Audio driver and power supply unit architecture
This disclosure relates to speakers and more specifically to an array speaker for distributing music uniformly across a room. A number of audio drivers can be radially distributed within a speaker housing so that an output of the drivers is distributed evenly throughout the room. In some embodiments, the exit geometry of the audio drivers can be configured to bounce off a surface supporting the array speaker to improve the distribution of music throughout the room. The array speaker can include a number of vibration isolation elements distributed within a housing of the array speaker. The vibration isolation elements can be configured reduce the strength of forces generated by a subwoofer of the array speaker.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. patent 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. Each of these references is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/513,955, filed Mar. 23, 2017, which claim priority from International Application No. PCT/US2105/053025, filed Sep. 29, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/057,992, filed Sep. 30, 2014.
FIELDThis disclosure applies generally to speakers. In particular, an array of speakers housed within a cylindrical housing is described.
BACKGROUNDConventional 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.
SUMMARYThis 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 interiorfacing 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.
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
In addition to identifying a user'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
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'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'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.
Claims
1. A voice-controlled electronic device, comprising:
- an axisymmetric device housing;
- a wireless communication system disposed within the axisymmetric device housing;
- a computer-readable memory disposed within the axisymmetric device housing;
- a microphone disposed at an exterior surface of the axisymmetric device housing;
- one or more processors disposed within the axisymmetric device housing and coupled to the computer-readable memory, the one or more processors configured to execute computer instructions stored in the computer-readable memory for interacting with a user and processing voice commands received by the microphone after recognizing a command phrase indicating a user's intent to issue a voice command;
- audio driver assemblies distributed radially about an interior of the axisymmetric device housing, each of the audio driver assemblies including a diaphragm and an audio channel providing a path for sound generated by the diaphragm to exit a driver housing; and
- a power supply unit suspended above the of audio driver assemblies, a portion of the power supply unit protruding between the audio driver assemblies, the power supply unit being operatively coupled to provide power to the one or more processors, the wireless communication system, the microphone and the audio driver assemblies.
2. The voice-controlled electronic device as recited in claim 1 further comprising:
- an amplifier board electrically coupled to each of the audio driver assemblies, the amplifier board defining a central opening through which a longitudinal axis of the axisymmetric device housing extends.
3. The voice-controlled electronic device as recited in claim 2,
- wherein the power supply unit extends through the central opening defined by the amplifier board.
4. The voice-controlled electronic device as recited in claim 2 further comprising:
- amplifiers disposed on the amplifier board, at least one of the amplifiers being associated with each of the audio driver assemblies.
5. The voice-controlled electronic device as recited in claim 2 wherein the amplifier board is electrically coupled to each of the audio driver assemblies by way of a conductive fastener.
6. The voice-controlled electronic device as recited in claim 1 wherein each of the audio driver assemblies comprises drive screw terminals having a threaded aperture configured to receive a conductive fastener and an internal terminal coupled to an electrically conductive wire electrically coupled to one or more audio components disposed within the audio driver assemblies.
7. An electronic device, comprising:
- a device housing;
- a computer-readable memory disposed within the device housing;
- a microphone disposed within the device housing;
- a processor disposed within the 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 microphone;
- a wireless communication system disposed within the device housing and configured to transmit the voice commands to a remote server for further processing; and
- audio driver assemblies arranged in a circular configuration within the device housing, each audio driver assembly including:
- a diaphragm dividing an interior volume within the audio driver assembly into a front volume and a rear volume
- a voice coil assembly disposed within the rear volume, each audio driver assembly oriented such that audio waves generated by the diaphragm within the front volume are initially oriented toward a central region of the circular configuration.
8. The electronic device as recited in claim 7 wherein each of the audio driver assemblies is connected to a channel that reorients a portion of the audio waves toward a periphery of the device housing.
9. The electronic device as recited in claim 7 further comprising a plurality of microphones distributed radially about the device housing.
10. The electronic device as recited in claim 9 wherein the further processing done by the remote server includes voice recognition.
11. The electronic device as recited in claim 7 further comprising:
- a power supply unit positioned between two or more of the audio driver assemblies and configured to provide power to the processor, the wireless communication system and the microphone.
12. The electronic device as recited in claim 11 further comprising a subwoofer positioned above the power supply unit.
13. The electronic device as recited in claim 7 wherein each audio driver assembly has a discrete housing enclosing the diaphragm and the voice coil assembly.
14. The electronic device as recited in claim 7 further comprising:
- an annular printed circuit board electrically coupled to one or more of the audio driver assemblies.
