Playback device substrate

Abstract

A substrate for a playback device and a playback device including the same. In one example, a playback device includes: an audio transducer; a grating laterally covering the audio transducer, where the grating has a first thickness and includes a first perforated region having a first plurality of apertures extending through the grating; and a substrate disposed between the audio transducer and the grid, where the substrate has a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and where the substrate comprises a second perforated region having a second plurality of apertures extending through the substrate, the second perforated region defining an acoustic filter, the acoustic filter is configured to modify a radiation pattern of the acoustic output from the audio transducer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to consumer products and, more particularly, to methods, systems, products, features, services, and other elements related to media playback or an aspect thereof. Background Art

[0002] Options for accessing and listening to digital audio with an external speaker setting were limited until Sonos, Inc. began developing a new playback system in 2002. Sonos then filed one of its first patent applications in 2003, titled "Method for Synchronizing Audio Playback between Multiple Networked Devices," and began selling its first media playback system in 2005. The Sonos wireless home audio system enables people to experience music from many sources via one or more networked playback devices. Through a software control application installed on a controller (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet computer, a computer, a voice input device), a person can play back what he wants in any room with a networked playback device. Media content (e.g., songs, podcasts, video sounds) can be streamed to the playback devices so that each room with a playback device can play back corresponding different media content. In addition, rooms can be grouped together to synchronize the playback of the same media content, and / or the same media content can be listened to synchronously in all rooms. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Aspects and embodiments relate to a structural support substrate for a playback device and a playback device including such a substrate, the structural support substrates being configured to also advantageously affect the directivity of sound output via a playback device transducer.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a playback device includes: an audio transducer; a grille that laterally covers the audio transducer, wherein the grille has a first thickness and includes a first perforated region having a first plurality of holes extending through the grille; and a substrate disposed between the audio transducer and the grille, wherein the substrate has a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and wherein the substrate includes a second perforated region having a second plurality of holes extending through the substrate, the second perforated region defining an acoustic filter configured to modify a radiation pattern of an acoustic output from the audio transducer.

[0005] In some examples, each hole of the first plurality of holes has a first radius, wherein each hole of at least one subset of the second plurality of holes has a second radius, and wherein the first radius is less than the second radius. In one example, the second radius is in the range of 1 millimeter to 1.5 millimeters.

[0006] In some examples, the second perforated region has a lateral width that is smaller than the outer diameter of the audio transducer. In some examples, the second perforated region extends laterally beyond the outer edge of the audio transducer.

[0007] In some examples, each hole of the second plurality of holes has a maximum lateral dimension that is in the range of 2.5 to 3.75 times the maximum lateral dimension of each hole of the first plurality of holes.

[0008] In some examples, the first plurality of holes are spatially staggered with the second plurality of holes. In other examples, the first plurality of holes are axially aligned with the second plurality of holes.

[0009] In one example, the first thickness is 1 millimeter.

[0010] The grille can be made of plastic, for example.

[0011] In some examples, the substrate is made of polycarbonate filled with glass having a glass content in the range of 30% to 40%.

[0012] In some examples, the substrate is curved.

[0013] The playback device can further include a housing that at least partially surrounds the audio transducer, wherein the substrate is coupled to the housing, and the grille extends around at least a portion of the housing.

[0014] In some examples, the substrate includes a first solid region and a second solid region, and the second perforated region is laterally disposed between the first solid region and the second solid region.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a playback device includes: a housing; a first audio transducer configured to produce a first acoustic output in a first frequency range; a second audio transducer configured to produce a second acoustic output in a second frequency range that is lower in frequency than the first frequency range; a grille extending around at least a portion of the housing, the grille including a first perforated region having a first plurality of holes extending through the grille; and an acoustic filter coupled to the housing and configured to modify the shape of at least one of the first radiation pattern and the second radiation pattern, the acoustic filter including a substrate having a second perforated region that defines slots of the acoustic filter, the second perforated region including a second plurality of holes extending through the substrate. The substrate may be coupled to the housing and positioned such that the second perforated region is disposed in front of the second audio transducer to allow the second acoustic output to pass through the second perforated region. The grille may be positioned such that a portion of the first perforated region covers the second perforated region of the substrate.

[0016] In some examples, the housing includes a first end, a second end, and a frame therebetween, and wherein the first audio transducer and the second audio transducer are mounted to the frame.

[0017] In some examples, the first frequency range includes audible frequencies above 2 kHz, and wherein the second frequency range includes audible frequencies below 500 Hz.

[0018] In some examples, the substrate has a curved surface in which the first perforated region is formed. The substrate may include a first solid portion and a second solid portion located on either side of the first perforated region and extending laterally around the second audio transducer, with the first audio transducer at least partially located above the first solid portion. In some examples, the substrate is configured such that the acoustic filter provides a diffusion of the first acoustic output of greater than 180 degrees. In certain examples, the first plurality of holes are arranged in a pattern that is radially smooth with respect to the first acoustic output. Each of the second plurality of holes may have a maximum lateral dimension, for example, in the range of 2 to 3 mm. In one example, each of the second plurality of holes is circular, and wherein the maximum lateral dimension is the diameter of the respective hole.

[0019] In certain examples, the substrate is made of polycarbonate filled with glass having a glass content in the range of 30% to 40%.

[0020] In some examples, the lateral width of the slot is less than the outer diameter of the second audio transducer.

[0021] In some examples, the grille has a first axial thickness, and the substrate has a second axial thickness that is greater than the first axial thickness. In one example, the first axial thickness is 1 mm. In one example, the second axial thickness is 3 mm.

[0022] The grille can be made of plastic, for example.

[0023] According to another embodiment, a playback device includes: a first audio transducer configured to generate a first acoustic output within a first frequency range; a second audio transducer configured to generate a second acoustic output within a second frequency range that is lower in frequency than the first frequency range; a grille that laterally covers the first audio transducer and the second audio transducer and extends around at least a portion of the housing, wherein the grille includes a first perforated region having a first plurality of holes extending through the grille; and a substrate axially disposed between the second audio transducer and the grille and coupled to the housing, wherein the substrate includes a second perforated region that includes a second plurality of holes extending through a surface of the substrate and together define an acoustic filter slot having a lateral width and a height, the lateral width being less than an outer diameter of the second audio transducer. The substrate can be positioned such that the second perforated region covers the second audio transducer, and the grille can be positioned such that a portion of the first perforated region covers the second perforated region of the substrate.

[0024] In some examples, the surface of the substrate is curved. The substrate can also include a first solid region and a second solid region laterally disposed on either side of the second perforated region, and the substrate is configured to be a slot-loaded acoustic filter that modifies the dispersion of each of the first acoustic output and the second acoustic output. In one example, the first solid portion and the second solid portion extend laterally around the second audio transducer. In certain examples, the slot-loaded acoustic filter provides a directivity of greater than 180 degrees for the first acoustic output.

[0025] In some examples, the substrate is made of polycarbonate filled with glass having a glass content in the range of 30% to 40%.

[0026] In some examples, the second plurality of holes are arranged in a pattern that is radially smooth with respect to the first acoustic output.

[0027] In some examples, each of the second plurality of holes has a maximum lateral dimension in the range of 2 to 3 millimeters. In one example, the maximum lateral dimension of each hole is the diameter of the hole.

[0028] In some examples, the lateral width of the acoustic filter slot is less than the outer diameter of the second audio transducer.

[0029] In some examples, the grille has a first axial thickness, and the substrate has a second axial thickness that is greater than the first axial thickness. In one example, the first thickness is 1 millimeter and the second thickness is 3 millimeters.

[0030] In some examples, the housing includes a first end, a second end, and a frame therebetween, wherein the first audio transducer and the second audio transducer are mounted to the frame.

[0031] In some examples, the first frequency range includes audible frequencies above 2 kHz, and the second frequency range includes audible frequencies below 500 Hz.

[0032] In some examples, the grille is made of plastic.

[0033] According to another embodiment, a playback device includes: a housing; a first audio transducer configured to produce a first acoustic output in a first frequency range; a second audio transducer configured to produce a second acoustic output in a second frequency range that is lower in frequency than the first frequency range; a grille extending around at least a portion of the housing and covering the first audio transducer and the second audio transducer, the grille including a first perforated region having a first plurality of holes extending through the grille; and a unified dual-band slot-loaded filter coupled to the housing and axially disposed between the second audio transducer and the grille, wherein the unified dual-band slot-loaded filter is configured to modify the directivity of each of the first acoustic output and the second acoustic output and includes a slot covering the second audio transducer, the slot being defined by a second plurality of holes arranged in a pattern in the body of the unified dual-band slot-loaded filter, and wherein an outer edge of the second audio transducer extends laterally beyond a boundary of the slot.

[0034] In one example, the first frequency range includes audible frequencies above 2 kHz, and wherein the second frequency range includes audible frequencies below 500 Hz.

[0035] The grille can be made of plastic, for example.

[0036] In certain examples, the second plurality of holes are arranged in a pattern that is radially smooth with respect to the first acoustic output.

[0037] In some examples, each of the second plurality of holes has a maximum lateral dimension in the range of 2 to 3 millimeters.

[0038] According to another embodiment, a unified dual-band slot-loaded acoustic filter for a playback device includes a substrate made of a rigid material, the substrate including a central slot formed therein, the slot being defined by a plurality of holes arranged in a regular pattern in which a pitch between adjacent holes is in the range of x to y millimeters and extending through the substrate, each of the plurality of holes having a diameter in the range of 2 to 3 millimeters, and a lateral width of the slot being selected to provide a directivity of at least 180 degrees for sound waves having a frequency of 2 kHz.

