U.S. patent application number 16/058560 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-14 for portable solar powered smart speaker system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Srdjan Pavelic. Invention is credited to Srdjan Pavelic.
Application Number | 20190052942 16/058560 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65275884 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190052942 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pavelic; Srdjan |
February 14, 2019 |
PORTABLE SOLAR POWERED SMART SPEAKER SYSTEM
Abstract
A portable speaker system includes a tunnel with at least one
internal speaker facing inwardly into the tunnel such that acoustic
resonance amplifies desirable frequencies of sounds emitted by the
internal speaker. The portable speaker system includes solar panels
and is waterproof. A display touch screen permits operation of the
speaker system. The portable speaker system is adapted to receive
input of audio files from a variety of sources. A non-transitory
storage medium permits storage of the audio files and a CPU is
programmed to permit playback of audio files in a desired sequence
or from a desired live-streaming source. The smart speaker can
utilize Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or telecommunication connectivity to
receive and/or play audio files, and can queue files from multiple
sources for playback.
Inventors: |
Pavelic; Srdjan; (Urbandale,
IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pavelic; Srdjan |
Urbandale |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65275884 |
Appl. No.: |
16/058560 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62542642 |
Aug 8, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02S 99/00 20130101;
H04R 1/2857 20130101; H04R 1/44 20130101; H04R 2420/07 20130101;
H04R 1/023 20130101; H04R 2201/028 20130101; H04R 1/025 20130101;
H04R 2499/11 20130101; H04R 2420/09 20130101; Y02E 10/50 20130101;
H04R 5/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04R 1/02 20060101
H04R001/02; H04R 1/44 20060101 H04R001/44; H04R 1/28 20060101
H04R001/28 |
Claims
1. A portable speaker system comprising: a housing having: a lower
base adapted to be supported on an upward facing surface, a first
side portion and a second side portion each extending generally
upwardly from opposite edges of the lower base, first and second
end portions each extending generally upwardly from opposite edges
of the lower base and spanning between opposed ends of the first
and second side portions, and a continuous internal surface
extending from an outer surface of the first end portion to an
outer surface of the second end portion to form an acoustic tunnel
between the end portions; and at least one internal speaker, said
at least one internal speaker facing inwardly into the acoustic
tunnel and being oriented generally normally to the continuous
internal surface to create acoustic resonance.
2. The portable speaker system of claim 1, further comprising a
display screen located on the first side portion of the
housing.
3. The portable speaker system of claim 2, further comprising a
computer processing unit including a non-transitory memory within
the housing, the computer processing unit being operably connected
to the display screen and the at least one speaker.
4. The portable speaker system of claim 3, further comprising a
receiver and transmitter to wirelessly communicate with a first
external user device, a second external user device, and a third
external user device, the receiver and transmitter being operably
connected to the computer processing unit, and further wherein the
computer processing unit is adapted to queue audio signals from
each of the three external user devices in a desired order and play
audio signals received from each of the three external devices in
the desired order without creating a copy of an audio file.
5. The portable speaker system of claim 4, further comprising
additional receivers and transmitters to permit communication via
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular telecommunication.
6. The portable speaker system of claim 4, wherein the first
external device sends an audio signal from a first commercial music
streaming app, the second external device sends an audio signal
from a second commercial music streaming app, and the third
external device sends an audio signal from a third commercial music
streaming app.
7. The portable speaker system of claim 1, further comprising at
least one solar panel located at an upper portion of the second
side portion of the housing.
8. The portable speaker system of claim 1, further comprising an
external speaker facing outwardly from the housing.
9. The portable speaker system of claim 1, wherein the housing is
waterproof
10. The portable speaker system of claim 9, wherein the speaker
system is lighter than water such that it will float and is
weighted such that the speaker system will orient itself with the
internal speaker facing upward above the water when floating.
11. The speaker system of claim 1, wherein the tunnel has a length
and effective diameter that are selected to create acoustic
resonance that amplifies desired sound frequencies.
12. A speaker system comprising: a housing including one or more
internal speakers, said one or more internal speakers inverted to
produce a more amplified and acoustic sound; a display unit
attached to the outside of said housing, incorporating a user input
to stream audio through the speaker system; one or more solar
panels attached to the outside of said housing to provide power to
said speakers and said display unit.
