Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a loudspeaker port that may include tunable physical components to tune the port to different frequencies to improve speaker efficiency at those frequencies. The ports may be activated by at least partly opening associated shutters, or disabled by closing the associated shutters. Activated ports may enhance speaker efficiency in a frequency range. However, activated ports may also introduce sound artifacts, thereby reducing sound quality. Therefore, the ports may be disabled when appropriate to reduce their negative impact to sound quality. A Digital Signal Processor (DSP) may determine the frequency components of a played sound to determine when to open the ports and how to tune the ports. Accordingly, a loudspeaker may benefit from the improved efficiency facilitated by the ports while also avoiding typical drawbacks created by the ports.

Document <CIT> discloses a compact and portable loudspeaker system operable in two configurations including a driver array and a base unit having a bass enclosure and a dock. In an extended configuration, the driver array is supported by one or more extension legs between three to eight feet above the base unit where one of the extension legs is held by the dock. The base unit may be placed on a floor of a small to medium venue with the mid-to-high range driver array elevated near or above the elevation of an audience in the venue. In a compact configuration, the driver array is directly supported by the dock and the base unit and driver array may be placed on a table or desk in a classroom, conference room, or other such small to medium venue. The portable loudspeaker system may be transported in the compact configuration.

Document <CIT> discloses a line array electroacoustical transducing system including at least first and second line arrays detachably secured in electrical and mechanical coupling relationships. The assembly may be detachably secured to a base having an amplifier in electrical and mechanical coupling relationships.

According to the invention defined in claim <NUM>, a loudspeaker system is provided. The loudspeaker system includes a loudspeaker array, an audio controller, and one or more insertable columns. The loudspeaker array is configured to playback an audio output in a listening environment and includes a third pair of wires and a fourth pair of wires. The audio controller is configured to provide the audio output to the loudspeaker array. The one or more insertable columns is positioned between the audio controller and the loudspeaker array to adjust a height of the loudspeaker array relative to the audio controller. The columns are electrically connected to the loudspeaker array. Each insertable column includes a first pair of wires electrically connected to the third pair of wires, and a second pair of wires electrically connected to the fourth pair of wires, wherein a first wire of the first pair of wires includes at least one resistor. The audio controller is electrically coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth pairs of wires such that the third pair of wires form a circuit with the first pair of wires and the audio controller, and the fourth pair of wires form a circuit with the second pair of wires and the audio controller. The audio controller is further configured to measure an electrical voltage across the at least one resistor for each insertable column, wherein the measured voltage depends on the number of columns inserted between the audio controller and the loudspeaker array. The audio controller is further configured to adjust tuning parameters of the audio output based on the measured voltage.

A loudspeaker system not falling under the scope of the claims includes a loudspeaker array, an audio controller, and one or more insertable columns. The loudspeaker array is configured to playback an audio output in a listening environment. The audio controller is configured to provide the audio output to the loudspeaker array. The one or more insertable columns are positioned between the audio controller and the loudspeaker array to adjust a height of the loudspeaker array relative to the audio controller based on a size of the listening environment.

A loudspeaker system not falling under the scope of the claims includes a loudspeaker array, one or more insertable columns, and an audio controller. The loudspeaker array is configured to playback an audio output in a listening environment. The one or more insertable columns is electrically connected to the loudspeaker array. The audio controller is configured to provide the audio output to the loudspeaker array via the one or more insertable columns.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, other features of the various embodiments will become more apparent and will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention.

The embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide for a plurality of circuits or other electrical devices. While particular labels may be assigned to the various circuits or other electrical devices disclosed, such labels are not intended to limit the scope of operation for the circuits and other electrical devices. It is recognized that any circuit or other electrical device disclosed herein may include any number of microcontrollers, a graphics processor unit (GPU), integrated circuits, memory devices (e.g., FLASH, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or other suitable variants thereof) and software which co-act with one another to perform operation(s) disclosed herein. In addition, any one or more of the electrical devices may be configured to execute a computer-program that is embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium programmed to perform any number of the functions as disclosed.