[0039] In one example, the substrate is made of polycarbonate filled with glass having a glass content in the range of 30% to 40%.

[0040] Additional aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these exemplary aspects and embodiments are discussed in detail below. The embodiments disclosed herein can be combined with other embodiments in any manner consistent with at least one of the principles disclosed herein, and references to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "alternative embodiments," "various embodiments," "one embodiment," etc., are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that the particular features, structures, or characteristics described may be included in at least one embodiment. The occurrence of such terms herein does not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Aspects of at least one example are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. The drawings are included to provide an illustration and further understanding of the various aspects and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure. However, the drawings are not intended to define a limitation to any particular example. The drawings, together with the remainder of this disclosure, are used to explain the principles and operation of the described and claimed aspects. In the drawings, like or similar components shown are denoted by like reference numerals. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1A is a partial cross-sectional view of an environment of a media playback system configured in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology;

[0043] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a schematic diagram of a media playback system and one or more networks;

[0044] Figure 1C is a block diagram of a playback device;

[0045] Figure 1D is a block diagram of a playback device;

[0046] Figure 1E is a block diagram of a binding device;

[0047] Figure 1F is a block diagram of a network microphone device;

[0048] Figure 1G is a block diagram of a playback device;

[0049] Figure 1H is a partial schematic view of a control device;

[0050] Figure 2A is a front isometric view of an example of a playback device;

[0051] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a partial exploded view of a playback device;

[0052] Figure 3 is a front elevation plan view of an example of a playback device substrate configured in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology;

[0053] Figure 4 is a partial exploded view of an example of a playback device configured in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology;

[0054] Figure 5 is a front elevation plan view of another example of a playback device substrate configured in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology;

[0055] Figure 6 is a front elevation plan view of another example of a playback device substrate configured in accordance with aspects of the disclosed technology; and

[0056] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional plan view of a portion of the playback device substrate taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6 ; Figure 6 of the playback device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] I. OVERVIEW

[0058] Audio playback devices typically include a grille disposed above the surface of an acoustic transducer (e.g., a speaker) to protect the transducer and other internal components from damage while still allowing sound to pass through with minimal distortion. Soft grilles can take the form of woven cloth or fabric, while hard grilles can take the form of perforated metal or plastic sheets defining a plurality of holes. In some cases, these grilles can be very thin (e.g., less than 2 millimeters (mm) in thickness). Accordingly, a playback device incorporating a thin outer grille may also include an intermediate substrate located between the grille and the transducer. The substrate provides structural support for the grille while also helping to prevent objects from intruding into the transducer. Typically, the acoustic impact of the substrate is negligible. For example, as discussed further below, the substrate can be formed with a "honeycomb" type structure having large voids that are substantially acoustically transparent.

[0059] According to various aspects and embodiments, a playback device is provided having a substrate that is not acoustically transparent but is configured to act as an acoustic filter to enhance the user experience of the sound output from the playback device. As discussed in more detail below, according to certain aspects, the substrate can be utilized to beneficially affect the directivity of the sound output via the transducer, thereby desirably improving the perceived sound “width” or “immersiveness” experienced by the user. Different from a “cellular” configuration, examples of the substrate disclosed herein include a perforated region having a hole pattern in the substrate body, where the holes are small holes rather than large voids. As further discussed below, according to certain examples, the perforated region of the substrate effectively acts as a slot-type filter similar to a slot-loaded waveguide, which can result in a wider directivity and greater mid-frequency band efficiency of the acoustic output compared to using a conventional substrate.

[0060] According to certain embodiments, a playback device includes: an audio transducer; a grille that laterally covers the audio transducer, the grille having a first thickness and including a first perforated region having a first plurality of holes extending through the grille; and a substrate disposed between the audio transducer and the grille. The substrate has a second thickness greater than the first thickness and includes a second perforated region having a second plurality of holes extending through the substrate, the second perforated region defining an acoustic filter configured to modify the radiation pattern of the acoustic output from the audio transducer. Additional features, aspects, and embodiments of the playback device will be discussed in more detail below.

[0061] II. Suitable Operating Environments

[0062] Figure 1A is a partial cross-sectional view of a media playback system 100 distributed in an environment 101 (e.g., a house). The media playback system 100 includes one or more playback devices 110 (individually identified as playback devices 110a to 110n), one or more network microphone devices (“NMDs”) 120 (individually identified as NMDs 120a to 120c), and one or more control devices 130 (individually identified as control devices 130a and 130b).

[0063] As used herein, the term “playback device” generally can refer to a network device configured to receive, process, and output data of a media playback system. For example, a playback device can be a network device that receives and processes audio content. In some examples, a playback device includes one or more transducers or speakers powered by one or more amplifiers. However, in other examples, a playback device includes one of a speaker and an amplifier (or neither). For example, a playback device can include one or more amplifiers configured to drive one or more speakers external to the playback device via corresponding wiring or cables.

[0064] In addition, as used herein, the term NMD (i.e., "Network Microphone Device") generally may refer to a network device configured for audio detection. In some examples, the NMD is a stand-alone device configured primarily for audio detection. In other examples, the NMD is incorporated into a playback device (or vice versa).

[0065] The term "control device" generally may refer to a network device configured to perform functions related to facilitating user access, control, and / or configuration of the media playback system 100.

[0066] Each of the playback devices 110 is configured to receive an audio signal or data from one or more media sources (e.g., one or more remote servers, one or more local devices), and to playback the received audio signal or data as sound. One or more NMDs 120 are configured to receive spoken commands, and one or more control devices 130 are configured to receive user input. In response to the received spoken commands and / or user input, the media playback system 100 may playback audio via one or more playback devices 110. In certain examples, the playback devices 110 are configured to begin playback of media content in response to a trigger. For example, one or more playback devices 110 may be configured to playback a morning playlist upon detection of an associated trigger condition (e.g., presence of a user in the kitchen, detection of coffee maker operation). In some examples, e.g., the media playback system 100 is configured to synchronize playback of audio from a first playback device (e.g., playback device 110a) with a second playback device (e.g., playback device 100b). The interaction between the playback devices 110, NMDs 120, and / or control devices 130 of the media playback system 100 configured according to various examples of the present disclosure is described in more detail below.

[0067] In Figure 1A the example shown, the environment 101 includes a home having multiple rooms, spaces, and / or playback zones, which includes (starting from the upper left corner and proceeding clockwise) a master bathroom 101a, a master bedroom 101b, a secondary bedroom 101c, a family room or study 101d, an office 101e, a living room 101f, a dining room 101g, a kitchen 101h, and an outdoor patio 101i. Although certain examples are described below in the context of a home environment, the techniques described herein may be implemented in other types of environments. In some examples, e.g., the media playback system 100 may be in one or more commercial environments (e.g., restaurants, malls, airports, hotels, retail stores or other shops), one or more vehicles (e.g., sport utility vehicles, buses, cars, ships, boats, airplanes), multiple environments (e.g., a combination of a home environment and a vehicle environment), and / or another suitable environment where multi-zone audio may be desired.

[0068] The media playback system 100 may include one or more playback zones, some of which may correspond to rooms in the environment 101. The media playback system 100 may be established with one or more playback zones, and additional zones may then be added or removed to form, for example, Figure 1A the configuration shown. Each zone may be named according to a different room or space (e.g., office 101e, master bathroom 101a, master bedroom 101b, secondary bedroom 101c, kitchen 101h, dining room 101g, living room 101f, and / or balcony 101i). In some examples, a single playback zone may include multiple rooms or spaces. In certain examples, a single room or space may include multiple playback zones.

[0069] In Figure 1A the example shown, the master bathroom 101a, secondary bedroom 101c, office 101e, living room 101f, dining room 101g, kitchen 101h, and outdoor patio 101i each include a playback device 110, and the master bedroom 101b and study 101d include multiple playback devices 110. In the master bedroom 101b, the playback devices 110l and 110m may be configured to synchronously play back audio content, for example, as individual playback devices among the playback devices 110, as a bonded playback zone, as a combined playback device, and / or any combination thereof. Similarly, in the study 101d, the playback devices 110h to 110j may be configured to synchronously play back audio content, for example, as individual playback devices among the playback devices 110, as one or more bonded playback devices, and / or as one or more combined playback devices. Additional details regarding bonded playback devices and combined playback devices are described below with reference to Figure 1B and Figure 1E for additional details.

[0070] In some examples, one or more playback zones in environment 101 can each be playing different audio content. For example, a user can be barbecuing on patio 101i and listening to hip-hop music being played by playback device 110c, while another user is preparing food in kitchen 101h and listening to classical music being played by playback device 110b. In another example, a playback zone can synchronously playback the same audio content with another playback zone. For example, a user can be listening in office 101e to playback device 110f play the same hip-hop music that playback device 110c is playing on patio 101i. In some examples, playback devices 110c and 110f synchronously playback the hip-hop music such that the user perceives the audio content as playing seamlessly (or at least substantially seamlessly) as it moves between different playback zones. Additional details regarding audio playback synchronization among playback devices and / or zones can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395, titled "System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0071] a. Suitable media playback system

[0072] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of media playback system 100 and cloud network 102. For ease of illustration, certain devices of media playback system 100 and cloud network 102 are omitted from Figure 1B One or more communication links 103 (hereinafter referred to as "link 103") communicatively couple media playback system 100 and cloud network 102.

