PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11256338-B2
Application Number: US-202016803858-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Voice-controlled electronic device

Abstract:
A voice-controlled electronic device that includes an axisymmetric device housing having a longitudinal axis bisecting opposing top and bottom surfaces and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The device can further include a plurality of microphones disposed within the device housing and distributed radially around the longitudinal axis; a processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in a computer-readable memory for interacting with a user and processing voice commands received by the plurality of microphones and first and second transducers configured to generate sound waves within different frequency ranges.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A voice-controlled electronic device comprising:
 an axisymmetric device housing having a longitudinal axis bisecting opposing top and bottom surfaces and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces; 
 a computer-readable memory disposed within the axisymmetric device housing; 
 a plurality of microphones disposed within the axisymmetric device housing and distributed radially around the longitudinal axis; 
 an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration or an inclination of the voice-controlled electronic device; 
 a processor disposed within the axisymmetric device housing and coupled to the computer-readable memory, the processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in the computer-readable memory for interacting with a user and processing voice commands received by the plurality of microphones after recognizing a command phrase indicating a user&#39;s intent to issue a voice command; 
 a first transducer disposed within the axisymmetric device housing and configured to generate sound waves within a first frequency range; 
 a second transducer disposed within the axisymmetric device housing and configured to generate sound waves within a second frequency range lower than the first frequency range, wherein audio output of at least one of the first transducer or the second transducer is compensated for the inclination detected by the accelerometer; 
 an outer cover having a pattern formed thereon and disposed over the side surface of the axisymmetric device housing concealing audio components positioned beneath the outer cover, wherein the outer cover provides a consistent exterior surface of the voice-controlled electronic device and allows audio waves generated by the first and second transducers to pass through the outer cover; 
 a touch-sensitive user interface disposed at the top surface of the device housing, the touch-sensitive user interface including first and second touch buttons symmetrically positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, the first touch button enabling a user to increase speaker volume and the second touch button enabling a user to decrease speaker volume; and 
 a power supply unit disposed within the device housing and configured to supply power to the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       2. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a main logic board disposed within the device housing and having the processor mounted thereon; and 
 a second circuit board disposed within the device housing along a plane that is spaced apart from the user interface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second circuit board having a plurality of LEDs formed thereon that are aligned to illuminate one or more portions of the touch sensitive user interface. 
 
     
     
       3. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 1  wherein the touch-sensitive user interface comprises capacitive touch sensors. 
     
     
       4. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 3  further comprising one or more light emitting diodes arranged to illuminate different regions of the touch-sensitive user interface. 
     
     
       5. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a wireless communication system disposed within the axisymmetric device housing. 
     
     
       6. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 1  further comprising circuitry configured to implement beamforming techniques to improve audio performance. 
     
     
       7. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 6  wherein the beamforming techniques generate constructive interference. 
     
     
       8. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of proximity sensors configured to emit pulses of radiation that the processor uses to characterize objects surrounding the voice-controlled electronic device. 
     
     
       9. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 8  wherein the plurality of proximity sensors emit pulses of infrared radiation. 
     
     
       10. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 8  wherein the processor is configured to alter an output of the first or second transducer based on feedback from the proximity sensors. 
     
     
       11. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 1  further comprising an amplifier board electrically coupled to the power supply unit and configured to provide power to the first and second transducers. 
     
     
       12. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 1  wherein the top and bottom surfaces of the axisymmetric device housing are parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the side surface. 
     
     
       13. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 1  wherein the first transducer is part of a transducer array that comprises a plurality of transducers radially distributed around the axisymmetric housing. 
     
     
       14. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 13  wherein each transducer in the transducer array includes two adjacent transducers and is equally spaced from each of the two adjacent transducers. 
     
     
       15. A voice-controlled electronic device comprising:
 an axisymmetric device housing having a longitudinal axis bisecting opposing top and bottom surfaces and a side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces; 
 a computer-readable memory disposed within the axisymmetric device housing; 
 a plurality of microphones disposed within the device housing and distributed radially around the longitudinal axis; 
 an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration or an inclination of the voice-controlled electronic device; 
 a processor disposed within the axisymmetric device housing and coupled to the computer-readable memory, the processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in the computer-readable memory for interacting with a user and processing voice commands received by the plurality of microphones after recognizing a command phrase indicating a user&#39;s intent to issue a voice command; 
 a first transducer disposed within the axisymmetric device housing and configured to generate sound waves within a first frequency range; 
 a second transducer disposed within the axisymmetric device housing and configured to generate sound waves within a second frequency range lower than the first frequency range wherein audio output of at least one of the first transducer or the second transducer is compensated for the inclination detected by the accelerometer; 
 an outer cover having a pattern formed thereon and disposed over the side surface of the axisymmetric device housing concealing audio components positioned beneath the outer cover, wherein the outer cover provides a consistent exterior surface of the voice-controlled electronic device and allows audio waves generated by the first and second transducers to pass through the outer cover; 
 a touch-sensitive user interface disposed at the top surface of the device housing, the touch-sensitive user interface comprising capacitive touch sensors arranged to implement first and second touch buttons symmetrically positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, the first touch button enabling a user to increase speaker volume and the second touch button enabling a user to decrease speaker volume; 
 a main logic board disposed within the device housing and having the processor mounted thereon; 
 a second circuit board disposed within the device housing along a plane that is spaced apart from the user interface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second circuit board having a plurality of LEDs formed thereon that are aligned to illuminate one or more portions of the touch-sensitive user interface; 
 a power supply unit disposed within the device housing and configured to supply power to the electronic device; and 
 an amplifier board electrically coupled to the power supply unit and configured to provide power to the first and second transducers. 
 
     
     
       16. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 15  further comprising a wireless communication system disposed within the axisymmetric device housing. 
     
     
       17. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 16  further comprising circuitry configured to implement beamforming techniques to improve audio performance. 
     
     
       18. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 17  wherein the beamforming techniques generate constructive interference. 
     
