HK1162804B - Dual configuration speaker - Google Patents

Abstract

A compact and portable loudspeaker system operable in two configurations includes a driver array (150) and a base unit (110) having a bass enclosure and a dock. In an extended configuration, the driver array (150) is supported by one or more extension legs (160) between three to eight feet above the base unit (110) where one of the extension legs is held by the dock. The base unit may be placed on a floor of a small to medium venue with the mid-to-high range driver array elevated near or above the elevation of an audience in the venue. In a compact configuration, the driver array (150) is directly supported by the dock and the base unit (110) and driver array (150) may be placed on a table or desk in a classroom, conference room, or other such small to medium venue. The portable loudspeaker system may be transported in the compact configuration.

Description

Dual configuration speaker

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an electroacoustic transducer, commonly referred to as a loudspeaker or loudspeaker, housed within an enclosure.

Disclosure of Invention

A compact and portable loudspeaker system operable in two configurations includes a driver array and a base unit having a bass enclosure and a base (dock). In an expanded configuration, the drive array is supported by one or more extension legs between 3 and 8 feet above the base unit, with one of the extension legs being held by the base. The base unit may be placed on the floor of a small to medium-sized venue with a mid-to-high range driver array elevated to near or above the elevation of the audience in the venue. In one compact configuration, the drive array is directly supported by the base and base unit, and the drive array may be placed on a table or desk in a classroom, conference room, or other such small to medium-sized venue. The portable loudspeaker system may be transported in a compact configuration.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a loudspeaker system comprising: a driver array; and a base unit comprising a bass enclosure and a base, the base adapted to directly support the driver array in a first configuration, the base adapted to support an extension post in a second configuration, the extension post supporting the driver array at an elevation above the base unit. In one aspect, the bass enclosure further comprises a woofer. In one aspect, the bass enclosure further comprises a port. In one aspect, the base unit further includes signal electronics that provide the amplified signals to the driver array. In one aspect, the signal electronics further includes circuitry for equalizing an input signal to the loudspeaker system. In yet another aspect, the equalization circuit includes a digital signal processor. In yet another aspect, the set of equalization parameters that determine equalization of the input signal is based at least in part on a source that generated the input signal. In one aspect, the signal electronics further includes circuitry for mixing more than one input signal received by the microphone system. In one aspect, the driver array further comprises a plurality of drivers in a configuration characterized by a spine (spine), each driver characterized by a yaw angle and a pitch angle. In yet another aspect, the spine of the driver array is a straight line. In yet another aspect, the spine of the driver array is a simple curve. In yet another aspect, the spine of the driver array is a complex curve. In yet another aspect, the drive array is a hinged array. In another aspect, drivers from a first group of drivers characterized by a first deflection angle are interspersed with drivers from a second group of drivers characterized by a second deflection angle different from the first deflection angle. In yet another aspect, the driver array includes at least six drivers. In one aspect, the base unit includes a handle for one-handed transport of the portable loudspeaker system.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a loudspeaker system comprising: a bass speaker housing a bass loudspeaker; a driver array including a plurality of drivers; and signal electronics driving the woofer and the driver array, wherein the driver array is attached to the front of the bass enclosure in a first configuration and is attached to an elevation above the bass enclosure in a second configuration, the driver array being supported by one or more strut extensions in the second configuration, the one or more strut extensions providing mechanical support to the driver array and providing electrical connections between the driver array and the signal electronics. In one aspect, the driver array is characterized by a ridge, where the ridge is a simple curve. In one aspect, the drive array is a hinged array. In one aspect, the signal electronics further includes circuitry for equalizing an input signal to the loudspeaker system, the equalization based at least in part on a source that generated the input signal.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a loudspeaker in a first configuration.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a loudspeaker in a second configuration.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the base unit.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the base unit.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a driver array.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the extension assembly.

FIG. 7 is a partial top view of an embodiment of a control panel.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of a control panel.

Figure 9a is a perspective view of another embodiment in a first configuration.

Figure 9b is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in figure 9a in a second configuration.

