Portable speaker with integrated wireless transmitter - Patents.com

Abstract

Various implementations include a portable speaker with a detachable wireless transmitter. In some particular aspects, the portable speaker includes an enclosure housing at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output, a processor coupled to the at least one converter, an audio input module coupled to the processor for receiving an audio input signal, and an input channel for receiving a wired audio input connection at the enclosure, and at least one wireless transmitter removably housed within the enclosure and in communication with a corresponding wireless input channel for receiving audio input from a source device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 583,524, entitled "Portable Speaker with Automatic Detecting Input Channel," filed on January 25, 2022, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 583,527, entitled "Portable Speaker with Dynamic Display Characteristics," filed on January 25, 2022, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present disclosure relates generally to portable speakers, and more particularly to portable speakers, such as portable public address (PA) speakers having a wireless transmitter. [Background technology]

[0003] Portable loudspeakers, such as portable PA systems, can provide users with flexibility in a variety of scenarios, however, conventional portable loudspeakers require wired connections for certain inputs, thereby limiting their functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] All examples and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically possible manner.

[0005] Various implementations include a portable speaker with a detachable wireless transmitter.

[0006] In some particular aspects, a portable speaker includes an enclosure housing at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output, a processor coupled to the at least one converter, an audio input module coupled to the processor for receiving an audio input signal, and an input channel for receiving a wired audio input connection at the enclosure, and at least one wireless transmitter removably housed within the enclosure and in communication with a corresponding wireless input channel for receiving audio input from a source device.

[0007] Implementations may include one or any combination of the following features.

[0008] In some cases, each wireless input channel corresponds to an input channel for receiving a wired audio input connection.

[0009] In certain aspects, the at least one wireless transmitter includes two or more wireless transmitters, each corresponding to a separate wireless input channel and enabling a separate wireless connection between the source device and a corresponding one of the wireless input channels.

[0010] In some implementations, each wireless transmitter includes at least one command button that comprises a power button. In some aspects, the command button includes a mute button.

[0011] In certain aspects, the wireless transmitter includes a Tip-Sleeve (TS) audio connector for coupling to a source device.

[0012] In some cases, the wireless transmitter includes an XLR audio connector for coupling to a source device. In certain aspects, the source device is a microphone.

[0013] In some implementations, the portable speaker further includes a set of docks for housing the wireless transmitter(s).

[0014] In certain cases, each of the docks includes a USB connector and a spring-loaded coupling having at least one magnet. In some embodiments, the USB connector has a minimum retention force to maintain a data connection.

[0015] In some implementations, the USB connector allows for software updates of the wireless transmitter and / or debug accessory mode (DAM) operation on the wireless transmitter.

[0016] In some aspects, each of the sets of docks includes rails for aligning the wireless transmitter. In some cases, the rails include a set of rails, such as a set of two or more rails. In certain implementations, the dock provides an audible click to indicate engagement of the transmitter with the dock.

[0017] In some aspects, each wireless transmitter includes a body having a recess that complements the rail.

[0018] In certain cases, each wireless transmitter includes a battery and is configured to begin charging the battery in response to being engaged with a corresponding one of the set of docks.

[0019] In some aspects, each wireless transmitter comprises a flexible material at the interface with the corresponding dock.

[0020] In some implementations, each of the wireless transmitters is configured to pair the source device with a corresponding wireless input channel on the portable speaker in response to detecting a connection with the source device, In certain cases, detecting a connection with the source device also wakes the wireless transmitter if in a sleep state.

[0021] In some aspects, the at least one wireless transmitter comprises two or more wireless transmitters with corresponding wireless input channels, and the processor is configured to receive audio input from each of the wireless input channels.

[0022] In some cases, each wireless input channel is provided with a separate wireless antenna.

[0023] In certain aspects, each separate antenna is dedicated to a corresponding wireless input channel.

[0024] In some implementations, each antenna is positioned and oriented to provide approximately uniform omnidirectional sensitivity along a plane to wireless signals from a corresponding wireless transmitter.

[0025] In some aspects, the speaker is configured to operate in multiple orientations, and each antenna maintains approximately uniform omnidirectional sensitivity to wireless signals from a corresponding wireless transmitter along a plane regardless of orientation.

[0026] In certain implementations, the speaker further includes an orientation sensor for detecting changes in orientation of the speaker, and the processor is configured to adjust equalization settings of the audio output based on the detected changes in orientation. In some cases, the orientation sensor includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU), or a magnetometer / gyroscope / accelerometer.

[0027] In some aspects, the processor is configured to select the audio input based on a command from an application running on the connected smart device.

[0028] In certain cases, the portable speaker is configured to wirelessly connect with the first additional portable speaker via a wireless input channel. In some cases, the audio input channel is connected with a Bluetooth (BT) module configured to act as both a receiver and a transmitter.

[0029] In some implementations, the portable speaker is further configured to wirelessly connect with a second additional portable speaker via the wireless input channel and a line-out connection on the second additional portable speaker.

[0030] In some aspects, the portable speaker further includes a battery configured to power the at least one transducer, the processor, and the audio input module, and a wired power connector for charging the battery and powering the portable speaker.

[0031] In an additional implementation, the portable speaker is part of a public address (PA) speaker.

[0032] Two or more features described in this disclosure, including features described in this Summary section, may be combined to form implementations not specifically described herein.

