User-configurable audio amplifier

Abstract

Embodiments of a configurable loudspeaker using a user-directable routing card (120) that allows for multiple electrically-driven modes in a non-powered loudspeaker system (122). The loudspeaker has one or more drivers (126, 128) mounted in an enclosure (124), an audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source (127) through one or more amplifiers (107, 127), and a connector interface configured to receive a routing card (120). The routing card is configured to be inserted in a first orientation to connect the audio input interface in a first operating mode with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers, and to be inserted in a second orientation to connect the audio input interface in a second operating mode with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 067,563 and European Patent Application No. 20191732.5, both filed on August 19, 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] One or more implementations generally relate to configurable audio speakers, and more specifically to user-directable routing cards for switching between multiple operating modes in the speaker. Background Technology

[0004] It is often desirable to design loudspeakers so that they can be configured to operate in different modes, where such modes allow for different amplifier drive configurations. For example, in a low-frequency dual-woofer loudspeaker enclosure, there may be two drive configurations (or 'modes'): (1) a single amplifier drives two woofers, wherein the woofers are electrically connected in parallel, or (2) two amplifiers drive each woofer independently. Another common use case is a configurable loudspeaker that is a traditional two-way loudspeaker with a low-frequency / mid-frequency transducer and a high-frequency transducer in a single enclosure. For such loudspeakers, there are two possible drive modes: (1) a passive mode in which a single amplifier drives both transducers and a passive crossover circuit is included in the loudspeaker enclosure to split the single drive signal into low-frequency and high-frequency signals, thereby driving the corresponding transducers, or (2) a bi-amp or (active) mode in which two amplifiers drive each transducer independently, without using an internal passive crossover circuit within the loudspeaker enclosure.

[0005] Other types or speaker configurations can have different operating modes, which allow the same speaker to operate in different ways based on the connections between the external amplifier, internal driver, and any optional internal audio processing circuitry.

[0006] Current systems use complex junction box configurations, jumpers, rotary switches, or other similar plug-in cable solutions to configure speakers to operate in one of several different modes. Some systems require the user to open the system and disconnect and reconnect internal wiring, while others may lack this functionality entirely. It is clear that configuring passive loudspeakers for different amplifier connections is complex, difficult, or simply impossible. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiment includes a user-configurable speaker having one or more drivers mounted in a housing forming at least a partially enclosed volume, an audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source via one or more amplifiers, and a connector interface configured to receive a routing card. The routing card can be inserted in a first orientation to connect the audio input interface to the audio source in a first operating mode regarding driver selection and connection to one or more amplifiers, and can be inserted in a second orientation to connect the audio input interface to the audio source in a second operating mode regarding driver selection and connection to one or more amplifiers (e.g., the second operating mode differs from the first operating mode regarding driver selection and connection to one or more amplifiers). Thus, the first operating mode may include a first driver selection and connection to one or more amplifiers, and the second operating mode may include a second driver selection and connection to one or more amplifiers. The routing card may be a printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector side including a set of connectors for connection to corresponding connector sets on the connector interface. The routing card has a set of conductive traces, wherein a first direction of the traces couples the set of connectors together using a first routing scheme for the first operating mode, and a second direction of the traces couples the set of connectors together using a second routing scheme for the second operating mode. A set of connectors on a PCB may include two rows of connectors positioned near opposite edges on the connector side and arranged opposite to the central axis of symmetry of the PCB. A first orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface with a first rotational orientation relative to the central axis, and a second orientation is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface with a second rotational orientation relative to the central axis. The speaker may have a receptacle formed in the surface of the housing and providing access to the connector interface for coupling the connector side of the routing card to a corresponding connector group on the connector interface. The receptacle may be sized to allow a user to reach in and grasp the routing card to insert it into and remove it from the corresponding connector group on the connector interface. The connector interface may include two sets of connections between an audio interface, one or more drivers, and one or more audio processing circuits of the speaker. Inserting the routing card with the first orientation selects the first set of connections for audio signals between the audio interface, drivers, and audio processing circuits, and inserting the routing card with the second orientation selects the second set of connections for audio signals between the audio interface, drivers, and audio processing circuits.

[0008] One or more drivers may include two woofers and audio input interfaces coupled to at least two amplifiers, and a first mode includes each of the two woofers being driven by a single amplifier, and a second mode includes each of the two woofers being driven independently by a respective amplifier.

[0009] One or more drivers may include a woofer and a tweeter, and the audio input interface is coupled to at least two amplifiers. A first mode includes both the woofer and the tweeter being driven by a single amplifier with crossover circuitry that directs the appropriate audio signal to the woofer and the tweeter. A second mode includes each of the woofer and the tweeter being driven independently by a corresponding amplifier that does not have crossover circuitry.

[0010] When the routing card is inserted / received in the connector interface in a first orientation, the speaker can operate in a first operating mode by providing (e.g., receiving by the audio input interface) an audio signal via the connector interface and the routing card between the audio input interface and one or more drivers. When the routing card is inserted / received in the connector interface in a second orientation, the speaker can operate in a second operating mode by providing (e.g., receiving by the audio input interface) an audio signal via the connector interface and the routing card between the audio input interface and one or more drivers. In other words, the embodiment may include a user-configurable speaker comprising: one or more drivers housed in a housing forming at least a partially enclosed volume; an audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source (e.g., to receive an audio signal) via one or more amplifiers; and a connector interface configured to receive a routing card, wherein the routing card may be inserted in a first orientation to operate the speaker in a first operating mode by providing (e.g., receiving by the audio input interface) an audio signal via the connector interface and the routing card between the audio input interface and the one or more drivers through a first route, and may be inserted in a second orientation to operate the speaker in a second operating mode by providing (e.g., receiving by the audio input interface) an audio signal via the connector interface and the routing card between the audio input interface and the one or more drivers through a second route. The connector interface may be coupled between the one or more drivers and the audio input interface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the routing card includes or may include a PCB, which may include a set of conductive traces that couple a set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB together, such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in a first orientation, the traces (and the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB) couple a set of connectors on the connector interface together using a first routing scheme, thereby enabling the speaker to operate in a first operating mode, and such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in a second orientation, the traces (and the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB) couple a set of connectors on the connector interface together using a second routing scheme, thereby enabling the speaker to operate in a second operating mode.

[0012] A set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB may include a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors, and a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface may also include a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors. When the routing card / PCB is inserted into the connector interface in a first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface (thus enabling the speaker to operate in a first operating mode). When the routing card / PCB is inserted into the connector interface in a second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface (thus enabling the speaker to operate in a second operating mode). The first row of connectors and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB may be positioned close to opposite edges on the connector side and arranged opposite to the central axis of symmetry of the PCB.

