Portable speaker with auto-detecting input channel

Abstract

Various implementations include a portable speaker configured to adjust an audio output based on a detected input connection. In a particular case, the portable speaker includes an enclosure housing at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output, a processor coupled to the transducer, an audio input module coupled to the processor for receiving an audio input signal, and a battery configured to power the at least one transducer, the processor, and the audio input module, an input channel for receiving a wired audio input connection, and at least one wireless input channel for receiving audio input from a source device via a wireless connection, where the processor is configured to adjust the audio signal received from the wired audio input connection if the source device is already connected via the wireless connection.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 583,524 (Attorney Docket No. PS-21-140-US, entitled "Portable Speaker with Integrated Wireless Transmitter," filed January 25, 2022) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 583,529 (Attorney Docket No. PS-21-142-US, entitled "Portable Speaker with Dynamic Display Characteristics," filed January 25, 2022), the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference.

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

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

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

[0005] Various implementations include a portable speaker configured to adjust the audio output based on a detected input connection.

[0006] In some particular aspects, a portable speaker comprises an enclosure housing at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output, a processor coupled to the transducer, an audio input module coupled to the processor for receiving an audio input signal, and a battery configured to power the at least one transducer, the processor, and the audio input module; an input channel for receiving a wired audio input connection; and at least one wireless input channel for receiving audio input from a source device via a wireless connection, wherein the processor is configured to condition the audio signal received from the wired audio input connection if the source device is already connected via the wireless connection.

[0007] In an additional particular aspect, a method for controlling a portable speaker includes detecting a wireless connection with a first source device via at least one wireless input channel; after detecting the wireless connection with the first source device, detecting a wired connection with a second source device via a wired audio input connection; and adjusting an audio signal from the second source device.

[0008] Implementations may include one or any combination of the following features.

[0009] In some instances, the processor switches the input channel to the effects loop in response to detecting a wired audio input connection while the source device is already connected via a wireless connection.

[0010] In certain aspects, adjusting the audio signals includes adjusting a pre-amplification order of the audio signals before providing the audio output.

[0011] In certain implementations, the processor is further configured to receive audio input from the source device via the wireless connection as digital audio input and convert the digital audio input to an analog audio signal.

[0012] In some aspects, the wired audio input connection includes a Tip-Sleeve (TS) connection, a Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) connection, or an XLR connection.

[0013] In certain cases, the at least one wireless input channel includes at least two wireless input channels.

[0014] In certain implementations, the portable speaker further includes at least two wireless transmitters removably housed within the enclosure, each wireless transmitter for enabling a wireless connection between the source device and a corresponding one of the wireless input channels.

[0015] In some aspects, each of the wireless transmitters is configured to connect the source device to the portable speaker in response to detecting a connection with the source device.

[0016] In certain implementations, the portable speaker further includes a series of docks for housing the wireless transmitter.

[0017] In some aspects, the processor is configured to detect that at least one of the wireless transmitters is powered on and paired with the portable speaker, and in response to detecting the wired input connection, condition and play an audio input signal received from the wired audio input connection as an effects loop.

[0018] In certain cases, the processor is configured to condition the audio input signal from the wired audio input connection for playback as an effects loop only when the wireless transmitter is powered on and paired with the portable loudspeaker.

[0019] In certain implementations, the processor is configured to select the audio input based on a command from an application running on the connected smart device.

[0020] In some instances, adjusting the audio signal from the second source device includes switching an input channel to an effects loop in response to detecting a wired connection with the second source device while the first source device is already connected via a wireless connection.

[0021] In certain aspects, adjusting the audio signal includes adjusting a pre-amplification order of the audio signal before providing an audio output at the portable speaker.

[0022] In certain aspects, the portable speaker further includes a battery configured to power the at least one transducer, the processor, and the audio input module, and a wired power connector for charging the battery and powering the portable speaker.

[0023] In an additional implementation, the portable speaker is part of a public address (PA) speaker.

[0024] Two or more features described in this disclosure, including features described in the Summary of the Invention section, may be combined to form implementations not specifically described herein.

[0025] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1A] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a portable powered public address (PA) loudspeaker system oriented in a first position according to various implementations. [Figure 1B]1B is a perspective view of the portable powered PA loudspeaker system of FIG. 1A oriented in a second position. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the portable powered PA loudspeaker system of FIGS. 1A and 1B oriented in a third position. [Figure 2A(1)] 1B illustrates the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the first position shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A(2)] 1B illustrates the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the first position shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2B(1)] FIG. 1C illustrates the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the second position shown in FIG. 1B. [Figure 2B(2)] FIG. 1C illustrates the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the second position shown in FIG. 1B. [Figure 2C(1)] 1D shows the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the third position shown in FIG. 1C. [Figure 2C(2)] 1D shows the acoustic coverage of the PA loudspeaker system oriented in the third position shown in FIG. 1C. [Figure 3] 1A-1C are perspective views of the interior of a PA loudspeaker system according to various implementations. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the PA loudspeaker system of FIGS. 1A-3 oriented in a first position, including a view of a series of control knobs and switches located on one or more sides of the PA loudspeaker system, according to various implementations. [Figure 5] 1A-1C are signal flow diagrams illustrating audio and bass paths within a loudspeaker according to various implementations. [Figure 6] 1A-1C are end views showing a series of docks within a loudspeaker according to various implementations. [Figure 7] 1A-1C are side views illustrating an array of wireless transmitters for a loudspeaker according to various implementations. [Figure 8]1A-1C are end views illustrating a series of wireless transmitters for a loudspeaker according to various implementations. [Figure 9] 1A-1C are perspective cutaway views of a loudspeaker showing the location of antennas according to various implementations. [Figure 10] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating operations within a method according to various implementations. [Figure 11] 1A-1C are enlarged views of a display in a first orientation according to various implementations. [Figure 12] 1A-1C are enlarged views of a display in a second orientation according to various implementations. [Figure 13] 1A-1C are enlarged views of a portion of a display according to various implementations.

