Reflecting Element Patents (Class 381/160)
  • Patent number: 11887570
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for an auditory modification apparatus to facilitate extraction of information from an auditory observation stream. The approach may be used to reveal features about the environment, or to simplify processing of the incoming audio stream. The apparatus acts on the incoming auditory stream by nature of its shape, and that shape either is passively static or actively manipulated. Preferably, the apparatus has given shape characteristics to reveal features of the environment, such as directionality of a noise, size of an enclosed space, or materials of its construction, that are not otherwise detectable or easy to process with conventional approaches. Further advantage exists in the notion of actively manipulating the shape of the apparatus in conjunction with its operation to facilitate information extraction in a dynamic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventor: George A. Economou
  • Patent number: 11889263
    Abstract: A loudspeaker described herein have a radiation pattern which is constant over a wide frequency range without requiring any attenuation. The system includes plurality of drivers not uniformly arranged so that the relative velocity of the speaker follows the Legendre shading function. By making the driver density proportional to the Legendre function SSCBT allows each driver to play at max volume. The purpose behind Space Shaded Constant Beamwidth Transducer (SSCBT) is to replace attenuation with incremental spacing between the drivers. Alternatively, the angles each driver is placed by doubling the distance each driver is placed to accomplish the region which is 3 db lower. When the distance is doubled, the angle between each driver increases the further from 0 it is and is consistent with the Legendre function on its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventor: Paul Sonifrank
  • Patent number: 11882399
    Abstract: A height channel speaker with an integrated acoustic reflector to reflect sound off of a ceiling down to a listener. The acoustic reflector compensates for thin transducers by creating a virtual image of the real sound source outside the speaker enclosure. The focal point of the acoustic reflector is controlled by modifying the curvature of the reflector surface. The transducer is mounted on an inclined plane to radiate sound in a rear-upward inclined direction. The acoustic reflector is mounted on the same inclined plane so that the radiant axis of the transducer is directly incident on the acoustic reflector surface. The sound is projected towards the ceiling in a forward, upward-inclined direction to reflect off the ceiling and down to the listener. The speaker can be acoustically occluded from the listener by a panel to which the speaker is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Lakshmikanth Tipparaju
  • Patent number: 11877137
    Abstract: The present application relates to a backplate for a recording microphone, and the recording microphone, belonging to the technical field of acoustoelectric conversion. A surface, facing a diaphragm, of the backplate is a spherical surface recessed away from the diaphragm. According to the backplate for the recording microphone and the recording microphone provided by the present application, the maximum sound pressure level that the recording microphone can withstand is effectively increased, and the occurrence of attachment between the diaphragm and the backplate under the action of high-sound-pressure-level signals is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Jiusheng (Tangshan) Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiong Qiao, Peng Wang, Liang Li, Zhaoming Lv
  • Patent number: 11709652
    Abstract: A first playback device can include a wireless network interface, an audio input interface, one or more processors, and data storage. The data storage stores instructions that, when executed by the processors, cause the first playback device to determine a first radio frequency (RF) energy level associated with RF signal communications from a second playback device to the first playback device. The first playback device modifies a threshold RF energy level for holding off transmissions by the first playback device based on the first RF energy level. The first playback device receives multi-channel audio content via the audio input interface and detects an ambient RF energy level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels van Erven, Yong Ma
  • Patent number: 11535156
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the blind spot of a motor vehicle has a mirror assembly with at least one mirror element that can be moved using an actuator, and a microphone assembly. The microphone assembly is designed to determine the sound direction, and the movable mirror element is in the form of a sound reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christoph Arndt, Uwe Gussen, Frederic Stefan
  • Patent number: 11477568
    Abstract: Disclosed is a voice input apparatus including: a speaker having a diaphragm for outputting sound downward; a speaker room in which the diaphragm is accommodated; and a microphone disposed outside the speaker room, wherein the speaker room includes: a room base disposed below the diaphragm; a sound guide which is protruded upward from the room base, positioned below the diaphragm, and reflects the sound outputted from the diaphragm outward in a radial direction; and a room sidewall which is extended upward from a circumference of the room base to surround the sound guide, and has a sound discharge port for emitting the sound reflected by the sound guide to the outside of the speaker room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Youngsik Yoon
