Patent Publication Number: US-11665497-B2

Title: Method and apparatus for an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/001,971, filed on Aug. 25, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/438,053, filed on Jun. 11, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/026,435, filed on Jul. 3, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/451,626, filed on Mar. 7, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/550,688, filed on Nov. 21, 2014, which in turn claims priority to and benefit from the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/907,797, filed on Nov. 22, 2013. Each of the above identified patent applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     This patent application makes references to:
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,577,738 titled “Parametric virtual speaker and surround-sound system;”   U.S. Pat. No. 7,298,853 titled “Parametric virtual speaker and surround-sound system;” and   U.S. Pat. No. 7,596,229 titled “Parametric audio system for operation in a saturated air medium.”   

     Each of the above identified patents is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Aspects of the present application relate to audio systems, particularly systems that may generate directional sound utilizing ultrasonic emitters. More specifically, various implementations in accordance with the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for ultrasonic emitter system floor audio units. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Limitations and disadvantages of conventional approaches to audio output devices, particularly those providing ultrasonic emissions, will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present disclosure as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Systems and methods are provided for ultrasonic emitter system floor audio units, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. 
     These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present disclosure, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an example ultrasonic system that is operable to generate ultrasonic signals, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates an example circuit for an ultrasonic device that is operable to generate ultrasonic signals, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an example system that utilizes an ultrasonic emitter comprising a film with a conductive layer to generate ultrasonic signals in an electrostatic arrangement, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an example configuration of an ultrasonic emitter comprising a film with a conductive layer to generate ultrasonic signals in an electrostatic arrangement, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 A  illustrates an example transformer coupled to an ultrasonic emitter that utilizes a film with a conductive layer with a conductive layer, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 B  illustrates an example self-bias circuit for use in ultrasonic emitters, in accordance with various example embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 A  illustrates an example ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 B  illustrates an example use scenario of a listener standing at the optimal standing position in front an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit that projects sound upwards, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 C  illustrates an example ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit comprising integrated sensors, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 D  illustrates an example ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit comprising an integrated camera, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a flow chart illustrating an example process for generating hypersound audio from an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit, in accordance with various example embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a flow chart illustrating an example process for generating hypersound audio from an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit, in accordance with various example embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a flow chart illustrating an example process for hypersound audio from an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit, in accordance with various example embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As utilized herein the terms “circuits” and “circuitry” refer to physical electronic components (“hardware”) and any software and/or firmware (“code”) which may configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware, and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory may comprise a first “circuit” when executing a first plurality of lines of code and may comprise a second “circuit” when executing a second plurality of lines of code. As utilized herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and/or y” means “one or both of x and y.” As another example, “x, y, and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y and/or z” means “one or more of x, y and z.” As utilized herein, the terms “block” and “module” refer to functions than can be performed by one or more circuits. As utilized herein, the term “example” means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As utilized herein, the terms “for example” and “e.g.,” introduce a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As utilized herein, circuitry is “operable” to perform a function whenever the circuitry comprises the necessary hardware and code (if any is necessary) to perform the function, regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or not enabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.). 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an example ultrasonic system that is operable to generate ultrasonic signals, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  1    is an ultrasonic system  100 , which may comprise an audio source  102  and pair of ultrasonic emitters  104   a  and  104   b.    
     The audio source  102  may comprise suitable circuitry operable to receive, generate, and/or process audio signals for output to one or more conventional speakers and/or directional ultrasonic emitters. For example, in the implementation shown in FIG.  1 , the audio source  102  may be operable to receive, generate, and/or process audio signals for output to the ultrasonic emitters  104   a  and  104   b , which may be coupled to the audio source  102  via links  103   a  and  103   b . For illustration, the system is assumed to be a HyperSound System (HSS) that uses ultrasonic emitters for projecting directional ultrasonic signals as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,298,853, 6,577,738, and 7,596,229 (all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety) and also in www.parametricsound.com/technology.php. Nonetheless, aspects of the present disclosure may be used with other technology for generating directional ultrasonic signals. 
     The audio source  102  may be, for example, a dedicated audio receiver/processor, a multi-function set-top-box (e.g., a cable television set-top-box or Direct Broadcast Satellite set-top box), a computer (e.g., Windows, MAC, or Linux based) with sound processing and output capabilities, or the like. 
     Each of the links  103   a  and  103   b  may be a wired, wireless, and/or optical link. Links  103   a ,  103   b  may carry an electrical and/or optical representation of an audio-band signal. 
