SPEAKER GRILLE PASSIVELY TENSIONING ACOUSTIC FABRIC

An audio system includes a processing module for receiving audio data information. The processing module generates an audio signal based at least partly on the received audio data information. The system further includes a speaker driver, communicatively coupled to the processing module to receive the audio signal and to generate a driving signal in response to the audio signal. The system includes a speaker assembly including a diaphragm for generating sound waves in response to the audio signal, a grille defining a plurality of holes, wherein the grille and the diaphragm collectively at least partly define a cavity therebetween, wherein a center point of the grille is convex from a perimeter of the grille, and a fabric, covering the grille, wherein the holes of the grille expose the fabric to the cavity, and wherein the fabric slidably contacts the grille along a perimeter of each of the holes.

BACKGROUND

Audio systems include one or more speakers and a controller which processes an audio signal and generates a driving signal for the speakers. In response to the driving signal, the speakers generate audio waves corresponding to the driving signal. A fabric is often used to cover the speaker; however, the fabric affects the air flow in and out of the speaker and may cause distortion. Improved speakers are needed in the art.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, an audio system includes a processing module for receiving audio data information. The processing module generates an audio signal based at least partly on the received audio data information. The system further includes a speaker driver, communicatively coupled to the processing module to receive the audio signal and to generate a driving signal in response to the audio signal. The system includes a speaker assembly including a diaphragm for generating sound waves in response to the audio signal, a grille defining a plurality of holes, wherein the grille and the diaphragm collectively at least partly define a cavity therebetween, wherein a center point of the grille is convex from a perimeter of the grille, and a fabric, covering the grille, wherein the holes of the grille expose the fabric to the cavity, and wherein the fabric slidably contacts the grille along a perimeter of each of the holes.

The audio system may include various optional embodiments. The fabric may contact the grille along a perimeter of each of the holes while the speaker generates a 75 dB sound output at 1 meter distance from the speaker. An air permeability of the fabric may be less than 100 cm3/s/cm2. A tension of the fabric may be less than about 30 N. A cross-section of the grille may be curved. The center point of the grille may be greater than 0.5 mm convex from the perimeter of the grille. The audio system may be integrated into a speaker device. The speaker device may be a dock of a home assistant device.

According to another embodiment, a tablet computer system includes a tablet computer and a dock including a processing module for receiving audio data information. The processing module generates an audio signal based at least partly on the received audio data information. The dock further includes a speaker driver, communicatively coupled to the processing module to receive the audio signal and to generate a driving signal in response to the audio signal and a speaker assembly including a diaphragm for generating sound waves in response to the audio signal, a grille defining a plurality of holes where the grille and the diaphragm collectively at least partly define a cavity therebetween. A center point of the grille is convex from a perimeter of the grille. The speaker assembly further includes fabric, covering the grille, where the holes of the grille expose the fabric to the cavity, and wherein the fabric slidably contacts the grille along a perimeter of each of the holes. The tablet computer is removably dockable from the dock.

The tablet computer system may include various optional embodiments. The fabric may contact the grille along a perimeter of each of the holes while the speaker generates a 75 dB sound output at 1 meter distance from the speaker. An air permeability of the fabric may be less than 100 cm3/s/cm2. A tension of the fabric may be less than about 30 N. A cross-section of the grille may be curved. The center point of the grille may be greater than 0.5 mm convex from the perimeter of the grille.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of operating an electronic speaker device includes receiving input from a user at a tablet computer docked to a dock. The dock includes an audio system including a processing module for receiving audio input from the user. The processing module generates an audio signal based at least partly on the received audio input from the user. The audio system includes a speaker driver, communicatively coupled to the processing module to receive the audio signal and to generate a driving signal in response to the audio signal and a speaker assembly including a diaphragm for generating sound waves in response to the audio signal, a grille defining a plurality of holes where the grille and the diaphragm collectively at least partly define a cavity therebetween, and a fabric, covering the grille, where the holes of the grille expose the fabric to the cavity. The fabric slidably contacts the grille along a perimeter of each of the holes. A center point of the grille is greater than 0.5 mm convex from a perimeter of the grille. The method further includes generating audio output in response to the input from the user and generating sound waves from the dock for outputting the audio output, the sounds waves based at least in part on the audio signal and the driving signal. The fabric and the grille of the dock remain in contact as the sound waves are generated.

The method may include various optional embodiments. The fabric may contact the grille along a perimeter of each of the holes while the speaker generates a 75 dB sound output at 1 meter distance from the speaker. An air permeability of the fabric may be less than 100 cm3/s/cm2. A tension of the fabric may be less than about 30 N. A cross-section of the grille may be curved. The tablet computer may be removably dockable to the dock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Textiles are the most common choice of covering for speakers and there is an ongoing desire to fit more powerful speakers behind the textiles, leading to potential audio distortion. A speaker assembly may include a magnet, a coil, a diaphragm, a surround, a grille, and a fabric or textile covering. Textile coverings for speakers provide a cosmetic surface that blends into home aesthetics, protection over the speaker driver from ingress of blunt objects, and the opportunity for brand expression. However, opaque textiles (necessary to be a pleasing cosmetic surface) can significantly restrict airflow from the speaker driver. Moving air then causes the textile to flutter, impacting the plastic grille surface and causing acoustic distortion that is perceptible to users. Curved grilles constrain the textile geometrically, only allowing it to move freely over the grille holes. In contrast, flat grille surfaces without any bonding between the textile and the grille allow the textile to move as a large “drumhead.” A large expanse of textile is generally less stiff than a very small one, and can thus move more easily, greatly increasing the risk of acoustic distortion.