  • Patent number: 11425490
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for enhancing a user's listening experience by adjusting physical attributes of an audio playback system based on detected environmental attributes of the system's environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Ivan S. Maric
  • Patent number: 11399227
    Abstract: Provided are a wireless earphone charger, a wireless earphone, and a wireless earphone system that improve visibility and design of an indicator of the charger. The wireless earphone charger 3 is configured to charge a wireless earphone including a receiving circuit 141, 241 configured to receive a sound signal via a wireless communication line, and an earphone rechargeable battery 15, 25 configured to charge power to be supplied to the receiving circuit. The wireless earphone charger includes a rechargeable battery 35 configured to charge power to be supplied to the earphone rechargeable battery, an indicator 34A configured to indicate a plurality of indication modes, and a controller 39 configured to switch the indication modes. The indication modes of the indicator include a first indication mode for indicating a remaining power of the rechargeable battery, and a second indication mode for indicating a remaining power of the earphone rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: AUDIO—TECHNICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Onizuka, Yasuyuki Morimoto, Takashi Nara
  • Patent number: 11303995
    Abstract: A waveguide assembly for a loudspeaker is provided. The waveguide assembly includes a plurality of panels and a plurality of trays, which together at least partially defines a waveguide. One or more of the panels are arranged to be movable relative to the trays to adjust a coverage pattern of the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Pepin, Benjamin C. Lippitt, Richard J. Carbone, John W. Mazejka, Greg J. Zastoupil, James Platek, Gabriel Lloyd Murray
  • Patent number: 11272303
    Abstract: The invention concerns a mobile terminal with at least two transducers (LSm, LSs1, LSS2) used simultaneously as loudspeakers for stereophonic effect. According to the invention, one of said transducers is a main transducer (LSm) with a main working frequency band (Bm) corresponding to at least the phone frequency band, while the other transducer is a secondary transducer (LSs1; LSs2) with a secondary working frequency band (Bs1; Bs2) band different from said main frequency band, the lowest frequencies of said secondary working frequency band (Bs1; Bs2) being greater than the lowest frequencies of said main working frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: DRNC HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerard Douhet, Stephane Dufosse, Alain Guillotin
  • Patent number: 10952005
    Abstract: Various implementations include speaker systems. In some particular cases, a speaker system includes: at least two distinct loudspeakers each capable of outputting stereo audio on its own, wherein each loudspeaker comprises: a plurality of transducers, and a controller coupled with the plurality of transducers, where the controller in each loudspeaker is configured to: receive a left channel audio input signal and a right channel audio input signal; extract a center channel signal from the left channel audio input signal and the right channel audio input signal; and provide an audio output signal to at least one of the plurality of transducers for outputting the center channel signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: John Lawrence McGrael, Benjamin Jackson Clark, David Lester Smith, Michael Wayne Stark, James Walter Tracey, Nabin Sagar Sharma
  • Patent number: 10904669
    Abstract: A head-mounted wearable device (HMWD) provides audio output from a first speaker that is driven with a first signal and a second speaker that is driven with a second signal. Based on a volume level setting, an equalization profile and inversion frequency are determined. The equalization profile selectively amplifies or attenuates particular frequencies or ranges of frequencies. Those frequencies in the second signal that are above the inversion frequency have their amplitude inverted, relative to the first signal. When driven by the first signal and the second signal, the first speaker and the second speaker operate as acoustic dipoles below the inversion frequency and acoustic quadrupoles above the inversion frequency. Sound from the first and second speakers with frequencies above the inversion frequency exhibits destructive interference. As a result, the user wearing the HMWD is able hear audio output while audio amplitude perceived by the bystanders is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Shahram Talakoub, Jianchun Dong, Peng Zhang, Yuwen Su, Xuan Zhong
  • Patent number: 10741166
    Abstract: A loudspeaker assembly enabled with means to control the directivity of sound emitted from the loudspeaker and the use of such an assembly in audio rendering equipment. The inventive assembly includes an acoustic lens having movable mechanical means enabling controlled directivity of the sound emitted from the loudspeaker by moving one or more of the movable mechanical means from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: BANG & OLUFSEN A/S
