Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a speaker device including a body and a speaker panel assembly, the speaker panel assembly is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration the speaker panel assembly is displaced relative to the body, and in the closed configuration the speaker panel assembly is retracted into the body.

Furthermore, <CIT> discloses a docking platform comprising a docking accessory cavity having a docking connection system comprising one or more docking connectors formed within the cavity. The cavity is shaped to accommodate an assembly with expandable accordions attached to the docking platform. As an example, a set of speaker accessories may be used in conjunction with the accordions to provide a mobile electronic device with two docked speaker accessories, in partially expanded modes, resting on one edge of the device and one edge each of speaker accessory bodies. This extension configuration is useful for holding the device in a near-vertical position without blocking the speaker accessories.

Additionally, <CIT> discloses an audio accessory comprising a speaker panel configured to be affixed to a media device such as a tablet computer, smartphone, and so forth. The speaker panel includes one or more speakers configured to provide audio output for the media device. The speaker panel may be configured to fold and act as a stand for the media device as well. In some implementations, the speakers may be detachable from the speaker panel.

Moreover, <CIT> discloses a speaker case for a mobile device with a speaker and a protective shell into which the mobile device can be inserted. The protective shell has a rear wall and at least one side wall with an opening for the speaker, a plate-shaped component, which is fastened to the protective shell so as to pivot about a first pivot axis. The speaker case further comprises at least one second plate-shaped component which is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis on the first plate-shaped component. The pivot axes are preferably perpendicular to each other, wherein the protective shell has a sound channel from the opening for the speaker to the rear wall of the protective shell.

Finally, <CIT> discloses a method and portable terminal for automatically controlling an output volume of audio output of a head phone when the head phone is connected to a portable terminal are provided. The method of controlling an audio output in a portable terminal, includes outputting a test audio signal to a head phone for a preset playback time when the head phone is connected to the portable terminal; collecting neighboring noise interval information and impedance interval information of the head phone while the test audio signal is output to the head phone; determining impedance of the head phone based on the neighboring noise interval information and the impedance interval information; determining a gain of an audio signal based on the determined impedance; and amplifying the audio signal in proportion to the determined gain, and outputting the amplified audio signal to the head phone.

The present invention is directed to an electronic device as defined in claim <NUM> and a method as defined in claim <NUM>. The electronic device comprises a display and an expandable enclosure positioned opposite the display. The expandable enclosure is operable between at least a closed configuration and an open configuration, such that in the open configuration, the expandable enclosure defines faces of a resonance box. One or more speakers include a speaker cone and a drive magnet assembly. Each of the one or more speakers is positioned on an outer surface of the expandable enclosure and oriented so that the drive magnet assembly faces an interior of the resonance box, and so that the speaker cone faces an exterior of the resonance box. In this way, the electronic device gains the benefit of amplifying audio via the resonance box without adding significantly to the device volume or requiring an auxiliary speaker system.

Portable electronic devices are widely used in daily life. To increase portability, the manufacturers often attempt to provide the maximum functionality of the device with lowest attainable size and weight. As a result, the electronic devices may be extremely thin, and thus may have limited space in which to install and support hi-fidelity audio components. Small, thin speakers may result in poor-quality, tinny sounding audio output that distorts easily with increased volume. In particular, audio generated without bass frequencies is strident and has no depth. The lack of a resonance box in such devices means that the audio will suffer from attenuation at low frequencies, providing the user with a poor audio experience.

Numerous solutions to this problem have been proposed, but each has its own limitations. The electronic device may be connected to an external speaker system (typically a digital speaker) using wired or wireless connections. However, this decreases the portability of the electronic device by requiring the user to bring additional componentry for audio features. In some examples, the power (e.g., Wattage) of the electronic device's internal amplifier and speaker may be increased. This may result in a modest increase in low frequency output, but is not efficient, wasting power and chassis space, while increasing the weight of the device.

In some examples, more efficient speakers may be applied, though this solution is limited and may increase production costs. The speakers may be paired with a Class D amplifier which has I/V sensing capability and a digital signal processing system. Such a system may amplify the low frequencies to the maximum peak allowed by the speaker, at the digital level. However, the speaker still lacks a resonance box with which to generate low frequency soundwaves, and thus may still be prone to distorting.

