HK1123120A - Portable media reproduction system - Google Patents

Description

Portable media reproduction system

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application serial No.60/685,415 filed on 31/2005 and U.S. utility application serial No.11/244,928 filed on 7/9/2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. patent and trademark office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of portable media playback devices, and in particular to portable devices for reproducing audio signals.

Background

Significant advances have been made over the past decades in audio and video reproduction equipment, particularly equipment where users are able to carry and transport various audio tracks around. Such devices include, for example, devices for digitally recording, editing, mixing, producing, storing and reproducing audio tracks. Digital files have several advantages, including that error correction algorithms performed on the files ensure that the audio track data is properly stored, which means that the audio can be faithfully reproduced even if the underlying recording medium makes errors or errors during copying. Another advantage of digital files is that the reproduction apparatus can precisely control the speed at which the audio track is played, thereby effectively ensuring consistent playback.

In recent years, new algorithms for storing audio tracks have emerged. One of the more popular of these new soundtrack storage algorithms is the Motion Picture Entertainment Group level 3(Motion Picture Entertainment Group level 3) algorithm, commonly referred to as the "MP 3" algorithm. The MP3 algorithm uses a variety of techniques including enabling the user to change the track sampling rate as the track is recorded, changing the number of bytes used to represent a given frequency range, etc., to generate digital track files that are significantly smaller than those used by CDs. This means that a user can carry more audio data files on a given medium than in the past. For example, a typical 72 minute audio CD holds about 650MB of data. The 650MB CD-ROM has a sufficient capacity to compress music for several hours, depending on the compression method chosen.

As digital storage capacity continues to increase and compression algorithms continue to evolve, users are able to carry more and more of their favorite music with them. This has led to the inclusion of soundtrack reproduction capabilities in an evolving family of devices with audio capabilities, including but not limited to digital cameras, portable digital assistants ("PDAs"), cordless telephones, and the like. Several other devices commonly referred to as portable media players ("PMPs") have appeared on the market, mainly for reproducing compressed audio tracks. One of the most popular PMPs is the iPod, sold by Apple Computer, Inc, cupertino, california. The iPod has become very popular because it is relatively small in shape but can store gigabytes of audio files and other information stored on the hard drive within the PMP. Other PMPs additionally store video information for playback on a small player incorporated into the device.

Most currently available video equipment is designed to be highly portable and to enable individuals to carry a relatively large number of audio tracks. However, because of the portability concerns associated with the design of these devices, manufacturers tend to limit them to providing reproduced audio to users through only monaural or stereo headphones. This means that preferably these audio devices are only available for reproducing audio tracks for a limited number of users, such as with one or more splitters to enable multiple users to plug headphones into the device. However, because audio devices are typically battery-powered, they cannot generate enough energy to power several pairs of headphones. Furthermore, increasing the number of users connected to a single device beyond one or two limits the portability of the device.

One approach that has been additionally employed in some prior art is to enable a user to attach speakers to a portable media player. This enables multiple users to experience the audio track simultaneously. Because the power output of audio devices is typically relatively low, it is often advantageous to have speakers that include amplifiers driven by an external power source. Some prior art has created relatively small, battery-driven or Alternating Current (AC) driven speakers for portable audio reproduction devices. These speakers tend to have a lot of mechanical damage during transport, which is not tolerated by the cables and adapters that are normally used to connect the speakers to the audio equipment.

One solution offered on the market is the original innovation, which is described in U.S. patent application No.10/836,113, available from Altec Lansingtechnology, Inc. of Milford, Pa, and filed on 30/4/2004^TMThe entire contents of the above patents are incorporated herein by reference. inMotion^TMIs an inventive product that for the first time provides an active speaker integrated with an extended base of a portable media player that is relatively lightweight and is a compact portable package that can be folded to protect the speaker driver while in transit. Although inMotion^TMAdvantages are provided with respect to sound reproduction quality, robustness, weight, portability, size, and ease of use, but there is still room for improvement in each of these qualities.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to a portable media reproduction system that substantially obviates one or more limitations of the related art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable media reproduction system for PMPs in which at least one speaker, subwoofer or other audio reproduction device is contained within a housing that also includes docking means operatively connected thereto that is adjustable so that PMPs can be securely seated thereon and so that the portable media reproduction system can be operatively used with PMPs of different sizes, including different depths.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable media reproduction system that includes at least one audio reproduction device contained within a housing that also includes a docking component operatively connected thereto, and at least one video output connector.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable media reproduction system for PMPs that includes a docking component for PMPs, wherein a plurality of active speaker components are disposed substantially coplanar with a first side of the housing. In this embodiment, the enclosure further contains a subwoofer and at least one passive radiator, which may also be arranged such that they are substantially perpendicular to the first side.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Other objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of at least one embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a front view of a portable media reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of a portable media reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of a portable media reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a side view of a portable media reproduction system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a cut-away rear perspective view of a portable media reproduction system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of a docking component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a docking component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8a is a front view of portions of a docking component according to an embodiment of the present invention, the docking component being in a compressed state.

