Voice controlled assistant

An apparatus including a housing and a sleeve that engages and at least partially encloses the housing. The housing may include a top portion having a loudspeaker and an exterior surface and a bottom portion having a loudspeaker and an exterior surface. An audio diffuser may be positioned between the top portion of the housing and the bottom portion of the housing so as to radially disperse sound from the loudspeakers. A light ring on the housing may indicate a functional state of the apparatus. Protrusions on the housing may interact with indentations on the sleeve to position and align the housing within the sleeve. The sleeve may include holes to allow sound to be outputted from the loudspeakers. Magnets and alignment elements may further situate and secure the housing to the sleeve.

BACKGROUND

Homes are becoming more connected with the proliferation of computing devices, such as desktop and laptop computers, tablets, entertainment systems, and portable communication devices. As these computing devices continue to evolve, many different ways have been introduced to allow users to interact with the computing devices, such as through touch, gestures, and speech. With speech interaction, the devices may be operated essentially “hands free.”

To implement speech interaction, devices are commonly equipped with a microphone to receive voice input from a user and a speech recognition component to recognize and understand the voice input. Devices also commonly include a speaker to emit audible responses to the user. However, many existing devices have limited sound output and/or non-uniform sound distribution.

Also, devices typically have a standard or uniform appearance, offering little to no customization. However, with the rise of voice controlled devices, consumers may seek to customize an appearance of their device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, existing computing devices may provide limited opportunities to customize a look or feel of a voice controlled assistant. This limitation may detract from an aesthetic appearance of the assistant or the assistant may not fit with a style of a room in which the assistant is to be placed. For instance, depending on the setting, consumers may wish to alter an appearance of the device. Additionally, consumers may want an appearance of the device to change depending on certain events, such as Christmas or a birthday.

This application is directed to a voice controlled assistant having customizable appearance. Voice controlled assistants according to this application may have a housing designed to fit within multiple different interchangeable sleeves. In some examples, the housing may engage with or rest within a sleeve through sliding the housing down into the sleeve. When assembled, the housing may be engaged flush with the sleeve so as to provide a smooth aesthetic appearance. In other words, the housing may slide into the sleeve until the sleeve abuts a lip or flange protruding radially outward from a top of the housing.

In some instances, the housing may have protrusions that help guide the housing into the sleeve. The protrusions may offer resistance (i.e., friction) when the housing is slid into the sleeve, so as to prevent damage to the voice controlled assistant. More particularly, the protrusions may guide the housing into place within the sleeve by sliding against and providing resistance against a sidewall or surface of the sleeve. Moreover, as the protrusions guide the housing down into the sleeve, the protrusions may help prevent a user's fingers from becoming pinched between the sidewall and the housing.

To seat the housing within the sleeve, the protrusions may engage with indentations or recesses on an inside surface of the sleeve facing the housing. The interaction between the protrusions and indentations may situate the housing within the sleeve. For instance, the when the protrusions are engaged with the indentations, the housing may be centered within the sleeve. In addition, the protrusions may help retain the housing within the sleeve. That is, the interplay between the protrusions and indentations may keep the housing from disconnecting or sliding out of the sleeve, for instance (e.g., when the device is picked up). The protrusions may also dampen or absorb vibrations from the housing and prevent the sleeve from rattling during use.

In some examples, to position the housing within the sleeve, alignment elements may be disposed on the housing and the sleeve. For instance, when the housing is slid into the sleeve, the alignment elements may serve to properly align the housing with/within the sleeve. This alignment may assure that input/output ports (e.g., a power connection, auxiliary port, headphone jack, USB port, etc.) are properly aligned with a corresponding opening in the sleeve prior to and during insertion. In addition, the alignment elements may help prevent the housing from rotating within the sleeve.

In some examples, to secure the housing to the sleeve, the sleeve and housing may additionally or alternatively include magnetic elements. The magnetic elements may be positioned on a bottom surface of the housing and a surface of the sleeve in contact with the bottom surface of the housing. In some examples, the magnetic elements may reside within the alignment elements. The magnetic elements, when engaged, may provide an indication that the housing is properly aligned with the sleeve. In some instances, the magnetic elements may include a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a ferrous metal.

A voice controlled assistant according to this application may comprise a housing that includes a top portion and a bottom portion. Legs, or columns, may adjoin the top portion and the bottom portion. Legs may extend from the top portion, the bottom portion, or may be separate inserts. The legs may create a gap between the top portion and the bottom portion of the housing. The gap between the top portion and the bottom portion may assist in outputting sound emitted by loudspeakers residing within the top portion and/or the bottom portion.

The top portion may include audio input/output components configured to receive audio input and to provide audio output. To accomplish the functions of the voice controlled assistant, and the audio input/output processing, the top portion may include internal components such as loudspeakers, light emitting diodes (LEDs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), or other hardware. The internal components may be used in conjunction with a network-based speech support service server to implement a speech interface and to perform commands.