Some designs use flat grilles with small areas necessitating that the maximum area of that grille be open holes rather than plastic ribs to ensure low airflow velocities off of the driver. Narrow plastic ribs are particularly difficult to apply adhesive to, in order to bond and constrain the textile. Textiles may be bonded and constrained by applying thin films of adhesive or sprayed on adhesive to textile. However, this process may add cost and increase the likelihood of defects.

The present disclosure describes a speaker grille for passively tensioning acoustic fabric to an electronic-speaker device. The audio system described herein gently arches or bows a plastic grille surface outwards. The textile will be stretched over the surface of the plastic grille such that the textile is convex enough to keep the textile strained, even when driven by airflow from the speaker, while also maintaining a flat appearance that may be desirable for aesthetic purposes. For example, according to various embodiments, a center point of the grille is greater than 0.5 mm convex from a perimeter of the grille.

In some embodiments, the audio system described herein is part of a tablet computer system. Specifically, a tablet computer can serve as a home assistant device and/or hub to manage smart home devices in an environment and the tablet may be docked to a dock including the audio system for outputting audio to a user. The tablet computer may be able to record video, communicate with a remote server system, and interact with users via spoken communications. For example, a home assistant device may provide automated control or voice control of devices, appliances, and systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system, lighting systems, home theater, entertainment systems, as well as security systems. Smart home networks may include control panels that a person may use to input settings, preferences, and scheduling information that the smart home network uses to provide automated control of the various devices, appliances, and systems in the home. For example, the person may input a schedule indicating when the person is away from the home, and the smart home network uses this information along with information obtained from various devices in the home to detect unauthorized entry when the user is away. The tablet computer may be left docked with a dock to charge its battery and use other features of the dock, such as an integrated speaker. The tablet computer may be removed from the dock for convenience to be used or displayed at another location. When not in use (whether docked, not docked, or both), photos or photo albums selected by a user may be presented by the tablet.

Many other types of electronic devices can benefit from audio system described herein. For example, smartphones, gaming devices, e-readers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital paper tablets, and smart picture frames may benefit from various embodiments of audio system described herein. Furthermore, the electronic device may be an assistant device (e.g., Google® Nest® Hub; Google® Nest® Hub Max); a home automation controller (e.g., controller for an alarm system, thermostat, lighting system, door lock, motorized doors, etc.); a gaming device (e.g., a gaming system, gaming controller, data glove, etc.); a communication device (e.g., a smart phone such as a Google® Pixel® Phone, cellular phone, mobile phone, wireless phone, portable phone, radio telephone, etc.); and/or other computing device (e.g., a tablet computer, phablet computer, notebook computer, laptop computer, etc.).

As understood by those of skill in the art, speakers, for example included in an audio system of a smart home device, are driven by a processing module, which generates driving signals which are transmitted to the speakers. The speakers receive the driving signals and mechanically respond with the driving signals by moving an audio generation element. In addition, the movement of the audio generation element causes sound or audio compression waves to propagate from the audio generation element as an audio signal.

In some embodiments, the grille is gently arched or bowed outwards. The textile is stretched over this surface, and it is convex enough to keep the textile under tension, even when driven by airflow from the speaker. However, the grille will be close enough to flat, for example, at least for space usage and geometric compatibility reasons.

FIG.1illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an audio system100. Audio system100(“system100”) can include: device101, which may or may not, for example, be a smart-home device; network140; and cloud server system150.

Device101may, for example, be any of various types of devices having a speaker, such as a smart home assistant device that can respond to spoken queries from persons nearby. A smart home assistant device may selectively or continuously listen for a spoken passphrase, which triggers the smart home assistant device to capture and analyze a spoken query. Various forms of smart-home devices which can function as device101are detailed in relation toFIG.2. In other embodiments, the audio processing components114and115may be incorporated into an electronic device other than a smart-home device. In some embodiments, device101is not a smart-home device.

Device101can include, for example: network interface103, processing module110, speaker driver115, display screen116, speaker117, and microphone118. As illustrated, speaker117has a fabric180, which is tensioned around at least a portion thereof. Example properties of the fabric180and its configuration with respect to speaker117are discussed in further detail below.

Processing module110can represent a monolithic integrated circuit. Therefore, all components of processing module110may be implemented within a single package that can be affixed to a printed circuit board of device101. In addition to other modules, for example, understood by those of skill in the art, processing module110may include audio processing components, such as audio data processor114, and one or more circuits configured to receive and process signals from microphone118.

In some embodiments, the monolithic integrated circuit also includes speaker driver115.

Audio data processor114may be configured to receive audio data information, for example, from a memory (not shown), from network interface103, and/or from one or more other sources. Based at least partly on the received audio data information, audio data processor114may be configured to generate a digital audio signal for speaker driver115. Using techniques and/or components having functionality understood by those of skill in the art, audio data processor114may, for example, perform audio processing functions such as volume or gain control, equalization, and or one or more other functions known to those of skill in the art. Audio data processor114may include, for example, digital processing elements such as filters, amplifiers, time to frequency domain converters, frequency to time domain converters, and other digital circuits, for example, known to those of skill in the art.

Speaker driver115is configured to receive the digital audio signal from audio data processor114. Based at least partly on the digital audio signal, speaker driver115is configured to generate a driving signal for speaker117. Using techniques and/or components having functionality understood by those of skill in the art, speaker driver115may, for example, convert the digital audio signal into an analog audio signal and to generate the driving signal for speaker117based at least partly on the analog audio signal. In some embodiments, speaker driver115may be configured to, for example, perform audio processing functions such as volume or gain control, equalization, and/or one or more other functions known to those of skill in the art. Speaker driver115may include, for example, analog processing elements such as one or more digital to analog converters, filters, amplifiers, and other analog circuits, for example, known to those of skill in the art.