    Inventors: Jakob Dyreby, Martin Olsen
  • Patent number: 10735854
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for enhancing a user's listening experience by adjusting physical attributes of an audio playback system based on detected environmental attributes of the system's environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Ivan S. Maric
  • Patent number: 10735860
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus which can include a plurality of speaker drivers and a control processor. The control processor can be configured to flexibly group the speaker drivers. The control processor can be further configured to perform the tasks of controlling directivity of audio output from at least one group and providing time delay to audio output from at least one speaker driver from at least one controlled group so as to generate at least one sound field associable with a dispersed profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Thean Kuie Christopher Chang, Kok Huan Ong
  • Patent number: 10645492
    Abstract: A directional microphone array which can be integrated into a case for a portable computing device. A microphone array board connects to a surface of a laptop computer, tablet computer or smart phone, which can be steered in the direction of a target source. An audio processing module (APM) is operably engaged with the array board to receive a first staged beamformed audio input from the array board, and process a second beamformed stage audio output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Wave Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: James Keith McElveen, Noah Schiffman, Brad Smith
  • Patent number: 10560785
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising: a substrate; a first elastic body which is positioned on one surface of the substrate; and a second elastic body which is positioned under the other surface of the substrate and is harder than the first elastic body, wherein the first elastic body and the second elastic body sandwich and hold the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Onkyo Corporation
    Inventor: Mikio Morita
  • Patent number: 10250986
    Abstract: A production work flow optimized multichannel virtual reality microphone that has its own rendering software allowing for the recording, rendering, and playing back of immersive, head-trackable positional audio for 360 video, gaming, and virtual reality applications. The multichannel microphone used to record multiple binaural sound perspectives, has eight microphones coupled to a rotatable disc frictionally mounted on the outside of a truncated spherical shell, an internal, detachable clamp for attaching the shell to a vertical pole stand, and easily accessible microphone output connections configured as four stereo microphone pairs, spaced closely to an average set of human ears. The microphone output connections are located on an internal support member. These are accessible through upper and lower lids and a door. Four small baffles simulating the pinna of the human ear reside on the disc, separating the paired microphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew Marrin, Greg Morgenstein
  • Patent number: 10237644
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for enhancing a user's listening experience by adjusting physical attributes of an audio playback system based on detected environmental attributes of the system's environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Ivan S. Maric
  • Patent number: 10063949
    Abstract: A transducer comprising: an air displacement component configured to move on application of an electrical signal to generate an acoustic wave in a first plane in the direction of the movement of the air displacement component; a transducer casing configured to mechanically support the air displacement component, wherein the transducer casing comprises at least one output window located and acoustically coupled to the air displacement component in a second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Mika Nittyinperä, Benedict Slotte, Anders Engberg, Tapio Liusvaara
  • Patent number: 9992569
    Abstract: An acoustic collection and collection assembly comprises an acoustic collection dish, a support frame, and a microphone mount extending from the support frame that allows one or more microphones to be positioned at the acoustic focal point of the dish for optimal capture of distant sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Paul D. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 9674594
    Abstract: A speaker including one or multiple transducers, an enclosure, and a suspension mounted on the enclosure, wherein the suspension and the enclosure are configured such that the enclosure is capable of vibrating as a result of operation of the transducer so as to produce audible sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignees: Harman International (China) Holdings Co., Ltd., Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Shengbo Li
  • Patent number: 9528493