[0073] Link 103 may include, for example, one or more wired networks, one or more wireless networks, one or more wide area networks (WANs), one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more personal area networks (PANs), one or more telecommunications networks (e.g., one or more Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, 5G communication networks, and / or other suitable data transmission protocol networks), and so on. Cloud network 102 is configured to: in response to a request sent from media playback system 100 via link 103, deliver media content (e.g., audio content, video content, photos, social media content) to media playback system 100. In some examples, cloud network 102 is further configured to receive data (e.g., voice input data) from media playback system 100 and send commands and / or media content to media playback system 100 accordingly.

[0074] Cloud network 102 includes computing devices 106 (identified as first computing device 106a, second computing device 106b, and third computing device 106c, respectively). Computing devices 106 may include various computers or servers, such as media stream service servers that store audio and / or other media content, voice service servers, social media servers, media playback system control servers, and so on. In some examples, one or more of computing devices 106 include modules of a single computer or server. In certain examples, one or more of computing devices 106 include one or more modules, computers, and / or servers. Additionally, although cloud network 102 is described in the context of a single cloud network, in some examples, cloud network 102 includes multiple cloud networks that include computing devices communicatively coupled. Additionally, although cloud network 102 is shown in Figure 1B as having three computing devices 106, in some examples, cloud network 102 includes fewer (or more) than three computing devices 106.

[0075] The media playback system 100 is configured to receive media content from the network 102 via the link 103. The received media content may include, for example, a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and / or a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). For example, in some examples, the media playback system 100 may stream, download, or otherwise obtain data from the URI or URL corresponding to the received media content. The network 104 communicatively couples the link 103 with at least a portion of the devices of the media playback system 100 (e.g., one or more of the playback device 110, the NMD 120, and / or the control device 130). The network 104 may include, for example, a wireless network (e.g., a WiFi network, Bluetooth, Z-Wave network, ZigBee, and / or other suitable wireless communication protocol networks) and / or a wired network (e.g., a network including Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and / or other suitable wired communications). As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, as used herein, "WiFi" may refer to several different communication protocols transmitted at 2.4 gigahertz (GHz), 5 GHz, and / or other suitable frequencies, including, for example, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11af, 802.11ah, 802.11ai, 802.11aj, 802.11aq, 802.11ax, 802.11ay, 802.15, etc.

[0076] In some examples, the network 104 includes a dedicated communication network that the media playback system 100 uses to send messages between various devices and / or send media content to and receive media content from a media content source (e.g., one or more computing devices 106). In certain examples, the network 104 is configured to be accessible only by the devices in the media playback system 100, thereby reducing interference and competition with other household devices. However, in other examples, the network 104 includes an existing home communication network (e.g., a home WIFI network). In some examples, the link 103 and the network 104 include one or more of the same networks. In some examples, for example, the link 103 and the network 104 include a telecommunications network (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G network). Additionally, in some examples, the media playback system 100 is implemented without the network 104, and the devices including the media playback system 100 may communicate with each other via, for example, one or more direct connections, a PAN, a telecommunications network, and / or other suitable communication links.

[0077] In some examples, audio content sources can be added or removed periodically in media playback system 100. In some examples, for instance, when one or more media content sources are updated, added to, and / or removed from media playback system 100, media playback system 100 performs indexing of media items. Media playback system 100 can scan for recognizable media items in some or all folders and / or directories accessible to playback device 110, and generate or update a media content database that includes metadata (e.g., title, artist, album, track length) and other associated information (e.g., URI, URL) for each recognizable media item found. In some examples, for instance, the media content database is stored on one or more of playback device 110, network microphone device 120, and / or control device 130.

[0078] In Figure 1B the example shown, playback devices 110l and 110m include group 107a. Playback devices 110l and 110m can be located in different rooms in a home and, based on user input received at control device 130a and / or another control device 130 in media playback system 100, are grouped together into group 107a on a temporary or permanent basis. When arranged in group 107a, playback devices 110l and 110m can be configured to synchronously playback the same or similar audio content from one or more audio content sources. In certain examples, for instance, group 107a includes a binding area where playback devices 110l and 110m respectively include a left audio channel and a right audio channel of multi-channel audio content, thereby creating or enhancing the stereo effect of the audio content. In some examples, group 107a includes additional playback device 110. However, in other examples, media playback system 100 omits group 107a and / or other grouping arrangements of playback device 110.

[0079] Media playback system 100 includes NMD 120a and NMD 120d, each NMD including one or more microphones configured to receive vocalizations from a user. In Figure 1BIn the illustrated example, NMD 120a is a stand-alone device, and NMD 120d is integrated into the playback device 110n. For example, NMD 120a is configured to receive voice input 121 from user 123. In some examples, NMD 120a sends data associated with the received voice input 121 to a Voice Assistant Service (VAS) that is configured to (i) process the received voice input data and (ii) send corresponding commands to the media playback system 100. In some examples, for instance, computing device 106c includes one or more modules and / or servers of the VAS (e.g., a VAS operated by one or more of SONOS®, AMAZON®, GOOGLE®, APPLE®, MICROSOFT®). Computing device 106c can receive voice input data from NMD 120a via network 104 and link 103. In response to receiving the voice input data, computing device 106c processes the voice input data (i.e., "Play Hey Jude by the Beatles") and determines that the processed voice input includes a command to play a song (e.g., "Hey Jude"). Computing device 106c thus sends a command to media playback system 100 to play the Beatles' "Hey Jude" on one or more playback devices 110 from a suitable media service (e.g., via one or more computing devices 106).

[0080] b. Suitable playback device

[0081] Figure 1CFIG. 0 is a block diagram of a playback device 110a that includes an input / output 111. The input / output 111 can include analog I / O 111a (e.g., one or more wirings, cables, and / or other suitable communication links configured to carry analog signals) and / or digital I / O 111b (e.g., one or more wirings, cables, or other suitable communication links configured to carry digital signals). In some examples, the analog I / O 111a is an audio line input connection, which includes, for example, an automatically detected 3.5 mm audio line input connection. In some examples, the digital I / O 111b includes a Sony / Philips Digital Interface Format (S / PDIF) communication interface and / or cable and / or a Toshiba Link (TOSLINK) cable. In some examples, the digital I / O 111b includes a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface and / or cable. In some examples, the digital I / O 111b includes one or more wireless communication links, which include, for example, radio frequency (RF), infrared, WIFI, Bluetooth, or another suitable communication protocol. In certain examples, the analog I / O 111a and the digital I / O 111b include interfaces (e.g., ports, plugs, jacks) that are configured to receive connectors of cables that transmit analog and digital signals, respectively, without necessarily including the cables.

[0082] The playback device 110a can receive media content (e.g., audio content including music and / or other sounds) from a local audio source 105 via the input / output 111 (e.g., a cable, wiring, PAN, Bluetooth connection, ad-hoc wired or wireless communication network, and / or other suitable communication link), for example. The local audio source 105 can include, for example, a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer) or another suitable audio component (e.g., a television, a desktop computer, an amplifier, a phonograph, a Blu-ray player, a memory storing digital media files). In some examples, the local audio source 105 includes a local music library on a smart phone, a computer, a network-attached storage (NAS), and / or another suitable device configured to store media files. In certain examples, one or more of the playback device 110, the NMD 120, and / or the control device 130 include the local audio source 105. However, in other examples, the media playback system completely omits the local audio source 105. In some examples, the playback device 110a does not include the input / output 111 and receives all audio content via the network 104.

[0083] The playback device 110a also includes an electronic device 112, a user interface 113 (e.g., one or more buttons, knobs, dials, touch-sensitive surfaces, displays, touchscreens), and one or more transducers 114 (hereinafter referred to as "transducers 114"). The electronic device 112 is configured to receive audio from an audio source (e.g., a local audio source 105) via the input / output 111, from one or more of the computing devices 106a to 106c via the network 104 ( Figure 1B ), amplify the received audio, and output the amplified audio via the one or more transducers 114 for playback. In some examples, the playback device 110a optionally includes one or more microphones 115 (e.g., a single microphone, multiple microphones, microphone array) (hereinafter referred to as "microphones 115"). In certain examples, for instance, the playback device 110a having one or more optional microphones 115 can be used as an NMD configured to receive voice input from a user and perform one or more operations accordingly.

[0084] In Figure 1C the illustrated example, the electronic device 112 includes one or more processors 112a (hereinafter referred to as "processors 112a"), a memory 112b, software components 112c, a network interface 112d, one or more audio processing components 112g (hereinafter referred to as "audio components 112g"), one or more audio amplifiers 112h (hereinafter referred to as "amplifiers 112h"), and a power supply 112i (e.g., one or more power supplies, power cables, power outlets, batteries, induction coils, Power over Ethernet (POE) interfaces, and / or other suitable power supplies). In some examples, the electronic device 112 optionally includes one or more other components 112j (e.g., one or more sensors, video displays, touchscreens, battery charging docks).