13. The speaker system of claim 12, wherein the housing is made
from waterproof material.
14. The speaker system of claim 12 wherein the housing includes a
tunnel and wherein the one or more internal speakers face inward
into the tunnel to produce acoustic resonance.
15. The speaker system of claim 12, wherein the tunnel has a length
and effective diameter that are selected to create acoustic
resonance that amplifies desired sound frequencies.
16. A portable speaker housing comprising: a lower base adapted to
be supported on an upward facing surface; a first side portion and
a second side portion each extending generally upwardly from
opposite edges of the lower base; first and second end portions
each extending generally upwardly from opposite edges of the lower
base and spanning between opposed ends of the first and second side
portions; and a continuous internal surface extending from an outer
surface of the first end portion to an outer surface of the second
end portion to form an acoustic tunnel between the end portions,
the acoustic tunnel including at least one internal speaker opening
adapted to receive a speaker oriented to emit sound into the
tunnel.
17. The portable speaker housing of claim 16, wherein the housing
is made from waterproof material.
18. The portable speaker housing of claim 16, further comprising an
opening in the first side portion adapted to mount an external
outward facing speaker.
19. The portable speaker housing of claim 16, further comprising an
opening in the first side portion adapted to receive and support a
display screen.
20. The portable speaker housing of claim 16, further comprising an
upper portion the second side portion being adapted to support a
solar panel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to United States
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/542,642 filed Aug. 8, 2017,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to portable speaker systems
for personal use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
[0003] Portable speaker systems have been used in the electronics
industry to allow users to be increasingly mobile in where and when
they are able to enjoy audio listening. For example, stationary
speakers are generally confined to their initial placement for a
variety of reasons. These include a need of a power supply, weight,
size, etc. Portable speakers, however, are generally lighter and
smaller in size than a traditional speaker system, and may allow a
user to play music without a need for connection to power.
[0004] Because portable speaker systems do not generally use a
traditional supply of power such as an electrical outlet, it
becomes necessary to find an alternative source. One method may be
to use batteries, such as lithium ion, to provide a source of power
to the system. However, this requires the user to manually change
the batteries after a certain period of time and requires an
ongoing financial commitment in order to supply power to the
speaker system.
[0005] Alternatively, solar panels allow for a power source that
does not require any external power supply outside of the sun. This
allows users to take the portable speaker with them outside or to
different environments without a need for an external power supply
or change in batteries. However, if a user does not charge the
speaker or is not using the speaker in an area where there is an
availability of sunlight, there may not be a way for the user to
provide power to the system, such as not being able to plug the
device into an electrical outlet to charge batteries, such as
lithium ion batteries.
[0006] Speaker systems are used to project audio. Bluetooth,
internet, Wi-Fi, internal storage, an auxiliary cord, etc. are
examples of ways in which a speaker system can process and stream
audio from a music source.
[0007] Another aspect of a portable speaker system includes the
shape of the housing. Generally, speaker systems come in the
traditional rectangular or spherical shape, which includes the
common feature of external speakers. This results in sound that is
neither acoustically driven nor amplified.
[0008] Other portable speaker systems are waterproof and can also
include the ability to float instead of being submerged. This
allows users to bring the speaker with when they are near or around
water.
[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a portable speaker
system that is fully self-sustainable and capable of being used in
all locations. There is also a need in the art for a speaker system
that provides a more amplified and acoustic sound by providing
internal speakers. There is a further need for a speaker system
that connects to telecommunication providers for wireless
connectivity.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is therefore a primary object, feature, and/or advantage
of the present invention to provide a portable speaker system that
overcomes deficiencies in the art.
[0011] It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the
present invention to provide a speaker system that is
self-sustaining through solar power and a secondary power source
such as rechargeable lithium ion batteries.
[0012] It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the
present invention to provide a speaker system that has Wi-Fi
capabilities including a Wi-Fi Operating System that allows a user
to stream audio.
[0013] It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the
present invention to provide a speaker system that has Bluetooth,
Wi-Fi, and Wireless Telecommunications capabilities including an
Android Operating System that allows a user to stream audio.
[0014] It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the
present invention to provide a speaker system that has the
additional option of internal storage to allow the user to stream
audio when there is a lack of available streaming capabilities.
[0015] It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the
present invention to provide a unique shape allowing for the
configuration of internal speakers which results in a more
amplified and acoustic sound.
