1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a speaker apparatus, in particular, to a speaker apparatus and speaker system thereof having a wireless transmission function.
2. Description of Related Art
At present, as the computer and information industry rapidly develops, various new peripheral devices can be easily connected to the mobile devices which almost everybody owns, such as personal computers, laptop computers, tablet computers or smart phones. Connecting various peripheral devices to electronic devices provides people with a more diversified life.
Therefore, users can play joyful music or movies on their mobile devices anytime and anywhere. For example, users can connect earphones to the mobile device to enjoy their personal music, or the user can connect the mobile device to a speaker apparatus for sharing music with others.
The price and volume of high end peripheral apparatuses are often a heavy burden for users. A sound amplification apparatus is a common example. A good speaker system is usually installed with multiple sound cabinets for creating a stereo effect, a surround sound effect, or a heavy bass effect. However, generally, it is hard to adjust a set of speaker sound cabinets to the user's requirements. For example, when a user only has a limited budget it is hard for the user to bear the cost of a more expensive whole set of speaker sound cabinets, and the user would probably just buy one speaker sound cabinet, making it hard to sell a whole set of speaker sound cabinets.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a speaker apparatus which comprises a communication unit, an audio codec, a sound unit and a clock unit. The audio codec is coupled to the communication unit. The sound unit is coupled to the audio codec. The clock unit is coupled to the communication unit. The communication unit is configured for wirelessly receiving and broadcasting audio data. The audio codec is configured for decoding the audio data and generating an analog signal according to the decoded audio data. The sound unit is configured for transforming the analog signal into an acoustic wave. The clock unit synchronizes with another speaker apparatus by the synchronous signal.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a speaker apparatus which comprises a communication unit, an audio codec, and a sound unit. The audio codec is coupled to the communication unit, and the sound unit is coupled to the audio codec. The communication unit is configured for receiving audio data which has been broadcasted. The audio codec is configured for decoding the audio data and generating an analog signal according to the decoded audio data. The sound unit is configured for transforming the analog signal into an acoustic wave. The speaker apparatus synchronizes with the first speaker apparatus by a synchronous signal generated from the first speaker apparatus.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a speaker apparatus transmission system which comprises a first speaker apparatus and a second speaker apparatus. The first speaker apparatus comprises a first communication unit, a first audio codec, a first sound unit and a clock unit. The second speaker apparatus comprises a second communication unit, a second audio codec and a second sound unit. The first audio codec is coupled to first the communication unit, and the first sound unit is coupled to first the audio codec, and the clock unit is coupled to the first communication unit. The first communication unit is configured for wirelessly receiving and broadcasting second audio data. The first audio codec is configured for decoding the audio data and generating a first analog signal according to the decoded audio data. The first sound unit is configured for transforming the first analog signal into an acoustic wave. The clock unit generates a synchronous signal. The second audio codec is coupled to the second communication unit, and the second sound unit is coupled to the second audio codec, and the clock unit is coupled to the second communication unit. The second communication unit is configured for receiving audio data which has been broadcasted. The second audio codec is configured for decoding the audio data and generating a second analog signal according to the decoded audio data. The second sound unit is configured for transforming the second analog signal into an acoustic wave. The second speaker apparatus synchronizes with the first speaker apparatus by a synchronous signal generated from the clock unit of the first speaker apparatus.
To sum up, the speaker apparatus, speaker system and speaker apparatus transmission system according to the present disclosure allows for the user to assemble a speaker system in a more flexible way. In more detail, the user can adjust whatever required amount of speaker apparatuses desired by himself or herself upon his/her demand according to the disclosed way of combining a master speaker apparatus and a slave speaker apparatus. On the other hand, the problem that internal amplifiers connected in series will overload and make audio data transmission between speaker apparatuses more difficult when multiple traditional speaker apparatuses are connected in series, can be prevented by wirelessly broadcasting the audio data.
In order to further understand the techniques, means and effects of the present disclosure, the following detailed descriptions and appended drawings are hereby referred to, such that, and through which, the purposes, features and aspects of the present disclosure can be thoroughly and concretely appreciated, however, the appended drawings are merely provided for reference and illustration, without any intention that they be used for limiting the present disclosure.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, they may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, the thickness and relative thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.