[0085] The processor 112a can include clock-driven computing components configured to process data, and the memory 112b can include a computer-readable medium (e.g., a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, a data storage loaded with one or more software components 112c) configured to store instructions for performing various operations and / or functions. The processor 112a is configured to execute the instructions stored on the memory 112b to perform one or more operations. The operations can include, for example, causing the playback device 110a to receive audio from an audio source (e.g., the computing devices 106a to 106c ( Figure 1BRetrieve audio data from one or more of ) and / or another playback device in the playback device 110. In some examples, the operation further includes causing the playback device 110a to send the audio data to another playback device in the playback device 110a and / or another device (e.g., one of the NMDs 120). Certain examples include causing the playback device 110a to pair with another playback device in one or more playback devices 110 to enable operation of a multi-channel audio environment (e.g., stereo pair, bonded zone).

[0086] The processor 112a may also be configured to perform operations to synchronize the playback of audio content between the playback device 110a and another playback device in one or more playback devices 110. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, during the synchronized playback of audio content on multiple playback devices, a listener will preferably not perceive the time delay difference between the playback of the audio content by the playback device 110a and the playback of the audio content by one other playback device 110 or multiple other playback devices 110. Additional details regarding the synchronization of audio playback between playback devices can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,234,395, which is incorporated herein by reference above.

[0087] In some examples, the memory 112b is also configured to store data associated with the playback device 110a, such as one or more zones and / or zone groups of which the playback device 110a is a member, audio sources accessible to the playback device 110a, and / or a playback queue with which the playback device 110a (and / or another playback device in one or more playback devices) may be associated. The stored data may include one or more state variables that are periodically updated and used to describe the state of the playback device 110a. The memory 112b may also include data associated with the state of one or more devices among other devices of the media playback system 100 (e.g., playback devices 110, NMDs 120, control device 130). In some examples, for example, state data is shared among at least a portion of the devices of the media playback system 100 during a predetermined time interval (e.g., every 5 seconds, every 10 seconds, every 60 seconds) such that one or more devices have up-to-date data associated with the media playback system 100.

[0088] The network interface 112d is configured to facilitate communication between the playback device 110a and a data network (e.g., link 103 and / or network 104 ( Figure 1BData transmission between the one or more other devices on ). The network interface 112d is configured to transmit and receive data corresponding to media content (e.g., audio content, video content, text, photos) and other signals including digital packet data (e.g., non-transitory signals), the digital packet data including an Internet Protocol (IP)-based source address and / or an IP-based destination address. The network interface 112d may parse the digital packet data such that the electronic device 112 correctly receives and processes the data destined for the playback device 110a.

[0089] In Figure 1C In the illustrated example of, the network interface 112d includes one or more wireless interfaces 112e (hereinafter referred to as "wireless interfaces 112e"). The wireless interfaces 112e (e.g., a suitable interface including one or more antennas) may be configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more other devices (e.g., one or more of the other playback devices 110, NMD 120, and / or control device 130) according to a suitable wireless communication protocol (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE), the one or more other devices being communicatively coupled to the network 104 ( Figure 1B ). In some examples, the network interface 112d optionally includes a wired interface 112f (e.g., an interface or socket configured to receive network cables such as Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, and / or Thunderbolt cables), the wired interface 112f being configured to communicate with other devices via a wired connection according to a suitable wired communication protocol. In certain examples, the network interface 112d includes the wired interface 112f and does not include the wireless interface 112e. In some examples, the electronic device 112 completely excludes the network interface 112d and transmits and receives media content and / or other data via another communication path (e.g., input / output 111).

[0090] The audio component 112g is configured to process and / or filter data of media content received by the electronic device 112 (e.g., via the input / output 111 and / or the network interface 112d) to generate an output audio signal. In some examples, the audio processing component 112g includes, for example, one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), audio preprocessing components, audio enhancement components, digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other suitable audio processing components, modules, circuits, etc. In certain examples, one or more of the audio processing components 112g may include one or more sub-components of the processor 112a. In some examples, the electronic device 112 omits the audio processing component 112g. In some examples, for instance, the processor 112a executes instructions stored on the memory 112b to perform audio processing operations to generate an output audio signal.

[0091] Amplifier 112h is configured to receive and amplify an audio output signal generated by audio processing component 112g and / or processor 112a. The amplifier 112h may include electronics and / or components configured to amplify the audio signal to a level sufficient to drive one or more transducers 114. In some examples, for instance, the amplifier 112h includes one or more switches or class-D power amplifiers. However, in other examples, the amplifier includes one or more other types of power amplifiers (e.g., linear gain power amplifiers, class-A amplifiers, class-B amplifiers, class-AB amplifiers, class-C amplifiers, class-D amplifiers, class-E amplifiers, class-F amplifiers, class-G and / or class-H amplifiers, and / or other suitable types of power amplifiers). In certain examples, the amplifier 112h includes a suitable combination of two or more of the foregoing types of power amplifiers. Additionally, in some examples, each amplifier in the amplifier 112h corresponds to each transducer in the transducers 114. However, in other examples, the electronic device 112 includes a single amplifier in the amplifier 112h that is configured to output the amplified audio signal to multiple transducers 114. In some other examples, the electronic device 112 omits the amplifier 112h.

[0092] Transducer 114 (e.g., one or more speakers and / or speaker drivers) receives the amplified audio signal from the amplifier 112h and presents or outputs the amplified audio signal as sound (e.g., audible sound waves having a frequency between approximately 20 Hertz (Hz) and approximately 20 kilohertz (kHz)). In some examples, the transducer 114 may include a single transducer. However, in other examples, the transducer 114 includes multiple audio transducers. In some examples, the transducer 114 includes more than one type of transducer. For example, the transducer 114 may include one or more low-frequency transducers (e.g., subwoofers, woofers), mid-frequency transducers (e.g., midrange transducers, midbass woofers), and one or more high-frequency transducers (e.g., one or more tweeters). As used herein, “low frequency” generally may refer to audible frequencies below approximately 500 Hz, “mid frequency” generally may refer to audible frequencies between approximately 500 Hz and approximately 2 kHz, and “high frequency” generally may refer to audible frequencies above 2 kHz. However, in certain examples, one or more of the transducers 114 includes a transducer that does not conform to the foregoing frequency ranges. For example, one of the transducers 114 may include a midbass transducer configured to output sound at a frequency between approximately 200 Hz and approximately 5 kHz).

[0093] For example, Sonos currently offers (or has offered) for sale certain playback devices, including, for example, "SONOS ONE", "MOVE", "PLAY:5", "BEAM", "PLAYBAR", "PLAYBASE", "PORT", "BOOST", "AMP", and "SUB". Other suitable playback devices can additionally or alternatively be used to implement the playback devices of the examples disclosed herein. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the playback devices are not limited to the examples described herein or Sonos' product offerings. In some examples, for instance, one or more playback devices 110 include wired or wireless headphones (e.g., over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, in-ear headphones). In other examples, one or more of the playback devices 110 include a docking station and / or an interface configured to interact with a docking station of a personal mobile media playback device. In certain examples, the playback device can be an integrated part of another device or component such as a television, lighting fixture, or some other device used indoors or outdoors. In some examples, the playback device omits a user interface and / or one or more transducers. For example, Figure 1D is a block diagram of a playback device 110p that includes an input / output 111 and an electronic device 112 without a user interface 113 or a transducer 114.

[0094] Figure 1E is a block diagram of a bound playback device 110q that includes a playback device 110a ( Figure 1A ), which is acoustically bound to a playback device 110i (e.g., a subwoofer) ( Figure 1C ). In the example shown, the playback devices 110a and 110i are separate playback devices 110 housed in separate enclosures. However, in some examples, the bound playback device 110q includes a single enclosure that houses both the playback devices 110a and 110i. The bound playback device 110q can be configured to process and reproduce sound in a manner different from unbound playback devices (e.g., Figure 1C the playback device 110a) and / or paired or bound playback devices (e.g., Figure 1B the playback devices 110l and 110m). In some examples, for instance, the playback device 110a is a full-frequency playback device configured to present low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency audio content, and the playback device 110i is a subwoofer configured to present low-frequency audio content. In some examples, the playback device 110a is configured to present only the mid-frequency and high-frequency components of specific audio content when bound to a first playback device, while the playback device 110i presents the low-frequency component of the specific audio content. In some examples, the bound playback device 110q includes additional playback devices and / or another bound playback device.

[0095] c. Suitable Network Microphone Device (NMD)

[0096] Figure 1F is a block diagram of NMD 120a ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B ). NMD 120a includes one or more voice processing components 124 (hereinafter referred to as "voice components 124") and several components including a processor 112a, a memory 112b, and a microphone 115 as described with respect to the playback device 110a ( Figure 1C ). NMD 120a optionally includes other components that are also included in the playback device 110a ( Figure 1C ), such as a user interface 113 and / or a transducer 114. In some examples, NMD 120a is configured as a media playback device (e.g., one or more playback devices 110), and also includes, for example, one or more audio components 112g ( Figure 1C ), an amplifier 114, and / or other playback device components. In certain examples, NMD 120a includes Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as thermostats, alarm panels, fire and / or smoke detectors, etc. In some examples, NMD 120a includes a microphone 115, a voice processing component 124, and only a part of the components of the electronic device 112 described only above with respect to Figure 1B . In some examples, for instance, NMD 120a includes a processor 112a and a memory 112b ( Figure 1C ), while omitting one or more other components of the electronic device 112. In some examples, NMD 120a includes additional components (e.g., one or more sensors, cameras, thermometers, barometers, hygrometers).

