- Number
- 10028063
- Published
- 2018-07-17
- Filed
- 2014-09-10
- Assignee
- Disney Enterprises, Inc.
- Inventors
- Ishiguro; Yoshio; Rothera; Alexander; Israr; Ali; Brockmeyer; Eric
- CPC
- H04R19/02
- Verdict
- Medium Hardware
- Source
- Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline
The keeper's note
Spatial free-form interactive speaker hardware.
Abstract
An embodiment provides a free-form speaker. In an embodiment, an array type electrostatic speaker is provided. In anther embodiment, a passive element that is separate from an object including an electrode is provided. The free-form speakers are lightweight and flexible, making the speakers suitable for use in a variety of unconventional implementations. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
Background
BACKGROUND(1) Sound and visuals are important ingredients for creating interactive systems that produce an engaging and believable user experience. Display technology has progressed into more flexible, scalable and free-form configurations, e.g., by use of flexible Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) or projector display screens or other emerging display technologies.(2) Sound technology has lagged behind, relying on traditional surround sound systems limited by audible area, calibration, and bulky components. As opposed to conventional loudspeakers, a less commonly used technology for sound production is electrostatic loudspeaker (ESL) technology, which had been intensively investigated in the early 1930s through the 1950s.BRIEF SUMMARY(3) In summary, one embodiment provides a free-form speaker system. In an embodiment, the system includes an audio controller, an array of free-form electrodes, one or more free-form diaphragms positioned proximate to, and being shaped to substantially match, the array of free-form electrodes, and one or more input elements coupled to the array of free-form electrodes that accept inputs from the audio controller. In an embodiment, the array of free-form electrodes is shaped to substantially match a surface shape of an object. The free-form speaker system may include a plurality of diaphragms, each of the plurality of diaphragms being positioned proximate to a corresponding free-form electrode in the array of free-form electrodes.(4) The one or
Claims
1. A free-form speaker system, comprising: an audio controller; an electrostatic speaker, comprising: an array of free-form electrodes, wherein the array of free-form electrodes is shaped to substantially match a surface shape of an object; and one or more free-form diaphragms positioned proximate to, and being shaped to substantially match, the array of free-form electrodes; at least one insulator, wherein the insulator is positioned between the array of free-form electrodes and the one or more free-form diaphragms; the one or more free-form diaphragms being connected to ground; the system comprising one or more input elements coupled to the array of free-form electrodes that accept inputs from the audio controller; the array of free-form electrodes being connected to a high voltage input of the audio controller; and the audio controller actuating the one or more free-form diaphragms using an electrostatic force produced by the inputs from the audio controller.
10. A lightweight, free-form electrostatic speaker, comprising: at least one free-form electrode; at least one free-form diaphragm positioned proximate to, and being shaped to substantially match, the at least one free-form electrode; the at least one free-form diaphragm being connected to ground; at least one insulator, wherein the at least one insulator is positioned between the at least one free-form electrode and the at least one free-form diaphragm; and one or more elements coupled to the at least one free-form electrode that accept inputs from an audio controller; the at least one free-form electrode being connected to a high voltage input of the audio controller; wherein the at least one free-form electrode and the at least one free-form diaphragm are formed of a flexible, lightweight conductive material selected from the group consisting of conductive paper, a conductive ink, a metal film, a polyester film, a carbon sheet, indium tin oxide, and a carbon nanotube material; and wherein the audio controller actuates the at least one free-form diaphragm using an electrostatic force produced by the inputs from the audio controller.
12. A free-form electrostatic speaker, comprising: an audio controller; an array of free-form electrodes, wherein the array of free-form electrodes is shaped to substantially match a surface shape of an object; the array of free-form electrodes being connected to a high voltage input of the audio controller; one or more free-form diaphragms disposed in the object and positioned proximate to, and being shaped to substantially match, the array of free-form electrodes; the one or more free-form diaphragms being connected to ground; and one or more elements coupled to the array of free-form electrodes that accept inputs from the audio controller; and the audio controller actuating the one or more free-form diaphragms using an electrostatic force produced by the inputs from the audio controller.
17. A free-form electrostatic speaker system, comprising: an audio controller: at least one free-form electrode, wherein the at least one free-form electrode is shaped to substantially match a surface shape of an object; the at least one free-form electrode being connected to a high voltage input of the audio controller; the at least one free-form electrode disposed in a surface of the object such that it cooperates with a removable, passive diaphragm; the removable, passive diaphragm being connected to ground; at least one insulator, wherein the insulator is positioned between the at least one free-form electrode and the removable, passive diaphragm; and one or more elements coupled to the at least one free-form electrode that accept inputs from the audio controller; the audio controller actuating the removable, passive diaphragm using an electrostatic force produced by the inputs from the audio controller.