H04R3/14

PLAYBACK DEVICE CALIBRATION
20230093725 · 2023-03-23 ·

A first subwoofer may be configured to output multimedia content in synchrony with at least one other playback device and a second subwoofer. The first subwoofer may, based on a received indication of an acoustic characteristic of the at least one other playback device, determine a crossover frequency of (i) the first subwoofer and the second subwoofer and (ii) the at least one other playback device. After determining the crossover frequency, the first subwoofer may output a first tone set and a second tone set in synchrony with the second subwoofer and the at least one other playback device, and after outputting the first tone set and the second tone set, receive, from a controller device, an indication of a selected one of the first tone set or the second tone set. Based on the selected tone set, the first subwoofer may adjust a phase setting of the first subwoofer.

PLAYBACK DEVICE CALIBRATION
20230093725 · 2023-03-23 ·

A first subwoofer may be configured to output multimedia content in synchrony with at least one other playback device and a second subwoofer. The first subwoofer may, based on a received indication of an acoustic characteristic of the at least one other playback device, determine a crossover frequency of (i) the first subwoofer and the second subwoofer and (ii) the at least one other playback device. After determining the crossover frequency, the first subwoofer may output a first tone set and a second tone set in synchrony with the second subwoofer and the at least one other playback device, and after outputting the first tone set and the second tone set, receive, from a controller device, an indication of a selected one of the first tone set or the second tone set. Based on the selected tone set, the first subwoofer may adjust a phase setting of the first subwoofer.

Reflecting sound from acoustically reflective video screen
11490192 · 2022-11-01 · ·

In an audiovisual system, in which video is displayed on a screen that does not permit sound to pass through the screen, such as a light emitting diode panel, a high-frequency speaker positioned above an audience seating area can direct sound toward the screen, so that the screen can reflect the sound toward the audience seating area. The high-frequency speaker can be used with one or more low-frequency speakers positioned at or near the height of the audience seating area. The low-frequency and high-frequency sounds can appear to originate from close to the same height, thereby creating a realistic audio image at the audience seating area. A spectral filter can negate the spectral effects of propagation to and reflection from the screen. Suitable time delays can synchronize the high-frequency sound with the low-frequency sound and with video displayed on the screen.

Reflecting sound from acoustically reflective video screen
11490192 · 2022-11-01 · ·

In an audiovisual system, in which video is displayed on a screen that does not permit sound to pass through the screen, such as a light emitting diode panel, a high-frequency speaker positioned above an audience seating area can direct sound toward the screen, so that the screen can reflect the sound toward the audience seating area. The high-frequency speaker can be used with one or more low-frequency speakers positioned at or near the height of the audience seating area. The low-frequency and high-frequency sounds can appear to originate from close to the same height, thereby creating a realistic audio image at the audience seating area. A spectral filter can negate the spectral effects of propagation to and reflection from the screen. Suitable time delays can synchronize the high-frequency sound with the low-frequency sound and with video displayed on the screen.

Systems and methods for improved acousto-haptic speakers
11611832 · 2023-03-21 · ·

The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.

Systems and methods for improved acousto-haptic speakers
11611832 · 2023-03-21 · ·

The systems and methods described herein relate to, among other things, a transducer capable of producing acoustic and tactile stimulation. The transducer includes a rigid mass element disposed on the diaphragm of a speaker. The mass element may optionally be removable and may have a mass selected such that the resonant frequency of the transducer falls within the range of frequencies present in an input electrical audio signal. The systems and methods advantageously benefits from both the fidelity and audio performance of a full-range speaker while simultaneously producing high-fidelity, adjustable and palpable haptic vibrations.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING SPEAKER AND MICROPHONE
20220345816 · 2022-10-27 ·

A wearable electronic device is provided. The wearable electronic device includes a speaker and a microphone, and more particularly, to a wearable electronic device worn on the user's ear. Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide a wearable electronic device including a first speaker configured to radiate a sound in a first frequency range, a second speaker configured to radiate a sound in a second frequency range higher than the first frequency range, a microphone, and a housing configured to accommodate the first speaker, the second speaker, and the microphone therein. The housing may include a sound path configured to serve as a path through which sounds radiated from the first speaker and the second speaker move, and a recess configured to communicate the sound path with the outside of the housing.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING SPEAKER AND MICROPHONE
20220345816 · 2022-10-27 ·

A wearable electronic device is provided. The wearable electronic device includes a speaker and a microphone, and more particularly, to a wearable electronic device worn on the user's ear. Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide a wearable electronic device including a first speaker configured to radiate a sound in a first frequency range, a second speaker configured to radiate a sound in a second frequency range higher than the first frequency range, a microphone, and a housing configured to accommodate the first speaker, the second speaker, and the microphone therein. The housing may include a sound path configured to serve as a path through which sounds radiated from the first speaker and the second speaker move, and a recess configured to communicate the sound path with the outside of the housing.

Bluetooth speaker configured to produce sound as well as simultaneously act as both sink and source

A portable speaker, such as a subwoofer, that is configured to pair via Bluetooth from any device capable of streaming Bluetooth audio and act as the “sink.” The portable speaker is also configured to pair via Bluetooth to other audio equipment capable of streaming Bluetooth audio and act as the “source.” The portable speaker is also preferably configured to synchronize the audio signal going to the portable speaker and the other unit playing music, such that the user will not hear delays between the two units playing the audio stream. Preferably, the portable speaker is configured to be portable in which the size and weight is small enough for a person to carry, and is portable in which it operates with rechargeable batteries inside the unit, thus not needing any other power source such as AC outlet, or automobile power system. Another embodiment omits the speaker and instead provides a line out for connection to an external speaker, such as a subwoofer.

Method and apparatus for improving effective signal-to-noise ratio of analog to digital conversion for multi-band digital signal processing devices
11638095 · 2023-04-25 · ·

A method for improving the effective signal-to-noise ratio (“SNR”) of an analog to digital converter (“ADC”) for active loudspeakers uses the two available channels of a stereo ADC to separately process the low- and high-frequency components of an audio signal. Because the power spectral density of music approximates a pink noise spectrum, the high-frequency component of the signal has peak levels low enough to avoid exceeding the maximum ADC input level. The audio signal is analog high-pass filtered and the resulting high-frequency signal component is sent directly to a first ADC channel without attenuation. The remaining low-frequency component is attenuated and sent to a second ADC channel. The digital signals are processed, converted back to analog, amplified, and reproduced by loudspeaker drivers. Noise and distortion at low frequencies is less audible than higher frequencies, so the improved SNR at higher frequencies yields a significant practical improvement in audio fidelity.