Abstract: The invention concerns a mobile membrane loudspeaker equipped with a partial closure optimising its radiation. The invention is characterised in that the loudspeaker with mobile diaphragm (19) attached to a rigid frame (15) defining an acoustic emission plane (P) comprises a closure (25) for only one central zone of said emission plane.

Abstract: A speaker system includes a first, second and third sound radiators with the second sound radiator positioned medially between the first and third sound radiators. The radiators project first, second and third sound vectors respectively, with the second sound vector oriented vertically and the first and third sound vectors directed generally toward each other at angles above the horizontal so as to intersect at an inclusive angle between 90 and 170 degrees. Sound from the first and third radiators impinges on the second radiator so as to cause an echo effect improving sound spaciousness. The first and third radiators are placed at different angles relative to the listener and at different heights as well to improve time delays in the two radiated signals.

Abstract: An ultrasonic speaker or acoustic system includes an electrostatic type ultrasonic transducer of a push-pull system is constructed such that a through hole is arranged in the central portion of a fixing electrode of a circular shape. A sound wave reflecting plate is arranged on the rear face of the ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic wave radiated from the rear face of the ultrasonic transducer is reflected by the sound wave reflecting plate and is radiated to the front face of the ultrasonic transducer through the through hole.

Abstract: An audio player apparatus includes a first speaker disposed to output a sound from a front face of a flat panel television apparatus to the outside, a second speaker disposed to output a sound from a backside of the flat panel television apparatus to the outside, a microphone disposed on the backside of the flat panel television apparatus to receive the sound output from the second speaker and to convert the received sound into an electric signal, an analysis unit configured to detect a reflected sound and reflection time of the sound output from the second speaker based on a second audio signal supplied to the second speaker and the electric signal output from the microphone, and a phase correction unit configured to correct a phase of at least one of a first audio signal supplied to the first speaker and the second audio signal based on the reflection time.

Abstract: An ultrasonic speaker including: a vibration film having a conductive layer; a pair of fixed electrodes provided oppositely to respective surfaces of the vibration film; and an ultrasonic transducer that causes the vibration film to generate sound waves by applying a DC bias voltage to the conductive layer of the vibration film while applying an alternating signal between the pair of fixed electrodes, and outputs the sound waves generated by the vibration film from two sound wave output surfaces via through-holes provided in each of the pair of fixed electrodes. The two sound wave output surfaces of the ultrasonic transducer are disposed in a direction intersecting with a sound wave emitting direction at right angles. Also, sound wave reflection plates are provided to both of the two sound wave output surfaces of the ultrasonic transducer so that the sound waves outputted from each of the two sound wave output surfaces are reflected in the sound wave emitting direction.

Abstract: An electrostatic type ultrasonic transducer of a push-pull system is constructed such that a through hole is arranged in the central portion of a fixing electrode of a circular shape. A sound wave reflecting plate is arranged on the rear face of the ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic wave radiated from the rear face of the ultrasonic transducer is reflected by the sound wave reflecting plate and is radiated to the front face of the ultrasonic transducer through the through hole.

Abstract: A spherical wave generating diffuser positioned in front of the sound emission side of a sound source. The diffuser comprises an inner horn and an outer horn positioned concentrically around the inner horn. The diffuser generates pseudo-spherical waves centered on the inner horn because the emission speed of the sound waves emitted from between the outer horn and the inner horn are slower than the emission speed of sound waves emitted from within the inner horn.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system having an enclosure having a narrow opening or slot for radiating high frequency acoustic energy. The loudspeaker system has a cover member defining a slot between the cover member and a boundary of a listening space. The loudspeaker system may also include a fixed or adaptive equalizer for modifying frequency response anomalies resulting from the interaction of the acoustic energy, the narrow opening, and the boundary.