Herein, numerous examples are provided that selectively create a space within the footprint of portable devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. that may be used as a resonance box or subwoofer. By placing speakers on the resonance box, low frequencies may be efficiently amplified, achieving significant audio boosting. This enables the portable electronic device to be used as a music box, thus enabling a user to listen to high quality audio, generate high fidelity audio conferencing, etc. The resonance box may fold into to a housing or case of the portable electronic device, allowing for an audio system that takes advantage of the features of the device (e.g., internet connectivity, applications, data storage, etc.) without compromising portability.

<FIG> depict an example electronic device <NUM>. Electronic device includes a display <NUM> that is physically and communicatively coupled to an input module <NUM> via a flexible hinge <NUM>. Input module <NUM> is shown as including an input portion that includes a keyboard <NUM> having a QWERTY arrangement of keys and track pad <NUM> although other arrangements are also contemplated. Further, other non-conventional configurations are also contemplated, such as a game controller, a configuration to mimic a musical instrument, and so forth. Thus, the input module <NUM> and keys incorporated by the input module <NUM> may assume a variety of different configurations to support a variety of different functionality. Display <NUM> may be configured as a touch-sensitive display, and may thus be configured to identify touch gestures and cause operations to be performed that correspond to the touch gestures.

Flexible hinge <NUM> may be included in a device housing <NUM> that may be positioned around at least the rear of display <NUM> and around input module <NUM>. Other components may be housed within device housing <NUM>, such as an energy storage device <NUM>, a logic machine, a storage machine, communication components, etc. Electronic device <NUM> includes a pair of speakers <NUM>. In this example, speakers <NUM> are shown coupled to input module <NUM>, but in other configurations, speakers <NUM> may be positioned elsewhere, such as on a bezel <NUM> or outer edge of display <NUM>. While two speakers are shown, more or fewer speakers may be included. Although speakers <NUM> are depicted as round speakers, other shapes and configurations may be used. Speaker drivers for speakers <NUM>, display <NUM>, aspects of input module <NUM>, and/or other components of electronic device <NUM> may be powered via energy storage device <NUM>.

The flexible hinge <NUM> may be flexible in that rotational movement supported by the hinge is achieved through flexing (eg. , bending) of the material forming the hinge. Further, this flexible rotation may support movement in one or more directions (e.g., vertically) yet restrict movement in other directions, such as lateral movement of the input module <NUM> in relation to the display <NUM>. This may be used to support consistent alignment of the input module <NUM> in relation to the display <NUM>. Additionally, rotational movement, may be supported by flexible hinge <NUM> such that the input module <NUM> may be placed against display <NUM> of electronic device <NUM> and thereby act as a cover.

Flexible hinge <NUM> may house componentry, such as flex circuitry and cables, connecting input module <NUM> with display <NUM>. In some examples, input module <NUM>, display <NUM>, flexible hinge <NUM> and device housing <NUM> may be configured as a single device. In other examples, display <NUM> may be reversibly detachable from input module <NUM>. For example, display <NUM> may be a tablet computer. In such examples, flexible hinge <NUM> may include a plurality of connectors, which may be used to physically and communicatively couple input module <NUM> to an external electronic device, such as display <NUM>. Flexible hinge <NUM> may thus be used to house components and circuitry of input module <NUM>, and may further provide a magnetic and/or physical anchoring point for allowing input module <NUM> and display <NUM> to be used akin to a laptop form function as shown.

<FIG> shows a profile view of electronic device <NUM> in one usage conformation, such as a typing orientation. As shown, input module <NUM> and flexible hinge <NUM> lay on a support surface <NUM> (dashed line). This conformation allows viewing of display <NUM>, which may be maintained at a viewing angle through the deposition of kickstand <NUM> against support surface <NUM>. Kickstand <NUM> may be disposed on a backing <NUM> of device housing <NUM>, where backing <NUM> is located opposite the display surface of display <NUM>. In some examples, kickstand <NUM> may be employed as a support component to enable a variety of different orientations and usage conformations for electronic device <NUM>.

Kickstand <NUM> may be rotatably connected to backing <NUM> of device housing <NUM> via one or more hinges <NUM>. Kickstand <NUM> may be movable between at least an open configuration (as shown in <FIG>) and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, kickstand <NUM> may support display <NUM> when resting on support surface <NUM>. In the closed configuration, kickstand <NUM> may be configured to be flush with backing <NUM>, for example by rotating into recess <NUM> of backing <NUM>.

