A loudspeaker system that is integrated into a decorative element

Abstract

The claimed invention relates to a field of audio equipment, audio systems and sound equipment, and it has a housing in a form of an anthropomorphous animal figure that consists of elements which imitate body parts, namely, a head with ears, a body, upper limbs and lower limbs, elements such as speakers, means for controlling parameters, a control unit with a power supply unit, are arranged within the housing. According to the invention, a group of the speakers is arranged in the head of the figure, at least one speaker having a wide-band AFRC is arranged on a rear side, while at least two speakers having a cumulative mid-frequency and a high-frequency AFRC are arranged on a front side in those parts of the figure which imitate the ears, while the rear speaker and the front speakers are oriented in diametrically opposite directions, acoustic centers of the front speakers are located in the same vertical plane, while the rear speaker and the front speakers are connected in parallel to each other via a RC circuit, a lower threshold frequency of the AFRC of the front speakers is selected such that VA of a length of a sound wave at this frequency is not less than a distance between vertical planes on which the acoustic centers of the rear speaker and the front speaker are arranged. This structural solution ensures to provide a uniform sound field and sound images around the figure which are realistic to the maximum extent, while avoiding any distortion of integrity of a visual appearance of the decorative element.

Description

[0001] A LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM THAT IS INTEGRATED INTO A DECORATIVE ELEMENT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a field of audio equipment, audio systems and sound equipment, and it concerns integrated loudspeaker systems, in particular, which are integrated into a housing in a form of an anthropomorphous figure and which not only are visually attractive and aesthetically valuable, but also may be used as high-quality loudspeaker systems.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In recent years, there is an increased market demand for various products which combine a visual attraction and an ability to play sound in a high-quality way, thereby creating less immersive and aesthetically attractive environments. A progress in the field of acoustic technologies allows to create loudspeakers having a more compact size and a high sound quality. This provides more opportunities for integrating audio systems into design and decoration objects.

[0006] Traditional loudspeaker systems not always could comply with a room design harmoniously, thus, this directly affects occurrence of sound resonances, echoes and other undesired effects. Also, the loudspeaker systems and portable speakers often has a traditional visual appearance which may not correspond to the room design and style or may be visually inappropriate. Creation of the loudspeaker system which is mounted into a separate design element or item to be demonstrated as a part of collection.

[0007] PRIOR ART Nowadays, loudspeaker systems constitute an intrinsic part in transmission of sound and music, thereby enabling to enjoy an audio content with a high quality and vividness. Integrated loudspeaker systems are especially popular, and advantages of these systems include their ability to provide a uniform sounding within the entire room without any notable acoustic components. They may be used in various fields and integrated into, e.g., a ceiling, walls, a floor, toys, decorative elements, furniture etc.

[0008] A main task of the integrated loudspeaker systems is to provide a uniform sound distribution within the room. The integrated loudspeaker systems are aimed at creation of an optimal sound environment, where the sound is played uniformly and homogeneously within the whole space. This is achieved due to arrangement of speakers and their characteristics, as well as settings of the system.

[0009] The loudspeaker systems may be integrated directly into a structure of buildings, thereby creating an indistinguishable and effective sounding. This allows to create an atmosphere, where the sound is played uniformly without any notable acoustic elements, but it requires a pre-planning during construction or renovation of the room, since their arrangement and configuration are fixed during mounting, but it would be more difficult to make any changes after the works are done. Also, the integrated systems are expensive to mount, since they require a professional installation and adjustment.

[0010] The prior art teaches loudspeaker systems which are used in toys, thereby assisting in creation of a realistic surrounding sound for a children game. The loudspeakers used in the toys bears certain drawbacks. For example, the invention application US2007060020 (Al) dated March 15, 2007, as well as the utility model CN202004951U dated May 10, 2011, teach toys with an integrated loudspeaker system, where speakers are arranged in a body. In these toys, the loudspeaker systems have a limited space for their arrangement, thereby resulting in a non- uniform sound distribution such that the sound is very notable in one comer of the room, but almost obscure in another corner. Also, in these toys, the loudspeaker systems require additional buttons or interface for controlling, thereby affecting a visual appearance and design of the toy which makes it less attractive or even inconvenient in use.

[0011] Also, the prior art teaches loudspeaker systems which are integrated into various objects such as pictures, lamp stands, statues or statuettes, thereby assisting to create a remarkable experience in art perception.