In some examples, voice controlled assistants may have buttons and input and/or output ports. In some examples, the buttons may correspond to a power button, a wireless connectivity button, a mute button, volume buttons, sync buttons, or any other type of button or control. The buttons may be mechanical (e.g., having physically movable components) and/or electronic (e.g., capacitive sensors, optical sensors, touch screen, or the like). A wireless transceiver may be included and configured for communication with other devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, computers, other portable audio input/output devices, and/or any other computing device capable of wireless communication.

In some instances, the voice controlled assistant may have a talk button that is pressed when a user speaks a command. While the talk button is pressed, the voice assistant device may capture user audio and provide the user audio to a speech support service server. The speech support service server may perform automatic speech recognition (ASR) and natural language understanding (NLU) to determine a user's command. Upon identifying the user's command, the voice controlled assistant may output a response, cause actions to be performed (e.g., playing music or ordering movie tickets), or elicit feedback from the user.

In some examples, the voice controlled assistant may have a visual indicator(s) located on a surface or around at least a portion of a perimeter of the housing. The visual indicator may, in some instances, comprise a light ring positioned on or around the top portion of the housing. The visual indicator may be illuminated by one or more light sources, such as LEDs, located within the housing. A light guide within the housing may redirect light from the LEDs to the light ring or other visual indicator(s). The visual indicator(s) may indicate various information to a user, such as to provide visual feedback regarding a task or operation being performed by the voice controlled assistant.

The bottom portion of the housing may include LEDs, PCBs, loudspeakers, input and/or output ports including universal serial bus (USB) ports, audio jacks, video jacks, as well as an external power connection. In some instances, the bottom portion may have a rechargeable battery, enabling the voice controlled assistant to operate without connection to an external power source. However, the voice controlled assistant may also be used with a power cord that provides external electrical power to the battery for recharging, while also providing power to the voice controlled assistant.

As briefly indicated above, a bottom cover or surface of the bottom portion may have alignment elements or magnetic elements that position, secure, situate, or otherwise align the housing within the sleeve.

To disperse sound produced by the voice controlled assistant, an audio diffuser may be interposed between the top portion and the bottom portion of the housing. In some instances, loudspeakers maintained in the top portion and bottom portion may be directed towards the audio diffuser. To illustrate, a loudspeaker residing within the top portion of the housing may be directed towards the bottom portion, while the loudspeaker within the bottom portion of the housing may be directed toward the top portion. That is to say, a first loudspeaker may fire in a first direction while a second loudspeaker fires in a second direction that is opposite or dissimilar as the first direction. In such embodiments, when the loudspeakers are firing (i.e., outputting sound), the audio diffuser may radially disperse sound outward, away from the voice controlled assistant.

The sleeve may have openings extending partially or completely through a thickness of the sleeve. The openings may help to disperse sound away from the voice controlled assistant. In some instances, the openings may be located around a circumference of the sleeve adjacent to the audio diffuser.

The sleeve may include a grill that surrounds at least a portion of an exterior surface of the sleeve. In some examples, an appearance of the voice controlled assistant may be modified through interchanging the grill. For instance, in a setting that includes wood furniture, accents, molding, etc., the voice controlled assistant may have a grill that includes a wood-grained exterior finish. In other instances, such as in a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a grill with a brushed-metal exterior finish may be more appealing. In other instances, the grill may be a woven or non-woven fabric or mesh material. Yet still, during holidays, the grill may include Christmas memorabilia. Material of the grill may be seamless, so as to create a smooth aesthetic appearance. However, in some instances, the appearance of the voice controlled assistant may be modified through replacing the entire sleeve.

An opening within a base end of the sleeve may engage a plug, or foot, disposed on the bottom portion of the housing. That is, the plug of the housing may protrude at least partially through the opening in the bottom of the sleeve. During use, a user may separate the housing from the sleeve by holding the sleeve and pushing upward on the plug to press the housing from the sleeve. The pushing may separate the magnetic elements in the housing from the corresponding magnetic elements in the sleeve and dislodge the protrusions on the outer circumference of the housing from the recesses on the inner surface of the sleeve. As the housing is pressed from the sleeve, the flange or lip around the top portion of the housing is separated from a rim of the sleeve, thereby allowing a user to grasp the flange or lip at the top of the housing and pull it from the sleeve. In some instances, the plug may also center the housing within the sleeve when installed.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an example voice controlled assistant100. The voice controlled assistant100may include a substantially cylindrical housing102, that is engaged within a sleeve104. In some instances, the housing102may slide into the sleeve104through an open end106at the top of the sleeve104. The housing102may be embodied as a single feature or may include a top portion108and a bottom portion110. When engaged with the sleeve104, an exterior surface of the housing102, such as an exterior surface of the bottom portion110, may contact an interior surface of a base end112of the sleeve104. When inserted, a flange or lip114on the top portion108of the housing102may rest on an annulus116surrounding the open end106of the sleeve104, so as to create a seamless appearance on an exterior of the voice controlled assistant100. In some instance, the lip114may comprise a top cover118and/or a light ring120.