Figure 10a is a perspective view of another embodiment in a first configuration.

Figure 10b is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in figure 10a in a second configuration.

FIG. 11a is a perspective view of another embodiment in a first configuration.

Figure 11b is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in figure 11a in a second configuration.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a compact and portable loudspeaker system in a first configuration. In fig. 1, the portable loudspeaker system includes a base unit 110 and a driver array 150 supported by one or more extension struts 160. In some embodiments, the extension struts 160 provide electrical connections between the driver array 150 and the base unit 110. In the expanded configuration shown in fig. 1, the drive array 150 is placed between 3 and 8 feet above the base unit 110 by extension posts 160.

The base unit 110 includes a bass box 112 and a pedestal 117. The woofer 112 houses a woofer, commonly referred to as a woofer, and signal electronics and controls for the portable loudspeaker system. The control panel 113 provides the user with convenient access to controls for operating the loudspeaker system. The base 117 provides support for the extension strut 160 in the expanded configuration and may also serve as a mechanical shield for the woofer in the bass enclosure 112. In some embodiments, the base 117 may form a portion of the bass enclosure 112. In some embodiments, the base 117 may be separate from the bass enclosure. A mesh (screen)119 extends between the base 117 and the bass enclosure 112. The handle 115 on the base unit 110 allows for easy one-handed carrying and transportation of the portable system, which preferably weighs less than 30 pounds and more preferably less than 25 pounds. The base unit 110 is preferably compact, having a volume of less than 3 cubic feet and more preferably less than 2 cubic feet.

In the expanded configuration shown in fig. 1, the base unit 110 may be placed on the ground such that the driver array 150 is placed at approximately the height of the listener's head. The loudspeaker system may provide speech enhancement for conferences or local sound amplification for solo/miniaturised ensemble music performances on stage and in listeners without high sound levels. In the expanded configuration shown in fig. 1, the extension struts 160 provide mechanical support to the driver array 150 above the base unit 110 and preferably provide electrical connections between the driver array and the base unit, thereby eliminating the need for a separate array driver support for the driver array or eliminating the need for separate electrical leads to connect the driver array to the base unit.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the compact and portable loudspeaker system shown in fig. 1 in a second arrangement, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structures. In the folded or compact configuration shown in fig. 2, the driver array 150 is directly supported and secured in the base 117. In some embodiments, the driver array 150 is electrically connected to and driven by signal electronics through connectors on the driver array 150. In other embodiments, separate signal electronics, not shown, may be housed in driver array 150 and drive driver array 150. The array handle 260, shown as a groove in fig. 2, allows a user to grasp the driver array 150 and slide the driver array out of the base 117.

In the folded configuration shown in fig. 2, the base unit 110 may be placed on a table, for example, and used in a small environment such as a classroom or conference room. The folded configuration also allows for convenient transport of the base unit and the drive array in a compact configuration in which the chassis provides support for the drive array.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the base unit 110 shown in fig. 1 and 2, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structures. The driver array 150 and extension struts 160 are not shown in fig. 3 to show details of the base 117. The mesh 119 extends between the side of the pedestal 117 of the base unit 110 and the bass enclosure 112, and covers a space between the pedestal 117 and the bass enclosure 112. The mesh enclosure 119 is acoustically transparent, allowing the acoustic signal produced by the woofer 316 to reach the listening volume outside of the woofer 112 substantially unimpeded. In fig. 3, the mesh enclosure attached to the right side of the pedestal 117 has been removed to reveal the side of the woofer 112 supporting the woofer 316 that is normally shielded by the mesh enclosure 119. Optional acoustic elements, such as ports or passive radiators, for example, may be supported by the bass enclosure 112. For example, fig. 3 shows port 318.

