Personal media device docking station having an acoustic interface

Systems and methods are provided for a media device docking station having one or more acoustic channels to transfer sound to or from the media device while the media device is docked with the docking station.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to docking stations for personal media devices and, more particularly, to docking stations having acoustic interfaces for personal media devices.

The proliferation of compact portable personal media devices (e.g., portable MP3 players, portable video players, and media capable cellular telephones) has created a need for improved delivery of audio (e.g., voice and music) to users while respecting the need to minimize the overall form factor of personal media devices. Many portable personal media devices can be detachably mounted to or interfaced with a docking station, which may include a platform, support structure, electrical connector, or device holding mechanism, to enable convenient and efficient positioning, storing, and interfacing with other devices. A docking station may position the media device in a functionally more efficient or aesthetically pleasing position, secure the media device, or enable charging of a battery of the media device.

One problem with existing media device docking stations is that the structure of the docking station can interfere with or block the reception or delivery of sound to or from the media device. By interfering with or muffling the transmission of sound, the docking station reduces the sound quality received or transmitted by the media device.

Another problem with existing media device docking stations is that the structure of the docking station, by interfering with the transmission of sound to and from the media device, can create a feedback or echo between a speaker and microphone of the media device while the media device is docked to the docking station. This feedback or echo reduces the sound quality received or transmitted by the media device.

SUMMARY

The invention, in various embodiments, addresses deficiencies in the prior art by providing systems, methods and devices that enhance the quality of sound emitted from or received by a media device while the media device is docked to a docking station.

In various aspects, the invention relates to a docking station capable of receiving a portable or personal media device that includes a speaker and microphone at its mating end or surface (e.g., bottom end or surface). In one aspect, a gap is established at the interface between the well walls of the docking station and the housing of the media device while the media device is docked with the docking device. The gap allows sound or audio to travel freely to or from the media device with minimal interference from the docking station to prevent the muffling of the audio. In one configuration, a sound gap is established using a connector that raises the bottom end of the media device relative to the mating surface of the well of the docking station while the media device is docked.

In another aspect, one or more audio passages or acoustic channels are provided through the docking station to enable audio or sound to travel freely from the media device to outside of the docking station while the media device is docked. This arrangement reduces muffling and feedback between a speaker and microphone of a docked media device. In one configuration, the well of the docking station includes one or more audio holes or acoustic apertures through which sound may be received for a microphone or sound may be transmitted from a speaker of the media device. In certain configurations, the acoustic apertures are coupled to one or more acoustic channels that extend through a portion of the docking station to one or more external acoustic apertures on the outer wall or walls of the docking station.

In one feature, the docking station well includes a first set of internal acoustic apertures for distributing sound to a microphone of the media device while a second set of internal acoustic apertures collect sound from a speaker of the media device. In one configuration, each internal acoustic aperture or set of apertures are coupled to the same acoustic channel.

In another configuration, each internal acoustic aperture or set of apertures are coupled to different spatially separated acoustic channels. When different acoustic channels are employed, each spatially separated acoustic channel may be coupled to the same external apertures or different external apertures at the outer walls of the docking station.

Placing the microphone and speaker in a confined space, as happens when a media device is docked, restricts the air movement and increases the sound pressure of the speaker, which in turn creates much stronger coupling of the sound into the microphone. Creating an acoustic channel or gap reduces the sound pressure at the media device to docking station interface and, thereby, reduces the coupling and the associated echo on the remote side where the microphone is located. An acoustic interface may include a gap that enables the flow of sound between a media device and a docking station. An acoustic interface may also include one or more acoustic channels or audio paths within a docking station that facilitates the flow of sound to and from a docked media device.

Various advantages and applications using an acoustic assembly for enhanced acoustic coupling from a media device to a user in accordance with principles of the present invention are discussed in more detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a media device100according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The media device100includes a housing102, a first housing portion104, a second housing portion106, a display108, a keypad110, a speaker housing aperture112, a microphone aperture114, and a headphone jack116. The housing102also includes various gaps118that may include openings, separations, vents, or other pathways between elements of the housing102that enable the passage of air or sound through the housing102. The speaker housing aperture112may be located in proximity to a lower portion of the media device100and/or a second speaker aperture or apertures122may be located in a lower portion of the media device associated with, for example, an internal hands-free speaker. In certain embodiments, the microphone aperture114and/or speaker apertures122may be located on a bottom side124of the media device100. The aperture114and apertures122may be located on any portion of the housing102to facilitate the delivery and reception of sound.

