WO2009126131A1

WO2009126131A1 - Expandable speaker system

Info

Publication number: WO2009126131A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/053593
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas H. Szolyga; Rahul Sood; Paul P. Campbell
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2008-04-11
Filing date: 2008-04-11
Publication date: 2009-10-15
Also published as: TW200944042A

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The device comprises a housing, at least one sound panel slidably coupled to the housing, and at least one speaker mounted on the at least one sound panel. The device further comprises a sound chamber holding the at least one sound panel in a first position. The at least one sound panel forms an expandable speaker system with the sound chamber when the at least one sound panel is held in the first position. The expandable speaker system is configured to proportionally increase a resonant frequency range of the at least one speaker based on a contiguous volume created by the sound chamber and the at least one sound panel.

Description

EXPANDABLE SPEAKER SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

[0001] To produce sound, a speaker has a resonance frequency that determines the volume of air that should be contained in the volume behind the speaker. Currently, sound quality is lacking in many electronic devices. For example, speaker systems featured in existing notebook computers are not of a desirable sound quality.

[0002] Typically, a majority of the existing notebook computers include speakers in the body of the notebook or in the display of the notebook. It is well understood that the chassis components for these notebook computers are relatively thin, reducing the volume of any potential sound chamber. For example, the notebook display can be up to 10 mm deep, with the notebook body no more than 20 mm in depth. Therefore, the sound chamber for the notebook computer is limited by the depth of the device.

[0003] For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for improvements in sound quality for electronic devices using an expandable speaker system.

SUMMARY

[0004] The following specification relates to embodiments of expandable speaker systems for electronic devices. Particularly, in one embodiment, an electronic device comprises a housing, at least one sound panel slidably coupled to the housing, and at least one speaker mounted on the at least one sound panel. The device further comprises a sound chamber holding the at least one sound panel in a first position. The at least one sound panel forms an expandable speaker system with the sound chamber when the at least one sound panel is held in the first position. The expandable speaker system is configured to proportionally increase a resonant frequency range of the at least one speaker based on a contiguous volume created by the sound chamber and the at least one sound panel.

DRAWINGS

[0005] These and other features, aspects, and advantages are better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0006] FIGS. IA and IB are perspective views of an embodiment of an expandable speaker system for an electronic device;

[0007] FIG. 2A is a side view in partial cross section of an embodiment of an expandable speaker system for an electronic device;

[0008] FIGS. 2B and 2C are sectional end views of the system of FIG. 2A;

[0009] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of FIG.

2A;

[0010] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of an embodiment of a speaker bar;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the speaker bar of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

[0012] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of an embodiment of an expandable speaker system for an electronic device; and

[0013] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of providing sound from an electronic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to expandable speaker systems that improve the sound quality available from electronic devices (for example, a notebook computer). In one embodiment, extendable speakers are deployed when the electronic device is activated. For example, the speakers extend out when the notebook computer is opened and allow the speaker system to expand. Alternatively, at least a portion of the speaker system expands up and out from the body of the electronic device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the speaker system expansion discussed here provides a greater volume of air to be contained within a speaker enclosure. The increased air volume creates a lower resonance frequency for producing a fuller, richer sound. With the expandable speaker system discussed herein, speaker dimensions can be expanded independent of the notebook size (that is, within previously identified acoustic and aesthetic criteria). In one implementation, the expandable speaker system provides additional stereo separation of an audio signal for a more pleasant and satisfying sound experience.

[0016] FIGS. IA and IB are perspective views of an embodiment of an expandable speaker system for an electronic device 100. In the example embodiment of FIGS. IA and IB, the device 100 comprises a first portion 102 and a second portion 104 adjustably coupled to the first portion 102. In one implementation, the first portion 102 comprises a notebook computer, and the second portion 104 comprises a notebook computer display. It is understood that the device 100 is representative of a number of electronic devices similar to a notebook computer, including tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, smartphones, and the like. For example, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 can be a single electronic device 100. In addition, the expandable speaker system of the device 100 is suitable for use in any electronic device operable to provide audio output signals.

