Patent Abstract:
A method of providing three-dimensional (3D) sound at a wireless device is disclosed and may include detecting movement of a 3D virtual object within a display, determining a direction of the movement of the 3D virtual object, and transmitting sound from a 3D sound system that tracks the direction of the movement of the 3D virtual object. The method may further include selectively altering a phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves, selectively altering a volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves, selective altering a pitch of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves, selectively altering a tone of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves, or a combination thereof.

Full Description:
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0001]    Portable computing devices (PCDs) are ubiquitous. These devices may include cellular telephones, portable digital assistants (PDAs), portable game consoles, palmtop computers, and other portable electronic devices. Many portable computing devices include a touch screen interface in which a user may interact with the device and input commands. Further, the touch screen interface may be used to display multiple items, e.g., application icons, thumbnails, tiles, or a combination thereof. 
         [0002]    Some of the items displayed may include three-dimensional (3D) virtual objects that may move about within the display. As these 3D virtual objects are displayed, one or more sounds may be broadcast from the PCD. 
         [0003]    Accordingly, what is needed is an improved method of providing 3D sound at a portable computing device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated. 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is a front plan view of a first aspect of a portable computing device (PCD) in a closed position; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a front plan view of the first aspect of a PCD in an open position; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the first aspect of a PCD; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a second aspect of a PCD; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is another cross-sectional view of the second aspect of a PCD; 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a third aspect of a PCD; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a first aspect of a method of providing 3D sound at a portable computing device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a first portion of a flowchart illustrating a second aspect of a method of providing 3D sound at a portable computing device; 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a second portion of the flowchart illustrating a second aspect of a method of providing 3D sound at a portable computing device; 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a third portion of the flowchart illustrating a second aspect of a method of providing 3D sound at a portable computing device; 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is a fourth portion of the flowchart illustrating a second aspect of a method of providing 3D sound at a portable computing device; 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  is a first portion of a flowchart illustrating a third aspect of a method of providing 3D sound at a portable computing device; 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is a second portion of the flowchart illustrating a third aspect of a method of providing 3D sound at a portable computing device; 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  is a third portion of the flowchart illustrating a third aspect of a method of providing 3D sound at a portable computing device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  is a fourth portion of the flowchart illustrating a third aspect of a method of providing 3D sound at a portable computing device; 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  is a first front plan view of a fourth aspect of a portable computing device; 
           [0021]      FIG. 17  is a second front plan view of the fourth aspect of a portable computing device; 
           [0022]      FIG. 18  is a third front plan view of the fourth aspect of a portable computing device; 
           [0023]      FIG. 19  is a fourth front plan view of the fourth aspect of a portable computing device; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 20  is a fifth front plan view of the fourth aspect of a portable computing device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. 
         [0026]    In this description, the term “application” may also include files having executable content, such as: object code, scripts, byte code, markup language files, and patches. In addition, au “application” referred to herein, may also include files that are not executable in nature, such as documents that may need to be opened or other data files that need to be accessed. 
         [0027]    The term “content” may also include files having executable content, such as: object code, scripts, byte code, markup language files, and patches. In addition, “content” referred to herein, may also include files that are not executable in nature, such as documents that may need to be opened or other data files that need to be accessed. 
         [0028]    As used in this description, the terms “component,” “database,” “module,” “system,” and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device may be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution, and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components may execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems by way of the signal). 
         [0029]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , an exemplary portable computing device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated  100 . As shown, the PCD  100  may include a housing  102 . The housing  102  may include a top housing portion  104  and a lower housing portion  106 .  FIG. 1  shows that the top housing portion  104  may include a display  108 . In a particular aspect, the display  108  may be a touch screen display. The top housing portion  104  may also include a trackball input device  110 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the top housing portion  104  may include a power on button  112  and a power off button  114 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the top housing portion  104  of the PCD  100  may include a plurality of indicator lights  116  and a speaker  118 . Each indicator light  116  may be a light emitting diode (LED). 