[0013] The embodiments may also include a speaker configurator for routing audio signals in a speaker, the speaker including: one or more drivers, wherein the speaker configurator includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a set of traces arranged such that a first orientation of the PCB is configured to operate the speaker in a first mode by routing audio signals within the speaker to a first route between the driver and one or more amplifiers outside the speaker, and a second orientation of the PCB is configured to operate the speaker in a second mode by routing audio signals to a second route between the driver and one or more amplifiers; and a connector interface configured to connect to the PCB in the first orientation to connect the driver to one or more amplifiers in the first mode, and to connect to the PCB in the second orientation to connect the driver to one or more amplifiers in the second mode.

[0014] The embodiment may further include a method for changing the operating mode of a configurable loudspeaker having one or more drivers, the method being performed by: providing a printed circuit board (PCB) having a set of traces arranged such that a first orientation of the PCB is configured to operate the loudspeaker in a first mode by routing audio signals within the loudspeaker to a first route between the driver and one or more amplifiers outside the loudspeaker, and a second orientation of the PCB is configured to operate the loudspeaker in a second mode by routing audio signals to a second route between the driver and one or more amplifiers; and providing a connector interface configured to connect to the PCB in the first orientation to connect the driver to one or more amplifiers in the first mode, and to connect to the PCB in the second orientation to connect the driver to one or more amplifiers in the second mode.

[0015] The embodiments may further include a method for changing the operating mode of a configurable speaker, the configurable speaker having one or more drivers, an audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source via one or more amplifiers, and a connector interface configured to receive a routing card, the method comprising:

[0016] A printed circuit board (PCB) is inserted into a connector interface in a first orientation or a second orientation. The PCB has a set of conductive traces arranged such that inserting the PCB into the connector interface in the first orientation causes the speaker to operate in a first operating mode by routing audio signals within the speaker to a first route between one or more drivers and one or more amplifiers, and inserting the PCB into the connector interface in the second orientation causes the speaker to operate in a second operating mode by routing audio signals to a second route between the drivers and one or more amplifiers. Attached Figure Description

[0017] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements. Although the following figures depict various examples, one or more embodiments are not limited to the examples depicted in the figures.

[0018] Figure 1A The illustration shows an example dual subwoofer with a routing card that can select between a hopping operation mode and a non-hopping operation mode in some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1B The illustration shows an example dual-channel loudspeaker with a routing card that can select between passive crossover mode and active / dual amplifier mode in some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 2 The illustration shows a routing card used with a configurable multiplexer in some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the orientation of the routing card in two different orientations for configuring the loudspeaker in one of two different modes in some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 4 The illustration shows a routing card being inserted into a speaker jack in some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 5A This schematically illustrates the routing card in some embodiments. Figure 1A The orientation between the non-jumping and jumping modes of the dual woofers.

[0024] Figure 5B This schematically illustrates the routing card in some embodiments. Figure 1BThe orientation between the passive crossover mode and the active / dual amplifier mode of the dual-channel loudspeaker.

[0025] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates an electrical schematic of a dual woofer in a single-drive jump mode in some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 7 The illustration shows an electrical schematic of a dual woofer in dual-drive non-jump mode in some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates an electrical schematic of a dual-channel loudspeaker in passive mode in some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 9 The illustration shows an electrical schematic of a dual-channel loudspeaker in dual-amplifier active mode in some embodiments.

[0029] Figure 10A The illustration shows the use of [something] in an embodiment. Figure 6 Jumping dual woofer mode and Figure 7 Detailed wiring diagram of the routing card for the non-jump dual woofer mode.

[0030] Figure 10B The illustration shows the use of in the embodiment. Figure 8 passive dual-channel speaker mode and Figure 9 Detailed wiring diagram of a routing card with active dual-speaker mode.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the equivalent switching function of a routing card in some embodiments for changing the operating mode of a dual speaker between passive mode and dual amplifier mode.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the equivalent switching function of a routing card in some embodiments for changing the operating mode of dual subwoofers between hopping mode and non-hopping mode. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments relate to a configurable audio amplifier having a user-directable routing card for selecting one of a variety of electrically driven modes and / or audio processing configurations. Any of the described embodiments can be used alone or in any combination with each other. While the various embodiments may have been driven by various deficiencies of current and known solutions that may be discussed in the specification, these embodiments do not necessarily solve any of these deficiencies. Different embodiments may solve different deficiencies, and some deficiencies may only be partially solved.

[0034] The term "loudspeaker" or "amplifier" refers to an audio playback loudspeaker with a sealed enclosure containing one or more drivers. The term "driver" refers to a single audio transducer that converts an electrical audio signal into sound waves, and can be implemented as a cone, horn, miniature loudspeaker, or planar driver. It can be a full-range driver or configured to reproduce a specific frequency range, such as a tweeter, midrange driver, woofer, subwoofer, etc. The driver can be mounted inside the enclosure or on an open rear panel. The term "enclosure" refers to a loudspeaker housing or enclosure that houses one or more transducers (or drivers) and can be completely sealed to acoustically isolate the transducers or, where necessary, ventilated or partially open for certain audio response characteristics.

[0035] The loudspeaker used with the rotatable routing card can be configured for different operating modes, such as having various types of speaker shapes and sizes, drivers in dual or multi-channel loudspeakers (tweeter, midrange speaker, woofer), passive / active operation, etc.

[0036] Based on the operation of different drivers within the speaker and / or the operation of one or more amplifiers that drive different drivers within the speaker, the speaker can be configured to operate under one of a variety of different drive settings. Figure 1A An example audio speaker 122 is illustrated, having a speaker enclosure 124 housing two woofers 126 and 128. In this direct-drive embodiment, two amplifiers 127 and 129 each drive their respective woofers 126 and 128. In this embodiment, the speaker system 122 is a passive speaker that does not include any internal amplifiers or power supplies. It draws amplified audio signals solely from one or more amplifiers for playback through the woofers. The woofers can be directly driven by their respective amplifiers, or they can be driven by a single amplifier (such as amplifier 127). In this embodiment, a pluggable routing card 120 can be used to configure the appropriate amplifier-driver connections for either direct-drive or single-drive modes. For example, inserting the routing card 120 in a first orientation (referred to as "Mode 1") connects two woofers to one amplifier (single-drive), while inserting the card in a second (rotational) orientation (referred to as "Mode 2") connects each woofer to its own amplifier (dual-drive or direct-drive).

[0037] Figure 1B The illustrations depict different dual speakers using a rotatable routing card in some embodiments. For example... Figure 1BAs shown, the dual-channel loudspeaker 102 includes a cabinet 104 housing a tweeter 108 and a woofer 110. For the illustrated embodiment, the drivers are aligned along the axis of the cabinet 104, as would be the case for a standing loudspeaker, where they are aligned along the vertical axis of the cabinet. The driver composition and configuration of the loudspeaker 102 are shown as examples only, and loudspeakers 102 of any size or orientation can be used, such as horizontal loudspeakers, tonesticks, cube loudspeakers, bookshelf loudspeakers, or desktop loudspeakers, etc. Similarly, any number, array, and type of drivers can be used, such as tweeters, additional midrange drivers, etc. In this embodiment, a passive crossover circuit 112 is provided to route different audio signal components to the appropriate loudspeakers. In the dual-channel loudspeaker 102, low-frequency signals (e.g., less than 1 kHz to 2 kHz) can be sent to the woofer 110, while higher frequencies can be sent to the driver (e.g., the tweeter) 108. A pluggable routing card 116 can be used to configure appropriate loudspeaker connections with respect to the crossover 112 and / or other processing circuitry in the loudspeaker 102. For example, inserting the routing card 116 in a first orientation (referred to as "Mode 1") may include a crossover 112 in the audio path of drivers 108 and 110, while inserting the card in a second (rotational) orientation (referred to as "Mode 2") may cut off the crossover in the audio path and provide a separately amplified signal to each driver.

