Title of Invention	ACOUSTIC RECONFIGURATION DEVICES AND METHODS
Abstract	Disclosed is a portable audio device and a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover. The portable audio device includes a housing and a speaker supported by the housing that have a first system frequency response. The speaker of the portable audio device has a first side and a second side associated with a first audio port and a second audio port, associated with a first acoustic load and a second acoustic load respectively. The housing is configured to removably receive the cover which is configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load to replace the first system frequency response with a second system frequency response. The cover provides one or more additional surrounding structures, which replace the inherent frequency response with an improved frequency response. Different embodiments of the disclosed cover provide a plurality of sound quality enhancement options to a user.

Title of Invention

ACOUSTIC RECONFIGURATION DEVICES AND METHODS

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable audio device and a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover. The portable audio device includes a housing and a speaker supported by the housing that have a first system frequency response. The speaker of the portable audio device has a first side and a second side associated with a first audio port and a second audio port, associated with a first acoustic load and a second acoustic load respectively. The housing is configured to removably receive the cover which is configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load to replace the first system frequency response with a second system frequency response. The cover provides one or more additional surrounding structures, which replace the inherent frequency response with an improved frequency response. Different embodiments of the disclosed cover provide a plurality of sound quality enhancement options to a user.

Full Text	ACOUSTIC RECONFIGURATION DEVICES AND METHODS FIELD [0001] Disclosed are devices and methods for acoustic reconfiguration of an audio device, and more particularly, devices and methods for enhancing the output frequency response of a portable audio device or mobile communication device. BACKGROUND [0002] The makers of portable audio devices, including those of cellular telephones and portable music devices, are increasingly adding functionality to their devices. For example, cellular telephones include features such as music playback systems, multimedia playback systems, video cameras, video streaming, two-way video calling, internet browsing, and other audio processing features. While there is a trend toward the inclusion of more features and improvements for current features, there is also a trend toward smaller portable audio devices. As the devices have become increasingly smaller, loudspeakers of the devices are smaller as well. However, speaker quality, at least in part, remains a function of size. [0003] The desired or required size of a portable audio device may also limit the manufacturer's choices for speaker cavity size and the location of the speaker within the housing of the device. The efficiency of a loudspeaker can depend to some extent on the acoustic load placed on it by the way it couples to its surrounding structures such as the speaker cavity and/or the device housing. In electrical terms a load is something that dissipates power and does some work. In acoustic terms a load is an acoustic structure that has a particular acoustic impedance. Such an impedance may be that of radiation from an aperture into air. The frequency response of a loudspeaker system can depend upon how the system is "loaded" in much the same way that the output from a power amplifier depends on the load impedance. The power amplifier drives an electrical load specified in Ohms. A loudspeaker drives an acoustic load that may be specified in units of acoustic Ohms or Rayls. Introducing a speaker system to a particular load will produce a particular transfer function or frequency response and a sound pressure level (SPL) in decibels (dB) when the speaker is driven at a nominal input voltage or power, for example, 2.83 V or 1W input. [0004] A portable audio device architecture typically includes a speaker or speakers that radiate sound energy out of a surface of the device. While the quality of a small speaker for use during voice telephone calls may be sufficient, a user may find using the same speaker for music and multimedia playback systems inadequate. Loudness and the bass response of a loudspeaker system of a portable audio device may be particularly lacking. Improvement of the sound quality may be desired by users who in particular use the device for music and/or multimedia playback. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] FIG. 1 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in particular its housing, and a speaker that can be a low sound level transducer used for private conversation and/or as a loudspeaker when the device is placed in speakerphone mode; [0006] FIG. 2 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in particular its housing, and a speaker and an embodiment of the disclosed quick- disconnect passive acoustic cover; [0007] FIG. 3 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in particular its housing, a speaker and the same or similar embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of FIG. 2 removably received by the housing; [0008] FIG. 4 depicts a portable audio device with its housing including a standard battery cover on its back side and a first loudspeaker audio port and a second loudspeaker audio port; [0009] FIG. 5 depicts a portable audio device with its housing including a back side, and its battery cover (see FIG. 4) replaced by an embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover; [0010] FIG. 6 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in particular its housing, a speaker, and another embodiment of the disclosed quick- disconnect passive acoustic cover removably received by the housing in an acoustic suspension configuration; [0011] FIG. 7 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in particular its housing, a speaker, and still another embodiment of the disclosed quick- disconnect passive acoustic cover removably received by the housing in a bass reflex configuration; [0012] FIG. 8 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in particular its housing, a speaker, and yet another embodiment of the disclosed quick- disconnect passive acoustic cover removably received by the housing in a band pass configuration; [0013] FIG. 9 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in particular its housing, a speaker, and an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 5 of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover removably received by the housing in an acoustic transmission line configuration; [0014] FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover removably received by the housing where a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in particular its housing, shows a speaker at an end of the device housing with a matched cross section at the housing/cover interface; and [0015] FIGS. 11 a-11 e are a series of graphs where the x-axis is calibrated in frequency in Hertz (Hz), and the y-axis is calibrated in sound pressure level in dB (dBSPL), that illustrate bandwidth and/or efficiency improvements for each of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic covers. DESCRIPTION [0016] It would be beneficial to enhance the frequency performance of a portable audio device loudspeaker sound system without increasing the size of the transducer or speaker and/or speaker cavity, or the power requirements of the sound system. Moreover, it would be beneficial to enhance the sound quality without adding any costs to the device by way of utilizing a particularly expensive speaker. It would also be beneficial to provide a plurality of sound quality enhancement options to a user depending on their sound needs. [0017] Disclosed is a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover, a portable audio device and acoustic cover combination and method for replacing the frequency response of a speaker housed by a portable audio device housing with a different frequency response by attaching a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover to the portable audio device. In this way, the separate removable cover replaces the original cover of the device, and augments the device's sound system by adding additional acoustic volumes and ports to the rear and in some cases to the front of the speaker or transducer. Many different embodiments of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover are described in detail below. Each embodiment may provide a different frequency response from the others. An advantage of many embodiments is that a user may have a choice in Which embodiment to utilize depending upon their sound quality preference. [0018] As discussed above, while the quality of a small speaker in a small acoustic volume for use during voice telephone calls may be sufficient, a user may find using the same speaker for music and multimedia playback systems inadequate. Loudness and/or the bass response of a typical loudspeaker system of a mobile communication device may be particularly lacking. According to the disclosed acoustic cover and method, a portable audio device can be configured to removably receive a disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover. By replacing the disclosed standard cover of the portable audio device with another disclosed quick- disconnect passive acoustic cover, the frequency response of the speaker, or loudspeaker of a portable audio device may be enhanced by an improved frequency response. In this way, a user may find the audio output of the device/cover combination better for music and other multimedia playback. [0019] More particularly, disclosed is a portable audio device including a housing and a speaker supported by the housing wherein the speaker and housing having a first system frequency response. The speaker has a first side and a second side associated with a first acoustic load and a second acoustic load. The housing is configured to removably receive a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover which is configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load so as to replace the first system frequency response with a second system frequency response. That is, the quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover beneficially enhances the efficiency of a loudspeaker, which as mentioned above depends to some extent on the acoustic load placed on it by the way it is coupled to its surrounding structures such as the speaker cavity and/or the device housing. The disclosed quick- disconnect passive acoustic cover provides one or more additional surrounding structures which in the disclosed configurations, enhance the frequency response of the device speaker with an improved frequency response. A disclosed quick- disconnect passive acoustic cover may be easily removed and replaced, providing easy access to sound quality options to the user. [0020] The instant disclosure is provided to explain in an enabling fashion the best modes of making and using various embodiments in accordance with the present invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and appreciation for the invention principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention. While the preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described here, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. [0021] It is understood that the use of relational terms, if any, such as first and second, up and down, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. [0022] FIG. 1 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 102 and in particular its housing 104, and a speaker 106 that can be a low sound level transducer or receiver used for private conversation and/or as a loudspeaker when the device 102 is placed in speakerphone mode. The speaker 106 may be supported or carried by the housing 104, and in particular in a speaker cavity 112. The speaker includes two sides, a first side 108 that can radiate sound energy out of a surface of the housing 104 of the device 102 and a second side of the speaker 110 that may radiate into the housing, and more particularly into the speaker cavity 112. A first audio port 114 of the housing 104 is proximal to the first side 108 of the speaker 106, and a second audio port 116 is proximal the second side 110 of the speaker 106. The first audio port 114 has a first acoustic load (in this case radiation into air) and the second audio port 116 has a second acoustic load. As mentioned above, the efficiency of a loudspeaker and/or the frequency response of the device can depend to some extent on the acoustic load placed on it by the way it couples to its surrounding structures such as the speaker cavity and/or the device housing. [0023] The portable audio device 102 may be implemented as a cellular telephone (also called a mobile phone). The portable audio device 102 represents a wide variety of devices that have been developed for use within various communication networks. Such handheld communication devices include, for example, cellular telephones, messaging devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebook or laptop computers, mobile data terminals, application specific gaming devices, video gaming devices, portable music players, and the like. Any of these portable devices may be referred to as a mobile station or user