Device with acoustic enhancement and method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a device with acoustic enhancement and a method thereof. A device with acoustic enhancement and a corresponding frequency response is disclosed. The device includes a driver and a sub-bass port, the driver having a main bass port including a main bass chamber, and the sub-bass port having a sub-bass port chamber. The sub-bass port can be coupled to the main bass port at one end and have substantially unimpeded airflow at the other end. The device may also include an acoustic chamber that is separate or isolated from the main bass port chamber, the sub-bass port chamber, or both the main bass port chamber and the sub-bass port chamber. A switch may also be included to dynamically control an airflow resistor at the rear end of the sub-bass port. The main bass port chamber, the sub-bass port chamber, the acoustic chamber, and the airflow resistor can be used individually or collectively to tune the frequency response according to the desired acoustic enhancement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio reproduction device and more particularly to an apparatus with acoustic enhancement and a method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Audio reproduction devices include headphones for audio playback. There are many headphones available for users to choose from. Most headphones are categorized by their sound signature, which is fixed. However, users may wish to adjust the sound signature based on specific situations or personal preferences. Therefore, there is a need to enable users to easily adjust the sound signature.

[0003] Furthermore, to achieve a specific sound signature, headphones need to be tuned. Tuning is often complex and time-consuming. Therefore, changing the design of headphones requires considerable consideration. Therefore, there is a need to make tuning more efficient.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide at least one device with acoustic enhancement and method thereof to meet the above needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a device with acoustic enhancement is provided. The device has a corresponding frequency response and includes: 1) a driver unit having a housing having an interior side to integrate a magnet, a diaphragm, and a primary bass port, the primary bass port being substantially surrounded by the magnet and having a primary bass port chamber, the primary bass port chamber having a first end opening and a second end opening, the first end opening facing the diaphragm and the second end opening facing opposite the first end opening, the diaphragm being located on a front side of the driver unit and configured for analog audio reproduction; and 2) a secondary bass port having a secondary bass port chamber, the secondary bass port chamber having a third end opening and a fourth end opening, the secondary bass port being coupled to the second end opening of the primary bass port at the third end opening, and the fourth end opening having substantially unimpeded airflow.

[0006] In some embodiments, the device further comprises an acoustic chamber configured to prevent ambient noise from significantly mixing with the analog audio reproduction. The acoustic chamber substantially surrounds and covers the back of the driver unit except for the location where the sub-bass port is coupled to the main bass port of the driver. The acoustic chamber and the sub-bass port are configured to jointly tune the sound pressure level in the frequency response, and the back of the driver unit corresponds to the exterior side of the housing. The exterior side of the housing is opposite to the interior side of the housing, and the second end opening of the main bass port is not open to the acoustic chamber. During the operating mode, each chamber has a different pressure. The operating mode is when the diaphragm is moving.

[0007] In addition, in some embodiments, the first airflow resistor is controllable to apply different airflow resistances at the fourth end opening of the sub-bass port; the second airflow resistor is configured to apply a fixed airflow resistance at the second end opening of the main bass port or the third end opening of the sub-bass port; the first airflow resistor and the second airflow resistor are breathable structures; the breathable structure includes paper, cloth, foam, mesh, or felt; or applying different airflow resistances at the fourth end opening of the sub-bass port results in different sound pressure levels within a frequency range of approximately 20 Hz to 1.5 kHz in the frequency response. Some embodiments further include a user switch for controlling in real time the first airflow resistor to apply different airflow resistances at the fourth end opening of the sub-bass port, where the different airflow resistances are incremental values ​​or continuous values.

[0008] In addition, in some embodiments, the subwoofer port is resizable in real time; the subwoofer port is configured to tune the sound pressure level in the frequency response; the subwoofer port is configured to tune the sound pressure level in the frequency response within a frequency range of approximately 100 Hz to 4 kHz; or the subwoofer port chamber has a corresponding airflow resistance, such that reducing the airflow resistance causes the sound pressure level between approximately 100 Hz and 300 Hz in the frequency response to increase, thereby reducing sound clarity, and increasing the airflow resistance causes the sound pressure level between approximately 100 Hz and 300 Hz in the frequency response to decrease, thereby improving sound clarity.

[0009] In addition, in some embodiments, the sub-bass port includes multiple parts, which divide the sub-bass port chamber into sub-chambers, each sub-chamber having a different cross-sectional area; at least two of the multiple parts are made of different materials, including plastic, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) felt, metal, non-metal, rubber, foam, or sponge; the driver unit is a dynamic driver; the device includes in-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, over-ear headphones, open headphones, semi-open headphones, or closed headphones; or the main bass port is a substantially straight tube, and the sub-bass port is a hollow structure of substantially arbitrary shape, including a straight tube, a wound tube, a straight / wound polygonal cross-section hollow structure, a straight / wound cylindrical hollow structure, a flared tube, or any combination of these shapes.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, a device having acoustic enhancement is provided. The device has a corresponding frequency response and includes: 1) converting means for converting an electrical audio input signal into an acoustic audio output signal; 2) tuning means for tuning the sound pressure level within a frequency range of approximately 100 Hz to 4 kHz in the frequency response; and 3) means for coupling the tuning means to the converting means.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for a device having acoustic enhancement is provided. The device has a corresponding frequency response. The method includes: 1) providing a driver unit having a housing having an interior side to integrate a magnet, a diaphragm, and a primary bass port, the primary bass port being substantially surrounded by the magnet and having a primary bass port chamber, the primary bass port chamber having a first end opening and a second end opening, the first end opening facing the diaphragm and the second end opening facing opposite the first end opening, the diaphragm being located on a front side of the driver unit and configured for analog audio reproduction; and 2) providing a sub-bass port having a sub-bass port chamber, the sub-bass port chamber having a third end opening and a fourth end opening, the sub-bass port being coupled to the second end opening of the primary bass port at the third end opening, and the fourth end opening having substantially unimpeded airflow.

