Patents Assigned to THX Ltd.
  • Patent number: 11246001
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for performing crosstalk cancellation and/or generation of virtual speakers. An audio processor may include a crosstalk cancellation circuit and a linearization circuit. The linearization circuit may offset the frequency response of the crosstalk cancellation circuit to provide an overall frequency response that is flat. A virtual speaker circuit may receive an input signal associated with an output channel and pass the input signal to the output channel unmodified. The virtual speaker circuit generates a virtualization signal based on the input signal and passes the virtualization signal to another physical channel. The virtualization signal may be generated further based on an ipsilateral head-related transfer function (HRTF) and a contralateral HRTF that correspond to a virtual speaker location of a virtual speaker generated by the virtual speaker circuit. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: THX Ltd.
    Inventor: Russell Gray
  • Patent number: 10938357
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an audio amplifier circuit with integrated (built-in) filter (e.g., a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) filter). The audio amplifier circuit may have a non-flat (e.g., low-pass) closed loop frequency response. The audio amplifier circuit may include a low pass filter coupled between an input terminal that receives the input analog audio signal and the input of the gain stage of the amplifier. In some embodiments, additional impedance networks may be included to produce a desired low-pass filter response, such as a second order filter, a third order filter, and/or another suitable filter response. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: THX LTD.
    Inventor: Owen Jones
  • Patent number: 10784827
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a power management system for a battery-powered audio device. The system includes bi-directional power conversion and control circuitry to implement a corresponding control scheme. The system may be switchable between a charge mode, during which the power conversion and control circuitry charges the battery of the audio device and the AC/DC adapter provides an amplifier supply voltage to one or more amplifiers of the audio device, and a discharge mode, in which the power conversion and control circuitry may provide a regulated amplifier supply voltage to the one or more amplifiers that is regulated based on one or more operating conditions of the system. The system may provide reduced cost and reduced power consumption and reduced size compared with prior systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: THX LTD.
    Inventor: Andrew John Mason
  • Publication number: 20200106401
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an audio amplifier circuit with integrated (built-in) filter (e.g., a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) filter). The audio amplifier circuit may have a non-flat (e.g., low-pass) closed loop frequency response. The audio amplifier circuit may include a low pass filter coupled between an input terminal that receives the input analog audio signal and the input of the gain stage of the amplifier. In some embodiments, additional impedance networks may be included to produce a desired low-pass filter response, such as a second order filter, a third order filter, and/or another suitable filter response. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: THX LTD.
    Inventor: Owen Jones
  • Patent number: 10404221
    Abstract: An amplifier circuit that includes a first amplifier that has a first input that receives an input signal, a second input and an output. The amplifier circuit also includes a second amplifier that has a first input that is coupled to the output of said the amplifier and a second input. The circuit further includes a first impedance network Z1, a second impedance network Z2, a third impedance network Z3 and a fourth impedance network Z4. The first impedance network Z1 is coupled to a load and the second input of the second amplifier, the second impedance Z2 is connected the output of the first amplifier and the second input of the first amplifier, the third impedance Z3 is connected to the output of the first amplifier and the load, the fourth impedance Z4 is connected the output of the second amplifier and the second input of said first amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: THX Ltd.
    Inventors: Owen Jones, Lawrence R. Fincham, Andrew Mason
  • Patent number: 10298142
    Abstract: A power supply that includes a first current generator circuit that is coupled to a first transformer and generates a first waveform and a second current generator circuit that is coupled to a second transformer, and generates a second waveform that is out of phase with the first waveform. The first and second waveforms are rectified and combined into a DC output signal. The power supply includes a first coupling circuit that couples the first current generator circuit to the first transformer and a second coupling circuit that couples the second current generator circuit to the second transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: THX Ltd.
    Inventors: Owen Jones, Andrew Mason, Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Publication number: 20190044486
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a power management system for a battery-powered audio device. The system includes bi-directional power conversion and control circuitry to implement a corresponding control scheme. The system may be switchable between a charge mode, during which the power conversion and control circuitry charges the battery of the audio device and the AC/DC adapter provides an amplifier supply voltage to one or more amplifiers of the audio device, and a discharge mode, in which the power conversion and control circuitry may provide a regulated amplifier supply voltage to the one or more amplifiers that is regulated based on one or more operating conditions of the system. The system may provide reduced cost and reduced power consumption and reduced size compared with prior systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: THX LTD.
