audio receiver  202  may be an electronic device capable of driving one or more speakers  108  in the loudspeaker array. For example, audio receiver  202  may be integrated within housing  110  of audio system  100 . Alternatively, audio receiver  202  may be an external receiver, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a home theater receiver, a set-top box, and/or a mobile device such as a smartphone. Audio receiver  202  can include a processor  204  and a memory unit  206 . Processor  204  and memory unit  206  may be any suitable combination of programmable data processing components and data storage that conduct the operations needed to implement the various functions and operations of audio receiver  202 . Processor  204  can be an applications processor, and memory unit  206  can be a microelectronic, non-volatile random-access memory. An operating system may be stored in memory unit  206  along with application programs specific to the various functions of audio receiver  202 , which are to be run or executed by processor  204  to perform the various functions of audio receiver  202 . More particularly, memory unit  206  may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium storing instructions, which when executed by processor  204 , cause audio system  100  to perform any of the various methods described below. 
     Audio receiver  202  may include one or more audio inputs  208  configured to receive audio signals  208  from an external device, e.g., a remote device. For example, audio receiver  202  may receive audio signals from a remote server of a streaming media service. The audio signals  208  may represent one or more channels of a piece of sound program content, e.g., a musical composition or an audio track for a movie. For example, a single signal corresponding to a single channel of a piece of multichannel sound program content may be received by audio input  208 A via a wireless connection or audio input  208 B via a wired connection. In another example, a single signal may correspond to multiple channels of a piece of sound program content, which are multiplexed onto the single signal. Processor  204  of audio receiver  202  may receive as inputs multiple audio channel signals simultaneously, and may process these to produce several acoustic transducer drive signals to render the audio content in the input signals a sound. 
     In an aspect, audio receiver  202  may include a digital audio input that receives digital audio signals from an external device and/or a remote device. For example, audio input  208  A,B may be a TOSLINK connector or a digital wireless interface, e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN) adapter or a Bluetooth adapter. Audio receiver  202  may include an analog audio input that receives analog audio signals from an external device. For example, audio input may include a binding post, a phono plug, etc., which is designed to receive a wire or conduit and a corresponding analog signal. In an aspect, processor  204  may obtain input audio channel signals by decoding an encoded audio file, e.g., an MPEG file. 
     Audio receiver  202  may include one or more audio inputs configured to receive audio signals from another component of audio system  100 . For example, audio receiver  202  may receive audio signals from one or more microphones  112  coupled to audio input  208 B. The audio signals may represent sound reflected to audio system  100  from surrounding environment  102 . Processor  204  of audio receiver  202  may receive and process these input signals to determine acoustic factors of surrounding environment  102 , e.g., a size of the room, a placement of audio system  100  within the room, a number or placement of people  104  in the room, a number or placement of furniture  106  or decorations within the room, a noise level originating from people  104  within surrounding environment  102 , etc. 
     Audio receiver  202  may include an interface  210  for communicating with speaker  108 . Interface  210  may use wired mediums, e.g., conduit or wire, to communicate with speaker  108 . In another aspect, audio receiver  202  may be external to audio system  100 , and interface  210  may communicate with speaker  108  through a wireless connection. For example, network interface  210  may utilize one or more wireless protocols and standards for communicating with speaker  108 , including the IEEE 802.11 suite of standards, IEEE 802.3, cellular Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standards, cellular Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) standards, Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards, and/or Bluetooth standards. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  a block diagram of a speaker array of an audio system is shown in accordance with an aspect. Interface  210  may receive an audio signal  302  from processor  204  of audio receiver  202  to drive speakers  108  of the loudspeaker array. More particularly, interface  210  can provide the drive signals as audio signals to drive each speaker  108 . Audio system  100  may include power amplifiers (PAs)  304  for amplifying drive signals sent to each of speakers  108  of audio system  100 . Audio system  100  may include digital-to-analog converters (DACs)  306  for converting the drive signals from the digital domain into the analog domain. PAs and DACs can be integrated into housing  110  of audio system  100 . Accordingly, audio signal  302  generated by processor  204  can be provided to speaker  108  to convert audio signal  302  into a sound  308 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  a pictorial view of a volume control scheme of an audio system is shown in accordance with an aspect. Processor  204  can generate audio signal  302  having a volume parameter  402 . For example, volume parameter  402  may be an amplitude of audio signal  302 , or data encoded in audio signal  302  representing an amplification value or playback volume for sound  308 . Speaker  108  may output sound  308  at a volume corresponding to volume parameter  402 . The output volume of sound  308  may be represented on an output volume range  404 . Output volume range  404  may be a full-scale range of a sound output capability of speaker  108 . More particularly, output volume range  404  may be a range between a mute level  409  when speaker  108  has 0% output and is not emitting sound  308 , to a full scale level  410  when speaker  108  has 100% output and is emitting sound  308  at a maximum capability. 