Abstract: Provided are sound field reproducing apparatus and method. The sound field reproducing apparatus includes an input unit for receiving reflection reproducing information, a signal processor for selecting loudspeakers and calculating reflection signal for applying a panning algorithm based on the reflection reproducing information, a signal treatment unit for localizing the calculated reflection signal on a virtual sound image according to the panning algorithm; and a reproducer for reproducing the localized reflection signals through the selected loudspeakers.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method of integrating a wireless telephone in a vehicle are provided. The system, apparatus and method consist of installing a parabolic speaker in the vehicle that has a focused listening area at a location where an operator of the vehicle may he situated. The parabolic speaker may further have an integrated microphone. When a wireless telephone is placed in a cradle, that may be available in the vehicle for receiving the telephone, the telephone will be integrated in the vehicle. Consequently, the telephone will interact with the vehicle's on-board computer (OBC). The OBC may then route all in-coming signals from the wireless telephone to the parabolic speaker. Further, the OBC may route all out-going signals from the integrated microphone to the wireless telephone.

Abstract: A head set speaker and stereo radio playing device exhibits improved harmonics and acoustic fidelity. A resilient and flexible headpiece is sized to fit behind the head of the user. Right and left device enclosures are carried by the ends of the headpiece, and are aerodynamic shaped to minimize wind whistle which may result when the head set is worn while moving rapidly. Right and left behind the ear flanges extend downwardly from a position adjacent to the ends of the headpiece, and aid in the positioning of the right and left ear device enclosures. In a typical application, the device enclosures are positioned immediately forward of the user's ears, allowing ambient sound to be heard. A speaker assembly and a removable battery assembly are carried within each device enclosure. The speakers are oriented within the device enclosures with the speaker magnet directed to, and in contact with, the head of the listener. This achieves two interrelated and significant structural and electronic advantages.

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.

Abstract: A conferencing unit, comprising an array of microphones embedded in a diffracting object configured to provide a desired high frequency directivity response at predetermined microphone positions, and a low frequency beamformer operable to achieve a desired low frequency directivity response, wherein the beamformer is linearly constrained to provide a smooth transition between low and high frequency directivity responses.

Abstract: A display device includes a cabinet, a display screen, and a speaker. The display screen is accommodated in the cabinet. The display screen includes a display surface. The display surface is used for displaying video images. The speaker is accommodated in the cabinet, and used for generating sounds. The generated sounds disperse along a first direction substantially perpendicular to the display surface of the display screen.

Abstract: A display device includes an enclosure, a pair of speakers, and a sound reflector accommodated in the enclosure. The sound reflector defines two chambers for receiving the sounds generated from the pair of speakers respectively and outputting the sounds out of the display device independently.

Abstract: The present invention increases the aperture size of a microphone array by introducing a diffracting structure into the interior of a microphone array. The diffracting structure within the array modifies both the amplitude and phase of the acoustic signal reaching the microphones. The diffracting structure increases acoustic shadowing along with the signal's travel time around the structure. The diffracting structure in the array effectively increases the aperture size of the array and thereby increases the directivity of the array. Constructing the surface of the diffracting structure such that surface waves can form over the surface further increases the travel time and modifies the amplitude of the acoustical signal thereby allowing a larger effective aperture for the array.

Abstract: The present invention provides a speaker apparatus which has a simple structure and a high directivity and which can emit sound. The speaker apparatus includes a hood having an opening at a front end with a sound reflecting inner wall shaped like a rotating surface and provided at least on the opening side, the sound reflecting inner wall having a focus behind the opening, the hood being formed with an internal space, and a sound processing section having a vibrating surface and a sound emitting circuit both provided in the hood, the sound emitting circuit vibrating the vibrating surface. Consequently, the diameter of the vibrating surface of the sound processing section, which diameter determines the spread, outside the hood, of a sound emitted by the speaker apparatus, can be considered to be larger than its actual dimension.

Abstract: A loudspeaker apparatus in which sound from a loudspeaker is emitted from a top surface of a loudspeaker cabinet, wherein the top surface is slanted obliquely backward and in which a sound reflecting panel is mounted such that that the panel can swing on the rear plate of the loudspeaker cabinet, so that the emitted sound is reflected by the panel toward the listener.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system has an extended bass or low frequency response. The loudspeaker system integrates a passive radiator with a transducer. The loudspeaker system also mechanically isolates the passive radiator and the transducer. A support mechanism mechanically grounds vibrations or other forces from the transducer and passive radiator that may interfere or affect the operation of the loudspeaker.

