System and method for compensating for sound loss through acoustically partially transparent materials

Abstract

The acoustically enhanced furniture system comprises a furniture assembly having an acoustically partially transparent material, such as upholstered fabric or a perforated rigid structure that is perforated for greater acoustic transparency, and a speaker system having a speaker placed inside the furniture assembly and covered with an acoustically partially transparent material. The speaker is configured to be adjusted to compensate for the sound emitted from the speaker through the perforated acoustically partially transparent material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an acoustic system integrated within furniture.

Background Art

[0002] Speaker systems are widely used for home, business, social living, entertainment, and practical, commercial, and home applications. Unfortunately, speaker systems often occupy a great deal of space, even if small, and can be unsightly in a home, office, or business environment. Further, the wiring and cable routing associated with such systems can also be unsightly and cumbersome.

[0003] Furniture also tends to occupy a significant amount of space in a home, office, or business environment. When sitting on furniture, it is often desirable to listen to music, watch television, or movies in a home theater environment, or to employ one or more electronic components. Improved furniture is needed with an improved electronic assembly system that can be used in connection with modern furniture assemblies or devices.

[0004] The subject matter claimed in this application is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in the environments described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate one exemplary technical area in which some of the embodiments described herein may be practiced. The subject matter claimed in this application is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in the environments described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate one exemplary technical area in which some of the embodiments described herein may be practiced.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure solve one or more of the aforementioned or other problems in the art by systems, methods, and apparatus for acoustically compensating for sound loss through various types and compositions of materials. In particular, the systems, methods, and apparatus of the present disclosure can be implemented to improve the sound quality of a speaker system having at least one speaker that is integrated within a furniture component and covered with an acoustically partially transparent material, which is a solid, nondrapable, rigid structure having perforations therein to enhance the acoustic transparency of the rigid structure; leather, for example, perforated leather, is an example of an upholstery of the present invention. Solid, nondrapable, rigid structures, such as parts of tables, coffee tables, end tables, side tables, desks, bed frames, bed rails, headboards, and footboards, are typically configured not to be acoustically transparent without the specific perforations described herein, but rather to give durability and / or aesthetic appeal to the furniture surface.

[0006] In particular, one or more embodiments include an acoustically enhanced furniture system comprising: (i) a furniture assembly, such as a table, having an acoustically partially transparent material in the form of a solid, non-drapeable, rigid structure, such as a tabletop, panel, or other furniture part having perforations in its native surface; and (ii) a speaker system disposed within the furniture assembly, the speaker system comprising at least one speaker covered by a perforated rigid structure such that at least one speaker is hidden from view. The perforated rigid structure is acoustically partially transparent but not acoustically completely transparent. Accordingly, at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound emitted from at least one speaker through the perforated rigid structure (for example, for sound loss or other fluctuations from sound emitted through the perforated structure) by adjusting the equalization of one or more target frequencies or frequency bands emitted by at least one speaker. The embodiment may also include multiple adjustment profiles corresponding to multiple perforated structures, and the user can select an adjustment profile from among the multiple adjustment profiles.

[0007] To make rigid structures more aesthetically pleasing and provide a smooth, seamless surface appearance, perforations in rigid structures, such as those on tabletops or desks, are designed to be small micro-perforations in the original surface of the structure (rather than separately added grilles, etc.) that are invisible or practically invisible to the naked eye.

[0008] Due to the limited dimensions of the perforations, a solid, perforated, rigid structure can cause a certain amount of sound loss when sound is emitted through it. The sound quality can be improved by tuning the speaker to compensate for the sound loss that occurs when sound is emitted through the perforated structure.

[0009] Other acoustically partially transparent materials of the present invention include a fabric (e.g., a covered fabric) that covers the speaker of the present invention. Methods of tuning a speaker to compensate for sound emitted through a perforated acoustically partially transparent rigid structure or other material (e.g., a fabric) in some embodiments may include: selecting a desired reference equalization (e.g., a desired frequency response); configuring the speaker to emit sound with an actual equalization (e.g., a frequency response) close to the desired reference equalization or frequency response; covering the speaker with a perforated acoustically partially transparent rigid material; measuring the resulting equalization or frequency response when emitting sound through the perforated acoustically partially transparent rigid material; calculating a difference equalization; and reconfiguring the acoustic system to emit sound through the perforated acoustically partially transparent material according to a desired reference equalization or frequency response by adjusting the actual equalization or frequency response by the difference equalization. Furthermore, some methods may involve creating multiple adjustment profiles corresponding to multiple acoustically transparent materials, each adjustment profile having a difference equalization calculated for each of the multiple perforated acoustically partially transparent materials.

[0010] As mentioned, another acoustically partially transparent material of the present invention is a fabric, such as upholstery, through which sound can be emitted and whose fluctuations are regulated. Accordingly, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may also include, for example, an acoustically enhanced modular furniture system having a modular furniture assembly having one or more bases, a plurality of upright members, at least two of which are acoustically enhanced upright members, and a speaker system disposed within the modular furniture assembly. The speaker system may have (a) at least one speaker mounted in a first acoustically enhanced upright member, which is hidden from view by a first upholstery covering the first acoustically enhanced upright member, (b) at least one speaker mounted in a second acoustically enhanced upright member, which is hidden from view by a second upholstery covering the second acoustically enhanced upright member, and (c) at least one speaker control unit configured to control each speaker of the speaker system. Each speaker in the speaker system may be configured to be tuned via at least one speaker control unit to compensate for the sound emitted from the speaker through each first or second perforated acoustically partially transparent material by adjusting the equalization of one or more acoustic frequencies emitted by at least one speaker.

[0011] Accordingly, a system and method for acoustically compensating for sound loss through a perforated, partially acoustically transparent material are disclosed. As used herein, the term “partially acoustically transparent material” does not mean that a perforated rigid structure or other material (textile) is completely acoustically transparent, such that in such cases no significant sound loss occurs and no significant compensation would be necessary. As used herein, the term “partially acoustically transparent material” refers to a material that, as a result of perforation through the material, exhibits some partial acoustic transparency or, to some extent, increased acoustic transparency, as in the case of a perforated rigid material. However, even with such perforations, the resulting material is not completely acoustically transparent (e.g., exhibits a 3 dB sound loss with respect to one or more specific frequencies or frequency bands in the audible spectrum) because the dimensions of the perforations are small enough to make the relevant surface (e.g., a tabletop) aesthetically pleasing. Such sound loss may be addressed by equalization, which involves increasing the volume of one or more frequencies or frequency bands to address any remaining sound loss, as described herein.

[0012] In one example, a perforated, partially acoustically transparent material is a solid, non-drapeable, rigid material. Such a solid, non-drapeable, rigid structure may be, for example, wood, plywood, plastic, polymer, metal, or other non-drapeable, rigid material. Perforations are formed within such a structure to further enhance its acoustic transparency, but it is designed to be sufficiently small to be visually and aesthetically pleasing, and to minimize potential environmental damage to the speaker covered by the rigid structure, such as potential water damage.

[0013] A furniture cavity, provided within one or more parts of a furniture assembly and containing a speaker, can enhance the sound of the speaker. The furniture assembly speaker disclosed herein is tuned to compensate for sound emitted through an acoustically partially transparent material (e.g., textile or perforated wood) covering the speaker embedded within the furniture assembly. The frequencies emitted from the speaker are tuned to compensate for sound emitted through the interface of the acoustically partially transparent material and to optimize the sound when emitted through layers of the acoustically partially transparent material.

[0014] In one embodiment, the speaker used in the present invention is frequency-tuned so that there is high-quality sound emitted through an acoustically partially transparent material (e.g., textile or perforated wood). The frequencies produced by the speaker are tuned so that the sound emitted from the speaker is tuned to compensate for the sound passing through the acoustically partially transparent material. The structure, placement, and tuning of the speaker are strategically useful for the speaker's sound and fidelity because the speaker is covered with an acoustically partially transparent material.

[0015] The speaker of the present invention is tuned to emit sound in a high-quality manner through an acoustically partially transparent material (e.g., textile or perforated wood). For example, frequencies that are preferentially absorbed by an acoustically partially transparent material (which alters the loudness of sound at a given frequency when passing through such a material) can be boosted to compensate for losses such as those at frequencies passing through such an acoustically partially transparent material. Relatively high frequencies are typically attenuated more dramatically than relatively low frequencies by passing through the material, and as a result, the tuning may involve preferentially boosting higher frequencies (compared to little or no boosting at lower frequencies) to provide a frequency response that is "flat" across the frequency spectrum so that it is audible on the other side of the acoustically partially transparent material (i.e., in the listener's ear).

[0016] Therefore, in the present invention, the speaker system is tuned by increasing one or more selected frequencies to compensate for the attenuation of frequencies when sound from the speaker system is emitted through upholstered fabric, perforated wood, or other acoustically partially transparent structures.

[0017] A portion of a furniture assembly, such as a desk or upright member (or an enclosure within such a space), can be used as a speaker enclosure to generate a desired resonance. The speaker output is tuned through a partially acoustically transparent material, for example, through a woven cover that surrounds the speaker.

[0018] For example, typically, upholstered fabrics are not acoustically transparent and affect sound waves of one or more frequencies between 20Hz and 20kHz by attenuating (or increasing) a frequency at one or more frequencies between 0Hz and 20kHz by, for example, more than 3dB (i.e., more than ±3dB). For example, such upholstered fabrics are relatively heavy upholstered fabrics and generally attenuate particularly high sound frequencies by more than 3dB. As a result of attenuation by such fabrics, sound generated in a speaker hidden behind the upholstered fabric can be adjusted to increase the volume of attenuated frequencies to compensate for the attenuation that occurs as the sound passes through the fabric. For example, if the fabric attenuates a sound at 2kHz by 6dB, adjustments may be made to compensate by increasing the volume of the sound at 2kHz by 6dB. According to the present invention, typically there may be several frequencies or frequency bands that can be increased to compensate for the attenuation induced by such fabrics. As a further example, relatively higher frequencies emitted from such speakers (e.g., above 200Hz, 400Hz, 800Hz, 2kHz, 4kHz, etc.) are often affected by their passage through such fabric, exhibiting a certain degree of attenuation, which can increase with increasing frequency. As a result, speakers can be tuned by amplifying these higher frequencies before the speaker sound passes through the fabric, and once the speaker sound has passed through the fabric, it will be roughly at a volume that is intended to be heard and received by the listener (e.g., so that the overall tuned output is within ±3dB of the unattenuated "target" value).

[0019] Accordingly, the speaker of the present invention is adjusted and tuned to emit sound through an acoustically partially transparent material such as a woven fabric or a perforated wooden structure, in such a manner that attenuation by the acoustically partially transparent material is compensated for.

[0020] Each of these speakers may be tuned to configure the transmission of sound waves through an acoustically partially transparent material before the output from a given speaker reaches the user using the associated furniture assembly. Tuning the frequency of a speaker to deliver sound through such an acoustically partially transparent material is a unique and novel aspect of the present invention.

[0021] Furthermore, the user may control the overall volume, the volume of one or more speakers, the frequency increase (or attenuation) of one of several frequency bands associated with any of the speakers, or other controls that the user wishes to operate. The above control components, for example, a remote control unit or a telephone app, can transmit signals or instructions wirelessly or via an electrical wired connection from a location away from the associated furniture assembly, for example, from a location adjacent to a television or other location. In certain embodiments, control of any desired parameter can be provided via a mobile phone app (smartphone app) or other software application that can be provided in any desired interface. For example, a smartphone, tablet, or other device accessible to the user can allow the user to make a specific selection, and the device can then wirelessly transmit control signals to a receiver or other component, which can then implement any desired parameter changes as instructed by the user. The receiver can receive and / or transmit via WiFi®, Bluetooth®, or other wireless systems, and as a result can communicate with the above app and associated transmitters, etc.

[0022] Thus, the present invention includes a speaker system tuned to compensate for sound emitted through upholstered fabric. For example, in one embodiment, the speaker system is tuned to compensate for sound emitted from the speaker through an acoustically partially transparent material such as upholstered fabric or perforated wood, and the speaker system is tuned so that the overall frequency-tuned output of the speaker system is within ±3dB of an unattenuated target value when heard through the acoustically partially transparent material.

[0023] This brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described below in the detailed description herein. The overview of the invention is not intended to identify any major or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the technical scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0024] Further features and advantages are described below and may be obvious from the description or learned through the practice of the teachings herein. The features and advantages of the present invention may be realized and obtained by the apparatus and combinations particularly indicated in the appended claims. The features of the present invention will become even more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims or will be learned through the practice of the invention as described below.

[0025] To explain how the above advantages and other features are obtained, a more specific description of the above subject matter is briefly presented by referring to the specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments and, accordingly, are not to be considered as limiting within the technical scope. The embodiments are described and explained with further particularity and detail by using the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a furniture system with an acoustic speaker attached, where each acoustic speaker is covered by a perforated acoustically partially transmissive material such as a perforated tabletop, or a perforated table front panel, or a perforated side panel of the furniture system. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows a part of a perforated acoustically partially transmissive material. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows a part of another perforated acoustically partially transmissive material. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of the perforations of a perforated acoustically partially transmissive material. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the perforations of a perforated acoustically partially transmissive material. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the perforations of a perforated acoustically partially transmissive material. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D shows a cross-sectional view of the perforations of a perforated acoustically partially transmissive material. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E shows a cross-sectional view of the perforations of a perforated acoustically partially transmissive material. [Figure 3F] FIG. 3F shows a cross-sectional view of the perforations of a perforated acoustically partially transmissive material. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a modular furniture assembly with an acoustic speaker attached, where each acoustic speaker is covered by a fabric-woven textile. [Figure 5A]Figure 5A shows a perspective view of an upright member of a modular furniture assembly with an attached acoustic speaker. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the upright member of Figure 5A, which is fitted with a removable fabric cover. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C shows a perspective view of another upright member of a modular furniture assembly to which an acoustic speaker is attached. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D shows a perspective view of the upright member of Figure 5C, which is fitted with a removable fabric cover. [Figure 5E] Figure 5E shows a perspective view of a modular furniture assembly formed using upright members in which speakers are arranged, as shown in Figures 5C to 5D. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows perspective views of modular furniture assemblies in various configurations, each having an attached acoustic speaker, and each acoustic speaker being covered with upholstery fabric. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows perspective views of modular furniture assemblies in various configurations, each having an attached acoustic speaker, and each acoustic speaker being covered with upholstery fabric. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C shows perspective views of modular furniture assemblies in various configurations, each having an attached acoustic speaker, and each acoustic speaker being covered with upholstery fabric. [Figure 6D] Figure 6D shows perspective views of modular furniture assemblies in various configurations, each having an attached acoustic speaker, with each acoustic speaker covered by upholstery fabric. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary acoustic system that can be operated to adjust a speaker to compensate for sound loss through any of the acoustically partially transparent materials discussed herein. [Figure 7B]Figure 7B shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary acoustic system that can be operated to adjust a speaker to compensate for sound loss through any of the acoustically partially transparent materials discussed herein. [Figure 7C] Figure 7C shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary acoustic system that can be operated to adjust a speaker to compensate for sound loss through any of the acoustically partially transparent materials discussed herein. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of the present invention for acoustically compensating for sound loss through any of the acoustically partially transparent materials discussed herein. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of the method of the present invention for adjusting an acoustically enhanced modular furniture system to compensate for sound loss through any of the acoustically partially transparent materials discussed herein. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an illustrative table of acoustic frequency adjustments for acoustically compensating for sound loss through any of the acoustically partially transparent materials discussed herein. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a table of acoustic frequency adjustments for acoustically compensating for sound loss through typical textiles, including polyester material. [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a table of acoustic frequency adjustments for acoustically compensating for sound loss through a typical Cheniere material. [Figure 11C] Figure 11C is a table of acoustic frequency adjustments for acoustic correction through a typical tweed material. [Figure 11D] Figure 11D is a table of acoustic frequency adjustments for acoustically compensating for sound loss through exemplary linen material. [Figure 11E] Figure 11E is a table of acoustic frequency adjustments for acoustically compensating for sound loss through an exemplary velvet material. [Figure 11F] Figure 11F is a table of audible frequency adjustments for acoustically compensating for sound loss through exemplary upholstered fabrics, including leather materials. [Figure 11G]Figure 11G is a table of audible frequency adjustments for acoustically compensating for sound loss through exemplary upholstered fabrics, including polyester resin linen material. [Figure 11H] Figure 11H is a table of audible frequency adjustments for acoustically compensating for sound loss through exemplary upholstered fabrics containing faux fur material. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a plan view of the control console of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates a plan view of the remote control unit of the present invention. [Figure 14A] Figure 14A shows a plan view of a portable device displaying the user control interface of the present invention. [Figure 14B] Figure 14B shows a plan view of a portable device that displays further functionality of the user control interface shown in Figure 14A. [Figure 15A] Figure 15A shows a plan view of a portable device displaying the user control interface of the present invention. [Figure 15B] Figure 15B shows a plan view of a portable device that displays further functionality of the user control interface shown in Figure 15A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus, methods, and systems for acoustically compensating for sound loss through various types and compositions of acoustically partially transparent materials. The apparatus, methods, and systems provide superior sound quality to speaker systems having at least one speaker covered with one of the various materials. For example, the apparatus, methods, and systems may be used to improve the balance of audible frequencies emitted by a speaker through a furniture system including textiles, such as a chair or bed, which is acoustically partially transparent by textile material, after (i) a solid, non-drapeable, rigid structure such as a tabletop, desk panel, or bed frame perforated to be made of an acoustically partially transparent material, and / or (ii) any equalization adjustments that help address the attenuation of sound frequencies passing through it. The apparatus, method, and system can improve an integrated acoustic or speaker system within furniture using various mechanical, electromechanical, electrical, hardware and / or software components, systems, and modules, which may be a modular furniture assembly or a single integrated furniture unit having an integrated speaker embedded within the furniture and hidden from view.