[0097] In some examples, NMD can be integrated into the playback device. Figure 1G is a block diagram of a playback device 110r including NMD 120d. The playback device 110r may include many or all of the components of the playback device 110a and also includes a microphone 115 and a voice processing component 124 ( Figure 1F ). The playback device 110r optionally includes an integrated control device 130c. The control device 130c may include, for example, a user interface (e.g., Figure 1B 's user interface 113), which is configured to receive user input (e.g., touch input, voice input) without a separate control device. However, in other examples, the playback device 110r receives commands from another control device (e.g., Figure 1B 's control device 130a).

[0098] Referring back to Figure 1F , the microphone 115 is configured to receive from the environment (e.g., Figure 1Aobtains, captures, and / or receives sound in the environment 101) and / or the room where the NMD 120a is located. The received sound can include, for example, spoken words, audio played back by the NMD 120a and / or another playback device, background speech, ambient sounds, etc. The microphone 115 converts the received sound into an electrical signal to generate microphone data. The speech processing component 124 receives and analyzes the microphone data to determine whether a speech input is present in the microphone data. For example, the speech input can include an activation word followed by a spoken word including a user request. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, an activation word is a word or other audio cue that indicates a user speech input. For example, when querying AMAZON® VAS, a user may say the activation word "Alexa". Other examples include "Ok, Google" for invoking GOOGLE® VAS and "Hey, Siri" for invoking APPLE® VAS.

[0099] After detecting the activation word, the speech processing component 124 monitors the microphone data in the user request accompanying the speech input. The user request can include, for example, a command to control a third-party device, such as a thermostat (e.g., NEST® thermostat), lighting device (e.g., PHILIPSHUE® lighting device), or media playback device (e.g., Sonos® playback device). For example, a user may say the activation word "Alexa" and then say the words "Set the thermostat to 68 degrees" to set the temperature in the home (e.g., Figure 1A the environment 101). The user may say the same activation word and then say the words "Light the living room" to turn on the lighting device in the living room area of the home. The user can similarly say the activation word and then request to play a specific song, album, or music playlist on a playback device in the home.

[0100] d. Suitable Control Device

[0101] Figure 1H is the control device 130a ( Figure 1A and Figure 1BPartial schematic diagram of ( ). As used herein, the term "control device" may be used interchangeably with "controller" or "control system". Among other features, the control device 130a is also configured to receive user input related to the media playback system 100 and, in response, cause one or more devices in the media playback system 100 to perform actions or operations corresponding to the user input. In the illustrated embodiment, the control device 130a includes a smart phone (e.g., iPhone™, Android phone) on which media playback system controller application software is installed. In some embodiments, the control device 130a includes, for example, a tablet computer (e.g., iPad™), a computer (e.g., laptop computer, desktop computer), and / or other suitable devices (e.g., television, car audio head unit, Internet of Things device). In certain examples, the control device 130a includes a dedicated controller for the media playback system 100. In other examples, as described above with respect to Figure 1G As described, the control device 130a is integrated into another device in the media playback system 100 (e.g., playback device 110, NMD 120, and / or other suitable devices configured to communicate over a network).

[0102] The control device 130a includes an electronic device 132, a user interface 133, one or more speakers 134, and one or more microphones 135. The electronic device 132 includes one or more processors 132a (hereinafter referred to as "processor 132a"), a memory 132b, software components 132c, and a network interface 132d. The processor 132a may be configured to perform functions related to facilitating user access, control, and configuration of the media playback system 100. The memory 132b may include a data storage device that may be loaded with one or more software components executable by the processor 132a to perform those functions. The software components 132c may include applications and / or other executable software configured to facilitate control of the media playback system 100. The memory 112b may be configured to store, for example, software components 132c, media playback system controller application software, and / or other data associated with the media playback system 100 and the user.

[0103] The network interface 132d is configured to facilitate network communication between the control device 130a and one or more other devices and / or one or more remote devices in the media playback system 100. In some examples, the network interface 132d is configured to operate in accordance with one or more suitable communication industry standards (e.g., infrared, radio, wired standards including IEEE 802.3, wireless standards including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.15, 4G, LTE). For example, the network interface 132d may be configured to send data and / or receive data from the playback device 110, the NMD 120, other devices in the control device 130, Figure 1B one of the computing devices 106, devices including one or more other media playback systems, etc. The data sent and / or received may include, for example, playback device control commands, status variables, playback zone and / or zone group configurations. For example, based on user input received at the user interface 133, the network interface 132d may send playback device control commands (e.g., volume control, audio playback control, audio content selection) from the control device 130 to one or more playback devices 110. The network interface 132d may also send and / or receive configuration changes, e.g., adding or removing one or more playback devices 110 to or from a zone, adding or removing one or more zones to or from a zone group, forming bound or combined players, separating one or more playback devices from a bound or combined player, etc.

[0104] The user interface 133 is configured to receive user input and may facilitate control of the media playback system 100. The user interface 133 includes media content art 133a (e.g., album cover, lyrics, video), a playback status indicator 133b (e.g., elapsed time and / or remaining time indicator), a media content information area 133c, a playback control area 133d, and a zone indicator 133e. The media content information area 133c may include a display of relevant information (e.g., title, artist, album, genre, release year) regarding the currently playing media content and / or media content in a queue or playlist. The playback control area 133d may include selectable (e.g., via touch input and / or via a cursor or another suitable selector) icons to cause one or more playback devices in a selected playback zone or zone group to perform playback actions, such as play or pause, fast forward, rewind, skip to next, skip to previous, enter / exit shuffle mode, enter / exit repeat mode, enter / exit crossfade mode, etc. The playback control area 133d may also include selectable icons for modifying respective equalization settings, playback volume, and / or other suitable playback actions. In the example shown, the user interface 133 includes a display presented on a touchscreen interface of a smart phone (e.g., iPhone™, Android phone). However, in some examples, other user interfaces with varying formats, styles, and interaction sequences may alternatively be implemented on one or more network devices to provide similar control access to the media playback system.

[0105] One or more speakers 134 (e.g., one or more transducers) may be configured to output sound to a user of the control device 130a. In some examples, the one or more speakers include respective transducers configured to output low frequency, mid frequency, and / or high frequency accordingly. In some examples, for instance, the control device 130a is configured as a playback device (e.g., one of the playback devices 110). Similarly, in some examples, the control device 130a is configured as an NMD (e.g., one of the NMDs 120), which receives voice commands and other sounds via one or more microphones 135.

[0106] One or more microphones 135 may include, for example, one or more capacitive microphones, electret capacitive microphones, dynamic microphones, and / or other suitable types of microphones or transducers. In some examples, two or more microphones 135 are arranged to capture location information of an audio source (e.g., voice, audible sound) and / or are configured to facilitate filtering of background noise. Additionally, in certain examples, the control device 130a is configured to function as a playback device and an NMD. However, in other examples, the control device 130a omits one or more speakers 134 and / or one or more microphones 135. For example, the control device 130a may include such a device (e.g., thermostat, IoT device, network device) that includes a portion of the electronic device 132 and a user interface 133 (e.g., touch screen) without any speakers or microphones.

[0107] III. Examples of Playback Devices and Associated Systems and Methods

[0108] Figure 2A is a front isometric view of a playback device 210 configured according to an example of the disclosed technology. The playback device 210 may be used as any of the playback devices 110 discussed above. Figure 2B is a partially exploded view of the playback device 210. Referring together to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the playback device 210 includes a housing 212 that includes an upper portion 212a and a lower portion 212b. The grille 220 may form a part of the housing 212 or may cover the lower portion of the housing 212. In some examples, the housing 212 may take the form of an enclosure that defines an internal cavity 212c within which various components of the playback device 210 are housed. In the example shown, the housing 212 forms a generally triangular prism shape with rounded edges. However, the specific shape and dimensions of the housing 212 may vary in different embodiments. For example, the housing 212 may be generally cylindrical, spherical, or oblate spheroidal and may have one or more rounded or sharp edges. The internal cavity 212c in the housing 212 is configured to accommodate a frame 214 and an electronic device 216. The frame 214 is configured to carry a plurality of transducers 218 (individually identified as transducers 218a and 218b in Figure 2B ). The electronic device 216 (e.g., Figure 1C 's electronic device 112) is configured to receive audio content from an audio source and send an electrical signal corresponding to the audio content to the transducers 218 for playback.

[0109] The transducer 218 is configured to receive an electrical signal from the electronic device 216 and is also configured to convert the received electrical signal into audible sound during playback. For example, the transducer 218a (e.g., tweeter) can be configured to output high-frequency sound (e.g., sound waves having a frequency greater than about 2 kHz). The transducer 218b (e.g., midrange woofer, woofer, or midrange speaker) can be configured to output sound having a frequency lower than that of the transducer 218a (e.g., sound waves having a frequency lower than about 2 kHz). In some examples, the playback device 210 includes a plurality of transducers different from the Figure 2B transducers shown. For example, the playback device 210 can include only a single transducer 218 or can include more than two transducers (e.g., six, nine, ten, etc.). Additionally, in some examples, all or some of the transducers 218 are configured to function as a phased array to optimally adjust (e.g., narrow or widen) the radiation pattern of the transducer 218, thereby changing the user's perception of the sound emitted from the playback device 210.

