Patent Description:
Embodiments herein generally relate to an acoustic assembly having an acoustic horn.

An example of a conventional acoustic system includes a first transducer and a second transducer in an enclosure. The first transducer operates over a first frequency range, and the second transducer operates over a second frequency range. While the two frequency ranges are not identical, the first frequency range includes an overlap region with the second frequency range. The overlap region is referred to as a crossover region. In the crossover region, a directivity anomaly occurs. The directivity anomaly is due to a first coverage angle of the first transducer and a second coverage angle of the second transducer in the crossover region. More specifically, the first coverage angle differs from the second coverage angle in the crossover region. The differing coverage angles result in a non-uniform dispersion of sound in a listening area. Because of the non-uniform dispersion, a first person in one location of the listening area may have a drastically different listening experience than a second person in another location of the listening area. Moreover, in the conventional acoustic system, the beamwidths of the first transducer and the second transducers may detract from the listening experience. This may be particularly noticeable in the crossover region. Publication <CIT> discloses a public address system including one or more loudspeaker, each of which is equipped with a section for reproducing high-frequency sounds, including a wave expansion guide, which receives at its input sound waves coming from a transducer and having, projecting in a plane, a form opening outwards from its input to its output for distributing, in a solid transmission angle, the sound waves coming from the expansion guide. The expansion guide includes one or more mobile flaps that can be moved by a movement made parallel to the plane, so as to enable the solid transmission angle of the sound waves to be adjusted. Publication <CIT> discloses a system for changing a coverage angle of sound produced from a loudspeaker system. The loudspeaker system includes an enclosure that projects sound at a predetermined angle. A sound integrator includes an inner surface positioned adjacent to a mid-range frequency sound source. An outer surface of the sound integrator includes a planar and a curved surface. The surfaces control the angle which sound radiates from the loudspeaker. Publication <CIT> discloses a waveguide including an acoustic input to receive an audio input signal from a high frequency driver, an acoustic output to broadcast sound, and a plurality of acoustic paths extending from the input to the output. Publication <CIT> discloses a loudspeaker comprising a driver that is movable parallel to a direction of movement to produce sound waves. A reflector is mounted in front of a diaphragm of the driver for reflecting sound waves from the driver. The direction of movement is at a non zero acute angle to the horizontal or to an external support plane that supports the loudspeaker.

The problem underlying the present application is solved by an acoustic assembly having the features of claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic assembly <NUM>, which is in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The acoustic assembly <NUM> includes an enclosure <NUM>. The enclosure <NUM> may include a modular construction, an integral construction, such as from a molding process, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the enclosure <NUM> may include an exterior shape, which may appear cubic, rectangular, trapezoidal, spherical, conical, cylindrical, ellipsoidal, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, pyramidal, or another multi-sided three-dimensional shape.

Further in <FIG>, a cover <NUM> may removably attach to the enclosure <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be removably attached to the enclosure <NUM> by fasteners, adhesives, and/or other ways known in the art. Moreover, the cover <NUM> may be shaped similarly or identical to one or more sides of the enclosure <NUM>. Furthermore, the cover <NUM> may be a solid panel or an acoustically transparent grille. Using the solid panel as the cover <NUM> may be desirable for use during set-up, tear-down, transportation, and/or storage of the acoustic assembly <NUM>. When the solid panel is attached to the enclosure <NUM>, sensitive and/or critical components, such as a loudspeaker diaphragm, that would otherwise be exposed to the surroundings may be completely covered and protected. The protection from the surroundings may be due to the solid panel's robust design, which is able to withstand forces commonly experienced with set-up, tear-down, transportation, and/or storage of the acoustic assembly <NUM>. Under such forces, the solid panel will not fail. Conversely without the solid panel, such forces could impact the sensitive and/or critical components directly, which could cause those components to fail. Alternatively, to the solid panel, using the acoustically transparent grille as the cover <NUM> may be desirable during operation of the acoustic assembly <NUM>. During operation, the acoustically transparent grille does not interfere with sound waves produced from the acoustic assembly <NUM>. As another alternative, the cover <NUM> may be removed completely before operating the acoustic assembly <NUM>.