In some examples, kickstand <NUM> may be operable only between the closed and open configurations (e.g., via rotational movement <NUM>). In such examples, hinge <NUM> may stop rotation of kickstand <NUM> at a predetermined maximum angle. However, in other examples, kickstand <NUM> may be operable to one or more intermediate configurations between the closed and open configurations so as to allow a user to customize the usage conformation of electronic device <NUM>. Intermediate configurations may be accessed over a continuum (e.g., using a friction based hinge mechanism) or at discrete intervals. In some examples, movement of kickstand <NUM> from the closed configuration to the open configuration and/or any intermediate configurations may be driven by one or more motors, springs, and/or other automated mechanisms.

When kickstand <NUM> is in an open (or intermediate) configuration, an expandable enclosure <NUM> is generated. In this depiction, expandable enclosure <NUM> is defined by support surface <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, and backing <NUM>. These three faces are all rigid or semi-rigid, and create a space beneath electronic device <NUM> that can be exploited to boost the audio capabilities of electronic device <NUM> if a microspeaker is attached to expandable enclosure <NUM> and the open sides are closed off to generate a sealed or semi-sealed volume. Expandable enclosure <NUM> may then be utilized as a resonance box, in particular for bass frequencies.

As an example, <FIG> shows an electronic device <NUM> including an expandable enclosure <NUM>. Electronic device <NUM> includes display <NUM>, input module <NUM>, flexible hinge <NUM>, device housing <NUM>, device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, hinge <NUM>, and other components described with regard to electronic device <NUM>.

In this example, expandable enclosure <NUM> includes device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, and hinge <NUM>, as well as first collapsible sidewall <NUM> and second collapsible sidewall <NUM> (occluded by kickstand <NUM> in <FIG>). First and second collapsible sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> are attached to and/or sealed against both kickstand <NUM> and device backing <NUM>. In a closed configuration, such as when kickstand <NUM> is folded into device backing <NUM>, collapsible sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> are flattened between kickstand <NUM> and device backing <NUM>. For example, first collapsible sidewall <NUM> and second collapsible sidewall <NUM> may be stowed into a recess <NUM> of device backing <NUM>. Examples configurations for collapsible sidewalls are described herein and with regard to <FIG>.

First collapsible sidewall <NUM> and second collapsible sidewall <NUM> may be fabricated from any suitable, rigid or semi-rigid material, such as rigid plastic, metal, composite material, etc. First collapsible sidewall <NUM> and second collapsible sidewall <NUM> may be designed such that, when in the open configuration, the volume of expandable enclosure <NUM> is maintained within a threshold of a predetermined volume.

Device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, and second collapsible sidewall <NUM> define four faces of resonance box <NUM>. In this example, the fifth face of resonance box <NUM> is defined by support surface <NUM>. Support surface <NUM> may be a table, desktop, or other rigid surface capable of forming a substantially airtight seal with expandable enclosure <NUM>, and further capable of maintaining a resonance within a threshold of constancy over time. In other examples, such as the example described herein with regard to <FIG>, the fifth side of a resonance box may be defined by an additional collapsible wall. In order to form a substantially airtight seal, the edges of device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, and second collapsible sidewall <NUM> that face support surface <NUM> may be lined with gaskets, suction seals, or other suitable sealing mechanisms.

Resonance box <NUM> may be utilized as a speaker, subwoofer, or other acoustic resonator when paired with one or more speakers <NUM>. Speaker <NUM> may be a micro speaker, such as those commonly used in mobile phones and other electronic devices. Micro speakers offer an advantage in that they are relatively thin, and thus may not add significant depth to the sides of resonance box <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, speaker <NUM> is located on a face of kickstand <NUM>. Speaker <NUM> may be oriented so that a drive magnet assembly (not shown) faces an interior of resonance box <NUM>, and so that a speaker cone <NUM> faces an exterior of resonance box <NUM>. Electronic device <NUM> is shown with one speaker <NUM>, but in other examples, multiple speakers may be included. Although depicted herein as a traditional speaker assembly including a cone and drive magnet, other speaker types may also be used, such as piezoelectric speakers and Micro ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) speakers, for example.

<FIG> shows one such example. <FIG> shows an electronic device <NUM> including an expandable enclosure <NUM>. Electronic device <NUM> includes display <NUM>, input module <NUM>, flexible hinge <NUM>, device housing <NUM>, device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, hinge <NUM>, recess <NUM>, and other components described with regard to electronic device <NUM>. Electronic device <NUM> further includes a first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, second collapsible sidewall <NUM> (occluded by, and positioned opposite first collapsible sidewall <NUM>). Faces of a resonance box <NUM> are defined by device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, second collapsible sidewall <NUM>, and support surface <NUM>. In this example, a first speaker <NUM> is placed on first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, and a second speaker (not shown) is placed on second collapsible sidewall <NUM>.