[0016] It is another object, feature, and/or advantage to provide a
speaker system that has the waterproof and float-ability
capabilities to withstand different environments, locations, and
water exposure.
[0017] According to one embodiment, the present disclosure shows
and describes a portable speaker system having a housing with a
lower base adapted to be supported on an upward facing surface, a
first side portion and a second side portion each extending
generally upwardly from opposite edges of the lower base, first and
second end portions each extending generally upwardly from opposite
edges of the lower base and spanning between opposed ends of the
first and second side portions. A continuous internal surface
extends from an outer surface of the first end portion to an outer
surface of the second end portion to form an acoustic tunnel
between the end portions. At least one internal speaker faces
inwardly into the acoustic tunnel oriented generally normally to
the continuous internal surface to create acoustic resonance. The
portable speaker system may include a display screen located on the
first side portion of the housing. The portable speaker system may
also have a computer processing unit including a non-transitory
memory within the housing operably connected to the display screen
and the at least one speaker. A receiver and transmitter may
wirelessly communicate with a first external user device, a second
external user device, and a third external user device. The
computer processing unit may be adapted to queue audio signals from
each of the three external user devices in a desired order and play
audio signals received from each of the three external devices in
the desired order without creating a copy of an audio file.
Receivers and transmitters may permit communication via Bluetooth,
Wi-Fi, or cellular telecommunication. The first external device
sends an audio signal from a first commercial music streaming app,
the second external device sends an audio signal from a second
commercial music streaming app, and the third external device sends
an audio signal from a third commercial music streaming app. The
portable speaker system may also include at least one solar panel
located at an upper portion of the second side portion of the
housing. An external speaker may be provided that faces outwardly
from the housing. The housing may be waterproof and lighter than
water such that it will float and may be weighted such that the
speaker system will orient itself with the internal speaker facing
upward above the water when floating. The tunnel may have a length
and effective diameter that creates acoustic resonance to amplify
desired sound frequencies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a speaker housing for use
in a speaker system according to one embodiment of the present
invention viewed from a display unit side.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a speaker system
utilizing the speaker housing of FIG. 1, viewed from a solar panel
side.
[0020] FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the speaker system of
FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the speaker system of
FIG. 3 showing a surface of the acoustic tunnel within the speaker
housing.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of speaker system according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the speaker system of
FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a schematic of the operational components of a
speaker system according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a schematic showing the speaker system in
communication with external devices that are utilizing different
commercial music streaming services to queue and playback music in
a desired order.
[0026] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like
reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several
views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of
the disclosure. Figures represented herein are not limitations to
the various embodiments according to the disclosure and are
presented for exemplary illustration of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Aspects of the invention disclosed herein may include a
speaker system configured with a housing containing one or more
interior speakers within an acoustic tunnel. More specifically,
according to one embodiment, the present invention is a wireless,
water-proof, solar powered smart speaker system with a display
unit.
[0028] One unique aspect of this invention is the shape and form of
the housing 5 which can best be seen in FIG. 1. Rather than the
typical rectangular, pill, or spherical shape, which requires the
speakers to be on the outside and can result in inferior sound
quality performance, this invention discloses a housing 5 with a
form designed to hold at least one speaker inside the housing for a
better sound distribution system. The housing 5 comprises a type of
elongated tear drop shape and includes a hollowed internal acoustic
tunnel 12 extending from one end portion 28 to the other 30 (see
FIG. 2). This tunnel 12 creates a cavity through the length of the
speaker housing 5. The tunnel 12 includes one or more speaker
openings 14 that are each adapted to have a speaker mounted with
the speaker facing into the tunnel 12. Because the speakers are
intended to be inverted and placed inside the housing, it allows
the sound quality to be improved through acoustic resonance. The
size, shape, and materials of the tunnel 12 as well as the location
of the speaker mounting openings 14 may be varied to change the
sound characteristics of the housing 5. In particular the ratio of
the size of the opening to the length of the tunnel may be varied
to create acoustic resonance that amplifies the sound of desired
frequencies. The housing 5 has a lower base 16 adapted to be
supported on an upward facing surface, such as a counter, table,
floor, or the ground. In the embodiment shown, the lower base 16 is
a generally flat elongated rectangular surface. It may be desirable
to include feet (not shown) that may be molded-in or attached near
the corners of the rectangle to provide a small space between the
base 16 and the support surface on which it is set.