     Each of the ultrasonic emitters  104   a  and  104   b  may be operable to receive an audio-band signal from its respective one of links  103   a  and  103   b  and convert the audio-band to ultrasonic waves transmitted in a highly-focused air beam (shown as air beams  106   a  and  106   b ). Alternatively, audio source  102  may comprise suitable circuitry for providing ultrasonic modulation, and links  103   a  and  103   b  may carry an electrical and/or optical representation of an ultrasonic signal. The propagation of the ultrasonic signal in air may effectively demodulate the ultrasonic signals with respect to the listener; thus, an active demodulation device may not be required. The corresponding demodulated audio-band signal may be audible to the listener  110  that is within the air-beams, namely  106   a  and  106   b . The corresponding demodulated audio-band signals may be greatly attenuated to the listener  112 . The emitters  104   a  and  104   b  may be mounted in any desired location. For example, they may be mounted to either side of a television as conventional left and right channels speakers are typically mounted. As another example, the speakers may be mounted in an apparatus that places them close to the listeners ears (e.g., mounted to a chair that the listener sits in) to achieve sound quality similar to headphones but without having headphones actually touching the listeners head. 
     Aspects of this disclosure improve the ability of the system shown in  FIG.  1    to create a three-dimensional sound effect whereby, although the audio-band signal is emitted from only the two emitters  104   a  and  104   b , the listener  110  perceives various sounds in the audio as emanating from various locations in the 3D space around him/her (i.e., virtual surround sound). 
     In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, the exemplary system that is illustrated in  FIG.  1    may also be operable to generate a three-dimensional sound and may comprise one or more ultrasonic emitters that comprise glass, aluminum, graphene, ferro-fluid, and/or other material, which may be operable to generate a ultrasonic output. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates an example circuit for an ultrasonic device that is operable to generate ultrasonic signals, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  2    is an ultrasonic device  200 . 
     The ultrasonic device  200  may comprise suitable circuitry for generating and/or outputting ultrasonic signals. For example, as shown in the implementation depicted in  FIG.  2   , the ultrasonic device  200  may comprise an audio source  202 , processing circuits  204   a  and  204   b , ultrasonic generators/emitters  208   a  and  208   b , an audio processing circuit  210 , and speaker  212 . 
     The audio source  202  may comprise, for example, memory for storing audio files and circuitry for reading the audio files and generating electrical and/or optical audio-band signals. The audio source  202  may comprise, for example, circuitry for receiving and processing audio signals (e.g., circuitry for demodulating, decoding, etc. to recover an audio band signal from a modulated carrier) that were transmitted over a wired, wireless, or optical link. The audio source  202  may, for example, reside in the receiver  102  of  FIG.  1   . The audio source  202  outputs a left channel audio signal  203   a  and a right channel audio signal  203   b , each of which may be an optical and/or electrical audio-band signal. 
     The processing circuits  204   a  and  204   b  may be operable to process the signal  203  (e.g., perform frequency-dependent amplitude, frequency, and/or phase adjustment) to generate signals  205   a  and  205   b . As compared to driving the ultrasonic emitters (either directly, or via circuits  206   a  and  206   b ) with the signals  203   a  and  203   b , the signals  205   a  and  205   b  may result in a three-dimensional sound effect that the user perceives as more realistic/natural. In this regard, a problem that arises with the ultrasonic emitters is that the power of the sound in the ultrasonic sound column does not diminish as a function of distance in the same way that sound normally does in free space (the path loss of an audio signal in free space is (4*π*d/λ) 2  where d is the distance from transmitter to receiver and λ is the wavelength of the signal). Consequently, the sound may be perceived as unnatural to the listener. Accordingly, the circuits  204   a  and  204   b  may be configured to apply a transfer function that may mimic the free space propagation loss that the ultrasonic signals would experience if propagating in free space—as is the manner in which the listener is used to hearing such sounds. To apply such processing, the circuits  204   a  and  204   b  may first determine the distance from the emitters  208   a  and  208   b  to the listener. This distance may be determined in any suitable way. In an example implementation, the distance may be determined by infrared, laser, or other distance measuring sensors integrated into the emitters  208   a  and  208   b  and/or a receiver, a set-top box, etc. that houses the circuits  202 ,  204 , and  210 . In an example implementation, the distance may be input by a user or installer of the system (e.g., via a graphical user interface). Alternatively, the transfer function may represent the frequency response of the emitter. 
     The ultrasonic generators/emitters  208   a  and  208   b  are operable to receive the electrical and/or optical audio band signal  207   a  and  207   b  and convert them to ultrasonic beams, as described above with respect to  FIG.  1   , for example. Each of the ultrasonic generators/emitters  208   a  and  208   b  may comprise a glass, aluminum, ferro-fluid, graphene and/or other type of emitter, which is operable to generate ultrasonic signals. Alternatively, circuitry  204   a  and  204   b  may comprise ultrasonic modulation and links  205   a  and  205   b  may carry an electrical and/or optical representation of an ultrasonic signal. 