     
       19. The voice-controlled electronic device set forth in  claim 15  further comprising a plurality of proximity sensors configured to emit pulses of infrared radiation that the processor uses to characterize objects surrounding the voice-controlled electronic device and wherein the processor is further configured to alter an output of the first or second transducer based on feedback from the proximity sensors.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/375,735, filed Apr. 4, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/613,054, filed Jun. 2, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/399,165, filed on Sep. 23, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/399,229, filed Sep. 23, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/399,262 filed on Sep. 23, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/399,293 filed on Sep. 23, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/399,288 filed on Sep. 23, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/507,007 filed on May 16, 2017. This application is also a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/513,955, filed Mar. 23, 2017, which is a 371 National Stage Application of PCT/US2015/053025, filed Sep. 29, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/057,992, filed Sep. 30, 2014. Each and every one of the above patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure applies generally to speakers. In particular, an array of speakers housed within a cylindrical housing is described. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional speakers are generally directional in nature, which can have the effect of leaving dead spots within a room. Often a large array of speakers is distributed around a room to achieve a substantially uniform level of audio performance throughout the room. Conventional speakers can also be subject to vibratory excursions in certain playback regimes. For example, a subwoofer can cause substantial buzzing and or motion of a speaker depending on the volume and frequency of the music being played back. Consequently, improvements in speaker design are desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure describes various embodiments that relate to an electronic device that incorporates a speaker or array of speakers. 
     An array speaker is disclosed and includes the following: an axisymmetric device housing; a number of audio driver assemblies distributed radially about an interior of the axisymmetric device housing; and a power supply unit positioned between two or more of the audio driver assemblies. 
     An electronic device is disclosed and includes a device housing; and audio driver assemblies arranged in a circular configuration within the device housing, diaphragms of each audio driver assembly arranged so that audio waves generated by the diaphragms are initially oriented toward a central region of the circular configuration. 
     An electronic device is disclosed and includes an axisymmetric housing; an array of audio driver assemblies disposed within the axisymmetric housing at a regular radial interval, each of the audio driver assemblies being configured to generate audio waves that exit the substantially axisymmetric housing through acoustic vents defined by a downward facing end of the axisymmetric housing. 
     An electronic device is disclosed and includes a subwoofer having a diaphragm, a coil coupled to the diaphragm and configured to emit a changing magnetic field, and a permanent magnet configured to interact with the changing magnetic field generated by the coil to move the diaphragm axially, the permanent magnet including lobes protruding radially therefrom. 
     A speaker is disclosed and includes a device housing, a subwoofer disposed within the device housing and having a diaphragm configured to oscillate in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the device housing, the subwoofer including a permanent magnet comprising a plurality of protrusions distributed at a regular radial interval about the longitudinal axis of the device housing. 
     An electronic device is disclosed and includes: a device housing; a subwoofer disposed within the device housing and including a permanent magnet having lobes protruding radially therefrom; an audio driver assembly disposed within the device housing; and a capacitor configured to supply power to the audio driver assembly and positioned between two of the lobes. 
     An audio driver is disclosed and includes the following: a driver housing defining an audio exit opening; a diaphragm disposed within the driver housing; and a phase plug assembly disposed between the diaphragm and the audio exit opening. The diaphragm and phase plug assembly separate a front volume from a back volume and a portion of the back volume extends toward the audio exit opening and past the diaphragm. 
     An array speaker is disclosed and includes the following: a first audio driver assembly disposed between a second audio driver assembly and a third audio driver assembly, the first audio driver assembly comprising: a driver housing defining an audio exit opening; a diaphragm disposed within the driver housing; and a phase plug disposed between the diaphragm and the audio exit opening, the phase plug separating a front volume from a back volume, a portion of the back volume extending toward the audio exit opening and past the diaphragm. 
     An audio driver assembly is disclosed and includes the following: a driver housing defining an audio exit opening; a phase plug separating a front volume from a back volume, a portion of the back volume extending toward the audio exit opening; a U-cup engaged with the phase plug to define an interior volume; a diaphragm disposed within the interior volume and coupled with an electrically conductive coil configured to generate a changing magnetic field; and a driver magnet coupled to the U-cup and configured to interact with the changing magnetic field. The interaction between the changing magnetic field and a portion of a magnetic field disposed within an air gap positioned between a top plate and an interior-facing wall of the U-cup causes the diaphragm to oscillate within the interior volume. 
     A speaker is disclosed and includes the following: a device housing; a user interface assembly disposed at an end of the device housing; a printed circuit board (PCB) secured to an interior facing surface of the user interface assembly; and a subwoofer configured to push air toward the PCB during operation of the speaker. 
     An electronic device is disclosed and includes the following: a device housing; a user interface assembly; a printed circuit board (PCB) secured to an interior facing surface of the user interface assembly; and an audio component having a diaphragm configured to push air toward the PCB during operation of the electronic device. 
     An array speaker is disclosed and includes the following: an array of audio driver assemblies arranged in a circular geometry; a speaker housing defining an audio exit channel for each of the audio driver assemblies; and a foot supporting the speaker housing, the foot having a smaller diameter than the speaker housing, a surface of the foot cooperating with a surface of the speaker housing to define an outlet region for each of the audio exit channels, a first distance from a periphery of the foot to an outer edge of the speaker housing being greater than a second distance from a distal end of the foot to a downward facing surface of the speaker housing. 
     An electronic device is disclosed and includes the following: an axisymmetric device housing; audio driver assemblies disposed within the axisymmetric device housing; and a foot having a substantially smaller diameter than the axisymmetric device housing, the foot cooperating with a downward-facing surface of the axisymmetric device housing to define an audio exit region shaped to spread audio waves generated by the audio driver assemblies as the audio waves exit the axisymmetric device housing. 
     An electronic device is disclosed and includes the following: a device housing comprising an upper housing component and a lower housing component; an annular support member engaged with threading defined by the lower housing component; a subwoofer coupled to the annular support member; and a fastener extending through an opening defined by the upper housing component and engaging the annular support member. 
     An electronic device is disclosed and includes the following: a device housing, including first and second housing components cooperating to define an interior volume; an annular support member disposed within the interior volume and engaged with threading arranged along an interior-facing surface of the first housing component; and an audio component coupled to the annular support member, the audio component comprising a diaphragm configured to oscillate in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the device housing. 
     A speaker device is disclosed and includes the following: an axisymmetric device housing comprising an upper housing component and a lower housing component coupled to the upper housing component; a support structure engaged with threading disposed along an interior facing surface of the lower housing component, the support structure including: a first annular member, and a second annular member coupled to the first annular member; a subwoofer coupled to the support structure and filling a central opening defined by the support structure; and a fastener extending through an opening defined by the upper housing component and engaging the annular support member. 
     A user interface is disclosed and includes the following: an exterior surface configured to receive touch inputs; light sources configured to direct light toward the exterior surface and arranged in a lens pattern; and a single piece lens array disposed between the light sources and the exterior surface, the lens array including lenses arranged in the lens pattern, each of the lenses protruding from a transparent substrate and having a surface facing a respective one of the light sources. 
     An electronic device is disclosed and includes the following: a device housing; and a user interface arranged along an exterior surface at a first end of the device housing, the user interface including: light sources configured to illuminate a region of the exterior surface, and a single piece lens array, including: lenses arranged in a lens pattern, each of the lenses protruding from a transparent substrate and having a concave surface facing a respective one of the light sources. 
     A speaker device is disclosed and includes the following: a device housing; a speaker driver assembly disposed within the device housing; and a user interface, including: a cosmetic surface configured to receive touch input and arranged along an exterior surface of the device housing; light sources configured to emit light toward the cosmetic surface; and a lens array disposed between the light sources and the cosmetic surface, the lens array including lenses arranged in a lens pattern, each of the lenses protruding from a transparent substrate and having a concave surface facing a respective one of the light sources. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an array speaker; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a cross-sectional view of the array speaker that includes only components disposed within the lower third of the array speaker; 
         FIG. 2B  shows a simplified view of one side of the array speaker and an associated audio exit channel; 
         FIG. 2C  shows an internal schematic view of the audio exit channel associated with one of the audio drivers of the array speaker and how audio waves are propagated through the audio exit channel; 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  show cross-sectional views of the array speaker in accordance with section lines A-A and B-B of  FIG. 2 , respectively; 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a number of driver assemblies; 
         FIG. 5A  shows a perspective view of a rear portion of a driver assembly; 
         FIGS. 5B-5C  show cross-sectional views of different embodiments in which a fastener is used as a portion of an electrically conductive pathway; 
         FIG. 6  shows an exploded view of a driver assembly; 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of the driver assembly; 
         FIG. 8  shows a cross-sectional view of the array speaker that includes only components within a central portion of the array speaker; 
         FIG. 9A  shows a subwoofer that includes a magnet, which extends radially from the subwoofer; 
         FIG. 9B  shows the subwoofer depicted in  FIG. 9A  and a number of capacitors arranged around the subwoofer; 
         FIG. 9C  shows a subwoofer with a magnet having a number of protruding lobes; 
         FIG. 9D  shows the subwoofer depicted in  FIG. 9C  and a number of capacitors arranged between the lobes of the magnet; 
         FIG. 10A  shows a perspective view of a subwoofer with a lip having multiple notches configured to receive fasteners; 