[0028] For example, as discussed throughout this disclosure, “tuning” of a speaker or speaker system should be understood to encompass all currently known methods for adjusting the frequency response of the subject speaker or speaker system. Such methods include, but are not limited to, adjusting the frequency equalization of an acoustic signal before transmission to the speaker or speaker system, adjusting the transmitted acoustic signal before it is received by the speaker or speaker system, or directly modifying the speaker.

[0029] For example, and not limited to, improved modifications of audio or speaker systems having speakers covered with perforated, acoustically partially transparent rigid material or woven material provide superior sound quality or other benefits in applications where it is desirable to have speakers concealed from view. This leads to substantial opportunities for improving the aesthetic and functional design of speaker systems integrated with furniture, thereby resulting in substantial improvements in the field of technology.

[0030] Some embodiments of the perforated rigid structures of the present disclosure include a variety of structures that can cover acoustic speakers, such as panels or other parts of furniture assemblies, such as bed frames, desks, tables, cupboards, doors, coffee tables, end tables, side tables, credens, consoles, sideboards, cabinets, buffets, servers, hatches, bookcases, cabinets, wardrobes, or combinations thereof. Other examples of furniture assemblies having a perforated rigid structure, such as a mantle, fireplace mantle, television frame, television frame surround, nightstand, projector shroud, shroud cover, blind housing, valence, blind valence, valence shroud, projector, or combination thereof, through which sound can be emitted and tuned.

[0031] Other applications can be found in acoustically enhanced furniture systems employing upholstered fabrics that are drapeable rather than rigid, such as on furniture assemblies, or in upholstered fabrics that at least partially cover the furniture assemblies (one example of a drapeable rather than rigid, acoustically partially transparent material), and in acoustically enhanced furniture systems where at least one of several speakers is covered and hidden from view by the upholstered fabric that at least partially covers the furniture assemblies. Leather, such as perforated leather, is an example of such an upholstered fabric according to the present invention.

[0032] The perforated, acoustically partially transparent rigid structure of the present invention is not a drapeable fabric, but is a material that exhibits very poor acoustic transparency without perforation, such as wood, plastic (e.g., polymer), or metal. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, each speaker covered by the perforated rigid structure to make the structure more acoustically partially transparent can be adjusted to compensate for the sound emitted from the speaker through the perforated rigid structure by equalizing the speaker or adjusting the frequency response at one or more target frequencies or frequency bands.

[0033] In the case of perforated rigid structures, speaker equalization or adjustment of the frequency response may depend on at least one of the following: the type of material (e.g., wood, metal, polymer), the amount of perforation, the thickness, and the dimensions of the perforations. In the case of woven fabric coverings, speaker equalization or adjustment of the frequency response may depend on the weight of the woven fabric covering the furniture assembly, etc. In certain embodiments, the adjustment of each speaker, or the adjustment of an acoustic system or speaker system for changing the frequency response of each speaker, may be selectable from a plurality of adjustment profiles corresponding to various acoustically transparent materials, so that users, retailers, or manufacturers can select an adjustment profile that is configured to specifically compensate for sound loss through a particular acoustically partially transparent material.

[0034] In the case of upholstered fabrics, the density and thickness of the upholstered fabric are related to its weight. For example, a denser and thicker upholstered fabric may weigh more than a less dense and thinner upholstered fabric. Examples of upholstered fabric weights that can be used as covers for the furniture assemblies (and their modular components / members) of the present invention include, for example, upholstered fabrics with weights in the range of approximately 50 grams per square meter (GSM) to approximately 1500 grams per square meter (GSM), for example, approximately 100 GSM to approximately 1000 GSM, or approximately 190 GSM to approximately 800 GSM, but various different interior and exterior fabrics can be used. The speaker of the present invention is adjusted and tuned to emit sound through the fabric so as to compensate for attenuation by the fabric.

[0035] Similarly, with respect to the rigid material, the speaker of the present invention is adjusted and tuned in a manner that compensates for attenuation by the rigid material. In one embodiment, the perforations of the present invention are finely tuned perforations made on the original surface of the rigid structure, invisible or substantially invisible to the naked eye, so that the rigid structure is visually and aesthetically pleasing. The type and thickness of the rigid material are adjusted, along with the amount and dimensions of the perforations, to enhance the acoustic transparency of the rigid material and improve the sound quality of the sound emitted through the rigid material.

[0036] Embodiments of an adjustment profile include information used to adjust the equalization of a speaker's frequency response to compensate for sound loss through a particular material. For example, the range of audible frequencies emitted by a speaker can be divided into multiple frequency bands, each of which has a frequency response adjustment to compensate for sound loss through a particular material. A specific grouping of these frequency response adjustments, with a specific identification for a particular material, may be an example of an adjustment profile.

[0037] The total amount of frequency bandwidth depends on the desired level of precision in adjusting the frequency response, as well as the capability of the intended device to implement the adjustment profile. For example, some acoustic adjustment devices, such as speaker control units, amplifiers, or acoustic equalizers, can only adjust frequencies within three frequency bands corresponding to the low-frequency range (i.e., bass), the mid-frequency range, and the high-frequency range (i.e., treble), while other available adjustment devices can operate to adjust up to 31 distinct frequency ranges.

[0038] Some embodiments discussed herein divide the audible frequency range from about 20 Hz to about 21 kHz into 10 frequency bands for individual adjustment, namely, about 20 Hz to about 49 Hz, about 50 Hz to about 99 Hz, about 100 Hz to about 199 Hz, about 200 Hz to about 399 Hz, about 400 Hz to about 999 Hz, about 1 kHz to about 1.9 kHz, about 2 kHz to about 3.9 kHz, about 4 kHz to about 7.9 kHz, about 8 kHz to about 15.9 kHz, and about 16 kHz to about 21 kHz, as illustrated in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0039] Alternatively, multiple target frequencies within the audible frequency range may be selected for tuning by parametric equalization or similar known methods. Parametric equalization involves tuning one or more target frequencies by selected amplitudes, and the frequency response curve of such a tuned speaker is modified by a parametric or "bell" shape centered on the target frequencies. Specific data related to parametric equalization for a particular material, with a specific identification for one particular material, may be another example of a tuning profile. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that embodiments disclosed within the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention can be carried out using further methods of equalization or tuning of frequency response not discussed herein.

[0040] The term "equalization" is used to describe the adjustment of the output volume ("frequency response") of one or more frequencies within the audible spectrum of sound emitted by a speaker or speaker system.

[0041] Referring specifically to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a furniture system 100 comprising (1) a speaker system consisting of speakers 102 and (2) a furniture assembly 104, the speaker system comprising a plurality of acoustic speakers 102 embedded and integrated within the furniture assembly 104. The speakers 102 can be mounted in and inside the furniture assembly 104, for example, so that the furniture assembly 104 acts as a speaker cover for each speaker 104. The furniture assembly 104 can be, for example, a coffee table as shown in Figure 1, and has a table body 106 supported by table legs. The table body 106 of the furniture assembly 104 consists of an upper panel 108a and end panels, a front panel, and rear panels 108b to 108e.

[0042] Each acoustic speaker 102 is embedded within the table body 106 (for example, a table body 106 made of wood, polymer, or metal), and as a result, each speaker 102 is covered by a solid, non-drapeable, rigid structure by, for example, the respective portions 104a to 104f of the rigid table body 106 adjacent to each speaker. The solid, non-drapeable, rigid panels 108a to 108e of the table base 106 are perforated in the portions 104a to 104f adjacent to each speaker, making each panel 108a to 108e an acoustically partially transparent structure.

[0043] Therefore, the table body 106 of the furniture assembly 104 includes perforated panels adjacent to each speaker 102, each having portions 104a to 104f that cover either above or to the side of each speaker 102, for example, as shown in Figure 1.

[0044] The table body 106 and each of its panels are made from a solid, non-drapeable, rigid material, such as perforated wood, which has perforations formed, for example, by drilling or by other means. As shown in Figure 1, such perforations in the panel portions 104a to 104f adjacent to each speaker 102 are on the original surface of the table body 106, in contrast to having separate, aesthetically unappealing perforated grill plates or covers that are attached to the table body 106 and cover each speaker, and are not part of the original surface. Having perforations on the original surface of the body 106 makes the perforations less visible to the user, more hidden from view, less destructive to the original surface of the body 106, and makes the furniture assembly 104 more aesthetically pleasing, less destructive, and closer to the original smooth surface, in contrast to having separately attached perforated plates or covers that are not part of the original surface, as shown in Figure 1.

[0045] As illustrated in Figure 1, the furniture assembly 104 has the nature of a coffee table having a base 106 supported by legs, and it is understood that the base 106 may or may not rest directly on the floor or other structure on which the furniture assembly 104 is placed. Although the furniture assembly 104 shown in Figure 1 has the form of a table, the furniture assembly of the present invention, which has a perforated, partially acoustically permeable rigid structure such as the perforated portion 104a of the base 106, may be a variety of standalone or integrated furniture assemblies, but is not limited to chairs, sofas, bed frames, coffee tables, end tables, side tables, desks, servers, hatches, bookshelves, cupboards, doors, credenzas, consoles, sideboards, cabinets, wardrobes, or combinations thereof.

[0046] The base 106 comprises an upper panel 108a, each having perforations 104a, 104b that cover adjacent hidden speakers mounted within the base 106, and end panels, a front panel, and rear panels 108b-108e, each having one or more perforations 104c, 104d, 104e, 104e that cover adjacent hidden speakers 102 mounted within the base 106. These panels also surround or partially surround the interior of the base 106, so that the speakers 102 are hidden from view but can emit sound through the base 106, and the transmission of that sound is improved by the perforations in the base 106.

[0047] As shown in the figure, in one embodiment, the perforations 117a and 117b are located in portions of the perforated rigid structure that are oriented vertically or substantially vertically to provide greater resistance to environmental factors such as water that may spill onto the upper surface of the table body 106.

[0048] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the speaker 102 is covered by perforated portions 104a to 104f, and the speaker 102 is adjusted to compensate for the sound emitted from each speaker 102 through an acoustically partially transparent base 106 of perforated rigidity (e.g., wood, polymer) by adjusting the equalization of at least one speaker 102 at one or more target frequencies or frequency bands (e.g., to adjust the frequency response). The adjustment of the equalization of one or more target frequencies or frequency bands depends on at least one of the type of perforation, the amount of perforation, the dimensions of the perforation, the diameter of the perforation, the thickness of the table base 106, the type of material of the table base 106, and other structural or environmental factors.

[0049] Furthermore, the adjustment of the speakers 102 can be achieved by one or more speaker control units configured to control the adjustment of each speaker 102. For example, the furniture assembly 104 has a receiver / amplifier 110, which is an example of a speaker control unit, and is configured to be operable to receive signals from a sound source such as a portable device 112 (via a wired connection or wireless signal), transmit the received signals, and supply power to the speakers 102. Thus, the adjustment of the speakers 102 can be performed by the receiver / amplifier 110 via firmware or other known methods for adjusting the equalization of the amplifier's output. Alternatively, the adjustment can be performed by adjusting the equalization of the acoustic signals transmitted by the sound source (for example, by running adjustment software on the portable device 112).

[0050] In addition, the speaker 102 can be selectively adjusted by a portable device 112, or by any means for communicating with the receiver / amplifier 110, such as a remote control unit, control console, portable device, such as a mobile phone, or by a combination, modification, or substitute thereof. Alternatively, the adjustment can be permanently performed via firmware associated with the receiver / amplifier 110. In some embodiments, a microphone 135 is also provided to allow custom adjustment of the speaker 102 according to the method disclosed herein. Alternatively, the disclosed method can be performed by a consumer using the microphone of the portable device 112.

[0051] While the modular furniture assembly 104 is depicted with a receiver / amplifier 110 mounted within the base 106, embodiments may also have receivers, amplifiers, and / or speaker control units located at virtually any position to enable communication with the speakers 102. For example, the receiver / amplifier 110 may be integrated with a center console or similar device and connected to the speakers 102 via a wired or wireless connection. Alternatively, each speaker 102 may have a speaker control unit individually associated with and fixed directly or in close proximity to it. Those skilled in the art should understand that the illustrated embodiments are provided as exemplary configurations and that the scope or spirit of the disclosure is not limited to the illustrated physical configurations.

[0052] While the portable device 112 is shown as an exemplary sound source, it will be understood that any of the various sound sources 112b may be used with respect to the apparatus of the present invention (including, but not limited to, televisions, disc players such as miniature disc players, digital video disc players, Blu-ray players, wireless, television, or other transmissions). Furthermore, the portable device 112 can not only be used as a sound source, but can also optionally control other sound sources as described herein, allowing the user to adjust the speaker 102 based on signals received by the other sound sources. For example, but not limited to, the portable device 112 can adjust the speaker 102 based on a disc player such as a television, CD player, DVD player, Blu-ray player, over-the-air radio, TV, or other transmission means that supplies signals to the receiver / amplifier 110. Thus, the portable device 112 can function as another speaker control unit.

[0053] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3E, the perforated portions 104a to 104f of the base 106 have multiple perforations extending through them. The form, shape, dimensions, and density of the perforations 117a to 117b can be varied at least in part based on the type and thickness of the material used to form the perforated portion, the dimensions of the perforations, and the amount of perforation.

[0054] For example, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2A, the perforated portion 104f may have a mesh appearance in which the perforations 117a are square or rectangular in shape. The combined individual members 119 may have greater resistance to bending or deformation than the individual members 119 alone. The dimensions, number, shape, and orientation of the perforations 117a associated with the combined individual members 119 may vary based on the material forming the individual members 119, such as organic materials, polymeric materials, natural materials, composite materials, and / or combinations thereof. The specific values ​​selected for the dimensions or quantity of perforations may depend on the desired tuning profile, acceptable aesthetics, and acoustic corrections required to achieve other factors. In addition, the amount of perforations on the surface can be varied by intersecting multiple individual members 119 more closely or less closely together. The tuning of the speaker 102 described herein can accommodate changes in the dimensions or density of the holes 117a.

[0055] In one embodiment, the perforations are large enough to allow some of the sound from a particular speaker to pass through, but are small enough that the perforations themselves are invisible or hidden from view as much as possible, and thus appear as the original surface rather than a separate perforation plate or cover attached to the furniture surface.

[0056] In an alternative configuration as illustrated in Figure 2B, the perforations of the acoustically partially transparent structure are substantially circular in shape and can be formed within a monolithic structure (e.g., the panels of the table body 106 are monolithic panels) by drilling, molding, cutting, punching, perforating, laser cutting, through-perforating, and / or a combination thereof. The monolithic structure may have organic materials, polymer materials, natural materials, composite materials, and / or a combination thereof. For example, the perforated acoustically partially transparent structure can be formed in wood (e.g., MDF, other engineered wood, or non-engineered wood) with a plywood, in which case the perforations 117b are drilled, cut, punched, perforated, laser cut, through-perforated, and / or a combination thereof. In an alternative configuration, the perforated acoustically partially transparent structure is formed from a polymer or composite panel or component in which the perforations 117b are drilled, cut, punched, perforated, laser cut, through-perforated, and / or a combination thereof. Similar to the perforated acoustically partially transparent structure in Figure 2A, the perforation density, perforation dimensions, and perforation (void) ratio may be within the ranges and values ​​described herein.

[0057] Thus, at least one speaker of the present invention is configured to be adjusted by selecting from a plurality of adjustment profiles corresponding to (i) the material type of the perforated rigid structure, (ii) the amount of perforation of the perforated rigid structure, (iii) the thickness of the perforated rigid structure, and (iv) the perforation dimensions of the perforations in the perforated rigid structure.

