With Furniture, Clothing, Or Image Presentation Means Patents (Class 381/333)
  • Publication number: 20150049894
    Abstract: A low profile speaker system that can be inconspicuously mounted to the back of a flat panel display and provides an acoustical arrangements to create a full home theater surround sound experience while maintaining a compact enclosure footprint. The speaker system can be supported using a stand; the stand integral to the speaker system support architecture and supporting both the speaker system and flat panel television.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Polk Audio, LLC
    Inventors: Michael DiTullo, Mark Werle, Stuart Lumsden, Mark Suskind
  • Patent number: 8958591
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to several embodiments of a concealed speaker system, The concealed speaker system further has a speaker assembly mounted to the base frame and an active member which may be formed of PVC, expanded PVC, hardened fibrous materials, foam core, or equivalents that has an outer surface which in some embodiments is substantially coplanar with the surrounding wall section, and in other embodiments extends slightly outward therefrom. The base frame, speaker assembly, and the active member cooperate to form an acoustic chamber that is positioned behind the inner surface of the active member. Acoustic energy is transferred from the speaker assembly to the active member where the sound is produced therefrom to the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Paul N. Hagman
  • Patent number: 8953832
    Abstract: An audio output device including a casing, a first speaker component, a second speaker component and a sound-guiding board, and a video/audio output device using the same are disclosed. The first speaker component is a circular speaker, and is disposed at the casing. The first speaker component faces towards a first direction. The second speaker component is disposed at the casing, and faces towards a second direction which is different from the first direction. The sound-guiding board is a square plate body, located above the first speaker component, and is separated at a predetermined distance from the first speaker component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: AmTran Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jung-Hsin Chien
  • Patent number: 8948431
    Abstract: According to a first aspect, a method of controlling an electronic system includes the step of receiving by a first device a plurality of receivable wireless signals that are intended to control functions of a second device. The first device transmits a wireless signal that prevents a subset of the plurality of receivable wireless signals from controlling the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Zamir, Laszlo Otto Drimusz
  • Publication number: 20150016651
    Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of visual and/or acoustic privacy features. For example, exemplary embodiments are disclosed that include visual and/or acoustic privacy features for furniture (e.g., office chair, desk, table, cubicle, etc.). The visual and/or acoustic privacy features are movable relative to the user and/or furniture between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be configured such that they do not inhibit the user from interacting with others. In the second configuration, the visual and/or acoustic privacy features may be configured to provide the user with at least some visual and/or acoustic privacy and isolation from others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth Niles Domash
  • Publication number: 20150016650
    Abstract: Provided is an audio extension module including: a body that is configured to include a first cover that is covered with an image display device and a second cover that is fixed to a wall; an audio output unit that is configured to be built into the body and that is configured to be formed in such a manner as to receive an audio signal from the image display device and to output the audio signal; and a frame that is configured to cover a gap that is formed between the image display device and the body and that is configured to be removably combined with the body in such a manner as to enclose a border of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Mikyung KIM, Heewon KWON, Kangheui CHA, Byungmu HUH
  • Publication number: 20150010187
    Abstract: A display device includes: a display panel which displays an image; a rear chassis which covers a rear surface of the display panel, where the rear chassis includes: a first protruding region which protrudes to a rear surface of the chassis; and a second protruding region which is disposed in the first protruding region and further protrudes from the first protruding region to the rear surface of the chassis; and an acoustic element disposed in the first protruding region and at a space defined in the second protruding region, where the acoustic element includes a plurality of electrodes, and a vibration material layer disposed between the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Hee LEE, Jong Sung BAE, Jong Seo LEE
  • Publication number: 20150010188
    Abstract: A bracket with sound boxes for a tablet electronic device, comprises an arch-shaped connecting piece and sound boxes respectively installed on two opposite ends of the arch-shaped connecting piece. Opposite inner sides of the two sound boxes are respectively provided with a fixing holder for erecting the tablet electronic device. The bracket implements the integration of the bracket for a tablet electronic device and a sound system. When the tablet electronic device and sound system in use need to be moved, only the bracket needs to be moved, which facilitates movability and portability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Qingkai Mei