[0012] Some advantages of the present invention include: 1) efficient tuning of the sound characteristics of a sound generating device; 2) easy adjustment / customization / configuration of the sound characteristics of a sound generating device; 3) easy adaptation to different hardware configurations of sound generating devices; and 4) cost savings. These and other features and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a front view cross section of a traditional headset.

[0014] Figure 2 is a front view cross-section of an earphone with acoustic enhancement based on a (relatively short) secondary bass port according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 is a front view cross-section of an earphone with acoustic enhancement based on a (relatively long) sub-bass port according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 is an illustration of a user switch for controlling airflow resistance at a subwoofer port according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 is a graph showing sound pressure levels according to various embodiments of the present invention, the sound pressure levels being based on varying airflow resistance at the end opening of the sub-woofer port.

[0018] Figure 6 is a graph showing sound pressure levels according to various embodiments of the present invention, the sound pressure levels being based on varying airflow resistance at the sub-woofer port obtained by changing the size of the sub-woofer port.

[0019] Figure 7is a flow chart for an apparatus with acoustic enhancement according to various embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Examples of the preferred embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with these preferred embodiments, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the present invention to these preferred embodiments. On the contrary, they are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other cases, known mechanisms are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that in the various drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same parts. The various drawings shown and described herein are used to illustrate various features of the present invention. In the case of a particular feature shown in one drawing and not in another, unless otherwise specified or the structure inherently prohibits the inclusion of the feature, it should be understood that these features can be adapted to be included in the embodiments shown in the other drawings as if they were fully described in these drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Any dimensions provided in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention but are merely illustrative.

[0022] A device with acoustic enhancement and corresponding frequency response is disclosed. The device includes a driver and a sub-bass port, the driver having a main bass port including a main bass port chamber, and the sub-bass port having a sub-bass port chamber. The sub-bass port can be coupled to the main bass port at one end and have substantially unimpeded airflow at the other end. The device may also include an acoustic chamber that is separated or isolated from the main bass port chamber, the sub-bass port chamber, or both the main bass port chamber and the sub-bass port chamber. A switch may also be included to dynamically control an air flow resistor at the rear end of the sub-bass port. The main bass port chamber, the sub-bass port chamber, the acoustic chamber, and the air flow resistor can be used individually or collectively to tune the frequency response according to the desired acoustic enhancement. The device can be any device suitable for implementing the present invention, for example, an audio reproduction device (including but not limited to headphones and speakers).

[0023] Figure 11 is a front view cross-section of a conventional earphone 100. The components of earphone 100 shown in this front view cross-section (i.e., the view when the earphone is worn by a user facing outward) are generally symmetrical and / or circular when viewed from a side perspective 102. Earphone 100 can be any type of earphone, including but not limited to on-ear, over-the-ear, and in-ear. As shown, earphone 100 is a circumaural earphone that includes a housing 104 and earpads / cushions 106 attached to the housing 104. The housing 104 houses a driver 108, an acoustic chamber 110, and optionally a printed circuit board assembly (e.g., a PCBA for digital signal processing) and a battery (e.g., for powering the PCBA or the driver) located within the acoustic chamber 110 (not shown). The earpads / cushions 106 are configured to fit snugly against the user's head and seal around the user's ears when the earphone 100 is worn. The ear pads / cushions 106 can be constructed from any flexible material (e.g., foam, rubber, or sponge). The housing 104 includes a housing end cap 112 that is removable to provide access to the interior of the housing 104 and its internal components (e.g., PCBA, battery, driver, etc.). The housing 104 can be constructed from any material, including but not limited to plastic, metal, non-metal, or any combination thereof.

[0024] When the earphone 100 is in an operating mode, an acoustic audio output signal is generated by the driver 108 based on an electrical audio input signal, and the signal is projected into a listening chamber 114 formed by some combination of the housing 104, the ear pad / cushion 106, the driver 108, the user's head, and the user's ear (including the pinna 116, the outer ear 118, the ear canal 120, and the eardrum 122). When the earphone is in an operating mode (e.g., when the driver is generating an acoustic audio output signal based on an electrical audio input signal), the chamber is typically a void space having a specific pressure. The generation of the acoustic audio output signal is typically consistent with the movement of the driver's diaphragm, so that the acoustic audio output signal propagates from the driver 108 (via the diaphragm) to the listening chamber 114 and is received by the eardrum 122 for the user's understanding and listening enjoyment.

[0025] Headphones can be defined by their sound signature, which is related to the headphone's frequency response. Tuning the frequency response can be a complex and time-consuming process, in which different variables of the headphone design must be considered, such as the type of materials used in its construction, the volume and pressure in the chambers in the housing (e.g., acoustic chamber 110, bass port chamber 126) and listening chamber 114, the size and number of vents 128, the type of resistance paper 130 used at the vents 128 or bass port 124 (also known as a dome vent), whether the headphone is open-back or closed-back, and the driver 108 specifications. Therefore, in order to save time and resources, it is beneficial to simplify the tuning process.