[0027] It should be noted that the drawings of the various implementations are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting of the scope of the implementations. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] This disclosure is based, at least in part, on the recognition that portable speakers, such as public address (PA) speakers, can benefit from automatically detecting audio source inputs to enhance the user experience. For example, the portable speaker may be configured to adjust the audio signal received from a wired audio input connection when a source device is already connected via a wireless connection, e.g., to trigger an effects loop.

[0029] Commonly labeled components in the figures are considered to be substantially equivalent components for illustrative purposes, and redundant descriptions of those components are omitted for clarity. Numerical ranges and values ​​set forth according to various implementations are merely examples of such ranges and values ​​and are not intended to limit these implementations. In some instances, the term "approximately" is used to modify a value; in these cases, these values ​​may refer to a margin of error, such as measurement error, which may range up to 1 to 5 percent.

[0030] In some examples, PA loudspeaker systems are built with a specific target customer segment in mind. For example, a primary use for a PA loudspeaker system may be for a solo musician who needs amplification for their voice or instrument (e.g., guitar or drums) for street gigs, or for a disc jockey who plays music for a small audience. In another example, a PA loudspeaker system may be a general-purpose electro-acoustic driver for amplifying sound, e.g., voices and / or instruments, in a classroom, a home karaoke event, or other event involving a small group of people. In yet other examples, a PA loudspeaker system may be needed for a larger audience, such as an auditorium. While certain aspects of loudspeakers, such as PA loudspeakers, are described herein, additional features of such loudspeakers are also described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 10,555,101, filed April 2, 2019, and U.S. Pat. No. 10,524,042, filed June 27, 2017, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, portable motorized loudspeaker (e.g., PA speaker system) 10 may include an enclosure 22 (also called a housing or cabinet) having a top portion 51, a base portion 52, and a number of sides extending between top portion 51 and base portion 52. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the sides may include a first side portion 53, a second side portion 54, a third side portion 55, a fourth side portion 61, a fifth side portion 62, a sixth side portion 63, and a seventh side portion 64. Each side portion extends along a common extension direction around the periphery between top portion 51 and base portion 52 to form an interior of enclosure 22 within which a series of mounted transducers may be disposed, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. In other embodiments, enclosure 22 may have a different number of sides, e.g., fewer than seven or more than seven, with varying widths or other dimensions. Enclosure 22 may be configured to be oriented vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, for example, tangentially or non-vertically, relative to the ground on which loudspeaker 10 is placed.

[0032] The upper portion 51 may include a plurality of sloped walls 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, each of which slopes, tapers, or inclines from a bottom region of the upper portion 51 abutting the sides to an upper region to provide robustness and portability to the loudspeaker 10. Each of the upper walls 121-127 has an upper horizontal boundary 131, a bottom vertical boundary 132, and a sloped or inclined portion 133 extending between the top portion 131 and the bottom portion 132. Thus, the perimeter of the bottom region of the upper portion 51 formed by the bottom portions 132 of the upper walls 121-127 may include a lip and thus may have a larger parameter than the perimeter of the upper region formed by the upper horizontal boundary 131. The lip formed by the vertical bottom 132 of the upper wall portions 121 - 127 of the upper portion 51 of the enclosure 22 may also have a width greater than the width of the portion of the enclosure 22 formed by the sides 53 , 54 , 55 , 61 , 62 , 63 , and 64 .

[0033] The upper regions of the collecting walls 121-127 may include a horizontal upper boundary that forms a cavity or recess within the upper portion 51 in which a handle 72 may be located. The handle 72 may allow the portable loudspeaker 10 to be easily carried and transported with one hand.

[0034] Top portion 51 may have a pentagonal shape formed from walls 121, 123, 124, 125, and 126. However, top portion 51 need not be a perfect pentagonal shape (i.e., all five sides have the same length) because the walls may be of different lengths and other walls may extend between the five pentagonal sides. For example, as shown, top portion 51 may include wall portion 122 between walls 121 and 123 and wall portion 127 between walls 121 and 126, which provide bevels or cutoffs in the areas that would otherwise be corners between walls 121 and 123 and between walls 121 and 126, respectively. In some embodiments, top walls 121-127 and the corners formed therebetween may be aligned along a common extension direction with side surfaces 53, 54, 55, 61, 62, 63, and 64 and the corners therebetween. For example, corner region C' between walls 121 and 122 may extend along the same axis as corner region C" between sides 53 and 61, as shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, a base side, e.g., side 142, may be the same width as an enclosure side, e.g., 61. In other embodiments, the width of a base side may be different from the width of the corresponding enclosure face.