[0033] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1A] 1A-1D are perspective views of a portable powered public address (PA) loudspeaker system oriented in a first position according to various implementations. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the portable powered PA loudspeaker system of FIG. 1A oriented in a second position. [Figure 1C]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable powered PA loudspeaker system of FIGS. 1A and 1B oriented in a third position. [Figure 2A(1)] FIG. 1B illustrates the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the first position shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A(2)] FIG. 1B illustrates the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the first position shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2B(1)] FIG. 1C illustrates the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the second position shown in FIG. 1B. [Figure 2B(2)] FIG. 1C illustrates the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the second position shown in FIG. 1B. [Figure 2C(1)] FIG. 1D illustrates the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the third position shown in FIG. 1C. [Figure 2C(2)] FIG. 1D illustrates the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the third position shown in FIG. 1C. [Diagram 3] 1A-1D are perspective views of the interior of a PA loudspeaker system according to various implementations. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the PA loudspeaker system of FIGS. 1A-3 oriented in a first position, including a view of a set of control elements disposed on one or more sides of the PA loudspeaker system, according to various implementations. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a signal flow diagram showing audio and bass paths within a loudspeaker according to various implementations. [Figure 6] 1A-1D are end views illustrating a set of docks within a loudspeaker according to various implementations. [Figure 7] 1A-1C are side views illustrating a set of wireless transmitters for a loudspeaker according to various implementations. [Figure 8] 1A-1C are end views illustrating a set of wireless transmitters for a loudspeaker according to various implementations. [Figure 9]1A-1C are perspective cutaway views of a loudspeaker showing the location of antennas according to various implementations. [Figure 10] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating operations within a method, according to various implementations. [Figure 11] 1A-1D are close-up views of a display in a first orientation according to various implementations. [Figure 12] 1A-1C are enlarged views of a display in a second orientation according to various implementations. [Figure 13] 1A-1C are enlarged views of a portion of a display according to various implementations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] It should be noted that the drawings of the various implementations are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the implementations. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

[0036] This disclosure is based, at least in part, on the recognition that an integrated wireless radio (e.g., transmitter and receiver) can enhance the user experience in portable speaker systems, such as public address (PA) speakers. For example, a removably housed wireless transmitter can enable users of various source devices to wirelessly connect with the portable speaker. In some cases, the speaker includes both a wired audio input channel and a detachable wireless transmitter for one or more input channels.

[0037] Commonly labeled components in the figures are considered to be substantially equivalent components for illustrative purposes, and redundant descriptions of those components are omitted for clarity. Numerical ranges and values ​​described according to various implementations are merely examples of such ranges and values ​​and are not intended to limit those implementations. In some cases, the term "approximately" is used to modify a value, and in these cases, these values ​​can refer to a margin of error, such as measurement error, which may range up to 1 to 5 percent.

[0038] In some examples, PA loudspeaker systems are built with a particular target customer segment in mind. For example, the primary use of a PA loudspeaker system may be for a solo musician who needs an amplifier for voice or instruments (e.g., guitar or drums) to perform on the street, or for a disc jockey who plays music for a small audience. In another example, a PA loudspeaker system may be a general-purpose electro-acoustic driver for amplifying sounds, e.g., voices and / or instruments, in a classroom, a karaoke event at home, or other event involving a small group of people. In yet another example, a PA loudspeaker system may be needed for a larger audience, such as an auditorium. While certain aspects of loudspeakers, such as PA loudspeakers, are described herein, additional features of such loudspeakers are also described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 10,555,101, filed Apr. 2, 2019, and U.S. Pat. No. 10,524,042, filed Jun. 27, 2017, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, a portable motorized loudspeaker (e.g., PA speaker system) 10 may include an enclosure 22 (also called a housing or cabinet) having a top 51, a base 52, and a number of sides extending between the top 51 and the base 52. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the sides may include a first side 53, a second side 54, a third side 55, a fourth side 61, a fifth side 62, a sixth side 63, and a seventh side 64. Each side extends along a common extension direction around the periphery between the top 51 and the base 52 to form an interior of the enclosure 22 within which a set of mounted transducers are disposed, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. In other examples, the enclosure 22 may have a different number of sides, e.g., fewer than seven or more than seven, with various widths or other dimensions. Enclosure 22 may be configured to be oriented vertically, horizontally or diagonally, for example, tangentially or non-vertically, with respect to the ground on which loudspeaker 10 is placed.

[0040] The upper portion 51 may include a number of sloping walls 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127 that each slope, taper, or incline from a bottom region of the upper portion 51 that abuts the sides to an upper region to provide robustness and portability to the loudspeaker 10. Each upper wall portion 121-127 has an upper horizontal boundary 131, a bottom vertical boundary 132, and a slope or inclined portion 133 that extends between the upper portion 131 and the bottom portion 132. Thus, the perimeter of the bottom region of the upper portion 51 formed by the bottom portions 132 of the upper walls 121-127 may include a lip and thus may have a larger parameter than the perimeter of the upper region formed by the upper horizontal boundary 131. The lip formed by the vertical bottom 132 of the upper walls 121 - 127 of the top 51 of the enclosure 22 may also have a width greater than the width of the portion of the enclosure 22 formed by the sides 53 , 54 , 55 , 61 , 62 , 63 , and 64 .

[0041] The upper regions of the collection walls 121-127 may include a horizontal upper boundary that forms a cavity or recess in the upper portion 51 in which a handle 72 may be located. The handle 72 may allow the portable loudspeaker 10 to be easily carried and transported with one hand.