Speaker117is configured to receive the driving signal from speaker driver115. Based at least partly on the received driving signal, using an audio generation element understood by those of skill in the art, speaker117is configured to generate compression sound waves, for example, as audible sounds.

In some embodiments, system100includes a monolithic IC that performs all of the audio functions described herein, and in other embodiments, the components of processing module110performing the described functions may be split among multiple components or chips or packages.

Device101can include network interface103. Network interface103can allow device101to communicate via one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For instance, network interface103may allow device101to communicate via a wireless local area network, such as a wireless network that operates in accordance with an IEEE 802.11 standard. Network interface103may also communicate via one or more mesh networking protocols, such as Thread, Zigbee, or Z-Wave.

Network interface103may permit device101to communicate with network140. Network140can include one or more private and/or public networks, such as the Internet. Network140may be used such that device101can communicate with the cloud server system150. Cloud server system150may, in some embodiments, perform some of the processing functions described herein as being performed by processing module110. Additionally, or alternatively, cloud server system150may be used to relay notifications and/or store data produced by device101for example, in association with a user account.

Display screen116, speaker117, and microphone118may permit device101to interact with persons nearby. Display screen116may be a touchscreen display that presents information pertinent to other smart-home devices that have been linked with device101and results obtained in response to a query posed by user via microphone118. In some embodiments, device101may not have display screen116. For instance, some forms of smart home assistants, which respond to auditory queries, use speech as the primary input and output interfaces. In some embodiments, display screen116is or includes lights, such as light emitting diodes electrically connected to a processor such as processing module110which causes the lights to emit light as an indication of a mode of operation of the audio system100.

Microphone118can be used for a person to pose a spoken query to device101. The spoken query may be analyzed locally or may be transmitted by device101to cloud server system150for analysis. A result of the spoken query may be transmitted back to device101by cloud server system150to be output via speaker117using recorded or synthesized speech. Speaker117and microphone118may further be used to interact with a person.

Processing module110may include one or more special-purpose or general-purpose processors. Such special-purpose processors may include processors that are specifically designed to perform the functions detailed herein. Such special-purpose processors may be ASICs or FPGAs which are general-purpose components that are physically and electrically configured to perform the functions detailed herein. Such general-purpose processors may execute special-purpose software that is stored using one or more non-transitory processor-readable mediums, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). The components that are presented as part of processing module110can be implemented as individual hardware and/or software components or may be implemented together, such as in the form of software that is executed by one or more processors.

FIG.2illustrates an embodiment of a smart home environment200in which various smart-home devices may include the componentry of device101to perform the functions described herein. Various smart-home devices, including those located indoors or outdoors, may benefit from the ability to perform the functions described herein.

The smart home environment200includes a structure250(e.g., a house, daycare, office building, apartment, condominium, garage, or mobile home) with various integrated devices. It will be appreciated that devices may also be integrated into a smart home environment200that does not include an entire structure250, such as an apartment or condominium. Further, the smart home environment200may control and/or be coupled to devices outside of the actual structure250. Indeed, several devices in the smart home environment200need not be physically within the structure250.

It is to be appreciated that “smart home environments” may refer to smart environments for homes such as a single-family house, but the scope of the present teachings is not so limited. The present teachings are also applicable, without limitation, to duplexes, townhomes, multi-unit apartment buildings, hotels, retail stores, office buildings, industrial buildings, and more generally any living space or workspace.

It is also to be appreciated that while the terms user, customer, installer, homeowner, occupant, guest, tenant, landlord, repair person, and the like may be used to refer to the person or persons acting in the context of some particular situations described herein, these references do not limit the scope of the present teachings with respect to the person or persons who are performing such actions. Thus, for example, the terms user, customer, purchaser, installer, subscriber, and homeowner may often refer to the same person in the case of a single-family residential dwelling, because the head of the household is often the person who makes the purchasing decision, buys the unit, and installs and configures the unit, and is also one of the users of the unit. However, in other scenarios, such as a landlord-tenant environment, the customer may be the landlord with respect to purchasing the unit, the installer may be a local apartment supervisor, a first user may be the tenant, and a second user may again be the landlord with respect to remote control functionality. Importantly, while the identity of the person performing the action may be germane to a particular advantage provided by one or more of the implementations, such identity should not be construed in the descriptions that follow as necessarily limiting the scope of the present teachings to those particular individuals having those particular identities.

The depicted structure250includes a plurality of rooms252, separated at least partly from each other via walls254. The walls254may include interior walls or exterior walls. Each room may further include a floor256and a ceiling258. Devices may be mounted on, integrated with and/or supported by a wall254, floor256or ceiling258.

In some implementations, the integrated devices of the smart home environment200include intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices that integrate seamlessly with each other in a smart home network and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide a variety of useful smart home functions. The smart home environment200may include one or more intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected thermostats202(hereinafter referred to as “smart thermostats202”), one or more intelligent, network-connected, multi-sensing hazard detection units204(hereinafter referred to as “smart hazard detectors204”), one or more intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected entryway interface devices206and220and one or more intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected alarm systems222(hereinafter referred to as “smart alarm systems222”). Each of these devices may have the functionality of device101incorporated.

In some implementations, the one or more smart thermostats202detect ambient climate characteristics (e.g., temperature and/or humidity) and control an HVAC system203accordingly. For example, a respective smart thermostats202includes an ambient temperature sensor.