[0012] Invention application JP2005341514 (A) dated December 8, 2005 teaches an illumination floor lamp with an integrated loudspeaker system, the floor lamp comprises a hollow support section, a speaker having a lower part that is inserted into said support and is horizontally arranged on a speaker mounting plate, an acoustic diffusive emitter for emitting a sound from said speaker in a horizontal direction, the speaker is attached in an upper part of said mounting plate, a speaker unit that is mounted horizontally on the mounting plate of the speaker, wherein the speaker unit is attached in the upper part of the mounting plate. Drawbacks of this technical solution include a limitation of the sound emitter, since the sound diffusive emitter that emits the sound in the horizontal direction may result in a limited acoustic coverage. The sound will be less precise in a vertical direction which may affect a playback quality.

[0013] At present, portable speakers are the most popular and used, since these speakers are compact, have different shapes and are convenient in use. However, these are a number of drawbacks which preclude their domination and which should be considered.

[0014] Invention application US2020154184 (Al) dated May 14, 2020 teaches a loudspeaker device that comprises a device housing having a cylindrical shape including a curved lateral surface that is radially arranged around a central axis; a computer-readable memory that is arranged inside the housing; a plurality of sensors which are distributed at an external surface of the housing; a plurality of speakers, in particular, midrange speakers, which are arranged inside the housing and have diaphragms which are oriented perpendicularly relative to the central axis of the housing; one or more processors which are coupled to the computer memory and configured to execute computer instructions, to analyze acoustic characteristics of an environment and to adjust an output signal of the speakers based on signals from the sensors; a power supply unit that is arranged in the device housing and that supplies power to the processors and to the speakers. Drawbacks of this technical solution lie in that the arrangement of the plurality of the speakers at the same level affects the device’s ability to transmit spatial acoustic effects and leads to less precise stereo effect. Also, this configuration of the speakers results in nonuniformity of the sound playback at different heights, thereby limiting the device’s ability to create an immersive sound perception, especially in large rooms or within an open space.

[0015] It follows from this prior art that a demand in the integrated loudspeaker systems is rather high, but their structures bear a number of drawbacks which affect the quality of the sound playback.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The claimed invention is based on a task to provide a high-quality loudspeaker system that is integrated into an existing decorative element in a form of an anthropomorphous figure.

[0018] A technical effect being achieved is provision of a uniform sound field and sound images around the figure which are realistic to the maximum extent, while avoiding any distortion of integrity of a visual appearance of the decorative element.

[0019] Said task is resolved by providing a loudspeaker system that is integrated into a decorative element, the element has a housing in a form of an anthropomorphous animal figure that consists of elements which imitate body parts, namely, a head with ears, a body, upper and lower limbs. Elements of the loudspeaker system such as speakers, means for controlling parameters and a control unit with a power supply unit are arranged within the housing. A group of the speakers is arranged in the head of the figure, at least one speaker having a wide-band AFRC (amplitude-frequency response characteristic) is arranged on a rear side, while at least two speakers having a cumulative mid-frequency and a high-frequency AFRC are arranged on a front side in those parts of the figure which imitate the ears, while the rear speaker and the front speakers are oriented in diametrically opposite directions. Acoustic centers of the front speakers are located in the same vertical plane, while the rear and the front speakers are connected in parallel to each other via a RC circuit. A lower threshold frequency of the AFRC of the front speakers is selected such that of a length of a sound wave at this frequency is not less than a distance between vertical planes on which the acoustic centers of the rear speaker and the front speaker are arranged.

[0020] This arrangement of the speakers on opposite sides of the housing allows to combine features of the speakers having the wide band AFRC and the speakers having the mid frequency and high frequency AFRC, as well as to create the uniform sound field around the figure.

[0021] It is known from the prior art that there different speakers depending on a frequency range, e.g., high frequency ones, mid frequency ones, low frequency ones, wind band ones, which may be used both individually and in combinations in order to achieve a desired sound spectrum in the loudspeaker systems.

[0022] In order to use the prior art solutions, it would be necessary to install the speaker in the head on the front side which is not possible without distorting the visual appearance. In view of this, the group of the speakers is arranged in the head of the figure, at least one speaker having the wide-band AFRC is arranged on the rear side, while at least two speakers having the cumulative mid-frequency and high-frequency AFRC are arranged on the front side in those parts of the figure which imitate the ears. This configuration enables to create a wide band emitter of a spherical sound wave. The uniform emission from the rear side is provided by the direct emission of the wide band speakers, while it is provided from the front side by the combination of the direct high-frequency emission from the speakers in the ears and diffracted low-frequency emission from the rear speaker.