The acoustic assembly <NUM> may be removably attached to one or more additional acoustic assemblies. For example, one or more additional acoustic assemblies may be removably attached to the acoustic assembly <NUM> to create a line-array. The line-array may be hung, such as to a rafter or scaffolding, above a ground floor.

In <FIG>, the enclosure <NUM> of the acoustic assembly <NUM> is illustrated without the cover <NUM>. As an example of removal, the cover <NUM> may have been detached, such as by unscrewing threaded fasteners, from a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. After detaching, the cover <NUM> may have been removed from the enclosure <NUM>.

In the enclosure <NUM>, the first side <NUM> may be laterally spaced from the second side <NUM> along an X axis. The first side <NUM> may generally be parallel to the second side <NUM>, and the first side <NUM> may generally mirror the shape of the second side <NUM>. Further on shape, the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> may include tapered portions, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. Additionally, the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> may attach to a top side <NUM>, a bottom side <NUM>, and a back side <NUM>. The top side <NUM> may be laterally spaced from the bottom side <NUM> along a Y axis. The Y axis may be oriented 90degrees to the X axis. Additionally, the back side <NUM> may attach to the top side <NUM> and the bottom side <NUM>. The first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, the top side <NUM>, the bottom side <NUM>, and the back side <NUM> may define a cavity <NUM> for receiving at least one acoustic emitting device <NUM>, such as a loudspeaker or a compression driver. To receive the at least one acoustic emitting device <NUM>, the cavity may include a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may attach to the first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, the top side <NUM>, the bottom side <NUM>, and/or the back side <NUM>. Alternatively, the frame <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, the top side <NUM>, the bottom side <NUM>, and/or the back side <NUM>.

Additionally, the acoustic assembly <NUM> includes at least one acoustic horn <NUM>. The at least one acoustic horn <NUM> at least partially covers the at least one acoustic emitting device <NUM>. The at least one acoustic horn <NUM> may improve one or more acoustical parameters of the acoustic assembly. For example, the at least one acoustic horn <NUM> may be designed to achieve a desired directivity of the acoustic assembly <NUM>. As another example, the acoustic horn <NUM> may be designed to achieve a smooth, uninterrupted transition across frequency bands, which at least range from a low frequency (<NUM>) to a high frequency (<NUM>). Furthermore, the at least one acoustic horn <NUM> may attach to the first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, the top side <NUM>, the bottom side <NUM>, the back side <NUM>, the at least one acoustic emitting device <NUM>, and/or the frame <NUM>. The attachments between the first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, the top side <NUM>, the bottom side <NUM>, the back side <NUM>, the at least one acoustic emitting device <NUM>, the frame <NUM>, and/or the acoustic horn <NUM> may be serviceable or non-serviceable and may occur by fasteners, adhesive, and/or other ways known in the art.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the acoustic horn <NUM> for the acoustic assembly <NUM>. The acoustic assembly <NUM> includes at least one waveguide <NUM>, at least one lens <NUM>, at least one plug <NUM>, and/or at least one integrator <NUM>. The at least one waveguide <NUM>, the at least one lens <NUM>, and the at least one plug <NUM> attach to the at least one integrator <NUM>. The attachments may be permanent or non-permanent and may occur by fasteners, adhesive, and or/or other ways known in the art. Additionally, as part of the attachments, a vibration absorbing layer (not shown) may be placed between the at least one integrator <NUM> and the at least one waveguide <NUM>, the at least one lens <NUM>, and/or the at least one plug <NUM>. Alternatively, the at least one waveguide <NUM>, the at least one lens <NUM>, and/or the at least one plug <NUM> may be integrally formed with the at least one integrator <NUM>.