In some examples, the top portion108may be hollow and may include the top cover118. The top cover118may have buttons122or other controls, such as volume buttons, a mute button, play control buttons, a talk button, etc. Generally, the talk button may be referred to as a talk actuator or a push-to-talk (PTT) button. In some examples, a user may press the talk button when speaking a request for the voice controlled assistant100to perform. In some examples, the user may indicate a request by prefacing the request with a predefined keyword, such as a wakeword or trigger expression, with or without actuating the talk button. The buttons122may be configured to have caps or contacts placed over them with symbols visually indicating their associated function.

In some examples, microphone ports124may be located through the top cover118. The microphone ports124may direct sound or allow sound to pass to one or more microphones (not shown in this figure) included within the top portion108. That is, the microphones may receive audio, for instance, user speech, via the microphone ports124placed throughout the top portion108or the top cover118. In some examples, the microphones may be selected and/or designed for sensitivity to near-field audio, so as to adjust audio captured based on which microphones are closest to the user.

As mentioned above, the voice controlled assistant100may be configured to capture and respond to user speech. Speech processing, such as automatic speech recognition (ASR), natural language understanding (NLU), and speech synthesis may also be performed. In some instances, a user may verbally request the voice controlled assistant100to perform a particular task, such as to play music. The user speech may be analyzed and interpreted to identify particular music or other audio content that the user has requested to play. The voice controlled assistant100may respond to the request by playing the music. In some instances, content identified in this manner is played through loudspeakers of the voice controlled assistant100. However, the voice controlled assistant100may also be configured to provide the content to available peripheral devices such as Bluetooth loudspeakers or other peripherals that are nearby or in wired or wireless communication with the voice controlled assistant100. For example, in some instances, the voice controlled assistant100may be configured to play music using a home audio system. In other examples, the voice controlled assistant100may be configured to synchronize with other voice controlled assistant(s) (e.g., in other rooms or locations).

In some examples, components of the top portion108, such as the microphones, may be acoustically sealed to prevent acoustic signals from interfering with those being received via other portions of the voice controlled assistant100. For example, various sounds associated with the click of the buttons122may be minimized and acoustically isolated from the microphones.

The light ring120may be disposed around an exterior of the housing102and may be interposed between the lip114and the annulus116when the housing102is inserted into the sleeve104. Therefore, when the voice controlled assistant100is assembled (i.e., inserting the housing102into the sleeve104), the light ring120may be sandwiched between the annulus116of the sleeve104and the lip114of the housing102. The light ring120may provide a visual indicator usable to output one or more states of the voice controlled assistant100(e.g., listening, receiving instruction, processing, volume, etc.). In some examples, the light ring120may be illuminated by one or more light sources residing within the housing102, which is discussed in more detail with reference toFIG. 2. The one or more light sources illuminating the light ring120may be illuminated statically (e.g., one or more light sources illuminated continuously) or dynamically (e.g., one or more light sources flashing simultaneously, illuminating the light sources sequentially, alternating which visual indicators are illuminated, etc.). The light ring120may take a wide range of visual appearances by varying which segments are on/off, the respective colors of the segments, and the timing of activating the segments. Additional details of the top portion108, including internal components, are discussed with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.

The top portion108of the housing102may also include protrusions126on an exterior surface thereof. In some instances, the protrusions126may encircle a perimeter of the top portion108. The protrusions126may be embodied as a band that resides within a channel about the top portion108or, alternatively, may be individually placed pills or nubs. As briefly indicated above, the protrusions126may assist in guiding the housing102into the sleeve104so as to prevent damage from occurring to the voice controlled assistant100. That is, the protrusions126may offer resistance between the housing102and an interior surface of the sleeve104. In some examples, dimples or indentations (not shown) may be formed on the interior surface of the sleeve104and may be complimentary (e.g., sized and shaped) to engage with the protrusions126. In other examples, the dimples or indentations may be omitted. Also, while the illustrated examples show the protrusions126on the housing102, in other examples the protrusions126could be located on the interior surface of the sleeve102and complimentary dimples or indentations may or may not be disposed on the exterior surface of the housing102. The protrusions126may be manufactured from a plurality of materials, including, for example, polymers, rubbers, foams, or thermal plastic elastomers (PCEs).