[0042] The top 51 may have a pentagonal shape formed from walls 121, 123, 124, 125, 126. However, the top 51 need not be a perfect pentagonal shape (i.e., all five sides have the same length) as the walls may be of different lengths and other walls may extend between the five pentagonal sides. For example, as shown, the top can include wall 122 between walls 121 and 123 and wall 127 between walls 121 and 126, which provide a bevel or cutoff in the areas that would otherwise be corners between walls 121 and 123 and between walls 121 and 126, respectively. In some examples, top walls 121-127 and the corners formed therebetween may be aligned along a common extension direction with side walls 53, 54, 55, 61, 62, 63, and 64 and the corners therebetween. For example, corner region C′ between walls 121 and 122 may extend along the same axis as corner region C″ between sides 53 and 61, as shown in FIG. 1A. In some examples, a base side, such as side 142, may be the same width as an enclosure side, such as 61. In other examples, the width of a base side may be different from the width of the corresponding enclosure side.

[0043] The base 52 opposite the top 51 of the enclosure 22 includes walls 141-147 or sides that extend at an angle, e.g., 30 degrees, from a flat bottom portion 66 of the base 52 and from a sloped bottom portion 67. The flat bottom portion 66 is bonded to, integral with, or otherwise aligned with the sides 52, 53, and 54. The sloped bottom portion 67 is bonded to, integral with, or otherwise aligned with the sides 63 and 64, each of which has a tapered surface that allows for the tapering of the bottom portion 67.

[0044] Base walls 141-147 of the base can include a first portion that slopes, tapers, or inclines from bottom surface 66, 67 and a second portion that extends perpendicularly, e.g., along a plane that is the same as or parallel to the corresponding side wall. Collectively, the first base walls form a boundary having parameters that are less than the parameters of the second base walls. The boundary formed from the second base walls can include, e.g., a lip that is wider than the perimeter of enclosure 22 formed by sides 53, 54, 55, 61, 62, 63, and 64.

[0045] Thus, each of the top 51 and bottom 52 can have a width, contour, perimeter, or related dimension that is greater than the width, contour, perimeter, or related dimension of the peripheral sidewall region formed by the sides 53, 54, 55, 61, 62, 63, and 64. As a result, some or all of the sides are recessed relative to the top 51 and base 52, preventing elements from the walls, i.e., control elements 24, handles 72, etc., from protruding beyond the outermost surfaces of the top 51 and base 52, thus allowing the walls of the top 51 and base 52 to be positioned on a flat surface without interference from such elements.

[0046] In some examples, the enclosure 22 may be formed or molded from a single material such that the top 51 and base 52 are integral or incorporated with at least some of the sides, e.g., one piece. In some examples, all sides except the first side 53 are integral with the top 51 and base 52, e.g., as shown in FIG. 3. In some examples, one or more panels may be placed over the enclosure 22, with at least one panel forming or covering one of the sides. For example, a front grille, screen, or panel 71 may form the first side 53, or may be placed over another layer of material that forms the first side 53, or may simply cover an opening in the enclosure. In some examples, the front grille 71 extends from the first surface 53 to at least a portion of the adjacent sides 62, 62, 54, and / or 55. In other examples, instead of a frame, the panels that form the sides are directly bonded to each other to form a perimeter around the interior of the enclosure 22.

[0047] In some examples, the electroacoustic transducers are arranged to provide an audio output, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, a horn-type woofer 82 and tweeters 84A-84C (generally referred to as 84) may be arranged to output sound waves from the first side 53 through the front grille 71. Also, two or more acoustic ports 92A, 92B (generally referred to as 92) may be included behind the front grille 71 to allow air and / or acoustic flow paths through the interior of the enclosure 22, e.g., behind the woofer 82. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, a sub-enclosure 90 may be coupled to the system frame to receive and hold the woofer 82, tweeter 84, and acoustic ports 92 in place. Multiple panels and / or sides, e.g., sides 53, 61, and 62, may be positioned over the sub-enclosure 90.

[0048] 4 shows one of the sides (e.g., side 63) including one or more control elements 24, such as interfaces, connectors, knobs, switches, etc. In some implementations, the control elements 24 may be located on the same side of the speaker 10, such as side 63. In other implementations, the control elements 24 may be distributed across two or more surfaces of the enclosure 22. Various additional aspects of the loudspeaker 10 are described in the following sections, the features of which may be implemented separately or in any combination that is technically feasible.

[0049] Detachable wireless transmitter 5 is a system diagram illustrating signal flow paths to and from the loudspeaker 10 according to various implementations. In some cases, the signal flow paths illustrate the flow of audio and / or control signals to / from the loudspeaker 10 and / or between components contained in the enclosure 22. Some control components are not shown, but may be deployed similarly to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,555,101. For example, the loudspeaker 10 may include one or more orientation sensors (e.g., inertial measurement units, magnetometers / gyroscopes / accelerometers, etc.) to detect changes in orientation of the loudspeaker 10 and adjust equalization settings of the audio output based on the detected changes in orientation.

[0050] In various implementations, the loudspeaker 10 includes a processor 100 (e.g., a system processor that may include one or more microcontrollers) coupled to an audio input module 110 for receiving audio input signals from one or more source devices. In various implementations, the audio input module 110 may include an audio processor module (not shown) for communicating with the system processor 100. In some implementations, the audio input module 110 may include a wireless communication module, e.g., a Bluetooth or BLE module, for communicating with one or more devices via a wireless communication protocol. The processor 100 may be configured to control amplifier inputs and outputs, examples of such inputs and outputs include sensor inputs, outputs to fans and other temperature control components, and inputs / outputs to driver (transducer) connectors, such as low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency driver outputs. The processor 100 is also configured to send and receive audio and control signals, e.g., via the amplifier module connectors.