[0035] The base 52, opposite the top 51 of the enclosure 22, includes walls 141-147, or sides, that extend at an angle, e.g., 30 degrees, from a flat bottom 66 of the base 52 and from a sloped bottom 67. The flat bottom 66 is joined to, integrated with, or otherwise aligned with the sides 52, 53, and 54. The sloped bottom 67 is joined to, integrated with, or otherwise aligned with the sides 63 and 64, each of which has a tapered surface that allows the bottom 67 to taper.

[0036] Base walls 141-147 of the base may include first portions that slope, taper, or incline from bottom surface 66, 67 and second portions that extend perpendicularly, e.g., along parallel planes that are the same as or parallel to the corresponding side walls. Collectively, the first base walls form a boundary having parameters that are smaller than the parameters of the second base walls. The boundary formed by the second base walls may include, for example, a lip that is wider than the outer periphery of enclosure 22 formed by sides 53, 54, 55, 61, 62, 63, and 64.

[0037] Thus, each of top 51 and bottom 52 can have a width, contour, perimeter, or related dimension that is greater than the width, contour, perimeter, or related dimension of the peripheral sidewall region formed by sides 53, 54, 55, 61, 62, 63, and 64. As a result, some or all of the sides are recessed relative to top 51 and base 52, preventing elements from the walls, i.e., control element 24, handle 72, etc., from protruding beyond the outermost surfaces of top 51 and base 52, and thus allowing the walls of top 51 and base 52 to be positioned on a flat surface without interference from such elements.

[0038] In some embodiments, the enclosure 22 may be formed or molded from a single material such that the top 51 and base 52 are integral with or incorporated into at least some of the sides, e.g., one piece. In some embodiments, all sides except the first side 53 are integral with the top 51 and base 52, as shown in FIG. 3 , for example. In some embodiments, one or more panels may be disposed on the enclosure 22, with at least one panel forming or covering one of the sides. For example, a front grille, screen, or panel 71 may form the first side 53, or may be disposed on another layer of material forming the first side 53, or may simply cover an opening in the enclosure. In some embodiments, the front grille 71 extends from the first surface 53 to at least a portion of the adjacent sides 62, 62, 54, and / or 55. In other embodiments, instead of a frame, the panels forming the sides are directly bonded to each other to form a perimeter around the interior of the enclosure 22.

[0039] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, electro-acoustic transducers are positioned to provide audio output. For example, horn-type woofer 82 and tweeters 84A-84C (generally 84) may be positioned to output sound waves from first side 53 through front grille 71. Two or more acoustic ports 92A, 92B (generally 92) may also be included behind front grille 71 to allow air and / or acoustic flow through the interior of enclosure 22, e.g., behind woofer 82. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, sub-enclosure 90 may be coupled to a system frame to receive and hold woofer 82, tweeter 84, and acoustic ports 92 in place. Multiple panels and / or sides, e.g., sides 53, 61, and 62, may be positioned over sub-enclosure 90.

[0040] 4 shows one of the sides (e.g., side 63) including one or more control elements 24, such as interfaces, connectors, knobs, switches, etc. In certain implementations, the control elements 24 may be located on the same side of the loudspeaker 10, e.g., side 63. In other implementations, the control elements 24 may be distributed across two or more surfaces of the enclosure 22. Various additional aspects of the loudspeaker 10 are described in the following sections, the features of which may be implemented separately or in any technically feasible combination.

[0041] Detachable radio transmitter(s) 5 is a system diagram illustrating signal flow paths to and from loudspeaker 10 according to various implementations. In certain cases, the signal flow paths indicate the flow of audio and / or control signals to / from loudspeaker 10 and / or between components contained in enclosure 22. Specific control components are not shown but can be deployed similarly to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,555,101. For example, loudspeaker 10 can include one or more orientation sensor(s) (e.g., inertial measurement unit, magnetometer / gyroscope / accelerometer, etc.) for detecting changes in orientation of loudspeaker 10 and adjusting audio output equalization settings based on the detected changes in orientation.

[0042] In various implementations, loudspeaker 10 includes a processor 100 (e.g., a system processor, which may include one or more microcontrollers) coupled to an audio input module 110 for receiving audio input signals from one or more source devices. In various implementations, audio input module 110 may include an audio processor module (not shown) for communicating with system processor 100. In particular implementations, audio input module 110 may include a wireless communication module, e.g., a Bluetooth or BLE module, for communicating with one or more devices via a wireless communication protocol. Processor 100 may be configured to control amplifier inputs and outputs, including sensor(s) inputs, outputs to fans and other temperature control components, and inputs / outputs to driver (transducer) connectors, such as low-frequency, mid-frequency, and high-frequency driver outputs. Processor 100 is also configured to send and receive audio and control signals, for example, via amplifier module connectors.

[0043] In certain cases, audio input module 110 is configured to receive audio input signals from two or more source devices, which may include source devices of different types. Loudspeaker 10 is shown including at least one input channel (two shown as 120A, 120B) for receiving a wired audio input connection at enclosure 22. Corresponding input connectors 130A, 130B for channels 120A, 120B are shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, loudspeaker 10 may further include at least one wireless transmitter 140 (two examples of transmitters 140A, 140B are shown) removably housed in enclosure 22 and in communication with a corresponding wireless input channel 150 (two examples of input channels 150A, 150B are shown in FIG. 5) for receiving audio input from a source device (e.g., a musical instrument, a microphone, etc.). In certain implementations, each wireless input channel 150 corresponds to an input channel 120A, 120B for receiving a wired input connection (e.g., at connectors 130A, 130B). That is, the loudspeaker 10 allows a user to connect a source device to the same input channel (e.g., channel 1, channel 2, etc.) wirelessly or via a wired connection. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, two wireless transmitters 140A, 140B are shown corresponding to separate wireless input channels 150A, 150B and enabling separate wireless connections between the source device and channels 150A, 150B.