Aspects disclosed herein provide a speaker system including an audio controller that detects a voltage and/or other mechanical switch that indicates a physical configuration of at least one loudspeaker and adjusts digital signal processing (DSP) tuning parameters automatically based on the voltage or the output of the mechanical switch. The speaker system includes an audio controller that provides an audio input signal to the at least one loudspeaker for audio playback. One or more insertable columns are positioned between the audio controller and the at least one loudspeaker to adjust a distance (or height) between the audio controller and the at least one loudspeaker based on a desired audio output from the at least loudspeaker. In one example, each column may include any number of resistors and various wires to connect to a connector of the at least one loudspeaker. The audio controller measures the voltage across the resistor(s) and also determines whether the at least one loudspeaker is connected to wires of the system. The audio controller adjusts tuning parameters of the at least one loudspeaker based on the number of resistors that are connected (i.e., based on the measured voltage which varies based on the height of the at least one loudspeaker in reference to the audio controller). The number of resistors implemented in the speaker system is based on the overall height of the at least one loudspeaker to the audio controller. As the height increases, the number of resistors increase and the overall resistance increases. Conversely, as the height decreases, the number of resistors that are connected to the audio controller decrease and the overall resistance decreases. In addition, the audio controller mutes the at least one loudspeaker and a bass woofer from playing back the audio input signal if the at least one loudspeaker is disconnected from the audio controller.

<FIG> generally depicts a speaker system <NUM> for automatic DSP adjustment based on a first length in accordance to one embodiment. The system <NUM> generally includes an audio controller <NUM> and a loudspeaker array <NUM>. The number of loudspeakers implemented in the array <NUM> may vary based on the desired criteria of a particular implementation. The audio controller <NUM> is generally configured to transmit an audio input signal to the loudspeaker array <NUM>. The loudspeaker array <NUM> plays back the audio input signal for a user. The loudspeaker array <NUM> may playback the audio input signal at any frequency over <NUM>. For example, the loudspeaker array <NUM> may include any number of tweeters and/or mid-range speakers to playback the audio input signal for the noted frequencies.

The audio controller <NUM> includes at least one loudspeaker <NUM> that may be any number of woofers and play back the audio input signal at frequencies less than <NUM>. A loudspeaker enclosure <NUM> includes the audio controller <NUM> and the at least one loudspeaker <NUM>. The overall height between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> may correspond to a default height in which it is not necessary for the audio controller <NUM> to adjust various DSP related tuning parameters for the loudspeaker array <NUM>. However, the system <NUM> enables a user to adjust the height (or distance) between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM> to accommodate playing back the audio input signal in a larger room or venue. As shown in <FIG>, the user increases the height between the loudspeaker array <NUM> and the loudspeaker enclosure <NUM>. In addition, the user may desire to adjust the height to accommodate for audience location/seating. To this end, <FIG> depicts the speaker system <NUM> in which the user can increase the height between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM> by adding one or more insertable columns (or spacers) <NUM>. For example, the user may insert the column(s) <NUM> between the audio controller <NUM> and loudspeaker array <NUM>. The user also has the option of removing the column(s) <NUM> as desired to return the speaker system <NUM> to its default position for audio playback. The speaker system <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, provides a single column <NUM> between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM>.

<FIG> generally depicts the speaker system <NUM> in which columns 18a and 18b (i.e., multiple columns) are inserted between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM>. As shown, the addition of the columns 18a and 18b increase the height between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM> (or the loudspeaker enclosure <NUM>). It is generally recognized that as the height between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM> changes, tuning parameters may need to be changed to ensure that the loudspeaker array <NUM> properly plays back the audio input signal accordingly in conjunction with the loudspeaker <NUM>. The audio controller <NUM> includes a digital signal processor (not shown) that includes various tuning parameters that can be altered based on the overall height of the loudspeaker array <NUM>. Each column <NUM> includes a first pair of wires 20a - 20b and a second pair of wires 22a -22b. The first wire 20a includes at least one resistor <NUM>. It is recognized that any number of resistor(s) <NUM> may be implemented in a single column <NUM>. The loudspeaker array <NUM> includes a third pair of wires 24a - 24b and a fourth pair of wires 26a - 26b. The audio controller <NUM> is electrically connected to the first, second, third, and fourth pairs of wires 20a - 20b, 22a - 22b, 24a - 24b, and 26a - 26b, respectively. Each column <NUM> may be coupled to one another or to the loudspeaker array <NUM> via a snap and lock arrangement or via interference fit with ends thereof (i.e., ends of the column <NUM>).