equipment. Herein, wireless communication technologies may include, for example, voice communication, the capability of transferring digital data, SMS messaging, Internet access, multi-media content access and/or voice over internet protocol (VoIP). [0024] As mentioned, the speaker 106 includes two sides, a first side 108 that can radiate sound energy out of a surface of the housing 104 of the device 102 at the first audio port 114 and a second side 110 of the speaker that may radiate into the housing 104, and more particularly into the speaker cavity 112. The described portable audio device 102 includes the second audio port 116 which may be utilized by particular embodiments of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover (see FIG. 2). The second audio port 116 may provide more tunability of the frequency response of the device 102 than were the device to include a single audio port. It is understood that two or more audio ports are within the scope of this discussion. [0025] FIG. 2 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 202 and in particular its housing 204, and a speaker 206 and an embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 230. The surface 220 may be the front surface of the device 202 or may be the back surface of the device 202. Alternatively, the surface 222 may be the front surface of the device 202 or may be the back surface of the device 202. The cover 230 is depicted unattached to the device 202 to a surface 222 of the device. As a standard cover, the cover 230 may include at least one channel 232 or a plurality of channels 232, 233, 234, 235, and 236, or any suitable number of channels. When the cover 230 is not attached to the housing, the first audio port 214 of the housing 204 that is proximal to the first side 208 of the speaker 206, and a second audio port 216 proximal the second side 210 of the speaker 206, the first audio port 214 has a first acoustic load and the second audio port 216 has a second acoustic load. The audio ports 214 and 216 may reside on different surfaces of the housing 204, and the cover 230 may overlap more than one surface of the .housing204. As a standard cover 230, the cover may also include a plug or seal 238 configured to seal at least one of the first audio port 214 and the second audio port 216. In the depicted embodiment, the plug or seal 238 may be used to seal the second audio port 216. [0026] FIG. 3 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 302 and in particular its housing 304, a speaker 306, and the same or similar embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of 330 of FIG. 2 removably received by the housing 304. As mentioned above, the efficiency of a speaker and/or the frequency response of the device 102 can depend to some extent on the acoustic load placed on it by the way it couples to its surrounding structures such as the speaker cavity 312 and/or the device housing 304. The depicted embodiment shows a channel 332 configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port 314 and the second audio port 316 of the device housing 304. That is, at least one channel 332 or a plurality of channels 332, 333, 334, 335, and 336, or any suitable number of channels, may extend the length of the first audio port 314. Also depicted is a plug or seal 338 that may be used to seal, for example, the second audio port 316, redefining the load or loads of at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load so as to replace the original system frequency response of the device 302 (without the cover 330 removably received by the housing 304) with a second system frequency response. Accordingly, cover 330 in its default configuration, as an original cover, may allow the sound signal from the front of the speaker to radiate from the first audio port 314 and block a passage, that is, audio port 316 emanating from the rear of the speaker to form an acoustic suspension system with a usable bandwidth and a small overall product size. [0027] The disclosed device 302 is according configured to attach a removably attachable quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 330 to the housing 304 of the portable audio device 302 and with one or more channels 332. The cover 330 may direct output of the speaker 306 and the housing system including the housing 304 and/or the housing cavity 312 into a first acoustic input port 314 of the cover 330 structure to generate and acoustic output different than that of the device 302 without the cover 330 and thus enhance the frequency response of the device 302. The cover 330 may be removably attachable to the front of the device, in which case it may include apertures for a keypad and/or display screen. Alternatively the cover 330 may be removably attachable to the back of the device 302. The requirements of the device may dictate in which direction the speaker faces, toward the front of the device 302 or the back of the device 302. It is also understood that the device 302 may include more than one speaker, and that an embodiment of the cover 330 may be configured to process sound from more than one speaker. It is also understood that cover 330 may be removably attachable to more than one surface of the device 302. [0028] FIG. 4 depicts a portable audio device 402 with its housing 404 including a standard cover 440 on its back side 442 and a first loudspeaker audio port 414 and a second loudspeaker audio port 416. Standard cover 440 in this embodiment also serves as a battery cover and is the equivalent of covers 230 and 330 in figures 2 and 3. In the depicted portable audio device 402, the standard battery cover 440 may be replaced by a cover, for example cover 230 (see FIG. 2). It is understood that the first audio port 414 and the second audio port 416 may be of any suitable size and configuration, and may be placed in any suitable location on the housing 404. As mentioned above, many different embodiments of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 230 are described in detail below. Each embodiment may provide a different frequency response from the others. An advantage of many embodiments is that a user may have a choice in which embodiment to utilize depending upon their sound quality preference. It is understood that this discussion is intended to include any and all different embodiments of a disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover may be implemented. [0029] FIG. 5 depicts a portable audio device 502 with its housing 504 including a back side 542, and its standard cover 440 (FIG. 4) replaced by an embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 550. The illustrated cover 550 embodiment is coupled to either or both the first loudspeaker audio port 414 and the second loudspeaker audio port 416. The illustrated cover 550 includes a transmission line 546 embodiment that can snake through the cover 550 to extend the length of either or both the first loudspeaker audio port 414 and a second loudspeaker audio port 416 to increase the low end frequency response of the device 502. The original frequency response of the loudspeaker 306 (see FIG. 3) transmitted from either or both the first loudspeaker audio port 414 and a second loudspeaker audio port 416, is replaced by a new frequency response now emanating from the cover 550. The use of cover 550 produces a first acoustic output from channel 532 and a second acoustic output from aperture 558. That is, combining the first acoustic output and the second acoustic output of the cover 550 forms a combined output so that the combined output of the system has a new or second frequency response that differs from the original or the first frequency response of the speaker 306 and housing 504. A transmission line embodiment of a cover 550 is discussed in more detail below. It is understood the cover 550 may be on the front of the device 502 or the back side of the device 502, or in any other suitable position to couple to a first speaker output port 414 and/or a second speaker output port 416 which may be in any suitable position. [0030] FIG. 6 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 602 and in particular its housing 604, a speaker 606, and another embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 660 removably received by the housing 604 in an acoustic suspension configuration. The cover 660 includes a volume 654 for a wideband acoustic suspension system. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 660 may define a sealed volume 654 having a sealed end 656 remote from at least one of the first audio port 614 and the second audio port 616 of the device housing 604. The sealed volume 654 may be configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port 614 and the second audio port 616 of the device housing 604. Additionally, for example, channels 632,633, 634, 635, and 636 may be coupled to the first audio port 614. As mentioned above, many different embodiments of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 660 are described in detail below. Each embodiment may provide a different frequency response from the others. That is, any of several bandpass configurations individually or simultaneously may be applied to front and/or back side of the speaker 606. [0031] FIG. 7 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 702 and in particular its housing 704, a speaker 706, and still another embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 770 removably received by the housing 704 in a bass reflex configuration. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the cover 770 is a bass reflex cover, the audio port 714 being coupled to a plurality of channels 732, 733, 734, 735, and 736, and the audio port 716 being coupled to a volume 754. At least one aperture 758 may be remote from at least one of the first audio port 714 and/or the second audio port 716 of the device housing 704 to define, for example, a Helmholtz resonator configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port 714 and/or the second audio port 716 of the device housing 704. In this embodiment, if the user prefers a bass reflex improvement over the sound quality of the device without the cover 770, an advantage of many embodiments, some of which are described here, is that a user may have a choice in which embodiment to utilize depending upon their sound quality preference. One specific embodiment of cover 770 would have a special volume 754 of zero. This would form a Helmholtz resonator with the port formed by aperture 758 and the acoustic volume in speaker cavity 712. [0032] FIG. 8 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 802 and in particular its housing 804, a speaker 806, and yet another embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 880 removably received by the housing 804 in a band pass configuration. In this embodiment, the cover 880 creates a bandpass system. In this embodiment, the audio port 814 is coupled to a volume 862 including an aperture 864 and the audio port 816 is coupled to a volume 854 including an aperture 858. In this way, two Helmholtz resonators are configured to be coupled to the first audio port 814 and the second audio port 816 of the device housing 804, producing a different frequency response than the embodiment of FIG. 7. According, a user may have a choice in which embodiment to utilize depending upon their sound quality preference. It is understood that bandpass implementations of cover 880 could consist of two bass reflex sections as shown in figure 8, or of one bass reflex section and one acoustic suspension section, or of two sections that are coupled via an additional aperture between the volumes 854 and 862. [0033] FIG. 9 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 902 and in particular its housing 904, a speaker 906, and an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 5 of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 990 removably received by the housing 904 in an acoustic transmission line configuration. A duct-shaped volume 972 including an open end 974 is configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port 914 and/or the second audio port 916 of the device housing 904 to form a transmission line tuned to a particular frequency. The cover 990 is similar to the transmission line embodiment of FIG. 5, where cover 550 includes a transmission line 546 embodiment that can snake through the cover 550 to extend the length of either or both the first loudspeaker audio port 414 (see FIG. 4) and a second loudspeaker audio port 416 to increase the low end frequency response of the device 502. Again, channels 932, 933,934, 935, and 936 are depicted coupled to the first audio port 914. It is understood that any combination of channel configurations may be utilized in the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover to provide any number of frequency response enhancements. [0034] The dimensions of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover may vary depending upon the configuration. The disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover may add for example, 4 mm to the thickness of a device 902. The disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover may be composed of any suitable material such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or aluminum. It may be configured to snap into position on a device 102 (see FIG. 1) where the housing 104 includes, for example, ridges to receive the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover. Removing the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover may include, for example, sliding the cover off the housing. It is understood that any suitable matter of removably attaching the cover and removing the cover from