         FIG. 10B  shows a grommet suitable for mounting the subwoofer; 
         FIG. 11A  shows an exploded view of a convex user interface; 
         FIG. 11B  shows a cross-sectional view of the convex user interface assembled; 
         FIG. 11C  shows a cross-sectional view of the convex user interface installed within an array speaker; 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  show various views of a seal for sealing a first interior portion of the device from a second interior portion of the device; 
         FIGS. 13A-13B  show how an upper housing component can be attached to a lower housing component; and 
         FIGS. 14A-14D  show various views of a cantilevered foot; 
         FIG. 15  shows an exploded view of another convex user interface; 
         FIG. 16A  shows a downward facing surface of a lens array depicted in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 16B  shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the convex user interface depicted in  FIG. 15  that includes the lens array in accordance with section line E-E depicted in  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIG. 17A  shows a cross-sectional, exploded view of an expandable opening defined by one end of an exterior cosmetic fabric; 
         FIG. 17B  shows a cross-sectional view of the exterior cosmetic fabric fully adhered together and how both ends of a drawstring can protrude from the same radial position of the exterior cosmetic fabric; 
         FIGS. 17C-17D  show top views of the exterior cosmetic fabric installed around an upper housing component of the array speaker; 
         FIG. 18  shows an exploded view of a halo assembly; 
         FIG. 19  shows a partial cross-sectional view of a speaker device with the halo assembly installed therein; 
         FIG. 20  shows how an upper housing component can be secured to the halo assembly by a fastener; 
         FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of an alternative upper housing component defining diamond shaped vents; 
         FIG. 22  shows a diagram indicating different types of connected electronics that can communicate and/or interact with array speaker; and 
         FIG. 23  shows a block diagram illustrating communication and interoperability between various electrical components of an array speaker. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     Speaker configurations tend to be overly large when high quality audio playback is desired and the audio output can be very directional in nature. This often requires a user to be positioned in one particular location to get a desired quality level of audio content generated by the speakers. For example, a multi-channel speaker setup could require speakers to be mounted in multiple different corners of a room to achieve a substantially uniform distribution of sound within the room. 
     One way to reduce the size of a speaker configuration and simplify speaker setup while maintaining an even distribution of sound within a room, is to package multiple mid to high frequency drivers into a single housing. The drivers can be distributed within the speaker device so that audio exit channels associated with the drivers are distributed at a regular radial interval along a periphery of the speaker device. In some embodiments, beamforming techniques can be applied to improve audio performance by, adjusting audio exiting from adjacent audio exit openings in order to generate constructively interference. In one particular embodiment, the drivers can be positioned in a circular arrangement within a cylindrical housing to achieve an even radial distribution of sound. Destructive interference caused by reflections from the support surface on which the device is positioned can be prevented by orienting the audio exit openings next to the support surface. 
     In some embodiments, the size of the speaker device can be reduced by packaging the various internal components in close proximity. For example, a power supply unit can be positioned within a central recess defined by a circular arrangement of drivers. In some embodiments, capacitors can be located between a centrally located subwoofer and sidewalls of a device housing of the speaker device. In one particular embodiment, a magnet of the subwoofer can be shaped specifically to accommodate larger capacitors between the subwoofer and the sidewalls of the speaker device. 
     When the speaker device also includes processing components, heat rejection can also be important. In some embodiments, a main logic board of the speaker device can be positioned in front of the subwoofer so that air pushed by the subwoofer can convectively dissipate heat from heat emitting components of the main logic board. 
     Packaging a subwoofer within the speaker device can generate vibrations that could cause undesirable buzzing within or motion of the speaker device. In some embodiments, the subwoofer can be attached to mounting brackets within the device housing using a fastener with an elastomeric grommet. The elastomeric grommet can reduce the amount of vibrations imparted to the rest of the speaker device by the subwoofer. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting brackets can take the form of an annular support structure that is positioned within a device housing of the speaker device by rotating the annular support structure along threading arranged along an interior surface of the device housing. The mounting bracket can be configured to receive fasteners associated with an upper housing component of the device housing and the subwoofer. In some embodiments, the annular support structure can be formed of two separate rings that are compressed together by a series of fasteners. 
     In some embodiments, the speaker device can include a touch-based user interface positioned on a top surface of the speaker device. The touch-based user interface can include lighting that illuminates different regions of the touch-based user interface. For example, a central portion of the user interface could be illuminated with a shifting pattern of colors in response to a voice command being received or processed. The shifting pattern of colors could be produced by an array of LEDs embedded beneath an exterior surface of the touch-based user interface. Other illuminated controls on the touch-based user interface can include volume controls. The touch-based user interface can utilize a capacitive touch sensor or other touch sensor suitable for detecting gesture-based touch inputs. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-23 ; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an array speaker  100 . Array speaker  100  can have an unbroken, aesthetically pleasing exterior surface and a symmetric substantially cylindrical geometry. As used herein, the term “substantially cylindrical geometry” refers to a geometry that is completely cylindrical (i.e., a geometry that includes straight parallel sides and has a circular or oval cross-section) as well as a geometry in which the sides of the top and/or bottom edges are tapered and rounded more than an actual cylinder. Array speaker  100  can also have different geometries. For example, a device housing for array speaker could have many different axisymmetric shapes that allows audio device assemblies to be distributed radially within the device housing. An axisymmetric geometry refers to a shape having symmetry around at least one axis. In the described embodiments, the device housing exhibits an axisymmetric geometry that has symmetry about a longitudinal axis of the device housing. It should also be noted that the term axisymmetric may also be construed to cover shapes that are substantially symmetric about one axis. For example, a small recess or protrusion would not preclude the housing from being described as having an axisymmetric geometry for the purpose of the following description. 
     An upper portion of array speaker  100  can include a user interface  102 . User interface  102  can allow a user to adjust settings for array speaker  100 . For example, track selection and changes in volume can be handled by interacting with user interface  102 . In some embodiments, user interface  102  can take the form of a touch sensitive surface. User interface  102  can include one or more light sources that illuminate various regions of user interface  102  to help a user interact with user interface  102 . A majority of array speaker  100  can be covered by acoustic fabric  104 . Acoustic fabric  104  can give array speaker  100  a consistent exterior surface. Some audio exit ports can be concealed by acoustic fabric  104  in a manner that results in minimal impact on the volume and/or quality of audio exiting array speaker  100 . 
       FIG. 2A  shows a cross-sectional view of array speaker  100  that includes only components disposed within the lower third of array speaker  100 . In particular, the cross-section of one audio driver assembly  202  is depicted. Audio driver assembly  202  can include driver housing  204 , which surrounds the audio components making up audio driver assembly  202  and defines a rectangular channel  206  for allowing the audio generated by diaphragm  207  of audio driver assembly  202  to exit driver housing  204 . Audio driver assembly  202  can be fastened to lower housing component  208  by fastener  210 . Driver housing  204  can be rotated so that rectangular channel  206  aligns with audio exit channel  212  defined by lower housing component  208 . Audio waves  214  exiting audio exit channel  212  pass through acoustic fabric  104  and travel along a supporting surface  216  upon which array speaker  100  rests due to the exit geometry of audio exit channel  212 . In some embodiments, acoustic fabric  104  can have a pattern designed to conceal components or features positioned beneath acoustic fabric  104 . 
       FIG. 2A  also shows power receptacle  220 . Power receptacle  220  can extend between two adjacent audio driver assemblies  202  to route power to various components within array speaker  100 . Power receptacle  220  can be electrically coupled to power supply unit  222  by electrically conductive cable  224 . In some embodiments, power supply unit  222  can be coupled to power supply board  226 , which is in turn coupled to lower housing component  208 . Power supply unit  222  extends into a recess defined by audio driver assemblies  202 . Audio driver assemblies  202  are distributed radially at a regular interval about array speaker  100 . In this way, power supply unit  222  utilizes the space available within the recess defined by audio driver assemblies  202 . In some embodiments, amplifier board  228  and the components distributed thereon can also be electrically coupled to power supply unit  222  and power receptacle  220  by way of electrically conductive cable  224 .  FIG. 2A  also depicts cantilevered foot  230 , which supports the weight of array speaker  100  atop supporting surface  216 . Cantilevered foot  230  can be formed of damping material such as silicone configured to minimize the amount of vibration transferred from array speaker  100  to supporting surface  216 . Cantilevered foot  230  can be configured to dissipate forces transmitted in Z as well as moments acting about the X and/or Y axes. The wide aspect and symmetric footprint of cantilevered foot  230  also helps prevent rocking of the speaker due to moments acting about the X and/or Y axes. 
       FIG. 2B  shows an interior cross-sectional view of one side of array speaker  100  depicting diaphragm  207  and an audio exit channel  212  associated with one of audio driver assemblies  202 . Various dimensions of the exit of audio exit channel  212  are depicted in millimeters. In particular, the distance between the end of audio exit channel  212  and an edge  229  of a sidewall of lower housing component  208  is about 1.5 times greater than the height of a downward facing surface of array speaker  100  off a support surface supporting array speaker  100 . The height of foot  230  just below an outlet region for audio exit channel  212  is about half the distance from supporting surface  216  and the top surface of audio exit channel  212 . In some embodiments, a periphery of foot  230  has a thickness that is about 6/11 of distance  231  between a distal end of foot  230  (or supporting surface  216 ) and the top surface of audio exit channel  212  at the outlet region. This geometry results in high-frequency audio waves moving around a corner of foot  230  and a corner of the outer edge of the housing in such a way that an even vertical directivity is achieved for both low and high-frequency audio waves. Distance  232  between the edge of lower housing component  208  and the periphery of the foot can be slightly longer than distance  231 . This allows the downward facing surface of lower housing component  208  to help shape the audio waves as they travel away from the speaker device. In some embodiments, a ratio of distance  231  to distance  232  can be about 11/15. 