The first pair of wires 20a - 20b is electrically connected to the third pair of wires 24a - 24b, respectively, and the second pair of wires 22a - 22b is electrically connected to the fourth pair of wires 26a - 26b, respectively. As shown, the third pair of wires 24a - 24b form a circuit with the first pair of wires 20a - 20b and the audio controller <NUM>. Likewise, the fourth pair of wires 26a - 26b form a circuit with the second pair of wires 22a - 22b. In operation, the audio controller <NUM> measures the voltage across the resistor(s) <NUM> and adjusts various DSP tuning related parameters to account for the height of the loudspeaker array <NUM>. As expected, the measured voltage corresponds to the resistance values of the resistor(s) <NUM> and on an overall resistance of the wires 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, etc. themselves. The overall resistance of the wires 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b may be attributed the type and/or gauge of the wire in addition to the overall height (or length) of these wires with respect to the audio controller <NUM> (or portion of the enclosure <NUM> in which the audio controller <NUM> is positioned). Each column <NUM> may include electrical connectors (not shown) for coupling the various wires 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, etc. For example, the audio controller <NUM> may control parameters such as but not limited to a delay, EQ, parametric parameters, etc. based on the measured voltage (or current) (or measured electrical output) (e.g., the height of the loudspeaker array <NUM>). With the increase in height and the adjustment of tuning parameters, the system <NUM> avoids source separation where the user perceives sound coming from different locales. Instead, the loudspeaker array <NUM> plays back the audio input signal seamlessly with the loudspeaker <NUM> and this may hold true for any height. For example, when the loudspeaker array <NUM> is in its lowest position, the user does not get the impression that the loudspeaker array <NUM> and the loudspeaker <NUM> are competing with one another such as a smearing sound. Rather, there is a nice and smooth blend of the audio between the loudspeaker array <NUM> and the loudspeaker <NUM>.

Thus, depending on the number of columns <NUM> inserted between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM>, the measured voltage across the resistors <NUM> vary accordingly and the audio controller <NUM> adjusts the tuning parameters of the loudspeaker array <NUM> based on measured voltage. This condition is based on the overall height of the loudspeaker array <NUM>. Likewise, when the loudspeaker array <NUM> is electrically disconnected from the audio controller <NUM> (e.g., the wires 26a - 26b are disconnected from either the second pair of wires 22a - 22b or from input pins (not shown) of the audio controller <NUM>), the audio controller <NUM> detects an open circuit condition and ceases to transmit the audio input signal (e.g., mutes the loudspeaker array <NUM>). The audio controller <NUM> also disables transmitting the audio input signal to the loudspeaker <NUM> (or to the woofer(s)) when an open circuit condition is detected.

<FIG> is a more detailed view of the system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, the system <NUM> is in a default position whereby no columns <NUM> are inserted between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM>. <FIG> is a more detailed view of the system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, a single column <NUM> (e.g. a single resistor <NUM>) is inserted between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM>. The insertion of the single column <NUM> between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM> correspond to a first predetermined height and the audio controller <NUM> adjusts the tuning parameters for the loudspeaker array <NUM> to playback the audio input signal based on the first predetermined height (or measured voltage across the resistor <NUM>).

<FIG> is a more detailed view of the system illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, two columns 18a and 18b (e.g., multiple resistors <NUM> are provided in series) are inserted between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM>. The insertion of the two columns 18a and 18b between the audio controller <NUM> and the loudspeaker array <NUM> correspond to a second predetermined height and the audio controller <NUM> adjusts the tuning parameters for the loudspeaker array <NUM> to playback the audio input signal based on the second predetermined height (or measured voltage across the resistors <NUM>). As noted above, when the loudspeaker array <NUM> is removed from the system <NUM>, the audio controller <NUM> detects an open circuit condition and ceases to transmit or provide the audio input signal until the loudspeaker array <NUM> is electrically coupled back to the audio controller <NUM>. The audio controller <NUM> also disables transmitting the audio input signal to the loudspeaker <NUM> (or to the woofer(s)) when an open circuit condition is detected.

<FIG> depicts a more detailed view of the audio controller <NUM>. The audio controller <NUM> includes a microprocessor <NUM>, a rechargeable battery <NUM>, a transceiver <NUM>, the loudspeaker <NUM> (or woofer), a user interface <NUM> and DSP tuning parameters <NUM>. As shown, the microprocessor <NUM> is electrically connected to the various columns 18a and 18b (i.e., resistors <NUM>) and to the loudspeaker array <NUM>. The microprocessor <NUM> generally includes a voltage measurement circuit (not shown) to measure the voltage across the resistor(s) <NUM>. Likewise, the voltage measurement circuit may also detect the open circuit condition in the event the loudspeaker array <NUM> is removed from the system <NUM>.