[0051] In certain cases, the audio input module 110 is configured to receive audio input signals from two or more source devices, which may include source devices of distinct types. The loudspeaker 10 is shown including at least one input channel (two shown as 120A, 120B) for receiving a wired audio input connection at the enclosure 22. Corresponding input connectors 130A, 130B for the channels 120A, 120B are shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the loudspeaker 10 may further include at least one wireless transmitter 140 (two examples of transmitters 140A, 140B are shown) removably housed in the enclosure 22 and in communication with a corresponding wireless input channel 150 (two examples of input channels 150A, 150B are shown in FIG. 5) for receiving audio input from a source device (e.g., musical instrument, microphone, etc.). In some implementations, each wireless input channel 150 corresponds to an input channel 120A, 120B for receiving a wired input connection (e.g., at connectors 130A, 130B). That is, the loudspeaker 10 allows a user to connect a source device to the same input channel (e.g., channel 1, channel 2, etc.) wirelessly or via a wired connection. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, two wireless transmitters 140A, 140B are shown that correspond to separate wireless input channels 150A, 150B and enable separate wireless connections between the source device and the channels 150A, 150B.

[0052] 5 illustrates additional components in the loudspeaker circuitry for performing audio and / or control processing, including, for example, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 152 and stereo digital-to-analog converters (DACs) 154A, 154B, 154C. Certain data and signal flow paths are illustrated for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit various implementations. In some cases, wireless connection flow paths are contrasted with wired connection flow paths by "wireless" notation (e.g., "wireless input") and "insertion" notation (e.g., "insertion mode"), respectively.

[0053] 6 is a close-up view of a dock 160 housing a transmitter 140 with the transmitter 140 removed. In various implementations, the transmitter 140 is configured to mechanically engage and disengage from the loudspeaker 10 at the dock 160. According to some implementations, the dock 160 has a depth greater than its width or height, allowing it to receive a connector for each transmitter 140. In certain cases, the transmitter 140 is attachable to and detachable from the loudspeaker 10 at the dock 160 without tools or other external devices. For example, the transmitter 140 may be configured to connect to the dock 160 via an interlocking arm or hook, a spring-loaded mount, a pressure-fit connector, or the like. In these cases, a user may manually connect and disconnect the transmitter 140 to and from the loudspeaker 10.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a side view of a set of transmitters 140 removed from a dock 160. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an end view of the transmitters 140 of FIG. 7 as viewed from the left (insertion side). With reference to FIGS. 6-8, the transmitters 140 can be configured to slide in and out of the dock 160 on one or more rails 170 or other guide members in the dock 160. In some cases, each dock 160 has a pair of rails 170 for aligning the corresponding transmitter 140 when it is docked. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 8, the transmitters 140 can include recesses 180 (two are shown in this example) that complement the rails 170. In other cases, recesses can be located in the dock 160 and rails (or similar protrusions) can be located on the transmitters 140. That is, any manner of complementary alignment features can be utilized to align the transmitters 140 in the dock 160. In an additional implementation, the transmitter 140 includes a flexible material 190 at the interface with the dock 160. This flexible material 190 may be different from the stiffer material disposed in other portions of the transmitter 140 and may allow for a desirable consistent fit between the body of the transmitter 140 and the dock 160.

[0055] In some implementations, each transmitter 140 may include command buttons 195 for controlling one or more functions of the transmitter 140. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the transmitter 140 may include a power button 200 for powering the transmitter 140 on and / or off. In some implementations, optionally as shown in phantom, the transmitter 140 may also include a mute button 210 for muting the output from the transmitter 140.

[0056] In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 7, one of the transmitters 140A includes a tip-sleeve (TS) audio connector 220 for coupling with a source device. As shown, the TS audio connector 220 is configured to nest or otherwise retract within the body of the transmitter 140A, which can protect the connector 220 while allowing for docking and removal from the dock 160. FIG. 7 shows the TS audio connector 220 in an intermediate state where a portion of the TS audio connector 220 resides outside the body of the transmitter 140. It is understood that in some implementations, the TS audio connector 220 can be replaced with a tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) audio connector. The TS audio connector 220 can be configured to couple with a source device, such as an electric musical instrument (e.g., guitar, keyboard, etc.), or any output device having a corresponding TS mating connection. In an additional implementation, one of the transmitters 140B includes an XLR audio connector 230 for coupling with a source device. The XLR audio connector 230 may be configured to couple with a source device, such as a microphone or other line level source. In various implementations, each dock 160 is configured to accept either of the transmitters 140. That is, the first dock 160A may be configured to receive either of the transmitters 140A or 140B, and the second dock 160B may be configured to receive either of the transmitters 140A or 140B. It is further understood that the input connector 130 may be configured to make a physical connection with a TS, TRS, and / or XLR audio connector.

[0057] As described herein, the dock 160 can provide both a physical connection and an electrical connection with the transmitter 140 for storage and power / charging and communication. For example, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, each dock 160 can include an electrical and / or data connector 240 for mating with a corresponding connector 240′ (shown in one example as being internal to the body) on the transmitter 140. In some cases, the electrical and / or data connector 240 can include a USB connector. In certain examples, the connector 240 (e.g., a USB connector or a variation thereof, such as a USB-C connector) enables software updates of the transmitter 140 or debug accessory mode (DAM) operation in the transmitter 140.