Abstract: A flush mountable ceiling speaker (10) with individual coaxial waveguides (20, 22) for both the lower and high-frequency transducers (11, 12). The lower frequency radiation is combined with the sonic energy radiated by the high-frequency transducer (12) and shaped by the high-frequency waveguide (20) to create a coherent, uniformly controlled coverage pattern. The loudspeaker (10) creates a well defined sound dispersion pattern over a relatively large bandwidth, resulting in increased vocal intelligibility and more accurate reproduction of music at relatively great distances from the loudspeaker, as is particularly useful in association with high ceiling installations.

Abstract: An audio device has passive radiators that are driven by acoustic drivers. The passive radiators are arranged so that the net mechanical vibration is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention increases the aperture size of a microphone array by introducing a diffracting structure into the interior of a microphone array. The diffracting structure within the array modifies both the amplitude and phase of the acoustic signal reaching the microphones. The diffracting structure increases acoustic shadowing along with the signal's travel time around the structure. The diffracting structure in the array effectively increases the aperture size of the array and thereby increases the directivity of the array. Constructing the surface of the diffracting structure such that surface waves can form over the surface further increases the travel time and modifies the amplitude of the acoustical signal thereby allowing a larger effective aperture for the array.

Abstract: The loudspeaker and method provide a driver of a loudspeaker that is movable parallel to an axis of movement through a center of the driver to produce sound waves. The driver is aligned with the driver plane orthogonal to the axis of movement. The driver plane is at a non-zero acute angle to a support plane. A reflector is mounted facing a diaphragm of the driver for reflecting sound waves from the driver. The reflector is configured relative to the driver such that reflected sound energy is greatest in a selected direction from a front of the reflector and the driver, and diminishes a progressively larger angle from the selected direction. The selected direction diverges from the driver plane.

Abstract: An improved speaker enclosure system and method is described which includes extending the existing baffle of a speaker enclosure on either side. Ideally, the ratio of the height of the baffle should be 1.4 times the internal depth of the enclosure, and the width of the baffle and baffle extensions should be 1.6 times the internal depth. These ratios change for different driver configurations. The result is improved dispersion angle and perceived dimensionality of the sound produced.

Abstract: A sound reproduction system is disclosed which minimizes unwanted acoustic reflections and the resulting comb-filter effects but which still maintains a broad and uniform directional characteristic throughout the region in the listening room in which listening positions are located.

Abstract: A speaker includes a housing having a diffusion opening provided with a laser vibration diaphragm. The laser vibration diaphragm has reflective spatial patterns, so that the speaker may present multiple-image variations under different rays of light, thereby enhancing a viewing effect and aesthetic quality of the speaker. Thus, the laser vibration diaphragm may produce spatial variations by the difference of incident angles of the light, thereby obtaining a viewable strong sensation to the people, and thereby enhancing the viewing effect and aesthetic quality of the speaker.

Abstract: A surround speaker system according to the present invention includes an integral speaker in which a surround speaker is integrally formed with a front speaker, a canceling device for canceling a directly propagating sound of the surround speaker, and a reflective device for reflecting the output sound of the surround speaker.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system includes a cabinet with an interior air volume, a transducer, a first port extending from an opening in the front wall of the cabinet to the interior of the cabinet, and a second port extending from and opening in the rear wall of the cabinet to the interior of the cabinet. The first and second ports are aligned along a common longitudinal axis and the interior ends of the ports are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. First and second flanges having a diameter larger than the first and second ports are disposed at the interior ends of the first and second ports, respectively.

