Patent Description:
Loudspeakers are usually configured for operation in a fixed position with one speaker configuration. One type of loudspeaker is a soundbar that projects audio from a wide enclosure. Soundbars can enhance audio experience but often suffer from limited acoustic output. The limited acoustic output may be especially relevant during periods of maximum desired loudness. In addition, conventional loudspeaker soundbars can be limited in terms of design and flexibility due to the type of enclosure. Attempts to rectify these issues often stall based on the constraints of packaging and footprint size. There exists a desire for loudspeaker and soundbar configurations that allow for improved and selectable acoustic output.

Document <CIT> discloses an audio device comprising: a casing rotatable about an axis between a first orientation and a second orientation different from the first orientation; an orientation input device disposed on the casing to enable determination of an orientation of the casing relative to the direction of the force of gravity; a first acoustic driver disposed on the casing and having a first direction of maximum acoustic radiation; a second acoustic driver disposed on the casing and having a second direction of maximum acoustic radiation; and wherein: the first direction of maximum acoustic radiation is not parallel to the second direction of maximum acoustic radiation; a sound is acoustically output by the first acoustic driver in response to the casing being in the first orientation; and the sound is acoustically output by the second acoustic driver in response to the casing being in the second orientation.

Document <CIT> discloses system for mounting a speaker unit. The system containing a surface mounting bracket including at least one attaching feature and a speaker unit. The speaker unit comprises at least one audio speaker and a semi-circular shaped surface. The shaped surface defines a plurality of angularly spaced apart receiving features. The plurality of angularly spaced apart receiving features are adapted for removably engaging said at least one attaching feature. In another embodiment, a speaker mounting system contains a detachable base stand having at least one base attaching feature and a speaker unit defines a plurality of angularly spaced apart receiving features. The plurality of angularly spaced apart receiving features are adapted for removably engaging said at least one base attaching feature.

The present invention provides a loudspeaker according to claim <NUM>. One embodiment is directed to a loudspeaker including a housing structure having a first face and a second face, the first face and second face of the housing are between a first and second end. The loudspeaker includes a first speaker configuration arranged on the first face, and a second speaker configuration arranged on the second face. The loudspeaker further includes at least one actuator configured to rotate the housing structure to position the first face and the second face and thereby direct at least one of the first speaker configuration and the second speaker configuration for output of audio. The loudspeaker further comprises a controller to operate at least one of the first speaker configuration and the second speaker configuration for output of audio based on a position of the first face and the second face.

In one embodiment, the housing structure is an elongated housing assembly having at least one of a triangular, square, rectangular and multi-sided cross sectional profile.

In one embodiment, the first speaker configuration and the second speaker configuration each include a plurality of speakers, and wherein the first speaker configuration includes at least one of a different number of speakers, different speaker placement and different speaker type in comparison to the second speaker configuration.

In one embodiment, the housing structure rotates relative to the first and second ends.

In one embodiment, the housing structure rotates with the first and second ends.

In one embodiment, the housing structure is rotatably mounted to the first and second ends.

In one embodiment, the loudspeaker includes at least one bracket mounted to the first and second end.

In one embodiment, the bracket is an elongated bar extending along a portion of the housing structure.

In one embodiment, the bracket is mounted to at least one of outer surfaces of the first and second ends, support elements of the first and second ends and notched channels of the first and second ends.

In one embodiment, the loudspeaker includes a drive unit to rotate the housing structure.

In one embodiment, the housing structure includes an elongated triangular structure.

In one embodiment, the housing structure rotates relative to first and second end units.

In one embodiment, the housing structure rotates with first and second end units.

In one embodiment, front facing speakers are controlled as the primary source of audio output while at least one back facing speaker that is pointed away from the primary listener is configured to isolate off-axis response and create acoustic isolation.

In one embodiment, the loudspeaker includes at least one bracket mounted to a first and second end of the housing structure.

In one embodiment, the housing structure is configured to rotate along a central axis of the loudspeaker to position one of the first speaker configuration and the first speaker configuration in a forward facing direction.

Other aspects, features, and techniques will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art in view of the following detailed description of the embodiments.

The features, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:.