[0110] As Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown, in certain embodiments, the grille 220 extends between the upper portion 212a and the lower portion 212b. The grille 220 can be implemented in various ways. In some examples, the grille 220 can take the form of a sheet, which can be formed of one or more layers of material. For example, the grille 220 can be a metal sheet or a thin plastic sheet. In certain examples, the grille 220 is coupled to and supported by the underlying substrate 230. The substrate 230 can be coupled to the housing 212, thereby allowing the grille 220 to surround at least a portion of the housing 212 that is between the upper portion 212a and the lower portion 212b. In certain examples, the substrate 230 includes a region having a number of openings 232 formed therein, and the grille 220 includes perforations 222 having a plurality of small holes formed therein. As shown, in some examples, the openings 232 in the substrate 230 can be much larger than the holes in the perforations 222 of the grille 220. When the grille 220 is coupled to the housing 212, the openings 232 and the perforations 222 can cover the transducer 218.

[0111] The grille 220 and the substrate 230 protect the internal components of the playback device 210 (e.g., the audio transducer 218 and the electronic device 216) from damage while still allowing the sound from the audio transducer 218 to pass through with little or no significant distortion or attenuation. The grille 220 can prevent debris from entering the housing 212 and damaging the transducer 218 and the electronic device 216. The substrate 230 provides additional structural integrity to the grille 220, which reduces the amount of physical damage to the playback device 210 due to accidents (e.g., dropping the playback device 210) or other events. Since the area of the substrate 230 with the openings 232 and the perforated portion 222 of the grille 220 cover the transducer 218 when the grille 220 and the substrate 220 are coupled to the housing 212, the sound output from the transducer 218 can pass through the grille 220 with little or no significant distortion or attenuation.

[0112] In various embodiments of the playback device 110 (including Figure 2A and Figure 2B the example of the playback device 210 shown), the substrate 230 has a "honeycomb" structure in the area with the openings 232, and the openings 232 are large enough that they have a negligible (or no) acoustic effect on the sound waves emitted by the transducer 218. In these examples, the substrate 230 provides structural support for the grille 220 but is acoustically "transparent" to the transducer 218.

[0113] As discussed above, according to various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein, the substrate can be configured to provide an acoustic function as well as provide structural support for the grille 220, and is not acoustically transparent like the substrate 230. Figure 3 An example of such a substrate is shown.

[0114] Referring to Figure 3 , a substrate 300 according to certain embodiments includes a perforated region 310 that includes a plurality of holes 312 arranged in a pattern. Each of the holes 312 defines a small hole extending through the substrate 300. Different from the large openings 232 in the substrate 230, the size of the holes 312 is selected to be within a range that gives the perforated region an acoustic effect rather than being substantially acoustically transparent. Specifically, as discussed further below, the plurality of holes 312 together can act as a slotted acoustic filter that changes the directionality and efficiency of the sound waves passing through the perforated region 310. In Figure 3 the example shown, the holes 312 are round holes; however, in other examples, the holes 312 can have other shapes, including but not limited to oval, hexagonal, rectangular, etc. The perforated region 310 can have a lateral width W and a height H measured in a dimension orthogonal to the lateral width, as Figure 3As shown. As discussed further below, by appropriately selecting, for example, the height H, the width W, and the number, size, and arrangement of the holes 312, the perforated region 310 can be configured to act as an acoustic filter, allowing sound waves from the audio transducer to pass through while advantageously modifying the directivity of these sound waves as they pass above and through the holes 312 in the substrate 300.

[0115] Figure 4 is a partial exploded view of an example playback device 400 including a substrate 300 according to some embodiments. The playback device 400 can be used as any of the playback devices 110 discussed above ( Figures 1A to 1G ). The playback device 400 includes a housing that includes a top 402, a bottom 404, a rear housing 406, a rear panel 408, and a frame 410. The rear housing 406 and the frame 410 extend between the top 402 and the bottom 404. The rear housing 406 can be fixed to the frame 410 using, for example, a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws or other fasteners). Similarly, the rear panel 408 can be fixed to the rear housing using screws or other fasteners 412. In some examples, feet 414 (e.g., rubber feet or feet made of soft plastic) can be fixed to the underside of the bottom 404. The rear housing 406 defines an internal cavity 416 that is configured to house electronic equipment 418. The frame 410 is configured to carry at least a first audio transducer 420 and a second audio transducer 422. As discussed above with reference to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the electronic equipment 418 (e.g., Figure 1C 's electronic equipment 112 or Figure 2B 's electronic equipment 216) is configured to receive audio content from an audio source and send an electrical signal corresponding to the audio content to the audio transducers 420, 422 for playback. Although Figure 4 shows only two audio transducers 420, 422, in other examples, the playback device 400 can include one or more additional audio transducers. The substrate 300 can be positioned to at least partially surround the second audio transducer 422, where the perforated region 310 is in front of or covers the second audio transducer 422, as Figure 4 shows. The substrate 300 can include a plurality of mounting holes 316 (see, for example, Figure 3 ) to allow the substrate to be coupled (e.g., fixed using screws or other fasteners) to the frame 410 of the housing of the playback device 400 and / or other components. Similar to the arrangement and function discussed above with reference to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the playback device 400 can also include a grille 424 that covers the substrate 300.

[0116] As discussed above, the grille 424 includes a perforated region 426 having a plurality of holes 428 extending therethrough. The grille 424 can be positioned such that a portion of the perforated region 426 covers the perforated region 310 of the substrate 300. A portion of the perforated region 426 of the grille 424 can also cover the first audio transducer 420. Sound output from the audio transducers 420, 422 can pass through the perforated region 426 of the grille 424 without significant distortion or attenuation. As discussed above, the grille 424 can be in the form of a sheet including one or more layers of material. For example, the grille 424 can include a thin metal or plastic sheet, e.g., having a thickness in the range of about 0.5 millimeters (mm) to 2 mm, optionally about 1 mm thick. In cases where the grille 424 is very thin, the substrate 300 can provide structural support for the grille 424 and mechanical protection for underlying components of the playback device 400 (e.g., the second audio transducer 424 of the electronic device 418 and / or various components). Thus, the substrate 300 can be made of a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic) capable of providing the desired mechanical support and protection. In certain examples, the substrate 300 is made of polycarbonate (optionally, glass-filled polycarbonate). In some examples, the substrate 300 is made of glass-filled polycarbonate having a glass content in the range of 30% to 40%. However, in view of the benefits of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the substrate 300 can be made of any material capable of suitably providing the desired structural support and capable of being processed to form a plurality of holes 312 to create the perforated region 310.

[0117] As discussed above, the playback device 400 can be configured to: receive audio content from an audio source and playback the audio content via sound waves output from the audio transducers 420, 422. Each of the audio transducers 420, 422 can provide an acoustic output within a specific audible frequency range. For example, the first audio transducer 420 can be a "tweeter" and can be configured to output high-frequency sound (e.g., sound waves having a frequency greater than about 2 kHz). The second audio transducer 422 can be a "woofer" and can be configured to output sound at a lower frequency than the first audio transducer 420 (e.g., sound waves having a frequency lower than about 2 kHz, and optionally, sound waves having an audible frequency lower than 500 Hz). In Figure 4 the example shown, the second audio transducer 422 has a single diaphragm driven by a single motor (not shown). However, in some examples, the playback device 400 includes one or more dual-diaphragm transducers, such as the dual-diaphragm transducers described in U.S. Patent No. 11,297,415, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0118] In many examples, it may be desirable for the playback device 400 to provide an acoustic output having a very wide radiation pattern such that when the user is directly in front of the playback device 400 and to one side of the playback device 400, the listener does not perceive a significant difference in sound, thereby perceiving the sound with a high sense of immersion. The audio transducers 420, 422 may be designed to produce a first acoustic output and a second acoustic output having relatively wide directivities, respectively; however, according to certain embodiments disclosed herein, the substrate 300 may be configured to further widen the radiation pattern of at least the second audio transducer 422, thereby enhancing the perceived immersion of the sound output from the playback device 400. As discussed further below, according to certain examples, the substrate 300 may be configured in terms of features such as the width W of the perforated region 310, the height H of the perforated region 310, the number of holes 312, the size of the holes 312, the arrangement of the holes 312 (e.g., pattern, pitch or spacing between the holes), and the thickness of the substrate 300 in the perforated region 310 (which corresponds to the depth of the holes 312).

[0119] Still referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the substrate 300 is positioned such that the perforated region 310 covers the second audio transducer 422. Accordingly, the second acoustic output from the second audio transducer 422 passes through the perforated region 310 of the substrate 300. The plurality of holes 312 together can act as a "slot" that widens the directivity of the second acoustic output from the second audio transducer as it passes through the perforated region 310. In this way, the substrate 300 can act as an acoustic filter with a slot loading effect that modifies the radiation pattern of the second audio transducer 422. To achieve the desired filtering effect, the lateral width W of the perforated region 310 can be selected at least in part based on the frequency range of the second acoustic output from the second audio transducer 422. In some examples, when the frequency range of the second acoustic output of the second audio transducer 422 includes audible frequencies below, for example, 2 kHz, the width W can be in the range of about 40 mm to 55 mm, optionally in the range of 44.6 mm to 51.4 mm. In some examples, the width W can be selected such that the perforated region 310 is narrower than the outer diameter of the second audio transducer 422. In other examples, the width W can be selected such that the perforated region 310 extends laterally to or beyond the outer edge 430 of the second audio transducer 422.