[0038] As described above, the routing card is configured to select between two operating modes for any appropriately configured speaker. Therefore, Figure 1A and Figure 1B The illustration shows a speaker that can be configured to operate in one of two operating modes by inserting a routing card into the speaker in one of two different possible orientations.

[0039] Figure 1AThe illustration shows a first use case 122, in which the speaker is a dual woofer with a speaker enclosure 124 enclosing two woofers 126 and 128. Depending on the speaker's configuration, one or two amplifiers 127 and 129 may be provided to drive the woofers. The speaker also includes an interface for connecting a rotatable routing card 120 in one of two different orientations to select between two modes. The first mode (Mode 1) is a configuration in which a single amplifier 127 drives both woofers 126 and 128 in parallel. This is referred to as the speaker's single-drive skip mode and is selected by inserting the routing card 120 into the interface with the first orientation. The second mode (Mode 2) is a configuration in which a second amplifier 129 is provided in addition to the amplifier 127, and each woofer 126 and 128 is driven by a separate amplifier. This mode is referred to as the dual-drive (or direct-drive), non-skip mode and is selected by inserting the routing card 120 into the interface with the second orientation.

[0040] Figure 1B The illustration shows a second use case 102, in which the speaker is a bi-way speaker with a speaker enclosure 104 enclosing two different drivers (such as a midrange or woofer 110 and a tweeter 108). Depending on the speaker's mode configuration, one or two amplifiers 107 and 109 may be provided to drive the two drivers. The speaker also includes an interface for connecting a rotatable routing card 116 in one of two different orientations to select between two modes. The first mode (Mode 1) is a configuration in which a single amplifier 107 drives two drivers 126 and 128 in parallel via a crossover circuit 112. This is referred to as the passive mode of the bi-way speaker and is selected by inserting the routing card 116 into the interface in the first orientation. The second mode (Mode 2) is a configuration in which a second amplifier 109 is provided in addition to amplifier 107 and each driver 110 and 108 is driven by a separate amplifier. This mode is referred to as the dual-amplifier active mode and is selected by inserting the routing card 116 into the interface in the second orientation.

[0041] These two use cases ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B This typically represents a common use case in professional loudspeaker design; however, the embodiments are not limited to this. Amplifiers and drivers of any configuration can be used for configuration and connection, as well as audio signal routing from one or more amplifiers to different drivers. More details regarding [specific uses / designs] will be provided below. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The examples provide detailed wiring connections for the routing card speaker interface in different use cases and patterns.

[0042] Table 1 illustrates the information in tabular form. Figure 1A and Figure 1BThis document outlines the corresponding operating modes and routing card configurations for the two use cases, as well as the number of amplifiers used for each mode. It should be noted that any number of use cases can be used based on speaker configuration (number of drivers, driver type), associated audio processing (crossovers, filters, EQ, etc.), amplifiers, etc. Different routing cards can be provided to allow selection between two different operating modes for each use case or speaker configuration.

[0043] use cases model Card configuration Amplifier Dual subwoofers jump Router Card A 0° 1 Non-jump Router Card A 180° 2 Dual-path Passive Router Card B 0° 1 Active / Dual Amplifier Router Card B 180° 2 ... ... ... ...

[0044] Table 1

[0045] The use of a routing card (120 or 116) typically simplifies the process of switching between multiple amplifier system modes for different use cases and makes the process easily repeatable. In embodiments, the routing card is implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB) that can be installed by the user in one of two different orientations corresponding to one of two different operating modes, such as single-drive versus dual-drive for a dual-woofer use case, or passive crossover mode versus active / dual amplifier mode for a dual-channel use case. The PCB can be easily rotated and reinserted to change the amplifier's operating mode, thereby allowing for rapid reconfiguration of the amplifier's electrical drives for amplifiers and audio circuitry (e.g., crossovers).

[0046] although Figure 1A and Figure 1B The illustration depicts a speaker coupled to one or more amplifiers; however, it should be noted that in stereo, multichannel, surround sound, cinema, or similar environments, the entire audio system may include any number of speakers. Some or all of such speakers may be configurable speakers, such as speakers 102 or 122 shown.

[0047] Figure 2 The illustration shows a routing card used with a configurable multiplexer in some embodiments. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the routing card 202 is provided in the form of a PCB with two separate rows of connectors 204 and 206. The PCB 202 is routed so that it is symmetrical about a common center (e.g., vertical or horizontal) axis 208. Inside the loudspeaker, there is a separate PCB interface circuitry to provide mating connectors for the routing PCB card and to provide any necessary internal signals. The internal and external routing PCBs are designed with symmetrical mating connectors, allowing the routing PCB to mate with the internal PCB at different rotation angles. Users can switch between the two operating modes by rotating the routing PCB card 180 degrees and reinstalling it in the speaker.

[0048] To achieve proper routing control and current handling, the routing PCB card is designed with copper layers in a symmetrical mirror layout. Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the orientation of the routing card in two different orientations for configuring the loudspeaker in one of two different modes in some embodiments. Figure 3 The illustration shows a card in a first orientation 302, where a first mode (mode 1) is selected when the card is inserted into or installed in the speaker. After a rotation or "flip" operation 306, the card is rotated 180 degrees to select mode 2 instead of mode 1. Simply rotating the routing PCB card 180 degrees changes the signal routing between the two rows of mating connectors in the speaker.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown in the example, the card is configured to be inserted into a socket in the speaker in the direction of arrow 210, and connector rows (or groups) 204 and 206 contact or are inserted into the corresponding pins or sockets in the socket. Figure 4 The illustration shows the routing card being inserted into a speaker jack in some embodiments. For example... Figure 4 As shown, routing card 202 is inserted into socket 402 attached to interface card 404, which is coupled to the driver connection in the speaker. Interface card 404 can be a separate PCB connected to the speaker, or it can be integrally formed in the speaker enclosure panel. Socket 402 can be placed or formed in any suitable location in the speaker enclosure, such as on the back panel, top panel, or front panel, as needed. It is typically formatted to be large enough to allow the user to easily grasp, remove, and insert card 202 into the speaker enclosure panel.