[0058] Regarding the amount of perforation, for example, in one embodiment, about 5% to about 70% of a portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker 102, for example, portion 104c, is perforated. In another embodiment, about 10% to about 60% of a portion 104c of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. In yet another embodiment, about 50% to about 60% of a portion 104c of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. In yet another embodiment, about 10% to about 30% of a portion 104c of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated.

[0059] In this specification, the term “perforation” or similar terms means a hole that extends through the entire thickness of a structure and forms a passage from one side of the structure to the other side of the structure, as shown in relation to the exemplary perforation 120a in Figure 3A. If a single such passage extends through it, the structure is “perforated” with a single perforation; or if multiple such passages extend through it, the structure is “perforated” with multiple perforations. In one embodiment, for example, a region of a rigid structure (e.g., cm) 2 If the rigid structure is composed of 95 percent solid material, then 5 percent of the rigid structure may be perforated, either (i) the remaining 5 percent of the rigid structure area is occupied by a single perforation through the solid material, or (ii) multiple perforations extend through the solid material to cumulatively occupy the remaining 5 percent of the rigid structure area. Thus, in one embodiment, about 95% to about 30% of the rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is made of solid, non-porous material, while about 5% to about 70% of the rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated.

[0060] With respect to thickness, in one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion 104c adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 30 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion 104c adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 20 mm. In yet another embodiment, the thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In yet another embodiment, the thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm.

[0061] With respect to the perforation diameter, in one embodiment, the diameter of each perforation 117b of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters. In another embodiment, the diameter of each perforation 117b of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. In yet another embodiment, the diameter of each perforation 117b of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 millimeters to about 5 millimeters. In yet another embodiment, the diameter of each perforation 117b of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.5 millimeters to about 1 millimeter.

[0062] Therefore, considering the amount, thickness, and diameter of the perforations, in one embodiment, about 5% to about 70% of the perforated rigid structure portion 104c adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated, the thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion 104c adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 30 mm, and the diameter of each perforation 117b of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 mm. In another embodiment, about 5% to about 70% of the perforated rigid structure portion 104c adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated, the thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion 104c adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 30 mm, and the diameter of each perforation 117b of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. In another embodiment, about 30% to about 60% of the portion 104c of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated, the thickness of the portion 104c of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm, and the diameter of each of the holes 117b of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 1 mm. In another embodiment, about 50% to about 60% of the portion 104c of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated, the thickness of the portion 104c of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm, and the diameter of each of the holes 117b of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.

[0063] In addition to compensating for the sound emitted from each speaker 102 through perforated acoustically partially transparent structures having different perforation amounts, the geometry, configuration, and orientation of specific holes can be adjusted to compensate for them. For example, as shown in Figures 3A to 3F, the perforations of the present invention can have various orientations. Although specific geometric shapes, configurations, and orientations are illustrated, those skilled in the art will understand that various other geometric shapes, configurations, and orientations can be considered based on the disclosure herein.

[0064] As illustrated in Figure 3A, a particular example of the perforation 120a of the present invention can be used in any perforated structure discussed herein and is substantially perpendicular, i.e., has a central axis, or longitudinal axis 121, at 90° with respect to at least one of the first surface 115a and the second surface 115b. In contrast, in Figure 3B, another example of the perforation 118b of the present invention can be used in any perforated structure discussed herein and extends from the first surface 115a in a direction transverse to the first surface 115a. That is, the central axis, or longitudinal axis 122, of the perforation 118b is not perpendicular to the first surface 115a. The angle of such hole axis 121 with respect to the bottom surface 115b can be any value, for example, 20° to 89°, or 25° to 85°, 30° to 80°, 35° to 75°, 40° to 70°, 45° to 65°, or 50° to 60°.

[0065] Each of the perforations in Figures 3A and 3B that can be used in any perforated structure discussed herein may have substantially uniform cross-sectional dimensions along the length of the perforation. For example, perforations 120a and 118b have substantially uniform circular cross-sections such that the perforations are substantially cylindrical. In other configurations, the perforations may have other cross-sectional shapes, configurations and orientations, but are not limited to, examples of tapered cross-sections, polygons, ovals, ellipses, elongated along one axis of the hole, and combinations and / or modifications thereof.

[0066] Referring to Figures 3C and 3D, the perforations 117c and 117d that can be used in any perforated structure discussed herein have a tapered orientation when viewed from the side. This can result in the perforations 117c and 117d having a truncated cone shape. In Figure 3C, the hole 117c is tapered (narrows) from the first surface 115a to the second surface 115b such that the opening 123a on the first surface 115a is smaller than the opening 123b on the second surface 115b, while the hole 117d in Figure 3D is tapered (flares) away from the first surface 115a such that the opening 123a on the first surface 115a is larger than the opening 123b on the second surface 115b. It will be understood that the perforations in Figures 3C and 3D can be combined such that the hole may have a box-tie or bow-tie shape when viewed from the side, i.e., two frustoconical portions that meet the smaller end of the first surface 115a and the second surface 115b. It will also be understood that one or both of the structures shown in Figures 3C and 3D can be combined with one or both of the structures in Figures 3A and / or 3B. Different hole shapes or dimensions can be provided within the same perforated acoustically partially transparent structure. Perforations 117c to 117d can be employed in any of the structures discussed herein.

[0067] Next, referring to Figures 3E and 3F, the surfaces forming the perforations 117e, 117f, which can be used in any perforated structure discussed herein, can be curved when viewed from the side, so that surface 125a is convex (Figure 3E) or surface 125b is concave (Figure 3F). The surfaces 125a, 125b forming the perforations 117e, 117f can be combined with the geometric shapes, configurations, and orientations of the perforations 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d as illustrated, described, or otherwise intended in conjunction with the disclosures of Figures 3A to 3D, and vice versa. The perforations 117e to 117f can be employed in any of the structures discussed herein. In addition, a perforated acoustically partially transparent structure may have perforations of the same or different geometric shapes, configurations and orientations on the perforated acoustically partially transparent structure, and may have perforations of different densities on the perforated acoustically partially transparent structure based in part on one or more of the desired acoustic properties or characteristics, the aesthetics of the perforated acoustically partially transparent structure, and the strength of the perforated acoustically partially transparent structure.

[0068] The speaker 102 is embedded within a solid, rigid base 106 and is hidden from view. As shown in Figure 1, to provide users with further options and functionality, one or more inductive chargers 121 may be mounted on and embedded within the table base 106 for aesthetic reasons. The inductive chargers 121, which provide wireless charging to various electrical devices selectively mounted on the base 106, may be covered with an acoustically partially transparent material having a thickness of, for example, about 0.25 mm to about 30 mm, or about 0.5 mm to about 20 mm, or about 1 mm to about 10 mm, so that the charger(s) are embedded within the base 106 and hidden from view, and adjacent to each other. Such chargers 121 may be embedded, for example, about 0.25 to 30 mm below the surface of the base 106, about 0.5 to 20 mm below the surface of the base 106, or about 1 to 10 mm below the surface of the base 106, so that the charger(s) are embedded within the base 106 and conveniently hidden from view. This allows the user to conveniently wirelessly charge the electrical device by positioning the device above the embedded, hidden inductive charger, while conveniently listening to the speaker 102, without seeing any unsightly or tangled cords or wires.

[0069] Therefore, the furniture assembly 104 of the present invention, or other solid and rigid furniture assemblies or parts thereof having perforations inside, such as tables, coffee tables, end tables, side tables, bed frames, cabinets, and chairs, can have an acoustic speaker and an electric induction charger embedded inside and hidden from view, as shown in Figure 1, for example, and can be used for convenient integrated wireless charging of electrical devices via the electric induction charger hidden from view, and for convenient listening to music and the like from a hidden speaker (e.g., a surround sound speaker) tuned through the rigid structure.

[0070] As shown in Figure 1, each speaker 102 is connected by wire 116 to a speaker control unit 118 that controls the adjustment of each speaker. Alternatively, the speakers 102 may communicate wirelessly with the speaker control unit 118, and individual speaker control units may be directly integrated with each speaker 102. In one embodiment, the speaker control unit 118 may have an amplifier and / or receiver. The speakers 102 may be tuned according to the methods described herein to account for sound loss through various perforated acoustically partially transparent structures 113. For example, the speaker control unit 118 may have operable firmware to adjust the decibel level (volume) of one or more target frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the speaker 102, depending on a particular perforated acoustically partially transparent structure covering the speaker. Alternatively, the frequency response of the speaker 102 may be tuned by changing the signals transmitted to and received by the speaker control unit 118 to the speaker 102. In any case, a signal transmitted to any given speaker can be modified to "boost" one or more target frequencies or frequency ranges of the acoustic signal before the speaker converts such signal. The amount of such "boost" depends on a specific perforated, partially acoustically transparent material covering the speaker 102.

[0071] Referring here to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary furniture assembly having perforations to enhance its acoustic properties. The disclosures of the present invention are also applicable to other furniture systems described herein, such as the furniture systems discussed with respect to Figures 4A to 15B. Furthermore, the adjustment and tuning techniques and profiles discussed with respect to Figures 4A to 15B, as well as the acoustic compensation, equalization, and tuning techniques, are applicable to the furniture systems of Figures 1 to 3F, and consequently, the acoustic compensation, adjustment, and tuning techniques and methods discussed with respect to Figures 4A to 15B are also applicable to the furniture systems of Figures 1 to 3F. For example, the techniques described with respect to Figures 4A to 15B can be applied in relation to the furniture systems of Figures 1 to 3F, and further adjustments can be made by adjusting the amount, dimensions, and / or diameter of each perforation in the rigid structure, and / or the thickness and type of the perforated rigid material adjacent to the speaker. Thus, the techniques and disclosures of adjustment, equalization, and acoustic compensation discussed with respect to the furniture structures of Figures 4A to 15B are applicable to the furniture structures of Figures 1 to 3F.

[0072] Figure 4 shows a modular furniture assembly 1100 having a built-in speaker system with multiple acoustic speakers 1102 integrated with the modular furniture assembly 1100, each acoustic speaker 1102 being covered by upholstered fabrics 1104a, 1104b. Such fabrics 1104a, 1104b are examples of acoustically partially transparent materials. As shown in the figure, the modular furniture assembly 1100 has a base 1106 and a first acoustic enhancement upright member 1108a and a second acoustic enhancement upright member 1108b, each acoustic enhancement upright member 1108a, 1108b having two acoustic speakers 1102 attached thereto in the illustrated configuration. The first upholstery fabric 1104a and the second upholstery fabric 1104b cover the first acoustically enhanced upright member 1108a and the second acoustically enhanced upright member 1108b, and thus also cover the embedded speaker 1102 within the upright members 1108a and 1108b, respectively. The modular furniture assembly 1100 may further have various additional components such as cushions, legs, further bases and upright members (acoustically enhanced or unenhanced), and further embedded speakers.

[0073] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system of speakers 1102 covered by upholstered fabrics 1104a, 1104b is adjusted to compensate for the sound emitted from each speaker 1102 through the upholstered fabrics 1104a, 1104b by adjusting the equalization (i.e., adjustment of the frequency response) of one or more target frequencies or frequency bands of at least one speaker. The adjustment of the equalization of one or more target frequencies or frequency bands may depend, for example, on at least one of the fabric type, density, thickness, and weight of the upholstered fabrics 104a, 104b.

[0074] Furthermore, the adjustment of the speakers 1102 can be performed by one or more speaker control units configured to control the adjustment of each speaker 1102. For example, a modular furniture assembly 1100 has a receiver / amplifier 1110, such as an example of a speaker control unit, which is configured to receive signals from a sound source such as a portable device 1112 (via a wired or wireless connection), transmit the received signals, and supply power to the speakers 1102. Thus, the adjustment of the speakers 1102 can be performed by the receiver / amplifier 1110 via firmware or other known methods for adjusting the equalization of the amplifier's output. Alternatively, the adjustment can be performed by adjusting the equalization of the acoustic signals transmitted by the sound source (for example, by running adjustment software on the portable device 1112). In addition, the speaker 1102 can be selectively adjusted by a portable device 1112, or by any means for communicating with the receiver / amplifier 1110, such as a remote control unit, control console, portable device, such as a mobile phone, or by a combination, modification, or substitute thereof. Alternatively, the adjustment can be permanently performed via firmware associated with the receiver / amplifier 1110. In some embodiments, a microphone 1135 is also provided to enable custom adjustment of the speaker 1102 according to the method disclosed herein. Alternatively, the disclosed method can be performed by a consumer using the microphone of the portable device 1112.

[0075] While the modular furniture assembly 1100 is depicted with a receiver / amplifier 1110 mounted within the base 1106, embodiments may also have receivers, amplifiers, and / or speaker control units located at virtually any position to enable communication with the speakers 102. For example, the receiver / amplifier 1110 may be integrated with a center console or similar device and connected to the speakers 1102 via a wired or wireless connection. Alternatively, each speaker 1102 may have a speaker control unit associated with it and fixed directly or in close proximity. Those skilled in the art should understand that the illustrated embodiments are provided as exemplary configurations and that the scope or spirit of this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated physical configurations.

[0076] While the portable device 1112 is shown as an exemplary sound source, it will be understood that the apparatus of the present invention may use any of a wide range of information sources (e.g., television, disc player, e.g., CD player, DVD player, Blu-ray player, over-the-air radio, streaming service, television, or other transmitter, etc.). Furthermore, the portable device 1112 can not only be used as a sound source, but can also optionally control other sound sources, such as those described herein, so that the user can adjust the speaker 1102 based on signals received by the other sound source. For example, but not limited to, the portable device 1112 can adjust the speaker 1102 based on a TV, disc player, e.g., CD player, DVD player, Blu-ray player, over-the-air radio, streaming service, television, or other means of transmission that supplies signals to the receiver / amplifier 1110. Thus, the portable device 1112 can function as a separate speaker control unit.

[0077] Figures 5A and 5B show an upright member 108a of an example of an assembled modular furniture assembly, such as the furniture assembly 1100 of Figure 1, which has an acoustic speaker 1102 mounted on its internal framework. A fabric cover 1104a having upholstery fabric 1107 is operable to cover the upright member 1108a and thus can conceal the speaker 1102 from view. The fabric cover 1104a can thus be removed from the upright member 1108a to be cleaned, allowing access to and maintenance of the speaker 1102 and other components mounted inside the upright member 1108a, or the fabric cover 1104a can be replaced with another cover designed to fit the upright member 1108a. In some embodiments, consumers can select one or more interchangeable fabric covers 1104a from a catalog of upholstery fabrics 1107. Available fabrics include, but are not limited to, polyester resin, chenille, tweed, linen, polyester resin linen, velvet, leather, cotton, cotton blends, denim, twill, or imitation fur. As shown in the illustration, the coupler 1114 is provided to allow the upright member 108a to be selectively and securely attached to a base such as the base 1106 in Figure 1. The upright member 108a is shown in detail in Figures 5A and 5B, and although the upright member 108b may be configured similarly, it will be understood that, as is clear from Figure 1, it is a mirror configuration to the upright member 108a.

[0078] As shown in Figure 5A, each speaker 102 on the upright member 108a is connected to the speaker control unit 1118 by a wire 1116. Alternatively, a speaker 1102 may communicate wirelessly with the speaker control unit 1118, and individual speaker control units may be directly integrated with each speaker 1102. The speaker 1102 can be adjusted to account for sound loss through various upholstery fabrics 1107 in the manner described herein. For example, the speaker control unit 1118 may have firmware that can be operated to adjust one or more target frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the speaker 1102 depending on the particular fabric to which the speaker is covered. Alternatively, the frequency response of the speaker 1102 can be adjusted by changing the signals transmitted to and received by the speaker control unit 1118 from the speaker 1102. In any case, the signal transmitted to any given speaker can be modified to "increase" one or more target frequencies or frequency ranges of the acoustic signal before the speaker converts such signal. The amount of such "increase" depends on the particular fabric to which the speaker 1102 is covered, as illustrated by Figures 7 to 8H.

[0079] Figures 5A to 5B show an upright member configuration in which the illustrated acoustic enhancement upright member has two speakers mounted therein, for example, a front channel speaker positioned at the front edge of the upright member (near the top of the front edge) and a surround speaker positioned at the upper edge of the upright member (near the rear of the upper edge). Figures 5C to 5D are similar to Figures 5A to 5B but show an alternative speaker arrangement, where the front channel speaker 1102 is located on the inner surface of the upright member 1108c (e.g., the top surface, near the front corner), and the surround speaker 1102 is located near the upper edge of the upright member 1108c, near the rear of the upper edge of the upright member, similar to those shown in Figures 5A to 5B. The configurations shown in Figures 5C to 5D may thus have a front channel speaker arrangement so that sound is emitted directly toward the seat position on a chair or sofa. Figure 5E shows a chair 1120 having upright members 108c, 108d configured as shown in Figures 5C to 5D. The configurations in Figures 5A to 5B have a front channel speaker arrangement that may rely on the reflection of sound emitted from the front channel speakers from a front wall, television, etc., for reflection to a user seated in the chair or sofa. It is clear that many alternatives are possible for the arrangement and positioning of the speakers within the upright members. Any of these may benefit from the embodiments described herein, thereby applying equalization to the acoustic signal and compensating for the sound emitted from the speakers through the upholstery covering the speakers.