  • Patent number: 8929578
    Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, electronic devices with improved radiators (or “passive drivers”) comprising an elastomerically mounted mass in order to improve sound reproduction fidelity. The mass comprises a component of the device not normally used for such purpose—e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. G Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Godehard A. Guenther
  • Publication number: 20140376757
    Abstract: An improved enclosure device for protecting electronic equipment is disclosed. The enclosure device may include an adapter plate for attaching the electronic equipment to the enclosure device. The adapter plate is preferably configured to prevent damage to the electronic equipment when mounting the enclosure device to a generally vertical support. The enclosure device may include one or more inserts having an opening and a slit for receiving a cable so that the cable can be passed through the enclosure device. The insert preferably seals against the cable so that a barrier to water is created. As such, the electronic equipment may be protected from rain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Orion Engle
  • Patent number: 8917875
    Abstract: A circuit for operating loudspeakers includes a first, second, third and fourth loudspeaker circuit, having one input each for injecting a signal and one output each for connecting a loudspeaker input. The loudspeaker circuits are designed to amplify the injected signal and to provide the amplified signal at the outputs thereof. The loudspeaker circuits can, for example, be used for a 2.1 sound system. The three channels for a 2.1 sound system can be implemented by an amplifier circuit with four loudspeaker circuits, one loudspeaker circuit each being required for the two stereo channels left and right. A subwoofer channel can be driven differentially by two loudspeaker circuits. The stereo channels are, by contrast, only still connected to one loudspeaker circuit each, and so the stereo channels require at least one further common ground cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Christoph Braun, Thomas Duda, Torsten Hinz
  • Publication number: 20140363038
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to frame-less luminous displays such as electroluminescent, OLED, and LED displays that are releaseably mounted to a surface using adjustable, removable and/or replaceable adapters. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a thin, frame-less luminous display device which comprises a plurality of thin translucent or transparent layers on which an opaque, graphic layer has been applied and which is illuminated using an electroluminescent light source configured between said transparent or translucent layers. The display device may be further adapted to be releaseably mounted on a surface such as pane of glass using adjustable, removable suction cup type mounting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Charles Thomas Coleman, Shane LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 8908880
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided that has a rear-side and a front-side, a first microphone that generates a first signal, and a second microphone that generates a second signal. An automated balance controller generates a balancing signal based on a proximity sensor signal. A processor processes the first and second signals to generate at least one beamformed audio signal, where an audio level difference between a front-side gain and a rear-side gain of the beamformed audio signal is controlled during processing based on the balancing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Robert A Zurek, Kevin J Bastyr, Joel A Clark, Plamen A Ivanov
  • Publication number: 20140355805
    Abstract: A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a display which is curved such that opposite lateral ends thereof protrude forward relative to a central portion thereof. A support frame having a lower end supported on a horizontal surface and allowing the display to be disposed inside thereof is provided; wherein the support frame is curved such that opposite lateral ends thereof protrude forward relative to the central portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Doo Soon PARK, Bo La PARK, Hae Sung PARK, Sung Il BANG, Jun Young CHOI
  • Publication number: 20140341410
    Abstract: A speaker apparatus suitable for use with a computer operable for communicating audio signals to the speaker apparatus. The speaker apparatus includes a housing having a top portion and a body portion adjacent the top portion. The housing can be configured for carrying a coupling module and a speaker driver array. The coupling module can be configured for coupling the speaker apparatus and the computer. The speaker driver array can include a first speaker driver and a second speaker driver. The first and second speaker drivers can be arranged in a stacked arrangement. The stacked arrangement can be such that the first speaker driver can be positioned atop the second speaker and such that the first and second speaker drivers face different directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Wong Hoo Sim, Long Chye Low, Jiunn Shyong Neo, Thean Kuie Christopher Chang, Kok Huan Ong
  • Patent number: 8891801