[0050] Interface card 404 has a set of connectors 406 that mate with corresponding connectors 203 on rows 204 and 206 on the back of routing card 202. For Figure 4 The embodiment shown has interface card 404 with two rows of male pin header connectors 406 (e.g., first row connector 406a and second row connector 406b), and routing PCB card with two rows of female pin header sockets 203 (e.g., first row 204 and second row 206). However, the embodiment is not limited to this, as any type and configuration of mating connectors or contact surfaces can be used. To achieve this... Figure 3 Switching between the two modes shown (Mode 1 and Mode 2) involves removing the routing card 202 from the socket 402, flipping (rotating 180 degrees) it, and reinserting it into the socket, such that opposite sets of connectors 203 are coupled to a set of connectors 406 in the speaker (e.g., 204 to 406b and 206 to 406a).

[0051] In this embodiment, the routing card is simply an arrangement of symmetrical copper wires, and the internal interface card 404, in conjunction with the rotating insertion (302 or 304) of the routing card, ultimately determines the speaker's operating mode in any particular use case. In this embodiment, the routing card includes a set of conductive traces, wherein a first direction of the traces couples a set of connectors together using a first routing scheme for a first operating mode, and a second direction of the traces couples a set of connectors together using a second routing scheme for a second operating mode. Figure 2 As shown, a set of connectors includes two rows of connectors positioned on opposite edges of the connector side of the PCB and arranged opposite to the central axis of symmetry of the PCB. Figure 3 As shown, the first direction is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface with a first rotational orientation relative to the central axis, and the second direction is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface with a second rotational orientation relative to the central axis.

[0052] for Figure 2 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the routing card 202 is shown as a rectangular PCB with its terminals arranged in rows on the same side of the PCB and positioned along the long edge of the connector side of the PCB. These rows are configured to mate with corresponding connector rows 406 on the internal connector card 404 by first inserting the connector side of the routing card into the socket 402.

[0053] It should be noted that, assuming the internal connector cards are configured identically, routing cards of any size and shape can be used. For example, a routing card can be square, or have connectors along adjacent edges opposite to the opposite edge, or have any other configuration, as long as the corresponding set of connectors on the internal connector card maintains and matches symmetry about the axis of rotation. The mating connector between routing card 202 and internal connector card 404 is shown as a pin and socket type connection. Other connection methods can also be used, such as surface mount connections, where traces on the routing card slide into corresponding slots on the internal connector card, and vice versa. For descriptive purposes, the routing card is described as having a connector side and terminals arranged on the opposite edge of that side of the routing card, such that the connector can be exchanged for re-insertion by rotating the card 180 degrees; however, it should be noted that other configurations are also possible.

[0054] Figure 3 The different modes (Mode 1 and Mode 2) represent any two different operating modes of the configurable loudspeaker. As mentioned above, there are two main use cases where configurability of the loudspeaker driver is desired: (1) switching between single-amplifier or multi-amplifier (e.g., dual-amplifier) ​​driving, multiple subwoofers, low-frequency speakers ( Figure 1A (2) Switching between single amplifier, passive crossover mode and multi-amplifier active drive mode for a dual-channel loudspeaker. Figure 1B ). Figure 5A The orientation of a routing card 120 for a dual-woofer use case configured between skip mode (single amplifier) ​​and dual mode (dual amplifier) ​​is schematically illustrated. Figure 5A As shown, the first mode orientation of the routing card 120 places the dual woofers in a jump mode configuration for use with a single amplifier. The second mode orientation is achieved by removing and re-inserting the card after rotating it 180 degrees (501) to place the speakers in a jump mode configuration for use with two separate amplifiers. Figure 5B The routing card 116 is schematically illustrated with orientation for a dual-speaker use case configured between passive mode (with crossover) and active / dual-amplifier mode (without crossover). Figure 5B As shown, the first mode orientation of the routing card 116 places the dual speakers in a passive mode configuration for use with an amplifier having a crossover. The second mode orientation is achieved by removing and reinserting the card after rotating it 180 degrees (506) to place the speakers in an active / dual amplifier mode configuration for use with two separate amplifiers without a crossover.

[0055] like Figure 1A As shown, the routing card 120 can be used to select between single-drive jump mode or dual-drive non-jump mode for dual subwoofers. Figure 6 and 7 The diagram illustrates the use of in Figure 1A The diagram shows the circuit connections of the amplifier, driver, interface, and routing card for each of the two modes, Mode 1 and Mode 2.

[0056] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates an electrical schematic of a dual woofer in a single-drive skip mode in some embodiments. For example... Figure 6 As shown in Figure 600, a single amplifier 602 is coupled to dual woofers 604 and 606 via speaker input terminals 608. Speaker input terminals are typically rear panel plugs, screws, or other similar wiring interfaces used to connect amplifier cables to the speakers. Inside the speakers, wires 601 send the amplified audio signal to drivers 604 and 606. The audio signal is routed via a routing card 610, which can be oriented within the speakers in one of two ways. Figure 6 In one embodiment, the routing card 610 is routed to allow a single amplifier 602 connected to terminal 608 to drive both drivers 604 and 606 in parallel. This is a single-drive jump mode for dual woofers.

[0057] Router card 610 has two separate rows of connectors for mating with interface card 404 in a socket. These connectors (denoted as rows JP1 and JP2) can be provided as pin rows or other contacts located on different (e.g., opposite) sides of the router card. Figure 6 In the example, the routing card 610 is shown with the connector JP2 positioned above the connector JP1.

[0058] When the routing card 610 is rotated (flipped) and inserted into the speaker with the opposite orientation, different operating modes of the speaker system 600 are selected, such as single drive and dual drive using two amplifiers. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an electrical schematic of a dual woofer in a dual-drive non-jump mode in some embodiments. For example... Figure 7 As shown in Figure 700, two amplifiers 602 are coupled to dual woofers 604 and 606 via speaker input terminals 608. Inside the speakers, wires 601 send amplified audio signals to drivers 604 and 606, as shown in Figure 600. The audio signals are routed through a routing card 610, which is inserted in an orientation opposite to that shown in Figure 600. Figure 7 In this embodiment, the routing card 610 is routed to allow each amplifier 602 and 603 connected to terminal 608 to individually drive different corresponding drivers 604 and 606. This is a dual-drive, non-skipped mode for dual woofers. For Figure 7 In the example, the routing card 610 is shown with the connector JP1 positioned above the connector JP2.

[0059] It can be seen that, for Figure 6 or Figure 7 In any configuration, the physical wiring between the speaker input terminal 608, the routing card socket, and the driver is the same. The orientation of the rotatable routing card 610 determines the actual wiring connection between one or more amplifiers connected to terminal 608 and the subwoofers 604 and 606.

[0060] Figure 1A , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustration shows a speaker with two woofers, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Any actual number of drivers (e.g., woofers) and amplifiers can be provided. If more than two woofers are provided, a corresponding number of additional amplifiers will also be needed to maintain the desired effect. Figure 7 Independent drive operation. In Figure 6 In the skip mode configuration, if more than two subwoofers are provided, amplifier 602 will be wired through terminal 608 to drive these subwoofers.