The transceiver <NUM> enables the audio controller <NUM> to wirelessly receive the audio input signal from another audio source (not shown). In one example, the audio controller <NUM> may wirelessly communicate with the other audio source via Bluetooth, WiFi or other suitable wireless interface. It is recognized that the audio controller <NUM> may also wirelessly transmit the audio input signal to another playback device such as a mobile device, headphone, tablet, etc. The user interface <NUM> includes various switches (not shown) to enable the user to adjust volume, select various channels, bass control, reverb control, treble control, etc. While not shown, the audio controller <NUM> may also include a USB port for charging and/or receiving the audio input signal for playback. It is recognized that the audio controller <NUM> may include any number of channels for mixing different audio signals.

<FIG> generally depicts a method <NUM> for automatic DSP adjustment in accordance to one embodiment. In operation <NUM>, the audio controller <NUM> measures the voltage (or current) across the various pairs of wires 20a - 20b, 22a - 22b, 24a - 24b, and/or 26a - 26b. In the event the column(s) <NUM> are not attached to the loudspeaker array <NUM>, the audio controller <NUM> may measure the voltage (or current) across wires 24a-24b and 26a-26b. In operation <NUM>, the audio controller <NUM> determines whether an open circuit condition is present. If the audio controller <NUM> determines that an open circuit condition is present, then the method <NUM> moves to operation <NUM>. If not, then the method <NUM> moves to operation <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the audio controller <NUM> disables the transmission of the audio input signal to the loudspeaker array <NUM> and to the loudspeaker <NUM> (e.g., mutes the audio playback). n operation <NUM>, the audio controller <NUM> determines whether a voltage drop across the wires 20a - 20b and 24a - 24b is less than a predetermined minimum voltage amount. If the audio controller <NUM> determines that the voltage drop is less than the predetermined minimum voltage amount, then the method <NUM> moves to operation <NUM>. In this case, the height of the loudspeaker array <NUM> has not moved and is in the default position (i.e., none of the columns are coupled to the audio controller <NUM>). If not, then the method <NUM> moves to operation <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the audio controller <NUM> refrains from adjusting any tuning parameters for the loudspeaker array <NUM> as there is no change in the height of the loudspeaker array <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the audio controller <NUM> adjusts tuning parameters based on measured voltage which correspond to a height of the loudspeaker array <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A loudspeaker system (<NUM>) comprising:
a loudspeaker array (<NUM>) configured to playback an audio output in a listening environment and including a third pair of wires (24a - 24b) and a fourth pair of wires (26a - 26b);
an audio controller (<NUM>) configured to provide the audio output to the loudspeaker array (<NUM>); and
one or more insertable columns (<NUM>) being positioned between the audio controller (<NUM>) and the loudspeaker array (<NUM>) to adjust a height of the loudspeaker array (<NUM>) relative to the audio controller (<NUM>), the columns (<NUM>) being electrically connected to the loudspeaker array (<NUM>), wherein
each insertable column (<NUM>) includes a first pair of wires (20a - 20b) electrically connected to the third pair of wires (24a - 24b), and a second pair of wires (22a - 22b) electrically connected to the fourth pair of wires (26a - 26b), wherein a first wire (20a) of the first pair of wires (20a - 20b) includes at least one resistor (<NUM>),
the audio controller (<NUM>) is electrically coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth pairs of wires (20a - 20b, 22a - 22b, 24a - 24b, 26a - 26b) such that the third pair of wires (24a - 24b) form a circuit with the first pair of wires (20a - 20b) and the audio controller (<NUM>), and the fourth pair of wires (26a - 26b) form a circuit with the second pair of wires (22a - 22b) and the audio controller (<NUM>),
the audio controller (<NUM>) is further configured to measure an electrical voltage across the at least one resistor (<NUM>) for each insertable column (<NUM>), wherein the measured voltage depends on the number of columns (<NUM>) inserted between the audio controller (<NUM>) and the loudspeaker array (<NUM>), and
the audio controller (<NUM>) is further configured to adjust tuning parameters of the audio output based on the measured voltage.