    Abstract: An audio attenuation device for attenuating audio for transmission to an unborn baby includes a body and an attachment mechanism for attaching the body to an article of clothing of an expectant mother. The body is configured to receive at least one audio earbud that includes an audio producing side from which an audio signal is transmitted from the earbud. The body further includes a layer of material configured to be positioned in contact with the audio producing side to receive the audio signal from the earbud and to attenuate an intensity of the audio signal. The layer of material is configured such that, when the audio signal that is received by the layer of material has a maximum sound level of approximately 90 decibels or greater, the attenuated audio signal exiting the layer of material has a maximum sound level between approximately 45 and 85 decibels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Julianne Hope Leibsohn
  • Publication number: 20140334654
    Abstract: Provided are a sound generation system and a sound recording system, which are placed in a room to adjust sound. A columnar body is disposed around a sound source to adjust how much sound of a low-tone range, as well as of a middle- and high-tone range, is absorbed and diffused. Moreover, a columnar body is disposed around a recording device to adjust how much sound of a low-tone range, as well as of a middle- and high-tone range, is absorbed and diffused. The columnar bodies may be made of a combination of different diameters and/or lengths. The arrangement distances may be random. With the columnar body disposed at the most appropriate location, it is possible to adjust sound in a wide band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: NITTOBO ACOUSTIC ENGINEERING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Shinji OHASHI, Koichi YAMASHITA, Yasushi SATAKE, Katsuyuki KANAZAWA
  • Patent number: 8885867
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a cabinet and a speaker. The cabinet has a rear portion, a side wall connected to the rear portion, and an acoustic hole disposed on the side wall. The speaker is disposed in the cabinet, and has a loudspeaker membrane extending along a plane located between the acoustic hole and the rear portion. Thus, the sound quality of the portable electronic device is improved, and the thickness thereof is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Kuei-Ting Tai, Jia-Ren Chang, Yu-Cheng Huang, Shu-Yi Kung
  • Patent number: 8885862
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a kit for making a display includes a first medium, a support element, and first and second wave generators. The first medium is foldable according to scoring to form a display with a cavity. The element is attachable or attached to a back surface of the folded first medium, to be positioned at least partially within the cavity. The first wave generator is attachable or attached to the back surface, to receive signals from a signal generator and produce mechanical waves that cause the first medium to vibrate and generate audible acoustic waves within a first frequency range. The second wave generator is attachable or attached to the element, to receive signals from the signal generator and produce mechanical waves that cause the element to vibrate and generate audible acoustic waves within a second frequency range, different from the first frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David P Rossing, Xiaoqi Zhou, Steve Ledak, Paul C Landrum, Tuo Wu
  • Patent number: 8879766
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the disclosure presents a flat panel displaying and sounding system integrating a flat panel display with a flat panel sounding unit array. Generally, the flat panel displaying and sounding system comprises a panel surface for both displaying picture and emanating audible sound, a flat panel display means for said displaying picture and a flat panel sounding unit array means for said emanating audible sound. The flat panel system may be made by attaching a flat panel displaying layer with a flat panel sounding unit array. Furthermore, the flat panel system may be made by disposing a flat panel displaying layer inside layers of a flat panel sounding unit array. Furthermore, layer level integration may be used to implement function needed for displaying and function necessary for sounding on one integrated layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8879772
    Abstract: A speaker includes a diaphragm, a housing, and a sound blocking member. The housing fixes an edge of the diaphragm. The sound blocking member is disposed on a surface of the housing different from an audio output surface thereof and in the vicinity of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Miyajima
  • Patent number: 8879759
    Abstract: Digital musical footwear is disclosed having hidden compartments which house a thin integrated multi-plane electronic circuit board assembly (2) and a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack. A transmitter antenna is attached to a hand held device such as a smart phone which antenna sends wireless short wave sound signals to a receiving antenna part of the circuit board assembly. Multiple mini-speakers (6, 7) are footwear mounted to play the music. Bluetooth® version 4.0 wireless protocol technology is employed in the circuit board assembly. The circuit board can be flat and hidden in a recess of a heel or curved and hidden in a wall recess of the footwear as can the battery pack. Advanced lithium ion batteries such as silicon wafer or silicon core-shell nanowire batteries may be used to reduce battery weight. Flexible flat speakers (65) such as the FleXpeaker® may also be used to further reduce weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: J. A. Wells & Associates, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John Andrew Wells
