PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8724837-B2
Application Number: US-71608007-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Personal media device docking station having an acoustic interface

Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for a media device docking station having one or more acoustic channels to transfer sound to or from the media device while the media device is docked with the docking station.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A docking unit for a portable media player device, comprising:
 a housing having an external surface; 
 a well in the housing for receiving a portable media player device, the well having a wall; 
 one or more first apertures on the wall within the well for exchanging non-electrical sound waves with one or more acoustic apertures of the portable media player device, wherein the one or more first apertures are positioned in close proximity to the one or more acoustic apertures when the portable media player device is docked in the well; 
 one or more second apertures on the external surface for exchanging the non-electrical sound waves with the surrounding environment; and 
 one or more acoustic channels for coupling the non-electrical sound waves between the one or more first apertures and the one or more second apertures. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more first apertures are positioned adjacent to the one or more acoustic apertures of the portable media player device. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more first apertures are positioned along the wall of the well of the docking unit, and wherein the well conforms to a shape of the portable media player device. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more second apertures are arranged in a pattern along the external surface of the housing of the docking unit. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1 , wherein a first set of the one or more acoustic channels transports the non-electrical sound waves toward the portable media player device. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 5 , wherein a second set of the one or more acoustic channels transports the non-electrical sound waves away from the portable media player device. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 6  comprising an insulator being positioned substantially between the first set and the second set of the one or more acoustic channels to reduce interference between the channels. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more first apertures include a first set of apertures in close proximity to an acoustic source of the portable media player device when the portable media player device is docked in the well. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more first apertures include a second set of apertures in close proximity to a microphone of the portable media player device when the portable media player device is docked in the well. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 1  comprising an insulator for insulating sound from one portion of the housing of the docking station from another portion of the housing of the docking station. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 1  comprising a support mechanism in the well for detachably holding the portable media player device. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 11 , wherein the support mechanism includes at least one of a clamp, a clip, an adhesive, a magnet, and a connector. 
     
     
       13. The unit of  claim 1 , wherein a first set of the one or more second apertures is coupled to a first set of the one or more acoustic channels. 
     
     
       14. The unit of  claim 13 , wherein a second set of the one or more second apertures is coupled to a second set of the one or more acoustic channels. 
     
     
       15. The unit of  claim 14 , wherein the first set of one or more acoustic channels and the second set of one or more acoustic channels are the same set of one or more acoustic channels. 
     
     
       16. The unit of  claim 14 , wherein a first set of the one or more first apertures is coupled to the first set of the one or more acoustic channels, and wherein a second set of the one or more first apertures is coupled to the second set of the one or more acoustic channels. 
     
     
       17. A method for delivering non-electrical sound waves from a portable media player device, comprising:
 receiving with a docking unit the portable media player device in a well of a housing of the docking unit; 
 after receiving the portable media player device, receiving with the docking unit the non-electrical sound waves from an acoustic source of the received portable media player device through one or more first apertures on a wall of the well; 
 in response to receiving the non-electrical sound waves, transporting with the docking unit the received non-electrical sound waves through one or more acoustic channels of the docking unit in proximity to the portable media player device, the transporting from the one or more first apertures to one or more second apertures on an external surface of the housing; and 
 in response to the transporting, coupling with the docking unit the transported non-electrical sound waves from the one or more acoustic channels to outside of the docking unit. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17  wherein receiving the portable media player device comprises positioning the one or more first apertures of the docking unit adjacent to the portable media player device. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18  wherein the one or more first apertures are situated along the wall of the well of the docking unit, and wherein the well conforms to a shape of the portable media player device. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19  wherein the one or more second apertures are arranged in a pattern along the external surface of the housing of the docking unit. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 20  wherein the one or more acoustic channels couple the one or more first apertures to the one or more second apertures. 
     
