U NITED S T ATES P A TENT AND TRADEMARK O FFICE
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`UNITED STATES 0£PARTMENT OF COMMERCE
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`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE AND FEE(S) DUE
`
`64188
`7590
`ASHOK TANK.HA
`36 GREENLEIGH DRIVE
`SEWELL, NJ 08080
`
`05/02/2018
`
`EXAM£NER
`
`ESCALANTE, OVIDIO
`
`ART UNIT
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`3992
`
`DATE MAILED: 05/02/2018
`
`APPLICATION NO.
`
`FILI.NG DATE
`
`FIRST NA.MED INVEl\'TOR
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
`
`CONFIRMATION NO.
`
`15/293,626
`
`10/14/2016
`
`Manli Zhu
`
`Crea1iveTech_0 l RE_US
`
`4 199
`
`TITLE OFlNVENTION: Microphone Array System
`
`APPLN.TYPE
`
`ENTITY STATUS
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`08/02/2018
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`IPR PETITION
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`64188
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`05/02/2018
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`APPLICATION NO.
`
`FILING DATE
`
`FIRST NA.MED INVENTOR
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
`
`COl\'FTRMATION NO.
`
`15/293,626
`
`l0/14/2016
`
`Manti Zhu
`
`CreativeTech_0l RE_US
`
`4199
`
`TITLE OF lNVENTlON: Microphone Array System
`
`A.PPLN.TYPE
`
`ENTITY STATUS
`
`ISSUE FEE DUE
`
`PUBLICATION FEE DUE PREV. PAID ISSUE FEE
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`08/02/2018
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`EXAMINER
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`ART UNIT
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`CLASS-SUBCLASS
`
`ESCALANTE, OVIDIO
`
`3992
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`381-300000
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`Page 4
`
`

`

`Notice of Allowability
`
`Application No.
`15/293,626
`Examiner
`OVIDIO ESCALANTE
`
`Applicant{s)
`ZHU ET AL.
`Art Unit
`3992
`
`AIA (Fi rst Inventor to File)
`Status
`No
`
`-- The MAILING DA TE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address-(cid:173)
`All claims being allowable, PROSECUTION ON THE MERITS IS (OR REMAINS) CLOSED in this application. If not included
`herewith {or previously mailed), a Notice of Allowance (PTOL -85) or other appropriate communication will be mailed in due course. THIS
`NOTICE OF ALLOWABILITY 15 NOT A GRANT OF PATENT RIGHTS. This application is subject to withdrawal from issue at the initiative
`of the Office or upon petition by the applicant. See 37 CFR 1.313 and MPEP 1308.
`
`1. [81 This communication is responsive to 4/ 18118.
`DA declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130{b) was/were filed on ___ .
`2. D An election was made by the applicant in response to a restriction requirement set forth during the interview on __ ; the restriction
`requirement and election have been incorporated into this action.
`
`3. 1:81 The allowed claim(s) is/are 1-35. As a result of the allowed claim(s), you may be eligible to benefit from the Patent Prosecution
`Highway program at a participating intellectual property office for the corresponding application. For more information, please see
`http://www.uspto.gov/patents/init_events/pph/index.jsp or send an inquiry to PPHfeedback@uspto.gov.
`4. D Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119{a)-{d) or (f).
`Certified copies:
`*c) D None of the:
`a) D All
`b) D Some
`1. D Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2. D Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No. __ .
`3. D Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been received in this national stage application from the
`International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
`• Certified copies not received: __ .
`
`Applicant has THREE MONTHS FROM THE "MAILING DATE" of this communication to file a reply complying with the requirements
`noted below. Failure to timely comply will result in ABANDONMENT of this application.
`THIS THREE-MONTH PERIOD 15 NOT EXTENDABLE.
`5. D CORRECTED DRAWINGS ( as "replacement sheets") must be submitted.
`0
`including changes required by the attached Examiner's Amendment I Comment or in the Office action of
`Paper No./Mail Date __ .
`Identifying indicia such as the application number {see 37 CFR 1.84(c)) should be written on the drawings in the front {not the back) of
`each sheet. Replacement sheet{s) should be labeled as such in the header according to 37 CFR 1.121{d).
`
`6. (cid:143) DEPOSIT OF and/or INFORMATION about the deposit of BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL must be submitted. Note the
`
`attached Examiner's comment regarding REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEPOSIT OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL.