    Inventor: Andrew John Mason
  • Patent number: 9924263
    Abstract: A narrow-profile balanced subwoofer or similar speaker includes a number of drivers placed side by side in the same lateral plane, with a first set of drivers facing one direction and second set of drivers facing the opposite direction. Their orientation is such that the sum of the forces from the first set of drivers is equal and opposite the sum of the forces from the second set of drivers, thus cancelling, and the sum of the moments from all of the drivers about a center or pivot point substantially equals zero. The speaker may include three or more drivers, symmetrically or asymmetrically spaced. The drivers may be of the same or different sizes, and the audio signal amplitudes may be adjusted to help balance the speaker. Each set of drivers may output sound into separate sound ducts, which may output sound from one or more apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: THX Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Patent number: 9609405
    Abstract: A narrow-profile balanced subwoofer or similar speaker includes a number of drivers placed side by side in the same lateral plane, with a first set of drivers facing one direction and second set of drivers facing the opposite direction. Their orientation is such that the sum of the forces from the first set of drivers is equal and opposite the sum of the forces from the second set of drivers, thus cancelling, and the sum of the moments from all of the drivers about a center or pivot point substantially equals zero. The speaker may include three or more drivers, symmetrically or asymmetrically spaced. The drivers may be of the same or different sizes, and the audio signal amplitudes may be adjusted to help balance the speaker. Each set of drivers may output sound into separate sound ducts, which may output sound from one or more apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: THX Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Patent number: 9484860
    Abstract: A tracking power supply for one or more amplifiers includes one or more cascaded sets of power boost circuits to temporarily boost the positive and/or negative power supply rail, respectively. Each power boost circuit may include a gain element and an energy source such as a capacitor or battery, and the power boost circuits are linked to provide a greater degree of voltage boost when needed. An optional control circuit monitors amplifier output signal levels, or separately amplified input signal levels, and provides power boost control signals to the power boost circuits, which temporarily raise or lower the positive and/or negative supply voltages above or below the nominal voltage rails in tandem with the highest and lowest output signals, respectively, from the amplifier(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: THX Ltd.
    Inventors: Owen Jones, Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Patent number: 9414152
    Abstract: A sound reproduction system includes one or more arrays of drive units, coupled with sound processing allowing improved steerability, directional control, width control, and/or beam overlay. A speaker column may comprise two arrays facing one another, the drive units being perpendicular to the speaker unit front, with the acoustic output of each line array being compressed, turned and output from an elongate slot. The drive units may be staggered with respect to those in the opposing array. The arrays may be arc-shaped else straight. Selective delays to simulate an arced pattern. Differential delays applied to the drive units in a sub-array allow beam steering. Additional drive units, such as high frequency drivers, may be added along the length of the elongate slot or elsewhere to increase the dynamic frequency range of the speaker system. A collocated sound processor and amplifier output stage may be integrated with the speaker unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: THX Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Patent number: 9413245
    Abstract: A power supply includes two or more input waveforms being shaped or selected so that after being separately level-shifted and rectified, their additive combination results in a DC output waveform with substantially no ripple. The power supply may comprise a waveform generator, a level conversion stage for step up or down conversion, a rectification stage, and a combiner. The waveform generator may generate complementary waveforms, preferably identical but phase offset from each other, such that after the complementary waveforms are level-converted, rectified and additively combined their sum will be constant, thus requiring no or minimal smoothing for generation of a DC output waveform. The level conversion may be carried out using transformers or switched capacitor circuits. Feedback from the DC output waveform may be used to adjust the characteristics of the input waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: THX Ltd.