Abstract: A capacitance microphone including: (1) an electrically conductive element that includes a surface which, when placed at (at least approximately) the focal point of a parabolic surface, receives sound energy reflected from the parabolic surface at a plurality of angles which are substantially perpendicular to the surface at the point of impingement; (2) an electrically conductive stalk for supporting the electronically conductive element; (3) a layer of piezoelectric material coating the surface; (4) a layer of insulating material covering a substantial portion of the stalk, but not covering the surface; and (5) a layer of conducting material covering the piezoelectric material and a substantial portion of the insulating material. Preferably, the surface approximates a spherical or hemispherical surface, the center of which is at the focal point of the parabolic like surface. The invention also includes a microphone assembly incorporating a parabolic surface and the above described capacitance microphone.

Abstract: Automotive audio systems that use directional planar magnetic transducers in a layout or placement configuration to provide direct or reflected audio imaging in stereo or surround sounds for individual passengers of an automotive vehicle with reduced crossed audio interference.

Abstract: An overhead loudspeaker system is achieved which controls and shapes the ultimate acoustical wave form produced thereby, by providing at least one loudspeaker driver, mounted in a housing or enclosure, and a uniquely constructed wave shaping and controlling member formed as an integral component of the speaker assembly. In this way, broad band, acoustical wave shaping and control is realized. In accordance with a present invention, the wave shaping/controlling member is cooperatively associated with the drivers of the loudspeaker in a way which effects the critical acoustical loading and atmospheric coupling thereof, while controlling and shaping the ultimate acoustical wave form so that a hemispherical polar coverage pattern results. In the preferred configuration, the polar coverage pattern produced by the present invention is provided across the loudspeaker system's entire power bandwidth, beginning at an approximate distance of about three times the diameter of the acoustical source.

Abstract: A loudspeaker device includes left and right channel loudspeaker units which are disposed on left and right sides in close proximity to each other, and a partition member projecting forwardly in the direction of propagation of sound from the loudspeaker units by a predetermined distance from a position between the loudspeaker units on a plane of a baffle on which the loudspeaker units are mounted.

Abstract: This invention provides a speaker enclosure that minimizes or defuses standing waves and minimizes resonance within the operating frequency range of its transducers. To minimize standing waves, the speaker enclosure has no two surfaces that are parallel to each other thus preventing the propagation of standing waves. The interior surface of the speaker enclosure may have ribs spaced apart on any surface that is prone to resonate so that the surface is strengthened such that it resonates at a predetermined frequency that is typically outside of the operating frequency range of the transducers.

Abstract: There is provided an audio output apparatus capable of providing an effect, with a limited number of speakers, as if the person displayed on the display screen is really speaking. When the television conference is started with a communication partner through a set top box, the image of the communication partner is displayed on the image displaying reflective plate. At the same time, ultrasonic waves superposed with the voice of the partner are emitted from a left speaker and a right speaker. The sound emitting directions of the left and right speakers are directed toward the image displaying reflective plate on which the partner is displayed. The ultrasonic waves emitted from the left and right speakers are reflected by the reflective plate and proceed toward the listener who can hear the voice of the partner as if the voice is directly emitted from the reflective plate.

Abstract: By providing an enclosure having an acoustically optimum size and an effective or virtual air volume for optimum performance, a loudspeaker system is realized which is able to faithfully reproduce desired input signals, particularly, lower frequencies or bass sounds, in a seemingly small or undersized enclosure. In addition, the loudspeaker system of the present invention eliminates the distortion components found in prior art systems. Preferably, the loudspeaker enclosure of the present invention is cylindrical in cross-section, comprises the loudspeaker or driver mounted at one end of the cylinder, and an inwardly extending hemispherical baffle sealingly mounted to the opposed end of the cylindrical enclosure. In addition, a plurality of holes or vents are formed in the rear baffle.

Abstract: A paraboloid receiving dish having a base, a receiver coupled to the base, and a plurality of petals pivotably connected to the base. The petals are moveable between an open position and a closed position with each of the positions forming a reflector having a parabolic shape.