`
`Attachment(s)
`1. D Notice of References Cited (PTO-892)
`2. D Information Disclosure Statements (PTO/SB/08),
`Paper No./Mail Date __
`3. D Examiner's Comment Regarding Requirement for Deposit
`of Biological Material
`4. D Interview Summary (PTO-413),
`Paper No./Mail Date __ .
`
`/Ovidio Escalante/
`Primary Examiner
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`5. D Examiner's Amendment/Comment
`6. [81 Examiner's Statement of Reasons for Allowance
`7. D Other __ .
`
`U.S Patent and Trademark Office
`PTOL-37 (Rev. 08-13)
`
`Notice of Allowability
`
`Part of Paper No./Mail Date 20180420
`
`Page 5
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/293,626
`A.11 Unit: 3992
`
`Page 2
`
`l.
`
`The present application is being examined under the pre-AIA first to invent provisions.
`
`DETAILED ACTION
`
`Reissue Applications
`
`2.
`
`For reissue applications filed before September 16, 2012, aU references to 35 U.S.C. 251
`
`and 37 CFR 1.172, 1.175, and 3.73 are to the law and rules in effect on September 15, 2012.
`
`Where specifically designated, these are "pre-AJA" provisi.ons.
`
`For reissue applications filed on or after September 16, 2012, all references to 35 U.S.C.
`
`251 and 37 CFR 1.172, 1.175, and 3.73 are to the current provisions.
`
`3.
`
`Applicant is reminded of the continuing obligation under 37 CFR l. l 78(b ), to timely
`
`apprise the Office of any prior or concurrent proceeding in which Patent No. 8,861,756 is or was
`
`involved. These proceedings would include inteiferences, reissues, reexaminations, and
`
`litigation.
`
`Applicant is fu11her reminded of the continuing obligation under 37 CFR 1.56, to timely
`
`appdse the Office of any infonnation which is material to patentability of the claims under
`
`consideration in this reissue application.
`
`These obligations rest with each individual associated with the filing and prosecution of
`
`this application for reissue. See also MPEP §§ 1404, 1442.01 and 1442.04.
`
`Response to Arguments
`
`The examiner acknowledges the applicant's corrected reissue declaration. The corrected
`
`declaration addresses the issues set fo11h in the previous office action. Therefore, the rejection to
`
`the claims under 35 U.S.C. 251 will be withdrawn.
`
`Page 6
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/293,626
`A.11 Unit: 3992
`
`Page 3
`
`The examiner also acknowledges applicant's corrected claim formatting. The revised
`
`claim formatting is acceptable.
`
`Allowabk Subject Matter
`
`4.
`
`5.
`
`Claims 1-35 are aUowed.
`
`The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for allowance:
`
`Tashev in view of Florencio or Zhan
`
`The Applicant argues Tashev does not teach or suggest a method for determining the
`
`delay (t) as a function of distance (d) between each of the sound sensors 301 and the origin,
`
`a predefined angle ( <j>) between each of the sound sensors 30 l and a reference axis (Y)
`
`as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 5, and an azimuth angle (0) between the reference axis (Y) and
`
`the target sound signal. Furthermore, Tashev does not teach calculation of time delay as shown
`
`in FIG. 5 and Tables 6A, 6B and 7B of applicant's original application. Furthermore, Tashev
`
`does not teach or suggest that the distance between each of the sound sensors in the microphone
`
`array and the origin corresponds to the time taken for the target sound signal to travel the
`
`distance between each of the sound sensors and the odgin and is measured by the number of
`
`samples within that time period.
`
`In addition, the applicant argues claim 1 recites that the delay is determined in a 2D
`
`plane. In contrast, Tashev uses distance in his caJculations only in the 3D plane. In the 2D
`
`plane, Tashev only uses direction and elevation in his calculations; see Tashev paragraph [0005],
`
`which discloses: "This location can be defined in terms of one angle (localization in one
`
`Page 7
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/293,626
`A.11 Unit: 3992
`
`Page4
`
`dimension), two angles (direction and elevation-localization in 2D) or a full 3D localization
`
`(i.e., direction, elevation and distance).").
`
`The examiner acknowledges that Teshav does not specially disclose that the delay is
`
`based on a function of distance between each of the sound sensors and a reference point. The
`
`examiner notes that Teshav does disclose that the earliest captured frame of each microphone
`
`signal is selected (and thus closer sound sources will arrive first and hence represents a shorter
`
`distance). In addition, Teshav discloses that distance is considered for full 3D localization (see
`
`paragraph [0059) which discloses consideling the elevation angle of the sound source in a
`
`teleconferencing situation.