     The system of  FIG.  2    also comprises a conventional speaker  212 , for use as center channel speaker, which outputs sound wave  214  corresponding to center channel audio. For example, the center channel audio frequencies may be below 250-300 Hz. The sound wave  214  experiences free space path loss as non-directional audio waves conventionally do. 
     The different propagation characteristics of the ultrasonic beams  106  and the sound wave  214 , there may cause an unnatural phase and/or time delay between the left and right channel audio arriving via emitters  208  and the center channel audio arriving via speaker  212 . Accordingly, the circuitry  210 ,  204   a , and  204   b  may be operable to process the left, right, and center channel audio such that the center channel arrives at the proper time and/or phase relative to the left and right channels, as would be the case if all three channels were transmitted via conventional speakers. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates an example system that utilizes an ultrasonic emitter comprising a film with a conductive layer to generate ultrasonic signals in an electrostatic arrangement, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  3    is an ultrasonic emitter  300  which may utilize a film to generate ultrasonic signals. 
     The ultrasonic emitter  300  may comprise a conductive backplate  302 , a faceplate, and a protective screen  326 . The reference numerals  314   a - 314   i  are utilized to define the perimeter of the chamber  316 . The ultrasonic emitter  300  described herein may also be referred to as an electrostatic transducer. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,246,449 and 4,081,626 disclose example electrostatic transducers. 
     The backplate  302  may comprise suitably rigid material that may be operable to provide a stable support for the emitter structure  300 . The backplate  302  may comprise an electrically conductive material. In this regard, the backplate  302  may be coupled to a first electrical lead that may be utilized to bias the ultrasonic emitter  300 . In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the backplate  302  may comprise an aluminum backplate. 
     The backplate  302  may comprise a plurality of cavities  308 . The cavities  308  may also be referred to as grooves or channels. Notwithstanding, the cavities  308  may be etched or otherwise placed within a front surface of the backplate  302 . The peaks  314   a  and  314   b  resulting from cavities  308  may be utilized to support the faceplate. The enclosed structure formed by the peaks  314   a ,  314   b , the ridges  314   c ,  314   d ,  314   e , the bottom of the cavities  314   f ,  314   g ,  314   h ,  314   i  and the non-conducting material  312  comprises a chamber  316 . 
     The faceplate may comprise a film with a conductive layer or diaphragm that resonates to generate the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic emitter  300 . The film or diaphragm may comprise, for example, a Mylar or Kapton electrostatic film, Polypropylene film, Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) film and/or other film or diaphragm suitable for generating ultrasonic signals. In various example embodiments of the disclosure, the faceplate comprising the film or diaphragm may comprise an outer conductive material  310  and a non-conductive material  312 . In the example ultrasonic emitter  300 , the resonating faceplate  310  comprising the film may be operable to function as a diaphragm that is displaced in order to propagate the corresponding ultrasonic waves. The faceplate comprising the film diaphragm may be coupled to a second electrical lead (via the conductive material  310 ) that may be utilized to bias the ultrasonic emitter  300 . 
     The non-conductive material  312  may isolate the conductive material  310  from the conductive backplate  302 . In this regard, the non-conductive material  312  may prevent an electrical short from occurring between the faceplate  310  comprising the film and the backplate  302 . 
     Although, the conductive material  310  and the non-conductive material  312  are illustrated separately, the disclosure is not limited in this way. The conductive material  310  and the non-conductive material  312  together may form an inseparable thin film. The geometry and dimension of the ultrasonic emitter  300  and the volume of the chamber  316  may comprise example factors that may affect performance of the emitter. For example, the greater the volume of the chamber  316 , the lower the resonant frequency. The number of ridges within the chamber  316  may also affect performance of the emitter. Although three ridges, namely,  314   c ,  314   d ,  314   e  are shown between the peaks  314   a ,  314   b , the disclosure is not limited in this regard. Accordingly, there may be less than 3 ridges or greater than 3 ridges between the peaks  314   a ,  314   b . In some embodiments of the disclosure, there may be 3-5 ridges between the peaks  314   a ,  314   b . Additionally, the angle  320  may be 90 degrees to provide optimal reflection of sonic or ultrasonic waves. An angle of approximately 90 degrees and an optimal number of ridges between the peaks  314   a ,  314   b  may cause an increase in the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic emitter  300 , which in turn causes an increase in the ultrasonic output of the emitter. 