In the example shown in fig. 3, the base 117 includes electrical connectors 325, the electrical connectors 325 being sized to mate with complementary connectors on the extension post 160 or the driver array 150. Guide rails 335 on the base 117 guide the extension posts 160 or the driver array 150 as the extension posts 160 or the driver array 150 slide within the base 117 to mate with the electrical connectors 325. The guide rail 335 supports and maintains the extension column 160 or the drive array 150 in a vertical direction. In other embodiments, the base 117 may be oriented in a non-vertical position. It should be appreciated that the mount 117 provides a means for removably securing the driver array 150 or the extension post 160 to the base unit 110. Other ways for docking the drive array or extension column may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this specification and are understood to be within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, the guide rail 335 could be replaced with a spring finger opening in the driver array or extension post and mated with a stem/barb configured to fit into the spring finger opening and securely attach the driver array or extension post to the base unit. In another example, one or more spring-loaded C-clamps may be placed vertically along the base unit and configured to receive the driver array or extension post in the open position and securely fasten the driver array or extension post in the clamped position.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base unit shown in fig. 1 and 2, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structures. In the example shown in fig. 4, the bass enclosure 112 supports a woofer 316 and an optional port 318. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the signal electronics 430 may be supported on the interior surface of the bass enclosure, and the signal electronics 430 drive the woofer 316 and the driver array in either the expanded configuration or the folded configuration. In other embodiments, signal electronics 430 may be housed outside of bass enclosure 112. In other embodiments, separate signal electronics may be housed in the driver array to drive the driver array. A power switch 414 may be provided on the bass enclosure. The signal electronics provide amplified signals to the woofer and driver array and include a power amplifier and signal filtering circuitry. In some embodiments, signal electronics 430 includes circuitry for mixing two or more input signals. In some embodiments, signal electronics 430 includes circuitry for equalizing one or more input signals. The signal electronics may be implemented as analog circuitry or digital circuitry executing instructions from a microprocessor readable memory, or may be implemented as a combination of both circuits as known to those skilled in the electronic arts. In a preferred embodiment, the equalization parameters that control the equalization applied to the input signal are based on the source of the input signal. U.S. patent No.7,319,767 issued on 15/2008 and U.S. patent application serial No.11/680,947 (now U.S. patent No.7,518,055 issued on 14/4/2009), both issued on 3/1/2007, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, describe systems and methods for equalizing an input signal based on the source of the input signal.

An output connector 413 may be provided for transmitting the input signal or the mixed signal to another loudspeaker system or a recording device. The control panel 113 enables a user to operate the portable loudspeaker system and connect one or more audio sources to the loudspeaker system, for example for broadcasting in a small venue. Examples of audio sources include, but are not limited to, microphones, musical instruments, audio players, and computers.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the driver array of fig. 1 and 2, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structures. In fig. 5, the overlay mesh mask has been removed to show details of the driver array. The driver array 150 includes an array support 560, the array support 560 at least partially surrounded by an outer housing 580. In some embodiments, the array support and the outer housing may be a single structure. The external housing 580 includes an array connector 525 disposed at an upper end of the external housing 580, and the array connector 525 is sized and shaped to mate with the electrical connector 325 located on the base 117 to provide electrical communication between the signal electronics 430 and one or more drivers 552, 557 of the driver array 150. In a preferred embodiment, the array connector and the electrical connector may be keyed to allow the connectors to mate in a single orientation. The placement of the array connector 525 is not limited to the end of the outer housing and in other embodiments may be on one side of the outer housing 580. In other embodiments, the connector may be eliminated when, for example, the driver array houses signal electronics to drive the driver array.

One or more rails 535 may be disposed on the back side of the outer housing 580 and the rails 535 configured to engage the guide rails 335 on the base 117. The user may place the driver array 150 at the top of the base 117 and slide the driver array into the base. The rails and tracks align the array connector 525 with the electrical connector 325 and limit lateral movement of the drive array 150 when the drive array is directly connected to the base 117.

In the example shown in fig. 5, the driver array comprises 6 loudspeakers in the mid-to-treble range, commonly referred to as drivers. Other embodiments may include more or less than 6 drivers. Each driver 552, 557 is oriented and supported by an array support 560.