[0080] Figures 6A to 6D show perspective views of modular furniture assemblies 1122a to 1122d in various configurations, each having multiple acoustic speakers 1102 attached thereto, and each acoustic speaker 1102 covered by an upholstery fabric 1104. As shown, the various furniture configurations can be achieved by rearranging various bases 1106 and upright members 1108, and by introducing further members. Interchangeable fabric covers can also be provided so that consumers can select upholstery fabrics 1107 for the entire assembly or for individual members of the assembly. Embodiments of this disclosure allow for adjustment of any speaker covered by the fabric to account for sound loss through substantially any fabric.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6A, the modular furniture assembly 1122a has two acoustically enhanced upright members 1108a-1108b, each positioned to act as an armrest relative to the base 1106. Each of the acoustically enhanced upright members 1108a-1108b is fitted with two speakers 1102, one facing forward and the other facing upward. Each speaker 1102 is positioned under an upholstered fabric cover 1104a or 1104b that covers the respective acoustically enhanced upright member 1108a or 1108b. Each speaker 1102 can be adjusted so that the sound emitted from the speaker compensates for sound loss through the respective upholstered fabric cover 1104a or 1104b.

[0082] Figure 6B shows a modular furniture assembly 1122b having four acoustically enhanced upright members 1108c', 1108d', and 1108e, each having a single speaker 1102 attached thereto. The acoustically enhanced upright members 1108c' and 1108d' each act as armrests and have speakers 1102 facing inward toward the base 1106, while the acoustically enhanced upright member 1108e each provides a backrest and has an upward-facing speaker 1102 positioned behind the respective base 1106. Furthermore, each acoustically enhanced upright member 1108c', 1108d', 1108e is covered by upholstered fabric covers 1104a to 1104d such that each speaker 1102 of the modular furniture assembly 1122b is positioned under one of the upholstered fabric covers 1104a to 1104d. Thus, each speaker 1102 of the modular furniture assembly 1122b can be adjusted so that the sound emitted from the speaker compensates for the sound loss through the respective upholstered fabric covers 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, or 1104d. In one embodiment, the various covers of a given furniture assembly can be made of the same given material, or of different fabric materials (e.g., a given material on the base, another material on the upright members, or a mixture and matching configuration between the various bases and / or upright members).

[0083] As a further example, Figure 6C illustrates a modular furniture assembly 1122c, in which six acoustically enhanced upright members 1108a', 1108b', and 1108e are arranged around bases 1106 and 1106a, where two bases 1106a are wedge-shaped to create a curved style for a sofa or bed. As shown, the acoustically enhanced upright members 1108a' and 1108b' act as armrests and include forward-facing mounted speakers 1102, while the other acoustically enhanced upright member 1108e acts as a backrest and each has an upward-facing speaker 1102. Upright members 1108c' and 1108d' may be similar to upright members 1108c and 1108d, but differ in that they are shown as containing only a single speaker (e.g., on the inner surface) without using any surround speakers. Each of the upright members 1108e may be configured similarly to one another as shown (e.g., with a single surround speaker located in the center, within the upper edge of the upright member). Upright members 1108a' and 1108b' may be similar to upright members 1108a and 1108b, but differ in that they are shown as having only a single speaker (e.g., on the front edge) without using any surround speakers. As in conventional examples, each speaker 1102 is positioned under one of the upholstered fabric covers 1104a to 1104f and can be adjusted to compensate for sound loss through each of the upholstered fabric covers 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, 1104d, 1104e, or 1104f.

[0084] As yet another example, Figure 6D shows a modular furniture assembly 1122d that forms a U-shaped sofa or bed, having four acoustically enhanced upright members 1108c', 1108d', and 1108e, six bases 1106, and several acoustically unenhanced upright members 1109. As shown, the acoustically enhanced upright members 1108c' and 1108d' provide armrests, each having an inwardly facing speaker 1102, and the acoustically enhanced upright member 108e provides a backrest, each having an upwardly facing speaker 1102. As with other examples provided, the speaker 1102 of each acoustic enhancement upright member 1108c', 1108d', 1108e is positioned under their respective upholstered fabric covers 1104a~1104d and can be adjusted to compensate for sound loss through their respective upholstered fabric covers 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, and 1104d.

[0085] Figures 4 to 6D show specific combinations of upright members in a particular configuration with various bases, but it will be understood that any combination of the upright members and bases described can be used to provide any of the wide range of furniture configurations, along with any desired speaker placement, dimensions, or orientation in the upright members, and any desired placement of the upright members relative to the bases.

[0086] Since the speakers are positioned within the components of the modular furniture assembly, this provides the user with great flexibility in positioning the speakers within the assembled furniture assembly, regardless of whether the assembly is modifiable by the user, custom-made according to the user's requirements, or otherwise provided. Furthermore, by using interchangeable covers for each component of the modular furniture assembly, the user can arbitrarily change the upholstery. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure also enable the user to selectively adjust the speakers of the acoustically enhanced furniture assembly to compensate for sound loss through fabrics selected by the user, as will be discussed further here.

[0087] Next, referring to Figures 7A to 7C, schematic diagrams of exemplary acoustic systems are shown, which are operable to adjust speakers to compensate for sound loss through acoustically partially transparent materials (e.g., textiles or perforated rigid structures). As shown, each acoustic system 129 has a speaker system 130 having a first speaker 132a, a second speaker 132b, and any number of further speakers. Each acoustic system 129 also has a sound source 134 configured to transmit acoustic signals to be emitted by the speaker system 130, and a user input device 144 operable to control various aspects of the acoustic system 129, such as adjusting the output of the sound source 134 or changing the settings of one or more controllers or amplifiers 136. The user input device 144 may be a separate component of the acoustic system 129, such as a console, remote control unit, or portable device, or it may be an integrated component of the sound source 134, such as a user interface on an acoustic receiver. It should be understood that the exemplary acoustic system 129 provided is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0088] In the example shown in Figure 7A, the control unit or amplifier 136 has an adjustment module 138 that can be operated to adjust one or more frequencies or frequency bands of the received acoustic signal when transmitted to the speaker system 130 by the amplifier 136. The adjustment module 138 can be implemented, for example, by firmware directly integrated with the amplifier 136. In some embodiments, the adjustment profile 140 is selectable from a plurality of adjustment profiles 140 stored in a storage device 142 associated with the control unit or amplifier 136. For example, the adjustment module 138 can incorporate an adjustment profile associated with a particular acoustically partially transparent material, depending on the user's selection of an adjustment profile from the adjustment profiles 140 via a user input device 144. The control unit or amplifier 136 can be operated to adjust the speaker system 130 as a whole, or to adjust each individual speaker 132 separately or both. By incorporating the adjustment module within the amplifier 136, the speaker system 130 can be adjusted independently of the sound source 134.

[0089] Alternatively, the exemplary acoustic system 129 in Figure 7B illustrates a sound source 134 having an adjustment module 138 that can be operated to adjust the speaker system 130 to compensate for sound loss through acoustically partially transparent materials by selecting an adjustment profile from a plurality of adjustment profiles 140 from the sound source 134's storage device 142. Thus, a user input device 144 can be used to select an adjustment profile 140 corresponding to a specific acoustically partially transparent material, and the adjustment module 138 can apply the selected adjustment profile 140 to adjust the equalization or frequency response of the speaker system 130 at one or more target frequencies or frequency bands. By incorporating the adjustment module 138 into the sound source 134, an existing speaker system 130 can be adjusted without requiring a special amplifier or control unit.

[0090] As illustrated in Figure 7C, another alternative exemplary acoustic system 129 has a speaker system 130, and the first preamplifier 136a and the second preamplifier 136b, in relation to the respective first speaker 132a and second speaker 132b, independently adjust each speaker 132a, 132b for sound loss through acoustically partially transparent material, thus allowing each speaker to be covered with a different acoustically partially transparent material and further adjusted with adjustment profiles specific to the acoustically partially transparent material. Thus, each preamplifier 136a, 136b has its own memory 142a, 142b from which adjustment profiles can be selected from a plurality of adjustment profiles 140a, 140b. The user can therefore select an adjustment profile for each individual speaker 132 by using the user input device 144, and as a result, the equalization of the acoustic signals received from the sound source 134 by the respective preamplifiers 136a and 136b is adjusted prior to transmission to each speaker 132a and 132b. In one embodiment, all speakers in the system (e.g., 132a, 132b, etc.) may have the same adjustment profile 140 applied to them (e.g., all speakers adjusted to compensate for the generation of sound through a given acoustically partially transparent material). Alternatively, if different acoustically partially transparent materials cover each speaker, each speaker may have a different individual adjustment profile 140 applied to it.

[0091] The embodiment also includes a method and system that allows the speaker system 130 to be configured by the user to account for sound loss through any fabric-covered speakers 132a, 132b, for example, without a predetermined adjustment profile (for example, a method that allows the user to create new adjustment profiles corresponding to the actual fabric-covered speakers 132a, 132b, etc.). For example, Figures 7A to 7C each show a microphone 135 configured to receive and measure sound emitted by the speaker system 130. As shown, the microphone 135 communicates with at least one (or both) of the user input device 144 or the network 149. The microphone 135 is located outside the acoustically partially transparent material associated with each speaker and is configured to receive and measure the sound as it is heard as it passes through the acoustically partially transparent material.

[0092] Such an embodiment of automatic adjustment further comprises using the user input device 144 as a computer system capable of applying the method disclosed herein. The user input device 144 communicates with the network 149 and has the hardware and software necessary to carry out the disclosed method. Alternatively, a separate personal computer, portable device, etc., can communicate with the microphone 135 directly or via the network 149. Thus, the user input device 144 communicates with the microphone 135 when the speaker system 130 emits a preset sequence of audio tones, which are stored, for example, in the storage device 142 or in a remote computer system that communicates with the speaker system 130, or transmitted to the speaker system 130 via the sound source 134. The microphone 135 is capable of measuring the sound (tone) emitted by the speaker system 130 through an acoustically partially transparent material. Upon receiving a measurement from the microphone 135, the user input device 144 creates a new adjustment profile 140, communicates with the adjustment module 138 to store the new adjustment profile 140 in the storage device 142, and implements the adjustment profile to calculate the adjustment of equalization of the speaker system 130 by the method disclosed herein in order to adjust the equalization of each speaker 132a, 132b, etc. of the speaker system 130. It will be understood that a separate computer system 145 may be applicable to the methods disclosed herein, including automatic adjustment using the microphone 135.

[0093] A schematic diagram of a portion of the acoustic system described herein can be considered a representation of a functional module or component for performing a specific action on any of the furniture materials described herein. Generally, the operators, controls, systems, etc. described herein may refer to software objects or routines that run on a processing device for a particular purpose to perform a certain function or group of functions. In at least some examples, hardware processors are provided that are operable to execute executable instructions for performing methods or processes such as the methods and processes disclosed herein. It is intended that these can be implemented in hardware or in combination of software and hardware. For example, the controls, modules, systems, etc. described herein may involve the use of computer hardware or software modules. Such hardware and software modules or structures may have a processor and computer storage medium that carry instructions for performing any one or more of the methods disclosed herein, or any portion of any of the methods disclosed herein, when executed by the processor and / or when caused to be executed by the processor. Such computer storage media include, but are not limited to, solid-state disks / devices, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, flash memory, phase-change memory ("PCM"), or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage devices that can be used to store program code in the formation of computer executable instructions or data structures, which may be accessed and executed by general-purpose or special-purpose computer systems to implement the disclosed functionality of the present invention. Such media are also examples of non-temporary storage media, which also include cloud-based storage systems and structures, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples of non-temporary storage media.

[0094] The functionality and operation of the control unit / amplifier, user input device, sound source, speaker system, acoustic system, and other configurations and components described herein may be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, exemplary types of hardware logic components / processors that may be used include field-programmable gate arrays ("FPGA"), program-specific or application-specific integrated circuits ("ASIC"), program-specific standard products ("ASSP"), system-on-chip systems ("SOC"), composite programmable logic units ("CPLD"), central processing units ("CPU"), graphical processing units ("GPU"), or any other type of programmable hardware.

[0095] Optionally, the user input device 144 and the sound source 134 are illustrated to communicate directly with the control unit / amplifier 136 and / or the speaker system 130, as shown in Figures 7A-7C, but any of the structures described herein can communicate and transmit signals between or to other structures via the network 149. “Network” is defined as one or more data links and / or data switches that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems, modules, and / or other electronic devices, such as network 149. When information is transferred to or provided to a computer via the network (wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless), the computer appropriately recognizes the connection as a medium of transmission. The control unit / amplifier 136, user device 144, sound source 134, microphone 135, speaker system 130, and computer system 145 may have one or more communication channels used to communicate with network 149. The transmission medium has a network that can be used to transport data or desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures. Furthermore, these computer-executable instructions can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. It is desirable that the above combination also be included within the technical scope of a computer-readable medium.

[0096] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of Method 146 of the present invention, which acoustically compensates for sound loss through any of the furniture materials described herein. More specifically, Method 146 has various actions for creating an adjustable profile that can be operated to tune a speaker, and compensates for sound loss through a selected acoustically partially transparent material. For example (but not limited to), such a method may be performed by a manufacturer or other provider of a system such as those described herein. This method can be performed, for example, by any of the acoustic systems shown in Figures 7A to 7C.

[0097] Method 146 begins with operation 146a, selecting one or more reference equalizations of acoustic frequencies for a speaker in an acoustic system, such as the acoustic system shown in Figures 7A–7C. Such reference equalizations may correspond to a desired frequency response curve or to the unmodified frequency response of a given speaker system at a selected volume level. Embodiments have substantially any reference equalizations that allow for the measurement of volume at each target frequency or frequency band as the speaker emits sound through the fabric or other material to which it is tuned. In other words, the volume at each target frequency within the selected reference equalization must be sufficiently high to allow the method steps to proceed to be performed accurately.

[0098] With respect to any of the furniture systems discussed herein, as a non-limiting example, the reference decibel level for each target frequency or frequency band of reference equalization may be approximately 40 decibels or less, 60 decibels or less, 70 decibels or less, 90 decibels or less, 100 decibels or less, 120 decibels or less, or 130 decibels or less. In other words, reference equalization may be based on reference decibel levels of approximately 40 decibels to approximately 130 decibels, approximately 60 decibels to approximately 120 decibels, or approximately 70 decibels to approximately 100 decibels. Furthermore, if it is found that the previously selected decibel level is too low when sound passes through a selected acoustically partially transparent material and is not audible or detectable by a microphone such as microphone 135, the reference decibel level for each target frequency or frequency band can be adjusted. Moreover, the method disclosed herein can be performed at various reference decibel levels to determine the precise adjustment to reference equalization at each selected decibel level.

[0099] In operation 146b, the acoustic system is configured to emit from the speaker one or more target frequencies or frequency bands at actual volume levels, depending on the selected reference equalization. For example, for a frequency range of approximately 20 Hz to approximately 21 kHz, the frequency range can have up to 3, 5, 10, or 31 target frequencies, or up to one target frequency for each frequency in this range, thereby allowing for 21,000 target frequencies in the range of 0 Hz to approximately 21 kHz. In other words, the entire frequency range can be tuned through step functions that reduce to each frequency or to frequency bands, as characterized by the continuity equation. A particular frequency range can be divided into a number of frequency bands, such as approximately 1 to approximately 21,000 target frequency bands, approximately 1 to approximately 31 target frequency bands, approximately 2 to approximately 20 target frequency bands, approximately 3 to approximately 15 target frequency bands, or approximately 5 to approximately 10 target frequency bands. More specifically, as an example, for adjustment, the following 10 target frequencies can be selected, namely, approximately 32 Hz, approximately 63 Hz, approximately 125 Hz, approximately 250 Hz, approximately 500 Hz, approximately 1 kHz, approximately 2 kHz, approximately 4 kHz, approximately 8 kHz, and approximately 16 kHz. Furthermore, the target frequencies can be implemented using the following 10 frequency bands, for example, as provided in Table 1, namely, approximately 20 Hz to approximately 49 Hz, approximately 50 Hz to approximately 99 Hz, approximately 100 Hz to approximately 199 Hz, approximately 200 Hz to approximately 399 Hz, approximately 400 Hz to approximately 999 Hz, approximately 1 kHz to approximately 1.9 kHz, approximately 2 kHz to approximately 3.9 kHz, approximately 4 kHz to approximately 7.9 kHz, approximately 8 kHz to approximately 15.9 kHz, and approximately 16 kHz to approximately 21 kHz. Those skilled in the art should understand that the adjustment of a target frequency or frequency band can be achieved using a variety of currently available devices, such as parametric equalizers, graphical equalizers, semi-graphical equalizers, and custom-designed equalizers.