       FIG. 2C  shows an interior schematic view of a lower region of array speaker  100 .  FIG. 2C  depicts how diaphragm  207  associated with one of audio driver assemblies  202  can be configured to emit audio through a number of vertical slots  233  defined by lower housing component  208 . Dashed lines  234  depicted within rectangular channel  206  and audio exit channel  212  represent sound waves generated by diaphragm  207 . In particular, dashed lines  234  are depicted turning within different regions of rectangular channel  206  and audio exit channel  212 . These channels are shaped deliberately to minimize destructive interference that could negatively affect the quality and/or volume produced by vibration of diaphragm  207 . For example, the turns in the audio channels direct acoustic waves in ways that preserve coherent wave fronts along the length of the audio channels. The shape of the audio channels also helps to direct the audio waves in a direction  236  oriented radially outward and upward, which results in spherically expanding wavefronts moving away from the supporting surface upon which lower housing component  208  rests. While audio waves are depicted two dimensionally by dashed lines  234  it should be appreciated that the audio waves have a three dimensional profile that extends circumferentially within and outside of lower housing component  208 .  FIG. 2C  also shows how audio waves generated by diaphragm  602  turn in a direction substantially orthogonal to an original direction in which the audio waves are initially generated. For example, audio waves could shift 70 to 80 degrees in direction before exiting driver housing  204  through audio exit opening  710 . 
       FIG. 3A  shows a cross-sectional view of array speaker  100  in accordance with section line A-A of  FIG. 2A . Each driver assembly includes an adapter  302  configured to position phase plug  304  within driver housing  204 . Phase plug  304  reduces destructive interference by guiding audio waves from the large surface area of the diaphragm to the small entrance area of the throat of the horn rather than allowing the audio waves to interact destructively near the diaphragm. Phase plug also helps shape the sound waves leaving audio driver assembly  202  to conform to a non-circular or in some cases more rectangular channel  206  and audio exit channel  212 . A periphery of a diaphragm associated with coil assembly  306  is engaged with phase plug  304  as depicted. Coil assembly  306  includes a coil of wire that is affixed to a central portion of the diaphragm and is configured to generate a shifting magnetic field configured to interact with permanent magnet  308 , thereby causing waves to be generated by the diaphragm. When the shifting magnetic field interacts with the field generated by permanent magnet  308  the diaphragm vibrates at a rate suitable for generating audio waves associated with a media file being played back by array speaker  100 . Behind permanent magnet  308  is a support assembly taking the form of a magnetic motor assembly that includes U-cup  310 , top plate  311  and permanent magnet  308 . In addition to providing a surface upon which magnet  308  can be mounted, U-cup  310  directs a magnetic field emitted by magnet  308  to the air gap where the coil is positioned. Behind U-cup  310  is a foam layer  312 , which can be formed from open-cell foam. Foam layer  312  can enhance the audio performance of audio driver assembly  202 . In some embodiments, foam layer  312  can increase the apparent size of a back volume of audio driver assembly  202 . Finally, cap  314  is secured to driver housing  204  to close an opening in the back of audio driver assembly  202 . This rear opening in driver housing  204  can be used to insert the audio components described above within driver housing  204 .  FIG. 3A  also shows how channels  206  leading out of driver housing  204  can be distributed at a regular radial interval. 
       FIG. 3B  shows a cross-sectional view of array speaker  100  in accordance with section line B-B of  FIG. 2 . In this view, top surfaces of driver housings  204  are depicted. Each driver housing has two driver screw terminals  316 . Driver screw terminals  316  can be used to create an electrically conductive pathway between the audio components within driver housing  204  and other components of array speaker  100 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of each of audio driver assemblies  202 . In particular, caps  314  are shown closing rear openings leading into driver housings  204 . Each of audio driver assemblies  202  is also depicted with an alignment bracket  402 . Alignment bracket  402  can be configured to create a buffer between each of audio driver assemblies  202  and lower housing component  208 . Alignment brackets  402  can also be configured to help align amplifier board  228  with driver screw terminals  316 . Amplifier board  228  is configured to support capacitors  404  and other electronic components such as electronic components  406 . Capacitors  404  are configured to provide power for audio driver assemblies  202 . In particular, the power from capacitors  404  can be used to support separate amp channels to power each of audio driver assemblies  202 . Amplifier board  228  is also depicted with terminals  408 . Each of terminals  408  can be configured to receive a fastener for coupling amplifier board  228  to driver screw terminals  316 . In this way, amplifier board  228  can be securely coupled to each of audio driver assemblies  202 . 
       FIG. 5A  shows a perspective view of a rear portion of audio driver assembly  202 . Cap  314  is removed from audio driver assembly  202  to reveal a rear-facing surface of U-cup  310 . U-cup  310  is coupled to peripheral tab portions  508  of phase plug  304 . Wires  502  are also depicted and can electrically couple audio components of audio driver assembly  202  to respective driver screw terminals  316 . Amplifier board  228  is shown secured to audio driver assemblies  202  by fasteners  504 , which are depicted engaging driver screw terminals  316 .  FIG. 5A  also shows a rear view of U-cup  310 , which includes engaging features  506  that engage tabs  508  of phase plug  304 . 
       FIG. 5B  shows a cross-sectional view of fastener  504  engaging driver screw terminal  316 . Fastener  504  can be an electrically conductive fastener and can be configured to carry a signal received from terminal  408  disposed upon amplifier board  228 . In some embodiments, amplifier board  228  can also include a lower terminal  507  disposed on a lower surface of amplifier board  228 . In some embodiments, lower terminal  507  can be compressed against driver screw terminal  316 , allowing signals to be transferred or a grounding path to be established between lower terminal  507  and driver screw terminal  316  along electrically conductive pathway  509 . Those signals can then be transferred to wire  502 , which is soldered to a lower portion of driver screw terminal  316 . The signals can include instructions for generating audio using the audio components within driver housing  204 . In some embodiments, one of wires  502  can be used to receive instructions and the other can be configured to receive power. In some embodiments, one of wires  502  can function as a grounding pathway. 
       FIG. 5C  shows another embodiment in which fastener  504  engages an opening defined by driver housing  204 . When driver housing  204  is made of electrically insulating materials, electrical signals and power can be routed into driver housing  204  by one or more of wires  502 . In some embodiments, sheet metal  510  can be positioned between driver housing  204  and amplifier board  228 . Sheet metal  510  can be bent in order to help define electrically conductive pathway  509  toward an exterior surface of driver housing  204 . Sheet metal  510  can also define an opening or a notch configured to accommodate fastener  504 . In some embodiments, wire  502  can be soldered to sheet metal  510 . 
       FIG. 6  shows an exploded view of audio driver assembly  202 . Adapter  302  can be inserted into driver housing  204 . Driver housing  204  can include have internal features suited to receive adapter  302 . Adapter  302  can define an opening allowing audio waves to pass through adapter  302  and out of driver housing  204 . A rear-facing surface of adapter  302  can be configured to receive protrusions of phase plug  304 . Phase plug  304  defines a number of openings that shape the audio waves in a manner that prevents destructive interference as the audio waves are being directed toward the exit of driver housing  204 . Phase plug  304  is also depicted with tabs  508 , which are configured to be engaged by engaging features  506  of U-cup  310 . 
       FIG. 6  also depicts coil assembly  306 , which includes diaphragm  602  and coil  604 . Coil  604  is electrically coupled with a power source so that it is able to receive alternating current. The alternating current results in coil  604  outputting a shifting magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic field emitted by permanent magnet  308  of the magnetic motor assembly. This interaction results in coil assembly  306  traveling back and forth between phase plug  304  and U-cup  310 . The direction of travel of coil assembly  306  can be defined by the direction of the circumferential current flow in the coil and the direction of the radially oriented magnetic flux within the air gap between top plate  606  and U-cup  310  that is generated by permanent magnet  308 . The direction of force is perpendicular to both the flow of current in coil  604  and the magnetic flux lines. Motion is permitted in that direction by a compliant surround portion of diaphragm  602 . Plate  606  can be coupled to permanent magnet  308  and designed to help shape the flow of magnetic flux emitted by permanent magnet  308 . The force applied to coil  604  results in diaphragm  602  moving and generating audio waves that travel through phase plug  304  and then out of driver housing  204 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of audio driver assembly  202 . In particular, a back volume  702  of audio driver assembly  202  is depicted. Generally a back volume refers to an open area within the speaker housing containing air that is in fluid communication with a rear-facing surface of a diaphragm and not in fluid communication with a listener. Similarly, a front volume refers to another open area within the speaker housing containing air that is in fluid communication with both a forward-facing surface of the diaphragm and the listener. A larger back volume  702  increases the amount of air behind diaphragm  602  helping to increase low frequency output at a given power output for audio driver assembly  202 . An apparent size of back volume  702  can be increased by foam layer  312 , which by slowing air down within the back volume increases the apparent volume of back volume  702 . Back volume  702  can also be enlarged by a portion of back volume  704  that is forward of the diaphragm. By leaving a gap  706  between phase plug  304  and driver housing  204 , the additional open space can be added on to the total volume of back volume  702 . In some embodiments, this additional volume forward of diaphragm  602  can substantially improve audio performance when diaphragm  602  oscillates in the direction indicated by arrow  708 . In some embodiments, back volume  702  and forward back volume  704  can add up to about 17 CCs.  FIG. 7  also shows magnetic flux flow lines  710  and how both U-cup  310  and plate  606  cooperate to define a flux flow path for the magnetic field emitted by permanent magnet  308 . In this way, the magnetic field can be concentrated around the path along which coil  604  traverses during operation of audio driver assembly  202 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a cross-sectional view of array speaker  100  that includes only components within a central portion of array speaker  100 .  FIG. 8  depicts both subwoofer  802  and microphones  804 . Subwoofer  802  includes a permanent ring magnet  806  for driving a coil  808  and a diaphragm  810  of subwoofer  802 . It should be noted that diaphragm  810  can also be referred to as a cone. While the cone terminology often refers to a rigid oscillating member associated with a subwoofer, for the purposes of this description, the oscillating member of the subwoofer will be described generally as a diaphragm. Subwoofer  802  can be mounted to lower housing component  208  by damped coupling  812 , which can minimize an amount of force and/or vibration transferred to lower housing component  208  from subwoofer  802 . A magnetic field emitted by ring magnet  806  can be shaped by pole structure  814  and plate structure  816 . An air gap between pole structure  814  and plate structure  816  can help localize the magnetic field emitted by ring magnet  806  around coil  808 . 
