Patent Publication Number: US-8126180-B2

Title: Dual configuration speaker

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This disclosure relates to electro-acoustic transducers housed in enclosures that are commonly referred to as loudspeakers or speakers. 
     SUMMARY 
     A compact and portable loudspeaker system operable in two configurations includes a driver array and a base unit having a bass enclosure and a dock. In an extended configuration, the driver array is supported by one or more extension legs between three to eight feet above the base unit where one of the extension legs is held by the dock. The base unit may be placed on a floor of a small to medium venue with the mid-to-high range driver array elevated near or above the elevation of an audience in the venue. In a compact configuration, the driver array is directly supported by the dock and the base unit and driver array may be placed on a table or desk in a classroom, conference room, or other such small to medium venue. The portable loudspeaker system may be transported in the compact configuration. 
     One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a loudspeaker system comprising: a driver array; and a base unit including a bass enclosure and a dock, the dock adapted to directly support the driver array in a first configuration, the dock adapted to support an extension leg in a second configuration, the extension leg supporting the driver array at an elevation above the base unit. In an aspect, the bass enclosure further comprises a woofer. In an aspect the bass enclosure further comprises a port. In an aspect, the base unit further comprises signal electronics providing an amplified signal to the driver array. In an aspect, the signal electronics further comprises circuitry for equalization of an input signal to the loudspeaker system. In a further aspect, the equalization circuitry includes a digital signal processor. In a further aspect, a set of equalization parameters determining the equalization of the input signal is based at least in part on a source generating the input signal. In an aspect, the signal electronics further comprises circuitry for mixing more than one input signal received by the loudspeaker system. In an aspect, the driver array further comprises a plurality of drivers in a configuration characterized by a spine, each of the drivers characterized by a yaw angle and a pitch angle. In a further aspect, the spine of the driver array is a line. In a further aspect, the spine of the driver array is a simple curve. In a further aspect, the spine of the driver array is a complex curve. In a further aspect, the driver array is an articulated array. In a further aspect, a driver from a first set of drivers characterized by a first yaw angle is interspersed with drivers from a second set of drivers characterized by a second yaw angle that is different from the first yaw angle. In a further aspect, the driver array includes at least six drivers. In an aspect, the base unit includes a handle for single-handed transport of the portable loudspeaker system. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a loudspeaker system comprising: a bass enclosure housing a woofer; a driver array including a plurality of drivers, and signal electronics driving the woofer and driver array, wherein the driver array is attached in front of the bass enclosure in a first configuration and is attached at an elevation above the bass enclosure in a second configuration, the driver array supported by one or more leg extensions in the second configuration, the one or more leg extensions providing mechanical support for the driver array and providing an electrical connection between the driver array and the signal electronics. In one aspect, the driver array is characterized by a spine, wherein the spine is a simple curve. In one aspect, the driver array is an articulated array. In one aspect, the signal electronics further comprises circuitry for equalization of an input signal to the loudspeaker system, the equalization based at least in part on a source generating the input signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a speaker in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a speaker in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is perspective view of a base unit. 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of a base unit. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a driver array. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an extension assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial top view of an embodiment of a control panel. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of another embodiment of the control panel. 
         FIG. 9   a  is a perspective view of another embodiment in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 9   b  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9   a  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 10   a  is a perspective view of another embodiment in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 10   b  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10   a  in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 11   a  is a perspective view of another embodiment in a first configuration. 
         FIG. 11   b  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11   a  in a second configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a compact and portable loudspeaker system in a first configuration. In  FIG. 1 , the portable loudspeaker system includes a base unit  110  and a driver array  150  supported by one or more extension legs  160 . In some embodiments, the extension legs  160  provide an electrical connection between the driver array  150  and the base unit  110 . In the extended configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the driver array  150  is positioned at an elevation between three to eight feet above the base unit  110  by the extension legs  160 . 