The bottom portion110may include alignment elements128such as ribs, tabs, protrusions, slots, indentations, raised platforms, keys, keyways, etc. The alignment elements128may assist in situating and retaining the housing102within the sleeve104. In some instances, the alignment elements128may be located on the bottom portion110of the housing102and may engage, rest, or interact with corresponding alignment elements on an interior surface of the sleeve104contacting the bottom portion110. For instance, and as shown inFIG. 1, the alignment elements128in this example resemble a channel formed into an exterior surface of the bottom portion110. In some instances, the alignment elements128may extend along an exterior surface of the bottom portion110and/or a sidewall of the exterior surface of the bottom portion110, resembling an “L” shaped groove.

As shown in the example ofFIG. 1, the bottom portion110of housing102may have the alignment elements128resembling a through or groove. To mate or otherwise engage with the alignment elements128, the sleeve104may have an associated extruded alignment element(s) that mirrors an outline of the alignment elements128. This way, when the housing102is placed into the sleeve104, the alignment elements128will pair with the other alignment element(s). While this example has been discussed with regards to a single pair of alignment elements, any number of one or more alignment elements may be incorporated, each having different or similar shapes and appearances. In addition, the alignment elements128may extend or be included on an exterior surface of the top portion108.

When the alignment elements128are engaged with their corresponding sets, the interaction may prevent the housing102from rotating within the sleeve104. Moreover, the alignment elements128may align I/O ports on the housing102(e.g., power port) with corresponding ports or openings in the sleeve104.

In some instances, a notch, pocket, recess, depression, or other indentation130may be disposed within the alignment elements128. The indentation130may interact or engage with a corresponding protrusion (not shown in this figure) located on an interior surface of the sleeve104adjacent to the indentation130.

Similar to the top portion108, the bottom portion110of housing102may include protrusions132that encircle a perimeter of bottom portion110. In some instances, rather than the bottom portion110having the protrusions132, the bottom portion110may have indentions that engage with corresponding protrusions on an interior surface of the sleeve104. However, in some instances, the bottom portion110may not include the protrusions132and/or indentations. Additionally, as alluded to previously and although not shown inFIG. 1, the bottom portion110may have contacts, charging ports to power internal components of the housing102(e.g., a USB port, AC power port, etc.). As mentioned above, in some examples, the voice controlled assistant100may be mains powered, while in other examples the voice controlled assistant100may include a rechargeable internal battery for cordless operation.

The top portion108and the bottom portion110may be separated by a plurality of legs134(columns, spacers, inserts, etc.) disposed around a perimeter of the exterior surface of the top portion108and the exterior surface of the bottom portion110. Stated another way, the plurality of legs134may span a distance between the top portion108and the bottom portion110. In some instances, the plurality of legs134may connect or otherwise adjoin the top portion108with the bottom portion110of the housing102at multiple locations around exterior surfaces thereof.

The plurality of legs134may form a gap136interposed between the top portion108and the bottom portion110. The gap136may create space in which an audio diffuser resides (not shown). The audio diffuser may assist in radially dispersing sound emitted by loudspeakers within the housing102, away from the voice controlled assistant100. In some instances, and as discussed and shown later, loudspeakers may be disposed within the top portion108and the bottom portion110, respectively.

Referring now to details of the sleeve104, in some examples, the sleeve104may comprise a substantially cylindrical shape that is sized to encircle or otherwise encase the housing102. As noted above, the sleeve104may include the open end106through which the housing102is inserted, and the base end112on which the housing102rests. A grill138may partially or completely surround an exterior surface of the sleeve104. In some instances, the sleeve104and/or the grill138may be interchanged or swapped out depending on a desired appearance of the voice controlled assistant100. In other examples, the size, shape, and/or configuration of the sleeve104may be different than that illustrated. For instance, the sleeve may have a substantially square or rectangular cross section, an ovoid cross section, a hexagonal or octagonal cross section, the sleeve may extend only a portion (i.e., less than all) of a height of the housing102, the sleeve may cover only a portion of an exterior surface of the housing102(e.g., one or more portions of the housing102may be exposed and not covered by the sleeve), etc.

In addition, as mentioned above, surfaces of the sleeve104in contact or adjacent to the housing102(e.g., the bottom portion110) may have alignment element(s) (not shown) to engage with the alignment elements128on the housing102. For instance, by way of an additional example, first alignment elements may be disposed on a bottom cover and/or exterior surface of the bottom portion110. Second alignment elements may be located on an interior surface of the base end112of the sleeve104, so as to engage and interact with the first alignment elements. The first and second alignment elements may also be disposed on an interior surface of the sleeve104in contact with the housing102and/or an exterior surface of the housing102in contact with the sleeve104.