[0061] like Figure 1BAs shown, another multi-mode use case for speakers with rotatable routing cards is that a dual-channel speaker is configured to use a crossover or be implemented in passive mode, or directly drive the driver in dual-amplifier active mode. Implementations using passive crossovers require the passive crossover network to be included in the circuitry, or to be completely removed depending on the routing card orientation. Ensuring proper removal of the passive crossover from the circuitry can be difficult and requires multiple signals to be “disconnected” to properly disconnect the crossover from the drive and load circuitry.

[0062] like Figure 1B As shown, the routing card 120 can be used to select between a passive mode for dual speakers or an active mode for dual amplifiers. Figure 8 and 9 The diagram illustrates the use of in Figure 1B The diagram shows the circuit connections of the amplifier, driver, interface, and routing card for each of the two modes, Mode 1 and Mode 2.

[0063] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the electrical schematic of a dual-channel loudspeaker in passive mode in some embodiments. For example... Figure 8 As shown in Figure 800, a single amplifier 802 is coupled to drivers 804 and 806 via a speaker input terminal 808. This speaker input terminal can also be a rear panel plug, screw, or other similar wiring interface for connecting amplifier cables to the speaker. The drivers can include a low-frequency or mid-frequency driver 804 (such as a woofer or midrange driver) and a high-frequency driver 806 (such as a tweeter or mid-high frequency driver). Inside the speaker, wires 801 send amplified audio signals to drivers 804 and 806. The audio signals are routed via a routing card 810, which can be oriented within the speaker in one of two ways. Figure 8 In one embodiment, routing card 810 is routed to allow a single amplifier 802 connected to terminal 808 to drive drivers 804 and 806 in parallel via crossover circuit 812. This is a passive crossover mode for a two-way speaker, where the full-range audio signal from the amplifier is split into appropriate sub-bands by crossover 812 for transmission to the appropriate drivers; that is, the high-frequency audio signal is transmitted to tweeter 806, while the mid / low-frequency audio signal is transmitted to woofer 804. This is a passive mode for a two-way speaker, and for... Figure 8 In the example, the routing card 810 is shown with the connector JP1 positioned above the connector JP2.

[0064] When the routing card 810 is rotated (flipped) and inserted into the speaker with the opposite orientation, different operating modes of the speaker system 800 are selected, such as dual amplifier and passive mode. Figure 9The illustration shows an electrical schematic of a dual-channel loudspeaker in dual-amplifier active mode in some embodiments. For example... Figure 9 As shown in Figure 900, two amplifiers 802 and 803 are coupled to drivers 804 and 806 via speaker input terminal 808. The audio signal is routed through a routing card 810, which is inserted in an orientation opposite to that shown in Figure 800. Figure 9 In one embodiment, the routing card 810 is routed to allow each amplifier 802 and 803 connected to terminal 808 to individually drive different corresponding drivers 804 and 806 without using crossover 812. In this configuration, the appropriate audio signal band is sent individually to the appropriate driver by each amplifier, thus eliminating the need for an internal speaker crossover function. Figure 9 In the example, the routing card 810 is shown with the connector JP2 positioned above the connector JP1.

[0065] As mentioned above Figure 6 and Figure 7 As mentioned above, for Figure 8 and Figure 9 Similarly, it can be seen that for Figure 8 or Figure 9 In any configuration, the physical wiring between the speaker input terminal 808, the routing card socket, and the driver is the same. The orientation of the rotatable routing card 810 determines the actual wiring connection between one or more amplifiers connected to terminal 808 and drivers 804 and 806.

[0066] In the embodiments, any use case (e.g., Figure 1A or Figure 1B Router cards in ) are PCBs, which have specific wiring connections between two sets of terminals arranged along different (e.g., opposite) sides of the card. Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, the routing card 202 with connector 203 is inserted into the corresponding mating terminal 406 of the internal interface card 404 in the speaker socket 402. Therefore, the routing card is simply a symmetrical arrangement of copper wires, and different operating modes are determined by the configuration of the interface card 404 and the orientation of the routing card 202 when connected.

[0067] Figure 10A The illustration shows the use of in the embodiment. Figure 6 Jumping dual woofer mode and Figure 7 Detailed wiring diagram of the routing card for the non-jump dual woofer mode. (See attached diagram.) Figure 10AAs shown, the routing card 1000 has a series of connectors arranged in rows on either side of the PCB. In this example, the connectors are labeled +1, -1, +2, -2, etc., to correspond to the connections of the internal interface card. The terminal assignments of these connectors are symmetrical along a specific axis of the card (e.g., the vertical axis). Different static traces are provided between the two rows of connectors, and rotating and re-inserting the card around the axis of symmetry selects opposite sets of connections between the two terminals, thus creating two different operating modes when the routing card is connected to the interface card.

[0068] Table 2 illustrates example functionality of each connector of the routing card 1000 in some embodiments.

[0069] pins Function 1+ Input pin 1 positive terminal (always connected to the positive terminal of subwoofer 1) 1- Input pin 1 negative terminal (always connected to subwoofer 1 negative terminal) 2+ Input pin 2 negative terminal (always connected to subwoofer 2 positive terminal). 2- Input pin 2 negative terminal (always connected to subwoofer 2 negative terminal).

[0070] Table 2

[0071] When the routing card is engaged with the internal connector card at a rotation angle in non-jump mode 1002, there are no signal cross-connections; 1+ connects to 1+, 2+ connects to 2+, 1- connects to 1-, and 2- connects to 2-. Since woofer 1 is always connected to 1+ and 1-, and woofer 2 is always connected to 2+ and 2-, each woofer can be driven independently by two separate audio amplifiers. When the routing card is engaged at a rotation angle in jump mode (so named because the input pins "jump" together) 1004, 1+ jumps to 2+, and 1- jumps to 2-. Since woofer 1 is always connected to 1+ and 1-, and woofer 2 is always connected to 2+ and 2-, both woofers now jump together, and a single audio amplifier can be used to drive the amplifier system. Therefore, simple rotation of the routing PCB card allows users to configure the electrical configuration of the internal speaker wiring from the outside.

[0072] Figure 10B The illustration shows the use of in the embodiment. Figure 8 passive dual-channel speaker mode and Figure 9 Detailed wiring diagram of a routing card in dual-amplifier, dual-speaker mode. (See attached diagram.) Figure 10B As shown, the routing card 1010 has a series of connectors arranged in rows on either side of the PCB. In this example, the connectors are labeled XI, -2, MF, etc., as shown, to correspond to the connections to the internal interface card. As previously mentioned, the terminal assignments of these connectors are symmetrical along a specific axis of the card (e.g., the vertical axis). Different static traces are provided between the two rows of connectors, and rotating and re-inserting the card around the axis of symmetry selects opposite sets of connections between the two terminals, thus creating two different operating modes when the routing card is connected to the interface card.

[0073] Table 3 illustrates example functionality of each connector of the routing card 1010 in some embodiments.