     The protective screen  326  may comprise a suitable material that may protect the ultrasonic emitter  300  or, for example, in particular, the faceplate  310  from damage. The material that is utilized for the protective screen  326  may be selected so that it may enhance the ultrasonic output. In an example embodiment of the disclosure, the protective screen  326  may comprise a plastic screen. In this regard, the plastic screen may, for example, function as an impedance matching element that increases the ultrasonic output. In an example embodiment of the disclosure, the plastic screen may double the ultrasonic output power. The protective screen  326  may be cosmetic and may also be necessary for standards approval such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approval. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an example configuration of an ultrasonic emitter comprising a film with a conductive layer to generate ultrasonic signals in an electrostatic arrangement, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  4    is an ultrasonic emitter  400  that utilizes a film with a conductive layer to generate ultrasonic signals. 
     The ultrasonic emitter  400  may be substantially similar to the ultrasonic emitter  300 , which is shown and described with respect to, for example,  FIG.  3   . The ultrasonic emitter  400  may comprise, for example, a conductive backplate  402 , and a faceplate. The ultrasonic emitter  400  may also comprise a plurality of ridges such as a ridge  414   e , a chamber  416 , and a plurality of cavities  408  on the backplate  402 . The structure of the ultrasonic emitter  400  may be substantially similar to the structure of the emitter  300 , which is shown and described with respect to, for example,  FIG.  3   . Accordingly, the backplate  402 , the peaks  414   a ,  414   b , the ridge  414   e , the faceplate, the chamber  416 , and the plurality of cavities  408  may be similar to the corresponding components, namely, the backplate  302 , the peaks  314   a ,  314   b , the ridge  314   e , the faceplate, the chamber  316 , and the plurality of cavities  308 , respectively, which are shown and described with respect to, for example,  FIG.  3   . 
     The faceplate may comprise a film with a conductive layer or diaphragm that resonates to generate the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic emitter  400 . In various example embodiments of the disclosure, the faceplate comprising the film or diaphragm may comprise a conductive material  410  and a non-conductive material  412 . 
     In various implementations, the design and/or construction of the ultrasonic emitter  400  may be adjusted based on performance criteria or parameters. In this regard, in general, the greater the surface area of the faceplate, which comprises the film, the greater the output may be for the same amount of power. Additionally, the greater the volume of the faceplate or film for the ultrasonic emitter  400  and/or the greater the volume of the chamber  416  for the ultrasonic emitter  400 , the lower the resonant frequency. 
     Various example dimensions are illustrated in  FIG.  4   , which may be utilized by the ultrasonic emitter  400 . In this regard, the thin design of the ultrasonic emitter  400  provides greater flexibility. 
     For example, the dimension D may represent the difference between the height of the peak  414   b  and the height of the ridge  414   e . In an example embodiment of the disclosure, dimension D may be approximately 13 microns or about 0.0005 inch. The ultrasonic emitter  400  may be designed such that when the faceplate and the non-conductive material  412  resonates, which are supported by the peaks  414   a ,  414   b , the faceplate and the non-conductive material  412  does not touch the ridges such as the ridge  414   e , which are within the chamber  416 . 
     The dimension C may represent the distance between the supports or peaks  414   a  and  414   b . In an example embodiment of the disclosure, the dimension C may be approximately 0.12 inch. 
     The dimensions A, B, and C may be selected so that they are a functionality of the wavelength, λ. In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, the dimensions A, B, C may be chosen so as to achieve a resonant frequency that is approximately equivalent to the natural resonant frequency of the film that is utilized for the faceplate, which comprises a film or diaphragm. 
     The thickness of the faceplate, which comprises a film or diaphragm, may be related to the wavelength of the carrier frequency, f c . The thickness of the faceplate comprising the film or diaphragm may be selected so that it provides suitable headroom for the bias voltage. For example, a thickness with ½ mil (0.0005 inch) may provide better headroom voltage comparing to a thickness with ¼ mil. 
     The number of ridges between the peaks  414   a ,  414   b , which support the faceplate, may affect the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic emitter  400 . In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure, an optimal number of ridges between the peaks  414   a ,  414   b  increases the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic emitter  400 . The resultant increase in the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic emitter  400  causes an increase in the ultrasonic output of the emitter. 
       FIG.  5 A  illustrates an example transformer coupled to an ultrasonic emitter that utilizes a film with a conductive layer with a conductive layer, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  5 A  is circuitry  500  and an example ultrasonic emitter  501 . 
     The circuitry  500  comprises an amplifier  532 , a transformer  534 , and a self-bias circuit  536 . The ultrasonic emitter  501  may comprise a conductive backplate  502  and a faceplate. The faceplate may comprise, for example, a conductive material  510  and a non-conductive material  512 . 