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting aerodynamic conditions of a rotor blade (22) of a wind turbine (10). An acoustic sensor (24) may be remotely located from the rotor blade. The sensor may be focused to monitor a portion of a blade path swept by the rotor blade to detect an aerodynamic condition such as flow separation, and may provide input to a controller (27) for control of a pitch of the blade effective to prevent the flow separation from developing into a full stall condition. One sensor may be focused to monitor blades of more than one wind turbine. A plurality of such sensors in a wind park may be connected to a supervisory controller (120) to predict the propagation of wind conditions progressing through the park.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael J. Asheim, Manjinder J Singh, Johannes Gerhardes Wardjan Alberts
  • Patent number: 9510110
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) optical sensor and method of manufacturing a MEMS optical sensor. The MEMS optical sensor may be a MEMS optical microphone including a compliant membrane configured to vibrate in response to an acoustic wave, the compliant membrane having a grating suspended therein. The optical sensor further including a back plate positioned above the compliant membrane, the back plate having a reflector suspended within a center portion of the back plate and aligned with the grating. The optical sensor further including a light emitter positioned below the compliant membrane and configured to transmit a laser light toward the grating and the reflector. The optical sensor also including a light detector configured to detect an interference pattern of the laser light after reflection from the reflector, wherein the interference pattern is indicative of an acoustic vibration of the compliant membrane. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jae H. Lee, Janhavi S. Agashe
  • Patent number: 9299360
    Abstract: A speech processing apparatus acquires pseudo speech from a mixture of sound including desired speech and noise. A first microphone inputs a first mixture sound, including desired speech and noise, and outputs a first mixture signal. A second microphone opens to the sound space and is disposed at a focus position of an interface, that is part of a boundary of the sound space and has one of a quadratic surface shape and a pseudo surface shape approximating a quadratic surface, inputs a second mixture sound including the desired speech reflected by the interface and the noise reflected by the interface at a ratio different from the first mixture sound, and outputs a second mixture signal. A noise suppression circuit suppresses an estimated noise signal based on the first mixture signal and the second mixture signal and outputs a pseudo speech signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki Arakawa, Akihiko Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 9244154
    Abstract: A positioning system includes at least one DUT (Device Under Test) and a mobile device. A wireless connection is established between the DUT and the mobile device. The mobile device is moved along a path which includes at least two different measurement positions. The mobile device measures a distance between the DUT and each of the measurement positions. Then, the mobile device obtains a target position, at which the DUT is located, according to the measurement positions and the distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shu-Yu Jiang, Yung-Sen Lin
  • Patent number: 9232030
    Abstract: An amplifying cover for an audio device that enhances the audio output of the device, such as voice or music, louder and clearer, without adding to the bulk of the device. The cover redirects the audio output of the device to a different location that enhances the ergonomics of the device. The amplifying cover can redirect the sound (while also amplifying it) to the top of the device, closer to the user's ear, or to the side of the device. The amplifying cover can redirect the sound to a plurality of different directions, making it easier to make conference calls. The cover is a protective case for an electronic device that also amplifies the sound produced by the electronic device. The cover provides a portable and compact acoustic amplifier for an electronic device that can be permanently or semi-permanently attached to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew Freshman, Abraham Shawky Farag
  • Patent number: 9176540
    Abstract: An electronic device having an audio output unit with case design that provides a wide resonance space for enhanced sound quality and improved shock resistance is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a first space longitudinally penetrating a side region of the housing, and a second space connected to the first space and configured to accommodate an audio output unit therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun-Sung Shin
  • Patent number: 9172781
    Abstract: A waterproof acoustic chamber that is adapted to hold and protect a smartphone is disclosed. The chamber includes a body portion that is configured to encapsulate a smartphone, which exhibits an internal dimension that accommodates, at a user's option, a smartphone with (or without) its own protective casing. The body portion is configured to prevent water from entering an internal area of the body portion when exposed to water. The body portion includes at least one speaker area that includes a material through which audio content that is generated by the smartphone may leave the body portion. The chamber further includes a compartment having an open side that is configured to receive and attach to the backside of the body portion. The compartment includes two sides that each extend beyond a parallel side of the body portion, with the speaker area and compartment being effective to amplify and channel the audio content that is generated by the smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Avraham Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20150139454