     The position of subwoofer  802  in the upper portion of the housing allows the region beneath subwoofer  802  to be used as a back volume for enhancing the audio produced by subwoofer  802 . While not depicted this back volume area includes audio driver assemblies  202 . This works well since the audio waves generated by audio driver assemblies  202  are isolated by housings  204  of audio driver assemblies  202  and the audio generated by audio driver assemblies  202  exits out the bottom end of the device housing. 
       FIG. 8  also shows how microphones  804  can be distributed radially as depicted in  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, a flexible ribbon cable or flexible PCB  818  can be utilized to electrically couple together each of microphones  804 . In some embodiments, microphones  804  can be configured to detect both internal audio sources and external audio sources. In some embodiments, microphones  804  can be configured to monitor the inside of array speaker  100  for distortion or overdriving to prevent speaker damage. In some embodiments, microphones  804  can be configured to relay audible user commands to a processor of array speaker  100 . For example, microphones  804  can be aligned with and sealed across an opening in the sidewall of the device housing, thereby allowing multiple microphones  804  to cooperatively triangulate the location of any audio detected by two or more of microphones  804 . 
       FIG. 9A  shows how magnet  806  of subwoofer  802  can extend radially around a periphery of subwoofer  802  according to an embodiment. Because magnet  806  extends radially from subwoofer  802 , capacitors  404  are limited in diameter. For this reason, as depicted in  FIG. 9B , more capacitors  404  can be needed to power audio driver assemblies  202  than would be needed with a greater diameter capacitor. Generally, using a greater number of capacitors  404  tends to be more expensive and takes up a larger amount of space on amplifier board  228 . 
       FIG. 9C  shows a subwoofer  902  according to some embodiments of the disclosure that includes a magnet  904  instead of magnet  806 . Magnet  904  includes a number of protruding lobes  906  that can extend radially near or in some cases all the way out to the interior facing surfaces of lower housing component  208 . While magnet  904  is depicted having three lobes  906  it should be appreciated that magnet  904  could have any number of lobes  906  as long as they are distributed at an even interval about magnet  904 . For example, four narrower lobes could also be utilized. The even distribution of the lobes helps to keep the magnetic field emitted by magnet  904  from becoming asymmetric. In addition to lobes  906  it should be appreciated that an upper plate  908  directly above magnet  904  and a lower plate directly below magnet  904  can also be shaped to conform with lobes  906  of magnet  904 .  FIG. 9D  shows how lobes  906  of magnet  904  leaves sufficient room for larger diameter capacitors  912 . This configuration would allow audio driver assemblies  202  (not depicted) to be powered by larger diameter capacitors  912 . In some embodiments, this can allow more power to be delivered to audio driver assemblies  202  allowing for higher quality and/or louder audio output of driver assemblies  202 . 
       FIG. 10A  shows a perspective view of subwoofer  802 . Subwoofer  802  includes a lip with multiple notches configured to receive fasteners. The lip is used to secure subwoofer  802  to a housing of array speaker  100 . Unfortunately, the inertia of the moving mass of subwoofer  802  creates forces in the Z axis and moments about the X and Y axes, which can lead to visible shaking and hopping of array speaker  100 . This could lead array speaker  100  to move laterally while playing music and become a drop hazard. The motion generated by subwoofer  802  can also create vibrations throughout the system, which can cause audible buzzing noises and potentially result in premature component failure or disconnection. Vertical motion of array speaker in the Z axis can also make a touch interface positioned on the top of array speaker  100  more difficult to use. For example, vertical motion of array speaker  100  could cause a user to touch the wrong portion of the touch interface or to make an input earlier than otherwise desired. 
       FIG. 10A  shows a solution to this problem. A number of elastomeric grommets  1002  and shoulder screws  1004  can be used to secure a flange  1006  of subwoofer  802  to a mounting feature within array speaker  100 . This can be accomplished by sliding each grommet  1002  into a notch  1008  defined by flange  1006 . Once secured within notch  1008 , shoulder screw  1004  can be inserted through an opening defined by grommet  1002 . A shoulder portion of shoulder screw  1004  can be positioned within the opening defined by grommet  1002  and a threaded portion of shoulder screw  1004  can be used to engage the mounting feature. 
       FIG. 10B  shows a perspective view of grommet  1002 , which can be made from highly damped rubber and have a specific geometry to achieve optimal stiffness properties to damp oscillations generated by subwoofer  802 . Grommet  1002  can define a U-shaped channel  1010  configured to allow grommet  1002  to slide into one of notches  1008 . When flange  1006  is engaged within U-shaped channel  1010 , the shape of U-shaped channel  1010  acts as an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of grommet  1002  within notch  1008 . This can be helpful when driving shoulder screws  1004  into an attachment feature. Grommet  1002  also includes protrusions  1012  protruding from upper flange  1014 . Protrusions  1012  also protrude from lower flange  1016 . Protrusions  1012  can also be configured to compress more easily when shoulder screw  1004  engages grommet  1002  through opening  1018 . The height and/or width of protrusions  1012  can be tuned to adjust the overall stiffness provided by grommet  1002 . 
       FIG. 11A  shows an exploded view of a convex user interface  1100 . Cosmetic layer  1102  can be formed from glass or plastic and be configured to provide a smooth surface upon which a user can comfortably make inputs. The depicted pattern on cosmetic layer  1102  includes symbols corresponding to increasing and decreasing a setting. In some embodiments, the plus and minus signs can apply to raising the volume or skipping tracks in a song. For example, a long press of the plus can be configured to increase volume while a short press could skip to the next track of a media playlist. Cosmetic layer  1102  can be coupled to adhesive layer  1104 . Adhesive layers  1104  can join cosmetic layer to wedge  1106  and wedge  1106  to touch/LED board  1108 . Adhesive layers  1104  can define a number of openings configured to reduce any attenuation in the touch signals caused by adhesive layers  1104 . Wedge  1106  can define the convex geometry of user interface  1100 . A dielectric constant of wedge  1106  can be tuned to efficiently pass touch inputs from cosmetic layer  1102  to touch/LED board  1108 . It should be noted that some of the openings defined by adhesive layers  1104  and wedge  1106  can be designed to accommodate fasteners  1110 , which secure touch/LED board  1108  to mounting frame  1112 . Light guides  1114  can be configured to direct light emitted by light sources coupled to touch/LED board  1108  toward cosmetic layer  1102  of user interface  1100 . In some embodiments, the openings defined by the different openings can be configured to allow light from LEDs disposed on touch/LED board  1108  to illuminate portions of cosmetic layer  1102 . 
       FIG. 11B  shows a cross-sectional view of assembled convex user interface  1100 . LEDs  1116  are depicted on upper and lower surfaces of touch/LED board  1108 . In this way, upper LED  1116  can shine light directly toward cosmetic layer  1102 . Lower LEDs  1116  shine light into a recess defined by mounting frame  1112 . The light emitted by lower LEDs  1116  can then be redirected by light guides  1114  toward other openings situated below the plus and minus indicators of cosmetic layer  1102 . 
       FIG. 11C  shows a cross-sectional view of array speaker  100  with convex user interface  1100  disposed at the top. Audio waves  1118  are shown being generated by the oscillation of subwoofer  802  in a vertical direction. In some embodiments, the oscillation can be aligned with a longitudinal axis of lower housing component  208 . In this instance, the term aligned is used to mean that the direction of motion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of lower housing component  208 . Audio waves  1118  are configured to exit array speaker  100  through vents  1120 . Main logic board  1122  is shown secured to a bottom surface of convex user interface  1100 . Main logic board  1122  can include one or more heat generating components such as a processor. Audio waves  1118  incident to main logic board  1122  can dissipate heat generated by the heat generating components of main logic board  1122 . In some embodiments, heat generated by touch/LED board  1108  can be conducted to main logic board  1122 , where the heat can be convectively dissipated by the air displaced by audio waves  1118 . In some embodiments, subwoofer  802  can be configured to operate at a sub-sonic frequency designed to maximize the amount of air pushed past main logic board  1122 , when heat dissipation is a priority. In some embodiments, array speaker  100  can include various sensors within above subwoofer  802  that identify high heat loading conditions that could result in heat dissipation becoming a priority. For example, a heat sensor could be affixed to a surface of main logic board  1122 . Furthermore, various flow rate sensors could be positioned between subwoofer  802  and vents  1120  to identify any vent blockages. Subwoofer  802  can also be configured to oscillate at a frequency that generates haptic feedback along an exterior surface of convex user interface  100 . For example, subwoofer  802  could be commanded to operate at the frequency that generates the haptic feedback in response to one or more different types of user inputs. 
       FIG. 11C  also shows seal  1124 , which is configured to seal the back volume of subwoofer  802 . Seal  1124  can be useful in preventing upper housing component  1126  from buzzing against lower housing component  208 .  FIG. 11C  also shows vibration ring  1125 , which twists along threads  1128 . Vibration ring  1125  formed of polymeric material that twists down until it engages channels defined by alignment brackets  402  of driver housings  204  of each driver in order to discourage vibration of audio driver assemblies  202 . In some embodiments, vibration ring  1125  can include at least three rows of threads around the periphery of vibration ring  1125 . 
       FIG. 12A  shows a perspective view of seal  1124 . Seal  1124  is arranged in a loop and capable of forming a seal around an audio component secured to lower housing component  208 . Seal  1124  is configured to seal across parting lines and absorb tolerances of injection molded plastic parts. Seal  1124  can be made up of multiple layers.  FIG. 12B  shows a cross-sectional view of seal  1124  in accordance with section line C-C. The cross-sectional view shows how two compliant foam layers  1202  can be joined together by a stiff plastic layer  1204 . The stiff plastic layer  1204  can make the installation more reliable by helping to retain the shape of seal  1124 . This design can provide better performance at lower cost than a typical O-ring.  FIG. 12C  shows a close-up view of seal  1124  arranged between upper housing component  1126  and support halo  1206 . 
       FIGS. 13A-13B  show how upper housing component  1126  can be attached to lower housing component  208 . Both upper and lower housing components  1126  and  208  include a number of discrete threading segments. The threading segments are arranged on an exterior-facing surface of upper housing component  1126  and an interior-facing surface of lower housing component  208 . In order to attach upper and lower housing components  1126  and  208  together, threading segment  1302  of upper housing component  1126  can be aligned with threading segment  1304  of lower housing component  208 . Upper housing component  1126  can then be lowered until the threading segments  1302  and  1304  contact each other. Upper housing component  1126  can then be twisted to shift threading segment  1302  to the right until threading segment  1302  clears threading segment  1304  and then contacts threading segment  1306 . Once threading segment  1302  contacts threading segment  1306  upper housing component  1126  can be twisted in the opposite direction to move threading segment  1302  to the left until threading segment  1302  clears threading segment  1306  and contacts threading segment  1308 . Upper housing component  1126  can continue to move in alternating directions until threading segment  1310  is secured against locking surface  1312  of threading segment  1314 . Threading segment  1310  can have a locking feature  1316  configured to engage locking surface  1312 . Locking feature  1316  is able to deflect due to an area surrounding locking feature  1316  being removed from upper housing component  1126 .  FIG. 13B  shows upper housing component  1126  locked against lower housing component  208  by interaction between locking surface  1312  and locking feature  1316 . 