         [0030]    In a particular aspect, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the top housing portion  104  is movable relative to the lower housing portion  106 . Specifically, the top housing portion  104  may be slidable relative to the lower housing portion  106 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the lower housing portion  106  may include a multi-button keyboard  120 . In a particular aspect, the multi-button keyboard  120  may be a standard QWERTY keyboard. The multi-button keyboard  120  may be revealed when the top housing portion  104  is moved relative to the lower housing portion  106 .  FIG. 2  further illustrates that the PCD  100  may include a reset button  122  on the lower housing portion  106 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary, non-limiting aspect of a portable computing device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated  320 . As shown, the PCD  320  includes an on-chip system  322  that includes a digital signal processor  324  and an analog signal processor  326  that are coupled together. The on-chip system  322  may include more than two processors. For example, the on-chip system  322  may include four core processors and an ARM  11  processor, i.e., as described below in conjunction with  FIG. 32 . 
         [0032]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a display controller  328  and a touch screen controller  330  are coupled to the digital signal processor  324 . In turn, a touch screen display  332  external to the on-chip system  322  is coupled to the display controller  328  and the touch screen controller  330 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  further indicates that a video encoder  334 , e.g., a phase alternating line (PAL) encoder, a sequential couleur a memoire (SECAM) encoder, or a national television system(s) committee (NTSC) encoder, is coupled to the digital signal processor  324 . Further, a video amplifier  336  is coupled to the video encoder  334  and the touch screen display  332 . Also, a video port  338  is coupled to the video amplifier  336 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , a universal serial bus (USB) controller  340  is coupled to the digital signal processor  324 . Also, a USB port  342  is coupled to the USB controller  340 . A memory  344  and a subscriber identity module (SIM) card  346  may also be coupled to the digital signal processor  324 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a digital camera  348  may be coupled to the digital signal processor  324 . In an exemplary aspect, the digital camera  348  is a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera. 
         [0034]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a stereo audio CODEC  350  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  326 . Moreover, an audio amplifier  352  may coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  350 . In an exemplary aspect, a first stereo speaker  354  and a second stereo speaker  356  are coupled to the audio amplifier  352 .  FIG. 3  shows that a microphone amplifier  358  may be also coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  350 . Additionally, a microphone  360  may be coupled to the microphone amplifier  358 . In a particular aspect, a frequency modulation (FM) radio tuner  362  may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  350 . Also, an FM antenna  364  is coupled to the FM radio tuner  362 . Further, stereo headphones  366  may be coupled to the stereo audio CODEC  350 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  further indicates that a radio frequency (RF) transceiver  368  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  326 . An RF switch  370  may be coupled to the RF transceiver  368  and an RF antenna  372 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , a keypad  374  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  326 . Also, a mono headset with a microphone  376  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  326 . Further, a vibrator device  378  may be coupled to the analog signal processor  326 .  FIG. 3  also shows that a power supply  380  may be coupled to the on-chip system  322 . In a particular aspect, the power supply  380  is a direct current (DC) power supply that provides power to the various components of the PCD  320  that require power. Further, in a particular aspect, the power supply is a rechargeable DC battery or a DC power supply that is derived from an alternating current (AC) to DC transformer that is connected to an AC power source. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  indicates that the PCD  320  may include a 3D sound controller  382 . The 3D sound controller  382  may be a stand-alone controller or it may be within the memory  344 . Further, the 3D sound controller  382 , alone or in conjunction with the processors  324 ,  326 , may serve as a means for executing one or more of the method steps described herein. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  further indicates that the PCD  320  may also include a network card  388  that may be used to access a data network, e.g., a local area network, a personal area network, or any other network. The network card  388  may be a Bluetooth network card, a WiFi network card, a personal area network (PAN) card, a personal area network ultra-low-power technology (PeANUT) network card, or any other network card well known in the art. Further, the network card  388  may be incorporated into a chip, i.e., the network card  388  may be a full solution in a chip, and may not be a separate network card  388 . 