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a circuit board, a base mounted on a rear side of the circuit board, a positioning apparatus slidably installed between the base and the circuit board, a sound-reflecting member positioned at a front side of the circuit board, a connecting member connected between the base and the sound-reflecting member, a sound generator, and a controller. The sound-reflecting member includes a sound-reflecting plate and a number of magnetic pieces around the sound-reflecting plate. Many first electromagnets are mounted on the front side of the circuit board, aligning with the magnetic pieces. The position apparatus includes a positioning bracket. The connecting member includes a rotating portion rotatably connected to the base. A second electromagnet is mounted to the circuit board, to move the positioning bracket. The controller controls one or more of the first electromagnets to attract the corresponding magnetic pieces, to allow the sound-reflecting member to swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIH-HUA CHEN
  • Patent number: 9036837
    Abstract: A desktop audio loudspeaker system, for placement on a desktop used a work surface by a listener, includes an enclosure for placement on or above the desktop, the enclosure having a front surface; a first loudspeaker mounted in the enclosure, the first loudspeaker radiating sound from the enclosure, past the front surface, in a direct path to ears of the listener. This embodiment also includes a first reflective element having a surface, the first reflective element mounted in relation to the enclosure so as to reduce multipath effects caused by reflection of sound by the desktop, wherein the surface of the first reflective element is disposed transversely with respect to the front surface of the enclosure, and forming an angle with the front surface, to reflect sound, emanating from the first loudspeaker, away from the desktop in a direction that avoids a direct path to ears of the listener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventors: James Tuomy, Barry Michael Kosherick, Laurie Wilk, J. Richard Aylward
  • Publication number: 20150131818
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a circuit board defining a receiving hole, a supporting bracket received in the receiving hole and mounted to the circuit board, a sound-reflecting member, a connecting plate, a sound generator mounted to the sound-reflecting member, and a controller. The supporting bracket includes a hemispherical receiving portion. The sound-reflecting member includes a sound-reflecting plate received in the receiving portion and a number of magnetic pieces extending out from a circumference of the sound-reflecting plate. A number of electromagnets are mounted on the circuit board, and face the magnetic pieces. The connecting plate is slidably engaged with an outer surface of the receiving portion and connected to the sound-reflecting member. The controller is coupled to the electromagnets. The controller controls the electromagnets to attract the magnetic pieces, to allow the sound-reflecting plate to swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIH-HUA CHEN
  • Publication number: 20150131817
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a base, a sound-reflecting member located at a side of the base, a sound generator mounted to the sound-reflecting member, an adjusting member including a number of magnetic pieces and located at an opposite side of the base, a connecting member connected between the sound-reflecting member and the adjusting member, a supporting member, and a controlling apparatus. The supporting member includes a number of first electromagnets mounted to the magnetic pieces. The controlling apparatus is electrically coupled to the first electromagnets. The controlling apparatus controls the first electromagnets to attract the magnetic pieces, to allow the adjusting member to swing, and the adjusting member drives the connecting member to rotate, thereby swinging the sound-reflecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIH-HUA CHEN
  • Patent number: 9031263
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a base, a sound-reflecting member located at a side of the base, a sound generator mounted to the sound-reflecting member, an adjusting member including a number of magnetic pieces and located at an opposite side of the base, a connecting member connected between the sound-reflecting member and the adjusting member, a supporting member, and a controlling apparatus. The supporting member includes a number of first electromagnets mounted to the magnetic pieces. The controlling apparatus is electrically coupled to the first electromagnets. The controlling apparatus controls the first electromagnets to attract the magnetic pieces, to allow the adjusting member to swing, and the adjusting member drives the connecting member to rotate, thereby swinging the sound-reflecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Zhongshan Innocloud Intellectual Property Services Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 9014402