       FIGS. 14A-14D  show cantilevered foot  230 .  FIG. 14A  shows cantilevered foot  230  just below array speaker  100 . Cantilevered foot  230  is configured to support the weight of array speaker  100  above a support surface and to dissipate any vibrations propagating through array speaker  100 .  FIG. 14B  shows a perspective view of cantilevered foot  230 . An interior layer  1402  of cantilevered foot  230  can be formed of a somewhat rigid but deflectable material such as polycarbonate. An exterior layer  1404  formed of a more compliant material such as silicone can be configured to dissipate vibrations transmitted to cantilevered foot  230 . Unfortunately, sometimes vibrations can be severe enough to cause bouncing or lateral shifting to occur with more standardized vibration dissipating feet. 
       FIG. 14C  shows a top view of cantilevered foot  230  and in particular, a section line D-D bisecting cantilevered foot  230 .  FIG. 14D  shows interior layer  1402  and exterior layer  1404 . When a force  1406  acts upon cantilevered foot  230 , instead of a thickness of exterior layer  1404  being solely responsible for dissipating any vibrations propagated to cantilevered foot  230 , cantilevered arms  1408  flex radially to absorb some of force  1406  associated with the vibrations as depicted. This radial flexing results in the vertical vibrations being translated horizontally and substantially reducing the vertical vibrations. The other positive effect of the radial flexing is it places more of exterior layer  1404  in contact with the support surface, increasing the friction between cantilevered foot  230  and the support surface and consequently the resistance of array speaker to lateral shift. In some embodiments, cantilevered foot  230  and grommets  1002  work together to attenuate undesirable vibration of array speaker  100 . In some embodiments, annular foam  1410  can be added along a periphery of cantilevered foot  230 , which can be configured to prevent unwanted vibration of the periphery of cantilevered foot  230 . In this way, foam  1410  is positioned to prevent vibrations that would otherwise generate distracting vibration when the speaker device generates audio waves likely to resonate within cantilevered foot  230 . 
       FIG. 15  shows an exploded view of an alternative convex user interface  1500  that differs in some respects from the user interface depicted in  FIGS. 11A-11C . In particular, convex user interface  1500  includes two distinct illuminated, touch interface regions. User interface  1500  includes a mounting frame  1502 , which defines a channel  1503  running along a circumference of mounting frame  1502 . Channel  1503  can be configured to receive a drawstring associated with acoustic fabric covering array speaker  100 . Channel  1503  allows each end of the drawstring to be conveniently wrapped around mounting frame  1502  along channel  1503 . Mounting frame  1502  also defines multiple recesses  1504  configured to receive and accommodate light emitting components. In particular, the light emitting components include LED array board  1506  and light sources  1508 . LED array board  1506  includes an array of LEDs  1510 . Each of LEDs  1510  can be configured to emit three or more colors of light. LEDs  1510  can also be configured to cooperatively generate various designs associated with a first touch interface region. Light sources  1508  can each include one or more LEDs for emitting one or more colors of light associated with a second touch interface region. Interposer board  1512  can be configured to set a standoff distance between LED array board  1506  and touch printed circuit board (PCB)  1514 . Interposer board  1512  can define openings that allow light generated by LEDs  1510  to pass through interposer board  1512 . Interposer board  1512  can take the form of an electrically insulating layer having electrically conductive edge plating arranged along its periphery for routing power and signals between touch PCB  1514  and LED array board  1506 . In this way, light emitted by LEDs  1510  can be modulated in accordance with touch inputs processed by components associated with touch PCB  1514 . Touch PCB  1514  defines a number of apertures through which light generated by the light emitting components generate. In particular, volume control openings  1516  can have the shape of plus and minus symbols associated with increasing and decreasing respectively the volume of the speaker system associated with user interface  1500 . 
       FIG. 15  also shows fasteners  1518 , which can be configured to secure touch PCB  1514  to mounting frame  1502 . In some embodiments, fasteners  1518  can be self-tapping screws that form threads within openings defined by mounting frame  1502 . Touch PCB  1514  can be coupled to wedge  1520  by adhesive layer  1522 . Both adhesive layer  1522  and wedge  1520  can include openings through which light emitted by the light-emitting components can pass. Adhesive layer  1522  and wedge  1520  can also include openings to accommodate the head portions of fasteners  1518 . Wedge  1520 , which has a substantially thicker central region than its peripheral region, can be configured to give user interface  1500  its curved or convex exterior geometry. The central region of wedge  1520  includes an opening for accommodating a diffuser assembly  1523  configured to spread light received from LEDs  1510 . Diffuser assembly  1523  includes a lens array  1524  having discrete diffusing optics for each of LEDs  1510 . In some embodiments, lens array  1524  can take the form of a single piece of glass spreading the light from each of LEDs  1510 . In other embodiments, lens array  1524  can include multiple discrete lenses that spread the light. Lens array  1524  can be secured to touch PCB  1514  by adhesive foam ring  1526 . In some embodiments, touch plate  1528  can be secured to a downward facing surface of lens array  1524 . Openings defined by touch plate  1528  can accommodate lens protrusions of lens array  1524 . Touch plate  1528  can take the form of a thin, electrically conductive plate that improves the capacitive coupling for touch inputs received by user interface  1500 . Touch plate can be electrically coupled to touch PCB  1514 . In some embodiments, the flat surface of touch plate  1514  can include a touch sensor that is optimized for reading the inputs made at the convex cosmetic touch surface of user interface  1500 . For example, a density of a sensing grid associated with touch plate  1514  can have a varied density that allows inputs made to be adjusted for the curvature at the exterior surface. In this way, a consistent user input can be achieved across the entire exterior touch surface of user interface  1500 , thereby avoiding the situation in which touch inputs are read at a different speed in the center than along a periphery of the touch sensor. An upward-facing surface of lens array  1524  can be secured to a first diffuser plate  1530  by adhesive strips  1532  arranged along the periphery of lens array  1524 . A layer of diffuser film  1534  for additional light spreading can be positioned between first diffuser plate  1530  and lens array  1524 . First diffuser plate  1530  can also be configured to increase the amount of diffusion of the light emitted by LEDs  1510 . 
     In some embodiments, first diffuser plate  1530  can be formed from a clear polycarbonate resin that is doped with particles having a different index of refraction than the clear polycarbonate resin. For example, the polycarbonate resin could be doped with Titanium Oxide particles that both give a white appearance to first diffuser plate  1530  and help to further diffuse the light passing through first diffuser plate  1530 . First diffuser plate  1530  is secured to a second diffuser plate  1536  by adhesive strips  1532  arranged along the periphery of first diffuser plate  1530 . Adhesive strips  1532  can be sized to create a small air gap between the first and second diffuser plates. Second diffuser plate  1536  can have a dome-shaped surface helping diffuser assembly  1523  achieve the same curvature as wedge  1520 . Finally a fade film  1538  can be applied to an upward facing surface of second diffuser plate  1536 . Fade film can take the form of a radially graduated filter that feathers the intensity of light along a periphery of the light emitted by LEDs  1510 . In this way, fade film  1538  prevents adhesive layer  1540  from abruptly shifting from illuminated to unilluminated in a central region of a top cap  1542 . Top cap  1542  can take the form of a layer of glass or transparent polymer material such as a polycarbonate material. In some embodiments, top cap  1542  can include a layer of ink that further diffuses light passing through top cap  1542 . In some embodiments, light emitted by LEDs  1510  and diffused by the aforementioned diffusive elements can cooperatively generate a mix of light having a diameter of about three centimeters. 
       FIG. 16A  shows a downward facing surface of lens array  1524 . As depicted, lens array  1524  takes the form of a single piece of shaped glass having discrete optics for multiple different light sources. In particular, lens array  1524  includes protruding lenses  1602  for diffusing light from 19 LEDs  1510  that are arranged in a honeycomb pattern. It should be appreciated that a larger or smaller number of LEDs  1510  could be accommodated by lens array  1524 . Furthermore, protruding lenses  1602  could be arranged in an irregular pattern or a different regular pattern such as a rectangular grid. 
       FIG. 16B  shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of convex user interface  1500  that includes lens array  1524  in accordance with section line E-E. It should be noted that the adhesive layers have been omitted from this view for clarity. In particular LEDs  1510  are shown attached to LED array board  1506 . Five LEDs  1510  are shown emitting light into lens array  1524 . Protruding lenses  1602  of lens array  1524  diffuse the light received from LEDs  1510  prior to the light entering first and second diffuser plates  1530  and  1536 . As depicted, each of protruding lenses  1602  include a concave surface oriented toward a respective one of LEDs  1510 . The diffuser plates can be configured to further diffuse this light prior to the light exiting through top cap  1542 . By the time the light exits through top cap  1542 , the light emitted from each LED  1510  can be mixed with light from adjacent ones of LEDs  1510 . In this way, a relatively small number of LEDs can cooperate to produce a mixed pattern of lights at an exterior surface defined by top cap  1542 . In some embodiments, the light appearing along the surface can have a total diameter of about 30 mm and light from each LED  1510  can be spread across a diameter of about 7 mm. 
       FIG. 17A  shows a cross-sectional, exploded view of an expandable opening defined by one end of fabric  1700 . Fabric  1700  can take the form of a tube having a fixed size opening at a first end and elastic and/or expandable second end.  FIG. 17A  depicts the second expandable end. Fabric layers  1702 ,  1704  and  1706  can be configured to provide a cosmetically pleasing exterior surface for a speaker device without inhibiting the passage of audio waves generated by the speaker device. Fabric layers  1702 ,  1704  and  1706  can be formed of materials such as polyester, nylon and polyurethane. In some embodiments, fabric layer  1702  can have a diamond shaped pattern defining an array of diamond shaped openings that limit the amount of resistance generated by fabric layer  1702 . Fabric layer  1702  can be adhered to fabric layer  1704  by adhesive layer  1708 . While adhesive layer  1708  is depicted as a solid layer it should be appreciated that the adhesive can be formed to have the same pattern as fabric layer  1702 . In this way, an exterior surface of fabric  1700  can be free of exposed adhesive material. An inner lip of fabric layer  1704  can be coupled to fabric layer  1706  by adhesive ring  1710 . Fabric layer  1706  can then be secured to upper housing component  1126  (not shown, see  FIG. 13B ). In this way, fabric  1700  can be securely coupled to the speaker device. 
       FIG. 17A  also shows stitched threading  1712 . In some embodiments, stitched threading  1712  can be sewn to a lip of fabric layer  1702 . Stitched threading  1712  can take the form of a fiber arranged in a number of loops arranged along a lip of fabric  1700  and sized to accommodate drawstring  1714 . Drawstring  1714  can be threaded through the openings defined by the loops of stitched threading  1712 . By pulling on or releasing both ends of drawstring  1714  the lip of fabric  1700  the opening can be expanded or contracted in order to respectively install and remove fabric  1700  from the speaker device. 
