Spatial free-form interactive speakers
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.
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.
2. The free-form speaker system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more free-form diaphragms comprise a plurality of diaphragms, each of said plurality of diaphragms positioned proximate to a corresponding free-form electrode in the array of free-form electrodes.
3. The free-form speaker system of claim 2 , wherein the one or more free-form diaphragms are disposed in a passive element physically removable from the array of free-form electrodes.
4. The free-form speaker system of claim 3 , wherein the one or more free-form diaphragms comprises a conductive layer of the passive element.
5. The free-form speaker system of claim 4 , wherein the passive element is a tangible object.
6. The free-form speaker system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more free-form diaphragms are disposed in the object.
7. The free-form speaker system of claim 6 , wherein the object is selected from the group consisting of a television, a wall, a tabletop, and a suspended element.
8. The free-form speaker system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more elements coupled to the one or more free-form diaphragms that transmit audible inputs received by the one or more free-form diaphragms.
9. The free-form speaker system of claim 8 , further comprising a memory device that records the audible inputs in reproducible form.
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.
11. The free-form electrostatic speaker of claim 10 , wherein the object is a floating object that is buoyant at 1 atmosphere pressure.
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.
13. The free-form electrostatic speaker system of claim 12 , wherein the one or more free-form diaphragms comprise a plurality of diaphragms, each of said plurality of diaphragms positioned proximate to a corresponding free-form electrode in the array of free-form electrodes.
14. The free-form electrostatic speaker system of claim 12 , wherein the object is selected from the group consisting of a television, a wall, a tabletop, and a suspended element.
15. The free-form electrostatic speaker system of claim 12 , further comprising one or more elements coupled to the one or more free-form diaphragms that transmit audible inputs received by the one or more free-form diaphragms.
16. The free-form electrostatic speaker system of claim 12 , further comprising a memory device that records the audible inputs in reproducible form.
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.
18. The free-form electrostatic speaker system of claim 17 , further comprising a high voltage amplifier.
19. The free-form electrostatic speaker system of claim 17 , wherein the object is selected from the group consisting of a television, a wall, a tabletop, and a suspended element.