the housing is within the scope of this discussion. [0035] FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 1000 removably received by the housing 1004 where a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 1002 and in particular its housing 1004, shows a speaker 1006 at an end 1018 of the device housing 1004 with a matched cross section at the housing/cover interface. The end 1018 may also be referred to herein as an end surface. As mentioned, the positions of the first audio port 1014 and the second audio port 1016 may be in any suitable location. In this embodiment, the first audio port 1014 is proximal the speaker 1006 at the end 1018 of the device housing 1014. Also shown are channels 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, and 1036 proximal the first audio port 1014 at the proximal the end 1018 of the device housing 1014. Similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 9, a duct-shaped volume 1072 including an open end 1074 is configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port 1014 and/or the second audio port 1016 of the device housing 1004 to form a transmission line tuned to a particular frequency. In this embodiment, housing cavity 1012, when coupled to duct-shaped volume 1072 via second audio port 1016, is configured as a duct with continuous cross section identical to that of duct-shaped volume 1072. Housing cavity 1012 thereby becomes an extension of duct-shaped volume 1072, thereby extending the usable length of duct-shaped volume 1072 as an acoustic transmission line, and enabling a lower tuning frequency than would otherwise be possible due to the length of duct-shaped volume 1072 by itself. Additionally, the combination of housing cavity 1012 and duct-shaped volume 1072 can be a constantly varying taper that continues a defined transition throughout the combined length. [0036] FIGS. 11a-11 e are a series of graphs where the x-axis is calibrated in frequency in Hertz (Hz), and the y-axis is calibrated in sound pressure level in dB (dBSPL), that illustrates bandwidth and/or efficiency improvements for each of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic covers. FIG. 1 le illustrates a transmission line embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover such as one of those embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5, 9 and/or 10. As discussed above, the speaker 106 (see FIG. 1) has a first side and a second side associated with a first acoustic load and a second acoustic load. The housing 104 is configured to removably receive a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover which is configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load so as to replace the first system frequency response with a second system frequency response. A first frequency response 1186 is illustrated as having a rising frequency response with less low frequency output than a second frequency response 1188 associated with the transmission line embodiment. The second frequency response 1188 may replace the first frequency response 1186 of a device 102 (see FIG. 1), when the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover such as cover 550, 990 and/or 1000 is removably attached to device 102. FIGS, lla-1 le illustrate the second frequency responses for the system when each of the disclosed quick- disconnect passive acoustic covers are attached to device 102. The second frequency responses for each embodiment are as follows: a standard sealed cover 1187 (FIG. 1 la), an acoustic suspension cover 1189 (FIG. 1 lb), a bass reflex cover 1190 (FIG. 1 lc), a bandpass cover 1191 (FIG. 11d), and an acoustic transmission line cover 1188 (FIG. 11e). [0037] The disclosed portable audio device includes a housing and a speaker supported by the housing wherein the speaker and housing have a first system frequency response. The speaker of the disclosed portable audio device has a first side and a second side associated a first audio port and a second audio port, in turn associated with a first acoustic load and a second acoustic load. The housing is configured to removably receive the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover which is configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load so as to replace the first system frequency response with a second system frequency response. That is, the quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover beneficially enhances the efficiency and/or bandwidth of a loudspeaker, which as mentioned above depends to some extent on the acoustic load placed on it by the way it is coupled to its surrounding structures. [0038] The disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover provides one or more additional surrounding structures which in the disclosed configurations, replace the inherent frequency response of the device speaker and housing with an improved frequency response. A disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover may be easily removed and replaced, providing easy access to sound quality options to the user without increasing the size of the transducer or speaker and/or speaker cavity, or the power requirements of the sound system. Moreover, the disclosed quick- disconnect passive acoustic cover beneficially can improve the sound quality without adding any costs to the device by way of utilizing a particularly expensive speaker. Also as discussed above, different embodiments of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover beneficially provides a plurality of sound quality options to a user depending on their sound needs. [0039] This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various embodiments in accordance with the technology rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments) was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principle of the described technology and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. CLAIMS: 1. A portable audio device, comprising: a housing; a speaker carried by the housing, the speaker having a first side and a second side, wherein the speaker and housing having a first system frequency response; a first audio port of the housing proximal to the first side of the speaker, and a second audio port proximal the second side of the speaker, wherein the first audio port has a first acoustic load and wherein the second audio port has a second acoustic load; wherein the housing is configured to removably receive a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover which is configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load so as to replace the first system frequency response with a second system frequency response. 2. The portable audio device of Claim 1 wherein the quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover comprises: a seal configured to seal at least one of the first audio port and the second audio port. 3. The portable audio device of Claim 1 wherein the quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover, comprises: at least one acoustic input port to receive audio input from at least one of the first audio port and the second audio port of the device housing; and at least one acoustic channel coupled to the at least one acoustic input port. 4. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover comprises: a channel configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port and the second audio port of the device housing. 5. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the channel of the quick- disconnect passive acoustic cover comprises: a sealed end remote from the first audio port of the device housing to define a sealed volume coupled to the first audio port of the device housing. 6. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the channel of the quick- disconnect passive acoustic cover comprises: a sealed end remote from the second audio port of the device housing to define a sealed volume coupled to the second audio port of the device housing. 7. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the channel of the quick- disconnect passive acoustic cover comprises: at least one aperture remote from at least one of the first audio port the second audio port of the device housing to define a Helmholtz resonator configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port and the second audio port of the device housing. 8. The portable audio device of Claim 7 wherein separate Helmholtz resonators are configured to be coupled to the first audio port and the second audio port of the device housing. 9. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover comprises: a plurality of channels configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port and the second audio port of the device housing. 10. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover further comprises: a duct-shaped volume configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port and the second audio port of the device housing to form a transmission line tuned to a particular frequency. 11. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the speaker is carried at a housing end surface, the quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover configured to receive audio input from the second audio port at a second surface of the housing. 12. A quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover, comprising: at least one acoustic input port, and at least one acoustic channel connected to the at least one acoustic input port; wherein: the cover is configured to be removably attachable to a portable audio device having a speaker system including at least one audio output port having an acoustic load, the speaker system being configured to deliver audio output, the speaker system having a first system frequency response; wherein the at least one acoustic input port of the cover is configured to receive audio input of the audio output from a speaker system of a portable audio device, and wherein the acoustic cover is configured to redefine the acoustic load so as to replace the first system frequency response with a second system frequency response when removably attached to the portable audio device. 13. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, comprises: a seal configured to seal at least one audio port of the portable audio device. 14. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, wherein the at least one acoustic channel is configured with one sealed end remote from the at least one input port to define a sealed volume coupled to the at least one input port. 15. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, wherein the at least one acoustic channel has at least one aperture remote from the at least one input port to define a Helmholtz resonator coupled to the at least one input port. 16. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, wherein the cover includes a second input port wherein the second input port is coupled to a second acoustic channel configured with one sealed end remote from the second input port to define a sealed volume coupled to the second input port. 17. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, wherein the cover includes a second input port wherein the second input port is coupled to a second acoustic channel configured with at least one aperture remote from the second input port to define a Helmholtz resonator coupled to the second input port. 18. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, comprising: a duct-shaped volume forming a channel coupled to the at least one input port, the duct-shaped volume configured to form a transmission line tuned to a particular frequency. 19. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12 is configured so that it is removably attachable to a portable audio device having a first surface and a second surface, the structure being attachable to at least one of the first surface of the portable audio device and the second surface of the portable audio device. 20. A method of changing the frequency output of a speaker housed within a speaker cavity of the housing of a portable audio device, the speaker and housing system having a first frequency response, the method comprising: attaching a removably attachable quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover to the portable audio device; directing output of the speaker and housing system into a first acoustic input port of the cover to generate a first acoustic output; directing output of the speaker through an aperture of the speaker cavity into a second acoustic input port of the cover to generate a second acoustic output; and combining the first acoustic output and the second acoustic output to form combined output so that the combined output of the system has a second frequency response that differs from the first frequency response of the speaker and housing. Disclosed is a portable audio device and a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover. The portable audio device includes a housing and a speaker supported by the housing that have a first system frequency response. The speaker of the portable audio device has a first side and a second side associated with a first audio port and a second audio port, associated with a first acoustic load and a second acoustic load respectively. The housing is configured to removably receive the cover which is configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load to replace the first system frequency response with a second system frequency response. The cover provides one or more additional surrounding structures, which replace the inherent frequency response with an improved frequency response. Different embodiments of the disclosed cover provide a plurality of sound quality enhancement options to a user.