It will be understood that, although the terms ‘first’, ‘second’, ‘third’, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the embodiments. As used herein, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The speaker apparatus transmission system of an embodiment according to the present disclosure comprises a master speaker apparatus and a slave speaker apparatus. The master speaker apparatus is configured for connecting to a media apparatus and receiving audio data transmitted from the media apparatus, and broadcasting the received audio data to other slave speaker apparatus in neighborhood. The illustration of detailed components and operation of the master speaker apparatus and the slave speaker apparatus will be described respectively in the following paragraphs.
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The communication unit 11 is configured for wirelessly receiving and broadcasting audio data, and receiving or transmitting a synchronous signal. For example, the master speaker apparatus 1 can be connected to a smart phone or a tablet computer when it is desired to play audio through the communication unit 11 in a wireless transmission way such as Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth signal. The audio of the smart phone or the tablet computer is then received and played on the master speaker apparatus 1. The master speaker apparatus 1 performs a digital signal process such as an equalization process and a channel separating process, on the received audio and plays the processed audio by the sound unit 13. In addition, the master speaker apparatus 1 further broadcasts the audio data received by the communication unit 11 to the slave speaker apparatus in the neighborhood. The problem that internal amplifiers connected in series will overload and make audio data transmission between speaker apparatuses more difficult, when multiple traditional speaker apparatus are connected in series for transmitting audio data, can be prevented by wirelessly broadcasting the audio data.
The audio codec 12 receives the audio data from the micro control unit 15, and decodes the audio data. For example, the audio codec 12 can adopt a codec for the MP3 format. On the other hand, the audio codec 12 comprises an analog-to-digital converter which can convert the decoded binary (I/O) digital signal to an analog electronic signal. The decoded digital signal may be further processed by the digital signal process if necessary. In other words, the audio codec 12 is configured for generating an analog signal according to the decoded audio data. For example, the audio codec 12 can convert the digital audio data which is decoded and processed by a digital signal process, to the analog signal by the digital-to-analog converter, and play the digital audio data by the sound unit 13.
The sound unit 13 is a transducer capable of converting an electronic signal into an acoustic wave. In more detail, the sound unit 13 comprises an electromagnet, a coil and a speaker diaphragm (not shown). The sound unit 13 generates the acoustic wave according to the current frequency of the analog signal received. For example, when a current flows through the coil to generate an electromagnetic field, the sound unit 13 can make a frequency of the note C sound by outputting an alternating current with 256 Hz. When the coil and the speaker diaphragm vibrate together, air around is pushed to vibrate correspondingly, so the sound unit 13 generates sound. The sound unit 13 can be an electromagnet loudspeaker, a piezoelectric loudspeaker, an electrostatic loudspeaker, or a plasma arc loudspeaker, however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
The clock unit 14 is a resonant circuit, such as a quartz piezo-electric oscillator or other RC circuit. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the clock unit 14 is configured for generating a synchronous signal which is provided to the master speaker apparatus 1 and other speaker apparatuses for synchronization. In more detail, frequencies of audio played in each of the speaker apparatuses are slightly different from each other due to the synchronous signals generated by the speaker apparatuses. The difference in timings of the synchronous signals causes interference or non-sync during playback, which results in a worse user experience. Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the clock unit 14 generates the synchronous signal to enable synchronization between audio played by the master speaker apparatus 1 and other slave speaker apparatus. It is noted that the clock unit 14 is coupled to the synchronous signal output which is not shown in
The micro control unit 15 is a core computing part for processing signal, data or instructions in the master speaker apparatus 1. In detail, the master speaker apparatus 1 requests the audio codec 12 for the decoded audio data, and the micro control unit 15 performs the digital signal process on the received decoded audio data. For example, the micro control unit 15 performs signal equalization of multiple equalization modes, or performs selection of channel output modes on the audio data received by the communication unit 11. The equalization mode comprises a bass mode, a mediant mode, a treble mode or other kind of equalization mode such as smoothness mode, and the channel output mode comprises a left-channel mode, a right-channel mode or a dual-channel mode. Alternatively, the micro control unit 15 further controls the communication unit 11 broadcasting the audio data received.