       FIG. 17B  shows a cross-sectional view of fabric assembly  1700  fully adhered together and how both ends of drawstring  1714  can protrude from the same radial position of fabric assembly  1700 . Drawstring  1714  can be long enough to wrap around a mounting frame associated with a user interface of the speaker device, which allows for the drawstring to smoothly contract the opening  1716  defined by fabric  1700 . In some embodiments, stitched fabric  1712  and drawstring  1714  can be replaced by an elastic loop insert-molded around the lip of fabric  1700 . The elastic loop can act similarly to a rubber band and have the resilience to securely keep the fabric in place while also allowing the fabric defining opening  1716  to be expanded for removal of fabric assembly  1700  off of the speaker device. 
       FIG. 17C  shows a top view of fabric assembly  1700  installed around a portion of upper housing component  1126 .  FIG. 17C  shows drawstrings  1714  only partially tightened, leaving an annular gap between the opening defined by fabric assembly  1700  and the opening defined by upper housing component  1126 .  FIG. 17D  shows how drawstring  1714  can be routed through an opening  1708  defined by mounting frame  1502  and then tightened causing fabric assembly  1700  to cinch evenly around a periphery of mounting frame  1502 . 
       FIG. 18  shows an exploded view of a halo assembly  1800 . Halo assembly includes an upper ring  1802  and a lower ring  1804  that are coupled together by fasteners  1806 . Both upper and lower rings  1802  and  1804  respectively define cooperatively define threading around their periphery. The threading allows the rings to twist into place within an interior volume of a speaker housing. The bottom surface of upper ring  1802  and the top surface of lower ring  1804  have complementary geometries that allow the two rings to be radially aligned. Furthermore, when the rings are radially aligned the peripheral threading continues smoothly across the interface between the two rings. For example, lower ring includes ramp feature  1808 , which aligns with recessed feature  1810 , when the two rings are radially aligned. Radial alignment of rings  1802  and  1804  also results in fastener openings  1812  being aligned with fastener openings  1814 . Upper ring  1802  can include additional openings adjacent to each of openings  1812 , which are configured to receive additional fasteners for securing other internal components to halo assembly  1800 . An interior facing surface of upper ring  1802  can include protrusions helping to thicken portions of upper ring  1802  that include openings configured to receive fasteners. Halo assembly  1800  also includes seal  1124 , which can be positioned within groove  1816  and function to prevent audio waves from propagating around the periphery of halo assembly  1800 . 
       FIG. 18  also depicts flex connector  1820 . Flex connector assembly  1820  can be configured to electrically couple components distributed throughout a speaker enclosure. In particular, flex connector assembly can extend through opening  1818  in upper ring  1802  to reach electrical component connectors disposed above halo assembly  1800 . In some embodiments, ring  1804  can also include an opening aligned with opening  1818  to allow for the passage of flex connector substrate  1822 . Flex connector substrate  1822  can take the form of a polyimide substrate. In some embodiments, flex connector assembly  1820  includes board to board connector  1824  that is configured to electrically couple with an electrical component such as touch PCB  1514  (see  FIG. 15 ). Flex connector assembly  1820  can include other connectors such as connector  1826  that is configured to be electrically coupled with speaker drivers at the lower end of an associated speaker device. 
       FIG. 19  shows a partial cross-sectional view of a speaker device with halo assembly  1800  installed therein. Upper ring  1802  is depicted in direct contact with lower ring  1804 . Fastener  1806  is shown securing upper ring  1802  and lower ring  1804  together after rotating the two rings along threads  1902  of housing component  208 . Prior to fastener  1806  securing the upper and lower rings  1802  and  1804  together, threading  1904  and  1906  could fit somewhat loosely between threading  1902 . In this way, halo assembly is configured to rotate easily into housing component  208 . Once the correct position has been achieved, fastener  1806  causes threading  1904  and  1906  to bear against threading  1902 , which secures halo assembly in place and prevents vibration of halo assembly  1800  relative to housing component  208 .  FIG. 19  also shows how fastener  1004  associated with flange  1006  secures flange  1006  of subwoofer  802  to upper ring  1802  of halo assembly  1800 . 
       FIG. 20  shows how upper housing component  1126  can be secured to halo assembly  1800  by fastener  2002 . Upper housing component  1126  can include a fastener opening allowing fastener  2002  to extend vertically through upper housing component  1126  and engage upper ring  1802  of halo assembly  1800 . A cosmetic plug  2004  can be inserted in a recess that surrounds the opening configured to accommodate fastener  2002 . Cosmetic plug  2004  prevents a fabric covering from protruding into the recess and adversely affecting the cosmetic appearance of the speaker device.  FIG. 20  also shows how seal  1124  can be positioned between upper ring  1802  and lower housing component  208 , which is operative to prevent audio waves from propagating around a periphery of upper ring  1802 . The speaker can also include seal  2006 , positioned between upper ring  1802  and flange  1006 , that can help prevent audio waves from propagating through a central opening of upper ring  1802 .  FIG. 20  also illustrates the relative position of stepped threading  1302  of upper housing component  1126  and stepped threading  1304  of lower housing component  208 . 
       FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of an alternative upper housing component. Upper housing component  2100  includes diamond shaped vents  2102 . Diamond shaped vents  2102  can have a shape similar to a pattern of acoustic fabric covering upper housing component  2100 . Even when diamond shaped vents  2102  are substantially larger than the pattern of the acoustic fabric, having a similar pattern results in the pattern contours being aligned. This alignment can make the vent openings beneath the acoustic fabric substantially less likely to be seen by a user of a speaker device associated with upper housing component  2100 . In some embodiments, the pattern of the acoustic fabric could be aligned with vents  2102 . For example, the acoustic fabric could be aligned so that a pattern of 4 or 16 diamond patterns is aligned within each of vents  2102 . In this way the edges of the patterns could be aligned, further reducing the likelihood of vents  2102  being visible to a user. Upper housing component  2100  can also include protruding support members  2104  configured to support a convex user interface along the lines of convex user interface  1500  as depicted in  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 22  shows a diagram indicating different types of connected electronics that can communicate and/or interact with array speaker  100 . In some embodiments, array speaker  100  can act as a central hub to facilitate home automation. Memory on-board array speaker  100  or memory accessible through a network, which is accessible by array speaker  100 , can be used to store rules governing the interaction of the various depicted device types. Array speaker can then send instructions to the disparate devices in accordance with the stored rules. Microphones disposed within array speaker  100  can be configure to receive voice commands to carry out specific actions related to connected electronics within a user&#39;s home. In some embodiments, convex user interface can receive commands for adjusting various settings on a particular connected electronic device. For example, array speaker  100  can be configured to receive commands to make adjustments to smart locking device  2202 . In some embodiments, array speaker  100  can include instructions allowing it to lock and unlock smart locking device  2202  in response to a voice command. Furthermore, array speaker  100  can be configured to alert occupants within a house that smart locking device  2202  has been unlocked. In some embodiments, array speaker  100  can announce the identity of the user who unlocked smart locking device  2202 . In such a circumstance, smart locking device  2202  can be configured to open in response to a command received from an electronic device such as a mobile phone. Array speaker  100  can then identify the user when a user is associated with that mobile phone. In some embodiments, array speaker  100  can be configured to interact with other devices in response to actuation of smart locking device  2202 . For example, array speaker could direct the illumination of one or more of lights  2204  and adjust a temperature of an HVAC system associated with smart thermometer  2206  in response to the unlocking event. 
       FIG. 22  also shows communication between array speaker  100  and smart garage opener  2208 . In response to detecting an opening event of smart garage opener  2208 , array speaker could be configured to perform similar actions described above with respect to the operation of smart locking device  2202 . In some embodiments, different ones of lights  2204  could be illuminated in anticipation of the user entering the housing from a different direction. 
     Array speaker  100  could also be configured to operate different smart devices in accordance with various calendar events associated with an electronic calendar. For example, array speaker could be configured to disable surveillance camera  2210  during an event located in the same room as surveillance camera  2210  when that event is marked as private. Array speaker could also be configured to notify one or more users if window sensor  2212  indicates a window remains open after a particular time of day or night. In some embodiments, array speaker  100  can act as a media hub cooperating with other components such as television/monitor  2214  to present both video and audio content in response to various user inputs and/or smart device activities. For example, televisions/monitor  2214  could present a status screen and/or progress monitor indicating the status and/or activity being performed by other components that may or may not have the ability to present a graphical interface to a user of array speaker  100 . In some embodiments, array speaker could be configured to remotely direct refrigerator  2216  to send the user images of interior areas of refrigerator  2216  shortly before a user has a grocery shopping trip scheduled. While these various operations could be stored in internal memory of array speaker  100 , array speaker  100  can also be in communication with a cloud service provider helping to coordinate various activities with users that may or may not be connected with a local area network with array speaker  100 . For example, a user could connect remotely with array speaker  100  with a device such as a smart phone to activate certain tasks for smart components with which array speaker  100  is in communication. 