     Although, the conductive material  510  and non-conductive material  512  are illustrated as separate elements, the disclosure is not limited in this way. For example, the conductive material  510  and the non-conductive material  512 , such that, for example, the conductive material  510  and the non-conductive material  512  together comprise an inseparable thin film. 
     The ultrasonic emitter (transducer)  501  may be substantially similar to the ultrasonic emitter  300 , which is shown and described with respect to, for example,  FIG.  3   . Accordingly, the backplate  502  and the faceplate may be similar to the corresponding components, namely, the backplate  302  and the faceplate, respectively, which are shown and described with respect to, for example,  FIG.  3   . 
     The amplifier  532  may comprise, for example, a class D switching amplifier. In an example embodiment of the disclosure, the amplifier  532  and/or the transformer  534  may, for example, reside in the audio receiver/processor  102  of  FIG.  1   , or reside in the processing circuit  204   a  or  204   b  of  FIG.  2   . 
     The transformer  534  may comprise primary and secondary windings. The primary windings of the transformer  534  may be electrically coupled to the amplifier  532 . The secondary windings of the transformer  534  may be electrically coupled to the self-bias circuit  536 . The self-bias circuit  536  may in turn be coupled to the ultrasonic emitter  501 . In this regard, the transformer  534  may receive an input signal V P  from the amplifier  532  via the primary windings of the transformer  534 . The input signal V P  may be coupled with a DC bias produced by, for example, the self-bias circuit  536 , such that, for example, and an output signal V s  from the secondary winding of the transformer  534  may comprise an ultrasonic signal combined with a biasing voltage of, for example, approximately 100-300 volts DC. A first output of the self-bias circuit  536  may be electrically coupled to the conductive material  510  of the ultrasonic emitter  501 , and a second output of the self-bias circuit  536  may be electrically coupled to the backplate  502  of the ultrasonic emitter  501 . In such instances, the output signal V s  may be applied between the conductive material  510  and the backplate  502 . 
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates an example self-bias circuit for use in ultrasonic emitters, in accordance with various example embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  5 B  is an example self-bias circuit  550 . The self-bias circuit  550  is an example embodiment of the self-bias circuit  536 , which is shown and described with respect to  FIG.  5 A . 
     A first output of the self-bias circuit  536  may be electrically coupled to the conductive material  510  ( FIG.  5 A ) of the ultrasonic emitter  501 , and a second output of the self-bias circuit  536  may be electrically coupled to the backplate  502  ( FIG.  5 A ) of the ultrasonic emitter  501  ( FIG.  5 A ). In such instances, the output signal V s  may be applied between the conductive material  510  ( FIG.  5 A ) and the backplate  502  ( FIG.  5 A ). 
       FIG.  6 A  illustrates an example ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit, in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  6 A  is an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600 . 
     The ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600  may comprise an enclosure  602 , a pair of ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b , a sub-woofer  606 , a controller  608 , and a protective material or component  610 . The enclosure  602  may function as a housing that encases and protects the components of the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600 . The enclosure  602  may comprise a rigid material such as a plastic, metal and/or a composite material. The dimensions of the enclosure  602  may be kept at a minimum so as to enable the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600  to be utilized in many applications, especially applications in which space may be a premium. For example, the height of the enclosure  602  may be minimized so that the enclosure  602  has a very low profile. The enclosure  602  may be placed on a floor or near to a floor, for example, in or proximate to a booth or a kiosk (or otherwise be integrated into a booth or kiosk at or near the floor). Further, the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600  (and various components thereof) may be configurable to account for such placement, such as to ensure that output signals are projected based on that placement and/or positioning of listeners&#39; relative to the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600 . 
     The enclosure  602  may comprise a mounting mechanism (not shown) for the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b , which enables the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  to be angled or tilted in one or more planes so that ultrasonic beams may be directed towards a head of a listener. The dotted arrows illustrates an example plane in which the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  may be angled or tilted to project output (e.g., ultrasonic beams or hypersound audio) from the floor up towards a head of a listener. 
     The ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  may be operable to receive electrical and/or optical audio band signals and convert them to ultrasonic beams, as described above. For example, the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  may be substantially similar to the ultrasonic generators/emitters  208   a  and  208   b , which are illustrated in and described above with respect to  FIG.  2   , for example. Each of the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  may comprise a glass, aluminum, ferro-fluid, graphene and/or other type of emitter, which is operable to generate ultrasonic signals. 
     In an example implementation, the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  may be affixed to motorized mounts within the enclosure  602 . These motorized mounts may be used, for example, in order to adjust the angle of the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  so that they may optimally direct and project the audio (e.g., 3D hypersound audio) towards the ear of the listener. 