The orientation of the drives can be described by the position of the reference point and the rotation about the spindles. The selection of the reference point and the principal axis may be arbitrary. For example, a first major axis, referred to herein as the z-axis, may be collinear with the longitudinal axis of the voice coil of the driver and represent the direction of acoustic radiation of the driver. A second main axis, referred to herein as the y-axis, is orthogonal to the z-axis, and rotation about the y-axis is referred to herein as yaw, which is characterized as a yaw angle. A third principal axis, referred to herein as the x-axis, is orthogonal to the z-axis and the y-axis, and rotation about the x-axis is referred to herein as pitch, characterized by pitch angle. The reference point is usually chosen as the intersection of the three principal axes. With this exemplary coordinate system, various classes of drive arrays can be described. For example, a linear array includes one or more drivers configured such that the y-axes of the drivers are collinear and define an array axis. Each driver in the driver array has a deflection angle of 0 so that each driver point is located in the same direction. In another example, the J-array includes a first set of drivers configured as a linear array and a second set of drivers in which the reference points of the drivers of the second set of drivers lie on a curve in the y-z plane such that the reference points of the first and second sets of drivers form a J-shaped curve. The set of reference points and the curve containing the reference points are referred to herein as the spine of the driver array. The tilt of the second set of drivers may be varied such that the y-axis of rotation of each driver of the second set of drivers is tangent to the ridge line of the J-array. In another example, the articulation array includes a first set of drivers characterized by a first deflection angle and a second set of drivers characterized by a second deflection angle different from the first deflection angle. The first set of drives may be interspersed with drives from the second set of drives. In other examples, the first set of drivers may be isolated from the second set of drivers. The driver array may use any combination of ridgelines, curves, yaw and pitch angles.

In the example shown in fig. 5, the array support 560 configures the drivers 552, 557 such that the spine of the driver array is curved and the drivers are in a hinged configuration. The ridgeline in fig. 5 may be a simple curve characterized by a single radius of curvature or may be a complex curve characterized by more than one radius of curvature. It should be understood that an infinite radius of curvature (i.e., a straight line) may characterize a portion or the entire ridge line. The hinged array shown in fig. 5 shows staggered drives, where drives 552 from the first set of drives are staggered with drives 557 from the second set of drives. In some embodiments, the yaw angles of the first and second sets of drivers may be selected to provide more horizontal coverage of the field, thereby providing more consistent tone balance and level throughout the field. The drivers in the upper half of the array may have a positive pitch angle such that the y-axis of rotation of each driver is tangent to the spine. The drivers in the lower half of the array may have a negative pitch angle such that the y-axis of rotation of each driver is tangent to the spine. In fig. 5, the bottom of the array is the point closest to the array connector 525. Other examples of drive arrays that may be used in other embodiments include, but are not limited to, non-articulated linear arrays, and articulated or non-articulated arrays having ridges characterized by complex curves.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an extension post, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structures. The extension strut 160 includes a strut housing 680, the strut housing 680 locating and mechanically supporting the drive array 150 in the expanded configuration. The bottom post connector 625 is positioned at the bottom of the extension post, and the bottom post connector 625 is sized and shaped to mate with the electrical connector 325 on the base 117. An electrical connector retained within the post extension connects the bottom post connector 625 to a top post connector, not shown, located at the top of the post extension. The top post connector is sized and shaped to mate with the bottom post connector on the second post extension, or with the driver array 150.

One or more rails 635 may be disposed on the back side of the stud housing 680 and configured to engage the guide rails 335 on the base 117. The user may place the extension post 160 at the top of the base 117 and slide the extension post into the channel. The rails and tracks align the extension post 160 with the electrical connector 325 and limit lateral movement of the extension post 160. In some embodiments where more than one extension post is used, each extension post may include a rail 635 so that a user may slide either extension post into the base 117. In other embodiments, only one extension post may include a rail 635 so that a user can quickly determine which extension post to insert into the channel.