  • Patent number: 8867775
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention may provide audio devices, which may be included in protective covers, suited for use with tablet computers and the like. Embodiments may include audio devices including a substantially tablet-shaped rigid housing. The housing may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and a recess in the top surface. A relatively flat audio speaker may be received in the recess of the housing, and may be pivotally mounted to the housing such that a free end of the speaker is movable between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Greg Vissia, Jeff Anderson
  • Patent number: 8861763
    Abstract: A speaker retaining mechanism for retaining a speaker at a predetermined position of a cabinet is disclosed. This speaker retaining mechanism includes: a retaining member that is fixed to the cabinet and that has a hollow space surrounded by an inner wall; and a vibration damping member attached to both ends of the speaker. The vibration damping member is disposed in the hollow space of the retaining member so that the vibration damping member contacts elastically with the inner wall of the retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Yukawa
  • Patent number: 8861768
    Abstract: A frame has an interior side and an exterior side. The frame is configured to extend around the back of a user's head. A first membrane is coupled to at least a portion of the interior side of the frame. In one embodiment, a second membrane is coupled to the first membrane. The first membrane and the second membrane define a receptacle and an opening that communicates with the receptacle. In one embodiment, a speaker is disposed in the receptacle. A first electrical wire has a first end electrically coupled to the speaker and a second end including a connector. The connector can be disposed proximate to the opening of the receptacle. The connector is configured to be electrically coupled to a second electrical wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: 180s, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Le Gette, David L. Reeb, Alan S. Tipp
  • Patent number: 8855355
    Abstract: Disclosed is a micro-speaker. A micro-speaker includes a frame forming a receiving space, a vibrating unit, a magnetic circuit unit, a number of contacts, a front cover and a back cover. The contacts include a first contact and a second contact retained by the frame and partially exposed out of the frame, and a third contact disposed within the receiving space. The vibrating unit includes a diaphragm and a voice coil with a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is electrically connected to the first contact, the second terminal is electrically connected to the third contact. An FPC is provided to electrically connect the third contact to the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: AAC Acoustic Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., AAC Microtech (Changzhou) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wentao Jiang, Lei Shi
  • Publication number: 20140294215
    Abstract: A television mount incorporating an integrated audio system. The mount attaches the television to a wall or a pedestal. The mount includes an electronics/subwoofer enclosure. This enclosure houses an audio amplifier and may also include a low-range speaker. One or more external speakers are attached to a speaker assembly which is connected to the mount preferably by attaching the supports to the electronics/subwoofer enclosure. The speaker supports is preferably made adjustable so that the degree of extension from the mount may be adjusted by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas G. Caldes
  • Patent number: 8848934
    Abstract: Method, user terminal and computer program product for controlling audio signals at the user device during a communication session between the user device and a remote node, in which a primary audio signal is received at audio input means of the user device for transmission to the remote node in the communication session. It is determined whether the user device is operating in (i) a first mode in which secondary audio signals output from the user device are likely to disturb the primary audio signal received at the audio input means, or (ii) a second mode in which secondary audio signals output from the user device are not likely to disturb the primary audio signal received at the audio input means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Skype
    Inventor: Nils Ohlmeier
  • Patent number: 8848967
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a body having a front surface and a rear surface; a display unit formed on the front surface of the body; a frame disposed between the front surface and the rear surface, and configured to support the display unit; and a sound output device configured to transmit sound using bone conduction vibrations, and connected to the frame so as to transmit the vibration to the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Wonseok Joo
  • Publication number: 20140270302