[0044] 5 illustrates additional components within the loudspeaker circuitry for performing audio and / or control processing, including, for example, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 152 and stereo digital-to-analog converters 154A, 154B, 154C. Specific data and signal flow paths are shown for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit various implementations. In certain cases, wireless connection flow paths are contrasted with wired connection flow paths by "wireless."

[0045] 6 is an expanded view of dock(es) 160 housing transmitter(s) 140, with transmitter(s) 140 removed. In various implementations, transmitter(s) 140 are configured to mechanically engage and disengage from loudspeaker 10 at dock 160. According to certain implementations, dock 160 has a depth greater than its width or height, allowing it to receive a connector for each transmitter 140. In certain cases, transmitter 140 is removable from and attachable to loudspeaker 10 at dock 160 without tools or other external devices. For example, transmitter 140 may be configured to connect to dock 160 via interlocking arm(s) or hook(s), spring-loaded mounts, pressure-fit connectors, or the like. In these cases, a user can manually connect and disconnect transmitter 140 to and from loudspeaker 10.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a side view of a set of transmitters 140 removed from a dock 160. FIG. 8 is a view showing an end of the transmitter 140 of FIG. 7. Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the transmitter 140 can be configured to slide in and out of the dock 160 on one or more rails 170 or other guide members within the dock 160. In some cases, each dock 160 has a pair of rails 170 for aligning the corresponding transmitter 140 when docked. In certain implementations, as shown in FIG. 8, the transmitter 140 can include recesses 180 (two are shown in this example) that complement the rails 170. In other cases, recesses can be located within the dock 160 and rails (or similar protrusions) can be located on the transmitter 140. That is, any manner of complementary alignment features can be utilized to align the transmitter 140 within the dock 160. In additional implementations, the transmitter 140 includes a flexible material 190 at its interface with the dock 160. This flexible material 190 may be different from the harder material disposed in other portions of the transmitter 140 and may allow for a desirable consistent fit between the body of the transmitter 140 and the dock 160.

[0047] In some implementations, each transmitter 140 may include command buttons 195 for controlling one or more functions of the transmitter 140. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the transmitter 140 may include a power button 200 for powering the transmitter 140 on and / or off. In some implementations, the transmitter 140 may also include a mute button 210 for muting the output from the transmitter 140, as optionally shown in phantom.

[0048] In certain implementations, as shown in FIG. 7 , one of the transmitters 140A includes a tip-sleeve (TS) audio connector 220 for coupling to a source device. As shown, the TS audio connector 220 is configured to nest or otherwise house within the body of the transmitter 140A, which can protect the connector 220 while allowing for docking and removal from the dock(es) 160. FIG. 7 shows the TS audio connector 220 in an intermediate state in which a portion of the connector resides outside the body of the transmitter 140. It should be understood that in certain implementations, the TS audio connector 220 can be replaced with a tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) audio connector. The TS audio connector 220 can be configured to couple to a source device, such as an electric musical instrument (e.g., guitar, keyboard, etc.), or any other output device having a corresponding TS mating connection. In an additional implementation, one of the transmitters 140B includes an XLR audio connector 230 for coupling to a source device. The XLR audio connector 230 may be configured to couple to a source device such as a microphone or other line-level source(s). In various implementations, each dock 160 is configured to accept one of the transmitters 140. That is, the first dock 160A may be configured to accept either the transmitter 140A or the transmitter 140B, and the second dock 160B may be configured to accept either the transmitter 140A or the transmitter 140B. Furthermore, it should be understood that the input connector 130 may be configured to make a physical connection with a TS, TRS, and / or XLR audio connector.

[0049] As described herein, dock(s) 160 can provide both physical and electrical connections with transmitter(s) 140 for storage as well as power / charging and communication. For example, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 , each dock 160 can include an electrical and / or data connector 240 for mating with a corresponding connector 240′ (shown as being internal to the body) on transmitter 140. In certain cases, electrical and / or data connector 240 can include a USB connector. In certain embodiments, connector 240 (e.g., a USB connector or a variant thereof, such as a USB-C connector) enables software updates for transmitter 140 or debug accessory mode (DAM) operation in transmitter 140.

[0050] The dock 160 may also include a spring-loaded coupling 250 and a magnet 260 (or multiple magnets). In certain cases, the spring-loaded coupling 250 may perform a push-to-engage and / or push-to-disengage function to allow a user to couple and uncouple the transmitter 140 to the dock 160, respectively. In certain cases, when the transmitter 140 is docked, the outer surface of the transmitter 140 is approximately flush with the outer surface of the enclosure 22. This position may be maintained by the spring-loaded coupling and magnet 260. In certain cases, the spring-loaded coupling 250 may allow the transmitter 140 to be released so that a user can grasp and remove the transmitter 140 from the dock 160. In certain cases, the connector 240 (e.g., a USB connector) may be maintained in an intermediate position, such that the transmitter 140 remains connected to the magnet 260 and connector 240 even after the spring-loaded coupling 250 is released. In other words, a force greater than the spring force of coupling portion 250 is required to overcome the coupling between transmitter 140 and connector 240 and magnet 260. In this sense, connector (e.g., USB connector) 240 has a minimum retention force to maintain a data connection with loudspeaker 10.