     The sub-woofer  606  may be operable to receive audio band signals from the controller  608  and convert them to low frequency sub-woofer audio. The sub-woofer  606  may be encased in the enclosure of the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600 . 
     The controller  608  may comprise suitable circuitry for enabling the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600  to receive power, and electrically and/or optically received audio band signals and convert them to ultrasonic beams. The controller  608  may also comprise an amplifier that may be utilized to amplify the received audio band signals and generate corresponding audio signals from the sub-woofer  606 . The controller  608  may also be operable to control other functions and/or operations in (or of) the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600 . For example, the controller  608  may be operable to control movement of the mounting mechanism for the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b , which enables the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  to be angled or tilted. In this regard, the controller  608  may tilt or angle the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  so that ultrasonic beams may be directed upwards from the floor towards a head of a listener that is standing in front of the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600 . Alternatively, the controller may apply or modify beamforming to steer output of the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  so that ultrasonic beams may be directed upwards from the floor towards a head of listener that is standing in front of the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600 . 
     The protective material or component  610  may comprise suitable material that may be operable to protect at least the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  and at the same time enable the corresponding ultrasonic signals to be emitted from the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b . In an example implementation, the protective material or component  610  may comprise a protective cloth or sheath. In another example implementation, the protective material or component  610  may comprise a protective grill that is placed in front of the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b , and optionally, in front of the sub-woofer  606 . In some implementations, the protective grill may be placed so that it covers the entire front of the enclosure  602  facing the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b.    
     In various example implementations, the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600  may be located on or near to a floor (e.g., at a residence, in or proximate to a retail display or booth, kiosk, etc.). The ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  in emitter system floor audio unit  600  may be adjusted or tilted so that they project hypersound (ultrasonic beams) upwards to create a sweet spot or optimal position of 3D audio a few feet out towards a listener that may be standing in front of the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600 . In other words, the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600  may be operable to project ultrasonic beams upwards from the ground in order to create a 3D audio environment for a listener standing in the right position in front of the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600 . In doing so, the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600  and/or various components thereof may be controlled or adjusted to account for the placement of the enclosure  602  on or near the floor and/or the positioning of the listeners&#39; (e.g., generally being upward from the enclosure  602 , and/or the particular positioning of each listener). 
     In an example implementation, floor audio units (e.g., the floor audio unit  600 ) may be designed and/or constructed such that they may be integrated directly into floor (rather than being built as stand-alone devices or components). Alternatively, the floor audio units may be designed and/or constructed such that they may be integrated into flat or very then objects (e.g., floor mats) so that they may be laid (as part of the objects into which they are integrated) on the floor thus allowing users to walk or step over them. To enable such implementations, speakers (particularly the ultrasonic generators/emitters) may be designed and/or built to be thin as to allow integration into the floors and/or into thin objects laid on the floors, while still providing any required directional emissions (e.g., off the vertical, as they likely would be positioned flat on the floors) by other suitable means or techniques. 
       FIG.  6 B  illustrates an example use scenario of a listener standing at the optimal standing position in front an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit that projects sound upwards, in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  6 B  is a particular space  620 , in which the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600  (as described in  FIG.  6 A ) may be placed, particularly on the floor or near it. Also shown in  FIG.  6 B  are a floor mat  622  and a listener  624 . The floor mat  622  comprises an optimal standing position marker  626 . 
     The ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  600  comprises the enclosure  602 , the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b , the sub-woofer  606 , the controller  608 , and the protective material or component  610 . The enclosure  602 , the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b , the sub-woofer  606 , the controller  608 , and the protective material or component  610  are described with respect to  FIG.  6 A , for example. 
     The floor mat  622  may be placed or painted on the floor and comprises the optimal standing position marker  626 . The optimal standing position marker  626  comprises a visible marking that functions as a visual aid that may be utilized by the listener  624  to align themselves with the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  for optimal reception of the 3D hypersound audio that is projected upwards from floor. The listener  624  may stand within the region defined by the optimal standing position marker  626  in order to optimally listen to the upwardly projecting 3D hypersound audio that is generated from the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b.    
     Although a single marker is illustrated, the disclosure is not limited in this regard. Accordingly, a plurality of markers may be utilized. For example, two markers may be utilized, and the listener  624  may stand with each foot on one of the markers. 
     In the example use scenario shown in  FIG.  6 B , the optimal positioning may be pre-determined, thus allowing determining the optimal standing position marker  626 . Nonetheless, in other implementations, rather than simply pre-determining a particular optimal standing positioning, the positioning of the would-be listener may be determined, and the generation and/or outputting functions (or related components) may be adjusted to account for that positioning such as to ensure optimal experience at the determined position. Further, in some implementations, ultrasonic emitter system floor audio units in accordance with the present disclosure may be configured to concurrently optimize listening experience of multiple listeners, such as by determining positioning of each listener, and generating output beams that are particularly adjusted and/or optimized for each listener. 