In one embodiment, the housing102includes a first housing portion104and a second housing portion106that are fastened together to encase various components of the media device100. The housing102and its housing portions104and106may include polymer-based materials that are formed by, for example, injection molding to define the form factor of the media device100. In one embodiment, the housing102surrounds and/or supports internal components such as, for example, one or more circuit boards having integrated circuit components, internal radio frequency (RF) circuitry, an internal antenna, a speaker, a microphone, a hard drive, a processor, and other components. Further details regarding certain internal components are discussed later with respect toFIG. 3. The housing102provides for mounting of a display108, keypad110, external jack116, data connectors, or other external interface elements. The housing102may include one or more housing apertures112to facilitate delivery of sound, including voice and music, to a user from a speaker within the housing102. The housing102may including one or more housing apertures114to facilitate the reception of sounds, such as voice, for an internal microphone from a media device user.

In certain embodiments, the housing102includes one or more gaps118associated with the housing102. These gaps118may result from the manufacturing and/or assembly process for the media device100. For example, in certain circumstances, the mechanical attachment of the first housing portion104with the second housing portion106results in a crease120or joint between the portions104and106. In certain media devices100, the crease120is not air tight, resulting in gaps118along the crease. Other gaps may be formed during assembly between, for example, one or more keys of the keypad110and the housing102or the display108and the housing102, resulting in additional gaps118.

In other embodiments, the housing102may include additional portions that are integrated to form the housing102for the media device100.

The media device100may include a wireless communications device such as a cellular telephone, satellite telephone, cordless telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), pager, portable computer, or any other device capable of wireless communications. In fact, FIG.1shows an exemplary cellular telephone version of a broad category of media device100.

The media device100may also be integrated within the packaging of other devices or structures such as a vehicle, video game system, appliance, clothing, helmet, glasses, wearable apparel, stereo system, enteraiment system, pr other portable device. In certain embodiments, device100may be docked or connected to a wireless enabling accessory system (e.g., a wi-fi docking system) that provides the media device100with short-range communicating functionality. Alternative types of media devices100may include, for example, a media player such as an iPod or iPhone available by Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif., pocket-sized personal computers such as an iPAQ Pocket PC available by Hewlett Packard Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif. and any other device capable of communicating wirelessly (with or without the aid of a wireless enabling accessory system).

In certain embodiments, the media device100may synchronize with, for example, a remote computing system or server to receive media (using either wireless or wireline communications paths). Wireless syncing enables the media device100to transmit and receive media and data without requiring a wired connection. Media may include, without limitation, sound or audio files, music, video, multi-media, and digital data, in streaming and/or discrete (e.g., files and packets) formats.

During synchronization, a host system may provide media to a client system or software application embedded within the media device100. In certain embodiments, media and/or data is “downloaded” to the media device100. In other embodiments, the media device100is capable of uploading media to a remote host or other client system.

Further details regarding the capabilities of certain embodiments of the media device100are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,627,343, issued on Dec. 1, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 2shows the media device100ofFIG. 1with tethered headphones200and, alternatively, a wireless earpiece206according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The tethered headphones200include a cable212that connects to the media device100via external jack116.

In one embodiment, the cable provides for transport of an audio signal from the media device100to the headphones200. In another embodiment, the headphones200include a left housing202and a right housing204, corresponding to the left and right ears of a user, respectively. Each housing202and204may include a speaker and/or an acoustic assembly as described later with respect toFIG. 4. The headphones200may optionally include a microphone to facilitate sending sounds from the user to the media device100. As an alternative to the headphones200, a user may utilize the wireless earpiece206which includes a housing208. In one embodiment, the earpiece206employs wireless channel210to receive audio signals from the device100or transmit audio signals to the device100. The housing208may include a speaker, microphone, and/or acoustic assembly as described later with respect toFIG. 4.

FIG. 3shows a simplified functional block diagram of the media device100according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

The media device or player300may include a processor302, storage device304, user interface306, display310, CODEC312, bus318, memory320, communications circuitry322, a speaker or transducer324, and a microphone326. Processor302may control the operation of many functions and other circuitry included in media player300. Processor302may drive display310and may receive user inputs from user interface306.

Storage device304may store media (e.g., music and video files), software (e.g., for implanting functions on device300, preference information (e.g., media playback preferences), lifestyle information (e.g., food preferences), exercise information (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment), transaction information (e.g., information such as credit card information), wireless connection information (e.g., information that may enable media device to establish wireless communication with another device), subscription information (e.g., information that keeps tracks of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes to), and any other suitable data. Storage device304may include one more storage mediums, including for example, a hard-drive, permanent memory such as ROM, semi-permanent memory such as RAM, or cache.