A smart hazard detector may detect smoke, carbon monoxide, and/or some other hazard present in the environment. The one or more smart hazard detectors204may include thermal radiation sensors directed at respective heat sources (e.g., a stove, oven, other appliances, a fireplace, etc.). For example, a smart hazard detector204in a kitchen253includes a thermal radiation sensor directed at a network-connected appliance212. A thermal radiation sensor may determine the temperature of the respective heat source (or a portion thereof) at which it is directed and may provide corresponding black-body radiation data as output.

The smart doorbell206and/or the smart door lock220may detect a person's approach to or departure from a location (e.g., an outer door), control doorbell/door locking functionality (e.g., receive user inputs from a portable electronic device266-1to actuate the bolt of the smart door lock220), announce a person's approach or departure via audio or visual means, and/or control settings on a security system (e.g., to activate or deactivate the security system when occupants go and come). In some implementations, the smart doorbell206includes some or all of the components and features of the camera218-1. In some implementations, the smart doorbell206includes a camera218-1, and, therefore, is also called “doorbell camera206” in this document. Cameras218-1and/or218-2may function as a streaming video camera and the streaming audio device detailed in relation to various embodiments herein. Cameras218may be mounted in a location, such as indoors and to a wall or can be moveable and placed on a surface, such as illustrated with camera218-2. Various embodiments of cameras218may be installed indoors or outdoors. Each of these types of devices may have the functionality of device101incorporated.

The smart alarm system222may detect the presence of an individual within close proximity (e.g., using built-in IR sensors), sound an alarm (e.g., through a built-in speaker, or by sending commands to one or more external speakers), and send notifications to entities or users within/outside of the smart home environment200. In some implementations, the smart alarm system222also includes one or more input devices or sensors (e.g., keypad, biometric scanner, NFC transceiver, microphone) for verifying the identity of a user, and one or more output devices (e.g., display, speaker). In some implementations, the smart alarm system222may also be set to an armed mode, such that detection of a trigger condition or event causes the alarm to be sounded unless a disarming action is performed. Each of these devices may have the functionality of device101incorporated.

In some implementations, the smart home environment200includes one or more intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected wall switches208(hereinafter referred to as “smart wall switches208”), along with one or more intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected wall plug interfaces210(hereinafter referred to as “smart wall plugs210”). The smart wall switches208may detect ambient lighting conditions, detect room-occupancy states, and control a power and/or dim state of one or more lights. In some instances, smart wall switches208may also control a power state or speed of a fan, such as a ceiling fan. The smart wall plugs210may detect occupancy of a room or enclosure and control the supply of power to one or more wall plugs (e.g., such that power is not supplied to the plug if nobody is at home). Each of these types of devices may have the functionality of device101incorporated.

In some implementations, the smart home environment200ofFIG.2includes a plurality of intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected appliances212(hereinafter referred to as “smart appliances212”), such as refrigerators, stoves, ovens, televisions, washers, dryers, lights, stereos, intercom systems, wall clock, garage-door openers, floor fans, ceiling fans, wall air conditioners, pool heaters, irrigation systems, security systems, space heaters, window AC units, motorized duct vents, and so forth. Each of these devices may have the functionality of device101incorporated. In some implementations, when plugged in, an appliance may announce itself to the smart home network, such as by indicating what type of appliance it is, and it may automatically integrate with the controls of the smart home. Such communication by the appliance to the smart home may be facilitated by either a wired or wireless communication protocol. The smart home may also include a variety of non-communicating legacy appliances240, such as old conventional washer/dryers, refrigerators, and the like, which may be controlled by smart wall plugs210. The smart home environment200may further include a variety of partially communicating legacy appliances242, such as infrared (“IR”) controlled wall air conditioners or other IR-controlled devices, which may be controlled by IR signals provided by the smart hazard detectors204or the smart wall switches208.

In some implementations, the smart home environment200includes one or more network-connected cameras218that are configured to provide video monitoring and security in the smart home environment200. The cameras218may be used to determine occupancy of the structure250and/or particular rooms252in the structure250, and thus may act as occupancy sensors. For example, video captured by the cameras218may be processed to identify the presence of an occupant in the structure250(e.g., in a particular room252). Specific individuals may be identified based, for example, on their appearance (e.g., height, face) and/or movement (e.g., their walk/gait). Cameras218may additionally include one or more sensors (e.g., IR sensors, motion detectors), input devices (e.g., microphone for capturing audio), and output devices (e.g., speaker for outputting audio). In some implementations, the cameras218are each configured to operate in a day mode and in a low-light mode (e.g., a night mode). In some implementations, the cameras218each include one or more IR illuminators for providing illumination while the camera is operating in the low-light mode. In some implementations, the cameras218include one or more outdoor cameras. In some implementations, the outdoor cameras include additional features and/or components such as weatherproofing and/or solar ray compensation. Such cameras may have the functionality of device101incorporated.

The smart home environment200may additionally or alternatively include one or more other occupancy sensors (e.g., the smart doorbell206, smart door locks220, touch screens, IR sensors, microphones, ambient light sensors, motion detectors, smart nightlights270, etc.). In some implementations, the smart home environment200includes radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers (e.g., in each room252or a portion thereof) that determine occupancy based on RFID tags located on or embedded in occupants. For example, RFID readers may be integrated into the smart hazard detectors204. Each of these devices may have the functionality of device101incorporated.