     A user may enter a command (e.g., physical or voice) to set volume parameter  402  at any level within output volume range  404 . For example, the user may physically manipulate a volume-up or a volume-down control (e.g., a button) located on housing  110 , a remote control, or a remote smartphone display. The physical command entered by the user can send a command signal to processor  204  to raise or lower volume parameter  402  of audio signal  302  within output volume range  404 . 
     Volume parameter  402  may be set within a resting volume range  405  of output volume range  404 . Resting volume range  405  may be a selected subrange of the full scale volume range. For example, resting volume range  405  may extend from a lower limit  406  having a selected value higher than mute level  409 , e.g., 10% of full scale level  410 , to an upper limit  408  having a selected value lower than full scale level  410 , e.g., 65% of full scale level  410 . The lower limit and upper limit presets may be selected to provide a comfortable range of volume to a user that resumes playback without knowledge of a volume setting when playback was paused. For example, resting volume range  405  may provide sound output that is both audible and not jarring when playback is resumed. 
     A typical use case is described here to preface the more detailed examples described below. A user may start playback of music and set volume parameter  402  to a level that is outside of resting volume range  405 . For example, the user may set volume parameter  402  below lower limit  406  when studying late at night or above upper limit  408  when exercising in the morning. The user may pause playback, e.g., after studying or exercising, and leave the room. Alternatively, the user may adjust volume parameter  402  outside of resting volume range  405  after playback is already paused, and then leave the room. After a selected time interval, e.g., an hour, the same user or another user may enter the room and provide a play command to resume playback of music. Processor  204  may automatically reset volume parameter  402  to a level within resting volume range  405  to play sound  308  that is not too low (in the case of the previous playback being below lower limit  406 ) or too high (in the case of the previous playback being above upper limit  408 ). The reset level for volume parameter  402  may be a selected level, e.g., 30% when the previous playback is below lower limit  406  or 65% when the previous playback is above upper limit  408 . Volume parameter  402  may be reset and “rest” at the reset level at any time after the selected time interval until playback is resumed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  a flowchart of a method of conditionally resetting a volume parameter  402  of an audio system  100  is shown in accordance with an aspect. Resetting volume parameter  402  to rest at a selected reset level may not suit all instances of playback resumption. For instance, resetting volume parameter  402  to a resting level of 30% when the previous playback is below the lower limit  406  may not be suitable when playback is resumed during a party with many people present. Similarly, resetting volume parameter  402  to a resting level of 65% may not be suitable when playback is resumed when a sleeping baby is in the room. More particularly, the selected reset level may be too loud or too quiet for the circumstances existing when playback is resumed. Accordingly, processor  204  may intelligently determine and set the reset level based on conditions existing after the selected time interval, e.g., when playback is resumed, as described below. 
     At operation  502 , processor  204  of audio system  100  generates audio signal  302  having volume parameter  402 . Audio signal  302  may be reproduced for listening by people  104  in surrounding environment  102 . At operation  504 , a user may provide a pause command at a first time. Processor  204  can receive the pause command, and in response, pause audio signal generation at the first time. When the pause command is received, volume parameter  402  may be set to a first volume level, which may be inside or outside of resting volume range  405 . 