[0026] Figure 2 2 is a front view cross-section of an earphone 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention, the earphone 200 having acoustic enhancement based on a sub-bass port 240. The components of the earphone 200 shown in the front view cross-section (i.e., the view when the earphone is worn by a user facing outward) are generally symmetrical and / or circular when viewed from the side view perspective 202. The earphone 200 can be any type of earphone, including but not limited to on-ear, over-ear, in-ear, closed-back, semi-open, and open-back earphones. As shown, the earphone 200 is an over-ear type earphone, which includes a housing 204 and ear pads / cushions 206 attached to the housing. The housing 204 is configured to accommodate a driver 208, an acoustic chamber 210, and optionally a printed circuit board assembly 252 (e.g., a PCBA for digital signal processing) and a battery 254 (e.g., for powering the PCBA 252 or the driver 208) in a chamber separate from the acoustic chamber 210. Generally, the driver 208 is a dynamic driver.

[0027] Generally, the ear pads / cushions 206 are configured to seal around the user's head and ears when the user wears the earphones 200. The ear pads / cushions 206 can be constructed from any flexible material (e.g., foam, rubber, sponge), or any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art. The housing 204 may or may not include a housing end cap 212 (also referred to as a back cap), which may be non-removable or removable (to provide access to the interior of the housing 204 and its internal components (e.g., the driver 208, etc.)). The housing 204 can have rigid and / or flexible portions and can be constructed from any material, including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, non-metal, rubber, or any combination thereof. The housing end cap 212 can be integrated with other earphone 200 components (e.g., the baffle 256, the sub-bass port 240) or assembled separately from these components. For example, the housing end cap 212 can be constructed together with the baffle 256 and the sub-bass port 240, or constructed separately to be attached to the baffle 256 and the sub-bass port 240.

[0028] When the earphone 200 is in an operating mode, an acoustic audio output signal is generated by the driver 208 based on the electrical audio input signal, and this signal is projected into a listening chamber 214 formed by some combination of the housing 204, the ear pad / cushion 206, the driver 208, the user's head, and the user's ear (including the pinna 116, the outer ear 118, the ear canal 120, and the eardrum 122). When the earphone 200 is in an operating mode (e.g., when the driver 208 is generating an acoustic audio output signal based on the electrical audio input signal), the chamber is typically an empty space with a specific pressure or pressure differential. Thus, each chamber can have a different pressure or pressure differential during the operating mode. The generation of the acoustic audio output signal is typically consistent with the movement of the driver's diaphragm 238, where the acoustic audio output signal propagates from the driver 208 (via the diaphragm 238) to the listening chamber 214 and is received by the eardrum 122 for the user's understanding and listening enjoyment.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the earphone 200 is provided with acoustic enhancement and corresponding frequency response. To elaborate, the earphone 200 includes a driver 208, the housing 232 of the driver 208 having an interior side 232A to integrate a magnet 236, a diaphragm 238, and a main bass port 224. The main bass port 224 is substantially surrounded / surrounded by the magnet 236 and has a main bass port chamber 226, which has a first end opening 244A and a second end opening 244B, the first end opening 244A facing the diaphragm 238, and the second end opening 244B facing opposite the first end opening 244A. The diaphragm 238 is located on the front side 234 of the driver 208 and is configured for analog audio reproduction. In addition, the earphone 200 includes a sub-bass port 240 having a sub-bass port chamber 242, the sub-bass port chamber 242 having a third end opening 244C and a fourth end opening 244D. The secondary bass port 240 is coupled at the third end opening 244C to the primary bass port 224 at the second end opening 244B. The fourth end opening 244D allows for substantially unimpeded airflow.

[0030] Generally, the sub-bass port 240 is a hollow structure of substantially any shape, for example, a straight tube, a winding tube, a straight / winding polygonal cross-section hollow structure, a straight / winding cylindrical hollow structure, a flareout tube, or any combination of these shapes. The sub-bass port 240 may include a plurality of parts that divide the sub-bass port chamber 242 into sub-chambers. Each sub-chamber may have a different cross-sectional area. The plurality of parts may be made of different materials, such as plastic, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) felt 246, metal, non-metal, rubber, foam, or sponge. In addition, the sub-bass port 240 may be separated from or integrated with the baffle 256, which may be used to form a portion of the acoustic chamber 210. Although the main bass port 224 is substantially a straight tube, it may also share some of the above-mentioned characteristics of the sub-bass port 240.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the sub-bass port 240 is configured to tune the sound pressure level in the frequency response. Specifically, the sub-bass port 240 is configured to tune the sound pressure level in the frequency range of approximately 100 Hz to 4 kHz in the frequency response. In addition, the sub-bass port chamber 242 has a corresponding airflow resistance, so that reducing the airflow resistance causes the sound pressure level between approximately 100 Hz and 300 Hz in the frequency response to increase, thereby reducing sound clarity, and increasing the airflow resistance causes the sound pressure level between approximately 100 Hz and 300 Hz in the frequency response to decrease, thereby improving sound clarity. Figure 6 More details are provided in.

[0032] The acoustic chamber 210 is configured to prevent ambient noise from significantly mixing with the analog audio reproduction. The acoustic chamber 210 substantially surrounds / encloses and covers the back surface 232B of the driver 208 except for the location where the sub-bass port 240 is coupled to the main bass port 224 of the driver 208. The back surface 232B of the driver 208 corresponds to the exterior side 232B of the housing 232, which is opposite the interior side 232A of the housing 232. In a preferred embodiment, the second end opening 244B of the main bass port 224 does not open to the acoustic chamber 210. The acoustic chamber 210 and the sub-bass port 240 are configured to tune the sound pressure level in the frequency response individually or collectively. Advantageously, the acoustic chamber 210 can effectively be an isolated chamber, wherein external noise does not enter (or is substantially prevented from entering) and sound within the earphone 200 does not escape (or is substantially prevented from escaping). However, it should be noted that the acoustic chamber 210 may be optional in the earphone 200 , and aspects of the present invention may be implemented without the acoustic chamber 210 .