[0074] pins Function 1+ Input pin 1 positive 1- Input pin 1 negative terminal 2+ Input pin 2 negative terminal 2- Input pin 2 negative terminal XM Frequency divider intermediate frequency output XH Frequency divider high-frequency output XI Frequency divider input positive terminal MF Midrange driver positive terminal HF High frequency driver positive terminal

[0075] Table 3

[0076] When the router card is rotated at a certain angle to enter passive divider mode 1014, connect the following signals:

[0077] XM to MF: The midrange output of the crossover is connected to the positive terminal of the midrange driver.

[0078] XH to HF: The high-frequency output of the frequency divider is connected to the positive terminal of the high-frequency driver.

[0079] 1+ to XI: The positive terminal of input pin 1 is connected to the positive terminal of the crossover input.

[0080] 1- to 2-: Connect the negative terminal of input pin 1 to the negative terminal of input pin 2.

[0081] When the router card is rotated at a certain angle to enter dual amplifier mode 1012, connect the following signals:

[0082] XM to XI: The midrange output of the crossover is connected to the positive input of the crossover (no function here).

[0083] 1+ to MF: Input pin 1 positive terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the midrange driver.

[0084] 2+ to HF: Input pin 2 positive terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the high-frequency driver.

[0085] Figure 10A and 10B It is provided for illustrative purposes only, and any other configuration of the routing card can be used depending on system configuration and requirements, such as speaker use cases, possible operating modes, amplifier / driver configurations, and audio playback requirements.

[0086] The configurable speaker system implementation primarily utilizes two PCB circuits. One PCB 404 is permanently mounted within the speaker as an internal connector, interconnecting: (a) the speaker's main input connector, (b) crossover input / output signals, (c) speaker drive signals, and (d) a routing card socket; and an external / rotatable PCB 202, located outside the main amplifier housing, but providing at least two different signal routing options (modes) when inserted into the permanent internal PCB at various angles (0 or 180). The orientation of the routing card PCB alters the signal routing within the speaker, and all wiring and PCB traces, as well as circuitry, are fixed except for the rotation of the routing PCB traces.

[0087] Using a rotatable routing card with an internal connector PCB, the speaker system configuration can be easily and efficiently switched between two operating modes by simply flipping the card. Therefore, it replaces actual switches and relays through a configurable interface between the routing card connector and the internal connector card terminals. Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the equivalent switching function of a routing card in some embodiments for changing the operating mode of a dual-amplifier speaker between passive mode and dual-amplifier mode. As shown in Figure 1100, the card is used to set four switches, denoted as S1, S2, S3, and S4, between connection terminal J1 and a set of speakers (woofer / midrange speaker 1104 and tweeter 1106). Figure 1100 shows how switches S1-S4 are placed in one of two states by rotating the routing card. It also illustrates how the routing card can simplify the internal circuitry of the speakers by eliminating actual physical switches or other connection methods (such as jumper cables).

[0088] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the equivalent switching function of a routing card in some embodiments for changing the operating mode of dual woofers between a skip mode and a non-skip mode. As shown in Figure 1200, the card acts as a set of two switches, denoted as S1 and S2, between the connection terminal J2 and the woofers 1204 and 1206, which are driven in parallel or independently. Figure 1200 shows how switches S1 and S2 are placed into one of the two modes by rotating the routing card. This again demonstrates the use of a simple PCB-based routing card instead of complex switching circuitry.

[0089] While embodiments have been described with respect to certain operating modes (such as single-amplifier versus multi-amplifier and crossover input or output modes), the embodiments are not limited thereto, and any other alternative use cases with different operating modes may be used depending on system requirements and transducer / audio processing circuitry configuration. Furthermore, although embodiments have been described with respect to separate components of the routing PCB card and the internal mating PCB, embodiments may also include integrated switchable circuitry or combine the input connector, routing PCB card, and internal mating PCB into a single sub-component.

[0090] Although there is some discussion about rotating the routing card at two different angles (e.g., 0 degrees and 180 degrees, as...) Figure 3The embodiments shown are illustrated in the speaker configuration, but other orientations are possible. For example, a four-way configuration can be provided, where the speaker card is designed to be four-way symmetrical rather than two-way symmetrical. In this embodiment, the routing card can be symmetrical about the horizontal (x) axis and the vertical (y) axis, allowing it to be inserted in one of four ways with rotation angles of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees. One configuration can select from four operating modes, such as dual amplifier only, dual amplifier and crossover, crossover only, and no dual amplifier or crossover.

[0091] Furthermore, although embodiments have been described with respect to speakers with two woofers or dual-channel speakers with low / mid drivers and tweeters, the embodiments are not limited thereto. A speaker may have a single driver with internal or associated audio processing circuitry, and a routing card may be used to switch audio processing functions inside and outside the speaker, such as selecting direct drive or filtered drive for the speaker, wherein one mode routes the drive signal via a single internal filter. Similarly, a speaker may include multiple drivers, which may be grouped into one or more driver arrays, and the driver arrays may be connected in different ways based on the routing card orientation. Therefore, using the routing card system and method described herein, any practical combination of drivers and internal processing circuitry can be used for selection.

[0092] Unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the terms "comprise" and similar terms should be interpreted in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense. Use of singular or plural terms also includes the plural or singular, respectively. When the word "or" is used to refer to a list of two or more items, the word covers all of the following interpretations: any one of the items in the list, all the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0093] While one or more embodiments have been described by way of example and specific examples, it should be understood that one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. This specification is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements that will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation in order to cover all such modifications and similar arrangements.

[0094] Various aspects of the invention can be understood from the following enumerated example embodiments (EEE):

[0095] EEE1. A user-configurable speaker, comprising:

[0096] One or more drives, said one or more drives being mounted in a housing forming at least a partially enclosed volume;

[0097] An audio input interface, configured to be coupled to an audio source via one or more amplifiers; and

[0098] A connector interface configured to receive a routing card, wherein the routing card is capable of being inserted in a first orientation to connect the audio input interface to the audio source in a first operating mode relating to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers, and is capable of being inserted in a second orientation to connect the audio input interface to the audio source in a second operating mode relating to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers.

[0099] EEE2. The speaker as described in EEE 1, wherein the routing card includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector side, the connector side including a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface.

[0100] EEE3. The speaker as described in EEE 2, wherein the routing card includes a set of conductive traces, and further wherein a first direction of the traces couples the set of connectors together with a first routing scheme for the first operating mode, and a second direction of the traces couples the set of connectors together with a second routing scheme for the second operating mode.

[0101] EEE4. The speaker as described in EEE 3, wherein the connector group comprises two rows of connectors disposed near opposite edges on the connector side and arranged opposite to the central axis of symmetry of the PCB, and wherein the first direction is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a first rotational orientation relative to the central axis, and the second direction is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a second rotational orientation relative to the central axis.

[0102] EEE5. A speaker as described in EEE 4, wherein the speaker further includes a socket formed in the surface of the housing and providing access to the connector interface for coupling the connector side of the routing card to the corresponding connector group on the connector interface.

[0103] EEE6. The speaker as described in EEE 5, wherein the socket is configured to have dimensions suitable for allowing a user to reach in and grasp the routing card to insert it into and remove it from the corresponding connector group on the connector interface.