As an example of the acoustic horn <NUM> in the acoustic assembly <NUM>, when the at least one acoustic emitting device <NUM> in the acoustic assembly <NUM> includes at least one high-frequency compression driver, the at least one waveguide <NUM> may be positioned in front of an output opening of the at least one high-frequency compression driver. Positioning the at least one waveguide <NUM> in that manner allows the at least one waveguide <NUM> to receive and influence a sound wave-such as directivity-from the at least one high-frequency compression driver. In addition to positioning, the at least one waveguide <NUM> may attach to the at least one high-frequency compression driver.

As a further example, when the at least one acoustic emitting device <NUM> in the acoustic assembly <NUM> includes at least one mid-frequency loudspeaker, the at least one lens <NUM> may be positioned in front of an output side of the at least one mid-frequency loudspeaker. Positioning the at least one lens <NUM> in that manner allows the at least one lens <NUM> to receive and influence a sound wave-such as directivity-from the at least one mid-frequency loudspeaker. In addition to positioning, the at least one lens <NUM> may attach to the at least one mid-frequency loudspeaker.

As another example, when the at least one acoustic emitting device <NUM> in the acoustic assembly <NUM> includes at least one low-frequency loudspeaker, the at least one plug <NUM> may be positioned in front of an output side of the at least one low-frequency loudspeaker. Positioning the at least one plug <NUM> in that manner allows the at least one plug <NUM> to receive and influence a sound wave-such as directivity-from the at least one low-frequency loudspeaker. Furthermore, one or more of the at least one waveguide <NUM>, the at least one lens <NUM>, the at least one plug <NUM>, and the at least one integrator <NUM> include at least one through-hole aperture <NUM>, such as a slotted opening, for directing sound waves there-through.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the acoustic horn <NUM> for the acoustic assembly <NUM>. In the example, the acoustic horn <NUM> aligns along an X' plane containing the X axis. Additionally, the acoustic horn <NUM> aligns along a Y' plane containing the Y axis. Like the X and Y axes, the X' plane is oriented 90degrees to the Y' plane. The acoustic horn <NUM> includes a center point <NUM> that is positioned along a line at the intersection of the X' plane and the Y' plane. The center point <NUM> may correspond to the intersection of the X axis and the Y axis. Based on the design of the acoustic horn <NUM>, the acoustic horn <NUM> may include a desired directivity in the X' plane. Additionally, based on the design of the acoustic horn <NUM>, the acoustic horn <NUM> may include a desired directivity in the Y' plane.

Along the X' plane, the acoustic horn <NUM> includes a horizontal length H, which runs in the direction of the X axis. And along the Y' plane, the acoustic horn includes a vertical length V, which runs in the direction of the Y axis. The horizontal length H is greater than the vertical length V. Furthermore, the Y' plane may act as a first mirror such that a first portion of the acoustic horn <NUM> mirrors a second portion of the acoustic horn <NUM>. Additionally, the X' plane may act as a second mirror such that a third portion of the acoustic horn <NUM> mirrors a fourth portion of the acoustic horn <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the acoustic horn <NUM> includes one waveguide <NUM>. The one waveguide <NUM> extends along the Y' plane. The one waveguide <NUM> may do so in the direction of the Y axis. The one waveguide <NUM> includes at least one through-hole aperture <NUM>. In addition to the one waveguide <NUM>, the acoustic horn includes four lenses <NUM>. The four lenses <NUM> may be evenly distributed around the X' plane and Y' plane. Additionally, the four lenses <NUM> may be adjacent to the one waveguide <NUM>. Each of the four lenses <NUM> includes at least one through-hole aperture <NUM>. In addition to the four lenses <NUM>, the acoustic horn <NUM> includes two plugs <NUM>. The two plugs <NUM> are laterally spaced from one another along the X' plane. The lateral spacing of the two plugs <NUM> may be done in the direction of the X axis. In addition to the two plugs <NUM>, the acoustic horn <NUM> includes two integrators <NUM>. The two integrators <NUM> may be adjacent to the one waveguide <NUM>. Each of the two integrators <NUM> includes at least one through-hole aperture <NUM>, which may be in fluid communication with one or more of the through-hole apertures <NUM> of the lenses <NUM>. The one waveguide <NUM>, the four lenses <NUM>, and the two plugs <NUM> attach to the two integrators <NUM>. When attached, the two plugs <NUM> and the two integrators <NUM> form two sealed chambers <NUM>. The two sealed chambers <NUM> may be hollow or filled with a material. The two chambers <NUM> may act as resonators when used in the acoustic assembly <NUM>.