       FIG.  6 C  illustrates an example ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit comprising integrated sensors, in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  6 C  is an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  640 . 
     The ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  640  may comprise an enclosure  602 , ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b , a sub-woofer  606 , a controller  608 , a protective material or component  610 , and a plurality of sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 4 , S 5 , S 6 , and S 7 . 
     The ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  640  comprising the enclosure  602 , the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b , the sub-woofer  606 , the controller  608 , and the protective material or component  610  are illustrated in and described with respect to  FIG.  6 A , for example. 
     The enclosure  602  may also function as a housing that encases and protects the components of the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  640 . In this regard, the enclosure  602  may also serve as a support for the plurality of sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 4 , S 5 , S 6 , and S 7 . In this regard, the sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 4 , S 5 , S 6 , and S 7  may be mounted on the face and/or on the top of the enclosure  602 . Sensors that are mounted on the top of the enclosure  602  may be placed towards the front of the enclosure  602 . 
     Each of the plurality of sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 4 , S 5 , S 6 , and S 7  may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to emit electromagnetic signals and/or sonic signals that may be utilized to determine the height of the listener. In this regard, the sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 4 , S 5 , S 6 , and S 7  may comprise transducers that may be utilized to determine the height of the listener. Based on the height of the listener, the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  may be angled or tilted so that they may direct and project the 3D hypersound audio towards the ear of the listener. In this regard, the listener  624  may optimally listen to the upwardly projecting 3D hypersound audio that is generated from the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b.    
     The controller  608  may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to control operation of the sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 4 , S 5 , S 6 , and S 7 . In this regard, the controller  608  may be operable to configure the sensors to transmit and/or receive signals that may be utilized to determine the height of the listener. The controller  608  may determine the height of the listener based on, for example, changes in frequency (Doppler), and/or phase of the transmitted and received signals. The controller  608  may be operable to control the one or more motorized mounts in the enclosure  602  in order to optimally adjust the angle of the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  so that they may direct and project the 3D hypersound audio towards the head and ears of the listener based on the determined height of the listener. 
     In accordance with an example implementation, one or more the sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 4 , S 5 , S 6 , and S 7  may comprise a directional microphone that may be utilized to capture audio from the listener. In an example implementation, pre-recorded audio instructions may be played requesting the listener to utter a random or predefined phrase or sound. The controller  608  may adjust and/or process the corresponding sound that is received from the listener. Based on the processing, the controller  608  may determine the location of the mouth of the listener. Alternatively (or additionally), the audio requested from the listener might be an indication or utterance of the listener&#39;s height. In any event, the controller  608  may be operable to control the one or more motorized mounts in the enclosure  602  in order to optimally adjust the angle of the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  so that they may direct and project the 3D hypersound audio towards the ears of the listener based on the determined location of the mouth of the listener or based on the height of the individual. The ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  may then project 3D hypersound audio from the floor up towards the head of the listener. 
       FIG.  6 D  illustrates an example ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit comprising an integrated camera, in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure. Shown to  FIG.  6 D  is an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  660 . 
     The ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  660  may comprise an enclosure  602 , ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b , a sub-woofer  606 , a controller  608 , a protective material or component  610 , and an integrated camera  612 . The ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  660  may comprise the sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 5 , which may or may not be optional components. In an example implementation, one of the sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 5  may comprise a proximity sensor and another may comprise a microphone. 
     The ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  660  comprising the enclosure  602 , the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b , the sub-woofer  606 , the controller  608 , and the protective material or component  610  are illustrated in and described with respect to  FIG.  6 A , for example. The sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 5  are illustrated in and described with respect to  FIG.  6 C , for example. 
     The enclosure  602  may also function as a housing that encases and protects the components of the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit  660 . In this regard, the enclosure  602  may also comprise an integrated camera  612 . The integrated camera  612  may be mounted on the face or top of the enclosure  602  where it may be able to capture and detect the face or head of the listener. 
     In an example implementation, the sensors S 1 , S 5  may comprise proximity sensors and the sensor S 2  may comprise a microphone. The proximity sensors S 1 , S 5  may each comprise a transducer that may be utilized to determine the height of the listener. Based on the height of the listener, the angle of ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  may be adjusted so that they may direct and project the 3D hypersound audio up towards the ears of the listener. 
     The integrated camera  612  may be operable to capture an image of the listener and utilize a face recognition algorithm to determine a location of the head of the listener. Information identifying the location of the head of the listener may be communicated to the controller  608 . 