Speakers positioned on a resonance box, such as speakers <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to and driven by an amplifier within the parent electronic device. As an example, a drive amplifier may be a class D amplifier or other relatively thin amplifier that offers high efficiency speaker driving. Such amplifiers may be positioned outside of the expandable enclosure, such as within a display, such as display <NUM>, within an input module, such as input module <NUM>. Wires may be routed between the amplifier and the speaker, through the device housing. Such wiring may be relatively thin, but may be relatively wide in order to carry enough current to drive the speaker(s). However, in some examples, the amplifier may be positioned within the expandable enclosure, provided the amplifier is thin enough to be encased within one of the faces of the enclosure. In examples where class D amplifiers are used, placing the amplifier relatively close to the speaker(s) may enable a filterless connection, thus reducing manufacturing costs and complexity without increasing electromagnetic interference (EMI). If the speaker and amplifier are further apart, a filter may be used to reduce the occurrence of electromagnetic interference. For other amplifier types, such as class A and class AB, the amplifier and speaker(s) may be connected without a filter there between.

If two or more speakers are provided, the amplifier may provide each speaker with the same signal, or may provide them with different signals (e.g., stereo). In examples wherein the electronic device includes built-in speakers, (e.g., speakers <NUM>), the built-in speakers may be designated as high-frequency speakers, while the speaker(s) positioned on the resonance box may be designated as low-frequency speakers. In other words, high-frequency components of audio signals may be sent to the built-in speakers, and low-frequency components of audio signals may be sent to the speaker(s) positioned on the resonance box. However, a user may be provided with the option to bypass the built-in speakers, and thus both high and low frequency audio signals may be provided to the speaker(s) positioned on the resonance box.

In examples where two or more speakers are provided, a dividing wall or other means of isolating each speaker may also be provided. In some examples, the dividing wall may be a collapsible dividing wall. In some examples, the collapsible dividing wall may be selectively deployed. For example the collapsible dividing wall may be deployed when operating the speaker(s) positioned on the resonance box in a stereo mode, but may not be deployed when operating the speaker(s) positioned on the resonance box as a mono subwoofer. Additionally or alternatively, other resonance features and topography may be provided on the interior faces of the kickstand, device backing, sidewalls, etc..

<FIG> shows an example electronic device <NUM> having one configuration for collapsible sidewalls. Electronic device <NUM> includes an expandable enclosure <NUM>, display <NUM>, input module <NUM>, flexible hinge <NUM>, device housing <NUM>, device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, hinge <NUM>, recess <NUM>, and other components described with regard to electronic device <NUM>. Electronic device <NUM> further includes a first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, second collapsible sidewall <NUM> (occluded by, and positioned opposite first collapsible sidewall <NUM>). Faces of a resonance box <NUM> are defined by device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, second collapsible sidewall <NUM>, and support surface <NUM>. In this example, speaker <NUM> is placed on kickstand <NUM>.

In this example, first collapsible sidewall <NUM> is configured as a single, hinged flap. First collapsible sidewall <NUM> has three sides, first side <NUM>, second side <NUM>, and third side <NUM>. First side <NUM> may be coupled to device backing <NUM> via a hinge or other suitable mechanism. In a closed configuration, first collapsible sidewall <NUM> may thus fold into recess <NUM>. In an open configuration, first collapsible sidewall <NUM> may fold outward from recess <NUM>, so that second side <NUM> mates with kickstand <NUM>, and so that third side <NUM> is flush against support surface <NUM>. When both first collapsible sidewall <NUM> and second collapsible sidewall <NUM> are deployed into an open conformation, resonance box <NUM> may be formed.

In some examples, first collapsible sidewall <NUM> and/or second collapsible sidewall <NUM> may include one or more speakers. In such examples, the collapsible sidewalls may include electronics (e.g., speaker wires), either internally and/or externally. In some examples, the collapsible sidewalls may include electronics even in the absence of speakers. For example, speaker wires may traverse the sidewall en route to speaker <NUM>. In such an example, second side <NUM> may include one or more electronic connectors configured to mate with corresponding electronic connectors on kickstand <NUM>.

In other examples, the collapsible sidewalls may be hinged at second side <NUM> and configured to stow within kickstand <NUM> in a closed configuration. In yet other examples, the collapsible sidewalls may be fully detachable and storable within device housing <NUM>. Electronic connectors may be provided on one or more sides of the collapsible sidewalls where appropriate.

