PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9363587-B2
Application Number: US-201314097833-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Pressure vent for speaker or microphone modules

Abstract:
A speaker or microphone module includes an acoustic membrane and at least one pressure vent. The pressure vent equalizes barometric pressure on a first side of the acoustic membrane with barometric pressure on a second side of the acoustic membrane. Further, the pressure vent is located in an acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module. In this way, differences between barometric pressures on the different sides of the acoustic membrane may not hinder movement of the acoustic membrane. In one or more implementations, the pressure vent may be acoustically opaque. As the pressure vent is located in the acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module, being acoustically opaque may ensure that the pressure vent itself does not interfere with the operation of the speaker or microphone module.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. A speaker or microphone module, comprising:
 an acoustic membrane that faces a cavity; and 
 at least one pressure vent located in an acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module that equalizes pressure on a first side of the acoustic membrane with pressure on a second side of the acoustic membrane; 
 wherein the speaker or microphone module is operable to: 
 determine liquid is present in the cavity; 
 attempt to drive the liquid from the cavity by producing at least one tone; 
 determine the liquid is still present in the cavity after producing the at least one tone; and 
 attempt to drive the liquid from the cavity by producing at least one modified tone. 
 
     
     
       2. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 1 , wherein the speaker or microphone module is a waterproof speaker module. 
     
     
       3. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pressure vent is located on a top cover of the speaker that is separated from the acoustic membrane by the cavity. 
     
     
       4. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the cavity is coated with a hydrophobic coating. 
     
     
       5. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 1 , wherein the acoustic path includes at least one turn. 
     
     
       6. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 1 , wherein the speaker or microphone module is incorporated into a housing of a device. 
     
     
       7. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one pressure vent vents into an internal volume of the housing of the device. 
     
     
       8. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 7 , wherein a back of the speaker or microphone module faces the internal volume of the housing of the device. 
     
     
       9. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pressure vent comprises a pressure vent membrane. 
     
     
       10. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 9 , wherein the pressure vent membrane comprises expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     
     
       11. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 9 , wherein the pressure vent membrane is adhesively bonded to the speaker or microphone module. 
     
     
       12. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 1 , wherein the acoustic membrane is a waterproof membrane. 
     
     
       13. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pressure vent comprises a plurality of sintered metal discs. 
     
     
       14. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pressure vent allows air to pass and prevents the passage of water. 
     
     
       15. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one pressure vent prevents the passage of water vapor. 
     
     
       16. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pressure vent is acoustically opaque. 
     
     
       17. The speaker or microphone module of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pressure vent vents into an internal volume of the speaker or microphone module. 
     
     
       18. A method for venting pressure of a speaker or microphone module, the method comprising:
 coupling an acoustic membrane in a speaker or microphone module; 
 including at least one pressure vent in the speaker or microphone module; 
 locating the at least one pressure vent in an acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module; and 
 configuring the speaker or microphone module to:
 determine liquid is present in a cavity of the speaker or microphone module adjacent to the acoustic membrane; 
 produce at least one tone to drive the liquid from the cavity; 
 determine that the liquid is still present in the cavity; and 
 produce at least one modified tone to drive the liquid from the cavity. 
 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising vapor depositing a hydrophobic coating on at least a portion of the cavity. 
     
     
       20. A system for venting pressure of a speaker or microphone module, comprising:
 a device including a housing having an aperture; and 
 a speaker or microphone module, coupled to the aperture, comprising:
 a cavity; 
 an acoustic membrane positioned adjacent the cavity; and 
 at least one pressure vent that equalizes pressure on a first side of the acoustic membrane with pressure on a second side of the acoustic membrane; 
 