`
`As set fo11h in the previous office action, Zhan is directed to a method for controlling
`
`sound focusing (see the abstract). With reference to Figure 2 and paragraph (0033), Zhan
`
`discloses determining a delay between each sound sensor and a reference point of a microphone
`
`array (Zhan discloses Ml, M2 and M3 are omnidirectional microphones at intervals of d. Zhan
`
`explains that the time delay between Ml and M2 and between M2 and M3 are determined). Zhan
`
`discloses that the reference microphone is M2 in one embodiment (see paragraph (0032)). Zhan
`
`discloses that the distance between each sound sensor is referenced by d. That is distance
`
`between Ml and M2 is d 12 and the distance between M2 and M3 is d23 (with M2 being the
`
`reference point) . . Zhan explains that figure 2 shows how to obtain the position info1mation of a
`
`sound source relative to a reference microphone by computing the distance and the azimuth from
`
`the sound source to the reference microphone (M2), where the azimuth is an angle between the
`
`rectilinear direction from the sound source to the reference microphone and the ve11ical direction
`
`(See paragraphs (0032) - [0035)).
`
`Page 8
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/293,626
`A.11 Unit: 3992
`
`Page 5
`
`The applicant states Zhen does not teach or suggest that the delay (1:) between each of the
`
`sound sensors and the origin of the microphone a1rny is determined as a function of distance (d)
`
`between each of the sound sensors and the origin, a predefined angle ( cp) between each of the
`
`sound sensors and a fast reference axis (Y), an elevation angle ('T) between a second reference
`
`axis (Z) and the target sound signal, and an azimuth angle (0) between the first reference axis (Y)
`
`and the target sound signal. Furthermore, Zhan does not teach or suggest a method to dete1mine
`
`the delay (i) using 26 the azimuth angle (0), where the delay (r) enables beamfonning for
`
`multiple number of sound sensors distributed not only in linear but also circular or other layout
`
`configurations.
`
`Upon further review the examiner agrees that Zhen does not teach or suggest that the
`
`delay (i:) between each of the sound sensors and the 01igin of the microphone airny is determined
`
`as a function of distance (d) between each of the sound sensors and the origin, a predefined angle
`
`(cl>) between each of the sound sensors and a fint reference axis (Y), an elevation angle ('T)
`
`between a second reference axis (Z) and the target sound signal, and an azimuth angle (0)
`
`between the first reference axis (Y) and the target sound signal
`
`The examiner notes that Florencio discloses a method for sound source localization.
`
`Florencio discloses in paragraph [0007) that the signals detected at the microphone array are
`
`used to obtain functions compdsing distance, azimuth and elevation data. With reference to
`
`figure 5 and paragraphs [0058-0059), Florencio discloses of two sources that have the same
`
`Page 9
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 15/293,626
`A.11 Unit: 3992
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`Page 6
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`azimuth and elevation angles. As further shown in paragraph [0041), Florencio discloses using
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`time delay from the source along with distance to the source as pru1 of its function.
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`The applicant states Florencio discloses a method for sound source localization. Florencio
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`discloses in pru·agraph [0007) that the signals detected at the uniformly-distributed circular
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`microphone ru-ray ru·e used to obtain functions comprising distance, azimuth and elevation data.
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`Florencio does not teach or suggest a method to determine the delay (t) using the obtained
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`functions comprising distance, azimuth and elevation data, where the delay (-r) enables
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`beamforming for multiple numbers of sound sensors distributed not only in linear but also
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`circular or other layout configurations.
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`The applicant states that no reference or combination of references teach or suggest the
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`integration of the sound source localization unit 202, the adaptive beamforming unit 203, and the
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`noise reduction unit 207 into a digital signal processor (DSP 1403); see FIG. 14 and paragraph
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`[0090) of applicant's oli.ginal application, which teaches: "The DSP 1403 implements the sound
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`source localization unit 202, the adaptive beam.forming unit 203, and the noise reduction unit
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`207."
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`In view of the above comments, the examiner finds the applicant's arguments persuasive
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`and will withdraw the rejections to the claims.
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`Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the
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`payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue
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`fee. Such submissions should be clearly labeled "Comments on Statement of Reasons for
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`Allowance."
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`Page 10
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`Application/Control Number: 15/293,626
`A.it Unit: 3992
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`Page 7
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`Conclusum
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`Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the
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`examiner should be directed to Ovidio Escalante whose telephone number is (571)272-
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`7537. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday to Friday - 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
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`If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner's
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`supervisor, Michael Fuelling can be reached on (571) 270-1367. The fax phone number
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`for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-9000.