One aspect of the disclosure is directed to a rotating loudspeaker assembly that can be rotated or moved to adjust the desired loudspeaker architecture based on which face of the loudspeaker is presented to the user. Embodiments are discussed herein for one or more loudspeaker architectures. By way of example, a triangular, rectangular, or other multi-sided shape may be employed for a housing structure. In one embodiment, one or more of faces of the housing structure can be loaded with different speaker configurations. In certain embodiments, the entire assembly can then rotate to present one face, and thus, a certain speaker configuration to the listener. According to one embodiment, different faces can be optimized for different acoustic technologies including but not limited to loudspeaker array processing similar to DIRAC Panorama, crosstalk cancellation, or phase-related signal processing, point-source architecture, or other technologies. Additionally, the prism faces that are pointed away from the primary listener can be optimized to enhance or isolate off-axis response and create acoustic isolation. Furthermore, the prism faces pointed away from the listener can be used for audio reproduction targeted to an additional non-primary listener group.

Embodiments of the disclosure allow for multiple types of acoustic optimization in an efficient packaging envelope familiarly known as a "soundbar. " References to soundbars herein in may relate to a "sound bar," media bar, or other type of loudspeaker that projects audio from a wide enclosure.

Embodiments are directed to loudspeaker configurations and components. According to the invention, a loudspeaker includes a housing structure, a first speaker configuration and a second speaker configuration. According to the invention, a first speaker configuration is arranged on a first face and a second speaker configuration is arranged on a second face of the housing structure. The housing structure is configured to rotate to direct at least one of the first speaker configuration and the second speaker configuration for output of audio.

According to another embodiment, a loudspeaker includes a housing structure having an elongated triangular structure, a first speaker configuration arranged on the first face of the housing structure and a second speaker configuration on the second face of the housing structure. According to the invention, the loudspeaker includes an actuator configured to rotate the housing structure to direct at least one of the first speaker configuration and the second speaker configuration for output of audio. The loudspeaker includes a controller to operate at least one of the first speaker configuration and the second speaker configuration for output of audio based on position of the housing structure.

Although loudspeaker configurations are discussed herein with respect to soundbar applications, it should be appreciated that the loudspeaker and sound bar configurations discussed herein may be applied to other devices and for additional applications.

As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" shall mean one or more than one. The term "plurality" shall mean two or more than two. The term "another" is defined as a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having" are open ended (e.g., comprising). The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" means "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

Reference throughout this document to "one embodiment," "certain embodiments," "an embodiment," or similar term means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner on one or more embodiments without limitation.

<FIG> depict a loudspeaker according to one or more embodiments. Referring first to <FIG>, loudspeaker <NUM> includes housing structure <NUM> having a plurality of faces. According to one embodiment, housing structure <NUM> also supports a plurality of speaker configurations for loudspeaker <NUM>. Housing structure <NUM> may be an elongated housing assembly having at least one of a triangular, square, rectangular and multi-sided cross sectional profile.

<FIG> shows face <NUM> of housing structure <NUM> having speaker configuration <NUM>. Speaker configuration <NUM> is mounted to housing structure <NUM> to output audio. According to one embodiment, housing structure <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. Face <NUM> of housing structure <NUM> is located between first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. <FIG> depicts face <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM>. Loudspeaker <NUM> allows for multiple soundbar speaker topologies in only one footprint. Compared to existing devices, loudspeaker <NUM> enhances performance, flexibility, and industrial design opportunities.

According to the invention, housing structure <NUM> is configured to rotate to direct at least one of the first speaker configuration <NUM> and a second speaker configuration (not shown in <FIG>) for output of audio. Rotation may include rotation of housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, rotation of loudspeaker <NUM> includes rotation of housing structure <NUM> with first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an exemplary arrangement for speaker configuration <NUM>. As shown, speaker arrangement <NUM> includes five (<NUM>) speaker sections having twelve (<NUM>) speakers total. Speaker sections <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> include three, six and three speakers, respectively, which may all includes speakers of the footprint. Speaker sections <NUM> and <NUM> include two speakers each, which may be larger than sections <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Speaker arrangement <NUM> may be configured to provide an acoustic output configuration. Speaker arrangement <NUM> may provide a first speaker topology.