         [0038]    As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the touch screen display  332 , the video port  338 , the USB port  342 , the camera  348 , the first stereo speaker  354 , the second stereo speaker  356 , the microphone  360 , the FM antenna  364 , the stereo headphones  366 , the RF switch  370 , the RF antenna  372 , the keypad  374 , the mono headset  376 , the vibrator  378 , and the power supply  380  are external to the on-chip system  322 . 
         [0039]    In a particular aspect, one or more of the method steps described herein may be stored in the memory  344  as computer program instructions. These instructions may be executed by the processors  324 ,  326 , the controllers  328 ,  330 ,  382 , or a combination thereof in order to perform the methods described herein. Further, the processors  324 ,  326 , the memory  344 , the 3D sound controller  382 , the display controller  328 , the touch screen controller  330 , or a combination thereof may serve as a means for executing one or more of the method steps described herein in order to provide 3D sound at the PCD  320 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  illustrate another aspect of a PCD, generally designated  400 .  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  show the PCD  400  in cross-section. As shown, the PCD  400  may include a housing  402 . In a particular aspect, one or more of the elements shown in conjunction with  FIG. 3  may be disposed, or otherwise installed, within the inner housing  402 . However, for clarity, only a processor  404  and a memory  406 , connected thereto, are shown within the housing  402 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  indicate that a top speaker  410  and a bottom speaker  412  may be installed in, or otherwise disposed on, the housing  402 . Moreover, a left speaker  414  and a right speaker  416  may be installed in, or otherwise disposed on, the housing  402 .  FIG. 5  further illustrates that the PCD  400  may include a front speaker  418  and a back speaker  420  may be installed in, or otherwise disposed on, the housing  402 . The speakers  410 ,  412 ,  414 ,  416 ,  418 ,  420  may serve as a 3D sound system. Further, as 3D virtual objects are displayed, the 3D sound system may be activated and may provide 3D sound associated with the 3D virtual object in accordance with one or more of the methods described herein. 
         [0042]    It may be appreciated that the 3D sound system may include additional speakers, e.g., a top left speaker, a top right speaker, a left top speaker, a left bottom speaker, a right top speaker, a right bottom speaker, a bottom left speaker, a bottom right speaker, a front top left speaker, a front top right speaker, a front middle left speaker, a front middle right speaker, a front bottom left speaker, a front bottom right speaker, a back top left speaker, a back top right speaker, a back middle left speaker, a back middle right speaker, a back bottom left speaker, a back bottom right speaker, a speaker at any other location, or any combination thereof. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  illustrates yet another aspect of a PCD, generally designated  600 .  FIG. 6  shows the PCD  600  in cross-section. As shown, the PCD  600  may include a housing  602 . In a particular aspect, one or more of the elements shown in conjunction with  FIG. 3  may be disposed, or otherwise installed, within the inner housing  602 . However, for clarity, only a processor  604  and a memory  606 , connected thereto, are shown within the housing  602 . Further, a directional speaker  608  may be connected to the processor  608 . 
         [0044]    The directional speaker  608  may serve as a 3D sound system. Further, as 3D virtual objects are displayed, the 3D sound system may be activated and may provide 3D sound associated with the 3D virtual object in accordance with one or more of the methods described herein. 
         [0045]    It may be appreciated that the 3D sound system may direct sound in any direction relative to the PCD  600 , e.g., to a top, a bottom, a left, a right, a front, a back, a top left, a top right, a left top, a left bottom, a right top, a right bottom, a bottom left, a bottom right, a front top left, a front top right, a front middle left, a front middle right, a front bottom left, a front bottom right, a back top left, a back top right, a back middle left, a back middle right, a back bottom left, a back bottom right, any other location, or any combination thereof. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a first aspect of a method of transmitting three-dimensional sound from a wireless device is shown and is generally designated  700 . Beginning at block  702 , a do loop may be entered in which when a 3D virtual object is displayed the following steps may be performed. At block  704 , a 3D sound system may be activated by a controller, processor, or a combination thereof. Further, at block  706 , movement of the 3D virtual object may be monitored by a controller, a processor, or a combination thereof. 