[0017] The device 100 further comprises sound panels 106i and 106₂ slidably coupled to the device 100 from sound chambers 108i and 108₂. In one implementation, the sound panels 106i and 106₂ comprise at least two extendable speakers HOi and HO₂. The at least two extendable speakers 11Oi and HO₂ are operable to distribute sound once the device 100 is activated, as described in further detail below. The speaker designs contemplated for the speakers 110 comprise, without limitation, piezoelectric speakers, electrostatic speakers, ribbon and planar magnetic speakers, bending wave speakers, flat panel speakers, conical speakers, or distributed mode speakers. Moreover, the speakers 110 are further operable to provide separation of a stereo audio output signal of the device 100 as shown in FIGS. IA and IB.

[0018] In operation, the extendable speakers HOi and HO₂ provide an audible volume range from the sound chambers 108i and 108₂ inside the device 100, as further discussed below with respect to FIG. 2. In one implementation, each of the sound panels 106 is contiguous with the volume of each of the sound chambers 108 vacated by the sound panels 106 when the sound panels 106 are slidingly deployed. For example, the audible volume range of the device 100 increases by up to a factor of two in proportion with existing dimensions of the device 100 prior to an extension of the speakers HOi and HO₂. Moreover, the sound panels 106i and 106₂ and the sound chambers 108i and 108₂ form an expandable speaker system configured to increase a resonant frequency range of the speakers 110 by at least a factor of two. In one implementation, the sound panels 106 are automatically deployed once the device 100 is activated, as further discussed below with respect to FIGS. 4 A and 4B.

[0019] FIG. 2A is a side view in partial cross section of an embodiment of a sound panel 208 for an electronic device 200. FIGS. 2B and 2C are sectional end views of the sound panel 208 at viewpoints A and B, respectively. In one embodiment, the sound panel 208 comprises a speaker 212. The speaker 212 represents at least one of the speakers 110 of FIG. 1. The device 200 includes a side portion 202 and seal portions 204₁ and 204₂ mounted substantially within the side portion 202. The seal portions 204₁ and 204₂ are configured to engage with panel grooves 206i and 206₂ when the sound panel 208 is slidably extended as shown in FIG. 2.

[0020] In the example embodiment of FIG. 2A, as the slidable sound panel 208 is slidingly disposed from the device 200, a sound chamber 210 is formed. As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the seal portions 204i and 204₂ represent a single sound chamber seal 204. The sound chamber seal 204 is configured to substantially contain a volume of air within the sound chamber 210 once the sound panel 208 is extended. In one implementation, the sound chamber seal 204 comprises a gasket material configured to encircle the sound panel 208 as shown in FIG. 2D. For example, as the sound panel 208 is extended out from the device 200, the panel grooves 206i and 206₂ are configured to substantially engage with the seal portions 204i and 204₂ (for example, as a "locking" or "snapping" action as depicted in FIG. 2A). Once the panel grooves 206 substantially engage with the seal portions 2041 and 204₂, the sound chamber seal 204 conjoins the speaker 212 with the sound chamber 210 to form the expandable speaker system for the device 200.

[0021] In operation, the expandable speaker system comprising the (vacated) sound chamber 210 contiguous with the speaker 212 provides a lower resonant frequency for increased sound quality. For example, the expandable speaker system increases an amount of available air to compress (decompress) through the speaker 212 as a sound radiation surface of the sound panel 208 moves slidably forward or backward as depicted by FIG. 2A. As a result, the contiguous volume of the speaker 212 in communication with the volume of the sound chamber 210 vacated by the sound panel 208 increases the resonant frequency range of the expandable speaker system and improves the sound quality provided by the device 200. As shown in FIG. 2B, the end of the speaker 212 facing the sound chamber 210 is open to receive the air within the sound chamber 210 to provide the contiguous sound chamber and increased volume. Moreover, the sound chamber 210 acts as storage space for the sound panel 208 when the speaker 212 is not deployed.