As mentioned above, the top portion108and the bottom portion110may have the protrusions126and132, respectively. The protrusions126,132may occupy or otherwise engage indentations (not shown) on an interior surface of the sleeve104. The indentations may be disposed around an interior perimeter of the sleeve104and may be configured to receive the corresponding protrusions126,132on the top portion108and the bottom portion110. That is, to further illustrate, the protrusions126,132may rest within the indentations when the housing102is inserted into the sleeve104. As such, the indentations, through their interaction with the protrusions126,132, may help retain and situate the housing102within/in the sleeve104. In addition, the indentations may help the protrusions126,132retain their shape by providing an inlet for the protrusions126,132to erect when the housing102is inserted into the sleeve104.

The base end112of the sleeve104may have a base cover140enclosing the base end112. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the base end112and/or the base cover140may have an opening disposed therethrough (not shown). The opening may fit a plug located on the bottom portion110or a bottom cover of the bottom portion110of the housing102. The opening may provide accessibility to the plug such that when pushed, the housing102may be separated from the sleeve104. The base cover140may have rounded, smoothed, or chamfered edges.

FIG. 2illustrates a perspective view of the voice controlled assistant100, showing a partially exploded top portion108of the housing102.FIG. 2shows details of an assembly of parts beneath the top cover118of the top portion108. In some examples, the top cover118may have button covers200or other controls.

Positioned beneath the top cover118may be the light ring120and a foam substrate202. The foam substrate202may acoustically seal one or more microphones beneath the top cover118. A printed circuit board (PCB)204may reside beneath the foam substrate202and may include computing components such as any number of processors, memory, circuits, transformers, power supplies, network interfaces, and so forth. When present, the memory may store one or more software modules or instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, configure the voice controlled assistant100to perform various operations. In addition, in some examples, the PCB204may have one or more microphones206. In some instances, to permit acoustic signals to reach the microphone(s)206, the microphone(s)206may be aligned or disposed beneath microphone ports124extending through the top cover118and/or the foam substrate202.

The PCB204may also have buttons208that engage with or interact with the button covers200on the top cover118. An underneath side of the PCB208(not shown) may have one or more light emitting diodes LEDs210or other light sources.

The LEDs210may be designed to emit light towards a light guide212positioned adjacent to the underneath side of PCB204, so as to face the LEDs210. The light guide212may redirect light from the LEDs210towards the light ring120positioned next to or connected with the top cover118. In some instance, the light ring120may resemble a collar that surrounds a perimeter of the top cover118. In other instances, the light ring120may be positioned beneath the top cover118, adjacent to a lip or rim thereof.

The light guide212may comprise any type of light diffuser that redirects light from the LEDs210towards the light ring120. In operation, light from the LEDs210may be emitted towards the light guide212and may bounce around, reflect, or refract within the light guide212, so as to emit at various angles from the light guide212. In some instances, the light guide212may comprise a milky or translucent material, such as polycarbonate, that causes the light to disperse at various angles resulting in a substantially uniform dispersion of light.

FIG. 2also includes a partial cross-sectional view of a close-up of the top cover118, the light ring120, LEDs210, and the light guide212. The LEDs210may emit light within an interior portion214, between a shroud216and the PCB204. The light may enter the light guide212through openings facing the interior portion214. After traversing the light guide212, the light may pass through the light ring120and be emitted (shown by broken line).

The shroud216may be located beneath the light guide212and may block light from shining downward into the top portion108. In some instances, the shroud216may be a light reflective or light-blocking material.

A heatsink218may be included to expel heat from a generating source. For instance, the heatsink218may disperse heat from the LEDs210, processors, or other internal components within the top portion108.

Located beneath the heatsink218may be an additional printed circuit board (PCB)220. The PCB220may include similar or different components than those mentioned hereinabove with regard to the PCB204. Generally, the PCB220may comprise any type of printed circuit board that mechanically supports and electrically connects one or more components of the voice controlled assistant100. For instance, the PCB220may connect electronic components using conductive paths etched from a conductive substrate (e.g., copper) that has been laminated, or printed, onto a non-conductive substrate, such as plastic.

In some instances, the PCB220may carry out processing of the microphones206, the buttons208, the LEDs210, or other components of the voice controlled assistant100. As indicated above, the heatsink218may assist in expelling heat away from the PCB220. Thermal pads222may adjoin or abut components of the PCB220to the heatsink218. In addition, conductive pads224may be included to for electrically ground components of the voice controlled assistant100.

In some examples, one or more radial seals may be positioned adjacent to the light ring120. Accordingly, when the top portion108is placed within a sleeve, the radial seal may encapsulate components within the top portion108and/or underneath the top cover118.

A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)226may connect processing between the top portion108and a bottom portion (not shown) of the housing102. In some instances, the FPCB226or may provide signals to a loudspeaker residing within the top portion108. For instance, in some examples, processing may be carried out on the PCB204,220residing with a top half of the top portion108. Therein, the FPCB226may electronically connect the electrical components to other hardware located in a bottom half of the top portion108, such as a loudspeaker. Yet still, the FPCB226may link components residing within the bottom portion of the housing102(not shown).