Full Text

ACOUSTIC RECONFIGURATION
DEVICES AND METHODS
FIELD
[0001] Disclosed are devices and methods for acoustic reconfiguration of an audio
device, and more particularly, devices and methods for enhancing the output
frequency response of a portable audio device or mobile communication device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The makers of portable audio devices, including those of cellular
telephones and portable music devices, are increasingly adding functionality to their
devices. For example, cellular telephones include features such as music playback
systems, multimedia playback systems, video cameras, video streaming, two-way
video calling, internet browsing, and other audio processing features. While there is a
trend toward the inclusion of more features and improvements for current features,
there is also a trend toward smaller portable audio devices. As the devices have
become increasingly smaller, loudspeakers of the devices are smaller as well.
However, speaker quality, at least in part, remains a function of size.
[0003] The desired or required size of a portable audio device may also limit the
manufacturer's choices for speaker cavity size and the location of the speaker within
the housing of the device. The efficiency of a loudspeaker can depend to some extent
on the acoustic load placed on it by the way it couples to its surrounding structures
such as the speaker cavity and/or the device housing. In electrical terms a load is
something that dissipates power and does some work. In acoustic terms a load is an
acoustic structure that has a particular acoustic impedance. Such an impedance may
be that of radiation from an aperture into air. The frequency response of a loudspeaker
system can depend upon how the system is "loaded" in much the same way that the
output from a power amplifier depends on the load impedance. The power amplifier
drives an electrical load specified in Ohms. A loudspeaker drives an acoustic load
that may be specified in units of acoustic Ohms or Rayls. Introducing a speaker
system to a particular load will produce a particular transfer function or frequency
response and a sound pressure level (SPL) in decibels (dB) when the speaker is driven
at a nominal input voltage or power, for example, 2.83 V or 1W input.
[0004] A portable audio device architecture typically includes a speaker or
speakers that radiate sound energy out of a surface of the device. While the quality of
a small speaker for use during voice telephone calls may be sufficient, a user may find
using the same speaker for music and multimedia playback systems inadequate.
Loudness and the bass response of a loudspeaker system of a portable audio device
may be particularly lacking. Improvement of the sound quality may be desired by
users who in particular use the device for music and/or multimedia playback.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in
particular its housing, and a speaker that can be a low sound level transducer used for
private conversation and/or as a loudspeaker when the device is placed in
speakerphone mode;
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in
particular its housing, and a speaker and an embodiment of the disclosed quick-
disconnect passive acoustic cover;
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in
particular its housing, a speaker and the same or similar embodiment of the disclosed
quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of FIG. 2 removably received by the housing;
[0008] FIG. 4 depicts a portable audio device with its housing including a
standard battery cover on its back side and a first loudspeaker audio port and a second
loudspeaker audio port;
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts a portable audio device with its housing including a back
side, and its battery cover (see FIG. 4) replaced by an embodiment of the disclosed
quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover;
[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in
particular its housing, a speaker, and another embodiment of the disclosed quick-
disconnect passive acoustic cover removably received by the housing in an acoustic
suspension configuration;
[0011] FIG. 7 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in
particular its housing, a speaker, and still another embodiment of the disclosed quick-
disconnect passive acoustic cover removably received by the housing in a bass reflex
configuration;
[0012] FIG. 8 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in
particular its housing, a speaker, and yet another embodiment of the disclosed quick-
disconnect passive acoustic cover removably received by the housing in a band pass
configuration;
[0013] FIG. 9 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device and in
particular its housing, a speaker, and an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 5 of the
disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover removably received by the housing
in an acoustic transmission line configuration;
[0014] FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect
passive acoustic cover removably received by the housing where a side cut-away view
of a portable audio device and in particular its housing, shows a speaker at an end of
the device housing with a matched cross section at the housing/cover interface; and
[0015] FIGS. 11 a-11 e are a series of graphs where the x-axis is calibrated in
frequency in Hertz (Hz), and the y-axis is calibrated in sound pressure level in dB
(dBSPL), that illustrate bandwidth and/or efficiency improvements for each of the
disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic covers.
DESCRIPTION
[0016] It would be beneficial to enhance the frequency performance of a portable
audio device loudspeaker sound system without increasing the size of the transducer
or speaker and/or speaker cavity, or the power requirements of the sound system.
Moreover, it would be beneficial to enhance the sound quality without adding any
costs to the device by way of utilizing a particularly expensive speaker. It would also
be beneficial to provide a plurality of sound quality enhancement options to a user
depending on their sound needs.
[0017] Disclosed is a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover, a portable audio
device and acoustic cover combination and method for replacing the frequency
response of a speaker housed by a portable audio device housing with a different
frequency response by attaching a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover to the
portable audio device. In this way, the separate removable cover replaces the original
cover of the device, and augments the device's sound system by adding additional
acoustic volumes and ports to the rear and in some cases to the front of the speaker or
transducer. Many different embodiments of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive
acoustic cover are described in detail below. Each embodiment may provide a
different frequency response from the others. An advantage of many embodiments is
that a user may have a choice in Which embodiment to utilize depending upon their
sound quality preference.
[0018] As discussed above, while the quality of a small speaker in a small
acoustic volume for use during voice telephone calls may be sufficient, a user may
find using the same speaker for music and multimedia playback systems inadequate.
Loudness and/or the bass response of a typical loudspeaker system of a mobile
communication device may be particularly lacking. According to the disclosed
acoustic cover and method, a portable audio device can be configured to removably
receive a disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover. By replacing the
disclosed standard cover of the portable audio device with another disclosed quick-
disconnect passive acoustic cover, the frequency response of the speaker, or
loudspeaker of a portable audio device may be enhanced by an improved frequency
response. In this way, a user may find the audio output of the device/cover
combination better for music and other multimedia playback.
[0019] More particularly, disclosed is a portable audio device including a housing
and a speaker supported by the housing wherein the speaker and housing having a
first system frequency response. The speaker has a first side and a second side
associated with a first acoustic load and a second acoustic load. The housing is
configured to removably receive a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover which is
configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic
load so as to replace the first system frequency response with a second system
frequency response. That is, the quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover beneficially
enhances the efficiency of a loudspeaker, which as mentioned above depends to some
extent on the acoustic load placed on it by the way it is coupled to its surrounding
structures such as the speaker cavity and/or the device housing. The disclosed quick-
disconnect passive acoustic cover provides one or more additional surrounding
structures which in the disclosed configurations, enhance the frequency response of
the device speaker with an improved frequency response. A disclosed quick-
disconnect passive acoustic cover may be easily removed and replaced, providing
easy access to sound quality options to the user.
[0020] The instant disclosure is provided to explain in an enabling fashion the
best modes of making and using various embodiments in accordance with the present
invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and
appreciation for the invention principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in
any manner the invention. While the preferred embodiments of the invention are
illustrated and described here, it is clear that the invention is not so limited.
Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will
occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.
[0021] It is understood that the use of relational terms, if any, such as first and
second, up and down, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another
entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship
or order between such entities or actions.
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 102 and in
particular its housing 104, and a speaker 106 that can be a low sound level transducer
or receiver used for private conversation and/or as a loudspeaker when the device 102
is placed in speakerphone mode. The speaker 106 may be supported or carried by the
housing 104, and in particular in a speaker cavity 112. The speaker includes two
sides, a first side 108 that can radiate sound energy out of a surface of the housing 104
of the device 102 and a second side of the speaker 110 that may radiate into the
housing, and more particularly into the speaker cavity 112. A first audio port 114 of
the housing 104 is proximal to the first side 108 of the speaker 106, and a second
audio port 116 is proximal the second side 110 of the speaker 106. The first audio
port 114 has a first acoustic load (in this case radiation into air) and the second audio
port 116 has a second acoustic load. As mentioned above, the efficiency of a
loudspeaker and/or the frequency response of the device can depend to some extent
on the acoustic load placed on it by the way it couples to its surrounding structures
such as the speaker cavity and/or the device housing.
[0023] The portable audio device 102 may be implemented as a cellular telephone
(also called a mobile phone). The portable audio device 102 represents a wide variety
of devices that have been developed for use within various communication networks.
Such handheld communication devices include, for example, cellular telephones,
messaging devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebook or laptop computers,
mobile data terminals, application specific gaming devices, video gaming devices,
portable music players, and the like. Any of these portable devices may be referred to
as a mobile station or user equipment. Herein, wireless communication technologies
may include, for example, voice communication, the capability of transferring digital
data, SMS messaging, Internet access, multi-media content access and/or voice over
internet protocol (VoIP).
[0024] As mentioned, the speaker 106 includes two sides, a first side 108 that can
radiate sound energy out of a surface of the housing 104 of the device 102 at the first
audio port 114 and a second side 110 of the speaker that may radiate into the housing
104, and more particularly into the speaker cavity 112. The described portable audio
device 102 includes the second audio port 116 which may be utilized by particular
embodiments of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover (see FIG. 2).
The second audio port 116 may provide more tunability of the frequency response of
the device 102 than were the device to include a single audio port. It is understood
that two or more audio ports are within the scope of this discussion.
[0025] FIG. 2 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 202 and in
particular its housing 204, and a speaker 206 and an embodiment of the disclosed
quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 230. The surface 220 may be the front
surface of the device 202 or may be the back surface of the device 202. Alternatively,
the surface 222 may be the front surface of the device 202 or may be the back surface
of the device 202. The cover 230 is depicted unattached to the device 202 to a surface
222 of the device. As a standard cover, the cover 230 may include at least one
channel 232 or a plurality of channels 232, 233, 234, 235, and 236, or any suitable
number of channels. When the cover 230 is not attached to the housing, the first
audio port 214 of the housing 204 that is proximal to the first side 208 of the speaker
206, and a second audio port 216 proximal the second side 210 of the speaker 206, the
first audio port 214 has a first acoustic load and the second audio port 216 has a
second acoustic load. The audio ports 214 and 216 may reside on different surfaces
of the housing 204, and the cover 230 may overlap more than one surface of the
.housing204. As a standard cover 230, the cover may also include a plug or seal 238
configured to seal at least one of the first audio port 214 and the second audio port
216. In the depicted embodiment, the plug or seal 238 may be used to seal the second
audio port 216.
[0026] FIG. 3 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 302 and in
particular its housing 304, a speaker 306, and the same or similar embodiment of the
disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of 330 of FIG. 2 removably
received by the housing 304. As mentioned above, the efficiency of a speaker and/or
the frequency response of the device 102 can depend to some extent on the acoustic
load placed on it by the way it couples to its surrounding structures such as the
speaker cavity 312 and/or the device housing 304. The depicted embodiment shows a
channel 332 configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port 314 and the
second audio port 316 of the device housing 304. That is, at least one channel 332 or
a plurality of channels 332, 333, 334, 335, and 336, or any suitable number of
channels, may extend the length of the first audio port 314. Also depicted is a plug or
seal 338 that may be used to seal, for example, the second audio port 316, redefining
the load or loads of at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load
so as to replace the original system frequency response of the device 302 (without the
cover 330 removably received by the housing 304) with a second system frequency
response. Accordingly, cover 330 in its default configuration, as an original cover,
may allow the sound signal from the front of the speaker to radiate from the first
audio port 314 and block a passage, that is, audio port 316 emanating from the rear of
the speaker to form an acoustic suspension system with a usable bandwidth and a
small overall product size.
[0027] The disclosed device 302 is according configured to attach a removably
attachable quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 330 to the housing 304 of the
portable audio device 302 and with one or more channels 332. The cover 330 may
direct output of the speaker 306 and the housing system including the housing 304
and/or the housing cavity 312 into a first acoustic input port 314 of the cover 330
structure to generate and acoustic output different than that of the device 302 without
the cover 330 and thus enhance the frequency response of the device 302. The cover
330 may be removably attachable to the front of the device, in which case it may
include apertures for a keypad and/or display screen. Alternatively the cover 330 may
be removably attachable to the back of the device 302. The requirements of the
device may dictate in which direction the speaker faces, toward the front of the device
302 or the back of the device 302. It is also understood that the device 302 may
include more than one speaker, and that an embodiment of the cover 330 may be
configured to process sound from more than one speaker. It is also understood that
cover 330 may be removably attachable to more than one surface of the device 302.
[0028] FIG. 4 depicts a portable audio device 402 with its housing 404 including a
standard cover 440 on its back side 442 and a first loudspeaker audio port 414 and a
second loudspeaker audio port 416. Standard cover 440 in this embodiment also
serves as a battery cover and is the equivalent of covers 230 and 330 in figures 2 and
3. In the depicted portable audio device 402, the standard battery cover 440 may be
replaced by a cover, for example cover 230 (see FIG. 2). It is understood that the first
audio port 414 and the second audio port 416 may be of any suitable size and
configuration, and may be placed in any suitable location on the housing 404. As
mentioned above, many different embodiments of the disclosed quick-disconnect
passive acoustic cover 230 are described in detail below. Each embodiment may
provide a different frequency response from the others. An advantage of many
embodiments is that a user may have a choice in which embodiment to utilize
depending upon their sound quality preference. It is understood that this discussion is
intended to include any and all different embodiments of a disclosed quick-disconnect
passive acoustic cover may be implemented.
[0029] FIG. 5 depicts a portable audio device 502 with its housing 504 including a
back side 542, and its standard cover 440 (FIG. 4) replaced by an embodiment of the
disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 550. The illustrated cover 550
embodiment is coupled to either or both the first loudspeaker audio port 414 and the
second loudspeaker audio port 416. The illustrated cover 550 includes a transmission
line 546 embodiment that can snake through the cover 550 to extend the length of
either or both the first loudspeaker audio port 414 and a second loudspeaker audio
port 416 to increase the low end frequency response of the device 502. The original
frequency response of the loudspeaker 306 (see FIG. 3) transmitted from either or
both the first loudspeaker audio port 414 and a second loudspeaker audio port 416, is
replaced by a new frequency response now emanating from the cover 550. The use of
cover 550 produces a first acoustic output from channel 532 and a second acoustic
output from aperture 558. That is, combining the first acoustic output and the second
acoustic output of the cover 550 forms a combined output so that the combined output
