Patent Application
20130142371
The invention relates to binaural and stereophonic speaker systems. More specifically, the invention relates to portable, removable accessory speaker systems for use with portable computers such as laptops and tablets.
Portable entertainment and computing devices have benefitted greatly from the development of microelectronics, display technologies, high-density power storage batteries and strong, lightweight materials. However, one aspect of an immersive multimedia experience has tended to suffer as devices become smaller and thinner: audio performance. Sound volume and reproduction quality depend on the ability to physically move substantial volumes of air, which is difficult to accomplish with a small, thin, low-power transducer or speaker. Consequently, auxiliary audio systems (external speakers, subwoofers and the like) are popular additions to entertainment systems.
The current popularity of small, thin computing devices such as cell phones and tablet computers (as well as traditional “clamshell”-style laptop computers) for playing multimedia content has engendered new interest in ways to improve audio performance when these devices are used for free-air sound reproduction (as opposed to headphones). A sturdy, stylish auxiliary speaker system that integrates well with contemporary devices may be well-received by consumers.
Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean “at least one.”
Embodiments of the invention provide binaural/stereophonic sound reproduction in a portable form factor that is adapted to be attached to an edge of a thin, flat display panel such as a laptop screen or tablet computer. These auxiliary speakers can provide greater volume and improved sound quality compared to the audio drivers in the basic laptop or tablet. In addition, the form factor may make the device easier to grip or handle, or may permit it to stand upright without external support.
The audio transducers (drivers, speakers) in this embodiment are located at the ends of the tube, facing outward; one driver is behind perforated circular grille 140, while the other is not visible in this view. In other embodiments, the speakers may be oriented perpendicularly to the axis of the cylinder, for example facing towards a viewer in front of the screen, or out the rear (e.g., for a low-frequency driver or “woofer”). Some embodiments may include more than two speakers: for example, a pair of drivers to provide stereophonic reproduction of midrange and high frequencies, as well as one or more low-frequency woofers. It is appreciated that low frequencies contribute less to the creation of the impression of sound source separation, so it may not be as important to have multiple and/or physically-separated low-frequency transducers.
An embodiment may also contain an audio microphone, located here at 150. Other controls may be located on the surface of the embodiment, such as power button 160 and volume buttons 170 and 175. An indicator light or LED 165 may also be provided. Opening 180 provides access to a connection port such as a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) connector, which may be used to charge batteries in the unit or to access internal storage or configuration functions. This embodiment includes a semi-circular cutout at 190 to expose a portion of the tablet's edge that would otherwise be obscured within slot 130. The exposed portion may be a control button near the edge of the tablet, a receiver for an infrared (“IR”) remote control, or a camera lens. Other embodiments may include a transparent window in the body to expose a camera lens.
An embodiment may be designed to fit a particular model of tablet or laptop screen (note, for example, the asymmetrical profile of the slot at 130 in
The fingers, ridges or other slot lining may be formed of the same material as the body of the housing, or may be formed as a separate subassembly that is inserted into the slot during manufacture. An example of this arrangement is shown in
An embodiment may use an ordinary cable to receive the audio signal to be reproduced, as discussed above; but other embodiments may receive the signal wirelessly, using a radio-based technology such as Bluetooth® or a light-based (optical) technology such as a proprietary or open-standard-based infrared signal. Some embodiments may transmit, as well as receive, audio signals. For example, an auxiliary speaker system comprising a microphone may be useful for teleconferencing or videoconferencing, or a microphone may be used to monitor the environment where the system is being used and adjust the volume or spectral characteristics of the playback signal to suit. The audio signal from a microphone may be returned to the computing or entertainment device using a wired or wireless connection.
An embodiment may employ a variety of additional techniques to prevent it from slipping off the edge of a display screen, instead of (or in addition to the slot-lining fingers or ridges shown in
In other embodiments, a manually-activated spring can be squeezed to release tension on the slot, and released once the tablet or laptop screen has been inserted, thus gripping the screen firmly. In an embodiment for use with Apple's iPad®, magnets can be embedded in the slot sides to attract complementary magnets located in the iPad case.
Some devices that may be used with an embodiment of the invention are self-stable (that is, they can be placed in a desired configuration and remain that way without further support). The laptop with an embodiment along its screen top, shown in
As mentioned earlier, some embodiments may contain rechargeable batteries, which can be recharged by connecting the accessory to a USB port. Other embodiments may use single-use, disposable batteries. To provide access more easily than, for example, the concealed hatch 560 shown in
An embodiment where the main body is formed of silicone, can be manufactured efficiently by making the channel to hold the sound-and-electronics module open (i.e., without enclosed voids). A second slot-lining subassembly (perhaps made of a lower-durometer silicone, as discussed in [0024]) can be formed separately, then inserted into the slot in the main body after the active components. The slot lining serves to secure the active components in the open channel in the main body and to close that channel, and also to contact the edge of a display when the device is in use.
It is appreciated that, although some embodiments will permit the attached computer (e.g. , tablet computer or cell phone) to stand upright, an embodiment may also be used as a handle to hold the computer in a suitable attitude for viewing. Thus, the outer profile of the embodiment may be shaped for easy grip, or formed from (or coated with) a grip-enhancing, anti-slip material. For example, silicone rubber (of suitable durometer) is easy to grasp and may provide some shock or impact absorption if the computer is dropped.
The structures and features of the present invention have been described largely by reference to specific example embodiments. However, those of skill in the art will recognize that auxiliary audio speaker accessories can also be constructed with different combinations of features than herein described. Such variations are understood to be captured according to the following claims.
This is an original U.S. patent application.