[0058] The dock 160 may also include a spring-loaded coupling 250 and a magnet 260 (or multiple magnets). In some cases, the spring-loaded coupling 250 allows a user to perform a push-to-engage and / or push-to-disengage function to couple and uncouple the transmitter 140 to the dock 160, respectively. In some cases, when the transmitter 140 is docked, the outer surface of the transmitter 140 is approximately flush with the outer surface of the enclosure 22. This position may be maintained by the spring-loaded coupling and magnet 260. In some cases, the spring-loaded coupling 250 allows the transmitter 140 to be released so that the user can grab and remove the transmitter 140 from the dock 160. In certain cases, the connector 240 (e.g., a USB connector) is maintained in an intermediate position, such that the transmitter 140 remains connected to the magnet 260 and the connector 240 even after the release of the spring-loaded coupling 250. In other words, a force greater than the spring force of coupling 250 is required to overcome the coupling of transmitter 140 with connector 240 and magnet 260. In this sense, connector (e.g., USB connector) 240 has a minimum retention force to maintain a data connection with loudspeaker 10.

[0059] In some cases, each wireless transmitter 140 has a battery and is configured to initiate charging of the battery in response to being engaged with one of the docks 160. For example, in response to detecting a connection at connector 240 (e.g., a USB connection), a processor in loudspeaker 10 is configured to initiate charging of transmitter 140.

[0060] In additional implementations, each transmitter 140 is configured to connect a source device (e.g., an instrument, a microphone, etc.) to a corresponding wireless input channel (e.g., channel 1, channel 2, etc.) in response to detecting a connection with the source device. In some implementations, when a user connects the transmitter 140 to a source device, the transmitter 140 automatically pairs the source device with the input channel (e.g., channel 1, channel 2, etc.). In some implementations, if the transmitter 140 is in a sleep or standby state before connecting with a source device, the transmitter 140 is configured to wake up in response to detecting a connection with a source device. In certain cases, the transmitter 140 in a sleep or standby state first wakes up in response to detecting a connection, and then connects the source device to the input channel.

[0061] As described herein, in a scenario where the loudspeaker 10 has multiple transmitters 140 for transmitting signals to multiple input channels (e.g., channel 1, channel 2), a processor in the loudspeaker 10 is configured to receive audio input from each of the wireless input channels. In certain cases, each wireless input channel has a separate wireless antenna. In some cases, a separate antenna is dedicated to a corresponding wireless input channel. FIG. 9 shows a perspective cutaway view of a portion of the loudspeaker 10, illustrating an example of two separate wireless antennas 300A, 300B (e.g., radio frequency (RF) antennas) along with a Bluetooth® (BT) antenna 310. In some implementations, each antenna 300A, 300B is positioned and oriented to provide approximately uniform omnidirectional sensitivity along a plane to wireless signals from a corresponding wireless transmitter 140. That is, along a given plane, such as height relative to the ground or floor surface, each of the antennas 300A, 300B exhibits approximately uniform sensitivity to wireless signals from the corresponding transmitter 140 in all directions. This allows a user to connect the wireless transmitter 140 for either channel to a source device (e.g., microphone, musical instrument, etc.) and move around the loudspeaker 10 in the plane without noticeable differences in wireless signal quality. In some cases, as described herein, the loudspeaker 10 is configured to operate in multiple orientations, and each antenna 300A, 300B maintains approximately uniform omnidirectional sensitivity to wireless signals from a corresponding transmitter (e.g., transmitter 140A, transmitter 140B) along the plane, regardless of the orientation of the loudspeaker 10.

[0062] In some implementations, audio input to loudspeaker 10 may be controlled by one or more control elements 24 (FIG. 4), such as via a command interface, GUI, dials, buttons, etc. In additional implementations, audio input to loudspeaker 10 may be controlled by commands from an application running on a connected smart device 400 (FIG. 4). That is, a user may control the selection of audio input (e.g., from a Bluetooth device, transmitter 140A, transmitter 140B, etc.) with commands from an application running on a connected smart device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or dedicated controller.

[0063] In additional implementations, loudspeaker 10 is configured to wirelessly connect with a first additional portable speaker via one of the wireless input channels. For example, loudspeaker 10 can connect with an additional similar loudspeaker via a Bluetooth connection (e.g., via BT antenna 310) or via another wireless communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi). In some of these cases, loudspeaker 10 can provide audio output to the first additional portable speaker via the wireless connection.

[0064] In yet further implementations, loudspeaker 10 is configured to wirelessly connect to a second additional portable speaker (e.g., a speaker similar to loudspeaker 10) via the wireless input channel and a line-out connection on the second additional portable speaker. In these cases, loudspeaker 10 is configured to receive audio input from the second additional portable speaker via one of the wireless transmitters 140 coupled to line-out connector 350 (FIG. 4) to form a wireless daisy chain between loudspeaker 10.

[0065] As referred to herein, loudspeaker 10 is configured for both wired (wired) use as well as portable (e.g., battery powered) use. That is, as shown in FIGURE 4, enclosure 22 may include a wired power connector 360 for charging an on-board battery (housed in enclosure 22) that may power the transducer, processor, audio input module, etc. Wired power connector 360 may also provide power for charging wireless transmitter 140, which includes on-board power storage (e.g., a battery), as described herein. In various implementations, one or more batteries in loudspeaker 10 and / or transmitter 140 may be rechargeable and / or replaceable.

[0066] Automatic input channel detection In certain implementations, the loudspeaker 10 is configured to automatically detect the input channel and adjust the audio input signal accordingly. In certain cases, the processor 100 is configured to adjust the audio signal received from the wired input connection 130 and / or the wireless transmitter 140 based on one or more of the connection status or the connection order. FIG. 10 illustrates a method performed by the processor 100 in managing the input connections according to various implementations. For example, in some cases, the processor 100 is configured to detect the state of the wired audio input connection at the connector 130 (process P1) and the wireless connection with the transmitter 140 (decision D1). If the wireless connection precedes the wired connection at the connector 130 (Yes to D1), the processor 100 adjusts the audio signal from the wired connector 130 (process P2). If the wireless connection does not precede the wired connection (No to D1), the processor 100 outputs the audio input from the wired connector 130 as the primary audio (process P3).