     The base unit  110  includes a bass enclosure  112  and a dock  117 . The bass enclosure  112  houses a low-frequency speaker, commonly referred to as a woofer, and signal electronics and controls for the portable loudspeaker system. A control panel  113  provides the user with convenient access to the controls operating the loudspeaker system. The dock  117  provides support for the extension legs  160  in the extended configuration and may also serve as a mechanical guard for the woofer in the bass enclosure  112 . In some embodiments, dock  117  may form part of the bass enclosure  112 . In some embodiments, dock  117  may be separate from the bass enclosure. Screens  119  extend between the dock  117  and the bass enclosure  112 . A handle  115  on the base unit  110  allows for easy, single-handed carrying and transport of the portable system, which preferably weighs less than 30 pounds and more preferably less than 25 pounds. The base unit  110  is preferably compact with a volume of less than three cubic feet and more preferably less than two cubic feet. 
     In the extended configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the base unit  110  may be placed on a floor such that the driver array  150  is positioned at roughly head-height of the audience. The loudspeaker system may provide voice reinforcement for meetings or local sound amplification for solo/small-ensemble musical performances in genres that do not require high sound levels on stage and in the audience. In the extended configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , extension legs  160  provide a mechanical support for the driver array  150  above the base unit  110  and preferably provide an electrical connection between the driver array and the base unit thereby eliminating the need for a separate array driver stand for the driver array or a separate electrical conductor to connect the driver array to the base unit. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the compact and portable loudspeaker system shown in  FIG. 1  in a second configuration where the same reference numbers refer to the same structure. In the collapsed or compact configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , the driver array  150  is directly supported and secured in the dock  117 . In some embodiments, the driver array  150  is electrically connected to, and driven by, the signal electronics through a connector on the driver array  150 . In other embodiments, a separate signal electronics, not shown, may be housed in the driver array  150  and drive the driver array  150 . An array handle  260 , shown as a recess in  FIG. 2 , allows a user to grip the driver array  150  and slide the driver array out of the dock  117 . 
     In the collapsed configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , the base unit  110  may be placed on a table, for example, and used in small settings such as a class room or conference room. The collapsed configuration also allows for convenient transport of both the base unit and the driver array in a compact configuration where the dock provides support for the driver array. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the base unit  110  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  where the same reference numbers refer to the same structure. The driver array  150  and extension legs  160  are not shown in  FIG. 3  in order to show details of the dock  117 . Screen  119  extends between one side of the dock  117  and the bass enclosure  112  of the base unit  110  and covers a space between the dock  117  and the bass enclosure  112 . The screen  119  is acoustically transparent thereby allowing an acoustic signal generated by a woofer  316  substantially unimpeded travel to a listening volume external to the bass enclosure  112 . In  FIG. 3 , the screen attached to the right side of the dock  117  has been removed to show a side of the bass enclosure  112 , normally hidden by screens  119 , that supports a woofer  316 . An optional acoustic element such as, for example, a port or a passive radiator may be supported by the bass enclosure  112 . For example,  FIG. 3  shows a port  318 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the dock  117  includes an electrical connector  325  sized to mate with a complimentary connector on the extension leg  160  or the driver array  150 . A guide rail  335  on the dock  117  guides the extension leg  160  or the driver array  150  as the extension leg  160  or the driver array  150  is slid within the dock  117  to mate with the electrical connector  325 . The guide rail  335  supports and maintains the extension leg  160  or the driver array  150  in a vertical orientation. In other embodiments, the dock  117  may be oriented in a non-vertical position. It should be understood that dock  117  provides a means for detachably securing the driver array  150  or the extension leg  160  to the base unit  110 . Other means for docking the driver array or extension leg that may occur to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading the present description and are understood to be encompassed in the scope of the present subject matter. For example, rails  335  may be replaced by a spring detent opening in the driver array or extension leg and mated with a post/barb configured to fit in the spring detent opening and securely attach the driver array or extension leg to the base unit. In another example, one or more spring-loaded C-clamps may be positioned vertically along the base unit and configured to receive the drive array or extension leg in an open position and to securely fasten the drive array or extension leg in a clamped position. 