of the system has a new or second frequency response that differs from the original or
the first frequency response of the speaker 306 and housing 504. A transmission line
embodiment of a cover 550 is discussed in more detail below. It is understood the
cover 550 may be on the front of the device 502 or the back side of the device 502, or
in any other suitable position to couple to a first speaker output port 414 and/or a
second speaker output port 416 which may be in any suitable position.
[0030] FIG. 6 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 602 and in
particular its housing 604, a speaker 606, and another embodiment of the disclosed
quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 660 removably received by the housing 604
in an acoustic suspension configuration. The cover 660 includes a volume 654 for a
wideband acoustic suspension system. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover
660 may define a sealed volume 654 having a sealed end 656 remote from at least one
of the first audio port 614 and the second audio port 616 of the device housing 604.
The sealed volume 654 may be configured to be coupled to at least one of the first
audio port 614 and the second audio port 616 of the device housing 604.
Additionally, for example, channels 632,633, 634, 635, and 636 may be coupled to
the first audio port 614. As mentioned above, many different embodiments of the
disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 660 are described in detail below.
Each embodiment may provide a different frequency response from the others. That
is, any of several bandpass configurations individually or simultaneously may be
applied to front and/or back side of the speaker 606.
[0031] FIG. 7 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 702 and in
particular its housing 704, a speaker 706, and still another embodiment of the
disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 770 removably received by the
housing 704 in a bass reflex configuration. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the cover
770 is a bass reflex cover, the audio port 714 being coupled to a plurality of channels
732, 733, 734, 735, and 736, and the audio port 716 being coupled to a volume 754.
At least one aperture 758 may be remote from at least one of the first audio port 714
and/or the second audio port 716 of the device housing 704 to define, for example, a
Helmholtz resonator configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port
714 and/or the second audio port 716 of the device housing 704. In this embodiment,
if the user prefers a bass reflex improvement over the sound quality of the device
without the cover 770, an advantage of many embodiments, some of which are
described here, is that a user may have a choice in which embodiment to utilize
depending upon their sound quality preference. One specific embodiment of cover
770 would have a special volume 754 of zero. This would form a Helmholtz resonator
with the port formed by aperture 758 and the acoustic volume in speaker cavity 712.
[0032] FIG. 8 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 802 and in
particular its housing 804, a speaker 806, and yet another embodiment of the
disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 880 removably received by the
housing 804 in a band pass configuration. In this embodiment, the cover 880 creates
a bandpass system. In this embodiment, the audio port 814 is coupled to a volume
862 including an aperture 864 and the audio port 816 is coupled to a volume 854
including an aperture 858. In this way, two Helmholtz resonators are configured to be
coupled to the first audio port 814 and the second audio port 816 of the device
housing 804, producing a different frequency response than the embodiment of FIG.
7. According, a user may have a choice in which embodiment to utilize depending
upon their sound quality preference. It is understood that bandpass implementations of
cover 880 could consist of two bass reflex sections as shown in figure 8, or of one
bass reflex section and one acoustic suspension section, or of two sections that are
coupled via an additional aperture between the volumes 854 and 862.
[0033] FIG. 9 depicts a side cut-away view of a portable audio device 902 and in
particular its housing 904, a speaker 906, and an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 5
of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover 990 removably received by
the housing 904 in an acoustic transmission line configuration. A duct-shaped
volume 972 including an open end 974 is configured to be coupled to at least one of
the first audio port 914 and/or the second audio port 916 of the device housing 904 to
form a transmission line tuned to a particular frequency. The cover 990 is similar to
the transmission line embodiment of FIG. 5, where cover 550 includes a transmission
line 546 embodiment that can snake through the cover 550 to extend the length of
either or both the first loudspeaker audio port 414 (see FIG. 4) and a second
loudspeaker audio port 416 to increase the low end frequency response of the device
502. Again, channels 932, 933,934, 935, and 936 are depicted coupled to the first
audio port 914. It is understood that any combination of channel configurations may
be utilized in the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover to provide any
number of frequency response enhancements.
[0034] The dimensions of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover
may vary depending upon the configuration. The disclosed quick-disconnect passive
acoustic cover may add for example, 4 mm to the thickness of a device 902. The
disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover may be composed of any suitable
material such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or aluminum.
It may be configured to snap into position on a device 102 (see FIG. 1) where the
housing 104 includes, for example, ridges to receive the disclosed quick-disconnect
passive acoustic cover. Removing the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic
cover may include, for example, sliding the cover off the housing. It is understood
that any suitable matter of removably attaching the cover and removing the cover
from the housing is within the scope of this discussion.
[0035] FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect
passive acoustic cover 1000 removably received by the housing 1004 where a side
cut-away view of a portable audio device 1002 and in particular its housing 1004,
shows a speaker 1006 at an end 1018 of the device housing 1004 with a matched cross
section at the housing/cover interface. The end 1018 may also be referred to herein as
an end surface. As mentioned, the positions of the first audio port 1014 and the
second audio port 1016 may be in any suitable location. In this embodiment, the first
audio port 1014 is proximal the speaker 1006 at the end 1018 of the device housing
1014. Also shown are channels 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, and 1036 proximal the first
audio port 1014 at the proximal the end 1018 of the device housing 1014. Similar to
the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 9, a duct-shaped volume 1072 including an open end
1074 is configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port 1014 and/or the
second audio port 1016 of the device housing 1004 to form a transmission line tuned
to a particular frequency. In this embodiment, housing cavity 1012, when coupled to
duct-shaped volume 1072 via second audio port 1016, is configured as a duct with
continuous cross section identical to that of duct-shaped volume 1072. Housing
cavity 1012 thereby becomes an extension of duct-shaped volume 1072, thereby
extending the usable length of duct-shaped volume 1072 as an acoustic transmission
line, and enabling a lower tuning frequency than would otherwise be possible due to
the length of duct-shaped volume 1072 by itself. Additionally, the combination of
housing cavity 1012 and duct-shaped volume 1072 can be a constantly varying taper
that continues a defined transition throughout the combined length.
[0036] FIGS. 11a-11 e are a series of graphs where the x-axis is calibrated in
frequency in Hertz (Hz), and the y-axis is calibrated in sound pressure level in dB
(dBSPL), that illustrates bandwidth and/or efficiency improvements for each of the
disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic covers. FIG. 1 le illustrates a
transmission line embodiment of the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic
cover such as one of those embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5, 9 and/or 10. As
discussed above, the speaker 106 (see FIG. 1) has a first side and a second side
associated with a first acoustic load and a second acoustic load. The housing 104 is
configured to removably receive a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover which is
configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic
load so as to replace the first system frequency response with a second system
frequency response. A first frequency response 1186 is illustrated as having a rising
frequency response with less low frequency output than a second frequency response
1188 associated with the transmission line embodiment. The second frequency
response 1188 may replace the first frequency response 1186 of a device 102 (see
FIG. 1), when the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover such as cover
550, 990 and/or 1000 is removably attached to device 102. FIGS, lla-1 le illustrate
the second frequency responses for the system when each of the disclosed quick-
disconnect passive acoustic covers are attached to device 102. The second frequency
responses for each embodiment are as follows: a standard sealed cover 1187 (FIG.
1 la), an acoustic suspension cover 1189 (FIG. 1 lb), a bass reflex cover 1190 (FIG.