[0051] In some instances, each wireless transmitter 140 has a battery and is configured to initiate charging of the battery in response to being engaged with one of the docks 160. For example, in response to detecting a connection (e.g., a USB connection) at connector 240, a processor in loudspeaker 10 is configured to initiate charging of transmitter 140.

[0052] In additional implementations, each transmitter 140 is configured to connect a source device (e.g., an instrument, a microphone, etc.) to a corresponding wireless input channel (e.g., channel 1, channel 2, etc.) in response to detecting a connection with the source device. In particular implementations, when a user connects transmitter 140 to a source device, transmitter 140 automatically pairs the source device with the input channel (e.g., channel 1, channel 2, etc.). In particular implementations, if transmitter 140 is in a sleep or standby state before connecting with the source device, transmitter 140 is configured to wake up in response to detecting a connection with the source device. In particular cases, transmitter 140 in a sleep or standby state first wakes up in response to detecting a connection, and then connects the source device to the input channel.

[0053] As described herein, in situations where the loudspeaker 10 has multiple transmitters 140 for transmitting signals to multiple input channels (e.g., channel 1, channel 2), the processor in the loudspeaker 10 is configured to receive audio input from each of the wireless input channels. In certain cases, each wireless input channel has a separate wireless antenna. In some instances, a separate antenna is dedicated to the corresponding wireless input channel. FIG. 9 shows a perspective cutaway view of a portion of the loudspeaker 10, illustrating an example of two separate wireless antennas 300A, 300B (e.g., radio frequency (RF) antennas) along with a Bluetooth (BT) antenna 310. In certain implementations, each antenna 300A, 300B is positioned and oriented to provide approximately uniform omnidirectional sensitivity along a plane to wireless signals from the corresponding wireless transmitter 140. That is, along a given plane, such as height relative to the ground or floor, each of the antennas 300A, 300B exhibits approximately uniform sensitivity to wireless signals from its corresponding transmitter 140 in all directions. This allows a user to connect wireless transmitter 140 for either channel to a source device (e.g., a microphone, a musical instrument, etc.) and move around the loudspeaker 10 in the plane without noticeable differences in wireless signal quality. In certain cases, as described herein, the loudspeaker 10 is configured to operate in multiple orientations, and each antenna 300A, 300B maintains approximately uniform omnidirectional sensitivity to wireless signals from its corresponding transmitter (e.g., transmitter 140A, transmitter 140B) along the plane, regardless of the orientation of the loudspeaker 10.

[0054] In particular implementations, audio input to loudspeaker 10 may be controlled by one or more control elements 24 (FIG. 4), such as via a command interface, GUI, dials, buttons, etc. In additional implementations, audio input to loudspeaker 10 may be controlled by commands from an application running on a connected smart device. That is, a user may control the selection of audio input (e.g., from a Bluetooth device, transmitter 140A, transmitter 140B, etc.) using commands from an application running on a connected smart device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or dedicated controller.

[0055] In additional implementations, loudspeaker 10 is configured to connect wirelessly with a first additional portable speaker via one of the wireless input channels. For example, loudspeaker 10 can connect with an additional similar loudspeaker via a Bluetooth connection (e.g., via BT antenna 310) or via another wireless communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi). In certain of these cases, loudspeaker 10 can provide audio output to the first additional portable speaker via the wireless connection.

[0056] In still further implementations, loudspeaker 10 is configured to connect wirelessly with a second additional portable speaker (e.g., a speaker similar to loudspeaker 10) via the wireless input channel and a line-out connection on the second additional portable speaker. In these cases, loudspeaker 10 is configured to receive audio input from the second additional portable speaker via one of wireless transmitters 140 coupled to line-out connector 350 (FIG. 4), forming a wireless daisy chain between loudspeakers 10.

[0057] As noted herein, loudspeaker 10 is configured for both wired (wired) use as well as portable (e.g., battery-powered) use. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 , enclosure 22 may include a wired power connector 360 for charging an on-board battery (housed in enclosure 22) that may power the transducer(s), processor(s), audio input module(s), etc. Wired power connector 360 may also provide power for charging wireless transmitter 140, which includes on-board power storage (e.g., battery(ies)), as described herein. In various implementations, the battery(ies) in loudspeaker 10 and / or transmitter 140 are rechargeable and / or replaceable.

[0058] Input channel auto-detection In certain implementations, the loudspeaker 10 is configured to automatically detect the input channel and adjust the audio input signal accordingly. In certain cases, the processor 100 is configured to adjust the audio signal received from the wired input connection 130 and / or the wireless transmitter 140 based on one or more of the connection status or connection order. FIG. 10 illustrates a method performed by the processor 100 in managing input connections according to various implementations. For example, in certain cases, the processor 100 is configured to detect the status of the wired audio input connection at the connector 130 (process P1) and the wireless connection with the transmitter 140 (decision D1). If the wireless connection precedes the wired connection at the connector 130 (Yes to D1), the processor 100 adjusts the audio signal from the wired connector 130 (process P2). If the wireless connection does not precede the wired connection (No to D1), the processor 100 outputs the audio input from the wired connector 130 as the primary audio (process P3).