FIG. 3illustrates a partial exploded view of the housing102, showing details of the top portion108and the bottom portion110.

The top portion108may include an internal cavity to allow a loudspeaker300to position within the top portion108. In some instances, the loudspeaker300may output low and/or mid-range frequencies (e.g., woofer). In some instances, the internal cavity may provide back volume when the loudspeaker300is outputting sound. When the housing102is assembled, the loudspeaker300may fit within the internal cavity of the top portion108, and rest along a bottom rim302of the top portion108, creating a flush finish.

The flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)226may link loudspeakers (e.g., the loudspeaker300) or drivers positioned within the internal cavity of the top portion108to printed circuit boards located in a separate region of the top portion108, as discussed above with regard toFIG. 2. In addition, the FPCB226may provide power to microphones, LEDs, PCBs, etc., included under the top cover118of the top portion108. A FPCB cover304may conceal the FPCB226to protect and retain the FPCB226within close proximity to the top portion108. The FPCB cover304may be a plastic material with a rubber seal, or grommet, surrounding a perimeter thereof.

In some instances, an audio diffuser306may be interposed between the top portion108and the bottom portion110, so as to rest within a space between the top portion108and the bottom portion110. As mentioned hereinabove, the audio diffuser306may help direct sound outward and away from the voice controlled assistant100. The audio diffuser306may have an audio diffuser frame308to position and support the audio diffuser306. Additional details of the audio diffuser306are discussed later inFIG. 5B.

In some instances, the space occupied by the audio diffuser306may come by way of the plurality of legs134spanning between the top portion108and the bottom portion110. More particularly, the plurality of legs134may act as standoff between the top portion108and the bottom portion110. In some instances, and as shown inFIG. 3, the plurality of legs134may extend from the bottom portion110. In addition, the plurality of legs134may attach the top portion108with the bottom portion110.

Screws or other fasteners310may connect the top portion108and the bottom portion110. In some instances, the screws310may be disposed through the plurality of legs134. However, the top portion108and the bottom portion110may be secured to one another through alternate means, including adhesive, being snapped together, etc.

The bottom portion110may have ports312for connecting the voice controlled assistant100to a power source. In some instance, other input/output ports may be included, such as an auxiliary or USB port. Cover(s)314may be attached to the bottom portion110and serve to plug or otherwise occupy input/output ports when not in use.

In some instances, power supplied to the bottom portion110, via the port312, may be routed to the top portion108of the housing102. Power may be configured to route through a foot316disposed on the bottom portion110. In some instances, the foot316may be one of the plurality of legs134or may be embodied as a separate feature.

More particularly, to supply the power, when the bottom portion110is assembled to the top portion108(e.g., the screws312), the foot316may traverse a hole318in the audio diffuser frame308, so as to connect with contacts320within the top portion108. Accordingly, the FPCB226may transmit power to the LEDs210and the microphones206, for instance. In some instances, in addition to power being supplied through the foot316, processing done within the bottom portion110may also be routed through the foot316.

FIG. 4illustrates a perspective and exploded view of the housing102having the bottom portion110. Situated within or connected to the bottom portion110may be a printed circuit board (PCB)400and a base cover140. The PCB400may have a similar or different hardware as mentioned herein above with regards to the PCB204,220ofFIG. 2.

A loudspeaker404may reside on the PCB400and may be directed to output sound towards an outlet disposed through a top surface of the bottom portion100(not shown). As discussed previously, the loudspeaker404may be oriented towards the top portion108of the voice controlled assistant100and/or the audio diffuser306positioned adjacent to the bottom portion110. In some instances, the loudspeaker404may output sounds towards other loudspeakers included in the housing102, such as the loudspeaker300residing within the top portion108of the housing102. In some instances, the loudspeaker404may be designed to output high frequencies (e.g., tweeter).

A power plug416may also reside on the PCB400. The power plug416may receive AC from a mains power supply and convert it into DC, so as to supply power to components of the voice controlled assistant100, such as the PCB400and the loudspeaker404, for instance.

Additionally, to secure the housing102to the sleeve104, an attachment mechanism, such as magnetic elements406may be included on the housing102and/or the sleeve104to secure the housing102in the sleeve104and prevent inadvertent removal of the sleeve104during use. The magnetic elements406may be positioned on a surface of the housing102in contact with the base end112of the sleeve104, such as the base cover140. In some instances, the magnetic elements406may include magnets or ferrous metals. The magnetic elements406may engage with magnetic elements on the sleeve104into which the housing102is placed. The magnetic elements406on the housing102and the sleeve104, when engaged, may secure the housing102and the sleeve104together. In some examples, the magnetic elements406may reside within the alignment elements128,408(1)(2).