Fig. 8b is a cut-away left side view of portions of the docking component shown in fig. 8 a.

Fig. 9a is a front view of portions of a docking component according to an embodiment of the present invention, the docking component being in a partially deployed state.

Fig. 9b is a cut-away left side view of portions of the docking component shown in fig. 9 a.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For purposes of clarity, corresponding parts are numbered consistently in the various figures of the invention provided.

Fig. 1 and 2 show a portable media reproduction system housing 10 (fig. 3) having a front surface 50, a left side 60, a right side 65, and a rear surface 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the front surface 50 has a left speaker array 62 and a right speaker array 52 disposed substantially coplanar with the front surface 50. Although a substantially coplanar arrangement is disclosed herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the left and right speaker arrays 62, 62 may be arranged in an alternating arrangement, either independently or hinged together, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, front surface 50 also includes a door 17 through which a user can access PMP docking component 135, as shown in fig. 6. PMP docking component 135 may include PMP15 through which it may connect to one or more interconnects of portable media reproduction system 10. In the illustrated embodiment, such an interconnect includes a male docking port that is capable of mating with an identical female docking port at the bottom of the PMP 15. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other interconnects may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, alternative interconnects may include Bluetooth (Bluetooth)^TMOr other wireless interconnection technology, and such as using RCA, DIN, MINI-DIN, Stereo MINI plug (Stereo MiniPlug), or other connectors. This allows portable media reproduction system 10 to be used with a variety of devices including, but not limited to, cell phones, satellite radio receivers, digital audio receivers, standard audio receivers, CD players, portable digital assistants, digital cameras, or other portable audio and/or video devices.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the left and right speaker arrays 65, 52 each have a 3 "full range neodymium driver 307, 308 and a 1" neodymium tweeter 309, 310. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other audio reproduction devices may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right speaker arrays 62, 52 are also covered with porous protectors or barriers to protect the drivers 307, 308 and the tweeters 309, 310.

In the illustrated embodiment, portable media reproduction system 10 also includes at least one four inch side triggered subwoofer 311. Subwoofer 311 may be protected by a porous protection and barrier 64. Since subwoofer 311 is a side-triggered subwoofer, the surface of subwoofer 311 need not be directly targeted to the user or other person experiencing media reproduction through portable media reproduction system 10. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface of the subwoofer 311 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane of the front surface 50. This makes the portable media reproduction system 10 more compact without compromising sound quality.

The illustrated embodiment of portable media reproduction system 10 also includes a passive radiator 67, although not necessary for reproducing sound. Passive radiator 67 enables sound waves generated behind subwoofer 311 to propagate out of portable media reproduction system 10, thereby further improving the perceived bass response of the system. The use of passive radiator 67 enables embodiments of the present invention to be sealed as opposed to an open speaker enclosure. Because the portable media reproduction system is portable, the sealed environment may help prevent moisture and foreign objects from entering the enclosure. This protective design may protect the various components, including the internal circuitry of the system 10.

Portable media reproduction system 10 may also include a control panel 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the control panel 19 includes a plurality of diaphragm-type buttons. Such buttons may enable a user to control various components of portable media reproduction system 10 including, but not limited to, power, control volume, bass amplification level, triple amplification level, etc. The control panel 19 may also provide a convenient interface by which functions associated with the PMP15 may be controlled, including but not limited to starting playback, stopping and/or pausing playback, fast forwarding playback, and jumping to a next audio or video segment.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, embodiments of the present invention may be substantially cylindrical. To prevent such embodiments from rolling when placed on a given surface, the portable media reproduction system may have one or more mounts 55, 57.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of an embodiment of portable media reproduction system 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear surface 100 includes a recessed handle 105 to facilitate transport of the portable media reproduction system 10. The rear surface 100 may also include a jack panel 112. Jack panel 112 enables portable media reproduction system 10 to connect to additional external devices through various connectors, including power jack 115, s-video jack 113, combination jack 1144, headphone jack 116, and auxiliary output jack 117. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other connectors may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Power jack 115 enables portable media reproduction device 10 to be connected to an AC-DC converter or other external power source. Power jack 115 preferably allows portable media reproduction system 10 to be powered by an external power source, such as, but not limited to, an AC-DC converter or an external battery pack. In addition to receiving power from an external power source, the portable media reproduction system 10 may also preferably be powered by one or more batteries, which are preferably stored within the portable media reproduction system 10. Although rechargeable batteries, such as, but not limited to, lithium ion batteries, are presently preferred, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that disposable batteries may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