[0033] Acoustic chamber 210 may also utilize vents 228 to equalize air pressure in listening chamber 214 and to modulate / control diaphragm 238. Vents 228 allow air to leak between acoustic chamber 210 and diaphragm 238 to maintain appropriate tension on diaphragm 238. Thus, acoustic chamber 210 may be used to modulate / control diaphragm 238.

[0034] The earphones 200 may also include airflow resistors 230. For example, the first airflow resistor 230 may be controlled to apply different / variable airflow resistances at the fourth end opening 244D of the sub-bass port 240. The second airflow resistor 230 is configured to apply airflow resistance at the second end opening 244B of the main bass port 224 or the third end opening 244C of the sub-bass port 240. The first and second airflow resistors 230 may have an air-permeable structure, such as a damping material, paper, cloth, foam, mesh, and felt. Generally, the airflow resistors 230 can be used to adjust the bass level in the frequency response. Therefore, the airflow resistors 230 can have any number, thickness, or type. The earphones 200 may also not include airflow resistors 230. For example, due to Helmholtz resonance (port resonance), there may be a pressure difference between the port end openings. In this case, there may be no airflow resistors 230 at the end openings of the main bass port 224 and the sub-bass port 240.

[0035] The earphones 200 may further include a user switch 248 to control in real time the first airflow resistor 230 to apply different airflow resistances at the fourth end opening 244D of the sub-bass port 240. Generally, the smaller the airflow resistance, the stronger the bass level in the frequency response. Different airflow resistances can be adjusted incrementally over a set of values ​​or continuously over a continuous value. The user switch 248 can be any suitable controller for adjusting the airflow resistance at the fourth end opening 244D. The user switch 248 can be implemented locally (e.g., on the earphones) or remotely (e.g., a smartphone), mechanically or electrically, servo-based or non-servo-based, discontinuously selected (e.g., a button) or continuously selected (e.g., a slider), or using any combination of these technologies. By applying different airflow resistances at the fourth end opening 244D of the sub-bass port 240, different corresponding sound pressure levels can be achieved within a frequency range of approximately 20 Hz to 1.5 kHz in the frequency response.

[0036] Open-back headphones typically lack a restrictive barrier to seal audio playback and prevent ambient noise from penetrating the user's listening experience. Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, typically have a restrictive barrier to seal audio playback while preventing ambient noise from penetrating the user's listening experience. For example, the ear pads of closed-back headphones may be covered by a shell that houses the driver and blocks sound from passing through the shell. Thus, the headphone 200 can be considered a hybrid between an open-back headphone (having holes 250 or a subwoofer port 240 in the housing end cap 212 open to the free air) and a closed-back headphone (with the acoustic chamber 210 substantially covering the driver 208). While the subwoofer port 240 may be open to the free air with or without airflow resistor 230 (e.g., through holes 250 in the housing end cap 212 or directly to the free air to achieve the desired tuning of the headphone's frequency response), the sound escaping from the subwoofer port 240 can be, or may actually be, ignored (e.g., depending on the level or frequency range of the sound escape that would be perceived by another person), allowing the headphone 200 to advantageously and effectively function as a closed-back headphone in terms of noise isolation, even though it may be an open-back headphone. In some embodiments, earphones 200 are semi-open earphones that allow some sound isolation and a small amount of sound leakage.

[0037] As previously mentioned, headphones can be defined by their sound signature, which is related to their frequency response. Tuning the frequency response can be a complex and time-consuming process, requiring consideration of various headphone variables. Therefore, it would be beneficial if tuning the frequency response could be limited to a smaller number of considerations or variables. The more variables that can remain constant and / or predictable, the less complex the frequency response tuning. This is particularly useful when different headphone designs are being developed, and the constant or predictable variables represent known values ​​for the frequency response (and therefore, the sound signature). For example, compared to conventional headphone 100 (which includes acoustic chamber 110, which is designed to house other components such as a PCBA or battery), acoustic chamber 210 is designed to be independent / isolated, and its volume remains constant (note: PCBA 252 and battery 254 are located separately from acoustic chamber 210) and is unaffected by the other components housed within it. This is particularly relevant when the size of the PCBA or battery changes after the headphone design has been fixed or established. Thus, the acoustic chamber 210 allows for the flexibility of changing the PCBA or battery without affecting its volume, while keeping its contribution to the frequency response and sound characteristics relatively constant or known. Furthermore, the acoustic chamber 210 allows for independent tuning of the subwoofer port (e.g., adjusting the length and / or applying airflow resistance at the end opening without also tuning / retune the acoustic chamber 210) to achieve bass or sound enhancement in the frequency response of the headphone.

[0038] Figure 3 3 is a front cross-sectional view of an earphone 300 with acoustic enhancement based on a sub-bass port 340, according to various embodiments of the present invention. Earphone 300 is similar to earphone 200, with only a few minor differences. Therefore, many aspects and advantages of earphone 200 apply to earphone 300. However, one of the main differences is that earphone 300 includes a housing 304 with a sub-bass port 340, which is relatively longer than the sub-bass port 240 in earphone 200. Despite these differences, sub-bass ports 240 and 340 still share similar aspects. For example, the materials used to construct them can be the same.