    Abstract: A videoconferencing system has a plurality of displays arranged side-by-side. Top loudspeakers are arranged adjacent the tops of the displays, and bottom loudspeakers are arranged adjacent the bottoms of the displays. A control unit operatively coupled to the displays and the loudspeakers routes video to each of the displays and routes audio corresponding to each display to any of the top and bottom loudspeakers arranged adjacent the display. Thus, the top and bottom loudspeakers form a vertical pair of loudspeakers that output the corresponding audio for its respective display. In this way, the audio for the video of a given display is perceived by participants to originate from the center of the given display. If one of the loudspeakers is not provided, gain setting and mixing between adjacent sets of loudspeakers can produce a virtual loudspeaker for the one that is missing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: POLYCOM, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Pocino, Kwan K. Truong, Jinwei Feng, James M. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20140270301
    Abstract: An electronic device including a sound output module and a housing for the electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a front case including a display unit, a rear case coupled to the front case and including a mounting space of a battery, a speaker module configured to form at least one side wall of the mounting space of the battery, and a battery cover configured to cover at least the mounting space of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heecheul MOON, Jongchul CHOI
  • Publication number: 20140270303
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes the following elements. A housing has at least an opening and an accommodating space. A first circuit board is disposed in the accommodating space. A battery module disposed in the accommodating space is stacked over the first circuit board. A display module disposed in the accommodating space is stacked over the battery module. The display module is visible through the opening. A second circuit board is disposed in the accommodating space and beside the battery module. At least a part of the second circuit board is not disposed below the display module. A first speaker is disposed in the accommodating space and below the part of the second circuit board. The first speaker has a top side with a first sound hole aligned to a slot of the part of the second circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Ying-Yen Cheng, Yu-Jing Liao, Chieh-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 8831251
    Abstract: A method of controlling driving of the pop-up tweeter speaker which includes (a) determining whether or not an opening of the tweeter speaker is normally completed and popping-down the tweeter speaker if it is determined that the opening is not normally completed, while popping-up the tweeter speaker based on a speaker control condition under an ON condition of an accessory (ACC) condition, (b) determining whether or not a close of the tweeter speaker is normally completed and popping-up the tweeter speaker if it is determined that the close is not normally completed, while popping-down the tweeter speaker based on an OFF condition of one of the speaker control condition and the ACC condition, and (c) maintaining a position state of the tweeter speaker until the speaker control condition or the ACC condition becomes an OFF condition when popping-down the tweeter speaker in (a) or popping-up the tweeter speaker in (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Se Min Oh
  • Patent number: 8831261
    Abstract: A portable computing device can include one or more speakers integrated with internal components. In one embodiment, the speakers can be configured to produce audio output signals and direct at least a portion of the audio signals through vents disposed on a base portion of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the vents can also direct cooling air into the base portion. In one embodiment, the speakers can also be configured to direct a portion of the audio signal through a speaker grille disposed on the base portion. One embodiment of a speaker enclosure can include a resonant cavity for a first audio transducer formed by the speaker enclosure in cooperation with the base portion of the portable computing device and a second audio transducer configured to direct an audio signal beneath a keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Casebolt, Ron A. Hopkinson, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Charles A. Schwalbach, Derek J. Yap
  • Patent number: 8824720
    Abstract: A detachable earphone is disclosed. The detachable earphone comprises an audio plug; an earplug; and an earphone cable connecting the audio plug to the earplug, wherein at least one of the audio plug and the earplug forms a joining portion, at least one end of the earphone cable forms an insertion portion, and the insertion portion is detachably engaged in the joining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Bang Wu, Zhi-Hua Lin, Yi Xiong
  • Publication number: 20140241558
    Abstract: An apparatus including at least two speakers and at least one controller. Each speaker includes at least one vibrating element, and one or more display elements. The vibrating elements are configured to at least partially move the one or more display elements to generate sound waves from the one or more display elements. The at least one controller is connected to the vibrating elements of the at least two speakers and the one or more display elements. The at least one controller is configured to control display of at least one image on the one or more display elements, and/or control driving of the vibrating elements to generate sounds from at least one of the at least two speakers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Marko Tapani YLIAHO, Juha Reinhold BACKMAN
  • Publication number: 20140233778