 wherein the at least one pressure vent is located in an acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module; and 
 wherein the device is configured to:
 determine liquid is present in the cavity; 
 produce at least one tone; 
 determine the liquid is still present in the cavity after producing the at least one tone; and 
 produce at least one modified tone.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to speakers or microphones, and more specifically to pressure vents for speaker or microphone modules. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many speakers, such as speaker modules, produce sound waves by vibrating an acoustic membrane. For example, electromagnetic speakers generate magnetic flux utilizing center and side magnets. Such magnetic flux moves a voice coil that is coupled to an acoustic membrane, thus vibrating the acoustic membrane and producing sound waves. 
     However, such speakers may not function correctly if movement of the acoustic membrane is hindered. For example, liquid or other substances may enter the speaker and hinder movement of the acoustic membrane. 
     Further, such movement may be hindered by differences in barometric pressure. If the difference between the barometric pressure on an external side of the acoustic membrane and the barometric pressure on an internal side of the acoustic membrane is too great, the acoustic membrane may be deformed and/or may not be able to expand in order to vibrate appropriately. 
     Regardless, if movement of the acoustic membrane is hindered, the speaker may not be able to produce sound waves as intended. This may result in distorted sound output. Such distortion may continue until the barometric pressure on the external side of the acoustic membrane is equalized with the barometric pressure on the internal side of the acoustic membrane. 
     Similarly, many microphones or microphone modules, detect sound waves by monitoring output of a voice coil coupled to an acoustic membrane that is vibrated by sound waves. Hindering of the acoustic membrane of such a microphone may cause distortion in the detected sound waves for similar reasons to those already discussed. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for venting pressure of a speaker or microphone module. 
     The present disclosure discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for venting pressure of a speaker or microphone module. A speaker or microphone module may include an acoustic membrane and at least one pressure vent. The pressure vent may equalize barometric pressure on a first side of the acoustic membrane with barometric pressure on a second side of the acoustic membrane. Further, the pressure vent may be located in an acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module. In this way, differences between barometric pressures on the different sides of the acoustic membrane may not hinder movement of the acoustic membrane. In one or more implementations, the pressure vent may be acoustically opaque. As the pressure vent is located in the acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module, being acoustically opaque may ensure that the pressure vent itself does not interfere with the operation of the speaker or microphone module. 
     In various implementations, the pressure vent may be a pressure vent membrane coupled to a surface of the speaker or microphone module. Such a membrane may be formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and/or other such material. The membrane may allow air to pass but may prevent the passage of water and/or water vapor. In some instances, the membrane may be adhered to the surface utilizing adhesive. In other implementations, the pressure vent may be other kinds of pressure vent. For example, in some implementations the pressure vent may include a number of sintered metal discs. 
     The speaker or microphone module may be incorporated into the housing of a device and the pressure vent may vent into an internal volume of the housing and/or the speaker or microphone module. In such cases, a back of the speaker or microphone module may face the internal volume of the housing. 
     In various cases, the speaker or microphone module may be a waterproof (i.e., waterproof and/or water resistant up to a particular depth such as thirty meters) speaker or microphone module. In such cases, the acoustic membrane may be a waterproof acoustic membrane formed of rubber, polymer, and/or other such elastic waterproof material. 
     In some cases, the surface of the speaker or microphone module may be a top cover that is separated from the acoustic membrane by a cavity. One or more portions of such a cavity may be coated (such as via vapor deposition) with a hydrophobic coating. 
     In some implementations, the speaker or microphone module may include a cavity adjacent to the acoustic membrane. Liquid and/or other such material that may adversely impact movement of the acoustic membrane and/or operation of the speaker or microphone module may become present in the cavity. As such, the speaker or microphone module may be capable of determining that liquid is present in the cavity and attempting to drive the liquid from the cavity by producing one or more tones or pulses. The speaker module may then be capable of determining whether or not the liquid is still present in the cavity after producing the tones. If so, the speaker or microphone module may be capable of further attempting to drive the liquid from the cavity by producing one or more modified tones or pulses. 
     In various implementations, a speaker or microphone module includes an acoustic membrane and at least one pressure vent that equalizes pressure on a first side of the acoustic membrane with pressure on a second side of the acoustic membrane. The at least one pressure vent is located in an acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module. 
     In some implementations, a method for venting pressure of a speaker module or microphone includes: coupling an acoustic membrane in a speaker or microphone module; including at least one pressure vent in the speaker or microphone module; and locating the at least one pressure vent in an acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module. 