     At operation  506 , the same user or a different user may provide a play command at a second time after the first time. Processor  204  can receive the play command, and in response, resume audio signal generation. Prior to resuming audio playback, however, processor  204  can set volume parameter  402  to an appropriate level based on one or more acoustic factors existing at the second time. In other words, processor  204  may perform several logical operations (between operation  506  and operation  508 ) to conditionally reset volume parameter  402  to a second volume level either before or at the second time. At operation  508 , processor  204  may resume audio signal generation at the second time, and the resumed audio signal  302  can have volume parameter  402  equal to the second volume level. 
     At operation  510 , as a condition to resetting volume parameter  402 , processor  204  can determine whether volume parameter  402  is set to a first volume level within a volume range. Processor  204  can determine whether volume parameter  402  is outside of resting volume range  405 . The determination may be made when audio signal generation is paused. For example, the determination may be made at the first time when the pause command is received, or subsequently after a selected interval has passed. 
     The determination of whether volume parameter  402  is within resting volume range  405  can be a first condition to determine the reset level for volume parameter  402 . For example, at  512 , when volume parameter  402  is determined to be within resting volume range  405  at the first time, the second volume level may be set equal to the first volume level of volume parameter  402  when playback was paused. The second volume level can be within resting volume range  405  regardless of any other conditions. For example, the second volume level can be within resting volume range  405  regardless of a time difference between a second time when audio signal generation is resumed, and the first time when audio signal generation was paused. Processor  204  may then set volume parameter  402  to a second volume level within resting volume range  405  and resume audio signal generation at operation  508 . 
     When processor  204  determines that volume parameter  402  is not within resting volume range  405  at the first time, processor  204  may determine, as a condition to resetting volume parameter  402 , whether sound reproduction was muted when audio playback was paused. More particularly, at operation  514 , processor  204  can determine whether the first volume level of volume parameter  402  was equal to mute level  409  when playback was paused. At operation  516 , when the first volume level is at mute level  409 , processor  204  can reset the second volume level to a level that is different than the first volume level when playback was paused. The second volume level can be different than mute level  409  regardless of any other conditions. For example, the second volume level can be different than the first volume level regardless of the time difference between a second time when audio signal generation is resumed, and the first time when audio signal generation was paused. Processor  204  may then resume audio signal generation at operation  508 . 
     Operation  514  is optionally included to address a special use case. More particularly, resetting volume parameter  402  to a level higher than mute level  409  addresses the case where the user mutes and then pauses audio playback (or vice versa). The mute/pause sequence may be accidental or intentional, however, it is presumed that the same user or a different user wishes to hear sound when resuming playback. Thus, resetting volume parameter  402  to a level different than mute level  409  at operation  516  avoids the confusion that could occur if a user provided a play command expecting to hear sound and instead heard nothing. 
     At operation  518 , when processor  204  determines that volume parameter  402  is not set to mute level  409  at the first time, processor  204  may determine whether the second time (when audio signal generation is resumed) is more than a selected interval after the first time (when audio signal generation is paused). The selected interval can be an interval that corresponds to an amount of time over which the resting volume adjustment should start. For example, the selected interval may be one hour, which may correspond to an amount of time over which either the user who paused music playback has transitioned behaviors, e.g., stopped exercising and engaged in a phone call, or over which another user has entered the room and resumed music playback. The interval may be set as a timer within the instructions executed by processor  204 . 
     In an aspect, when processor  204  determines that the second time is within the selected interval after the first time, the second volume level may be set equal to the first volume level (operation  512 ). More particularly, processor  204  may set the second volume equal to the first volume in response to the second time being less than the selected interval after the first time. This non-adjustment, i.e., not changing the level of volume parameter  402 , may occur regardless of whether the first volume level is outside of resting volume range  405 . More particularly, when playback is resumed, processor  204  may reset volume parameter  402  to a different level only when either the first volume level is at mute level  409  or the play command is received only after a selected interval has lapsed following the pause command. 
     At operation  516 , when processor  204  determines that the first volume level is outside of resting volume range  405  (operation  510 ), the first volume level is not mute level  409  (operation  514 ), and the second time is more than the selected interval after the first time, processor  204  can reset the second volume level to a level that is different than the first volume level. Processor  204  may then resume audio signal generation at operation  508 . 