     
       22. A method for delivering non-electrical sound waves to a portable media player device, comprising:
 receiving with a docking unit the portable media player device in a well of a housing of the docking unit; 
 after receiving the portable media player device, receiving with the docking unit the non-electrical sound waves from outside of the docking unit through one or more first apertures on an external surface of the housing; 
 in response to receiving the non-electrical sound waves, transporting with the docking unit the received non-electrical sound waves through one or more acoustic channels of the docking unit from the one or more first apertures to one or more second apertures on a wall of the well; and 
 in response to the transporting, coupling with the docking unit the transported non-electrical sound waves to the portable media player device. 
 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 22  wherein receiving the portable media player device comprises positioning the one or more second apertures of the docking unit adjacent to the portable media player device. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 23  wherein the one or more second apertures are situated along the wall of the well of the docking unit, and wherein the well conforms to a shape of the portable media player device. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 24  wherein one or more first apertures are arranged in a pattern along the external surface of the housing of the docking unit. 
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 25  wherein the one or more acoustic channels couple the one or more first apertures to the one or more second apertures. 
     
     
       27. A docking unit for a portable media player device, comprising:
 a well for receiving a portable media player device, the well having a wall; 
 a support structure in the well for holding the portable media player device; 
 one or more acoustic apertures on the wall within the well; and 
 a spacer for separating a portion of the portable media player device from the wall when the portable media player device is held by the support structure, wherein sound flows between the one or more acoustic apertures and an audio aperture of the portable media player device through a gap formed by the spacer, and wherein the gap extends between the audio aperture of the portable media player device positioned in close proximity to the one or more acoustic apertures. 
 
     
     
       28. The unit of  claim 27 , wherein the spacer is a portion of an electrical connector, the electrical connector configured to extend into the portable media player device. 
     
     
       29. The unit of  claim 27 , wherein the spacer extends from the wall of the well of the docking unit. 
     
     
       30. The unit of  claim 27 , wherein the spacer is formed by a relief on the wall of the well of the docking unit. 
     
     
       31. The unit of  claim 27 , wherein the spacer forms the gap between a portion of the portable media player device and a portion of the docking unit, the gap establishing an acoustic channel through which sound is emitted from or received by the portable media player device. 
     