Memory320may include one or more different types of memory which may be used for performing device functions. For example, memory320may include cache, ROM, and/or RAM. Bus318may provide a data transfer path for transferring data to, from, or between at least storage device304, memory320, and processor302.

Coder/decoder (CODEC)312may be included to convert digital audio signals into an analog signal for driving the speaker324to produce sound including voice, music, and other like audio. The CODEC312may also convert audio inputs from the microphone326into digital audio signals.

User interface306may allow a user to interact with the media device300. For example, the user input device306can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, a click wheel, or a touch screen. Communications circuitry322may include circuitry for wireless communication (e.g., short-range and/or long range communication). For example, the wireless communication circuitry may be wi-fi enabling circuitry that permits wireless communication according to one of the 802.11 standards. Other wireless network protocol standards could also be used, either in alternative to the identified protocols or in addition to the identified protocols. Other network standards may include Bluetooth, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and code divisional multiple access (CDMA) based wireless protocols. Communications circuitry322may also include circuitry that enables device300to be electrically coupled to another device (e.g., a computer or an accessory device) and communicate with that other device.

In one embodiment, the media device300may be a portable computing device dedicated to processing media such as audio and video. For example, media device300may be a media player (e.g., MP3 player), a game player, a remote controller, a portable communication device, a remote ordering interface, an audio tour player, or other suitable personal device. The media device300may be battery-operated and highly portable so as to allow a user to listen to music, play games or video, record video or take pictures, communicate with others, and/or control other devices.

In addition, the media device300may be sized such that it fits relatively easily into a pocket or hand of the user.

By being handheld, the media device300(or media device100shown inFIG. 1) is relatively small and easily handled and utilized by its user and thus may be taken practically anywhere the user travels.

As discussed previously, the relatively small form factor of certain prior art media devices has facilitated the use of docking stations to support a media device during storage or when the device is interfacing with another device such as a PC or power source. While supporting the media device100, the docking station or unit may, however, inhibit the flow of sound to and from the media device100and, thereby, reduce the quality of sound emitted from or delivered to the docked media device100. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide for enhanced sound quality while a media device100is docked to a docking station by enhancing the flow of sound using one or more acoustic interfaces within the docking station.

FIG. 4shows an exploded view of media device400and associated docking station402according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the media device includes at least one microphone aperture404and one or more speaker apertures406. The docking station402may include a well408and one or more external acoustic apertures410.

In one embodiment, the one or more of the acoustic apertures410are in acoustic communication with either or both the microphone aperture404and the speaker apertures406of the media device400when the media device400is docked with the docking station402. In certain embodiments, the docking station402includes internal acoustic channels (not shown) and internal acoustic apertures (not shown) along the well walls that are juxtaposed with one or both of the microphone aperture404and speaker apertures406while the media device400is docked with the docking station402.

In operation while the media device400is docked, sound emitted from the speaker apertures406is coupled via one or more internal acoustic channels of the docking station402and through one or more external acoustic apertures410to the surrounding environment.

In another embodiment, while the media device400is docked, sound received by the microphone aperture404is coupled via one or more internal acoustic channels of the docking station402from one or more external acoustic apertures410.

The shape and orientation of docking station402may vary based on aesthetic and function needs. For example, the docking station may be substantially rectangular, spherical, circular, or irregular, or the like. The external acoustic apertures may be grouped, arranged, configured, and/or distributed in various ways along the external surface or perimeter of the docking station402. For example, the external acoustic apertures410may be arranged in one or more rows along a front, side, and/or back surface of the docking station402. The external acoustic apertures410may be arranged in patterns such as circularly, diagonally, and/or rectangularly along the outer surface of the docking station402. The docking station402may interface with or be juxtaposed with any portion of the media device400while the media device400is docked. For example, the docking station402may function as a holster that enables the media device400to detachably connect to the docking station402. The docking station402may have a substantially downward facing well408such that the media device400is detachably connected with the docking station or hung from the docketing station402via an upper portion of the media device400. While the docking station402may assume any one of a multitude of forms and orientations, the docking station402may include one or more acoustic channels and apertures410that facilitate the efficient transfer of sound to and from the media device400while the media device400is docked.

FIG. 5shows a perspective view of a microphone assembly cavity502and speaker cavity504within a portion of a media device500according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

The media device500includes frame506, a frame recess508, a microphone acoustic channel510, a housing512, a sound input aperture514, a speaker acoustic channel516, and a sound output aperture518.