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the base unit shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  where the same reference numbers refer to the same structure. In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , the bass enclosure  112  supports a woofer  316  and an optional port  318 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , signal electronics  430  may be supported on an interior surface of the bass enclosure and drive the woofer  316  and driver array in either the extended or collapsed configuration. In other embodiments, the signal electronics  430  may be housed external to the bass enclosure  112 . In other embodiments, separate signal electronics may be house in the driver array to drive the driver array. A power switch  414  may be provided on the bass enclosure. Signal electronics provide an amplified signal to the woofer and the driver array and include a power amplifier and signal filtering circuitry. In some embodiments, signal electronics  430  include circuitry for mixing two or more input signals. In some embodiments, signal electronics  430  include circuitry for equalizing one or more input signals. Signal electronics may be implemented as analog circuitry or as digital circuitry executing instructions from a microprocessor-readable memory or a combination thereof known to a skilled artisan in the electronic arts. In a preferred embodiment, equalization parameters controlling the equalization applied to an input signal is based on the source of the input signal. U.S. Pat. No. 7,319,767 issued Jan. 15, 2008 and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/680,947 filed Mar. 1, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,518,055, issued Apr. 14, 2009, describe systems and methods for equalizing an input signal based on the source of the input signal and are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     Output connectors  413  may be provided to pass through an input signal or a mixed signal to another loudspeaker system or recording device. A control panel  113  enables the user to operate the portable loudspeaker system and connect one or more audio sources to the loudspeaker system for broadcast in a small venue, for example. Examples of an audio source include but are not limited to a microphone, a musical instrument, an audio player, and a computer. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the driver array of  FIGS. 1 and 2  where the same reference numbers refer to the same structure. In  FIG. 5 , a covering screen has been removed to show details of the driver array. Driver array  150  includes an array support  560  at least partially enclosed by an outer housing  580 . In some embodiments, the array support and outer housing may be a single structure. The outer housing  580  includes an array connector  525  positioned at one end on the outer housing  580  and sized and shaped to mate with the electrical connector  325  located on the dock  117  to provide electrical communication between the signal electronics  430  and one or more drivers  552 ,  557  of the driver array  150 . In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the array connector and the electrical connector may be keyed to allow mating of the connectors in a single orientation. The placement of the array connector  525  is not limited to the end of the outer housing and in other embodiments may be located on a side of the outer housing  580 . In other embodiments, the connector may be eliminated when, for example, the drive array houses signal electronics to drive the drive array. 
     One or more rails  535  may be disposed on a rear side of the outer housing  580  and configured to engage with the guide rail  335  on the dock  117 . A user may position the driver array  150  at the top of the dock  117  and slide the driver array into the dock. The guide rail and rails align the array connector  525  with the electrical connector  325  and restrict lateral movement of the driver array  150  when the driver array is directly connected to the dock  117 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 5 , the driver array includes six mid-to-high range loudspeakers, commonly referred to as drivers. Other embodiments may include more or less than six drivers. Each driver  552 ,  557  is oriented and supported by the array support  560 . 
     The orientation of each driver may be described by a position of a reference point and rotations about each principle axis. The reference point and choice of principle axes may be arbitrarily chosen. For example, a first principle axis, herein referred to as the z-axis, may be collinear to the longitudinal axis of the driver&#39;s voice coil and represents the direction of the driver&#39;s acoustic radiation. A second principle axis, herein referred to as the y-axis, is orthogonal to the z-axis and a rotation about the y-axis is herein referred to as yaw and is characterized by a yaw angle. A third principle axis, herein referred to as the x-axis, is orthogonal to the z-axis and y-axis and a rotation about the x-axis is herein referred to as pitch and is characterized by a pitch angle. The reference point is typically chosen to be the point of intersection of the three principle axes. Using this exemplar coordinate system, various types of driver arrays may be described. For example, a linear array includes one or more drivers configured such that the y-axis of each driver is collinear and defines an array axis. Each driver in the driver array has a zero yaw angle such that each driver points in the same direction. In another example, a J-array includes a first set of drivers configured in a linear array and a second set of drivers where the reference point of each of the second set of drivers lie on a curve in the y-z plane such that the reference points of the first and second sets of drivers form a J-shaped curve. The set of reference points and the curve containing the reference points is herein referred to as the spine of the driver array. The pitch of the second set of drivers may be varied such that the rotated y-axis of each of the second set of drivers is tangent to the spine of the J-array. In another example, an articulated array includes a first set of drivers characterized by a first yaw angle and a second set of drivers characterized by a second yaw angle that is different from the first yaw angle. The first set of drivers may be interspersed with drivers from the second set of drivers. In other examples, the first set of drivers may be segregated from the second set of drivers. The driver array may use any combination of spine curves, yaw angles, and pitch angles. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 5 , array support  560  configures drivers  552 ,  557  such that the spine of the driver array is curved and the drivers are in an articulated configuration. The spine in  FIG. 5  may be a simple curve characterized by a single radius of curvature or may be a complex curve characterized by more than one radii of curvature. It should be understood that an infinite radius of curvature, i.e., a line, may characterize part or the entire spine. The articulated array shown in  FIG. 5  illustrates interleaved drivers where drivers  552  from a first set of drivers are interleaved with drivers  557  from a second set of drivers. In some embodiments, the yaw angles of the first and second set of drivers may be selected to provide more horizontal coverage of a venue such that a more consistent tonal balance and level is provided throughout the venue. Drivers in the top half of the array may have a positive pitch angle such that the rotated y-axis of each driver is tangent to the spine. Driver in the bottom half of the array may have a negative pitch angle such that the rotated y-axis of each driver is tangent to the spine. In  FIG. 5 , the bottom of the array is the point closest to the array connector  525 . Other examples of driver arrays that may be used in other embodiments include but are not limited to non-articulated linear arrays, articulated linear arrays, and articulated or non-articulated arrays having spines characterized by complex curves. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an extension leg where the same reference numbers refer to the same structure. The extension leg  160  includes a leg housing  680  that positions and mechanically supports the driver array  150  in the expanded configuration. A bottom leg connector  625  is positioned at the bottom of the extension leg and is sized and shaped to mate with the electrical connector  325  on the dock  117 . An electrical conductor held within the leg extension connects the bottom leg connector  625  to a top leg connector, not shown, position at the top of the leg extension. The top leg connector is sized and shaped to mate with a bottom leg connector on a second leg extension or with the driver array  150 . 
     One or more rails  635  may be disposed on a rear side of the leg housing  680  and configured to engage with the guide rail  335  on the dock  117 . A user may position the extension leg  160  at the top of the dock  117  and slide the extension leg into the channel guide. The guide rail and rails align the extension leg  160  with the electrical connector  325  and restrict lateral movement of the extension leg  160 . In some embodiments where more than one extension leg is used, each extension leg may include rails  635  such that the user may slide any of the extension legs into the dock  117 . In other embodiments, only one extension leg may include rails  635  such that the user can quickly determine which of the extension legs to insert into the channel guide. 
       FIG. 7  is a partial top view of a control panel shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  where the same reference numbers refer to the same structure. In the example shown in  FIG. 7 , control panel  113  includes a power indicator  730  and inputs and controls for two input channels  720 ,  740  although other embodiments may include more than two channels or may include a single input channel. In the example shown in  FIG. 7 , a first channel  720  includes an XLR microphone connector  721  for connection to a microphone, a bass control  727 , a treble control  726 , a volume control  725 , a clipping indicator  722 . An input signal from a microphone connected to the first channel may be equalized according to a pre-determined set of equalization parameters for a generic microphone. Similarly, control parameters such as, for example, gain range and corner frequency for the bass and treble controls may be defined according to a pre-determined set of control parameters for a microphone using the methods described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/680,947 filed Mar. 1, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,518,055, issued Apr. 14, 2009, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     A second channel includes a volume control  745 , a signal clipping indicator  742 , and one or more input connectors  741 ,  743 ,  744  for receiving signals from a variety of signal sources. Input connector  744  may be a standard ⅛″ connector for receiving an input signal from, for example, a computer or digital media player. Input connector  743  may be standard RCA connectors for receiving an input signal from, for example, audio electronics such as for example, stereo amplifiers. Input connector  741  may be a standard ¼″ connector for receiving an input signal from musical instruments or equipment such as, for example, electric guitars, keyboards, acoustic instruments equipped with acoustic pickups, microphones, external audio equalizers, and external audio mixers. Equalization switch  746  may provide a pre-determined equalization to the input signal customized for an acoustic guitar when an acoustic guitar is connected to the ¼″ connector using the methods described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/680,947 filed Mar. 1, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,518,055, issued Apr. 14, 2009, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety or may provide flat or no equalization to the input signal when, for example, a mixer or equalizer is connected to the ¼″ connector. 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of another embodiment of a control panel where the same reference numbers refer to the same structure. In the example shown in  FIG. 8 , a first channel includes an XLR microphone connector  721  for connecting to a microphone, a standard ¼″ connector for connecting to musical instruments or audio equipment having a ¼″ output male connector, an input signal clipping indicator  822 , a channel trim control  823 , an equalization selector  829 , a low frequency control  827 , a high frequency control  826 , and a channel volume control  825 . The equalization selector  829  allows a user to select a set of predetermined equalization parameters that are applied to the input signal. Each set of predetermined equalization parameters may be associated with a specific type or brand/model of microphone that may be connected to the first channel. In some embodiments, the equalization selector  829  may also select a set of control parameters for the high and low frequency controls  826 ,  827  based on the specific type or brand/model of microphone that may be connected to the first channel. Examples of control parameters include a gain range for each control and a corner frequency for each control. 