<FIG> shows another example electronic device <NUM> having an additional configuration for collapsible sidewalls. Electronic device <NUM> includes an expandable enclosure <NUM>, display <NUM>, input module <NUM>, flexible hinge <NUM>, device housing <NUM>, device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, hinge <NUM>, recess <NUM>, and other components described with regard to electronic device <NUM>. Electronic device <NUM> further includes a first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, second collapsible sidewall <NUM> (occluded by and positioned opposite first collapsible sidewall <NUM>). Faces of a resonance box <NUM> are defined by device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, second collapsible sidewall <NUM>, and support surface <NUM>. In this example, speaker <NUM> is placed on kickstand <NUM>.

In this example, first collapsible sidewall <NUM> is depicted as an accordion flap with a plurality of folds <NUM>. First collapsible sidewall <NUM> has a first side <NUM> that may be coupled to device backing <NUM>, and a second side <NUM> that may be coupled to kickstand <NUM>. In a closed conformation, folds <NUM> may be flattened between kickstand <NUM> and device backing <NUM>. Folds <NUM> may stretch into an open configuration such that first collapsible sidewall <NUM> may be flush with support surface <NUM>. In some examples, folds <NUM> may flatten in the open conformation so that first collapsible sidewall <NUM> is planar. However, in some examples first collapsible sidewall <NUM> may retain some topography in the open conformation. Folds <NUM> may enable resonance boxes to be formed at a plurality of kickstand angles, including a fully open conformation and one or more intermediate conformations.

<FIG> shows yet another example electronic device <NUM> having an additional configuration for collapsible sidewalls. Electronic device <NUM> includes an expandable enclosure <NUM>, display <NUM>, input module <NUM>, flexible hinge <NUM>, device housing <NUM>, device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, hinge <NUM>, recess <NUM>, and other components described with regard to electronic device <NUM>. Electronic device <NUM> further includes a first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, second collapsible sidewall <NUM> (occluded by kickstand <NUM>, and positioned opposite first collapsible sidewall <NUM>). Faces of a resonance box <NUM> are defined by device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, second collapsible sidewall <NUM>, and support surface <NUM>. In this example, speaker <NUM> is placed on kickstand <NUM>.

In this example, first collapsible sidewall <NUM> is depicted as a foldable flap with two sub-flaps <NUM> and <NUM>. First sub-flap <NUM> is coupled to kickstand <NUM> on a first side and to second sub-flap <NUM> on a second side. Second sub-flap <NUM> is coupled to device backing <NUM> on a first side and to first sub-flap <NUM> on a second side. In a closed conformation, the outer faces of first sub-flap <NUM> and second sub-flap <NUM> fold onto each other as they become flattened between kickstand <NUM> and device backing <NUM>. In an open conformation, first sub-flap <NUM> and second sub-flap <NUM> fold outward to generate a planar face of first collapsible sidewall <NUM> that is flush with support surface <NUM>.

In some examples, first sub-flap <NUM> and second sub-flap <NUM> may be identical, or may be mirror images of each other. In other examples, first sub-flap <NUM> and second sub-flap <NUM> may have different dimensions, enabling first collapsible sidewall <NUM> to attain a triangle shape that is non-equilateral in the open conformation. Such a configuration may be selected based on a desired kickstand angle in the open conformation.

Although two sub-flaps are depicted, in other examples each collapsible sidewall may include three or more sub-flaps. Multiple overlapping sub-flaps may enable kickstand <NUM> to be placed at multiple angles while still attaining a sealed resonator box. When in an open or intermediate conformation, first collapsible sidewall <NUM> may not be plum to support surface <NUM>. Rather, first collapsible sidewall <NUM> may be folded out or rounded to enable multiple conformations.

<FIG> shows an example electronic device <NUM> having one configuration for a collapsible base panel. Electronic device <NUM> includes an expandable enclosure <NUM>, display <NUM>, input module <NUM>, flexible hinge <NUM>, device housing <NUM>, device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, hinge <NUM>, recess <NUM>, and other components described with regard to electronic device <NUM>. Electronic device <NUM> further includes a first collapsible sidewall and a second collapsible sidewall (not shown). Faces of a resonance box <NUM> are defined by device backing <NUM>, kickstand <NUM>, the first collapsible sidewall, the second collapsible sidewall, and a collapsible base panel <NUM>. In this example, speaker <NUM> is placed on kickstand <NUM>.