[0023] The lower threshold frequency of the AFRC in the loudspeaker systems is the lowest frequency that the system is able to reproduce at a given level of amplitude of sound vibrations.

[0024] Studies have shown that the distance between the rear speaker and the front speaker affects the achievement of a phase and amplitude compliance between the speakers in the loudspeaker system. In order to conduct researches and to provide unambiguous understanding of which parts of the rear and front speakers should be taken to define the distance between them, it has been set for the description of the present invention that the term “distance between the speakers” means the distance between their acoustic centers. At the same time, in view of the fact that the speakers may be offset relative to each other both in horizontal and in vertical plane as well as the fact that the group of speakers may be arranged both in the rear side and in the front side, a distance between vertical planes, where the acoustic centers of the speakers were located, has been measured in order to define an influence of this feature onto the technical effect. If the acoustic centers of the front or rear group of speakers are located in different vertical planes, then the plane from which the distance to the vertical plane of another group of speakers was measured is the vertical plane that is located between the planes, where the acoustic centers of one group of speakers are arranged at equal distance from each of them.

[0025] In the course of numerous tests, measurements of a sound pressure around the figure and test playbacks, when the quality of sound images were evaluated, it has been found that the lower threshold frequency of the AFRC of the front speakers must be selected such that of the length of the sound wave at this frequency is not less than the distance between the vertical planes which the acoustic centers of the rear and front speakers, respectively, are located on. The prior art teaches a mathematical relationship for determining this distance: f.r< c / (4-ff), where ff = 1 / 2KC (R+Rf), and Xf.ris a distance between the vertical planes, mm; c is an acoustic speed, m / sec; C is a capacity of a capacitor of the RC circuit, F; ff is the lower threshold frequency of the front speakers, Hz; R is an internal resistance of the front speakers, Ohm; Rf is a resistance of a resistor of the RC circuit, Ohm.

[0026] In order to ensure the linear AFRC at the front side, signals at a crossover frequency from the rear speaker and the front speaker must be in phase. A difference between the signals arises due to additional passage of the wave along the distance between the acoustic centers of the rear speaker and the front speaker and constitutes:

[0027] A<|> = 360° / ( i / Xf.r) ~ 90°, where A(|) is a phase difference, Xi is a wavelength at the frequency ff, in metric units; Xf.ris a distance between the vertical planes, in metric units.

[0028] Based on that, it is possible to compensate a delay of the front signal in phase by a certain inclusion of the front speakers into the electric circuit. This is done by connecting the rear and the front speakers in parallel to each other via the RC circuit.

[0029] That is, for the front speakers, the acoustic signal will be fed with a delay as well: A(|) = 180° (reverse-phase connection) - 90° (change of the signal phase by the capacitor of the RC circuit) = 90°.

[0030] The RC circuit is used for changing a phase shift of the acoustic signals of the rear speaker and the front group of speakers, respectively.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the anthropomorphous animal is made as an imitation of a bear figure that has both unique and aesthetic qualities, as well as integrated into an interior harmonically. Also, according to possible exemplary embodiments of the loudspeaker system, two speakers having the cumulative wide band AFRC may be arranged on the rear side.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rear speaker operates in a frequency range from 80.00 to 20000.00 Hz.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment, the distance between the vertical planes on which the acoustic centers of the group of speakers are arranged is 10 cm, and the front speakers operate in a frequency range from 800.00 to 20000.00 Hz.

[0034] Also, according to possible exemplary embodiments, the distance between the vertical planes on which the acoustic centers of the group of speakers are arranged is 24 cm, and the front speakers operate in a frequency range from 350.00 to 20000.00 Hz.

[0035] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control unit with the power supply unit are arranged in the body. Therewith, the control means are arranged in the limbs. The arrangement of the elements of the loudspeaker system in the body of the figure ensures integrity of the visual appearance of the decorative element without any notable evidences about any devices integrated into the figure.

[0036] According to one of exemplary embodiments of the device, the control means are made using wireless technologies. To this end, known devices and algorithms, e.g., a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology, may be used.

[0037] According to another exemplary embodiment, a reference external plane of the housing is provided with anti-vibration elements.