The two plugs <NUM> include overall horizontal lengths L along the X' plane, which run in the direction of the X axis. Additionally, the two plugs include overall vertical lengths D, which are in directions parallel to the Y axis on the Y' plane. The overall horizontal lengths L are greater than the vertical lengths D. The perimeters of the two plugs <NUM> are non-circular and include arcuate tapered segments <NUM>. On the two plugs <NUM>, with reference to the Y axis on the Y' plane, the arcuate tapered segments <NUM> begin at starting points <NUM> furthest from the X axis on the X' plane. And, again with reference to the Y axis on the Y' plane, the arcuate tapered segments <NUM> taper to end points <NUM> that are closer to the X axis on the X' plane than their respective starting points <NUM>. From the arcuate tapered segments <NUM>, radial segments <NUM> may complete the perimeters of the two plugs <NUM>. Like the two plugs <NUM>, the two integrators <NUM> include arcuate tapered segments <NUM> and radial segments <NUM>, which correspond to the arcuate tapered segments <NUM> and the radial segments of the two plugs <NUM>. The surfaces of the two plugs <NUM> may be smooth. Alternatively, the surfaces of the two plugs <NUM> may include one or more protrusions <NUM> and/or indentations <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an acoustic assembly <NUM>, which is in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The acoustic assembly <NUM> includes an enclosure <NUM>. A cover <NUM> removably attaches to the enclosure <NUM>. In particular, the cover <NUM> removably attaches to a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. Additionally, the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM> attach to a top side <NUM>, a bottom side <NUM>, and a back side <NUM>. The first side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, the top side <NUM>, the bottom side <NUM>, and the back side <NUM> define a cavity <NUM> for receiving a first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, a second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, a first mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, a second mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, a third mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, a fourth mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, a first high-frequency compression driver <NUM>, a second high-frequency compression driver <NUM>, and a third high-frequency compression driver <NUM>. To receive the two low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, the four mid-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the three high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the cavity includes a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> at least attaches to the bottom side <NUM>.

In the acoustic assembly <NUM>, the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM> are in the cavity <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. The first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to the frame <NUM>. Moreover, the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM> align along a first plane <NUM>. The first plane <NUM> bisects the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>. Additionally, the first plane <NUM> bisects the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>. Along the first plane <NUM>, the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> is laterally spaced from the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>.

Further in the acoustic assembly <NUM>, the first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned along a second plane <NUM>. The first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to the frame <NUM>. The second plane <NUM> is oriented 90degrees to the first plane <NUM>. The second plane <NUM> bisects the first high-frequency compression driver <NUM>, as well as the second high-frequency compression driver <NUM> and the third high-frequency compression driver <NUM>. Unlike the first high-frequency compression driver <NUM> and third high-frequency compression driver <NUM>, the second high-frequency compression driver <NUM> is also aligned along the first plane <NUM>. Because of that, the first plane <NUM> also bisects the second compression driver <NUM>.

Further in the acoustic assembly <NUM>, the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are distributed around the first plane <NUM> and the second plane <NUM>. Because the first plane <NUM> and the second plane <NUM> intersect, the first plane <NUM> and the second plane <NUM> form four quadrants: I, II, III, and IV. In quadrant I, the first mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> is positioned and attached to the frame <NUM>. In quadrant II, the third mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> is positioned and attached to the frame <NUM>. In quadrant III, the fourth mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> is positioned and attached to the frame <NUM>. In quadrant IV, the second mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> is positioned and attached to the frame <NUM>.