     In one or more implementations, a system for venting pressure of a speaker or microphone includes a device including a housing and a speaker or microphone module coupled to the housing. The speaker or microphone module includes an acoustic membrane and at least one pressure vent that equalizes pressure on a first side of the acoustic membrane with pressure on a second side of the acoustic membrane. The at least one pressure vent is located in an acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are for purposes of example and explanation and do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure. Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional side view of a system for venting pressure of a speaker module. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of the speaker module of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of a speaker module. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating a method for venting pressure of a speaker module. This method may be performed by the system of  FIG. 1 . and/or the speaker modules of  FIGS. 2-3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating a method for driving liquid from a speaker cavity. This method may be performed by the system of  FIG. 1 . and/or the speaker modules of  FIGS. 2-3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and computer program products that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein. 
     The present disclosure discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for venting pressure of a speaker or microphone module. A speaker or microphone module may include an acoustic membrane and at least one pressure vent. The pressure vent may equalize barometric pressure on a first side (such as an external side) of the acoustic membrane with barometric pressure on a second side (such as an internal side) of the acoustic membrane. Further, the pressure vent may be located in an acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module. In this way, differences between barometric pressures on the different sides of the acoustic membrane may not hinder movement of the acoustic membrane. As a result, operation of the speaker or microphone module may not be adversely impacted by barometric pressures. 
     In one or more implementations, the pressure vent may be acoustically opaque. As the pressure vent is located in the acoustic path of the speaker or microphone module, being acoustically opaque may ensure that the pressure vent itself does not interfere with the operation of the speaker or microphone module. 
     In various implementations, the pressure vent may be a pressure vent membrane coupled to a surface of the speaker or microphone module. Such a membrane may be formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and/or other such material. The membrane may allow air to pass but may prevent the passage of water and/or water vapor. In some instances, the membrane may be adhered to the surface utilizing adhesive. 
     In other implementations, the pressure vent may be other kinds of pressure vent. For example, in some implementations the pressure vent may include a number of sintered metal discs. 
     In some cases, the surface of the speaker or microphone module may be a top cover that is separated from the acoustic membrane by a cavity. One or more portions of such a cavity may be coated (such as via vapor deposition) with a hydrophobic coating. 
     The speaker or microphone module may be incorporated into the housing of a device and the pressure vent may vent into an internal volume of the housing and/or the speaker module. In such cases, a back of the speaker or microphone module may face the internal volume of the housing. 
     In various cases, the speaker or microphone module may be a waterproof (i.e., waterproof and/or water resistant up to a particular depth such as thirty meters) speaker or microphone module. In such cases, the acoustic membrane may be a waterproof acoustic membrane formed of rubber, polymer, and/or other such elastic waterproof material. 
     In some implementations, the speaker or microphone module may include a cavity adjacent to the acoustic membrane. Liquid and/or other such material that may adversely impact movement of the acoustic membrane and/or operation of the speaker or microphone module may become present in the cavity. As such, the speaker or microphone module may be capable of determining that liquid is present in the cavity and attempting to drive the liquid from the cavity by producing one or more tones or pulses. The speaker or microphone module may then be capable of determining whether or not the liquid is still present in the cavity after producing the tones. If so, the speaker or microphone module may be capable of further attempting to drive the liquid from the cavity by producing one or more modified tones or pulses. 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional side view of a system  100  for venting pressure of a speaker module  102 . As illustrated, the speaker module may be incorporated into the housing  101  of a device. The device may be any kind of device such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a tablet computer, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a digital media player, a wearable device, and/or any other device that includes a speaker module. 
     The housing  101  may include an internal volume  121 . The housing may also include one or more apertures  117  that may be covered by a mesh  116  and/or other covering structure. Though the mesh is illustrated as positioned on an internal portion of the apertures, it is understood that this is an example. In various cases, the mesh may be positioned on an exterior surface of the housing and/or a mesh may not be utilized. 
     The speaker module  102  may include coupling elements  114 . The speaker module may be positioned in the internal volume  121  and coupled to an interior surface of the housing around the apertures  117  by the coupling elements via one or more o-rings  115 . 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of the speaker module  102  of  FIG. 1  with the housing  101  removed. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the speaker module  102  may include an acoustic membrane  108 . In some cases, the speaker module may be a waterproof speaker module and the acoustic membrane may be formed of rubber, polymer, and/or other such elastic waterproof material. The speaker module may be operable to vibrate and/or move the acoustic membrane in order to produce sound waves. The speaker module may also include a barometric pressure vent  118 . 
     As illustrated, the pressure vent  118  may be located on a top cover  110  that is separated from the acoustic membrane  108  by a cavity  119 . As such, the pressure vent may vent into the internal volume  121  of the housing  101 . As illustrated, the other end of the speaker module  102  is also located in the internal volume of the housing. Thus, by venting into the internal volume the pressure vent may cause the barometric pressure on both sides of the acoustic membrane to equalize. This may prevent barometric pressure differences between the two sides from deforming the acoustic membrane inward or outwards or preventing the acoustic membrane from expanding and thus hindering operating of the speaker module. In some cases, the top cover may be formed of steel. 