[0038] According to another exemplary embodiment, the anti-vibration elements are used to couple movable elements of the housing between each other.

[0039] Prior art cushions, belts, ropes, sealing rings or sealants made from any materials, e.g., rubber, silicone, polyurethane or teflon, may be used as the antivibration elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In order to provide more complete understanding of the claimed utility model and advantages thereof, the following description provides an explanation of possible exemplary embodiments thereof with a reference to figures of the appended drawings, wherein identical designations denote identical parts, and which illustrate the following:

[0041] Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of the decorative element with the antivibration (dampening) elements;

[0042] Fig. 2 illustrates a rear view of the housing of the decorative element;

[0043] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the body;

[0044] Fig. 4 illustrates a view of the removable power supply unit;

[0045] Fig. 5 illustrates a part of the housing that imitates the head, with the speakers;

[0046] Fig. 6 illustrates a connection scheme of the rear 40 mm speaker and two front 20 mm speakers via the RC circuit;

[0047] Fig. 7 illustrates a connection scheme of the rear 150 mm speaker and two front 50 mm speakers via the RC circuit;

[0048] Fig. 8 illustrates a connection scheme of two rear 40 mm speakers and two front 20 mm speakers via the RC circuit;

[0049] Fig. 9 illustrates the amplitude-frequency response characteristic at the limitation of the threshold frequency to 800 Hz;

[0050] Fig. 10 illustrates the amplitude-frequency response characteristic at the limitation of the threshold frequency to 8000 Hz.

[0051] Main designations:

[0052] 1. Housing;

[0053] 2. Head;

[0054] 3. Body; 4. Upper limbs;

[0055] 5. Lower limbs;

[0056] 6. Anti- vibration elements;

[0057] 7. Means for controlling parameters;

[0058] 8. Control unit;

[0059] 9. Power supply unit;

[0060] 10. Cover;

[0061] 11. Cushions;

[0062] 12. Pockets;

[0063] 13. Clamp;

[0064] 14. Rear speaker;

[0065] 15. Front speakers;

[0066] 16. RC circuit;

[0067] 17. Distance between vertical planes;

[0068] 18. Vertical plane of the acoustic center of the rear speaker;

[0069] 19. Vertical plane of the acoustic centers of the front speakers;

[0070] 20. Amplifier.

[0071] IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] A loudspeaker system is integrated into a decorative element, the element has a housing (1) in a form of an anthropomorphous animal figure that consists of elements which imitate body parts, namely, a head (2) with ears, a body (3), upper limbs (4) and lower limbs (5).

[0073] In order to avoid undesirable oscillations of the parts of the figure of the decorative element to prevent any distortion of playback of audio by sounds of different volume which result from these oscillations, movable elements of the housing (1) such as the upper limbs (4) and the lower limbs (5), the head (2) and the body (3) are connected between each other using anti-vibration elements (6). In order to avoid any oscillation and vibration, as well as undesirable sounds in a contact location between the figure and a surface which the decorative element stands on, a reference external plane of the housing is provided with the antivibration elements (6).

[0074] Means (7) for controlling parameters are arranged in the upper limbs (4).

[0075] A control unit (8) with a power supply unit (9) and an amplifier (20) are arranged in the body (3). Therewith, the body (3) comprises a removable cover

[0076] (10) to provide an easy access to the control unit (8) with the power supply unit

[0077] (9). Mechanisms for securing the removable cover (10) of the body (3) are screw- free and clamp-free, and they are made owing to a geometry of rubber cushions

[0078] (11) which ensure a controlled force for closing and opening the cover (10). In order to ensure a maximum fixation reliability, the cover (10) is provided with pockets (12) which are formed by sliders on an inner side of the removable cover

[0079] (10). The power supply unit (9) is removable. Mechanisms for securing the removable power supply unit (9) is provided by a clamp (13) that is made integral with a housing of the power supply unit (9).

[0080] A group of speakers, i.e., a rear speaker (14) and a front speaker (15), is arranged in the head (2) of the figure. At least one speaker (14) having a wide-band AFRC is arranged on a rear side, while at least two speakers (15) having a cumulative mid-frequency and high-frequency AFRC are arranged on a front side in those parts of the figure which imitate the ears.

[0081] Acoustic centers of the front speakers (15) are located in the same vertical plane.

[0082] The rear speaker (14) and the front speaker (15) are connected in parallel to each other via a RC circuit (16).