The first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> includes a rear face <NUM> that faces the back side <NUM>. Additionally, the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> includes a rear face <NUM> that also faces the back side <NUM>. Opposite the rear face <NUM>, the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> includes a front output side <NUM>. The front output side <NUM> of the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> is at least defined by a diaphragm <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> is attached, the front output side <NUM> faces the cover <NUM>. Additionally, opposite the rear face <NUM>, the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> includes a front output side <NUM>. The front output side <NUM> of the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> is at least defined by a diaphragm <NUM>. Like the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the front output side <NUM> of the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> also faces the cover <NUM>, when the cover <NUM> is attached.

The first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include a first output opening <NUM>, a second output opening <NUM>, and a third output opening <NUM>, respectively. When the cover <NUM> is attached, the first output opening <NUM>, the second output opening <NUM>, and the third output opening <NUM> face the cover <NUM>.

Similar to the first and the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, <NUM>, the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include front output sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. When the cover <NUM> is attached, the front output sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the four mid-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> generally face the cover <NUM>. Unlike the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, though, the front output sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the four mid-frequency loudspeakers are angled toward the second plane <NUM>.

Furthermore, the acoustic assembly <NUM> includes an acoustic horn <NUM>. The acoustic horn includes a waveguide <NUM>. The waveguide <NUM> is aligned along the second plane <NUM>. The second plane <NUM> bisects the waveguide <NUM>. The waveguide <NUM> is positioned in front of the first output opening <NUM>, the second output opening <NUM>, and the third output opening <NUM> of the first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Because of the positioning, the waveguide <NUM> receives and influences sound waves from the first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> is attached, the waveguide <NUM> is between the cover <NUM> and the first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In addition to the waveguide <NUM>, the acoustic horn <NUM> includes a first lens <NUM>, a second lens <NUM>, a third lens <NUM>, and a fourth lens <NUM>. With respect to the first mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the first lens <NUM> is positioned in front of the front output side <NUM>. With respect to the second mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the second lens <NUM> is positioned in front of the front output side <NUM>. With respect to the third mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the third lens <NUM> is positioned in front of the front output side <NUM>. And with respect to the fourth mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the fourth lens <NUM> is positioned in front of the front output side <NUM>. Because of the positioning, the first, the second, the third, and the fourth lenses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> receive and influence sound waves from the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> is attached, the first, the second, the third, and the fourth lenses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned between the cover <NUM> and the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In addition, the acoustic horn <NUM> includes a first plug <NUM> and a second plug <NUM>. With respect to the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the first plug <NUM> is positioned in front of the front output side <NUM>. With respect to the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the second plug <NUM> is positioned in front of the front output side <NUM>. Because of the positioning, the first and the second plugs <NUM>, <NUM> receive and influence sound waves from the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> is attached, the first and the second plugs <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned between the cover <NUM> and the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>.

Further, the acoustic horn <NUM> includes a first integrator <NUM> and a second integrator <NUM>. The waveguide <NUM>, the first lens <NUM>, the second lens <NUM>, and the first plug <NUM> are attached to the first integrator <NUM>. The waveguide <NUM>, the third lens <NUM>, and the fourth lens <NUM>, and the second plug <NUM> are attached to the second integrator <NUM>. The first integrator <NUM> at least covers the first mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the second mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, and the first plug <NUM>. The second integrator <NUM> at least covers the third mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the fourth mid-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, and the second plug <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> is attached, the cover <NUM> covers the first integrator <NUM> and the second integrator <NUM>.

The first plug <NUM> may have a convex side <NUM>, and the second plug <NUM> may have a convex side <NUM>. With respect to the first plug <NUM>, the convex side <NUM> may face the diaphragm <NUM> of the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> may have a conical shape, which may be a frustoconical shape. The first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> may have a cone volume <NUM> defined by the diaphragm <NUM>. The convex side <NUM> of the first plug <NUM> may be positioned into a portion of the cone volume <NUM>. During operation of the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the diaphragm <NUM>, however, does not contact the first plug <NUM>. Therefore, the convex side <NUM> of the first plug is spaced from the diaphragm <NUM> of the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, such that the diaphragm <NUM> does not contact the first plug <NUM> during operation of the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>. Furthermore, during operation, sound waves from the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> may travel around the first plug <NUM>.