The button unit 16 is a button configured for controlling the equalization mode or the channel output mode of the master speaker apparatus 1. The button unit 16 can be implemented by a press button or a DIP button, however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The button unit 16 may comprise a bass mode button, a mediant mode button, a treble mode button, other equalization mode button, a left-channel mode button, a right-channel mode button or a dual-channel mode button. In addition, the button unit 16 can also comprise a volume control button, an on/off switch, a playback button, a pause button and so on; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the button unit 16 is provided for users to select the mode, so as to control the micro control unit 15 executing the computing process according to signal instructions of different modes, to equalize the audio data or select different channels. In addition, users can generate a signal for adjusting the volume via the volume control button of the button unit 16, and the button unit 16 transmits the control signal for adjusting the volume to the micro control unit 15 for performing processing and controlling the sound unit 13 according to the control signal to adjust the volume of sound.
The power management unit 17 is a micro controller with integration management, configured for centrally managing multiple separate traditional power management ICs, and the traditional power management IC comprises a low dropout linear regulator (LDO) or a DC/DC converter. The power management unit 17 is coupled to a power input (not shown) or an internal part of the battery unit 18. The power management unit 17 receives an external power via the power input 18 of the master speaker apparatus 1 or the driving power of the internal elements of the master speaker apparatus 1 is directly provided by the internal part of the battery unit 18. It is noted that the power management unit 17 can improve the power conversion efficiency and lower loss of the electric power of the battery unit 18.
While receiving the external power such as inputted power DC_IN, the power management unit 17 charges the battery unit 18 simultaneously. In detail, the battery unit 18 is a device capable of transforming the stored chemical energy into electric power, or transforming the electric power into chemical energy for storing. The battery unit 16 can be a fuel cell, a NiMH battery, or solar battery and so on; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the master speaker apparatus 1 further comprises a power output, which is not shown in
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The power input of the master speaker apparatus 1 is connected to a voltage transformer to receive DC power. The power input can be disposed at the back surface or at least one side surface of the master speaker apparatus 1. In addition, the button unit 16 is provided for users to select the mode, so as to control the micro control unit 15 executing the computing processing according to signal instructions of different modes, to equalize the audio data or to select different channels. For example, in practical applications users may press the dual-channel mode button 1a to control the master speaker apparatus 1 operating in dual-channel mode; alternatively, users may press the mediant mode button 2b to control the master speaker apparatus 1 to operate in the mediant mode.
It is noted that the at least one side surface of the master speaker apparatus 1, such as upper side surface, can be provided with the power output 12a and the synchronous signal output 12b. The power output 12a and the synchronous signal output 12b are configured for being connected electrically to a power input and the synchronous signal input of the other slave speaker apparatus, respectively. In other words, other slave speaker apparatuses can receive the outputted power DC_OUT via the power output 12a of the master speaker apparatus 1, and receive the synchronous signal CLOCK_OUT outputted from the master speaker apparatus 1 via the synchronous signal output 12b.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the exterior appearance of the master speaker apparatus 1 is a cubic structure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The master speaker apparatus 1 can be shaped like a regular triangle or other shape. It is noted that the outer wall of the master speaker apparatus 1 can be provided with a velcro, a tenon or other mechanical structure, so that the master speaker apparatus 1 and other slave speaker apparatus can be connected tightly in a stack arrangement.
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The communication unit 21 of the slave speaker apparatus 2 is configured for receiving the audio data broadcasted by the master speaker apparatus 1. For example, through the communication unit 11, the master speaker apparatus 1 is wirelessly connected to a smart phone or a tablet computer ready to play audio, and the master speaker apparatus 1 further broadcasts the received audio data to the slave speaker apparatus 2 in its neighborhood through the communication unit 11. Next, the slave speaker apparatus 2 receives the audio data broadcasted by the communication unit 21.