[0083] A lower threshold frequency of the AFRC of the front speakers (15) is selected such that YA of length of a sound wave at this frequency is not less than a distance between vertical planes (17), i.e., between a vertical plane of the acoustic center of the rear speaker (18) and between a vertical plane of the acoustic centers of the front speakers (19). Exemplary embodiments with consideration of a shape and dimensions of the head (2) are provided hereinafter.

[0084] According to exemplary embodiment 1, preset dimensions of the figure allow to mount the speakers (14, 15) so as a distance between the acoustic centers is 100 mm (Fig. 6).

[0085] According to exemplary embodiment 2, preset dimensions of the figure allow to mount the speakers (14, 15) so as a distance between the acoustic centers is 240 mm (Fig. 7).

[0086] According to exemplary embodiment 3, preset dimensions of the figure allow to mount the speakers (14, 15) so as a distance between the acoustic centers is 100 mm (Fig. 8).

[0087] Exemplary embodiment 1.

[0088] One wide band 40 mm speaker (14) that operates in a frequency range 80- 20000 Hz is arranged on the rear side of the head (2), while two high-frequency 20 mm speakers (15) which operate in a frequency range 800-20000 Hz are arranged on the front side in those parts of the figure which imitate the ears, one speaker in each ear. This configuration enables to create a wide band emitter of a spherical sound wave. A uniform emission from the rear side is provided by a direct emission of the wide band 40 mm speaker (14), while it is provided from the front side by a combination of a direct high-frequency emission from the 20 mm speakers (15) in the ears and a diffracted low-frequency emission (up to a frequency of 800 Hz) from the rear speaker (14).

[0089] Diffraction of a low-frequency signal up to a certain frequency, i.e., 800 Hz in this case, is provided by the shape and dimensions of the head (2). The distance between the rear speaker (14) and the front speakers (15) must be less than the length of the sound wave at this frequency, i.e., less than 100 mm.

[0090] An average diameter of the head (2) is about 80 mm, while a direct distance between centers of the rear speaker (17) and the front speaker (18) is 100 mm. These dimensions of the head (2) are compliant with requirements as to rounding of the sound wave to a required frequency. However, in order to ensure the linear AFRC at the front side, signals at a crossover frequency from the rear speaker (14) and the front speakers (15) must be in phase.

[0091] Fig. 6 illustrates the connection between the rear speaker (14) and the front speakers (15) via the RC circuit (16), and they are connected in parallel to each other. The rear speaker (14) is a 40 mm speaker having an internal resistance R = 8 Ohm, while the front speakers (15) consist of two 20 mm speakers, each speaker having an internal resistance of R = 4 Ohm. At the internal resistance of the front speakers (15), parameters of the RC circuit (16) are R = 1.5 Ohm, C = 35 pF.

[0092] Besides, a capacity value of the capacitor provides the lower threshold operation frequency of the front speakers (15), namely, 800 Hz. And a resistor value provides equality between a direct signal and a diffracted signal.

[0093] Thus, the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the loudspeaker system on an axis at the front and at the rear are approximately the same.

[0094] Exemplary embodiment 2.

[0095] One wide band 150 mm speaker (14) that operates in a frequency range 40- 20000 Hz is arranged on the rear side of the head (2), while two high-frequency 50 mm speakers (15) which operate in a frequency range 350-20000 Hz are arranged on the front side in those parts of the figure which imitate the ears, one speaker in each ear. This configuration enables to create a wide band emitter of a spherical sound wave. A uniform emission from the rear side is provided by a direct emission of the wide band 150 mm speaker (14), while it is provided from the front side by a combination of a direct high-frequency emission from the 50 mm speakers (15) in the ears and a diffracted low-frequency emission (up to a frequency of 350 Hz) from the rear speaker (14).

[0096] Diffraction of a low-frequency signal up to a certain frequency, i.e., 350 Hz in this case, is provided by the shape and dimensions of the head (2). The distance between the rear speaker (14) and the front speakers (15) must be less than the length of the sound wave at this frequency, i.e., less than 240 mm.

[0097] An average diameter of the head (2) is about 200 mm, while a direct distance between centers of the rear speaker (17) and the front speaker (18) is 240 mm. These dimensions of the head (2) are compliant with requirements as to rounding of the sound wave to a required frequency. However, in order to ensure the linear AFRC at the front side, signals at a crossover frequency from the rear speaker (14) and the front speakers (15) must be in phase.