         [0047]    Continuing to decision  708 , a controller may determine whether the 3D virtual object is moving within the display. The 3D object may move in response to a user input, e.g., a touch on a touchscreen or a sensor, or sensor array, disposed elsewhere on the device housing. Further, the 3D object may move as programmed for a particular software program. Also, the 3D object may move in response to a gestural input, e.g. a free-hand movement, a device in motion movement, or a combination thereof. If the 3D object is not moving, the method  700  may return block  706  and continue as described herein. Otherwise, if the 3D virtual object is moving within the display, the method  700  may move to block  710 . At block  710 , the controller may determine a direction of motion associated with the 3D virtual object. Next, at block  712 , a controller may transmit sound from the 3D sound system that tracks the movement of the 3D virtual object. 
         [0048]    Proceeding to decision  714 , the controller may determine whether the movement of the 3D virtual object within the display has stopped. If the 3D virtual object continues to move within the display, the method  700  may return to block  710  and continue as described herein. Conversely, if the 3D virtual object has stopped moving, the method  700  may proceed to block  716  and the controller may transmit sound from the 3D sound system that corresponds to the current location of the 3D virtual object. 
         [0049]    Next, at decision  718 , the controller may determine whether the 3D virtual object is closed, i.e., whether the 3D virtual object continues to be displayed. If so, the method  700  may return to block  706  and continue as described herein. Otherwise, if the 3D virtual object is closed, the method  700  may move to block  720  and the controller may deactivate that 3D sound system, e.g., to conserve battery power. Thereafter, the method  700  may end. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a second aspect of a method of transmitting three-dimensional sound from a wireless device is shown and is generally designated  800 . Beginning at block  802 , a do loop may be entered in which when a 3D virtual object is displayed the following steps may be performed. At block  804 , a 3D sound system may be activated by a controller, processor, or a combination thereof. Further, at block  806 , movement of the 3D virtual object may be monitored by a controller, a processor, or a combination thereof. 
         [0051]    Continuing to decision  808 , a controller may determine whether the 3D virtual object is moving within the display. If not, the method  800  may return block  806  and continue as described herein. Otherwise, if the 3D virtual object is moving within the display, the method  800  may move to block  810 . At block  810 , the controller may determine a direction of motion associated with the 3D virtual object. 
         [0052]    At decision  812 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is front-to-back. If so, the method  800  may proceed to block  814  and the controller may transfer, or otherwise fade, sound from a front speaker to a back speaker as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  816 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  818 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  800  may proceed to decision  820 . Returning to decision  812 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not front-to-back, the method  800  may move directly to decision  820 . 
         [0053]    At decision  820 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is back-to-front. If so, the method  800  may proceed to block  822  and the controller may transfer sound from a back speaker to a front speaker as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  824 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  826 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  800  may proceed to decision  902  of  FIG. 9 . Returning to decision  820 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not back-to-front, the method  800  may move directly to decision  902  of  FIG. 9 . 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , at decision  902 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is left-to-right. If so, the method  800  may proceed to block  904  and the controller may transfer sound from a left speaker to a right speaker as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  906 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  908 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  800  may proceed to decision  910 . Returning to decision  902 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not left-to-right, the method  800  may move directly to decision  910 . 
         [0055]    At decision  910 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is right-to-left. If so, the method  800  may proceed to block  912  and the controller may transfer sound from a right speaker to a left speaker as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  914 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  916 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  800  may proceed to decision  918 . Returning to decision  910 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not right-to-left, the method  800  may move directly to decision  918 . 
         [0056]    At decision  918 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is top-to-bottom. If so, the method  800  may proceed to block  920  and the controller may transfer sound from a top speaker to a bottom speaker as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  922 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  924 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  800  may proceed to decision  1002  of  FIG. 10 . Returning to decision  918 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not top-to-bottom, the method  800  may move directly to decision  1002  of  FIG. 10 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 10  illustrates that at decision  1002 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is bottom-to-top. If so, the method  800  may proceed to block  1004  and the controller may transfer sound from a bottom speaker to a top speaker as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1006 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1008 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  800  may proceed to decision  1010 . Returning to decision  1002 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not bottom-to-top, the method  800  may move directly to decision  1010 . 
