18377261. LOUDSPEAKER WITH REDUCED AUDIO COLORATION CAUSED BY REFLECTIONS FROM A SURFACE simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

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LOUDSPEAKER WITH REDUCED AUDIO COLORATION CAUSED BY REFLECTIONS FROM A SURFACE

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Martin E. Johnson of Los Gatos CA (US)

Simon K. Porter of San Jose CA (US)

Suzanne Hardy of San Jose CA (US)

John H. Sheerin of Santa Clara CA (US)

LOUDSPEAKER WITH REDUCED AUDIO COLORATION CAUSED BY REFLECTIONS FROM A SURFACE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18377261 titled 'LOUDSPEAKER WITH REDUCED AUDIO COLORATION CAUSED BY REFLECTIONS FROM A SURFACE

Simplified Explanation

The abstract of this patent application describes loudspeakers that can reduce comb filtering effects perceived by a listener. This can be achieved by either moving the transducers closer to a sound reflective surface through adjustments in height or rotation, or by guiding the sound produced by the transducers to be released into the listening area near the reflective surface using horns and openings at a prescribed distance.

  • Moving transducers closer to a sound reflective surface through vertical or rotational adjustments.
  • Guiding sound produced by the transducers to be released into the listening area near the reflective surface using horns and openings.
  • Reducing the distance between the reflective surface and the point at which sound is released into the listening area to minimize comb filtering effects caused by delayed reflected sounds.
  • Allowing loudspeakers to be placed on reflective surfaces without severe audio coloration caused by reflected sounds.

Potential applications of this technology:

  • Home audio systems
  • Professional audio systems
  • Public address systems
  • Automotive audio systems
  • Virtual reality and augmented reality audio

Problems solved by this technology:

  • Comb filtering effects caused by reflected sounds
  • Audio coloration when loudspeakers are placed on reflective surfaces

Benefits of this technology:

  • Improved audio quality
  • Reduction in comb filtering effects
  • Greater flexibility in loudspeaker placement


Original Abstract Submitted

Loudspeakers are described that may reduce comb filtering effects perceived by a listener by either 1) moving transducers closer to a sound reflective surface (e.g., a baseplate, a tabletop or a floor) through vertical (height) or rotational adjustments of the transducers or 2) guiding sound produced by the transducers to be released into the listening area proximate to the reflective surface through the use of horns and openings that are at a prescribed distance from the reflective surface. The reduction of this distance between the reflective surface and the point at which sound emitted by the transducers is released into the listening area may lead to shorter reflected path that reduces comb filtering effects caused by reflected sounds that are delayed relative to the direct sound. Accordingly, the loudspeakers shown and described may be placed on reflective surfaces without severe audio coloration caused by reflected sounds.