<FIG> depicts face <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM> and speaker configuration <NUM>. Speaker arrangement <NUM> includes three (<NUM>) speaker sections having nine (<NUM>) speakers total. Speaker sections <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> include three speakers each, which may all includes speakers of the footprint. Speaker sections <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> each include two tweeter speakers and one low frequency speaker. As such, speaker arrangement <NUM> and speaker arrangement <NUM> may be configured to include at least one of a different number of speakers, different speaker placement and different speaker type in comparison to each other. Speaker arrangement <NUM> may be configured to provide an acoustic output configuration different from speaker configuration <NUM>. Speaker arrangement <NUM> may provide a second speaker topology for loudspeaker <NUM>.

As will be discussed herein below, loudspeaker <NUM> may be rotated. In addition, loudspeaker elements may be controlled based on the position of arrangement of the loudspeaker.

<FIG> depicts a process for operation of a loudspeaker according to one or more embodiments. Process <NUM> may be initiated by receiving a control command at block <NUM>. Control commands may be received by a controller of the loudspeaker. In one embodiment, control commands at block <NUM> may be a power on command or output command to direct a loudspeaker (e.g., loudspeaker <NUM>) to output audio. Accordingly, a controller the loudspeaker may control output at block <NUM> in response to the control command. In certain embodiments, output at block <NUM> may be to output audio using only the speaker configuration of the front face of the loudspeaker. In other embodiments, speakers of one or more speaker configurations may be controlled. By way of example, the front facing speaker configuration may be controlled as the primary source of audio output while one or more back facing speakers may be controlled entirely or selectively to output audio. As such, faces of the loudspeaker that are pointed away from the primary listener can be optimized to enhance or isolate off-axis response and create acoustic isolation. Furthermore, the loudspeaker faces pointed away from the listener can be used for audio reproduction targeted to an additional non-primary listener group.

Process <NUM> may optionally position the loudspeaker that block <NUM>. The loudspeaker may be controlled to change the face or position of the soundbar and thus, change a speaker configuration for audio output.

<FIG> depicts a graphical representation of a loudspeaker according to one or more embodiments. Loudspeaker <NUM> is a simplified representation of loudspeaker elements, such as loudspeaker <NUM> and loudspeakers discussed herein. In one embodiment, loudspeaker <NUM> includes controller <NUM>, a plurality of loudspeaker configurations <NUM><NUM>-n, and an actuator <NUM> to position the loudspeaker faces. In certain embodiments, loudspeaker <NUM> may optionally receive control commands from an external control unit <NUM> by way of wired or wireless communication. Loudspeaker configurations <NUM><NUM>-n may each relate to a face of the loudspeaker.

Controller <NUM> may be a processor or controller including memory to store code for operation of loudspeaker <NUM> and to control activation of one or more of Loudspeaker configurations <NUM><NUM>-n. Actuator <NUM> may relate to one or more of a mechanical, electrical and electro mechanical drive unit to rotation a loudspeaker. Loudspeaker <NUM> may also include one or more structural elements such as bearings and mounts that may interact with actuator <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a graphical representation of a loudspeaker according to one or more embodiments. Loudspeaker <NUM> is depicted including an elongated triangular housing <NUM> having a plurality of faces and speaker configurations. According to one embodiment housing structure <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM> interfaces with two ends <NUM>, such that housing structure <NUM> rotates relative to the ends <NUM>. Rotation may be along an axis of loudspeaker <NUM> such as a central axis <NUM> and rotation may be in one or more directions, such as direction <NUM> (e.g., counter clockwise rotation) and direction <NUM> (e.g., clockwise rotation). Loudspeaker <NUM> may allow for complete rotations and/or partial rotation of housing structure <NUM>. According to one embodiment, ends <NUM> may be static during rotation and mounted to one or more of a stand, bracket, mount, etc..

<FIG> depict graphical representations of loudspeaker positioning according to one or more embodiments. According to one or more embodiments, loudspeakers may be rotated to one or more positions. <FIG> depict loudspeaker <NUM> including a triangular cross section. <FIG> depicts a neutral position according to one or more embodiments. In the neutral position, face <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM> and speaker elements <NUM> are the forward facing elements <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a position of loudspeaker rotated up (e.g., <NUM>°) according to one or more embodiments. In the rotated up position, face <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM> and speaker elements <NUM> are now backward and up facing elements of loudspeaker <NUM>. Face <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM> is now the forward facing element <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a position of loudspeaker rotated down (e.g., <NUM>°) according to one or more embodiments. In the rotated down position, face <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM> and speaker elements <NUM> are backward and down facing elements of loudspeaker <NUM>. Face <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM> is now the forward facing element <NUM>. In certain embodiment, resting rotation positions may be based on the number of sides of the loudspeaker housing.