    Abstract: A modular sound component system can be configured to be located at least partially behind a wall surface, wherein the wall surface is supported by multiple vertical studs. The modular system can include a rail system that is in contact with the wall surface and at least one sound reproduction module coupled to the rail system. The sound reproduction module can include a body that can be disposed on a stud-side of the wall surface, and the module can include an attachment feature that is slidably coupleable to the rail system. In an example, the sound reproduction module can include a loudspeaker assembly, an amplifier assembly, or other device. Multiple modules can be slidably coupled to the rail system, such as on different sides of a wall stud. A wired communication link can couple the multiple modules, such as across a wall surface-side of the wall stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Core Brands, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hardiman, Michael L. Strange, Doug S. Wright
  • Publication number: 20140233747
    Abstract: Sound control and audio output systems and methods for an entertainment venue are described. The venue includes immersive display and sound elements. Prevention of acoustic reflections and level of audio immersion are enhanced with the described systems and techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: DreamLight Holdings Inc. formerly known as A Thousand Miles, LLC
    Inventor: Steve Fox
  • Patent number: 8807271
    Abstract: A speaker device with vibration absorbing function includes a main body and at least one damping mechanism. The main body is installed inside a first casing and a second casing for generating sound. The at least one damping mechanism is connected to the main body and includes a sheathing member, a sleeve member and a resilient member. The sheathing member is disposed on the first casing and located in a position near the main body. The sleeve member is connected to the main body and sheathes the sheathing member in a slidable manner for transmitting vibration generated by the main body as generating sound. Two ends of the resilient member are respectively installed inside the sheathing member and inside the sleeve member for resiliently abutting against the sleeve member, so as to absorb the vibration transmitted from the sleeve member as the main body generates sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Hsin Chen, Chang-Ming Kuo
  • Patent number: 8807267
    Abstract: A self resonance-type sound-producing speaker that is waterproof and readily attachable. The self resonance-type sound-producing speaker includes an actuator speaker unit and a polymer foam arranged to cover the entire outer surface of this speaker unit and converts the vibrations from the speaker unit into plane waves to externally produce sound. The polymer foam preferably has the expansion ratio of 10 to 30 times and the closed pore structure. The thickness of the polymer foam is preferably not less than 2 mm and is more preferably not less than 3 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: C-Eng Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Harumi Iwata, Keiko Takaoka
  • Patent number: 8798306
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device and a casing therefor. The device comprises a casing having a back side and a casing opening in the back side; a speaker mounted inside the casing and in communication with the casing opening; and a cover shaped to mate with and to cover the casing opening, the cover having a first nub and a second nub and a speaker opening providing an air channel for the speaker. In the device, the first and the second nubs are located about the speaker opening in a symmetrical pattern; and when the communication device is placed on a flat surface with the side of the casing facing the flat surface, the first and second nubs cause the back side of the casing to be canted from the flat surface to expose the speaker opening to ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Cortez Corley, Frank Mathew Tyneski, Norman Miner Ladouceur, Larry Edward Hawker
  • Patent number: 8792666
    Abstract: When a listener 10 changes the reclining angle of a backrest part 101a of a seat 101 and a head 10a of the listener 10 is thereby caused to be present outside an audible area 120a of a directional loudspeaker 120 or when the reclining angle of a front seat 100 is changed and the head 10a of the listener 10 is thereby caused to be present outside the audible area 120a of the directional loudspeaker 120, a distance L2 to an obstacle exceeds 1 m as an upper limit of a standard listening range and it is determined that the head 10a of the listener 10 is present beyond the standard listening range, and the audio output of the directional loudspeaker 120 is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Riichiroh Koike, Takeshi Hatakeyama
  • Publication number: 20140193016
    Abstract: Integrated audio-visual systems are provided. Such integrated audio-visual systems are capable of reproducing sound frequencies without compromising visual characteristics. In particular, a surface of the acoustic diaphragm also serves as the image projection screen. Such surface may be made of materials capable of reflecting light and converting audio signals simultaneously. The surface may be integrated with electromagnetic conductive materials or nanomaterials. In response to an audio signal, the surface is driven by various driving mechanism to create acoustic vibration. Any number of audio zones may be created on the surface and the audio emanation areas may be customized for the desired application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Norbert Faerstain, Michael Kern, James Hurrell