     
       32. A docking unit for a portable media player device, comprising:
 a housing having an external surface; 
 a well in the housing for receiving a portable media player device, the well having a wall; 
 one or more first apertures on the wall within the well for aligning with an audio aperture of the portable media player device and for exchanging sound with the portable media player device, wherein the one or more first apertures are positioned adjacent to the audio aperture when the portable media player device is docked in the well; 
 one or more second apertures on the external surface for exchanging the sound with the surrounding environment; and 
 one or more acoustic channels for coupling the sound between the one or more first apertures and the one or more second apertures.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to docking stations for personal media devices and, more particularly, to docking stations having acoustic interfaces for personal media devices. 
     The proliferation of compact portable personal media devices (e.g., portable MP3 players, portable video players, and media capable cellular telephones) has created a need for improved delivery of audio (e.g., voice and music) to users while respecting the need to minimize the overall form factor of personal media devices. Many portable personal media devices can be detachably mounted to or interfaced with a docking station, which may include a platform, support structure, electrical connector, or device holding mechanism, to enable convenient and efficient positioning, storing, and interfacing with other devices. A docking station may position the media device in a functionally more efficient or aesthetically pleasing position, secure the media device, or enable charging of a battery of the media device. 
     One problem with existing media device docking stations is that the structure of the docking station can interfere with or block the reception or delivery of sound to or from the media device. By interfering with or muffling the transmission of sound, the docking station reduces the sound quality received or transmitted by the media device. 
     Another problem with existing media device docking stations is that the structure of the docking station, by interfering with the transmission of sound to and from the media device, can create a feedback or echo between a speaker and microphone of the media device while the media device is docked to the docking station. This feedback or echo reduces the sound quality received or transmitted by the media device. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention, in various embodiments, addresses deficiencies in the prior art by providing systems, methods and devices that enhance the quality of sound emitted from or received by a media device while the media device is docked to a docking station. 
     In various aspects, the invention relates to a docking station capable of receiving a portable or personal media device that includes a speaker and microphone at its mating end or surface (e.g., bottom end or surface). In one aspect, a gap is established at the interface between the well walls of the docking station and the housing of the media device while the media device is docked with the docking device. The gap allows sound or audio to travel freely to or from the media device with minimal interference from the docking station to prevent the muffling of the audio. In one configuration, a sound gap is established using a connector that raises the bottom end of the media device relative to the mating surface of the well of the docking station while the media device is docked. 
     In another aspect, one or more audio passages or acoustic channels are provided through the docking station to enable audio or sound to travel freely from the media device to outside of the docking station while the media device is docked. This arrangement reduces muffling and feedback between a speaker and microphone of a docked media device. In one configuration, the well of the docking station includes one or more audio holes or acoustic apertures through which sound may be received for a microphone or sound may be transmitted from a speaker of the media device. In certain configurations, the acoustic apertures are coupled to one or more acoustic channels that extend through a portion of the docking station to one or more external acoustic apertures on the outer wall or walls of the docking station. 
     In one feature, the docking station well includes a first set of internal acoustic apertures for distributing sound to a microphone of the media device while a second set of internal acoustic apertures collect sound from a speaker of the media device. In one configuration, each internal acoustic aperture or set of apertures are coupled to the same acoustic channel. 
     In another configuration, each internal acoustic aperture or set of apertures are coupled to different spatially separated acoustic channels. When different acoustic channels are employed, each spatially separated acoustic channel may be coupled to the same external apertures or different external apertures at the outer walls of the docking station. 
     Placing the microphone and speaker in a confined space, as happens when a media device is docked, restricts the air movement and increases the sound pressure of the speaker, which in turn creates much stronger coupling of the sound into the microphone. Creating an acoustic channel or gap reduces the sound pressure at the media device to docking station interface and, thereby, reduces the coupling and the associated echo on the remote side where the microphone is located. An acoustic interface may include a gap that enables the flow of sound between a media device and a docking station. An acoustic interface may also include one or more acoustic channels or audio paths within a docking station that facilitates the flow of sound to and from a docked media device. 