[0098] Fig. 7 illustrates the connection between the rear speaker (14) and the front speakers (15) via the RC circuit (16), and they are connected in parallel to each other. The rear speaker (14) is a 150 mm speaker having an internal resistance R = 8 Ohm, while the front speakers (15) consist of two 50 mm speakers, each speaker having an internal resistance of R = 4 Ohm. At the internal resistance of the front speakers (15), parameters of the RC circuit (16) are R = 2 Ohm, C = 80 pF.

[0099] Besides, a capacity value of the capacitor provides the lower threshold operation frequency of the front speakers (15), namely, 350 Hz. And a resistor value provides equality between a direct signal and a diffracted signal.

[0100] Thus, the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the loudspeaker system on an axis at the front and at the rear are approximately the same.

[0101] Exemplary embodiment 3.

[0102] Two wide band 40 mm speakers (14) that operate in a frequency range 80- 20000 Hz is arranged on the rear side of the head (2), while two high-frequency 20 mm speakers (15) which operate in a frequency range 800-20000 Hz are arranged on the front side in those parts of the figure which imitate the ears, one speaker in each ear. This configuration enables to create a wide band emitter of a spherical sound wave. A uniform emission from the rear side is provided by a direct emission of the wide band 40 mm speakers (14), while it is provided from the front side by a combination of a direct high-frequency emission from the 20 mm speakers (15) in the ears and a diffracted low-frequency emission (up to a frequency of 800 Hz) from the rear speakers (14).

[0103] Diffraction of a low-frequency signal up to a certain frequency, i.e., 800 Hz in this case, is provided by the shape and dimensions of the head (2). The distance between the rear speakers (14) and the front speakers (15) must be less than the length of the sound wave at this frequency, i.e., less than 100 mm.

[0104] An average diameter of the head (2) is about 80 mm, while a direct distance between centers of the rear speakers (17) and the front speaker (18) is 100 mm. These dimensions of the head (2) are compliant with requirements as to rounding of the sound wave to a required frequency. However, in order to ensure the linear AFRC at the front side, signals at a crossover frequency from the rear speakers (14) and the front speakers (14) must be in phase.

[0105] Fig. 8 illustrates the connection between the rear speakers (14) and the front speakers (15) via the RC circuit (16), and they are connected in parallel to each other. The rear speakers (14) are two 40 mm speakers, each speaker having an internal resistance R = 8 Ohm, while the front speakers (15) consist of two 20 mm speakers, each speaker having an internal resistance of R = 4 Ohm. At the internal resistance of the front speakers (15), parameters of the RC circuit (16) are R = 1.5 Ohm, C = 35 pF.

[0106] Besides, a capacity value of the capacitor provides the lower threshold operation frequency of the front speakers (15), namely, 800 Hz. And a resistor value provides equality between a direct signal and a diffracted signal.

[0107] Thus, the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the loudspeaker system on an axis at the front and at the rear are approximately the same.

[0108] Fig. 9 illustrates an amplitude-frequency characteristic, when the threshold frequency is limited to 800 Hz, where a solid line is the cumulative AFRC at the rear side, while a dashed line is the cumulative AFRC at the front side. It follows from the amplitude-frequency characteristic at the rear side and the front side of the figure that the uniformity of the AFRC remains almost non-changed. Fig. 10 illustrates an amplitude-frequency characteristic, when the threshold frequency is limited to 8000 Hz, where a solid line is the cumulative AFRC at the rear side, while a dashed line is the cumulative AFRC at the front side. It follows from the amplitude-frequency characteristic at the front side of the figure that the uniformity of the AFRC has been deteriorated significantly.