In one embodiment, the cavity502is configured to receive and/or enable the mounting of a microphone assembly. The microphone assembly may include a rubber boot that surrounds a portion of the microphone assembly and extends along a portion of the acoustic channel510. The acoustic channel length may be between 14-15 mm long to optimally couple sound in the 100 Hz to 4 KHz range from the aperture514to the microphone assembly disposed in the microphone assembly cavity502. In one embodiment, the recess508enables the mounting of a microphone assembly on the top surface of the frame506. In another embodiment, the microphone assembly cavity502is positioned on the frame506to flexibly allow other components such as, for example, an antenna to be positioned in close proximity to the bottom of the media device500.

In one embodiment, the sound input aperture514is located substantially along a bottom portion of the media device500. In another embodiment, the sound output aperture518is located substantially along a bottom portion of the media device500.

In other embodiments, the one or more sound input or output apertures are located along any portion of the media device500. In one embodiment, the media device500includes a receptacle520for detachably connecting the media device500to a docking station or other connector.

FIG. 6Ashows a perspective view of a docking station600including internal acoustic apertures602and an electronic connector604according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the internal acoustic apertures602and connector604are located within a well606of the docking station600. The docking station600may include one or more external acoustic apertures608that are in acoustic communication with the internal acoustic apertures602via one or more acoustic channels (not shown) within the docking station600. The male connector604may interface or connect with a female connector such as connector520shown inFIG. 5. The well606may be configured and/or shaped to conform with the shape of a media device such as, for example, media device500ofFIG. 5.

In one embodiment, the one or more acoustic apertures602are positioned substantially adjacent to or juxtaposed with one or more acoustic apertures of a docked media device. For example, the docking station600apertures602may be positioned adjacent to the sound input aperture514of the media device500while the media device500is docked with the docking station600. Also, the docking station600apertures602may be positioned adjacent to the sound output aperture518of the media device500while the media device500is docked with the docking station600. By positioning the docking station600apertures602in proximity to the acoustic apertures514and518of the docked media device500, the docking station600facilitates the flow of sound waves to and from the media device500via the docking station apertures602.

FIG. 6Bshows a transverse-sectional view of a docking station650including acoustic apertures656and658and insulators652and634according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The docking station650includes a well662having a well surface670, a front surface668, one or more external apertures658, one or more internal apertures656, a housing664, one or more acoustic channels672, one or more insulators652and634, and a base660. The insulators652and634may include foam, polymer, or a like insulating material. The insulator652may be positioned inside the housing664and between a first set of acoustic channels672that transport sound toward a microphone of a media device docked in the well662and a second set of acoustic channels672that transport sound away from a speaker of a media device docked in the well662. The insulators652and634can reduce the coupling of sound between the acoustic channels to reduce possible feedback from the speaker to the microphone of a docked media device. The insulators652and634may also provide structural support for the housing664.

In one embodiment, a first set of internal acoustic apertures656are coupled to the first set of acoustic channels672while a second set of internal acoustic apertures656are coupled to a second set of acoustic channels672. In another embodiment, the external aperture658includes a plurality of apertures or openings between the base660and surface668of the housing664. In one embodiment, a first set of external apertures658is coupled to the first set of acoustic channels672while a second set of external acoustic apertures are coupled to the second set of acoustic channels.

FIG. 7shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a media device700that is docked to a docking station702according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the docking station702includes a connector704that physically and/or electronically connects with the media device700. The connector704may be a male connector with a portion706that extends into a connector of the media device700and a portion708that does not extend into the media device700. The length of the portion708may define the width of a gap710between the media device700and the docking station702. In one embodiment, the gap710provides an acoustic pathway or channel that enables the more efficient transfer of sound to and from the media device700. The gap710may also provide pressure relief to reduce the likelihood of feedback from the speaker712which could interfere with the reception of sound by the microphone714. The docking station702may also include one or more spacers716that establish the gap710between the media device700and docking station702. The media device700may include a microphone channel718and/or one or more speaker channels720.

FIG. 8shows a transverse-sectional view of an acoustic channel802within a docking station800for the delivery of sound to a portion of a docked media device804according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The docking station800may include a well806, internal acoustic apertures808, an external front surface810, and one or more external apertures812. Although not shown inFIG. 8, the docking station or unit800may include an electrical connector, such as connector604ofFIG. 6, to which the media device804detachably connects while docked with the docking station800.

The media device804may include a housing814, microphone apertures816, an internal microphone acoustic channel818, and a microphone assembly820.

Although not shown inFIG. 8, the media device804may include an electrical receptacle, such as receptacle520ofFIG. 5, to which the docking station800detachably connects while the media device804is docked or held by the docking station800.