     The speaker module  102  may have one or more acoustic paths  113 . As illustrated, sound waves produced by the acoustic membrane  108  may travel toward the top cover  110  and then toward the mesh  116 , through the apertures  117 , and out into an environment  120  external to the housing  101 . As such, the pressure vent  118  may be located in an acoustic path of the speaker module. However, the pressure vent may be acoustically opaque such that the pressure vent does not interfere with the operation of the speaker module. 
     In some cases, the speaker module  102  may have one or more locations with a pressure null at the resonance frequency of the acoustic path  113 . In such cases, the pressure vent  118  may be located at such a pressure null location. This may improve part-to-part variability and distortion at the front port resonance. 
     In various cases, the pressure vent  118  may be placed away from the excursion of the acoustic membrane  108 . This may prevent the acoustic membrane from rubbing against the pressure vent when the vent and/or the acoustic membrane are stretched due to high hydrostatic loads. 
     As illustrated, the pressure vent  118  may be a pressure vent membrane  112  coupled to the top cover  110  by adhesive  111  and/or other coupling mechanism. Such a pressure vent membrane may be formed of PTFE, ePTFE, and/or other such material. The pressure vent membrane may allow air to pass but may prevent the passage of water and/or water vapor thus enabling pressure on both sides of the acoustic membrane  108  to equalize. 
     The larger the pores of the pressure vent membrane  112 , the more air that the membrane may allow to pass (thus providing superior venting). However, larger pores may be more susceptible to the passage of water and/or water vapor. Similarly, the larger the size of the pressure vent membrane, the more air that the pressure vent membrane may allow to pass (thus also providing superior venting). However, increasing the size of the pressure vent membrane may not make the membrane more pervious to water and/or water vapor. However, only a certain amount of area of the speaker module  102  may be available for the pressure vent membrane. As such, the size of the pressure vent membrane and the size of the pores of the pressure vent membrane may selected based on available area, the amount of venting that may be needed, and the resistance needed to water and/or water vapor. 
     In some cases, one or more portions of the cavity  119  may be coated with a hydrophobic coating. Such a coasting may enable any water that enters the cavity to exit as quickly as possible. In some cases, such a coating may be applied by a process such as a vapor deposition process. For example, the coating may be vapor deposited on the walls of the cavity (including the top cover  110 ) before the pressure vent membrane  112  is adhesively attached. 
     As illustrated, the speaker module  102  may be an electromagnetic speaker. Such a module may include sidewalls  109 , voice coil  107  coupled to the acoustic membrane  108 , side magnets  104 , center magnet  105  including top plate  106 , yoke  103 , and/or other electromagnetic speaker components. The side magnets, yoke, and center magnets may be electrically controllable to produce magnetic flux. Polarities of the side magnets and center magnet may be opposed such that the magnetic flux cases the voice coil to move, thus vibrating the acoustic membrane  108 . However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the speaker module may be any kind of speaker module and the present disclosure is not limited to electromagnetic speakers. 
     Although the system  100  is illustrated and described above as locating the pressure vent  118  on the top cover  110 , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the pressure vent may be located on the coupling element  114 , the sidewalls  109 , the acoustic membrane  108 , and/or any other component of the speaker module  102  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Further, although the pressure vent  118  is illustrated and described above as venting into the internal volume  121 , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the pressure vent may vent into an internal volume of the speaker module without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Additionally, although the pressure vent  118  is illustrated as a pressure vent membrane  112 , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the pressure vent may be any kind of mechanism for venting pressure and may or may not restrict the passage of water and/or water vapor. 
     For example,  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of a speaker module  302 . As contrasted with  FIG. 2 , the speaker module  302  may include a barometric pressure vent  318  that includes a plurality of sintered metal discs. Absent pressure, the sintered metal discs may be in a collapsed position such that a path is not formed through one or more holes in the sintered metal discus. However, under pressure, the sintered metal discs may expand to one or more expanded positions such that a path is formed through the holes that is operable to release the pressure. In some cases, the hole(s) in a particular disc may be misaligned (such as at 90 degrees) with an adjacent disc. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating a method  400  for venting pressure of a speaker module. This method may be performed by the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . and/or the speaker modules  102  and  302  of  FIGS. 2-3 . 
     The flow may begin at block  401  and proceed to block  402  where an acoustic membrane (or “speaker membrane”) is coupled into a speaker module. The flow may then proceed to block  403  where at least one pressure vent is included in the speaker module. Next, the flow may proceed to block  404  where the pressure vent may be located in an acoustic path of the speaker module. 
     The flow may next proceed to block  405  and end. 
     Although the method  400  is illustrated and described above as including a particular configuration of operations performed in a particular order, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, various arrangements of the same, similar, and/or different operations may be performed. 
     For example, operations  403  and  404  are illustrated as consecutive, linear operations. However, in various implementations the two operations may be performed simultaneously and/or otherwise in parallel. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , in some instances, liquid and/or other such material that may adversely impact movement of the acoustic membrane  108  and/or operation of the speaker module  102  may become present in the cavity  119 . In such instances, the liquid may need to be expelled from the cavity in order to return the speaker to appropriate operation. 