Fig. 7 is a partial top view of the control panel shown in fig. 1 and 2, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structures. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the control panel 113 includes a power indicator 730 and inputs and controls for two input channels 720, 740, but other embodiments may include more than two channels or may include a single input channel. In the example shown in fig. 7, first channel 720 includes an XLR microphone connector 721 for connecting to a microphone, a bass control 727, a treble control 726, a volume control 725, a clipping indicator 722. The input signal from the microphone connected to the first channel may be equalized in accordance with a predetermined set of equalization parameters for the generic microphone. Similarly, control parameters such as, for example, gain range and corner frequency for bass and treble control may be defined in accordance with a predetermined set of control parameters for a microphone using the method described in U.S. patent application serial No.11/680,947 filed on 3.1.2007 (which is now U.S. patent No.7,518,055 issued on 4.14.2009), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The second channel includes a volume control 745, a signal clipping indicator 742, and one or more input connectors 741, 743, and 744 for receiving signals from a variety of signal sources. The input connector 744 may be a standard 1/8 "connector for receiving input signals from, for example, a computer or digital media player. Input connector 743 may be a standard RCA connector for receiving an input signal from, for example, audio electronics such as, for example, a stereo amplifier. The input connector 741 may be a standard 1/4 "connector for receiving input signals from instruments or equipment such as, for example, electric guitars, keyboard instruments, pickup-equipped acoustic instruments, microphones, external audio equalizers, and external audio mixers. Equalization switch 746 may use the method described in U.S. patent application serial No.11/680,947 filed 3/1/2007 (now U.S. patent No.7,518,055 issued 4/14/2009), incorporated herein by reference, to provide predetermined equalization to an input signal customized for an acoustic guitar when connected to a 1/4 "connector, or may provide a flat or non-equalization to the input signal when, for example, a mixer or equalizer is connected to a 1/4" connector.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of a control panel, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structure. In the example shown in fig. 8, the first channel includes an XLR microphone connector 721 for connecting to a microphone, a standard 1/4 "connector for connecting to a musical instrument or audio equipment having an 1/4" output male connector, an input signal clip indicator 822, a channel trim control 823, an equalization selector 829, a low frequency control 827, a high frequency control 826, and a channel volume control 825. The equalization selector 829 allows a user to select a predetermined set of equalization parameters to apply to an input signal. Each predetermined set of equalization parameters may be associated with a particular type or make/model of microphone that may be connected to the first channel. In some embodiments, the equalization selector 829 may also select a set of control parameters for the high frequency control 826 and the low frequency control 827 based on a particular make or brand/model of microphone that may be connected to the first channel. Examples of the control parameters include a gain range for each control and a corner frequency for each control.

The second channel includes a channel volume control 845, a signal clip indicator 842, a channel fine tuning control 843, a low frequency control 847, a high frequency control 846, and one or more input connectors 741, 743, 744 for receiving signals from a variety of signal sources. The input connectors include a standard 1/8 "connector 744, a standard RCA connector 743, and one or more standard 1/4" connectors 741. In the example shown in fig. 8, a standard IEC power connector 870 and a power switch 875 are included as part of the control panel. A USB connector 890 is provided as a signal output. A phantom switch 880 and indicator 885 may be provided to allow a user to select a phantom power mode when, for example, a microphone is connected to the first channel.

FIG. 9a is a perspective view of another embodiment in a compact configuration. In fig. 9a, the driver 950 is docked in a base unit 910 that includes a bass enclosure. The speaker controls and connectors may be located on the base unit 910 so that it is easily or conveniently used by the user. For example, the controls and connectors are located on the top surface 913 of the base unit 910. Fig. 9b is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in fig. 9a in an expanded configuration, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structures. In the expanded configuration, the driver array 950 is supported by support posts 960. The support posts 960 are connected to the base unit 910 at a mount 925.

FIG. 10a is a perspective view of another embodiment in a compact configuration. In fig. 10a, the driver array 1050 is docked in a base unit 1010 that includes a bass enclosure. The speaker controls and connectors may be located on the base unit 1010 so that it is easily or conveniently used by the user. For example, the controls and connectors may be placed on the top surface 1013 of the base unit 1010. FIG. 10b is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10a in an expanded configuration, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structures. In the expanded configuration, the driver array 1050 is supported by support posts 1060. The support column 1060 is removably attached to the base unit 1010. The support column 1060 may be a one-piece column that may be folded into a more compact shape for ease of transport, or may be a telescoping one-piece column.