1 lc), a bandpass cover 1191 (FIG. 11d), and an acoustic transmission line cover 1188
(FIG. 11e).
[0037] The disclosed portable audio device includes a housing and a speaker
supported by the housing wherein the speaker and housing have a first system
frequency response. The speaker of the disclosed portable audio device has a first
side and a second side associated a first audio port and a second audio port, in turn
associated with a first acoustic load and a second acoustic load. The housing is
configured to removably receive the disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic
cover which is configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the
second acoustic load so as to replace the first system frequency response with a
second system frequency response. That is, the quick-disconnect passive acoustic
cover beneficially enhances the efficiency and/or bandwidth of a loudspeaker, which
as mentioned above depends to some extent on the acoustic load placed on it by the
way it is coupled to its surrounding structures.
[0038] The disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover provides one or
more additional surrounding structures which in the disclosed configurations, replace
the inherent frequency response of the device speaker and housing with an improved
frequency response. A disclosed quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover may be
easily removed and replaced, providing easy access to sound quality options to the
user without increasing the size of the transducer or speaker and/or speaker cavity, or
the power requirements of the sound system. Moreover, the disclosed quick-
disconnect passive acoustic cover beneficially can improve the sound quality without
adding any costs to the device by way of utilizing a particularly expensive speaker.
Also as discussed above, different embodiments of the disclosed quick-disconnect
passive acoustic cover beneficially provides a plurality of sound quality options to a
user depending on their sound needs.
[0039] This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various
embodiments in accordance with the technology rather than to limit the true, intended,
and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be
exhaustive or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations
are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments) was chosen and
described to provide the best illustration of the principle of the described technology
and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the
technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to
the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended
during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof, when
interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and
equitably entitled.
CLAIMS:
1. A portable audio device, comprising:
a housing;
a speaker carried by the housing, the speaker having a first side and a second
side, wherein the speaker and housing having a first system frequency
response;
a first audio port of the housing proximal to the first side of the speaker, and a
second audio port proximal the second side of the speaker, wherein the
first audio port has a first acoustic load and wherein the second audio port
has a second acoustic load;
wherein the housing is configured to removably receive a quick-disconnect
passive acoustic cover which is configured to redefine at least one of the
first acoustic load and the second acoustic load so as to replace the first
system frequency response with a second system frequency response.
2. The portable audio device of Claim 1 wherein the quick-disconnect passive
acoustic cover comprises:
a seal configured to seal at least one of the first audio port and the second
audio port.
3. The portable audio device of Claim 1 wherein the quick-disconnect passive
acoustic cover, comprises:
at least one acoustic input port to receive audio input from at least one of the
first audio port and the second audio port of the device housing; and
at least one acoustic channel coupled to the at least one acoustic input port.
4. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the quick-disconnect passive
acoustic cover comprises:
a channel configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port and
the second audio port of the device housing.
5. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the channel of the quick-
disconnect passive acoustic cover comprises:
a sealed end remote from the first audio port of the device housing to define a
sealed volume coupled to the first audio port of the device housing.
6. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the channel of the quick-
disconnect passive acoustic cover comprises:
a sealed end remote from the second audio port of the device housing to define
a sealed volume coupled to the second audio port of the device housing.
7. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the channel of the quick-
disconnect passive acoustic cover comprises:
at least one aperture remote from at least one of the first audio port the second
audio port of the device housing to define a Helmholtz resonator
configured to be coupled to at least one of the first audio port and the
second audio port of the device housing.
8. The portable audio device of Claim 7 wherein separate Helmholtz resonators
are configured to be coupled to the first audio port and the second audio port of the
device housing.
9. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the quick-disconnect passive
acoustic cover comprises:
a plurality of channels configured to be coupled to at least one of the first
audio port and the second audio port of the device housing.
10. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the quick-disconnect passive
acoustic cover further comprises:
a duct-shaped volume configured to be coupled to at least one of the first
audio port and the second audio port of the device housing to form a
transmission line tuned to a particular frequency.
11. The portable audio device of Claim 3 wherein the speaker is carried at a
housing end surface, the quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover configured to
receive audio input from the second audio port at a second surface of the housing.
12. A quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover, comprising:
at least one acoustic input port, and at least one acoustic channel connected to
the at least one acoustic input port;
wherein:
the cover is configured to be removably attachable to a portable audio
device having a speaker system including at least one audio output
port having an acoustic load, the speaker system being configured
to deliver audio output, the speaker system having a first system
frequency response;
wherein the at least one acoustic input port of the cover is configured to
receive audio input of the audio output from a speaker system of a portable
audio device, and
wherein the acoustic cover is configured to redefine the acoustic load so as to
replace the first system frequency response with a second system
frequency response when removably attached to the portable audio device.
13. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, comprises:
a seal configured to seal at least one audio port of the portable audio device.
14. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, wherein the at least
one acoustic channel is configured with one sealed end remote from the at least one
input port to define a sealed volume coupled to the at least one input port.
15. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, wherein the at least
one acoustic channel has at least one aperture remote from the at least one input port
to define a Helmholtz resonator coupled to the at least one input port.
16. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, wherein the cover
includes a second input port wherein the second input port is coupled to a second
acoustic channel configured with one sealed end remote from the second input port to
define a sealed volume coupled to the second input port.
17. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, wherein the cover
includes a second input port wherein the second input port is coupled to a second
acoustic channel configured with at least one aperture remote from the second input
port to define a Helmholtz resonator coupled to the second input port.
18. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12, comprising:
a duct-shaped volume forming a channel coupled to the at least one input port,
the duct-shaped volume configured to form a transmission line tuned to a
particular frequency.
19. The quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover of Claim 12 is configured so that
it is removably attachable to a portable audio device having a first surface and a
second surface, the structure being attachable to at least one of the first surface of the
portable audio device and the second surface of the portable audio device.
20. A method of changing the frequency output of a speaker housed within a
speaker cavity of the housing of a portable audio device, the speaker and housing
system having a first frequency response, the method comprising:
attaching a removably attachable quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover to
the portable audio device;
directing output of the speaker and housing system into a first acoustic input
port of the cover to generate a first acoustic output;
directing output of the speaker through an aperture of the speaker cavity into a
second acoustic input port of the cover to generate a second acoustic
output; and
combining the first acoustic output and the second acoustic output to form
combined output so that the combined output of the system has a second
frequency response that differs from the first frequency response of the
speaker and housing.