     In some implementations, the speaker module  102  and/or a device in which the speaker module is incorporated may be capable of determining that liquid is present in the cavity. For example, a microphone (not shown) may be included in the speaker module and/or the device. The microphone may be utilized to measure acoustic output of the speaker module. If the acoustic output does not match the expected output of the speaker module, the speaker module and/or the device may assume that liquid is present in the cavity  119  and is interfering with operation. 
     As such, the speaker module  102  and/or the device may attempt to drive the liquid from the cavity  119  by producing one or more tones or pulses utilizing the acoustic membrane  108 . Such tones or pulses may force the liquid out of the cavity, through the mesh  116  and the apertures  117 , and out into the environment  120  external to the housing  101 . 
     However, in some cases, the tones or pulses may not be sufficient to drive the liquid from the cavity  119 . After producing such tones or pulses, the speaker module  102  and/or the device may determine whether or not the liquid is still present in the cavity. Such a determination may be made similarly to how the speaker module or device first determine that the liquid was present in the cavity. 
     If the liquid is still present in the cavity  119 , the speaker module  102  and/or the device may attempt to drive the liquid from the cavity by producing one or more modified tones or pulses. By repeatedly using tones or pulses to attempt to drive out the liquid and then determining whether or not the operation was successful, tones or pulses that will successfully clear the cavity may be produced even though various other tones or pulses that were not sufficient to clear the cavity were unsuccessful. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating a method  500  for driving liquid from a speaker cavity. This method may be performed by the system of  FIG. 1 . and/or the speaker modules of  FIGS. 2-3 . 
     The flow may begin at block  501  and proceed to block  502  where it is determined that liquid is present in a cavity of a speaker module adjacent to an acoustic membrane (or “speaker membrane”). The flow may then proceed to block  503  where one or more tones or pulses are produced to drive the liquid form the cavity. Next, the flow proceeds to block  504 . 
     At block  504 , it is determined whether or not the liquid is still present in the cavity. If so, the flow proceeds to block  505 . Otherwise, the flow proceeds to block  506  and ends. 
     At block  505 , after it is determined that the liquid is still present in the cavity, one or more modified tones or pulses are produced to drive the liquid from the cavity. The flow then returns to block  504  where it is determined whether or not the liquid is still present in the cavity. 
     Although the method  500  is illustrated and described above as including a particular configuration of operations performed in a particular order, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, various arrangements of the same, similar, and/or different operations may be performed. 
     For example, in some cases the method  500  may include an operation of modifying the tones or pulses produced in blocks  503  or  505 . Such an operation may be positioned between blocks  504  and  505 . 
     As discussed above and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the present disclosure discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for venting pressure of a speaker module. A speaker module may include an acoustic membrane and at least one pressure vent. The pressure vent may equalize barometric pressure on a first side (such as an external side) of the acoustic membrane with barometric pressure on a second side (such as an internal side) of the acoustic membrane. Further, the pressure vent may be located in an acoustic path of the speaker module. In this way, differences between barometric pressures on the different sides of the acoustic membrane may not hinder movement of the acoustic membrane. As a result, operation of the speaker module may not be adversely impacted by barometric pressures. 
     Although the present disclosure illustrates and describes example speaker modules, it is understood that this is an example. A speaker module that monitors the output of a voice coil coupled to an acoustic membrane that is vibrated by sound waves may also utilize techniques discussed herein for venting pressure. The illustration and above discussion with respect to the example of a speaker module does not limit the scope of the present disclosure to not include microphones or microphone modules. The herein techniques may be applied to any acoustic module, or any module that operates acoustically such as a speaker or a microphone, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable by a device. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are examples of sample approaches. In other embodiments, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
     The described disclosure may be provided as a computer program product, or software, that may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer system (or other electronic devices) to perform a process according to the present disclosure. A non-transitory machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). The non-transitory machine-readable medium may take the form of, but is not limited to, a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette, video cassette, and so on); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; and so on. 
     It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context or particular embodiments. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20131205
Publication Date: 20160607
Grant Date: 20160607
Priority Date: 20131205
Inventors: WEISS SAMUEL
PELLETIER DAVID M.
LIPPERT JESSE A.
VITT NIKOLAS T.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R29/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2876", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2307/025", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/44", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2876", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2307/025", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2876", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R29/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/44", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R29/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2307/025", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2307/025", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R29/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2876", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/44", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/44", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51799340