Smart home assistant219may have one or more microphones that continuously listen to an ambient environment. Smart home assistant219may be able to respond to verbal queries posed by a user, possibly preceded by a triggering phrase. Smart home assistant219may stream audio and, possibly, video if a camera is integrated as part of the device, to a cloud-based server system264(which represents an embodiment of cloud-based host system100ofFIG.2). Smart home assistant219may be a smart device through which non-auditory discomfort alerts may be output and/or an audio stream from the streaming video camera can be output. As previously noted, smart home assistant219may have the functionality of device101incorporated.

By virtue of network connectivity, one or more of the smart-home devices ofFIG.2may further allow a user to interact with the device even if the user is not proximate to the device. For example, a user may communicate with a device using a computer (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, or tablet) or another portable electronic device266(e.g., a mobile phone, such as a smart phone). A webpage or application may be configured to receive communications from the user and control the device based on the communications and/or to present information about the device's operation to the user. For example, the user may view a current set point temperature for a device (e.g., a stove) and adjust it using a computer. The user may be in the structure during this remote communication or outside the structure.

As discussed above, users may control smart devices in the smart home environment200using a network-connected computer or portable electronic device266. In some examples, some or all of the occupants (e.g., individuals who live in the home) may register their portable electronic device266with the smart home environment200. Such registration may be made at a central server to authenticate the occupant and/or the device as being associated with the home and to give permission to the occupant to use the device to control the smart devices in the home. An occupant may use their registered portable electronic device266to remotely control the smart devices of the home, such as when the occupant is at work or on vacation. The occupant may also use their registered device to control the smart devices when the occupant is actually located inside the home, such as when the occupant is sitting on a couch inside the home. It should be appreciated that instead of or in addition to registering portable electronic devices266, the smart home environment200may make inferences about which individuals live in the home and are therefore occupants and which portable electronic devices266are associated with those individuals. As such, the smart home environment may “learn” who is an occupant and permit the portable electronic devices266associated with those individuals to control the smart devices of the home.

In some implementations, in addition to containing processing and sensing capabilities, smart thermostat202, smart hazard detector204, smart doorbell206, smart wall switch208, smart wall plug210, network-connected appliances212, camera218, smart home assistant219, smart door lock220, and/or smart alarm system222(collectively referred to as “the smart-home devices”) are capable of data communications and information sharing with other smart devices, a central server or cloud-computing system, and/or other devices that are network-connected. Data communications may be carried out using any of a variety of custom or standard wireless protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, 3LoWPAN, Thread, Z-Wave, Bluetooth Smart, ISA100.5A, WirelessHART, MiWi, etc.) and/or any of a variety of custom or standard wired protocols (e.g., Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.), or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document.

In some implementations, the smart devices serve as wireless or wired repeaters. In some implementations, a first one of the smart devices communicates with a second one of the smart devices via a wireless router. The smart devices may further communicate with each other via a connection (e.g., network interface260) to a network, such as the Internet. Through the Internet, the smart devices may communicate with a cloud-based server system264(also called a cloud-based server system, central server system, and/or a cloud-computing system herein). Cloud-based server system264may be associated with a manufacturer, support entity, or service provider associated with the smart device(s). In some implementations, a user is able to contact customer support using a smart device itself rather than needing to use other communication means, such as a telephone or Internet-connected computer. In some implementations, software updates are automatically sent from cloud-based server system264to smart devices (e.g., when available, when purchased, or at routine intervals).

In some implementations, the network interface260includes a conventional network device (e.g., a router), and the smart home environment200ofFIG.2includes a hub device280that is communicatively coupled to the network(s)262directly or via the network interface260. The hub device280is further communicatively coupled to one or more of the above intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices (e.g., smart devices of the smart home environment200). Each of these smart devices optionally communicates with the hub device280using one or more radio communication networks available at least in the smart home environment200(e.g., ZigBee, Z-Wave, Insteon, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other radio communication networks). In some implementations, the hub device280and devices coupled with/to the hub device can be controlled and/or interacted with via an application running on a smart phone, household controller, laptop, tablet computer, game console or similar electronic device. In some implementations, a user of such controller application can view the status of the hub device or coupled smart devices, configure the hub device to interoperate with smart devices newly introduced to the home network, commission new smart devices, and adjust or view settings of connected smart devices, etc. In some implementations the hub device extends capabilities of low capability smart devices to match capabilities of the highly capable smart devices of the same type, integrates functionality of multiple different device types—even across different communication protocols—and is configured to streamline adding of new devices and commissioning of the hub device. In some implementations, hub device280further includes a local storage device for storing data related to, or output by, smart devices of smart home environment200. In some implementations, the data includes one or more of: video data output by a camera device, metadata output by a smart device, settings information for a smart device, usage logs for a smart device, and the like.

In some implementations, smart home environment200includes a local storage device290for storing data related to, or output by, smart devices of smart home environment200. In some implementations, the data includes one or more of: video data output by a camera device (e.g., cameras218or smart doorbell206), metadata output by a smart device, settings information for a smart device, usage logs for a smart device, and the like. In some implementations, local storage device290is communicatively coupled to one or more smart devices via a smart home network. In some implementations, local storage device290is selectively coupled to one or more smart devices via a wired and/or wireless communication network. In some implementations, local storage device290is used to store video data when external network conditions are poor. For example, local storage device290is used when an encoding bitrate of cameras218exceeds the available bandwidth of the external network (e.g., network(s)262). In some implementations, local storage device290temporarily stores video data from one or more cameras (e.g., cameras218) prior to transferring the video data to a server system (e.g., cloud-based server system264).