Disclosed is a portable audio device and a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover. The portable audio device
includes a housing and a speaker supported by the housing that have a first system frequency response. The speaker of the portable
audio device has a first side and a second side associated with a first audio port and a second audio port, associated with a first
acoustic load and a second acoustic load respectively. The housing is configured to removably receive the cover which is configured
to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load to replace the first system frequency response with a
second system frequency response. The cover provides one or more additional surrounding structures, which replace the inherent
frequency response with an improved frequency response. Different embodiments of the disclosed cover provide a plurality of sound
quality enhancement options to a user.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=kkUbhV0jVqgJZem6tf/NKg==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==

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Patent Number

271485

Indian Patent Application Number

1999/KOLNP/2010

PG Journal Number

09/2016

Publication Date

26-Feb-2016

Grant Date

23-Feb-2016

Date of Filing

01-Jun-2010

Name of Patentee

MOTOROLA, INC.

Applicant Address

1303 EAST ALGONQUIN ROAD SCHAUMBURG, IL 60196 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	ZUREK, ROBERT, A.	1055 AUTUMN DRIVE, ANTIOCH, ILLINOIS 60002 U.S.A.
2	CHEN, SHAOHAI	622 NORDIC CT., LIBERTYVILLE, ILLINOIS 60048 U.S.A.
3	CLARK, JOEL A.	9017 HAMPSTED, WOODRIDGE, ILLINOIS 60517 U.S.A.
4	STEUER, PAUL R.	19 SQUIRE ROAD, HAWTHORN WOODS, ILLINOIS 60047 U.S.A.
5	DAVIS, GILES	822 DUBLIN DRIVE, MUNDELEIN, ILLINOIS 60060 U.S.A.

PCT International Classification Number

H04R 1/20

PCT International Application Number

PCT/US2008/087072

PCT International Filing date

2008-12-17

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	11/965,077	2007-12-27	U.S.A.