[0100] After the acoustic system has been configured according to the selected standard configuration, operation 146c includes the operation of covering the speaker with a selected acoustically partially transparent material. Preferably, the selected acoustically partially transparent material is either the same as, or substantially similar to, an acoustically partially transparent material intended to be used to cover a speaker system product such as a furniture assembly during use, in terms of type, density, thickness, weight, density of perforations, area of ​​perforations, material, etc.

[0101] With the speaker covered by a selected acoustically partially transparent material, operation 146d comprises activating the acoustic system when the speaker emits sound through the selected acoustically partially transparent material and measuring the resulting volume of each of one or more target frequencies. The resulting volume of one or more target frequencies will vary based on the fabric or other material used to cover the speaker, and the resulting frequency response will be affected differently depending on at least one of the following: the type, density, thickness, density of holes, area of ​​holes, or weight of the acoustically partially transparent material. For example, one fabric may significantly affect certain frequencies while having nominal or substantially no effect on others, and alternative acoustically partially transparent materials may affect different frequencies by varying amounts, as will be further discussed herein.

[0102] In operation 146e, a difference volume (e.g., in dB) is calculated between the actual volume of each of the one or more target frequencies from operation 146b and the resulting volume of each of the one or more target frequencies measured in operation 146d. These difference volumes can be calculated for any number of acoustic frequencies, preferably each acoustic frequency or frequency band adjustable by the acoustic system. In one exemplary configuration, if the acoustic system has a baseline of approximately 70 dB to 100 dB within the range of approximately 20 Hz to 21 kHz, the compensation value can be up to approximately 25 dB for each of one or more adjusted frequency bands, and the adjusted frequency bands have ranges of approximately 1 Hz to 4000 Hz, approximately 2 Hz to 2000 Hz, approximately 3 Hz to 1000 Hz, approximately 4 Hz to 500 Hz, approximately 5 Hz to 200 Hz, approximately 5 Hz to 100 Hz, approximately 5 Hz to 50 Hz, combinations thereof and / or modifications thereof, or other bandwidths for the selected target frequency band. In other words, if compensation for a specific frequency band occurs for a particular acoustically partially transparent material during adjustment, the compensation value can be in the range of approximately 1 dB to 25 dB. Alternatively, the compensation value can be in the range of approximately 1 dB to 30 dB, approximately 2 dB to 21 dB, approximately 3 dB to 16 dB, approximately 1 dB to 21 dB, or approximately 1 dB to 16 dB.

[0103] In other examples, the differential volume is approximately 2dB, 4dB, 3dB, 5 The volume can be set to approximately 8dB or 10dB for a target frequency of approximately 1kHz, or approximately 1kHz to approximately 1.9kHz, or approximately 12dB for a target frequency of approximately 1.2kHz, or approximately 11dB or 14dB for a target frequency of approximately 4kHz in the frequency band of approximately 2kHz to approximately 3.9kHz, or approximately 16dB for a target frequency of approximately 4kHz to approximately 7.9kHz, or approximately 15dB or 18dB for a target frequency of approximately 8kHz, or approximately 20dB for a frequency band of approximately 8kHz to approximately 15.9kHz, or approximately 16dB, 21dB, or 25dB for a target frequency of approximately 16kHz or a frequency band of approximately 16kHz to approximately 21kHz. Please understand that the aforementioned volume adjustments include adjustments to the volume below the stated upper limits, for example, by increasing the volume of each target frequency or frequency band expressed above by an amount between approximately 1 decibel and the maximum number of decibels indicated.

[0104] The adjustments described above are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the technical scope of this disclosure. For example, while certain differential volume levels are provided in each of Examples 1 to 3, it will be understood that any differential volume levels from any of the examples can be combined together. For example, any differential volume level in Example 1 can be combined with any differential volume level from one or both of Examples 2 and 3. In addition, any differential volume level in Example 2 can be combined with any differential volume level from one or both of Examples 1 and 3. In addition, any differential volume level in Example 3 can be combined with any differential volume level from one or both of Examples 1 and 2. [Table 2]

[0105] Finally, in operation 146f, the acoustic system is reconfigured to compensate for sound loss through a selected acoustically partially transparent material by adjusting the actual volume of each of one or more target frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the speaker, making them adjustable by the acoustic system through the corresponding calculated difference volume. As illustrated in Table 2, some embodiments have adjustments for higher frequencies (e.g., 1 kHz or higher) that are larger in magnitude than the adjustments made for lower frequencies. The exact magnitude of the adjustment for each target frequency or frequency range depends on the magnitude of the volume attenuated (i.e., reduced) by the particular acoustically partially transparent material covering the speaker.

[0106] Method 146 may also include creating an adjustment profile corresponding to a selected acoustically partially transparent material, which may then be implemented to adjust any speaker covered with an acoustically partially transparent material identical or similar to the selected acoustically partially transparent material to compensate for sound loss through the acoustically partially transparent material. The adjustment profile created may include an acoustically partially transparent material identifier and the calculated difference volume for each of one or more target frequencies or frequency bands, as obtained by the method of this disclosure. Alternatively, the adjustment profile may include a fabric (or other material) identifier and a ratio of the difference volume and the reference volume, allowing for linear adjustment of equalization when the overall volume level of the speaker is changed by the user. Furthermore, the volume difference and / or ratio may be calculated for each of the various levels of overall volume by repeating Method 146, thus generating a stepped volume adjustment profile. Therefore, the calculated differential volume or volume ratio of the adjustment profile can be used to adjust a speaker or speaker system by adjusting the actual volume of one or more frequencies for which the calculated differential volume is provided.

[0107] The method of this disclosure can also be used to create further adjustment profiles, each corresponding to an additional acoustically partially transparent material. For example, during operation 146c of method 146, the selected acoustically partially transparent material may be replaced in turn with each additional acoustically partially transparent material, and the remaining operation is then performed for each additional acoustically partially transparent material to create the corresponding adjustment profile.

[0108] Accordingly, speakers mounted within a furniture assembly can be tuned according to any of the tuning profiles, such as tuning profiles 140, 140a, 140b (Figures 7A-7C), which are created by selecting tuning profiles corresponding to specific acoustically partially transparent materials covering the mounted speakers. These tuning profiles 140, 140a, 140b are stored in memory devices 142, 142a, 142b, as illustrated in Figures 7A-7C. The application of the tuning profiles can be achieved, for example, via a speaker control unit 136 configured to control one or more speakers in the furniture assembly, or by adjusting the output of a sound source 134. The speaker control unit may have any known means for adjusting the acoustic output of a speaker or a system of several speakers, such as, but not limited to, a center console associated with the speaker system, individual preamplifiers associated with each speaker, a programmable acoustic output source, etc.

[0109] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of Method 148 for incorporating adjustment profiles, such as those obtained by Method 146, for adjusting furniture systems, such as those shown in Figures 1 to 6D, to compensate for sound loss through acoustically partially transparent materials, although this method is not limited to these. Such methods can be performed, for example, by end users, manufacturers, or other furniture suppliers. Operation 148a of Method 148 comprises, but is not limited to, providing a furniture assembly having at least one acoustically partially transparent speaker controlled by a speaker control unit, such as a dedicated console or amplifier, a preamplifier or other control unit individually dedicated to at least one acoustically partially transparent speaker, or a sound source configured to control the frequency response of at least one acoustically partially transparent speaker.

[0110] The furniture assembly may have, for example, one or more bases, a plurality of upright members configured to be attached to one or more bases, and a speaker system, where at least one of the plurality of upright members is an acoustically enhanced upright member, such as the modular furniture assembly shown in Figures 1 to 6D. The speaker system may have at least one speaker mounted within the first acoustically enhanced upright member or within some other part of the furniture assembly, the at least one speaker being hidden from view by a first acoustically partially transparent material covering the first acoustically enhanced upright member.

[0111] According to operation 148b, a plurality of predetermined adjustment profiles are presented, each corresponding to an acoustically partially transparent material, and each is operable by the speaker control unit to adjust the volume of one or more target frequencies or frequency bands emitted by at least one speaker covered with an acoustically partially transparent material, and to compensate for sound emitted from at least one speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material.

[0112] In response to the selection of an adjustment profile, operation 148c comprises adjusting a speaker covered with at least one acoustically partially transparent material via a speaker control unit, thereby adjusting the actual volume of one or more target frequencies or frequency bands by an amount approximately equal to the calculated differential volume included in the selected adjustment profile. The calculated differential volume of each of the one or more acoustic frequencies is equal to the difference between (i) a reference volume corresponding to the sound emitted from at least one speaker or similar speaker and (ii) the resulting volume corresponding to the sound emitted from at least one speaker or similar speaker when covered with the first acoustically partially transparent material or an acoustically similar transparent material. The adjustment of at least one speaker can be performed by any known means of adjusting the acoustic frequency equalization of a speaker or speaker system, but is not limited to the means described in relation to Figures 7A-7C.

[0113] Those skilled in the art should understand that the disclosed method is applicable under a variety of circumstances. For example, tuning profiles may be predetermined for one or more selected acoustically partially transparent materials during the design or development of an acoustic system such as a furniture assembly. Alternatively, multiple tuning profiles may be presented and selectable via a user interface on a portable device, remote control unit, or dedicated console associated with a speaker system. Or, a furniture assembly may provide consumers with pre-selected tuning profiles based on the acoustically partially transparent materials selected by the user when the furniture is ordered. In at least one embodiment, the disclosed method can be applied to an existing speaker, acoustic system, or speaker system having a speaker at least partially covered with an acoustically partially transparent material in order to improve the sound quality of the existing system. As discussed herein, the user may have means such as a microphone or software that can operate the microphone of a portable device, by which the user can measure the actual volume emitted through an acoustically partially transparent material covering one or more speakers to determine the resulting volume of one or more target frequencies, calculate the difference volume for each target frequency, and reconfigure the existing system to adjust the actual volume of each target frequency, or the corresponding frequency band, to be emitted by each speaker in order to compensate for sound loss through the acoustically partially transparent material.

[0114] In addition, some embodiments include a furniture assembly with multiple speakers, each speaker being individually tuned by separately selecting one of several tuning profiles. In some embodiments, the user can select a tuning profile from several tuning profiles, either for the speaker system as a whole or for each individual speaker, via a dedicated console, remote control unit, or user interface of a portable device or computer system, depending on the installation of acoustically partially transparent materials around the speakers included in the furniture assembly.

[0115] Referring next to Figure 10, an exemplary table of acoustic frequency adjustments for acoustically compensating for sound loss through an acoustically partially transparent material is provided according to embodiments of the present invention. The illustrated table can be created for any acoustically partially transparent material using methods described herein, such as method 146 discussed herein in relation to Figure 8. For example, any number of target acoustic frequencies F1 to Fn can be selected for adjustment, which are frequencies that are typically adjustable by the equalizer function of currently available equalization systems.

[0116] These frequencies F1 to Fn may include, for example, 32Hz, 63Hz, 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 6kHz, and 16kHz. These frequencies F1 to Fn include, for example, any frequency in the range of approximately 20Hz to approximately 21kHz, with one or more adjustable frequencies being 20Hz to 49Hz, one or more adjustable frequencies being 50Hz to 99Hz, one or more adjustable frequencies being 100Hz to 199Hz, one or more frequencies being 200Hz to 399Hz, one or more frequencies being 400Hz to 399Hz, one or more frequencies being 1kHz to 1.999kHz, one or more frequencies being 2kHz to 3.999kHz, one or more frequencies being 4kHz to 7.999kHz, one or more frequencies being 8kHz to 15.999kHz, and one or more frequencies being 16kHz to 21kHz. Alternatively, one or more of the aforementioned frequency ranges can be targeted for adjustment, for example, using a graphical equalizer or similar device. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the entire range of frequencies selected for adjustment is not limited to between 20 Hz and 21 kHz, but can be extended to include any lower or higher frequencies as needed.

[0117] Next, a reference equalizer can be selected for the selected acoustic frequencies F1-Fn, which includes the actual desired volume levels V1-Vn (e.g., the desired frequency response curve of the speaker) corresponding to the selected acoustic frequencies F1-Fn. Embodiments may include substantially any reference equalizer that enables the measurement of volume levels at each target frequency or frequency band when the speaker emits sound through an acoustically partially transparent material being tuned. In other words, the volume levels at each target frequency within the selected reference equalizer must be sufficiently high to allow the proceeding method steps to be performed accurately.

[0118] Once the reference equalization frequencies F1-Fn and the actual desired volume levels V1-Vn are determined, the volume levels V1-Vn of the acoustically partially transparent material, which correspond to the sound emitted from the speaker through the first acoustically partially transparent material (acoustically transparent material 1), can be determined according to the method of this disclosure, and the corresponding difference volume levels.

number

number

number

number

[0119] Speaker equalization or adjustment to the frequency response can instead be performed as a ratio of the calculated difference volume to the respective reference volume, thereby making the equalization adjustment dependent on the volume level of the speaker selected by the user.

[0120] For example, as shown in Table 3, each acoustic frequency is: It can be adjusted to approximately 1.03, 1.06, or 1.07 for a target frequency of approximately 32 Hz or a frequency band of approximately 29 Hz to 49 Hz, or It can be adjusted to approximately 1.01, 1.05, or 1.06 for a target frequency of approximately 63 Hz or a frequency band of approximately 50 Hz to 99 Hz, or It can be adjusted to approximately 1.03, 1.04, or 1.05 for a target frequency of approximately 125 Hz or a frequency band of approximately 100 Hz to 199 Hz, or It can be adjusted to approximately 1.01, 1.04, or 1.05 for a target frequency of approximately 250 Hz or a frequency band of approximately 199 Hz to 399 Hz, or It can be adjusted to approximately 1.01, 1.04, or 1.06 for a target frequency of approximately 500 Hz or a frequency band of approximately 400 Hz to 999 Hz, or It can be adjusted to approximately 1.03, 1.06, or 1.08 for a target frequency of approximately 1 kHz or a frequency band of approximately 1 Hz to 1.9 Hz, or It can be adjusted to approximately 1.09, 1.11, or 1.13 for a target frequency of approximately 2 kHz or a frequency band of approximately 2 Hz to 3.9 Hz, or It can be adjusted to approximately 1.12, 1.16, or 1.18 for a target frequency of approximately 4 kHz or a frequency band of approximately 4 Hz to 7.9 Hz, or It can be adjusted to approximately 1.17, 1.21, or 1.23 for a target frequency of approximately 8 kHz or a frequency band of approximately 8 Hz to 15.9 Hz, or It can be adjusted to approximately 1.19, 1.25, or 1.30 for a target frequency of approximately 16 kHz or a frequency band of approximately 16 Hz to 21 Hz. It should be understood that the aforementioned volume control involves adjusting the volume below the presented upper limit, for example, by multiplying the volume of each target frequency or frequency band expressed above by a coefficient ranging from approximately 1 to the presented maximum amplification factor. Furthermore, the aforementioned adjustment ratios are provided as examples only and do not limit the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0121] For example, while specific multipliers or ratios are provided in each of Examples 1 to 3, it will be understood that any multiplier or ratio from any of the examples can be combined. For example, any multiplier or ratio from Example 1 can be combined with any multiplier or ratio from one or both of Examples 2 and 3. Furthermore, any multiplier or ratio from Example 2 can be combined with any multiplier or ratio from one or both of Examples 1 and 3. Furthermore, any multiplier or ratio from Example 3 can be combined with any multiplier or ratio from one or both of Examples 1 and 2. [Table 3]

[0122] Figures 11A–11K show tables of target acoustic frequency adjustments for acoustically compensating for sound loss through various exemplary acoustically partially transparent materials. Specifically, Figures 11A–11K have target acoustic frequency adjustments corresponding to polyester resin fabrics (Figure 11A), (Figure 11B), tweed (Figure 11C), linen (Figure 11D), velvet (Figure 11E), leather (Figure 11F), polyester resin linen (Figure 11G), and faux fur (Figure 11H), respectively. More specifically, the “EQ compensation” values ​​provided in each table can be achieved by adjusting the actual volume of each target frequency (or frequency band containing the target frequency) when emitted from a speaker covered with the acoustically partially transparent material corresponding to the respective table or adjustment profile. Those skilled in the art will understand that the acoustic frequency increases provided herein correspond particularly to exemplary acoustically partially transparent materials with specific compositions, densities, thicknesses, weights, pore density, pore area, etc., and to specific reference equalizations presented, and that acoustic frequencies corresponding to substantially any material and / or reference equalization can be calculated by the methods and systems described herein.