[0029] A first side portion 18 of the housing 5 extends generally
upwardly from the base 16. The first side portion 18 includes at a
lower portion external speaker openings 20 that are adapted to
receive outward facing speakers (see FIG. 5). While two such
openings 20 are shown, any number of openings may be provided. An
upper portion of the first side portion 18 may include an opening
22 for mounting a display screen (see FIG. 5) that can be used to
control and interface with the speakers in a manner that is
described in more detail below. A handle recess 24 may be provided
near the top edge of the first side portion 18 to facilitate
carrying and placing a speaker system that uses the housing 5.
[0030] The housing may be formed from injection molded plastic
pieces that snap together and may be secured with additional
fasteners, such as threaded screws or the like in a known manner.
For example, the housing may comprise, in some embodiments, four
injected molded pieces that are put together. However, fewer or
more components are also to be contemplated.
[0031] It is contemplated that the housing 5 can take a variety of
different forms and is not limited to the raindrop or teardrop
shape as shown in the figures. It is also contemplated that the
housing can be made from a variety of materials or combination of
materials. Exemplary examples include a type of wood or a thermoset
plastic coated with rubber, but the housing material is not limited
to these. Foams, rubbers, silicones (e.g., coatings), vinyl,
leather, metals, or some combination of the same may be used. As
will be understood, according to at least some aspects of the
disclosure, the invention may be buoyant such that the material
chosen allows for the speaker to float. Thus, it is further
contemplated that the speaker housing comprises or otherwise be
covered in a generally waterproof material. To aid in keeping the
housing generally upright, a weight or weighted member may be
included in a lower portion of the housing to maintain a desired
orientation of the speaker or speaker housing system.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a speaker system 10 that incorporates the
housing 5 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows a second side portion 26 that
extends generally upwardly from the lower base 16 opposite from the
first side portion 18. An upper portion of the second side portion
26 may include one or more solar panels 32 that may be angled to
face at least somewhat upwardly to better receive light at a direct
angle. Indicator light openings 34 are provided to provide feedback
to a user regarding on/off status, battery life, and Bluetooth or
Wi-Fi connection. Tactile buttons and light indicators are provided
to provide feedback to a user regarding on/off status, treble/bass
adjustments (or other audio adjustments and/or tuning), and
Wi-Fi/Telecom Wireless connection. A second end portion 30 is
opposite from the first end portion 28 and extends generally
upwardly from the base 16 between the first and second side
portions 18 and 26. Inlets 36 may be provided in one or both of the
end portions 28 or 30 as shown in FIG. 2 to receive, for example,
USB cables or sticks, charging cables, HDMI cables, auxiliary
cables, and power cables.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view showing the second end
portion 30 looking directly through the tunnel 12. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the tunnel 12 has an elliptical-shaped
opening, and forms a generally elliptical right cylinder. This
elliptical cross-section has been found desirable both in terms of
sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
[0034] Other cross-sectional shapes such as tear drop, egg, or pear
are also contemplated as well as other less symmetrical shapes.
[0035] The tunnel 12 may be formed by the shape of the housing 5
itself or may be a separate tube 38 (see FIG. 4) having the desired
cross-sectional shape, effective diameter and length. The effective
diameter and length of the tube 38 can be used to control the
acoustic resonance of the tube 38 in order to enhance and amplify
desired sound frequencies. For example, it is noted that the
invention may amplify the low frequency nodes and/or antinodes
produced by the subwoof output. The material of the tube 38 or
housing 5, may also affect the sound quality depending upon its
sound reflecting and absorbing properties. The tube 38 may also be
chosen to have a different and complementary color as compared to
the color of the housing 5 to provide a desired and aesthetically
pleasing accent. FIG. 4 shows the edges of the tube 38 as being
square to the end portions 28 and 30 of the housing 5, but in
practice it may be desired to round the ends for aesthetic reasons,
and to avoid sharp edges.
[0036] As seen in FIG. 4, internal speakers 40 are mounted facing
inwardly into the tunnel 12. The orientation of the speakers 40
into the tunnel 12 facilitates acoustic resonance. In the
embodiment shown, two speakers 40 are shown; however, one or more
than two speakers may be used. In the embodiment shown, the
speakers are mounted in the second side portion 26 because the
solar panels 32 have less depth and take up less space than the
display screen.