[0067] In certain implementations, decision D1 (detecting the status of the wireless connection with the transmitter) includes checking whether the wireless transmitter 140 is present in the corresponding dock 160 before determining whether audio input from the source device is detected via the wireless connection 150. In some of these cases, the processor 100 may first determine whether the wireless transmitter 140 is powered on, and if so, may then determine whether the transmitter 140 is paired with the corresponding channel (e.g., channel 1 or channel 2). In further cases, the processor 100 determines whether audio input is received via the paired wireless transmitter 140. According to some implementations, the loudspeaker 10 adjusts the audio signal from the wired connector 130 (process P2) only if the wireless transmitter 140 is powered on and paired with the corresponding input channel (e.g., channel 1 or channel 2). In a further implementation, the loudspeaker 10 adjusts the audio signal from the wired connector 130 (process P2) only if the wireless transmitter 140 is paired and audio input is being received from that transmitter 140. If the processor 100 determines that the transmitter 140 is powered on but not paired or not providing audio input, the processor 100 prioritizes the wired connection and outputs the audio input from the connector 130 as the primary audio (process P3).

[0068] In a particular example, conditioning the audio signal in process P2 includes switching the input channel 120 for the wired connector 130 to an effects loop. In some of these cases, conditioning the audio signal in process P2 includes adjusting the pre-amplification order of the audio signal (from the wired connector 130) before providing an audio output, for example, by prioritizing amplification of the wireless signal from the transmitter 140 over the signal from the wired connector 130. In various implementations, audio input from a source device (e.g., a microphone, an instrument, an additional connected speaker, or an audio gateway) received via the wired connector 130 is received as a digital audio input and converted to an analog audio signal. In a particular case, the transmitter 140 transmits at a frequency of about 2.4 gigahertz (GHz).

[0069] Returning to Figure 4, in certain implementations, the processor 100 is configured to select an audio input (e.g., between the transmitters 140A, 140B, the connector 130) based on commands from an application executing on a connected smart device 400 (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a controller, etc.). In some cases, the smart device 400 executes or otherwise accesses programs (e.g., applications) configured to control functions of the loudspeaker 10, such as selecting an input, adjusting volume and / or equalization settings, controlling power settings (e.g., on / off / standby), etc. In certain cases, the functionality of the application may be executed on a dedicated controller in addition to or instead of the smart device 400.

[0070] Dynamic display characteristics FIG. 11 shows a close-up view of a display 500 that can include one or more of the control elements 24 shown in FIG. 4. The display 500 can be located on any surface of the loudspeaker 10, and in certain cases, is located adjacent to the control elements 24. An example of a control element 24 shown in FIG. 11 includes a volume control control (e.g., knob) 505 for each of a number of inputs (e.g., channel 1, channel 2, and BT input). In some implementations, the display 500 includes a number of sub-displays 510A, 510B, 510C. One or more aspects of the display 500 can include digital display elements, such as digital screens or windows, as shown in the sub-displays 510A, 510B, 510C. In some cases, the sub-displays include organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

[0071] In various implementations, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the orientation of the display 500 is configured to adjust between a first orientation (Figure 11) and a second orientation (Figure 12) in response to detecting a change in the orientation of the loudspeaker 10. That is, when the orientation of the loudspeaker is adjusted between two or more orientations, the display 500 (e.g., including one or more sub-displays 510A, 510B, 510C) is adjusted between at least two orientations. Figure 11 illustrates a first orientation of the display 500 relative to the loudspeaker 10, and Figure 12 illustrates a second orientation of the display 500 relative to the loudspeaker 10. In some implementations, the orientation of the display 500 is intended to be easily identifiable to a user in a given loudspeaker orientation, e.g., can be read from left / right and vertically oriented orientations. As described herein, loudspeaker 10 can be configured to operate in at least three distinct predefined playback orientations (e.g., as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C). In some examples, a first orientation of display 500 corresponds to two or more of the playback orientations (e.g., as shown in Figures 1A and 1B) and a second orientation of display 500 corresponds to a distinct playback orientation (e.g., in Figure 1C).

[0072] As described herein, the processor 100 is coupled with an orientation sensor 520 (FIG. 5) for indicating an orientation of the loudspeaker 10. The orientation sensor 520 may include a gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer, and / or an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and may be configured to provide data to the processor 100 regarding a change in orientation in response to detecting the change, e.g., as modified by a threshold and / or a hysteresis factor. In a particular example as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the display 500 includes a set of visual signal indicators 530 corresponding to the input channels (e.g., the wired channel connections 130A, 130B and / or the wireless connections 150A, 150B). As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the visual signal indicators 530 may provide visual feedback regarding signals received on each of the input channels (e.g., via the wired connections 130A, 130B and / or the wireless connections 150A, 150B). In one example, as shown in the expanded view of the visual signal indicators 530 in Figure 13, the set of visual signal indicators 530 each have a low signal end 600 and a high signal end 610 that span between an input channel (connector) 130A, 130B or a dock 160A, 160B and a corresponding display screen 510A, 510B associated with a given one of the channels. According to some implementations, each visual signal indicator 530 is configured to indicate one or more of: i) no signal (e.g., lack of fill as shown in Ch.2), ii) sufficient signal (e.g., green as shown in Ch.1), or iii) clipping (e.g., inconsistent signal or high signal level, sampled at approximately 50 ms intervals and shown in red as in the BT channel). In some cases, for example when the loudspeaker 10 is in an upright orientation (FIGS. 12, 13), the visual signal indicator 530 extends from a lower signal edge 600 on the left portion of the display 500 to a higher signal edge 610 on the right portion of the display 500.