[0123] As shown in Figures 11A to 11E, the "EQ compensation" value below approximately 1000 Hz can be in the range of approximately 1 dB to 5 dB, approximately 1 dB to 4 dB, approximately 1 dB to 3 dB, or approximately 1 dB to 2 dB, relative to a reference equalization of approximately 70 dB to approximately 100 dB. More generally, the "EQ compensation" value can be approximately 1 dB to 8 dB, approximately 1 dB to 7 dB, approximately 1 dB to 6 dB, approximately 1 dB to 5 dB, approximately 2 dB to 7 dB, approximately 2 dB to 6 dB, approximately 2 dB to 5 dB, approximately 2 dB to 4 dB, or approximately 2 dB to 3 dB.

[0124] Alternatively, speaker tuning may be achieved by multiplying one or more acoustic frequencies by predetermined ratios or multipliers. For example, each acoustic frequency can be tuned by a multiplier in the range of about 1 to about 1.235 for a leather-covered speaker, by a multiplier in the range of about 1 to about 1.115 for a polyester resin-covered speaker, by a multiplier in the range of about 1 to about 1.063 for a chenille or velvet-covered speaker, and by a multiplier in the range of about 1 to about 1.037 for a tweed or linen-covered speaker. Those skilled in the art should understand that the aforementioned values ​​are provided as examples and are specific to example materials having a particular composition, density, thickness, hole weight, and hole area. As disclosed herein, specific tuning values ​​are of a selected acoustically partially transparent material, but it is preferable that they be calculated individually for each acoustically partially transparent material intended to cover a speaker or speaker system in order to ensure optimal sound quality when sound is emitted.

[0125] Referring next to Figure 12, the embodiment may have a control console dedicated to the speaker system, which, according to this disclosure, may be configured to allow the user to select an adjustment profile from a plurality of adjustment profiles. The control console may be one of the user input devices 144, sound source 134 and / or computer system 135 shown in Figures 7A to 7C. As illustrated, the control console 150 comprises a series of buttons 152 and a display device 154, and thus provides the user with a means to select an adjustment profile stored in the storage unit of the acoustic system and implemented by the adjustment module, as illustrated in any of Figures 7A to 7C. For example, the user may select a menu button 156 and use navigation buttons 158 and 160 to select an adjustment profile corresponding to any acoustically partially transparent material for which an adjustment profile is provided.

[0126] The display device 154 may be configured as a liquid crystal display (LCD), but may implement alternative display devices such as a series of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to each available adjustment profile, but is not limited to these. Alternatively, the user may be given commands to select, deselect, and / or change adjustment profiles via a series of buttons, thus requiring an LCD or other display on the control console 150.

[0127] Figure 13 shows a remote control unit 170 in one embodiment. The remote control unit 170 can be one of the user input devices 144 or the sound sources 134 in Figures 7A to 7C. The remote control unit 170 can be operated to interact with the control unit of the sound system using menu buttons 172 and navigation buttons 174. For example, the remote control unit 170 can be operated to interact with the control console 150 via a wired or wireless connection and can assist the user in selecting adjustment profiles for the sound system and adjusting other system settings. In an alternative embodiment, the remote control unit 170 may be operated to interact with an interface programmed to be displayed on a television screen or other display via a computer system contained within the control console 150.

[0128] Figures 14A to 15B show an exemplary portable device 180 displaying a user control interface of one embodiment. The portable device 180 may be one of the components of the user input device 144, sound source 134, and / or computer system 145 shown in Figures 7A to 7C. Embodiments of the portable device application may be operable to control various functions of the sound system, such as input / output, volume, user-adjustable equalization, and selection of adjustment profiles based on acoustically partially transparent materials. The portable device 180 may be configured to connect to the system control unit via direct wireless communication, via a network connection, or via a wired connection. Those skilled in the art should understand that this user interface is not limited to portable devices and can be implemented on any device or apparatus having a user interface, such as a computer console or television.

[0129] As shown in the figure, the portable device 180 is programmed to display various selectable options to the user and has a selection unit 182 for tuning profiles based on acoustically partially transparent materials for the entire speaker system and a selection unit 184 for tuning profiles based on acoustically partially transparent materials for individual speakers 188a-188d of the speaker system. Thus, the selection unit 184 makes it possible to use different acoustically partially transparent materials on different components of the speaker system, for example, by covering different acoustic enhancement members (e.g., upright members and / or bases) of a modular furniture assembly with different fabric covers. An exemplary list 186 of selectable acoustically partially transparent materials is shown, allowing the user to select a tuning profile corresponding to any of the listed acoustically partially transparent materials. It is also possible to include sublists or submenus from one or more acoustically partially transparent materials heard in a drop-down list. For example, if the user selects a material that is partially acoustically transparent, the interface presented on the portable device 180 can present different materials, as illustrated in Figures 15A and 15B.

[0130] When the user performs selection 182 for adjusting the entire system, a drop-down list 186 of acoustically partially transparent materials is displayed for the user's selection. If the user selects an acoustically partially transparent material as, for example, perforated wood (as shown in Figure 14A), the portable device will transmit the signal to the receiver, amplifier, or other appropriate component of the sound system to implement an adjustment profile specifically configured to compensate for sound loss through the perforated wood, for example, as shown in Figure 1. If the user performs selection 184 to adjust individual speakers 188a-188d, as shown in Figure 1, the drop-down list 186 is made available for each of the speakers 188a-188d, and as a result, the user can select one of the listed acoustically partially transparent materials for each speaker 188a-188d. For example, if the user selects wood perforated for speaker 188a (see, e.g., Figure 1) (as shown in Figure 14B), the portable device will transmit a signal to the receiver, amplifier, or other appropriate component of the sound system to implement an adjustment profile specifically configured to compensate for sound loss through the wood perforated for speaker 188a. Figures 15A-15B show the interface of the portable device 180 when the user selects acoustically partially transparent material for the entire system or for individual speakers.

[0131] Figures 14A to 14B show that the adjustment and tuning techniques, profiles and sound compensation, equalization, and tuning techniques discussed in relation to Figures 4A to 15B are applicable to the furniture systems in Figures 1 to 3F, and that the sound compensation, adjustment, and tuning techniques and methods discussed in relation to Figures 4A to 15B are also applicable to the furniture systems in Figures 1 to 3F. Therefore, the adjustment, equalization, and acoustic compensation techniques and disclosures discussed in relation to the furniture structures in Figures 4A to 15B can be applied to the furniture structures in Figures 1 to 3F.

[0132] Embodiments of adjustment profiles adjust the equalization or frequency response of a speaker to which an adjustment profile is applied, which may include information used to compensate for sound loss through a corresponding acoustically partially transparent material. For example, each adjustment profile may include the name or identification number of the acoustically partially transparent material and a plurality of target frequency or frequency band adjustments, such as “EQ compensation” decibel values ​​disclosed in Figures 11A to 11K. Alternatively, the adjustment may be included in various forms, such as, but not limited to, ratios or multipliers. The adjustment profile may also include adjustment values, ratios, or coefficients corresponding to various reference volume levels, such that the magnitude of the adjustment changes when the user adjusts the output volume of the sound system.

[0133] Accordingly, textiles (e.g., upholstered textiles) and perforated rigid structures (e.g., perforated wooden table surfaces) are examples of acoustically partially transparent materials of the present invention, which can cover a speaker system placed within a furniture assembly, and the speaker system comprises at least one speaker covered with the acoustically partially transparent material such that at least one speaker is hidden from view, the at least one speaker being configured to compensate for sound loss when sound is emitted from the speaker through the perforated structure.

[0134] Perforated leather is another example of the acoustically partially transparent material of the present invention, which can cover a speaker system placed within a furniture assembly, the speaker system comprising at least one speaker covered by the acoustically partially transparent material, so that at least one speaker is hidden from view, and at least one speaker is configured to compensate for sound loss when sound is emitted from the speaker through the perforated leather.

[0135] In one embodiment, for example, about 5% to about 70% of the portion of leather material adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated, the thickness of the perforated portion of leather material adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 30 mm, and the diameter of each perforation in the perforated leather material adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 mm.

[0136] In another embodiment, for example, about 5% to about 70% of the portion of leather material adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated, the thickness of the perforated portion of leather material adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 30 mm, and the diameter of each perforation in the perforated leather material adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.

[0137] In another embodiment, approximately 30% to 60% of the portion of leather material adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated, the thickness of the perforated portion of leather material adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 1 mm to 2 mm, and the diameter of each perforation in the perforated leather material adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to 1 mm.

[0138] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant work of furniture assemblies and acoustic systems.

[0139] The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements in the preceding description. Furthermore, the words “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive, meaning that there may be additional elements beyond those listed. In addition, it should be understood that the criteria for “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of further embodiments that also incorporate the described features. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values ​​described herein are intended to have such values, and also to have other values ​​that are “about” or “approximately” such values, as understood by those skilled in the art encompassed by the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the described values ​​should be interpreted broadly enough to include values ​​that are at least sufficiently close to the described values ​​in order to perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. The stated values ​​include at least some expected variation in appropriate manufacturing or production processes, and may include values ​​within 5%, 1%, 0.1%, or 0.01% of the stated values.

[0140] Those skilled in the art should recognize from the perspective of this disclosure that equivalent configurations do not deviate from the spirit and technical scope of this disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and technical scope of this disclosure. Equivalent structures including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover structures described herein as performing the described function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner and equivalent structures that provide the same function. The applicant expresses that, except for claims in which “means for” appears with the relevant function, no means of means-plus-function or other functional claims are referenced to any claim. Any additions, deletions, or modifications to embodiments within the meaning and scope of the claims shall be incorporated into the claims.

[0141] The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” as used herein, refer to quantities close to the stated quantity that continue to perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. For example, “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to quantities within the range of less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the stated quantity. Furthermore, it should be understood that any frame of direction or criteria in the foregoing description is merely a relative direction or movement. For example, any criteria for “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” merely describe the relative position or movement of the elements in question.

[0142] Several ranges may be disclosed herein. Further ranges may be defined between any values ​​disclosed herein, as examples of specific parameters including the endpoints of the disclosed ranges. All such technical ranges are conscientious and fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0143] The following are some further exemplary embodiments of the present invention. These are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, any exemplary embodiment can be combined with one or more of the exemplary embodiments.

[0144] Example 1: In an acoustically enhanced furniture system, The aforementioned sound-enhanced furniture system is A furniture assembly having a material that is partially acoustically transparent, A speaker system disposed within the furniture assembly, wherein the speaker system comprises at least one speaker covered by the acoustically partially transparent material, and the at least one speaker is configured to be hidden from view. An acoustically enhanced furniture system comprising: a speaker system, wherein the at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted to compensate for the sound emitted from the at least one speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material.

[0145] Example 2: The acoustically enhanced furniture system in Example 1, wherein the partially acoustically transparent material is at least one of a woven fabric or a perforated leather material.

[0146] Example 3: In an acoustically enhanced furniture system, The aforementioned sound-enhanced furniture system is A furniture assembly having a material that is partially acoustically transparent, A speaker system arranged within the furniture assembly, wherein the speaker system comprises at least one speaker covered by an acoustically partially transparent material, and the at least one speaker is configured to be hidden from view. Acoustically enhanced furniture system comprising a speaker system in which at least one speaker is configured to compensate for sound emitted from the at least one speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material, the acoustically partially transparent material being a perforated, non-drapeable rigid structure.

[0147] Example 4: The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to Example 3, wherein the rigid structure comprises at least one of wood, plywood, plastic, polymer, or metal.

[0148] Example 5: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 4, wherein the perforations in the rigid structure are finely adjusted perforations on the original surface of the rigid structure so that the rigid structure is visually and aesthetically pleasing.

[0149] Example 6: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 5, wherein the speaker system is adjusted by increasing one or more selected frequencies to compensate for the attenuation of those frequencies so that sound from the speaker system is emitted through the rigid structure.

[0150] Example 7: An acoustically enhanced furniture system in any one of Examples 3 to 6, wherein, in order to provide greater resistance to environmental factors, the perforations are located in a vertically oriented or substantially vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure.

[0151] Example 8: The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 7, further comprising at least one speaker control unit communicating with the at least one speaker, wherein the speaker control unit is configured to control the adjustment of the at least one speaker, and the at least one speaker control unit is selectively controlled by at least one of a portable device, a remote control unit, or a console control unit.

[0152] Example 9: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of the embodiments of Examples 3 to 8, wherein the furniture assembly having the rigid structure comprises a table, coffee table, end table, side table, cupboard, door, credenza, console, sideboard, cabinet, bookcase, desk, door, bed frame, or a combination thereof.

[0153] Example 10: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 9, wherein the at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted by the selection of a plurality of adjustment profiles corresponding to (i) the material type of the rigid structure, (ii) the amount of perforation of the rigid structure, and (iii) the thickness of the rigid structure.

[0154] Example 11: An acoustically enhanced furniture system in which at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted by selection from a plurality of adjustment profiles corresponding to (i) the material type of the rigid structure, (ii) the amount of perforation of the rigid structure, (iii) the thickness of the rigid structure, and (iv) the perforation dimensions of the perforations in the rigid structure.

[0155] Example 12: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any of Examples 3 to 11, wherein approximately 5% to approximately 70% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated.

[0156] Example 13: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 12, wherein approximately 10% to approximately 60% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated.

[0157] Example 14: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 13, wherein approximately 50% to 60% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated.

[0158] Example 15: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 14, wherein approximately 10% to 30% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated.

[0159] Example 16: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 15, wherein the thickness of the rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm.

[0160] Example 17: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 16, wherein the thickness of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 20 mm.

[0161] Example 18: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 17, wherein the thickness of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

[0162] Example 19: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 18, wherein the thickness of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm.

[0163] Example 20: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 19, wherein the diameter of each of the holes in the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters.

[0164] Example 21: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 20, wherein the diameter of each of the holes in the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.

[0165] Example 22: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 21, wherein the diameter of each of the holes in the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0166] Example 23: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 22, wherein the diameter of each of the holes in the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.

[0167] Example 24: Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated, and approximately 95% to 30% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is made of solid, non-perforated material. The thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. An acoustically enhanced furniture system in any one of Examples 3 to 23, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters.

[0168] Example 25: Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. An acoustically enhanced furniture system in any one of Examples 3 to 24, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.

[0169] Example 26: Approximately 30% to 60% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm. An acoustically enhanced furniture system in any one of Examples 3 to 25, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 1 mm.

[0170] Example 27: Approximately 50% to 60% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm. An acoustically enhanced furniture system in any one of Examples 3 to 26, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.

[0171] Example 28: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 27, wherein the at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound fluctuations caused by sound emitted from the speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material by adjusting for the equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker.

[0172] Example 29: Adjusting the at least one speaker comprises reconfiguring the acoustic system associated with the at least one speaker to adjust the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by an amount approximately equal to the calculated difference volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands, The calculated differential volume for each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is equal to the difference between (i) a reference volume corresponding to the sound emitted from the speaker and (ii) the resulting volume corresponding to the sound emitted from the speaker when covered with the perforated, partially acoustically transparent structure. The aforementioned acoustically enhanced furniture system is configured to present the user with multiple adjustment profiles corresponding to multiple different perforated rigid structures. Depending on the user's selection of one of a plurality of adjustment profiles, the speaker is adjusted so that the selected adjustment profile compensates for the sound emitted from the speaker through the corresponding rigid structure. The speaker is an acoustically enhanced furniture system in any one of the embodiments of Examples 3 to 28, wherein the speaker is individually adjustable by separately selecting one of a plurality of adjustment profiles.

[0173] Example 30: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 29, wherein adjusting the speaker involves adjusting the signal transmitted from a sound source to the speaker.

[0174] Example 31: The acoustically enhanced furniture system further comprises a speaker control unit directly related to the speaker, The speaker control unit is configured to adjust the speaker independently of the signal transmitted to the speaker by the sound source, in any one of the acoustically enhanced furniture systems according to Embodiments 3 to 30.

[0175] Example 32: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 31, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by increasing the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by up to approximately 25 decibels.

[0176] Example 33: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 32, wherein each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 25 decibels.

[0177] Example 34: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 33, wherein at least one of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is less than 1000 Hz and is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 8 decibels.

[0178] Example 35: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 34, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by multiplying the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a coefficient of approximately 1 to approximately 1.3.

[0179] Example 36: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 35, wherein the one or more target frequencies or frequency bands comprise at least four target frequencies or frequency bands.

[0180] Example 37: The one or more target frequencies or frequency bands comprises at least four target frequencies or frequency bands, At least two of the four target frequencies or frequency bands are below 1000 Hz, and each is adjusted by increasing its actual volume by a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 8 decibels. An acoustically enhanced furniture system in any one of Examples 3 to 36, wherein at least two of the four target frequencies or frequency bands exceed 1000 Hz, and each is adjusted by increasing the actual volume by a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 25 decibels.