In this example, collapsible base panel <NUM> is coupled to device backing <NUM> via a hinge, allowing for collapsible base panel <NUM> to be folded into recess <NUM> in a closed configuration. Collapsible base panel may be configured to mate with kickstand <NUM> and with first and second collapsible sidewalls when in an open configuration. In other configurations, collapsible base panel <NUM> may be coupled to kickstand <NUM> via a hinge and configured to mate with device backing <NUM>. In other examples, collapsible base panel <NUM> may be configured as having a plurality of folds, and to be coupled to both device backing <NUM> and kickstand <NUM> in both closed and open configurations.

An expandable enclosure may also be appended to an electronic device in the absence of components such as a keyboard and kickstand. For example, <FIG> shows an electronic device <NUM> configured as a touch screen device, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. A front surface <NUM> of electronic device <NUM> includes a touch-sensitive display <NUM>, and an input button <NUM>. Electronic device <NUM> further includes a device housing <NUM> which encompasses touch-sensitive display <NUM>, input button <NUM>, as well as internal components, such as a processor, storage machine, communications components, an energy storage device, etc. Electronic device <NUM> may further include a microphone, built-in speakers, input ports, etc. that may be located on a side of the device and thus are not shown. A camera <NUM> is depicted on a rear surface <NUM> of electronic device <NUM>, opposite touch-sensitive display <NUM>.

Rear surface <NUM> of electronic device <NUM> is depicted as including a speaker <NUM> coupled to an expandable enclosure <NUM>. Speaker <NUM> and expandable enclosure <NUM> may be included within a common device housing with touch-sensitive display <NUM> (e.g., device housing <NUM>), or may be included in a detachable case that may couple to device housing <NUM>. In examples where speaker <NUM> is included within device housing <NUM>, speaker <NUM> may be hard-wired to an amplifier within device housing <NUM>. In examples where speaker <NUM> is included in a detachable case, speaker <NUM> may be wirelessly coupled to an amplifier and/or may be coupled to an amplifier via one or more input ports.

The expandable enclosure may have numerous configurations. <FIG> shows one configuration that is similar in many ways to the electronic device described with regard to <FIG>. Electronic device <NUM> includes display <NUM>, device housing <NUM>, speaker <NUM>, expandable enclosure <NUM>, as well as other components described with regard to electronic device <NUM>. In this example, expandable enclosure <NUM> includes kickstand <NUM>, hinge <NUM>, first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, and second collapsible sidewall <NUM> (occluded by, and positioned opposite first collapsible sidewall <NUM>). Faces of a resonance box <NUM> are defined by kickstand <NUM>, device backing <NUM>, first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, second collapsible sidewall <NUM>, and support surface <NUM>.

Similar to first collapsible sidewall <NUM>, first collapsible sidewall <NUM> is depicted as a foldable flap with two sub-flaps <NUM> and <NUM>. In a closed conformation, the outer faces of first sub-flap <NUM> and second sub-flap <NUM> fold onto each other as they become flattened between kickstand <NUM> and device backing <NUM>. In an open conformation, first sub-flap <NUM> and second sub-flap <NUM> fold outward to generate a planar face of first collapsible sidewall <NUM> that is flush with support surface <NUM>.

In other examples, first collapsible sidewall <NUM> and second collapsible sidewall <NUM> may take other forms, such as the hinged flap described with regard to <FIG>, or the multi-fold structure described with regard to <FIG>. Hinge <NUM> may be positioned so as not to obscure a camera or other components at the rear of electronic device <NUM>. Hinge <NUM> may span the length or width of electronic device <NUM>, or may span merely a portion of the device dimensions. Other configurations are possible, such as two outward folding triangle-shaped flaps which generate a pyramidal shape when in an open configuration.

An additional example is depicted in <FIG> shows electronic device <NUM>. Electronic device <NUM> includes display <NUM> (not shown), device housing <NUM>, speaker <NUM>, expandable enclosure <NUM>, camera <NUM>, device backing <NUM>, as well as other components described with regard to electronic device <NUM>.

In this example, expandable enclosure <NUM> includes a coiled tube <NUM>. A first side of coiled tube <NUM> is affixed to device backing <NUM>. Speaker <NUM> is placed at a second, opposite side of coiled tube <NUM>. A user desiring to open expandable enclosure <NUM> and generate resonance box <NUM> may expand coiled tube <NUM> by pulling speaker <NUM> away from device backing <NUM>. Coiled tube <NUM> may include a single, spring like coil, or may include a plurality of collapsible circular rings (e.g., concentric rings when in a closed configuration). While shown as predominantly circular or elliptical, other shapes and designs are possible. Coiled tube <NUM> may include on or more locking mechanisms to brace expandable enclosure <NUM> in the open and closed configurations.