Further included and illustrated in the exemplary smart home environment200ofFIG.2are service robots268, each configured to carry out, in an autonomous manner, any of a variety of household tasks. For some embodiments, the service robots268can be respectively configured to perform floor sweeping, floor washing, etc.

In some embodiments, a service robot may follow a person from room to room and position itself such that the person can be monitored while in the room. The service robot may stop in a location within the room where it will likely be out of the way, but still has a relatively clear field-of-view of the room. Service robots268may have the functionality of device101incorporated therein. Such an arrangement may have the advantage of allowing one service robot with the functionality of device101incorporated to perform the functions described herein.

It will be understood that any of the speakers of the devices of the exemplary smart home environment200ofFIG.2may have any combination of the various speaker features discussed, described, or referenced herein.

The coil of the coil and coil form320includes a conductor that winds around the coil form. The conductor may be electrically connected with a speaker driver which provides electrical signals thereto. In response to the current of the electrical signals, the coil generates a magnetic field which interacts with the magnetic field of magnet310and causes a force to be exerted on the coil and coil form320with respect to the magnet310. In response to the force, coil and coil form320moves relative to the magnet310. Coil current traveling in a first direction generates a force which induces the coil and coil form320to move in an upward direction in the orientation of the figure, and coil current traveling in a second, opposite, direction generates a force which induces the coil and coil form320to move in a downward direction in the orientation of the figure.

The spider330is connected to the coil and coil form320and is connected to the magnet310, for example, as illustrated. The spider330mechanically resists the movement of the coil and coil form320.

The coil and coil form320is mechanically coupled to the diaphragm350such that the movement of coil and coil form320induces a corresponding movement in the diaphragm350. Anchor340is substantially fixed with respect to magnet310, and accordingly does not move in response to the movement of coil and coil form320. Surround360is mechanically connected to anchor340and to diaphragm350and the surround360may conform to allow movement of the diaphragm350with the movement of the coil and coil form320.

Speaker300, as illustrated inFIG.3, has diaphragm350at rest as a result of the signal received by the coil and coil form320not causing the coil and coil form320to experience an upward or a downward force, as represented by the orientation of the figure.

Grille370is substantially rigid and is mechanically fixed to anchor340, which is fixed to housing325, such that, during operation of the speaker, the sound waves and changing air pressure experienced by grille370do not cause or do not substantially cause grille370to deflect, move, or change its shape. In addition, grille370has holes which expose fabric380to a cavity385between diaphragm350and grille370.

Fabric380is mechanically fixed to at least one of anchor340, grille370, and housing325, and is tensioned so as to conformably contact grille370. For example, in some embodiments, fabric380contacts grille370around the perimeter of each of one or more holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385. In some embodiments, fabric380contacts grille370around the perimeter of all of the holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385. In some embodiments, fabric380contacts portions of grille370partially or wholly surrounding each of one or more holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385. In some embodiments, fabric380contacts portions of grille370partially or wholly surrounding the perimeter of all of the holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385.

In some embodiments, fabric380contacts grille370across the illustrated cross-section as a result of tension in fabric380. In some embodiments, fabric380is not glued to grille370. In some embodiments, fabric380is glued to grille370only in a perimeter region of grille370, for example, outside of a central region of grille370including the holes of grille370. In some embodiments, fabric380is not glued to grille370inside the central region. In some embodiments, the tension of fabric380is sufficient that, despite the sound waves and changing air pressure experienced by fabric380, and despite fabric380not being glued to grille370, fabric380maintains contact with grille370around the entire perimeter or around part of the perimeter of each of one or more holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385or maintains contact with grille370around the entire perimeter or around part of the perimeter of all of the holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385. In some embodiments, the tension of fabric380is sufficient that, despite the sound waves and changing air pressure experienced by fabric380, and despite fabric380not being glued to a central region of grille370including the holes of grille370, fabric380maintains contact with portions of grille370partially or wholly surrounding each of one or more holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385or maintains contact with portions of grille370partially or wholly surrounding all of the holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385.

According to at least some embodiments, fabric380is not glued to any portion of grille370. For example, fabric380may be mechanically attached to grille370using any mechanically coupling means including, but not limited to, one or more of clips, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, buttons, zippers, etc. In exemplary embodiments, fabric380, grille370, and the mechanically coupling means are recyclable. In various embodiments, a product including embodiments described herein may be disassembled for repair and various parts may be recycled if damaged or otherwise unusable.

In some embodiments, the fabric380comprises one or more elastomeric yarns. In some embodiments, the fabric380comprises one or more non-elastomeric yarns. In some embodiments, the fabric380comprises no elastomeric yarns. In some embodiments, the fabric380comprises no non-elastomeric yarns.

In some embodiments, the diaphragm350defines a plane, for example, at least around a perimeter of the diaphragm350, and a first hole, closest to the plane, of the grille370is spaced apart from the plane of the diaphragm350by the dimension C. In the illustrated embodiment the hole372is not closer to the plane than any other holes. In addition, the hole374of the grille370is spaced apart from the plane of the diaphragm350by the dimension A, and the hole374is not farther from the plane of the diaphragm350than any others of the holes. In some embodiments, the dimension C is less than the dimension A by less than 15 mm, 14 mm, 13 mm, 12 mm, 11 mm, 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.1 mm.

In some embodiments, the grille370is curved such that a ratio of dimension A divided by dimension B is less than less than 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, 0.1, 0.08, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, or 0.01. Accordingly, the center point390of the grille370may be greater than 0.5 mm convex from the perimeter of the grille.