     In an aspect, when processor  204  resets volume parameter  402  to the second volume level different than the first volume level, the second volume level is based on one or more acoustic factors. The acoustic factors may exist at the second time when audio signal generation is resumed. Adjusting the reset volume based on the acoustic factors can provide a dynamically determined reset value that is audible and comfortable for the user. For example, the acoustic factors that are used as inputs to determine the second volume level of volume parameter  402  can include parameters corresponding to surrounding environment  102  or objects contained therein, parameters corresponding to audio system  100 , parameters corresponding to the circumstances existing when audio playback is resumed, and/or any other suitable factors. 
     In an aspect, processor  204  resets volume parameter  402  based on acoustic factors corresponding to surrounding environment  102 . Determination of a reset value for volume parameter  402  may depend on a reverberation of sound produced by audio system  100  in surrounding environment  102 . For example, the one or more acoustic factors may include an audio decay time of surrounding environment  102 . The audio decay time may be a T 60  of the sound produced by audio system  100 , which can be defined as the time required for reflections of the sound  308  to decay 60 dB within surrounding environment  102 . Processor  204  can automatically detect the audio decay time by outputting sound  308  using speaker  108  and monitoring the sound reflections using microphone  112 . When the audio decay time of surrounding environment  102  is high, it can indicate a large room and/or low absorption within the room (e.g., a sparsely populated room). Accordingly, processor  204  may reset volume parameter  402  to a lower setting, such as between lower limit  406  and a midpoint of resting volume range  405 . By contrast, when the audio decay time of surrounding environment  102  is low, it can indicate a small room and/or high absorption within the room (e.g., a crowded room). Accordingly, processor  204  may reset volume parameter  402  to a higher setting, such as between the midpoint of resting volume range  405  and upper limit  408 . 
     In another aspect, a room gain of audio system  100  corresponds to the audio decay time of sound  308  generated by speaker  108  and may be calculated as T 60  divided by the sound volume. Accordingly, one or more acoustic factors can include the room gain of audio system  100 , and like the dependence on audio decay time, the second volume level of volume parameter  402  may be inversely proportional to the room gain. In other words, if audio system  100  is in a room that has high room gain, the reset value of volume parameter  402  may be set closer to lower limit  406  than if audio system  100  is in a room that has less room gain. Although the room gain is directly proportional to the audio decay time and can be measured accordingly, factors influencing room gain may be detected or measured separately. 
     Room gain of audio system  100  can be influenced by a size of surrounding environment  102 . Accordingly, the one or more acoustic factors used to determine the reset value for volume parameter  402  may include the size of surrounding environment  102 , e.g., a volume of the room. The room size may be selected from a user interface during an initial setup of audio system  100 . For example, a user may make a selection of “small room,” “medium room,” or “large room,” or may enter one or more of width, height, or length dimensions of the room into the user interface. 
     Room gain of audio system  100  can be influenced by an amount of acoustic absorption within surrounding environment  102 . Accordingly, the one or more acoustic factors used to determine the reset value for volume parameter  402  may include information about the objects within surrounding environment  102 . For example, an acoustic factor may include a number of objects, e.g., people  104 , furniture  106 , or decorations, located within surrounding environment  102 . Information about furniture  106  or the decorations may be entered or selected during the initial setup of audio system  100 . 
     In an aspect, the number of users can be detected by audio system  100 . One or more of people  104  within surrounding environment  102  may have a mobile device or a wearable computer on their person that is detectable through a wireless local area network or a personal area network. For example, audio system  100  and the mobile devices of the users can be running a same operating system that provides an ad-hoc service to enable audio system  100  to detect the presence of the mobile devices. Processor  204  of audio system  100  can detect the number of devices, and accordingly, may infer that a same number of people  104  is within surrounding environment  102 . The information may be used as one of the acoustic factors in determining the reset value of volume parameter  402 . For example, when audio system  100  detects more than a threshold number of people  104  within surrounding environment  102 , volume parameter  402  may be reset within an upper half of resting volume range  405 . By contrast, when audio system  100  detects fewer than the threshold number of people  104 , volume parameter  402  may be reset within a lower half of resting volume range  405 . 