     Various advantages and applications using an acoustic assembly for enhanced acoustic coupling from a media device to a user in accordance with principles of the present invention are discussed in more detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a media device according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows the media device of  FIG. 1  with tethered headphones and, alternatively, a wireless earpiece according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a simplified functional block diagram of a media device according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of a media device and associated docking station according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a microphone assembly and speaker assembly within a portion of a media device according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of a docking station including acoustic apertures and an electronic connector according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6B  shows a transverse-sectional view of a docking station including acoustic apertures and an insulator according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a media device that is docked to a docking station according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows a transverse-sectional view of an acoustic channel within a docking station for the delivery of sound to a portion of a docked media device according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows a transverse-sectional view of acoustic channels within a docking station for the delivery of sound from a portion of a docked media device according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a docking station including a plurality of external acoustic apertures according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart of a process for transferring sound to or from a media device via an acoustic interface of a docking station according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a media device  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The media device  100  includes a housing  102 , a first housing portion  104 , a second housing portion  106 , a display  108 , a keypad  110 , a speaker housing aperture  112 , a microphone aperture  114 , and a headphone jack  116 . The housing  102  also includes various gaps  118  that may include openings, separations, vents, or other pathways between elements of the housing  102  that enable the passage of air or sound through the housing  102 . The speaker housing aperture  112  may be located in proximity to a lower portion of the media device  100  and/or a second speaker aperture or apertures  122  may be located in a lower portion of the media device associated with, for example, an internal hands-free speaker. In certain embodiments, the microphone aperture  114  and/or speaker apertures  122  may be located on a bottom side  124  of the media device  100 . The aperture  114  and apertures  122  may be located on any portion of the housing  102  to facilitate the delivery and reception of sound. 
     In one embodiment, the housing  102  includes a first housing portion  104  and a second housing portion  106  that are fastened together to encase various components of the media device  100 . The housing  102  and its housing portions  104  and  106  may include polymer-based materials that are formed by, for example, injection molding to define the form factor of the media device  100 . In one embodiment, the housing  102  surrounds and/or supports internal components such as, for example, one or more circuit boards having integrated circuit components, internal radio frequency (RF) circuitry, an internal antenna, a speaker, a microphone, a hard drive, a processor, and other components. Further details regarding certain internal components are discussed later with respect to  FIG. 3 . The housing  102  provides for mounting of a display  108 , keypad  110 , external jack  116 , data connectors, or other external interface elements. The housing  102  may include one or more housing apertures  112  to facilitate delivery of sound, including voice and music, to a user from a speaker within the housing  102 . The housing  102  may including one or more housing apertures  114  to facilitate the reception of sounds, such as voice, for an internal microphone from a media device user. 
     In certain embodiments, the housing  102  includes one or more gaps  118  associated with the housing  102 . These gaps  118  may result from the manufacturing and/or assembly process for the media device  100 . For example, in certain circumstances, the mechanical attachment of the first housing portion  104  with the second housing portion  106  results in a crease  120  or joint between the portions  104  and  106 . In certain media devices  100 , the crease  120  is not air tight, resulting in gaps  118  along the crease. Other gaps may be formed during assembly between, for example, one or more keys of the keypad  110  and the housing  102  or the display  108  and the housing  102 , resulting in additional gaps  118 . 
     In other embodiments, the housing  102  may include additional portions that are integrated to form the housing  102  for the media device  100 . 
     The media device  100  may include a wireless communications device such as a cellular telephone, satellite telephone, cordless telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), pager, portable computer, or any other device capable of wireless communications. In fact, FIG.  1  shows an exemplary cellular telephone version of a broad category of media device  100 . 
     The media device  100  may also be integrated within the packaging of other devices or structures such as a vehicle, video game system, appliance, clothing, helmet, glasses, wearable apparel, stereo system, enteraiment system, pr other portable device. In certain embodiments, device  100  may be docked or connected to a wireless enabling accessory system (e.g., a wi-fi docking system) that provides the media device  100  with short-range communicating functionality. Alternative types of media devices  100  may include, for example, a media player such as an iPod or iPhone available by Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif., pocket-sized personal computers such as an iPAQ Pocket PC available by Hewlett Packard Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif. and any other device capable of communicating wirelessly (with or without the aid of a wireless enabling accessory system). 
     In certain embodiments, the media device  100  may synchronize with, for example, a remote computing system or server to receive media (using either wireless or wireline communications paths). Wireless syncing enables the media device  100  to transmit and receive media and data without requiring a wired connection. Media may include, without limitation, sound or audio files, music, video, multi-media, and digital data, in streaming and/or discrete (e.g., files and packets) formats. 