In some embodiments, the grille370is curved such that a ratio of the difference between dimension A and dimension C divided by dimension B ((A−C)/B) is less than 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, 0.1, 0.08, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, or 0.01.

In some embodiments, despite the sound waves and changing air pressure experienced by fabric380as a result of the speaker operating with at least 35 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 40 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 45 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 50 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 55 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 60 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 65 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 70 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 75 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 80 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 85 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 90 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 95 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 100 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, or another power, and despite fabric380not being glued to a central region of grille370including the holes of grille370, fabric380maintains contact with grille370around the entire perimeter or around part of the perimeter of each of one or more holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385or maintains contact with grille370around the entire perimeter or around part of the perimeter of all of the holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385. In some embodiments, despite the sound waves and changing air pressure experienced by fabric380as a result of the speaker operating with at least 35 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 40 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 45 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 50 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 55 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 60 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 65 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 70 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 75 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 80 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 85 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 90 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 95 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, 100 dB at 1 meter distance from the speaker, or another power, and despite fabric380not being glued to a central region of grille370including the holes of grille370, fabric380maintains contact with portions of grille370partially or wholly surrounding each of one or more holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385or maintains contact with portions of grille370partially or wholly surrounding all of the holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385.

In some embodiments, the fabric380has an air permeability of less than 100 cm3/s/cm2, and the tension of the fabric380is less than 30 N, and the grille370a ratio of the difference between dimension A and dimension C divided by dimension B ((A−C)/B) is less than 0.1, and, despite the sound waves and changing air pressure experienced by fabric380as a result of the speaker operating with 75 dB output at 1 meter distance from the speaker, and despite fabric380not being glued to a central region of grille370including the holes of grille370, fabric380maintains contact with grille370around the entire perimeter or around part of the perimeter of each of one or more holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385or maintains contact with grille370around the entire perimeter or around part of the perimeter of all of the holes of grille370exposing fabric380to cavity385.

FIG.4illustrates a perspective view of a speaker grille400according to some embodiments. Speaker grille400may be used, for example, in a speaker having characteristics similar or identical to those discussed above with reference to speaker300. For example, speaker grille400may be used as or instead of speaker grille370of speaker300.

As illustrated, speaker grille400includes holes410. In addition, speaker grille400includes a flat portion C presenting a substantially planar outer surface having some of the holes410. Furthermore, speaker grille400includes curved portions D presenting curved outer surfaces having others of holes410. In addition, speaker grille400has spatial dimensions A and B, which may have magnitudes and a ratio similar or identical to corresponding dimensions A and B discussed above with reference toFIG.3.

In some embodiments, speaker grille400forms a housing for a magnet such as magnet310, a coil and coil form such as coil and coil form320, a spider such as spider330, an anchor such as anchor340, a diaphragm such as diaphragm350, and a surround such as surround360. In such embodiments, speaker grille400may be directly or indirectly fixed, for example, to the magnet using attachment mechanisms420.

In some embodiments, speaker grille400is formed as a monolithic molded plastic piece. In other embodiments, speaker grille400is formed from at least two molded plastic pieces. Speaker grille400may include other materials, or combinations of materials, as would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a fabric such as fabric380is placed around speaker grille400. For example, the fabric, at rest, may form a tube having a cross-sectional area less than the corresponding cross-sectional area of speaker grille400, and may be stretched so as to encompass speaker grille400such that the resulting tension of the fabric causes the fabric to maintain contact with speaker grille400while the speaker is operated, for example, similarly or identically to that described above with reference to speaker300.

FIG.5illustrates a perspective view of a speaker grille500according to some embodiments. Speaker grille500may be used, for example, in a speaker having characteristics similar or identical to those discussed above with reference to speaker300. For example, speaker grille500may be used as or instead of speaker grille370of speaker300.

In some embodiments, speaker grille500forms a housing for a magnet such as magnet310, a coil and coil form such as coil and coil form320, a spider such as spider330, an anchor such as anchor340, a diaphragm such as diaphragm350, and a surround such as surround360. In such embodiments, speaker grille500may be directly or indirectly fixed, for example, to the magnet using attachment mechanisms520.

In some embodiments, speaker grille500is formed as a monolithic molded plastic piece. In other embodiments, speaker grille500is formed from at least two molded plastic pieces. Speaker grille500may include other materials, or combinations of materials, as would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure.

As illustrated, speaker grille500includes two sets of holes510. In some embodiments, speaker grille500forms a housing for first and second speakers (not shown), each having a diaphragm aligned with one of the two sets of holes510. However, it should be appreciated that various designs may include more or less than two sets of holes510for accommodating more or less than a first and second speaker. For example, three sets of holes510may be used for three speakers. In other embodiments, the speaker grille500includes a single set of holes510for us with one or more speakers.

In some embodiments, a fabric such as fabric380is coupled to speaker grille500. For example, the fabric may be coupled to speaker grille500similarly or identically to the attachment of fabric380to grille370or may be coupled to speaker grille500similarly or identically to the attachment of the fabric to speaker grille400discussed above. The fabric may be attached with an adhesive, pin(s), staple(s), magnet(s), or the like, according to various embodiments.

FIG.6illustrates an audio system600according to some embodiments. In this embodiment, audio system600may have characteristics similar or identical to those discussed above with reference to audio system100and/or speaker300. In some embodiments, audio system600includes a speaker having a speaker grille partly or wholly forming a housing for a magnet such as magnet310, a coil and coil form such as coil and coil form320, a spider such as spider330, an anchor such as anchor340, a diaphragm such as diaphragm350, a surround such as surround360, and other components such as those of audio system100.