[0109] This structural solution ensures provision of a uniform sound field and sound images around the figure which are realistic to the maximum extent, while avoiding any distortion of integrity of a visual appearance of the decorative element.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 03 December 2024 (03.12.2024)1. A loudspeaker system that is integrated into a decorative element, the element has a housing (1) in a form of an anthropomorphous animal figure that consists of elements which imitate body parts, namely, a head (2) with ears, a body (3), upper limbs (4) and lower limbs (5), while speakers (14, 15), means (7) for controlling parameters, a control unit (8) with a power supply unit (9), are arranged within the housing, wherein the control unit (8) with the power supply unit (9) are arranged in the body (3), while the means (7) for controlling parameters are arranged in the limbs (4), and a group of the speakers (14, 15) is arranged in the head (2), at least one speaker (14) having a wide-band amplitude-frequency response characteristic (AFRC) from 80.00 to 20000.00 Hz is arranged on a rear side of the head (2), while at least two speakers (15) having a cumulative mid-frequency and a high-frequency AFRC from 350.00 to 20000.00 Hz are arranged on a front side of the head (2) in those parts of the figure which imitate the ears, while the rear speaker(14) and the front speakers (15) are oriented in diametrically opposite directions, acoustic centers of the front speakers (15) are located in the same vertical plane (19), while an acoustic center of at least one rear speaker (14) is located in a vertical plane (18) that is parallel to the vertical plane (19), while the rear speaker (14) and the front speakers (15) are connected in parallel to each other via a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit (16), a lower threshold frequency of the AFRC of the front speakers(15) is selected such that of a length of a sound wave at this frequency is not less than a distance (17) between vertical planes (18, 19) on which the acoustic centers of the rear speaker (14) and the front speaker (15) are arranged.

2. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein the anthropomorphous animal is made as an imitation of a bear figure.

3. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein two speakers (14) having the cumulative wide band AFRC are arranged on the rear side.19AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)4. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein the distance (17) between the vertical planes (18, 19) on which the acoustic centers of the group of speakers (14, 15) are arranged is 10 cm, and the front speakers (15) operate in a frequency range from 800.00 to 20000.00 Hz.

5. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein the distance (17) between the vertical planes (18, 19) on which the acoustic centers of the group of speakers (14, 15) are arranged is 24 cm, and the front speakers (15) operate in a frequency range from 350.00 to 20000.00 Hz.

6. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein the means (7) for controlling parameters are made using wireless technologies.

7. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein movable elements of the housing (1) are connected between each other using anti- vibration elements (6).

8. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein a reference external plane of the housing (1) is provided with anti-vibration elements (6).Statement under Article 19(1)With regard to the Written Opinion of the International Search Authority, the Applicant hereby submits claims amended according to PCT Article 19, where independent claim 1 comprises a corrected set of features. The Applicant respects the Examiner’s arguments. Therefore, the Applicant has introduced the following amendments:

1. Arrangement of control units, power supply units and means for controlling parameters has been specified.

2. A more detailed feature of the acoustic system has been specified.

3. A distance between vertical planes on which the acoustic centers of the group of speakers are arranged has been specified.The invention according to the claims amended according to Article 19(1) differs from the documents DI (WO2023083711A1), D2 (US2018270572A1), D3 (US5795213A), D4 (US2005225951A1), D5 (WO2014162162A1), D6 (US6224455B1) in several aspects.The main difference between the claimed invention and the cited documents D1-D6 is integration of the acoustic system into the housing of the decorative element with the corresponding acoustic centers arranged on the front and rear parts of the head, thereby allowing effective distribution of audio frequencies, to optimize the distribution of frequencies between the speakers and to create a high-quality synchronized sound of the speakers within the wide frequency range.According to the DI solution, a threshold frequency of the front speakers is 300 Hz that limits a possibility of reproduction of low frequencies, while the arrangement of the speakers does not consider an optimal distance between the acoustic centers which is important to avoid sound distortion and to achieve a synchronized sound. Furthermore, there is no parallel connection of the speakers via the RC circuit, thereby complicating the synchronization between the rear speakers and the front speakers.D2 utilizes an RC circuit for phase shift of the audio signals in order to solve the problem of a phase delay. However, the D2 structure does not consider a spatial arrangement of the speakers in order to create a spatial sound, as well as it does not utilize several speakers within a single spatial housing. That is, this solution is focused on phase processing, however, it does not ensure any consistency of amplitude-frequency characteristics between different speakers.D3-D4 disclose toys that utilize a simple sound system that does not have any technology of the distribution of frequencies between different speakers.D5 relates to a sound system for a humanoid-like robot, however, this solution is focused on sound effects that support a robotized activity and it does not include any complex speaker system for providing a high-quality audio reproduction that is divided in frequencies between front and rear parts of the figure.D6 describes a toy figure that simulates a musical instrument play, however, this solution lacks elements for the distribution of acoustic frequencies between several speakers and it does not imply a possibility of their optimal arrangement to enhance sound quality.Therefore, the claims amended according to PCT Article 19 comprise an amended set of features that differs the invention from the prior art and ensures the compliance of the claimed invention with the requirement of inventive step.

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