[0037] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the first side portion 18.
Speakers 42 are provided at a lower portion of the first side
portion 18. A display screen 44 is mounted at an upper portion of
the first side portion 18. The display screen 44 is used to display
information about the speaker system 10. The display screen 44 is
preferably a touch screen. The touch screen 44 is connected to a
computer processing unit (CPU) (not shown). The CPU includes a
non-transitory memory. The memory can be used to down load and
store audio files, such as MP3 songs and replay them at the times
and in the orders selected by a user. The handle 24 may be formed
integrally with the housing such that a cavity or portion of the
housing is removed in order to provide for a grasping location.
Still further, a separate handle could be affixed or otherwise
attached to one or more portions of the speaker housing 5 to allow
for easier carrying thereof
[0038] The display unit 44 is attached to the outside of the
housing 5 and provides easy access and control to users. It should
be appreciated that the display unit may also be referred to as a
user display, user interface (human-machine interface, HMI), music
or other sound source, or generally any other connotation that
indicates that the display unit will aid in controlling at least
some operation of the speaker system, e.g., music application
and/or song selection operations. The display unit may also be
referred to as a user interface unit, monitor and input unit,
monitor unit, interactive display, or other relative term. The
display unit 44 may also consist of a mount with the ability to
secure an external device such as a tablet, cell phone, or
generally any other handheld, portable, permanent, or other
device.
[0039] The display unit 44 can take many forms and can generally be
considered or can comprise an intelligent control. For example, an
intelligent control is generally considered to be a computer
readable medium or computing device or an apparatus including a
processing unit. Examples of such units can be tablets, cell
phones, or generally any other handheld, portable, permanent, or
other device which may include a central processing unit and a
graphical unit interface (GUI). The graphical user interface may
also be a user interface without the graphics required. The display
unit includes combinations of hardware, and software and/or
firmware that are operable to, among other things, control
operation of the speaker and/or to provide a source for music or
other audio files to be transmitted via the speaker. The display
can include a user interface module that can include a display
(e.g., a primary display, a secondary display, etc.) and input
devices (e.g., touch-screen displays, a plurality of knobs, dials,
switches, buttons, etc.). More specifically, the display can be,
for example, a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), a light-emitting
diode ("LED") display, an organic LED ("OLED") display, an
electroluminescent display ("ELD"), a surface-conduction
electron-emitter display ("SED"), a field emission display ("FED"),
a thin-film transistor ("TFT") LCD, or a reflective bistable
cholesteric display (i.e., e-paper).
[0040] The display unit can also include a memory for storing
instructions, audio files, and/or the like. The memory can include
combinations of different types of memory, such as read-only memory
("ROM"), random access memory ("RAM") (e.g., dynamic RAM ("DRAM"),
synchronous DRAM ("SDRAM"), etc.), electrically erasable
programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), flash memory, a hard
disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or
electronic memory devices.
[0041] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the second side portion 26.
Solar panels 26 are mounted at an upper portion of the second side
portion 26. The solar panels 26 can comprise any known composition
of materials used, such as crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells
made of multicrystalline and monocrystalline silicon. However, the
exact composition of the solar panels 26 is not to be limiting on
the present disclosure. The solar panels will create the
electricity to power the speakers 40, 42, as well as possibly other
devices of the speaker system. Therefore, electrical wires may be
included that connect the solar panels 26 to the speakers, a
battery, the display unit, an output port, or anywhere else on or
in the speaker system 10 that may require electricity. Still
further a control panel, chip, or other device (not shown) can be
included to provide the necessary conversion into desired
electrical output, or the converter can be included with the solar
panels themselves. Tactile buttons and light indicators 46 may also
be provided in the second side portion 26.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a schematic of the operational components of a
speaker system 10 showing several features of this disclosure. The
solar panels 32 may be connected to a power boost that provides
power to a battery pack that stores the power. The battery pack is
connected to the display unit 44, which may be a seven-inch touch
screen and is connected to the CPU. The CPU is programmed with an
operating system and logic to permit control of the speakers 40,
42, as well as control of the music application(s). The operational
components may also include receivers and transmitters to permit
communication via, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and telecommunications
protocols such as 3G, 4G, and 5G. One aspect of the present
disclosure is a Wi-Fi Operating system and/or telecommunication
operating system (Android Operating System) with a user-friendly
layout on the display unit. This provides the user or operator an
opportunity to play music directly from the display unit. It is
acknowledged that Wi-Fi is not always available, in which case the
present invention provides the ability for users or operators to
play uploaded music via the internal storage or via the
telecommunication connectivity. Additionally, it is acknowledged
that the design, structure, music applications and size of the
Wi-Fi operating system and/or telecommunication operating system
shown are only examples and there are many different ways each
aspect of the Wi-Fi Operating system and/or telecommunication
operating system could be changed or modified.