As illustrated, audio system600includes a fabric680including one or more of the audio system components described with respect to at leastFIGS.2-5. In this embodiment, fabric680allows light from four lights690to be seen therethrough. The four lights690may be electrically connected to a controller which causes the four lights690to conditionally emit light. For example, the controller may cause the four lights690to emit light as an indication of a particular condition or mode of the audio system600. For example, the audio system600may include a microphone such as microphone118, and the four lights690may be used to indicate that the audio system600is monitoring audio data sensed by the microphone. According to various embodiments, any number of lights690may be used. The lights690may output any color or combination of colors for indicating notifications such as alerts or reminders or the like. The lights690may further blink in a patterned manner (e.g., blinking 3 times in a row and then pausing) for indicating notifications. The lights690may use any combination of colors, lighting patterns, or the like, as would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the fabric380is connected to a speaker grille (not visible). For example, the fabric may be coupled to the speaker grille similarly or identically as the attachment of fabric380to grille370or may be coupled to the speaker grille similarly or identically as the attachment of the fabric to speaker grille400discussed above.

FIG.7illustrates a side view of a system700that includes an embodiment of an electronic device710, such as a tablet or other computer. As can be seen from the side view, the electronic device710is docked with dock720. The electronic device710may be left docked with dock720, for example, to charge a battery of electronic device710and/or to use other features of the dock, such as an integrated speaker. The electronic device710may be removed from the dock720for convenience to be used or displayed at another location. In some embodiments, when not in use (whether docked, not docked, or both), photos or photo albums selected by a user may be presented by the electronic device710. Dock720and electronic device710may each include multiple conductive contacts (e.g., metallic pads) that are used to transfer data between dock720and electronic device710and to transfer power from dock720to electronic device710when the electronic device710is mechanically and electrically connected to dock720in a docked position.

In the illustrated embodiment, dock720is or includes an audio system which may have characteristics similar or identical to those discussed above with reference to audio system100, audio system600, and/or speaker300. For example, a front face, a back face, the sides, etc., of the dock720may include the fabric arranged over the curved grille as described in detail above with respect to other figures. Accordingly, the dock720may appear as an aesthetically pleasing speaker device that does not suffer from audio distortion.

FIG.8illustrates a method800of using an audio system, such as audio system100, comprising a speaker according to some embodiments. The speaker of the audio system may include a magnet such as magnet310, a coil and coil form such as coil and coil form320, a spider such as spider330, an anchor such as anchor340, a diaphragm such as diaphragm350, a surround such as surround360, a grille such as grille370, and a fabric such as fabric380.

Method800includes step810. Step810includes receiving input from a user at a tablet computer docked to a dock. In various embodiments, a user may speak at the tablet computer, type onto a display of the tablet computer, or otherwise provide input to the tablet computer as would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure. Accordingly, the input may be audio input, text input, haptic input, etc. In at least some embodiments, a user may speak at the dock itself without the tablet computer docked to the dock or with the tablet computer docked to the dock. For example, the tablet computer and the dock may each have a microphone system for receiving audio input from a user. The tablet computer and dock may form a home assistant device that the user may use to operate various smart devices, listen to audio, check reminders, etc.

Step820includes generating audio output in response to the input from the user. In various embodiments, the tablet computer and dock may be part of a system having a processor. The processor may process the input from the user and generate audio output in response in a manner known in the art. For example, if the user requests music to be played, the processor may generate audio output (e.g., instructions to play audio output) in response to the user's request. In various embodiments, a processor of the tablet computer receives input from the user (e.g., in the form of text input or other input means) and communicated with the processor of the dock to generate audio output (and corresponding sound waves) in response to input from the user.

Step830includes generating sound waves from the dock for outputting the audio output where a fabric and a grille of the dock remain in contact as the audio output is output. In various embodiments, a speaker driver provides electrical signals to a coil of a coil and coil form. In response to the current of the electrical signals, the coil generates a magnetic field which interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet and causes a force to be exerted on the coil and coil form with respect to the magnet. In response to the force, the coil and coil form moves relative to the magnet. In addition, the movement of coil and coil form induces a corresponding movement in the diaphragm. The movement of the diaphragm causes sound waves and pressure fluctuations in a cavity at least partly bounded by the diaphragm and the grille. The anchor is substantially fixed with respect to the magnet, and accordingly does not move in response to the movement of coil and coil form. The surround is mechanically connected to the anchor and to the diaphragm and conforms to allow movement of the diaphragm with the movement of the coil and coil form. Because the grille is substantially rigid and is mechanically fixed to the anchor, the sound waves and changing air pressure experienced by the grille do not cause or do not substantially cause the grille to deflect, move, or change its shape. However, holes in the grille expose the fabric to the cavity between the diaphragm and the grille.

According to step830, the tension of the fabric is sufficient that, despite the sound waves and changing air pressure experienced by the fabric, and despite the fabric not being glued to a central region of grille including the holes of grille, the fabric maintains contact with the grille around the entire perimeter or around part of the perimeter of each of one or more holes of the grille exposing the fabric to the cavity or maintains contact with the grille around the entire perimeter or around part of the perimeter of all of the holes of the grille exposing the fabric to the cavity. In some embodiments, the tension of the fabric is sufficient that, despite the sound waves and changing air pressure experienced by the fabric, and despite the fabric not being glued to a central region of grille including the holes of grille, the fabric maintains contact with portions of the grille partially or wholly surrounding each of one or more holes of the grille exposing the fabric to the cavity or maintains contact with portions of the grille partially or wholly surrounding all of the holes of the grille exposing the fabric to the cavity.