[0104] EEE7. A loudspeaker as described in any one of EEE 1 to 6, wherein the connector interface includes two sets of connections between the audio interface, the one or more drivers, and one or more audio processing circuits of the loudspeaker, and wherein the routing card selects a first set of connections for audio signals between the audio interface, the drivers, and the audio processing circuits with insertion in the first orientation, and the routing card selects a second set of connections for audio signals between the audio interface, the drivers, and the audio processing circuits with insertion in the second orientation.

[0105] EEE8. A loudspeaker as described in any one of EEE 1 to 7, wherein the one or more drivers include two woofers and the audio input interface is coupled to at least two amplifiers, and wherein the first mode includes each of the two woofers being driven by a single amplifier, and the second mode includes each of the two woofers being driven independently by a respective amplifier.

[0106] EEE9. A loudspeaker as described in any one of EEE 1 to 8, wherein the one or more drivers include a woofer and a tweeter, and the audio input interface is coupled to at least two amplifiers, and wherein a first mode includes the woofer and the tweeter both being driven by a single amplifier having a crossover circuit that directs appropriate audio signals to the woofer and the tweeter, and a second mode includes each of the woofer and the tweeter being driven independently by a corresponding amplifier that does not have the crossover circuit.

[0107] EEE10. A speaker configurator for routing audio signals in a speaker, the speaker including one or more drivers, the speaker configurator comprising:

[0108] A printed circuit board (PCB) having a set of traces arranged such that a first orientation of the PCB is configured to enable the speaker to operate in a first mode by routing an audio signal within the speaker to a first route between the driver and one or more amplifiers external to the speaker, and a second orientation of the PCB is configured to enable the speaker to operate in a second mode by routing the audio signal to a second route between the driver and the one or more amplifiers; and

[0109] A connector interface configured to connect to the PCB in the first orientation to connect the driver to the one or more amplifiers in the first mode, and to connect to the PCB in the second orientation to connect the driver to the one or more amplifiers in the second mode.

[0110] EEE11. A speaker configurator as described in EEE 10, wherein the PCB has a connector side comprising a set of connectors that connect to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface.

[0111] EEE12. A speaker configurator as described in EEE 11, wherein the PCB includes a set of conductive traces, and further wherein a first direction of the traces couples the set of connectors together with a first routing scheme for the first operating mode, and a second direction of the traces couples the set of connectors together with a second routing scheme for the second operating mode.

[0112] EEE13. A speaker configurator as described in EEE 12, wherein the set of connectors comprises two rows of connectors disposed on opposite edges near the connector side and arranged opposite to the central axis of symmetry of the PCB, and wherein a first direction is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a first rotational orientation relative to the central axis, and a second direction is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a second rotational orientation relative to the central axis.

[0113] EEE14. A speaker configurator as described in any one of EEE 10 to 13, wherein the one or more drivers include two woofers, and a first mode includes each of the two woofers being driven by a single amplifier, and a second mode includes each of the two woofers being driven by its own respective amplifier.

[0114] EEE15. A speaker configurator as described in any one of EEE 10 to 14, wherein the one or more drivers include a woofer and a tweeter, the speaker further includes an internal passive crossover circuit, and wherein a first mode includes a passive mode in which both the woofer and the tweeter are driven by a single amplifier, and the passive crossover delivers a high-frequency audio signal to the tweeter and a low-frequency audio signal to the woofer, and a second mode includes a dual-amplifier mode in which the woofer and the tweeter are each driven by their own respective amplifiers, and the passive crossover circuit is not used.

[0115] EEE16. A method for changing the operating mode of a configurable loudspeaker having one or more drivers, the method comprising:

[0116] A printed circuit board (PCB) is provided, the PCB having a set of traces arranged such that a first orientation of the PCB is configured to enable the speaker to operate in a first mode by routing an audio signal within the speaker to a first route between the driver and one or more amplifiers external to the speaker, and a second orientation of the PCB is configured to enable the speaker to operate in a second mode by routing the audio signal to a second route between the driver and the one or more amplifiers; and

[0117] A connector interface is provided, which is configured to connect to the PCB in the first orientation to connect the driver to the one or more amplifiers in the first mode, and to connect to the PCB in the second orientation to connect the driver to the one or more amplifiers in the second mode.

[0118] EEE17. The method as described in EEE 16, wherein the PCB includes a set of conductive traces, and further wherein a first direction of the traces couples the set of connectors together with a first routing scheme for the first operating mode, and a second direction of the traces couples the set of connectors together with a second routing scheme for the second operating mode.

[0119] EEE18. The method as described in EEE 17, wherein the set of connectors comprises two rows of connectors disposed near opposite edges on the connector side and arranged opposite to the central axis of symmetry of the PCB, and wherein the first direction is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a first rotational orientation relative to the central axis, and the second direction is selected by connecting the routing card to the connector interface in a second rotational orientation relative to the central axis.

[0120] EEE19. The method of any one of EEE 16 to 18, wherein the one or more drivers include two subwoofers, and the first mode includes each of the two subwoofers being driven by a single amplifier, and the second mode includes each of the two subwoofers being driven by its own respective amplifier.

[0121] EEE20. The method of any one of EEE 16 to 19, wherein the one or more drivers include a woofer and a tweeter, the woofer further including an internal passive crossover circuit, and wherein the first mode includes a passive mode in which the woofer and the tweeter are each driven by a single amplifier, and the passive crossover delivers a high-frequency audio signal to the tweeter and a low-frequency audio signal to the woofer, and the second mode includes a dual-amplifier mode in which the woofer and the tweeter are each driven by their own respective amplifiers, and the passive crossover circuit is not used.

[0122] EEE21. A speaker as described in any one of EEE 1 or EEE 5 to 10, wherein the routing card includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector side, the connector side including a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface.

[0123] EEE22. The loudspeaker as described in EEE 21, wherein the routing card includes a set of conductive traces that couple the set of connectors together on the connector side of the PCB such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors together on the connector interface in a first routing scheme, thereby enabling the loudspeaker to operate in a first operating mode, and such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors together on the connector interface in a second routing scheme, thereby enabling the loudspeaker to operate in the second operating mode.

[0124] EEE23. The loudspeaker as described in EEE 22, wherein the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors, and the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors, and wherein, when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface.

[0125] EEE24. The loudspeaker as described in EEE 23, wherein the first row of connectors and the second row of connectors of the PCB are arranged near opposite edges on the connector side and opposite to the central axis of symmetry of the PCB.

[0126] EEE25. A speaker configurator as described in any one of EEE 10 or EEE 14 to 15, wherein the PCB has a connector side comprising a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface, and further wherein the set of conductive traces of the PCB couples the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB together such that when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the first orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors on the connector interface together in a first routing scheme to enable the speaker to operate in a first operating mode, and such that when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the second orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors on the connector interface together in a second routing scheme to enable the speaker to operate in the second operating mode.