     The controller  608  may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to control operation of the sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 5 , and the integrated camera  612 . In this regard, the controller  608  may be operable to acquire and process data from the proximity sensors S 1 , S 5  in order to determine the height of the listener. The controller  608  may also be operable to receive and process the information from the integrated camera  612 , which identifies the location of the head of the listener. The controller  608  may be operable to combine the information identifying the height of the listener with the information identifying the location of the head of the listener to get a more accurate location of the head of the listener. The controller  608  may be operable to control the one or more motorized mounts in the enclosure  602  in order to optimally adjust the angle of the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  so that they may direct and project the 3D hypersound audio towards the ear of the listener based on the combined information identifying the height of the listener and the information identifying the location of the head of the listener. The ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  may then project 3D hypersound audio from the floor up towards the head of the listener. 
     In some example implementations, the controller  608  may be operable to control the one or more motorized mounts in the enclosure  602  in order to optimally adjust the angle of the ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  so that they may direct and project the 3D hypersound audio towards the ears of the listener based on the information from the integrated camera identifying the head and ears of the listener. The ultrasonic generators/emitters  604   a  and  604   b  may then project 3D hypersound audio from the floor up towards the head and ears of the listener. 
       FIG.  7    is a flow chart illustrating an example process for generating hypersound audio from an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit, in accordance with various example embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  7    is a sequence  700  of example steps for operating an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit using predetermined listening position markers. 
     In step  702 , the user is positioned in an optimal location where ultrasonic generators/emitters may be received by the listener. This may be done by use of pre-determined listening position markers (e.g., the optimal standing position marker  626 ). 
     In step  704 , the ultrasonic generators/emitters project 3D hypersound audio from the floor up towards the head of the listener. This may comprise making any required adjustments (e.g., to angle of ultrasonic generators/emitters, beamforming applied, etc.) based on the pre-determined positioning markers. 
       FIG.  8    is a flow chart illustrating an example process for generating hypersound audio from an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit, in accordance with various example embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  8    is sequence  800  of example steps for operating an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit based on determination of listeners&#39; positions. 
     In step  802 , one or more sensors (proximity, microphones, etc.) and/or a camera may be configured to acquire information which may be utilized to determine the location of the head of a listener. 
     In step  804 , information may be acquired from the one or more sensors and/or camera (e.g., one or more of sensors S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 4 , S 5 , S 6 , and S 7 , and/or camera  612 ). 
     In step  806 , the acquired information from the one or more sensors and/or camera may be processed (e.g., via the controller  608 ). 
     In step  808 , the location of the head of the listener may be determined (e.g., via the controller  608 ) based on the processed information. 
     In step  810 , the ultrasonic generators/emitters may be adjusted (e.g., by the controller  608 , such as, for example, by controlling a movement mechanism or beamforming associated with the ultrasonic generators/emitters) so that they project up towards the head and ears of the listener based on the determined location of the head of the listener. 
     In step  812 , the ultrasonic generators/emitters project 3D hypersound audio from the floor up towards the head and ears of the listener, providing optimal listening experience. 
       FIG.  9    is a flow chart illustrating an example process for hypersound audio from an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit, in accordance with various example embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG.  9    is a sequence  900  of example steps for example steps for operating an ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit based on interactions with listeners. 
     In step  902 , the listener may be detected when the listener is within a particular proximity of the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit may be detected. The detection may be performed using suitable sensors (proximity, microphones, etc.), cameras, etc., which may be configured to detect listeners when in particular proximity of the ultrasonic emitter system floor audio unit. 
     In step  904 , an audio prompt may be generated and/or played, instructing the listener to stand in a particular location. 
     In step  906 , an audio prompt may be generated and/or played, instructing the listener to speak. 
     In step  908 , the location of the head of the listener may be determined (e.g., via the controller  608 ) based on the source of the listener&#39;s voice utilizing one or more directional microphones. 
     In step  910 , the ultrasonic generators/emitters may be adjusted (e.g., by the controller  608 , such as, for example, by controlling a movement mechanism or beamforming associated with the ultrasonic generators/emitters) so that they project up towards the head and ears of the listener based on the determined location of the head of the listener. 
     In step  912 , the ultrasonic generators/emitters project 3D hypersound audio from the floor up towards the head and ears of the listener. 
     Other embodiments of the disclosure may provide a non-transitory computer readable medium and/or storage medium, and/or a non-transitory machine readable medium and/or storage medium, having stored thereon, a machine code and/or a computer program having at least one code section executable by a machine and/or a computer, thereby causing the machine and/or computer to perform the steps as described herein. 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present disclosure may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different units are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. 
     The present disclosure may also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form. 
     While the present disclosure makes reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.