The base cover140and/or the bottom portion110may include alignment elements408(1)(2). For instance, as shown inFIG. 4, the alignment elements408(1) may be on a bottom surface of the base cover140. The alignment elements408(2) may extend partially up an exterior surface of the bottom portion110. When the base cover140is connected to the bottom portion110, for instance, through screws410, the alignment elements408(1) on the base cover140may align with the alignment elements408(2) on an exterior of the bottom portion110. Yet still, the alignment elements408(2) may extend partially or completely up an exterior of the housing102(not shown). The alignment elements408(1)(2) may be positioned to engage with corresponding elements on an interior surface of a sleeve into which the housing102is placed.

The base cover140may also include an access port412and a corresponding access port plug414, or cap, that covers the access port412when not in use. For instance, the access port412may be used to install updates or test software/hardware components.

FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate the housing102having the top portion108and the bottom portion110. The top portion108may be connected to the bottom portion110through the plurality of legs134. The plurality of legs134may create the gap136between the top portion108and the bottom portion110within which the audio diffuser306may be placed.

The audio diffuser306may be designed to radially emit sound produced by loudspeakers residing with the top portion108and the bottom portion110, respectively. In some instances, the loudspeakers may be oriented to point towards the audio diffuser306. The loudspeakers within the top portion108and the bottom portion110, as well as the audio diffuser306, may be aligned, for instance, through a centerline.

The audio diffuser306may take a plurality of shapes. For instance, the audio diffuser306may be, convex, concave, dome-shaped, bell-shaped, or any combination thereof. Opposing sides of the audio diffuser306may have a similar or different shape. In some instances, halves or portions of the audio diffuser306may be welded together (e.g., sonically). The audio diffuser frame308may position the audio diffuser306within the gap136(not shown). The audio diffuser306may have a plurality of surface finishes, such as being textured, polished, brushed, or smoothed. Accordingly, since portions of the audio diffuser306may be visible between adjacent or neighboring legs of the plurality of legs134, through the gap136, when the housing102is separated from the sleeve (104ofFIG. 1), the audio diffuser306may have a cosmetic appearance.

As shown inFIG. 5B, in some instances, a bottom half of the audio diffuser306facing a loudspeaker in the bottom portion110of the housing102may resemble a bell-shaped appearance with an apex502. Additionally, or alternatively, a top half of the audio diffuser306facing a loudspeaker in the top portion108of the housing102have a dome-shaped appearance with a crown504. In some instance, the apex502and the crown504may be centered along a centerline.

As the voice controlled assistant100according to this application may be designed to have a seamless appearance, when the housing102is slid into the sleeve104, it may be difficult to separate the housing102from the sleeve104. To assist in removal, a plug500, or other extrusion, may be included on the bottom portion110. The plug500may fit within an opening on a base end of the sleeve104that engages with the housing102(not shown). When removing the housing102from the sleeve104, for instance, when a difference appearance state is desired, a user may press on the plug500so as to expose part of the top portion108above the sleeve104into which the housing102resides. Pressing/pushing the plug500may allow a user to grasp the top portion108, for instance, the top cover118and/or the light ring120, which may be otherwise incapable of grasping when the housing102is positioned within the sleeve104. Stated differently, pressing the plug500may expose part of the top portion108above the annulus116of sleeve104(not shown). As discussed in more detail herein, a base end of the sleeve104engaged with the housing102may have an opening through which the plug500may partially or completely occupy. Given the interaction between the plug500and a corresponding opening in the sleeve104, a user may find it easy to alter an appearance of the voice controlled assistant100. The plug500may also include an indentation to receive a finger of the user.

As discussed inFIG. 2, the top portion108may include the light ring120that surrounds a portion thereof. In some instances, the light ring120may be disposed adjacent to the top cover118or under a lip of the top cover118. The protrusions126,132may reside on an exterior surface of the top portion108and the bottom portion110, respectively. In addition, the alignment elements520may be disposed on the bottom portion110to align the housing102within the sleeve104. The bottom portion110may also include input/output ports, such as a power connection, auxiliary connection, etc.

FIGS. 6A and 6Billustrate various details of the sleeve104. ParticularlyFIG. 6Aillustrates a cross-sectional view of the sleeve104whileFIG. 6Billustrates a top view of the sleeve104, looking into a cavity thereof.

The sleeve104may include the open end106and the partially enclosed base end112. The open end106may provide an aperture through which the housing102is placed into the sleeve104. The open end106may also have the annulus116designed to engage with a lip or surface of the housing102.

The partially enclosed base end112may be designed to engage with a bottom surface of the housing102when inserted into the sleeve104. For instance, the housing102may rest on surface600of the partially enclosed base end112. To align and situate the housing102within the sleeve104, alignment elements602may be disposed along the surface600of the partially enclosed base end112. In some instances, and as shown, the alignment elements602may extend up an interior surface604of the sleeve104. The alignment elements602may engage with the corresponding alignment elements130on the housing102.