[0039] The size of the sub-bass port 340 can be fixed or adjusted in advance or in real time to achieve the desired frequency response. Adjustment can be made through a sizable sub-bass port 340. For example, the sub-bass port 340 can be sizable through a collapsible tube and / or an expandable tube. The sub-bass port 340 can be sizable by adjusting any of its physical dimensions (e.g., diameter, length, height, width, etc.). The adjustment can be achieved through local control (e.g., on the headphones) or remote control (e.g., a smartphone), a mechanical or electrical system, a servo-based or non-servo-based system, a discontinuous selection (e.g., a button) or a continuous selection (e.g., a slider), or through any combination of these technologies. The adjustment can be made through a user switch similar to the user switch 248. Figure 3 The longer sub-bass port 340 shown may also be integrated into the housing 304, particularly in the housing end cap 312. For example, the length of the sub-bass port 340 may be extended by winding / coiling it within the housing end cap 312 before opening the fourth end opening 244D to the air.

[0040] Similar to the housing end cap 212, the housing end cap 312 can be integrated into other earphone 300 components (e.g., the baffle 356, the sub-bass port 340) or can be separately assembled from these components. For example, the housing end cap 312 can be constructed together with the baffle 356 and the sub-bass port 340, or can be separately constructed to be attached to the baffle 356 and the sub-bass port 340. In addition, the sub-bass port 340 can be separate from or integrated with the baffle 356, and the baffle 356 can be used to form a portion of the acoustic chamber 210.

[0041] Since the sub-bass port 340 is relatively longer than the sub-bass port 240, the corresponding sub-bass port chamber 342 is relatively longer than the sub-bass port chamber 242. Therefore, the larger volume or larger corresponding airflow resistance of the sub-bass port chamber 342 may cause the frequency response of the earphone 300 to be different from that of the earphone 200. According to a preferred embodiment, the sub-bass port 340 is configured to tune the sound pressure level in the frequency response. Specifically, the sub-bass port 340 is configured to tune the sound pressure level in the frequency response within a frequency range of approximately 100 Hz to 4 kHz. In addition, the sub-bass port chamber 342 has a corresponding airflow resistance, so that reducing the airflow resistance causes the sound pressure level between approximately 100 Hz and 300 Hz in the frequency response to increase, thereby reducing sound clarity, and increasing the airflow resistance causes the sound pressure level between approximately 100 Hz and 300 Hz in the frequency response to decrease, thereby improving sound clarity. In the Figure 6 More details are provided in.

[0042] By being able to adjust or configure the sound pressure level in the frequency response, the sub-bass port 340 and / or the sub-bass port chamber 342 can compensate for the sound pressure level that would otherwise be contributed by other earphone components (e.g., the acoustic chamber 110). As a result, other earphone components can be minimized and the overall earphone size reduced. For example, a conventional acoustic chamber 110 requires a larger volume and size to obtain a larger bass level. However, for smaller earphones, if the conventional acoustic chamber 110 is reduced in volume and size, the bass level is correspondingly reduced. Therefore, the present invention advantageously achieves the ability to generate a larger bass level even for smaller earphones by realizing an acoustic chamber 210, sub-bass port 240 / 340 and sub-bass port chamber 242 / 342 having a smaller volume and size.

[0043] Because the sub-bass port 340 extends through the housing end cap 312, the housing 304 includes a housing end cap 312 having optional (one or more) chambers for accommodating the housing PCBA 252 and the battery 254. The (one or more) chambers are configured to be integrated into the housing end cap 312 so that the walls forming the chambers can also be used to form a portion of the sub-bass port 340 and / or the baffle 356. As shown, only a single chamber accommodates the PCBA 252 and the battery 254, wherein the inner walls form the cylindrical shape of the sub-bass port 340. In addition, the EVA felt 246 forms another part of the cylindrical shape of the sub-bass port 340 and is connected to the main bass port 224. The EVA felt 246 also provides advantageous sealing properties.

[0044] The ability of the present invention to tune the frequency response by adjusting the dimensions of the sub-bass port 240 / 340 (e.g., length, diameter, width, height, etc.) and / or applying airflow resistance at the end opening of the sub-bass port 240 / 340 allows for large tuning adjustments as well as large incremental tuning adjustments; thereby, making larger tuning adjustments more efficient. In contrast, conventional headphones 100 only allow for small tuning adjustments as well as small incremental tuning adjustments. However, the present invention can be configured to also make small tuning adjustments as well as small incremental tuning adjustments; thereby making the overall tuning more efficient. Adjusting one dimension of size can compensate for another dimension of size in terms of contribution to acoustic enhancement. For example, an increased diameter can be used instead of a decreased length (or vice versa) to adjust the frequency response.

[0045] Because earphones 200 and 300 contain different components, various techniques can be used to combine them to allow for efficient assembly or disassembly. For example, adhesives or friction tape can be used to connect the different components together. Any suitable method can be used to combine the different components of earphones 200 and 300 to implement the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4 4 is an illustration 400 of a user switch 402 for controlling airflow resistance at a sub-bass port (e.g., 240, 340) according to various embodiments of the present invention. The user switch 402 (e.g., 248) can be any suitable controller for adjusting the airflow resistance at the fourth end opening 244D and / or other end openings (e.g., 244B, 244C) in real time. Different airflow resistances can be adjusted incrementally over a set of values ​​or continuously over a continuous range of values. This can be achieved locally (e.g., on the headset) or remotely (e.g., a smartphone), mechanically or electrically, servo-based or non-servo-based, discontinuous selection (e.g., buttons, toggle buttons, etc.) or continuous selection (e.g., sliders), voice-activated or non-voice-activated, contact- or contactless control, or using any combination of these techniques. By applying different airflow resistances at the end opening (e.g., at the fourth end opening 244D of the sub-bass port 240, 340), different corresponding sound pressure levels can be obtained within the frequency range of the frequency response (e.g., approximately 20 Hz to 1.5 kHz), as described below with reference to Figure 5 discussed.