With respect to the second plug <NUM>, the convex side <NUM> may face the diaphragm <NUM> of the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> may have a conical shape, which may be a frustoconical shape. The second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> may have a cone volume <NUM> defined by the diaphragm <NUM>. The cone volume <NUM> of the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> may equal the cone volume <NUM> of the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>. The convex side <NUM> of the second plug <NUM> may be positioned into a portion of the cone volume <NUM> of the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>. Like the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, during operation of the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the diaphragm <NUM> does not contact the second plug <NUM>, because the convex side <NUM> is spaced from the diaphragm <NUM>. Furthermore, during operation, sound waves from the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> may travel around the second plug <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the first integrator <NUM> and the first plug <NUM> are positioned in front of the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the first low-frequency loudspeaker includes a first unobstructed area <NUM> and a second unobstructed area <NUM>. This is because the first integrator <NUM> and the first plug <NUM> only cover a portion of the front output side <NUM> of the first low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>. Like the first integrator <NUM> and the first plug <NUM>, when the second integrator <NUM> and the second plug <NUM> are positioned in front of the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>, the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM> includes a first unobstructed area <NUM> and a second unobstructed area <NUM>. This is also because the second integrator <NUM> and the second plug <NUM> only cover a portion of the front output side <NUM> of the second low-frequency loudspeaker <NUM>.

During operation, the acoustic assembly <NUM> may include a first crossover region and a second crossover region. The first crossover region may be the overlap in frequency ranges between the low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM> and at least the mid-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The second crossover region may be the overlap in frequency ranges between the high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and at least the mid-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>.

In the first crossover region, the low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM> may include sound coverage patterns that may be identical to at least the mid-frequency loudspeakers' <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> sound coverage patterns. For example, in the first crossover region, the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM> may include a first sound coverage angle in the first plane <NUM> and a second sound coverage angle in the second plane <NUM>. Additionally, in the crossover region, at least the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a third sound coverage angle in the first plane <NUM> and a fourth sound coverage angle in the second plane <NUM>. The first sound coverage angle may be equal to the third sound coverage angle, and the second sound coverage angle may be equal to the fourth sound coverage angle. This may be achieved by the acoustic horn <NUM> in the acoustic assembly <NUM>.

In the second crossover region, the high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include sound coverage patterns that may be identical to at least the mid-frequency loudspeakers' <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> sound coverage patterns. For example, in the second crossover region, the high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a first sound coverage angle in the first plane <NUM> and a second sound coverage angle in the second plane <NUM>. Additionally, in the second crossover region, at least the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a third sound coverage angle in the first plane <NUM> and a fourth sound coverage angle in the second plane <NUM>. The first sound coverage angle may be equal to the third sound coverage angle, and the second sound coverage angle may be equal to the fourth sound coverage angle. This may be achieved by the acoustic horn <NUM> in the acoustic assembly <NUM>.

Additionally or alternatively, the acoustic assembly <NUM> may include a third crossover region. The third crossover region may be the overlap in frequency ranges between the low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM> and the high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In the third crossover region, the low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM> may include sound coverage patterns that may be identical to the high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, in the third crossover region, the low-frequency loudspeakers <NUM>, <NUM> may include a first sound coverage angle in the first plane <NUM> and a second sound coverage angle in the second plane <NUM>. Additionally, in the third crossover region, the high-frequency compression drivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include a third sound coverage angle in the first plane <NUM> and a fourth sound coverage angle in the second plane <NUM>. The first sound coverage angle may be equal to the third sound coverage angle, and the second sound coverage angle may be equal to the fourth sound coverage angle. This may be achieved by the acoustic horn <NUM> in the acoustic assembly <NUM>.

Therefore during operation, the acoustic horn <NUM> in the acoustic assembly <NUM> may result in a uniform coverage pattern over a listening area in the first plane <NUM> and/or the second plane <NUM>. The uniform coverage pattern may result in an improved listening experience for persons located in the listening area. That is because the coverage pattern may not differ at various locations inside of the listening area.