FIG. 11a is a perspective view of another embodiment in a compact configuration. In fig. 11a, array 1150 is docked in a base unit 1110 that includes a bass enclosure. The speaker controls and connectors may be located on the base unit 1010 so that it is easily or conveniently used by the user. FIG. 11b is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11a in an expanded configuration, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structures. In the expanded configuration, the driver array 1150 is supported by support posts 1160. The support post 1160 is removably attached to the base unit 1110. Support post 1160 may be a one-piece post that can be folded into a more compact shape for ease of transport, or may be a telescoping one-piece post.

The embodiments of the system and method described above include computer components and computer-implemented steps that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps performed by a computer may be stored as computer-executable instructions on a computer-readable medium, such as, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a flash ROMS, a non-volatile ROM, and a RAM. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the computer-executable instructions may be executed on a variety of processors, such as, for example, microprocessors, digital signal processors, gate arrays, and the like. For ease of discussion, not all of the steps and elements of the above-described systems and methods are described herein as part of a computer system, but those skilled in the art will recognize that each step or element may have a corresponding computer system or software component. Such computer system and/or software components can thus be implemented by describing their corresponding steps or elements (i.e., their functionality), and such computer system and/or software are within the scope of the present invention.

Having thus described at least illustrative embodiments of the invention, various modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention is limited only as defined in the following claims and the equivalents thereto.

Claims (11)

1. A loudspeaker system comprising:

a driver array; and

a base unit including a bass box and a pedestal,

the base is adapted to directly support the driver array in a recess in the base unit, outside the bass enclosure, in a first configuration, the driver array being positioned to radiate acoustic energy from the loudspeaker system when the driver array is in the recess,

the base is adapted to support an extension post in the recess in a second configuration, the extension post supporting the driver array at an elevation above the base unit, the driver array being positioned to radiate acoustic energy from the loudspeaker system when the driver array is supported by the extension post.

2. The loudspeaker system of claim 1 wherein the base unit further comprises signal electronics that provide amplified signals to the driver array.

3. The loudspeaker system of claim 2 wherein the signal electronics further comprises circuitry for equalizing an input signal to the loudspeaker system.

4. The loudspeaker system of claim 3 wherein the set of equalization parameters that determine equalization of an input signal is based at least in part on a source that generated the input signal.

5. The loudspeaker system of any one of claims 2-4 wherein the signal electronics further comprises circuitry for mixing more than one input signal received by the loudspeaker system.

6. The loudspeaker system of any of claims 1-4 wherein the driver array further comprises a plurality of drivers in a configuration characterized by a ridge line, each driver characterized by a yaw angle and a pitch angle.

7. The loudspeaker system of claim 6 wherein the ridgeline of the driver array is one of a line, a simple curve, a complex curve, or a hinged array.

8. The loudspeaker system of claim 6 wherein drivers from a first set of drivers characterized by a first deflection angle are different from drivers from a first set of drivers characterized by a second deflection angle different from the first deflection angle

Interspersed with drivers of the second group of drivers for the second deflection angle.

9. The loudspeaker system of claim 6 wherein the driver array comprises at least 6 drivers.

10. The loudspeaker system of any one of claims 1-4 further comprising signal electronics driving a woofer and driver array,

wherein the post extensions provide mechanical support to the driver array and provide electrical connections between the driver array and the signal electronics.

11. The loudspeaker system of any one of claims 1-4 wherein the base includes a first electrical connector adapted to provide a signal to the driver array;

the driver array comprises a second electrical connector adapted to be coupled to the first electrical connector; and

the extension post includes a third electrical connector adapted to couple to the first electrical connector and a fourth electrical connector adapted to couple to the second electrical connector.