Abstract: By providing a spherically shaped housing or enclosure containing one or more drivers or speakers motors, and cooperatively mounting the housing in association with a uniquely constructed reflector, a spherical loudspeaker system is achieved which controls and shapes the ultimate acoustical waveform produced thereby. The loudspeaker system of the present invention controls and distributes the acoustical energy of the driver and housing, while shaping the acoustical energy field into a true hemispherical pattern, within the system's power bandwidth. By employing the present invention, the point of summation of the hemispherical pattern is approximately eight times the diameter of the reflector, thereby achieving the desired hemispherical polar coverage patterns.

Abstract: By providing a spherically shaped loudspeaker and/or closure containing one or more drivers or speaker motors, mounted in cooperative association with a uniquely constructed reflector, a loudspeaker system is achieved which controls and shapes the ultimate acoustical waveform produced thereby. The system of present invention controls and distributes the acoustical energy of the driver, while shaping the acoustical energy field in a true hemispherical pattern, within the system's power bandwidth. By employing the present invention, the point of summation of the hemispherical pattern is approximately eight times the diameter of the reflector, thereby achieving the desired hemispherical polar coverage patterns.

Abstract: The invention sets forth a resonance enhancing device for a microphone. The resonance enhancing device is adapted to direct a user's sound waves to a spherical microphone section of the microphone. The resonance enhancing device comprises a body. The body comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is designed for encircling a portion of the microphone and the second end of the body is designed for defining an opening that is disposed proximate the spherical microphone section of the microphone. Thus, when a user sings into the resonance enhancing device and the sound waves of the user are directed by the resonance enhancing device to the spherical microphone section of the microphone, thereby altering the resonance of the sound waves at the spherical microphone section of the microphone.

Abstract: A module of loudspeaker 1 for high-quality reproduction of music and voice has a direct radiating base electrodynamic driver (EDD) 2 transforming an electric signal to acoustic one at least in the middle-frequency part of the acoustic frequency range and an enclosure cabinet 3 of this driver 2, the cone 5 of which overlaps the mounting hole in the outside surface of this cabinet.

Abstract: A reflection type of earphone comprises a pair of wires, a loudspeaker, and a reflection disk. The wires have an end thereof connecting with a sound signal output of a connected device and the other end thereof connects with the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker provides a sound output. The reflection disk faces to the sound output and has a plurality of bent strips to engage with the loudspeaker. The reflection disk is arranged to close to an acoustic meatus of an user such that the sound can be reflected by way of the reflection disk before entering the acoustic meatus to obtain a time postpone.

Abstract: An ultra-directional speaker system has a speech generation means, an ultrasonic generation means, an amplitude modulation means to which the speech generation means and ultrasonic generation means are connected, an electro-acoustic transducer means which converts an ultrasonic modulated signal that is output from the amplitude modulation means to an acoustic signal, and a virtual sound source positioning means that establishes the position of a virtual sound source by detecting the position of a listener by detecting the ultrasonic waves that are output from the electro-acoustic transducer means and reflected from the listener.

Abstract: A microphone may use boundary layer technology in concert with a concave reflector to produce improved sensitivity. The concave reflector may be arranged with respect to a boundary layer creating surface such that the sound waves are concentrated at the boundary layer creating surface. Thus, an intense compression layer is formed proximate to the boundary layer creating surface. A transducer may arranged in opposition to the boundary layer creating surface to convert the boundary layer energy into an electrical signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a loudspeaker capable of matching a sound image and a picture image on a screen of an image reproducer with each other in simple construction and a simple method of installation. The loudspeaker is located above the image reproducer in the vicinity thereof and so constructed as to reproduce a center channel signal in a multichannel sound signal for a movie or the like as a principal object, which comprises a main speaker unit, particular band preventing means for suppressing the level of a particular band in a band of not less than approximately 4 kHz of the main speaker unit, a sub-speaker unit, particular band passing means connected to the sub-speaker unit for passing only the particular band, and a dispersing device located on a front surface of the sub-speaker unit and so constructed that a reproduced sound radiated from the sub-speaker unit is mainly composed of a diffused sound.

