Wireless Audio Player and Speaker System

• US 20130177186A1
• Filed: 01/09/2013
• Published: 07/11/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/09/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Imation Corporation (Glassbridge Enterprises, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Imation Corporation (Glassbridge Enterprises, Inc.)
• Inventors: Schul, Eran
• Granted Patent: US 9,143,861 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 381/300
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/20 using microwaves or radio frequency waves
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/80 involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/90 involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/2834 for loudspeaker transducers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2205/021 Aspects relating to docking-station type assemblies to obtain an acoustical effect, e.g. the type of connection to external loudspeakers or housings, frequency improvement
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2227/005 Audio distribution systems for home, i.e. multi-room use
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/07 Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2430/01 Aspects of volume control, not necessarily automatic, in sound systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 27/00 Public address systems circuits for preventing acoustic reaction H04R3/02; circuits for distributing signals to loudspeakers H04R3/12; monitoring or testing arrangements for public address systems H04R29/007; amplifiers H03F
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 29/008 Visual indication of individual signal levels visual indication of stereophonic sound image H04S7/40
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/00 Stereophonic arrangements stereophonic pick-ups H04R9/16, H04R11/12, H04R17/08, H04R19/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/04 Circuit arrangements, e.g. for selective connection of amplifier inputs/outputs to loudspeakers, for loudspeaker detection, or for adaptation of settings to personal preferences or hearing impairments combinations of amplifiers H03F3/68; stereophonic systems H04S

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an audio player and speaker system, and particularly, to a wireless audio player and speaker system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a portable, rechargeable, wireless boombox-style audio player, for playing audio from an external audio source, and including a wireless charging element for wirelessly recharging an external media device.

Claims

1. An audio playback device comprising:

a plurality of speakers configured for at least stereo sound;

a communication module for receiving audio data from an external media device;

a controller for directing audio for playback at the plurality of speakers based on the audio data from the communication module; and

a wireless charging element for wirelessly recharging the external media device.

2. The audio playback device of claim 1, wherein said wireless charging element is an inductive charging element.

3. The audio playback device of claim 2, wherein said inductive charging element wirelessly charges the external media device simultaneously with receiving audio data therefrom.

4. The audio playback device of claim 1, further comprising a charging port adapted to recharge an external device.

5. The audio playback device of claim 4, wherein said charging port is a USB port.

6. The audio playback system of claim 2, further comprising a video display.

7. The audio playback device of claim 2, wherein said communication module is a short-range, wireless communication module.

8. The audio playback device of claim 7, wherein said communication module uses Bluetooth technology.

9. The audio playback device of claim 8, further comprising a microphone.

10. The audio playback device of claim 9, wherein said device is adapted to be used as a speaker phone.

11. The audio playback device of claim 2, wherein said external media device is a portable media player.

12. The audio playback device of claim 2, wherein said external media device is a smartphone.

13. The audio playback device of claim 2, wherein said external media device is a tablet computer.

14. The audio playback device of claim 2, wherein said external media device is a personal computer.

15. The audio playback device of claim 2, further comprising a subwoofer channel.

16. The audio playback device of claim 2, wherein said device is portable.