[0059] In certain implementations, decision D1 (detecting the status of the wireless connection with the transmitter) includes checking whether a wireless transmitter 140 is present in the corresponding dock 160 before determining whether audio input from a source device is detected via the wireless connection 150. In certain of these cases, the processor 100 may first determine whether the wireless transmitter 140 is powered on, and if so, may then determine whether the transmitter 140 is paired with the corresponding channel (e.g., channel 1 or channel 2). In further cases, the processor 100 determines whether audio input is being received via the paired wireless transmitter 140. According to some implementations, if the wireless transmitter 140 is powered on and paired with the corresponding input channel (e.g., channel 1 or channel 2), the loudspeaker 10 only adjusts the audio signal from the wired connector 130 (process P2). In a further implementation, the loudspeaker 10 only adjusts the audio signal from the wired connector 130 (process P2) if the wireless transmitter 140 is paired and audio input is being received from that transmitter 140. If the processor 100 determines that the transmitter 140 is powered on but not paired or not providing audio input, the processor 100 prioritizes the wired connection and outputs the audio input from the connector 130 as the primary audio (process P3).

[0060] In certain embodiments, adjusting the audio signal in process P2 includes switching the input channel 120 for the wired connector 130 to an effects loop. In certain of these cases, adjusting the audio signal in process P2 includes adjusting the pre-amplification order of the audio signal (from the wired connector 130) before providing the audio output, for example, by prioritizing amplification of the wireless signal from the transmitter 140 over the signal from the wired connector 130. In various implementations, audio input from a source device (e.g., a microphone, a musical instrument, an additional connected speaker, or an audio gateway) received via the wired connector 130 is received as a digital audio input and converted to an analog audio signal. In certain cases, the transmitter 140 transmits at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz (GHz).

[0061] 4 , in certain implementations, the processor 100 is configured to select an audio input (e.g., between the transmitters 140A, 140B and the connector 130) based on commands from an application executing on a connected smart device 400 (e.g., a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, controller, etc.). In certain cases, the smart device 400 executes or otherwise accesses a program (e.g., an application) configured to control functions of the loudspeaker 10, such as selecting an input, adjusting volume and / or equalization settings, controlling power settings (e.g., on / off / standby), etc. In certain cases, the application's functionality may be executed on a dedicated controller in addition to or instead of the smart device 400.

[0062] As further shown in FIG. 4, the loudspeaker 10 may include a wired power connector 360 (e.g., for connecting to an external power source) for charging an on-board battery and powering the loudspeaker 10.

[0063] Dynamic display characteristics FIG. 11 shows an expanded view of a display 500 that can include one or more control elements 24 shown in FIG. 4. The display 500 can be located on any surface of the loudspeaker 10 and, in certain cases, is located adjacent to the control elements 24. The example control elements 24 shown in FIG. 11 include volume adjustment controls (e.g., knobs) 505 for each of multiple inputs (e.g., channel 1, channel 2, and BT input). In certain implementations, the display 500 includes multiple sub-displays 510A, 510B, and 510C. One or more aspects of the display 500 can include digital display elements, such as digital screens or windows, as shown in sub-displays 510A, 510B, and 510C. In some cases, the sub-displays include organic light-emitting diodes (oLEDs).

[0064] 11 and 12, the orientation of the display 500 is configured to adjust between a first orientation (FIG. 11) and a second orientation (FIG. 12) in response to detecting a change in the orientation of the loudspeaker 10. That is, when the orientation of the loudspeaker is adjusted between two or more orientations, the display 500 (e.g., including one or more sub-displays 510A, 510B, 510C) is adjusted between at least two orientations. FIG. 11 illustrates the first orientation of the display 500 relative to the loudspeaker 10, and FIG. 12 illustrates the second orientation of the display 500 relative to the loudspeaker 10. In certain implementations, the orientation of the display 500 is intended to be easily identifiable to a user in a given loudspeaker orientation, e.g., can be read from left, right, and vertically oriented orientations. As described herein, loudspeaker 10 can be configured to operate in at least three distinct predetermined playback orientations (e.g., as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C). In certain embodiments, a first orientation of display 500 corresponds to two or more of the playback orientations (e.g., as shown in Figures 1A and 1B), and a second orientation of display 500 corresponds to a distinct playback orientation (e.g., in Figure 1C).

[0065] As described herein, processor 100 is coupled to orientation sensor 520 (FIG. 5) for indicating the orientation of loudspeaker 10. Orientation sensor 520 may include a gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer, and / or inertial measurement unit (IMU) and may be configured to provide data regarding a change in orientation to processor 100 in response to detecting the change, e.g., as modified by a threshold and / or hysteresis coefficient. In particular examples as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, display 500 includes a series of visual signal indicators 530 corresponding to input channels (e.g., wired channel connections 130A, 130B and / or wireless connections 150A, 150B). As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, visual signal indicators 530 may provide visual feedback regarding signals received on each of the input channels (e.g., via wired connection(s) 130A, 130B and / or wireless connection(s) 150A, 150B). 13, each of the series of visual signal indicators 530 has a low signal end 600 and a high signal end 610 that spans between an input channel (connector) 130A, 130B or a dock 160A, 160B and a corresponding display screen 510A, 510B associated with a given one of the channels. According to some implementations, each visual signal indicator 530 is configured to indicate one or more of: i) no signal (e.g., lack of fill, as shown in Ch. 2); ii) sufficient signal (e.g., green, as shown in Ch. 1); or iii) clipping (e.g., inconsistent signal or high signal level, sampled at intervals up to 50 ms and indicated by red, as in the BT channel). In certain cases, for example, when the loudspeaker 10 is in an upright orientation (FIGS. 12, 13), the visual signal indicator 530 extends from a lower signal edge 600 on the left portion of the display 500 to a higher signal edge 610 on the right portion of the display 500.