[0073] In additional implementations, the display 500 further includes a set of visual battery level indicators 620 (FIGS. 11, 12) associated with each wireless input channel 150 and corresponding to each of the removably housed wireless transmitters 140. In certain cases, the battery level indicators 620 can indicate the remaining battery amount (e.g., in percentage, level, and / or time) of a transmitter 140 that is not present in the corresponding dock 160. In addition, the battery level indicators 620 can display an indicator that the battery is charging and / or is fully charged (when applicable) when the transmitter 140 is in a given dock 160. The battery level indicators 620 can also indicate the battery level of a connected Bluetooth device, for example, connected via the BT channel shown in FIGS. 11-13.

[0074] In certain implementations, the processor 100 is further configured to communicate with an application executing on the smart device 400 (FIG. 4) to provide additional visual or audible signal indicators. For example, the visual signal indicators in the smart device 400 may be displayed, for example, in a progressive manner, via an application interface to provide a user with information about the signal received over the input channel. The visual signal level indicators in the smart device 400 may be in a similar format and / or style as the visual signal indicators 530 on the display of the loudspeaker 10, or may be in a different format and / or style. In various implementations, the visual signal level indicators in the smart device 400 are part of a digital display. Additionally, the application may initiate an audible signal indicator, such as an audible beep, chime or tone, clipping sound, via the speaker of the smart device 400 to indicate characteristics of the signal received on the channel. Additionally, the visual and / or audible signal indicators may include information about suggested adjustments to improve the signal received at the speaker 10. For example, the suggested adjustments may include a message (e.g., visual and / or audible) suggesting that the user adjust a physical connection (e.g., at the wired connector 130 or between the audio connectors 220, 230 and the source device) or that the user move the transmitter 140 closer to the speaker 10 (e.g., in the case of a wireless transmitter 140).

[0075] In additional implementations, the processor 100 is configured to provide an error indicator to the display 500 in response to detecting that the speaker 10 is oriented in the wrong direction relative to a predefined playback orientation. For example, the processor 10 can provide an error indicator (e.g., a visual indicator in the display 500 and / or an audible indicator via the transducers 82, 84) indicating that the speaker 10 is tilted or upside down. In some implementations, a tilted position is indicated by the speaker 10 being between predefined playback orientations or by being in an unstable position. In additional implementations, a tilted position is defined by the speaker 10 being in an orientation other than the three predefined orientations of Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C. An upside-down orientation can be defined as any position in which the top surface (e.g., top 51) of the speaker 10 is below the bottom surface (e.g., bottom 52).

[0076] 11 and 12, in some examples, the display 500 can include three separate sub-displays 510A, 510B, 510C, each associated with an actuatable button, knob, switch, or the like. In some cases, the actuatable button includes a control 505. Although the button 505 is shown as separate from the associated sub-display 510, in some implementations, the sub-display 510 can receive a push button command in addition to or instead of the button 505. That is, the display 510 can include a touch interface (e.g., a capacitive touch interface) for receiving touch commands from a user. In either case, the button 505 (and / or the display 510) can be configured to receive one or more commands, and in certain cases, a long press command on a given button 505 causes a configuration menu to be presented on the associated display 510. The configuration menu can include configuration selections and / or adjustment options for multiple loudspeaker configurations, such as a battery mode (e.g., low power mode), settings (e.g., audio settings such as equalization, or sleep timer settings), and / or a shutdown menu to enable shutting down of the loudspeaker 10. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 4, the display 500 further includes a tone matching preset switch 630 to enable tone matching for each of the input channels, including the wireless channel input from the transmitter 140.

[0077] As described herein, loudspeaker 10 can provide several practical and beneficial configurations for users, including, but not limited to, wireless device and / or microphone connectivity, automatic channel detection and audio adjustment, and dynamic display features. Compared to traditional portable loudspeakers, such as portable PA loudspeakers, loudspeaker 10 can enhance the user experience and provide many benefits.

[0078] One or more components within loudspeaker 10 may be formed from any conventional loudspeaker material, such as heavy plastic, metal (e.g., aluminum or an alloy such as an alloy of aluminum), composite material, etc. It is understood that loudspeaker 10 as shown in the figures contained herein and the relative proportions, sizes, and shapes of the components and their features may be merely illustrative of such physical attributes of those components, i.e., these proportions, shapes, and sizes may be altered in various implementations to suit various products.

[0079] As used herein, a controller and / or control circuit may include a processor and / or microcontroller, where applicable, which may include electromechanical control hardware / software, and decoders, DSP hardware / software, etc., for rendering audio content on the loudspeaker 10, as well as for communicating with other components within the loudspeaker 10. The control circuit may also include one or more digital-to-analog (D / A) converters for converting digital audio signals to analog audio signals. This audio hardware may also include one or more amplifiers that provide amplified analog audio signals to the loudspeaker 10. In additional implementations, the controller / control circuit includes sensor data processing logic for processing data from the sensors.

[0080] The functionality or portions thereof, and various modifications thereof (hereinafter "functionality") described herein may be implemented at least in part via a computer program product (e.g., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, such as one or more non-transitory machine-readable media, for execution by or to control the operation of one or more data processing devices (e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, multiple computers, and / or programmable logic components, etc.).

[0081] The computer program may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it may be arranged in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. The computer program may be arranged to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site, or may be distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a network.