     Audio system  100  can listen to surrounding environment  102  to determine the audio decay time, as described above, or may listen to determine other room characteristics in order to adjust the reset value of volume parameter  402 . In an aspect, microphones  112  of audio system  100  can detect noise within surrounding environment  102  to determine whether an atmosphere of the room is noisy or quiet. The noise information may be used as one of the acoustic factors in determining the reset value of volume parameter  402 . For example, when audio system  100  detects more than a threshold amount of noise within surrounding environment  102 , volume parameter  402  may be reset within an upper half of resting volume range  405 . By contrast, when audio system  100  detects less than the threshold amount of noise, volume parameter  402  may be reset within a lower half of resting volume range  405 . 
     Audio system  100  can also detect a relative placement between speakers and external surfaces. The relative placement can be a factor in determining the reset value for volume parameter  402 . For example, when audio system  100  is placed near a wall, the room gain of audio system  100  may increase. Accordingly, audio system  100  may emit and receive acoustic signals to detect whether a wall of surrounding environment  102  is nearby. When processor  204  determines that audio system  100  is near a wall, e.g., in a corner of surrounding environment  102 , volume parameter  402  may be reset based on the room gain. More particularly, when audio system  100  is not near the wall, e.g., more than a selected distance from the wall, volume parameter  402  may be reset within an upper half of resting volume range  405 . By contrast, when audio system  100  is near the wall, e.g., within the selected distance from the wall, volume parameter  402  may be reset within a lower half of resting volume range  405 . Similar adjustments may be made based on detection of a proximity of people  104  to audio system  100 . Audio system  100  may emit and/or monitor acoustic signals directed at nearby people  104  to determine whether people  104  are close to audio system  100 . When audio system  100  is not near people  104 , e.g., more than a selected distance from people  104 , volume parameter  402  may be reset within an upper half of resting volume range  405 . By contrast, when audio system  100  is near people  104 , e.g., within the selected distance from people  104 , volume parameter  402  may be reset within a lower half of resting volume range  405 . 
     Processor  204  can utilize other acoustic factors to determine the reset value for volume parameter  402 . By way of example, processor  204  can set volume parameter  402  to the second volume level based in part on a time of day. When audio playback is resumed during nighttime hours, e.g., between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. local time, it may be presumed that audio system  100  is being used during quiet hours. Accordingly, volume parameter  402  may be reset within a lower half of resting volume range  405 , e.g., between 25-35% of full scale volume. By contrast, when audio system  100  detects that audio playback is resumed during daytime hours, volume parameter  402  may be reset within an upper half of resting volume range  405 , e.g., between 50-60% of full scale. Processor  204  can set nighttime and daytime hour ranges during an initial setup by a user. 
     Processor  204  can determine the reset value of volume parameter  402  based on one or more of the factors described above. For example, processor  204  may combine information about the time of day and the noise within surrounding environment  102  to determine whether audio system  100  is truly being used in a quiet-time scenario. By way of example and not limitation, when processor  204  detects that playback is resumed during nighttime hours but the room is noisy, it may assume that a party is happening and volume parameter  402  may be reset within the upper half of resting volume range  405 . Combinations of acoustic factor inputs to determine a volume parameter output may be performed through weighting of factors, logical operations, etc. 
     Setting volume parameter  402  to the second volume level different than the first volume level may involve setting volume parameter  402  within resting volume range  405 . Examples of the second volume level being within resting volume range  405  are described further with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 8-10  below. The reset value need not be within resting volume range  405 , however. In an aspect, volume parameter  402  is set to the second volume level different than the first volume level and outside of resting volume range  405 . Examples of the second volume level being outside of resting volume range  405  are described further with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 10  below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a visual representation of a volume parameter being reset to a level when the first volume level is within resting volume range  405  is shown in accordance with an aspect. Processor  204  of audio system  100  generates audio signal  302  having volume parameter  402  (operation  502 ). Volume parameter  402  may begin between lower limit  406  and upper limit  408 , and may be gradually or immediately increased to a first volume level  602 . A user may provide a pause command  604  at a first time  606  (operation  504 ). Processor  204  can receive the pause command  604 , and in response, pause audio signal generation at first time  606 . 