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It is noted that the slave speaker apparatus 2 further comprises a synchronous signal output coupled to the synchronous signal input. The synchronous signal output and the synchronous signal input are not shown in the figures. For synchronization, the synchronous signal output is configured for outputting the synchronous signal from the master speaker apparatus 1 to other slave speaker apparatus 2 which are coupled to each other. In more detail, one master speaker apparatus 1 can be connected with multiple slave speaker apparatuses 2 in series. According to the design of the synchronous signal input and the synchronous signal output, multiple slave speaker apparatuses 2 can receive the synchronous signal from the master speaker apparatus 1 simultaneously.
In addition, the slave speaker apparatus 2 receives the power DC_OUT outputted from the power output 12a of the master speaker apparatus 1 shown in
It is noted that the power received by the slave speaker apparatus 2 also can be used to charge the battery unit 28 in the slave speaker apparatus 2 simultaneously. In addition, while not receiving the external power, the battery units 18 and 28 inside the master speaker apparatus 1 and the slave speaker apparatus 2 can respectively provide the driving power. As those skilled in the art would realize, the embodiment according to the present disclosure does not limit the number of the slave speaker apparatuses 2 in the speaker system, and the user can purchase the slave speaker apparatuses 2 upon requirement and financial capacity to assemble the speaker system.
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According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the power input 21a and the synchronous signal input 21b are located on the left side surface and lower side surface of the slave speaker apparatus 2, and the synchronous signal output 22b and the power output 22a are located on the right side surface and upper side surface of the slave speaker apparatus 2. However, the manufacturing company can adjust locations of the input ends and the output ends of the master speaker apparatus 1 and the slave speaker apparatus 2, such as the power input 21a, the power output 22a, the synchronous signal input 21b and the synchronous signal output 22b, upon requirement, to enable the speaker apparatuses to be connected tightly in stack arrangement.
In addition, the slave speaker apparatus 2 comprises a button unit which is not shown in the figures, as well as the master speaker apparatus 1 in
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In
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According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can operate the button unit 36 of the speaker apparatus 3 to set the speaker apparatus 3 as a master speaker apparatus or a slave speaker apparatus. For example, the button unit 36 may comprise a master mode button and a slave mode button which are not shown in the figures. The user can further control the micro control unit 35 selecting speaker apparatus 3 to operate in the master mode or the slave mode by using the master mode button and the slave mode button.
When the speaker apparatus 3 is switched to the master mode by the button unit 36, the clock unit 34 generates a synchronous signal, and the synchronous signal is then transmitted to other slave speaker apparatus 3. The speaker apparatus 3 further broadcasts audio data received from a media apparatus, such as the media apparatus 30 shown in
It is noted that the speaker apparatus 3 set as the master mode can transmit the synchronous signal by broadcasting, and when receiving the synchronous signal from the speaker apparatus 3 set as the master mode, the speaker apparatus 3 set as the slave mode further synchronizes the internal clock unit 34, and the clock unit 34 further adjusts the synchronous signal of the audio codec 32 and the micro control unit 35 for signal processing. In other words, the speaker apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can synchronize the audio data by the clock unit 34 and the broadcasting of the communication unit 31.
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Effect of the Present Disclosure
To sum up, the speaker apparatus, speaker system and speaker apparatus transmission system according to the present disclosure can provide for a user to assemble a speaker apparatus by a more flexible way. In more detail, the user can adjust a required amount of speaker apparatuses by himself or herself upon demand by assembling a master speaker and at least one slave speaker. On the other hand, by wirelessly broadcasting audio data, the speaker system can prevent the problem that internal amplifiers connected in series will overload and make audio data transmission between speaker apparatuses more difficult when multiple traditional speaker apparatus are connected in series.
The above-mentioned descriptions represent merely the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, without any intention to limit the scope of the present disclosure thereto. Various equivalent changes, alternations or modifications based on the claims of present disclosure are all consequently viewed as being embraced by the scope of the present disclosure.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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103112300 | Apr 2014 | TW | national |