  • Patent number: 8774422
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a support unit for a handheld media device. The support unit has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is coupleable to a substantially planar object. The substantially planar object is configured for mounting in a vertical position. The second surface is sized to support the handheld media device when the handheld media device is placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Electric Mirror, LLC
    Inventors: James V. Mischel, Jr., James V. Mischel, Sr., Joseph Bogdjalian, Maurice Wong
  • Patent number: 8774436
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a display control unit configured to cause a display screen to display image data, a determination unit configured to determine a position of an audio output device on the display screen based on the position of the audio output device which is placed within a first predetermined distance from the display screen, and a transmission control unit configured to perform control to transmit, to the audio output device, audio data corresponding to the image data displayed at a position within a second predetermined distance from a position on the display screen which is determined by the determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20140185852
    Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided having an audio subsystem with a plurality of audio devices, each of which is coupled to a logic subsystem via its own audio path. The portable electronic device may also include a display configured to present visual content, with the display being fixed in position relative to the plurality of audio devices. The portable electronic device further includes an orientation sensor electronically coupled to the logic subsystem, the logic subsystem being configured, using data received from the orientation sensor, (i) to determine whether the portable electronic device has been reoriented; and (ii) in response to such determination, vary operation of one or more of the audio paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Pereira
  • Publication number: 20140184928
    Abstract: This display device (100) includes a display panel (2) including a substrate mounting member (5) covering a backlight source (4b) and a cover member (6) arranged to partially cover the rear surface of the substrate mounting member and to expose a region in the periphery of at least an outer peripheral portion (51) of the rear surface of the substrate mounting member. The substrate mounting member has a side surface portion (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d), while a corner portion (51e, 51f, 51g, 51h) of the outer peripheral portion formed by the side surface portion of the substrate mounting member has such a shape that adjacent ones of the side surface portion are bonded to each other without a clearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Yokawa, Yasuyuki Fukumoto, Yasuhiro Mori, Takahito Yamanaka, Yuki Kita, Akihiro Fujikawa, Yuto Suzuki, Hirofumi Horiuchi, Hirohiko Tsuji, Hideo Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 8767985
    Abstract: A headrest provided with several loudspeakers which normally reproduce an ambiophonic sound experience. The headrest generally includes a central section provided with at least one loudspeaker, one side section provided with at least one loudspeaker and a second side section provided with at least one loudspeaker. The side sections are arranged on either side of the center section, and extend substantially perpendicularly towards the top relative to the center section. The headrest is arranged in a way so it can be connected to an audio signal source capable of generating several different audio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Luc Riopel
  • Publication number: 20140177896
    Abstract: An audio and display system comprising a housing having an interior region, at least one audio speaker positioned within the interior region, and a display coupled to the housing. The display includes a frame coupled to the housing, the frame having a plurality of mounting members, wherein at least two adjacent mounting members of the plurality of mounting members are spaced apart by a first distance, a plurality of support members coupled to the mounting members of the frame, wherein at least two adjacent support members of the plurality of support members are spaced apart by a second distance, and a plurality of light-emitting elements coupled to each of the plurality of support members, wherein the display module is substantially acoustically transparent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Matt Buisker, David Sturzenbecher, Dean Dodge, Dustin Treml
  • Publication number: 20140177895
    Abstract: An audio and display system comprising a housing having an interior region, at least one audio speaker positioned within the interior region, and a display coupled to the housing. The display includes a frame coupled to the housing, the frame having a plurality of mounting members, wherein at least two adjacent mounting members of the plurality of mounting members are spaced apart by a first distance, a plurality of support members coupled to the mounting members of the frame, wherein at least two adjacent support members of the plurality of support members are spaced apart by a second distance, and a plurality of light-emitting elements coupled to each of the plurality of support members, wherein the display module is substantially acoustically transparent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Matt Buisker, David Sturzenbecher, Dean Dodge, Dustin Treml