Abstract: A system for generating at least one remote virtual speaker location in connection with at least a partial reflective environment in combination with an audio speaker for creating multiple sound effects including a virtual sound source from the reflective environment which is perceived by a listener as an original sound source, by generating a primary direct audio output by emitting audio compression waves toward a listener, and generating a secondary indirect audio output from at least one virtual speaker remote from the audio speakers, by emitting ultrasonic sound from at least one parametric speaker associated with the audio speakers and oriented toward at least one reflective environment which is remote from the audio speakers, thereby indirectly generating sound from a reflective environment which is perceived as a virtual speaker, and synchronizing the primary audio output of the audio speakers with a secondary audio output from the at least one virtual speaker such that the listener hears a plurality o

Abstract: An accessory for gas log fireplaces that includes a crackling sound generating mechanism for simulating the sounds of a log fire and a scent dispensing mechanism for simulating the slight smoke scent of a log fire. The fireplace accessory includes an infrared heat sensor in controlling connection with the sound generating mechanism and the scent dispensing mechanism such that when a fire is burning in the fireplace, the sound and scent generating mechanisms are in operation. The fireplace accessory also includes a parabolic sound reflector that is positioned within the fireplace. In use, the crackling fire sound is generated outside the fireplace and directed toward the parabolic sound reflector. The parabolic sound reflector reflects the crackling fire sound out of the fireplace such that the crackling fire sound appears to originate from within the fireplace.

Abstract: A parametric audio system having increased bandwidth for generating airborne audio signals with reduced distortion. The parametric audio system includes a modulator for modulating an ultrasonic carrier signal with a processed audio signal, a driver amplifier for amplifying the modulated carrier signal, and an array of acoustic transducers for projecting the modulated and amplified carrier signal through the air along a selected projection path to regenerate the audio signal. Each of the acoustic transducers in the array is a membrane-type transducer. Further, the acoustic transducer array is a phased array capable of electronically steering, focusing, or shaping one or more audio beams.

Abstract: Microphone having linear optical transducers. The present invention includes the use of linear optical transducers in several configurations to detect the motion of one or more conventional microphone diaphragms in proportional response to incident acoustic signals. A light source, such as a laser or a light emitting diode directs light onto a reflecting microphone diaphragm responsive to sound waves, and the position of the reflected light is monitored using a position sensitive detector which effectively eliminates effects of light source intensity on the optical transducer-processed signal. Other embodiments make use of either a fixed knife edge or a knife edge which moves in response to the motion of the diaphragm to interrupt the light source in a proportional manner to the amplitude of motion of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A sound lens speaker system includes a concave sound lens, two upper frequency drivers, and a lower mid/low frequency driver. The mid/low frequency driver is oriented to fire sound waves towards the apex of the sound lens. The two high frequency drivers are positioned off axis between the mid/low frequency driver and the apex of the sound lens, and are preferably angled toward the apex of the sound lens. Sound waves from the high frequency drivers and mid/low driver are reflected by the sound lens into a downward substantially focused beam of full frequency spectrum sound. In a preferred embodiment, the sound lens has an upper parabolic portion and a coaxial lower parabolic portion defined by different parabolic equations and each having a respective focus. The high frequency drivers are preferably located along an arc through the upper focus and the mid/low frequency driver is substantially vertically aligned with the lower focus.

Abstract: An adjustable speaker system includes a speaker enclosure having at least a forward facing surface, the speaker enclosure enclosing a speaker with a forward facing acoustic outlet from which sound may emanate in a forward direction. The system further includes at least one reflector, and preferably a pair of independently adjustable reflectors, with a sound-reflecting rearward facing surface, each reflector being pivotably secured adjacent the acoustic outlet and pivotable relative to the acoustic outlet between a non-reflecting orientation wherein the sound-reflecting rearward facing surface is substantially in alignment with the forward direction, thereby to only minimally reflect sound emanating from the acoustic outlet, and a reflecting orientation wherein the sound-reflecting rearward facing surface is substantially angled to the forward direction, thereby reflecting impinging sound emanating from the acoustic outlet laterally to a respective side.