Interactive sound reproducing

• US 8,364,295 B2
• Filed: 12/07/2006
• Issued: 01/29/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bose Corporation
• Original Assignee: Bose Corporation
• Inventors: Beckmann, Paul E., Carvajal, Santiago, Perry, Christopher H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mei, Xu
• Application Number:
  US11/608,034
• Publication Number:
  US 20070142945A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,245 Days
• Field of Search: 700/94, 707/104.1, 704/270, 704/272, 704/278, 715/727, 84600-602, 846/04
• US Class Current: 700/94
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/68 Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04847 Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/165 Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1081 Earphones, e.g. for telephones, ear protectors or headsets
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/30391 Resetting of the filter parameters or changing the algorithm according to prevailing conditions
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/3056 Variable gain
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/3214 Architectures, e.g. special constructional features or arrangements of features
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/503 Diagnostics; Stability; Alarms; Failsafe
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/20 for coupling gramophone pick-up, recorder output, or microphone to receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/202 by remote control
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/345 for loudspeakers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/403 loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2203/12 Beamforming aspects for stereophonic sound reproduction with loudspeaker arrays
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2205/022 Plurality of transducers corresponding to a plurality of sound channels in each earpiece of headphones or in a single enclosure
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 3/12 for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers specially adapted for hearing aids H04R25/407
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/02 Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers
• 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

An audio system attachable to a computer includes a sound reproduction device for producing audible sound from audio signals. The sound reproduction device includes a radio tuner and a powered speaker. The audio system further includes a connector for connecting the sound reproduction device with a computer. The computer provides audio signals from a plurality of sources, the sources including a computer CD player, digitally encoded computer files stored on the computer, and a computer network connected to the computer. The sound reproduction device further includes control buttons for controlling at least one of the computer CD player, the digitally encoded computer files and the computer network.

Claims

1. An audio system configured to connect to a separate computer that is configured to provide audio information from any one of a plurality of sources, including digital music files stored on the computer and a network accessible by the computer, the audio system comprising:

(A) a sound reproduction device comprising;

a housing;

one or more speakers located at least partially within the housing;

an amplifier located within the housing for powering the one or more speakers;

control circuitry located within the housing; and

a connector located at least partially within the housing that is configured to provide a physical and electrical connection exclusively between the sound reproduction device and the computer, wherein the connection includes one or more signal paths configured to (i) receive audio information from the computer corresponding to the digital music files stored on the computer and audio information from the network via the computer, and (ii) transmit to the computer signals for controlling the computer; and

(B) a remote control device configured to transmit signals representing at least a first type of command from a user and a second type of command from a user to the sound reproduction device, wherein the first type of command is a command to control a user function of the sound reproduction device and the second type of command is a command to control a user function of the computer,

wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the signals from the remote control and, in response to receiving such signals;

(i) control the user function of the sound reproduction device when the user issues a command of the first type, and

(ii) transmit to the computer, via a signal path of the connector, a signal for controlling the user function of the computer when the user issues a command of the second type.

2. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a dedicated cable.

3. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to couple to the computer in close proximity to said sound reproduction device.

4. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to couple to the computer adjacent to said sound reproduction device.

5. The audio system of claim 1 further comprising an AM/FM radio tuner located at least partially within the housing.

6. The audio system of claim 5 further comprising an alarm clock located at least partially within the housing.

7. The audio system of claim 1 wherein the signal representing the second type of command configured to be transmitted by the remote control device corresponds to a subset of commands that the computer is capable of receiving.

8. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command selected from the group consisting of commands for controlling the volume of the sound reproduction device, controlling the power setting of the sound reproduction device, and muting the sound of the sound reproduction device.

9. The audio system of claim 5, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command for selecting the AM/FM radio tuner as the audio source for the sound reproduction device.

10. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command for selecting the computer as the audio source for the sound reproduction device.

11. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command selected from the group consisting of commands for causing the computer to play a music file, causing the computer to pause the play of a music file, causing the computer to select a playlist, causing the computer to select the next or previous music file, causing the computer device to select an assemblage of music files based on a first type of metadata included in the music files, causing the computer to repeat the play of a music file, and causing the computer to shuffle the play of selected music files.

12. The audio system of claim 11, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command for causing the computer to select an assemblage of music files based on a first type of metadata included in the music files, and the assemblage is based on information about the music genre.

13. The audio system of claim 11, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command for causing the computer to select an assemblage of music files based on a first type of metadata included in the music files.

14. The audio system of claim 13, wherein the assemblage is based on information about the music artist.

15. The audio system of claim 13, wherein the assemblage is based on information about the album associated with the music files.

16. The audio system of claim 13, wherein the remote control is further configured to transmit a signal representing a command for causing the computer to select a subset of the assemblage of music files based on a second type of metadata included in the music files.