[0127] EEE26. A speaker configurator as described in EEE 25, wherein the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors, and the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors, and wherein, when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface.

[0128] EEE27. The method of any one of EEE 16 or EEE 19 to 20, wherein the PCB has a connector side comprising a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface, and further wherein the set of conductive traces of the PCB couples the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB together such that when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the first orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors on the connector interface together in a first routing scheme to enable the speaker to operate in the first operating mode, and such that when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the second orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors on the connector interface together in a second routing scheme to enable the speaker to operate in the second operating mode.

[0129] EEE28. The method as described in EEE 27, wherein the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors, and the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors, and wherein, when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and when the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface.

[0130] EEE29. A user-configurable speaker, comprising:

[0131] One or more drives, said one or more drives being mounted in a housing forming at least a partially enclosed volume;

[0132] An audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source (e.g., to receive an audio signal) via one or more amplifiers; and

[0133] A connector interface configured to receive a routing card, wherein the routing card can be inserted in a first orientation to enable the speaker to operate in a first operating mode by providing a first route (e.g., received by the audio input interface) between the audio input interface and the one or more drivers via the connector interface and the routing card, and can be inserted in a second orientation to enable the speaker to operate in a second operating mode by providing a second route (e.g., received by the audio input interface) between the audio input interface and the one or more drivers via the connector interface and the routing card.

[0134] EEE30. A speaker as described in EEE 29, wherein the connector interface is coupled between the one or more drivers and the audio input interface.

[0135] EEE31. The speaker as described in any one of EEE 30 to 31, wherein the routing card includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector side, the connector side including a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface.

[0136] EEE32. The loudspeaker as described in EEE 31, wherein the routing card includes a set of conductive traces that couple the set of connectors together on the connector side of the PCB such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors together on the connector interface in a first routing scheme, thereby enabling the loudspeaker to operate in a first operating mode, and such that when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors together on the connector interface in a second routing scheme, thereby enabling the loudspeaker to operate in the second operating mode.

[0137] EEE33. The loudspeaker as described in EEE 32, wherein the set of connectors on the connector side of the PCB includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors, and the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors, and wherein, when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and when the PCB is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface.

[0138] EEE34. The loudspeaker as described in EEE 33, wherein the first row of connectors and the second row of connectors of the PCB are arranged near opposite edges on the connector side and opposite to the central axis of symmetry of the PCB.

[0139] The speaker, such as any one of EEE 1 to 9, EEE 21 to 24, or EEE 29 to 34, includes the routing card removably inserted into the connection interface in the first or second orientation.

Claims

1. A user-configurable speaker, comprising: At least two actuators, said at least two actuators being mounted in a housing forming at least a partially enclosed volume; An audio input interface, the audio input interface being configured to be coupled to an audio source via one or more amplifiers; as well as A connector interface configured to receive a routing card, wherein the routing card can be inserted in a first orientation to connect the audio input interface to the audio source in a first operating mode regarding driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers, and can be inserted in a second orientation to connect the audio input interface to the audio source in a second operating mode regarding driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers. The routing card includes a printed circuit board with a connector side, which includes a set of connectors for connecting to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface. The routing card includes a set of conductive traces that couple the connectors on the connector side of the printed circuit board together, such that when the printed circuit board is inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation, the traces couple the connectors on the connector interface together using a first routing scheme, thereby enabling the speaker to operate in the first operating mode. Furthermore, when the printed circuit board is inserted into the connector interface in the second orientation, the traces couple the connectors on the connector interface together using a second routing scheme, thereby enabling the speaker to operate in the second operating mode. The printed circuit board (PCB) includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors on its connector side, and the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors. When the PCB is inserted into the connector interface with the first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface. When the PCB is inserted into the connector interface with the second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface.

2. The loudspeaker as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first row of connectors and the second row of connectors on the printed circuit board are positioned near opposite edges on the connector side and are arranged opposite to the central axis of symmetry of the printed circuit board.

3. The loudspeaker as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The speaker further includes a socket formed in the surface of the housing and providing access to the connector interface for coupling the connector side of the routing card to the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface, and further wherein the socket is configured to have dimensions suitable for allowing a user to reach in and grasp the routing card to insert it into and remove it from the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface.

4. The loudspeaker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The connector interface includes two sets of connections between the audio input interface, the driver, and one or more audio processing circuits of the speaker, wherein the routing card selects a first set of connections for audio signals between the audio input interface, the driver, and the audio processing circuits with the first orientation of insertion, and the routing card selects a second set of connections for audio signals between the audio input interface, the driver, and the audio processing circuits with the second orientation of insertion.

5. The loudspeaker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The driver includes two subwoofers, and the audio input interface is configured to be coupled to at least two amplifiers, wherein a first operating mode includes each of the two subwoofers being driven by a single amplifier, and a second operating mode includes each of the two subwoofers being driven independently by a respective amplifier.

6. The loudspeaker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The driver includes a woofer and a tweeter, and the audio input interface is configured to be coupled to at least two amplifiers, wherein a first operating mode includes the woofer and the tweeter being driven by a single amplifier having a crossover circuit that directs appropriate audio signals to the woofer and the tweeter, and a second operating mode includes each of the woofer and the tweeter being driven independently by a corresponding amplifier that does not have the crossover circuit.

7. The speaker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the routing card removably inserted into the connector interface in the first orientation or the second orientation.

8. A method for changing the operating mode of a configurable speaker, the configurable speaker having at least two drivers, an audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source via one or more amplifiers, and a connector interface configured to receive a routing card, wherein the routing card includes a printed circuit board having a connector side, the connector side including a set of connectors for connection to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface, the method comprising: The printed circuit board is inserted into the connector interface in a first orientation or a second orientation. The printed circuit board has a set of conductive traces arranged such that inserting the printed circuit board into the connector interface in the first orientation causes the speaker to operate in a first operating mode by routing audio signals within the speaker to a first route between the driver and the one or more amplifiers, and inserting the printed circuit board into the connector interface in the second orientation causes the speaker to operate in a second operating mode by routing the audio signals to a second route between the driver and the one or more amplifiers. The printed circuit board has a connector side, which includes a set of connectors for connecting to a corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface. Further, the set of conductive traces on the printed circuit board couples the set of connectors on the connector side of the printed circuit board together, such that when the printed circuit board is connected to the connector interface in the first orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors on the connector interface together using a first routing scheme to allow the speaker to operate in a first operating mode, and such that when the printed circuit board is connected to the connector interface in the second orientation, the traces couple the set of connectors on the connector interface together using a second routing scheme to allow the speaker to operate in the second operating mode. The printed circuit board (PCB) includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors on its connector side, and the corresponding set of connectors on the connector interface includes a first row of connectors and a second row of connectors. When the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the first orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface. When the PCB is connected to the connector interface in the second orientation, the first row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the second row of connectors on the connector interface, and the second row of connectors on the connector side of the PCB is coupled to the first row of connectors on the connector interface.

Images