         [0058]    At decision  1010 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is top left-to-bottom right. If so, the method  800  may proceed to block  1012  and the controller may transfer sound from a top left speaker to a bottom right speaker as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1014 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1016 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  800  may proceed to decision  1018 . Returning to decision  1010 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not top left-to-bottom right, the method  800  may move directly to decision  1018 . 
         [0059]    At decision  1018 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is bottom right-to-top left. If so, the method  800  may proceed to block  1020  and the controller may transfer sound from a bottom right speaker to a top left speaker as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1022 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1024 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  800  may proceed to decision  1102  of  FIG. 11 . Returning to decision  1018 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not bottom right-to-top left, the method  800  may move directly to decision  1102  of  FIG. 11 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , at decision  1102 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is top right-to-bottom left. If so, the method  800  may proceed to block  1104  and the controller may transfer sound from a top right speaker to a bottom left speaker as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1106 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1108 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  800  may proceed to decision  1110 . Returning to decision  1102 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not top right-to-bottom left, the method  800  may move directly to decision  1110 . 
         [0061]    At decision  1110 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is bottom left-to-top right. If so, the method  800  may proceed to block  1112  and the controller may transfer sound from a bottom left speaker to a top right speaker as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1114 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1116 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  800  may proceed to decision  1118 . Returning to decision  1110 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not bottom left-to-top right, the method  800  may move directly to decision  1118 . 
         [0062]    Proceeding to decision  1118 , the controller may determine whether the movement of the 3D virtual object within the display has stopped. If the 3D virtual object continues to move within the display, the method  800  may return to block  810  of  FIG. 8  and continue as described herein. Conversely, if the 3D virtual object has stopped moving, the method  800  may proceed to block  1120  and the controller may transmit sound from the 3D sound system that corresponds to the current location of the 3D virtual object. 
         [0063]    Next, at decision  1122 , the controller may determine whether the 3D virtual object is closed, i.e., whether the 3D virtual object continues to be displayed. If so, the method  800  may return to block  806  of  FIG. 8  and continue as described herein. Otherwise, if the 3D virtual object is closed, the method  800  may move to block  1124  and the controller may deactivate that 3D sound system, e.g., to conserve battery power. Thereafter, the method  800  may end. 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a second aspect of a method of transmitting three-dimensional sound from a wireless device is shown and is generally designated  1200 . Beginning at block  1202 , a do loop may be entered in which when a 3D virtual object is displayed the following steps may be performed. At block  1204 , a 3D sound system may be activated by a controller, processor, or a combination thereof. Further, at block  1206 , movement of the 3D virtual object may be monitored by a controller, a processor, or a combination thereof. 
         [0065]    Continuing to decision  1208 , a controller may determine whether the 3D virtual object is moving within the display. If not, the method  1200  may return block  1206  and continue as described herein. Otherwise, if the 3D virtual object is moving within the display, the method  1200  may move to block  1210 . At block  1210 , the controller may determine a direction of motion associated with the 3D virtual object. 
         [0066]    At decision  1212 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is front-to-back. If so, the method  1200  may proceed to block  1214  and the controller may direct, or otherwise transmit, sound from a front of the device to a back of the device as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1216 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1218 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  1200  may proceed to decision  1220 . Returning to decision  1212 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not front-to-back, the method  1200  may move directly to decision  1220 . 
         [0067]    At decision  1220 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is back-to-front. If so, the method  1200  may proceed to block  1222  and the controller may direct, or otherwise transmit, sound from a back of the device to a front of the device as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1224 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1226 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  1200  may proceed to decision  1302  of  FIG. 13 . Returning to decision  1220 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not back-to-front, the method  1200  may move directly to decision  1302  of  FIG. 13 . 