     During synchronization, a host system may provide media to a client system or software application embedded within the media device  100 . In certain embodiments, media and/or data is “downloaded” to the media device  100 . In other embodiments, the media device  100  is capable of uploading media to a remote host or other client system. 
     Further details regarding the capabilities of certain embodiments of the media device  100  are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,627,343, issued on Dec. 1, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIG. 2  shows the media device  100  of  FIG. 1  with tethered headphones  200  and, alternatively, a wireless earpiece  206  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The tethered headphones  200  include a cable  212  that connects to the media device  100  via external jack  116 . 
     In one embodiment, the cable provides for transport of an audio signal from the media device  100  to the headphones  200 . In another embodiment, the headphones  200  include a left housing  202  and a right housing  204 , corresponding to the left and right ears of a user, respectively. Each housing  202  and  204  may include a speaker and/or an acoustic assembly as described later with respect to  FIG. 4 . The headphones  200  may optionally include a microphone to facilitate sending sounds from the user to the media device  100 . As an alternative to the headphones  200 , a user may utilize the wireless earpiece  206  which includes a housing  208 . In one embodiment, the earpiece  206  employs wireless channel  210  to receive audio signals from the device  100  or transmit audio signals to the device  100 . The housing  208  may include a speaker, microphone, and/or acoustic assembly as described later with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a simplified functional block diagram of the media device  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
     The media device or player  300  may include a processor  302 , storage device  304 , user interface  306 , display  310 , CODEC  312 , bus  318 , memory  320 , communications circuitry  322 , a speaker or transducer  324 , and a microphone  326 . Processor  302  may control the operation of many functions and other circuitry included in media player  300 . Processor  302  may drive display  310  and may receive user inputs from user interface  306 . 
     Storage device  304  may store media (e.g., music and video files), software (e.g., for implanting functions on device  300 , preference information (e.g., media playback preferences), lifestyle information (e.g., food preferences), exercise information (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment), transaction information (e.g., information such as credit card information), wireless connection information (e.g., information that may enable media device to establish wireless communication with another device), subscription information (e.g., information that keeps tracks of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes to), and any other suitable data. Storage device  304  may include one more storage mediums, including for example, a hard-drive, permanent memory such as ROM, semi-permanent memory such as RAM, or cache. 
     Memory  320  may include one or more different types of memory which may be used for performing device functions. For example, memory  320  may include cache, ROM, and/or RAM. Bus  318  may provide a data transfer path for transferring data to, from, or between at least storage device  304 , memory  320 , and processor  302 . 
     Coder/decoder (CODEC)  312  may be included to convert digital audio signals into an analog signal for driving the speaker  324  to produce sound including voice, music, and other like audio. The CODEC  312  may also convert audio inputs from the microphone  326  into digital audio signals. 
     User interface  306  may allow a user to interact with the media device  300 . For example, the user input device  306  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, a click wheel, or a touch screen. Communications circuitry  322  may include circuitry for wireless communication (e.g., short-range and/or long range communication). For example, the wireless communication circuitry may be wi-fi enabling circuitry that permits wireless communication according to one of the 802.11 standards. Other wireless network protocol standards could also be used, either in alternative to the identified protocols or in addition to the identified protocols. Other network standards may include Bluetooth, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and code divisional multiple access (CDMA) based wireless protocols. Communications circuitry  322  may also include circuitry that enables device  300  to be electrically coupled to another device (e.g., a computer or an accessory device) and communicate with that other device. 
     In one embodiment, the media device  300  may be a portable computing device dedicated to processing media such as audio and video. For example, media device  300  may be a media player (e.g., MP3 player), a game player, a remote controller, a portable communication device, a remote ordering interface, an audio tour player, or other suitable personal device. The media device  300  may be battery-operated and highly portable so as to allow a user to listen to music, play games or video, record video or take pictures, communicate with others, and/or control other devices. 
     In addition, the media device  300  may be sized such that it fits relatively easily into a pocket or hand of the user. 
     By being handheld, the media device  300  (or media device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 ) is relatively small and easily handled and utilized by its user and thus may be taken practically anywhere the user travels. 
     As discussed previously, the relatively small form factor of certain prior art media devices has facilitated the use of docking stations to support a media device during storage or when the device is interfacing with another device such as a PC or power source. While supporting the media device  100 , the docking station or unit may, however, inhibit the flow of sound to and from the media device  100  and, thereby, reduce the quality of sound emitted from or delivered to the docked media device  100 . Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide for enhanced sound quality while a media device  100  is docked to a docking station by enhancing the flow of sound using one or more acoustic interfaces within the docking station. 
       FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of media device  400  and associated docking station  402  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the media device includes at least one microphone aperture  404  and one or more speaker apertures  406 . The docking station  402  may include a well  408  and one or more external acoustic apertures  410 . 
     In one embodiment, the one or more of the acoustic apertures  410  are in acoustic communication with either or both the microphone aperture  404  and the speaker apertures  406  of the media device  400  when the media device  400  is docked with the docking station  402 . In certain embodiments, the docking station  402  includes internal acoustic channels (not shown) and internal acoustic apertures (not shown) along the well walls that are juxtaposed with one or both of the microphone aperture  404  and speaker apertures  406  while the media device  400  is docked with the docking station  402 . 
     In operation while the media device  400  is docked, sound emitted from the speaker apertures  406  is coupled via one or more internal acoustic channels of the docking station  402  and through one or more external acoustic apertures  410  to the surrounding environment. 
     In another embodiment, while the media device  400  is docked, sound received by the microphone aperture  404  is coupled via one or more internal acoustic channels of the docking station  402  from one or more external acoustic apertures  410 . 
     The shape and orientation of docking station  402  may vary based on aesthetic and function needs. For example, the docking station may be substantially rectangular, spherical, circular, or irregular, or the like. The external acoustic apertures may be grouped, arranged, configured, and/or distributed in various ways along the external surface or perimeter of the docking station  402 . For example, the external acoustic apertures  410  may be arranged in one or more rows along a front, side, and/or back surface of the docking station  402 . The external acoustic apertures  410  may be arranged in patterns such as circularly, diagonally, and/or rectangularly along the outer surface of the docking station  402 . The docking station  402  may interface with or be juxtaposed with any portion of the media device  400  while the media device  400  is docked. For example, the docking station  402  may function as a holster that enables the media device  400  to detachably connect to the docking station  402 . The docking station  402  may have a substantially downward facing well  408  such that the media device  400  is detachably connected with the docking station or hung from the docketing station  402  via an upper portion of the media device  400 . While the docking station  402  may assume any one of a multitude of forms and orientations, the docking station  402  may include one or more acoustic channels and apertures  410  that facilitate the efficient transfer of sound to and from the media device  400  while the media device  400  is docked. 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a microphone assembly cavity  502  and speaker cavity  504  within a portion of a media device  500  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
     The media device  500  includes frame  506 , a frame recess  508 , a microphone acoustic channel  510 , a housing  512 , a sound input aperture  514 , a speaker acoustic channel  516 , and a sound output aperture  518 . 
     In one embodiment, the cavity  502  is configured to receive and/or enable the mounting of a microphone assembly. The microphone assembly may include a rubber boot that surrounds a portion of the microphone assembly and extends along a portion of the acoustic channel  510 . The acoustic channel length may be between 14-15 mm long to optimally couple sound in the 100 Hz to 4 KHz range from the aperture  514  to the microphone assembly disposed in the microphone assembly cavity  502 . In one embodiment, the recess  508  enables the mounting of a microphone assembly on the top surface of the frame  506 . In another embodiment, the microphone assembly cavity  502  is positioned on the frame  506  to flexibly allow other components such as, for example, an antenna to be positioned in close proximity to the bottom of the media device  500 . 
     In one embodiment, the sound input aperture  514  is located substantially along a bottom portion of the media device  500 . In another embodiment, the sound output aperture  518  is located substantially along a bottom portion of the media device  500 . 
     In other embodiments, the one or more sound input or output apertures are located along any portion of the media device  500 . In one embodiment, the media device  500  includes a receptacle  520  for detachably connecting the media device  500  to a docking station or other connector. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of a docking station  600  including internal acoustic apertures  602  and an electronic connector  604  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the internal acoustic apertures  602  and connector  604  are located within a well  606  of the docking station  600 . The docking station  600  may include one or more external acoustic apertures  608  that are in acoustic communication with the internal acoustic apertures  602  via one or more acoustic channels (not shown) within the docking station  600 . The male connector  604  may interface or connect with a female connector such as connector  520  shown in  FIG. 5 . The well  606  may be configured and/or shaped to conform with the shape of a media device such as, for example, media device  500  of  FIG. 5 . 
     In one embodiment, the one or more acoustic apertures  602  are positioned substantially adjacent to or juxtaposed with one or more acoustic apertures of a docked media device. For example, the docking station  600  apertures  602  may be positioned adjacent to the sound input aperture  514  of the media device  500  while the media device  500  is docked with the docking station  600 . Also, the docking station  600  apertures  602  may be positioned adjacent to the sound output aperture  518  of the media device  500  while the media device  500  is docked with the docking station  600 . By positioning the docking station  600  apertures  602  in proximity to the acoustic apertures  514  and  518  of the docked media device  500 , the docking station  600  facilitates the flow of sound waves to and from the media device  500  via the docking station apertures  602 . 