[0047] As shown, the user switch 402 corresponds to three non-consecutive selections implemented by selection buttons A, B, and C. Selection button A corresponds to an open bass port hole 404 (e.g., when no airflow resistance is applied at the fourth end opening 244D of the sub-bass port 240, 340). Selection button C corresponds to a closed bass port hole 406 (e.g., when maximum airflow resistance is applied at the fourth end opening 244D of the sub-bass port 240, 340). Selection button B corresponds to a bass port hole 408 with an airflow resistor applied (e.g., when any degree of airflow resistance is applied at the fourth end opening 244D by the airflow resistor 230 of the sub-bass port 240, 340). However, it should be noted that the present invention encompasses any number of selection buttons corresponding to any amount / level of airflow resistance applied / implemented.

[0048] Airflow resistance can be applied by one or more airflow resistors 230. Airflow resistor 230 can be any mechanism suitable for applying corresponding resistance to airflow. Airflow resistor 230 can have a breathable structure (e.g., paper, cloth, foam, net, felt, etc.) or an airtight structure (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.). Therefore, the airflow resistor 230 of a breathable or airtight structure can be configured to incrementally cover the end openings (e.g., 244C, 244D) in the sub-bass ports 240, 340 so that the end openings are closed in an incremental manner to achieve the application of incremental airflow resistance. Alternatively, the airflow resistor 230 of a breathable or airtight structure can be configured to continuously cover the end openings in the sub-bass ports 240, 340 so that the end openings are closed in a continuous manner to achieve the application of any airflow resistance. Therefore, the present invention encompasses different configurations for controlling and applying airflow resistance at (one or more) end openings.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the first airflow resistor 230 is controllable to apply different airflow resistances at the fourth end opening 244D of the sub-bass port 240 or 340. The second airflow resistor 230 is configured to apply a fixed airflow resistance at the second end opening 244B of the main bass port 224 or the third end opening 244C of the sub-bass port 240 or 340. Furthermore, the first and second airflow resistors have an air-permeable structure (e.g., paper, cloth, foam, mesh, and felt).

[0050] Figure 5 500 is a graph showing sound pressure levels according to various embodiments of the present invention, the sound pressure levels being based on varying airflow resistance at the end opening of the sub-woofer port. Graph 500 shows a graph of sound pressure level (dB) versus frequency (Hz), the graph being based on varying airflow resistance at the end opening of the sub-woofer port. The graph is illustrative and not exhaustive. The effects of varying airflow resistance at the end opening of the sub-woofer port are shown in Graph 500. Specifically, by applying varying airflow resistance at the end opening of the sub-woofer ports 240, 340, different corresponding sound pressure levels can be achieved within the frequency range of the frequency response.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the different airflow resistance at the fourth end opening 244D of the sub-bass port 240, 340 results in adjustment of the sound pressure level in the frequency response range of about 20 Hz to 1.5 kHz of the earphone 200, 300. Curve 502 corresponds to Figure 4 4. The curve 504 corresponds to the selection button A with the bass port hole 404 opened (eg, when no airflow resistance is applied at the fourth end opening 244D of the sub-bass port 240, 340). Figure 4406 (eg, when maximum airflow resistance is applied at the fourth end opening 244D of the sub-bass port 240, 340). Curve 506 corresponds to the selection button C of FIG. Figure 4 The selection button B is selected for the bass port hole 408 having the airflow resistor applied thereto (eg, when any degree of airflow resistance is applied at the fourth end opening 244D by the airflow resistor 230 of the sub-bass port 240, 340).

[0052] It is noteworthy that curve 502 shows the maximum increase (e.g., 10 dB) in the sound pressure level within the range of approximately 20 Hz to 1.5 kHz in the frequency response of the earphones 200, 300. Curve 504 shows the minimum increase (e.g., no increase) in the sound pressure level within the range of approximately 20 Hz to 1.5 kHz in the frequency response of the earphones 200, 300. In addition, curve 506 shows an increase (e.g., 5 dB) in the sound pressure level within the range of approximately 20 Hz to 1.5 kHz in the frequency response of the earphones 200, 300 between curves 502 and 504. According to various embodiments, curves 502, 504, and 506 may correspond to any adjustment to the sound pressure level within the frequency range in the frequency response of the earphones 200, 300 based on the amount of airflow resistance introduced at the end opening of the sub-bass port 240, 340. As previously mentioned, this relationship diagram is illustrative and not exhaustive. Therefore, the increase to the sound pressure level may be higher than that shown in the relationship graph (eg, 20 dB instead of 10 dB for curve 502; 10 dB instead of 5 dB for curve 506).

[0053] Figure 6 600 is a graph showing sound pressure levels according to various embodiments of the present invention, the sound pressure levels being based on the varying airflow resistance at the sub-woofer port obtained by changing the size of the sub-woofer port. Graph 600 shows a graph of sound pressure level (dB) relative to frequency (Hz), the graph being based on the varying airflow resistance at the sub-woofer port obtained by changing the size of the sub-woofer port. This graph is illustrative and not exhaustive. Graph 600 shows the effect of changing the airflow resistance by changing the size of the sub-woofer port. For example, by applying different airflow resistances by changing the length of the sub-woofer ports 240, 340, different corresponding sound pressure levels can be achieved within the frequency range of the frequency response. Generally, the length of the sub-woofer ports 240, 340 can be determined by measuring the distance between the third end opening 244C and the fourth end opening 244D.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the sub-bass ports 240, 340 are configured to tune the sound pressure level in the frequency response. Generally, the sub-bass ports 240, 340 are configured to tune the sound pressure level in the frequency range of approximately 100 Hz to 4 kHz in the frequency response. Specifically, the sub-bass ports 240, 340 are configured to optimize the upper bass frequencies (e.g., 100 Hz to 200 Hz) and the lower mid-range frequencies (e.g., above 200 Hz to 1.5 kHz). In addition, the sub-bass ports 240, 340 or the sub-bass port chambers 242, 342 have corresponding airflow resistances, such that reducing the airflow resistance results in an increase in the sound pressure level between approximately 100 Hz and 300 Hz in the frequency response, thereby reducing sound clarity; and increasing the airflow resistance results in a decrease in the sound pressure level between approximately 100 Hz and 300 Hz in the frequency response, thereby improving sound clarity. The reduction or increase in airflow resistance is due to changing the length of the sub-bass ports 240, 340.