17. The audio system of claim 16, wherein the assemblage is based on information about the music genre, and the subset is based on information about the music artist.

18. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the audio information is in digital form.

19. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the audio information is in analog form.

20. The audio system of claim 5 wherein the sound reproduction device is configured to operate in at least two modes:

a first mode wherein the sound reproduction device produces audible sound from audio information received from the computer via the connector; and

a second mode wherein the sound reproduction device produces audible sound from the AM/FM radio tuner.

21. The audio system of claim 20 further comprising one or more control buttons on the housing, wherein at least one of the control buttons is configured to control a user function of the computer via the connector when the sound reproduction device is operating in the first mode, and configured to control a user function of the AM/FM radio tuner when the sound reproduction device is operating in the second mode.

22. The audio system of claim 20 further comprising a plurality of preset buttons, wherein the preset buttons are assignable to a first set of user- defined playlists when the sound reproduction device is configured to operate in the first mode, and assignable to broadcast frequencies of the AM/FM radio tuner when the sound reproduction device is configured to operate in the second mode.

23. The audio system of claim 22 further comprising a scrolling button that, when activated, is configured to assign the plurality of preset buttons to a second set of user-defined playlists.

24. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the connection includes (i) an audio signal path configured to receive the audio information from the computer and from the network via the computer and (ii) a separate signal path configured to transmit to the computer the signals for controlling the computer.

25. The audio system of claim 1 wherein the sound reproduction device is configured to respond to signals received from the computer.

26. The audio system of claim 25 wherein signals to the computer and signals from the computer to the sound reproduction device are transmitted via a signal path of the connector.

71. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the computer is a personal computer.

73. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the sound reproduction device further comprises a digital to analog converter configured to convert digital audio information from the computer to analog representations of the audio information for reproduction by the sound reproduction device.

27. An audio system configured to connect to a separate computer that has a plurality of user functions, a subset of the user functions relating to control of audio information, the audio system comprising:

(A) a sound reproduction device comprising;

a housing;

one or more speakers located at least partially within the housing;

an amplifier located within the housing for powering the one or more speakers;

control circuitry located within the housing; and

a connector located at least partially within the housing that is configured to provide a physical and electrical connection exclusively between the sound reproduction device and the computer, wherein the connection includes one or more signal paths configured to (i) receive audio information from the computer, and (ii) transmit to the computer signals for controlling the computer; and

(B) a remote control device configured to transmit signals representing at least a first type of command from a user and a second type of command from a user to the sound reproduction device, wherein the first type of command is a command to control user function of the sound reproduction device and the second type of command is a command to control a user function of the computer relating to control of audio information,

wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the signals from the remote control and, in response to receiving such signals;

(i) control the user function of the sound reproduction device when the user issues a command of the first type, and

(ii) transmit to the computer, via a signal path of the connector, a signal for controlling the user function of the computer when the user issues a command of the second type.

28. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the computer is a personal computer.

29. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the connector comprises a dedicated cable.

30. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the connector is configured to couple to the computer in close proximity to said sound reproduction device.

31. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the connector is configured to couple to the computer adjacent to said sound reproduction device.

32. The audio system of claim 27 further comprising an AM/FM radio tuner located at least partially within the housing.

33. The audio system of claim 32 further comprising an alarm clock located at least partially within the housing.

34. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command selected from the group consisting of commands for controlling the volume of the sound reproduction device, controlling the power setting of the sound reproduction device, and muting the sound of the sound reproduction device.

35. The audio system of claim 32, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command for selecting the AM/FM radio tuner as the audio source for the sound reproduction device.

36. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command for selecting the computer as the audio source for the sound reproduction device.

37. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command selected from the group consisting of commands for causing the computer to play a music file, causing the computer to pause the play of a music file, causing the computer to select a playlist, causing the computer to select the next or previous music file, causing the computer to select an assemblage of music files based on a first type of metadata included in the music files, causing the computer to repeat the play of a music file, and causing the computer to shuffle the play of selected music files.

38. The audio system of claim 37, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command for causing the computer to select an assemblage of music files based on a first type of metadata included in the music files, and the assemblage is based on information about the music genre.

39. The audio system of claim 37, wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a command for causing the computer to select an assemblage of music files based on a first type of metadata included in the music files.

40. The audio system of claim 39, wherein the assemblage is based on information about the music artist.

41. The audio system of claim 39, wherein the assemblage is based on information about the album associated with the music files.

42. The audio system of claim 39, wherein the remote control is further configured to transmit a signal representing a command for causing the computer to select a subset of the assemblage of music files based on a second type of metadata included in the music files.

43. The audio system of claim 42, wherein the assemblage is based on information about the music genre, and the subset is based on information about the music artist.

44. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the audio information is in digital form.

45. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the audio information is in analog form.