[0043] It is contemplated that the speaker system could be
communicated to in any wireless fashion, such as any wireless
communication. This can include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth,
Wi-Fi, cellular data, radio waves, satellite, or generally any
other form of wireless connection.
[0044] Bluetooth allows for a user to connect with a speaker system
using some form of music source. In this way, a user can select the
audio preferred and stream through a speaker system some distance
away. An auxiliary cable similarly allows a user to stream music
through a speaker system while connected to some form of music
source, with the addition of a cable that allows for the transfer
of audio signals. However, both of these methods require a user to
have an additional source for music nearby in order to stream
audio. An auxiliary cable limits the user's device to be no further
than the length of the cable away from the system, and Bluetooth
requires a user's device to be within range of connection to the
speaker system.
[0045] An alternative method of streaming audio includes the use of
Wi-Fi capabilities. Wi-Fi can be used to stream audio in a variety
of ways. First, some form of music source connected to the same
Wi-Fi provides a means for selecting and streaming the audio
through the system. Second, a mobile application either on a device
or the speaker system itself connected to Wi-Fi would also provide
a means for streaming audio. Finally, there may be additional ways
to utilize Wi-Fi in streaming audio through a speaker system.
However, streaming audio through Wi-Fi generally requires an
additional music source, and can only be used in locations that are
Wi-Fi accessible.
[0046] Still further, it should be appreciated that the display
unit and speaker be connected via a network, which can include, but
is not limited to, a wide area network ("WAN") (e.g., a global
positioning system ("GPS"), a TCP/IP based network, a cellular
network, such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile
Communications ("GSM") network, a General Packet Radio Service
("GPRS") network, a Code Division Multiple Access ("CDMA") network,
an Evolution-Data Optimized ("EV-DO") network, an Enhanced Data
Rates for GSM Evolution ("EDGE") network, a 3GSM network, a 4GSM
network, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications ("DECT")
network, a Digital AMPS ("IS-136/TDMA") network, or an Integrated
Digital Enhanced Network ("iDEN") network, etc.), although other
network types are possible and contemplated herein.
[0047] The network can be a local area network ("LAN"), a
neighborhood area network ("NAN"), a home area network ("HAN"), or
personal area network ("PAN") employing any of a variety of
communications protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, near
field communication ("NFC"), etc., although other types of networks
are possible and are contemplated herein.
[0048] While wireless connections are generally disclosed herein,
the display unit 44, power supply (solar panels 32), and/or
speakers 40, 42 can also be connected in a hardwired manner, such
as through the use of Ethernet or the like.
[0049] Moreover, an additional aspect of the invention is the
ability for users to use the backup power provided by a lithium or
other type of battery when there is not enough solar power
available. This would allow for users to have continued use of the
solar powered speaker system either well into the night or in
places where sunlight is not available. The solar panels could
divert at least some of the energy they collect to the battery to
use as a storage as well. The energy stored in the battery or
batteries could be used instead of the solar panels or in
conjunction with the panels, such as to provide additional
electricity to one or more components (e.g., the display unit, an
electrical output port, etc.). Thus, it should be appreciated that
one or more batteries, such as a battery pack, be included as part
of the speaker system.
[0050] An even further aspect of the invention is the ability to
charge external devices through an external or output port, such as
a USB port 36 on the outside of the housing 5. This gives users a
greater opportunity to take advantage of the speaker's ability to
be used in a variety of different places and settings, without
needing access to power. This results in greater freedom and
mobility for users with all of their electronic devices. For
example, the housing 5 can include connections for wired connection
to the housing. Such a wired connection can be a cable for charging
the unit, a cable for connecting the unit to an implement, wires
for connecting the unit to an external device, such as for
transmitting data or any other information from one to the other,
and/or any other type of wired connection.