In some examples, expandable enclosure <NUM> may support electronic device <NUM> when placed on a support surface, but in other examples, expandable enclosure <NUM> may not support electronic device <NUM>. Coiled tube <NUM> may be configured to adopt numerous partially-open configurations, but a certain degree of openness may be required to generate a functional resonance box. In some examples, two or more expandable enclosures may be affixed to device backing <NUM> (e.g., larger format mobile phones and tablet computers). Expandable enclosure <NUM> may be positioned on device backing so as not to interfere with camera <NUM> other devices. For example, expandable enclosure may be a collapsible gripping and/or device support socket in a closed configuration.

For systems wherein the expandable enclosure is configurable in multiple positions, the sound generated by the resonance box will change based on the position of the enclosure. Further, for examples where one face of the resonance box is a support surface, the characteristics of the resonance box will change based on the characteristics of the support surface.

<FIG> depicts an example method <NUM> for adjusting audio output by an electronic device having a speaker affixed to an expandable enclosure. At <NUM>, method <NUM> includes receiving a request to play an audio file. For example, a user may select an audio file or mixed media file for playback. In other examples, an audio or mixed media file may automatically playback, for example when a user visits a particular web site. Audio files may be pre-recorded or may be actively generated, such as for a video game or phone call.

At <NUM>, method <NUM> includes determining whether an expandable enclosure is in an open conformation. In other words, it may be determined whether an expandable enclosure has formed a resonance box and/or is otherwise configured to emit audio through one or more speakers. Determining whether an expandable enclosure is in an open conformation may be based on a signal received from one or more components of the expandable enclosure, e.g., locking a collapsible sidewall or kickstand into place may passively transmit a signal to a processor indicating that the expandable enclosure is in an open conformation. In other examples, a test signal may be sent to a speaker on the expandable enclosure to determine a characteristic of the expandable enclosure, such as speaker impedance.

At <NUM>, method <NUM> includes adjusting an audio signal sent to built-in speakers of the electronic device based on the determination as to whether the expandable enclosure is in an open conformation. For example, if the expandable enclosure is not in an open conformation, the entire audio signal may be sent to the built-in speakers. If the expandable enclosure is in an open conformation, built-in speakers may be sent a partial audio signal (e.g., high-frequencies), or may not be sent any audio signal at all.

At <NUM>, method <NUM> includes, responsive to a determination that the expandable enclosure is in an open conformation, determining one or more characteristics of the resonance box. The acoustics of the resonance box will be altered based on the total enclosed volume and the dimensions of that volume. In some examples, the expandable enclosure may have two or more pre-defined positions (e.g., kickstand clicked into place). Each pre-defined position may have a pre-determined acoustic environment that may be recalled based on the current position. Additionally or alternatively, the speaker impedance may be measured in real time. Characteristics of the acoustic environment within the resonance box may then be determined based on the speaker impedance. For example, different support surfaces may be made from different materials, and thus have different acoustic characteristics.

At <NUM>, method <NUM> includes adjusting the audio signal sent to the speaker positioned on the outer surface of the expandable enclosure based on the determined characteristics of the resonance box. As the audio file plays, the acoustic characteristics of the resonance box may be re-determined and the audio signal re-adjusted. Further, the audio signal sent to the built-in speakers may be adjusted based on the audio signal sent to the speaker coupled to the resonance box.

In some embodiments, method <NUM> and/or other methods and processes described herein may be tied to a computing system of one or more computing devices.

Computing system <NUM> may take the form of one or more personal computers, tablet computers, gaming devices, mobile computing devices, mobile communication devices (e.g., smart phone), and/or other computing devices. Electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are nonlimiting examples of computing system <NUM>.

In one example, an electronic device comprises a display; an expandable enclosure positioned opposite the display, the expandable enclosure operable between at least a closed configuration and an open configuration, such that in the open configuration, the expandable enclosure defines faces of a resonance box; and one or more speakers positioned on an outer surface of the expandable enclosure. In such an example, or any other example, the expandable enclosure may additionally or alternatively be operable to one or more partially open configurations. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the one or more partially open configurations may additionally or alternatively include one or more discrete positions. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the one or more partially open configurations may additionally or alternatively include a continuum of positions. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the expandable enclosure may additionally or alternatively include a kickstand coupled to a backing of a device housing via a hinge, and further includes one or more collapsible sidewalls attached to both the kickstand and the backing of the device housing, each collapsible sidewall configured such that in the closed configuration, the collapsible sidewalls are flattened between the kickstand and the backing of the device housing, and in the open configuration, the collapsible sidewalls, kickstand, and backing of the device housing define faces of the resonance box. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the expandable enclosure may additionally or alternatively include a coiled tube having a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end is affixed to a backing of a device housing and at least one of the one or more speakers is affixed to the second end.