[0120] According to certain embodiments, the substrate 300 can be configured as a unified dual-band acoustic filter to modify the radiation patterns of both the first audio transducer 420 and the second audio transducer 422. In such an example, the perforated region 310 acts as a slot filter that modifies the radiation pattern of the second audio transducer 422, while the shape and configuration of the substrate 300 can also be selected to enhance the first acoustic output of the first audio transducer 420. For example, as discussed further below, the substrate 300 can be configured to enhance the smoothness and consistency of the first acoustic output from the first audio transducer 420, while widening the directivity of the second acoustic output from the second audio transducer 422 through the effect of the perforated region 310. In certain examples, the substrate 300 can also be configured to widen the directivity of the first acoustic output from the first audio transducer 420 as well.

[0121] As Figure 3 shown, the substrate 300 can include solid portions 320 located on either side of the perforated region 310. In certain configurations of the playback device 400, and in the case where the first audio transducer is a tweeter, the first audio transducer 420 can be configured to radiate from a very small slot such that the first acoustic output has a very wide directivity. The sound waves corresponding to the first acoustic output can propagate along the surface of the solid portions 320 and pass through the perforated region 310. To maintain the smoothness and consistency of the sound waves of the first acoustic output, a plurality of holes 312 can be arranged in a pattern that is radially smooth with respect to the first acoustic output. For this purpose, the holes 312 can be very small, for example, with a maximum lateral dimension in the range of 0.5 mm to 6 mm, optionally in the range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, and further optionally in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, and arranged in a regular pattern to avoid presenting large discontinuities to the first acoustic output. In certain examples, it can be preferred to keep the diameter of the holes 312 at 3 mm or less, for example, in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm, to meet certain regulatory requirements (such as fire safety standards) that can be applicable to the playback device 400 (or some of its components), thus avoiding the need to add and / or modify other components to meet such requirements.

[0122] In Figure 3In the example shown, a plurality of holes 312 are arranged in a plurality of columns 318. These columns may be staggered from each other, with an offset D0 between adjacent columns. The holes 312 may be arranged with a center-to-center spacing (pitch) between adjacent holes. In some examples, the pitch and / or the offset D0 may be selected at least in part based on manufacturing considerations and maintaining a certain level of structural integrity and acoustic performance of the substrate 300 in the perforated region 310. Generally, it may be desirable to have as small a pitch as possible to obtain a higher percentage of open area, which can improve acoustic performance. However, if the pitch and / or the offset are too small, it may be difficult to manufacture the substrate 300 using techniques such as injection molding. Additionally, making the pitch and / or the offset too large may compromise the structural integrity of the substrate 300 and reduce its ability to provide the desired mechanical support and protection discussed above. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, given the benefits of the present disclosure, the plurality of holes 312 may be arranged in various patterns, which may be regular or irregular. As described above, in an example where the substrate 300 is configured as a dual-band acoustic filter, arranging the plurality of holes 312 in a regular pattern may be beneficial; however, in other examples, the pattern may be irregular. Additionally, the number, size, and pitch of the holes 312 may vary in different examples.

[0123] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Substrates 300a and 300b are shown respectively as additional examples of the substrate 300, which have a slightly different arrangement of the plurality of holes 312 relative to Figure 3 the example shown. In Figure 5 the example shown, the perforated region 310 of the substrate 300a includes additional holes 312 relative to Figure 3 the example shown, such that the height Ha of the perforated region extends relative to the height H of Figure 3 the example shown. Additionally, the pattern of the holes 312 includes additional columns 318 of holes 312 on either side of the lateral extent of the Figure 3 pattern, such that the lateral width Wa increases relative to the lateral width W of Figure 3 the example (assuming the holes 312 are the same size). Figure 6 Another example of the substrate 300b is shown, where the width Wb of the perforated region 310 extends relative to the width W of the perforated region 310 in Figure 3 the example. Additionally, by comparing Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 it can be seen that the pattern of the holes 312 is slightly different in each example. Figure 5 The pattern in the example of Figure 3 allows for a height Ha that extends relative to the height H in Figure 6 the example of Figure 3The width Wb extends the width W in the example of, while also accommodating the mounting holes 316. Those skilled in the art will understand that various other patterns and arrangements of the holes 312 can be implemented, and the embodiments of the substrate 300 are not limited to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 the example shown.

[0124] As discussed above, the grille 424 includes a perforated region 426 that includes a plurality of holes 428. In certain examples, the plurality of holes 312 in the perforated region 310 of the substrate 300 can be larger than the plurality of holes 428 in the perforated region 426 of the grille 424. In certain examples, each hole 312 of the substrate 300 can have a maximum lateral dimension in the range of 2.5 to 3.75 times the maximum lateral dimension of each hole 428 of the grille 424. For example, the holes 428 of the grille 424 (or the maximum lateral dimension in the case of non-circular holes) can have a diameter in the range of 0.8 mm to 1 mm, and the holes 312 of the substrate 300 can have a diameter in the range of 2 to 3 mm (or the maximum lateral dimension in the case of non-circular holes). In some cases, the substrate 300 can be configured and positioned, and the grille 424 can be positioned to cover the substrate 300 such that there is an axial alignment between the holes 428 of the grille 424 and the holes 312 of the substrate 300. However, in other examples, the holes 428 of the grille 424 and the holes 312 of the substrate 300 may not be axially aligned (e.g., they may be spatially staggered), or there may be an alignment or partial alignment only between some of the plurality of holes 428 and the plurality of holes 312.

[0125] In some cases, the passage of the second acoustic output from the second audio transducer 422 and optionally the passage of the first acoustic output from the first audio transducer 420 may result in noise or sound distortion referred to as "air noise". Accordingly, the size and / or pattern of the holes 312 can be adjusted to reduce air noise. Larger holes 312 can reduce air noise; however, as discussed above, for other reasons, it is desirable to keep the holes 312 small. Thus, in certain examples, the pattern of the holes 312 can be adjusted to reduce air noise while keeping the holes 312 within the size range required for the desired acoustic slot loading effect and meeting any other regulatory requirements as discussed above. For example, in certain cases, the extending height and / or width of the perforated region 310 of the substrate 300a or 300b can reduce air noise. Advantageously, when the width W of the perforated region 310 can be constrained within a certain range based on the desired filtering effect of the substrate 300, the height H can be extended (e.g., as Figure 5 shown in the example) to reduce air noise without significantly changing the slot loading effect of the perforated region 310.

[0126] According to certain embodiments, the substrate 300 may have a curved surface / profile 314 such that the substrate 300 extends around at least a portion of the second audio transducer 422, as Figure 4 shown. Figure 7 A cross-sectional plan view of the substrate 300b taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6 is shown, which shows an example of the curvature of the substrate. Having the curved surface 314 can advantageously increase the structural support and stability provided by the substrate 300 for the grille 424. With the curved surface 314, the solid portion 320 can extend around the sides of the second audio transducer 422, "closing off" the side radiation from the second audio transducer (directing the second acoustic output through the perforated region 310) and further helping to widen the directivity of the second acoustic output, while also providing a smooth boundary for the first acoustic output from the first audio transducer 420. Additionally, the curvature of the substrate 300 can help to widen the directivity of the radiation pattern of the first audio transducer 420. For example, at least in part due to the curved surface 314 of the substrate 300, the directivity of the first acoustic output can be greater than 180 degrees. Thus, as discussed above, the substrate 300 can act as a dual-band acoustic filter, thereby modifying the directivity of both the first acoustic output and the second acoustic output.

[0127] As Figure 4 and Figure 7 shown, the perforated region 310 is formed in the curved surface 314, wherein a plurality of holes 312 extend through the curved surface 314. The substrate may have a thickness T of approximately 3 mm corresponding to the depth of the holes 312, optionally in the range of 2 mm to 3.5 mm. In certain examples, the substrate 300 has a uniform thickness T; however, in other examples, the thickness may vary between the perforated region 310 and other portions of the substrate 300. As discussed above, in some examples, the grille 424 is very thin (e.g., having a thickness of approximately 1 mm), and thus the substrate 300 can have a greater thickness T (e.g., 3 mm) to help (along with the choice of material for the substrate) provide structural support for the grille 424.

[0128] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the substrate 300 and the plurality of holes 312 can be formed using any of a variety of manufacturing techniques. For example, the substrate 300 (along with the plurality of holes) can be formed by injection molding. In other examples, the plurality of holes 312 can be formed in a prefabricated substrate 300 by milling or other hole-forming techniques. In certain examples, the holes 312 can be formed along the thickness T of the substrate 300 to have a varying radius (e.g., such that each hole 312 has an "hourglass" profile). In other examples, the holes 312 can have a uniform radius along the thickness T, as in the example Figure 7 shown.

[0129] Accordingly, aspects and embodiments provide a substrate 300 for a playback device that serves both as an acoustic filter and provides structural support for a thin outer grille 424. As discussed above, many playback devices include a thin outer grille supported by an underlying substrate. By configuring the substrate 300 as discussed above, the directivity of the sound output from the playback device 400 can be advantageously widened and the user experience enhanced using existing components, without adding additional components to the playback device 400.

[0130] After several aspects of at least one embodiment have been described, it should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to fall within the scope of the examples described herein. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings of the various embodiments are presented by way of example only. These examples are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit any particular embodiment to the precise form disclosed. These methods and apparatuses can be implemented in other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Additionally, the language and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting. Any reference in this document to an example, component, element, or act in the singular form can also cover examples including the plural, and any reference to any example, component, element, or act in the plural form in this document can also cover examples including only the singular. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements of the present disclosure. As used herein, "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof are intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items. References to "or" may be construed as inclusive, such that any term described using "or" may indicate any one of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined in accordance with the proper construction of the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than in accordance with the foregoing description of the examples.