[0055] To further illustrate, curve 606 corresponds to Figure 3 The longer port tube shown (ie, the sub-bass ports 240, 340). Curve 608 corresponds to Figure 2 The shorter port tube (i.e., sub-bass port 240, 340) is shown. Therefore, increasing the length of the sub-bass port 240, 340 corresponds to greater airflow resistance 602; thereby, shifting the curve to the left on graph 600. Furthermore, decreasing the length of the sub-bass port 240, 340 corresponds to less airflow resistance 604; thereby, shifting the curve to the right on graph 600. By adjusting or configuring the length of the sub-bass port 240, 340, the sound pressure level can be optimized for a specific frequency range. For example, a curve for optimized sound clarity (i.e., enhancing sound in audio reproduction) may correspond to a sub-bass port 240, 340 whose length increases the sound pressure level within the sound clarity range 614 (e.g., 100 Hz to 300 Hz) and / or increases the sound pressure level within other midrange frequencies (e.g., above 300 Hz to 1.5 kHz or 4 kHz) in the frequency response of the earphone 200, 300. According to some embodiments, the midpoint between the peak and valley of the curve for optimized sound clarity is approximately 300 Hz. The sound clarity range 614 may include the upper bass range 610 (eg, 100 Hz to 200 Hz) and a portion of the lower midrange range (eg, above 200 Hz to 300 Hz) of the midrange range 612 (eg, 200 Hz to 4 kHz).

[0056] It should be noted that curve 606 shows an increase in the sound pressure level (e.g., 6 dB to 10 dB) within the sound clarity range 614 (e.g., 100 Hz to 300 Hz) and an increase in the sound pressure level (e.g., 0 dB to less than 6 dB) within the midrange range (e.g., above 300 Hz to 1.5 kHz) in the frequency response of the headphones 200 and 300. In addition, curve 608 shows an increase in the sound pressure level (e.g., 9 dB to 10 dB) within the sound clarity range 614 (e.g., 100 Hz to 300 Hz) and an increase in the sound pressure level (e.g., 0 dB to less than 9 dB) within the midrange range (e.g., above 300 Hz to 1.5 kHz) in the frequency response of the headphones 200 and 300. Therefore, curve 606 can be considered to have a better balance in tuning the sound pressure level in the frequency response to optimize sound clarity. Thus, curves 606 and 608 may correspond to any adjustment or configuration of the sound pressure level within a frequency range in the frequency response of the earphones 200, 300 based on the amount of airflow resistance introduced by varying the length of the subwoofer ports 240, 340. As previously stated, this relationship diagram is illustrative and not exhaustive. Thus, as Figure 6 As shown, the peak of the curve can be 20dB instead of 10dB.

[0057] Figure 7 is a flowchart 700 for an apparatus with acoustic enhancement according to various embodiments of the present invention. At step 702, a driver unit is provided, the housing of the driver unit having an interior side to integrate a magnet, a diaphragm, and a main bass port, the main bass port being substantially surrounded by the magnet and having a main bass port chamber, the main bass port chamber having a first end opening and a second end opening, the first end opening facing the diaphragm and the second end opening facing opposite the first end opening, the diaphragm being located on a front side of the driver unit and being configured for analog audio reproduction. At step 704, a sub-bass port is provided, the sub-bass port having a sub-bass port chamber, the sub-bass port chamber having a third end opening and a fourth end opening, the sub-bass port being coupled to the second end opening of the main bass port at the third end opening, and the fourth end opening having substantially unimpeded airflow. Various embodiments of flowchart 700 can be based on the specification, including the detailed description, drawings, and claims.

[0058] The present invention relates to a device with acoustic enhancement. Various embodiments include a device with a sub-bass port, which includes or does not include an isolated acoustic chamber. For example, the device may be: 1) a closed headphone having a sub-bass port and an isolated acoustic chamber; 2) an open headphone having a sub-bass port and not having an isolated acoustic chamber; or 3) a semi-open headphone having a sub-bass port and an isolated acoustic chamber. There can be different combinations between headphone types, sub-bass ports, and isolated acoustic chambers. The airflow at the end openings (e.g., the third end opening 244C, the fourth end opening 244D) of the sub-bass port 240 / 340 and / or the size (e.g., length, diameter, width, height, etc.) of the sub-bass port 240 / 340 can be selected / adjusted to achieve the sound characteristics or frequency response required for the device. Generally, as Figure 5 As shown, for example, increasing the air flow at the end opening of the subwoofer port can increase the sound level of a specific frequency range within the frequency response of the device. Figure 6 As shown, for example, adjusting the size of the subwoofer port can shift the curve left or right to adjust the sound level in a specific frequency range within the device's frequency response.