In another example, an electronic device comprises a display; an energy storage device configured to power at least the display; a device housing positioned around the energy storage device and at least a rear of the display; a kickstand hinged to a backing of the device housing, opposite the display, the kickstand configured to be flush with the backing when in a closed configuration, and to support the display when in an open configuration; one or more collapsible sidewalls attached to both the kickstand and the backing of the device housing, each collapsible sidewall configured such that in the closed configuration, the collapsible sidewalls are flattened between the kickstand and the backing of the device housing, and in the open configuration, the collapsible sidewalls, kickstand, and backing of the device housing define faces of a resonance box; and one or more speakers oriented so that a drive magnet assembly faces an interior of the resonance box, and so that a speaker cone faces an exterior of the resonance box. In such an example, or any other example, one or more speakers may additionally or alternatively be positioned on the kickstand. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, one or more speakers may additionally or alternatively be positioned on the one or more collapsible sidewalls. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the electronic device may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more speakers attached to the device housing, and wherein the speakers attached to the device housing receive higher frequency audio signals, and wherein the one or more speakers positioned at the resonance box receive lower frequency audio signals. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the electronic device may additionally or alternatively comprise a collapsible base configured to mate with the kickstand, the backing of the device housing, and the one or more collapsible sidewalls to generate an enclosed resonance box. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the speakers may additionally or alternatively be coupled to an amplifier powered by the energy storage device. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the sidewalls may additionally or alternatively be hinged to one of the kickstand and the backing of the device housing when in the closed configuration, and may additionally or alternatively be coupled to both the kickstand and the backing of the device housing when in the open configuration. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the sidewalls may additionally or alternatively include two or more sub-flaps configured to fold together when in the closed configuration. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the sidewalls may additionally or alternatively be coupled to both the kickstand and the backing of the device housing when in the open configuration, and the sidewalls may additionally or alternatively include a plurality of folds configured to flatten together in the closed configuration. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the display may additionally or alternatively be separable from a device case that includes at least an input module, the kickstand, and the one or more speakers.

In yet another example, an electronic device, comprises a display; a device housing; an expandable enclosure positioned on a backing of the device housing, opposite the display, the expandable enclosure operable between at least a closed configuration and one or more open configurations, such that in each open configuration, the expandable enclosure defines faces of a resonance box; one or more speakers positioned on an outer surface of the expandable enclosure; one or more built-in speakers positioned on the device housing; and a storage machine holding instructions executable by a logic machine to: receive a request to play an audio file; determine whether the expandable enclosure is in an open configuration; adjust the audio signal sent to the built-in speakers based on the determination as to whether the expandable enclosure is in an open configuration; responsive to a determination that the expandable enclosure is in an open configuration, determine one or more characteristics of the resonance box; and adjust the audio signal sent to the one or more speakers positioned on the outer surface of the expandable enclosure based on the determined resonance box characteristics. In such an example, or any other example, the expandable enclosure may additionally or alternatively be operable between one or more discrete open configurations, and wherein determining one or more characteristics of the resonance box includes determining in which discrete open configuration the expandable enclosure is positioned. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, determining one or more characteristics of the resonance box may additionally or alternatively include determining an impedance of the one or more speakers positioned on the outer surface of the expandable enclosure. In any of the preceding examples, or any other example, the storage machine may additionally or alternatively hold instructions executable by the logic machine to: adjust the audio signal sent to the one or more built-in speakers based on the determined resonance box characteristics.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>-<NUM>), comprising:
a display (<NUM>-<NUM>) having a display surface facing a first direction and a display backing facing a second direction substantially opposite the first direction;
an expandable enclosure (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) positioned on the display backing, the expandable enclosure (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) operable between at least a closed configuration and an open configuration, both provided on the display backing; and
one or more speakers (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) positioned on an outer surface of the expandable enclosure (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>);
wherein at least one of the one or more speakers (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) moves relative to the display (<NUM>-<NUM>) as the expandable enclosure (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) moves between the closed configuration and the open configuration;
characterized in that
the expandable enclosure (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to define faces of a resonance box (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>) for the one or more speakers (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) in the open configuration.