46. The audio system of claim 27 wherein the sound reproduction device is configured to operate in at least two modes:

a first mode wherein the sound reproduction device produces audible sound from audio information received from the computer via the connector; and

a second mode wherein the sound reproduction device produces audible sound from the AM/FM radio tuner.

47. The audio system of claim 46 further comprising one or more control buttons on the housing, wherein at least one of the control buttons is configured to control, via the connector, a user function of the computer relating to control of audio information when the sound reproduction device is operating in the first mode, and configured to control a user function of the AM/FM radio tuner when the sound reproduction device is operating in the second mode.

48. The audio system of claim 46 further comprising a plurality of preset buttons, wherein the preset buttons are assignable to a first set of user- defined playlists when the sound reproduction device is configured to operate in the first mode, and assignable to broadcast frequencies of the AM/FM radio tuner when the sound reproduction device is configured to operate in the second mode.

49. The audio system of claim 48 further comprising a scrolling button that, when activated, is configured to assign the plurality of preset buttons to a second set of user-defined playlists.

50. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the connection includes (i) an audio signal path configured to receive the audio information from the computer and (ii) a separate signal path configured to transmit to the computer signals for controlling the computer.

51. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the sound reproduction device is configured to respond to signals received from the computer.

52. The audio system of claim 51, wherein signals to the computer and signals from the computer to the sound reproduction device are transmitted via a signal path of the connector.

74. The audio system of claim 27, wherein the sound reproduction device further comprises a digital to analog converter configured to convert digital audio information from the computer to analog representations of the audio information for reproduction by the sound reproduction device.

53. An audio system configured to connect to a separate computer, the audio system comprising:

(A) a sound reproduction device comprising;

a housing;

one or more speakers located at least partially within the housing;

an amplifier located within the housing for powering the one or more speakers;

control circuitry located within the housing; and

a connector located at least partially within the housing that is configured to provide a physical and electrical connection exclusively between the sound reproduction device and the computer, wherein the connection includes one or more signal paths configured to (i) receive audio information from the computer, (ii) transmit to the computer signals for controlling the computer, and (iii) receive signals from the computer; and

(B) a remote control device configured to transmit signals representing at least a first type of command from a user and a second type of command from a user to the sound reproduction device, wherein the first type of command is a command to controla user function of the sound reproduction device and the second type of command is a command to control a user function of the computer,

wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the signals from the remote control and, in response to receiving such signals;

(i) control the user function of the sound reproduction device when the user issues a command of the first type, and

(ii) transmit to the computer, via a signal path of the connector, a signal for controlling the user function of the computer when the user issues a command of the second type.

54. The audio system of claim 53, wherein the computer is a personal computer.

55. The audio system of claim 53, wherein the connection includes (i) an audio signal path configured to receive the audio information from the computer and (ii) a separate signal path configured to transmit to the computer signals for controlling the computer.

56. The audio system of claim 53, wherein the audio information is in digital form.

57. The audio system of claim 53, wherein the audio information is in analog form.

58. The audio system of claim 53, wherein the audio information comprises digital music files stored on the computer.

75. The audio system of claim 53, wherein the sound reproduction device further comprises a digital to analog converter configured to convert digital audio information from the computer to analog representations of the audio information for reproduction by the sound reproduction device.

59. An audio system configured to connect to a separate computer that has a plurality of user functions, a subset of the user functions relating to control of audio information, and is configured to provide audio information from any one of a plurality of sources, including digital music files stored on the computer and a network accessible by the computer, the audio system comprising:

(A) a sound reproduction device comprising;

a housing;

one or more speakers located at least partially within the housing;

an amplifier located within the housing for powering the one or more speakers;

control circuitry located within the housing; and

a connector located at least partially within the housing that is configured to provide a physical and electrical connection exclusively between the sound reproduction device and the computer, wherein the connection includes one or more signal paths configured to (i) receive audio information from the computer corresponding to the digital music files stored on the computer and audio information from the network via the computer, (ii) transmit to the computer signals for controlling the computer, and (iii) receive signals from the computer; and

(B) a remote control device configured to transmit signals representing at least a first type of command from a user and a second type of command from a user to the sound reproduction device, wherein the first type of command is a command to control a user function of the sound reproduction device and the second type of command is a command to control a user function of the computer,

wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the signals from the remote control and, in response to receiving such signals;

(i) control the user function of the sound reproduction device when the user issues a command of the first type, and

(ii) transmit to the computer, via a signal path of the connector, a signal for controlling the user function of the computer when the user issues a command of the second type.

60. The audio system of claim 59, wherein the connection includes (i) an audio signal path configured to receive the audio information from the computer and from the network via the computer and (ii) a separate signal path configured to transmit to the computer signals for controlling the computer.