[0066] In additional implementations, the display 500 further includes a series of visual battery level indicators 620 ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ) associated with each wireless input channel 150 and corresponding to each removably housed wireless transmitter 140. In certain cases, the battery level indicators 620 may indicate the remaining battery capacity (e.g., in percentage, level, and / or time) of a transmitter 140 that is not present in the corresponding dock 160. Additionally, the battery level indicators 620 may display an indicator that the battery is charging and / or is fully charged (when applicable) when the transmitter 140 is in a given dock 160. The battery level indicators 620 may also indicate the battery levels of connected Bluetooth devices, for example, connected via the BT channels shown in FIGS. 11-13.

[0067] In particular implementations, the processor 100 is further configured to communicate with an application executing on the smart device 400 (FIG. 4) to provide additional visual or audible signal indicators. For example, the visual signal indicators on the smart device 400 may be displayed, for example, in a progressive manner, via the application interface to provide a user with information about the signal received through the input channel. The visual signal level indicators on the smart device 400 may be in a similar format and / or style to the visual signal indicators 530 on the display of the loudspeaker 10, or may take a different format and / or style. In various implementations, the visual signal level indicators on the smart device 400 are part of a digital display. Additionally, the application may initiate an audible signal indicator, such as an audible beep, chime or tone, clipping sound, or the like, via the speaker of the smart device 400 to indicate the characteristics of the signal received on the channel(s). Additionally, the visual and / or audible signal indicators may include information regarding suggested adjustment(s) to improve the signal received at the speaker 10. For example, the suggested adjustment may include a message (e.g., visual and / or audible) suggesting that the user adjust a physical connection (e.g., at the wired connector 130) or that the user move the transmitter 140 closer to the speaker 10 (e.g., in the case of a wireless transmitter 140).

[0068] In additional implementations, the processor 100 is configured to provide an error indicator on the display 500 in response to detecting that the speaker 10 is oriented in the wrong direction relative to a predetermined playback orientation. For example, the processor 100 can provide an error indicator (e.g., a visual indicator on the display 500 and / or an audible indicator via the transducer(s) 82, 84) indicating that the speaker 10 is tilted or upside down. In particular implementations, a tilted orientation is indicated by the speaker 10 being between the predetermined playback orientations or by being in an unstable orientation. In additional implementations, a tilted orientation is defined by the speaker 10 being in an orientation other than the three predefined orientations of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. An upside-down orientation can be defined as any orientation in which the upper surface (e.g., top 51) of the speaker 10 is below the lower surface (e.g., bottom 52) of the speaker 10.

[0069] 11 and 12 , in some examples, the display 500 may include three separate sub-displays 510A, 510B, 510C, each associated with an actuatable button, knob, switch, or the like. In some cases, the actuatable button includes a control 505. While the button(s) 505 are shown as separate from the associated sub-display(s) 510, in certain implementations, the sub-displays 510 may receive push-button commands in addition to or instead of the buttons 505. That is, the display(s) 510 may include a touch interface (e.g., a capacitive touch interface) for receiving touch commands from a user. In either case, the buttons 505 (and / or the displays 510) may be configured to receive one or more commands; in certain cases, a long press command on a given button 505 presents a configuration menu on the associated display 510. The configuration menu may include configuration selection and / or adjustment options for multiple loudspeaker configurations, such as a battery mode (e.g., low power mode), settings (e.g., audio settings such as equalization, or sleep timer settings), and / or a shutdown menu that allows for shutting down the loudspeaker 10. In certain implementations, as shown in FIG. 4 , the display 500 further includes a tone matching preset switch 630 for enabling tone matching for each of the input channels, including the radio channel input from the transmitter 140.

[0070] As described herein, loudspeaker 10 can provide several practical and beneficial configurations for users, including, but not limited to, wireless instrument and / or microphone connectivity, automatic channel detection and audio adjustment, and dynamic display features. Compared to conventional portable loudspeakers, such as portable PA loudspeakers, loudspeaker 10 can enhance the user experience and provide many benefits.

[0071] One or more components within loudspeaker 10 may be formed from any conventional loudspeaker material, such as heavy plastic, metal (e.g., aluminum or an alloy such as an aluminum alloy), composite material, etc. It will be understood that loudspeaker 10 as shown in the figures contained herein and the relative proportions, sizes, and shapes of the components and their features may be merely illustrative of such physical attributes of these components; that is, these proportions, shapes, and sizes may be modified in various implementations to suit various products.

[0072] As used herein, the controller and / or control circuitry(s) may include a processor and / or microcontroller, if applicable, which may include electromechanical control hardware / software, decoders, DSP hardware / software, etc., for rendering audio content on loudspeaker 10 and communicating with other components within loudspeaker 10. The control circuitry(s) may also include one or more digital-to-analog (D / A) converters for converting digital audio signals to analog audio signals. This audio hardware may also include one or more amplifiers that provide amplified analog audio signals to loudspeaker(s) 10. In additional implementations, the controller / control circuitry(s) include sensor data processing logic for processing data from sensors.