As such, and among other things, embodiments herein may improve directivity for acoustic assemblies that include at least one acoustic emitting device and operate over the audible hearing range (<NUM> to <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates a virtual-simulation <NUM> of an acoustic assembly according to one or more embodiments. The virtual-simulation <NUM> illustrates ideal horiztonal beamwidths for the acoustic assembly (i.e., sound coverage angle in a horizontal plane versus frequency). As such, the virtual-simulation <NUM> illustrates a horizontal beamwidth <NUM> for at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device, a horizontal beamwidth <NUM> for at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device, and a horizontal beamwidth <NUM> for at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device.

The virtual-simulation <NUM> further illustrates a first crossover region <NUM> between the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device and the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device. Further, the virtual-simulation illustrates a second crossover region <NUM> between the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device and the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device. In the virtual simulation <NUM>, the first crossover region <NUM> extends from around <NUM> to around <NUM>, and the second crossover region <NUM> extends from around <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

In the virtual-simulation <NUM>, in the first crossover region <NUM>, the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device decreases in sound coverage angle as frequency increases. That decrease may be linear. Thus, the decrease in sound coverage angle as frequency increases for the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device in the first crossover region <NUM> may have a constant slope. Similarly, in the first crossover region <NUM>, the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device decreases in sound coverage angle as frequency increases. That decrease may similarly be linear. Thus, the decrease in sound coverage angle as frequency increases for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device in the first crossover region <NUM> may have a constant slope. The slope of decrease for the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device may be equal to the slope of decrease for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device. Alternatively, in the first crossover region <NUM>, the curve of decrease for the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device may be parallel to the curve of decrease for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device. The equal slope and/or parallel curves may be a byproduct of the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly. This may be due to the interaction between the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device, the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device, the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device, and the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly.

In the virtual simulation <NUM>, in the first crossover region <NUM>, the sound coverage angle for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device may be greater than the sound coverage angle for the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device at a given frequency. The net result, however, may yield a constant coverage angle. For example, as the virtual-simulation <NUM> illustrates, in the first crossover region <NUM>, the net result yields or substantially yields a sound coverage angle of 100degrees. The net result may be a byproduct of the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly. This may be due to the interaction between the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device, the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device, and the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly.

In the virtual-simulation <NUM>, in the second crossover region <NUM>, the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device decreases in sound coverage angle as frequency increases. That decrease may be linear. Thus, the decrease in sound coverage angle as frequency increases for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device in the second crossover region <NUM> may have a constant slope. Similarly, in the second crossover region <NUM>, the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device decreases in sound coverage angle as frequency increases. That decrease may similarly be linear. Thus, the decrease in sound coverage angle as frequency increases for the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device in the second crossover region <NUM> may have a constant slope. The slope of decrease for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device may be equal to the slope of decrease for the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device. Alternatively, in the first crossover region <NUM>, the curve of decrease for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device may be parallel or substantially parallel to the curve of decrease for the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device.

In the virtual simulation <NUM>, in the second crossover region <NUM>, the sound coverage angle for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device may be less than the sound coverage angle for the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device at a given frequency. The net result, however, may yield a constant coverage angle. For example, as the virtual-simulation <NUM> illustrates, in the second crossover region <NUM>, the net result yields or substantially yields a sound coverage angle of 100degrees. The net result may be a byproduct of the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly. This may be due to the interaction between the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device, the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device, and the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly.

Thus the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly improves the beamwidths in a given plane, such as the horizontal plane or vertical plane. This improvement may be particularly evident in the crossover regions of the acoustic assembly. In the crossover regions, the acoustic horn may achieve desirable beamwidths.