Claims

1. A playback device, comprising: An audio transducer; A grille that laterally covers the audio transducer, wherein the grille has a first thickness and includes a first perforated area having a first plurality of holes extending through the grille; and A substrate disposed between the audio transducer and the grille, wherein the substrate has a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and wherein the substrate includes a second perforated area having a second plurality of holes extending through the substrate, the second perforated area defining an acoustic filter configured to modify a radiation pattern of an acoustic output from the audio transducer.

2. The playback device according to claim 1, wherein, Each hole in the first plurality of holes has a first radius, wherein each hole in at least one subset of the second plurality of holes has a second radius, and wherein the first radius is less than the second radius.

3. The playback device according to claim 2, wherein, The second radius is in the range of 1 millimeter to 1.5 millimeters.

4. The playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second perforated area has a lateral width smaller than an outer diameter of the audio transducer.

5. The playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second perforated area laterally extends beyond an outer edge of the audio transducer.

6. The playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Each hole in the second plurality of holes has a maximum lateral dimension in the range of 2.5 to 3.75 times a maximum lateral dimension of each hole in the first plurality of holes.

7. The playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first plurality of holes are spatially staggered with the second plurality of holes.

8. The playback device according to claim 6, wherein, The first plurality of holes are axially aligned with the second plurality of holes.

9. The playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The first thickness is 1 millimeter.

10. The playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The grille is made of plastic.

11. The playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The substrate is made of glass-filled polycarbonate with a glass content in the range of 30% to 40%.

12. The playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The substrate is curved.

13. The playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 further includes a housing that at least partially surrounds the audio transducer, wherein, The substrate is coupled to the housing, and wherein the grille extends around at least a portion of the housing.

14. The playback device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The substrate includes a first solid area and a second solid area, and the second perforated area is laterally disposed between the first solid area and the second solid area.

15. A playback device, comprising: A housing; A first audio transducer configured to generate a first acoustic output according to a first radiation pattern within a first frequency range; A second audio transducer configured to generate a second acoustic output according to a second radiation pattern within a second frequency range that is lower in frequency than the first frequency range; A grille extending around at least a portion of the housing, the grille including a first perforated area having a first plurality of holes extending through the grille; And An acoustic filter coupled to the housing and configured to modify a shape of at least one of the first radiation pattern and the second radiation pattern, the acoustic filter including a substrate having a second perforated area defining a slot of the acoustic filter, the second perforated area including a second plurality of holes extending through the substrate; Wherein the substrate is coupled to the housing and is positioned such that the second perforated area is disposed in front of the second audio transducer to allow the second acoustic output to pass through the second perforated area; and Wherein the grille is positioned such that a portion of the first perforated area covers the second perforated area of the substrate.

16. The playback device according to claim 15, wherein, The housing includes a first end, a second end, and a frame therebetween, and wherein the first audio transducer and the second audio transducer are mounted to the frame.

17. The playback device according to one of claims 15 and 16, wherein, The first frequency range includes audible frequencies above 2 kHz, and wherein the second frequency range includes audible frequencies below 500 Hz.

18. The playback device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The substrate has a curved surface, and the first perforated area is formed in the curved surface.

19. The playback device according to claim 18, wherein, The substrate includes a first solid portion and a second solid portion, the first solid portion and the second solid portion being located on either side of the first perforated area and extending laterally around the second audio transducer, and the first audio transducer being at least partially located above the first solid portion.

20. The playback device according to one of claims 18 and 19, wherein, The substrate is configured such that the acoustic filter provides a diffusion of the first acoustic output greater than 180 degrees.

21. The playback device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein, The first plurality of holes are arranged in a pattern that is radially smooth with respect to the first acoustic output.

22. The playback device according to claim 21, wherein, Each hole of the second plurality of holes has a maximum lateral dimension in the range of 2 to 3 mm.

23. The playback device according to claim 22, wherein, Each hole of the second plurality of holes is circular, and wherein the maximum lateral dimension is the diameter of the respective hole.

24. The playback device according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein, The substrate is made of polycarbonate filled with glass having a glass content in the range of 30% to 40%.

25. The playback device according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein, The lateral width of the groove is less than the outer diameter of the second audio transducer.

26. The playback device according to any one of claims 15 to 25, wherein, The grille has a first axial thickness, and wherein the substrate has a second axial thickness greater than the first axial thickness.

27. The playback device according to any one of claims 26, wherein, The first axial thickness is 1 mm.

28. The playback device according to one of claims 26 and 27, wherein, The second axial thickness is 3 mm.

29. The playback device according to any one of claims 15 to 28, wherein, The grille is made of plastic.

30. A playback device, comprising: a housing; a first audio transducer configured to produce a first acoustic output in a first frequency range; a second audio transducer configured to produce a second acoustic output in a second frequency range that is lower in frequency than the first frequency range; a grille that laterally covers the first audio transducer and the second audio transducer and extends around at least a portion of the housing, wherein the grille includes a first perforated area having a first plurality of holes extending therethrough; and a substrate axially disposed between the second audio transducer and the grille and coupled to the housing, wherein the substrate includes a second perforated area including a second plurality of holes extending through a surface of the substrate and together defining an acoustic filter slot having a lateral width and a height, the lateral width being less than the outer diameter of the second audio transducer; wherein the substrate is positioned such that the second perforated area covers the second audio transducer; and wherein the grille is positioned such that a portion of the first perforated area covers the second perforated area of the substrate.

31. The playback device according to claim 30, wherein, The surface of the substrate is curved.

32. The playback device according to claim 31, wherein, The substrate further includes a first solid area and a second solid area laterally disposed on either side of the second perforated area, and the substrate is configured as a slot-loaded acoustic filter that modifies the diffusion of each of the first acoustic output and the second acoustic output.

33. The playback device according to claim 32, wherein, The first solid portion and the second solid portion extend laterally around the second audio transducer.

34. The playback device according to one of claims 32 and 33, wherein, The slot-loaded acoustic filter provides a directivity of greater than 180 degrees for the first acoustic output.

35. The playback device according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein, The substrate is made of polycarbonate filled with glass having a glass content in the range of 30% to 40%.

36. The playback device according to any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein, The second plurality of holes are arranged in a pattern that is radially smooth with respect to the first acoustic output.

37. The playback device according to any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein, Each of the second plurality of holes has a maximum lateral dimension in the range of 2 to 3 millimeters.

38. The playback device according to claim 37, wherein, The maximum lateral dimension of each hole is the diameter of the hole.

39. The playback device according to any one of claims 30 to 38, wherein, The lateral width of the acoustic filter slot is less than the outer diameter of the second audio transducer.

40. The playback device according to any one of claims 30 to 39, wherein, The grille has a first axial thickness, and wherein the substrate has a second axial thickness greater than the first axial thickness.

41. The playback device according to claim 40, wherein, The first thickness is 1 millimeter, and wherein the second thickness is 3 millimeters.

42. The playback device according to any one of claims 30 to 41, wherein, The housing includes a first end, a second end, and a frame therebetween, and wherein the first audio transducer and the second audio transducer are mounted to the frame.

43. The playback device according to any one of claims 30 to 42, wherein, The first frequency range includes audible frequencies above 2 kHz, and wherein the second frequency range includes audible frequencies below 500 Hz.

44. The playback device according to any one of claims 30 to 43, wherein, The grille is made of plastic.

45. A playback device, comprising: A housing; A first audio transducer configured to produce a first acoustic output in a first frequency range; A second audio transducer configured to produce a second acoustic output in a second frequency range that is lower in frequency than the first frequency range; A grille extending around at least a portion of the housing and covering the first audio transducer and the second audio transducer, the grille including a first perforated region having a first plurality of holes extending through the grille; And A unified dual-band slot-loaded filter coupled to the housing and axially disposed between the second audio transducer and the grille, wherein the unified dual-band slot-loaded filter is configured to modify the directivity of each of the first acoustic output and the second acoustic output and includes a slot covering the second audio transducer, the slot being defined by a second plurality of holes arranged in a pattern in the body of the unified dual-band slot-loaded filter, and wherein the outer edge of the second audio transducer extends laterally beyond the boundary of the slot.

46. The playback device according to claim 45, wherein, The first frequency range includes audible frequencies above 2 kHz, and wherein the second frequency range includes audible frequencies below 500 Hz.

47. The playback device according to one of claims 45 and 46, wherein, The grille is made of plastic.

48. The playback device according to any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein, The second plurality of holes are arranged in a pattern that is radially smooth with respect to the first acoustic output.

49. The playback device according to any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein, Each of the second plurality of holes has a maximum lateral dimension in the range of 2 to 3 millimeters.

50. A unified dual-band slot-loaded acoustic filter for a playback device, comprising: A substrate made of a rigid material, the substrate including a central groove formed therein, the groove being defined by a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes being arranged in a regular pattern where the pitch between adjacent holes is in the range of x to y millimeters and extending through the substrate, each of the plurality of holes having a diameter in the range of 2 to 3 millimeters, and the lateral width of the groove being selected to provide at least 180 degrees of directivity for sound waves having a frequency of 2 kHz.

51. The unified dual-band slot-loaded acoustic filter according to claim 50, wherein, The substrate is made of polycarbonate filled with glass having a glass content in the range of 30% to 40%.

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