[0073] The functionality described herein, or portions thereof, and various modifications thereof (hereinafter "the Functionality"), may be implemented at least in part via a computer program product (e.g., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, such as one or more non-transitory machine-readable media, for execution by or to control the operation of one or more data processing devices (e.g., programmable processors, computers, multiple computers, and / or programmable logic components, etc.)).

[0074] The computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be arranged in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can be arranged to be executed on one computer, on multiple computers at one site, or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a network.

[0075] Operations associated with implementing all or a portion of the functionality may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform the functionality of the calibration process. All or a portion of the functionality may be implemented as special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA and / or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, by way of example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory, a random-access memory, or both. Elements of a computer include a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data.

[0076] Elements of the figures are shown and described as individual elements in block diagrams. They may be implemented as one or more of analog or digital circuits. Alternatively, or additionally, they may be implemented by one or more microprocessors executing software instructions. The software instructions may include digital signal processing instructions. Operations may be performed by analog circuitry or by a microprocessor executing software that performs the equivalent of the analog operations. Signal lines may be implemented as separate analog or digital signal lines, as separate digital signal lines with appropriate signal processing capable of processing the separate signals, and / or as elements of a wireless communication system.

[0077] When a process is depicted or suggested by a block diagram, the steps may be performed by one element or by multiple elements. These steps may be performed collectively or at different times. The elements performing the activities may be physically the same, or may be in close proximity to each other, or may be physically separate. One element may perform more activities than one block. The audio signal may be coded or uncoded and may be transmitted in either digital or analog form. Conventional audio signal processing equipment and computing may be omitted from the drawings.

[0078] In various implementations, electronic components described as "coupled" may be linked via conventional wired and / or wireless means such that the electronic components can communicate data with one another. Furthermore, subcomponents within a given component may be considered to be linked via conventional paths, although not necessarily shown.

[0079] Other embodiments not specifically described herein are also within the scope of the following claims. Elements of different implementations described herein may be combined to form other embodiments not specifically described above. Elements may be removed from the structures described herein without adversely affecting the operation of the structures described herein. Furthermore, various separate elements may be combined into one or more individual elements to perform the functions described herein.

Claims

1. A portable speaker, 1. An enclosure comprising: at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output; a processor coupled to the at least one converter; an audio input module coupled to the processor for receiving an audio input signal; an enclosure that houses the at least one transducer, the processor, and a battery configured to power the audio input module; an input channel for receiving a wired audio input connection; at least one wireless input channel for receiving audio input from a source device via a wireless connection, wherein the processor: A portable speaker configured to adjust an audio signal received from the wired audio input connection if a source device is already connected via the wireless connection.

2. 2. The portable speaker of claim 1, wherein the processor switches the input channel to an effects loop in response to detecting the wired audio input connection while the source device is already connected via the wireless connection.

3. 3. The portable speaker of claim 2, wherein adjusting the audio signal comprises adjusting a pre-amplification order of the audio signal before providing the audio output.

4. The processor further comprises: receiving the audio input from the source device via the wireless connection as a digital audio input; and converting the digital audio input to an analog audio signal.

5. 10. The portable speaker of claim 1, wherein the wired audio input connection comprises a tip-sleeve (TS) connection.

6. 10. The portable speaker of claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless input channel comprises at least two wireless input channels.

7. 7. The portable speaker of claim 6, further comprising at least two wireless transmitters removably housed within the enclosure, each wireless transmitter for enabling the wireless connection between the source device and a corresponding one of the at least two wireless input channels.

8. 8. The portable speaker of claim 7, wherein each of the wireless transmitters is configured to connect the source device to the portable speaker in response to detecting a connection with the source device.

9. 8. The portable speaker of claim 7, further comprising a series of docks for housing said wireless transmitters.

10. the processor:

10. The portable speaker of claim 9, configured to, in response to detecting that at least one of the wireless transmitters is powered on and paired with the portable speaker and detecting the wired audio input connection, condition the audio input signal received from the wired audio input connection for playback as an effects loop.

11. 11. The portable speaker of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to condition the audio input signal from the wired audio input connection to play as an effects loop only when the wireless transmitter is powered on and paired with the portable speaker.

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

13. 10. The portable speaker of claim 1, further comprising a wired power connector for charging the battery and powering the portable speaker.

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

15. 1. A method of controlling a portable speaker having an enclosure housing at least one electro-acoustic transducer for providing an audio output, a processor coupled to the at least one transducer, an audio input module coupled to the processor for receiving an audio input signal, and a battery configured to power the at least one transducer, the processor, and the audio input module; an input channel for receiving a wired audio input connection, and at least one wireless input channel for receiving audio input from a source device via a wireless connection, the processor being configured to adjust the audio signal received from the wired audio input connection if a source device is already connected via the wireless connection, the method comprising: detecting a wireless connection with a first source device via the at least one wireless input channel; after detecting the wireless connection with the first source device, detecting a wired connection with a second source device via the wired audio input connection; adjusting the audio signal from the second source device.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein adjusting the audio signal from the second source device includes switching the input channel to an effects loop in response to detecting the wired connection with the second source device while the first source device is already connected via the wireless connection.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein adjusting the audio signal comprises adjusting a pre-amplification order of the audio signal before providing an audio output at the portable speaker.

Images