[0022] FIGS. 3 A and 3B are perspective views of an embodiment of an expandable speaker system for a personal computing device 300. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a speaker bar for the personal computing device 300. The device 300 comprises a first portion 302 and a second portion 304 adjustably coupled to the first portion 302. Similar to the device 100 of FIG. 1, the first portion 302 comprises a notebook computer, and the second portion 304 comprises a notebook computer display. The device 300 further comprises a sound bar 306. As shown in FIG. 3B, the sound bar 306 is operable to reflect sound from at least the second portion 304. Moreover, the positioning of the sound bar 306 in the example embodiment of FIG. 4 enhances a perception of sound quality. For example, sound waves emitted by the sound bar 306 reverberate from the second portion 304 and are substantially directed towards a viewer of the notebook computer display screen as indicated by an arrow 408 in FIG. 4. [0023] In operation, the sound bar 306 provides sound once the device 300 is activated. For example, the sound bar 306 is rotatably deployed automatically once the device 300 is opened (for example, using a dwell cam 406 within the first portion 302 as shown in FIG. 4). Alternatively, the sound bar 306 is rotatably deployed discretionally by a cam-operated displacement switch 310, or the like, present on the device 300. Similar to the speakers 106 of the device 100, the volume available from the device 300 is increased in proportion with existing storage requirements of the speaker bar 306 when the speaker bar 306 is not deployed. Moreover, the speaker bar 306 and a sound chamber 308 vacated from the extension of the speaker bar 306 are configured to proportionally increase a resonant frequency range of the expandable speaker system based on the dimensions of the (vacated) sound chamber 308 prior to speaker expansion.

[0024] FIGS. 5 A and 5B are perspective views of an embodiment of an expandable speaker system for an electronic device 500. In the example embodiment of FIG. 5A, the device 500 comprises sound panels 502i and 502₂ slidably coupled to the device 500 from sound chambers 504i and 504₂. In one implementation, the sound panels 502i and 502₂ comprise at least two extendable speakers 506i and 506₂ operable to distribute sound once the device 500 is activated. Moreover, the speakers 506 are further operable to provide separation of a stereo audio output signal of the device 500 as shown in FIG. 5 A. In the example embodiment of FIG. 5B, the device 500 comprises a sound panel 508 slidably coupled to the device 500 from sound chamber 510. In one implementation, the slidable sound panel 508 comprises an extendable speaker 512 operable to distribute sound once the device 500 is activated.

[0025] In operation similar to the device 100 discussed above, the extendable speakers 506 (speaker 512) provide an audible volume range from the sound chambers 504 (chamber 510) inside the device 500. In one implementation, each of the sound panels 502 (panel 508) is contiguous with the volume of each of the sound chambers 504 (chamber 510) vacated by the sound panels 502 (panel 508) when the sound panels 502 (panel 508) are (is) deployed. For example, the sound panels 502 (panel 508) and the sound chambers 504 (chamber 510) form an expandable speaker system. In one implementation, the sound panels 502 (panel 508) are automatically deployed once the device 500 is activated, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B. [0026] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method 600 of providing sound from an electronic device. The method 600 addresses providing sound from an expandable speaker system that improves the sound quality available from electronic devices including, without limitation, notebook computers and other personal computing devices. For example, at least one speaker in the method 600 can be slidably or rotatably extended from the electronic device to provide a more satisfying listening experience.

[0027] In one embodiment, the expandable speaker system is activated once the electronic device is opened (block 602). As the expandable speaker system is activated, a sound bar is rotatably deployed from the electronic device to effect a sound chamber within the electronic device (block 604). In one implementation, the method 600 is operable to rotatably deploy the sound bar after the electronic device is activated. The method 600 generates sound from at least one speaker mounted in the sound bar of the electronic device (block 606). As the at least one speaker generates sound, the method 600 provides an audible volume range based on a contiguous volume created by the sound chamber and the disposition of the sound bar. Moreover, the audible volume range available from the electronic device in proportion with existing storage requirements of the speaker bar when the speaker bar is not deployed. At block 608, the method 600 reflects the generated sound from at least a portion of the electronic device (for example, a display portion). In the example embodiment of FIG. 6, the expandable speaker system is configured to proportionally increase a resonant frequency range of the at least one speaker based on dimensions of the sound chamber prior to deployment of the sound bar.