     The same user or a different user may provide a play command  608  at a second time  610  after first time  606  (operation  506 ). Prior to resuming audio playback, processor  204  can set volume parameter  402  to an appropriate level based on one or more acoustic factors existing at second time  610 . Processor  204  can determine whether first volume level  602  is outside of resting volume range  405  (operation  510 ). In the example of  FIG. 6 , first volume level  602  is within resting volume range  405 . Accordingly, processor  204  may set volume parameter  402  to a second volume level  612  within resting volume range  405 , e.g., equal to first volume level  602  (operation  512 ). 
     The second volume level  612  can be set within resting volume range  405  regardless of a relationship between second time  610  and a selected interval  614  after first time  606 . The selected interval  614  may be monitored by a timer of processor  204 , and a timeout signal  616  may be registered by processor  204  when the selected interval  614  expires at a timeout time  618 . In any case, there may be a time difference  620  between timeout time  618  when the timer expires and second time  610  when playback resumes. The time difference  620  may be positive (second time  610  follows timeout time  618 ) or negative (timeout time  618  follows second time  610 ). When first volume level  602  at first time  606  is within resting volume range  405 , however, second volume level  612  can be within resting volume range  405  regardless of whether time difference  620  is positive or negative. Audio generation may be resumed at second time  610  with volume parameter  402  set to second volume level  612  (operation  508 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a visual representation is shown of a volume parameter  402  being reset to a level when the first volume level  602  is mute level  409  and the second time  610  is during the selected interval  614  after the first time  606 . Processor  204  of audio system  100  generates audio signal  302  having volume parameter  402  (operation  502 ). Volume parameter  402  may begin between lower limit  406  and upper limit  408 , and may be gradually or immediately decreased to a level outside of resting volume range  405 . For example, first volume level  602  may be below lower limit  406 , e.g., at mute level  409 , when a user provides pause command  604  at first time  606  (operation  504 ). Processor  204  can receive the pause command  604 , and in response, pause audio signal generation at first time  606 . 
     The same user or a different user may provide a play command  608  at second time  610  after first time  606  (operation  506 ). Prior to resuming audio playback, processor  204  can set volume parameter  402  to an appropriate level based on one or more acoustic factors existing at second time  610 . Processor  204  can determine whether first volume level  602  is outside of resting volume range  405  (operation  510 ). In the example of  FIG. 7 , first volume level  602  is outside of resting volume range  405 . Accordingly, processor  204  may proceed to determine whether audio playback was paused when sound  308  reproduction was muted (operation  514 ). In the example of  FIG. 7 , first volume level  602  is equal to mute level  409  at first time  606 . When the first volume level  602  is mute level  409 , processor  204  can reset second volume level  612 . More particularly, processor  204  can reset second volume level  612  of volume parameter  402  to a level that is different than first volume level  602  when playback was paused (operation  516 ). Second volume level  612  can be different than mute level  409  regardless of whether time difference  620  is positive or negative (it is negative in  FIG. 7 ). Audio generation may be resumed at second time  610  with volume parameter  402  set to second volume level  612  (operation  508 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a visual representation is shown of a volume parameter  402  being reset to a level when the first volume level  602  is outside of resting volume range  405  and the second time  610  is less than the selected interval  614  after the first time  606 . Processor  204  of audio system  100  generates audio signal  302  having volume parameter  402  (operation  502 ). Volume parameter  402  may begin between lower limit  406  and upper limit  408 , and may be gradually or immediately increased to a level outside of resting volume range  405 . For example, first volume level  602  may be above upper limit  408  when a user provides pause command  604  at first time  606  (operation  504 ). Processor  204  can receive the pause command  604 , and in response, pause audio signal generation at first time  606 . 