Magnetic elements606may be included on the sleeve104to engage corresponding magnetic elements located on the housing102. In some instances, and as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the magnetic elements606may be situated within or otherwise integrated with the alignment elements602.

The partially enclosed base end112may be partially enclosed in that an opening608may extend therethrough. The opening608may be centered within the sleeve104and may be designed to receive the plug500located on the bottom portion110of the housing102, for instance, as shown and discussed inFIGS. 5A and 5B. In some instances, when the housing102is placed within the sleeve104, the plug500may be partially or completely pass through the opening608.

The grill138may wrap or surround all of a portion of an outer surface of the sleeve104. In some instances, the voice controlled assistant100may take a plurality of appearances through interchanging the sleeve104and/or the grill138.

The grill138may comprise a plurality of materials including plastic, metals, wood-veneer, knitted fabric, leather, or a mesh. In addition, the plurality of materials may include various colors. In some instances, the grill138may be a seamless material installed by sliding a tube of the material over the sleeve104. In some instances, the grill138may have an open top and bottom ends, resembling a tube, that allows the grill138to wrap over the sleeve104. In such instances, a top end of the material may be folded over (e.g., wrapped, tucked, etc.) the annulus116and compressed between the sleeve104and the housing102, when placed within the sleeve104. In some instances, the top cover118, as discussed inFIG. 2, may pin the material against the sleeve104to hold the material in place. Alternatively, or additionally, an adhesive may be positioned between the material and the interior surface604of the sleeve104. By folding the material over the sleeve104and holding the material in place using the top portion108of the housing102, the ends of the material may be hidden from external view. In some instances, such as a grill having wood-veneer finish, the veneer may resemble a cylindrically shaped material that may slide over an exterior surface610of the sleeve104.

InFIG. 6A, the sleeve104may include openings612positioned around all or part of a circumference of the sleeve104. The openings612may provide space for sound emitted by loudspeakers in the housing to pass-through. In some instances, when the housing102is placed within the sleeve104, the openings612may be both near (e.g., vertically and/or horizontally) or adjacent to the audio diffuser306of the housing102. That is, as discussed above, when the housing102is inserted into the sleeve104, the audio diffuser306may align with a centerline of the openings612. Additionally, the openings612may be omitted from an area614on the sleeve104next to the plurality of legs134of the housing102.

In some instances, the openings612may take a patterned look and may resemble a plurality of shapes, including being circular, square, hexagonal, or any combination thereof.

A slot616may be included in the sleeve104to allow internal components of the housing102, such as those within the bottom110portion, to receive external connections (e.g., power or auxiliary).

In some instances, a rubber foot618may attach to the bottom surface600of the sleeve104. The rubber foot618may surround a perimeter of the bottom surface600or may partially or completely adjoin to the bottom surface600.

FIG. 7Aillustrates a rear view of the voice controlled assistant100, having the housing102engaged within the sleeve104. In some instances, the housing102may engage with the sleeve104so as to resemble a flush seamless appearance.

When the housing102is inserted into the sleeve104, the light ring120may be exposed above the annulus116of the open end106of the sleeve104. As mentioned previously herein, the light ring120may serve to identify functions performed by the voice controlled assistant100. Additionally, when the housing102is inserted into the sleeve104, internal components of the housing102, such as the port312, may be exposed through a slot700included in the sleeve104. The bottom portion108of the housing102(not shown) may rest or engage with an interior surface on the base end112of the sleeve104.

The grill138may surround an exterior surface of the sleeve104so as to give the voice controlled assistant100varying appearances. In some examples, the grill138may be a fabric comprising a seamless tube of material.

FIG. 7Billustrates the voice controlled assistant100having the opening608included through the base end112of the sleeve104. The opening608may assist when separating the housing102from the sleeve104, such as when a user presses on the plug500. As shown, the grill138may surround or wrap an exterior of the sleeve104.

FIG. 7Cillustrates a partial cross-section of the voice controlled assistant100, taken along line A-A ofFIG. 7B. More particularly, section A-A, shows the interaction between the plug500disposed on the bottom portion110of the housing102engaged, partially resting within, or extending through or into the opening608on the base end112of the sleeve104. Section A-A also shows the magnetic elements606on the base end112of the sleeve104engaging with the magnetic elements406on the bottom portion110of housing102. Also shown inFIG. 7Cis the rubber foot618disposed on or around a bottom surface of the based end112of the sleeve104.

CONCLUSION

While various examples and embodiments are described individually herein, the examples and embodiments may be combined, rearranged and modified to arrive at other variations within the scope of this disclosure.