PMP15 may power up portable media reproduction system 10 when PMP15 is inserted into docking component 135. In one embodiment, the portable media reproduction system 10 may only supply power to the PMP15 when the portable media reproduction system 10 receives power from an external power source (such as, but not limited to, an AC-DC converter or an external device capable of supplying power to the portable media reproduction system 10). In an alternative embodiment, the portable media reproduction system 10 may provide power to the PMP15 regardless of whether the portable media reproduction system 10 is operating on external power or on internal battery power. In addition to enabling the PMP15 to operate, the power supplied by the portable audio reproduction system 10 to the PMP15 may also cause the PMP15 to charge any rechargeable batteries stored therein.

Power from a power adapter (external connection device) and/or battery may be used to power at least one class D or other audio amplifier 301 and 304 housed within the portable media reproduction system 10, as well as other aspects of the system. Class D amplifiers are advantageous because of the relatively high efficiency associated with such amplifiers. This efficiency may provide lower power consumption for various conventional amplifiers, thereby increasing the battery life of the system. The amplifier is preferably used to convert the audio signal from the media device into a signal that can drive a speaker.

The illustrated embodiment of the rear surface 100 also includes a recess for storing a remote control (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, such a remote control enables a user to control the same components described above with respect to the control panel 19. In an alternative embodiment, the user may control a portion of the same components described above with respect to the control panel 19. In yet another embodiment, the remote control may enable a user to control components that are not accessible through the control panel 19.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, latch 80 holds docking component 135 in the closed position by friction. Docking component 135 is released from latch 80 by pressing door 17 of docking component 135 toward latch 80. Docking member 135 may be opened using a soft opening technique. In one embodiment of this technique, a spring mechanism (not shown) in combination with damping mechanism 725 allows docking component 135 to slowly articulate into the open position, thereby avoiding subjecting PMP15 to sudden shocks that may occur when docking component 135 reaches the end of its travel.

When the PMP is mounted to docking component 135, the back of the PMP may abut a bottom support (shoe) 137. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6-9b, the depth of docking component 135 may be adjusted by moving lever (lever) 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 131 is rotatable about seventy-five (75) degrees within the lever base 133. Moving the lever 131 causes the shoe 137 to move in or out. In the illustrated embodiment, this function is accomplished by providing the shoe 137 with a plurality of fixed posts 725, each such fixed post being of a different length so that the surface of the shoe 137 remains substantially parallel to the back of the PMP. The fixed posts 725 are designed to fit fan-shaped edges cut out of the angled flat surface 720 on the lever 131. When the lever 131 is operated, the inclined plane rotates under the fixed post 725, causing the shoe 137 to move in or out. By placing spring 705 between retaining clip 735 (see fig. 8b and 9b) and retaining member 715, spring 705 can exert a force against retaining member 715, thereby pushing shoe 137 into the scalloped edge of lever 131.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that although the foregoing focuses on adjusting the depth of docking member 135, similar techniques may be used to adjust the width and height of docking member 135. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative techniques for adjusting the size of docking component 135 may be substituted, such as by an expandable tube in place of lever 131 and fixed post 725, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (31)

1. A portable media reproduction system, the system comprising:

a housing having a first surface and a second surface;

at least one speaker for audio reproduction; and

an adjustable docking member operably connected to the first surface of the housing for receiving a portable media player, wherein at least a depth of the docking member is adjustable to accommodate the portable media player.

2. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, wherein the width of the adjustable docking component is also adjustable.

3. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, wherein the height of the adjustable docking component is also adjustable.

4. The portable media reproduction system of claim 2, wherein the height of the adjustable docking component is also adjustable.

5. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable docking component is operably connected to the housing using a soft-open technique.

6. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable docking component comprises a bottom bracket operably connected to the base by a lever, wherein the lever adjusts a depth of the bottom bracket.

7. The portable media reproduction system of claim 6, wherein sliding of the lever causes adjustment of the depth of the bottom support.