    Inventors: Owen Jones, Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Patent number: 9363586
    Abstract: A narrow profile speaker unit comprises at least one speaker outputting sound towards an internal surface and through a duct with an output terminus, such as a slot, having a narrow dimension, effectively changing the cross-section of the speaker's audio output wave. A pair of speakers may face one another, outputting sound towards a common output slot. Multiple pairs of speakers may be used to form an inline speaker unit for increased sound output. A slotted speaker unit may include multiple speakers facing the same direction, towards a groundplane or reflecting surface, and having parallel apertures for allowing sound radiation. The speaker units may be integral with or attached to electronic appliances such as desktop computers or flatscreen devices, or may be used in automobiles or other contexts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: THX Ltd.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Patent number: 9275378
    Abstract: A method and system according to the disclosure facilitates subscription based access to services for image systems including an image acquisition device configured to generate image data describing a target object in a target area of the image acquisition device and an image display device configured to generate a human perceptible rendering of the target object based on the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: THX, Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Polit, Robert C. Carroll
  • Patent number: 9071201
    Abstract: A low dissipation, low distortion amplifier includes a driver amplifier stage and a main output stage, with a plurality of impedance networks providing, among other things, feedback paths from outputs of the driver and main output stages to the input of the driver stage. The impedance networks also provide coupling paths from the outputs of the driver and main output stages to the load. The impedance networks can all be formed of resistors, capacitors, or network combinations thereof. An additional feedback path can be added from the load to the driver stage to flatten out the frequency response at low frequencies. The driver and main output stages may be operated in Class AB and B modes respectively, and/or in Class G or H modes. An intermediate amplifier driver stage may be added between the driver and main output stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: THX Ltd
    Inventors: Owen Jones, Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Patent number: 8942405
    Abstract: An earphone device comprises an inner casing enclosing one or more miniature drive units, and a movable cap or outer casing that moves relative to the inner casing. The inner casing has an extension member, such as a hollow post, terminating in an acoustic output port. A compressible foam bulb at least partially surrounds the extension member, and is decompressed and compressed by actuation of an adjustable member. The adjustable member may take the form, for example, of a pivoting lever, a helical cam, or a push-rod mechanism, among other things. A flange may be disposed around the periphery of the movable cap, in order to provide a seal surrounding the ear canal region. The compressible material may be gripped by the hollow extension member, and abut the movable cap or flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: THX, Ltd
    Inventors: Owen Jones, Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Publication number: 20140333653
    Abstract: A method and system according to the disclosure facilitates subscription based access to services for image systems including an image acquisition device configured to generate image data describing a target object in a target area of the image acquisition device and an image display device configured to generate a human perceptible rendering of the target object based on the image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: THX, Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Polit, Robert C. Carroll
  • Patent number: 8792125
    Abstract: A method and system according to the disclosure facilitates subscription based access to services for image systems including an image acquisition device configured to generate image data describing a target object in a target area of the image acquisition device and an image display device configured to generate a human perceptible rendering of the target object based on the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: THX, Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Polit, Robert C. Carroll
  • Patent number: 8723605
    Abstract: A dynamic power supply for N amplifiers includes first and second power boost circuits which temporarily boost the positive or negative power supply rail, respectively. A control circuit monitors amplifier output signal levels and provides power boost control signals to the power boost circuits, which temporarily raise the positive supply voltage above the nominal voltage level in tandem with the highest output signal from the N amplifiers and lower the negative supply voltage below the nominal voltage level in tandem with the lowest output signal level from the N amplifiers. The power boost circuits each may be coupled to a reservoir capacitor from which current is drawn to provide the power boost. When inactive, the reservoir capacitors charge up from the respective power supply rails. The dynamic power supply is well suited for audio amplification systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: THX Ltd
    Inventors: Owen Jones, Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Publication number: 20140097033
    Abstract: An earphone device comprises an inner casing enclosing one or more miniature drive units, and a movable cap or outer casing that moves relative to the inner casing. The inner casing has an extension member, such as a hollow post, terminating in an acoustic output port. A compressible foam bulb at least partially surrounds the extension member, and is decompressed and compressed by actuation of an adjustable member. The adjustable member may take the form, for example, of a pivoting lever, a helical cam, or a push-rod mechanism, among other things. A flange may be disposed around the periphery of the movable cap, in order to provide a seal surrounding the ear canal region. The compressible material may be gripped by the hollow extension member, and abut the movable cap or flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: THX LTD
    Inventors: Owen Jones, Lawrence R. Fincham