[0051] Still further, it is contemplated that the speaker system 10
can be configured to receive inputs from a plurality of devices
(e.g., tablets, phones, apps, music files, streams, etc.). Such
non-limiting inputs could be in the form of mp3s, WAVs, AIFFs, AU,
PCMs, FLACs, AACs, OGGs, MPEG-4s, etc. This could also be in the
form of direct streaming via a source, such, as, but not limited
to, Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, Napster, SiriusXM, Amazon Music,
Deezer, iHeartRadio, TIDAL, Google Play Music, TuneIn Radio,
YouTube Music, Shazam, Vevo, SoundCloud, Instagram, Facebook,
Slacker Radio, or generally any other software for directing an
audio file. The display of the speaker could include, as an aspect
of the app or software residing therein, allows a user of a device
to send one or more music files to the speaker, where the music
files will be queued. The device is able to receive music files
from multiple users and multiple devices and will queue the inputs
based, for example, on a time-received manner (first-in,
first-played). The display will have a master override that will
allow at least one user to control the queue to rearrange the
songs, to skip songs, to add in songs, or otherwise manipulate the
queued song inputs. As the device reaches the next song, it can
wirelessly communicate with whatever device is associated with the
next audio or visual file to stream the file from the inputting
device.
[0052] For example, as seen in FIG. 8, three users (A, B, and C)
could be listening to the speaker system 10 in proximity with one
another. Each user can connect their respective phone or other
electronic device (tablet, computer, handheld, server, etc.)
wirelessly or wired with the speaker and the display/control system
thereof. The software on the speaker and/or the user interface will
allow the users to designate songs in the form of audio files with
the speaker. For example, user A could associate audio files from
Apple music to play on the speaker, user B could associate songs
from Spotify, and user C could associate songs from Napster and
TIDAL. The songs will be designated and shown in a queue on the
display unit of the user interface. When a song is queued up to be
played, the speaker can wirelessly communicate with the associated
device to play the audio file, such as streaming via the device.
For example, when a song from user A's Apple music is ready to be
played, the speaker and device (e.g., phone) will communicate to
allow the speaker to stream the song from the phone without ever
creating a copy of the audio file on the speaker or user interface.
The audio file will remain with whatever device is connected to the
speaker and will stream therefrom so that no copy of any audio file
is created on another device. If the next song queued is from user
B's laptop in the form of a Napster audio file, the speaker will
create a communication with the laptop and will stream therefrom
the audio file to play via the speaker. When songs from user C's
device are queued up, the speaker will then connect directly to
that device to play the songs as if user C's device is directly
connected to the speaker, without having to disconnect or otherwise
disassociate any of the other inputting devices from user A or B.
If a streaming service such as Pandora is being played, the
streaming could be interrupted when another user queues up a single
or multiple songs. In addition, any of the queuing could be
overridden by a master controller, which could be a designated
device of one of the users, or could be at the user interface of
the speaker itself. This would provide controls for adjusting the
queue list, skipping songs, replaying songs, or otherwise
manipulating the listening experience.
[0053] This unique feature will allow multiple users to add songs
from their own devices, without having to use a common device to
compile songs. The compilation of the songs will be organized by
the user interface of the speaker, which will work directly with
the inputting device to stream the music therefrom. The feature
could allow multiple devices to be connected, which reduces the
amount of time required to switch when users want to play songs
from a different device with a common speaker.
[0054] Additionally, an aspect of the present invention includes an
ability for the speaker to be waterproof provided the material of
the housing allows it to do so. This would allow the user to bring
the speaker into different environments, locations, and weather.
Even further, the present invention contemplates allowing the
speaker to float, which prevents the loss or damage resulting from
a submerged speaker and would allow a user to have easy access to
the speaker even when in water.
[0055] Therefore, a speaker system 10 including solar panels 32 for
absorbing solar power to electrically power a speaker system 10 is
herein disclosed. The system can include inward facing speakers 40
that provide an enhanced sound within a hollowed cavity 12. A
control unit and/or audio source can be connected to provide audio
to be played via the speakers. Additional components obvious to
those skilled in the art are further to be considered as part of
the disclosure, and the exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are
not to be limiting on the invention.
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