     A second channel includes a channel volume control  845 , a signal clipping indicator  842 , a channel trim control  843 , a low frequency control  847 , a high frequency control  846  and one or more input connectors  741 ,  743 ,  744  for receiving signals from a variety of signal sources. Input connectors include a standard ⅛″ connector  744 , standard RCA connectors  743 , and one or more standard ¼″ connectors  741 . In the example shown in  FIG. 8 , a standard IEC power connector  870  and power switch  875  are included as part of the control panel. A USB connector  890  is provided as a signal output. A phantom switch  880  and indicator  885  may be provided to allow a user to select a phantom power mode when, for example, a microphone is connected to the first channel. 
       FIG. 9   a  is a perspective view of another embodiment in a compact configuration. In  FIG. 9   a , driver array  950  is docked in a base unit  910  that includes a bass enclosure. Speaker controls and connectors may be located on the base unit  910  that are easily or conveniently accessible by the user. For example, the controls and connectors may be placed on a top surface  913  of the base unit  910 .  FIG. 9   b  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9   a  in an extended configuration where the same reference numbers refer to the same structure. In the extended configuration, the driver array  950  is supported by a support leg  960 . The support leg  960  is connected to the base unit  910  at dock  925 . 
       FIG. 10   a  is a perspective view of another embodiment in a compact configuration. In  FIG. 10   a , driver array  1050  is docked in a base unit  1010  that includes a bass enclosure. Speaker controls and connectors may be located on the base unit  1010  that are easily or conveniently accessible by the user. For example, the controls and connectors may be placed on a top surface  1013  of the base unit  1010 .  FIG. 10   b  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10   a  in an extended configuration where the same reference numbers refer to the same structure. In the extended configuration, the driver array  1050  is supported by a support leg  1060 . The support leg  1060  is removeably attached to the base unit  1010 . Support leg  1060  may be a one-piece leg that can fold into a more compact shape for transport or may be a telescoping one-piece leg. 
       FIG. 11   a  is a perspective view of another embodiment in a compact configuration. In  FIG. 11   a , driver array  1150  is docked in a base unit  1110  that includes a bass enclosure. Speaker controls and connectors may be located on the base unit  1010  that are easily or conveniently accessible by the user.  FIG. 11   b  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11   a  in an extended configuration where the same reference numbers refer to the same structure. In the extended configuration, the driver array  1150  is supported by a support leg  1160 . The support leg  1160  is removeably attached to the base unit  1110 . Support leg  1160  may be a one-piece leg that can fold into a more compact shape for transport or may be a telescoping one-piece leg. 
     Embodiments of the systems and methods described above comprise computer components and computer-implemented steps that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, it should be understood by one of skill in the art that the computer-implemented steps may be stored as computer-executable instructions on a computer-readable medium such as, for example, floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, Flash ROMS, nonvolatile ROM, and RAM. Furthermore, it should be understood by one of skill in the art that the computer-executable instructions may be executed on a variety of processors such as, for example, microprocessors, digital signal processors, gate arrays, etc. For ease of exposition, not every step or element of the systems and methods described above is described herein as part of a computer system, but those skilled in the art will recognize that each step or element may have a corresponding computer system or software component. Such computer system and/or software components are therefore enabled by describing their corresponding steps or elements (that is, their functionality), and are within the scope of the present invention. 
     Having thus described at least illustrative embodiments of the invention, various modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention is limited only as defined in the following claims and the equivalents thereto.