       FIG. 6B  shows a transverse-sectional view of a docking station  650  including acoustic apertures  656  and  658  and insulators  652  and  634  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The docking station  650  includes a well  662  having a well surface  670 , a front surface  668 , one or more external apertures  658 , one or more internal apertures  656 , a housing  664 , one or more acoustic channels  672 , one or more insulators  652  and  634 , and a base  660 . The insulators  652  and  634  may include foam, polymer, or a like insulating material. The insulator  652  may be positioned inside the housing  664  and between a first set of acoustic channels  672  that transport sound toward a microphone of a media device docked in the well  662  and a second set of acoustic channels  672  that transport sound away from a speaker of a media device docked in the well  662 . The insulators  652  and  634  can reduce the coupling of sound between the acoustic channels to reduce possible feedback from the speaker to the microphone of a docked media device. The insulators  652  and  634  may also provide structural support for the housing  664 . 
     In one embodiment, a first set of internal acoustic apertures  656  are coupled to the first set of acoustic channels  672  while a second set of internal acoustic apertures  656  are coupled to a second set of acoustic channels  672 . In another embodiment, the external aperture  658  includes a plurality of apertures or openings between the base  660  and surface  668  of the housing  664 . In one embodiment, a first set of external apertures  658  is coupled to the first set of acoustic channels  672  while a second set of external acoustic apertures are coupled to the second set of acoustic channels. 
       FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a media device  700  that is docked to a docking station  702  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the docking station  702  includes a connector  704  that physically and/or electronically connects with the media device  700 . The connector  704  may be a male connector with a portion  706  that extends into a connector of the media device  700  and a portion  708  that does not extend into the media device  700 . The length of the portion  708  may define the width of a gap  710  between the media device  700  and the docking station  702 . In one embodiment, the gap  710  provides an acoustic pathway or channel that enables the more efficient transfer of sound to and from the media device  700 . The gap  710  may also provide pressure relief to reduce the likelihood of feedback from the speaker  712  which could interfere with the reception of sound by the microphone  714 . The docking station  702  may also include one or more spacers  716  that establish the gap  710  between the media device  700  and docking station  702 . The media device  700  may include a microphone channel  718  and/or one or more speaker channels  720 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a transverse-sectional view of an acoustic channel  802  within a docking station  800  for the delivery of sound to a portion of a docked media device  804  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The docking station  800  may include a well  806 , internal acoustic apertures  808 , an external front surface  810 , and one or more external apertures  812 . Although not shown in  FIG. 8 , the docking station or unit  800  may include an electrical connector, such as connector  604  of  FIG. 6 , to which the media device  804  detachably connects while docked with the docking station  800 . 
     The media device  804  may include a housing  814 , microphone apertures  816 , an internal microphone acoustic channel  818 , and a microphone assembly  820 . 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 8 , the media device  804  may include an electrical receptacle, such as receptacle  520  of  FIG. 5 , to which the docking station  800  detachably connects while the media device  804  is docked or held by the docking station  800 . 
     In operation, sound  822  is received by the docking station  800  via at least one aperture  812  on the front surface  810  of the docking station  800 . The sound  822  travels along one or more acoustic channels  802  toward the internal acoustic apertures  808 , positioned along a wall of the well  806 . The internal apertures  808  are preferably positioned in relatively close proximity with the microphone apertures  816  of the media device  804  to enhance the coupling of sound from the docking station  800  to the media device  804 . The sound  822  passes through the apertures  816  into the microphone acoustic channel  818  and is received by the microphone assembly  820 . The microphone assembly  820  includes a microphone that converts the received sound  822  into electrical information for the media device  804  to process further. 
     The docking station  800  may include a plurality of acoustic channels  802  where each acoustic channel  802  is associated with its own external aperture  812  and internal aperture  808 . Alternatively, a portion of the acoustic channels  802  may be inter-connected. While sound  822  is shown as flowing into the acoustic channel  802  from the aperture  812 , the acoustic channel  802  may also support the flow of sound  822  or sound waves in an opposite direction and out of the aperture  812 . Thus, a portion of the acoustic channels  802  may support sound flow in a bi-directional manner. The docking station may consist of plastic or some other polymer and be formed by molding, pressing, casting or some other known manufacturing process. The docking station may include other materials such as one or more metals. The apertures and acoustic channels may be formed or manufactured by a process including machining, punching, casting, molding, pressing, and/or assembling. 
       FIG. 9  shows a transverse-sectional view of acoustic channels  902  and  904  within a docking station  900  for the delivery of sound from a portion of a docked media device  906  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The docking station  900  may include a well  908 , internal acoustic apertures  910 , an external front surface  912 , and external back surface  914 , and one or more external apertures such as apertures  916  and  918 .
         The external apertures  916  and  918  may be positioned on any external surface including the side, bottom, top, front, back, or any externally facing surface.       