     The same user or a different user may provide a play command  608  at second time  610  after first time  606  (operation  506 ). Prior to resuming audio playback, processor  204  can set volume parameter  402  to an appropriate level based on one or more acoustic factors existing at second time  610 . Processor  204  can determine whether first volume level  602  is outside of resting volume range  405  (operation  510 ). In the example of  FIG. 8 , first volume level  602  is outside of resting volume range  405 . Accordingly, processor  204  may optionally proceed to determine whether sound reproduction was muted when audio playback was paused (operation  514 ). In the example of  FIG. 8 , first volume level  602  is not muted at first time  606 . When processor  204  determines that volume parameter  402  is not set to mute level  409  at the first time  606 , processor  204  may determine whether the second time  610  (when audio signal generation is resumed) is more than a selected interval  614  after the first time  606  (when audio signal generation is paused) (operation  518 ). In other words, processor  204  may determine whether time difference  620  is positive or negative. In an aspect, when processor  204  determines that time difference  620  is negative (second time  610  is before timeout time  618 ), second volume level  612  may be set equal to first volume level  602  (operation  512 ). Audio generation may be resumed at second time  610  with volume parameter  402  set to second volume level  612  (operation  508 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a visual representation is shown of a volume parameter  402  being reset to a level when the first volume level  602  is outside of resting volume range  405  and the second time  610  is more than the selected interval  614  after the first time  606 . Processor  204  of audio system  100  generates audio signal  302  having volume parameter  402  (operation  502 ). Volume parameter  402  may begin between lower limit  406  and upper limit  408 , and may be gradually or immediately increased to a level outside of resting volume range  405 . For example, first volume level  602  may be above upper limit  408  when a user provides pause command  604  at first time  606  (operation  504 ). Processor  204  can receive the pause command  604 , and in response, pause audio signal generation at first time  606 . 
     The same user or a different user may provide a play command  608  at second time  610  after first time  606  (operation  506 ). Prior to resuming audio playback, processor  204  can set volume parameter  402  to an appropriate level based on one or more acoustic factors existing at second time  610 . Processor  204  can determine whether first volume level  602  is outside of resting volume range  405  (operation  510 ). In the example of  FIG. 9 , first volume level  602  is outside of resting volume range  405 . Accordingly, processor  204  may optionally proceed to determine whether sound reproduction was muted when audio playback was paused (operation  514 ). In the example of  FIG. 9 , first volume level  602  is not muted at first time  606 . When processor  204  determines that volume parameter  402  is not set to mute level  409  at the first time  606 , processor  204  may determine whether the second time  610  (when audio signal generation is resumed) is more than a selected interval  614  after the first time  606  (when audio signal generation is paused) (operation  518 ). In other words, processor  204  may determine whether time difference  620  is positive or negative. In an aspect, when processor  204  determines that time difference  620  is positive (second time  610  is after timeout time  618 ), second volume level  612  may be set to a different level than first volume level  602  (operation  516 ). Audio generation may be resumed at second time  610  with volume parameter  402  set to second volume level  612  (operation  508 ). 
     The examples illustrated in  FIGS. 6-9  include a reset level for volume parameter  402  that is constant regardless of time difference  620 . For example, the reset level may be instantaneously determined at second time  610  based on the acoustic factors existing at second time  610 , and therefore a magnitude of time difference  620  may be irrelevant to reset level determined by processor  204  (second volume level  612  can be determined regardless of time difference  620 ). As another example, the reset level may be determined by processor  204  at timeout time  618  based on the acoustic factors existing at timeout time  618 , and second volume level  612  may be set to the reset level when playback is resumed regardless of time difference  620 . As described below, however, processor  204  may determine the reset level for second volume level  612  based, at least in part, on time difference  620  between second time  610  and the selected interval  614  after first time  606 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a visual representation is shown of a volume parameter  402  being reset to a level when the first volume level  602  is outside of resting volume range  405  and the second time  610  is more than the selected interval  614  after the first time  606 . Operations  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  510 , and  514  performed by processor  204  in  FIG. 10  are similar to those performed by processor  204  in  FIG. 9 . 
     In an aspect, processor  204  can determine a target volume level  1002  when selected interval  614  elapses after first time  606 . More particularly, processor  204  can determine target volume level  1002  based on acoustic factors existing at timeout time  618 . For example, processor  204  may determine target volume level  1002  based on acoustic factors that are not likely to change over time, e.g., a size of room, a placement of audio system  100  in surrounding environment  102 , etc. In the example of  FIG. 10 , target volume level  1002  may be 50% of full scale volume. 