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`Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the
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`Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for
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`published applications may be obtained from either P1ivate PAIR or Public PAIR.
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`Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only.
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`For more info1mation about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should
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`you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic
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`Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a
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`USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information
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`system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
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`/Ovidio Escalante/
`Ovidio Escalante
`Reexamination Specialist
`Central Reexamination Unit - A1t Unit 3992
`(571) 272-7537
`Conferees:
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`/Majid Banankhah/
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`/M. F./
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`Supervisory Patent Examiner, A1t Unit 3992
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`Page 11
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`

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`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`In re. application of:
`M anli Zh u
`Application No.: 15/293,626
`Filed : 10/14/2016
`Applicant: Li Creative Technologies, J.nc.
`Title: M icropho ne Array System
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`Mail Stop Amendment
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`Exami ner: E scalante, Ovidi o
`Art Unjt: 3992
`Atty. Docket No: CreativeTech_0 LRE_US
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`Respons e under "After Fina l Consideration Pilot Program 2.0"
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`Examiner Escalante:
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`In response to the fi nal office action mailed 27 February 20 l 8, please amend the
`above-referenced application as follows:
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`Amendments to the Claims begin on page 2 of this response.
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`Remarks begin on page 2 1 of this response.
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`Page 12
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`

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`Amendments to the Claims
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`Claim 1 (Amended) : A method for en hanc ing a target sound sign al from a plurality of
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`sound signals, comprising:
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`providing a microph one array system compr ising an array of sound sensors
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`positio ned in [an arbitrary] a linear, circular, or other configuration, a sound
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`source localization unit, an adaptive beamforming unit, and a noise reduction un it,
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`wherein said sound source localization unit, said adaptive beamforrn.ing un it, and
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`said noise reduction unit are integrated in a digital signal processor, and wherein
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`said sound source localizati on unit, said adaptive beamformin g un it, and said
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`noise reduction unit are in operative communication with said array of said sound
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`sensors;
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`receiving said sound signals from a plui-ality of disparate sound sources by said
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`sound sensors, wherein said received sound signals comprise said target sound
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`signal from a target sound source among said d isp arate sound sources, and
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`ambient noise signals;
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`determining a delay between each of said sound sensors and an origin of said
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`array of said sound sensors as a function of distance between each of said sound
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`sensors and said origin, a predefined angle between each of said sound sensors
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`and a reference axis, and an azim uth angle between said reference axis and said
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`target sound signal, when said target sound source that emits said target sound
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`signal is in a two dimensional plane, wherein said delay is represented in terms of
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`num ber of samples, and wherein said determination of said delay e nables
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`beamforming for [arbitr ary numbers of] said array of sound sensors [and] in a
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`pltuality of [arbitrar y] configurations [of said array of said sound sensors];
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`estimating a spatial location of said target sound signal from said received sound
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`signals by said sound sour ce localization unit;
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`2
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`Page 13
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`performing adaptive beamforming for steering a directivity pattern of said array
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`of said sound sensors in a direction of said spatial location of said target sound
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`signal by said adaptive beamforming unit, wherein said adaptive beamforming
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`unit enhances said target sound signal and partially suppresses said ambi ent no ise
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`signals; and
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`suppressing said ambient no ise signals by said noise reduction unit for further
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`e nhancing said target sound signal.
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`Claim 2 (original): The method of claim 1, wherein said spatial location of said target
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`sound signal from said target sound source is estimated using a steered response power(cid:173)
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`phase tr ansform by said sound source localization uni t.
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`Claim 3 (origin al): T he method of claim 1, wherein said adaptive beamforming
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`comprises:
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`providing a fi xed beamformer, a blocking matrix, and an adaptive fi lter in said
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`adaptive beamforming unit;
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`steering said! directivity pattern of said array of said sound sensors in said
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`direction of said spatial locatio n of said target sound signal from said target sound
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`source by said fixed bearnformer for enhancing said target sound signal, when
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`said target sound source is in motion;
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`feeding said ambient noise signals to said ad aptive filter by blocking said target
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`sound signal received from said target sound source using said blocking matrix;
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`and
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`3
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`Page 14
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`

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`adaptively filtering said ambient noise signals by said adaptive filter in response
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`to detecting one of presence and absence of said target sound signal in said sound
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`signals received from said disparate sound sources.
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`Claim 4 (original): The method of claim 3, wherein said fixed beamformer performs
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`fixed beamforming by filtering and summing output sound signals from said sound
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`sensors.
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`Claim 5 (original): The me