    Abstract: An acoustically isolated support and handle system for a sound pickup system includes vibrationally isolated, releasable connections for an adjustable microphone adapter in front of the reflector and for a pair of support handles and optionally a universal mounting bracket at the rear of the reflector. The handles provide a connection bracket for the optional use of a neck strap that would allow an operator to shift at least a portion of the weight of the device to the operator's neck and back while also providing the option for handheld aiming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Klover Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Terpstra, Patrick Santini
  • Patent number: 9008335
    Abstract: A directional sound generating apparatus and a directional speaker array including the same are disclosed. The directional sound generating apparatus includes a sound transducer, a reflection plate which is located behind the sound transducer, and a blocking plate which is provided between a front portion and a back portion of the sound transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-woo Choi, Young-tae Kim, Jung-ho Kim, Sang-chul Ko
  • Publication number: 20150092963
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a piezoelectric loudspeaker. The piezoelectric loudspeaker comprises a sound producing plate, a resonant sound-box, a surround and a reflective sound-box. The sound producing plate comprises a piezoelectric ceramic element. The resonant sound-box includes a first opening comprising a first carrying part. The sound producing plate is disposed on the first carrying part. A cavity resonator is formed between the sound producing plate and the resonant sound-box. The surround is disposed between the first carrying part and the sound producing plate. The reflective sound-box includes a second opening and a reflective output opening. The second opening comprises a second carrying part. The resonant sound-box is disposed on the second carrying part. A reflective cavity body is formed between the resonant sound-box and the reflective sound-box, and the reflective cavity body is connected the reflective output opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Miezo Inc.
    Inventors: Yuan-Ping LIU, Chang-Heng TSAI, Kai-Wen CHENG, Chung-chun HO
  • Patent number: 8934655
    Abstract: An audio device incorporates first acoustic driver at least partially overlain by a first acoustic reflector to define a first effective direction of maximum acoustic radiation and a second acoustic driver at least partially overlain by a second acoustic reflector to define a second effective direction of maximum acoustic radiation, wherein when the audio device is positioned in a room such that the direction of maximum acoustic radiation of the first acoustic driver is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity, the first effective direction of maximum acoustic radiation is bent more towards a listening position at which a listener is expected to be located than the first direction of maximum acoustic radiation and away from a floor, and the second effective direction of maximum acoustic radiation is bent more towards the listening position than the second direction of maximum acoustic radiation and away from a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Breen, Richard J. Carbone, Eric J. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8929580
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Nittobo Acoustic Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Ohashi, Koichi Yamashita, Yasushi Satake, Katsuyuki Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 8917881
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system is provided for uniformly emanating sound waves to a listening area. The loudspeaker system includes a plurality of drivers, where each driver includes a front face, a rear face, and an axis of symmetry extending substantially perpendicularly through both the front and rear face. Each driver is configured to emanate low and high frequency sound waves from its front face substantially along its axis of symmetry. The loudspeaker system also includes a support structure having an inner volume. The support structure is configured to support the drivers in an arrangement such that the front face of each driver is directed toward the inner volume and the axis of symmetry of each driver intersects a relatively small volume near a central point located at the center of the inner volume. A listening area for the loudspeaker system is outside of the inner volume of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Cheng Yih Jenq
  • Publication number: 20140369533
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device including: a housing having a sound emission hole formed in at least one side thereof; a speaker module which is at least partially accommodated in the housing; and a sound reflection surface formed inside the housing and obliquely facing the speaker module. A sound emitted from the speaker module can be reflected by the sound reflection surface to the sound emission hole. The side acoustic emission type speaker device and the electronic device including the same can be variously implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ji-Hoon Kim, In-Ho Jeong, Jong-Heon Ha, Ho-Yun Lee, Bong-Hee Kang, Joong-Hak Kwon, Ki-Won Kim, Byoung-Hee Lee, Ho-Chul Hwang
  • Publication number: 20140348347