[0181] Example 38: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 37, wherein the magnitude of the adjustment of equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands depends on the selected volume of the speaker system.

[0182] Example 39: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 38, wherein the rigid structure comprises a plywood board covering at least one speaker.

[0183] Example 40: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any of Examples 3 to 39, wherein at least one speaker is attached to the rigid structure.

[0184] Example 41: The rigid structure is a solid structure having perforations therein, Acoustically enhanced furniture system in any one of Examples 3 to 40, wherein the perforations in the rigid structure are finely tuned perforations in the original surface of the rigid structure, which are not visible to the naked eye or are substantially invisible.

[0185] Example 42: The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 3 to 41, further comprising an inductive charger embedded within the acoustically enhanced furniture system.

[0186] Example 43: The acoustically enhanced furniture system further comprises an inductive charger embedded within the acoustically enhanced furniture system, The inductive charger is covered with and adjacent to an acoustically partially transparent material having a thickness of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm, in any one of the acoustically enhanced furniture systems of Examples 3 to 42.

[0187] Example 44: In an acoustically enhanced furniture system, The aforementioned sound-enhanced furniture system is A furniture assembly having a solid, perforated, non-drapeable rigid structure within it, such that the rigid structure is partially acoustically transparent, A speaker system arranged within the furniture assembly, comprising a speaker system having at least one speaker covered by the rigid structure such that at least one speaker is hidden from view, The at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound fluctuations caused by sound emitted from the speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material by adjusting for the equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. This adjustment includes adjusting the volume of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. The rigid structure comprises wood, plywood, plastic, polymer, or metal. The perforations in the rigid structure are finely adjusted perforations within the original surface of the rigid structure so that the rigid structure is visually and aesthetically pleasing. The aforementioned perforation is located within a vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure. The perforations are located within a portion of the rigid structure that is oriented vertically or substantially vertically, so as to be more resistant to environmental factors. Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. An acoustically enhanced furniture system, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters.

[0188] Example 45: Approximately 50% to 60% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 1 millimeter to approximately 2 millimeters. The acoustically enhanced furniture system in Embodiment 44, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.5 millimeters to about 1 millimeter.

[0189] Example 46: In an acoustically enhanced furniture system, The aforementioned sound-enhanced furniture system is A furniture assembly having a furniture body, wherein the furniture body comprises one or more perforated, solid, non-drapeable rigid structures configured to be partially acoustically transparent, and the furniture assembly includes one or more perforated, solid, non-drapeable rigid structures, A speaker system arranged within the furniture assembly, wherein the speaker system is Multiple speakers are installed inside the furniture body and are hidden from view by the one or more perforated, solid, non-drapeable rigid structures, The system includes at least one speaker control unit configured to control each of the plurality of speakers, Each of the plurality of speakers is configured to be adjusted via the at least one speaker control unit to compensate for sound fluctuations caused by sound emitted from the at least one speaker through the rigid structure, by adjusting for the equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. This adjustment includes adjusting the volume of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. The rigid structure comprises at least one of wood, plywood, plastic, polymer, or metal. The perforations in the rigid structure are finely adjusted perforations in the original surface of the rigid structure so that the rigid structure is visually and aesthetically pleasing. The aforementioned perforations are located within the vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure to provide greater resistance to environmental factors. Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. An acoustically enhanced furniture system, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

[0190] Example 47: The acoustically enhanced modular furniture system of Example 46, wherein each speaker of the plurality of speakers is configured to be tuned according to an adjustment profile comprising at least one adjustment to at least one target acoustic frequency or frequency band emitted by the speaker.

[0191] Example 48: An acoustically enhanced modular furniture system in any one of Examples 46-47, wherein the tuning profile of each speaker in the speaker system can be selected from a plurality of tuning profiles corresponding to various perforated acoustically partially transparent structures.

[0192] Example 49: The adjustment profile for each speaker is selectable via the user interface of a portable device, and the portable device selectively communicates with at least one speaker control unit, or The adjustment profile for each speaker is controlled by a dedicated control console, or by the control console selectively communicating with at least one speaker control unit, or The adjustment profile for each speaker is selectable via a dedicated remote control unit, which selectively communicates with at least one speaker control unit, in any one of the embodiments 46 to 48, an acoustically enhanced modular furniture system.

[0193] Example 50: The at least one speaker control unit comprises a plurality of dedicated speaker control units, each dedicated speaker control unit being dedicated to an individual speaker of the speaker system. The adjustment profile for each speaker can be selected separately via the user interface of the portable device, and the portable device selectively communicates with the dedicated speaker control unit for each speaker, or The adjustment profile for each speaker can be selected via a dedicated control console, which selectively communicates with the dedicated speaker control unit for each speaker, or Acoustically enhanced modular furniture system in any one of the embodiments of Examples 46 to 49, wherein the adjustment profile for each speaker can be selected via a dedicated remote control unit, and the remote control unit selectively communicates with a dedicated speaker control unit for each speaker.

[0194] Example 51: A method for adjusting a speaker to compensate for sound emitted through an acoustically partially transparent material, The aforementioned method, The selection of a reference equalizer for a speaker in an acoustic system, wherein the reference equalizer comprises one or more target acoustic frequencies, each acoustic frequency having a selected reference volume, The sound system is configured such that the speaker emits sound at an actual volume approximately equal to the selected reference volume for each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies. Covering the speaker with a selected acoustically partially transparent material, The speaker measures the resulting volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies when it emits sound through the selected acoustically partially transparent material. The process involves calculating a difference volume defined by the difference between the resulting volume and the selected reference volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies, A method comprising: reconfiguring an acoustic system such that the speaker emits sound through the selected acoustically partially transparent material, according to a selected reference equalization, by adjusting the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies to an amount approximately equal to the difference in volume of each target acoustic frequency.

[0195] Example 52: The method of Example 51, further comprising creating an adjustment profile corresponding to the selected acoustically partially transparent material, which includes each difference volume calculated for each of one or more target audible frequencies.

[0196] Example 53: The above method is The method in any one of Examples 51 to 52 further comprises repeating each step of the enumerated method with the selected acoustically partially transparent material, which is replaced by at least one further acoustically partially transparent material, to create at least one further adjustment profile corresponding to at least one further acoustically partially transparent material.

[0197] Example 54: The above method is A method in any one of Examples 51 to 53, further comprising adjusting a furniture-integrated speaker by an adjustment profile, wherein the furniture-integrated speaker is mounted within a furniture assembly and covered with an acoustically partially transparent material which is identical or substantially similar to the selected acoustically partially transparent material.

[0198] Example 55: The method further comprises at least one speaker control unit configured to control the at least one speaker, A method in any one of embodiments 51 to 54, wherein the acoustic system is reconfigured, further comprising adjusting the speaker via at least one speaker control unit associated with a modular furniture assembly.

[0199] Example 56: The method according to any one of Examples 51 to 55, wherein the at least one speaker control unit comprises a dedicated center console configured to control the sound system.

[0200] Example 57: The above method is A method according to any one of embodiments 51 to 56, further comprising uploading the adjustment profile to the sound source so that the acoustic output signal of the sound source transmitted to a speaker system connected to the sound source is adjusted according to the adjustment profile.

[0201] Example 58: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 51 to 57, wherein the acoustically partially transparent material is at least one of a woven material, a perforated leather material, or a perforated solid, non-drapeable rigid structure.

[0202] Example 59: The acoustically partially transparent material is a perforated, solid, non-drapeable rigid structure. The speaker system is arranged within the furniture assembly, and the speaker system comprises at least one speaker that is covered by the rigid structure such that at least one speaker is hidden from view. The at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound fluctuations caused by sound emitted from the speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material by adjusting for the equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. This adjustment includes adjusting the volume of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. The rigid structure comprises wood, plywood, plastic, polymer, or metal. The perforations in the rigid structure are finely adjusted perforations on the original surface of the rigid structure, which are invisible or substantially invisible to the naked eye, so that the rigid structure is visually and aesthetically pleasing. The aforementioned perforation is located within a vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure. The aforementioned perforations are located within the vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure to provide greater resistance to environmental factors. Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. An acoustically enhanced furniture system in any one of Examples 51 to 58, wherein the diameter of the perforation in the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters.

[0203] Example 60: A method for tuning a speaker to compensate for sound loss emitted through an acoustically partially transparent material, The aforementioned method, To provide a furniture assembly comprising a furniture body, a speaker supported by the furniture body, and an acoustically partially transparent material covering the speaker, A method comprising adjusting a speaker mounted within a piece of furniture to compensate for sound emitted from the speaker through the perforated, acoustically partially transparent structure by adjusting the volume of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the speaker.

[0204] Example 61: The method in Example 60, wherein adjusting the speaker involves reconfiguring the acoustic system associated with the speaker to adjust the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by an amount approximately equal to the calculated difference volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands.

[0205] Example 62: The method of any one of Examples 60 to 61, wherein the calculated differential volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is equal to the difference between (i) a reference volume corresponding to the sound emitted from the speaker and (ii) the resulting volume corresponding to the sound emitted from the speaker when covered with the acoustically partially transparent material.

[0206] Example 63: The above method is One of these is a partially acoustically transparent material; the user is presented with multiple adjustment profiles corresponding to multiple different partially acoustically transparent materials. A method according to any one of Examples 60 to 62, further comprising adjusting the speaker so that, in response to the user's selection of one of a plurality of adjustment profiles, the selected adjustment profile compensates for the sound emitted from the speaker through the corresponding acoustically partially transparent material.

[0207] Example 64: The method in any one of Examples 60 to 63, wherein the speaker is independently adjustable by separately selecting one of the multiple adjustment profiles.

[0208] Example 65: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 64, wherein the plurality of adjustment profiles are presented and selectable via the user interface of a portable device.

[0209] Example 66: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 65, wherein the plurality of adjustment profiles are presented and selectable via a dedicated console associated with the speaker system.

[0210] Example 67: A method according to any one of Examples 60 to 66, wherein adjusting the speaker comprises adjusting the signal transmitted from the sound source to the speaker.

[0211] Example 68: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 67, further comprising a speaker control unit directly related to the speaker, wherein the speaker control unit is configured to adjust the speaker independently of a signal transmitted to the speaker by a sound source.

[0212] Example 69: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 68, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by increasing the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a maximum of approximately 25 decibels.

[0213] Example 70: A method according to any one of Examples 60 to 69, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by increasing the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a maximum of approximately 25 decibels.

[0214] Example 71: The method in any one of Examples 60 to 70, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by increasing the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a maximum of approximately 21 decibels.

[0215] Example 72: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 71, wherein each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 21 decibels.

[0216] Example 73: The method in any one of Examples 60 to 72, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by increasing the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a maximum of approximately 16 decibels.

[0217] Example 74: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 73, wherein each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 16 decibels.

[0218] Example 75: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 74, wherein at least one of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is less than 1000 Hz and is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 8 decibels.

[0219] Example 76: The method in any one of Examples 60 to 75, wherein the at least one target acoustic frequency or frequency band below 1000 Hz is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 7 decibels.

[0220] Example 77: The method in any one of Examples 60 to 76, wherein the at least one target acoustic frequency or frequency band below 1000 Hz is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 6 decibels.

[0221] Example 78: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 77, wherein the at least one target acoustic frequency in the frequency band below 1000 Hz is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 5 decibels.

[0222] Example 79: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 78, wherein at least one target acoustic frequency in the frequency band below 1000 Hz is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 4 decibels.

[0223] Example 80: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 79, wherein at least one target acoustic frequency in the frequency band below 1000 Hz is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 3 decibels.

[0224] Example 81: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 80, wherein the at least one target acoustic frequency in a frequency band less than 1000 Hz is adjusted by an amount between about 1 decibel and about 2 decibels.

[0225] Example 82: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 81, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by multiplying the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a factor of about 1 to about 1.3.

[0226] Example 83: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 82, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by multiplying the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a factor of about 1 to about 1.25.

[0227] Example 84: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 83, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by multiplying the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a factor of about 1 to about 1.2.

[0228] Example 85: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 84, wherein the one or more target frequencies or frequency bands comprise at least four target frequencies or frequency bands.

[0229] Example 86: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 85, wherein two or more of the at least four target frequencies or frequency bands are less than 1000 Hz and are each adjusted by increasing the actual volume by an amount between about 1 decibel and about 8 decibels.

[0230] Example 87: The method according to any one of Examples 60 to 86, wherein two or more of the at least four target frequencies or frequency bands are above 1000 Hz, and each is adjusted by increasing the actual volume by approximately 1 decibel to approximately 25 decibels.

[0231] Example 88: The method in any one of Examples 60 to 87, wherein the magnitude of the adjustment for equalizing one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands depends on the selected volume of the speaker system.

[0232] Example 89: An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of Examples 60 to 88, wherein the acoustically partially transparent material is at least one of a woven material, a perforated leather material, or a perforated solid, non-drapeable rigid structure.

[0233] Example 90: The acoustically partially transparent material is a perforated, solid, non-drapeable rigid structure. The speaker system is arranged within the furniture assembly, and the speaker system comprises at least one speaker covered by the rigid structure such that at least one speaker is hidden from view. The at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound fluctuations caused by sound emitted from the speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material by adjusting for the equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. This adjustment includes adjusting the volume of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. The rigid structure comprises wood, plywood, plastic, polymer, or metal. The perforations in the rigid structure are finely adjusted perforations on the original surface of the rigid structure, which are invisible or substantially invisible to the naked eye, so that the rigid structure is visually and aesthetically pleasing. The aforementioned perforation is located within a vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure. The aforementioned perforations are located within the vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure to provide greater resistance to environmental factors. Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. An acoustically enhanced furniture system in any one of Examples 60 to 89, wherein the diameter of the perforation in the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters.

[0234] Example 91: An acoustically enhanced furniture system in any one of Examples 3-42, 44-45, 46-50, 51-59, or 60-88, wherein the furniture assembly having the rigid structure includes a mantle, fireplace mantle, television frame, television frame surround, nightstand shroud, projector shroud, shroud cover, blind housing, valence, blind valence, valence shroud, or projector, or a combination thereof.

[0235] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The embodiments described should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not limiting. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is indicated not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. All modifications that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims equivalents shall be included within that scope.

Claims

1. In a furniture system with enhanced acoustic functions, The aforementioned sound-enhanced furniture system is A furniture assembly having a material that is partially acoustically transparent, A speaker system disposed within the furniture assembly, the speaker system comprising at least one speaker covered by the acoustically partially transparent material, the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and the at least one speaker being configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound emitted from the at least one speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material, wherein the speaker system comprises a speaker system disposed within the furniture assembly, the speaker system comprising at least one speaker being at least one speaker being covered by the acoustically partially transparent material, the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and the at least one speaker being configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound emitted from the at least one speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material, wherein the speaker system comprises at least one speaker being covered by the acoustically partially transparent material, the at least one speaker being hidden from view, and the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and wherein the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and wherein the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and wherein the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and wherein the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and wherein the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and wherein the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and wherein the at least one speaker being arranged within the furniture assembly, the speaker system comprising at least one speaker being covered by the acoustically partially transparent material, the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and wherein the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and wherein the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and wherein the at least one speaker being configured to be hidden from view, and wherein the at least one speaker

2. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 1, wherein the acoustically partially transparent material is a woven fabric.

3. In a furniture system with enhanced acoustic functions, The aforementioned sound-enhanced furniture system is A furniture assembly having a material that is partially acoustically transparent, An acoustically enhanced furniture system comprising a speaker system disposed within the furniture assembly, the speaker system comprising at least one speaker covered by an acoustically partially transparent material, the at least one speaker configured to be hidden from view, the at least one speaker configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound emitted from the at least one speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material, and the acoustically partially transparent material being a perforated, non-drapeable rigid structure.

4. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the rigid structure comprises at least one of wood, plywood, plastic, polymer, or metal.

5. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the perforations in the rigid structure are finely adjusted perforations on the original surface of the rigid structure so that the rigid structure is visually and aesthetically pleasing.

6. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the speaker system is adjusted by increasing one or more selected frequencies to compensate for the attenuation of the frequencies so that sound from the speaker system is emitted through the rigid structure.

7. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein, in order to provide greater resistance to environmental factors, the perforations are located in vertically or substantially vertically oriented portions of the rigid structure.

8. The sound-enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, further comprising at least one speaker control unit communicating with the at least one speaker, wherein the speaker control unit is configured to control the adjustment of the at least one speaker, and the at least one speaker control unit is selectively controlled by at least one of a portable device, a remote control unit, or a console control unit.

9. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the furniture assembly having the rigid structure comprises a table, coffee table, end table, side table, cupboard, door, credenza, console, sideboard, cabinet, bookcase, desk, door, bed frame, or a combination thereof.

10. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted by selection from a plurality of adjustment profiles corresponding to (i) the material type of the rigid structure, (ii) the amount of perforation of the rigid structure, and (iii) the thickness of the rigid structure.

11. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted by selection from a plurality of adjustment profiles corresponding to (i) the material type of the rigid structure, (ii) the amount of perforation of the rigid structure, (iii) the thickness of the rigid structure, and (iv) the perforation dimensions of the perforations in the rigid structure.

12. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein about 5% to about 70% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated.

13. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein about 10% to about 60% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated.

14. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein about 50% to about 60% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated.

15. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein about 10% to about 30% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated.

16. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 30 mm.

17. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 20 mm.

18. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters.

19. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 1 millimeter to about 2 millimeters.

20. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of each of the holes in the rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters.

21. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

22. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 millimeters to about 5 millimeters.

23. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.5 millimeters to about 1 millimeter.

24. Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated, and approximately 95% to 30% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is made of solid, non-perforated material. The thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the perforated rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters.

25. Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the perforated rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.

26. Approximately 30% to 60% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 1 millimeter to approximately 2 millimeters. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the perforated rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 1 mm.

27. Approximately 50% to 60% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the perforated rigid structure portion adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 1 millimeter to approximately 2 millimeters. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the perforated rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.5 millimeters to about 1 millimeter.

28. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound fluctuations caused by sound emitted from the speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material by adjusting for the equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker.

29. Adjusting the at least one speaker comprises reconfiguring the acoustic system associated with the at least one speaker to adjust the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by an amount approximately equal to the calculated difference volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands, The calculated differential volume for each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is equal to the difference between (i) a reference volume corresponding to the sound emitted from the speaker and (ii) the resulting volume corresponding to the sound emitted from the speaker when covered with the perforated, partially acoustically transparent structure. The aforementioned acoustically enhanced furniture system is configured to present the user with multiple adjustment profiles corresponding to multiple different perforated rigid structures. In accordance with the user's selection of one of a plurality of adjustment profiles, the speaker is adjusted so that the selected adjustment profile compensates for the sound emitted from the speaker through the corresponding rigid structure. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 28, wherein the speaker is individually adjustable by separately selecting one of a plurality of adjustment profiles.

30. The sound-enhancing furniture system according to claim 28, wherein adjusting the speaker comprises adjusting the signal transmitted from the sound source to the speaker.

31. The sound-enhancing furniture system according to claim 28, further comprising a speaker control unit directly associated with the speaker, wherein the speaker control unit is configured to adjust the speaker independently of a signal transmitted to the speaker by a sound source.

32. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 28, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by increasing the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a maximum of approximately 25 decibels.

33. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 28, wherein each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 25 decibels.

34. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 28, wherein at least one of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is less than 1000 Hz and is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 8 decibels.

35. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 28, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by multiplying the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a coefficient of about 1 to about 1.

3.

36. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 28, wherein the one or more target frequencies or frequency bands comprise at least four target frequencies or frequency bands.

37. The one or more target frequencies or frequency bands comprise at least four target frequencies or frequency bands. At least two of the four target frequencies or frequency bands are below 1000 Hz, and each is adjusted by increasing its actual volume by a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 8 decibels. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 36, wherein two or more of the at least four target frequencies or frequency bands exceed 1000 Hz, and each is adjusted by increasing the actual volume by a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 25 decibels.

38. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 28, wherein the magnitude of the adjustment of equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands depends on the selected volume of the speaker system.

39. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 28, wherein the rigid structure comprises a plywood board covering the at least one speaker.

40. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein at least one speaker is attached to the rigid structure.

41. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 3, wherein the rigid structure is a solid structure having perforations therein, and the perforations of the rigid structure are finely adjusted perforations on the original surface of the rigid structure that are not visible to the naked eye or are substantially invisible.

42. The sound-enhanced furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an inductive charger embedded within the sound-enhanced furniture system.

43. The acoustically enhanced furniture system further comprises an inductive charger embedded within the acoustically enhanced furniture system, wherein the inductive charger is covered with and adjacent to an acoustically partially transparent material having a thickness of about 0.25 mm to about 30 mm, according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

44. In a furniture system with enhanced acoustic functions, The aforementioned sound-enhanced furniture system is A furniture assembly having a solid, perforated, non-drapeable rigid structure within it, such that the rigid structure is partially acoustically transparent, A speaker system arranged within the furniture assembly, comprising a speaker system having at least one speaker covered by the rigid structure such that at least one speaker is hidden from view, The at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound fluctuations caused by sound emitted from the speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material by adjusting for the equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. This adjustment includes adjusting the volume of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. The rigid structure comprises wood, plywood, plastic, polymer, or metal. The perforations in the rigid structure are finely adjusted perforations within the original surface of the rigid structure so that the rigid structure is visually and aesthetically pleasing. The aforementioned perforation is located within a vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure. The perforations are located within a portion of the rigid structure that is oriented vertically or substantially vertically, so as to be more resistant to environmental factors. Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. An acoustically enhanced furniture system, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters.

45. Approximately 50% to 60% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 1 millimeter to approximately 2 millimeters. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to claim 44, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.5 millimeters to about 1 millimeter.

46. In a furniture system with enhanced acoustic functions, The aforementioned sound-enhanced furniture system is A furniture assembly having a furniture body, wherein the furniture body comprises one or more perforated, solid, non-drapeable rigid structures configured to be partially acoustically transparent, and the furniture assembly includes one or more perforated, solid, non-drapeable rigid structures, A speaker system arranged within the furniture assembly, wherein the speaker system is Multiple speakers are installed inside the furniture body and are hidden from view by the one or more perforated, solid, non-drapeable rigid structures, The system includes at least one speaker control unit configured to control each of the plurality of speakers, Each of the plurality of speakers is configured to be adjusted via the at least one speaker control unit to compensate for sound fluctuations caused by sound emitted from the at least one speaker through the rigid structure, by adjusting for the equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. This adjustment includes adjusting the volume of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. The rigid structure comprises at least one of wood, plywood, plastic, polymer, or metal. The perforations in the rigid structure are finely adjusted perforations in the original surface of the rigid structure so that the rigid structure is visually and aesthetically pleasing. The aforementioned perforations are located within the vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure to provide greater resistance to environmental factors. Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. An acoustically enhanced furniture system, wherein the diameter of each of the perforations in the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.

47. The acoustically enhanced modular furniture system according to claim 46, wherein each of the plurality of speakers is configured to be tuned according to an adjustment profile comprising at least one adjustment to at least one target acoustic frequency or frequency band emitted by the speaker.

48. The acoustically enhanced modular furniture system according to claim 46, wherein the tuning profile of each speaker in the speaker system can be selected from a plurality of tuning profiles corresponding to various perforated acoustically partially transparent structures.

49. The adjustment profile for each speaker is selectable via the user interface of the portable device, and the portable device selectively communicates with at least one speaker control unit, or The adjustment profile for each speaker is controlled by a dedicated control console, or by the control console selectively communicating with at least one speaker control unit, or The acoustically enhanced modular furniture system according to claim 46, wherein the adjustment profile of each speaker is selectable via a dedicated remote control unit, and the remote control unit selectively communicates with at least one speaker control unit.

50. The at least one speaker control unit comprises a plurality of dedicated speaker control units, each dedicated speaker control unit being dedicated to an individual speaker of the speaker system. The adjustment profile for each speaker can be selected separately via the user interface of the portable device, and the portable device selectively communicates with the dedicated speaker control unit for each speaker, or The adjustment profile for each speaker can be selected via a dedicated control console, which selectively communicates with the dedicated speaker control unit for each speaker, or The acoustically enhanced modular furniture system according to claim 46, wherein the adjustment profile for each speaker is selectable via a dedicated remote control unit, and the remote control unit selectively communicates with a dedicated speaker control unit for each speaker.

51. In a method for adjusting a speaker to compensate for sound emitted through an acoustically partially transparent material, The aforementioned method, The selection of a reference equalizer for a speaker in an acoustic system, wherein the reference equalizer comprises one or more target acoustic frequencies, each acoustic frequency having a selected reference volume, The sound system is configured such that the speaker emits sound at an actual volume approximately equal to the selected reference volume for each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies. Covering the speaker with a selected acoustically partially transparent material, The speaker measures the resulting volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies when it emits sound through the selected acoustically partially transparent material, The process involves calculating a difference volume defined by the difference between the resulting volume and the selected reference volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies, A method comprising: reconfiguring an acoustic system such that the speaker emits sound through the selected acoustically partially transparent material, according to a selected reference equalization, by adjusting the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies to an amount approximately equal to the difference in volume of each target acoustic frequency.

52. The aforementioned method, The method according to claim 51, further comprising creating an adjustment profile corresponding to the selected acoustically partially transparent material, which includes each difference volume calculated for each of the one or more target audible frequencies.

53. The aforementioned method, The method of claim 52, further comprising creating at least one further adjustment profile corresponding to at least one further acoustically partially transparent material by repeating each step of the enumerated method with the selected acoustically partially transparent material which is replaced by at least one further acoustically partially transparent material.

54. The aforementioned method, The method according to claim 53, further comprising adjusting a furniture-integrated speaker by an adjustment profile, wherein the furniture-integrated speaker is mounted within a furniture assembly and covered with an acoustically partially transparent material which is identical or substantially similar to the selected acoustically partially transparent material.

55. The method according to claim 51, further comprising at least one speaker control unit configured to control the at least one speaker, and reconfiguring the acoustic system further comprises adjusting the speaker via the at least one speaker control unit associated with the modular furniture assembly.

56. The method according to claim 55, wherein the at least one speaker control unit comprises a dedicated center console configured to control the sound system.

57. The aforementioned method, The method according to claim 52, further comprising uploading the adjustment profile to the sound source so that the acoustic output signal of the sound source transmitted to a speaker system connected to the sound source is adjusted according to the adjustment profile.

58. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of claims 51 to 57, wherein the acoustically partially transparent material is at least one of a woven material, a perforated leather material, or a perforated solid, non-drapeable rigid structure.

59. The aforementioned partially acoustically transparent material is a perforated, solid, and non-drapeable rigid structure. The speaker system is arranged within the furniture assembly, and the speaker system comprises at least one speaker that is covered by the rigid structure such that at least one speaker is hidden from view. The at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound fluctuations caused by sound emitted from the speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material by adjusting for the equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. This adjustment includes adjusting the volume of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. The rigid structure comprises wood, plywood, plastic, polymer, or metal. The perforations in the rigid structure are finely adjusted perforations on the original surface of the rigid structure, which are invisible or substantially invisible to the naked eye, so that the rigid structure is visually and aesthetically pleasing. The aforementioned perforation is located within a vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure. The aforementioned perforations are located within the vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure to provide greater resistance to environmental factors. Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the perforated rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of claims 51 to 57, wherein the diameter of the perforation in the rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters.

60. In a method for adjusting a speaker to compensate for sound loss emitted through acoustically partially transparent materials, The aforementioned method, To provide a furniture assembly comprising a furniture body, a speaker supported by the furniture body, and an acoustically partially transparent material covering the speaker, A method comprising adjusting a speaker mounted within a piece of furniture to compensate for sound emitted from the speaker through a perforated, acoustically partially transparent structure by adjusting the volume of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the speaker.

61. The method according to claim 60, wherein adjusting the speaker comprises reconfiguring the acoustic system associated with the speaker to adjust the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by an amount approximately equal to the calculated difference volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands.

62. The method according to claim 61, wherein the calculated differential volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is equal to the difference between (i) a reference volume corresponding to the sound emitted from the speaker and (ii) the resulting volume corresponding to the sound emitted from the speaker when covered with the acoustically partially transparent material.

63. The aforementioned method, One of these is a partially acoustically transparent material, and it involves presenting the user with multiple adjustment profiles corresponding to multiple different partially acoustically transparent materials. The method according to claim 60, further comprising adjusting the speaker such that, in response to the user's selection of one of a plurality of adjustment profiles, the selected adjustment profile compensates for the sound emitted from the speaker through the corresponding acoustically partially transparent material.

64. The method according to claim 63, wherein the speaker can be adjusted separately by separately selecting one of the plurality of adjustment profiles.

65. The method according to claim 63, wherein the plurality of adjustment profiles are presented and selectable via the user interface of a mobile device.

66. The method according to claim 63, wherein the plurality of adjustment profiles are presented and selectable via a dedicated console associated with the speaker system.

67. The method according to claim 60, wherein adjusting the speaker comprises adjusting the signal transmitted from the sound source to the speaker.

68. The method according to claim 60, further comprising a speaker control unit directly associated with the speaker, wherein the speaker control unit is configured to adjust the speaker independently of a signal transmitted to the speaker by a sound source.

69. The method according to claim 60, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by increasing the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a maximum of approximately 25 decibels.

70. The method according to claim 60, wherein each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 25 decibels.

71. The method according to claim 60, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by increasing the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a maximum of approximately 21 decibels.

72. The method according to claim 60, wherein each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 21 decibels.

73. The method according to claim 60, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by increasing the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a maximum of approximately 16 decibels.

74. The method according to claim 60, wherein each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 16 decibels.

75. The method according to claim 60, wherein at least one of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands is less than 1000 Hz and is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 8 decibels.

76. The method according to claim 75, wherein the at least one target acoustic frequency or frequency band below 1000 Hz is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 7 decibels.

77. The method according to claim 75, wherein the at least one target acoustic frequency or frequency band below 1000 Hz is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 6 decibels.

78. The method according to claim 75, wherein the at least one target acoustic frequency in the frequency band below 1000 Hz is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 5 decibels.

79. The method according to claim 75, wherein the at least one target acoustic frequency in the frequency band below 1000 Hz is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 4 decibels.

80. The method according to claim 75, wherein the at least one target acoustic frequency in the frequency band below 1000 Hz is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 3 decibels.

81. The method according to claim 75, wherein the at least one target acoustic frequency in the frequency band below 1000 Hz is adjusted to a magnitude between approximately 1 decibel and approximately 2 decibels.

82. The method according to claim 60, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by multiplying the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a coefficient of about 1 to about 1.

3.

83. The method according to claim 60, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by multiplying the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a coefficient of about 1 to about 1.

25.

84. The method according to claim 60, wherein the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands are adjusted by multiplying the actual volume of each of the one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands by a coefficient of about 1 to about 1.

2.

85. The method according to claim 60, wherein the one or more target frequencies or frequency bands comprise at least four target frequencies or frequency bands.

86. The method according to claim 85, wherein two or more of the at least four target frequencies or frequency bands are less than 1000 Hz, and each is adjusted by increasing the actual volume by approximately 1 decibel to approximately 8 decibels.

87. The method according to claim 85, wherein two or more of the at least four target frequencies or frequency bands are above 1000 Hz, and each is adjusted by increasing the actual volume by approximately 1 decibel to approximately 25 decibels.

88. The method according to claim 60, wherein the magnitude of the adjustment for equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands depends on the selected volume of the speaker system.

89. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of claims 60 to 88, wherein the acoustically partially transparent material is at least one of a woven material, a perforated leather material, or a perforated solid, non-drapeable rigid structure.

90. The aforementioned partially acoustically transparent material is a perforated, solid, and non-drapeable rigid structure. The speaker system is arranged within the furniture assembly, and the speaker system comprises at least one speaker covered by the rigid structure such that at least one speaker is hidden from view. The at least one speaker is configured to be adjusted to compensate for sound fluctuations caused by sound emitted from the speaker through the acoustically partially transparent material by adjusting for the equalization of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. This adjustment includes adjusting the volume of one or more target acoustic frequencies or frequency bands emitted by the at least one speaker. The rigid structure comprises wood, plywood, plastic, polymer, or metal. The perforations in the rigid structure are finely adjusted perforations on the original surface of the rigid structure, which are invisible or substantially invisible to the naked eye, so that the rigid structure is visually and aesthetically pleasing. The aforementioned perforation is located within a vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure. The aforementioned perforations are located within the vertically oriented portion of the rigid structure to provide greater resistance to environmental factors. Approximately 5% to 70% of the portion of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is perforated. The thickness of the rigid structure adjacent to at least one speaker is in the range of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 30 mm. The acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of claims 60 to 88, wherein the diameter of the perforation in the rigid structure adjacent to the at least one speaker is in the range of 1 micrometer to about 10 millimeters.

91. An acoustically enhanced furniture system according to any one of claims 3, 44, 46, 51, or 60, wherein the furniture assembly having a rigid structure includes a mantle, a fireplace mantle, a television frame, a television frame surround, a nightstand shroud, a projector shroud, a shroud cover, a housing for blinds, a valence, a valence for blinds, a valence shroud, or a projector, or a combination thereof.

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