         [0068]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , at decision  1302 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is left-to-right. If so, the method  1200  may proceed to block  1304  and the controller may direct, or otherwise transmit, sound from a left side of the device to a right side of the device as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1306 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1308 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  1200  may proceed to decision  1310 . Returning to decision  1302 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not left-to-right, the method  1200  may move directly to decision  1310 . 
         [0069]    At decision  1310 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is right-to-left. If so, the method  1200  may proceed to block  1312  and the controller may direct, or otherwise transmit, sound from a right side of the device to a left side of the device as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1314 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1316 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  1200  may proceed to decision  1318 . Returning to decision  1310 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not right-to-left, the method  1200  may move directly to decision  1318 . 
         [0070]    At decision  1318 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is top-to-bottom. If so, the method  1200  may proceed to block  1320  and the controller may direct, or otherwise transmit, sound from a top of the device to a bottom of the device as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1322 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1324 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  1200  may proceed to decision  1402  of  FIG. 14 . Returning to decision  1318 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not top-to-bottom, the method  1200  may move directly to decision  1402  of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 14  illustrates that at decision  1402 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is bottom-to-top. If so, the method  1200  may proceed to block  1404  and the controller may direct, or otherwise transmit, sound from a bottom of the device to a top of the device as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1406 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1408 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  1200  may proceed to decision  1410 . Returning to decision  1402 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not bottom-to-top, the method  1200  may move directly to decision  1410 . 
         [0072]    At decision  1410 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is top left-to-bottom right. If so, the method  1200  may proceed to block  1412  and the controller may direct, or otherwise transmit, sound from a top left of the device to a bottom right of the device as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1414 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1416 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  1200  may proceed to decision  1418 . Returning to decision  1410 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not top left-to-bottom right, the method  1200  may move directly to decision  1418 . 
         [0073]    At decision  1418 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is bottom right-to-top left. If so, the method  1200  may proceed to block  1420  and the controller may direct, or otherwise transmit, sound from a bottom right of the device to a top left of the device as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1422 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1424 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  1200  may proceed to decision  1502  of  FIG. 15 . Returning to decision  1418 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not bottom right-to-top left, the method  1200  may move directly to decision  1502  of  FIG. 15 . 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , at decision  1502 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is top right-to-bottom left. If so, the method  1200  may proceed to block  1504  and the controller may direct, or otherwise transmit, sound from a top right of the device to a bottom left of the device as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1506 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1508 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof, as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  1200  may proceed to decision  1510 . Returning to decision  1502 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not top right-to-bottom left, the method  1200  may move directly to decision  1510 . 
         [0075]    At decision  1510 , the controller may determine whether the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is bottom left-to-top right. If so, the method  1200  may proceed to block  1512  and the controller may direct, or otherwise transmit, sound from a bottom left of the device to a top right of the device as the 3D virtual object moves. At block  1511 , the controller may alter the phase of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Further, at block  1516 , the controller may alter the volume of the sound as the 3D virtual object moves. Additionally, the controller may alter the pitch of the sound, the tone of the sound, or a combination thereof; as the 3D virtual object moves. Thereafter, the method  1200  may proceed to decision  1518 . Returning to decision  1510 , if the motion associated with the 3D virtual object is not bottom left-to-top right, the method  1200  may move directly to decision  1518 . 
         [0076]    Proceeding to decision  1518 , the controller may determine whether the movement of the 3D virtual object within the display has stopped. If the 3D virtual object continues to move within the display, the method  1200  may return to block  1210  of  FIG. 12  and continue as described herein. Conversely, if the 3D virtual object has stopped moving, the method  1200  may proceed to block  1520  and the controller may transmit sound from the 3D sound system that corresponds to the current location of the 3D virtual object. 