<FIG> illustrates results of a mid-frequency test of a modified acoustic assembly <NUM>, which is primarily based on the acoustic assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. Unlike the acoustic assembly <NUM>, though, the modified acoustic assembly <NUM> does not include a first plug or a second plug, nor does the modified acoustic assembly <NUM> include a first integrator that extends over a first low-frequency loudspeaker or a second integrator that extends over a second low-frequency loudspeaker. Instead, the first and the second integrators in the modified acoustic assembly <NUM> stop short of the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers. Besides that, though, the modified acoustic assembly is based on the acoustic assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. The mid-frequency test of the modified acoustic assembly <NUM> illustrates a horizontal beamwidth <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates results of a mid-frequency test of an acoustic assembly <NUM>, which is based on the acoustic assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. Unlike the modified acoustic assembly <NUM>, the acoustic assembly <NUM> does include a first plug and a second plug, which are positioned in front of a first and a second low-frequency loudspeaker, like in the acoustic assembly <NUM>. Moreover, unlike the modified acoustic assembly <NUM>, the acoustic assembly <NUM> includes a first integrator and a second integrator that does extend over portions of the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers, like in the acoustic assembly <NUM>. With the exceptions regarding the first plug, the second plug, the first integrator, and the second integrator, the modified acoustic assembly <NUM> and the acoustic assembly <NUM> are identical. The mid-frequency test of the acoustic assembly <NUM> illustrates a horizontal beamwidth <NUM>.

Comparing <FIG> reveals that in a first critical passband between <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, the horizontal beamwidth <NUM> of the modified acoustic assembly <NUM> is generally much wider than the horizontal beamwdith <NUM> of the acoustic assembly <NUM>. Additionally, in a second critical passband between <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>,<NUM>, the horizontal beamwidth <NUM> of the modified acoustic assembly <NUM> becomes much narrower than the horizontal beamwidth <NUM> of the acoustic assembly <NUM>. For the first critical passband and the second critical passband, when a target horizontal beamwidth of 90degrees is set, based on the tests in FIGS. <NUM>-<NUM>, the acoustic assembly <NUM> outperforms the modified acoustic assembly <NUM>. This is because the horizontal beamwidth <NUM> of the acoustic assembly <NUM> is closer to the target horizontal beamwidth than the horizontal beamwidth <NUM> of the modified acoustic assembly <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An acoustic assembly (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
an enclosure (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a first transducer attached to the enclosure (<NUM>; <NUM>) and configured to emit sound along a first path over a first frequency range;
a second transducer attached to the enclosure (<NUM>; <NUM>) and configured to emit sound along a second path over a second frequency range;
a third transducer attached to the enclosure (<NUM>; <NUM>) and configured to emit sound along a third path over a third frequency range; and
an acoustic horn (<NUM>; <NUM>) attached to the enclosure (<NUM>; <NUM>) and positioned to at least partially extend into the first path and the second path for adjusting at least one beamwidth in a crossover region of the first frequency range and the second frequency range, wherein the acoustic horn (<NUM>; <NUM>) is positioned to at least partially extend into the third path for adjusting at least one beamwidth in a crossover region of the second frequency range and the third frequency range, wherein the acoustic horn (<NUM>; <NUM>) includes:
a waveguide (<NUM>; <NUM>) positioned to at least partially extend into the first path, wherein the waveguide (<NUM>; <NUM>) includes at least one first through-hole aperture (<NUM>); and
two integrators (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) attached to the waveguide (<NUM>; <NUM>) and positioned to at least partially extend into the second path and the third path, wherein each of the two integrators (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) includes at least one second through-hole aperture (<NUM>) for directing sound waves there-through,
wherein the acoustic horn (<NUM>; <NUM>) further comprises four lenses (<NUM>;<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) positioned to at least partially extend into the second path and two plugs (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) positioned to at least partially extend into the third path, wherein the lenses (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the plugs (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) are attached to the integrator (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein each of the four lenses (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) includes at least one third through-hole aperture (<NUM>), wherein the two plugs (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) are laterally spaced from one another along a first plane (<NUM>), wherein the acoustic horn (<NUM>) is aligned along the first plane (<NUM>), and wherein the two plugs (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) and the two integrators (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) form two sealed chambers (<NUM>).