     Processor  204  may set second volume level  612  based on time difference  620  between timeout time  618  and second time  610 . For example, when time difference  620  is equal to or greater than a time lapse between a target resume time  1004  and timeout time  618 , second volume level  612  may be set to target volume level  1002 . By contrast, when time difference  620  is less than the time lapse between target resume time  1004  and timeout time  618  (the play command  608  is received between timeout time  618  and target resume time  1004 ), second volume level  612  may be set to a reset value between first volume level  602  and target volume level  1002 . By way of example, when the play command  608  is received at an earlier second time  610 A, processor  204  can set second volume level  612 A at a higher reset value than a reset value of second volume level  612 B when the play command  608  is received at a later second time  610 B. In other words, second volume level  612  can be a function of time elapsed after timeout time  618 . 
     The function that relates second volume level  612  to time difference  620  may be linear. As shown in  FIG. 10 , second volume level  612  decreases linearly from first volume level  602  toward target volume level  1002  over the period of time between timeout time  618  and target resume time  1004 . Accordingly, second volume level  612  corresponds to a slope as defined by the difference between first volume level  602  and target volume level  1002  divided by the difference between target resume time  1004  and timeout time  618 . 
     In an aspect, the function that relates second volume level  612  to time difference  620  is non-linear. For example, the reset value may experience exponential decay after timeout time  618  and decrease more rapidly soon after timeout time  618 . The decaying reset value may approach and/or equal target volume level  1002  after a selected mean lifetime, e.g., 1 hour. 
     By reducing the reset value gradually toward target volume level  1002 , audio system  100  can balance the need to not startle a different user with the desire to not annoy the user who has only paused music playback briefly, e.g., to take a call. For example, a user may be listening to music when a call is received, and pause music to speak on the phone. The phone call may last 65 minutes—5 minutes longer than a selected interval  614  of 60 minutes—and the user may resume playback immediately after the phone call. If second volume level  612  is instantly reset to target volume level  1002  ( FIG. 9 ) the user may become frustrated that the volume has changed significantly since the last playback session. If, however, second volume level  612  is adjusted gradually, the volume will still be set within the expectation of the user (e.g., may still be outside of resting volume range  405 ). Furthermore, if the user leaves the room immediately after the phone call and a different user enters a half hour or an hour later and presses play on audio system  100 , second volume level  612  would have approached or equaled target volume level  1002  and music playback can begin without startling the different user. 
     Processor  204  may control audio playback to balance the expectations of different users within a community. As an example, a first user may prefer to play music below lower limit  406 , and thus, when the first user pauses music for the selected interval  614 , processor  204  may resume playback at a higher level to accommodate the expectations of a second user that prefers to play music within resting volume range  405 . In another aspect, processor  204  may make adjustments in a manner that allow a user to override the automatic reset, however. For example, when music playback resumes (operation  508 ), processor  204  may fade or ramp music playback from first volume level  602  to second volume level  612 . The fade-in time or ramp-up time can provide a window for a user, e.g., the first user, to stop the adjustment before the volume level reaches the target reset value. For example, the first user may enter a pause command or a manual or voice entry of a volume level, e.g., may say “pause music” or “set volume to 20%,” before volume parameter  402  of audio signal  302  reaches second volume level  612 . Accordingly, the first user can continue to listen at a lower level without having to adjust the volume down from second volume level  612  near a middle of output volume range  404 . 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources to provide a “smart” reset volume that is intelligently determined. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver a “smart” reset volume that is intelligently determined. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to have a properly set volume control. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, a “smart” reset volume can be intelligently determined based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the audio system, or publicly available information. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary aspects thereof. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180727
Publication Date: 20200107
Grant Date: 20200107
Priority Date: 20171130
Inventors: POWELL, RICHARD M.
DESHPANDE, KSHITIJ S.
GRAHAM, DAVID CHANCE
VERWEIJ, Hugo
FAMILY, AFROOZ
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H03G3/344", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03G3/3026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03G3/32", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/165", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03G3/32", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/165", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/165", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03G3/3026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03G3/32", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03G3/344", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03G3/3026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 66633694