     Although not shown in  FIG. 9 , the docking station or unit  900  may include an electrical connector, such as connector  604  of  FIG. 6 , to which the media device  904  detachably connects while docked with the docking station  900 . 
     The media device  906  may include a housing  920 , acoustic output apertures  922 , an internal acoustic channel  924 , and a speaker assembly  926 . Although not shown in  FIG. 9 , the media device  906  may include an electrical receptacle, such as receptacle  520  of  FIG. 5 , to which the docking station  900  detachably connects while the media device  906  is docked or held by the docking station  900 . 
     In operation, sound  928  is generated by the speaker assembly  926  and propagated through the channel  924  to the apertures  922 . The sound  928  flows through the internal apertures  910  on the surface of the well  908  and into the acoustic channels  902  and  904  within the docking station  900 . The docking station  900  emits the sound  928  from the acoustic channel  902  via the aperture  916  on the front surface  912 . The docking station  900  may also emit sound  928  from the acoustic channel  904  via the aperture  918  on the back surface  914 . In one embodiment, the acoustic channels  902  and  904  are interconnected. In another embodiment, the acoustic channels  902  and  904  are not interconnected. In one embodiment, acoustic channel  902  includes a plurality of acoustic channels that connects a plurality of internal apertures with a plurality of external apertures. In another embodiment, a portion of the plurality of acoustic channels are interconnected. 
     The internal apertures  910  are preferably positioned in relatively close proximity with the apertures  922  of the media device  906  to enhance the coupling of sound  928  from the media device  906  to the docking station  900 . The speaker assembly  926  may include a speaker and/or one or more transducers or sound emitting mechanisms. 
     The docking station  900  may include a plurality of acoustic channels where each acoustic channel is associated with its own external aperture and internal aperture. Alternatively, a portion of the acoustic channels may be inter-connected. A portion of the acoustic channels  902  and  904  may support sound flow in a bi-directional manner. 
       FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a docking station  1000  including a plurality of external acoustic apertures  1002  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the external acoustic apertures  1002  are arranged in a slot  1004  that extends across the docking station  1000 . Each of the external apertures  1002  may be interconnected by a common acoustic channel inside the docking station  1000 . Alternatively, a portion of the apertures  1002  may be interconnected or each aperture  1002  may be associated with its own acoustic channel. 
     In one embodiment, the external acoustic apertures  1002  are positioned along an inconspicuous lower portion of the docking station  1000  in order to save the surfaces of the docking station  1000  for other purposes such as, for example, an aesthetically pleasing design. In one embodiment, the external apertures  1002  are positioned at an interface between a housing wall  1006  at the front and/or bottom of the docking station  1000  and a foot member  1008  that supports the bottom of the docking station  1000  as it rests on a surface. 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart of a process for transferring sound to or from a media device such as media device  100  via an acoustic interface or channel of a docking station according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. First, an acoustic channel such a acoustic channel  902  of  FIG. 9  is provided in a docking unit  900  (Step  1102 ). 
     Then, a media device such as media device  906  is mounted to the docking unit  900  (Step  1104 ). Finally, sound is transferred to or from the media device  906  through the acoustic channel  902  to enable efficient transfer of sound while the media device  906  is docked to the docking station  900  (Step  1106 ). 
     It is understood that the various features, elements, or processes of the foregoing figures and description are interchangeable or combinable to realize or practice the invention describe herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation, and the invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20070309
Publication Date: 20140513
Grant Date: 20140513
Priority Date: 20070309
Inventors: CROOIJMANS WIM
HOWARTH RICHARD PAUL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04M1/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39741652