8. The portable media reproduction system of claim 6, wherein rotation of the lever causes adjustment of the depth of the bottom support.

9. The portable media reproduction system of claim 6, wherein the lever includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having a plurality of protruding notches extending therefrom, further comprising at least one securing post connected to the base support, wherein the at least one securing post is disposed in contact with at least one of the protruding notches.

10. The portable media reproduction system of claim 9, further comprising a holder, wherein the holder has a plurality of slots, wherein the base support further comprises a plurality of retaining clips that mate with the plurality of slots on the holder.

11. The portable media reproduction system of claim 10, further comprising a spring operably interposed between the plurality of retaining clips and the retainer.

12. The portable media reproduction system of claim 9, wherein the projection notches vary in height.

13. The portable media reproduction system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of stationary posts, wherein the length of each of the stationary posts is selected to be: the surface of the base support remains substantially coplanar with the portable media device when the portable media device is inserted into the adjustable docking component.

14. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable docking component comprises a shoe movably connected to the base, and wherein a lever adjusts a depth of the shoe.

15. The portable media reproduction system of claim 14, wherein the shoe is movably connected to the base by a device comprising an inclined ramp disposed substantially circularly within the adjustable docking component and a mating component in contact with the ramp, and wherein the lever adjusts the depth of the shoe by changing the orientation of the ramp and the mating component.

16. The portable media reproduction system of claim 15, further comprising a securing structure for holding the lever in a plurality of positions.

17. The portable media reproduction system of claim 16, wherein the securing structure comprises a scalloped edge on the inclined ramp surface.

18. The portable media reproduction system of claim 17, further comprising spring means for compression engagement of the ramp and mating member.

19. The portable media reproduction system of claim 1, further comprising:

a connector disposed within the adjustable docking component and adapted to electrically mate with a portable media player when the portable media player is received within the docking component;

an amplifier adapted to provide amplification to an audio signal generated by the portable media player when such portable media player is electrically mated with the connector; and

a power supply for powering the amplifier.

20. The portable media reproduction system of claim 19, wherein the power source comprises at least one battery.

21. The portable media reproduction system of claim 20, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable.

22. The portable media reproduction system of claim 19, wherein the at least one power source is a DC power source.

23. The portable media reproduction system of claim 19, wherein the at least one power source is an AC power source.

24. The portable media reproduction system of claim 19, further comprising a remote control adapted to control at least one function of a portable media player when such portable media player is electrically mated with the connector.

25. A portable media reproduction system, the system comprising:

a housing having a first side and a second side;

a docking component disposed on the first side for receiving a portable media player, the docking component having an open position for receiving a portable media player and a closed position for retaining the portable media player;

at least one speaker for audio reproduction; and

at least one video output connector.

26. The portable media reproduction system of claim 25, wherein the at least one video output connector is an S-video connector.

27. The portable media reproduction system of claim 25, wherein the at least one video output connector is a combination video connector.

28. A portable media reproduction system, the system comprising:

an enclosure having a cavity;

a docking member for receiving a portable media player, the docking member being operably mated with the enclosure;

a plurality of active speaker components mounted on the enclosure, wherein at least two of the plurality of active speaker components are disposed substantially coplanar with one another;

at least one of the plurality of active speaker components mounted to the enclosure, the at least one of the plurality of active speaker components being arranged to, in use, compress and decompress air within a cavity of the enclosure;

at least one passive speaker component mounted to the enclosure, the at least one passive speaker component adapted to move in response to air pressure; and

wherein the enclosure cavity is protected by at least the subwoofer and the passive radiator and comprises a substantially sealed environment that prevents moisture and foreign objects from entering the cavity.

29. A portable media reproduction system, the system comprising:

a generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end, and further having a compartment defined therein by a movable support structure;

the movable support structure having open and closed positions and being adapted to receive and electrically mate with a portable media player in the closed position;

at least one active speaker component mounted to the first end;

at least one active speaker component oriented at an angle between 70 and 110 degrees relative to the first end;

an amplifier enclosed within the generally cylindrical housing providing amplification to an audio signal generated by a portable media player electrically mated with the movable support structure and transmitting the amplified audio signal to the at least one active speaker component mounted at the first end and the at least one active speaker component oriented at an angle of between 70 and 110 degrees relative to the first end.

30. The portable media reproduction system of claim 29, further comprising a second active speaker component oriented at an angle of 70 to 110 degrees relative to the first end.

31. The portable media reproduction system of claim 29, further comprising at least one passive speaker component mounted at the second end.