[0028] This description has been presented for purposes of illustration, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. The embodiments disclosed are intended to cover any modifications, adaptations, or variations which fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An electronic device, comprising: a housing; at least one sound panel slidably coupled to the housing; at least one speaker mounted on the at least one sound panel; and a sound chamber holding the at least one sound panel in a first position, wherein the at least one sound panel forms an expandable speaker system with the sound chamber when the at least one sound panel is held in the first position, the expandable speaker system configured to proportionally increase a resonant frequency range of the at least one speaker based on a contiguous volume created by the sound chamber and the at least one sound panel.

2. The device of claim 1 and further comprising a sound chamber seal mounted substantially within the housing, the sound chamber seal configured to circularly engage the at least one sound panel when slidably extended.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the sound chamber seal is operable to substantially contain a volume of air within the sound chamber once the at least one sound panel is slidably extended.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a personal computing device.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises at least two slidable sound panels operable to distribute the sound once the electronic device is activated.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the at least two slidable sound panels are further operable to provide separation of a stereo audio output signal of the electronic device.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sound panel comprises a sound bar operable to reflect the sound from at least a portion of the device once the sound bar is rotatably extended.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the sound bar is operable to automatically deploy once the device is activated.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the sound chamber is configured to provide an audible volume range from the at least one speaker in the first position.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the at least one speaker is configured in the first position to increase the audible volume range in proportion with existing dimensions of the sound chamber prior to an extension of the at least one sound panel.

11. A method of providing sound from an electronic device, the method comprising: opening an electronic device to activate an expandable speaker system; as the expandable speaker system is activated, rotatably deploying a sound bar from the electronic device to effect a sound chamber within the electronic device; generating sound from at least one speaker mounted in the sound bar; and reflecting the generated sound from at least a portion of the electronic device; wherein the expandable speaker system is configured to proportionally increase a resonant frequency range of the at least one speaker based on dimensions of the sound chamber prior to deployment of the sound bar.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein rotatably deploying the sound bar comprises rotatably deploying the sound bar after the electronic device is activated.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein generating the sound from the at least one speaker comprises providing an audible volume range of the at least one speaker based on a contiguous volume created by the sound chamber and the disposition of the sound bar.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein providing the audible volume range comprises increasing the audible volume range available from the electronic device in proportion with existing storage requirements of the speaker bar when the speaker bar is not deployed.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein reflecting the generated sound comprises reflecting the generated sound from a display portion of the electronic device.

16. An apparatus for providing sound from an electronic device, comprising: means for generating sound from an electronic device; means, associated with the means for generating, for storing the means for generating sound when not in use; and means, associated with the means for generating and the means for storing, for slidably extending the means for generating sound to at least a first position to form an expandable speaker system, the expandable speaker system configured to proportionally increase an audible volume range of the electronic device based on a contiguous volume of the means for generating and the means for storing.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 and further comprising means, associated with the means for generating and the means for storing, for reflecting sound from a portion of the electronic device to form the expandable speaker system, the means for reflecting sound including a sound bar rotatably disposed within the electronic device and operable to reverberate sound from at least a portion of the electronic device.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means for generating sound include at least one speaker disposed from a display of the electronic device.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means for storing include a sound chamber configured to proportionally increase a resonant frequency range based on dimensions of the means for storing prior to an extended disposition of the means for slidably extending.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means for slidably extending include at least one sound panel and a sound chamber seal configured to conjoin the means for generating sound with the means for storing once the means for generating sound is slidably extended from the electronic device.