         [0077]    Next, at decision  1522 , the controller may determine whether the 3D virtual object is closed, i.e., whether the 3D virtual object continues to be displayed. If so, the method  1200  may return to block  1206  of  FIG. 12  and continue as described herein. Otherwise, if the 3D virtual object is closed, the method  1200  may move to block  1524  and the controller may deactivate that 3D sound system, e.g., to conserve battery power. Thereafter, the method  1200  may end. 
         [0078]    Referring now to  FIG. 16 , a portable computing device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated  1600 . As illustrated, a 3D virtual object  1602  is displayed at the PCD  1600  at, or near, a right side of the PCD  1600 . Further, a right sound component  1610  is shown emanating, or otherwise transmitting, from a right side speaker of the PCD  1600 . In another aspect, the right sound component  1610  may be directed to the right side of the PCD  1600 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 17  shows the 3D virtual object  1602  moving toward a left side of the PCD  1600 . As the 3D virtual object  1602  moves a volume of the right sound component  1610  may be decreased and a center sound component  1710  may be introduced and slowly increased as the 3D virtual object  1602  continues to move to the left side of the PCD  1600 . The center sound component  1710  may emanate, or otherwise transmit, from a center speaker. Otherwise, the center sound component  1710  may be directed to the center of the PCD  1600 . 
         [0080]    As depicted in  FIG. 18 , when the 3D virtual object  1602  moves into the center of the PCD  1600  the volume of the right sound component  1610  may be decreased, a volume of the center sound component  1710  may be increased, and a left sound component  1810  may be introduced and slowly increased as the 3D virtual object  1602  continues to move to the left side of the PCD  1600 . The left sound component  1810  may emanate, or otherwise transmit, from a left speaker. Alternatively, the left sound component  1810  may be directed to the left of the PCD  1600 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 19  shows the 3D virtual object  1602  as it moves closer to the left side of the PCD  1600 . As the 3D virtual object  1602  moves closer to the left side of the PCD  1600 , the volume of the right sound component  1610  may be decreased until the right sound component  1610  is eliminated. Further, the volume of the center sound component  1710  may be decreased and the volume of the left sound component  1810  may be increased. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 20 , the 3D virtual object  1602  is shown at, or near, the left side of the PCD  1600 . When the 3D virtual object  1602  is at, or near, the left side of the PCD  1600 , the volume of the center sound component  1710  may be decreased until the center sound component  1710  is eliminated. Further, the volume of the left sound component  1810  may be increased. Accordingly, only the left sound component  1810  is present when the 3D virtual object  1602  is at, or near, the left side of the PCD  1600 . 
         [0083]    It may be appreciated that the sound may be transmitted, or directed, in a similar fashion as illustrated in  FIG. 16  through  FIG. 20 , and as described elsewhere herein, as the 3D virtual object moves in any direction or directions at the PCD  1600 . 
         [0084]    It is to be understood that the method steps described herein need not necessarily be performed in the order as described. Further, words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the method steps. Moreover, the methods described herein are described as executable on a portable computing device (PCD). The PCD may be a mobile telephone device, a portable digital assistant device, a smartbook computing device, a netbook computing device, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, or a combination thereof. 
         [0085]    With the configuration of structure describe herein, the system and method provides 3D sound that tracks the movement of a 3D virtual object within a display of a portable computing device. While the 3D virtual object moves within the display, a 3D sound controller may transmit sound from various speakers at the portable computing device corresponding to the motion of the 3D virtual object. Alternatively, the 3D sound controller may direct sound from a directional speaker at the portable computing device that corresponds to the motion of the 3D virtual object. 
         [0086]    The 3D sound system may be used to provide 3D sound for games. Further, the 3D sound system may provide 3D sounds in conjunction with a user moving 3D menu items around a display, e.g., back and forth in the display. Moreover, the 3D sound system may provide 3D sound for navigation applications. Also, the 3D sound system may provide spatial sounds for handicap users of portable computing devices. During movement, a controller may interpret a user input ur a 3D object movement and change the 3D sound according to, or in response to, the movement of the 3D object or the user input. 
         [0087]    In one or more exemplary aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a machine readable medium, i.e., a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
         [0088]    Although selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7