15. An electronic device, comprising:
- an axisymmetric housing;
- a computer-readable memory disposed within the axisymmetric housing;
- a microphone;
- a processor disposed within the axisymmetric 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 microphone;
- a wireless communication system disposed within the axisymmetric housing and configured to relay the voice commands to a remote server for further processing; and
- 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 axisymmetric housing through acoustic vents defined by a downward facing end of the axisymmetric housing.
16. The electronic device as recited in claim 15 further comprising:
- a power supply unit suspended above the array of audio driver assemblies, the power supply unit having a first portion protruding between two or more of the audio driver assemblies.
17. The electronic device as recited in claim 16 wherein the first portion of the power supply intersects a longitudinal axis of the axisymmetric housing.
18. The electronic device as recited in claim 16 wherein an electrically conductive cable supplying power to the power supply unit is routed between two of the audio driver assemblies.
19. The electronic device as recited in claim 15 wherein the audio driver assemblies are pressed against one end of the axisymmetric housing by a threaded annular ring that engages threading defined by an interior facing surface of the axisymmetric housing.
20. An electronic device, comprising:
- a device housing;
- a computer-readable memory disposed within the device housing;
- a microphone disposed within the device housing;
- a processor disposed within the 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 microphone;
- a wireless communication system disposed within the device housing and configured to transmit the voice commands to a remote server for further processing; and
- audio driver assemblies distributed radially about an interior of 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 device housing and then reoriented toward a periphery of the device housing by a channel coupled to each of the audio driver assemblies.
21. A voice-controlled electronic device, comprising:
- a device housing;
- a wireless communication system disposed within the device housing;
- a computer-readable memory disposed within the device housing;
- a microphone disposed at an exterior surface of the device housing;
- one or more processors disposed within the device housing and coupled to the computer-readable memory, the one or more processors configured to execute computer instructions stored in the computer-readable memory for interacting with a user and processing voice commands received by the microphone after recognizing a command phrase indicating a user's intent to issue a voice command;
- audio driver assemblies distributed radially about an interior of the device housing, each of the audio driver assemblies including a diaphragm and an audio channel providing a path for sound generated by the diaphragm to exit a driver housing;
- an amplifier board electrically coupled to each of the audio driver assemblies, the amplifier board defining a central opening through which a longitudinal axis of the device housing extends; and
- a power supply unit positioned between two or more of the audio driver assemblies and operatively coupled to provide power to the one or more processors, wireless communication system, microphone and audio driver assemblies,
- wherein the power supply unit extends through the central opening defined by the amplifier board.
22. An electronic device, comprising:
- a device housing;
- a computer-readable memory disposed within the device housing;
- a microphone disposed within the device housing;
- a processor disposed within the 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 microphone;
- a wireless communication system disposed within the device housing and configured to transmit the voice commands to a remote server for further processing;
- audio driver assemblies distributed radially about an interior of 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 device housing; and
- an annular circuit board electrically coupled to and supported by two or more of the audio driver assemblies.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Apr 27, 2018
Date of Patent: Feb 28, 2023
Assignee: APPLE INC. (Cupertino, CA)
Inventors: Craig M. Stanley (Campbell, CA), Simon K. Porter (San Jose, CA), John H. Sheerin (Santa Clara, CA), Glenn K. Trainer (San Francisco, CA), Jason C. Della Rosa (Campbell, CA), Ethan L. Huwe (Davis, CA), Sean T. McIntosh (Cupertino, CA), Erik L. Wang (Redwood City, CA), Christopher J. Stringer (Woodside, CA), Molly J. Anderson (San Francisco, CA)
Primary Examiner: Eric B. Kiss
Application Number: 15/965,552
International Classification: G06F 3/02 (20060101); F21V 3/00 (20150101); F21V 5/00 (20180101); F21V 23/04 (20060101); F21V 33/00 (20060101); G06F 3/01 (20060101); G06F 3/0354 (20130101); G06F 3/041 (20060101); G06F 3/16 (20060101); H01H 13/02 (20060101); H03K 17/96 (20060101); H04R 1/02 (20060101); H04R 1/26 (20060101); H04R 1/28 (20060101); H04R 1/30 (20060101); H04R 1/40 (20060101); H04R 3/00 (20060101); H04R 3/12 (20060101); H04R 5/02 (20060101); H04R 7/12 (20060101); H04R 7/18 (20060101); H04R 9/02 (20060101); H04R 9/06 (20060101); H04R 31/00 (20060101); H05K 1/02 (20060101); G06F 3/044 (20060101); H05K 1/14 (20060101);