    Abstract: The invention relates to a loudspeaker (1) for filling a room with sound, having a tweeter (2) with a high-frequency diaphragm (12), which generates a high-frequency sound cone (22) with a high-frequency main radiation direction (13) during operation, and having at least one further tweeter (3) with a further diaphragm (8) and a further main radiation direction (7), wherein the high-frequency main radiation direction (13) is arranged transversely with respect to the further main radiation direction (7) in such a manner that the high-frequency diaphragm (12) is arranged opposite a reflection wall (14) spaced apart from the latter by a clearance (9), and the high-frequency main radiation direction (13) is directed towards the reflection wall (14) during operation, and the clearance (9) has openings (16, 17, 18) for the exit of high-frequency sound waves towards the room to be filled with sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Vadim Bogdanov
  • Patent number: 8885855
    Abstract: A high directivity boundary microphone (10) is disclosed, build up of a normal unidirectional microphone element (12) with cardioid-directivity behavior. The microphone element (12) is placed on a holder plate (14), with a membrane (16) of the microphone element (12) facing a plane (18) where a holder (20), comprising the holder plate (14) and a holder feet (22), is placed upon. The holder (20) ensures that the microphone element (12) is aligned at an angle (24) of preferably 35° respective to the plane (18). In this position, the microphone element (12) can detect direct sound (26) in a defined speech area (28A, 28B) as well as delayed sound (30) that is reflected at the plane (18) beneath the microphone element (12). Outside the defined speech area (28A, 28B) the sensitivity is strongly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Aldo Van Dijk
  • Patent number: 8842856
    Abstract: A condenser microphone which prevents a directional axis from varying depending on a sound source frequency is provided. The condenser microphone includes a first reflector member 2 provided below the microphone unit 17 and covering an electronic circuit substrate 19 and a second reflector member 3 formed in the same shape as the first reflector member and provided above the microphone unit, the first reflector member and the second reflector member being disposed symmetrically with respect to the microphone unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino
  • Publication number: 20140226840
    Abstract: A reflector for use with an electronic device having a loudspeaker for enhancing the sound emitted from the loudspeaker, said reflector comprising components for attaching said reflector to an edge of the electronic device, at the location of the loudspeaker, a flat portion located to be adjacent a surface of the electronic device, and a concave portion adjacent to the flat portion and presenting a concave surface to the loudspeaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Simply Amazinc LLC
    Inventor: Moshe WEISS
  • Patent number: 8750540
    Abstract: An omnidirectional speaker having a high frequency driver, which generates sound over a high frequency range and which has a first diameter, and a high frequency waveguide having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. A first midrange driver and a second midrange driver have a third diameter and a fourth diameter, respectively. Each midrange driver generates sound over a middle frequency range and the first midrange driver faces the second midrange driver. First and second midrange waveguides have a fifth diameter and a sixth diameter, respectively, and correspond to the first and second midrange drivers, respectively. The fifth diameter is larger than the third diameter and the sixth diameter is larger than the fourth diameter. Both of the midrange frequency waveguides are positioned between the first midrange driver and the second midrange driver so as to block a direct path from the first midrange driver to the second midrange driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Dream Audiolab Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kok Leong Tan
  • Patent number: 8731219
    Abstract: A reflector for use with an electronic device having a loudspeaker for enhancing the sound emitted from the loudspeaker, said reflector comprising components for attaching said reflector to an edge of the electronic device, at the location of the loudspeaker, a flat portion located to be adjacent a surface of the electronic device, and a concave portion adjacent to the flat portion and presenting a concave surface to the loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Simply Amazinc, LLC
    Inventor: Moshe Weiss
  • Publication number: 20140105426
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Fincham
  • Patent number: 8660290
    Abstract: A display device includes an image display component, first and second speakers, and a stand. The first and second speakers are mounted to the image display component. The first and second speakers are spaced apart from each other in a first direction of the image display component. The stand includes a base with first and second sound reflecting faces. The first and second sound reflecting faces are opposite the first and second speakers in a second direction of the image display component, respectively. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The first sound reflecting face slopes downward as moving away from the second sound reflecting face and forward of the image display component. The second sound reflecting face slopes downward as moving away from the first sound reflecting face and forward of the image display component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahito Yamanaka