61. The audio system of claim 59, wherein the audio information is in digital form.

62. The audio system of claim 59, wherein the audio information is in analog form.

72. The audio system of claim 59, wherein the computer is a personal computer.

76. The audio system of claim 59, wherein the sound reproduction device further comprises a digital to analog converter configured to convert digital audio information from the computer to analog representations of the audio information for reproduction by the sound reproduction device.

63. A system comprising:

(A) a computer having a plurality of user functions, a subset of the user functions relating to control of audio information, and comprising;

(a) a storage device configured to store a plurality of digital music files, each music file including within the music file at least a first and second type of metadata that characterizes the music file; and

(b) a display for displaying a user interface configured to present a first assemblage of the plurality of music files in a first set of groups according to the first type of metadata associated with the music files, and, in response to a user selection of a group in the first assemblage, present a second assemblage of the music files in the selected group, wherein the second assemblage presents the music files in the selected group in a second set of groups according to the second type of metadata associated with the music files in the selected group;

(B) a sound reproduction device comprising;

(a) a housing;

(b) one or more speakers located at least partially within the housing;

(c) an amplifier located within the housing for powering the one or more speakers;

(d) control circuitry located within the housing; and

(e) a connector located at least partially within the housing that is configured to provide a physical and electrical connection exclusively between the sound reproduction device and the computer, wherein the connection includes one or more signal paths configured to (i) receive audio information from the computer, and (ii) transmit to the computer signals for controlling the computer; and

(C) a remote control device configured to transmit signals representing at least a first type of command from a user and a second type of command from a user to the sound reproduction device, wherein the first type of command is a command to control a user function of the sound reproduction device and the second type of command is a command to control a user function of the computer relating to control of audio information,

wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the signals from the remote control and, in response to receiving such signals;

(i) control the user function of the sound reproduction device when the user issues a command of the first type, and

(ii) transmit to the computer, via a signal path of the connector, a signal for controlling the user function of the computer when the user issues a control command of the second type.

64. The system of claim 63, wherein the computer further comprises:

(a) a processor; and

(b) instructions stored on a computer-readable media that, when executed, cause the processor to;

(i) assemble the plurality of music files into a first set of groups based on the first metadata associated with each respective music file; and

(ii) assemble the plurality of music files into a second set of groups based on the second metadata associated with each respective music file.

65. The system of claim 63, wherein the computer is a personal computer.

66. The system of claim 63, wherein the sound reproduction device is configured to respond to signals received from the computer.

67. The system of claim 66, wherein signals to the computer and signals from the computer to the sound reproduction device are transmitted via a signal path of the connector.

68. The system of claim 63, wherein the computer is further configured to provide audio information from any one of a plurality of sources, including digital music files stored on the computer and a network accessible by the computer;

and wherein the sound reproduction device is configured to received, via the connector, audio information from the computer corresponding to the digital music files and audio information from the network.

69. The system of claim 68, wherein the sound reproduction device further includes an audio source.

70. The system of claim 69, wherein the audio source of the sound reproduction device comprises an AM/FM radio tuner.

77. The system of claim 63, wherein the sound reproduction device further comprises a digital to analog converter configured to convert digital audio information from the computer to analog representations of the audio information for reproduction by the sound reproduction device.

78. A system comprising:

(A) a computer having a plurality of user functions, a subset of the user functions relating to control of audio information, and comprising;

(a) a processor;

(b) a display; and

(c) a storage device configured to store a plurality of digital music files, each music file including within the music file at least a first and second type of metadata that characterizes the music file,

the storage device further including instructions that, when executed by the processor, present a user interface on the display that shows a first assemblage of the plurality of music files in a first set of groups according to the first type of metadata associated with the music files, and, in response to a user selection of a group in the first assemblage, shows a second assemblage of the music files in the selected group, wherein the second assemblage presents the music files in the selected group in a second set of groups according to the second type of metadata associated with the music files in the selected group;

(B) a sound reproduction device comprising;

(a) a housing;

(b) one or more speakers located at least partially within the housing;

(c) an amplifier located within the housing for powering the one or more speakers;

(d) control circuitry located within the housing; and

(e) a connector located at least partially within the housing that is configured to provide a physical and electrical connection exclusively between the sound reproduction device and the computer, wherein the connection includes one or more signal paths configured to (i) receive audio information from the computer, and (ii) transmit to the computer signals for controlling the computer; and

(C) a remote control device configured to transmit signals representing at least a first type of command from a user and a second type of command from a user to the sound reproduction device, wherein the first type of command is a command to control a user function of the sound reproduction device and the second type of command is a command to control a user function of the computer relating to control of audio information,

wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the signals from the remote control and, in response to receiving such signals;

(i) control the user function of the sound reproduction device when the user issues a command of the first type, and

(ii) transmit to the computer, via a signal path of the connector, a signal for controlling the user function of the computer when the user issues a control command of the second type.