     In some embodiments, array speaker can be configured to interact with wearable display  2218 . Wearable display  2218  can take the form of augmented reality or virtual reality goggles that present digital content to a user. When wearable display  2218  is an augmented reality display, wearable display  2218  can overlay various control interfaces around array speaker  100 . For example, virtual content could overlay convex user interface atop array speaker  100  to make the user interface larger. In some embodiments, the enlarged user interface could include an expanded display and enlarged control manipulation regions that allow a user to control array speaker  100  with more efficiently and/or with a greater degree of options. For example, user interface could be configured to display a virtual graphics equalizer allowing a user to increase or reduce treble and/or bass output associated with the audio being generated by array speaker  100 . In some embodiments, a user could be presented with an overlay that visualized the various regions of the room covered by each of a number of speaker drivers contained within array speaker  100 . The user could then be able to adjust audio output specific to a particular region associated with one or more speaker drivers. For example, the user could identify only the depicted regions containing individuals listening to the audio output from array speaker  100 . Furthermore, the user could reduce the audio output for a first user positioned in a first region of the array speaker associated with a first audio driver and increase the audio output for a second user positioned in a second region of the array speaker associated with a second audio driver. In this way, listeners can enjoy audio at a desired volume and the virtual interface allows the user to quickly identify the regions within which various listeners are located. In some embodiments, array speaker  100  can include various indicia that help circuitry and sensors associated with wearable display  2218  to orient the virtual content relative to array speaker  100 . For example, since array speaker  100  is cylindrical it could be difficult to determine a radial position of each of the speaker drivers within array speaker  100 . Small indicia such as decorative symbols could be embedded within acoustic fabric covering array speaker  100 . In this way, the various listening zones could be more accurately associated with array speaker  100 . In some embodiments, array speaker  100  can include optical sensors configured to identify the position of various listeners in a room and then change the audio output to improve the audio experience for the identified listeners. 
     In some embodiments, wearable display device can be configured to receive optical commands from array speaker  100 . For example, a display associated with a user interface can be configured to output particular patterns of light. Optical sensors of wearable display device  2218  can identify the patterns of light and in response vary the display in some manner. For example, the type, size and orientation of virtual controls displayed by wearable display  2218  can be varied in accordance with the output of the display associated with the user interface. 
       FIG. 23  shows a block diagram illustrating communication and interoperability between various electrical components of array speaker  100 . Processor  2302  can be in communication with the depicted electrical components. User interface  2304  can receive user inputs that are then received by processor  2302 . In response to the user inputs, processor  2302  can interpret and relay signals corresponding to the received user inputs to other electrical components. For example, user interface can receive user inputs directing an increase in output of both subwoofer  2306  and audio driver assemblies  2308 . In some embodiments, the electrical components can all be linked together by electrically conductive pathways established by components such as flex connector  1820 , which is able to route electrical signals to various electrical components distributed throughout a device housing of array speaker  100 . Array speaker  100  can also include display system  2312 . Display system  2312  can be configured to provide visual feedback to a user of array speaker  100 . For example, the visual feedback can be provided in response to interaction with a voice assistant such as the Siri® voice assistant produced by Apple Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. In some embodiments, an array of colorful mosaic patterns could be presented while a voice request is being processed and/or as the voice assistant is waiting for the voice request. Array speaker can also include a computer-readable medium  2314 . Computer-readable medium  2314  can be configured to store or at least cache an amount of media files for playback by subwoofer  2306  and audio driver assemblies  2308 . In some embodiments, the media files stored on computer-readable medium  2314  can include, e.g., movies, TV shows, pictures, audio recordings and music videos. In some embodiments, a video portion of a media file can be transmitted to another device for display by wireless communication system  2316 . This could be desirable even when display system  2312  is showing the video portion since another device may have a larger or more easily viewable display for a particular user. For example, the other display device could be selected in accordance with a user&#39;s position within a room. 
       FIG. 23  also shows RAM/ROM component  2318 . RAM/ROM component  2318  can include RAM (random access memory) for short term caching of frequently used information and/or information cued just prior to playback. ROM (read only memory) can be used to store computer code such as device drivers and lower level code used in the basic operation of array speaker  100 . In some embodiments, RAM/ROM component  2318  can take the form of two separate components. 
       FIG. 23  also shows how array speaker  100  can also include a sensor array  2320  that includes microphones, proximity sensors, touch sensors, accelerometers and the like. Microphones of sensor array  2320  could be configured to monitor for voice commands. In some embodiments, the microphones could be configured to process voice commands only after recognizing a command phrase indicating the user&#39;s intent to issue a voice command. Microphones can be interspersed radially along the outside of the device housing so that the housing doesn&#39;t mask or obscure the voice commands. Multiple microphones can also be utilized to triangulate a position of a user within the room. In certain instances it may be desirable to optimize audio output or cue additional smart devices (see  FIG. 22 ) in accordance with a determined location of the user. 
     In addition to identifying a user&#39;s location by triangulation with spatially dispersed microphones, proximity sensors can be distributed along the exterior surface of array speaker  100  in order to help identify the presence of users and/or obstructions surrounding array speaker  100 . In some embodiments, the proximity sensors can be configured to emit infrared pulses that help characterize objects surrounding array speaker  100 . The pulses reflected back to the sensor can be processed by processor  2302 , which can then make a characterization of any objects surrounding array speaker  100 . In some embodiments, an audio output of array speaker  100  can be adjusted in situations where surrounding objects substantially change the expected audio output of array speaker  100 . For example, if array speaker  100  is positioned against a wall or column the infrared sensors could identify the obstruction and attenuate or cease output of speaker drivers pointed toward the wall or column. The reflected pulses and audio triangulation data can be combined to further refine the position of a user delivering instructions to array speaker  100 . Sensor array  2320  can also include touch sensors that allow a user to input commands along an exterior surface of array speaker  100 . For example, touch PCB  1514  of the convex user interface depicted in  FIG. 15  is configured to detect user gestures made along top cap  1542  and interpret the gestures as various instructions to be carried out by one or more components of array speaker  100 . 
     Sensor array  2320  can also include one or more accelerometers. The accelerometers can be configured to measure any tilt of array speaker  100  with respect to a gravitational reference frame. Since array speaker  100  is optimized to evenly distribute audio content in a room when positioned on a flat surface, placing array speaker  100  on an inclined or declined surface could negatively impact the acoustic output of array speaker  100 . In response to the accelerometer determining array speaker  100  is tilted at an angle of greater than 2 degrees, array speaker could be configured to prompt the user to find a flatter surface to place array speaker on. Alternatively, array speaker can be configured to alter the sound output to compensate for the tilted angle. In some embodiments, accelerometers could also be configured to monitor for any resonant vibrations within array speaker  100 . Processor  2302  could then be configured to adjust the audio output to help subwoofer  2306  and/or audio driver assemblies  2308  avoid or reduce the generation of frequencies that cause array speaker  100  to vibrate at one or more resonant frequencies. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer-readable code on a computer-readable medium for controlling operation of the array speaker. In some embodiments, the computer-readable medium can include code for interacting with other connected devices within a user&#39;s home. For example, the array speaker could be configured to use its ambient light sensor to identify human activity and to learn when to activate and deactivate certain devices within the user&#39;s home. The computer-readable medium is any data storage device that can store data, which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200227
Publication Date: 20220222
Grant Date: 20220222
Priority Date: 20140930
Inventors: STANLEY, CRAIG M.
PORTER, SIMON K.
Sheerin, John H.
TRAINER, GLENN K.
DELLA ROSA, Jason C.
HUWE, ETHAN L.
MCINTOSH, Sean T.
WANG, ERIK L.
STRINGER, CHRISTOPHER J.
ANDERSON, MOLLY J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960785", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2888", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R7/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2811", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R7/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/403", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/141", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/165", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2400/13", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/34", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960785", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R7/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R31/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/01", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0274", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/26", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10106", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10106", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2811", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R31/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R31/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/26", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2400/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/26", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/022", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/403", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10378", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V5/007", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/401", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/34", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10378", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2400/13", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/403", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/023", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/141", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V3/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/09063", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/022", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/09063", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R7/127", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0274", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2826", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2826", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V33/0056", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/401", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V23/0485", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R7/127", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/141", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2400/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/022", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V3/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R31/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2888", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R3/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2811", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V33/0056", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/26", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R7/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/401", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/023", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R7/127", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0274", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R7/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/165", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10378", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V23/0485", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/34", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/
Family ID: 80249293