[0082] The operations associated with implementing all or part of the functionality may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform the functions of the calibration process. All or part of the functionality may be implemented as special purpose logic circuitry, such as FPGAs and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, by way of example, both general purpose and special purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory, or a random access memory, or both. The components of a computer include a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data.

[0083] Elements of the figures are shown and described as individual elements of block diagrams. These elements may be implemented as one or more of analog or digital circuits. Alternatively, or additionally, these elements may be implemented with one or more microprocessors executing software instructions. The software instructions may include digital signal processing instructions. Operations may be performed by analog circuitry or by a microprocessor executing software that performs the equivalent of an analog operation. Signal lines may be implemented as separate analog or digital signal lines, as separate digital signal lines with appropriate signal processing capable of processing separate signals, and / or as elements of a wireless communication system.

[0084] When a process is depicted or suggested in a block diagram, the steps may be performed by one element or by multiple elements. The steps may be performed collectively or at different times. The elements performing the activities may be physically the same or in close proximity to each other, or may be physically separate. An element may perform more activities than one block. The audio signal may be encoded or unencoded and may be transmitted in either digital or analog form. Conventional audio signal processing equipment and audio signal computing are in some cases omitted from the drawings.

[0085] In various implementations, electronic components described as "coupled" may be linked via conventional wired and / or wireless means such that the electronic components can communicate data with one another. Furthermore, subcomponents within a given component may be considered to be linked via conventional paths, although not necessarily illustrated.

[0086] Other embodiments not specifically described herein are also within the scope of the following claims. Elements of different implementations described herein may be combined to form other embodiments not specifically described above. Elements may be removed from the structures described herein without adversely affecting the operation of the structures described herein. Furthermore, various separate elements may be combined into one or more individual elements to perform the functions described herein.

Claims

1. A portable speaker, 1. An enclosure comprising: at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output; a processor coupled to the at least one converter; an audio input module coupled to the processor for receiving an audio input signal; an input channel for accepting a wired audio input connection at said enclosure; an enclosure for housing the at least one wireless transmitter removably received within the enclosure and in communication with a corresponding wireless input channel for receiving an audio input from a source device; A portable speaker comprising:

2. 2. The portable speaker of claim 1, wherein each wireless input channel corresponds to an input channel for receiving a wired audio input connection.

3. 13. The portable speaker of claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless transmitter comprises two or more wireless transmitters, each corresponding to a separate wireless input channel and enabling a separate wireless connection between a source device and a corresponding one of the wireless input channels.

4. 10. The portable speaker of claim 1, wherein each wireless transmitter comprises at least one command button including a power button.

5. The portable speaker of claim 1 , wherein the at least one wireless transmitter comprises a Tip-Sleeve (TS) audio connector for coupling with the source device.

6. The portable speaker of claim 1 , wherein the at least one wireless transmitter comprises an XLR audio connector for coupling to the source device.

7. 10. The portable speaker of claim 1, further comprising a set of docks for housing said at least one wireless transmitter.

8. 8. The portable speaker of claim 7, wherein each of the docks comprises a USB connector and a spring-loaded coupling having at least one magnet.

9. 9. The portable speaker of claim 8, wherein the USB connector enables at least one of software updates of the wireless transmitter or debug accessory mode (DAM) operation on the wireless transmitter.

10. 8. The portable speaker of claim 7, wherein each of the set of docks includes a rail for aligning the wireless transmitter.

11. 11. The portable speaker of claim 10, wherein each wireless transmitter comprises a body having a recess that complements the rail.

12. 8. The portable speaker of claim 7, wherein each wireless transmitter comprises a battery and is configured to initiate charging of the battery in response to being engaged with a corresponding one of the set of docks.

13. 8. The portable speaker of claim 7, wherein each wireless transmitter comprises a flexible material at an interface with the corresponding dock.

14. 2. The portable speaker of claim 1, wherein each of the wireless transmitters is configured to, in response to detecting a connection with the source device, connect the source device to a corresponding wireless input channel on the portable speaker.

15. 10. The portable speaker of claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless transmitter comprises two or more wireless transmitters having corresponding wireless input channels, and the processor is configured to receive audio input from each of the wireless input channels.

16. 16. A portable speaker as claimed in claim 15, wherein each wireless input channel is provided with a separate antenna.

17. 17. The portable speaker of claim 16, wherein each of the separate antennas is dedicated to a corresponding wireless input channel.

18. 17. The portable speaker of claim 16, wherein each antenna is positioned and oriented to provide approximately uniform omnidirectional sensitivity along a plane to wireless signals from a corresponding wireless transmitter.

19. 17. The portable speaker of claim 16, wherein the speaker is configured to operate in multiple orientations, and each antenna maintains a substantially uniform omnidirectional sensitivity to wireless signals from the corresponding wireless transmitter along the plane regardless of orientation.

20. 17. The portable speaker of claim 16, further comprising an orientation sensor for detecting a change in orientation of the speaker, the processor configured to adjust an equalization setting of the audio output based on the detected change in orientation.

21. The portable speaker of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to select the audio input based on a command from an application running on a connected smart device.

22. The portable speaker of claim 1 , wherein the portable speaker is configured to wirelessly connect with a first additional portable speaker via the wireless input channel.

23. 23. The portable speaker of claim 22, wherein the portable speaker is further configured to wirelessly connect to the second additional portable speaker via the wireless input channel and a line-out connection on the second additional portable speaker.

24. a battery configured to power the at least one transducer, the processor, and the audio input module; a wired power connector for charging the battery and powering the portable speaker; The portable speaker of claim 1 further comprising:

25. A public address (PA) speaker comprising the portable speaker of claim 1.

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