[0059] Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide: 1) improved efficiency in modifying the sound characteristics or frequency response of headphones; 2) the ability for manufacturers to incorporate components into the headphone housing without significantly affecting the sound characteristics or frequency response because these components can be separated from or located outside the acoustic chamber; 3) the ability to manufacture smaller housings and headphones; 4) the ability to tune for better sound clarity; 5) the ability to enhance bass using a smaller acoustic volume; 6) the ability to compensate for the bass levels achieved by traditional acoustic chambers with larger size / volume (e.g., acoustic volume); and / or 7) less tuning due to an isolated acoustic chamber (e.g., isolated from other components such as a battery and PCBA).

[0060] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device having acoustic enhancement, the device having a corresponding frequency response, the device comprising: a driver unit having a housing having an interior side to integrate a magnet, a diaphragm, and a primary bass port, the primary bass port being substantially surrounded by the magnet and having a primary bass port chamber, the primary bass port chamber having a first end opening facing the diaphragm and a second end opening facing opposite the first end opening, the diaphragm being located on a front side of the driver unit and configured for analog audio reproduction; a sub-bass port having a sub-bass port chamber, the sub-bass port chamber having a third end opening and a fourth end opening, the sub-bass port being coupled to the second end opening of the primary bass port at the third end opening, and the fourth end opening having substantially unimpeded airflow; as well as an acoustic chamber configured to prevent ambient noise from significantly mixing with the analog audio reproduction and to condition the diaphragm using an exhaust vent, wherein the exhaust vent allows air to leak between the acoustic chamber and the diaphragm to maintain appropriate tension in the diaphragm, wherein the acoustic chamber substantially surrounds and covers the back of the driver unit except for the location where the sub-bass port is coupled to the main bass port of the driver unit, wherein the acoustic chamber and the sub-bass port are configured to jointly tune the sound pressure level in the frequency response, and the back of the driver unit corresponds to an exterior side of the housing, the exterior side of the housing being opposite to the interior side of the housing, and wherein the second end opening of the main bass port is not open to the acoustic chamber.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein During the operating mode, each chamber has a different pressure.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein The operating mode is when the diaphragm is moving.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first airflow resistor is controllable to apply different airflow resistances at the fourth end opening of the sub-bass port.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein The second airflow resistor is configured to apply a fixed airflow resistance at the second end opening of the main bass port or the third end opening of the sub-bass port.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: A user switch is used to control the first airflow resistor in real time to apply different airflow resistances at the fourth end opening of the sub-bass port, where the different airflow resistances are incremental values ​​or continuous values.

7. The device according to claim 4, wherein Applying different airflow resistances at the fourth end opening of the sub-bass port results in different sound pressure levels within a frequency range of approximately 20 Hz to 1.5 kHz in the frequency response.

8. The device according to claim 5, wherein The first airflow resistor and the second airflow resistor are air permeable structures selected from the group consisting of paper, cloth, foam, net and felt.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein The subwoofer port is resizable in real time.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein The subwoofer port is configured to tune the sound pressure level in the frequency response.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein The subwoofer port is configured to tune a sound pressure level within a frequency range of approximately 100 Hz to 4 kHz in the frequency response.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein The subwoofer port chamber has a corresponding airflow resistance, so that reducing the airflow resistance causes the sound pressure level between approximately 100 Hz and 300 Hz in the frequency response to increase, thereby reducing sound clarity, and increasing the airflow resistance causes the sound pressure level between approximately 100 Hz and 300 Hz in the frequency response to decrease, thereby improving sound clarity.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein The sub-bass port includes a plurality of sections that divide the sub-bass port chamber into sub-chambers, each sub-chamber having a different cross-sectional area.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein At least two of the plurality of parts are made of different materials selected from the group consisting of plastic, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) felt, metal, non-metal, rubber, foam, and sponge.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein The driver unit is a dynamic driver.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein The device is selected from the group consisting of in-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, over-ear headphones, open-back headphones, semi-open-back headphones, and closed-back headphones.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein The main bass port is a substantially straight tube, and the sub-bass port is a hollow structure of substantially arbitrary shape, the shape being selected from the group consisting of a straight tube, a wound tube, a straight / wound polygonal cross-section hollow structure, a straight / wound cylindrical hollow structure, a flared tube, and any combination of these shapes.

18. A method for a device having acoustic enhancement, the device having a corresponding frequency response, the method comprising: providing a driver unit having a housing having an interior side to integrate a magnet, a diaphragm, and a primary bass port, the primary bass port being substantially surrounded by the magnet and having a primary bass port chamber, the primary bass port chamber having a first end opening and a second end opening, the first end opening facing the diaphragm and the second end opening facing opposite the first end opening, the diaphragm being located on a front side of the driver unit and configured for analog audio reproduction; providing a sub-bass port having a sub-bass port chamber, the sub-bass port chamber having a third end opening and a fourth end opening, the sub-bass port being coupled to the second end opening of the primary bass port at the third end opening, and the fourth end opening having substantially unimpeded airflow; as well as An acoustic chamber is provided, the acoustic chamber being configured to prevent ambient noise from significantly mixing with the analog audio reproduction and using an exhaust hole to condition the diaphragm, wherein the exhaust hole allows air to leak between the acoustic chamber and the diaphragm to maintain appropriate tension in the diaphragm, wherein the acoustic chamber substantially surrounds and covers the back of the driver unit except for the location where the sub-bass port is coupled to the main bass port of the driver unit, wherein the acoustic chamber and the sub-bass port are configured to jointly tune the sound pressure level in the frequency response, and the back of the driver unit corresponds to an exterior side of the housing, the exterior side of the housing being opposite to the interior side of the housing, and wherein the second end opening of the main bass port is not open to the acoustic chamber.

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