<FIG> depict graphical representations of loudspeaker positions according to one or more embodiments. <FIG> depict rotation of a loudspeaker the housing structure is rotatably mounted to the first and second ends. In <FIG>, loudspeaker <NUM> includes a face of housing structure <NUM> having speaker configuration <NUM> between ends <NUM>. In <FIG>, loudspeaker <NUM> includes a face having speaker configuration <NUM> between ends <NUM>. In <FIG>, loudspeaker <NUM> includes a face having a plate configuration <NUM> between ends <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, loudspeaker <NUM> includes a rotatable center portion. The center portion of the housing structure <NUM> rotates while ends <NUM> are static. According to one embodiment, ends <NUM> may include a drive unit to rotate housing structure <NUM>. One of ends <NUM> may include a motor and gearbox, while the other includes bearings and cabling according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment, loudspeaker elements discussed herein may be mounted to at least one of outer surfaces of the first and second ends, support elements of the first and second ends and notched channels of the first and second ends.

<FIG> depict graphical representations of a loudspeaker bracket according to one or more embodiments. In <FIG>, loudspeaker <NUM> includes housing structure <NUM>, ends <NUM> and bracket <NUM>. Instead of mounting each end of loudspeaker <NUM> separately, a single bracket, such as bracket <NUM> may joint to two static ends <NUM>. As such, housing structure <NUM> rotates within the first and second ends <NUM>. Bracket <NUM> is one bracket or an elongated bar extending along a portion of the housing structure mounted to the ends <NUM>. In <FIG>, a portion of loudspeaker <NUM> is shown. According to one embodiment, each end shown by <NUM> may include a mounting structure <NUM> to be coupled to a bracket (e.g., bracket <NUM>) or other surface.

<FIG> depicts a graphical representation of a loudspeaker mounting configuration according to one or more embodiments. Loudspeaker <NUM> is configured to rotate such that ends of the housing structure rotate with the rest of the sound bar. In <FIG>, loudspeaker <NUM> includes housing structure <NUM>, ends <NUM> and bracket <NUM>. Ends <NUM> include cut outs <NUM> and <NUM> to receive bracket <NUM>. As such, housing structure <NUM> rotates with the first and second ends <NUM>.

<FIG> depict graphical representations of a loudspeaker mounting configuration according to one or more embodiments. Loudspeaker <NUM> is configured for rotation relative to an axis of revolution at both ends of a bracket. In <FIG>, loudspeaker <NUM> includes housing structure <NUM>, ends <NUM> and bracket <NUM>. According to one embodiment, bracket <NUM> is mounted to at least one of outer surfaces of the first and second ends <NUM>. In <FIG>, a portion of loudspeaker <NUM> is shown. According to one embodiment, each end shown by <NUM> may include a mounting point <NUM> to be coupled to a bracket (e.g., bracket <NUM>) or other structure.

<FIG> depict graphical representations of a loudspeaker soundbar configuration according to one or more embodiments. According to one embodiment loudspeakers as discussed herein may be associated with one or more multi-sided housing configurations. <FIG> depicts a representation of a loudspeaker housing structure <NUM> including a square cross sectional configuration having rounded edges. Housing structure <NUM> includes sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> which may each include a different speaker configuration or arrangement. <FIG> depicts a representation of a loudspeaker housing structure <NUM> including a five-sided cross sectional configuration having pointed edges. Housing structure <NUM> includes sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> which may each include a different speaker configuration or arrangement.

Claim 1:
A loudspeaker (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing structure (<NUM>) having a first face and a second face, wherein the first face and second face of the housing (<NUM>) are between a first and second end (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first speaker configuration (<NUM>) arranged on the first face;
a second speaker configuration arranged on the second face;
an actuator configured to rotate the housing structure (<NUM>) to position the first face and the second face and thereby direct at least one of the first speaker configuration (<NUM>) and the second speaker configuration for output of audio; and
a controller (<NUM>) to operate at least one of the first speaker configuration and the second speaker configuration for output of audio based on a position of the first face and the second face.