In operation, sound822is received by the docking station800via at least one aperture812on the front surface810of the docking station800. The sound822travels along one or more acoustic channels802toward the internal acoustic apertures808, positioned along a wall of the well806. The internal apertures808are preferably positioned in relatively close proximity with the microphone apertures816of the media device804to enhance the coupling of sound from the docking station800to the media device804. The sound822passes through the apertures816into the microphone acoustic channel818and is received by the microphone assembly820. The microphone assembly820includes a microphone that converts the received sound822into electrical information for the media device804to process further.

The docking station800may include a plurality of acoustic channels802where each acoustic channel802is associated with its own external aperture812and internal aperture808. Alternatively, a portion of the acoustic channels802may be inter-connected. While sound822is shown as flowing into the acoustic channel802from the aperture812, the acoustic channel802may also support the flow of sound822or sound waves in an opposite direction and out of the aperture812. Thus, a portion of the acoustic channels802may support sound flow in a bi-directional manner. The docking station may consist of plastic or some other polymer and be formed by molding, pressing, casting or some other known manufacturing process. The docking station may include other materials such as one or more metals. The apertures and acoustic channels may be formed or manufactured by a process including machining, punching, casting, molding, pressing, and/or assembling.

FIG. 9shows a transverse-sectional view of acoustic channels902and904within a docking station900for the delivery of sound from a portion of a docked media device906according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The docking station900may include a well908, internal acoustic apertures910, an external front surface912, and external back surface914, and one or more external apertures such as apertures916and918.The external apertures916and918may be positioned on any external surface including the side, bottom, top, front, back, or any externally facing surface.

Although not shown inFIG. 9, the docking station or unit900may include an electrical connector, such as connector604ofFIG. 6, to which the media device904detachably connects while docked with the docking station900.

The media device906may include a housing920, acoustic output apertures922, an internal acoustic channel924, and a speaker assembly926. Although not shown inFIG. 9, the media device906may include an electrical receptacle, such as receptacle520ofFIG. 5, to which the docking station900detachably connects while the media device906is docked or held by the docking station900.

In operation, sound928is generated by the speaker assembly926and propagated through the channel924to the apertures922. The sound928flows through the internal apertures910on the surface of the well908and into the acoustic channels902and904within the docking station900. The docking station900emits the sound928from the acoustic channel902via the aperture916on the front surface912. The docking station900may also emit sound928from the acoustic channel904via the aperture918on the back surface914. In one embodiment, the acoustic channels902and904are interconnected. In another embodiment, the acoustic channels902and904are not interconnected. In one embodiment, acoustic channel902includes a plurality of acoustic channels that connects a plurality of internal apertures with a plurality of external apertures. In another embodiment, a portion of the plurality of acoustic channels are interconnected.

The internal apertures910are preferably positioned in relatively close proximity with the apertures922of the media device906to enhance the coupling of sound928from the media device906to the docking station900. The speaker assembly926may include a speaker and/or one or more transducers or sound emitting mechanisms.

The docking station900may include a plurality of acoustic channels where each acoustic channel is associated with its own external aperture and internal aperture. Alternatively, a portion of the acoustic channels may be inter-connected. A portion of the acoustic channels902and904may support sound flow in a bi-directional manner.

FIG. 10shows a perspective view of a docking station1000including a plurality of external acoustic apertures1002according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the external acoustic apertures1002are arranged in a slot1004that extends across the docking station1000. Each of the external apertures1002may be interconnected by a common acoustic channel inside the docking station1000. Alternatively, a portion of the apertures1002may be interconnected or each aperture1002may be associated with its own acoustic channel.

In one embodiment, the external acoustic apertures1002are positioned along an inconspicuous lower portion of the docking station1000in order to save the surfaces of the docking station1000for other purposes such as, for example, an aesthetically pleasing design. In one embodiment, the external apertures1002are positioned at an interface between a housing wall1006at the front and/or bottom of the docking station1000and a foot member1008that supports the bottom of the docking station1000as it rests on a surface.

FIG. 11is a flow chart of a process for transferring sound to or from a media device such as media device100via an acoustic interface or channel of a docking station according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. First, an acoustic channel such a acoustic channel902ofFIG. 9is provided in a docking unit900(Step1102).

Then, a media device such as media device906is mounted to the docking unit900(Step1104). Finally, sound is transferred to or from the media device906through the acoustic channel902to enable efficient transfer of sound while the media device906is docked to the docking station900(Step1106).

It is understood that the various features, elements, or processes of the foregoing figures and description are interchangeable or combinable to realize or practice the invention describe herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation, and the invention is limited only by the claims which follow.